Author: WAKA Action 8 News

Boozer Supports Amendment One for Retirement Reform

If you are voting next Tuesday, there is a question on the ballot that you may not know about. It involves the retirement plan for District Attorneys and judges. And it could save you, the taxpayer, a lot of money, if passed.

Right now, Alabama circuit clerks and judges pay a small percentage into their retirement plans, and district attorneys pay nothing into theirs. There is also no survivor benefits for their spouses. Under Amendment One, there would be a new retirement plan in place that would allow them to pay into their own retirement instead of having the state pay it….

State Senate Approves General Fund Budget

The Alabama Senate has approved a lean General Fund budget that could mean cuts to Medicaid services in the state. Senators approved the$1.8 billion spending bill Thursday on a 24-10 vote, sending it to the Alabama House for consideration. The Senate-passed budget does not provide additional money for Medicaid. Medicaid Commissioner Stephanie Azar says the agency needs an additional $100 million…

Alabama Oddities: Bamboo Forest

If you’re looking to visit a place that’s a little more exotic, then maybe you need to visit the city of Prattville.  It may surprise you to know that the city is home to a 26 acre Wilderness Park within it’s city limits.  Inside that Wilderness Park is a bamboo forest. Jeff Sanders continues his search for Alabama Oddities. For…

Officer-Involved Shooting on McElvy Street in Montgomery

Montgomery Police have confirmed that an officer-involved shooting has occurred in West Montgomery around 3:30 Thursday morning.  Lt. Denise Barnes tells us  the shooting happened in the 3200 block of McElvy Street which is in the Mobile Heights neighborhood. The person in the shooting has been identified as Greg Gunn. Neighbors say they heard several gun shots and that’s when they went…

Woodley Manor Nursing Home on Federal Deficiency List

Woodley Manor Health and Rehabilitation in Montgomery has struggled in the past to keep a quality record, And this month they were placed back on the deficiency list.

Nursing homes across the country are inspected on a regular basis. Whether it’s done randomly or after patient complaints, it’s something that’s a priority for the Alabama Department of Public Health. “We take every complaint very seriously. We do follow up on that. We do investigate that, and we want people to feel comfortable in reporting to us,” said Dr….

Hillary Clinton Plans Campaign Stop in Birmingham

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton is planning a weekend campaign stop in Alabama ahead of the state’s Super Tuesday primary next week. The Clinton campaign said in a statement that she’ll hold a get-out-the vote event Saturday in Birmingham. Her campaign officials say more details about the visit will be released later. Campaign officials say Clinton plans on discussing income…

Golden Apple: Evelyn Thomas

It’s time to award another deserving teacher with our Golden Apple Award. This week’s winner comes from Wilcox Central High School in Camden. Do you have a recommendation for a great teacher we should recognize? To nominate a teacher for the Golden Apple award, click on the “Golden Apple” banner on our website and fill out the form. Categories: Golden…

Alabama Power Reports Some Power Outages

Alabama Power is reporting some power outages in our area due to the severe weather. At 10:00 p.m., Alabama Power says there were approximately 2,015 customers without service in central Alabama.  Those are concentrated in the following areas:   Montgomery – approximately 870 customers without service Selma – approximately 570 customers Camden – approximately 280 customers Alabama Power says crews…

Jay Jacobs Speaks at Agape Benefit for Foster Children

Auburn Athletic Director Jay Jacobs and his wife, Angie, have been foster parents for decades. Tuesday night they shared stories of the love and hope they've shared with vulnerable and orphaned children over the years.

Agape of Central Alabama held its 2nd Annual Connecting Hearts benefit. The event was held at the Alley Station Warehouse and raised money to help connect children with families through adoption and foster care. Agape sets out to match children with permanent homes with nurturing Christian families. Jay Jacobs says there are several ways to help children throughout the region. “Those…

Motorcycle Thefts Being Investigated in Multiple Counties

The Millbrook Police Department and the Autauga County Sheriff’s Department are investigating motorcycle thefts, according to Central Alabama CrimeStoppers. The theft in Millbrook happened on Saturday, February 13. A business says three motorcycles were stolen from their property.   Millbrook Investigators say an unknown number of suspects cut a hole in the fence belonging to the business, entered, and pushed the 3 motorcycles out…