MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – It’s an alarming report from the CDC. The United States has seen the most reported child flu deaths in 2025 (216) since the swine flu pandemic in 2009-2010, and there’s still seven months to go.
“Influenza deaths are preventable in so many cases, and so we just really hate to see numbers like this,” said Dr. Scott Harris, an infectious disease expert that serves as a State Health Officer with the Alabama Department of Public Health.
Dr. Harris acknowledges each death is a case-by-case basis, but he does see a correlation between the increase in deaths and a decrease in vaccinations.
“We know that this was not a great year for kids receiving influenza vaccination, that the rates are probably 15% or so lower among kids this year than they were last year, they were even higher back during COVID times, and we know that the flu vaccine is really effective,” Harris explained.
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According to Harris, Alabama has seen two pediatric flu deaths this year so far compared to one in 2024. If you catch the virus, the protocol is similar to COVID.
“The main thing is to use common sense, talk to your doctor and stay home and away from other people so that you don’t give it to someone else,” Harris advises.
There is some good newsaccording to data from the Alabama Department of Public Health. As of late April, flu cases made up less than half of a percent of ER visits in Alabama compared to the peak in January at almost eight percent. Those numbers typically rise again in the fall and winter months, so it’s best to prepare now.
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The Oklahoma State Cowboys and the Alabama State Hornets meet in the first game of Saturday’s action at the Tuscaloosa Regional on Saturday.
The Cowboys (37-21) and the Hornets lost their first games of the tournament on Friday. The loser of this game will be eliminated. The winner of this game will advance to another elimination game on Sunday between the loser of the USC Upstate-Alabama game, which follows OSU-ASU
Oklahoma State fans can keep up with the game here, including lineups and inning by inning details on the game. Check out Oklahoma State On SI’s NCAA Tournament Central for everything related to the Tuscaloosa Regional.
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Game Details
Oklahoma State vs. Alabama State
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Oklahoma State pitcher Stormy Rhodes. | Gary Cosby Jr. / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Time: 1 p.m. central
TV: ESPN+ (Derek Jones & Jared Mitchell on the call). NOTE: TV is subject to change without notice.
Radio: Cowboy Radio Network & The Varsity Network App/93.7 KSPI-FM or okla.state/GetVarsity (Rex Holt on the call)
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OSU Batting Order
The batting order for Saturday’s game will be posted here when it is released by the team.
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Tuscaloosa Regional
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Location: Tuscaloosa, Ala. Venue: Sewell-Thomas Stadium (5,867).
Friday’s Results
Game 1: USC Upstate 8, Oklahoma State 5
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Game 2: Alabama 21, Alabama State 3
Saturday’s Games
Game 3: Oklahoma State vs. Alabama State, TBA (elimination game)
Game 4: USC Upstate vs. Alabama, TBA (advances to Sunday’s final)
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Sunday’s Games
Game 5: Winner Game 3 vs. Loser Game 4 (elimination game)
Game 6: Winner Game 4 vs. Winner Game 5
Monday’s Game
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Game 7: Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 6 (if necessary)
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – For those incarcerated in Alabama, there is a path to employment through the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles Re-Entry Program.
The Bureau looks at where someone may live after serving their sentence and starts connecting them with potential employers, while also conducting drug screenings to help ensure employers and communities are getting a safe employee.
“We make sure as they’re moving through our re-entry programs that they’re re-assessed for mental health stability for substance abuse challenges,” said Rebecca Bensema, Assistant Director of Re-entry and Rehabilitation.
Bensema said the agency sits down with inmates to gauge their interests and review their work history to help match them with opportunities.
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Bureau Director Cam Ward explained that there are areas where an individual would be unable to work because of their conviction.
“For example, if I committed check fraud, I’m not going to be able to get a job at the bank. Sex offense… you’re not going to be eligible to work anywhere near kids or sensitive facilities,” Ward said.
Ward said offering job possibilities to people leaving incarceration is key to reducing recidivism and repeat offenses.
“Give the employer all the information and if they want to hire somebody based on their criminal history, let the employer decide, don’t let the government be the one who dictates it,” he said.
The Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles says it currently has positions open that people with a criminal background can apply for.
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Alabama football is hosting an impressive group of 2027 recruits throughout this weekend. This is the first of several weekends the Tide will host top recruits for official visits.
So, will Alabama add a commit this weekend? This is very much possible, and there are a few prospects Touchdown Alabama has our eyes on.
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Justin Smith is the Managing Editor and Lead Writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine with over 10 years of writing experience & expertise. Smith has consistently delivered high quality, extensively researched information on the University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide football team that fans can trust. Smith is official credentialed media with the University of Alabama under Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He is also the Director of Recruiting for Touchdown Enterprises, specializing in scouting and analyzing high school recruits around the nation, specifically focusing on recruits within the state of Alabama.