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Doctors across Alabama have received notices from the State Department of Health about the unidentified respiratory illness that has killed two and hospitalized five more.  The Center for Disease Control and the Alabama State Department of Health were investigating a cluster of hospital admissions Wednesday of people that have recently been admitted with flu-like symptoms in southeastern Alabama.  Three remain hospitalized and two have been released.  Dr.

Alabama health officials say a mysterious respiratory illness has left five people hospitalized and two dead in the southeastern part of the state.  The state Department of Public Health says the seven people were admitted to hospitals in the Dothan area with a fever, cough and shortness of breath.  Lab tests from all seven are being analyzed by the Centers for Disease Control.  Health officials are urging hospital staff to wear masks when caring for patients suffering from respiratory problems. 

ASU Landmark

Alabama's Emergency Management Agency is working with officials in Oklahoma to determine whether additional resources are needed in tornado-ravaged Moore, Oklahoma.  The EF4 twister nearly wiped out the town killing more than two dozen people and leaving more than 200 injured.  State EMA spokeswoman Yasamie August said the agency has been in contact with EMA officials in Oklahoma. 

2013 Legislature

Alabama's Emergency Management Agency is working with officials in Oklahoma to determine whether additional resources are needed in tornado-ravaged Moore, Oklahoma.  The EF4 twister nearly wiped out the town killing more than two dozen people and leaving more than 200 injured.  State EMA spokeswoman Yasamie August said the agency has been in contact with EMA officials in Oklahoma. 

2013 Legislature

Alabama's Emergency Management Agency is working with officials in Oklahoma to determine whether additional resources are needed in tornado-ravaged Moore, Oklahoma.  The EF4 twister nearly wiped out the town killing more than two dozen people and leaving more than 200 injured.  State EMA spokeswoman Yasamie August said the agency has been in contact with EMA officials in Oklahoma. 

2013 Legislature

The Alabama Statehouse is virtually empty today after members of the House and Senate ended their sometimes contentious 2013 regular session late Monday night.  Lawmakers approved dozens of bills that included a sweeping change in state gun laws, authorizing bond issues to rebuild storm damaged schools and National Guard armories; passed legislation to revise the state's campaign laws and allowing school systems to hire armed guards.  Legislators dealt Governor Bentley a setback by rejecting his proposal to delay private school tax credits for two years. 

The Alabama House has rejected Governor Robert Bentley's proposal to delay private school tax credits for two years.  The House voted 57-10 Monday to reject the governor's proposal. 

Armed Guards

The Alabama Legislature has authorized city and county school systems to hire armed security guards to protect students.  The Senate voted 21-0 Monday to go along with changes the House made to a school security bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Dick Brewbaker of Montgomery. 

No Expansion of Medicaid

It is shaping up to be a long day at the Alabama Statehouse.  Today is the final day of the 2013 regular session.  There are several key pieces of legislation awaiting consideration.  It includes a bill that would allow workers to keep guns in in their vehicle while at work.  On another matter, Alabama's governor isn't getting support from key Republicans or Democrats for his proposal to delay private school tax credits for two years.  Democratic Senator Quinton Ross of Montgomery said the law should be repealed not delayed. 

Fatal Shooting

Alabama's unemployment rat has dipped to 6.9 percent.  Governor Robert Bentley said the preliminary April rate is below the 7.2 percent recorded in March and the 7.4 percent measured a year ago.  Bentley said the state saw two positive signs in April.  The number of people employed increased and the number of people in the labor force increased. 

Amendment Reaction

The sponsor of Alabama's new private school tax credits said he intends to block the governor's proposal to delay the tax breaks for two years.  Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh said families of children trapped in failing schools need the option of school choice now.  Marsh said Thursday he intends to kill the governor's proposal, either by getting the Legislature to reject it or never bringing it up for a vote.  Earlier in the week, Governor Robert Bentley said he wants to delay the tax breaks until 2015 to give failing schools time to improve.