Alabama Hoops In NBA Draft + ZZ Top In Tuscaloosa Tonight

Good morning, Tuscaloosa! Here's everything you need to know to get this Friday started off right.

In today's Daily, we have these stories and more ...

• Updates in two violent crimes investigations.
• DCH in need of nurses as coronavirus cases surge.
• ZZ Top concert still on tonight.

First, today's weather: Humid throughout the day. High: 97 | Low: 75.

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Here are the top stories in Tuscaloosa today:

1. A suspect with a violent criminal history has been charged with murder, and the victim identified, after a woman was found dead of a gunshot wound in a vehicle off of Highway 82 in Duncanville Wednesday. (More on Patch)
2. DCH Health System reported 68 total coronavirus inpatients on Thursday, with 19 of those being treated in the ICU — setting another new disturbing high amid low vaccination rates among people under 50 years old, who seem to be the most adversely affected. Hear what the hospital system had to say as cases continue to surge. (More on Patch)
3. ZZ Top is set to take the stage in Tuscaloosa tonight, but will be without legendary bass player Dusty Hill, who died earlier this week at the age of 72. (More on Patch)
4. Investigators say an argument over a missing cell phone resulted in a man being stabbed in the chest in west Tuscaloosa Wednesday. The suspect has since turned himself in and is charged with attempted murder, while the victim is still hospitalized in stable condition. (More on Patch)
5. As the number of coronavirus cases in Alabama climbs, the University of Alabama at Birmingham announced that masks will be required indoors throughout its campus. The order goes into effect Thursday. No new updates on changes in policy have been provided with respect to the UA System's Tuscaloosa campus. (More on Patch)

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Other stories I'm reading today ...

• Alabama Basketball's Joshua Primo Drafted by San Antonio Spurs (Joey Blackwell, Bama Central)
• Herbert Jones selected No. 35 overall by New Orleans Pelicans in NBA Draft (Tony Tsoukalas, Bama Insider)
• Tuscaloosa City Schools debating mask requirements (Joseph King, WVUA 23)
• Local couple brings luxury pop-up picnics to Tuscaloosa (Annabelle Blomeley, Crimson White)
• Alabama's COVID positivity rate now highest in nation (Ramsey Archibald, AL.com)
• Gov. Kay Ivey asks SCOTUS to overturn Roe v. Wade (Eddie Burkhalter, Alabama Political Reporter)
• How has the recent heavy rainfall impacted Alabama farmers? (Caroline Beck, Alabama Daily News)
• 'American Idol' Alabama Auditions Set For Aug. 16 (Michael Seale, Birmingham Patch)

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Coming up in T-Town

• Live at the Plaza feat. The Locked Band & The Jous Band (Friday)
• ZZ Top at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater (Friday)
• Kung Fu Gripp at The Alcove (Friday)
• Live Trivia Game Nights at Druid City Brewing Co. (Friday)
• 19th Annual Hot Hundred (Saturday)
• Tails & Tales — Adoption Event (Saturday)
• Last Call at Egan's Bar (Saturday)

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Tuscaloosa Patch Notebook

• ALDOT announced plans on Thursday to resurface a portion of Highway 215 (15th Street) from the intersection of Greensboro Avenue to the junction of Dr. Edward Hillard Drive beginning next Wednesday (More on Patch)
• Friday in west Alabama will probably be a good day to stay indoors, as the National Weather Service in Birmingham has issued a heat advisory Thursday. The heat index in the Tuscaloosa area is expected to top 105 degrees. (More on Patch)
• The federal Restaurant Revitalization Fund doled out more than $28.6 billion in grants to eateries that sustained financial losses during the pandemic, including several Tuscaloosa area restaurants. (More on Patch)

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From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Back to School Giveaway (August 1)

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Now you're all set for today. If you're digging these newsletters, consider bringing some more friends and neighbors along for the ride. You can send them this link to subscribe.

Get on with your weekend!

— Ryan Phillips

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Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com.