Tropical Storm Threatens AL | Tuscaloosa Special Election | Former Bama Coach Dies

Good morning, Tuscaloosa! Get all caught up with us to start this Wednesday morning.

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

• Police respond to Central High.
• Tropical system in Gulf.
• Special election set in Tuscaloosa.

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First, a look at today's weather: Sunny and pleasant. High: 87 | Low: 58 🌞

🗣 Patch Shout Out 🗣

Our Shout Out for this Wednesday morning goes to Alabama linebacker Xavier Griffin, who has been named the Shaun Alexander Award Player of the Week following his performance in the Crimson Tide's 56-23 win at Mississippi State. (Tuscaloosa Patch)

👏 Thanks to our sponsors 👏

Our mission to bring quality, independent journalism to Tuscaloosa would not be possible without the support of our friends at DCH Health System, United Way of West Alabama, Strange Brew Coffeehouse, Right Space Commericial and BankFirst. Interested in becoming a local Tuscaloosa Patch sponsor? Please email me at ryan.phillips@patch.com.

🗞 Here are the top 5 stories today in Tuscaloosa

1. Former Alabama Football Coach Dennis Franchione Dead At 75: Former Alabama head football coach Dennis Franchione, who coached the Crimson Tide for two seasons, died Tuesday after a lengthy battle with cancer. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
2. Tropical Storm Isaias Forms In Gulf, Could Become Hurricane Before Landfall: Tropical Storm Isaias has formed in the Gulf and is forecast to strengthen into the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season before threatening to dampen a busy weekend in Alabama. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
3. Fights At Central High School Prompts Police Response Tuesday Morning: A series of fights involving students at Central High School prompted a police response Tuesday morning, though authorities said the situation was quickly brought under control and no arrests were made. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
4. Tuscaloosa Council Sets Special Election Date To Fill Open District 5 Seat: Tuscaloosa voters in City Council District 5 will head to the polls later this year for a special municipal election to fill the vacant seat previously held by longtime Council President Kip Tyner. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
5. Stillman Football Sets Goal Of 50 Players Enrolled By Spring 2027: New Stillman College head football coach Teddy Keaton is wasting little time getting to work on rebuilding the Tigers' roster ahead of the program's return to the field. (Tuscaloosa Patch)

⚠️ Recall Alert ⚠️

Federal officials are urging Alabama consumers to check their freezers after a recall of frozen organic berries potentially contaminated with E. coli was expanded to include additional products sold at Walmart and Trader Joe's stores in the state. (Tuscaloosa Patch)

👀 Around T-Town 👀

Congratulations to the Tuscaloosa Farmers Market for once again being named the best farmers market in Alabama. (Tuscaloosa Patch)

5️⃣ Other Stories I'm Reading Today

1. Brookwood City Council backs $3.2 billion Applied Digital data center project (Josh Gauntt, WBRC Fox 6 News)
2. Tuscaloosa County School Teachers & Coaches Waiting For Supplemental Pay (Emily Toth, WVUA 23 News)
3. Spann: Sunday night may be 'best choice' for Alabama-Georgia as hurricane approaches (ABC 33/40)
4. Alabama basketball officially reveals 2026-27 roster (Blake Byler, BamaOnline)
5. 'All hands on deck': Tuscaloosa prepares for SEC clash and President Trump's visit (Zoe Blair, WVTM 13)

🙏 Obituaries 🙏

*Our obituary section is generously sponsored by our friends at Dorroh & Mills, P.C.

Danyel Peggy Joyce Jordan, 33, of Tuscaloosa (Heritage Chapel)

Carolyn Jones Howell, 93, of Tuscaloosa (Magnolia Chapel)

Christopher "Chris" Rand Lockhart, 53, of Tuscaloosa (Memory Chapel)

Jimmy Wayne Madison, 87, of Duncanville (Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel)

Now you're in the loop about what's happening today.

Thanks for reading and we'll see you in your inbox next time! And if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch!

- RP