Berry Coach's Northside Connection + House Special Election Set

Up and at 'em, Tuscaloosa! Let's get you started this Tuesday with everything you need to know going on in town today.

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

• More coronavirus hospitalizations in Tuscaloosa.
• Dates set for House District 63 special election.
• Eli Gold's new gig.

First, today's weather: Humid and partly cloudy throughout the day. High: 89 | Low: 66.

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Here are the top 5 stories in Tuscaloosa today:

1. DCH Health System reported sharp rise in coronavirus patients requiring critical care in Tuscaloosa on Monday, logging 22 total inpatients it its ICU, compared to 10 at this point last week. This now brings ICU inpatient trends in line with a disturbing surge in cases, the likes of which have not been seen since February in terms of total numbers. (More on Patch)
2. Gov. Kay Ivey on Monday signed a proclamation setting special election dates for House District 63 following news that State Rep. Bill Poole would step down to become state finance director. (More on Patch)
3. A former Northside High School football standout and son of an Alabama high school coaching legend is gearing up as for his first season as the head coach of the Berry Wildcats — the chief rival of his alma mater who he will face in his coaching debut. (More on Patch)
4. Longtime Alabama Crimson Tide broadcast Eli Gold was announced on Tuesday as the "official voice" of the Birmingham Squadron of the NBA G League, which will open its inaugural season in November. (More on Patch)
5. Here's a look at the full agenda for Wednesday's regular meeting of the Tuscaloosa County Commission and the stories I'll be following. (More on Patch)

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Other stories I'm reading today ...

• A Crimson Tide of Debt (Josh Mitchell, The Atlantic)
• UA students begin moving into off-campus housing, still concerned about COVID-19 (Tim Reid, CBS 42 News)
• Former Tide athlete makes Olympic weightlifting history (Mark Inabinett, AL.com)
• Tuscaloosa Academy football has first practice with new coach (Grace Brister, WVUA 23)
• Police Charge West Alabama Man With Capital Murder After Wednesday Shooting (Stephen Dethrage, Tuscaloosa Thread)
• ADPH releases reopening guidance for Alabama schools (WBRC Fox 6)
• New Alabama law eases restrictions on local food makers (Mary Sell, Alabama Daily News)
• I painted strangers' nudes to find peace during the pandemic (Abbey Crane, Reckon)

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Tuscaloosa Patch Notebook

• Shelton State Community College will be using American Rescue Plan funds to assist students attending classes this fall. (More on Patch)
• Here's a reminder that the new 2nd Avenue Overpass on the University of Alabama campus will open on the morning of Aug. 4. (More on Patch)
• A team of undergraduate students at The University of Alabama, in a partnership with NASA, are working to turn technology discovered by the space agency into viable products to help improve outcomes for burn injuries. (More on Patch)
• Looking to adopt a fuzzy friend? Check out this week's list of pets waiting at adoption facilities in and around Tuscaloosa. (More on Patch)
• The Tuscaloosa City Council will hold its regular committee meetings and full session beginning Tuesday afternoon. (More)

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Now you're all caught up to start your day. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update! If you're feeling these newsletters, consider bringing some more friends and neighbors along for the ride. You can send them this link to subscribe.

Have a great day T-Town!

— 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.