Candidate For House District 63 Race + Tuscaloosa's Latest Title

Rise and shine T-Town! Let's get this Thursday started with everything you need to know going on today in Tuscaloosa.

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

• Update on Tuscaloosa County's rental assistance program.
• Another national championship for T-Town.
• Council Candidates squaring off today.

First, today's weather: Showers, mainly before 10 p.m. High 90 | Low 73

Here are the top 5 stories in Tuscaloosa today:

1. The University of Alabama System has announced plans to return to something resembling normalcy this fall, as new coronavirus hospitalizations are on the rise in Tuscaloosa (More on Patch)
2. Former Tuscaloosa City Council President Cynthia Lee Almond announced her candidacy as a Republican for the recently-vacated House District 63 seat, making her the first candidate to enter the race. (More on Patch)
3. Tuscaloosa has another national championship to celebrate after The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama was named the 2021 Chamber of the Year — the highest honor bestowed by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). (More on Patch)
4. More than 500 people have already signed up for the Tuscaloosa County Emergency Rental Assistance Program after the online application portal went live a little more than a week ago. (More on Patch)
5. Here's a quick look at how the City of Northport plans to spend its $4.8 million allocation from the American Rescue Plan, with the list of projects approved earlier this week. (More on Patch)
   

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Tuscaloosa Patch Notebook

• One person was injured and two suspects are now facing felony charges after a police chase in Tuscaloosa resulted in a crash that damaged four vehicles Wednesday morning on McFarland Boulevard at its intersection with James I. Harrison Parkway. (More on Patch)
• Here's your reminder about a virtual candidate forum tonight for the special election for Tuscaloosa City Council District 7 (More on Patch)
• Check out these scenes from the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama's July Business After Hours, hosted at the District Room (More)
• Click here to see a few of the notable Tuscaloosa businesses who received larges sums of money through the federal Paycheck Protection Program. (More on Patch)
• The Tuscaloosa County Commission on Wednesday unanimously approved $3,000 in discretionary funds for equipment for the Lake View Fire District, along with $3,648.87 for a grant match for the Town of Lake View's HMGP Outdoor Warning Siren.
• County Commissioners also approved $2,200 to go toward a new pre-K playground for Brookwood Elementary.

Other stories I'm reading today ...

• UA Economist Explains the Rise in Prices of Some Goods - (Khara Gibson-Taylor, WVUA 23)
• Fossil found in Alabama resembles reptile skin, but looks are deceiving, experts say - (Mark Price, Miami Herald)
• Taco Bell to open location on The Strip in Tuscaloosa next month - (Lee Hedgepeth, CBS 42)
• Alabama Counties With The Highest, Lowest Gas Prices - (Michael Seale, Patch)
• Saban explains vaccine conversation within program, says 90% got shots - (Michael Casagrande, AL.com)

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Now you're officially in the loop for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with a new update. If you're loving these newsletters, consider bringing some friends and neighbors on board. You can send them this link to subscribe.

Have a great Thursday Tuscaloosa!

— Ryan Phillips

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.