Mask Mandate Debate + Hospitalizations Hit New High

Rise and shine, Tuscaloosa! It's Wednesday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on today.

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

• Mask order for Tuscaloosa City Schools.
• New high for coronavirus hospitalizations.
• Central High alumi give back.

First, today's weather: Humid and partly cloudy throughout the day. High: 92 | Low: 72.

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Here are the top 5 stories in Tuscaloosa today:

1. Tuscaloosa City Schools will now require students and employees to wear masks while indoors, at least temporarily, following approval by the City Board of Education during its regular meeting Tuesday night. (More on Patch)
2. DCH Health System on Tuesday saw its overall coronavirus-positive inpatients total climb to 115, which is the highest mark for hospitalizations since Jan. 29. At the same time, Mayor Walt Maddox says the city is unlikely to implement any mask mandates or renewed restrictions on gatherings. (More on Patch)
3. The Alabama Crimson Tide will look to defend its 2020 College Football Playoff title from the top spot in the rankings after coming in at No. 1 in the USA TODAY AFCA preseason coaches poll that was released on Tuesday. (More on Patch)
4. A South Carolina man has been arrested on 19 charges connected to exploitation of minors, including at least one known case in Tuscaloosa. (More on Patch)
   
5. Stillman College announced on Tuesday that the White House has selected two of its students to its 2021 HBCU Scholars Initiative. (More on Patch)

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Other stories I'm reading today ...

• Lululemom Pop Up Store Opens In Midtown (Noah Lueker, Tuscaloosa Thread)
• Police asking for assistance locating missing woman from Walker County (Aubree Bailey, CBS 42)
• Alabama adds 3,800 COVID cases; 7 counties post triple-digit increases (Leada Gore, AL.com)
• Katie Britt says infrastructure bill must have Toomey cryptocurrency amendment (Brandon Moseley, Alabama Political Reporter)
• Garrett appointed House education budget leader (Mary Sell, Alabama Daily News)
• Hard-hitting Kool-Aid McKinstry already making his presence felt at Alabama (Tony Tsoukalas, BamaInsider)
• SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey Makes Plea for Fans to Get Vaccinated (Christopher Walsh, Bama Central)

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Tuscaloosa Patch Notebook

• The Farmers' Almanac just released its 2021-22 winter forecast, and it looks like Alabama will see a chilly winter, along with most of the southern states. (More on Patch)
• The Central High School Class of 1984 on Tuesday announced a $5,000 donation to its alma mater to help fund the school's Ready-to-Work Program. (More on Patch)
• The Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office is still attempting to locate an Abernant man last seen on the evening of July 1. (More on Patch)
• A police pursuit Monday involving multiple agencies began in Tuscaloosa County, before ending in southern Pickens County with two being taken into custody (More on Patch)
• Dr. W. Edward Back has been appointed as the interim dean of The University of Alabama's College of Engineering effective Aug. 16. (More on Patch)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll see you around. If you're liking these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to read along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

Have a great Wednesday!

— 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.