🌱 Permitless Carry In Tuscaloosa + Books For The Black Belt

Rise and shine, T-Town! We're halfway through the week, so let's get you all caught up on everything you need to know before you get out the door.

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

• New VFD equipment.
• Bill O'Brien's new job.
• Books for the Black Belt.

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But first, today's weather: Low clouds. High: 52 | Low: 38. ☁️

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🗣 Patch Shout Out 🗣

Our Shout Out for this Wednesday morning goes to two recently promoted deputies with the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office: Lieutenant Jeff Judd and Chief Alex Miles.

🗞 Here are the top 5 stories today in Tuscaloosa 🗞

1. The Tuscaloosa City Council is considering asking the Alabama Attorney General's Office for an opinion on a range of concerns after a state law went into effect on Jan. 1 that repealed the requirement for pistol permits for concealed handguns. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
2. Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien is now expected to be named the next offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
3. The University of Alabama Department of Athletics on Tuesday announced a new 15-year multimedia rights relationship with longtime partner LEARFIELD, which has been the university's multimedia partner since 1998. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
4. The University of Alabama Center for Economic Development has announced the launch of the 17th annual Books for the Black Belt campaign, which will begin Jan. 30. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
5. The 2023 college baseball season is just around the corner and Alabama baseball this week announced it will host its 2023 Fan Day on Saturday, Feb. 4 at Sewell-Thomas Stadium. (Tuscaloosa Patch)

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🗓 Today in Tuscaloosa 🗓

• Storytime @ TPL Brown Branch (More)
• Allison Sommers' Flute Recital @ University of Alabama School of Music (More)
• Bingo @ Copper Top (More)
• Mississippi State MBB @ Alabama (More)
• Live Trivia @ World of Beer-Tuscaloosa (More)
• After School Art @ Kentuck Art Center (More)

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🏆 Winner of the Day 🏆

A big tip-of-the-hat goes out to University of Alabama women's basketball signee and ESPNW five-star prospect Essence Cody, who was named a McDonald's All-American on Tuesday. (More)

✏️ Tuscaloosa Patch Notebook ✏️

The Tuscaloosa County Commission on Wednesday will consider another round of funding totaling nearly $17,000 for new equipment for volunteer fire departments in the southern end of the county. (Tuscaloosa Patch)

The Alabama Sheriffs Association will converge this week for its orientation, which will be held at the Embassy Suites in downtown Tuscaloosa. (Tuscaloosa Patch)

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is asking for the public's help locating a missing Montevallo man who has not been seen in nearly three years. (Tuscaloosa Patch)

Here's everything Alabama men's basketball coach Nate Oats had to say during his press conference on Tuesday as the Tide prepares to host Mississippi State tonight. (Tuscaloosa Patch)

5️⃣ Other Stories I'm Reading Today

1. Milo's Hamburgers Treats Englewood Elementary Standouts (WVUA 23 News)
2. Charges dropped against last defendant in Willoe Watkins homicide case (Tuscaloosa News)
3. Mac Jones is 'very' excited to be coached by new Patriots OC Bill O'Brien (Mark Daniels, AL.com)
4. Just a Minute: Who Will Be Alabama's New Offensive Coordinator? (Austin Hannon, Bama Central)
5. For Alabama gymnastics, competition is key following Florida loss (Will Miller, Crimson White)

🙏 Obituaries 🙏

Sara L Smith, 89, of Tuscaloosa (Memory Chapel)

Lorene Moore, 96, of Fayette (Nelson Funeral Home)

Johnnie Mae Spralling Tinker of Tuscaloosa (Rollins Mortuary)

James "Mac" McKnight, 81, of Carrollton (Skelton Funeral Home)

Edward Lewis Terrell, 58, of Tuscaloosa (Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel)

Kathryn Lanette Smith Lishman, 57, of Vance (Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel)

Dorothy Nell Washington of Tuscaloosa (Van Hoose & Steele)

Tracey Hackett, 59 , of Tuscaloosa (Wills' Funeral Service)

Martha Welly, 40, of Tuscaloosa (Wills' Funeral Service)

Sal Antonio Merritt, 62, of Tuscaloosa (Wills' Funeral Service)

Richard Wayne Cammom, 72, of Fosters (Williams Service Funeral Home)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday! See you tomorrow for another update.

— RP

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Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Tuscaloosa Daily? Contact me at ryan.phillips@patch.com