Trooper Mourned + School COVID-19 Update + UA Ribbon-Cutting

Good Morning, Tuscaloosa! Let's get you started this Friday with everything you need to know going on in Tuscaloosa.

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

• An important ribbon-cutting in Tuscaloosa.
• ALEA, law enforcement mourn death of State Trooper.
• Staff shortage at campus business.

First, today's weather: Clear throughout the day. High: 85 Low: 59.

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Here are the top 5 stories today in Tuscaloosa:

1. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency announced that Senior Trooper Jason Vice, 41, died Thursday after a battle with COVID-19. He was a resident of Tuscaloosa County, in addition to being a husband and father. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
2. Marillyn and Jim Hewson cut a ribbon Thursday on the new $60 million Hewson Hall on the University of Alabama campus. (Mark Hughes Cobb, Tuscaloosa News)
3. Democrat Lisa Ward, a resident of Lake View, has come out as the first challenger to incumbent State Sen. Gerald Allen in his bid for re-election in 2022. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
4. First Kids Urgent Care is now accepting patients. The new clinic offers offers medical care for children, including flu or COVID-19 tests and other non-emergency issues. (A'Leeyah Ponder, WVUA 23 News)
5. Bama Dining announced this week that the Starbucks in the Ferguson Center would close because of a temporary staff shortage. (Zach Johnson, Crimson White)

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Other stories I'm reading today ...

• Alabama Public Radio listeners share their stories from the 9/11 terror attacks (Pat Duggins, Alabama Public Radio)
• Alabama test scores drop after pandemic interrupts classes (Kim Chandler, Associated Press)
• ADPH: State database cannot be used to check workers' vaccination status (Eddie Burkhalter, Alabama Political Reporter)
• Alabama's SEC slate revealed to complete 2021-22 basketball schedule (Charlie Potter, BamaOnline)
• After Chaotic 2020 Season, Alabama Fans, Team Ready for Sense of Normalcy (Edwin Stanton, Bama Central)
• Alabama prioritizing Northwest pass rusher (Andrew Bone, BamaInsider)

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Tuscaloosa Patch Notebook

DCH Health System on Thursday reported 147 total COVID-19 inpatients, 81% of whom have not been vaccinated. (More)

A Mississippi man is dead following a single-vehicle crash Thursday morning on Alabama Highway 17 in Sumter County. (Tuscaloosa Patch)

Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority is seeking nominations for Grand Marshal for the 45th annual West Alabama Christmas Parade. (Tuscaloosa Patch)

Tuscaloosa County School System on Thursday reported 64 students and 10 employees were currently positive for COVID-19. (Tuscaloosa Patch)

Tuscaloosa City Schools, by contrast, reported 191 total students positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, in addition to 12 active cases among faculty and staff. (More)

The Northport Police Department says it will begin stepping up enforcement of golf carts on city streets amid safety concerns and a jump in calls. (Tuscaloosa Patch)

Hoping to spend a night out with friends? Patch has you covered with several events and happenings taking place this week in Tuscaloosa. (Tuscaloosa Patch)

Alabama softball is gearing up for its 2022 season with a series of fall games, including one in Nashville and six home games. (More)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday off right! I'll see you around. If you're into these newsletters, consider bringing some friends and neighbors on board. You can send them this link to subscribe.

Have a great Friday!

— RP

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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.