Tua Gives Back + UA Mask Mandate

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

First, today's weather: Humid and overcast throughout the day. High: 86 | Low: 68.

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Patch Pick

Northport City Hall is getting a much-needed exterior makeover as the city moves forward on a range of improvements. The painting of the outside of the building is nearly complete, which is just one component of the longterm renovation efforts for City Hall.

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Here are the top 5 stories today in Tuscaloosa:

1. The University of Alabama announced Thursday it will begin requiring face coverings indoors on the Tuscaloosa campus beginning Friday, which comes amid a disturbingly progressive surge in new coronavirus cases and hospitalizations. (More on Patch)
2. Investigators have charged a Tuscaloosa man with 10 counts of possessing child pornography following a search warrant being carried out at his home on Thursday. (More on Patch)
3. Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and The Tua Foundation announced on Thursday that they will donate $93,000 to the Tallapoosa County Girls Ranch that will cover funeral expenses for the eight juveniles who were killed in a widely-publicized multi-vehicle crash in June in Butler County. (More on Patch)
4. A parade featuring numerous dignitaries and elected officials made its way past Capitol Park and a newly-erected street sign displaying "Nick's Kids Avenue" on Thursday as the City of Tuscaloosa celebrated the generosity of Nick and Terry Saban. (More on Patch)
5. Shelton State Community College announced this week that students registered for the fall semester will be eligible to receive a $1,400 grant to cover tuition or fees, which is made possible by the American Rescue Plan. (More on Patch)

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Other stories I'm reading today ...

• Meet the principal: Northridge Middle's Carter Hill (WVUA 23 News)
• UA student-athletes perform on Olympic stage (Nick Robbins, Crimson White)
• West Alabama School Superintendents urge mask wearing and COVID vaccinations (Kelvin Reynolds, WBRC Fox 6 News)
• Vaccine rates shoot up across Alabama in July, especially in rural counties (Ramsey Archibald, AL.com)
• Sen. Tommy Tuberville again pushes for Alabamians to get educated about COVID-19 vaccines (Jeff Sanders, CBS 42)

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

Get on to your weekend Tuscaloosa!

— 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.