Disaster Aid In Tuscaloosa County + In-Depth Coronavirus Update

Up and at 'em, Tuscaloosa! Let's get you started this Wednesday with everything you need to know to get you out the door this morning.

First, today's weather: Humid and partly cloudy throughout the day. High: 91 | Low: 73

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Here are the top 5 stories today in Tuscaloosa:

1. Political newcomer and Tuscaloosa businessman Cassius Lanier secured 64% of the vote on Tuesday in a special election to unseat incumbent Sonya McKinstry for Tuscaloosa City Council District 7. (More on Patch)
2. Coronavirus hospitalizations are on a steady rise for DCH Health System amid low demand for the vaccine. As of Tuesday, DCH reported 58 total coronavirus inpatients, compared to the 15 reported on the same day a week ago. In another spot of good news, no children have been admitted to the hospital due to the coronavirus. (More on Patch)
3. The Tuscaloosa County School System says it continues to closely monitor the local rise in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations, as it plans to await guidance in the next update of the state health department's toolkit for schools. (More on Patch)
4. The federal Small Business Administration (SBA) will be set up inside Northport City Hall through next week offering disaster assistance through several different programs for those impacted by flooding from Tropical Storm Claudette on June 19. (More on Patch)
5. The Alabama Department of Public Health reported 1,858 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been administered since last Thursday in Tuscaloosa County, which includes 459 residents who completed their vaccination series over this time. Demand remains low, however, with less than half of the population of the metro area vaccinated. (More on Patch)

Other stories I'm reading today ...

• City working on alleviating flooding issues (WVUA 23 News)
• Brookwood Woman Charged With Attempted Murder (Stephen Dethrage, Tuscaloosa Thread)
• New tugboat helps modernize Parker Towing Co.'s fleet (Gary Cosby Jr., Tuscaloosa News)
• DOJ rejects Mo Brooks defense, says his Jan. 6 speech not part of duties (Paul Gattis, AL.com)
• Doctor credits vaccine in Piedmont woman's "breakthrough" COVID case survival (Eddie Burkhalter, Alabama Political Reporter)

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Today in Tuscaloosa

• New Educational Film Explains the Importance of Wildlife Fertility Control (9:00 AM)
• 2021 Adopt-A-Kickoff Event - The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama (9:00 AM)

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From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

• Back to School Giveaway (August 1)

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That's it for today! See you tomorrow for your next update. 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.