UA Mask Mandate + Longtime TPD Dispatcher Retires + Wreck Update

Rise and Shine, people of Tuscaloosa! Here's everything you need to know to get this Thursday morning started.

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

• Longtime public servant retires.
• Exclusive interview with Talladega Superspeedway president.
• UA extends its indoor mask mandate.

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First, today's weather: Humid and overcast throughout the day. High: 80 Low: 62.

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Patch Shout Out!

Thursday morning's Patch Shout Out is for Tuscaloosa Police Department dispatcher Evelyn Davis, who celebrated her retirement Wednesday after 24 years of service.

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Here are the top 5 stories today in Tuscaloosa:

1. Here's an exclusive interview I had with Talladega Superspeedway President Brian Crichton on Wednesday, where he detailed the excitement around the track's return to full capacity with the upcoming race weekend. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
2. The University of Alabama on Wednesday announced it has extended its indoor mask mandate until Oct. 29. (Tuscaloosa News)
3. Former Crimson Tide All-American and media personality Tommy Wilcox is reportedly leading an effort to take relief supplies to his home in Louisiana. (Elise Anzaldua, WVUA 23)
4. The Alabama House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill to allow the use of $400 million in federal COVID-19 relief money to partially pay for two new 4,000-bed prisons. (Mike Cason, AL.com)
5. Here's more in-depth coverage as the Chamber of Commerce and its members wrapped up its fourth Benchmarking Trip in Asheville, North Carolina. (Stephen Dethrage, Tuscaloosa Thread)

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Today in Tuscaloosa

Tim Higgins @ Druid City Brewing Co. (More)

T&F @ Southern Ale House (More)

David Allgood @ The Lookout Rooftop Bar (More)

Oktoberfest with Rolf's Authentic German Food @ Loosa Brews (More)

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Other stories I'm reading today ...

• Schools See Decline In COVID-19 Cases, Urged To Keep Mask Orders (Michael Seale, Birmingham Patch)
• SEC schedule: Expansion likely impacts FCS, non-league games (Pete Iacobelli, Associated Press)
• Marion residents file water complaints with ADEM (Annie Mapp, ABC 33/40)
• Alabama releases more standardized test score data (WSFA 12)
• Sewell opposes using COVID relief dollars to build prisons (Brandon Moseley, Alabama Political Reporter)
• Britt wins FarmPac endorsement (Mary Sell, Alabama Daily News)
• Nick Saban provides injury update on Brian Robinson Jr. (Tony Tsoukalas, BamaInsider)
• ASWA 2021 High School Football Rankings, Week 7 (Christopher Walsh, BamaCentral)
• Cameron Latu's journey from small Minnesota town to Alabama starter (Charlie Potter, BamaOnline)

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Patch Pick

Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports on Wednesday announced the promotion of Director of Sports Stan Adams to become its Executive Director of Sports. Adams has worked full time with TTS since 2017 and before that as an intern. Congratulations Stan! (Tuscaloosa Patch)

Tuscaloosa Patch Notebook

Here's a look back at a century of game day fashion at the University Of Alabama, as the Crimson Tide prepares to take on Ole Miss Saturday. (Tuscaloosa Patch)

Indie rock band White Denim has postponed its Oct. 8 show at Druid City Music Hall, with no word given on a rescheduled date. (Tuscaloosa Patch)

The Tuscaloosa Police Department says a woman was transported to DCH Regional Medical Center with serious injuries sustained in a three-vehicle crash on University Boulevard Wednesday morning. (Tuscaloosa Patch)

The Appalachian Regional Commission has named Stillman College Executive Vice President Derrick C. Gilmore to its 2021-2022 class of the Appalachian Leadership Institute. (More)

Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority is now offering fitness classes at the Northport Community Center. (More)

The UA Athletic Ticket Office is reminding fans of the potential danger of being sold counterfeit tickets at Tide home games ahead of this Saturday's matchup with Ole Miss. (More)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update. 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 Thursday!

— 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