Virus Hospitalizations Surge + Motel Stand-Off Update

Rise and shine T-Town! Ryan Phillips here with a fresh edition of the Tuscaloosa Daily.

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

• Coronavirus cases surge at DCH.
• Latest on a standoff at a Tuscaloosa motel.
• Crimson Tide football practice updates.

First, today's weather: Humid and partly cloudy throughout the day. High: 92 | Low: 73.

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Patch Pick

A big Patch Congratulations to Logan Brehm, who was sworn in as the newest deputy for Tuscaloosa County on Monday Sheriff Ron Abernathy.

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Here are the top 5 stories today in Tuscaloosa:

1. DCH Health System topped triple digits for its coronavirus inpatient total on Monday for the first time since. Feb. 3. As of 3:20 p.m., the three-hospital system reported 105 total hospitalizations, with 27 patients being treated in the hospital system's ICU. (More on Patch)
2. An armed stand-off at a Tuscaloosa motel ended with the suspect being taken into custody after more than four hours Monday. The standoff concluded just before noon when tear gas was used after one suspect had barricaded himself in a room and refused to come out. (More on Patch)
3. The City of Tuscaloosa will hold a ribbon cutting on Thursday, August 19 at 4 p.m. to celebrate the Elevate Tuscaloosa improvements to the Tuscaloosa National Airport runway. (More on Patch)
4. Looking to add a four-legged friend to the family? Consider checking out the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter, where Diesel the dog is waiting patiently for his forever home (More on Patch)
5. The Farmers' Almanac just released its 2021-22 winter forecast, and it looks like a wild ride could be ahead. (More on Patch)

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Other stories I'm reading today ...

• UA doubles vaccine incentive, offers $40 Bama Cash to vaccinated students (Zach Johnson, Crimson White)
• Video from UA football practice Monday (Gary Harris, WVUA 23)
• TCSS Board Hears Parents' Concerns On School Mask Mandates (Savannah Bullard, Tuscaloosa Thread)
• Tuscaloosa business confidence soars to highest in Alabama, UA study finds (Brad Harper, Montgomery Advertiser)
• Alabama excited about getting Trey Sanders back on the field (Tony Tsoukalas, BamaInsider)
• Brian Robinson Jr. Excited to be Alabama's Starting RB: "I've worked my whole life for this opportunity" (Joey Blackwell, BamaCentral)
• Alabama 6-7 lineman thanks genetics, coaches for 48-inch box jump (Michael Casagrande, AL.com)

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Tuscaloosa Patch Notebook

• LeAnna Roberts, 15, graduated twice on Aug. 6. Watch her receive her Associates Degree from Shelton State Community College and an International Baccalaureate Diploma from Central High School. (More)
• The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama will host its August Business After Hours today at Bryant Bank (More on Patch)
• The Tuscaloosa Public Library has announced temporary changes to its hours (More)
• Though the economy has yet to fully recover from the devastation caused by the pandemic, opportunities are still out there including in the Tuscaloosa area and across greater Alabama. (More on Patch)
• Wondering what there is to do in the Tuscaloosa area this week? See what's new on your Tuscaloosa Patch community calendar. (More on Patch)

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

Have a great Tuesday!

— 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.