🌱 Druid City Baseball League + McFarland Mall + Friday Events

Up and at 'em, Tuscaloosa! Let's get you started this Friday with everything you need to know going on today in town.

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

• Longtime county employee retires.
• McFarland Mall demolition.
• Money for Druid City Baseball League

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First, today's weather: Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 67 | Low: 42.

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🗣 Patch Shout Out 🗣

Our Shout Out for this morning goes to longtime Tuscaloosa County employee Jeff Swindle, who is retiring after 25 years and five months out of the Camp Coker Road Camp. His career began on Nov. 8,1996 as an equipment operator and he would go to to become superintendent at Camp Coker.

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🗞 Here are the top 5 stories today in Tuscaloosa 🗞

1. The second phase of demolition work at the McFarland Mall began Thursday, as heavy machinery slowly gnaws away at what's left of the once iconic Tuscaloosa landmark. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
2. The Tuscaloosa County Commission voted 2-1 Wednesday to contract with Horne LLP to administer $6.6 million in federal aid for the second round of the county's Emergency Rental Assistance Program. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
3. In other county news, Commissioners approved $15,000 in Community Development funding to help the Druid City Baseball League as it enters its second season. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
4. Here's more from the sixth installment of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama's Next Level Series, with Wednesday's event focusing on employee recruitment and retention for businesses in the area. (Stephen Dethrage, Tuscaloosa Thread)
5. Check out this in-depth look at how HB 194 could impact access to voting resources in Alabama if signed into law. (Sara Lang, Crimson White)

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🗓 Today In Tuscaloosa 🗓

• UA Gallery First Friday Reception (More)
• 2022 Ribbon Cutting @ The Joint Chiropractic (More)
• First Friday Art Walk @ Cultural Arts Center (More)
• Kung Fu Gripp @ Big Al's (More)
• The Josephines with Flying Buffaloes @ Druid City Music Hall (More)

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✏️ Tuscaloosa Patch Notebook ✏️

The Boy Scouts of America Troop 316 will offer car washes and lunch on Sunday to raise money for those who have fled war-torn Ukraine. (Tuscaloosa Patch)

The Family Counseling Service of West Alabama has announced its annual Death by Chocolate fundraiser is set for April 14 at the Tuscaloosa River Market. (Tuscaloosa Patch)

The Community Foundation of West Alabama is seeking nominations its the 2022 Class of Pillars of West Alabama, which recognizes individuals for their impact and influence in West Alabama. (More)

Tuscaloosa City Councilor John Faile will hold a litter cleanup day in District 6 on Saturday, April 16, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. (More)

👀 Check it out 👀

If this doesn't highlight the strength of Mother Nature, I'm not sure what will! This debris was photographed by Tuscaloosa County EMA officials at the 69 South Flea Market near Moundville following strong severe storms on Wednesday.

1️⃣0️⃣ Other Stories I'm Reading Today

1. Fun-Loving Javion Cohen Focused on 'Being Where My Feet Are' This Season (Tony Tsoukalas, BamaCentral)
2. Early results show Amazon workers in Alabama rejecting union (CBS 42)
3. Emerson College Poll: Durant leads Britt in Alabama Senate race (WBRC Fox 6 News)
4. Alabama lawmakers advance historic pay raises for teachers (Kim Chandler, Associated Press)
5. Jordan Battle details decision to return to Alabama for senior year (Charlie Potter, BamaOnline)
6. 'Complete player:' McGill-Toolen star Barry Dunning Jr. named 2022 Mr. Basketball (Ben Thomas, AL.com)
7. Alabama Senate passes bill to nix state auditor position (Eddie Burkhalter, Alabama Political Reporter)
8. Alabama set for monster recruiting weekend (Andrew Bone, BamaInsider)
9. Storms damage baseball and softball fields at Alabama A&M (Michael Seale, Hville Blast)
10. COVID-19 hospitalizations in Alabama drop to lowest number since start of pandemic (ABC 33/40)

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That's it for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— RP