PATCH DAILY: A Look At Elevate Tuscaloosa; Tide Lands Elite QB

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Take a break from scrolling through the static and let Patch make it easy for you. We're committed to pointing out quality journalism when we see it as impactful stories are published every day about our community and the surrounding area by dedicated journalists working hard to get the story right.

FIVE NEWS STORIES WE'RE READING

1. Chelsea Barton (WVUA 23) reported on Ms. Senior Alabama Cindy Dixon, who is using her platform to raising money and advocate for access to clean drinking water through the nonprofit Bucket by Bucket, which has financed 10 wells in Tanzania. Read the full story here.
2. Jason Morton (Tuscaloosa News) takes an in-depth look at Elevate Tuscaloosa, which included the city's 1% sales tax increase, and why it is an important issue for mayoral candidates in the run up to Tuesday's municipal election. Read the full story here.
3. Tessa Worley (Tuscaloosa Thread) wrote a story focusing on a report from economists at the University of Alabama, who expressed optimism about a post-pandemic buying boom and projects the state's economy will grow by 2.6% in 2021. Read the full story here.
4. Carol Robinson (AL.com) spoke with the sister of a man fatally shot by a Walker County sheriff’s deputy in Empire Friday. Read the full story here.
5. Kelvin Reynolds (WBRC Fox 6 News) reports that coronavirus vaccination efforts are picking in up Hale County, as local officials expect to receive more doses of the vaccine. Read the full story here.

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FIVE SPORTS STORIES WE'RE READING

1. Bryant Horn (Tide 100.9) reports that the Alabama Crimson Tide baseball team (5-1, 0-0) defeated the Wright State Raiders 8-7 after 11 innings Saturday, securing a series victory for the Tide. Read the full story here.
2. Chad Simmons (Bama Insider) wrote an in-depth story about how Alabama football landed the commitment of Ty Simpson, a five-star quarterback originally leaning toward staying in his home state and playing for Tennessee. Read the full story here.
3. Becky Hopf (Tuscaloosa News) reports that the University of West Alabama has added Limestone University to its football schedule on March 6, which now consists of two spring games. Read the full story here.
4. Stephen M. Smith (Touchdown Alabama) reports that Alabama linebacker Ale Kaho has officially entered the NCAA Transfer Portal and will make the move to Utah. Read the full story here.
5. Tyler Martin (Bama Central) sophomore guard Jahvon Quinerly could be a key component of a deep run in March for Alabama men's basketball. Read the full story here.

Did we miss something? Have a news tip or suggestion? Email ryan.phillips@patch.com if there is a story you believe should be featured in Patch Daily or on Tuscaloosa Patch. You can also follow us on our website or app for updates or on Facebook and Twitter.