PATCH DAILY: UA Vaccine Update; Randall-Reilly Names New CEO

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. Kelby Hutchison (Crimson White) reports for the UA student newspaper that University Medical Center has used approximately 90% of the 4,500 first doses of its allocated coronavirus vaccine, with a third of the second doses also given out. Read the full story here.
2. Mark Hughes Cobb (Tuscaloosa News) reported that Tuscaloosa-based publishing company Randall-Reilly named Matt Reilly as its CEO Thursday, replacing Brent Reilly, although they are related in name only. Read the full story here.
3. Aaron Bonner (Northport Gazette) published a feature story in this week's edition about Northport resident Wayne Bridges, who has crafted custom knives and furniture for nearly 50 years. Read the newspaper's online coverage here.
4. Meg Summers (ALT 101.7) published a post as she tries to solve the mystery of a woman depicted in an old painting purchased at a Tuscaloosa thrift store. Click here to see the painting.
5. The Fayette Times-Record reports that Fayette businessman Jerry O’Dell has partnered with Pam Blackwood of Northport to purchase the former Turner Hotel in downtown Fayette, with plans for future renovations. Read the newspaper's online coverage here.

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FIVE SPORTS STORIES WE'RE READING

1. Drew Taylor (CBS 42) wrote an in-depth piece featuring an interview with NASCAR driver Kyle Petty, which reflected on the life and legacy of Alabama native and late racing legend Davey Allison, who would've turn 60 years old Thursday. Read the full story here.
2. Cecil Hurt (Tuscaloosa News) published a column Thursday morning discussing the February backslide of Alabama men's basketball following an upset road loss to Arkansas Wednesday night. Read the full column here.
3. Bryant Horn (Tide 100.9) wrote an opinion piece providing sharp words for Alabama hoops fans withs doubts of the Tide's potential following the loss to Arkansas. Read the full column here.
4. Mark Inabinett (AL.com) published a story featuring former Crimson Tide star and Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa making his prediction for the NFL potential for outgoing Alabama signal-caller Mac Jones. Read the full story here.
5. Stephen M. Smith (Touchdown Alabama) reports that Pro Football Focus released its projected top-10 first round picks of the upcoming NFL Draft, which included Heisman winner DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle, and Mac Jones. Read the full story here.

COMING UP

• Mark Hughes Cobb (Tuscaloosa News) published his regular detailed roundup of numerous virtual and in-person events around Tuscaloosa over the weekend. See the schedule here.
• Harrison Holland (WVUA 23) reports that Tuscaloosa will host a Fleetwood Mac tribute band at Druid City Music Hall on Friday, beginning at 8 p.m. Learn more about the event here.
• Joshua LeBerte (Crimson White) reports that Alpha Psi Omega will debut its virtual Guerilla Theatre performance this Saturday, with the proceeds from the online event going to Five Horizons Health Services. Read the full story here.

PATCH PLUGS

• Northport Mayor Herndon Recounts Thwarting Assault On Woman
• COLUMN: Mr. Pate's Opus
• PRESSING ON: Druid City Brewing Funding Record Of Local Musicians

As a one-man newsroom and entrepreneurial publisher in Tuscaloosa, it goes without saying that I won't be able to cover every single story in depth as I do so many others. Thankfully, our community is blessed with an abundance of talented, professional journalists. In our opinion, a more informed community is a better community — regardless of who you get your news from.

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