Probe Launched After UA Fan's Death; Pinnacle To Address Council

Happy Easter Sunday Tuscaloosa!

In today's Daily, I have the latest on an investigation launched in Indianapolis following the death of Crimson Tide basketball superfan Luke Ratliff on Friday, an update on an ongoing strike in Brookwood and all of the other stories I'm reading and working on today.

First, today's weather:

A beautiful sunny day in Tuscaloosa, with a high near 73 degrees and a low around 45.

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Patch Pick: University of Alabama Athletic Director Greg Byrne, left, and UA President Stuart Bell shared a few moments with the family of Luke Ratliff on Saturday before a tribute gathering was held in front of Coleman Coliseum to honor the life of the Crimson Tide hoops superfan.

Here are the top 5 stories today in Tuscaloosa

1. An investigation has reportedly been launch in Indianapolis following the death of Alabama basketball superfan Luke Ratliff, who died Friday from complications after testing positive for the coronavirus. Emily Hopkins reports that the Marion County health department is investigating whether anyone in the city was exposed by any Alabama residents. (Tuscaloosa News/Indianapolis Star)

2. The Tuscaloosa Over the Edge fundraiser will conclude on April 10 as participants rappel off the the highest building in Tuscaloosa — The Tower. Noah Lueker reports that those who raise over $1,000 toward the charity effort can participate. (Tuscaloosa Thread)

3. Kelvin Reynolds reports that VA Medical Centers, including Tuscaloosa, will soon offer the coronavirus vaccine to all veterans and their spouses, caregivers and some beneficiaries. The vaccines will be made available through the Saves Lives Act, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden in March. (WBRC Fox 6 News)

4. A labor union strike continues at Warrior Met Coal after more than 1,100 United Mine Workers walked off the job on Thursday until a new collective bargaining agreement is reached with the Brookwood-based coal producer.

5. Here's a good Easter radio piece by Mindy Norton about using caution for your pets during the holiday. (Alabama Public Radio)

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Tuscaloosa Patch Notebook

- Alabama gymnastics scored a 197.575 in the Tuscaloosa Regional and will now advance to the NCAA Championship in Forth Worth, Texas.

- The Alabama Department of Transportation reported a crash involving an overturned vehicle on I-20/59 past Daimler Benz Boulevard in Coaling Saturday night.

- Here's what Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox had to say following news of the death of Luke Ratliff.

- The coronavirus vaccination registration pop-up site for Alberta will be held Monday and Tuesday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

- The situation for DCH Health System also improved to a new low since the first months of the pandemic, as officials reported five or fewer inpatient hospitalization on Saturday.

- The Northport City Council will hold its regular meeting Monday at 5:30 p.m., with several visitors set to address the council. These include principals from schools within the Northport city limits and a representative from Pinnacle Group — the hospitalist group that DCH Health System has opted to drop in favor of other options. Click here to view the full agenda.

Area baseball scores

Alabama 4, Tennessee 8

Stillman 1, Middle Georgia 5

Stillman 4, Middle Georgia 2

Stillman 5, Middle Georgia 12

Shelton State 8, Central Alabama 0

Shelton State 8, Central Alabama 4

New Hope 6, Northridge 3

American Christian 8, Mobile Christian 4

Hillcrest 4, Pelham 0

Tuscaloosa County 11, Sipsey Valley 4

Area softball scores

Alabama 14, Texas A&M 6

West Alabama 8, Montevallo 7

West Alabama 11, Montevallo 0

Gordo 10, Cordova 5

Gordo 6, Sulligent 2

Now you're all caught up and ready to get out and enjoy this gorgeous Easter Sunday. Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for exclusive updates and content!

Happy Easter!

- Ryan

About me: I grew up in Tuscaloosa. I'm a graduate of the University of Alabama, an experienced journalist, editor and columnist and the founder of Tuscaloosa Patch. You can find me at baseball games, public meetings, events in the local arts community and wherever live music is played.