Updates On 2020 Murder Case + University Beach Op-Ed + Absentee Voting In Council Election

Good morning, neighbors! We're halfway through the week, so let's get you all caught up before you get out the door on this Wednesday morning.

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

• New judge, trial date in 2020 murder case.
• Longform University Beach op-ed.
• Absentee voting opens in Tuscaloosa City Council election.

First, a look at today's weather: Cloudy and a bit warmer. High: 67 | Low: 42 ☁️

🗣Patch Shout Out 🗣

It's a picture from December but we're proud to give this morning's shout out to the Tuscaloosa County High School Wildcats boys basketball team and head coach Curt Weeks for advancing to the 7A Final Four with a 54-47 win over Thompson Tuesday.

👏 Thanks to our sponsors 👏

Our mission to bring quality, independent journalism to Tuscaloosa would not be possible without the support of our friends at DCH Health System, United Way of West Alabama, Strange Brew Coffeehouse, Right Space Commercial and BankFirst. Interested in becoming a local Tuscaloosa Patch sponsor? Please email me at ryan.phillips@patch.com.

🗞 Here are the top 5 stories today in Tuscaloosa

1. New Judge, Trial Date For Man Charged With 2020 Killing Of Indiana Teen In Downtown Tuscaloosa: A trial date has been set and a new judge will preside over the murder trial of a California man accused of shooting and killing an Indiana teenager in the fall of 2020 during a fight in downtown Tuscaloosa. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
2. COLUMN: Takeaways After University Beach Developer Gives His Side Of The Story: Back by popular demand from you, dear readers. Here's my exhaustive analysis of last week's University Beach town hall where developer Kent Donahue faced public questions for the first time since the controversial project was announced. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
3. Juvenile Found Safe After Reported Missing From Northport: The Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office says a missing 12-year-old girl last seen Tuesday evening in the Northport area has been found and is safe. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
4. Absentee Voting Opens In Tuscaloosa City Council District 3 Special Election: Absentee voting opened Tuesday for Tuscaloosa’s upcoming City Council District 3 special election, giving eligible voters an early opportunity to cast ballots ahead of the April 14 contest. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
5. HBCU Athletic Conference Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament happening at Stillman College this week: Stillman College is once again hosting its conference's women's and men's basketball tournaments, which will be running through March 1. (Kendal Wright, WVUA 23 News)

🗓 Today In T-Town 🗓

• 'Arsenic & Old Lace' @ Theatre Tuscaloosa (2 p.m.)
• Charter School Community Interest Event @ McDonald Hughes Community Center (5:30 p.m.)
• Absurdist Book Club @ Ernest & Hadley Booksellers (6 p.m.)
• Scott Donaldson @ The Sanctuary on 25th (6 p.m.)

5️⃣ Other Stories I'm Reading Today

1. All-inclusive preschool in Northport has spots available (Avery Boyce, ABC 33/40)
2. Tuscaloosa City School teachers train to spot, help students suffering from a mental health crisis (Bryan Henry, WBRC Fox 6 News)
3. Charles Bediako not giving up, asks Alabama Supreme Court for emergency order to let him play basketball (Nick Kelly, AL.com)
4. Walker County Sheriff, County Officials Back in Court Over Sheriff’s Office Authority (Gracie Johnson, ABC 33/40)
5. Pitching Implodes As Alabama Baseball Is Run-Ruled By Southern Miss (Theodore Fernandez, Bama Central)

🕊 Obituaries 🕊

*Our obituary section is generously sponsored by our friends at Dorroh & Mills, P.C.

Leesal Kizziah, 86, of Peterson (Memory Chapel)

Stephen Featherston, 74, of Tuscaloosa (Northport Funeral & Cremation Service)

John Victory Jones, 82, of Berry (Norwood-Wyatt Chapel)

Samuel Ben Hammett, 73, of Gordo (Skelton Funeral Home)

Fox Harmon, 88, of Northport (Sunset Funeral Home)

Donald Edward Lankford, 95, of Holt (Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel)

Ollie Lee, 71, of Glen Haven (Wills' Funeral Service)

Now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading and we'll see you in your inbox next time! And if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

- RP

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