Tornado-inspired eBook ‘Tuscaloosa Runs This’ available for free download
AL.com – May 16
A group of local writers have collaborated on a project called “Tuscaloosa Runs This,” a collection stories and poems about and inspired by the tornadoes of April 27. University of Alabama creative writing professor Brian Oliu organized the project, reports The Crimson White. “There is an amazing amount of talent here in Tuscaloosa, and it was also an opportunity to showcase that talent in a way that could help our city,” Oliu told the student newspaper. Writing contributions from 44 different authors highlight events and impressions of the storm and its aftermath. On the project’s website, Oliu explains its name. “The phrase ‘Alabama Runs This’ has been an inside joke between those here in Alabama about the caliber of work that comes out of here,” he wrote. “There is a pride, a camaraderie, a swagger to writers from Alabama; a grit beyond glamour, a work ethic…. After the tornado, ‘Tuscaloosa Runs This’ became a rallying cry amongst friends involved in the recovery process.” The collection is available as an eBook which can either be read online or downloaded for free. However, donations in support of the work are are asked to be made to Recover Tuscaloosa.
Saban: Football season will provide ‘escape’ for many at University of Alabama
Associated Press (Washington Post) – May 16
…The season might provide a welcome distraction, though. Saban made the comments during the special radio broadcast of “Hey Coach Helping Out,” from Bryant-Denny Stadium on Monday. The fundraiser asked Crimson Tide fans to donate to UA’s Acts of Kindness Fund and other organizations involved in relief following the April 27 tornado…Others participating in the radio show were Tuscaloosa mayor Walt Maddox, men’s basketball coach Anthony Grant and gymnastics coach Sarah Patterson, who recently won her fifth national championship…
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – May 16
NBC 13 (Tuscaloosa) – May 16
WKRG (Mobile) – May 16
WSFA (Montgomery) – May 16
UA professors will study tornado damage in hopes to make buildings stronger
ABC 33/40 (Birmingham) – May 16
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – May 16
Professors of civil engineering at the University of Alabama are studying the April 27th tornado. They’re specifically looking at structures that were not in the storm’s direct path but were damaged. The information will help determine how to build future homes to withstand winds of that strength. The research is being funded through a National Science Foundation Rapid Response Grant for exploratory research
UA School of Law clinical program helps storm victims who have legal questions
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – May 16
…There are free clinics at the University “>of Alabama School of Law Clinical Program from 9 until noon…
New Alabama t-shirt raises money for UA Acts of Kindness Relief Fund
Fox 6 (Birmingham) – May 16
A new Alabama t-shirt is doing more than just showing school pride. All proceeds from the shirts go toward the University of Alabama “Acts of Kindness Relief Fund” which supports students and staff…