By Nick Patterson

The Lede is Alabama Media Group’s daily dive into the news of the day, curated by our team of reporters, editors and producers. Here are five things you may have missed last week if you aren’t subscribing:

1. Q&A with Beth Gendler, CEO of Gulf Shores Orange Beach Tourism: She talked to the Lede’s Margaret Kates about how coastal tourism is keeping up with high numbers established during the pandemic.

2. Fairhope declared a water emergency, with the city levying $500 fines for violators.

3. Lede reporter Margaret Kates gave the low down on how the wood pellet industry is touted as an economic boon to south Alabama, but why environmentalists are wary.

4. Your tax dollars at work: John Sharp took a look at how a surprise $7.2 million investment is expected to reinvigorate Daphne’s waterfront.