I have an articles database that I use primarily as a blog.  I would like to make a user group that allows those in it to submit articles to that database, but once submitted, I would need to be alerted to review it and approve it before they become visible. I do have zapier enabled as well, so if I need to bring that into play I can.

And what exactly is the question? Requiring admin approval is a checkbox in the database settings. That will send out an email by default. 

Maybe enable the "Moderate new records' setting in the database options?

 

Maybe enable the "Moderate new records' setting in the database options?

How does that determine who is a moderator though?

It’s all admins.