🌱 2nd Amazon Union Vote + COVID-19 Omicron Variant

Good morning, people of Birmingham! Michael Seale here with today's Birmingham Daily. Let's get to it, shall we? Citing improper behavior by Amazon officials, the National Labor Relations Board Monday formally issued a decision and direction of a second election, granting workers at Amazon in Bessemer a new election to unionize. Also in the news, a UAB doctor addressed concerns over the spread of a new variant of COVID-19. Read all about it below.

First, today's weather:

Sunny and milder. High: 65 Low: 44.

Here are the top stories today in Birmingham:

1. As I was saying, employees at Amazon's Bessemer facility will get another chance to vote for or against unionizing. (Birmingham Patch)
2. Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo of the University of Alabama at Birmingham spoke Monday morning on the findings of the COVID-19 new variant, and said "there is lots to learn" about the omicron variant. (Birmingham Patch)
3. A Center Point pastor is on the defense after receiving thousands of dollars from the JCCEO and being accused of not fulfilling the contract (WBRC)
4. A Birmingham area grill known for hot dogs, burgers and a spectacular view has closed permanently. (al.com)
5. See why the Smithfield community in Birmingham is excited about its future. (Alabama NewsCenter)

Today's Birmingham Daily is brought to you by our friends at Ring, the home security company. Ring does a lot more than doorbells: check out their full suite of smart home products at Ring.com. And thank you Ring for helping to make local news happen in Birmingham!

Today in Birmingham:

• Get in on some live yoga with Robyn Cramer at the Homewood Public Library. (10 a.m.)
• Cheer on the UAB Women's Basketball team as they take on Chattanooga at Bartow Arena. (6 p.m.)
• Join in on the Vestavia Hills Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at City Hall. (6 p.m.)
• It's time to get in the holiday spirit. Enjoy the Christmas at Alys Concert at the University of Alabama at Birmingham's Alys Stephens Center. (7 p.m.)
• Check out the Tuesday Night Open Jazz Session at True Story Brewery in Crestwood. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Birmingham, it's your time to see better with UAB's Gift of Sight. (Bham Now)
• James Spann: "has another awesome photo posted: Fall and Christmas colliding in Birmingham. (Instagram)
• Mayor Woodfin wants you to be excited to #BuyBlackBham this holiday season. (Bham Now)
• Bikes 4 Kids ready to give more bikes this Christmas. (Shelby County Reporter)
• Greater Birmingham Humane Society needs YOU to help them reach their goal of $10,000! Your gifts will help save thousands of homeless, abused, and neglected animals in 2022. (Facebook)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• The Better Skin Co. — Skincare! The Better Skin Co. Save 25% and use code Patch25! (Visit website)
• Add your business here

You're all caught up for today! See you tomorrow morning for your next update. If you're into these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to follow along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Michael Seale

About me: I am a lifelong Alabama resident with more than two decades of media under my belt. I have worked for a daily newspaper, a weekly newspaper, a monthly magazine, a television station and a couple of radio stations. I also tried my hand at marketing for a little while. But I love writing news. This opportunity to bring Patch to Birmingham is a chance for my hometown to benefit from a new - and better - way to read and receive news.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Birmingham Daily? Reach out anytime to michael.seale@patch.com.