🌱 Birmingham Squadron + Elton Stephens Kidnapper Sentenced

Morning, neighbors! It's me again, Michael Seale, your host of the Birmingham Daily. First, let's talk about the new coronavirus omicron variant here in Birmingham. Apparently, vaccine interest has grown at UAB clinics since news of the new variant has hit. This is definitely a different attitude seen from when the delta variant hit. Also in the news, the Birmingham Squadron plays its first-ever home game this weekend, tipping off Sunday at the newly renovated Legacy Arena at the BJCC. Read more below!

First, today's weather:

Warm with variable clouds. High: 70 Low: 57.

Here are the top stories today in Birmingham:

1. UAB clinics are seeing an uptick in vaccine interest ahead of the new omicron variant. A change from the onset of the delta variant. (WIAT - CBS42.com)
2. Birmingham's professional basketball team takes its home court for the first time ever Sunday, as the G-League Birmingham Squadron takes on Mexico City at the BJCC Legacy Arena. (Birmingham Patch)
3. Birmingham breweries are readjusting as a major aluminum can manufacturer changes its distribution. (Alabama's News Leader)
4. The kidnapper of Birmingham businessman Elton B. Stephens Jr. has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison. (al.com)
5. Citing a “veiled threat” from a “white conservative group,” organizers have canceled an upcoming meeting to discuss desegregation efforts with families of Black Hoover City Schools students. (al.com)

Today in Birmingham:

• Enjoy Mistletoe and Mimosas at Lane Parke, hosted by Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce. (10 a.m.)
• Celebrate Christmas at the Caboose 2021 brought to you by the Irondale Chamber of Commerce. (1 p.m.)
• Catch one of the funniest Christmas movies ever: Christmas Vacation at the Alabama Theatre. (Details)
• These are so much fun. Catch America's Largest Interactive Mystery Dinner Show Saturday night! (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• "Weird Al" Yankovic coming to Birmingham August of 2022 (WIAT - CBS42.com)
• Where you can get traditional Jewish food in Birmingham this Hanukkah. (WIAT - CBS42.com)
• Birmingham Botanical Gardens poinsettia tree is officially up, and it is GLORIOUS! Have you ever wondered what goes into growing this annual favorite? (Facebook)
• Birmingham Police Department will be hosting its Physical Agility/Ability Screening for those interested in a career with BPD on Saturday, December 4th. (Facebook)

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• Steel City Men's Chorus: Coming Out for the Holidays (December 10)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday. See you all tomorrow for another update! If you're liking these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to read 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? Contact me at michael.seale@patch.com.