🌱 Kidnapper Sentenced + Midfield High School Lockdown

Happy Wednesday, neighbors! Let's get you all caught up to start today off on an informed note, shall we? First, the kidnapper of Birmingham businessman Elton B. Stephens, Jr. was sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to kidnapping, bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud back in August. Also in the news, Midfield High School was forced to lock down Tuesday after reports of a man with a gun near the campus. Read more about these stories below, and of course, have a great day!

First, today's weather:

A passing afternoon shower. High: 54 Low: 46.

Here are the top stories in Birmingham today:

1. The man who kidnapped Birmingham businessman Elton B. Stephens Jr. has been sentenced to 17 years in prison. (WIAT - CBS42.com)
2. Midfield High School had to go on lockdown Tuesday morning after reports of a man with a gun near the campus. (Birmingham Patch)
3. It's always good to see a member of our medical community get some kudos. A UAB and Children's of Alabama pediatric expert was selected as a 2022 APS John Howland Award recipient. (UAB News)
4. The pedestrian killed by a vehicle in Pinson Sunday night has been identified as a 33-year-old man from Morris. (AL.com)
5. Birmingham has delayed its ICE Agreement to make sure it will not lead to police involvement in deportations. (birminghamwatch.org)

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Today in Birmingham:

• There is a walk-up COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic at UAB from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today. (11 a.m.)
• Join Bare Hands as they celebrate life at Día de los Muertos Festival Numero 19 at Pepper Place from Tuesday, November 2 - Friday, November 5 open nightly. (5 p.m.)
• Learn about music in Russia- from folk, to classical, to modern pop at UAB. (6:30 p.m.)
• Laugh out loud with the comedy of John Paul Morgan, the "Ragin' Cajun," at the StarDome Comedy Club. (7:30 p.m.)

Birmingham Patch Notebook

• A local artist's "sun" artwork was featured on CBS Sunday Morning. (Bham Now)
• Greater Birmingham Humane Society wants you to meet Eliza! This two-year-old fluffy monarch enjoys soaking up affection from her loyal subjects, being fed treats as she basks in the sun on the back of a couch, and undisturbed naps. (Facebook)
• Travis Tritt returns to the Alabama Theatre January 15. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster. (Facebook)
• The Birmingham Police Department would like to announce Miss Keaira Turner as its new Public Relations Manager. Welcome aboard Miss Turner! (Facebook)
• Last night at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, the Birmingham Historical Society celebrated the release of its new book, “Birmingham, The City Beautiful, Compliments of G. Ward. (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday off right. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update! If you're loving 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? Contact me at michael.seale@patch.com.