🌱 New Bessemer Amazon Union Fight + Vaccine Mandate Exemptions

Happy Friday, Birmingham! Here's everything you need to know to start today off on an informed note. Although Bessemer employees at the Amazon fulfillment center voted against unionizing in a high-profile vote earlier this year, a new fight between Amazon and the retailers union is brewing, apparently. Also in the news, Republicans in the state legislature are fighting back against COVID-19 vaccine mandates. Thus far in other states this has not worked out well. But we shall see. Read on, Birminghamians!

First, today's weather:

Cool with periods of sun. High: 60 Low: 41.

Here are the top stories today in Birmingham:

1. After owner Sammy Graphos died last month, Sam's Super Samwiches' lease ended after 51 years at its Homewood location. (Alabama's News Leader)
2. An inmate was found dead in his cell at William Donaldson Correctional Facility in west Jefferson County Tuesday. (Birmingham Patch)
3. Birmingham police are asking for the public's help in solving the cold case shooting death of a 21-year-old Birmingham woman, (Alabama's News Leader)
4. Although Bessemer employees at the Amazon fulfillment center voted against unionizing, this fight is not over, apparently, as Amazon and the retail workers union ready for another battle in Bessemer. (AL.com)
5. Alabama Republicans have advanced a bill in this special legislative session for vaccine mandate exemptions based on religion and medical reasons. (WBRC)

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Today in Birmingham:

• This is awesome. Catch the Birmingham Hot Air Balloon Fest at the Birmingham Race Course Friday through Sunday. (3 p.m.)
• Cheer on the UAB Women's Basketball team vs Spring Hill at Bartow Arena. (6:00 PM)
• Nashville's up and coming country duo Lazy Jane rocks the stage at Tin Roof for a free show. (6 p.m.)
• Come to the Bards & Brews Poetry Slam at the Birmingham Public Library. (6:30 p.m.)
• Black Jacket Symphony performs Pearl Jam's "Ten" and Nirvana's "Nevermind" live at Avondale Brewery. (7 p.m.)

Birmingham Patch Notebook

• 20 of the best cheap eats in Birmingham under $20 (Bham Now)
• Headed to Christmas Village this week? Be sure to stop by the GBHS booth! We're The Greater Birmingham Humane Society located in Jingle Bell Square - booth 1083.(Facebook)
• Your ultimate Birmingham holiday food guide. (Bham Now)
• Birmingham City Schools is recruiting for a new Chief School Financial Officer to lead the financial operations of one of the state's largest school districts. (Facebook)
• Birmingham Police Department, Alabama is pleased to offer an internship program that gives students an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and experience that is needed to pursue a career in government and law enforcement. (Facebook)

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That's it for today! See you all tomorrow for another update. If you're liking 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? I'm all ears. You can email me at michael.seale@patch.com.