🌱 Omicron COVID-19 Variant + Shootout In Bessemer

Hey, Birmingham! Let's get you started this Monday with everything you need to know going on around Birmingham today. First, a shootout in Bessemer Sunday resulted in two deaths, unfortunately, in a weekend that included a couple of shooting incidents in Bessemer. Also in the news, some concern is growing among the medical community regarding yet another variant of the COVID-19 virus. Find out more about it below.

First, today's weather:

Plenty of sunshine. High: 56 Low: 38.

Here are the top stories in Birmingham today:

1. An afternoon shootout Sunday between two men in Bessemer left both men involved dead. (al.com)
2. It seems like this is never going to end. The COVID-19 Omicron variant is now raising concerns worldwide. (WAFF)
3. Check this out: an immersive art experience involving the work of Vincent Van Gogh currently sweeping the country has made its way to Birmingham. (Anniston Star)
4. You may not know this, but one of the neatest cities in the United States is in Jefferson County, according to one study. (al.com)
5. Whats the weather going to be like for the first week of December in Birmingham? Pretty pleasant actually. See the week's forecast here. (Birmingham Patch)

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Today in Birmingham:

• The holidays can be stressful and downright unhealthy for folks. Well, UAB is hosting a Holiday Self-Care program. (11 a.m.)
• For your teen's entertainment, here is the Teen Afternoon Anime Movie at the . Homewood Public Library (3:30 p.m.)
• Winter Tree Workshop at the Irondale Public Library: Artists Judy Buchanan and Lynn Marino of the Irondale Arts Council will lead a workshop for a 3D textured tree on vintage red oak wood. (5:30 p.m.)
• The Mountain Brook Police Department is offering a Citizen's Self Defense / Situational Awareness Course. (6 p.m.)
• Catch Rickey Smiley Karaoke live from the StarDome. (7 p.m.)

Birmingham Patch Notebook

• GIVING TUESDAY is less than 48 hours away on November 30! When you donate to the Birmingham Zoo on this international day of giving, you give our animals the gift of their favorite foods to eat. (Facebook)
• Anyone see the fireball/meteor shortly before 6 p.m.? Check out this video from Justin Oden. (Instagram)
• If you struggle with self-motivation, the YMCA of Greater Birmingham's team of personal trainers are here to push you further. Sign up at your local Y today! (Facebook)
• Junior League of Birmingham wishes all of our friends celebrating Hanukkah a loving and peaceful celebration with meaningful gatherings, warm thoughts, and love-filled homes. (Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you around. If you're enjoying these newsletters, consider bringing some friends and neighbors along for the ride. 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.