Deadly Tornadoes; Terri Sewell Senate Decision: The Week In News

BIRMINGHAM, AL — A storm system that ravaged Alabama Thursday sent three tornadoes through the Birmingham metro area, which caused major damage before leaving the area and traveling east.

Before Thursday was done, more than 300 homes were damaged in the area, as two tornadoes hit Shelby County ans one ran through Jefferson County.

Also in the news, Birmingham resident and Alabama's only Democratic congressional delegate Terri Sewell answered the question about whether or not she will run for U.S. Senate.

Here are those stories and more that made headlines this past week on Patch:

Birmingham Area Hit By Tornadoes Thursday; Damage Reported

Three tornadoes touched down in the Birmingham metro area Thursday, part of a system of severe weather in the state that killed at least five people in Calhoun County.

Rep. Terri Sewell Declines Run For U.S. Senate Seat

Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL) said Wednesday she will not run for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL).

Civil Rights Institute Names Interim President

A Birmingham native and national civil rights activist has been named the interim president and chief executive officer at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

Suspected Street Racer Leaves Scene Of Fatal Wreck, Arrest Made

A 52-year-old woman is dead after a wreck on Arkadelphia Road Sunday, an incident police say involved street racing.

Vestavia Hills City Council Looks To Fill School Board Vacancy

The Vestavia Hills City Council is accepting applications for a 5-year appointment to the Vestavia Hills Board of Education.