Fultondale Tornado; COVID-19 Vaccine Extension: The Week In News

BIRMINGHAM, AL — The past week began with a devastating tornado in Jefferson County that killed a 14-year-old boy, injured dozens of people and caused millions of dollars in damages in Fultondale and Center Point.

Gov. Kay Ivey visited Jefferson COunty Wednesday to survey the damage.

Ivey also made news this week when she announced that the next phase of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan will begin Feb. 6.

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

Jefferson County Tornado Leaves 1 Dead, Several Injured

A tornado reported in Fultondale resulted in one death and injured several other residents. Gov. Kay Ivey called the damage "beyond heartbreaking."

Real-Time Crime Center Bid Approved By Birmingham City Council

The long-awaited construction of Birmingham's real-time crime center took a step forward Tuesday when the Birmingham City council approved a construction bid for the project.

Arrest Made In New Year's Day Homicide

An arrest has been made in the New Year's Day slaying of Carl Misenrendino III. Misenrendino was Birmingham's first homicide victim of 2021.

COVID-19 Vaccine Soon Available To Alabamians Age 65 And Older

Gov. Kay Ivey Friday announced that Alabama residents age 65-74 are among a new group that will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine Feb. 8. he new group eligible includes people 65 or older, and additional groups of frontline workers.

Local Psychologist Sentenced In Medicaid Fraud Scheme

A former psychologist who ran a counseling clinic in Vestavia Hills has been sentenced to three years in prison for her role in a scheme that defrauded the Alabama Medicaid Agency of at least $1.5 million.