The Sunrise News Sampler

Not many area residents attended last night's District 1 City Council Candidate forum at Word of Faith Church, but those that were in attendance got an ear full of the accomplishments made by incumbent Bobby Howard as well as a list of shortcomings highlighted by challengers Gregory Stallworth, Panganena Wilson, and Burrell Odum. The candidates received feeback from those in attendance and vowed to work together even after municipal elections for the upbuilding of the western sector of the city.

Yesterday, State Superintendent Tommy Bice told the state school board that preliminary survey data shows that only 51 students have used the new Alabama Accountability Act to transfer from a failing public school to a private school.

Observances of the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington will begin tomorrow in the nation's capital, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech on August 28, 1963.

Nineteen-year-old Raquez Meshun Thomas was arrested in Anniston Wednesday night and charged with the murder of 28-year-old Demetrius Strother. Thomas is said to have released fire during a physical altercation with Strother. He is being helding the Tuscaloosa County Jail on $250,000 bond.

Wells Fargo officials say they plan to eliminate 365 positions in its mortgage department in Alabama.

Meanwhile, yesterday, Alagasco unveiled the fourth of five gas lights commemorating the civil rights movement in Alabama, with recognition being given to the Freedom Riders.

The Colorado Medical Board has issued a cease and desist order for the unlicensed practice of medicine to Fran Freemyer, a veterinarian accused of treating humans. A man said the vet gave him ointment for a foot ailment and later had to have three toes amputated.

Ben Affleck will be the next actor to play the role of Batman in a film that will bring Batman and Superman together, expected to be released in the summer of 2015.