The Sunrise News Sampler

Because of low temperatures and possible road hazards, Tuscaloosa City and County Schools remain closed today.

The University of Alabama, Stillman College, and Shelton State are closed today. Pickens County Schools will reopen today with faculty and staff reporting at 10:00am and students reporting at 10:30am.

As roadways clear, many people who camped out in schools, businesses, and vehicles are finally making it home; but one big job that remains is removing thousands of abandoned vehicles from roadsides around Birmingham.

The government's fourth quarter Gross Domestic Product report is due today, and economists don't expect it to be as strong as the third quarter, but they still think it will come in at a solid 3.3 percent.

The Royal Caribbean cruise, in which nearly 700 people fell ill with diarrhea, vomiting, and other symptoms, returned to New Jersey yesterday. The ship is being sanitized in preparation for its next voyage, which is set to depart tomorrow.

According to our daily, students at the University of Alabama are offering free tax preparation for some Tuscaloosa-area families and individuals through the school's Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility. Call (888) 99-TAX-AL to schedule an appointment.

Alabama state troopers have identified five people killed in possibly weather-related traffic accidents, including two people killed in a pickup truck and train collision in Cottondale and a toddler killed in a seven-vehicle collision Tuesday.

President Obama is planning to raise minimum wage for new federal contract workers to $10.10. He says no one who works fulltime should ever have to raise a child in poverty, and too many Americans are struggling just to get by. However, Congresswoman Michele Bachman says lawmakers are making preparation to sue the president to act within the limitations of his power, if necessary.

Justin Bieber is in MORE trouble. He was charged with assault yesterday for allegedly hitting a limousine driver several times in the back of the head last month.