The Sunrise News Sampler

With all of the weather days taken this year, the school calendar has been  a major topic of discussion, and after gathering feedback from parents and Tuscaloosa City School employees, the 2014-2015 Academic Calendar has been approved by the City School Board. Classes will begin on August 7 and and on May 22, 2015.

The City of Tuscaloosa Tree Commission along with Alabama Power Service Organization and the Druity City Canopy Coalition will give away more than 3,800 bare root tree seedlings at its annual tree giveaway this Saturday at the Mildred Westervelt Warner Transportation Museum, begining at 8am.

The National Weather Service says a storm system is threatening to bring damaging winds and possibly isolated tornadoes to parts of Alabama, with the threat possibly extending into tomorrow.

Attorney General Luther Strange says he's concerned about what lawmakers' proposed General Fund budget will mean for his office, as the proposal does not guarantee full funding for the office that prosecutes criminals.

Federal investigators are looking at pilot fatigue, among other issues, as a possible factor in the crash of a UPS cargo jet in Birmingham last August. Two years ago, the Federal Aviation Administration issued new rules aimed at ensuring airline pilots have sufficient rest. However, cargo pilots were exempt from the rules, citing cost.

U.S. home construction fell in January for a second month but the weakness in both months reflected severe winter weather in many parts of the country. The expectation is that housing will deliver another year of solid gains, helped by an improving economy.

Lottery officials say one ticket sold in California matches all the numbers in the $425 million Powerball drawing last night.

Cee Lo Green has left "The Voice," and says he doesn't plan to return to the show at all.