The Sunrise News Sampler

Because of the threat of inclement weather, Tuscaloosa City and County school systems as well as the Pickens County School system have announced that all after school activities have been canceled today, including meetings. Each system is monitoring weather activity for changes that might lead to closures.

Powerful storms forecast to cross Alabama will bring a threat of tornadoes and flash flooding, especially in northern and central regions of the state. The National Weather Service says a storm system moving slowly toward the Tennessee Valley will bring heavy rains and possible flash flooding beginning this afternoon.

Strong storms have killed at least 18 people over the weekend. Eleven were killed yesterday in Arkansas and one in Oklahoma. Tornadoes struck Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri, with one hitting Joplin, where a massive tornado killed 161 people in 2011.

Tuesday through Friday of this week from 8am until 4pm, the Alabama Department of Transportation will perform routine maintenance on  the right and center lanes of Highway 69 N near the Hugh Thomas Bridge. Motorists should expect delays up to 30 minutes and consider taking alternate routes.

Supporters of  Greene County's bingo halls are planning to hold a rally on the University of Alabama campus.  The state has been trying to shut down the halls for years by arguing that their electronic bingo machines violate state laws against gambling, but bingo operators and county officials say the halls are legal.

President Obama says the U.S. will levy new sanctions today on Russia and has also signed a 10-year agreement to give the U.S. military greater access to Philippine bases.

Rob Base's right hand man DJ E-Z Rock died yesterday as did Chicago house music icon DJ Rashad.

As the NBA playoffs continue, the biggest story is of Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling's racially offensive comments and the team's silent protest.

Janet Jackson's ex-husband and former member of DeBarge, James Debarge was arrested Thursday on suspicion of drug possession.