The Sunrise News Sampler

In a measure to increase safety, Tuscaloosa County Schools has implemented a new policy of mandatory background checks for all volunteers. The new rule will go into effect with the upcoming school year.

Green Dot card scams are making a comeback as the Tuscaloosa Police Department reports it has received numerous complaints of people receiving fraudulent phone calls requesting money. The scammer demands the purchasing of a Green Dot prepaid credit card, using scare tactics as strong as bomb threats. In such cases, evacuation plans should be followed and the police should be contacted.

The Alabama Women's Center abortion clinic in north Alabama is expected to close within a week, with officials saying they'd rather close voluntarily than be faced with a state intervention.

Alabama Labor Commissioner Tom Surtees is stepping down after a decade of leading major state agencies for two governors, which is rare. Surtees was hired as state revenue commissioner in 2004.

The government says sales of new homes rose last month to their highest level in six years, indicating that the housing sector is bouncing back.

Americans are said to be feeling pretty good about the economy these days with the Conference Board reporting a confidence index at its highest level since January 2008.

U.S. Congressman Charles Rangel is celebrating in his New York City district, despite the results of yesterday's primary beig too close to call. The 84-year-old, 22-term lawmaker took to the state declaring victory with 99 percent of the vote in but with a lead of fewer than 2,000 votes over Sen. Adriano Espaillat.

Sunday's World Cup soccer game between the U.S. and Portugal is reported by Nielsen to have been the most-watched soccer game ever in the U.S.

The movie "Selma" will be filming in Montgomery at the state Capitol this Friday, with some streets closed as filming takes place.