The Sunrise News Sampler

Jordan's air force says it has destroyed 56 Islamic State targets since the militant group released a video of a captured Jordanian pilot being burned to death. The air force chief stays the airstrikes are just "the beginning."

A federal judge's order to overturn Alabama's ban on gay marriage goes into effect today, unless the U.S. Supreme Court orders a last-minute stay of the decision. However, Chief Justice Roy Moore has sent a letter to probate judges, ordering them to refuse to issue same-sex marriage licenses.

Buildings around Tuscaloosa and the University of Alabama will be glowing pink this week leading up to the Power of Pink gymnastics meet at Coleman Coliseum this Friday.

Tuscaloosa gained national recognition in an episode of "The Simpsons" last night, being accused of stealing Springfield's town anthem. The song is sung in front of what appears to be the President's mansion.

Today, President Obama will be briefed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel about a summit Wednesday to try to revive a peace plan for besieged eastern Ukraine. Germany, France, Russia and Ukraine will be participating.

More than 260 potential jurors are headed to a district court today in the Texas town of Stephenville, where the trial is about to begin in the "American Sniper" killing. Former Marine Eddie Ray Routh is charged in the gun range death of 38-year-old Chris Kyle and Kyle's friend, 35-year-old Chad Littlefield. Kyle was the man depicted in the popular film.

As Alabama eases towards becoming the 37th state to allow same-sex marriages, Pike County Probate Judge Wes Allen says he will not issue marriage licenses to avoid violating his religious beliefs as a Christian. He is also refusing to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies.

At the Grammy Awards last night Sam Smith emerged a big winner, picking up four awards, three in major categories including song of the year and record of the year for "Stay With Me."