CULLMAN — Good morning, readers, this is what's happening in your county today:



Weather:



Today: Unlike the northeast of the U.S., no snow in our forecast. Instead, we’ll have a 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 57. Light northwest wind becoming north 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Tonight: Clear, with a low around 31. North wind around 5 mph.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 57. East wind around 5 mph.

Saturday night: A 20 percent chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43.

Sunday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a high near 62. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.

Sunday night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 52. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent.



Best bets for today:



Republican Women: The Cullman County Republican Women will meet at 11:30 for lunch, followed by meeting at noon, at Grumpy’s, 402 5th St. SW. Speakers will be District 11 candidates. Guests welcome. Info: Brenda Horn at 256-709-5898.



Looking ahead:



Austim support group meeting: The Cullman Area Autism Networking Group will meet from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at the Margaret Jean Jones Center, 1807 Beech Ave. SE, Cullman 35055. Bring therapy items, ideas and medications and/or special recipes. This will also be a time to pick up walk packet, signs, and more for the Walk For Autism scheduled for Saturday, April 27, at Wallace College Track and Field. Childcare provided, reserve no later than Feb. 8 at noon. Info: Rhonda Davis at 256-962-2208 or Jessica Dyson at 256-339-1151.



Bunco bash: The STARS Relay For Life team will hold a bunco event at 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at the Moody Center, 111 Michelle St. NW, Hanceville 35077. Cost is $20/person and includes a spaghetti supper. Also, raffles and door prizes. All proceeds go to Relay For Life. Info: Amber Heaton at 256-734-0511 or 256-339-3875.



Democratic breakfast: The Cullman County Democrats will meet for breakfast at 7:30 a.m., with meeting at 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at Ryan’s Family Steakhouse, 1720 Cherokee Ave. SW, Cullman 35055.



VFW Saturday night dance: The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2214 will have a dance from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at the VFW. No alcohol or smoking allowed. Music will be provided by the Boogie Night band. The cost is $5 per person; public welcome. VFW building rentals are available Sunday through Friday. Info: Commander Jerry Willibey at 256-347-0807.



10 Things to Know for Today

By The Associated Press

Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and stories that will be talked about today:

1. BLIZZARD THREATENS NORTHEAST

Up to 2 feet of snow is feared and residents from Pennsylvania to Maine are rushing to stock up on food, shovels and other supplies. Airlines have canceled thousands of flights.

2. SEARCH FOR EX-LAPD OFFICER TURNS TO CALIF. MOUNTAINS

The focus of police efforts shifts to the snowy mountains around Big Bear Lake, where they found shooting suspect Chris Dorner’s burned-out pickup truck and tracks leading away from the vehicle.

3. COMPROMISE SOUGHT FOR GUN CONTROL

In a move that could add momentum to Obama’s gun control plan, some senators are quietly trying to reach a deal on expanding the requirement for gun-sale background checks.

4. WHY PHYSICIAN-ASSISTED SUICIDE IS GAINING MOMENTUM

Connecticut is one of six states where proponents say they see strong support for allowing doctors to help mentally competent, dying individuals take their own lives.

5. BRENNAN’S TAKE ON DRONES MAY SPUR CHANGE

The CIA Director-designate’s defense of drone strikes to kill terror suspects is causing key lawmakers to consider lifting secrecy about the program and push to regulate its use.

6. POLISH TRANSGENDER LAWMAKER LOSES SHOT AT TOP POST

Anna Grodzka lost her chance to become a deputy speaker in Parliament after lawmakers voted to keep an incumbent in place.

7. AFTER BRAZIL CLUB FIRE, NATION BRACES FOR CARNIVAL

Carnival festivities hit full stride and nearly all of the nightspots shut down last week are open again, raising questions about safety.

8. DEADLY BOMBINGS STRIKE IRAQ

In the latest in a series of attacks by insurgents seeking to re-ignite sectarian violence, four car bombs strike two outdoor markets, killing at least 31 people and wounding dozens.

9. AFTER MONOPOLY SNUB, THE IRON ENDURES

When online voters nixed the clothes iron token from the Hasbro game, the appliance was deemed passé. But the iron is holding its own, with solid sales and a loyal fan base.

10. “WALK THIS WAY”

AP’s Anita Hofschneider reports that Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler plans to attend a legislative hearing in Hawaii that would limit the freedom of paparazzi.