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



Traffic:



The Cullman City Street Department will have cleaning crews on Bolte Road, painting and maintenance on the city parking deck and paving in the parking lot between Depot Park and the Cullman City Police Department.



Weather:



Today: Starting out with a little frost, but otherwise lots of sunshine, with a high near 48. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.

Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 27. Calm wind.



Best bets:



Jam session: The Town of South Vinemont will hold a jam session at 6 p.m. at the Cary C. Montgomery Scout Center, 88 Ridgeway St., Cullman 35055. Info: Vinemont Town Hall at 256-737-5411.



Of note:



Scale Back Alabama weigh-in center: Professional Weight Loss Center (PWLC), 1939 Main Ave. SW, Cullman 35055, is an official weigh-in site for the Scale Back Alabama weight-loss contest. The official weigh-in days are Jan. 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25. Teams of four will be entered for cash prizes of $1,000, $500 and $250. If you do not have a full team, participants will be combined with others to create an eligible group. All members must return to weigh out between April 8-12 to qualify. For more information, participants may call PWLC office at 256-739-2600.



CRMC to host seminar on GERD: Cullman Regional Medical Center’s WomenFirst and SeniorChoice programs will offer a seminar on GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, (social time is at 10:30 a.m.) in CRMC’s Col. Cullman Room in the Community Education Center in Professional Office Building 2 (1912 AL Highway 157, POB 2, Cullman 35058). Greg Windham, MD, will be guest speaker. Cost of the lunch and learn program is $5 for WomenFirst & SeniorChoice members and $8 for others. Registration required: Online at www.crmchospital.com or contact the hospital at 256-737-2600.



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 (times in EST):

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

1. HELP MAY BE ON THE WAY FOR STORM VICTIMS

Congress plans to vote at noon on a $9.7 billion aid package for businesses and homeowners devastated by Superstorm Sandy.

2. HEY YOU, HANDS OFF MY SUPERSIZE SODA

An AP poll finds that Americans blame too much screen time and cheap eats for fueling the nation’s fat epidemic, but most balk at the feds limiting food choices.

3. EXPERTS PREDICT MODEST HIRING REPORT

At 8:30 a.m., the government issues its December jobs report, which economists forecast will show that employers added 155,000 jobs. The unemployment rate is projected to remain at 7.7 percent.

4. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS SAID TO BE INVITED TO NEWTOWN

The former Arizona congresswoman, critically wounded by a gunman two years ago, is planning to meet with victims’ families of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings, a Connecticut official says.

5. WHY FATAH RALLY IS SIGNIFICANT

Abbas’ party stages a massive rally in Gaza, the first such gathering in the territory since the Islamist Hamas group took control in 2007 and is seen as a reflection of warming ties.

6. PAKISTANI GIRL SHOT BY TALIBAN RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL

Malala Yousufzai, 15, who was shot for promoting girls’ education, will continue her recovery in Britain.

7. WHY MILLIONS ARE ANXIOUS FOR COURT RULING

India’s highest court may decide whether the country’s drug companies can continue to provide cheap versions of many life-saving medicines.

8. A PRISON’S UNIQUE APPROACH TO SERVICE DOGS

A maximum-security prison in Maryland is allowing incarcerated veterans to train dogs that will eventually help fellow veterans on the outside who are disabled.

9. WHICH DIVA RULES THE CHARTS

It’s Adele — and she set a record while she was at it. The British singer’s “21” was the highest-selling album in the U.S. for the second consecutive year, beating out Taylor Swift’s “Red.”

10. WHAT MAY BE SWAN SONG FOR A DUCK

Fifth-ranked Oregon races past No. 7 Kansas State 35-17 in the Fiesta Bowl in what may have been coach Chip Kelly’s final game with the Ducks.