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



Weather:



Today: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 3 p.m., then showers likely. High near 59. Windy, with a south wind 15 to 20 mph becoming west 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. Windy, with a west wind 15 to 25 mph.



Best bets for today:



Equalizers self-defense class: The Cullman Police Department’s Equalizers class will be offered from 6 to 8 p.m. March 5 at the Cullman Wellness and Aquatic Center. Officer Cindy Rohrscheib will be instructor for this class for women ages 13 and older. Cost is $25/household for student manual, free to those who already have the student manual. All need to register to ensure your space in the class. Forms available at the Aquatic Center or by email: cindyr@cullmanpd.com or call Officer Rohrscheib at 256-736-4703. Many techniques taught and applied during the class. Info: www.equalizerwomen.com. Also, a RadKIDS safety program for boys and girls in elementary school (grades 3, 4, and 5) is available. Churches and other groups wanting to host a RadKIDS summer camp, may contact Officer Rohrscheib.



WSCC graduation fair planned for March 5: Wallace State Community College will conduct a graduation fair at the James C. Bailey Center lobby March 5 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for students planning to walk during the May commencement ceremonies. Students can submit cap and gown orders at the fair and also purchase graduation invitations and class rings. Cap and gown orders must be completed by Friday, March 15. Students unable to attend the fair can visit www.wallacestate.edu/graduation to complete the cap and gown order form. Wallace State’s spring commencement is Friday, May 10 at 6 p.m. at Tom Drake Coliseum. Info: wallacestate.edu.



Therapeutic bowling night: Cullman Parks and Recreation’s Therapeutic program invites all individuals with disabilities and their immediate family (individual with disability must be present) to bowling night from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the cullman Bowling Center, 1710 Tally Ho St. SW, Cullman 35055. Cost is $4/bowler. Reserve lanes (required) by 4 p.m. day of: Hollie Guiterrez at 256-734-9157 or Rhonda Davis at 256-962-2208.



VFW Tuesday night dance: A country dance will be held at 7 p.m. at the VFW, 112 Veterans Ave., Cullman 35055. Concessions available — no alcohol or smoking allowed. Public welcome. Stoney Lonesome Band will be entertainment. Info: Jeanette Caples at 256-287-0221. Drawing for door prizes. Special gift for those who bring most guests with them for the dance. $5 at door to cover rental of building. Info: David Caples at 256-287-0221.



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. CHAVEZ HEALTH WORSENS, SUFFERS ‘SEVERE INFECTION’

Venezuela’s communications minister says the 58-year-old president is in a “very delicate” state and having trouble breathing.

2. SANCTIONS FOR NORTH KOREA

The U.S. and China agreed on a resolution to punish the nation for its latest nuclear test.

3. GOP ERECTS A BUDGET FIREWALL

House Republicans have crafted a spending plan aimed partly at cushioning the Pentagon from cuts.

4. BRENNAN SET FOR SENATE VOTE

The Intelligence Committee will move on Obama’s nominee to head the CIA, as Republicans pressed for more classified records on drone attacks.

5. WHICH CANDIDATE HAS EARLY LEAD IN KENYA’S ELECTIONS

Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, who faces criminal charges for post-election violence in 2007-2008 leads Prime Minister Raila Odinga 54 percent to 41 percent.

6. WHO POLICE ARE SEARCHING FOR IN HIT-AND-RUN ON EXPECTANT PARENTS

Julio Acevedo was arrested on a DUI charge last month and spent a decade in prison in the 1990s for manslaughter.

7. WHAT CHINA VALUES ABOVE GROWTH

Retiring premier Wen Jiabao says the country would work to repair the environment and improve quality of life.

8. MANSLAUGHTER CHARGES IN DRUM MAJOR’S BEATING

Twelve former Florida A&M University band members could face up to 15 years in prison for the charge in the 2011 hazing death. 

9. CALIF. NURSE REFUSES TO PERFORM CPR ON A DYING WOMAN

The staffer was following policy of the independent living home, which says to call emergency personnel and wait.

10. THE WHITNEY HOUSTON FILES

The FBI released details of investigations into fan mail threats and an alleged extortion attempt on the late singer.