The Sunrise News Sampler

The City of Tuscaloosa, in conjunction with Alabama Power Service Organization and Druid City Canopy Coalition will hold their annual tree giveaway, Saturday, February 23rd at the Mildred Warner Transportation Museum, beginning at 8am. Almost 4,000 bare root tree seedlings will be available for free pickup.

Tomorrow evening, Central High School will host best-selling author Jawanza Kunjufu as he speaks on the topic, "Until Parents Take Control: Bridging the Gap between Parental Involvement and Student Achievement." This event, from 6:30 until 8:30pm, will be a Black History Month celebration, of sorts.

In state news, Governor Bentley says Alabama's exports hit a record $19.5 billion last year, up more than 9% from 2011.

Financial experts say the fiscal cliff agreement in Washington will cut funding for Alabama's public schools and colleges by at least $70 million annually. The settlement is said to affect us differently because Alabama is one of few states that grants citizens with a state income tax deduction for federal taxes paid.

TransUnion says the number of people late with their mortgage payments has dropped to its lowest level in four years at 5.19%.

In other news, the Senate will hold its second hearing on gun violence today, as a Senate Judiciary subcommittee is examining the constitutionality and effectiveness of federal firearms limits.

Meanwhile, President Obama will deliver his State of the Union address tonight, where he will concentrate on jobs and the economy.

And speaking of the president, he says there's a need for "further swift and credible action by the international community" in regards to North Korea's nuclear test, which President Obama calls a "highly provocative act."

Today is Fat Tuesday, the last day of the Carnival season. Tomorrow marks the first day of Lent.

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