Ted Nugent performs during the opening ceremony of the National Rifle Association annual convention, May 19, 2006, in Milwaukee.Morry Gash/The Associated Press
A summary of what you need to know today, compiled by The Globe's news desk on Feb. 12, 2013.
POTUS does SOTU
President Barack Obama won't have to look far tonight to see the fault lines facing America. The audience at tonight's State of the Union address will include gun loving, Detroit rocker Ted Nugent and the parents of a Chicago teenager who was gunned down days after performing at the President's January inauguration. Gun control isn't the only vexing issue facing the President – add immigration reform and government debt to the mix – and the nation will be looking for clues tonight as he sets the tone for his second term.
Pyongyang thumbs nose at world with latest nuke blast
Despite pleas and warnings, North Korea conducted a third nuclear weapon test today, today, a blast much more powerful than previous tests in 2006 and 2009. The test illustrates once again both North Korean resolve to continue to develop its nuclear program and the ineffectiveness of efforts restrain Pyongyang. The UN Security Council is expected to meet today over how to react to the blast.
New rules for military suppliers to Canada
Ottawa is being urged to demand more from companies that supply military equipment and services. A report, by well-known technology executive Tom Jenkins, suggests requiring companies to show how they will help promote domestic development in key sectors, including Arctic and marine security; protection of the soldier; command and support; cyber security; training systems; and in-service support, The Globe's Steven Chase and Bill Curry report.
Wrestling out for the Olympic count
Wrestling, one of the original Olympic sports, may no longer have a place at the games. The International Olympic Committee's executive committee voted to dump wrestling from the 2020 games, following a review of 26 events. It's not the end of the line: advocates of the sport must now make their case along with seven other sports – baseball and softball, karate, squash, roller sports, sport climbing, wakeboarding and wushu – for a single opening at the 2020 games. The final vote is set for September.
So long, Lolong
At more than 20 feet, he was the stuff of nightmares, a swamp monster, a killing machine with a long and bloody rap sheet. Despite that, the passing of Lolong, the world's largest captive crocodile, was being mourned by the small Philippines village made famous by the creature. Lolong, thought to be 50 years old, will be preserved as a tourist attraction. "I'd like them to see the crocodile that broke a world record and put our town on the map," Mayor Edwin Cox Elorde said.
Jill Mahoney