State of the Union: President Obama in his final State of the Union address tonight is expected to depart from the usual political agenda and make a direct appeal to the voting public to determine the direction of the country in the years after his departure from office. He’ll be making an appeal not just for a legislative agenda in the coming year, but an historical agenda.

In a video teaser released by the White House, Obama said what he wants to focus on is “not just the remarkable progress we’ve made, not just what I want to get done in the year ahead, but what we all need to do together in the years to come — the big things that will guarantee an even stronger, better, more prosperous America for our kids. The America we believe in. That’s what’s on my mind.”

While asking Americans to look at the big picture, and probably to vote for Democrats next November, Obama will address specific issues, gun control among the biggest. Among the usual special guests will be some big gun control advocates, including Conn. Gov. Dannel Malloy, and there will be an empty seat to honor victims of gun violence.

Terror: An explosion in Istanbul’s central tourist district has killed at least 10 people and wounded 15. Details are still developing.

The Supremes: Court watchers speculate that the conservative majority of the court is likely to vote for a major blow to public employee unions, ruling that employees who don’t want to be part of the union can’t be required to pay union fees. Questions and remarks by justices Roberts, Kennedy, and Scalia suggested they are not on the side of the unions.

Ten California teachers sued, saying they shouldn’t have to pay dues if they don’t want to be part of the union, even if the union negotiates for salary and benefits on their behalf. A ruling in favor of the 10 teachers could reduce the income of police, fire, and teacher unions across the country, also reducing their political power. It’s been a goal of political conservatives in recent years to cripple the power of public employee unions.

Champs: Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry led the No. 2 Alabama to defeat the undefeated Clemson 45-40, winning the College Football Playoff last night in Glendale, Ariz. Henry ran for 158 yards, scoring three touchdowns on 36 carries. It’s Alabama’s fourth championship since 2009.

Debatable: Scoring low in the polls, Sen. Rand Paul and business executive Carly Fiorina have missed the cut to appear in tomorrow night’s Republican presidential debate to be hosted by Fox Business Network.

All the political nonsense is getting close to the point at which it really matters for the candidates. Just weeks away from the Iowa Caucuses, Donald Trump leads Ted Cruz by just two points in the polls — and that’s within the margin for error. Trump has double Cruz’s numbers in New Hampshire, but a win in Iowa will likely give Cruz a big boost.

Ya’ll Qaeda: The leader of the armed “Patriots” who have taken over the headquarters of the Malheur Wildlife Refuge says the group has gained access to government documents that will prove that ranchers have been bullied and abused by the federal government. The FBI is present in the area, but so far has given no indication that it plans to use force to end the occupation. They haven’t cut off power, water, Internet access, or supplies sent in for the occupiers.

Hope Springs: Proving that money does buy happiness, News Corp. boss Rupert Murdoch, 84, has announced his engagement to former model and Mick Jagger ex Jerry Hall, 59.

Hot Property: Playboy founder Hugh Hefner has put his infamous Los Angles mansion up for sale for $200 million a one stipulation; he conveys with the property. A condition of sale is that the 89-year-old Hef gets to stay in the mansion for the rest of his life. You can imagine the world’s wealthy will be lining up to pay $200 million for a house with a man in a bathrobe wandering the property.

-30-