Trump impeachment trial, Grammy Awards, NFL Pro Bowl: 5 things you need to know this weekend – USA TODAY

Trump’s team gets chance to make case at Senate impeachment trial

After three marathon days of impeachment testimony from Democratic House managers on why President Donald Trump should be convicted and removed from office, Trump’s legal team will have equal time to make its case to senators starting Saturday. Right before the House managers began their final day of arguments on Friday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., announced that the president’s team would begin its defense at 10 a.m. ET and the session will run “for several hours.”  Like the House managers, the defense team has up to 24 hours spread over three days to make their case. Jay Sekulow, one of Trump’s private lawyers, later told reporters his team will stop around 1 p.m. ET Saturday, at the request of senators, and resume Monday.  The Democrats wrapped up their opening arguments on Friday and after focusing on the second article of impeachment, obstruction of Congress, they looked ahead to what the Trump defense team might argue.

• Fact check: Looking at statements from the Senate impeachment trial of President Trump
• ‘The next time, it just may be you’: Schiff’s message to senators during Friday’s proceedings 
• ‘Do you think Americans care about Ukraine?’: After interview, Pompeo cursed and yelled at reporter
• More from Lev Parnas: Recording shows Trump called for firing of former Ukraine ambassador

‘Music’s Biggest Night’: Stars shine at 2020 Grammy Awards

Sunday’s 2020 Grammy Awards should be a big deal for Billie Eilish and Lizzo. Not only did the two lead the way in nominations (eight for Lizzo, six for Eilish), they both are making their Grammys stage debuts. Also in the running for multiple awards are Lil Nas X, Ariana Grande, H.E.R. and Finneas O’Connell. Some music stars, such as Taylor Swift and Bruce Springsteen, were snubbed. The historically staid show was rocked by drama this week after new Recording Academy President and CEO Deborah Dugan was shockingly ousted. The show, broadcast live from Los Angeles’ Staples Center, airs on CBS at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

• Grammy predictions: Who will win, and who should
• All the nominations: Lizzo leads, Billie Eilish makes history
• Who got snubbed? The biggest Grammy omissions
• Explosive charges: Ousted CEO alleges corrupt voting, sexual harassment

Deadly coronavirus stifles Lunar New Year celebrations in China

Lunar New Year falls on Saturday this year, prompting more than 1.5 billion people around the world to celebrate with family and traditional foods. While the customs vary between Asian cultures, the holiday marks the beginning of a new year on the second new moon after the winter solstice. People of Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean descent — to name a few — often give children money and honor ancestors during the festivities of different lengths. This year, however, the deadly coronavirus has dampened celebrations as public transportation is halted for roughly 36 million people in 13 cities in central China and festivities are canceled. The outbreak has killed at least 41 people and sickened over 1,000 worldwide. Two cases of coronavirus are confirmed in the U.S.

• Effort to counter: Drugmakers chase vaccine as coronavirus spreads globally
• Tourism affected: Shanghai Disneyland closes in midst of coronavirus scare
• Lunar New Year: What does the year of the rat symbolize and more questions answered

Documentary detailing allegations against Russell Simmons debuts at Sundance 

A documentary titled “On The Record” premieres Saturday at the Sundance Film Festival centered on sexual misconduct allegations against music executive Russell Simmons. Earlier this month, three women — Drew Dixon, Sil Lai Abrams and Alexia Norton Jones — sat down with CBS News’ Michelle Miller and detailed Simmons’ alleged actions. Celebrities and activists, including Rosanna Arquette and Rose McGowan, showed their support for the accusers days after Oprah Winfrey defended her decision to pull out of “On the Record” as executive producer.  Simmons, who has been accused by more than 10 women of offenses ranging from unwanted advances to rape, has denied any wrongdoing.

• Oprah Winfrey, Apple TV+ pull out of documentary centered on Russell Simmons’ accusers
• Celebrities show support for Russell Simmons’ accusers

2020 Pro Bowl to showcase NFL top talent 

The NFL will use Sunday’s Pro Bowl as an opportunity to test two rule changes including an alternative to onside kicks and an option that allows a team to keep the ball after scoring. The game is set for Sunday in Orlando, Florida, at Camping World Stadium. Kickoff between the best of the AFC and NFC will take place at 3 p.m. ET in the annual exhibition. Quarterbacks Lamar Jackson (Ravens), Drew Brees (Saints) and Russell Wilson (Seahawks) are some of Sunday’s participants.

• 2020 Pro Bowl: AFC vs. NFC odds, picks and best bets
• Pro Bowl Practice: Long lines at Pro Bowl to get Lamar Jackson’s autograph
• The 54 greatest players in Super Bowl history: How high do Brady, 49ers legends rank?

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