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| What a week it's been, Daily Briefing fam. Get ready for a busy Friday, and a big weekend. |
| • | Impeachment. It could be judgment day for President Donald Trump. Republican Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee says he will oppose calling more witnesses, all but dashing Democratic efforts to hear more testimony and boosting odds of a quick acquittal. | | • | Planning a trip to China? Just so you know, the US now advises against traveling there. This comes after the WHO declared the outbreak of the virus that has spread to more than a dozen countries a global emergency. | | • | Super Bowl Sunday is almost here. Get your wings. Watch the ads and sign up to vote for your faves. Get excited for the historic, Hispanic halftime show. "J-Lo and I are here redefining paradigms about age, about race, about background," Shakira said yesterday in Miami. "It really doesn't matter where you're from, how old you are or where you come from. What matters is what you have to say. We're here, and we have a lot of stuff to say." And learn more about Miami's changing dynamics: Before Super Bowl, Miami's Little Havana faces exodus of Cubans, pressure from developers. (Read in English or in Spanish.) | |
| Here's what you need to know. |
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1. Will the Trump impeachment trial end or are witnesses coming? |
| Today, the GOP-controlled Senate could wrap up the impeachment trial for Trump and acquit him, or decide to prolong the proceedings — possibly for weeks — by calling witnesses to testify depending on potential swing votes. That would postpone a final vote on whether to remove him from office. Democrats, who control 47 of the chamber's 100 seats, have been trying to convince at least four Republican senators to join them in demanding witnesses appear to discuss the president's conduct regarding Ukraine. |
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2. Kobe tributes will make emotional night in Lakers' first game since his death |
| The Los Angeles Lakers return to the hardwood at Staples Center Friday night to face the Portland Trail Blazers in their first game since Kobe Bryant's unexpected passing . The Lakers have struggled with processing the death of a future Hall of Famer who led them to five NBA championships and became the franchise's all-time leading scorer. On Thursday, Lakers controlling owner Jeanie Buss and general manager Rob Pelinka both paid homage to Bryant and recounted the inspiration they drew from the basketball icon. Bryant, along with his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, were among nine people who died in Sunday's helicopter crash in Southern California. |
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3. Brexit time: UK to formally bid farewell to EU |
| The United Kingdom formally leaves the European Union on Friday, the culmination of the 2016 Brexit referendum that divided the nation and led to years of political conflict. The change will occur at the stroke of 11 p.m. U.K. time Friday (midnight in Brussels, where the EU is based). What actually happens then? Not much. U.K. citizens will no longer legally be EU citizens, but many of the same laws and rules on goods, services and travel will stay the same through Dec. 31 while officials negotiate new terms. London will mark the big moment with a New Year's Eve-style countdown and light show, but no chimes from Big Ben: The famous clock tower has been under repair for years. |
4. High-profile witness to be called for Harvey Weinstein case |
| The Harvey Weinstein sex crimes trial is set to feature one of its most high-profile witnesses Friday morning. Former actress Jessica Mann will testify against the embattled movie mogul, who allegedly sexually assaulted her in 2013. Mann moved to Los Angeles when she was 25 to become an actress and met Weinstein at an industry party; she alleges that while visiting New York for the first time in 2013 to meet about a potential role, Weinstein forced himself into her hotel room and raped her. This week, multiple secondary witnesses have also been called in to testify, including two women who accused Weinstein of sexually assaulting them in the early 2000s, although neither can press charges due to the statute of limitations. Weinstein has pleaded not guilty and denies all allegations of nonconsensual sex. |
5. Taylor Swift: New film shows the real 'Miss Americana' |
| The new Taylor Swift documentary "Miss Americana" made a splash when it premiered last week at the Sundance Film Festival. On Friday, fans of the 30-year-old pop superstar get to see what the fuss was about as the film starts streaming on Netflix. The film shows Swift's goofy side, such as mocking her too-tight metallic dress for an awards show ("I look like a Pop-Tart wrapper"), but also shows her wrestling to reconcile the "good girl" she's always wanted to be with the mature, complex woman she's becomeh. USA TODAY's Brian Truitt recaps five "Miss Americana" moments that will make you a Taylor Swift fan. |
Bonus: Giant electric car edition |
| "Gas guzzler" no more? GMC will begin building a 1,000-horsepower electric Hummer truck in Detroit next year. The first look at the vehicle will come in a commercial during the second quarter of the Super Bowl on Sunday. |
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