DC riots investigation, coronavirus pandemic, NFL playoffs: 5 things to know this weekend
DC riots: Dozens charged in Capitol siege and more expected
More fallout is expected this weekend as authorities investigate the pro-Trump mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol in a deadly riot on Wednesday. Through Friday, the Justice Department has filed at least 55 criminal cases tied to the riot which left five dead. The cases include 14 men and one woman facing charges in federal district court and 40 others arrested and charged in Superior Court in Washington, D.C. "We are far from done," said Steven D'Antuono, assistant director in charge of the FBI's Washington office, adding: "Just because you've left the D.C. region, you can still expect a knock on the door if we find out that you were part of the criminal activity at the Capitol." Cases are being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's office and investigated jointly with the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Marshals Service, Capitol Police Department and the Metropolitan Police Department.
- FBI looking for man in Senate with zip ties, tactical gear; experts call him a rioter 'hunting for people'
- 'It needed to happen': Trump supporters defiant after Capitol attack, plan to do it again for Biden's inauguration
Pelosi to appear on '60 Minutes' ahead of possible impeachment vote
In an interview scheduled to air Sunday on CBS' "60 Minutes," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said nothing is off the table when it comes to how the Legislative Branch will deal with President Donald Trump. In a segment that aired Friday on the "CBS Evening News," Pelosi announced: "Sadly, the person that's running the Executive Branch is a deranged, unhinged, dangerous president of the United States." Several members of President Donald Trump's White House and Administration have resigned for his handling of the violence that erupted a day earlier at the U.S. Capitol.
- 'We’ve got to hold our breath': Why Trump could wait out his final days in office despite calls for removal
- 'Betrayal of his office':Calls for Trump's removal grow as even former allies begin to back away
Coronavirus pandemic: Soaring cases place extra burden on hospitals
Several states across the country will try to ramp up the pace of vaccinations this weekend as the coronavirus pandemic is growing worse after family gatherings and travel over the holidays and the onset of winter, which is forcing people indoors. In the Pacific Northwest, Oregon plans to dispense thousands of shots at the state fairgrounds in Salem this weekend with help from the National Guard. Meanwhile, in Utah, newly installed Gov. Spencer Cox unveiled a plan aimed at increasing the number of shots administered to 50,000 a week. The moves come as the United States reported 4,085 COVID-19 deaths on Thursday, which was more than 200 deaths above Wednesday's record, which broke Tuesday's record, a USA TODAY analysis of Johns Hopkins University data shows. At that pace, an American is reported dead every 21 seconds.
- Biden plans to release available COVID-19 vaccines instead of holding back for second doses
Everything you need to know for Super Wild Card Weekend
The NFL managed to complete its regular season — with a few disruptions — during a devastating pandemic. Now it's on to the playoffs. The league has expanded the postseason to 14 teams with one bye per conference, and the playoffs begin Saturday with what the NFL is calling "Super Wild-Card Weekend." It features the first pair of playoff tripleheaders in league history. The Indianapolis Colts and Buffalo Bills will kick off postseason play Saturday. Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers get a prime-time showcase against the Washington Football Team. The Cleveland Browns – who ended the NFL's longest playoff drought – will play their AFC North rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, on Sunday night.
- NFL playoffs roundtable: Which wild-card team has the best chance at a Super Bowl run?
- 2020 NFL wild-card weekend: One wild-card player to watch for all 12 teams in playoff opener
Remembering David Bowie, 5 years later
David Bowie was a transformative artist who remained constant in his dedication to exploring and defining new forms of expression. Unlike many of the myriad performers he influenced — Madonna, Lady Gaga and Trent Reznor among them — Bowie remained an elusive figure, as private in personal matters as he was charismatic as an entertainer. The world will celebrate Bowie's enduring legacy five years after his death this weekend with two major events being held in his honor. "A Bowie Celebration: Just for One Day!" is a concert event that will be available for streaming until Saturday night. featuring a lineup of stars that includes Reznor, Duran Duran, Billy Corgan and Macy Gray Second, fans of "Lazarus," the musical Bowie completed in the last months of his life, will be able to stream a performance through Sunday night.
- David Bowie in his own words: What he told USA TODAY about religion, music and his disdain of fame
- Video:5 facts you probably didn't know about David Bowie
Contributing: The Associated Press