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5 Things to Know

5 things you need to know this weekend

Editors
USA TODAY
NFL: Super Bowl 50

Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos face off in Super Bowl 50

An unofficial national holiday, Super Bowl Sunday gets larger every year. Kickoff between the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos is at 6:30 p.m. ET on CBS, but pregame coverage begins at 11 a.m. Look for Super Bowl history, celebrities galore and an interview with President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. The game, played at Levi's Stadium in San Francisco, will be streamed free online. The Panthers and Broncos each have hurdles to overcome: The Panthers are making only their second appearance in the big game, losing a squeaker to the New England Patriots 32-29 in 2004, while the Broncos have to overcome their 43-8 loss to Seattle in the Super Bowl two years ago.

If you're only watching for the commercials, check out USA TODAY's Ad Meter

Humor is set to come roaring back in this year's batch of Super Bowl ads. After last year's downer "sad-vertising," expect cute critters, big-name celebs, humorous gags — and, OK, a few somber messages. For the 28th year, USA TODAY's Super Bowl Ad Meter will track consumer opinion. There's still time to sign up and let us know which commercials are the best. Here's a sneek peek at this year's ads:

Republican candidates gather for their last debate before New Hampshire

All eyes are on Manchester, N.H. as the remaining Republican candidates — at least, those who qualified — take the stage in the final debatebefore voters head to the polls. Republicans will face off Saturday at 8 p.m. in a debate sponsored by ABC News, WMUR and the Independent Journal Review. Based on Iowa’s results and national polls, ABC invited just seven candidates to participate — leaving Carly Fiorina and Jim Gilmore without a platform before the New Hampshire primary Tuesday.

Republican presidential candidates (R-L) Jeb Bush, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Ben Carson walk on the stage prior to the Fox News - Google GOP Debate.

Dems take weekend campaigning break

Hillary Clinton is taking a break from campaigning in New Hampshire to travel to beleaguered Flint, Mich., on Sunday.  Clinton's campaign says her main purpose is to urge action on an energy bill in the U.S. Senate that the Democrats blocked in order to make sure that $600 million for Flint, dealing with a lead-contaminated water crisis, was added. There are reports that her Democratic rival Bernie Sanders will take a campaign break this weekend, too. His doppelgänger Larry David is hosting Saturday Night Live and Sanders is rumored to show up.

TV alternatives for the non-Super-Bowl-Sunday experience

The football game does not appeal? Animal lovers can switch to two baby-pet alternatives, the Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet and The Kitten Bowl on Hallmark. If you're ready to move on from all things "Bowl," musical fans can turn to TCM for The Harvey Girls. Those amused by Syfy’s brand of camp can binge on Mega Shark vs. CrocosaurusMega Shark vs Mecha Shark and Sharktopus vs. Pteracuda.

The weekend essentials:

Giving those eyes of yours a weekend break? Listen to the top stories:

Wondering which movies to watch this weekend? These are Oscar contenders.

Ready for some football? Our staff writers give their predictions for the big one. Who's right? What do you think?

Need a break? Try playing some of our games.

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