Lawyers calling the impeachment a perversion of the constitution democratic prosecutors meantime argue tonight that what the president is accused of doing is the Worst Nightmare of the framers of the constitution. Our Hallie Jackson has late details. Reporter one by one, one final walkthrough for the president s defenders and for his democratic prosecutors at the capitol before they face off at the impeachment trial now a new glimpse into what the white house will argue in a new 200page filing, the president s attorneys dismiss the impeachment as a brazen act, asking the senate to speedily reject the articles. The crux of the case, what the president is accused of, abuse of power and obstruction of congress, does not meet the constitutional threshold for removing a president from office, adding he did absolutely nothing wrong. Alan dershowitz is one of the president s lawyers. Do you believe donald trump abused the power of his office, yes or no . Its irrelevant abuse of power is not criteria for impeachment. Reporter democrats argue the evidence overwhelmingly establishes the evidence shows that the president abused his power by pressuring ukraine to investigate his political rivals the so what defense this is his defense. So what . He did it. So what . You have to ask ourselves who is the president going to shake down next . Reporter as for the president himself. Were achieving what no administration has ever achieved before and what do i get out of it tell me. I get impeached. Thats what i get out of it. By these radical left lunatics. Reporter after an overnight trip to texas, he returned to washington briefly visiting the Martin Luther king memorial late today. One of his advisers linking king to the impeachment fight. I dont think it was within dr. Kings vision to have americans dragged through a process where the president is going not going to be removed from office, not being charged with bribery, extortion, high crimes or misdemeanors reporter President Trump tonight is heading to switzerland for an International Economic conference. Something Officials Say shows how he still is conducting the business of the presidency. Still late tonight a new cnn poll shows about half of americans believe he should be convicted and removed from Office Lester hallie at the white house thank you. As i mentioned at the top of the broadcast, the Top Republican just released his proposed rules for this first impeachment trial in more than 20 years nbcs kasie hunt is at the capitol tonight. Kasie, what do we know reporter lester, just in tonight, we have learned after opening arguments and senators questions, the senate will hold a vote on whether to call witnesses in the president s impeachment trial. The blueprint for the trial was just released by republican leader Mitch Mcconnell it allows each side 24 hours to make their case, but they have just two days to do it that could mean theyre arguing late into the night or even early in the morning democrats say that that means republicans are trying to hide the president s misconduct in the dead of night, and the white house has been pushing for a faster trial in hopes of getting an acquittal before the state of the union. But allowing a vote on witnesses shows there is real pressure from moderate republicans to show voters back home theyre conducting a fair trial. And if just four of them vote with democrats, this trial could keep going for weeks lester all right, kasie. Thanks for that late breaking information. Join us for our special coverage of President Trumps impeachment trial beginning tomorrow at 1 00 p. M. Eastern here on nbc. Another big story were following, a jump in cases of a deadly mystery virus Health Officials stepping up screenings at major u. S. Airports the World Health Organization calling an emergency meeting, and important new information about how it can be spread here is miguel almaguer. Reporter tonight around the world, stepped up Health Screenings at airports as officials confirm more than 200 cases of coronavirus have been detected, claiming three lives so far, the surge in cases comes as scientists now say the virus can spread from person to person, raising broader fears of a pandemic today, the World Health Organization announcing an emergency meeting to decide if a Public Health emergency should be declared. This situation is really emerging quickly were getting new information every day. Reporter with the mysterious virus perhaps originating at this Seafood Market in wuhan, china, new cases detected in beijing and shanghai and additional patients testing positive in thailand, japan and south korea, all hubs for flights into the u. S just test your temperature. Reporter at lax, sfo and jfk, screening underway. Officials looking for flulike symptoms, a fever, cough and shortness of breath. I think its necessary because this is big thing. This is about our health. Reporter while Health Officials believe the spike in cases is due to more testing, not faster spread, this strain not identified in humans before is a variation of coronavirus. That includes the sars virus that killed 800 people worldwide starting in 2002. This strain is particularly aggressive and particularly dangerous. Once it starts spreading from person to person, its really hard to keep people quarantined. Reporter tonight concern around the world over a mysterious strain of coronavirus as the number of cases and fear grows. Miguel joins us from lax where they are doing some of the screening. Miguel, any talk of restricting air travel because of all of this reporter no travel restrictions yet, lester Authorities Say if you are going to one of these areas thats affected, make sure to talk to a doctor first and if you get sick, stay away from the public and immediately contact Health Officials. Its scary because there are so many unknowns. Miguel, thank you. A massive progun rally taking place under a state of emergency and a blanket of security brought thousands of protesters to the state capital in virginia today but none of the violence that officials feared Gabe Gutierrez is in richmond. Reporter the crowd stretched for blocks a peaceful protest sounding off about proposed Gun Legislation in virginia. This is infringing on every right we have as far as gun rights reporter security was tight with metal detectors, drone restrictions and a temporary ban of firearms on capitol grounds, but elsewhere, the Second Amendment was on full display. There are thousands of people and many protesters chose to stay here outside of the perimeter so they wouldnt have to give up their weapons lawabiding gun owners arent the problem. Reporter virginias governor declared a state of emergency, hoping to avoid a repeat of the deadly protest in charlottesville in 2017. Last week, several suspected White Supremacists were arrested several planned to attend todays rally. Event as a call to action, tweeting the Democratic Party in virginia is working hard to take away your Second Amendment rights in the past few weeks, the Democraticled Legislature is calling for stricter background checks after a mass shooting in Virginia Beach last year involving a disgruntled City Employee who killed 12 people. A Gun Safety Group canceled its own demonstration today after what it called Credible Threats to public safety. Regulation is not confiscation the two are unrelated and the gun lobby continues to gin up fear. Reporter today, no violence, just a strong show of force. Late today authorities estimated about 22,000 people had attended todays rally here only one arrest was reported the stat consider those gun bills after the Senate Passed them lester Gabe Gutierrez tonight, thank you. On this mlk jr. Day, a rare display of solidarity for democrats in the race for president. Many coming together in a key battleground and Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders facetoface in public for the First Time Since that tense debate moment. Here is geoff bennett. Reporter a show of unity today as the democratic president ial contenders celebrated the reverend dr. Martin luther kings legacy in South CarolinaBernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren putting their differences aside after their dispute of gender and electability. I marched down this street with optimism because i feel hope, i see hope. Our job is not just to remember the history of dr. King it is to absorb his revolutionary spirit and apply it today folks we have a chance to rip out the systemic roots of racism in this country. Reporter the New York Times passing biden by, announcing a dual endorsement for the first time ever, backing Elizabeth Warren and amy klobuchar, calling both the most Effective Advocates for the democratic field im very excited about it i was didnt expect it. Reporter bidens campaign highlighting a spontaneous endorsement which they say matters more. Thank you so much whats your name jacqueline. You got a camera . If you get it out, well take one. Okay reporter the candidates putting their time in South Carolina and iowa tonight with voting set to start in two weeks, lester . Geoff bennett, thank you. Lets talk about the weather now. A bitter cold night ahead. Temperatures well below average for the southeast to new england and a storm threatening to cause a travel nightmare dave price is tracking it all. What are you watching tonight . Lester, it begins with cold temperatures enveloping the Northern Tier of the country, with windchills all the way into the teens, stretching all the way into new england that is, of course, tuesday. Wednesday, we have a storm system developing through the Central Plains heavy rains through texas pushing eastward, slick on the roads and in the air rolling on into thursday as this storm system continues to move rough weather for chicago, st. Louis, new orleans and kansas city where air travel could be sloppy lester dave price, good to have you with us tonight. Thanks. Well be right back in just 60 seconds with a potential major break in an infamous cold case dating back decades. And prince harry making a new appearance after breaking his silence about that royal split. Were back now with word of a potential breakthrough in a notorious serial rape case unsolved for four decades. Reports tonight that a 60yearold man is in custody, suspected of raping and terrorizing dozens of florida women in the 1980s new urgency. Reporter its been almost 40 years but tonight Police Believe they finally have their man. A 60yearold registered sex offender arrested this weekend Law Enforcement sources tell the miami herald they suspect hes the pillowcase rapist. He is one of the most hated and hunted criminals in south florida history. Hes called the pillowcase rapist. Reporter from 1981 to 86, the pillowcase rapist attacked at least4 women along floridas east coast one woman spoke of her attack at the time he put a pillow on top of my face, with a knife to my ribs. Reporter some victims as young as 17 years old. The oldest 82. A state sex crime psychologist was consulted by investigators the fact that it was heavily covered in the media over and over again, that made it more frightening. The fact the cops were trying their hardest to catch him and really had no clues. Reporter one creepy detail, the pillowcase rapist scrolled a message on one of his victims bathroom mirrors that message remained hidden for three weeks, until she came home, took a shower and the steam revealed it. Police reviewing victims files to tell them after all these years, their rapist may have finally been caught. Kerry sanders, nbc news. In kansas city the gunman in a mass shooting outside a nightclub has been identified. Police say the 29yearold suspect was killed in a shootout overnight with a security guard. According to investigators, shoa disturbance in line. A 25yearold woman was killed and 15 others were injured as wildfires rage, there are Major Concerns about air quality at the australian open, where some of americas biggest tennis stars are competing. Blane alexander is there reporter as excitement fills the air around the australian open, experts are watching for Something Else smoke. We should be fine but the problem is the animals, the forest, the bushes, the people. Reporter officials are constantly measuring air quality, ready to stop a match or move it inside. This, after one player was forced to quit during qualifying rounds last week taken out by a midmatch coughing fit the weekend brought new worries, sweeping dust storms and hail triggered record rainfall but also helped air quality and fire control. Tennis is proving to be a welcome distraction. Serena williams with a first round victory and hoping to tie the alltime grand slam record. And a sweet repeat for 15yearold coco gauff her second defeat of tennis great venus williams, a repeat of last years wimbledon win have you seen a change with yourself between those matches and now . Im yesre relaxed when i go t on court. Reporter your confidence has grown . Yesons,armer drier weather is expected to move in by wednesday likely meaning more fuel for the dozens of fires still burning. Lester Blane Alexander in australia tonight, thank you prince harry making his First Official appearance today since breaking his silence nbcs keir simmons on what he said about the painful split and his relationship with the queen. Reporter prince harry today doing his royal duty, a role he will relinquish in the spring. I want you to hear the truth from me, as much as i can share. Not as a prince or a duke but has harry. Speech revealing he felt forced to choose between Royal Service and private work. Our hope was to continue servg commwe associations but without public funding. Unfortunately, that wasnt possible ive accepted this, knowing that it doesnt change who i am or how committed i am. Reporter it is a blow to the royal family. Will you miss harry and meghan of course reporter less than two years after harry and meghans fairytale wedding felt like a breath of fresh air. We were excited we were hopeful and we were here to serve for those reasons, it brings me Great Sadness that it has come to this. Reporter the queen this weekend announcing the duke and duchess will no longer be called your Royal Highness and lose all public funding but saying harry, meghan and archie will always be much loved members of my family. The couple vowing to uphold the values of her majesty. I will always have the utmost respect for my grandmother, my commander in chief we are taking a leap of faith, so thank you for giving me the courage to take this next step. Reporter tonight, royal officials wont say when harry will join meghan in canada, but they will spend most of their time in north america. Will their departure damage the royal family long term history will judge. Lester pretty revealing speech there. Keir, thank you. Up next, the image giving us 19 little reasons to smile tonight. I want to show you something that will hopefully make you smile. A baby boom bringing a group of hospital caregivers even closer. With thanks to our affiliate wowt, Kristen Dahlgren has the story. Reporter the staff at the neo natal intensive care at methodist Womens Hospital in omaha is used to taking care of cute babies, but these days its not just their patients they are caring for because 19 of them now have their own bundle of joy all born in 2019. Got a white board in our break room to find out the babys name and how big they were so, its really excitingan itso been sleepless. Every three hours you hungry always. Reporter so it helps to know their coworkers understand. Its really nice to be able to talk to other people and they are going through the same thing and they can kind of guide you or share their experience. Reporter working at the nicu they dont take any of their healthy babies for granted. Me and my kids at home say prayers for the babies in the nicu every night and that they all get to go home soon with their families reporter nurses and specialists who always share a selfless dedication to their field, now sharing motherhood. Kristen dahlgren, nbc news. On this day we honor the legacy of mlk jr there are still many schools in america that remain segregated rehema ellis with the program bridging the divide. Ive been to the mountaintop. Reporter in the same city where dr. Martin luther king jr. Was killed, these memphis second graders are keeping his legacy alive. I have a dream that one day. All people will have equal rights. That people will be joyful. There will be peace and love not hate. Reporter more than 1,000 miles north, these new jersey students are learning the same lessons. I easton have a dream that everyone