Former President Donald Trump spoke in his own defense during closing arguments in his civil fraud trial that threatens his business empire. The decision is now in the hands of the judge. NBC's Laura Jarrett reports for TODAY. Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty Thursday to federal tax charges months after the collapse of a plea deal that could have spared him of a criminal trial. The president's son is accused of nine felony and misdemeanor tax offenses. The final weekend of campaigning is set to kick off before the Iowa caucuses on Monday. Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker joins TODAY from Des Moines with what to watch for over the next few days with Trump maintaining a large lead.

Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce has reportedly told his teammates that he is retiring, according to ESPN and the NFL who are citing sources. Kelce did not comment about it when he was asked about his future after the NFL Wild Card matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A man in South Carolina saved his chihuahua from a coyote by grabbing the animal by the tail and dropping it into a dumpster. He called animal control to take care of the situation and then went to the doctor and got several rabies shots. A dog named Bob found himself stuck in an icy pond near the suburbs of Salt Lake City, but firefighters were able to lift the dog to safety. Officials used the opportunity to remind people to be extra careful with kids and pets when you're around ponds or other bodies of water this winter. Iran launched missile attacks into Iraq and Syria, with explosion reported near the American consulate. U.S. officials say there were no reports of Americans injured. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has been released from the hospital after two weeks of treatment for complications from prostate cancer. He will be working from home during his recovery, and doctors say his prognosis is excellent. Former President Donald Trump won the Iowa caucuses Monday night with a record margin of victory, clinching 51% of the vote. ""I really think this is time now for everybody, our country to come together," he said during his victory speech. NBC's Hallie Jackson report for TODAY.