5 things you need to know this weekend

The Philippines remembers last year's devastating typhoon

One year ago on Saturday, the Philippines were hit by Typhoon Haiyan — one of the worst disasters in the country's history. At least 7,300 people died or remain missing, while millions more were displaced from their homes. Saturday's remembrances both commemorate the lost and celebrate their lives. The day includes a Mass to bless the dead, a city walk to unite residents, a candlelight memorial along miles of battered coastline, a rock concert, and a "paddle out" into the very bay that swamped Tacloban.

It's not the Oscars, but the Academy's Governors Awards bring out the stars

Lights, camera, action! The Academy will come together on Saturday to honor this year's recipients of the Governors Awards, recognizing humanitarian service and other accomplishments that don't make it to the Oscar telecast. Singer and activist Harry Belafonte and Maureen O'Hara are among this year's honorees.

The Berlin Wall fell 25 years ago Sunday

It divided East and West. It divided democratic and communist regimes. Berlin was split in two from 1961 to 1989 by a wall that came down 25 years ago this Sunday. Once a symbol of strict oppression, the wall soon came to represent freedom and the overcoming of obstacles. The cement pieces, covered in graffiti, are scattered throughout the country.

Could Spain be losing Catalonia?

As Spain continues to stagger under double-digit unemployment and a slow economic recovery, Catalonia — one of the country's richest regions — continues to push for independence. It will defy the country's constitutional court on Sunday by holding an independence poll. The president of Catalonia, a region of 7.5 million people that includes the city of Barcelona, says it will push forward with an informal, non-binding ballot on whether to secede from Spain and become an independent country.

The checkered flag waves, as NASCAR takes Phoenix

The Quicken Loans Race for Heroes 500 in Phoenix will determine the four drivers racing for the title in the Nov. 16 season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, and the battle for championship remains wide open. Because the first two races of the final three-race segment were won by drivers eliminated from the chase for the Sprint Cup, no one has been guaranteed a spot at Homestead.

In case you missed it:

President Obama prepares to nominate his next Attorney General. And she could make history.

Rejoice! Toy Story 4 is coming our way. Now we just have to wait until 2017.

Before winter creeps in, take a look at this beautiful fall foliage.

And, the weekend essentials:

The week in pictures:

Missed the top videos of the week? We've got you covered:

USA TODAY has your ticket to the best new films to watch in theaters this weekend.