5 things you need to know this weekend

Editors

USA TODAY

Super Saturday brings shoppers out before Christmas

Christmas is less than a week away. Just let that sink in for a second. Well, if you're like most people and still need to buy those last-minute gifts, beware: This Saturday is notorious as one of the busiest shopping days of the year, and this year it could be the busiest. Shoppertrak predicts that Saturday's sales could hit $10 billion compared to Black Friday's estimated $9.1 billion. Gear up, shoppers. It's go time.

Shoppers can expect to continue to find good discounts in the weeks following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, especially on Super Saturday, the Saturday before Christmas, retail experts say. Here, a woman shops at a Macy's in the Glendale Galleria on Black Friday in Glendale, Calif.

Will Cam Newton start this weekend? Looks like we'll find out soon

Panthers coach Ron Rivera said he's awaiting final clearance from team physicians before officially naming Cam Newton the starter for Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns. That clearance is expected to come Saturday. Newton practiced Friday for the third straight day and Rivera said he feels "very confident and comfortable" that the fourth-year quarterback will start Sunday, 12 days after a two-vehicle wreck left him with two lower back fractures.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton stretches after throwing some passes during an NFL football practice in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

When you break up with your girlfriend before a big trip, crowdsource for a replacement

Jordan Axani hasn't even started his round-the-world trip yet, but it's been quite a ride. The 28-year-old Canadian's story went viral when he posted a plea on Reddit in November for someone — anyone — named Elizabeth Gallagher to take plane tickets he'd initially purchased for his now-ex-girlfriend, since she was no longer going on their multi-continent, 21-day trip and the tickets were non-transferrable. On Sunday, Axani embarks on the trip with his new friend, former stranger, avid volunteer and fellow Canadian, Elizabeth Gallagher.

Jordan Axani is the Toronto man who made headlines in November by offering a free round-the-world air ticket to a woman with the same name as his ex-girlfriend.

Crowley signs off CNN with the commander in chief

Candy Crowley leaves CNN on Sunday, and one guest is giving her quite the send-off. President Obama will be talking with the veteran reporter on State of the Union, the series Crowley has anchored for four years. In the network exclusive interview, he'll be discussing the latest news on Cuba and North Korea, as well as the final two years of his presidency. Candy Crowley's final State of the Union airs Sunday at 9 a.m. ET / PT.

Journalist Candy Crowley prepares to moderate the second presidential debate with President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

Things are about to get a whole lot darker

Sunday marks the annual winter solstice, which means it will be the longest night of the year based on our position in proximity to the sun. During December, the Northern Hemisphere is further away from the sun, giving us colder temperatures and shorter day. When's the summer solstice? We'll have to wait until June for that.

A sunset last week in Issaquah, Wash., a suburb of Seattle. The photo was submitted to USA TODAY via Your Take at yourtake.usatoday.com

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

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