5 things you need to know this weekend
Forget about entry fees at national parks this week
The National Park Service has a gift for you: The agency is celebrating its 100th anniversary all year long, and this week (starting Saturday) is National Park Week. That means you can get into any national park for free between April 16 and April 24. Tweet about your visit using hashtag #FindYourPark in English or Spanish, and a female park ranger emoji will appear. Can’t make it to a park anytime soon? Find virtual tours of some of the most-liked parks in the USA.
Guns N' Roses headlines Coachella 2016
It's the first of two weekends for the Coachella music festival in Indio, Calif. — and don't cry, because it's going to be epic. Newly reunited Guns N' Roses will headline both Saturdays of the festival, followed by Ice Cube, Disclosure and more. Calvin Harris, Scottish DJ and producer, will headline Sunday, followed by Sia and Major Lazer. Can't make it to Coachella? Here's a look at who's playing where this summer, and here are 12 (affordable!) music fests worth the trip. Follow along with USA TODAY's live coverage here.
N.C. brewers protest anti-LGBT law with beer
North Carolina craft brewers, angry about the state's controversial "bathroom law," plan to brew a special beer called "Don't Be Mean to People: A Golden Rule Saison" starting this weekend. The beer is supported by three dozen state brewers and bars angry about the law and the backlash North Carolina businesses are feeling as a result. Paypal and Bruce Springsteen are among the big names that have canceled plans in the state due to the law, which regulates which public restrooms may be used by transgender individuals. Backers of the law say it supports religious freedom. Profits from the brew will go to LGBT advocacy groups.
NBA playoffs begin
After an exciting close to the NBA regular season Wednesday, basketball is back! The NBA playoffs begin Saturday with a slate of four games. The Indiana Pacers and Toronto Raptors tip off the action at 12:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. The Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder also play Saturday. The other eight teams will begin play Sunday, with the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers revving up the day of basketball at 3 p.m. ET on ABC.
Cuba's communists ponder island's future
Cuban leaders meet Saturday in a closely-watched conclave that could generate major changes for the island's political and economic future. The Congress of the Cuban Communist Party, which comes less than a month after President Obama’s historic visit, is expected to give guidance to Cubans to deal with the influx of American tourists and investment headed their way. The meeting, which happens every five years, is also expected to address a succession plan for the Castro brothers: Revolutionary founder Fidel is 89, and current president Raul is 84.
Essentials:
TV: Wondering what to watch this weekend? USA TODAY's Robert Bianco looks at Vinyl, Girls and House of Darkness.
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