5 things you need to know this weekend
1. Fly into Washington's National Cherry Blossom Festival
Passengers at Dulles International and Reagan National airports will be seeing pink. The President and CEO of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority wants travelers to feel like they are stepping right into the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which starts this weekend. The airports are holding drawings for VIP seats to festival's big parade in D.C. on April 11 and are offering giveaways to some of its passengers. Don't miss the blossoms at their peak from April 9 to April 14.
2. Who will win at the Auto Club Speedway?
So who will stand in the victory lane at Auto Club Speedway this weekend? NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson has a record five victories at ACS, and though his most recent win came in 2010, he'll still enter Sunday as the favorite. Kyle Busch, who has won the last two races, will be watching the race from home after breaking his leg and foot in a February crash.
3. As the Persian New Year approaches, Obama calls for Iran to release hostages
President Obama is using the occasion of the Persian New Year, which falls on Saturday, to call on Iran to release three detainees held in the country. In a statement on Friday, Obama urged the Iranian government to release Saeed Abedini, Amir Hekmati and Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian — all of whom have spent several years detained. The Iranian government has indicated that it would move forward on a trial for Rezaian after the holiday, his brother, Ali Rezaian, said earlier this month.
4. It's a wrap for South by Southwest
All good things must come to an end and South by Southwest is no different. The festival of food, music and media ends this Sunday, but in the meantime, there's still much to come. Chef Rachael Ray hosts her sixth annual Feedback at Stubb's event on Saturday with Raekwon and Delta Spirit slated to perform, and Comedy Central and Converse will also be hosting shindigs on Saturday.
5. Attention spring breakers: A Hawaiian getaway won't break the bank!
Looking for a spring break getaway? Airfare to Hawaii — where the silky aqua water and sunshine don't cost a dime — has never been cheaper. Yes, you can afford Hawaii, or dare to dream. With airfares from the mainland to the Aloha State running near historical lows — less than $800 round trip from several U.S. cities to Honolulu now through June — Hawaii is suddenly a real possibility for more travelers.
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