5 things you need to know this weekend
After making landfall, Hurricane Harvey remains a terrifying menace
Hurricane Harvey settled over parts of southeast Texas on Saturday after making landfall as a Category 4 storm and bringing 130-mph winds and unleashing storm surges and up to three feet of rain. Harvey is the first major hurricane — classified as Category 3 or above — to hit the U.S. since Hurricane Wilma in 2005. Harvey gradually weakened early Saturday morning, with the National Hurricane Center downgrading it to a Category 1 storm. "This is going to be a very major disaster," said Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who declared a State of Disaster for 30 counties and requested 700 National Guard members to be activated. Late Friday, federal authorities granted Abbott's request for emergency disaster relief associated with the expected damage. Harvey’s effects on the Texas coast are likely to be long-lasting and varied. Here's how to get involved and help the victims of this massive storm.
Mayweather vs. McGregor: Blockbuster fight takes over Las Vegas
Floyd Mayweather Jr. (49-0) is the most accomplished boxer of his generation. Conor McGregor is a UFC star who has never boxed professionally. The two meet in the boxing ring Saturday night in Las Vegas for the spectacle of the summer, with Mayweather the heavy favorite. The fight will likely generate a record-breaking pay day for both fighters. Some 50 million people may watch in the United States alone, with millions more tuning in worldwide. Estimates vary, but Mayweather could pocket $200 million, while McGregor (21-3 MMA, 9-1 UFC) might make $100 million. The main card is at 9 p.m. ET at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Not there? Watch it on Showtime, $99.95.
- McGregor: 'He needs to shut his mouth'
- Mayweather thinks McGregor will fight 'extremely dirty'
- Sportsbooks could lose a ton of money if Mayweather loses
- Mayweather's strip club visits won't stop now
Right-wing rallies and counter-protests extend after Charlottesville
Counter-protesters are gearing up for rallies that are being billed by some as right-wing or white supremacist planned for this weekend. A right-wing rally scheduled for Saturday in San Francisco was canceled on Friday night, but organizers of the Patriot Prayer event, said they plan to hold a news conference in Alamo Square Park at 2 p.m. Saturday. As many as 12 counter-protests had been planned for across the city. Knoxville, Tenn., is bracing for an influx from newly reformed white supremacist group Confederate 28, which plans to protest the possible removal of a Fort Sanders monument honoring Confederate soldiers.
Marchers in Spain set to unite against terrorism
A massive march is scheduled Saturday in Barcelona so Catalans can show their rejection of terrorist violence after the deadly Aug. 17 van attack. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, Catalan President Carles Puigdemont and other leaders said they would be among the estimated 100,000 people to march down Paseo de Gracia, Barcelona's main boulevard, to Plaza Cataluña, near where the attack took place.
Sunday night TV: 'Game of Thrones' season finale and MTV VMAs
Get your popcorn ready because Sunday night is going to be a prime TV night. The Game of Thrones Season 7 finale airs at 9 p.m. ET on HBO, and revelations about some of the key characters are sure to come after last week's epic clash of ice and fire. Catch up with all of the important hints from Season 7 and sign up for our newsletter for all the inside info Monday. For non-Westeros watches, MTV's annual Video Music Awards air Sunday night at 8, and fans are wondering if the show will feature its usual mischief after a tame 2016. Katy Perry will host and perform her single Chained to the Rhythm, and pop rival Taylor Swift will debut the video for new song Look What You Made Me Do. Here's everything you need to know about the show and why uber-popular Despacito wasn't nominated.
Contributing: Associated Press