Kentucky Derby, West Coast heat wave, Nick Cordero tribute: 5 things to know this Labor Day weekend

Editors, USA TODAY
·3 min read

Kentucky Derby lines up for fan-free race

The Kentucky Derby begins again on Saturday — and this time around, the fastest two minutes in sports will also be the quietest in the race's history. Churchill Downs scrapped plans earlier this month for 23,000 physically distanced, masked fans to attend the rescheduled Triple Crown race. It will be the first time spectators will not be allowed to attend. The Derby has followed other sports and events in going on without fans — including the Belmont Stakes in June. In announcing the decision, Churchill Downs president/CEO Kevin Flanery acknowledged the city “is going through a lot right now” and “a lot of people” are hurting. Officials did decide, however, to continue playing a modified version of the controversial anthem "My Old Kentucky Home."

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Heat roasts West Coast this holiday weekend

A heat wave is baking the West with triple digits this Labor Day weekend. The intense heat arrives as California is cleaning up after a series of wildfires and hoping to avoid rolling blackouts from too much of a strain on the electrical power system. But its not just California. The heat wave will also bring blistering temperatures to Utah, Arizona and Nevada. The National Weather Service issued excessive heat warnings covering much of the Southwest.

Nick Cordero honored by Broadway castmates in memorial tribute

Nick Cordero’s castmates will gather to honor the late Tony Award-nominated actor on Sunday. Cordero's castmates from "A Bronx Tale," "Bullets Over Broadway," "The Toxic Avenger," "Rock of Ages" and "Waitress" will be among the participants in a memorial tribute streaming exclusively on Broadway on Demand at 7 p.m. Cordero spent three months on a ventilator in the intensive care unit at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center battling the effects of COVID-19. He died on July 5 and is survived by his wife, Amanda Kloots, a fellow actor and celebrity fitness trainer, and his infant son, Elvis. The memorial will be free of charge, with donations accepted to benefit the Save The Music Foundation, which aids music programs in public schools.

Serena Williams sets up US Open showdown vs. Sloane Stephens

Serena Williams has moved into an all-American showdown at the U.S. Open against Sloane Stephens that will take place Saturday. It is their seventh matchup; Williams leads 5-1, including victories in the past four meetings, but they last played at the 2015 French Open. Stephens’ lone head-to-head victory came all the way back at the 2013 Australian Open. “I’m playing such a good player so early,” Williams said, “so I have to bring what I can even more.” This caliber of contest certainly doesn’t feel as if it belongs in merely the third round at a Slam, but that’s the luck of the draw this time.

Eyeing a much-needed purchase? Now is the perfect time to buy

In case you missed the memo, Labor Day is Monday. Thankfully, you don't have to wait till then to rake in meaningful savings on incredible holiday deals. Whether you're shopping for appliances, mattresses or perusing sitewide sales, Reviewed has taken the liberty of sifting through all the most exciting discounts this Labor Day has to offer. So go ahead and treat yourself. You'll thank us later.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kentucky Derby, West Coast heat wave: 5 things to know this weekend