UNCC student to be honored, Kentucky Derby and spring meteor shower: 5 things you need to know this weekend
Slain student to be honored, buried with military honors
University of North Carolina at Charlotte student and ROTC Cadet Riley Howell will be buried with full military honors, according to Wells Funeral Homes via local reports from WBTV and WLOS. Howell, 21, was one of two people killed April 30 when police say a gunman, identified as Trystan Andrew Terrell, opened fire in a UNCC classroom building. Four others were injured. Howell was likely the second fatality in the shooting, but not before he attempted to stop the gunman — and in the process, saved lives, said Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Chief Kerr Putney. Howell's remains were escorted to his hometown of Waynesville, N.C., 150 miles west of Charlotte, with a procession. Community members yelled "thank you" and "you're a hero" as the caravan rolled by. Wells Funeral Homes' website states a memorial service for Howell will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday and the family will receive friends Saturday evening.
Spring's best meteor shower puts on a show
Now that the weather is finally warming up, it's a good weekend to get outside and look for shooting stars. The Eta Aquarid meteor shower, often the best shower of the spring, will be at its peak Sunday morning, with the best views offered before dawn. Astronomy magazine said an observer at a dark site can expect to see up to 20 meteors per hour – an average of one every three minutes.
The Run for the Roses
Get ready for the fastest two minutes in sports this Saturday at the Kentucky Derby. Despite several favorites pulled from the competition at the last minute, it looks like it's still going to be an exciting — albeit potentially very muddy —day at the race track for fans and gamblers alike.
Free Comic Book and 'Star Wars' day
Saturday might be the most ambitious nerd holiday crossover in history as free comic book day coincides with the unofficial celebration of all things "Star Wars" May 4 (as in "May the Fourth be with you"). This "Star Wars" Day, fans will commemorate the Tuesday death of actor Peter Mayhew, who played the legendary Chewbacca, revisit the character's role in the original trilogy and his famous friendship with Han Solo. Here are some other ways to celebrate "Star Wars" day and in honor of free comic book day, a look at how comic shops have benefited from "The Avengers."
Mucho deals for Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo is more than just holiday time in Mexico. May 5 has become a popular day for Americans to consume Mexican food, drinks and culture. And there are deals to be had. On Sunday, you can load up the plate with $2 tacos, drink up $1 margaritas and take advantage of other discounts. There are a few freebies, too, and some offers start early.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: UNCC student to be honored, Kentucky Derby and spring meteor shower: 5 things you need to know this weekend
