5 things you need to know this weekend
Hillary ends the suspense, names Tim Kaine as her VP pick
It took a while but Hillary Clinton finally announced Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine as her running mate for the Democratic party's ticket on Friday. Kaine, 58, has been high on Clinton's radar because of his extensive governing experience for some time; he is one of just 20 people to have served as a mayor, governor and U.S. senator. Even though he risks exacerbating the divisions in her party, Kaine hopes to deliver the crucial swing state of Virginia that Clinton will need come November. The two are expected to campaign together for the first time Saturday at an appearance in Miami ahead of the Democratic National Convention next week.
Police search for motives behind deadly Munich attack
German authorities are piecing together key details following Friday's fatal shooting rampage at the Bavarian capital that killed at least 9 people and injured 27 others. Munich police chief Hubertus Andrae said the suspect, an 18-year-old German-Iranian from Munich, opened fire in a crowded shopping mall and a nearby McDonald’s before killing himself. Police officials later confirmed that the shooter had no connections to the Islamic State or the asylum seeker community. The attack, the third to target civilians in Western Europe in just over a week, follows the deadly assault in Nice and a knife and ax rampage on a train in Bavaria. German Chancellor Angela Merkel plans to meet with her security cabinet on Saturday.
Russia to learn whether its athletes are banned from Rio Olympics
The Summer Games are almost here, but athletic powerhouse Russia could be watching from the sidelines. The International Olympic Committee is expected to rule Sunday on whether to ban all Russian athletes from competing in Rio. The Games begin August 5. The decision comes after the Court of Arbitration for Sport decided Thursday to uphold a ban of the Russian track and field team from this year's Olympics. The entire Russian athletics program is under fire after recent reports of doping across virtually all sports and subsequent cover ups from top officials in the country.
He's baaaaack! NASCAR great Jeff Gordon coming out of retirement
We never thought we'd see him behind the wheel again, but just eight months after an emotional farewell from NASCAR, Jeff Gordon is taking over for a concussed Dale Earnhard Jr. for at least the next two races. Gordon, who for 23 years raced for Hendrick Motorsports and helped make NASCAR a mainstream sport, will take the wheel for the No. 88 car at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Pocono Raceway. The winner of four Cup championships, the 44-year-old just happens to be the all-time leader in wins at both Indianapolis (five) and Pocono (six). Follow @jeff_gluck for updates and catch the action Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on NBCSN.
Weekend fun arrives at Comic-Con
One of the biggest conventions out there is happening this weekend, and no, we’re not talking about Republicans or Democrats. We’re talking about San Diego Comic-Con, which brings fans, stars and creators from around the world together as Hollywood parades its best nerd-fare. The event, which opened last week with the premiere of Star Trek Beyond, runs through the weekend. Saturday’s events include panels from Warner Bros. (home of DC Comics movies and Harry Potter prequel Fantastic Beasts) and Marvel (home to Iron Man and friends). Past years have seen big trailer debuts, casting announcements and even a concert of Star Wars music. For the latest in nerddery, follow along with USA TODAY all weekend.
And the essentials:
Be inspired: After father flees Iraq, three sons save lives in U.S.
Weekend TV: Wondering what to watch this weekend? TV critic Robert Bianco looks at a Syfy film festival, Looking and The Night Of.
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Contributing: Associated Press
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