5 Things to Know Today: May 25, 2012

1. The weather

The National Weather Service says we can expect a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7 a.m. Otherwise, skies will be mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Friday night there will be a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 a.m. Skies will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 62.

2. Gas prices

According to DetroitGasPrices.com, the lowest reported gasoline price in the White Lake area as of Thursday night was $3.76 per gallon at the gas station.

3. On this day in history

According to History.com, in 1977, Memorial Day weekend opens with an intergalactic bang as the first of George Lucas' blockbuster Star Wars movies hits American theaters. The incredible success of Star Wars--it received seven Oscars, and earned $461 million in U.S. ticket sales and a gross of close to $800 million worldwide--began with an extensive, coordinated marketing push by Lucas and his studio, 20th Century Fox, months before the movie's release date. "It wasn't like a movie opening," actress Carrie Fisher, who played rebel leader Princess Leia, later told Time magazine. "It was like an earthquake." Beginning with--in Fisher's words--"a new order of geeks, enthusiastic young people with sleeping bags," the anticipation of a revolutionary movie-watching experience spread like wildfire, causing long lines in front of movie theaters across the country and around the world.

4. In the news

Memorial Day weekend is upon us. Looking for a local event or parade?

5. Add Your Events to Patch

Have an event you want to share with the community? Add your own event to White Lake Patch's calendar.