Here are five pieces of information designed to help you get a jump-start on your weekend and to help make you the sharpest tool in the shed.

1. You Local Weekend Weather Forecast: According to the NWS, today will be mostly sunny, with a high near 36. North wind between 7 and 10 mph. Friday Night: Increasing clouds, with a low around 21. West wind between 3 and 6 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 38. Northwest wind between 8 and 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 19. North wind between 3 and 9 mph.
Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 38.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 24.

2. It's Happening Tonight: We don't often talk about a basketball game being big. But tonight's game between Dracut and Tewksbury High is huge. The Redmen could achieve the unthinkable and qualify for the State Tournament with a win tonight over the visiting Middies. Game time is 7:30 p.m. in the Tewksbury High gym.

3. Quote Of The Day: "For 16 years, my opponent, Barry Finegold, has voted to tax, regulate, and spend. His votes have damaged the state economy, eliminated thousands of jobs, and lowered your standard of living," said Adams. "The legislation he supports demonstrates how badly he’s grown out-of-touch with the Merrimack Valley." State Rep. Paul Adams fired as he announced that he will not be seeking re-election, but will, instead, be challenging incumbent state Sen. Barry Finegold.

4. Reader Comment Of The Day: "@Bonnie please don't blame the president and the economy for this moron....i went to HS with him and he was the same then." Reader John Smith, commenting on the story, "Tewksbury Man Arrested In Connection With Two Bank Robberies."

5. It's Happening Tonight, The Sequel: Entertainer Jim Plunkett will be at the Tewksbury Country Club tonight, headlining a benefit event for the Tewksbury Youth Skating Association. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

And Another Thing ... Gas prices continue to creep upward. Before you fill up, check out the prices at Tewksbury Gas Stations by clicking here..