5 things you need to know Friday

1. 'Maleficent' hits the big screen

Maleficent, the big-budget Disney live-action tale starring Angelina Jolie, opens nationwide on Friday. The film was conceived over four years ago with Jolie in mind. Jolie's daughter, Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, appears as Toddler Aurora, briefly. The then-3-year-old twin sister of Knox (now 5) was the only child they could cast who wouldn't have a meltdown at the sight of those horns.

2. Ex-Microsoft CEO to buy Clippers for $2B
Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has reached a deal to buy the Los Angeles Clippers for $2 billion and a signed contract has been sent to the NBA for approval, a person familiar with the situation told USA TODAY Sports on Thursday. The person, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly, said Shelly Sterling — who last week received written authority from husband Donald Sterling to sell the team — had a signed contract with Ballmer that was sent to the NBA for approval. At least three-quarters of the league's owners must approve the sale.

3. Can you spell winner?

New Yorker Sriram Hathwar, 14, and Texan Ansun Sujoe, 13, spelled to a tie at theScripps National Spelling Bee, the first in more than 50 years.

Ansun Sujoe and Sriram Hathwar celebrate being co-champions at the 2014 Scripps National Spelling Bee.  (Photo: Jack Gruber, USA TODAY)

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4. Obama talks hurricanes ahead of season's start

Sunday is the start of hurricane season, so President Obama is heading to a hurricane preparedness meeting at FEMA headquarters on Friday to emphasize the need to be ready. The federal government predicts a slightly below-average hurricane season in the Atlantic this year.

5. Heat and Pacers ready for Game 6 of East finals

The Miami Heat can reach the NBA finals for the fourth consecutive year by beating the Indiana Pacers on Friday night. The game is in Miami, where the Heat have won their last 10 playoff contests.

Game 5 in Indianapolis: Pacers 93, Heat 90 -- Pacers guard George Hill shoots over Heat center Chris Bosh.  (Photo: Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports)

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And, the essentials:

Weather: Heavy rain and the potential for flooding will continue Friday along the Gulf Coast and in the northern Plains while showers and clouds will keep temperatures cool in much of the East.