Five Things To Know Today

1.  Today is Thursday, July 14.  The National Weather Service predicts sunny skies, a high temperature of 77 degrees and a low of 60 degrees tonight.

2.  U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney has been chosen to serve on a bipartisan panel to look at waste and inefficiency in the department of defense, a statement by his office said. Courtney was named by Rep. Howard P.  McKeon (R-CA.), the chairman of the house armed services committee, and Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA), who recently visited Groton.

3.  The commanding officer and crew of the submarine USS Alexandria were recognized this month for safety excellence by the Secretary of the Navy, according to a statement by Submarine Group Two public affairs. The group was among 19 to receive the safety excellence award during a ceremony this month at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C. The group was praised for achievements including zero mishaps during the year, and zero man hours lost.

4.  A summer story time program called "Books By The Banner" runs at 10 a.m. every Thursday at Poquonnock Plains Park, unless it rains. The program is free; Miss Tracy reads to the kids. 

5.  Groton's collegiate league baseball team, the Mystic Schooners, host the the Newport Gulls at 6:30 p.m. today at Fitch Senior High School. The Schooners take on the Old Orchard Beach Raging Tide at 6:30 on Friday at Fitch. If you haven't seen a game, the weather this evening will be perfect.