5 Things You Need to Know Today: March 12

1. Papal Conclave: The process toward electing a new pope begins today in The Vatican. Do you think Boston's Cardinal Sean O'Malley will be elected?

2. Weather: At least it's not snow: The National Weather Service is predicting a day of rain.

3. You Ask, Patch Answers: We're working on one from the comments of our post from last week. You should see it Friday.

4. Calling All History Buffs: The Charlestown Historical Society will host a lecture on the Middlesex Canal today from 7-8 p.m. at the Bunker Hill Museum. Watch a film on the history of the canal and participate in a Q&A with a noted canal historian. This even is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

5. Become a Police Officer: The civil service exam for police officers and state troopers is being offered on April 20 at various locations around the state. The cost is $100 per person, and the deadline to apply is March 18. Learn more and download an application at mass.gov/civilservice.

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