Five Things You Need to Know Today, Feb. 1

1. Today's weather: The National Weather Service is calling for a partly sunny day, with a high near 32 degrees. On Friday night, there will be partly cloudy skies, with a low around 15 degrees.

2. AARP to offer free tax assistance: The AARP will offer Portsmouth area residents free 2012 income tax return preparation assistance at the Portsmouth Public Library beginning on Friday, Feb. 1 through Sunday, April 14. The service will be offered from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. every Sunday. People should call 2-1-1 to make an appointment and walk-ins are also welcome.

3. Prescott Park slips lottery: City officials are currently accepting applications for a seasonal slip rental on the Prescott Park docks from now until Feb. 15. There are 10 slips and a lottery is held to determine which applicants will get to use them. Application forms and seasonal rates can be accessed on the city's website.

4. New city Wastewater Master Plan website: City officials have created a new website to help Portsmouth residents and business owners stay on top of the latest developments regarding the city's Wastewater Master Plan. People can also receive updates by signing up on the website or viewing the Twitter feed at @PortsmouthWWMP.

5. City now accepting EasyPark registrations: City officials are now accepting registrations for the new EasyPark device that allows Portsmouth drivers to pay for whatever time they actually park in a given space downtown. People can register online at www.easyparkusa.com/portsmouth.