Five Things: BudCom to Talk School Upgrades

1. TODAY'S FORECAST: Today will be mostly sunny with a high of 22 followed by partly cloudy skies and a low of 17 tonight.

2. BUDCOM TO MEET: The Budget Committee will have a presentation, discussion and preliminary votes on school warrant articles tonight at 7 at the Salem High School TV studio.

3. HOW TO SUBMIT A CITIZEN PETITION: The deadline to submit a citizen petition in Salem is next Tuesday (Jan. 8). Find out more on how to submit a petition here.

4. THIS DAY IN HISTORY: In the climax of deteriorating relations between the United States and Fidel Castro's government in Cuba, President Dwight D. Eisenhower closes the American embassy in Havana and severs diplomatic relations.

5. GUNS NO MORE FOR LEGISLATORS ON STATEHOUSE FLOOR: A controversial piece of legislation was approved at the statehouse yesterday. Guns will now be banned from the House floor, gallery and anterooms. Join the discussion on the decision here.