5 Things You Need to Know Today, Aug. 2

Five Things You Need to Know Today" is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. 

Today is Thursday, Aug. 2. Here are 5 things you need to know:

• Cloudy, slight chance of afternoon storms: Looks like a gray day is in store today. According to the National Weather Service we can expect a 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Otherwise cloudy but the sun might come out later this afternoon with a high near 88 degrees. Partly cloudy tonight with a low around 66. 

• Public meeting: The Housing Authority is meeting at 10 a.m. in the Housing Authority Office, 15 Birchcrest Street. 

• Casino night for pups: is hosting a casino night for dogs at 6 p.m. this evening. Does your pup enjoy games? If so, bring your furry companion to Unleashed by and we bet they will have a fun time trying out some great doggie games.

• Fire-side stories: Come to the Burlington Public Library today to learn some great stories to tell by the fire. The library is hosting a for children entering grades 2 to 5 at 11 a.m. this morning. They will tell tall tales, spooky stories, fairy tales and more.

• The South finally admits defeat: On this day in 1865, the C.S.S. Shenandoah finally accepts the fact that the Civil War is over. The Confederate cruiser had set sail in October of 1864 and targeted Yankee whaling ships in the Pacific. The Shenandoah captured 32 vessels between February and August. Although the crew heard rumors that the war was over, the Shenandoah continued to fight. On Aug. 2, an English captain reported the end of the war and the cruiser began the long trip home.