Aug. 9: Five Things You Need to Know Today

1. Raccoons have been plaguing Queens neighborhoods from Little Neck to Forest Hills, and now, Sen. Tony Avella, D-Bayside, and Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi, D-Forest Hills, are trying to do something about it. 

2. If you're trying to pick a movie to see this week, Douglaston editor Nathan Duke has some suggestions. Find out what's worth your while - and what definitely isn't - . 

3. A plan to punish cops who don't properly document the tickets they write has cost the city nearly a million dollars, the New York Post reports. 

4. It's probably a good thing summer is winding down, since going to the beach may not be the refreshing activity you thought it was. 

5. The weather today will likely be sunny in the morning, hovering around the mid-70s, but the chance of rain will increase as the day continues, so be sure to carry an umbrella.