Five Things To Know Today, Oct. 7

1.  Today is Friday, Oct. 7.  The National Weather Service predicts sunny skies, a high temperature of 62 degrees and a low of 48 tonight.

2.  Groton's recreation department is running a program called the "Healthiest Loser Challenge" that is based on the "Biggest Loser" television show. The 6-week program places people in teams of 3 to 4 work to with a personal trainer and health counselor each week, then gives a prize to the team that loses the most weight. The program has been offered for two years and winners typically lose 40 pounds. This year, it will be held on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. from Oct. 18 until Nov. 22 at William Seely school. For more information, call (860) 536-5680 or visit www.grotonrec.com.

3.  A status conference is scheduled for Wednesday in New London Superior Court in the Groton murder case that ended in a hung jury this summer. Ryan Wright, of New London, faced the charge in the shooting death of Jamel Campbell at a Groton hotel. The jury deliberated for five days in the case but was deadlocked on the murder charge, and the judge declared a hung jury.

4.  Ledge Light Health District and Groton Public Schools are offering free programs for Groton parents and family members who want to quit smoking. An 8-week program will be held at 6:30 p.m. starting Oct. 17 at West Side Middle School, and includes free nicotine replacement patches or gum. A 7-week program for parents and family members of pre-school children will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 18 from at Riverfront Children’s Center. Dinner will be provided from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

5.  Connecticut Light and Power and Yankee Gas will hold a forum starting at 8 a.m. on Oct. 12 at the Hilton Mystic for people to learn more about energy assistance and other programs. The forum will include social service agencies, and offer updated information about utility payment plans and weatherization programs.