Our weekday morning column, 5 Things You Need to Know, provides you with information that can help you plan your day and give you some fodder for water cooler conversations.

1. MacDonald Beach is open for swimming again. The beach was closed late last week after tests showed high bacteria levels. A follow-up test revealed "satisfactory water quality for swimming." 

2. That's good timing, with temperatures climbing again. Forecasters say Monday's high will be 85 degrees and Tuesday will hit 87. 

3. Now that you are using the new wheeled containers for trash and recycling, you may be wondering what to do with your old plastic rubbing containers or recycling bins. The City of Marlborough is collecting plastic bins at the DPW yard on Neil St. between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Be prepared to show proof of residency. 

4. The Justice for Phantom movement is gaining momentum. More than 1,200 people have now signed an online petition set up by Marlborough realtor Lynn Gorka, who hopes to get 5,000 signatures she can turn over to the MSPCA and the Middlesex County DA's ofice in support of stricter enforcement of animal abandonment laws. 

5. The City Council meets at 8 p.m., with several personnel and committee appointments among the items on the agenda.