Doggie DNA -- the Way to End Charlestown's Dog Poop Problems?

Today is Wednesday, July 6. Here are five things you need to know today.

1. Doggie DNA. It could be the secret weapon Charlestown needs to identify (and penalize?) where it doesn’t belong. There’s a company in Tennessee that will analyze a sample of dog poop and use DNA to match it to the offending owner. Only problem: getting pet owners to submit a DNA sample from their pooch. Apparently this is working in some gated communities where all residents (and pets) can be accounted for. Something to consider? Or is this way too creepy? Either way, it’s interesting. Tip of the hat to Dave Evans, who shared this New York Times article with me about the service.

2. It’s easy for people in Charlestown to ignore what’s happening on the other side of Boston. Mattapan and Dorchester might as well be another state. But as a member of the media, I receive daily emails from the police department about crime happening all over the city. About once a week there’s a fatal shooting somewhere in Boston. Or brutal crimes that leave people in critical condition. This Fourth of July there was a lot of crime: four were killed and 9 wounded in separate attacks. I think it’s important for everyone in the city to be aware of it. Please take a minute to read this story, which gives up a wrap-up of the grisly events. 

3. This is very good news for anyone with a child to entertain this summer. The Boston Public Library has put its museum program pass program online. You can get free and discounted admission to museums, as well as zoos, parks and the aquarium. Visit the library’s web site to secure your pass, then visit the Charlestown branch to pick it up.

4. If you happened to be near the Charles on Tuesday morning around 5 a.m., maybe you noticed a giant plume of smoke rising over the river. That’s because the fireworks barge caught on fire. Fortunately officials caught it before the fire reached any unexploded rounds. Want to see a photo?

5. And it’s hot. Sunny today with a high around 90. Stay cool.

For more info on what's happening around the neighborhood, visit our events calendar.