Friends Go For Common Renovations Approval

SONG OF THE DAY: "Claire" by Jimmy Eat World

Good morning, Beacon Hill! Here are five things you need to know today, Tuesday, July 22:

1. COMMON RENOVATIONS: The Friends of the Public Garden are set to go before the Boston Landmarks Commission Tuesday to gain final approval for their plans to renovate Lafayette Plaza on Boston Common. Read more here.

2. RMV CHANGES COMING?: While it would not impact the current branch on Washington Street in Boston, the state is considering major changes to the Registry of Motor Vehicles and the number of branches. Many local, suburban branches in locations like Roslindale and Watertown, could close. More information here.

3. GET THE PATCH NEWSLETTER: Have you signed up for the Beacon Hill Patch Daily Newsletter yet? Each morning you can get Beacon Hill Patch news delivered directly to your e-mail inbox. It's totally free, so if you like what you read here, sign up now!

4. THIS DAY IN HISTORY: On this day in 1984, 21-year-old Vanessa Williams gives up her Miss America title, the first resignation in the pageant's history, after Penthouse magazine announces plans to publish nude photos of the beauty queen in its September issue. Williams originally made history on September 17, 1983, when she became the first black woman to win the Miss America crown. Miss New Jersey, Suzette Charles, the first runner-up and also an African American, assumed Williams' tiara for the two months that remained of her reign. Information courtesy of History.com.

5. TODAY'S FORECAST: Showers likely, change of thunderstorms, high of 80. More chance of showers tonight with a low of 70.