Here are the top free agents available at noon on Wednesday.

Last night, jet-setting guests stood in the southwest corner of Bryant Park to celebrate the launch of the South West Porch, a new spot for hanging around and drinking and snacking, sponsored by South West airlines. Manhattans and ginger margaritas were served against a backdop of pedestrians and park-goers, waiting for  Gold Digger, the Monday night movie, to start.

Tim Zagat (of the Zagatsdining guide) sat on a stool eating a hamburger,…

Yesterday afternoon, the author Alain de Botton posted a comment to the personal blog of critic Caleb Crain, who over the weekend had written unfavorably about his latest book in The New York Times Book Review. In his post, Mr. de Botton told Mr. Crain that he had “killed” his book’s chances in the United States, and included the astonishing line, “I will hate you till the day I die and wish you nothing…

Grand Central Parkway E/B approaching I-278(Brooklyn Queens Expressway) all lanes closed due to an accident at 11:41pm for up 2 hours, Queens County. Use alternate route.

The vote put the City Council in conflict with Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, who has the power to designate the days off yet said he was resolutely opposed to the idea.

The rain on Tuesday left the city close to setting a record for the month. Seattle, meanwhile, has had a sunny spell.

After four decades in control of the New York State Senate, Republicans have found themselves facing an uphill battle.

After a Republican briefly entered the Senate chamber, the Democrats gaveled the body into session and passed a flurry of bills, all of them contested by the Republicans.

With control of schools set to expire Tuesday at midnight, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg reached out to borough presidents in charge of appointing a Board of Education.

Independence Day, actually Saturday, July 4, will be observed.