New York Times - N/Y Region

The N.B.A. finals return to Madison Square Garden on Monday. Some high-profile guests are expected.

With the Amputee Football World Cup nearing, an elite squad of athletes gathered on Long Island to vie for a spot on the national men’s team, displaying skill and grit.Under the rules of the amputee cup, teams play seven-a-side soccer. There is no offside rule, so speed and long passes can confer an advantage.

The stars of “Giant,” “Fallen Angels,” “The Rocky Horror Show,” “Ragtime” and more prove they’ll go to great lengths to be believable in a role.

Stephen Hanson, whose empire included Blue Water Grill and Ruby Foo’s, performed an array of tasks, including arranging jobs, visas and entertainment for women.

Representative Adriano Espaillat and his progressive challenger, Darializa Avila Chevalier, have zeroed in on Harlem, traditionally hostile turf for the Democratic incumbent.Representative Adriano Espaillat held a campaign rally with labor leaders in Harlem last week, part of an effort to court voters in an area where his support is weaker.