New York Today: Round 2

Pool photo by James Keivom Shake hands, and then…

Tonight’s forecast calls for an aggressive Lhota.

With two weeks until Election Day, Joseph J. Lhota, the Republican, lags far behind his Democratic rival, Bill de Blasio.

The mayoral debate tonight, the second of three, will be one of Mr. Lhota’s last chances to reach a big audience and narrow the gap.

We asked Michael Paulson, the Metro political editor for The New York Times, what to expect from Mr. Lhota.

“A sharper edge,” Mr. Paulson predicted. “Gloves off.”

Look for Mr. Lhota to hit hard on crime, charter schools, and what he deems Mr. de Blasio’s lack of experience.

Mr. Lhota is hoping to recover from his performance in last week’s debate, when he seemed blindsided by Mr. de Blasio’s sharp attacks.

For his part, Mr. De Blasio will probably just keep using the R-word.

“He seems to think the Republican brand is so damaged here in New York City that repeating that over and over is enough to prevent Lhota from picking up support,” Mr. Paulson said.

The debate, at the CUNY Graduate Center, will be on WCBS-TV, and 1010-WINS and CBS-880 radio, from 7 to 8.

Here’s what else you need to know for Tuesday.

WEATHER

This is it, folks. The last foreseeable day above 60 till at least Monday. Partly sunny, with a high of 67. Clouds and maybe a shower tonight. And cold.

COMMUTE

Subways: No delays. Click for latest status.

Rails: Fine so far. Click for L.I.R.R., Metro-North or New Jersey Transit status.

Roads: No major delays. Click for traffic map or radio report on the 1s.

Alternate-side parking is in effect all week.

COMING UP TODAY

- Senior city officials issue a progress report on the recovery from Hurricane Sandy at 1 p.m.

- A master pumpkin carver will create a Jack-o-Lady â€" a pumpkin in the likeness of Lady Gaga â€" assisted by underprivileged children, at Madame Tussaud’s in Times Square. 10:30 a.m.

- Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring” returns to New York as part of new exhibit of Dutch masters opening at the Frick.

- The author Brad Meltzer discusses his book “Decoded,” on great conspiracies, at Barnes and Noble on East 86th Street. 7 p.m. [Free]

- Katz’s Deli is opening a merchandise store and gallery next door showcasing “deli-inspired art.” (Ah, the nouveau Lower East Side). Party at 7 p.m. [Free]

- “Get on the Good Foot,” a dance performance celebrating James Brown by the Phildanco ensemble, opens at the Apollo for a four-night run.

- Strange pairings: beer and a talk about bats (the kind that fly) at the Brooklyn Brewery in Williamsburg. 7:30 p.m. [$20]

- “This is Why You’re Single,” a sketch comedy about dating, at the People’s Improv Theater on East 24th Street. 8 p.m. [$5]

- For more events, see The New York Times Arts & Entertainment guide.

AND FINALLY…

Last spring, Jennifer Brantley was walking through Prospect Park in Brooklyn near Grand Army Plaza when she noticed a big beech had been cut down.

“It got struck by lightning, it was diseased, Sandy didn’t help,” she said.

Ms. Brantley, 33, left small white paper flags and a composition book in a clear bag beside the beech stump on Oct. 10.

Since then, people have posted nearly 50 of her flags on the tree’s roots. (See photo.)

“I miss this tree,” reads the inscription on them.

The composition book has filled with tributes.

“It had skin like an elephant and was wise,” one says.

Someone placed a chunky wooden sculpture on the stump.

It says, “I tried.”

The shrine is still there. You can stop by and pay your respects.

Joseph Burgess contributed reporting.

New York Today is a morning roundup that stays live from 6 a.m. till about noon.

What would you like to see here to start your day? Post a comment, e-mail us at nytoday@nytimes.com or reach us via Twitter using #NYToday.

Find us on weekdays at nytoday.com.