Aug. 3: Five Things You Need to Know Today

1. The big news on Tuesday was that the Senate signed a hard-won agreement on the debt ceiling, approving the deal by a margin of 74-26. The compromise came just hours before the government was set to default on its national debt.

2. Have you kind of always wanted your own enchanted cottage? There's one on the market in Douglaston.

3. Come back a bit later today for the second installment of our new column on .

4. Do you have some nifty skill or hobby you want to share? Want to give your existing blog some good local exposure? Blog for Little Neck Patch! Email laurene@patch.com for more details.

5. Excellent news, summer-haters: today's weather is expected to be nice and soggy, with a predicted high of only 77 degrees.