Political insiders are doing their best to assess the ramifications of yesterday's bizarre coup in Allbany that resulted in Republicans regaining control of the Senate. Late yesterday, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver was not giving up hope that Democrats could retain control. The chaos in the capitol means that issues like gay marriage, mayoral control of NYC's schools, tenant rights and drug law reform are all now in limbo. The developments are bad news for Senator Daniel Squadron, who represents the LES. It looks like he'll lose his chairmanship of the Cities Committee.
Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer wants to require developers, in some neighborhoods, to address the need for food markets. But the Lower East Side is not one of those neighborhoods.
The Vision Festival kicks off today. We'll have a series of post's starting this afternoon. Until then, have a look at the Village Voice's write up on saxophonist Marshall Allen, one of the highlights of this year's festival.
Metromix gives us a look at The Suffolk, the new "beachy" bar behind the Clemente Soto Velez Cultural Center.
Our favorite cheese lady, Anne Saxelby, now has her own radio show!
