Yes, Irene by and large passed over New York City with less damage than some had feared, leading some to glibly announce that we were a bunch of overreacting ninnypants. But the same cannot be said for our neighbors to the north—in many parts of upstate New York and Vermont, the damage is still being fully assessed, with state parks and historic sites looking to be in bad shape. more ›

Looks like the terrorists might be winning: New Yorkers are starting to go elsewhere to get their smokes. Some have found that they can save nearly $4 a pack by heading to New Jersey, and those upstate have been crossing the border to Vermont. Rachell Monty of Plattsburgh told the Burlington Free Press, "It’s absolutely insane. I’m going to keep buying my cigarettes on this side of the lake." Though Vermont's taxes are lower than Jersey's, it isn't worth the cost of gas to most city residents to schlep to the nearest Vermont border town. Though gas is also cheaper in both Jersey and Vermont. more ›

NY state won't allow same-sex couples to get married, but it will "recognize" them, and according to a recent ruling, it will allow gay couples to legally part ways. In 2003 Vermont sanctioned the marriage of two Schenectady women, but when one went back for an annulment she was told she'd need to live in the state for at least a year. In her home county she was also denied, but the gay and lesbian rights group Lamda Legal fought for her freedom, reports the News. Setting a precedent for other gay marriages gone sour, a midlevel appeals court ruled that NY judges have the power to annul same-sex unions made outside the state. The jury's still out on divorce, though.
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The unwelcome houseguest accused of stabbing his Hell’s Kitchen host to death then taking off with his credit card, comes off as callous and unrepentant in interviews with cops. Justin Waller has pleaded not guilty to killing 41-year-old events planner John Lea, but according to recently released statements he told police “I just did it. I started sticking him with the knife. He didn't say anything to me, so I just covered him with the comforter and the pillows," explaining that "I didn't want to look at him. And I didn't want him looking at me." more ›

We thought Sen. Chuck Schumer was being silly when he suggested "tapping into" NY's maple trees in answer to a global syrup shortage, but it turns out he was onto something big. This week The Local took us on a tour Brooklyn maple trees—turns out they're positively gushing with the stuff. So grab your hammer, drill bit, plastic tubing and bucket—it's time to tap this shit! more ›

A couple from New York became the first wed in Vermont as the state's same-sex marriage law went into effect after midnight. WPTZ reports, "Bill Slimback and Bob Sullivan waited 17 years before finally tying the knot in a midnight ceremony at a lodge in Duxbury... Slimback said he and Sullivan -- who are from Whitehall, N.Y. -- have long wanted to cement their relationship by marriage. Since they can't legally marry in New York, they chose to have their wedding in Vermont." Aw. Gay marriage, supported by NY Governor David Paterson, has been put on the back burner by the State Senate. In brighter news, Ben & Jerry's is now offering Hubby Hubby-a temporary renaming of Chubby Hubby to honor Vermont's decision. more ›

Northeast Kingdom sits on the southwest corner of Wyckoff and Troutman streets in Bushwick, a block from the L train's Jefferson stop and myriad one-story warehouses and industrial spaces. Native Vermonters Paris Smeraldo and his wife, Meg Lipke, have invoked a funky ambiance with taxidermy and vintage wallpaper alongside a bar backed with orange and yellow stained glass. Throw in the flickering candlelight and you've got a place to linger for hours after dark. more ›

Today's big Texas primary, the Post has delivered a cover with Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama as old West gunslingers. And since Obama's hand in on his gun, it makes sense the headline for the story is, "Barack Goes For Hill Kill." (Obama believes in gun control, though he backed a law allowing retired cops to carry concealed weapons). more ›

One of the Stuyvesant High School students seriously injured in last Saturday's Vermont van crash has returned home to New York. Junior Lucia Hsiao, a member of the girls' junior varsity track team, had suffered serious neck injuries but was able to "gingerly walk" to her room on her own. The Staten Island resident is wearing a halo around her head and will require a lot of rehab, but her dad said, "It could have been worse. She's done with the first step of recovery." more ›

As the Stuyvesant community remains concerned over the health of two students and a coach who were seriously injured after a track team van crash, it now seems that the trip was not authorized by the school. more ›