Happy Monday. We’re waking up to temperatures below freezing this morning. The day is going to be sunny, with crisp blue skies and temperatures reaching a toasty 41 degrees. Good news is that it will get a bit warmer as the week goes on…

A hunt for an attacker who tried to smash the windows of VERS bar on 9th Avenue as many as four times in a week in a suspected hate crimes spree is underway. Read more…

Vers Attacked in Alleged Hate Crime

Hell’s Kitcheners mourning the demise of historic Manganaro’s sub shop will be happy to hear that a new eatery has taken over the West Side space. Chi Restaurant and Bar, a fine-dining Chinese eatery celebrated its grand opening on Saturday — complete with lion dancers. Read more…

Chi Restaurant

What we’ve been reading

With a $750m stockpile, New York’s cannabis farmers have “an unclear path to market” with the state yet to approve retail dispensaries. (The Guardian)

The average New York landlord owns nearly 900 units — but small operators are hurting as regulations increase… (Curbed)

New York City is estimated to have 21,000 unfilled posts. (City and State)

The city’s tab could run to $1bn for migrant schooling and shelter. (Gothamist)

Sincerely yours… The handwritten thank-you note is making a comeback. (New York Times)

Freeze Frame

W55th Street Lights

Thanks to Cynthia for this photo of the lights starting to go up on W55th Street. Did you know that the cost of the fabulous display is $17,270 to hang lights in 20 trees, plus $2,500 more to bring them down in February?

The W55 Block Association has had lights in the trees for the past 44 years. If you would like to help, you can donate via credit card or PayPal by clicking here.

Happy birthday to Laura McGill.