This morning brought with it hopeful reports of a tentative agreement that would have ended the deadlock in Albany that has made a mockery of everything good and decent these past few weeks. But now word is that no deal has been reached, and while negotiations will continue over the weekend, it's not promising that Pedro Espada seems intent on keeping his title of president pro tempore after all. Oh, and according to one senator, six or seven Democrats "are willing to form a breakaway coalition — perhaps even with some Republicans — in an effort to hijack the already hijacked conference." [Daily Politics/NYDN]

Earlier: Is the End of the Senate Impasse Almost Here?