newyorkpost--2020-03-19--Enforcement of New York’s plastic bag ban postponed due to coronavirus

New Yorkers can still get groceries and supplies in plastic bags during the coronavirus pandemic .
State officials have announced @ @ @ @ @ enforce New York ’ s controversial plastic bag ban until May 15 , it was @ @ @ @ @ York State ’ s Department of Conservation posted on its website that it would postpone @ @ @ @ @ from April 1 as the agency deals with lawsuit and coronavirus concerns .
The ban @ @ @ @ @ exceptions , including prescription drugs — went into effect on March 1 , with enforcement @ @ @ @ @ .
Enforcement was originally extended to mid-April after New York business owners filed a lawsuit @ @ @ @ @ t have time to prepare for the ban .
“ This does not affect the @ @ @ @ @ City , Suffolk County and Tompkins County requiring that the 5-cent paper carryout bag reduction @ @ @ @ @ paper carryout bags , ” the website reads .
Maine lawmakers also voted Tuesday to @ @ @ @ @ plastic bag ban until 2021 , plasticnews.com reported .

New Yorkers can still get groceries and supplies in plastic bags during the coronavirus pandemic.
State officials have announced they now won’t enforce New York’s controversial plastic bag ban until May 15, it was revealed this week.
New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation posted on its website that it would postpone the enforcement of the ban from April 1 as the agency deals with a lawsuit that is delayed due to the coronavirus crisis.
“Folks, if you are concerned about the cleanliness of your reusable bag, please consider washing it — as you wash clothes or hands. It’s good hygiene anyway,” tweeted DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “New Yorkers are pleased with the bag ban and have no interest in a return to polluting ways.”
The ban — which has a few exceptions, including prescription drugs — went into effect on March 1, with enforcement to begin on April 1.
Enforcement was originally extended to mid-April after New York business owners filed a lawsuit, claiming they didn’t have time to prepare for the ban.
“This does not affect the local laws in New York City, Suffolk County and Tompkins County requiring that the 5-cent paper carryout bag reduction fee must be charged on paper carryout bags,” the website reads.
Maine lawmakers also voted Tuesday to postpone the state’s plastic bag ban until 2021, plasticnews.com reported.


newyorkpost--2020-03-19--Morbid ‘boomer remover’ coronavirus meme only makes millennials seem more awful

Let 's face it : It 's bad out there , but we 're all ...

There’s a morbid — and chillingly astute — new slang term for the coronavirus pandemic: boomer remover.
Spawned in the underbelly of Reddit, the nihilistic catchphrase has gained traction on all social media platforms, especially among savvy millennials who picked up on the fact that the COVID-19 virus seems to take aim at baby boomers, or those aged between 55 and 75.
And despite the fact that nearly 40% of coronavirus-related hospitalizations in the US have occurred in patients younger than 54, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the disease is hitting older adults much harder: 80% of deaths associated with the illness were among those 65 and older.
Hence, “boomer remover” is now officially a trending meme.
Yet, as public health officials urge people of all ages to go home and stay there in an effort to “flatten the curve” of infection, many young people can’t help but notice that their boomer parents and grandparents appear to be taking a decidedly more lackadaisical approach to the global health crisis.
And that’s got adult offspring pretty worried about their older kin.
“Best advice for convincing a diabetic boomer parent to stop commuting into the city?” an anxious Lucy Carson, a literary agent at the Friedrich Agency, wrote on Twitter. “Rage-sobbing into the phone isn’t helping my cause.”
“I had to tell my 70 yr old mum that they’re calling this pandemic the Boomer Remover before I could convince her to cancel all of her boomer cluster activities,” tweeted another exasperated millennial.
So dire is the phenomenon that a tweet by New Yorker writer Michael Schulman asking if “anyone else noticing a trend of baby-boomer parents who aren’t taking this seriously as their kids” has drawn more than 1,500 replies from alleged children of boomers in similar situations. They included tales of elderly relatives sticking out a Florida vacation, going to church and visiting their own 101-year-old parents.
Seemingly without millennials’ concern for at least their own families, the younger Generation Z demographic has displayed a much more savage outlook toward older individuals.
Twitter user B.W. Carlin echoed scores of social media pundits when he said, “I have been informed by a relative who is a middle school teacher that students are now referring to coronavirus as the ‘boomer remover.’ ”
Last year, the Gen Z and millennial demos both upset their elders with the catchphrase “OK, boomer.” The dismissive expression, delivered with an eye roll, is employed when those 55 and older are perceived by their junior counterparts as out-of-touch and ill-informed.
But the new, extra-strength boomer remover is a step too far for some.
“ ’Lol haha boomer remover’ this also includes your family and loved ones plus several celebrities and politicians that have always supported young people and their politics so shut the f - - k up,” tweeted one critic of the term.
“This is the #BoomerRemover crowd in a nutshell: spoiled children who were never told ‘NO’ and never taught empathy or responsibility. No one else matters,” complained another. “Whatever sweetie wants, sweetie gets.”
Earlier this week, Financial Times writer Rana Foroohar extrapolated on the political subtext of the buzzword.
“Young people calling the coronavirus a ‘boomer remover’ may reflect the general lack of empathy in society these days,” she wrote, “but it may also mirror the free-floating political anger that the current generation has for their elders.”
Others, though, are seeking to temper the controversy, arguing that some boomers would do well to remember that they, too, were once teenagers amid a generational struggle (read: the sexual revolution; Vietnam War protests; The Beatles).
“Teens calling the coronavirus the ‘boomer remover’ is s - - tty,” wrote videographer Jack Saint, “but people trying to lecture them on how it’s wrong . . . need to remember what teenagers are like.”
After all, the same generation laughing off the coronavirus-induced death of their elders are the same folks swarming the Florida shores on spring break right now.


newyorkpost--2020-03-19--GameStop claims to be ‘essential retail’ during coronavirus lockdowns

It ’ s never been better to be a gamer .
Video game retail giant GameStop called itself “ essential retail ” in a memo to employees , instructing them to keep stores open — despite local governments nationwide issuing lockdowns amid the coronavirus crisis , Kotaku reported .
“ Due to the products we carry that enable and enhance our customers ’ experience in working from home , we believe GameStop is classified as essential retail and therefore is able to remain open during this time , ” the memo obtained by Kotaku said .
GameStop also allegedly told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corporate headquarters if they wish to attempt to enforce closures .
“ We have received reports of local authorities visiting stores in an attempt to enforce closure despite our classification .
Store Managers are approved to provide the document linked below to law enforcement as needed , ” the memo read .
A GameStop employee wore a mask at one of the chain ’ s locations in Rockland County on Monday , telling The Post she wished the store would close out of concern for her 70-year-old father .
“ I hate wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If I have to keep working , I need to make sure he ’ s okay , ” she said .
On Wednesday , Gov .
Andrew Cuomo told all businesses statewide to instruct half of their employees to work from home — with “ essential employees ” continuing to work onsite .
The Bay Area instructed residents to shelter-in-place — which Tesla management also said it would defy , claiming to be part of “ national critical infrastructure.
” Tesla CEO Elon Musk also offered to make ventilators during the pandemic @

It’s never been better to be a gamer.
Video game retail giant GameStop called itself “essential retail” in a memo to employees, instructing them to keep stores open — despite local governments nationwide issuing lockdowns amid the coronavirus crisis, Kotaku reported.
“Due to the products we carry that enable and enhance our customers’ experience in working from home, we believe GameStop is classified as essential retail and therefore is able to remain open during this time,” the memo obtained by Kotaku said.
GameStop also allegedly told employees to encourage police officers to call corporate headquarters if they wish to attempt to enforce closures.
“We have received reports of local authorities visiting stores in an attempt to enforce closure despite our classification. Store Managers are approved to provide the document linked below to law enforcement as needed,” the memo read.
A GameStop employee wore a mask at one of the chain’s locations in Rockland County on Monday, telling The Post she wished the store would close out of concern for her 70-year-old father.
“I hate wearing this mask, but I have to. If I have to keep working, I need to make sure he’s okay,” she said.
On Wednesday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo told all businesses statewide to instruct half of their employees to work from home — with “essential employees” continuing to work onsite.
The Bay Area instructed residents to shelter-in-place — which Tesla management also said it would defy, claiming to be part of “national critical infrastructure.”
Tesla CEO Elon Musk also offered to make ventilators during the pandemic.


newyorkpost--2020-03-20--Ex-FEMA chief Craig Fugate storms out of MSNBC interview with Katy Tur

Former FEMA chief Craig Fugate had a meltdown on MSNBC , storming off after declaring that he didn ’ t have “ time to listen to bull— , people ” after another guest criticized his comments involving the coronavirus pandemic , according to a report .
Andy Slavitt , the former acting administrator of the Centers for Medicare Services , was disagreeing with Fugate about how much the feds should be involved in the response to the outbreak , The Hill reported .
Fugate , who served along with Slavitt during the Obama administration , argued that Washington should allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the response .
“ The myth of a single person in charge taking control and running this is a myth , ” Fugate said .
“ This is going to be dealt with on the front lines and local and state levels , and each state is going to be addressing this unique to their systems.
” He added : “ I ’ ve always believed the best way the federal government can support governors is to get out of their way , get them funding , use CDC to give guidance.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggesting here is not helpful , ” he said .
“ We need a great partnership between the federal and state government.
” At that point , Fugate got up , uttered the bleep-worthy comment and left .
He later apologized to MSNBC ’ s Katy Tur on Twitter .
“ At the point , I ’ m not helping , time to step back .
Never was good at the talking head thing anyway , ” he wrote .
“ This is too critical of a time to let emotions get in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and your audience .
”

Former FEMA chief Craig Fugate had a meltdown on MSNBC, storming off after declaring that he didn’t have “time to listen to bull—, people” after another guest criticized his comments involving the coronavirus pandemic, according to a report.
Andy Slavitt, the former acting administrator of the Centers for Medicare Services, was disagreeing with Fugate about how much the feds should be involved in the response to the outbreak, The Hill reported.
Fugate, who served along with Slavitt during the Obama administration, argued that Washington should allow the states to have a large role in the response.
“The myth of a single person in charge taking control and running this is a myth,” Fugate said. “This is going to be dealt with on the front lines and local and state levels, and each state is going to be addressing this unique to their systems.”
He added: “I’ve always believed the best way the federal government can support governors is to get out of their way, get them funding, use CDC to give guidance.”
Slavitt disagreed with Fugate’s remarks.
“What your other guest is suggesting here is not helpful,” he said. “We need a great partnership between the federal and state government.”
At that point, Fugate got up, uttered the bleep-worthy comment and left.
He later apologized to MSNBC’s Katy Tur on Twitter.
“At the point, I’m not helping, time to step back. Never was good at the talking head thing anyway,” he wrote. “This is too critical of a time to let emotions get in the way. My apologies to you and your audience.”


newyorkpost--2020-03-20--The hilarious grocery store items people aren’t buying

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Not all groceries are flying off the shelf. Take a video tour of the metro NYC area’s least popular supermarket items — from lunch meat to high-end seltzers like Perrier and La Croix — filmed at grocery stores across Queens, Brooklyn and New Jersey. Meanwhile, shoppers appear to be stocking up on frozen food and produce during the coronavirus pandemic. Pizza sauce? Not so much.
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newyorkpost--2020-03-20--New Jersey family shattered by coronavirus desperate for answers

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Surviving members of the New Jersey family devastated by the coronavirus are pleading for answers as two siblings remained on life support in a New Jersey hospital .
Bridget Fusco Betlow , the family ’ s fifth-born child , told The Post on Thursday that she was overwhelmed by the fatal impact coronavirus is having on her family .
“ I ’ m numb .
I don ’ t even know what to feel , ” Bridget Fusco Betlow , 52 , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My mother , brother and sister are all gone , and we don ’ t have any answers.
” Fusco Betlow , one of the 11 children , spoke to The Post just hours before the death of Vincent Fusco , the fourth member of the family to perish from the illness .
Her sister Elizabeth Fusco , said on CNN ’ s “ Cuomo Prime Time ” that the family is still awaiting test results for a sister who ’ s in grave condition .
“ The doctors ’ don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and how do they treat someone , if [ they don ’ t ] have test results , ” Elizabeth said .
A third hospitalized sibling of Elizabeth ’ s is in stable condition , her cousin and family lawyer Roseann Paradiso said on CNN .
The family is also awaiting the results of tests administered on Saturday to 19 other relatives , including spouses and children of victims , according to Paradiso .
“ No one ever expected a family of 11 children to be decimated like this , ” Paradiso said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go.
” Elizabeth described the heartache her family has suffered , with four deaths from the virus since last Thursday .
“ It ’ s like the second we start to grieve about one , the phone rings and there is another person gone , taken from us forever , ” she said .
The family ’ s first victim was Rita , 55 , a religion teacher at the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine in Freehold , who died on Thursday .
The oldest son in the Fusco family , Carmine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Pennsylvania on Wednesday .
Later Wednesday night , the family ’ s 73-year-old matriarch , Grace Fusco , died without knowing the virus had already claimed two her kids ’ lives , according to reports .

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Surviving members of the New Jersey family devastated by the coronavirus are pleading for answers as two siblings remained on life support in a New Jersey hospital.
Bridget Fusco Betlow, the family’s fifth-born child, told The Post on Thursday that she was overwhelmed by the fatal impact coronavirus is having on her family.
“I’m numb. I don’t even know what to feel,” Bridget Fusco Betlow, 52, said in a brief phone interview.
“My mother, brother and sister are all gone, and we don’t have any answers.”
Fusco Betlow, one of 11 children, spoke to The Post just hours before the death of Vincent Fusco, the fourth member of the family to perish from the illness.
Her sister Elizabeth Fusco said on CNN’s “Cuomo Prime Time” that the family is still awaiting test results for a sister who’s in grave condition.
“The doctors don’t know if she’s positive, and how do they treat someone, if [they don’t] have test results,” Elizabeth said.
A third hospitalized sibling of Elizabeth’s is in stable condition, her cousin and family lawyer Roseann Paradiso said on CNN.
The family is also awaiting the results of tests administered Saturday to 19 other relatives, including spouses and children of victims, according to Paradiso.
“No one ever expected a family of 11 children to be decimated like this,” Paradiso said. “We have a long way to go.”
Elizabeth described the heartache her family has suffered, with four deaths from the virus since last Thursday.
“It’s like the second we start to grieve about one, the phone rings and there is another person gone, taken from us forever,” she said.
The family’s first victim was Rita, 55, a religion teacher at the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine in Freehold, who died on Thursday.
The oldest son in the Fusco family, Carmine, 55, died at a hospital in Pennsylvania on Wednesday.
Later Wednesday, the family’s 73-year-old matriarch, Grace Fusco, died without knowing the virus had already claimed two of her kids’ lives, according to reports.


newyorkpost--2020-03-20--Olympic flame arrives in Japan as potential postponement looms

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MATSUSHIMA AIR BASE , Japan — The Olympic flame arrived in Japan on Friday from Greece in a scaled-down ceremony at an airbase in northern Japan .
The flame , carried in a special canister , touched down amid growing doubts if the Tokyo Games can open as scheduled on July 24 because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Organizers and the International Olympic Committee say it will , but postponement or cancellation is viewed increasingly as a possible option .
The flame reached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the inscription “ Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay ” along its side .
It was greeted on the tarmac by a small contingent of organizing committee officials .
Two of Japan ’ s most famous Olympians — three-time wrestling gold medalist Saori Yoshida and three-time judo gold medalist Tadahiro Nomura — received the flame for the lighting ceremony .
The two climbed portable stairs and entered the aircraft before emerging holding the canister with a flame burning inside .
They handed it over at the base of the stairs to organizing committee President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brief acceptance speech in a gusting wind , the two did the honors of lighting a large cauldron on the tarmac of the airbase .
This is the northeastern part of Japan , located about 250 kilometers ( 150 miles ) from Tokyo , that was devastated by the 2011 earthquake , tsunami and meltdown of three nuclear reactors that has left many still living in temporary quarters .
The flame will stay in northern Japan for almost a week until the torch relay begins officially on March 26 from Fukushima prefecture .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the three prefectures most affected by the disaster — Miyagi , Iwate and Fukushima , Getting the flame to Japan represents a small victory for the IOC and local organizers , who maintain the Olympics will open on schedule followed by the Paralympics on Aug. 25 .
Even if they don ’ t , the burning flame could be used as a symbol — particularly if the games are eventually delayed — and a rallying point for the Japanese public .
In a conference call on Wednesday , IOC President Thomas Bach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also getting push back from athletes who can ’ t train , are confused about the qualification process , and worry about their health .
Critics are also complaining about the unfairness of qualifying , which might give some athletes advantages over others .
Worldwide the death toll surpassed 10,000 and infections topped 240,000 , including 86,000 people who have recovered .
Japan has reported about 900 confirmed cases .
The Japanese news agency Kyoto released a survey on Monday showing 69.9 percent of those questioned did not believe the Olympics will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The four-month torch relay could be fraught with problems , particularly for sponsors which have invested millions for the publicity .
The torch relay in Greece , following the symbolic lighting on March 12 , was stopped during the second day and did not resume because of large crowds .
Japanese organizers have asked crowds to be “ restrained ” and could stop or delay the relay if they are not .

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
MATSUSHIMA AIR BASE, Japan — The Olympic flame arrived in Japan on Friday from Greece in a scaled-down ceremony at an airbase in northern Japan.
The flame, carried in a special canister, touched down amid growing doubts if the Tokyo Games can open as scheduled on July 24 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Organizers and the International Olympic Committee say it will, but postponement or cancellation is viewed increasingly as a possible option.
The flame reached Japan aboard a white aircraft painted with the inscription “Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay” along its side. It was greeted on the tarmac by a small contingent of organizing committee officials.
Two of Japan’s most famous Olympians — three-time wrestling gold medalist Saori Yoshida and three-time judo gold medalist Tadahiro Nomura — received the flame for the lighting ceremony.
The two climbed portable stairs and entered the aircraft before emerging holding the canister with a flame burning inside. They handed it over at the base of the stairs to organizing committee President Yoshiro Mori.
After Mori’s brief acceptance speech in a gusting wind, the two did the honors of lighting a large cauldron on the tarmac of the airbase.
This is the northeastern part of Japan, located about 250 kilometers (150 miles) from Tokyo, that was devastated by the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and meltdown of three nuclear reactors that has left many still living in temporary quarters.
The flame will stay in northern Japan for almost a week until the torch relay begins officially on March 26 from Fukushima prefecture. It will be put on public display in the three prefectures most affected by the disaster — Miyagi, Iwate and Fukushima,
Getting the flame to Japan represents a small victory for the IOC and local organizers, who maintain the Olympics will open on schedule followed by the Paralympics on Aug. 25.
Even if they don’t, the burning flame could be used as a symbol — particularly if the games are eventually delayed — and a rallying point for the Japanese public.
In a conference call on Wednesday, IOC President Thomas Bach got support for holding course, but is also getting push back from athletes who can’t train, are confused about the qualification process, and worry about their health. Critics are also complaining about the unfairness of qualifying, which might give some athletes advantages over others.
Worldwide the death toll surpassed 10,000 and infections topped 240,000, including 86,000 people who have recovered. Japan has reported about 900 confirmed cases.
The Japanese news agency Kyoto released a survey on Monday showing 69.9 percent of those questioned did not believe the Olympics will open as scheduled because of the virus.
The four-month torch relay could be fraught with problems, particularly for sponsors which have invested millions for the publicity.
The torch relay in Greece, following the symbolic lighting on March 12, was stopped during the second day and did not resume because of large crowds. Japanese organizers have asked crowds to be “restrained” and could stop or delay the relay if they are not.


newyorkpost--2020-03-20--Joe Douglas took first step to ending ugly Jets cycle

The Joe Douglas approach to free agency has become clear this week .
The Jets ’ general manager has eschewed spending big money on the top free agents and instead targeted value plays .
Connor McGovern , George Fant , Alex Lewis and Brian Poole are not sexy names , but Douglas is counting on them being worth the contracts he handed out to them .
It is a smart approach to free agency , one that the best teams in the NFL employ .
While it is fun for fans to see their teams take big swings in free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ usually don ’ t translate to wins in December .
Spending wildly in free agency is like a sugar rush .
That sleeve of Thin Mints tastes good , but you ’ ll regret it later .
Being prudent in free agency is just the first half of turning around the Jets .
Now , Douglas needs to draft really well .
Every general manager preaches building through the draft .
Few do it because it is so hard .
When you miss on draft picks , that is when you find yourself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a cycle the Jets have been in for a decade now .
It is staggering how poorly the Jets have drafted in recent years .
Consider this : If free agents Jordan Jenkins and Lac Edwards sign with other teams , as expected , the entire 2016 Jets draft class will be gone .
Add to that the fact the entire 2015 class is already gone .
The 2017 class is down to two players — Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye .
Think about that for a minute — the Jets drafted 22 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two of them are expected to be on the roster this season .
Players such as Lorenzo Mauldin , Christian Hackenberg , ArDarius Stewart and Chad Hansen are not even in the league anymore .
You can blame Todd Bowles or Adam Gase all you want for the Jets ’ struggles in recent years , but they have not had much to work with in terms of talent .
The Jets have to hope Douglas can have a much higher batting average than Mike Maccagan in the draft .
Douglas ’ approach to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jets GM John Idzik ’ s philosophy .
That might make Jets fans cringe , but Idzik ’ s issue was not his plan , rather the execution of it .
Idzik ’ s approach was to not overspend in free agency and build through the draft and through second-tier free agency .
He just failed to find good players .
He ended up whiffing on first-round picks such as Dee Milliner and Calvin Pryor .
Quincy Enunwa is the only player left from his 12-man 2014 draft class .
He compounded his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some character risks in free agency that blew up in his face .
Remember doozies Dimitri Patterson and Mike Goodson ?
Douglas has emphasized building not just a winner , but a winning culture .
So it seems unlikely he will take any risks on guys with character issues .
Even so , finding good players is not easy .
Douglas has a great reputation as a scout and he built a strong front office around him .
Gase also had some strong draft picks in Miami when he controlled personnel and will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the draft .
The Jets have eight picks in next month ’ s draft , including four in the top 80 , thanks to Giants general manager Dave Gettleman .
While Douglas ’ roster-building work began this week , the draft is where he really needs to do his heavy lifting .
We ’ ll find out if he is up to the task .

The Joe Douglas approach to free agency has become clear this week.
The Jets’ general manager has eschewed spending big money on the top free agents and instead targeted value plays. Connor McGovern, George Fant, Alex Lewis and Brian Poole are not sexy names, but Douglas is counting on them being worth the contracts he handed out to them.
It is a smart approach to free agency, one that the best teams in the NFL employ. While it is fun for fans to see their teams take big swings in free agency, those good feelings in March usually don’t translate to wins in December. Spending wildly in free agency is like a sugar rush. That sleeve of Thin Mints tastes good, but you’ll regret it later.
Being prudent in free agency is just the first half of turning around the Jets. Now, Douglas needs to draft really well.
Every general manager preaches building through the draft. Few do it because it is so hard. When you miss on draft picks, that is when you find yourself overpaying players in March.
It is a cycle the Jets have been in for a decade now. It is staggering how poorly the Jets have drafted in recent years. Consider this: If free agents Jordan Jenkins and Lac Edwards sign with other teams, as expected, the entire 2016 Jets draft class will be gone. Add to that the fact the entire 2015 class is already gone. The 2017 class is down to two players — Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye.
Think about that for a minute — the Jets drafted 22 players between 2015 and 2017 and only two of them are expected to be on the roster this season. Players such as Lorenzo Mauldin, Christian Hackenberg, ArDarius Stewart and Chad Hansen are not even in the league anymore.
You can blame Todd Bowles or Adam Gase all you want for the Jets’ struggles in recent years, but they have not had much to work with in terms of talent.
The Jets have to hope Douglas can have a much higher batting average than Mike Maccagan in the draft. Douglas’ approach to free agency actually reminds me of former Jets GM John Idzik’s philosophy. That might make Jets fans cringe, but Idzik’s issue was not his plan, rather the execution of it.
Idzik’s approach was to not overspend in free agency and build through the draft and through second-tier free agency. He just failed to find good players. He ended up whiffing on first-round picks such as Dee Milliner and Calvin Pryor. Quincy Enunwa is the only player left from his 12-man 2014 draft class. He compounded his draft mistakes by rolling the dice on some character risks in free agency that blew up in his face. Remember doozies Dimitri Patterson and Mike Goodson?
Douglas has emphasized building not just a winner, but a winning culture. So it seems unlikely he will take any risks on guys with character issues.
Even so, finding good players is not easy. Douglas has a great reputation as a scout and he built a strong front office around him. Gase also had some strong draft picks in Miami when he controlled personnel and will be working in lockstep with Douglas on the draft.
The Jets have eight picks in next month’s draft, including four in the top 80, thanks to Giants general manager Dave Gettleman. While Douglas’ roster-building work began this week, the draft is where he really needs to do his heavy lifting. We’ll find out if he is up to the task.


newyorkpost--2020-03-20--An alternate coronavirus sports programming reality

The earth can be both round and flat .
Consider the ...

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Anyone hear anything about a virus going around?
Desperate times, desperate measures, desperate sports columnist. Alternative TV and radio pandemic programming and executive decisions:
I’m particularly excited by the new MLB program on Fox, “We Pick It Up In The Seventh,” which will show the endings of World Series games that ended far too late for most to have seen. Among the in-studio guests who never saw the ends will be Rob Manfred.
Starting today, CBS begins its “Woods Watch.” Every 15 minutes Jim Nantz will appear to provide Tiger Woods’ blood pressure, heart rate, external and internal body temperature, and the latest on whether he coughed, sniffled or blew his nose.
ESPN will now have Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser co-host “Pardon the Spit Mask.”
If this thing lasts much longer, YES will be forced to show a couple of “Classics” in which the Yankees lose.
CBS will remake its old prime-time favorite, renamed “The Dukes of Hazardous Material.”
Stretched for events, Draft Kings now will take action on cock fighting. This weekend’s big fight comes from Yankee Go Home Stadium in Nicaragua, where the 8-to-5 favorite and champ, “Poultry In Motion” Rojo, risks it all to the “Balkan Blaster,” Chicken Kiev.
In a reprise of sharing their geopolitical expertise and reassuring post-9/11 attacks radio work, Mike Francesa and Chris Russo will be reunited on WFAN, where they will blame the coronavirus on Chinese Jews. WFAN will lose the tape.
Roger Goodell and the NFL will double down on PSLs and now sell must-buy Personal Sneeze Licenses.
ESPN’s “First Take,” Monday will assign Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman to hold a heated debate on who was more affected by the pandemic, the Toronto Raptors or the Memphis Grizzlies.
In order to maintain “social distance” with opposing players and the Mets’ first-base coach, Robinson Cano no longer will run to first base.
The Annual Diet Ginger Ale Festival in Lambertville, N.J., this year will be limited to the first 25,000 visitors.
ESPN2 will air Texas Hold ’Em poker tournaments played in hazmat suits. All players, as well as the dealer, will be “all in” from the start.
Emergency News Conference Lookalikes: Svengoolie, played by Rich Koz, host of MeTV’s Saturday night old sci-fi movies, and Mayor de Blasio’s signer for the deaf and hearing impaired, Jonathan Lamberton.
Trump University graduation ceremonies, to still be held, but moved to Madoff Field House on the campus of Huxley College.
Steiner Collectibles will soon sell limited-edition copies of big-league players’ coronavirus test results. Copies of positive tests will cost more.
With medical centers drawing blood throughout the nation, Ray Lewis will appear weekly on the NFL Network to explain the best way to bleach out — or throw out — those stubborn plasma stains from your finest clothing.
Tony Romo, at a wildly illogical $180 million for 10 years from CBS, the NFL this season will play a full schedule, this year — even if it’s in his backyard.
Given that all-knowing Jay Bilas knew in advance who would win the NCAA Tournament, he’ll declare the winner Wednesday night on ESPN.
“Hilarity ensues when Mrs. Howell discovers The Skipper has been hoarding toilet paper on the Minnow during this week’s episode of “The New Gilligan’s Island.”
Starting Monday, Jim Dolan will stay sharp by inviting a few strangers into the Garden, no charge, just so he can throw them out.
Modesty prevents Francesa from admitting that the Pentagon has been flying him to Atlanta to provide his expertise in immunology (Francesa has several BS degrees) to the CDC. “I’m close to the cure, but want no credit,” he has told colleagues.
No NCAA Tournament? Darn! That means none of those annually unfunny, strained, run-up-interest-debt Capital One “What’s In You Wallet” credit card commercials starring Charles Barkley, Samuel L. Jackson and blank-staring, adds-nothing Spike Lee.
With Nike sweatshop plants closed in China, Colin “Comrade” Kaepernick has been working on a new hit single, “Will You Still Love Me, to Mao?”
This just in: April has been canceled. In two weeks, we’ll pick it up, again, with May. Hey, trying to make a living and doing the best I can …
Shofner was runaway hero for young Giants fan
As A 9-year-old left to his own sports and musical tastes, 1961 was my Year of Del S.: Del Shofner, the Giants wide receiver, and Del Shannon, who sang the No. 1 hit, “Runaway.”
Shannon committed suicide in 1990. Shofner died last week, making it to the number he wore with the Giants, 85.
For three seasons, Y.A. Tittle to Shofner was as special as any NFL pass-catch team this city has enjoyed. As a seasonal Yankee Stadium battery, they were Whitey Ford to Yogi Berra.
Before the NFL emphasized speed from WRs as well as hands, Shofner, all arms and legs — despite playing halfback at Baylor and a season as a DB and another as a punter with the Rams — had both.
Tittle would float one down the sidelines, Shofner would run under it and that was that. One didn’t tackle Shofner from behind.
Politicians give politicians and politics a bad name.
After New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie shut down the beaches on Fourth of July weekend in 2017 due to a budget impasse, he took family and friends to lounge on a state beach that was otherwise deserted — on his orders.
Mayor Bill de Blasio this week warned against leaving one’s home for nonessential purposes, then headed off to work out in his regular Brooklyn gym, presumably empty or close to it — on his orders.
And by a vote of 37-2 — and with nothing better to do — the Florida State Senate declared the Florida State Seminoles the 2020 NCAA basketball champions.
Such yahoos — the College Sports Yahoo is also the state bird — offer another clue as to why the Florida Division I college sports scene is annually loaded with compromise, functional illiteracy and criminality.
In other virus news:
Channel 4 News, this week, dispatched a reporter to stand outside a closed NYC school to announce that schools will be closed due to the pandemic.
Given that it was Sunday, that school was closed, regardless.


newyorkpost--2020-03-20--Big3 wants to fill coronavirus void with reality-style hoops show

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The Big3 is planning to bring basketball back to television screens by staging a reality-style three-on-three tournament in April .
Big3 co-founders Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz have been talking to multiple TV networks to create a tournament featuring players in an isolated environment who have tested negative for the coronavirus , according to Yahoo !
Sports .
The event details are still in discussion and have not been finalized .
“ As long as we can protect the players , which we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ice Cube and I feel we can give fans some safe , entertaining brand of basketball to get everyone through this pandemic , ” Kwatinetz told the website .
Former NBA players could participate in the project located in an isolated environment , according to the co-founders .
Ex-NBA All-Stars such as Amar ’ e Stoudemire , Joe Johnson and Gilbert Arenas are among the players who have competed in the Big3 since it began in 2017 .
Players will be housed in a large home with a basketball court built on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cameras document their lives for storyline purposes .
The Big3 will award cash prizes to winners .
With the NBA season suspended indefinitely , Ice Cube and Kwatinetz believe this tournament will provide a respite to sports fans wanting to see basketball on TV .
The Big3 is expected to begin its fourth season on June 20 in Memphis with rule changes implemented and the lowering of the age for qualifying athletes from 27 to 22 .

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
The Big3 is planning to bring basketball back to television screens by staging a reality-style three-on-three tournament in April.
Big3 co-founders Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz have been talking to multiple TV networks to create a tournament featuring players in an isolated environment who have tested negative for the coronavirus, according to Yahoo! Sports. The event details are still in discussion and have not been finalized.
“As long as we can protect the players, which we will do through proper testing and quarantine, Ice Cube and I feel we can give fans some safe, entertaining brand of basketball to get everyone through this pandemic,” Kwatinetz told the website.
Former NBA players could participate in the project located in an isolated environment, according to the co-founders. Ex-NBA All-Stars such as Amar’e Stoudemire, Joe Johnson and Gilbert Arenas are among the players who have competed in the Big3 since it began in 2017.
Players will be housed in a large home with a basketball court built on the site to keep players quarantined while cameras document their lives for storyline purposes. The Big3 will award cash prizes to winners.
With the NBA season suspended indefinitely, Ice Cube and Kwatinetz believe this tournament will provide a respite to sports fans wanting to see basketball on TV. The Big3 is expected to begin its fourth season on June 20 in Memphis with rule changes implemented and the lowering of the age for qualifying athletes from 27 to 22.


newyorkpost--2020-03-20--Tekashi 6ix9ine sued for $150 million over Brooklyn revenge shooting

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Twitter ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Facebook ( Opens in new window ) Tekashi 6ix9ine ‘ s desire to get revenge on the Bloods gang associates who kidnapped him got an innocent woman shot , the victim claims in a new $ 150 million lawsuit .
The plaintiff , who filed as Jane Doe , alleges that Tekashi — legal name Daniel Hernandez — got wind that some of the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods were filming a music @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Brooklyn on July 16 , 2018 .
He allegedly ordered the person who told him about the shoot “ to assault and/or murder the Nine Trey members involved in his kidnapping , ” according to the documents filed earlier this month in Brooklyn Supreme Court .
The plaintiff claims that as a result of Tekashi ’ s order , she was shot in the foot by a stray bullet and fell to the floor , also injuring her back .
The injuries caused her to lose her job at the Century 21 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go to the NYPD academy , the filing claims .
Tekashi , 23 , claimed to have been kidnapped and robbed on July 22 — six days after the alleged shooting mentioned in the filing .
He was sentenced in December to 24 months behind bars for his role in a racketeering conspiracy with the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods .
After his arrest , he cooperated with prosecutors and testified against several members of the Bloods set .
Anthony “ Harv ” Ellison was convicted last year on charges including racketeering conspiracy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Attorneys for Tekashi and for the plaintiff didn ’ t immediately return requests for comment .

Tekashi 6ix9ine‘s desire to get revenge on the Bloods gang associates who kidnapped him got an innocent woman shot, the victim claims in a new $150 million lawsuit.
The plaintiff, who filed as Jane Doe, alleges that Tekashi — legal name Daniel Hernandez — got wind that some of the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods were filming a music video at the Smurf Village apartment complex in Brooklyn on July 16, 2018.
He allegedly ordered the person who told him about the shoot “to assault and/or murder the Nine Trey members involved in his kidnapping,” according to the documents filed earlier this month in Brooklyn Supreme Court.
The plaintiff claims that as a result of Tekashi’s order, she was shot in the foot by a stray bullet and fell to the floor, also injuring her back. The injuries caused her to lose her job at the Century 21 department store and had to scrap plans to go to the NYPD academy, the filing claims.
Tekashi, 23, claimed to have been kidnapped and robbed on July 22 — six days after the alleged shooting mentioned in the filing.
He was sentenced in December to 24 months behind bars for his role in a racketeering conspiracy with the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods. After his arrest, he cooperated with prosecutors and testified against several members of the Bloods set.
Anthony “Harv” Ellison was convicted last year on charges including racketeering conspiracy and kidnapping the “Gummo” rapper.
Attorneys for Tekashi and for the plaintiff didn’t immediately return requests for comment.


newyorkpost--2020-03-20--Netflix series ‘Tiger King’ sheds light on criminal antics of a big-cat eccentric

Editor ’ s note : A new Netflix documentary series , “ Tiger King , ” covers the dark world of private zoos and exotic animal breeding , including an unbelievable murder-for-hire plot that The Post covered .
The series is available now on Netflix , and sheds new light on the rivalry between big-cat eccentrics .
The following is an excerpt from a Post article from 2018 , republished in cooperation with Netflix .
Zookeeper accused in murder-for-hire plot also accused of killing tigers , selling cubs OKLAHOMA CITY — A former Oklahoma zookeeper and candidate for governor already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indicted on 19 new counts accusing him of killing tigers and selling tiger cubs .
A federal grand jury unsealed the charges Wednesday against 55-year-old Joseph Maldonado-Passage , who ’ s known as “ Joe Exotic ” and formerly operated a zoo in Wynnewood , Oklahoma .
Maldonado-Passage ran unsuccessfully for Oklahoma governor this year .
Maldonado-Passage was indicted in September for allegedly trying to hire someone to kill the operator of a Florida-based animal sanctuary .
He ’ s pleaded not guilty .
The new charges accuse him of killing five tigers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sell tiger cubs in violation of the Endangered Species Act .

Editor’s note: A new Netflix documentary series, “Tiger King,” covers the dark world of private zoos and exotic animal breeding, including an unbelievable murder-for-hire plot that The Post covered. The series is available now on Netflix, and sheds new light on the rivalry between big-cat eccentrics. The following is an excerpt from a Post article from 2018, republished in cooperation with Netflix.
Zookeeper accused in murder-for-hire plot also accused of killing tigers, selling cubs
By Associated Press
Published: November 8, 2018
OKLAHOMA CITY — A former Oklahoma zookeeper and candidate for governor already accused in a murder-for-hire plot has been indicted on 19 new counts accusing him of killing tigers and selling tiger cubs.
A federal grand jury unsealed the charges Wednesday against 55-year-old Joseph Maldonado-Passage, who’s known as “Joe Exotic” and formerly operated a zoo in Wynnewood, Oklahoma. Maldonado-Passage ran unsuccessfully for Oklahoma governor this year.
Maldonado-Passage was indicted in September for allegedly trying to hire someone to kill the operator of a Florida-based animal sanctuary. He’s pleaded not guilty.
The new charges accuse him of killing five tigers in October 2017 and selling and offering to sell tiger cubs in violation of the Endangered Species Act.
His attorney, William P. Earley, didn’t immediately return a call seeking comment.


newyorkpost--2020-03-20--‘Tiger King’ Netflix series follows the trial of zookeeper’s murder-for-hire plot

Editor ’ s note : A new Netflix documentary series , “ Tiger King , ” covers the dark world of private zoos and exotic animal breeding , including an unbelievable murder-for-hire plot that The Post covered .
The series is available now on Netflix , and sheds new light on the rivalry between big-cat eccentrics .
The following is an excerpt from a Post article from 2019 , republished in cooperation with Netflix .
OKLAHOMA CITY — Jury selection is underway for an ex-Oklahoma zookeeper and former candidate for governor who ’ s charged in an attempted murder-for-hire plot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joseph Maldonado-Passage were questioned Tuesday in a federal court in Oklahoma City .
Testimony is scheduled to start March 25 .
Maldonado-Passage was indicted in September for allegedly trying to hire someone to kill the operator of a Florida-based animal sanctuary .
He has pleaded not guilty .
He is also accused of killing five tigers in October 2017 and selling and offering to sell tiger cubs in violation of the Endangered Species Act .
Known as “ Joe Exotic , ” Maldonado-Passage formerly operated a zoo in Wynnewood , Oklahoma .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a Libertarian candidate and appeared on John Oliver ’ s “ Last Week Tonight ” when he was a 2016 write-in candidate for president .

Editor’s note: A new Netflix documentary series, “Tiger King,” covers the dark world of private zoos and exotic animal breeding, including an unbelievable murder-for-hire plot that The Post covered. The series is available now on Netflix, and sheds new light on the rivalry between big-cat eccentrics. The following is an excerpt from a Post article from 2019, republished in cooperation with Netflix.
Trial underway for zookeeper in alleged murder-for-hire plot
By Associated Press
Published: March 13, 2019
OKLAHOMA CITY — Jury selection is underway for an ex-Oklahoma zookeeper and former candidate for governor who’s charged in an attempted murder-for-hire plot.
Prospective jurors in the trial of Joseph Maldonado-Passage were questioned Tuesday in a federal court in Oklahoma City. Testimony is scheduled to start March 25.
Maldonado-Passage was indicted in September for allegedly trying to hire someone to kill the operator of a Florida-based animal sanctuary. He has pleaded not guilty.
He is also accused of killing five tigers in October 2017 and selling and offering to sell tiger cubs in violation of the Endangered Species Act.
Known as “Joe Exotic,” Maldonado-Passage formerly operated a zoo in Wynnewood, Oklahoma. He ran unsuccessfully for Oklahoma governor last year as a Libertarian candidate and appeared on John Oliver’s “Last Week Tonight” when he was a 2016 write-in candidate for president.


newyorkpost--2020-03-20--Netflix series covers ‘Joe Exotic’ murder-for-hire conviction

Editor ’ s note : A new Netflix documentary series , “ Tiger King , ” covers the dark world of private zoos and exotic animal breeding , including an unbelievable murder-for-hire plot that The Post covered .
The series is available now on Netflix , and sheds new light on the rivalry between big-cat eccentrics .
The following is an excerpt from a Post article from 2019 , republished in cooperation with Netflix .
“ Joe Exotic ” — the ex-Oklahoma zookeeper and former candidate for governor who was accused in a federal murder-for-hire plot last year — was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The 56-year-old , real name Joseph Maldonado-Passage , had been charged with paying someone to kill a sanctuary owner in Florida who had criticized his treatment of animals .
The individual was not harmed .
Maldonado-Passage , who entered a not guilty plea , tried testifying in his own defense Monday — against the judge ’ s wishes , according to local reports .
He wound up being convicted on two counts of hiring a person to commit murder .
An FBI agent was able to bust Maldonado-Passage by posing as an undercover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knew that he was being duped and played along to gather information .
Prosecutors , however , provided evidence at the trial — including more than a dozen videos and Facebook posts of “ Joe Exotic ” threatening to kill the sanctuary operator , Carole Baskin — to prove that he was out for blood .
“ You want to know why Carole Baskin better never , ever , ever see me face to face ever , ever , ever again ?
” Maldonado-Passage reportedly asked in one clip , before shooting a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head with a revolver .
“ That is how sick and tired of this … I am.
” Baskin told jurors that the “ onslaught ” of threats prompted her to obtain a concealed carry permit — which allows her to carry a gun at all times .
“ I felt like my life was in danger , ” she told The Oklahoman .
“ I believe that he blames me for everything that ’ s gone wrong in his life.
” Baskin , founder of Big Cat Rescue in Tampa , had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tiger cubs and using them in a traveling show that he ran .
She once sued the blond-haired zookeeper for more than $ 1 million after he renamed the show “ Big Cat Rescue Entertainment.
” In addition to the murder-for-hire plot , Maldonado-Passage was also accused of killing tigers and selling cubs .
He was found guilty Tuesday on those charges , as well .
PETA praised the convictions in a statement , saying he has been on the group ’ s radar “ for years ” as a “ notorious animal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big-cat cubs for the cruel cub-petting industry.
” “ PETA already succeeded in getting 39 tigers , three bears , two baboons , and two chimpanzees out of his hands and into reputable sanctuaries , ” officials said .
“ The world will be a safer place for all living beings with this man behind bars , where he can no longer harm animals or the animal advocates he hanged in effigy .
”

Editor’s note: A new Netflix documentary series, “Tiger King,” covers the dark world of private zoos and exotic animal breeding, including an unbelievable murder-for-hire plot that The Post covered. The series is available now on Netflix, and sheds new light on the rivalry between big-cat eccentrics. The following is an excerpt from a Post article from 2019, republished in cooperation with Netflix.
Zookeeper ‘Joe Exotic’ found guilty in murder-for-hire plot
By Chris Perez
Published: April 2, 2019
“Joe Exotic” — the ex-Oklahoma zookeeper and former candidate for governor who was accused in a federal murder-for-hire plot last year — was found guilty Tuesday on all charges.
The 56-year-old, real name Joseph Maldonado-Passage, had been charged with paying someone to kill a sanctuary owner in Florida who had criticized his treatment of animals. The individual was not harmed.
Maldonado-Passage, who entered a not guilty plea, tried testifying in his own defense Monday — against the judge’s wishes, according to local reports. He wound up being convicted on two counts of hiring a person to commit murder.
An FBI agent was able to bust Maldonado-Passage by posing as an undercover hitman. The former zookeeper claimed he knew that he was being duped and played along to gather information.
Prosecutors, however, provided evidence at the trial — including more than a dozen videos and Facebook posts of “Joe Exotic” threatening to kill the sanctuary operator, Carole Baskin — to prove that he was out for blood.
“You want to know why Carole Baskin better never, ever, ever see me face to face ever, ever, ever again?” Maldonado-Passage reportedly asked in one clip, before shooting a blowup “Carole” doll in the head with a revolver. “That is how sick and tired of this … I am.”
Baskin told jurors that the “onslaught” of threats prompted her to obtain a concealed carry permit — which allows her to carry a gun at all times.
“I felt like my life was in danger,” she told The Oklahoman. “I believe that he blames me for everything that’s gone wrong in his life.”
Baskin, founder of Big Cat Rescue in Tampa, had been fighting to stop Maldonado-Passage from owning tiger cubs and using them in a traveling show that he ran. She once sued the blond-haired zookeeper for more than $1 million after he renamed the show “Big Cat Rescue Entertainment.”
In addition to the murder-for-hire plot, Maldonado-Passage was also accused of killing tigers and selling cubs. He was found guilty Tuesday on those charges, as well.
PETA praised the convictions in a statement, saying he has been on the group’s radar “for years” as a “notorious animal abuser and as the primary supplier of big-cat cubs for the cruel cub-petting industry.”
“PETA already succeeded in getting 39 tigers, three bears, two baboons, and two chimpanzees out of his hands and into reputable sanctuaries,” officials said. “The world will be a safer place for all living beings with this man behind bars, where he can no longer harm animals or the animal advocates he hanged in effigy.”


newyorkpost--2020-03-20--Netflix series follows the unbelievable case of ‘Joe Exotic’

A medical staffer at a New Jersey detention center has ...

Editor’s note: A new Netflix documentary series, “Tiger King,” covers the dark world of private zoos and exotic animal breeding, including an unbelievable murder-for-hire plot that The Post covered. The series is available now on Netflix, and sheds new light on the rivalry between big-cat eccentrics. The following is an excerpt from a Post article from 2020, republished in cooperation with Netflix.
Ex-zookeeper ‘Joe Exotic’ gets 22 years for murder-for-hire plot
By Lia Eustachewich
Published: January 22, 2020
An ex-zookeeper from Oklahoma known as “Joe Exotic” was sentenced Wednesday to 22 years in prison for hatching a sick murder-for-hire plot against a rival and killing five tigers.
A jury in April found Joseph Maldonado-Passage guilty of 21 counts, including plotting to kill a sanctuary owner in Florida who had criticized his treatment of animals, as well as euthanizing the big cats.
Prosecutors said he offered $10,000 to an undercover FBI agent during a December 2017 meeting to kill the animal rights activist, Carole Baskin.
“Just like follow her into a mall parking lot and just cap her and drive off,” Maldonado-Passage said in the recording played for jurors.
Maldonado-Passage, 56, who previously operated a zoo in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, and is known for his blond mullet, was also convicted of selling tiger cubs.
Maldonado-Passage testified in his own defense at trial, despite a judge’s warning. He claimed he never truly wanted Baskin dead. She was not harmed.
Federal prosecutors sought a sentence of between 27 and 35 years, according to court papers.
He was hit with a 22-year sentence instead, according to KOCO News.
On his Facebook page, the wannabe politician and country music singer said he maintains his innocence and plans to appeal.


newyorkpost--2020-03-20--ICE medical staffer at NJ detention center tests positive for coronavirus

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A medical staffer @ @ @ @ @ center has become the first confirmed Immigration and Customs Enforcement employee to test positive for @ @ @ @ @ said Thursday .
The patient works at the Elizabeth Detention Center and was already under @ @ @ @ @ , according to ICE spokesman Emilio Dabul .
Nobody else at the New Jersey facility @ @ @ @ @ and ICE detainees , are showing symptoms of the virus , Dabul said .
Nationally @ @ @ @ @ has tested positive for the virus , the agency told The Marshall Project , without @ @ @ @ @ Thursday night , there were no ICE detainees with a confirmed case of the bug @ @ @ @ @ working with state and local health partners to determine if any detainee requires additional testing @ @ @ @ @ spread of the virus , ” Dabul said .

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
A medical staffer at a New Jersey detention center has become the first confirmed Immigration and Customs Enforcement employee to test positive for the coronavirus, the agency said Thursday.
The patient works at the Elizabeth Detention Center and was already under self-quarantine when they tested positive, according to ICE spokesman Emilio Dabul.
Nobody else at the New Jersey facility, including other staff members and ICE detainees, are showing symptoms of the virus, Dabul said.
Nationally, one other ICE worker has tested positive for the virus, the agency told The Marshall Project, without specifying where.
As of Thursday night, there were no ICE detainees with a confirmed case of the bug.
“ICE is actively working with state and local health partners to determine if any detainee requires additional testing or monitoring to combat the spread of the virus,” Dabul said.


newyorkpost--2020-03-20--Four Indian men hanged for the gang rape, torture of 23-year-old medical student

Four Indian men convicted in the fatal gang rape and torture of a 23-year-old medical student were executed Thursday .
The men were hanged on the outskirts of the capital of New Dehli for their violent attack on the young woman that took place on a moving bus in 2012 .
Akshay Thakur , Vinay Sharma , Pawan Gupta and Mukesh Singh were sentenced to death by a trial court in 2013 .
India ’ s top court upheld the sentence in 2017 .
The quartet had taken the victim , who was studying physiotherapy , to the back of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ damaged her internal organs with an iron rod .
She died from her injuries two weeks later in a Singapore hospital .
Ram Singh , the bus driver and the fifth suspect in the crime , was found hanging in his cell in Tihar prison in 2013 , months before the jury made a conviction .
A sixth suspect was just shy of 18 years when the crime took place .
He spent three years in a correction home — the maximum punishment for minors– before walking free in December of 2015 .

Four Indian men convicted in the fatal gang rape and torture of a 23-year-old medical student were executed Thursday.
The men were hanged on the outskirts of the capital of New Dehli for their violent attack on the young woman that took place on a moving bus in 2012.
Akshay Thakur, Vinay Sharma, Pawan Gupta and Mukesh Singh were sentenced to death by a trial court in 2013. India’s top court upheld the sentence in 2017.
The quartet had taken the victim, who was studying physiotherapy, to the back of the bus where they raped her and damaged her internal organs with an iron rod.
She died from her injuries two weeks later in a Singapore hospital.
Ram Singh, the bus driver and the fifth suspect in the crime, was found hanging in his cell in Tihar prison in 2013, months before the jury made a conviction.
A sixth suspect was just shy of 18 years when the crime took place. He spent three years in a correction home — the maximum punishment for minors– before walking free in December of 2015.
With Post wires


newyorkpost--2020-03-20--LA’s cannabis dispensaries deemed ‘essential’ under emergency coronavirus order

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LOS ANGELES — The “ safer at home ” emergency order just announced by Los Angeles County and the cities within its borders at a Thursday evening news conference requires all indoor malls , shopping centers , playgrounds and nonessential retail businesses to close effective midnight tonight through at least April 19 .
Allowed to operate — as long as they observe proper social-distancing guidelines and do not include more than 10 people in one place — are a list of essential services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grocery stores , hardware stores and , wait for it , cannabis dispensaries .
Unlike the confusion surrounding cannabis businesses in the Bay Area “ shelter in place ” order that was announced Monday ( which had dispensaries closing only to open the next day after a handful of cities — including San Francisco and San Jose — clarified that they could remain open ) , the city of Los Angeles ’ coronavirus FAQ lists as essential healthcare services “ cannabis dispensaries , or any related and/or ancillary healthcare services.
” The actual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Angeles reads slightly differently , noting that the order does not apply to healthcare organizations including “ cannabis dispensaries with a medicinal cannabis license , ” though at the news conference announcing the order , Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said ( though not in reference to this particular issue ) that the cities and the county had worked hard to ensure that the details of the order were not in conflict .

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
LOS ANGELES — The “safer at home” emergency order just announced by Los Angeles County and the cities within its borders at a Thursday evening news conference requires all indoor malls, shopping centers, playgrounds and nonessential retail businesses to close effective midnight tonight through at least April 19.
Allowed to operate — as long as they observe proper social-distancing guidelines and do not include more than 10 people in one place — are a list of essential services including city and county government services, grocery stores, hardware stores and, wait for it, cannabis dispensaries.
Unlike the confusion surrounding cannabis businesses in the Bay Area “shelter in place” order that was announced Monday (which had dispensaries closing only to open the next day after a handful of cities — including San Francisco and San Jose — clarified that they could remain open), the city of Los Angeles’ coronavirus FAQ lists as essential healthcare services “cannabis dispensaries, or any related and/or ancillary healthcare services.”
The actual order issued by the county of Los Angeles reads slightly differently, noting that the order does not apply to healthcare organizations including “cannabis dispensaries with a medicinal cannabis license,” though at the news conference announcing the order, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said (though not in reference to this particular issue) that the cities and the county had worked hard to ensure that the details of the order were not in conflict.


newyorkpost--2020-03-20--China exonerates doctor who warned of impending coronavirus outbreak

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BEIJING — China has exonerated a doctor who was officially reprimanded for warning about the coronavirus outbreak and later died of the disease , a startling admission of error by the ruling Communist Party that generally bodes no challenges to its authority .
The party ’ s top disciplinary body said the police force in Wuhan had revoked its admonishment of Dr. Li Wenliang that had included a threat of arrest .
It also said a “ solemn apology ” had been issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two police officers , identified only by their surnames , had been issued “ disciplinary punishments ” for the original handling of the matter .
In death , Li became the face of simmering anger at the ruling Communist Party ’ s controls over information and complaints that officials lie about or hide disease outbreaks , industrial accidents , natural disasters and financial frauds , while punishing whistleblowers and independent journalists .
After seeing thousands of new cases daily at the peak of the city ’ s outbreak a month ago , Wuhan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with no new confirmed or suspected cases .
The National Health Commission said all of the 39 new cases recorded Friday in China were brought from overseas , showing that rigid travel restrictions and social distancing requirements appear to have had their desired effect .
China has loosened some travel restrictions in Hubei , the province surrounding Wuhan , although its provincial border remains closed and Wuhan itself remains under lockdown .
Officials say they will only lift the quarantine after Wuhan goes 14 consecutive days with no new cases .
Police in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for warning friends on social media about the emerging threat .
China ’ s supreme court later criticized the police , but the ruling party continued to tighten its grip on information about the outbreak .
The party has faced similar accusations of bungling or thuggish behavior following previous disasters .
They include the 2003 outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome , a 2005 chemical spill that disrupted water supplies to millions of people in China ’ s northeast , sales of tainted milk that sickened thousands of children and the failure of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis .
In each case , officials were accused of trying to conceal or delay information people said they needed to protect themselves .
The party often responds by allowing the public to vent temporarily , then uses its control of media and the internet to stifle criticism .
Critics who persist can be jailed on vague charges of spreading rumors or making trouble .
The treatment of Li ’ s case may reflect concerns among the leadership about public anger over the failure to properly honor the sacrifices of front-line health workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Xi Jinping , who has tightened controls on society since taking power in 2012 .
The most powerful Chinese leader since at least the 1980s , Xi gave himself the option of remaining president for life by changing the Chinese constitution in 2018 to remove a two-term limit .
In Wuhan , local leaders were accused of telling doctors in December not to publicize the spreading virus in order to avoid casting a shadow over the annual meeting of a local legislative body .
As the virus spread , doctors were ordered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appealed for donations of medical supplies .
That prompted complaints authorities were more worried about image than public safety .
Li was detained by police after warning about the virus on a social media group for his former classmates .

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
BEIJING — China has exonerated a doctor who was officially reprimanded for warning about the coronavirus outbreak and later died of the disease, a startling admission of error by the ruling Communist Party that generally bodes no challenges to its authority.
The party’s top disciplinary body said the police force in Wuhan had revoked its admonishment of Dr. Li Wenliang that had included a threat of arrest.
It also said a “solemn apology” had been issued to Li’s family and that two police officers, identified only by their surnames, had been issued “disciplinary punishments” for the original handling of the matter.
In death, Li became the face of simmering anger at the ruling Communist Party’s controls over information and complaints that officials lie about or hide disease outbreaks, industrial accidents, natural disasters and financial frauds, while punishing whistleblowers and independent journalists.
After seeing thousands of new cases daily at the peak of the city’s outbreak a month ago, Wuhan on Friday had its second consecutive day with no new confirmed or suspected cases.
The National Health Commission said all of the 39 new cases recorded Friday in China were brought from overseas, showing that rigid travel restrictions and social distancing requirements appear to have had their desired effect.
China has loosened some travel restrictions in Hubei, the province surrounding Wuhan, although its provincial border remains closed and Wuhan itself remains under lockdown. Officials say they will only lift the quarantine after Wuhan goes 14 consecutive days with no new cases.
Police in December had reprimanded eight doctors including Li for warning friends on social media about the emerging threat. China’s supreme court later criticized the police, but the ruling party continued to tighten its grip on information about the outbreak.
The party has faced similar accusations of bungling or thuggish behavior following previous disasters. They include the 2003 outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, a 2005 chemical spill that disrupted water supplies to millions of people in China’s northeast, sales of tainted milk that sickened thousands of children and the failure of private finance companies after the global economic crisis.
In each case, officials were accused of trying to conceal or delay information people said they needed to protect themselves.
The party often responds by allowing the public to vent temporarily, then uses its control of media and the internet to stifle criticism. Critics who persist can be jailed on vague charges of spreading rumors or making trouble.
The treatment of Li’s case may reflect concerns among the leadership about public anger over the failure to properly honor the sacrifices of front-line health workers while praising the party and its head, Xi Jinping, who has tightened controls on society since taking power in 2012.
The most powerful Chinese leader since at least the 1980s, Xi gave himself the option of remaining president for life by changing the Chinese constitution in 2018 to remove a two-term limit.
In Wuhan, local leaders were accused of telling doctors in December not to publicize the spreading virus in order to avoid casting a shadow over the annual meeting of a local legislative body.
As the virus spread, doctors were ordered to delete posts on social media that appealed for donations of medical supplies. That prompted complaints authorities were more worried about image than public safety.
Li was detained by police after warning about the virus on a social media group for his former classmates.


newyorkpost--2020-03-20--Counterfeit coronavirus test kits seized at Chicago airport

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Counterfeit coronavirus tests @ @ @ @ @ s O ’ Hare International Airport this week , US Customs and Border Protection officials @ @ @ @ @ , shipped from the United Kingdom , included tests for COVID-19 , as well as @ @ @ @ @ and salmonella , officials said .
They were seized on Tuesday and handed to the @ @ @ @ @ “ Counterfeit products have serious consequences to everyone , ” Hans Leiterman , assistant area @ @ @ @ @ in a statement .
“ CBP seizures of illegally imported counterfeit merchandise helps protect the @ @ @ @ @ citizens , and the reputation of marketplaces involved in these transactions.
” The federal agency @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus should only be conducted by approved state or local public health laboratories .

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Counterfeit coronavirus tests were intercepted at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport this week, US Customs and Border Protection officials said Thursday.
The kits, shipped from the United Kingdom, included tests for COVID-19, as well as other illnesses, including meningitis and salmonella, officials said.
They were seized on Tuesday and handed to the FDA for further analysis.
“Counterfeit products have serious consequences to everyone,” Hans Leiterman, assistant area port director for Chicago said in a statement.
“CBP seizures of illegally imported counterfeit merchandise helps protect the health and safety of US citizens, and the reputation of marketplaces involved in these transactions.”
The federal agency warned that testing for the coronavirus should only be conducted by approved state or local public health laboratories.


newyorkpost--2020-03-20--Joseph Gambino, mafia ruler of NYC’s Garment District, dead at 83

New York City ’ s top gangsters have been memorialized in ceremonies ...

Joseph Gambino, the easygoing son of Mafia don Carlo Gambino who became a millionaire businessman thanks to his father’s crime family clout — but who steered clear of the rest of the family business — died of natural causes last month at the age of 83.
Gambino and his older brother Thomas were longtime owners and operators of numerous Garment District trucking companies. The family’s chokehold on the trucks that filled the West Side streets where the city’s rag trade once thrived was so total that competitors who tried to park their own rigs risked flat tires — or worse — according to local officials.
Unlike Thomas, Joseph Gambino never became a made man of the Mafia. He dropped out of New York University in the 1950s and began working for Consolidated Carriers Corp. — the trucking company that would have a virtual monopoly on Garment District deliveries until October 1990, when the Gambino brothers were hit with state racketeering charges.
During a two-year investigation by the office of then-Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau, Joseph Gambino told an undercover police officer who was interviewing for a job that the company had two rules for its employees: no drugs and no stealing. And if he was caught stealing, Gambino warned him, “We don’t call the police — we take care of it ourselves.”
Following an undercover probe, during which the State Police ran a sewing shop and planted a bug in the ceiling of Joseph Gambino’s office, Joseph, then 54, and brother Thomas, 61, were charged with enterprise corruption and 52 counts of larceny, extortion, coercion and restraint of trade. The charges carried prison terms of up to 25 years upon conviction.
The investigation was the launching pad for a then-little-known assistant DA named Eliot Spitzer.
It was not a penny-ante case. By the end of 1989, according to evidence compiled by the DA’s office, the brothers controlled at least a dozen trucking concerns that had grossed about $70 million in the previous three years. About $50 million of that revenue came from deliveries to and from sewing shops, of which some $22 million was profit.
In November 1989, when the DA’s office had obtained enough evidence for a search warrant, the ceiling bug picked up Joseph’s opinion of what investigators would conclude when they went through Consolidated Carriers’ books and records: “They’re going to say to themselves, ‘Do you want to know something? These f–king Mafia guys really run a solid business.’”
In February 1992, after three weeks of trial, the Gambino brothers threw in the towel and walked away with a pricey — for most folks, but not for them — no-jail plea deal. They pleaded guilty to a single count of illegal restraint of trade, agreed to pay a $12 million fine and get out of the Garment District trucking business forever.
The manager of the Aievoli Funeral Home in Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights, who declined to give his name, took a vow of omerta about all things pertaining to the death of Joseph Gambino. We know he is survived by his brother Thomas, 90.
This is an edited version of an article by Jerry Capeci that first appeared on ganglandnews.com.


newyorkpost--2020-03-20--CBS giving fans March Madness fix of classic games

The funny thing ?
Year after year , in normal times , under ...

March Madness won’t be completely gone from CBS this month.
The network announced Thursday it has added nine classic NCAA Tournament games to its programming schedule for this weekend and next, a welcome distraction for fans missing this year’s Tournament, which was canceled because of COVID-19 concerns.
The dive into the archives begins Saturday with a tripleheader starting at noon. First up is the 1982 national championship in which North Carolina edged Georgetown, featuring Michael Jordan, James Worthy and Patrick Ewing. That’s followed by the 1983 title game, in which Jim Valvano’s North Carolina State completed its miracle run by upsetting Houston. The nightcap is the 1992 East Regional final between Duke and Kentucky — the Christian Laettner game.
Sunday’s tripleheader starts at noon with the 2008 title game when Kansas beat Memphis in overtime. That’s followed by another overtime thriller, the 2019 final between Virginia and Texas Tech. The 2016 national championship rounds out the action, reliving Kris Jenkins’ buzzer-beater to lift Villanova past North Carolina.
The final three games will be broadcast March 29 beginning at 1 p.m., leading off with the 1985 title game, in which Villanova pulled off one of the biggest upsets ever against Georgetown. After that, the 1997 national championship in which Arizona beat Kentucky. The finale features the 2010 final, in which Duke hung on after Butler’s Gordon Hayward just missed a half-court shot at the buzzer.


newyorkpost--2020-03-19--Area golf courses becoming coronavirus getaways

It ’ s a hole new ballgame .
Golf is one of the ...

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The weather forecast for Friday is calling for temperatures in the 70s — the first true sign of springtime, the warmest day of the year to date.
The coronavirus has changed all of our lives, forcing us to stay at home and avoid public places, where the risks of infection are heightened.
With that, many people are seeking an escape, a safe way to be outdoors in an environment of proper social distancing. Some in the city have taken to walks or jogs in Central Park. Others are simply walking the streets. Group activities are forbidden until further notice.
But what about golf?
Golf in the Metropolitan Area is actually thriving in some places, but not at all in others.
The Post reached out to a number of area courses and found that the New York City public courses are alive with play and busier than they normally would be at this time of year, while a number of private courses are open with restrictions such as no cart use, leaving the flag sticks in the holes and bunker rakes removed from sand traps.
A common denominator to all of the golf courses is that clubhouses are closed for restaurant business, though some places are providing a takeout option as mandated by local government agencies.
Bottom line is this: People need an escape from the stressful times the coronavirus has us all in, and the golf course is a perfect respite.
“People need their outlets,’’ Yvonne Georgios, the general manager at Kissena Park, a public course in Queens, said. “It’s a mental state of mind thing. People are looking at it as a release, and the best place to be is here on the golf course.’’
Georgios said Kissena had more than 500 players combined on Sunday and Monday and predicted the course might have more than 200 on Friday with the warm forecast.
“People are coming out in full force playing golf,’’ she said.
“People are calling us to make sure we’re open, saying, ‘This is the last place I have to go,’ like it’s a last-bastion type of thing,’’ said Darren Hanzich, who works the pro shop at La Tourette, a public course on Staten Island.
“People are coming here to get away … and we’re the only game in town,’’ Damian Thomas said from the pro shop at Silver Lake, another public course on Staten Island.
“We’re packed,’’ a woman named Maura (who preferred we not use her last name) said as she worked the busy pro shop at Marine Park in Brooklyn. “The Governor closed our driving range and practice area, but everyone is so happy to be here.’’
Mike Giordano, the concessionaire at Marine Park, speaking to the mood of the players he’s come across the past several days, said, “You can almost see them taking it down a notch or two, just relaxing. There’s no television on. Golf isn’t in your face like that. The golf course does offer a little respite from that. It’s nice to see people have a little escape. As frustrating as the game is, during this time you can almost accept it.’’
As is the case with every facet of life in these uncertain times, the rules are changing almost minute-by-minute.
Several private New York and New Jersey courses, such as Suburban Golf Club in Union, N.J., were allowing cart use but restricting it to only one person per cart to keep with the social distancing. As of Thursday, however, Suburban had gone to walking only with no caddies available.
Dave Fusco, the head professional at Patriot Hills in Stony Point, said he’s opted to keep the course closed until further notice because carts are required on the hilly layout.
Fusco expressed surprise when informed that the city courses were not only allowing carts, but allowing two players per cart.
“I’m shocked that they’re allowing carts out,’’ he said. “I think walking is fine. But with carts, you’re making things worse. I know weather is great. You can be open, but it should be walking only.’’
The Monmouth (N.J.) County Park System Golf Courses issued these new guidelines:
— The courses will remain open for prepaid, walking rounds only. Prepayment must be done through the reservation system.
— All payments must be made online through the tee time reservation system at the time of the reservation. One person from the group must pay all costs associated with their booking.
— All of the buildings, including pro shops and restrooms, will be closed to the public.
— No golf carts are available, nor bunker rakes, ball washers or water coolers.
“We’re washing our hands, wearing gloves and making sure everyone is safe,’’ Maura from Marine Park said. “We’re sanitizing the carts between each group of players and doing all we can to be safe.’’
Giordano said Marine Park is, “following all the city directives and recommendations.’’
“But walking and being outdoors is a good option,’’ he said. “The golf course provides the ideal setting — with hundreds of acres, sunshine, clean air and Mother Nature. It’s been very encouraging that everyone is very aware of protocol, all to the necessary precautions you need to take. Most people are very in-tune with this. There’s a lot of elbow-bumping and no shaking hands. People have gotten the message.’’
How busy are our area courses? A person from American Golf Corporation, which runs six courses in the New York Metropolitan Area, revealed these numbers of play from Wednesday: Clearview in Queens had 199 players play, Pelham in the Bronx had 193 rounds played, Dyker Beach in Brooklyn had 164, La Tourette had 151 and South Shore on Staten Island had 115.
“All of us are on the fly trying to figure this out, trying to provide a little bit of escape for people in a safe way,’’ said Brian Giordano, the head pro at Westchester Hills, a private club in White Plains.
Kevin Purcell, the executive director New Jersey Golf Association, is headquartered at one of the area public courses that’s closed, Galloping Hill in Kenilworth, N.J.
He called being closed “the prudent thing to do,’’ but said he’s delighted that a lot of courses are open.
“Golf can be a place where we can adhere to all the guidelines and still be safe, because there’s a natural social distance between everyone on the golf courses with 200 acres of open land,’’ he said. “This is a time to get creative. One of the barriers with having a public golf courses open is cashier areas. We don’t know how long this is going to be going on, so we’ve got to figure out how to get people paid, checked in [without breaking the social distancing].
“It’s something that we should start planning now, because we could be in this for a long haul. People are going to get stir-crazy being home. I met with our executive committees via conference call Tuesday night and we talked about wanting to make sure we’re not suggesting anything outside the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] guidelines, but it’s our responsibility to find the silver lining here with regard to golf.’’


newyorkpost--2020-03-20--Joe Douglas’ rebuild of Jets is far from over

Jets general manager Joe Douglas addressed the team ’ s biggest need on offense this week by signing three linemen .
The defense , however , still needs plenty of work .
Douglas did not do much to address glaring defensive needs at edge rusher and cornerback .
He agreed to a deal to bring back slot corner Brian Poole earlier in the week , then brought back cornerback Arthur Maulet on a one-year deal that was agreed to Friday .
The Jets also agreed Friday to a one-year , $ 2 million deal with linebacker Neville Hewitt .
Douglas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was dumping Trumaine Johnson .
Maybe the Jets are viewing Johnson as a cautionary tale and doing the right thing by not throwing money at their roster holes early in free agency .
Former GM Mike Maccagnan signed Johnson to a five-year , $ 72.5 million deal in 2018 with $ 34 million guaranteed .
That contract turned out to be one of the worst the Jets have ever handed out .
There is no question , however , the Jets still need to address cornerback and edge rusher .
At the moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Poole inside and some combination of Darryl Roberts , Bless Austin , Nate Hairston and Maulet on the outside .
That is not exactly vintage Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie , the shutdown combination the Jets had 10 years ago .
The Jets could argue that those lesser names played better than Johnson did last season for far less money as proof that defensive coordinator Gregg Williams can scheme around talent deficiencies and big names don ’ t always mean big production .
Williams played a lot of Cover 2 defense last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the outside .
The Jets finished 17th in passing defense and only allowed two 300-yard passing games , both in September .
Douglas still has plenty of time to address cornerback .
The top free agents still available are Logan Ryan , Jimmy Smith , Daryl Worley , Aqib Talib , Ronald Darby , Bashaud Breeland and Xavier Rhodes .
There is a good chance the prices will bottom out now that the first wave of free agency is over , and Douglas may pounce .
He also may choose to wait @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the position .
Top cornerback Jeff Okudah of Ohio State is expected to be off the board before the Jets draft at No .
11 , but Florida ’ s C.J .
Henderson could be a target there , or Douglas could find one in the later rounds .
As for edge rusher , the now 14-year search continues .
The Jets appear to be willing to let outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins leave in free agency , which is somewhat of a surprise .
Jenkins led the team with eight sacks last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jets will need multiple edge rushers .
The top edge rusher on the market is Seattle ’ s Jadeveon Clowney , but he reportedly is seeking $ 20 million per year .
There is no way Douglas would go near that price .
If Clowney ’ s market craters , perhaps Douglas would get involved but it seems more likely that Clowney returns to the Seahawks for a cheaper deal .
After Clowney , the market is thin .
Jabaal Sheard , Cameron Wake , Markus Golden and Vinny Curry are all options @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard to find outside of the first round and this year there seems to be a major drop-off after Chase Young , who is expected to be taken No .
2 by the Redskins .
It still is only March .
The Jets will not have a game for 5 ½ months .
Right now , the holes at cornerback and edge rusher are glaring .
By September , Douglas needs to make sure they no longer feel that way .

Jets general manager Joe Douglas addressed the team’s biggest need on offense this week by signing three linemen. The defense, however, still needs plenty of work.
Douglas did not do much to address glaring defensive needs at edge rusher and cornerback. He agreed to a deal to bring back slot corner Brian Poole earlier in the week, then brought back cornerback Arthur Maulet on a one-year deal that was agreed to Friday. The Jets also agreed Friday to a one-year, $2 million deal with linebacker Neville Hewitt.
Douglas’ biggest move at cornerback this week was dumping Trumaine Johnson. Maybe the Jets are viewing Johnson as a cautionary tale and doing the right thing by not throwing money at their roster holes early in free agency. Former GM Mike Maccagnan signed Johnson to a five-year, $72.5 million deal in 2018 with $34 million guaranteed. That contract turned out to be one of the worst the Jets have ever handed out.
There is no question, however, the Jets still need to address cornerback and edge rusher. At the moment, their starting cornerbacks would be Brian Poole inside and some combination of Darryl Roberts, Bless Austin, Nate Hairston and Maulet on the outside. That is not exactly vintage Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie, the shutdown combination the Jets had 10 years ago.
The Jets could argue that those lesser names played better than Johnson did last season for far less money as proof that defensive coordinator Gregg Williams can scheme around talent deficiencies and big names don’t always mean big production. Williams played a lot of Cover 2 defense last year with the safeties helping hide the deficiencies on the outside. The Jets finished 17th in passing defense and only allowed two 300-yard passing games, both in September.
Douglas still has plenty of time to address cornerback. The top free agents still available are Logan Ryan, Jimmy Smith, Daryl Worley, Aqib Talib, Ronald Darby, Bashaud Breeland and Xavier Rhodes. There is a good chance the prices will bottom out now that the first wave of free agency is over, and Douglas may pounce.
He also may choose to wait until the NFL Draft to find help at the position. Top cornerback Jeff Okudah of Ohio State is expected to be off the board before the Jets draft at No. 11, but Florida’s C.J. Henderson could be a target there, or Douglas could find one in the later rounds.
As for edge rusher, the now 14-year search continues. The Jets appear to be willing to let outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins leave in free agency, which is somewhat of a surprise. Jenkins led the team with eight sacks last year. If Jenkins goes, the Jets will need multiple edge rushers.
The top edge rusher on the market is Seattle’s Jadeveon Clowney, but he reportedly is seeking $20 million per year. There is no way Douglas would go near that price. If Clowney’s market craters, perhaps Douglas would get involved but it seems more likely that Clowney returns to the Seahawks for a cheaper deal.
After Clowney, the market is thin. Jabaal Sheard, Cameron Wake, Markus Golden and Vinny Curry are all options. Pass rushers in the draft are hard to find outside of the first round and this year there seems to be a major drop-off after Chase Young, who is expected to be taken No. 2 by the Redskins.
It still is only March. The Jets will not have a game for 5 ½ months. Right now, the holes at cornerback and edge rusher are glaring. By September, Douglas needs to make sure they no longer feel that way.
Offensive lineman Brent Qvale, who spent the past six seasons with the Jets, is signing with the Texans, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Qvale was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Nebraska in 2014. He was primarily a backup for the Jets, making 15 starts in six seasons. Qvale was one of the few Jets left from the Rex Ryan/John Idzik era. Qvale only started one game last year, the final game of the year when he was at left guard.


newyorkpost--2020-03-20--6 livestream shows and other special online music events

So what if concerts have been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic ?
The show must — and will — go on , thanks to these livestreaming shows and other special online music events that will keep you plugged into your favorite artists from the comfort of your couch .
Who could be more reassuring in the midst of this madness than the Boss ?
Leave it to the enduring Springsteen — still comforting born-to-run souls after all these years — to reach out from his Jersey compound ( with a virtually gloved hand ) to fans : He has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Calling : Live in Hyde Park ” on YouTube and Apple Music for the first time , for your streaming pleasure while you practice social distancing .
Miami ’ s Ultra Music Festival and Winter Music Conference may have been canceled this year due to the coronavirus crisis .
But the superstar spinner and producer for everyone from Beyoncé to Madonna is still rocking the party with live DJ sets from his house five days a week , including Sunday at 4 p.m. EST .
The “ Boom Clap ” singer has announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Instagram shows featuring a variety of guests .
Diplo , Rita Ora and Christine and the Queens have already joined in on the fun , while Kim Petras is set to be the special guest on Saturday .
It ’ s the 20th anniversary of Badu ’ s masterpiece , 2000 ’ s “ Mama ’ s Gun , ” but it ’ s the neo-soul priestess who is still presenting us with gifts when we need it most .
You can get up close and personal with her this weekend as she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ series directly from her Dallas bedroom .
Only one dollar to join — and you can make requests !
Coming to you directly from his Los Angeles home , Wainwright is holding his “ Musical Everydays ” series , in which he will be serenading you with one song every day from the intimacy of his very own piano .
The chamber-pop singer-songwriter will be releasing his next album , “ Unfollow the Rules , ” on April 24 .
Death Cab for Cutie ’ s lead singer will be holding his “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ p.m. EST every day on YouTube , Facebook and Instagram .
He ’ ll be taking requests and inviting over some special guests , so you never know what to expect .

So what if concerts have been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic? The show must — and will — go on, thanks to these livestreaming shows and other special online music events that will keep you plugged into your favorite artists from the comfort of your couch.
Bruce Springsteen
Who could be more reassuring in the midst of this madness than the Boss? Leave it to the enduring Springsteen — still comforting born-to-run souls after all these years — to reach out from his Jersey compound (with a virtually gloved hand) to fans: He has released his 2009 concert film “London Calling: Live in Hyde Park” on YouTube and Apple Music for the first time, for your streaming pleasure while you practice social distancing.
Diplo
Miami’s Ultra Music Festival and Winter Music Conference may have been canceled this year due to the coronavirus crisis. But the superstar spinner and producer for everyone from Beyoncé to Madonna is still rocking the party with live DJ sets from his house five days a week, including Sunday at 4 p.m. EST.
Charli XCX
The “Boom Clap” singer has announced a series of daily “self-isolation” Instagram shows featuring a variety of guests. Diplo, Rita Ora and Christine and the Queens have already joined in on the fun, while Kim Petras is set to be the special guest on Saturday.
Erykah Badu
It’s the 20th anniversary of Badu’s masterpiece, 2000’s “Mama’s Gun,” but it’s the neo-soul priestess who is still presenting us with gifts when we need it most. You can get up close and personal with her this weekend as she hosts her “Apocalypse One” concert series directly from her Dallas bedroom. Only one dollar to join — and you can make requests!
Rufus Wainwright
Coming to you directly from his Los Angeles home, Wainwright is holding his “Musical Everydays” series, in which he will be serenading you with one song every day from the intimacy of his very own piano. The chamber-pop singer-songwriter will be releasing his next album, “Unfollow the Rules,” on April 24.
Ben Gibbard
Death Cab for Cutie’s lead singer will be holding his “Live from Home” series at 7 p.m. EST every day on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. He’ll be taking requests and inviting over some special guests, so you never know what to expect.