newyorkpost--2020-03-02--How to avoid germs on the subway as coronavirus hits NYC

The coronavirus has officially reached New York City , and the odds of contracting an illness on the subway or a bus are significantly greater than commuting solo in a car , says Charles Gerba , a microbiologist at the University of Arizona .
“ There are many opportunities for viruses to spread on public transportation , ” he tells The Post .
So what can you do to avoid catching something while taking mass transit ?
Applying hand sanitizer “ immediately after you get off the subway ” is the surest way to stay germ-free , says the parasite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ popular belief that latex gloves and face masks will protect against the disease , they aren ’ t necessary unless you ’ ve already contracted the coronavirus .
The MTA recommends following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ’ s guidelines — which include washing your hands , staying home if you ’ re sick and covering your cough — in a press release about what precautions it ’ s taking against the spread of the virus .
In addition , a spokeswoman tells The Post , the agency is currently working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the cars out of an abundance of caution .
Here , Gerba suggests several safeguards so you can ride the rails without fear .
“ If people take these precautions , it should be totally fine and reduce your risk , ” he says .
Cramming onto a packed subway car increases your risk of contracting airborne germs , “ especially [ those transmitted ] from coughing and sneezing , ” says Gerba , “ because there aren ’ t many places to move during rush hour.
” More people also means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who didn ’ t properly sanitize their hands .
Now is not the time to be polite .
“ You want to move away from people who are coughing , ” Gerba says .
If it ’ s possible , leave a little earlier or later for work , so you can be on the subway during off-peak hours .
“ The lower density of people , the lower the risk , ” he says .
The subway poles and handholds have a rep for being hot spots for germs , but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to look out for “ because everyone uses them , ” says Gerba .
“ Turnstiles get heavily contaminated.
” When swiping into a station , “ use your hips or back of the hand ” to wade through the turnstiles .
The plastic-bag ban went into effect across New York state on Sunday , which means commuters will be carrying around more reusable bags to do their grocery shopping .
But carrying a heavy load home can wreak havoc on more than just your back : Placing your bags on the floor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contaminate the bottom , ” says Gerba .
If the bag came anywhere near the floor , “ immediately wipe the bottom of the bag with a disinfectant wipe , ” he says , which goes for purses as well .
To be extra safe , toss any fabric bag that ’ s touched the ground into the wash with hot water .
Phones are hotbeds for germs : Your grubby fingers have touched the pole , then your screen , and then your cheek and mouth if you ( God forbid !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ using phones in public places — especially while using transportation , ” says Gerba .
If that ’ s not feasible , he recommends swiping the device with an alcohol wipe ( such as the prep pads that come in a first aid kit ) as soon as you get to the office or back home .
That step is essential , he says , because germs live on even if you stow your phone in your bag for a little bit .
“ When you take it out again , the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Grabbing a granola bar , banana or cup of coffee for your train ride might seem like a timesaver , but not if you ’ re trying to avoid illness .
“ People touch their face more when they ’ re eating and drinking without recognizing it , ” says Gerba .
Wait until you get off the subway to chow down — or even take a sip from a water bottle — to avoid any potential hand-to-mouth contamination .

The coronavirus has officially reached New York City, and the odds of contracting an illness on the subway or a bus are significantly greater than commuting solo in a car, says Charles Gerba, a microbiologist at the University of Arizona.
“There are many opportunities for viruses to spread on public transportation,” he tells The Post.
So what can you do to avoid catching something while taking mass transit?
Applying hand sanitizer “immediately after you get off the subway” is the surest way to stay germ-free, says the parasite expert, who reiterates that despite the popular belief that latex gloves and face masks will protect against the disease, they aren’t necessary unless you’ve already contracted the coronavirus.
The MTA recommends following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines — which include washing your hands, staying home if you’re sick and covering your cough — in a press release about what precautions it’s taking against the spread of the virus. In addition, a spokeswoman tells The Post, the agency is working on a plan to implement extra cleaning of the cars out of an abundance of caution.
Here, Gerba suggests several safeguards so you can ride the rails without fear.
“If people take these precautions, it should be totally fine and reduce your risk,” he says.
Avoid crowds
Cramming onto a packed subway car increases your risk of contracting airborne germs, “especially [those transmitted] from coughing and sneezing,” says Gerba, “because there aren’t many places to move during rush hour.” More people also means more chances of being touched by someone who didn’t properly sanitize their hands.
Now is not the time to be polite. “You want to move away from people who are coughing,” Gerba says.
If it’s possible, leave a little earlier or later for work, so you can be on the subway during off-peak hours. “The lower density of people, the lower the risk,” he says.
Tackle the turnstile
The subway poles and handholds have a rep for being hot spots for germs, but it’s actually the turnstiles you have to look out for “because everyone uses them,” says Gerba. “Turnstiles get heavily contaminated.”
When swiping into a station, “use your hips or back of the hand” to wade through the turnstiles.
Beware of the bags
The plastic bag ban went into effect across New York state on Sunday, which means commuters will be carrying around more reusable bags to do their grocery shopping. But carrying a heavy load home can wreak havoc on more than just your back: Placing your bags on the floor of the bus or train “can contaminate the bottom,” says Gerba.
If the bag came anywhere near the floor, “immediately wipe the bottom of the bag with a disinfectant wipe,” he says, which goes for purses as well. To be extra safe, toss any fabric bag that’s touched the ground into the wash with hot water.
Don’t swipe your screens
Phones are hotbeds for germs: Your grubby fingers have touched the pole, then your screen, and then your cheek and mouth if you (God forbid!) make a call. “Avoid using phones in public places — especially while using transportation,” says Gerba. If that’s not feasible, he recommends swiping the device with an alcohol wipe (such as the prep pads that come in a first aid kit) as soon as you get to the office or back home.
That step is essential, he says, because germs live on even if you stow your phone in your bag for a little bit. “When you take it out again, the virus is still there,” he warns.
Skip the snacks
Grabbing a granola bar, banana or cup of coffee for your train ride might seem like a time saver, but not if you’re trying to avoid illness. “People touch their face more when they’re eating and drinking without recognizing it,” says Gerba. Wait until you get off the subway to chow down — or even take a sip from a water bottle — to avoid any potential hand-to-mouth contamination.


newyorkpost--2020-03-02--Debate surrounding Daniel Jones’ future among biggest NFL combine takeaways

INDIANAPOLIS — Of all the many skills Isaiah Simmons possesses ...

Footballs flew inside Lucas Oil Stadium, steaks flew off menus and information flew all around Indianapolis.
The NFL combine is over and the wait is on. Free agency begins March 18. The Draft begins April 23.
Here are 10 things The Post learned from conversations with agents, scouts, coaches and executives at the combine:
1. The debate inside the Giants over Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons — worthy of the No. 4 pick? — could be one of the most hotly contested in years. Simmons played 100 or more snaps at five different defensive positions in 2019.
“Every position is critical to have versatility,” coach Joe Judge said, “because it’s all going to change both by scheme and by need.”
Judge’s words echo Bill Belichick’s philosophy. But sources in rival organizations believe the Giants front office still is of the mindset that “position-less players” are too difficult to maximize when a stud is needed at No. 4.
2. Great debate still rages on Giants quarterback Daniel Jones’ future.
Some insiders believe he was “just OK” as a rookie, with an 87.7 rating, 3,024 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, 12 interceptions and a league-high 18 fumbles.
One team with a multiple-time Pro Bowl quarterback in his prime included Jones on its draft board last April because of the thought he might quickly grow to beat out the starter. The same team remains very high on Jones.
The Giants privately remain fully committed to Jones despite the way Judge and Dave Gettleman dodged questions. The belief is his fumbling problem is easily correctable and the quiet way he handled adversity — a nine-game losing streak, turnovers, the awkward dynamic with Eli Manning — was perfect for a pressure cooker.
Take the Giants out of the Tom Brady sweepstakes. They were never in it.
3. Expect the Giants to prioritize cornerback in free agency one year after mistakenly failing to do so, sources said.
Even with the possibility that Ohio State’s Jeff Okudah will be available at No. 4, the Giants understand the need to add a veteran. There is optimism that things clicked for DeAndre Baker — one of three first-round picks in 2019 — late in his rookie season. Other teams are not sure he has NFL cornerback speed.
The Giants’ pitch to free agent Byron Jones could include offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, Jones’ head coach with the Cowboys for the last five seasons. James Bradberry (Panthers) is another coveted option.
4. After fulfilling a dream by playing together in the NFL the last two seasons (like in high school and at Rutgers), the McCourty twins are letting teams know they are not a package deal in 2020, sources said.
Devin is a free agent, and Jason could be available if the Patriots make him a cap casualty ($1.75 million dead cap).
Devin, who makes his offseason home about 15 miles from MetLife Stadium, is a better fit for the Judge-led Giants. Jason is a better fit for the safety-full Jets.
5. Free agent Markus Golden lost his greatest ally when Giants defensive coordinator James Bettcher was fired. They previously worked together with the Cardinals.
A source described how Bettcher “stood on a table” to convince Gettleman to look past injury history and two correlated unproductive seasons to sign Golden to a one-year, $4.75 million (bonus included) deal.
Golden (10 sacks) is expected to test the market. Bettcher is out of the NFL for now.
6. The Jets have a difficult decision to make with the No. 11 pick: Protection for Sam Darnold or a weapon for Darnold? Especially if it is their fourth-ranked offensive linemen versus their top receiver.
“What’s best available and what are our options?” coach Adam Gase said. “You just don’t know until you get there.”
The depth of the wide receiver class — scouts say there will be impact rookies available into the third day of the Draft — could swing the Jets. They could be the fourth team selecting offensive line, so the difficult decision might be made for them among Tristan Wirfs, Andrew Thomas, Mekhi Becton and Jedrick Wills.
7. In 2018, the Browns believed Baker Mayfield’s swagger was just right for turning around a hapless franchise. On the other side of Ohio, the Bengals are looking at Joe Burrow as a savior as long as he sticks to his word of not refusing to play in Cincinnati.
“Baker was cocky, but Joe is confident,” one NFC executive who interviewed both at the Combine said. “There’s a big difference.”
8. The Chiefs could lose both their coordinators next offseason.
Eric Bieniemy is overdue for his shot, and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will be pushed as a top second-chance candidate barring a disastrous season. He was 10-38 in three seasons with the Rams (2009-11), after winning a Super Bowl coordinating the Giants.
9. Free agent Jadeveon Clowney’s salary is rising and his injury history is becoming less concerning every time an elite pass-rusher is ticketed for a franchise/transition tag. It is creating concern for teams that the second-tier pass-rusher market will be overinflated, too, in a year when the Draft is short on edge rushers.
10. The search for the next Patrick Mahomes or Lamar Jackson — an athletic quarterback who can make the improbable happen — is a big win for Utah State’s Jordan Love.
Two former NFL head coaches specializing in quarterbacks shared their growing infatuation with the 6-foot-4 Love, whose arm strength is more Mahomes than Jackson.


newyorkpost--2020-03-02--Your guide to Super Tuesday and what it means for the 2020 Democratic presidential race

Former Vice President Joe Biden has brought in over $ 10 ...

Following months of nationally televised debates and a handful of early caucuses and primaries, Super Tuesday is where the rubber meets the road for the remaining Democratic candidates.
A total of 1,357 delegates will be up for grabs, with 1,338 of them in 14 states holding their primaries on March 3.
Another six delegates will be in play in American Samoa, as well as 13 among Democrats living abroad, who vote beginning Tuesday through March 10.
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders jumped out to an early lead in the pre-Super Tuesday contests, nearly besting former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg in the Iowa caucuses, then nipping him in the New Hampshire primary and winning the Nevada caucuses in a blowout.
But just when his campaign appeared sunk, former Vice President Joe Biden captured the South Carolina primary to catapult back into relevance.
Buttigieg and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar dropped out of the race on Sunday and Monday, respectively, with each indicating they would throw their support behind Biden, setting the stage for a fierce fight on Super Tuesday.
Here’s what you need to know:
What states vote on Super Tuesday?
California (with 415 delegates in play), Texas (228), North Carolina (110), Virginia (99), Massachusetts (91), Minnesota (75), Colorado (67), Tennessee (64), Alabama (52), Oklahoma (37), Arkansas (31), Utah (29), Maine (24) and Vermont (16).
Who’s on the Super Tuesday ballot for the Democrats?
Most eyes will be on Sanders and Biden, but Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg are making what could be their last stands.
Super Tuesday will particularly serve as a referendum on Bloomberg, on the primary ballot for the first time. After a late November 2019 late entrance into the race, Bloomberg employed an unusual strategy, punting on the early contests in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina to pour his energy and vast resources into the Super Tuesday states.
Hawaii Rep. and super-longshot candidate Tulsi Gabbard also remains in the race, but has failed to poll highly enough to earn invites to the Democratic debates in months.
Do Republicans vote on Super Tuesday?
Yes, though incumbent President Trump is facing no serious challengers in his bid for a second term, rendering the vote a formality.
However, in states with open presidential primaries, Republicans may still be able to tip the scales by voting in the Democratic proceedings, as Trump urged supporters to do in Saturday’s South Carolina primary.
Super Tuesday states with open primaries include: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont and Virginia.
How does a candidate win on Super Tuesday?
It’s not quite as simple as capturing the most votes.
None of the 14 Super Tuesday states uses a winner-take-all system. Rather, the delegates are divvied up proportionally, based on how each candidate fares in the vote. That makes the margin of victory in a given race crucial. A narrow win for a candidate won’t give them as much breathing room as a blowout, as they and the second-place finisher could have a near-even break of the delegates.
Previous 1 of 5 Next Advertisement Voters in the Texas primary wait in an early voting line in San Antonio. AP Dylan Hoffman votes early in the California primary in Sacramento. AP Advertisement Shirley Emery puts voting instructions into a booth in Brattleboro, Vt., today. AP Advertisement
So the delegate division is strictly proportional to the votes?
Not quite. There is also a 15 percent vote threshold that candidates will need to clear in order to receive any delegates at all. Candidates who fall short of that mark — be it at 14 percent or 1 percent — will come away empty-handed. This mark applies to both delegates tied to individual congressional districts in the states — or state senate districts, in the case of Texas — as well as the “at large” statewide delegates.
In states where Biden and Sanders are the only candidates polling above 15 percent, the primary will feel more like a true, head-to-head race. But in states where Warren or Bloomberg can swoop in and grab some delegates of their own, things can get a bit dicier for the front-runners.
Exactly what’s at stake on Super Tuesday?
The 1,357 delegates up for grabs represent roughly a third of the total delegates in play nationwide this election cycle. A candidate needs to secure at least 1,991 delegates in order to gain the nomination.
That means that while no one candidate can clinch the nomination on Super Tuesday, a dominant showing will get you most of the way there.
When will we know the Super Tuesday results?
With states on both coasts in play, polls close over several hours Tuesday night. Vermont’s polls close at 7 p.m. EST, while California’s remain open until 11 p.m. EST. But the final results might not even be in by the time you wake up Wednesday.
California, the most delegate-dense and, possibly, consequential on the Super Tuesday docket, is notorious for its glacial vote-tallying process. The Golden State accepts mail-in ballots up to three days after in-person polling, and in 2016, it took over a month to tally the final results.


newyorkpost--2020-03-02--Joe Biden raises $10M in two days as Super Tuesday looms

Former Vice President Joe Biden has brought in over $ 10 million in campaign contributions in the two days following his resounding victory in the South Carolina primary , his campaign announced Monday , hours before he picked up the endorsements of Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Amy Klobuchar , who both dropped out of the race..
The bulk of the Democratic presidential hopeful ’ s contributions flooded in between 8pm on Saturday and 8pm on Sunday , according to the Washington Post , starting immediately after Biden was projected as the winner in the first-in-the-south primary .
The campaign said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alone , making it the largest online fundraising day to date , and quickly surpassed that on Sunday .
Biden ’ s team also said that much of those contributions came from tens of thousands of new donors .
Biden had struggled to compete with his 2020 rivals in terms of campaign contributions , repeatedly ranking below his competitors in quarterly fundraising hauls .
He raised a mere $ 9 million in January and $ 18 million in February , the latter of which includes the $ 5 million he hauled in Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bend , Ind .
mayor , had long outranked the former vice president for the largest number of billionaire donors before bowing out of the presidential race Sunday .
Buttigieg ’ s expected endorsement ahead of Super Tuesday will likely boost his chances of bringing in donations from a fellow moderate ’ s supporters .
After Biden ’ s dismal showings in Iowa and New Hampshire in early February , Democratic megadonors began publicly panicking over whether their candidate of choice could make it to the general election .
“ There ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one donor who bundled contributions for a Biden fundraiser in New York last month told The Post at the time .
“ It wasn ’ t expected that he would perform great in Iowa or New Hampshire .
But we did not anticipate that he would fare this poorly .
It was a significant decline , ” said the bundler , who requested anonymity .

Former Vice President Joe Biden has brought in over $10 million in campaign contributions in the two days following his resounding victory in the South Carolina primary, his campaign announced Monday, hours before he picked up the endorsements of Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who both dropped out of the race.
The bulk of the Democratic presidential hopeful’s contributions flooded in between 8pm on Saturday and 8pm on Sunday, according to the Washington Post, starting immediately after Biden was projected as the winner in the first-in-the-south primary.
The campaign said it raised $5 million on Saturday alone, making it the largest online fundraising day to date, and quickly surpassed that on Sunday.
Biden’s team also said that much of those contributions came from tens of thousands of new donors.
Biden had struggled to compete with his 2020 rivals in terms of campaign contributions, repeatedly ranking below his competitors in quarterly fundraising hauls.
He raised a mere $9 million in January and $18 million in February, the latter of which includes the $5 million he hauled in Saturday night.
Buttigieg, the former South Bend, Ind. mayor, had long outranked the former vice president for the largest number of billionaire donors before bowing out of the presidential race Sunday.
Buttigieg’s expected endorsement ahead of Super Tuesday will likely boost his chances of bringing in donations from a fellow moderate’s supporters.
After Biden’s dismal showings in Iowa and New Hampshire in early February, Democratic megadonors began publicly panicking over whether their candidate of choice could make it to the general election.
“There’s a great deal of concern,” one donor who bundled contributions for a Biden fundraiser in New York last month told The Post at the time.
“It wasn’t expected that he would perform great in Iowa or New Hampshire. But we did not anticipate that he would fare this poorly. It was a significant decline,” said the bundler, who requested anonymity.


newyorkpost--2020-03-03--Fashionable turtle is anything but shy

Fashionable turtle is anything but shy

Watch this turtle strut her stuff .
Meet Ethel , a 4-year-old tortoise in Sonoma , California , whose stylish @ @ @ @ @ — have earned the pet reptile nearly 40,000 Instagram followers .
Ethel the Glamour Tort @ @ @ @ @ her quirky owners , couple Kasey Kuchinski and Daniel Rodriguez , who pamper their pet @ @ @ @ @ pie .

Watch this turtle strut her stuff. Meet Ethel, a 4-year-old tortoise in Sonoma, California, whose stylish looks — and spiky feet — have earned the pet reptile nearly 40,000 Instagram followers. Ethel the Glamour Tort often wears matching outfits alongside her quirky owners, couple Kasey Kuchinski and Daniel Rodriguez, who pamper their pet with spa days and pumpkin pie.
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newyorkpost--2020-03-03--How Rosie O’Donnell’s unlikely friendship with Michael Cohen blossomed

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 ) Comedian and former host of “ The View ” Rosie O ’ Donnell is talking books with Michael Cohen , Donald Trump ’ s incarcerated former personal attorney .
Rap icon Flavor Flav and Public Enemy are divided — over Bernie Sanders .
And Ashley Benson ’ s newest ink is an ode to french fries .
Rosie O ’ Donnell is helping Michael Cohen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ Donnell has struck up an unlikely friendship with President Donald Trump ’ s incarcerated former personal attorney Michael Cohen .
Outspoken Trump loather and archnemesis O ’ Donnell contacted Cohen in writing after he was sent to medium-security federal prison in Otisville , NY , last year , according to a source .
Comedian and former host of “ The View ” O ’ Donnell is even said to have visited Cohen — who is again shopping a tell-all book about his years working for Trump — at the upstate facility .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michael have bonded over Trump , and she ’ s helping him with his book , which is now highly critical of the president.
” Reps for both did not comment .
Hip-hop legend Flavor Flav was fired from Public Enemy on Sunday night after he slapped Bernie Sanders with a cease-and-desist letter for claiming the group would perform at a rally in Los Angeles .
“ Public Enemy and Public Enemy Radio will be moving forward without Flavor Flav , ” the group said in a statement to Rolling Stone .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service and wish him well.
” Flav ’ s legal maneuver came just as Chuck D and Public Enemy Radio were set to perform at Sanders ’ rally — excluding Flavor Flav .
“ Sanders has promised to ‘ Fight the Power ’ with hip hop icons Public Enemy — but this Rap Icon will not be performing at the Sanders Rally , ” read the letter sent through Flav ’ s lawyer , Matthew H. Friedman , and obtained by Spin .
The 60-year-old Flav said he had no problem with Chuck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , voicing his own political opinions , but that it ’ s not his place to speak for all of Public Enemy .
Ashley Benson was just photographed with girlfriend Cara Delevingne partying at Paris fashion week — so , perhaps this was the inspiration for her new tattoo , which reads — in all caps — “ POMMES FRITES.
” Benson was spotted visiting the studio of celebrity tattoo artist JonBoy at Moxy Times Square , and leaving with the new ink on her inside forearm .
According to JonBoy ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ink on her back , the word “ California ” in a cursive font .
Catch up on all episodes of “ We Hear ” by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts .
New episodes come out every Tuesday , Wednesday and Thursday .

Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
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Comedian and former host of “The View” Rosie O’Donnell is talking books with Michael Cohen, Donald Trump’s incarcerated former personal attorney. Rap icon Flavor Flav and Public Enemy are divided — over Bernie Sanders. And Ashley Benson’s newest ink is an ode to french fries.
Here’s a closer look at today’s stories:
Rosie O’Donnell is helping Michael Cohen with tell-all book on Trump
Rosie O’Donnell has struck up an unlikely friendship with President Donald Trump’s incarcerated former personal attorney Michael Cohen.
Outspoken Trump loather and archnemesis O’Donnell contacted Cohen in writing after he was sent to medium-security federal prison in Otisville, NY, last year, according to a source.
Comedian and former host of “The View” O’Donnell is even said to have visited Cohen — who is again shopping a tell-all book about his years working for Trump — at the upstate facility.
The source said, “Rosie and Michael have bonded over Trump, and she’s helping him with his book, which is now highly critical of the president.”
Reps for both did not comment.
Flavor Flav fired from Public Enemy over Bernie Sanders flap
Hip-hop legend Flavor Flav was fired from Public Enemy on Sunday night after he slapped Bernie Sanders with a cease-and-desist letter for claiming the group would perform at a rally in Los Angeles.
“Public Enemy and Public Enemy Radio will be moving forward without Flavor Flav,” the group said in a statement to Rolling Stone. “We thank him for his years of service and wish him well.”
Flav’s legal maneuver came just as Chuck D and Public Enemy Radio were set to perform at Sanders’ rally — excluding Flavor Flav.
“Sanders has promised to ‘Fight the Power’ with hip hop icons Public Enemy — but this Rap Icon will not be performing at the Sanders Rally,” read the letter sent through Flav’s lawyer, Matthew H. Friedman, and obtained by Spin.
The 60-year-old Flav said he had no problem with Chuck D, the group’s co-founder, voicing his own political opinions, but that it’s not his place to speak for all of Public Enemy.
Ashley Benson debuts new ink by famed tattoo artist JonBoy
Ashley Benson was just photographed with girlfriend Cara Delevingne partying at Paris fashion week — so, perhaps this was the inspiration for her new tattoo, which reads — in all caps — “POMMES FRITES.”
Benson was spotted visiting the studio of celebrity tattoo artist JonBoy at Moxy Times Square, and leaving with the new ink on her inside forearm.
According to JonBoy’s Instagram, Benson also got some new ink on her back, the word “California” in a cursive font.
Catch up on all episodes of “We Hear” by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes come out every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.


newyorkpost--2020-03-03--Two reported dead after tornado rips through area near downtown Nashville

The Pope , who has been suffering from a cold , was ...

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tornadoes ripped across Tennessee early Tuesday, shredding at least 40 buildings and killing at least seven people. One of the twisters caused severe damage in downtown Nashville.
Authorities pleaded with people to stay indoors, at least until daybreak could reveal the dangers of a landscape littered with blown-down walls and roofs, snapped power lines and huge broken trees. Schools, courts and transit lines were closed, and some damaged polling stations were moved only hours before Super Tuesday voting was set to begin.
“A tornado skipped across the county,” Nashville Mayor John Cooper told the Tennessean while visiting an emergency shelter early Tuesday. “You do have people at the hospital and frankly there have been fatalities.”
Tennessee Emergency Management Agency spokeswoman Maggie Hannan confirmed the initial death toll of seven. The sheriffs of Putnam and Benton counties joined Nashville’s mayor in reporting fatalities.
A line of severe storms caused damage across Tennessee as it moved through the state after midnight. Buildings, roads, bridges, utilities and businesses were affected, Hannan said.
One tornado near downtown reportedly stayed on the ground into Hermitage, about 10 miles east of the city. Other areas reporting extensive damage included Mt. Juliet and the trendy Germantown neighborhood.
“Our community has been impacted significantly,” the Mt. Juliet Police Department tweeted. Multiple homes were damaged and multiple injuries were reported, the department said. ”We continue to search for injured. Stay home if you can.”
Police officers and fire crews were responding to about 40 building collapses around the city, Metro Nashville police said.
John C. Tune Airport, Nashville International’s sister airport in West Nashville, “sustained significant damage due to severe weather,” spokeswoman Kim Gerlock said in a statement early Tuesday. Several hangars have been destroyed and power lines are down, she said, adding that there are no reported injuries.
Gerlock asked that the public avoid the airport until further notice and said the Airport Authority has activated its Emergency Operations Center to coordinate response.
Previous 1 of 7 Next Advertisement Damamged vehicles and buildings in East Nashville after a tornado hit the city. AP Debris scattered across an intersection in downtown Nashville. AP Advertisement Debris scattered across an intersection in downtown Nashville. AP Debris scattered across the parking lot of a damaged apartment building in Nashville. AP People stand outside the Basement East music venue in East Nashville after it was destroyed by a tornado. AP Advertisement
A video posted online from east Nashville showed what appeared to be a well-defined tornado moving quickly across the city. Lightning repeatedly flashed while much of the city was in the dark. The whir of the wind could be heard after the tornado moved out of sight.
Images on social media showed extensive damage to buildings, mangled wires on downed power lines and structures that are now unrecognizable after the tornado reduced them to rubble. One photo showed a white vinyl fence that had fallen on a car. Another showed the roof and walls gone from a building that still had what appeared to be boxes stacked on shelves.
Among the collapsed buildings was a popular music venue that had just held an election rally for presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. The crowd left shortly before the twister struck the Basement East Nashville, the Tennessean reported.
The disaster impacted voting in Tennessee, one of 14 Super Tuesday states. Some polling sites in Nashville were moved, and polls in Davidson and Wilson counties were opening an hour late but still closing at 8 p.m. Eastern, Secretary of State Tre Hargett announced.
A reported gas leak forced an evacuation of the IMT building in the Germantown community, according to WSMV-TV. Photos showed dozens of people in the street carrying their belongings not long after the tornado moved through the city.
The American Red Cross of Tennessee opened a shelter for displaced residents downtown at the Nashville Farmers Market, just north of the state capitol, but a power outage there forced people to move again to the Centennial Sportsplex, the Tennessean reported.
The outage also extended to the capitol building, forcing the cancellation of legislative meetings.
Nashville Electric tweeted that four of its substations were damaged in the tornado. Power outages as of 4 a.m. were affecting more than 44,000 customers, the utility company said.
Metro Nashville Public Schools said its schools would be closed Tuesday because of the tornado damage. Wilson County, just east of metro Nashville, will close schools for the rest of the week. Election polling sites at schools were expected to remain open, as well as district offices, according to tweets from its official account.
Jeff Roberts of the Elections Commission said in a statement early Tuesday that information about damage to polling stations is being collected as polls open for Super Tuesday. Any voter in Davidson County whose assigned precinct has been impacted may vote at the Election Commission Offices, the statement said. Polls open at various times, starting at 7 a.m. CST, depending on the county.
The storm system was forecast to bring an isolated tornado, damaging winds and large hail, news outlets reported. Heavy rain was expected to impact Gulf Coast states over the next several days, according to WTVF-TV.


newyorkpost--2020-03-03--Pope Francis tests negative for coronavirus after canceling events due to illness

The Pope , who has been suffering from a cold , was tested for the coronavirus and the results came back negative , a report said Tuesday .
Pope Francis submitted to the swab test as a precaution after coming down with an illness days after he expressed support for patients suffering from the deadly virus , according to the Italian newspaper Il Messaggero .
The 83-year-old pontiff could be seen coughing on Sunday as he addressed thousands for his weekly blessing from St. Peter ’ s Square .
During the event , he announced that he won ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Roman countryside .
He asked for prayers for the retreat , adding that “ unfortunately a cold prevents me from participating this year .
I will be following the meditation from here.
” The Vatican had not previously specified what was ailing Francis , though the announcement comes as the coronavirus sweeps Italy .
“ There is no evidence that would lead to diagnosing anything but a mild indisposition , ” spokesman Matteo Bruni said on Friday .
Italy has seen 52 deaths due to the virus and the number of confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @

The Pope, who has been suffering from a cold, was tested for the coronavirus and the results came back negative, a report said Tuesday.
Pope Francis submitted to the swab test as a precaution after coming down with an illness days after he expressed support for patients suffering from the deadly virus, according to the Italian newspaper Il Messaggero.
The 83-year-old pontiff could be seen coughing on Sunday as he addressed thousands for his weekly blessing from St. Peter’s Square.
During the event, he announced that he won’t be attending a Lenten spiritual retreat in the Roman countryside.
He asked for prayers for the retreat, adding that “unfortunately a cold prevents me from participating this year. I will be following the meditation from here.”
The Vatican had not previously specified what was ailing Francis, though the announcement comes as the coronavirus sweeps Italy.
“There is no evidence that would lead to diagnosing anything but a mild indisposition,” spokesman Matteo Bruni said on Friday.
Italy has seen 52 deaths due to the virus and the number of confirmed cases reached 1,835 on Tuesday.


newyorkpost--2020-03-03--California man charged after allegedly stealing hearse with body inside

The man who led cops on a wild car chase in California after stealing a hearse with a dead body @ @ @ @ @ on Monday .
James Juarez , 25 , was slapped with two felony charges for @ @ @ @ @ when he allegedly swiped the vehicle , a black Lincoln Navigator , from outside a @ @ @ @ @ , according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney ’ s Office .
The hearse @ @ @ @ @ left the keys in the ignition while dropping off another body inside the church , @ @ @ @ @ motorist spotted the stolen hearse early the next morning , leading to a police chase @ @ @ @ @ ended when the SUV crashed .
Juarez was charged with fleeing a peace officer while @ @ @ @ @ vehicle without consent .

The man who led cops on a wild car chase in California after stealing a hearse with a dead body inside was charged by prosecutors on Monday.
James Juarez, 25, was slapped with two felony charges for the bizarre incident that began when he allegedly swiped the vehicle, a black Lincoln Navigator, from outside a Pasendena church last Wednesday night, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
The hearse was stolen after the driver left the keys in the ignition while dropping off another body inside the church, authorities have said.
A motorist spotted the stolen hearse early the next morning, leading to a police chase on the 110 freeway that ended when the SUV crashed.
Authorities found the body undisturbed inside a casket.
Juarez was charged with fleeing a peace officer while driving recklessly and taking a vehicle without consent.
With Post wires


newyorkpost--2020-03-03--New York lawmakers approve $40M for coronavirus preparations

ALBANY — State lawmakers passed a bill late Wednesday night backed by Gov .
Cuomo that will give the state Department of Health $ 40 million to bolster coronavirus preparations .
Cuomo announced last week that extra funding was necessary for additional staff and equipment to combat disease prevention and spread .
“ The reality is , our state and our nation continues to look for leadership , and we , probably better than most places have the ability to act .
We have the facilities , we have the personnel , ” said state Sen .
Majority Leader Andrea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state Senate , before voting in favor of the measure .
“ I have confidence in New York paying attention to what ’ s important and doing what ’ s right for our people.
” But the bill also greatly expands governor ’ s power to act when disaster situations—like fires , floods , earthquakes and disease outbreak—threaten New York .
The legislation empowers the governor to “ temporarily suspend ” any statute , local law or rule “ if necessary to assist or aid in coping with such disaster ” upon declaring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effective immediately upon passage of the legislation , and expire April 30 , 2021 .
Speaker Carl Heastie earlier told reporters that the legislature also has the ability to pass a resolution overturning the measure .
But Democrats and Republicans expressed outraged Wednesday evening , arguing against the governor ’ s augmented powers and lack of time to read and process the bill ’ s implications .
“ Is this the only answer ?
” an outraged state Sen. Andrew Lanza asked during the Senate vote , comparing the new powers afforded in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ martial law.
” “ It gives the Executive more broad unconditional power that goes way beyond , way beyond what would be necessary to deal with the pandemic.
” “ I think this is a bad idea , ” Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard Gottfried ( D-Manhattan ) declared later on , during the Assembly debate .
“ We take something this serious , and this unprecedented , through all the decades and all the crises we ’ ve been through and with a bill that ’ s still…warm from the computer screen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day to let people who know what they ’ re talking about , or don ’ t work in this building [ read the bill ] , ” he said .
“ We should take that day or two , or even more if that ’ s necessary , so we can have some confidence that we ’ re doing the right thing and not make some mistake that we ’ ll live to regret , ” he added .
“ We ’ ve seen , historically , there are some pretty bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” she argued .
The Senate passed the bill in a 53 to 4 vote .
Two Democrats , Sen. Julia Salazar ( D-Brooklyn ) and Senate Health Committee Chair Gustavo Rivera , casted ‘ no ’ votes .
The state Assembly passed the measure 120 to 12 .

ALBANY — State lawmakers passed a bill late Wednesday night backed by Gov. Cuomo that will give the state Department of Health $40 million to bolster coronavirus preparations.
Cuomo announced last week that extra funding was necessary for additional staff and equipment to combat disease prevention and spread.
“The reality is, our state and our nation continues to look for leadership, and we, probably better than most places have the ability to act. We have the facilities, we have the personnel,” said state Sen. Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins on the floor of the state Senate, before voting in favor of the measure.
“I have confidence in New York paying attention to what’s important and doing what’s right for our people.”
But the bill also greatly expands governor’s power to act when disaster situations—like fires, floods, earthquakes and disease outbreak—threaten New York.
The legislation empowers the governor to “temporarily suspend” any statute, local law or rule “if necessary to assist or aid in coping with such disaster” upon declaring an emergency order.
Those powers are effective immediately upon passage of the legislation, and expire April 30, 2021.
Speaker Carl Heastie earlier told reporters that the legislature also has the ability to pass a resolution overturning the measure.
But Democrats and Republicans expressed outrage Monday evening, arguing against the governor’s augmented powers and lack of time to read and process the bill’s implications.
“Is this the only answer?” an outraged state Sen. Andrew Lanza asked during the Senate vote, comparing the new powers afforded in the legislation to a form of “martial law.”
“It gives the Executive more broad unconditional power that goes way beyond, way beyond what would be necessary to deal with the pandemic.”
“I think this is a bad idea,” Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard Gottfried (D-Manhattan) declared later on, during the Assembly debate.
“We take something this serious, and this unprecedented, through all the decades and all the crises we’ve been through and with a bill that’s still…warm from the computer screen, to pass that without spending a day to let people who know what they’re talking about, or don’t work in this building [read the bill],” he said.
“We should take that day or two, or even more if that’s necessary, so we can have some confidence that we’re doing the right thing and not make some mistake that we’ll live to regret,” he added.
Republican Assemblywoman Marybeth Walsh (R-Saratoga) slammed the bill’s debate running past the midnight hour.
“We’ve seen, historically, there are some pretty bad ideas in Albany that come this way,” she argued.
The Senate passed the bill in a 53 to 4 vote. Two Democrats, Sen. Julia Salazar (D-Brooklyn) and Senate Health Committee Chair Gustavo Rivera, casted ‘no’ votes.
The state Assembly passed the measure 120 to 12.


newyorkpost--2020-03-03--Kim Jong Un watches North Korean military drill alongside masked officers

There may have been one extra day this February , but ...

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised an earlier live-fire rocket artillery exercise to confirm his military’s combat readiness and “further kindle the flames of training revolution,” state media said Tuesday.
The report by the Korean Central News Agency came a day after South Korea’s military detected what appeared to be two short-range ballistic launches of projectiles that landed in the North’s eastern sea.
Pyongyang’s official Rodong Sinmun newspaper published photos of rockets soaring out of multiple rocket launchers and an island target buried in smoke.
Kim smiled widely while watching from an observation post. He wore a black fur hat and leather coat but was not wearing a face mask, though other military officials had black masks in an apparent reflection of the country’s campaign against the coronavirus.
Analysts have speculated North Korea reduced training and other activities with large troop gatherings to reduce the chance of the virus spreading in its military. North Korea has not revealed if it has any cases of the illness, though state media has hinted at some people being quarantined while showing symptoms.
KCNA said of the drill that North Korean troops “proudly demonstrated” accurate marksmanship with their long-range artillery pieces, but it didn’t further specify the weapons involved.
“(Kim) expressed great satisfaction with the fact that the artillerymen are prepared to make rapid reaction to any circumstances and perfectly carry out their firepower combat duties,” the agency said.
“Saying that the victory of the socialist cause is guaranteed by the powerful military force and a war deterrence, he said that the People’s Army should keep full combat-readiness to protect the sky, land and sea of the country from any encroachment.”
The report did not mention any direct comments by Kim toward the United States or South Korea.
Kim Dong-yub, an analyst from Seoul’s Institute for Far Eastern Studies, said the weapons involved would have included a “super large” multiple rocket launcher the North first revealed last year, judging by the flight data announced by Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Since the collapse of a second summit last year between Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump, North Korea resumed ballistic activity and weapons launches to expand its military capabilities. Kim had entered the new year vowing to bolster his nuclear deterrent in the face of “gangster-like” U.S. sanctions and pressure.


newyorkpost--2020-03-03--For first time ever, no February snow recorded in these two East Coast cities

There may have been one extra day this February , but it didn ’ t help these East Coast locations get any trace of snow .
The National Weather Service said February 2020 was “ one for the record books ” along parts of the East Coast due to a lack of snow .
For the first time , Baltimore , Md.
, and Islip , N.Y , both recorded no snow in February , according to weather officials .
In addition to those two snowless communities , places such as New York ’ s John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , only recorded a trace of snow on the leap day , which ranked along the lowest 10 Februarys in terms of snow totals .
Other inland locations such as Allentown and Harrisburg in Pennsylvania only recorded a trace of snow , well under the average .
According to AccuWeather , Baltimore ’ s weather data dates back to 1891 , with 14 Februarys showing with just a trace of snow .
Data from Islip only traces back to 1964 with a gap from 1999 to 2004 , but a review from AccuWeather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Long Island location didn ’ t see any snowfall .
So what ’ s behind the lack of snow in areas used to digging out in the winter ?
It ’ s all had to do with where storms coming from the West have been setting up as they make their way across the country , according to Fox News Senior Meteorologist Janice Dean .
“ It ’ s all about the Jetstream – this year the storm tracks have not been favorable for snowy weather to hit the Northeast , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the storms this winter have tracked out of the West or Rockies , and into the Central or Southern Plains , Midwest , Great Lakes , and New England , according to Dean .
Since those storms stayed north , places like Great Falls , Mont.
, Grand Forks , N.D. , Caribou , Maine ; Cheyenne , Wyo .
; and Marquette , Mich. , have all passed their seasonal averages .
In order to get snow in the major cities of the Northeast from a typical winter storm , such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ systems coming from the West need to take a different path .
Storms would need to shift farther south or track up the East Coast so that those regions are on the colder northern and western sides of the low-pressure systems , according to Dean .
“ That would increase the odds of colder air sticking around and the precipitation falling as all snow instead of rain/wintry mix , ” she said .
For March , the NWS ’ Climate Prediction Center said above-normal temperatures are favored for most areas east of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get off to a “ relatively wet start.
” But as the month goes on , wetter-than-normal conditions are favored over parts of the Ohio River Valley and the Southwest , while dry conditions develop in the Plains and Florida .

There may have been one extra day this February, but it didn’t help these East Coast locations get any trace of snow.
The National Weather Service said February 2020 was “one for the record books” along parts of the East Coast due to a lack of snow.
For the first time, Baltimore, Md., and Islip, N.Y, both recorded no snow in February, according to weather officials.
In addition to those two snowless communities, places such as New York’s John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia Airports and Atlantic City, New Jersey, only recorded a trace of snow on the leap day, which ranked along the lowest 10 Februarys in terms of snow totals.
Other inland locations such as Allentown and Harrisburg in Pennsylvania only recorded a trace of snow, well under the average.
According to AccuWeather, Baltimore’s weather data dates back to 1891, with 14 Februarys showing with just a trace of snow. Data from Islip only traces back to 1964 with a gap from 1999 to 2004, but a review from AccuWeather shows only three years on record where the Long Island location didn’t see any snowfall.
So what’s behind the lack of snow in areas used to digging out in the winter?
It’s all had to do with where storms coming from the West have been setting up as they make their way across the country, according to Fox News Senior Meteorologist Janice Dean.
“It’s all about the Jetstream – this year the storm tracks have not been favorable for snowy weather to hit the Northeast,” Dean said last month.
Most of the storms this winter have tracked out of the West or Rockies, and into the Central or Southern Plains, Midwest, Great Lakes, and New England, according to Dean. Since those storms stayed north, places like Great Falls, Mont., Grand Forks, N.D., Caribou, Maine; Cheyenne, Wyo.; and Marquette, Mich., have all passed their seasonal averages.
In order to get snow in the major cities of the Northeast from a typical winter storm, such as a Nor’easter, those weather systems coming from the West need to take a different path.
Storms would need to shift farther south or track up the East Coast so that those regions are on the colder northern and western sides of the low-pressure systems, according to Dean.
“That would increase the odds of colder air sticking around and the precipitation falling as all snow instead of rain/wintry mix,” she said.
For March, the NWS’ Climate Prediction Center said above-normal temperatures are favored for most areas east of the Rockies and the month is expected to get off to a “relatively wet start.”
But as the month goes on, wetter-than-normal conditions are favored over parts of the Ohio River Valley and the Southwest, while dry conditions develop in the Plains and Florida.


newyorkpost--2020-03-03--Man allegedly knocks woman out with glass bottle at popular Williamsburg bar

A man is wanted by police for smashing a glass bottle over the head of a 22-year-old woman , knocking @ @ @ @ @ popular Williamsburg bar .
Police said the unidentified suspect walked up from behind the woman @ @ @ @ @ 3 a.m. Feb. 23 at Union Pool , which is located at the corner of @ @ @ @ @ The woman was hospitalized with a concussion , pain and bruising , police said .
@ @ @ @ @ as of early Tuesday , was still being sought by cops .

A man is wanted by police for smashing a glass bottle over the head of a 22-year-old woman, knocking her unconscious, at a popular Williamsburg bar.
Police said the unidentified suspect walked up from behind the woman and assaulted her at about 3 a.m. Feb. 23 at Union Pool, which is located at the corner of Union and Meeker avenues.
The woman was hospitalized with a concussion, pain and bruising, police said.
Her attacker fled and, as of early Tuesday, was still being sought by cops.


newyorkpost--2020-03-03--New York budget officials estimate an extra $700M in revenue thanks to Wall Street bonuses

ALBANY — New York has an extra $ 700 million to add to state coffers thanks to higher than expected Wall Street bonus payments that came in last year , state officials said .
But budget officials simultaneously cited current market risks — tied to the coronavirus scare and a potential change in Federal Reserve interest rates — as reason to exercise caution .
“ There are multiple and elevated risks to the economic outlook for the national and state economies , ” state budget director Robert Mujica and state senate and Assembly budget officials wrote in a state revenue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread and impact of the Coronavirus is an exceedingly significant downside risk to the economic and revenue forecasts , as it directly impacts the financial markets , global supply chains and trade and could severely restrain global and domestic growth , ” they added .
New York ’ s first positive case of coronavirus was discovered Sunday .
But fiscal watchdogs , like Dave Friedfel from the Citizens Budget Commission , insist the state should exercise caution in light of Wall Street uncertainty — the Dow dropped significantly last week — and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This shouldn ’ t be fresh money to spend , they should put the money into the rainy day reserves or use it to pay back the Medicaid deferral to erase that liability from the state ’ s books , ” he said of the $ 4 billion Medicaid gap the state is charged with filling by the April 1 , 2020 state budget deadline .

Bonuses from a booming Wall Street will generate an estimated $700 million in additional revenue for New York State’s cash-strapped coffers over the next year, a new budget analysis reveals.
But the boom could go bust — wiped out by an economic slowdown or recession triggered by the coronavirus outbreak, the forecasters warn.
And the $700 million uptick barely dents Albany’s projected $6 billion deficit for the fiscal year beginning April 1.
One fiscal watchdog said the $700 million should be put in reserves and not used to pad state government spending — if it materializes at all.
“In any year, under any circumstances, adding $700 million to the revenue estimate is like tossing chum into an Albany pool full of hungry legislators and interest groups—not a great idea right now, given the added downside risks,” said EJ McMahon of the Empire Center for Public Policy.
The bonuses are being distributed to financiers in the first quarter of 2020 based on huge profits in financial services and the stock market delivered in 2019.
Last year, the S&P 500 index shot up 28 percent, the Dow Jones index increased 22 percent and Nasdaq skyrocketed 35 percent.
The Wall Street surge helped lift the estimated wage growth for the current fiscal year ending March 31 from 3.9 percent to 4.3 percent, according to the revenue forecast prepared for the governor and the Legislature.
For example, the forecast said tax receipts for January came in $170 million above the governor’s initial estimate.
Wages are expected to grow by 4.2 percent in fiscal year 2021.
But the coronavirus outbreak has already dampened the economy and cause the stock market to plummet.
New York State is heavily dependent on tax revenues from wealthy residents and Wall Street.
A stalled economy or recession could cause tax receipts to tumble, forecasters warned.
“The uncertainty surrounding the spread and impact of the Coronavirus is an exceedingly significant downside risk to the economic and revenue forecasts, as it directly impacts the financial markets, global supply chains and trade and could severely restrain global and domestic growth,” the budget forecasters said.


newyorkpost--2020-03-03--De Blasio downplays McCray’s interest in Brooklyn borough presidency

Big Apple first lady Chirlane McCray is seriously considering a ...

Mayor Bill de Blasio attempted to downplay his wife’s interest in the Brooklyn borough presidency in response to questions about a slew of new programs First Lady Chirlane McCray is fronting for City Hall in Kings County.
“She said idly one day she would consider running for office. She is considering, but she hasn’t made a decision — obviously, could go either way. And her life has revolved around Brooklyn since well before she knew me,” he said on NY1’s “Inside City Hall.”
“I just think people should put it away and move on with their lives, she’s doing work all over the five boroughs.”
De Blasio’s remarks to interviewer Errol Louis about McCray’s “idle” consideration come just days after both Hizzoner and his wife said in separate television interviewers she is eyeing a bid for Brooklyn’s Borough Hall.
“She has gotten to a point where she has a serious interest in a particular office of Brooklyn borough president,” de Blasio told WNYW-Channel 5’s “Good Day New York” on Wednesday.
“But she’s not made the decision. She could go either way. She’ll make that decision in due time,” the mayor added during that interview last week.
McCray confirmed that interest the same day when she sat down with WPIX-Channel 11 and told the station she was “thinking” about a run.
“There is no announcement, no plan — but a lot of people are talking, though,” she said.
The pair of interviews followed City Hall’s rollout two McCray-fronted initiatives aimed the Big Apple’s biggest borough, including a $43 million program that promises to have a counselor visit every first-time mother in the Big Apple as part of a new effort to battle postpartum depression.
While the effort will eventually go citywide, it will launch first in Central Brooklyn neighborhoods and will have only cover the borough by 2021, the year of the election to replace current Borough President Eric Adams.
Adams is running to replace de Blasio, who is also termed-out.
Two weeks after rolling out the counseling program, McCray teamed up with BRIC — the Brooklyn-based arts and public access television nonprofit, which scored $1.2 million in city funding in 2019 — to produce a podcast that’s aimed at boosting her embattled ThriveNYC initiative.
De Blasio has repeatedly denied there’s any tie between the new spending and McCray’s potential political ambitions, which he reiterated Monday night.
But that hasn’t stopped the speculation that surrounds the $1 billion collection of mental health programs, which faced years of intense criticism for failing to keep tabs on how many people many of its programs actually help.
City Comptroller Scott Stringer, Council Speaker Corey Johnson and budget watchdogs have assailed the de Blasio administration for failing to keep proper tabs on the Thrive initiative.


newyorkpost--2020-03-03--Calls mount for Staten Island parade leadership shakeup over exclusion of LGBTQ groups

Calls are mounting for a leadership shakeup of the controversial Staten Island ’ s St. Patrick ’ s Day Parade .
At least two petitions have surfaced calling for the removal of Larry Cummings , parade president of the Richmond County St. Patrick ’ s Day Parade Committee , over the exclusion of LGBTQ groups .
One of the petitions had nearly 5,000 signatures by Monday night and the other had close to 500 .
“ I was upset by stories of a plethora of people who were not allowed to participate just because they were expressing a part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Troeller , the organizer of the smaller petition , told The Post .
“ If they ’ re not willing to include everyone then why should they run it ?
” the 33-year-old asked .
For the last three years , the Staten Island Pride Center has been barred from attending the tax-funded event — the only St. Patrick ’ s march in the five boroughs that has banned gay groups .
The organizing committee , which operates under the local Ancient Order of the Hibernians chapter , has come under increased scrutiny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ queen who came out as bisexual to The Post over the weekend .
Miss Staten Island Madison L ’ Insalata , 23 , said she planned to ride the parade route in a red Corvette until Cummings abruptly barred her Saturday night — hours after she came out .
City Councilman Joseph Borelli said he was also blocked from marching in the parade Sunday because he was wearing a tiny pride pin .
And marching bands from Tottenville and Port Richmond high schools were reportedly turned away after refusing to remove LGBTQ symbols @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couldn ’ t be reached for comment late Monday , told the Staten Island Advance last week that the event was a “ non-sexual identification parade.
” “ Don ’ t try to keep asking a million friggin ’ questions , OK ?
” he added .
Mayor Bill de Blasio and a handful of borough electeds opted to skip the parade this year over the exclusion of the Pride Center , as some politicians did in 2019 .
The US Supreme Court ruled in 1995 that private groups can determine who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meaning the city can ’ t tell organizers what to do , according to the Advance .

Calls are mounting for a leadership shakeup of the controversial Staten Island’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
At least two petitions have surfaced calling for the removal of Larry Cummings, parade president of the Richmond County St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, over the exclusion of LGBTQ groups.
One of the petitions had nearly 5,000 signatures by Monday night and the other had close to 500.
“I was upset by stories of a plethora of people who were not allowed to participate just because they were expressing a part of themselves,” Staten Island resident Casey Troeller, the organizer of the smaller petition, told The Post.
“If they’re not willing to include everyone, then why should they run it?” the 33-year-old asked.
For the last three years, the Staten Island Pride Center has been barred from attending the tax-funded event — the only St. Patrick’s march in the five boroughs that has banned gay groups.
The organizing committee, which operates under the local Ancient Order of the Hibernians chapter, has come under increased scrutiny this year for banning a local beauty queen who came out as bisexual to The Post over the weekend.
Miss Staten Island Madison L’Insalata, 23, said she planned to ride the parade route in a red Corvette until Cummings abruptly barred her Saturday night — hours after she came out.
City Councilman Joseph Borelli said he was also blocked from marching in the parade Sunday because he was wearing a tiny pride pin.
And marching bands from Tottenville and Port Richmond high schools were reportedly turned away after refusing to remove LGBTQ symbols from their uniforms.
Cummings, who couldn’t be reached for comment late Monday, told the Staten Island Advance last week that the event was a “non-sexual identification parade.”
“Don’t try to keep asking a million friggin’ questions, OK?” he added.
Mayor Bill de Blasio and a handful of borough electeds opted to skip the parade this year over the exclusion of the Pride Center, as some politicians did in 2019.
The US Supreme Court ruled in 1995 that private groups can determine who is allowed to march in their parades, meaning the city can’t tell organizers what to do, according to the Advance.


newyorkpost--2020-03-03--Man fatally stabbed by girlfriend inside Upper West Side apartment

A 48-year-old man was fatally stabbed by his girlfriend inside an Upper West Side apartment on Monday night , police @ @ @ @ @ they found the man at about 9 p.m. with multiple stab wounds to his chest @ @ @ @ @ Amsterdam Avenue near West 91st Street .
He was taken to St. Luke ’ s @ @ @ @ @ The victim ’ s 44-year-old girlfriend was taken into custody .
Charges against her are @ @

A 48-year-old man was fatally stabbed by his girlfriend inside an Upper West Side apartment on Monday night, police sources said.
Cops said they found the man at about 9 p.m. with multiple stab wounds to his chest inside a second-floor apartment on Amsterdam Avenue near West 91st Street.
He was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital and pronounced dead.
Tracy McCarter, the victim’s 44-year-old girlfriend, was arrested and charged with murder and criminal possession of a weapon.


newyorkpost--2020-03-02--MTA preps ‘stockpiles’ of disinfectant for daily coronavirus cleaning

The MTA will routinely disinfect stations , trains and buses as a precaution against coronavirus , transit officials said Monday @ @ @ @ @ transit workers will deep clean the entire system using an “ enhanced daily cleaning procedure @ @ @ @ @ in a statement .
Moving forward , “ commonly touched surfaces ” at stations will @ @ @ @ @ trains , buses and other vehicles will get cleaned every 72 hours .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ supplies on hand and continues to procure cleaning materials , ” the statement said .
@ @ @ @ @ New York ’ s one confirmed coronavirus patient has not taken mass transit since returning @ @ @

The MTA will routinely disinfect stations, trains and buses as a precaution against coronavirus, transit officials said Monday.
Starting Monday night, transit workers will deep clean the entire system using an “enhanced daily cleaning procedure,” the MTA said in a statement.
Moving forward, “commonly touched surfaces” at stations will get sanitized daily, while trains, buses and other vehicles will get cleaned every 72 hours.
“The MTA has stockpiles of hygienic supplies on hand and continues to procure cleaning materials,” the statement said.
State officials have said that New York’s one confirmed coronavirus patient has not taken mass transit since returning from Iran.


newyorkpost--2020-03-02--Why Spike Lee lost it in Knicks security feud: ‘Like Charles Oakley?’

Knicks superfan Spike Lee and owner James Dolan had to confer at halftime Monday after a security incident left the @ @ @ @ @ like “ Charles Oakley.
’ ’ Lee attempted to use the wrong entrance to Madison @ @ @ @ @ for media and Garden employees — and was denied access by security .
According to @ @ @ @ @ used the employee entrance instead of the VIP entrance before and was told to refrain @ @ @ @ @ enraged Lee is heard yelling at security : “ No one told me .
No @ @ @ @ @ you going to treat me like Charles Oakley ?
’ ’ Lee was in his @ @ @ @ @ A Garden official said Lee was never ejected and is no longer angry .

Knicks superfan Spike Lee and owner James Dolan had to confer at halftime Monday after a security incident left the filmmaker thinking he was treated like “Charles Oakley.’’
Lee attempted to use the wrong entrance to Madison Square Garden — the one for media and Garden employees — and was denied access by security. According to a source, Lee had used the employee entrance instead of the VIP entrance before and was told to refrain.
On video, an enraged Lee is heard yelling at security: “No one told me. No one told me. Are you going to treat me like Charles Oakley?’’
Lee was in his seat by game time. A Garden official said Lee was never ejected and is no longer angry.


newyorkpost--2020-03-02--Georgia announces two confirmed cases of coronavirus

The governor of Georgia announced on Monday night that two people in the state have tested positive for the coronavirus .
Gov .
Brian Kemp said during a press conference that both of the patients live together and have recently returned from Italy .
“ Our team has been working around the clock to prepare for any scenario , ” Kemp said .
“ Already , state health officials have established contact with these individuals to gather more information , monitor their condition , and determine any exposure.
” The state ’ s Department of Public Health Commissioner said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the doctor when they became ill. “ We knew that Georgia would likely have confirmed cases of COVID-19 , and we planned for it .
The immediate risk of COVID-19 to the general public , however , remains low at this time , ” Commissioner Dr. Kathleen Toomey said .
Four elderly residents at a nursing home in Washington State died from the virus on Monday , bringing the total amount of deaths in the US to six .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Monday that there have been at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

The governor of Georgia announced on Monday night that two people in the state have tested positive for the coronavirus.
Gov. Brian Kemp said during a press conference that both of the patients live together and have recently returned from Italy.
“Our team has been working around the clock to prepare for any scenario,” Kemp said.
“Already, state health officials have established contact with these individuals to gather more information, monitor their condition, and determine any exposure.”
The state’s Department of Public Health Commissioner said the patients live in Fulton County and contacted the doctor when they became ill.
“We knew that Georgia would likely have confirmed cases of COVID-19, and we planned for it. The immediate risk of COVID-19 to the general public, however, remains low at this time,” Commissioner Dr. Kathleen Toomey said.
Four elderly residents at a nursing home in Washington State died from the virus on Monday, bringing the total amount of deaths in the US to six.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Monday that there have been at least 91 confirmed cases in 10 states.


newyorkpost--2020-03-02--Lack of Leon Rose fanfare sheds light on his Knicks challenge

When Houston Rockets coach Mike D ’ Antoni was informed the New York Knicks had hired a new team president , his response was classic .
“ That ’ s news ?
” he said in a sarcastic chuckle .
Then again , he had a point .
The way the Knicks have gone through team presidents ( three in three years ) the fact there was a change at the top of the organization ’ s basketball operations isn ’ t exactly a rare occurrence .
Perhaps that ’ s why the announcement Knicks owner James Dolan had named @ @ @ @ @ @ @ landed somewhere between the fanfare of Phil Jackson ’ s arrival in 2014 and the familiarity of Steve Mills , who was fired last month after nearly three years on the job .
Rose ’ s arrival generated not much more than a collective shrug .
There wasn ’ t even a press conference to trumpet his arrival .
Instead there was an informal meet-and-greet with some media members , which could be the last we hear and see of Rose as he undergoes the task of trying to turn the Knicks into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brings the right combination of expertise and relationships to ensure the long-term success of our franchise , ” Dolan said in a prepared statement released to the media .
Look , things can ’ t get much worse and if anyone knows the league , it ’ s Rose , who not only had a 25-year career as an agent for CAA , but also coached basketball for five years , three at the high school and two years at the college level .
While this is his first job as an executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of positives : He ’ s smart , knows every organization in the league and mingles with really good basketball players .
Rose met with the Knicks coaching staff and players at shoot-around Monday morning ahead of their game against the Rockets at the Garden .
Much of what Rose said was kept “ in house , ” but his core message was essentially “ we ’ re in this together .
While his words may have offered some short-term motivation that resulted in a 125-123 win over D ’ Antoni ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real changes anytime soon , as Rose goes on a fact-finding mission to see exactly what he ’ s gotten himself into .
“ Everybody ’ s looking forward to continuing to move everything forward — how do we build to get better every day ?
” Knicks interim head coach Mike Miller said .
“ We have to give him some time to get in and evaluate things and start moving.
” Miller will be among those being evaluated .
Rose has to name a permanent head coach , and Miller continues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t need any assurances from anyone as we go through this , ” Miller said .
“ I trust the process and what we ’ re doing .
I ’ m trying to make the players better and make the team better.
” D ’ Antoni was the Knicks head coach from 2008-12 and has seen the team go through six head coaches since he left .
He supports the hiring of Rose .
“ Leon ’ s great , ” D ’ Antoni said .
“ He should do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the league and everybody else .
It ’ s a great place to play .
I enjoyed my four years here .
All the luck in the world to him , especially in the East.
” When Rose takes a hard look at the Knicks , he ’ ll see a team with potential with the right draft picks and acquisitions .
There also has to be a change in attitude .
Instead of hoping for where the pingpong ball lands , Rose and the Knicks need to make the most of where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OK to chase stars , but the franchise can ’ t be deflated if they go elsewhere .
“ New York is the epicenter of basketball and Madison Square Garden has always been very special to me , ” Rose said in a statement .
“ To be part of the Knicks revitalization and basketball at the Garden is a challenge and rare opportunity.
” It ’ s not exactly a rare opportunity .
But it is his opportunity .

When Houston Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni was informed the New York Knicks had hired a new team president, his response was classic.
“That’s news?” he said in a sarcastic chuckle.
Then again, he had a point.
The way the Knicks have gone through team presidents (three in three years) the fact there was a change at the top of the organization’s basketball operations isn’t exactly a rare occurrence.
Perhaps that’s why the announcement Knicks owner James Dolan had named Leon Rose as the new team president landed somewhere between the fanfare of Phil Jackson’s arrival in 2014 and the familiarity of Steve Mills, who was fired last month after nearly three years on the job.
Rose’s arrival generated not much more than a collective shrug. There wasn’t even a press conference to trumpet his arrival. Instead there was an informal meet-and-greet with some media members, which could be the last we hear and see of Rose as he undergoes the task of trying to turn the Knicks into winners.
“We are confident he brings the right combination of expertise and relationships to ensure the long-term success of our franchise,” Dolan said in a prepared statement released to the media.
Look, things can’t get much worse and if anyone knows the league, it’s Rose, who not only had a 25-year career as an agent for CAA, but also coached basketball for five years, three at the high school and two years at the college level. While this is his first job as an executive of a franchise, Rose brings plenty of positives: He’s smart, knows every organization in the league and mingles with really good basketball players.
Rose met with the Knicks coaching staff and players at shoot-around Monday morning ahead of their game against the Rockets at the Garden. Much of what Rose said was kept “in house,” but his core message was essentially, “We’re in this together.”
While his words may have offered some short-term motivation that resulted in a 125-123 win over D’Antoni’s Rockets, don’t expect any real changes anytime soon, as Rose goes on a fact-finding mission to see exactly what he’s gotten himself into.
“Everybody’s looking forward to continuing to move everything forward — how do we build to get better every day?” Knicks interim head coach Mike Miller said. “We have to give him some time to get in and evaluate things and start moving.”
Miller will be among those being evaluated. Rose has to name a permanent head coach, and Miller continues his audition for the job.
“I don’t need any assurances from anyone as we go through this,” Miller said. “I trust the process and what we’re doing. I’m trying to make the players better and make the team better.”
D’Antoni was the Knicks head coach from 2008-12 and has seen the team go through six head coaches since he left. He supports the hiring of Rose.
“Leon’s great,” D’Antoni said. “He should do a great job. It should benefit the league and everybody else. It’s a great place to play. I enjoyed my four years here. All the luck in the world to him, especially in the East.”
When Rose takes a hard look at the Knicks, he’ll see a team with potential with the right draft picks and acquisitions. There also has to be a change in attitude. Instead of hoping for where the pingpong ball lands, Rose and the Knicks need to make the most of where it does land. It’s OK to chase stars, but the franchise can’t be deflated if they go elsewhere.
“New York is the epicenter of basketball and Madison Square Garden has always been very special to me,” Rose said in a statement. “To be part of the Knicks revitalization and basketball at the Garden is a challenge and rare opportunity.”
It’s not exactly a rare opportunity. But it is his opportunity.


newyorkpost--2020-03-02--Ryan Strome’s Rangers punishment is short-lived

Even a career-best offensive season couldn ’ t spare Ryan Strome from being benched Sunday , but that temporary punishment already is behind him and Rangers coach David Quinn .
Strome sat for the entire third period of Sunday ’ s loss to the Flyers after taking two bad penalties in the first 40 minutes .
Quinn said he will be back between wingers Artemi Panarin and Jesper Fast for Tuesday ’ s home game against St. Louis .
“ One-hundred percent .
We kissed and made up today , ” Quinn said after Monday ’ s practice .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lineup .
We talked before practice today like I would do with any player .
Letting the guy wonder isn ’ t good for anybody .
He ’ s back at it and we ’ re gon na need him , and he ’ s been a great player for us.
” Strome ranks third on the team with 58 points ( 18 goals , 40 assists ) this season , but he was whistled for “ two penalties that he can ’ t take ” against the Flyers , according to Quinn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It is what it is .
He ’ s the coach .
If your boss calls you off work or says you ’ re not going , you ’ re not going .
That ’ s just the way it is , ” Strome said .
“ I think he ’ s got a good way of coaching and I think he ’ s done a really good job this year .
“ He ’ s definitely challenged me a bunch , and this is no different .
I think it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing for the team .
I think I ’ ve done more good than bad this year , but it ’ s his call .
It ’ s about how we respond .
I think the team did a really good job in the third period and , hopefully , we can just build on that [ Monday ] .
” Quinn said Alex Georgiev will start in goal against the Blues , a game after Henrik Lundqvist — who turned 38 Monday — allowed five goals on 26 shots against the Flyers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Quinn said Igor Shesterkin ( ribs ) faced shots before practice for the second consecutive day and is “ making a lot of progress .
”

Even a career-best offensive season couldn’t spare Ryan Strome from being benched Sunday, but that temporary punishment already is behind him and Rangers coach David Quinn.
Strome sat for the entire third period of Sunday’s loss to the Flyers after taking two bad penalties in the first 40 minutes. Quinn said Strome will be back between wingers Artemi Panarin and Jesper Fast for Tuesday’s home game against St. Louis.
“One hundred percent. We kissed and made up today,” Quinn said after Monday’s practice. “He’ll be back in the lineup. We talked before practice today like I would do with any player. Letting the guy wonder isn’t good for anybody. He’s back at it and we’re gonna need him, and he’s been a great player for us.”
Strome ranks third on the team with 58 points (18 goals, 40 assists) this season, but he was whistled for “two penalties that he can’t take” against the Flyers, according to Quinn, leading to two power-play goals.
“It is what it is. He’s the coach. If your boss calls you off work or says you’re not going, you’re not going. That’s just the way it is,” Strome said. “I think he’s got a good way of coaching and I think he’s done a really good job this year.
“He’s definitely challenged me a bunch, and this is no different. I think it’s what he felt was the best thing for the team. I think I’ve done more good than bad this year, but it’s his call. It’s about how we respond. I think the team did a really good job in the third period and, hopefully, we can just build on that [Monday].”
Quinn said Alex Georgiev will start in goal against the Blues, a game after Henrik Lundqvist — who turned 38 Monday — allowed five goals on 26 shots against the Flyers in his first start since Feb. 3.
Quinn said Igor Shesterkin (ribs) faced shots before practice for the second consecutive day and is “making a lot of progress.”


newyorkpost--2020-03-02--Amy Klobuchar, Beto O’Rourke endorse Joe Biden at Dallas campaign rally

Joe Biden was formally endorsed by his former Democratic presidential rivals Amy Klobuchar and Beto O ’ Rourke at a Monday night campaign rally in Dallas .
Sen. Klobuchar , who suspended her campaign earlier in the day , and O ’ Rourke , a former Texas congressman , told the crowd that Biden is the best Democratic candidate to unite a “ divided ” country .
“ It is up to us , all of us , to put our country back together … and then to build something even greater , ” said Klobuchar .
“ I believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why , today , I am ending my campaign and endorsing Joe Biden.
” Klobuchar dropped her presidential bid following a lackluster performance in Saturday ’ s South Carolina primary .
In that contest , which Biden won easily , Klobuchar finished a distant sixth with just 3.2 percent of the vote .
“ I can ’ t tell you how much Amy ’ s endorsement , the senator ’ s endorsement means to me , ” Biden said at the rally .
“ Amy knows how to get things done , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amy has never lost , and she ’ s not losing now , ” he said .
O ’ Rourke , who ended his campaign for president last November , told the crowd that in Tuesday ’ s Texas primary , one of 14 contests across the nation that constitute Super Tuesday , he ’ s voting for Joe Biden .
“ At a time when this country is so polarized , so deeply divided , we need somebody who can bring us together and heal us , ” said O ’ Rourke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an endorsement from Pete Buttigieg , who dropped out of the presidential race Sunday night .

Joe Biden was formally endorsed by his former Democratic presidential rivals Amy Klobuchar and Beto O’Rourke at a Monday night campaign rally in Dallas.
Sen. Klobuchar, who suspended her campaign earlier in the day, and O’Rourke, a former Texas congressman, told the crowd that Biden is the best Democratic candidate to unite a “divided” country.
“It is up to us, all of us, to put our country back together … and then to build something even greater,” said Klobuchar.
“I believe we can do this together—and that is why, today, I am ending my campaign and endorsing Joe Biden.”
Klobuchar dropped her presidential bid following a lackluster performance in Saturday’s South Carolina primary.
In that contest, which Biden won easily, Klobuchar finished a distant sixth with just 3.2 percent of the vote.
“I can’t tell you how much Amy’s endorsement, the senator’s endorsement means to me,” Biden said at the rally.
“Amy knows how to get things done, she really does. That’s why Amy has never lost, and she’s not losing now,” he said.
O’Rourke, who ended his campaign for president last November, told the crowd that in Tuesday’s Texas primary, one of 14 contests across the nation that constitute Super Tuesday, he’s voting for Joe Biden.
“At a time when this country is so polarized, so deeply divided, we need somebody who can bring us together and heal us,” said O’Rourke.
“We need Joe Biden,” he declared.
Earlier Monday, Biden also received an endorsement from Pete Buttigieg, who dropped out of the presidential race Sunday night.


newyorkpost--2020-03-02--Celtics’ Jayson Tatum posing a new challenge for Nets

BOSTON — Kemba Walker has been a star for a while .
But now Jayson Tatum has become one as well — a 1-2 pick-and-roll punch that the Nets may have to deal with Tuesday .
“ [ We ] know them really well , obviously .
Know their style of play and what they do , ” coach Kenny Atkinson said .
“ Tatum , Kemba obviously , all those pick-and-rolls you have to deal with .
It ’ ll test our physicality again , a game where we have to bring it from a competitive , physical standpoint.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven games at TD Garden , including 121-110 on Nov. 27 when the Boston fans spewed profanities about Kyrie Irving — who was injured and not even present .
The Nets bounced back to beat Celtics 112-107 two days later at Barclays Center .
Irving has opted for season-ending shoulder surgery .
But after Walker — averaging 21.8 points and five assists — missed the past five games , he has been listed as probable to make his return from left knee soreness against Nets .
Tatum is questionable with an illness .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ breaks in the league .
That ’ s why he ’ s always crossing people .
Obviously he ’ s quick and shifty , but his ability to stop on a dime is what gets so many people falling , ” Spencer Dinwiddie said .
“ He shoots at a high level and adds a dimension to their offense when he ’ s healthy , been an All-Star for several times .
So really good player.
” That health is key , with Walker expected back for the first time since Feb. 13 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal with a jitterbug who can stop on an atom ?
He paraphrased “ The Longest Yard , ” saying , “ I ’ m so fast , I make fast people look not fast ” while adding he will leverage his own advantages .
“ You just play him with the utmost respect , ” Dinwiddie said .
“ At the same time you understand the advantages you have in length and speed , and you use your advantages where you can and try to dictate as much as possible , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is.
” Tatum , who turns 22 on Tuesday , is on the brink of going from good to great .
After averaging 15.7 points and six rebounds last season , he has taken a quantum leap up to 23.5 points and 7.1 boards .
“ He ’ s played really well as of late , but he ’ s been playing at an All-Star level all season .
He ’ s super-efficient , super-aggressive , but as of late , he ’ s been a really difficult matchup for a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who will likely start matched up on Tatum but get plenty of help .
“ It ’ s not just going to be one person on him .
There ’ ll be a lot of bodies on him over the course of the evening .
… You ’ re not going to prevent him from getting his averages , but you just try to make everything tough and make him as inefficient as possible.
” Garrett Temple ( right shoulder sprain ) is questionable for Tuesday ’ s game .
Caris LeVert didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hand and practiced fully on Monday .

BOSTON — Kemba Walker has been a star for a while. But now Jayson Tatum has become one as well — a 1-2 pick-and-roll punch that the Nets may have to deal with Tuesday.
“[We] know them really well, obviously. Know their style of play and what they do,” coach Kenny Atkinson said. “Tatum, Kemba obviously, all those pick-and-rolls you have to deal with. It’ll test our physicality again, a game where we have to bring it from a competitive, physical standpoint.”
The Nets have dropped their past seven games at TD Garden, including 121-110 on Nov. 27 when the Boston fans spewed profanities about Kyrie Irving — who was injured and not even present. The Nets bounced back to beat Celtics 112-107 two days later at Barclays Center.
Irving has opted for season-ending shoulder surgery. But after Walker — averaging 21.8 points and five assists — missed the past five games, he has been listed as probable to make his return from left knee soreness against Nets. Tatum is questionable with an illness.
“Kemba’s got the best breaks in the league. That’s why he’s always crossing people. Obviously he’s quick and shifty, but his ability to stop on a dime is what gets so many people falling,” Spencer Dinwiddie said. “He shoots at a high level and adds a dimension to their offense when he’s healthy, been an All-Star for several times. So really good player.”
That health is key, with Walker expected back for the first time since Feb. 13. So how will the 6-foot-6 Dinwiddie deal with a jitterbug who can stop on an atom? He paraphrased “The Longest Yard,” saying, “I’m so fast, I make fast people look not fast” while adding he will leverage his own advantages.
“You just play him with the utmost respect,” Dinwiddie said. “At the same time you understand the advantages you have in length and speed, and you use your advantages where you can and try to dictate as much as possible, but understand how good of a player he is.”
Tatum, who turns 22 on Tuesday, is on the brink of going from good to great. After averaging 15.7 points and six rebounds last season, he has taken a quantum leap up to 23.5 points and 7.1 boards.
“He’s played really well as of late, but he’s been playing at an All-Star level all season. He’s super-efficient, super-aggressive, but as of late, he’s been a really difficult matchup for a lot of people,” said Joe Harris, who will likely start matched up on Tatum but get plenty of help.
“It’s not just going to be one person on him. There’ll be a lot of bodies on him over the course of the evening. … You’re not going to prevent him from getting his averages, but you just try to make everything tough and make him as inefficient as possible.”
Garrett Temple (right shoulder sprain) is questionable for Tuesday’s game.
Caris LeVert didn’t get X-rays on his contused hand and practiced fully on Monday.


newyorkpost--2020-03-03--RJ Barrett making waves in Zion Williamson, Ja Morant debate

Some years , the first player taken in the NBA draft is an Anthony Bennett or Kwame Brown .
Some drafts , the No .
2 pick ends up being used on Darko Milicic or Hasheem Thabeet .
Sometimes , there is no shadow for the players taken afterward , no fan regret over the bounce of the pingpong balls .
From 2000-14 , no top-two picks of the same draft class both became All-Stars .
The two drafts to accomplish the feat since featured No .
2 picks who have already been deemed dispensable ( D ’ Angelo Russell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their original teams .
Last June , the two most electrifying players in college basketball ( Zion Williamson , Ja Morant ) were taken with the top two picks .
Improbably , each player has already set the NBA ablaze , cementing their spots as exhilarating and untouchable league centerpieces .
For the rest of his career , RJ Barrett will be linked to the stars drafted just before him .
For now , the Knicks ’ third-overall pick is doing his best to close the gap with the headlining rookies .
Following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Monday ’ s upset of the Rockets — capped with a drive by Barrett in the final seconds — the 19-year-old is now averaging 20.3 points , 5.0 rebounds .
4.3 assists while shooting 59 percent from the field and 46 percent on 3-pointers over his past three games .
“ I think you see a guy that has a lot of confidence and has abilities to do things , and I think people are starting to see it , ” interim coach Mike Miller said following Tuesday ’ s practice .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ big changes .
I think he ’ s growing as you would expect him to grow with the work that he ’ s put in , with the talent he has.
” In early January , Barrett put on a promising six-game stretch in which he averaged 19 points , 5.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals , but he then sprained his right ankle and missed nine games before returning Feb. 6 .
“ Prior to the injury , we were seeing a big jump in his production , and more importantly , his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think the big thing now is he ’ s just feeling so much better .
When he came back , it probably took him five games or so where he was feeling more like himself and doing the things he does .
“ Physically , he has incredible stamina and mentally , he ’ s prepared for this .
He really is .
He has such a good feel for how to stay with it .
He keeps a good perspective.
” “ Just learning my spots , learning the game more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt like I was doing good until I got hurt , and coming back , now I ’ m relaxing .
… I feel like when you come back , it takes you a little bit to get in your groove .
Every day I ’ ve just been working trying to get it back.
” Barrett earned the praise of James Harden after Monday ’ s game , with the former league MVP citing the rookie ’ s aggressiveness .
“ It ’ s great to have somebody like that say something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s game against the Jazz .
“ Now , it ’ s over with .
Got another game .
… You got to keep moving forward .
”

Some years, the first player taken in the NBA draft is an Anthony Bennett or Kwame Brown. Some drafts, the No. 2 pick ends up being used on Darko Milicic or Hasheem Thabeet. Sometimes, there is no shadow for the players taken afterward, no fan regret over the bounce of the pingpong balls.
From 2000 to 2014, no top-two picks of the same draft class both became All-Stars. The two drafts to accomplish the feat since featured No. 2 picks who have already been deemed dispensable (D’Angelo Russell and Brandon Ingram) and traded from their original teams.
Last June, the two most electrifying players in college basketball (Zion Williamson, Ja Morant) were taken with the top two picks. Improbably, each player has already set the NBA ablaze, cementing their spots as exhilarating and untouchable league centerpieces.
For the rest of his career, RJ Barrett will be linked to the stars drafted just before him. For now, the Knicks’ third-overall pick is doing his best to close the gap with the headlining rookies.
Following his 27-point, five-rebound, five-assist performance in Monday’s upset of the Rockets — capped with a drive by Barrett in the final seconds — the 19-year-old is now averaging 20.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists while shooting 59 percent from the field and 46 percent on 3-pointers over his past three games.
“I think you see a guy that has a lot of confidence and has abilities to do things, and I think people are starting to see it,” interim coach Mike Miller said following Tuesday’s practice. “I don’t see any big changes. I think he’s growing as you would expect him to grow with the work that he’s put in, with the talent he has.”
In early January, Barrett put on a promising six-game stretch in which he averaged 19 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals, but he then sprained his right ankle and missed nine games before returning Feb. 6.
“Prior to the injury, we were seeing a big jump in his production, and more importantly, his efficiency,” Miller said. “I think the big thing now is he’s just feeling so much better. When he came back, it probably took him five games or so where he was feeling more like himself and doing the things he does.
“Physically, he has incredible stamina and mentally, he’s prepared for this. He really is. He has such a good feel for how to stay with it. He keeps a good perspective.”
Experience has made it easier.
“Just learning my spots, learning the game more,” Barrett said. “I felt like I was doing good until I got hurt, and coming back, now I’m relaxing. … I feel like when you come back, it takes you a little bit to get in your groove. Every day I’ve just been working trying to get it back.”
Barrett earned the praise of James Harden after Monday’s game, with the former league MVP citing the rookie’s aggressiveness.
“It’s great to have somebody like that say something,” Barrett said heading into Wednesday’s game against the Jazz. “Now, it’s over with. Got another game. … You got to keep moving forward.”