newyorkpost--2020-08-05--Rory McIlroy hoping to regain lost form at PGA Championship

SAN FRANCISCO — Who ’ s the baddest man in golf right ...

SAN FRANCISCO — Rory McIlroy was cruising. Not a care in the world.
He owned the world No. 1 ranking. He was in great form, with six consecutive top-5 finishes, including one victory. And he was defending his 2019 Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass in March.
Then the PGA Tour, along with the rest of sports, was shut down by the coronavirus pandemic.
Since the PGA Tour’s restart in June, McIlroy’s results have been trending alarmingly in the wrong direction entering Thursday’s opening round of the PGA Championship at Harding Park.
“Before the world sort of shut down, I was playing some really good golf,’’ McIlroy said Wednesday. “Then having that three-month break, coming back, everything sort of changed. Everything feels different, in the competitive arena, anyway.’’
Changed is an understatement.
Since the PGA Tour’s restart, McIlroy has played in five events and finished better than tied for 32nd only once — a tie for 11th at the Travelers Championship. He tied for 32nd at the Charles Schwab Challenge, tied for 41st at the RBC Heritage, tied for 11th at Travelers, tied for 32nd at the Memorial and tied for 47th at last week’s WGC-FedEx St. Jude Classic.
Along the way, McIlroy lost the No. 1 ranking he’d held since February to Jon Rahm when Rahm won the Memorial.
Still, though, the 31-year old Northern Irishman didn’t sound ready to push any panic buttons on Wednesday.
“My game doesn’t feel that far away,’’ McIlroy said. “I feel like I’ve played pretty well. I just haven’t got a lot out of my game, haven’t scored as well as I was doing before the lockdown. [I] haven’t been as efficient as I was back then. Short game hasn’t quite been as sharp.
“It’s the first major in over a year, and it would be a great week to get back into some form and give it a good run.’’
McIlroy should have some positive vibes coming from Harding Park, where he won the 2015 WGC-Cadillac Match Play, going 7-0 en route to victory.
“If I remember anything about the week is that I played well when I needed to and I hit good shots at the right times,’’ McIlroy said. “It’s nice to have some memories around a golf course that you’re playing a major championship on. Hopefully some of that can help me this week and can rekindle that sort of form that helped me win here a few years ago.’’
Of more big-picture concern to McIlroy is the fact that he hasn’t won a major championship since the 2014 PGA Championship. That was his fourth career major in four years.
In the 19 majors he has played since his last win, McIlroy has 10 top-10 finishes, including five top-5s.
“It doesn’t keep me up at night and I don’t think about it every day, but when I play these major championships, it’s something that I’m obviously reminded of,’’ he said. “Yeah, I would have liked to have won a couple more majors in that time frame, and I feel like I’ve had a couple of decent chances to do so and I just haven’t got the job done.
“But the good thing is we have at least three opportunities this year [the U.S. Open is in September and the Masters in November]. We’re playing seven major championships in the next 12 months. I’ve got plenty of opportunities coming my way.’’
McIlroy believes — with good reason — his opportunity this week is a good one.
“Coming back from sort of post-COVID, there’s been good scores in there,’’ he said. “I shot a 63 at Colonial, I shot a 65 to make the cut at Hilton Head, a 63 at Travelers, a couple of good scores last week in Memphis. So, the good stuff is in there.’’
The question is whether that “good stuff’’ will show itself for four rounds this week, return McIlroy to the top form he was in pre-pandemic and deliver him his first major championship in six years?


newyorkpost--2020-08-05--Johnny Manziel fires back at Darren Rovell: ‘Big of a b—h as ever’

This isn ’ t exactly a leap of faith .
Johnny Manziel shared ...

Johnny Manziel and reporter Darren Rovell apparently still have beef.
Rovell, who works for the Action Network, pointed out the irony of two Sports Illustrated covers from seven years ago. One cover shows former Yankees star Alex Rodriguez at the end of his steroid-and-lying-scarred playing days, titled “The end is pain, and pain is ugly.” The other shows former Texas A&M star Johnny Manziel as the king of college football.
“SI covers, seven years ago today: [Rodriguez] is at rock bottom. Johnny Manziel is the envy of the college football world,” Rovell tweeted. “Today, A-Rod is as relevant as ever. Manziel achieves a flash of relevance by flipping off a building into a pool.”
Although circumstances have certainly changed for Manziel since that cover, his feelings about Rovell apparently haven’t changed.
“Seven years later and you’re still as big of a b—h as ever,” Manziel replied in a quote-tweet.
When asked by a commenter for a “slick reply,” Rovell responded with “there isn’t one.”
Despite his drama and scandal-filled exit with the Yankees, Rodriguez is currently the lead baseball analyst for ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball, and is amongst a shortlist of bidders attempting to purchase the Mets. He’s also gotten engaged to music and entertainment star Jennifer Lopez since the Sports Illustrated cover seven years ago.
Manziel, on the other hand, lasted just two seasons in the NFL after the Browns drafted him with the No. 22 overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft. The former Heisman Award winner saw his career derailed by injuries and various off-the-field issues, including a domestic violence charge that was dismissed and copious partying and drinking. He entered rehab in 2015.
A video of Manziel leaping and flipping off a roof into a pool recently went viral on Twitter – seemingly what Rovell was referencing in his tweet.


newyorkpost--2020-08-05--Residents report mysterious packages from China beyond just seeds

An Arkansas man who received one of the mysterious seed ...

Perhaps the seed scammers branched out.
After reports across the country of mysterious packages of seeds arriving from China, residents from New York to Georgia now say they’re getting other bizarre shipments from the country that they never ordered.
The USDA has begun identifying the unsolicited seeds sent across the US this summer — including mustard, cabbage and herbs like sage and rosemary — which the agency believes is part of what’s called a “brushing scam.”
The scheme relies on “customers” who receive goods they never ordered so that the sender then posts a fake customer review in their name to boost sales.
Now, an ABC affiliate in Atlanta reports that residents have begun receiving everything from fake Rayban sunglasses to whistles from China.
“I don’t think people are sending this in goodwill in my opinion,” Faith Tankersley, who received the suspicious sunglasses, told the station. “I’m just afraid that there may be something harmful to them.”
Another resident, Kelley Litty, said she received a Chinese package of face masks last month.
“It says China on the label for masks. [I’m] 1,000 percent sure I did not order any mask,” Litty said. “It’s a complete surprise. And it doesn’t make sense.”
In upstate New York, Broome County residents told the local CBS/CW station that they’ve received random packages of facemasks as well. One Endicott resident, Dawn Proctor, told the outlet she received what appeared to be a package of dirty socks from China.
“No invoice attached,” Proctor said. “No note attached. The socks looked like they were used. We all kind of laughed about it. Thought it was odd and threw them away.”
US officials have not confirmed that any of the reports were related or that any of the new packages are part of a coordinated scam.
The USDA has informed residents not to plant seeds they’ve received. Residents should instead save the seeds and their packaging in which they arrived and send them to their local plant regulatory officials for testing.


newyorkpost--2020-08-05--Gang member suspected in trio of shootings done in by out-of-town bullets

The Brooklyn ex-con who dodged jail because an attempted murder case against him fell apart is behind bars today because the bullets he allegedly used in another shooting were shipped in from out of town .
Darrius Sutton , 23 , was arrested May 20 and charged with attempted murder for a May 16 shooting , but was released the same day because the lone witness recanted .
Two months later , the accused Bloods gangbanger was hit with a federal charge for allegedly opening fire on a rival gangbanger in East New York on April 20 , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of New York .
But it wasn ’ t the gunplay itself that landed him in federal custody — it was the shell casings collected from the scene , according to a complaint filed against him .
After the April shooting on Sheffield Avenue , NYPD detectives recovered one 9mm Luger caliber Federal Cartridge and one .380 auto caliber Winchester cartridge , according to the complaint .
When federal authorities linked Sutton to the shooting , they had enough to throw him in jail on a law that prohibits anyone who has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of more than one year from possessing ammunition that has been shipped from out of state .
“ I am aware that Federal Cartridge and Winchester ammunition is manufactured outside of New York , ” an FBI agent wrote in the complaint charging Sutton with the federal crime .
Sutton had previously pleaded guilty to a felony for beating up a girl when he was in high school , prosecutors said .
He was sentenced to two years in prison for a cold-blooded attack on the high school girl in 2014 , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waited for her and assaulted her by punching both sides of her face , breaking her teeth , ” a pretrial memo filed by prosecutors in Sutton ’ s case states .
“ The assault was recorded on one of the school ’ s video cameras , ” it adds .
Following Sutton ’ s May release , he allegedly joined other suspected gang members in three drive-by shootings this summer — one on July 13 and two on 14 , according to prosecutors .
In the April 20 shooting , a man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rival gangbanger and shot him three times in broad daylight , according to prosecutors .
The victim was hit in the chest , thigh and wrist and narrowly escaped death .
Now he faces up to 10 years in prison on federal charges for criminal possession of a weapon by a felon .

The Brooklyn ex-con who dodged jail because an attempted murder case against him fell apart is behind bars today because the bullets he allegedly used in another shooting were shipped in from out of town.
Darrius Sutton, 23, was arrested May 20 and charged with attempted murder for a May 16 shooting, but was released the same day because the lone witness recanted.
Two months later, the accused Bloods gangbanger was hit with a federal charge for allegedly opening fire on a rival gangbanger in East New York on April 20, according to a complaint filed in the Eastern District of New York.
But it wasn’t the gunplay itself that landed him in federal custody — it was the shell casings collected from the scene, according to a complaint filed against him.
After the April shooting on Sheffield Avenue, NYPD detectives recovered one 9mm Luger caliber Federal Cartridge and one .380 auto caliber Winchester cartridge, according to the complaint.
When federal authorities linked Sutton to the shooting, they had enough to throw him in jail on a law that prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime with a sentence of more than one year from possessing ammunition that has been shipped from out of state.
“I am aware that Federal Cartridge and Winchester ammunition is manufactured outside of New York,” an FBI agent wrote in the complaint charging Sutton with the federal crime.
Sutton had previously pleaded guilty to a felony for beating up a girl when he was in high school, prosecutors said.
He was sentenced to two years in prison for a cold-blooded attack on the high school girl in 2014, according to court documents.
“The defendant waited for her and assaulted her by punching both sides of her face, breaking her teeth,” a pretrial memo filed by prosecutors in Sutton’s case states.
“The assault was recorded on one of the school’s video cameras,” it adds.
Following Sutton’s May release, he allegedly joined other suspected gang members in three drive-by shootings this summer — one on July 13 and two on 14, according to prosecutors.
In the April 20 shooting, a man purported to be Sutton snuck up behind a rival gangbanger and shot him three times in broad daylight, according to prosecutors.
The victim was hit in the chest, thigh and wrist and narrowly escaped death.
Now he faces up to 10 years in prison on federal charges for criminal possession of a weapon by a felon.


newyorkpost--2020-08-05--Yankees’ Phil Nevin loses it on Angel Hernandez: ‘F–king bulls–t’

Not even a late rally by the Yankees ’ offense could ...

Add Yankees third-base coach Phil Nevin to the growing list of Angel Hernandez critics.
A visibly heated Nevin was ejected during the first half of Wednesday’s doubleheader 11-7 loss to the Phillies after arguing a called third strike on Yankees first baseman Mike Ford.
The pitch, thrown by Phillies pitcher Trevor Kelley, appeared to be inside.
“That’s f–king bulls–t,” Nevin could be heard screaming on the telecast as he pointed at Hernandez, the home plate umpire. “And you f–king know it.”
Warning: This video includes graphic language
The Yankees were in the middle of a seventh-inning rally at the time of the strikeout but came up short.
Nevin’s words were largely audible because there weren’t any fans in the Phillies’ ballpark due to coronavirus restrictions.
It was the second time Nevin has been thrown out as third-base coach. The last time came in 2018 in Boston during a bench-clearing incident. He was ejected 12 times as a player.
Nevin returned for the nightcap, while Hernandez did not work the second game — which the Yankees won, 3-1 — as scheduled.
Hernandez, labeled “as bad as there is” by Pedro Martinez in 2018, has had a history of questionable calls throughout his career.
In 2013, Chipper Jones tweeted, “I will not watch a game, any game, officiated by Angel Hernandez! His incompetence amazes me and I’m tired of MLB not doing squat about it!”
Hernandez previously tangled with former Yankee CC Sabathia after making several questionable calls in the 2018 ALCS.
“I need to say this … I don’t think Angel Hernandez should be umping playoff games,” Sabathia said at the time. “He’s absolutely terrible. He was terrible behind the plate today. He was terrible at first base. It’s amazing how he’s getting a job umpiring in these playoff games.”
Nevin’s outburst likely will remind Yankees fans of manager Aaron Boone’s famous “savages” rant last year when he was ejected by umpire Brennan Miller during a 6-2 win over the Rays.
This time, it was a level-headed Boone escorting Nevin away to the clubhouse.


newyorkpost--2020-08-05--New York club pro Rob Labritz: I’m psyched for my next major shot

Rob Labritz, 49, has been the director of golf at GlenArbor Golf Club in Bedford Hills, N.Y. for the past 20 years. He is one of 20 club pros in the field at the PGA Championship at Harding Park. As told to The Post’s Mark Cannizzaro.
SAN FRANCISCO — This week’s PGA Championship will be my lucky seventh major championship.
The novelty of playing in a major never wears off, but I definitely feel way more comfortable now. I’ve made the cut twice — last year at Bethpage Black and at Whistling Straits in 2010 — and was the low club pro both of those times.
The 2002 PGA at Hazeltine was my first one, then I played in 2003 at Oak Hill, 2010 at Whistling Straits, 2013 at Oak Hill again, 2016 at Baltusrol and 2019 at Bethpage Black and now 2020 at Harding Park.
In ’02 and ’03, I was kind of like a wide-eyed little kid looking around and saying, ‘Wow, there’s Tiger,’ and things like that. Then you realize that they put on their pants the same way I do. They’re Tour players. I’m 49 years old. I’m a club pro — albeit, I’m a pretty good club pro.
I got into San Francisco on Sunday with my caddie, Todd Luigi, who’s a retired New York cop from Queens. He’s been on my bag for about 11 years. We’ve won a lot of stuff together. We met at Piping Rock in a section championship about 11 years ago and have been thick as thieves ever since.
We took the COVID test on Sunday and we had to wait about an hour or so for the result, so we went to In-N-Out Burger and waited in about a two-hour line around the corner in our car. I ate my two double doubles and my chocolate shake, which was outstanding. I eat very cleanly, but I would probably weigh about 1,000 pounds if we had an In-N-Out Burger in New York.
When we got back to the course and got our negative test results back, we went out and hit some balls and putts and played a quick nine.
On Tuesday, I played with Tommy Fleetwood, Rich Beem and Bernd Wiesberger, and on Wednesday I played the front nine with Webb Simpson. So, I’ve gotten some nice rounds in me, playing with some of the top players.
I love to see what they do. I love to see how they handle situations, how they prepare. Fleetwood was great. I was asking him questions and he answered them like I would answer one of my students.
I feel super-prepared. I’ve been preparing for opportunities like this my whole life. I take care of my body and my game every day. I still have my eyes set on playing some Champions Tour events and senior majors. So, I’m using all this stuff as a learning experience to get comfortable with some of the top players in the world.
On my last night leading into Thursday’s first round, I’ll relax at the hotel, take a deep breath, visualize myself hoisting the Wanamaker Trophy on Sunday, go to sleep and try to visualize myself hitting that first fairway.
I’ve never gone into a tournament where I didn’t think I had a chance to win. I try to see those things down to the smallest detail — what it would be like. I’ve had to alter it this year, because I’ve visualized myself hoisting the Wanamaker and my wife walking out with my son, Matthias, and my daughter, Ryan, in her arms and tears running down her face. All that stuff I have to recalibrate with no family or fans allowed at the tournament.
My goal is just to go out there and have fun. For me, it’s about hitting that first tee ball into the fairway and having fun from there on in. I’d love to hoist the Wanamaker, I’d love to win the low club professional trophy, I’d love to finish as high as I can to get some invites into some more PGA Tour events, get some sponsor invites.
I know if I go out there and I’m focused and keep my eye on the prize I can do all of that.


newyorkpost--2020-08-05--Harvey Keitel talks newest, a real-life story of religious sightings

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) A real-life story of faith , now a movie , is of a young girl who in 1917 claimed sightings of the Virgin Mary .
Two cousins with her also swore to seeing the Holy Vision .
The children claimed a prophecy that prayer would lead to an end to World War I .
This was wartime in Fátima , Portugal .
Poverty , uncertainty , death .
The little girl ’ s brother hadn ’ t returned .
A blessed sighting — maybe needed for survival @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Religious riots resulted .
Churches wanted to close .
The government tried to suppress the fervor .
Sonia Braga stars in “ Fatima ” as the child who decades later became an aged nun in a convent .
Harvey Keitel plays an atheistic journalist who doubts the holy sighting .
Harvey : “ The ‘ did she/didn ’ t she ’ is ambiguous .
Doesn ’ t mean the sighting didn ’ t exist .
She maybe thought she saw the vision ?
If when you think you ’ re seeing something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not exist ?
It ’ s a question of faith .
“ We filmed this important Church happening two years ago .
At mentions of ‘ our Mother ’ I said , ‘ Which mother ?
’ Then I read about it .
I studied it .
I Googled it .
And I realized this great spiritual story is open to discussion .
“ When in the film my character comes to this Our Lady of Fátima convent , the elderly nun didn ’ t expect the visit .
And I kissed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is the responsibility of the elderly to guide our young into believing their vision .
To learn to reach out to the divine of it all .
What I know is we ’ re all reaching to this mystery .
“ There are many ways to experience faith .
Life is about journeys .
We need to dance around the fire .
To express our needs , to experience mystery .
Maybe it was necessary for the children to have this sighting.
” Harvey is a proud Marine .
His wife is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secretly in Jerusalem before sealing the deal in NYC .
Just before this movie , he was a mob capo in “ The Irishman.
” But “ I was very happy they chose me for this.
” “ Fatima ” is in select theaters , and on-demand , the 28th .
Another big-time happening is finally ending that mail-in vote for the Dems ’ New York Rep. Carolyn Maloney .
She beat awful AOC ’ s awful candidate the awfully lefty awful Suraj Patel .
Maloney : “ I fought for our Second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fund our post office .
I was on getting necessary aid to support our census .
I helped pass a bill to keep rapists off the street .
I was into assisting heroes and heroines of 9/11 .
I ’ ve backed getting paid leave for the birth of a child .
Now , climate change .
If it goes higher than 2 degrees Celsius , we ’ ll lose millions people in 50 years .
And , “ That guy who ran against me ?
Nasty.
” This guy Patel promoted himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attraction to gymnast McKayla Maroney when she was just 16 years old .
Please try to pay attention Happenings : “ Genius : Aretha ” ( NatGeo series on Aretha Franklin , played by Cynthia Erivo ) was set for Memorial Day but got stalled due to the coronavirus .
They ’ re still hunting a Clive Davis actor … “ Long Way Up , ” new reality series premiering in September , features Ewan McGregor motorcycling on a Harley-Davidson 13,000 miles through Central and South America …Pedro Almodóvar ’ s newie , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30-minute adaptation of the Jean Cocteau play , premieres at the still-upcoming Venice Film Festival .
Tilda Swinton stars .
Candidate Dumpty sat in a hall Candidate Dumpty had a great fall All the Dem horses and all the Dem bosses Couldn ’ t put Biden together again .
Only in America , kids , only in America .

A real-life story of faith, now a movie, is of a young girl who in 1917 claimed sightings of the Virgin Mary.
Two cousins with her also swore to seeing the Holy Vision. The children claimed a prophecy that prayer would lead to an end to World War I. This was wartime in Fátima, Portugal. Poverty, uncertainty, death. The little girl’s brother hadn’t returned. A blessed sighting — maybe needed for survival — was enough to make it real. Religious riots resulted. Churches wanted to close. The government tried to suppress the fervor.
Sonia Braga stars in “Fatima” as the child who decades later became an aged nun in a convent. Harvey Keitel plays an atheistic journalist who doubts the holy sighting.
Harvey: “The ‘did she/didn’t she’ is ambiguous. Doesn’t mean the sighting didn’t exist. She maybe thought she saw the vision? If when you think you’re seeing something, does that mean it does or does not exist? It’s a question of faith.
“We filmed this important Church happening two years ago. At mentions of ‘our Mother’ I said, ‘Which mother?’ Then I read about it. I studied it. I Googled it. And I realized this great spiritual story is open to discussion.
“When in the film my character comes to this Our Lady of Fátima convent, the elderly nun didn’t expect the visit. And I kissed her hand.
“I then understood it is the responsibility of the elderly to guide our young into believing their vision. To learn to reach out to the divine of it all. What I know is we’re all reaching to this mystery.
“There are many ways to experience faith. Life is about journeys. We need to dance around the fire. To express our needs, to experience mystery. Maybe it was necessary for the children to have this sighting.”
Harvey is a proud Marine. His wife is Canadian filmmaker Daphna Kastner. They married secretly in Jerusalem before sealing the deal in NYC.
Just before this movie, he was a mob capo in “The Irishman.” But “I was very happy they chose me for this.”
“Fatima” is in select theaters, and on-demand, the 28th.
Dem finally gets her victory
Another big-time happening is finally ending that mail-in vote for the Dems’ New York Rep. Carolyn Maloney. She beat awful AOC’s awful candidate the awfully lefty awful Suraj Patel.
Maloney: “I fought for our Second Avenue subway money. I worked to fund our post office. I was on getting necessary aid to support our census. I helped pass a bill to keep rapists off the street. I was into assisting heroes and heroines of 9/11. I’ve backed getting paid leave for the birth of a child. Now, climate change. If it goes higher than 2 degrees Celsius, we’ll lose millions people in 50 years.
“No profession’s better than public service.”
And, “That guy who ran against me? Nasty.” This guy Patel promoted himself with dating apps and joked about his attraction to gymnast McKayla Maroney when she was just 16 years old.
Please try to pay attention
Happenings: “Genius: Aretha” (NatGeo series on Aretha Franklin, played by Cynthia Erivo) was set for Memorial Day but got stalled due to the coronavirus. They’re still hunting a Clive Davis actor … “Long Way Up,” new reality series premiering in September, features Ewan McGregor motorcycling on a Harley-Davidson 13,000 miles through Central and South America …Pedro Almodóvar’s newie, “The Human Voice,” a 30-minute adaptation of the Jean Cocteau play, premieres at the still-upcoming Venice Film Festival. Tilda Swinton stars.
My political poetry
Candidate Dumpty sat in a hall
Candidate Dumpty had a great fall
All the Dem horses and all the Dem bosses
Couldn’t put Biden together again.
Only in America, kids, only in America.


newyorkpost--2020-08-06--US workers file over 1 million jobless claims for 20th straight week

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits topped 1 million for the twentieth straight week — bringing the total number of initial jobless claims filed during the coronavirus pandemic to more than 55 million .
An additional 1.186 million people filed for unemployment last week , according to the US Department of Labor .
Jobless claims were down 249,000 from the week prior , but at a total of 55.3 million , the number of Americans who have filed for unemployment claims during the course of the pandemic is greater than the populations of New York and Texas combined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 37 million jobs lost over the 18 months during the Great Recession .
Continuing claims , which measure sustained joblessness on a one-week lag , was down to about 16 million in the week ending July 25 , the US Department of Labor said .
The numbers arrive a week after the US economy suffered its worst blow since the Great Depression , with the Commerce Department reporting that the nation ’ s gross domestic product — the value of all goods and services produced here — shrunk 9.5 percent from the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ historical data from the National Bureau of Economic Research going back to 1875 .
The most recent period that came anywhere close was a roughly 7.2 percent contraction in the last quarter of 1937 , in the late stages of the Great Depression .

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits topped 1 million for the twentieth straight week — bringing the total number of initial jobless claims filed during the coronavirus pandemic to more than 55 million.
An additional 1.186 million people filed for unemployment last week, according to the US Department of Labor. The unemployment rate is forecast to decrease slightly to 10.5 percent in July from 11.1 percent in June, according to Reuters.
Jobless claims were down 249,000 from the week prior, but at a total of 55.3 million, the number of Americans who have filed for unemployment claims during the course of the pandemic is greater than the populations of New York and Texas combined — and has long since surpassed the 37 million jobs lost over the 18 months during the Great Recession.
“I think it’s a positive sign that the numbers are going down,” unemployment insurance expert Andrew Stettner told The Post. “But it’s important to remember that we are in a very deep hole. Even though they improved a bit this week, we’re still extremely worried about the situation because the numbers are so high.”
Stettner added that the 1.2 million figure showed that the government stimulus program is working, but noted that the 89,331 increase in people receiving long-term unemployment is the highest it’s risen in any one week.
“Maybe fewer people are being laid off, but an increasing number of people are stuck without a job,” he said.
Mark Hamrick, senior economic analyst at Bankrate.com, said the economy is “a little bit like a boxer who just avoided another body blow,” but said that the idea 20 consecutive weeks of more than 7-digit claims was previously “unthinkable.”
“If you had told observers in February that you would see numbers like this over a prolonged period of time, they would’ve thought there would have been a catastrophe the likes of which we haven’t seen in our life time,” he said. “And in a way, there has.”
Continuing claims, which measure sustained joblessness on a one-week lag, was down to about 16 million in the week ending July 25, the US Department of Labor said.
The numbers arrive a week after the US economy suffered its worst blow since the Great Depression, with the Commerce Department reporting that the nation’s gross domestic product — the value of all goods and services produced here — shrunk 9.5 percent from the first quarter.
The plunge is unmatched in historical data from the National Bureau of Economic Research going back to 1875.
The most recent period that came anywhere close was a roughly 7.2 percent contraction in the last quarter of 1937, in the late stages of the Great Depression.


newyorkpost--2020-08-06--Meghan McCain is Sick of “B.S.” Questions About Leaving ‘The View’: “I Hate This”

Meghan McCain wants everyone to know that she will be returning to The View after giving birth .
Last night , the conservative co-host stopped by Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen , where she was asked her least favorite question : are you quitting The View ?
“ No other host has to deal with this B.S .
!
” she said of the intrusive line of questioning .
“ I hate this.
” The View may be on hiatus , but that didn ’ t stop McCain from getting all wound up on WWHL .
When she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the ABC talk show after her baby is born ( no official word on when that ’ s happening , but I have a few ideas ) , the outspoken conservative blew up .
“ Why does everyone ask me if I ’ m getting fired or quitting every 20 seconds ?
” she asked .
“ Yes , I ’ m coming back !
It ’ s an election cycle .
Like , yes.
” So , about said election cycle .
“ Meghan , you ’ ve said this , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because this could be the last time I see you until the baby ’ s born — you are voting for Joe Biden , I ’ m assuming ?
” “ I ’ m not saying who I ’ m voting for , ” replied McCain , ever the diplomat .
“ But I ’ m not voting for Trump.
” The View co-host added that she ’ s incredibly interested “ to see who [ Biden ] chooses ” as his running mate , and she wants to watch him go toe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I ’ m such a last minute — I ’ m so spoiled because I ’ ve loved so many elections , ” said McCain .
“ And this one ’ s not my favorite for a lot of reasons.
” During the WWHL after show , McCain offered some last-minute advice for the presumptive Democratic nominee .
“ Who is your VP pick for Biden ?
” asked Cohen , reading a fan question .
“ I think if he ’ s smart he ’ ll choose someone like Tammy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to attack .
She ’ s a veteran and she has such a long history , ” replied McCain .
“ But I know that there ’ s a huge debate that people want a Black woman to be chosen , ” she continued .
“ I know 100 % who he shouldn ’ t pick .
I don ’ t think Susan Rice is a good choice at all because she ’ s never been elected to anything.
” Where to stream The View

Meghan McCain wants everyone to know that she will be returning to The View after giving birth. Last night, the conservative co-host stopped by Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, where she was asked her least favorite question: are you quitting The View? “No other host has to deal with this B.S.!” she said of the intrusive line of questioning. “I hate this.”
The View may be on hiatus, but that didn’t stop McCain from getting all wound up on WWHL. When she was asked if she plans to return to the ABC talk show after her baby is born (no official word on when that’s happening, but I have a few ideas), the outspoken conservative blew up.
“Why does everyone ask me if I’m getting fired or quitting every 20 seconds?” she asked. “Yes, I’m coming back! It’s an election cycle. Like, yes.”
So, about said election cycle. “Meghan, you’ve said this, and I just want to reiterate it because this could be the last time I see you until the baby’s born — you are voting for Joe Biden, I’m assuming?”
“I’m not saying who I’m voting for,” replied McCain, ever the diplomat. “But I’m not voting for Trump.”
The View co-host added that she’s incredibly interested “to see who [Biden] chooses” as his running mate, and she wants to watch him go toe to toe with Trump in the debates. “I’m such a last minute — I’m so spoiled because I’ve loved so many elections,” said McCain. “And this one’s not my favorite for a lot of reasons.”
During the WWHL after show, McCain offered some last-minute advice for the presumptive Democratic nominee. “Who is your VP pick for Biden?” asked Cohen, reading a fan question. “I think if he’s smart he’ll choose someone like Tammy Duckworth because she’s very hard to attack. She’s a veteran and she has such a long history,” replied McCain.
“But I know that there’s a huge debate that people want a Black woman to be chosen,” she continued. “I know 100% who he shouldn’t pick. I don’t think Susan Rice is a good choice at all because she’s never been elected to anything.”
Where to stream The View


newyorkpost--2020-08-06--Giancarlo Stanton checks out Vanessa Hudgens as model ex moves on

It appears Chase Carter 's baseball allegiances have shifted to the ...

Giancarlo Stanton appears to have a new beauty on his mind, Swipe Sports noted Wednesday, as the Yankees superstar, 30, has been checking out Vanessa Hudgens on Instagram.
On Monday, Hudgens shared a sunny snap from the beach in Turks & Caicos, where she modeled a pastel pink bikini.
“Time for some sun,” the 31-year-old starlet captioned the photo, which Stanton “liked,” along with 1.1 million other fans.
Stanton’s latest social media move follows news of his model ex, Chase Carter, moving on with Dodgers first baseman Cody Bellinger.
Stanton and Carter, 23, were first linked in July 2018 and were rumored to have split last fall. She cheered on the Yankees with Aaron Judge’s girlfriend, Samantha Bracksieck, during Game 3 of the ALDS in October.
Hudgens and longtime boyfriend Austin Butler called it quits in January after nearly nine years of dating. Later in the month, she was spotted dining in Brooklyn with Lakers star Kyle Kuzma.
Kuzma is currently dating model Winnie Harlow.


newyorkpost--2020-08-06--Long Island residents rip PSEG for poor customer service after Isaias

Long Island residents say their electricity company has been missing in action — except to flag a fake Twitter account that had been mocking the utility after Tropical Storm Isaias knocked out power throughout the region .
“ We are aware of a fake Twitter account mimicking our official company account @ PSEGLI , ” PSEG Long Island tweeted Wednesday night .
“ Please disregard anything you see from @ PSEG_LI .
It is not affiliated with PSEG Long Island.
” In response , Long Islanders lambasted the company for ignoring their requests for service .
“ Maybe the fake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for when I ’ ll have power , ” Rich Zagon wrote .
“ Even if it ’ s not real I just need some hope at this point.
” “ I ’ ve been trying to contact you guys for two straight days now , ” Sam Scott tweeted .
“ My ETR keeps switching from today , tomorrow , Friday and now Saturday at 10 PM .
I really need to know when my power will be restored .
I know I ’ m not the only one but I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
!
” “ I have been trying to get in touch with you and have had no luck at all !
” Sandie Kasper lamented .
“ My power was supposed to go back on today , then it said tomorrow 08/07 and now it says 08/08 at 10 pm !
!
!
!
This is completely unacceptable !
!
We live right near your plant !
!
This needs to [ be ] fixed ASAP !
!
!
” Also Wednesday night , the company tweeted that it restored power to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 420,000 affected by the storm .
Around 160,000 customers were still without power as of 10 p.m. Eighty-five percent of customers will be restored by the end of the day Friday , according to the company .
Earlier that day , state and local officials demanded state probes into the utility ’ s communication failures as the storm left more than a third of PSEG customers without power , Newsday reported .

Long Island residents say their electricity company has been missing in action — except to flag a fake Twitter account that had been mocking the utility after Tropical Storm Isaias knocked out power throughout the region.
“We are aware of a fake Twitter account mimicking our official company account @PSEGLI,” PSEG Long Island tweeted Wednesday night. “Please disregard anything you see from @PSEG_LI. It is not affiliated with PSEG Long Island.”
In response, Long Islanders lambasted the company for ignoring their requests for service.
“Maybe the fake account can actually give me an estimate for when I’ll have power,” Rich Zagon wrote. “Even if it’s not real I just need some hope at this point.”
“I’ve been trying to contact you guys for two straight days now,” Sam Scott tweeted. “My ETR keeps switching from today, tomorrow, Friday and now Saturday at 10 PM. I really need to know when my power will be restored. I know I’m not the only one but I have school work and work from home!!!”
“I have been trying to get in touch with you and have had no luck at all!” Sandie Kasper lamented. “My power was supposed to go back on today, then it said tomorrow 08/07 and now it says 08/08 at 10 pm!!!! This is completely unacceptable!! We live right near your plant!! This needs to [be] fixed ASAP!!!”
Also Wednesday night, the company tweeted that it restored power to more than 260,000 customers out of about 420,000 affected by the storm.
Around 160,000 customers were still without power as of 10 p.m. Eighty-five percent of customers will be restored by the end of the day Friday, according to the company.
Earlier that day, state and local officials demanded state probes into the utility’s communications failures as the storm left more than a third of PSE&G customers without power, Newsday reported.


newyorkpost--2020-08-06--WWE legend Marty Jannetty’s apparent murder confession sparks police probe

WWE legend Marty Jannetty has claimed he bedded his sex ...

An apparent murder confession by former WWE star Marty Jannetty is prompting cops in Georgia to launch an investigation, according to a report.
The former intercontinental and tag team champ who rose to stardom as part of “The Rockers” duo with Shawn Michaels in the late 1980s and early ’90s said he “made a man disappear” in a since-deleted Facebook post early Wednesday, TMZ reports.
“I was 13, working at Victory Lanes bowling alley buying weed from a f-g that worked there .. and he put his hands on me,” Jannetty wrote. “He dragged me around to the back of the building .. you already know what he was gonna try to do.”
The man who allegedly assaulted Jannetty, 60, was “never found,” he said.
“That was the very first time I made a man disappear,” the post continued. “They shoulda looked in the [Chattahoochee] River.”
Jannetty is a native of Columbus, Georgia, and attended Chattahoochee Valley Community College in Phenix City, Alabama, according to his Facebook profile.
The river Jannetty mentioned in his post, which forms the southern half of the Alabama-Georgia border, runs through Columbus, where cops have since launched an investigation into his purported confession, TMZ reports.
“The first step will be seeing if we have any missing persons or unidentified remains cases that match the limited information in the post,” a Columbus police spokesman told the outlet.
Several other “current active homicide investigations” will take precedence, however, department officials said. The alleged incident would have taken place around 1973.
Messages seeking additional comment from Columbus police and Jannetty early Thursday were not immediately returned.
Jannetty’s post is the latest concerning public admission by the former wrestling star. In June 2019, the admitted sex addict said he was in the midst of a 60-day drug and sex bender following WrestleMania 35 in New Jersey.


newyorkpost--2020-08-06--Princess Diana’s bridesmaid says she spent time on Jeffrey Epstein’s island

One of Princess Diana ’ s bridesmaids has admitted she socialized with Jeffrey Epstein — including at his notorious private island — but says she was “ clearly very lucky ” she wasn ’ t molested by the pedophile .
Clementine “ Clemmie ” Hambro , 44 , said she flew on Epstein ’ s private jet twice in 1999 following visits to his New Mexico ranch and Little St. James in the US Virgin Islands , the Daily Mail reported .
Both locations are where Epstein allegedly abused young women and girls — but Hambro said she never witnessed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upon .
“ The first flight was a work trip with female colleagues to look at Epstein ’ s new home in Santa Fe to discuss what art he was going to buy , ” said Hambro , who , at the time , was a 23-year-old employee at Christie ’ s Auction House .
“ The second trip , to Little St. James , was a personal invitation , which I thought would be fun to accept , but I didn ’ t know anyone there , didn ’ t really enjoy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” she added .
“ My heart breaks for all the survivors , now I know what happened on that island.
” Hambro released the statement after her name appeared on flight logs in a batch of unsealed court documents in Epstein accuser Virginia Roberts Giuffre ’ s defamation case against alleged madam Ghislaine Maxwell .
The logs showed Hambro flew with Epstein , Maxwell and two other women on February 21 , 1999 from Santa Fe — where Epstein had his “ Zorro Ranch ” — to Teterboro Airport in New Jersey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Epstein and two women were aboard the financier ’ s private jet from St. Thomas .
“ In the course of those two trips , I was not abused , nor did I see anyone abused , or anything untoward happen , with minors or otherwise , ” her statement said .
“ I have been completely horrified about the revelations of his conduct since then .
I was clearly very lucky , my heart goes out to those who were abused by him , and I trust they get the justice they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was young and naive , and could not conceive of what was to unfold.
” The daughter of British banker Richard Hambro and great-granddaughter of Winston Churchill was 5 years old when she served as Diana ’ s youngest bridesmaid during her nuptials to Prince Charles in 1981 .

One of Princess Diana’s bridesmaids has admitted she socialized with Jeffrey Epstein — including at his notorious private island — but says she was “clearly very lucky” she wasn’t molested by the pedophile.
Clementine “Clemmie” Hambro, 44, said she flew on Epstein’s private jet twice in 1999 following visits to his New Mexico ranch and Little St. James in the US Virgin Islands, the Daily Mail reported.
Epstein allegedly abused young women and girls at both locations — but Hambro said she never witnessed such things, nor was she preyed upon.
“The first flight was a work trip with female colleagues to look at Epstein’s new home in Santa Fe to discuss what art he was going to buy,” said Hambro, who at the time was a 23-year-old employee at Christie’s Auction House.
“The second trip, to Little St. James, was a personal invitation, which I thought would be fun to accept, but I didn’t know anyone there, didn’t really enjoy myself, and never went back,” she added. “My heart breaks for all the survivors, now I know what happened on that island.”
Hambro released the statement after her name appeared on flight logs in a batch of unsealed court documents in Epstein accuser Virginia Roberts Giuffre’s defamation case against alleged madam Ghislaine Maxwell.
The logs showed Hambro flew with Epstein, Maxwell and two other women on Feb. 21, 1999, from Santa Fe — where Epstein had his “Zorro Ranch” — to Teterboro Airport in New Jersey.
On March 21, Hambro, Epstein and two women were aboard the financier’s private jet from St. Thomas.
It’s unclear how Hambro arrived at Epstein’s residences.
“In the course of those two trips, I was not abused, nor did I see anyone abused, or anything untoward happen, with minors or otherwise,” her statement said.
“I have been completely horrified about the revelations of his conduct since then. I was clearly very lucky, my heart goes out to those who were abused by him, and I trust they get the justice they so deserve.”
She added, “I was young and naive, and could not conceive of what was to unfold.”
The daughter of British banker Richard Hambro and great-granddaughter of Winston Churchill was 5 years old when she served as Diana’s youngest bridesmaid during her nuptials to Prince Charles in 1981.


newyorkpost--2020-08-06--‘Big Brother’ premiere reveals rowdy ‘All-Stars’ cast, COVID-19 precautions

“ Big Brother ” unveiled its “ All-Stars ” cast during Wednesday night ’ s two-hour live premiere .
For the first time in its 20-year history , the show aired the live move-in of 16 returning houseguests from previous seasons .
Host Julie Chen Moonves greeted the cast in groups of four and explained the safety precautions they took to resume production .
The cast kept their masks on and maintained a 12-feet distance from the unmasked host .
“ All of this season ’ s houseguests have been individually quarantined for the past two weeks , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all been tested multiple times for COVID-19 , as have I , and you are all clear to play this game.
” The cast immediately took their masks off upon entering the house , to compete in their first competition .
They searched the set for a specific item displayed on the TV screen and solved a puzzle to secure a spot to participate in the next competition .
Only six of the 16 returnees — Memphis Garrett , Cody Calafiore , Christmas Abbott , Kevin Campbell , Nicole Franzel and Ian Terry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Household , the high-stakes position safe from eviction and in charge of nominating two houseguests for elimination .
They raced across star-shaped platforms to beat the clock as Calafiore won the title with a 22-second record .
Garrett came in second .
The losing contestants were asked to pick a mystery envelope at the end of the race .
Among them , Abbott was awarded a $ 5,000 cash prize .
Chen Moonves also teased the cast that this season will feature a new twist : the safety suite .
More details on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Last Thursday , CBS announced the show will debut its 22nd season with an “ All-Stars ” cast , including former winners and fan-favorites .
Following tonight ’ s season premiere , the series will air weekly episodes on Wednesdays and Sundays and live evictions , hosted by Chen Moonves , on Thursdays .
This summer marks Big Brother ’ s 20th anniversary since it debuted on CBS in July 2000 .
This is the second “ All-Stars ” season in the series ’ history , the first time being in 2006 @

“Big Brother” unveiled its “All-Stars” cast during Wednesday night’s two-hour live premiere. For the first time in its 20-year history, the show aired the live move-in of 16 returning houseguests from previous seasons.
Host Julie Chen Moonves greeted the cast in groups of four and explained the safety precautions they took to resume production. The cast kept their masks on and maintained a 12-feet distance from the unmasked host.
“All of this season’s houseguests have been individually quarantined for the past two weeks,” said Chen Moonves. “You’ve all been tested multiple times for COVID-19, as have I, and you are all clear to play this game.”
The cast immediately took their masks off upon entering the house, to compete in their first competition. They searched the set for a specific item displayed on the TV screen and solved a puzzle to secure a spot to participate in the next competition.
Only six of the 16 returnees — Memphis Garrett, Cody Calafiore, Christmas Abbott, Kevin Campbell, Nicole Anthony and Ian Terry — qualified to compete for Head of Household, the high-stakes position safe from eviction and in charge of nominating two houseguests for elimination. They raced across star-shaped platforms to beat the clock as Calafiore won the title with a 22-second record. Garrett came in second.
The losing contestants were asked to pick a mystery envelope at the end of the race. Among them, Abbott was awarded a $5,000 cash prize.
Chen Moonves also teased the cast that this season will feature a new twist: the safety suite. More details on the new rooms will be revealed Sunday.
Other returning houseguests include Daniele Donato, Da’Vonne Rogers, Tyler Crispen, Enzo Palumbo, Janelle Pierzina, Bayleigh Dayton, Nicole Anthony, Keesha Smith, Kaysar Ridha and David Alexander.
Last Thursday, CBS announced the show will debut its 22nd season with an “All-Stars” cast, including former winners and fan-favorites. Following tonight’s season premiere, the series will air weekly episodes on Wednesdays and Sundays and live evictions, hosted by Chen Moonves, on Thursdays.
This summer marks Big Brother’s 20th anniversary since it debuted on CBS in July 2000. This is the second “All-Stars” season in the series’ history, the first time being in 2006.


newyorkpost--2020-08-06--Trump impeachment witness Fiona Hill gets book deal

Former National Security Council senior director Fiona Hill , who testified as part of the House impeachment hearings , will release a book next fall , her publisher announced .
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books & Media , a New York-based publishing firm , announced Wednesday that it has acquired Hill ’ s already-written book , titled , “ There Is Nothing for You Here : Opportunity in an Age of Decline , ” and plans to release it in late 2021 .
Hill , who handled European and Russian affairs on the National Security Council , will cover her life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The book will draw on Dr. Hill ’ s deep expertise in the United States and Europe , as well as her personal experience on both continents , to explain how our current , polarized moment is the result of long historical trends — from imperial overreach to postindustrial decline — that have long afflicted Russia and the United Kingdom , and which now are beginning to affect the United States , ” the publisher said in a statement .
“ Hill will describe the origins and growth of deep , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how they have fueled the rise of populism at home and abroad , ” it continued .
The publishing house acquired the North American rights to the book from Andrew Nurnberg Associates , a London-based firm .
In a statement , Hill said , “ [ M ] y personal and professional lives have led me from the United Kingdom to Russia and finally to the United States , where I have found great opportunity but also many of the same challenges .
I am writing this book to share my story , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve learned about how we can revitalize our country ’ s forgotten places.
” In October , Hill testified as part of the House of Representatives ’ impeachment probe into President Trump ’ s dealings with Ukraine , specifically relating to an alleged pressure campaign to get the country to open investigations into former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter .
In her testimony , she claimed that former National Security Adviser John Bolton became incensed during his final months in the Trump administration after learning of the alleged campaign @

Former National Security Council senior director Fiona Hill, who testified as part of the House impeachment hearings, will release a book next fall, her publisher announced.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books & Media, a New York-based publishing firm, announced Wednesday that it has acquired Hill’s already-written book, titled, “There Is Nothing for You Here: Opportunity in an Age of Decline,” and plans to release it in late 2021.
Hill, who handled European and Russian affairs on the National Security Council, will cover her life and the future of a polarized America.
“The book will draw on Dr. Hill’s deep expertise in the United States and Europe, as well as her personal experience on both continents, to explain how our current, polarized moment is the result of long historical trends — from imperial overreach to postindustrial decline — that have long afflicted Russia and the United Kingdom, and which now are beginning to affect the United States,” the publisher said in a statement.
“Hill will describe the origins and growth of deep, geographically concentrated opportunity gaps, and show how they have fueled the rise of populism at home and abroad,” it continued.
The publishing house acquired the North American rights to the book from Andrew Nurnberg Associates, a London-based firm.
In a statement, Hill said, “[M]y personal and professional lives have led me from the United Kingdom to Russia and finally to the United States, where I have found great opportunity but also many of the same challenges. I am writing this book to share my story, but also to share the lessons I’ve learned about how we can revitalize our country’s forgotten places.”
In October, Hill testified as part of the House of Representatives’ impeachment probe into President Trump’s dealings with Ukraine, specifically relating to an alleged pressure campaign to get the country to open investigations into former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter.
In her testimony, she claimed that former national security adviser John Bolton became incensed during his final months in the Trump administration after learning of the alleged campaign.
With Post wires


newyorkpost--2020-08-06--Heroic maid seen on video pulling toddler to safety after Beirut blast

Dramatic video has emerged of a heroic maid grabbing a toddler and rushing the girl to safety after Beirut was @ @ @ @ @ that has killed at least 137 people .
The footage shows the woman vacuuming on @ @ @ @ @ plays nearby — and then all hell breaks loose after the blast , whose shock @ @ @ @ @ sends the blinds flying .
The quick-thinking maid then swoops over the girl , grabs @ @ @ @ @ to her chest as she flees inside .
Beirut ’ s governor , Marwan Abboud @ @ @ @ @ caused by the blast to the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan @ @ @ @ @ The video was shared on Twitter by journalist Muhammed Lila , who wrote : “ @ @ @ @ @ a maid risked her own life to save a little child , just as the @ @ @ @ @ be anywhere .
”

Dramatic video has emerged of a heroic maid grabbing a toddler and rushing the girl to safety after Beirut was rocked by a devastating explosion that has killed at least 137 people.
The footage shows the woman vacuuming on a terrace as the child plays nearby — and then all hell breaks loose, as the blast’s shock wave shatters the windows and sends the blinds flying.
The quick-thinking maid swoops over the girl, grabs her and pulls her close to her chest as she flees inside.
Beirut’s governor, Marwan Abboud, has compared the devastation caused by the blast to the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan during World War II.
The video was shared on Twitter by journalist Muhammed Lila, who wrote: “This is the exact moment a maid risked her own life to save a little child, just as the explosion occurred. Heroes can be anywhere.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-06--Girl, man pulled out alive from rubble hours after Beirut explosion

NY Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links .
Amid the devastation @ @ @ @ @ girl was found alive after spending at least 24 hours buried under the debris from @ @ @ @ @ blast in the Lebanese capital , according to a report .
The crying child is @ @ @ @ @ with her head poking through the rubble as rescuers work feverishly to free her by @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday night , the UK ’ s Metro reported .
Earlier in the day , @ @ @ @ @ man also was pulled alive from rubble more than 10 hours after the blast in @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Issam is alive !
” the people yelled as the dust-covered man was @ @ @ @ @ The explosion that rocked the city Tuesday has killed at least 137 people , injured @ @ @ @ @ hundreds of thousands .
Many remain unaccounted for .

Amid the devastation in Beirut, a young girl was found alive after spending at least 24 hours buried under the debris from this week’s deadly blast in the Lebanese capital, according to a report.
The crying child is seen in heart-wrenching video, with her head poking through the rubble as rescuers work feverishly to free her by removing heavy slabs of concrete Wednesday night, the UK’s Metro reported.
Earlier in the day, a crowd cheered as a man also was pulled alive from rubble more than 10 hours after the blast in the city’s port.
“Issam is alive!” the people yelled as the dust-covered man was removed on a stretcher.
The explosion that rocked the city Tuesday has killed at least 137 people, injured more than 5,000 and displaced hundreds of thousands. Many remain unaccounted for.


newyorkpost--2020-08-06--Oliver Stone says Charlie Sheen ‘had more potential’

Oliver Stone , who cast Charlie Sheen in his breakthrough role in 1986 ’ s “ Platoon , ” says the actor has squandered his talent , but also knows he probably isn ’ t concerned about it .
“ He has a lot of money , he doesn ’ t care , ” Stone told Page Six with a laugh .
“ I mean , frankly , he ’ s wealthy , but I think he had more potential and he didn ’ t use it.
” He further said , “ After ‘ Wall Street ’ he kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to make money .
He had comic talent , no question .
If you watch his other performances he definitely had something , he just had to develop as an actor.
” Sheen went on to star in the wildly successful sitcom “ Two and a Half Men , ” but was fired in 2011 after making derogatory comments about series creator Chuck Lorre .
At the time , he was the highest-paid actor on television , making $ 1.8 million per episode .
Stone ’ s new book , “ Chasing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sheen almost didn ’ t land the role in the Oscar-winning war film .
Producers wanted a hot new actor named Keanu Reeves for “ Platoon , ” but according to Stone , Reeves declined because it was too violent .
Stone found that odd because Reeves went on to do the “ John Wick ” series , telling us : “ He ’ s been in pretty violent movies.
” The 73-year-old director also writes that he partook in the cocaine use that ran rampant in Hollywood in the late ’ 70s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paris to get clean after he became addicted .
Stone , who calls himself “ semi-retired , ” is currently working on two new documentaries , one about climate change based on the book “ A Bright Future , ” and yet another look into the JFK assassination .

Oliver Stone, who cast Charlie Sheen in his breakthrough role in 1986’s “Platoon,” says the actor has squandered his talent, but also knows he probably isn’t concerned about it.
“He has a lot of money, he doesn’t care,” Stone told Page Six with a laugh. “I mean, frankly, he’s wealthy, but I think he had more potential and he didn’t use it.”
He further said, “After ‘Wall Street’ he kind of went into these movies for money, to make money. He had comic talent, no question. If you watch his other performances he definitely had something, he just had to develop as an actor.”
Sheen went on to star in the wildly successful sitcom “Two and a Half Men,” but was fired in 2011 after making derogatory comments about series creator Chuck Lorre. At the time, he was the highest-paid actor on television, making $1.8 million per episode.
Stone’s new book, “Chasing the Light,” also reveals that Sheen almost didn’t land the role in the Oscar-winning war film.
Producers wanted a hot new actor named Keanu Reeves for “Platoon,” but according to Stone, Reeves declined because it was too violent. Stone found that odd because Reeves went on to do the “John Wick” series, telling us: “He’s been in pretty violent movies.”
The 73-year-old director also writes that he partook in the cocaine use that ran rampant in Hollywood in the late ’70s and ’80s, but decamped to Paris to get clean after he became addicted.
Stone, who calls himself “semi-retired,” is currently working on two new documentaries, one about climate change based on the book “A Bright Future,” and yet another look into the JFK assassination.


newyorkpost--2020-08-06--At least one American killed, several injured in Beirut blast

At least one American was killed and several more were injured in the massive explosion in Beirut that claimed at @ @ @ @ @ to the US Embassy in the Lebanese capital .
“ We offer our sincerest condolences @ @ @ @ @ are working to provide the affected US citizens and their families all possible consular assistance @ @ @ @ @ in a statement .
“ We are working closely with local authorities to determine if @ @ @ @ @ affected , ” it said , adding that all of its employees are safe and @ @ @ @ @ of the dead and wounded Americans have not been released .
The US Embassy referred @ @ @ @ @ Department , which did not immediately respond to a request for information .

At least one American was killed and several more were injured in Tuesday’s massive explosion in Beirut that claimed at least 137 lives, according to the US Embassy in the Lebanese capital.
“We offer our sincerest condolences to their loved ones and are working to provide the affected US citizens and their families all possible consular assistance,” the State Department said in a statement to The Post.
“We are working closely with local authorities to determine if any additional US citizens were affected,” it said, adding that all of its employees are safe and accounted for.
Previous 1 of 27 Next Advertisement People carry a suitcase as they leave their damaged apartment in the Beirut neighborhood of Mar Mikhael. PATRICK BAZ/AFP via Getty Images Workers remove rubble from damaged buildings near the site of the explosion. AP/Bilal Hussein Advertisement A family carries their belongings as they leave their damaged house. AP/Bilal Hussein A man rides a scooter past damaged buildings. AP/Hussein Malla A man carries his belongings as he leaves his destroyed house. AP/Hussein Malla Advertisement A woman carries her belongings as she leaves her destroyed house. AP/Hussein Malla A man carries his belongings as he leaves his destroyed house. AP/Hussein Malla A man stands next to his damaged house. AP/Hussein Malla Advertisement A man walks past damaged vehicles following Tuesday's blast in Beirut. REUTERS/Aziz Taher REUTERS/Aziz Taher IBRAHIM AMRO/AFP via Getty Images Advertisement AP/Hussein Malla IBRAHIM AMRO/AFP via Getty Images EPA/WAEL HAMZEH Advertisement AP/Hussein Malla AFP via Getty Images Daniel Carde/Getty Images Advertisement IBRAHIM AMRO/AFP via Getty Images IBRAHIM AMRO/AFP via Getty Images IBRAHIM AMRO/AFP via Getty Images Advertisement
The names of the dead and injured Americans have not been released.
The State Department strongly encouraged American “citizens in Beirut to monitor local news, follow the emergency instructions provided by local authorities” and to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program at step.state.gov to receive emergency information.


newyorkpost--2020-08-06--The 25 Scariest Horror Movies on Netflix Now: Can You Handle Them?

There ’ s an argument to be made that The Wicker Man , director Robin Hardy ’ s folk-horror cult classic , isn ’ t just one of the best horror movies ever made—it ’ s one of the best movies ever made , period .
That ’ s an argument I , personally , agree with whole-heartedly .
Simply put , there ’ s no other film quite like it .
Edward Woodward stars as devoutly religious Scottish cop Sgt .
Howie , who receives an anonymous tip that a teenage girl on a remote island has vanished and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which the girl belonged , with Christopher Lee presiding as its towering , preening lord .
Gorgeous music by Paul Giovanni and Magnet , based on traditional ballads and poetry , peppers the story as Sgt .
Howie is drawn deeper and deeper into the island of Summerisle ’ s mysteries , until the film reaches its genuinely bone-chilling climax .
You have to get on the film ’ s wavelength to fully appreciate it , but once you do , you ’ re in for horror like you ’ ve never seen @ @

DIRECTOR: Mark Tonderal
CAST: Jennifer Lawrence
RATING: R
Sometimes a studio delay works out great for the producers, and you could say that happened with this horror film, which wasn’t loved by critics but still became a box office success due in no small part to the fact that it stars Jennifer Lawrence, who was on the cusp of stardom in 2010 when it was filmed, but had fully burst out with The Hunger Games and Silver Linings Playbook by the time it came out two years later.
The film is a textbook horror plot: Lawrence plays a girl who learns of a family that was gruesomely murdered on the street her family has just moved onto. When she befriends the sole survivor of the massacre, the family’s son, she learns that everything might not be as it seems.
Watch The House At The End Of The Street on Netflix


newyorkpost--2020-08-06--Pence blasts Chief Justice Roberts as ‘disappointment to conservatives’

Vice President Pence issued a rare rebuke of Chief Justice John Roberts , calling him a “ disappointment to conservatives ” over his recent rulings .
In an interview with CBN News set to air Thursday , Pence referred to the Supreme Court justice by name while criticizing some of his recent decisions .
“ Look , we have great respect for the institution of the Supreme Court of the United States , but Chief Justice John Roberts has been a disappointment to conservatives , ” the vice president told the network .
Pence went on to reference cases where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the liberal side of the bench , including 2012 decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act and his position against a Nevada church requesting to lift a state attendance limit amid the coronavirus pandemic .
“ I think several cases out of the Supreme Court are a reminder of just how important this election is for the future of the Supreme Court .
We remember the issue back in 2016 , which I believe loomed large in voters ’ decisions between Hillary Clinton and the man who became president of the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president then referenced a Louisiana case on an abortion matter .
Roberts , Pence said , declined to place “ a very modest restriction on abortion providers.
” “ I think it ’ s been a wake-up call for pro-life voters around the country who understand , in a very real sense , the destiny of the Supreme Court is on the ballot in 2020 , ” he said .
Roberts has sparred with members of the Trump administration before .
In November 2018 , the Chief Justice issued a rare rebuke of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been criticizing a judge who ruled against his asylum policy .
When Trump called the judge an “ Obama judge , ” Roberts fired back , saying that the US does not have “ Obama judges or Trump judges , Bush judges or Clinton judges.
” “ What we have is an extraordinary group of dedicated judges doing their level best to do equal right to those appearing before them .
That independent judiciary is something we should all be thankful for , ” he said at the time .

Vice President Mike Pence issued a rare rebuke to Chief Justice John Roberts, calling him a “disappointment to conservatives” over his recent rulings.
In an interview with CBN News set to air Thursday, Pence referred to the Supreme Court leader by name while criticizing some of his recent decisions.
“Look, we have great respect for the institution of the Supreme Court of the United States, but Chief Justice John Roberts has been a disappointment to conservatives,” the vice president told the network.
Pence went on to reference cases where Roberts acted as a swing vote for the liberal side of the bench, including the 2012 decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act and his position against a Nevada church requesting to lift a state attendance limit amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“I think several cases out of the Supreme Court are a reminder of just how important this election is for the future of the Supreme Court. We remember the issue back in 2016, which I believe loomed large in voters’ decisions between Hillary Clinton and the man who became president of the United States,” he said.
The vice president then referenced a Louisiana case on an abortion matter. Roberts, Pence said, declined to place “a very modest restriction on abortion providers.”
“I think it’s been a wake-up call for pro-life voters around the country who understand, in a very real sense, the destiny of the Supreme Court is on the ballot in 2020,” he said.
Roberts has sparred with members of the Trump administration before.
In November 2018, the chief justice issued a rare rebuke of his own to President Trump, who had been criticizing a judge who ruled against his asylum policy.
When Trump called the jurist an “Obama judge,” Roberts fired back, saying the US does not have “Obama judges or Trump judges, Bush judges or Clinton judges.”
“What we have is an extraordinary group of dedicated judges doing their level best to do equal right to those appearing before them. That independent judiciary is something we should all be thankful for,” he said at the time.


newyorkpost--2020-08-06--Bella Hadid gives middle finger to NYPD cops for not wearing masks

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Bella Hadid is giving the finger to New York ’ s Finest .
The 23-year-old supermodel posted a series of snaps in the Big Apple on Wednesday — including one where she ’ s flipping the bird to five cops standing far behind her .
In the crass attack in her Instagram stories , the clout-seeking “ Real Housewives of Beverly Hills ” regular picked on city cops for not wearing masks — despite them behind outdoors and many times the recommended six-feet away from her , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look goofy , ” Hadid wrote in her first picture , showing her turning her masked face toward three uniformed cops the complete opposite side of the street .
“ WEAR A MASK , ” she complained .
She used the same all-caps headline for the next image where she gave the middle finger to five uniformed cops — who were dozens of feet away from her or anyone else .
“ Hey @ nypd masks are for all of our safety , not just urs….. : ) ” the model whined .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ center — posting a photo of a Buddha with the message , “ When you forgive , you heal .
When you let go , you grow.
” The model appears to have not long returned to the Big Apple after spending most of her quarantine at mom Yolanda ’ s $ 4 million Pennsylvania farm , where she recently bragged about her social media powers in an interview with Elle magazine .
“ I have so much responsibility to use my platform for good , especially as I get older , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted young followers to “ know it ’ s okay to be empathetic and gentle , but to be strong and speak your truth at the same time .
”

Bella Hadid is giving the finger to New York’s Finest.
The 23-year-old supermodel posted a series of snaps in the Big Apple on Wednesday — including one where she’s flipping the bird to five cops standing far behind her.
In the crass attack in her Instagram stories, the clout-seeking star picked on city cops for not wearing masks — despite them being outdoors and many times the recommended six feet away from her, or anyone else.
“U guys look goofy,” Hadid wrote in her first picture, showing her turning her masked face toward three uniformed cops on the complete opposite side of the street. “WEAR A MASK,” she complained.
She used the same all-caps headline for the next image where she gave the middle finger to five uniformed cops — who were dozens of feet away from her or anyone else.
“Hey @nypd masks are for all of our safety, not just urs….. :)” the model whined.
Within hours, Hadid apparently found her center — posting a photo of a Buddha with the message, “When you forgive, you heal. When you let go, you grow.”
The model appears to have not long ago returned to the Big Apple after spending most of her quarantine at mom Yolanda Hadid’s $4 million Pennsylvania farm, where she recently bragged about her social media powers in an interview with Elle magazine.
“I have so much responsibility to use my platform for good, especially as I get older,” she told the mag, saying she wanted young followers to “know it’s okay to be empathetic and gentle, but to be strong and speak your truth at the same time.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-06--How NYC’s gallery district is making art behind glass

Watch art being made before your eyes — and behind glass — at the Highline .
A handful of empty @ @ @ @ @ into artists ’ studios in an exciting pandemic-inspired initiative .
“ This project was completely @ @ @ @ @ ” Christina Maxwell , manager of Highline Nine Galleries , said .
“ The timing @ @ @ @ @ better , ” agreed painter Tony “ Rubin ” Sjöman , who lost his studio @ @ @ @ @ .
Customers can watch art as it happens and purchase pieces from a safe distance @ @ @ @ @ out this behind-the-scenes look here .
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YES, WE’RE OPEN
Watch art being made before your eyes — and behind glass — at the Highline. A handful of empty gallery storefronts have been converted into artists’ studios in an exciting pandemic-inspired initiative. “This project was completely born out of Covid,” Christina Maxwell, manager of Highline Nine Galleries, said.
“The timing couldn’t have been better,” agreed painter Tony “Rubin” Sjöman, who lost his studio space during the stay-home order. Customers can watch art as it happens and purchase pieces from a safe distance during QR codes. Check out this behind-the-scenes look here.
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newyorkpost--2020-08-06--French President Emmanuel Macron arrives in Beirut as death toll from blast rises to 137

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived Thursday in Beirut to survey the site of this week ’ s devastating explosion whose death toll has risen to 137 — as Lebanese army bulldozers plowed through the giant mounds of debris to clear a path .
The government has pledged to investigate the Tuesday blast after an apparently accidental fire ignited a stockpile of ammonium nitrate in the ravaged capital city .
More than 5,000 people were injured and hundreds of thousands of residents were displaced .
“ Lebanon is not alone , ” Macron said in a tweet amid pledges of international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European cooperation and , more broadly , international cooperation , ” he said upon arrival in Beirut , where he was greeted by Lebanese President Michel Aoun .
Macron , who plans to survey the site of the blast , said Lebanon was facing a political and economic crisis , and that it would continue to suffer unless it enacted reforms .
It emerged Thursday that a French national , architect Jean-Marc Bonfils , was killed in the explosion and 24 other French citizens people were injured , Reuters reported .
Meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cornwall offered their condolences to Aoun .
In a message posted on the couple ’ s official Twitter account , the heir to the British throne wrote : “ My wife and I wanted you to know how deeply we feel for all the people of Lebanon following the horrific explosion in Beirut , which has resulted in the tragic death of so many and caused such unimaginable devastation .
“ Our hearts go out to all those who have lost loved ones , and all those who have been so terribly injured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sending a navy ship to Beirut to help the city recover from the disaster .
Defense Secretary Ben Wallace sid the survey vessel HMS Enterprise , currently in Cyprus , will assess the damage and help authorities prepare to rebuild the port .
The UK also has pledged a $ 6.6 million humanitarian support package for Lebanon and said s it will send search-and-rescue teams and expert medical workers .
Losses from the explosion are estimated to be between $ 10 billion to $ 15 billion , Beirut Gov .
Marwan Abboud told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation is focused on how 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate — a highly explosive chemical used in fertilizers — came to be stored at the port for six years , and why nothing was done about it .
Port and customs office are notorious for being among the most corrupt and lucrative institutions in the country , where multiple factions and politicians , including the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group , hold sway .
Fueling speculation about negligence , an official letter circulating online showed the customs chief had warned repeatedly over the years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and had asked judicial officials for a ruling on a way to remove it .
The cargo had been stored at the port since it was confiscated from the Russian cargo ship MV Rhosus , which was seized in Beirut in 2013 when it entered the port due to technical problems , according to lawyers involved in the case .
It came from the nation of Georgia , and had been bound for Mozambique .
The nonprofit organization Human Rights Watch is calling on Lebanese authorities to invite international experts for an independent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Given the Lebanese authorities ’ repeated failure to investigate serious government failings and the public ’ s distrust of government institutions , an independent investigation with international experts is the best guarantee that victims of the explosion will get the justice they deserve , ” Aya Majzoub , Lebanon ’ s researcher at HRW , said in a statement .
“ The investigation should determine the causes and responsibility for the explosion and recommend measures to ensure it can not happen again .
The Lebanese government should ensure that those affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ housing , food , water , and health care , with all aid distributed fairly and impartially .
”

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived Thursday in Beirut to survey the site of this week’s devastating explosion whose death toll has risen to 137 — as Lebanese army bulldozers plowed through the giant mounds of debris to clear a path.
The government has pledged to investigate the Tuesday blast after an apparently accidental fire ignited a stockpile of ammonium nitrate in the ravaged capital city. More than 5,000 people were injured and hundreds of thousands of residents were displaced.
“Lebanon is not alone,” Macron said in a tweet amid pledges of international aid.
“I want to organize European cooperation and, more broadly, international cooperation,” he said upon arrival in Beirut, where he was greeted by Lebanese President Michel Aoun.
Macron, who plans to survey the site of the blast, said Lebanon was facing a political and economic crisis, and that it would continue to suffer unless it enacted reforms.
It emerged Thursday that a French national, architect Jean-Marc Bonfils, was killed in the explosion and 24 other French citizens people were injured, Reuters reported.
Meanwhile, Prince Charles and his wife the Duchess Cornwall offered their condolences to Aoun.
In a message posted on the couple’s official Twitter account, the heir to the British throne wrote: “My wife and I wanted you to know how deeply we feel for all the people of Lebanon following the horrific explosion in Beirut, which has resulted in the tragic death of so many and caused such unimaginable devastation.
“Our hearts go out to all those who have lost loved ones, and all those who have been so terribly injured,” he added.
Britain is sending a navy ship to Beirut to help the city recover from the disaster.
Defense Secretary Ben Wallace sid the survey vessel HMS Enterprise, currently in Cyprus, will assess the damage and help authorities prepare to rebuild the port.
The UK also has pledged a $6.6 million humanitarian support package for Lebanon and said s it will send search-and-rescue teams and expert medical workers.
Losses from the explosion are estimated to be between $10 billion to $15 billion, Beirut Gov. Marwan Abboud told the Saudi-owned TV station Al-Hadath.
The investigation is focused on how 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate — a highly explosive chemical used in fertilizers — came to be stored at the port for six years, and why nothing was done about it.
Previous 1 of 13 Next Advertisement People carry a suitcase as they leave their damaged apartment in the Beirut neighborhood of Mar Mikhael. PATRICK BAZ/AFP via Getty Images Workers remove rubble from damaged buildings near the site of the explosion. AP/Bilal Hussein Advertisement A family carries their belongings as they leave their damaged house. AP/Bilal Hussein A man rides a scooter past damaged buildings. AP/Hussein Malla A man carries his belongings as he leaves his destroyed house. AP/Hussein Malla Advertisement A woman carries her belongings as she leaves her destroyed house. AP/Hussein Malla A man carries his belongings as he leaves his destroyed house. AP/Hussein Malla A man stands next to his damaged house. AP/Hussein Malla Advertisement A man walks past damaged vehicles following Tuesday's blast in Beirut. REUTERS/Aziz Taher Advertisement
Port and customs office are notorious for being among the most corrupt and lucrative institutions in the country, where multiple factions and politicians, including the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group, hold sway.
Fueling speculation about negligence, an official letter circulating online showed the customs chief had warned repeatedly over the years that the ammonium nitrate was a danger and had asked judicial officials for a ruling on a way to remove it.
The cargo had been stored at the port since it was confiscated from the Russian cargo ship MV Rhosus, which was seized in Beirut in 2013 when it entered the port due to technical problems, according to lawyers involved in the case.
It came from the nation of Georgia, and had been bound for Mozambique.
The nonprofit organization Human Rights Watch is calling on Lebanese authorities to invite international experts for an independent probe into the explosion, CNN reported.
“Given the Lebanese authorities’ repeated failure to investigate serious government failings and the public’s distrust of government institutions, an independent investigation with international experts is the best guarantee that victims of the explosion will get the justice they deserve,” Aya Majzoub, Lebanon’s researcher at HRW, said in a statement.
“The investigation should determine the causes and responsibility for the explosion and recommend measures to ensure it cannot happen again. The Lebanese government should ensure that those affected by the blast have access to adequate housing, food, water, and health care, with all aid distributed fairly and impartially.”
With Post wires


newyorkpost--2020-08-06--State Department inspector general resigns after predecessor’s ouster

The State Department ’ s acting inspector general resigned abruptly on Wednesday following the firing of his predecessor in circumstances now being investigated by Congress .
Stephen Akard announced his resignation just two days after Democrats issued subpoenas for several of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo ’ s top aides to answer questions about the shakeup in the watchdog ’ s office .
The department said Akard would return to the private sector but offered no other reason for his departure .
We appreciate his dedication to the department and to our country , ” the department said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Diana Shaw , will serve as the new acting inspector general once Akard leaves on Friday .
Although Akard , a close ally of Vice President Mike Pence , had not been expected to become the permanent inspector general , his departure underscores the tumult and uncertainty in the office , which has been wracked by Republican charges of leaks and politically biased investigations .
Democrats have alleged that Pompeo sought the ouster of Akard ’ s predecessor , Stephen Linick , because Linick was investigating allegations of impropriety by Pompeo .
Pompeo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked President Donald Trump to fire Linick for poor performance .
Akard , who had also served as the director of the Office of Foreign Missions at the State Department , had withdrawn from those investigations after Democrats complained his holding both jobs was a significant conflict of interest .
Asked about Akard ’ s resignation , Pompeo had little to say to reporters at a news conference .
“ He left to go back home , ” Pompeo said .
“ This happens .
I don ’ t have anything more to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ empowered by Congress to evaluate the performance of executive branch agencies and investigate allegations of wrongdoing by government officials .
President Donald Trump has taken exception to the work of several of the inspectors general and removed them despite congressional objections .
On Monday , congressional Democrats subpoenaed four senior Pompeo aides for interviews , saying the Trump administration was stonewalling their investigation into Linick ’ s firing in May .
Akard was not among those subpoenaed .
Linick had appeared before investigators in June and said top department officials tried to bully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a review of a multibillion-dollar arms sale to Saudi Arabia before he was fired .
He also said his office was looking into allegations that Pompeo and his wife may have misused government staff to run personal errands and several other matters .
The top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee , Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey , said the investigation will not end and he expressed concern about Akard ’ s departure .
“ I do not believe he was the right choice to lead the office , but I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another opportunity for the Trump administration to try to weaken oversight and accountability , ” Menendez said .
“ The ongoing bicameral investigation into the abrupt and unexplained dismissal of IG Linick will continue full speed ahead.
” The House Foreign Affairs and House Oversight committee chairs , Democratic Reps. Eliot Engel and Carolyn Maloney , both of New York , said Akard ’ s resignation “ must not further disrupt the Office of Inspector General ’ s important investigations ” and warned against appointing a political loyalist to succeed him .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ install another political loyalist would further undercut the ability of the office to properly carry out its critical mission , ” they said .
The subpoenas for closed-door depositions are for Undersecretary of State for Management Brian Bulatao , acting State Department legal adviser Marik String , Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Michael Miller and senior adviser Toni A. Porter .
The department flatly rejected the Democrats ’ allegations as “ egregiously inaccurate ” but did not say whether the officials would comply with the subpoenas .
Pompeo has rejected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alleged impropriety and Pompeo has denied he was aware of any such probe into his or his wife ’ s matters .
He has said Linick was removed for not doing his job .
Linick , who had been inspector general since 2013 , said he was in a “ state of shock ” when he was fired .
He told congressional investigators that he had opened a review of last year ’ s $ 8 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia at the request of lawmakers who claimed Pompeo had inappropriately circumvented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Bulatao and String then tried to stop him .

The State Department’s acting inspector general resigned abruptly on Wednesday following the firing of his predecessor in circumstances now being investigated by Congress.
Stephen Akard announced his resignation just two days after Democrats issued subpoenas for several of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s top aides to answer questions about the shakeup in the watchdog’s office. The department said Akard would return to the private sector but offered no other reason for his departure.
We appreciate his dedication to the department and to our country,” the department said in a statement. Akard’s deputy, Diana Shaw, will serve as the new acting inspector general once Akard leaves on Friday.
Although Akard, a close ally of Vice President Mike Pence, had not been expected to become the permanent inspector general, his departure underscores the tumult and uncertainty in the office, which has been wracked by Republican charges of leaks and politically biased investigations.
Democrats have alleged that Pompeo sought the ouster of Akard’s predecessor, Stephen Linick, because Linick was investigating allegations of impropriety by Pompeo.
Pompeo has denied the allegations but acknowledged he asked President Donald Trump to fire Linick for poor performance. Akard, who had also served as the director of the Office of Foreign Missions at the State Department, had withdrawn from those investigations after Democrats complained his holding both jobs was a significant conflict of interest.
Asked about Akard’s resignation, Pompeo had little to say to reporters at a news conference. “He left to go back home,” Pompeo said. “This happens. I don’t have anything more to add.”
Inspectors general are independent watchdogs empowered by Congress to evaluate the performance of executive branch agencies and investigate allegations of wrongdoing by government officials. President Donald Trump has taken exception to the work of several of the inspectors general and removed them despite congressional objections.
On Monday, congressional Democrats subpoenaed four senior Pompeo aides for interviews, saying the Trump administration was stonewalling their investigation into Linick’s firing in May. Akard was not among those subpoenaed.
Linick had appeared before investigators in June and said top department officials tried to bully him and dissuade his office from conducting a review of a multibillion-dollar arms sale to Saudi Arabia before he was fired. He also said his office was looking into allegations that Pompeo and his wife may have misused government staff to run personal errands and several other matters.
The top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey, said the investigation will not end and he expressed concern about Akard’s departure.
“I do not believe he was the right choice to lead the office, but I am concerned that his sudden resignation leaves another opportunity for the Trump administration to try to weaken oversight and accountability,” Menendez said. “The ongoing bicameral investigation into the abrupt and unexplained dismissal of IG Linick will continue full speed ahead.”
The House Foreign Affairs and House Oversight committee chairs, Democratic Reps. Eliot Engel and Carolyn Maloney, both of New York, said Akard’s resignation “must not further disrupt the Office of Inspector General’s important investigations” and warned against appointing a political loyalist to succeed him.
“Any effort by the Trump administration to install another political loyalist would further undercut the ability of the office to properly carry out its critical mission,” they said.
The subpoenas for closed-door depositions are for Undersecretary of State for Management Brian Bulatao, acting State Department legal adviser Marik String, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Michael Miller and senior adviser Toni A. Porter.
The department flatly rejected the Democrats’ allegations as “egregiously inaccurate” but did not say whether the officials would comply with the subpoenas. Pompeo has rejected allegations that Linick was fired for investigating alleged impropriety and Pompeo has denied he was aware of any such probe into his or his wife’s matters. He has said Linick was removed for not doing his job.
Linick, who had been inspector general since 2013, said he was in a “state of shock” when he was fired. He told congressional investigators that he had opened a review of last year’s $8 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia at the request of lawmakers who claimed Pompeo had inappropriately circumvented Congress to approve the deal. He said Bulatao and String then tried to stop him.


newyorkpost--2020-08-06--J.A. Happ gives multiple reasons for his latest Yankees’ flop

It was another rough night for Gary Sanchez , who struck ...

J.A. Happ didn’t look good for much of last season, and he’s been dreadful through his first two starts of 2020.
The 37-year-old had his second straight ugly outing in Wednesday’s 11-7 loss to the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park, the first game of a seven-inning doubleheader.
He allowed a homer to Bryce Harper in the top of the third and seemed rattled by it, as he ended up walking six batters in his brief outing.
“I’ve got to make them put the ball in play,’’ Happ said. “I’ve got to force the issue better than I did today.”
He called the walks “uncharacteristic” and admitted frustration with home plate umpire Angel Hernandez: “I did hit some [spots in the strike zone] and didn’t get [calls]. That’s just a fact, but that happens. I’ve got to move on.”
With the stop/start nature of the Yankees’ schedule so far this season thanks to their series against the Phillies being postponed last week and another postponement Tuesday due to Tropical Storm Isaias, their rotation hasn’t been in much of a rhythm. And with Wednesday’s doubleheader in Philadelphia slated to be followed by another one at Tampa Bay on Saturday, it might be a while before that happens.
Aaron Boone said Wednesday Jordan Montgomery would make his second start of the season Thursday against the Phillies, followed by Masahiro Tanaka at Tampa Bay on Friday. Gerrit Cole will start one of the games versus the Rays on Saturday, with a bullpen game likely for the other game. And James Paxton will start the series finale Sunday.
Paxton was on the field at Citizens Bank Park before Wednesday’s doubleheader in Philadelphia working with new pitching coach Matt Blake. Paxton has had two bad outings to start the season and said he’s been working on his mechanics, trying to stand taller on the mound. He admitted following his last start he was “concerned” about his drop in velocity, which has gone from 95 mph last year to about 91 mph so far this season.
The opening game on Wednesday — a makeup of Tuesday’s game scheduled for New York — was the first time the Yankees served as the home team and hit last in a ballpark other than Yankee Stadium since they beat the Angels on April 15, 1998, at Shea Stadium. That was the result of Yankee Stadium being shut down by the city when an expansion joint fell in the Stadium bowl two days prior. The rest of that series was made up at Yankee Stadium later in the season.
— Additional reporting by Ken Davidoff in Philadelphia.


newyorkpost--2020-08-06--Jeurys Familia becoming factor in Mets’ bullpen again

For a night , anyway , the Mets paid homage to a ...

WASHINGTON — Jeurys Familia’s reinvention of himself in the offseason is producing solid early dividends.
The Mets reliever has emerged as an early trusted option for manager Luis Rojas, who seeks high-leverage opportunities for the veteran right-hander.
“We spoke [Tuesday] morning and his confidence is really high, he’s sure of himself,” Rojas said before the Mets beat the Nationals 3-1 on Wednesday. “He knows the work that he put in to be performing like this right now and also with what he added to his repertoire.”
In addition to shedding 30 pounds over the winter, Familia is employing a curveball after previously relying on his power sinker and slider.
Familia entered Wednesday with a 3.18 ERA in six appearances, which included escaping a bases-loaded jam created by Paul Sewald in the fifth inning Tuesday.
Last season Familia was among the team’s biggest disappointments, pitch to a 5.70 ERA in 66 appearances.
“He wants the ball,” Rojas said. “He wants to get in there as much as he can. He wants to compete. It doesn’t matter what inning, the fifth he was in there. He wants to go in there and help the team get a win. He’s put himself in that position by work ethic and what he keeps on doing.”
Robinson Cano expressed confidence his stint on the injured list will last the minimum 10 days, leaving him in position to rejoin the Mets lineup on Aug. 14. The veteran second baseman is sidelined with a grade two strain of the left abductor that he says he sustained running the bases Monday night in Atlanta.
“I want to be able to go out there to help the team win games, but at the same time thank God it was nothing major, that I was smart to get out of the game,” Cano said.
Jeff McNeil (intercostal strain) and Amed Rosario (quadriceps) were absent from the starting lineup for the second straight night. Both are day to day, according to Rojas.
Marcus Stroman is scheduled to throw his second simulated game on Thursday, with an emphasis on his mobility off the mound as he recovers from a torn left calf. The right-hander has maintained his throwing routine to keep his arm built up during his IL stint.
The Mets acquired right-handed pitcher Ariel Jurado from the Rangers for a player to be named later and cash considerations. Jurado, who was designated for assignment last week, went 7-11 with a 5.81 ERA in 32 appearances for Texas last season, split between the rotation and bullpen. Ryan Cordell was designated for assignment to clear space on the 40-man roster for Jurado.
Entering play the Mets were second in the major leagues with 110 hits this season. But they led MLB in runners left on base with 107 — which included 49 in the first six games of the road trip.