newyorkpost--2020-04-28--Nearly 50 aboard Navy destroyer USS Kidd test positive for coronavirus

The Navy had tested the entire 5,000-member crew of the ...

The coronavirus has struck another US Navy ship, this time the destroyer USS Kidd, on which almost 50 crew members have tested positive for the disease, according to a report.
“Two Sailors have been medically evacuated to the United States. 15 Sailors have been transferred to USS Makin Island (LHD 8) for monitoring due to persistent symptoms,” the Navy told NPR in a statement.
“None are in the ICU or on ventilators. Sailors aboard Kidd are wearing PPE and N95 masks,” it said.
Nearly half the crew members have been tested for the virus, the Navy added.
“As of today, 45% of USS Kidd (DDG 100) crewmembers have been tested for COVID-19, with 47 total positive results,” according to the official blog Navy Live.
A message posted to the ship’s Facebook page described how doctors on the ship were “working tirelessly to not only test new cases but to care for our positive cases,” NPR reported.
“I am an optimist, but make no mistake. KIDD is in a fight right now, against COVID and against anyone out there who might want to capitalize on what they perceive as a weakness,” said the Facebook post, which was signed by the executive officer, Cmdr. Matt Noland.
“Destroyers are tough ships that breed tough Sailors. Warfighters. We’ve got this,” it added.
NPR reported that the Kidd will likely visit a California port when it returns to the mainland US. CNN has reported that it had been on a “counter-narcotics mission.”
The outbreak on the Kidd is the second involving a US Navy vessel.
Chief Petty Officer Charles Robert Thacker Jr., a crewman aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, died April 13 of COVID-19.
As of Monday, 955 Roosevelt crew members have the virus, one is hospitalized and 14 have recovered. More than 4,000 are going through quarantine ashore.
The Roosevelt’s commander, Capt. Brett Crozier, was removed from his post after he sent a letter to Navy brass that was leaked to the media in which he pleaded with them to quarantine the crew.
Adm. Mike Gilday has since recommended that Crozier, who also tested positive for the illness, be returned to his ship.


newyorkpost--2020-04-28--Woman found dead in Bronx trash can identified as Upper West Side resident

A woman found dead in a Bronx trash can has been identified as an Upper West Side resident , according @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday the case is being probed as a homicide .
Becky Crown , 38 , @ @ @ @ @ head-first into the bin on Park Avenue near East 182nd Street in Tremont around 8:30 @ @ @ @ @ to cops and police sources .
Investigators who arrived at the scene canvassed the area @ @ @ @ @ man pushing the woman to the alley in a shopping cart , police sources said @ @ @ @ @ could not say where Crown , who lived on West 94th Street , was killed @ @ @ @ @ immediately clear how she was killed , according to police .
The city medical examiner @ @ @ @ @ determine her cause of death .

A woman found dead in a Bronx trash can has been identified Tuesday, as cops revealed that the case is being probed as a homicide.
Becky Crown, 38, who lived in a single-room occupancy building called Rustin House on the Upper West Side, was found naked and dumped head-first into the bin on Park Avenue near East 182nd Street in Tremont around 8:30 a.m. April 20, according to cops and police sources.
Investigators who arrived at the scene canvassed the area and found video of a man pushing the woman to the alley in a shopping cart, police sources said at the time.
Cops could not say where Crown was killed.
Crown died of compressions to her neck and chest, the city medical examiner’s office said Tuesday.
Rodney Wade, 53, a fellow resident at the West 94th Street building — which provides services for low-income tenants — said that Crown, originally from Brooklyn, was in a homeless shelter before and had been living at Rustin House for four years.
She had a boyfriend who got banned from the building for staying overnight, Wade said.
“He loved the hell out of her, Wade said. “He loved her a lot. He kept showing up wanting to get back together.”


newyorkpost--2020-04-28--‘Little Women: Atlanta’ star Ashley ‘Minnie’ Ross dies after hit-and-run crash

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Twitter ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Facebook ( Opens in new window ) Reality TV star Ashley “ Minnie ” Ross has died after a hit-and-run car crash , her management confirmed early Tuesday .
She was 34 .
The “ Little Women : Atlanta ” star was rushed to Atlanta ’ s Grady Memorial Hospital on Sunday night after a smash-up with another car near Old National Highway in Atlanta , her publicist told People magazine .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost 24 hours after the crash .
“ It is with profound sadness that we confirm on behalf of the family of Ashley Ross aka ‘ Ms Minnie ’ of Little Women Atlanta has succumbed to injuries from a tragic hit and run car accident today at the age of 34 , ” her management team confirmed on the star ’ s Instagram .
“ The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time.
” Her publicist told Newsweek that eyewitnesses told police that the driver of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and caused the accident fled from the scene .
No further information about the crash was immediately available .
Originally from Tennessee , Ross was hailed as “ the most beautiful , kind , giving , generous human ever ” by a rep for her reality show .
“ She was adored by cast and crew because she always wore her heart on her sleeve , ” the rep told People .
“ There ’ s nothing she wouldn ’ t do for those she loved.
” Ross ’ s longtime costar Amanda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , saying she was in tears writing the post .
“ Why did they take you away from us !
!
!
!
WHY !
!
!
!
!
” she asked alongside a series of photos of them together .
“ You were more than our best friend you were our big sister and still is !
!
!
” she wrote .
“ I love you so much !
!
!
!
My heart is broken 😭💔 Rest In Peace my love.
” Ross is survived by her mother , Tammie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Veronica and John Deloney , and grandmother Rose Deloney , as well as a host of other family members , Newsweek said .

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Reality TV star Ashley “Minnie” Ross has died after a hit-and-run car crash, her management confirmed early Tuesday. She was 34.
The “Little Women: Atlanta” star was rushed to Atlanta’s Grady Memorial Hospital on Sunday night after a smash-up with another car near Old National Highway in Atlanta, her publicist told People magazine.
She died at 10:30 p.m. Monday, almost 24 hours after the crash.
“It is with profound sadness that we confirm on behalf of the family of Ashley Ross aka ‘Ms Minnie’ of Little Women Atlanta has succumbed to injuries from a tragic hit and run car accident today at the age of 34,” her management team confirmed on the star’s Instagram.
“The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time.”
Her publicist told Newsweek that eyewitnesses told police that the driver of the vehicle that hit Ross’ car and caused the accident fled. No further information about the crash was immediately available.
Originally from Tennessee, Ross was hailed as “the most beautiful, kind, giving, generous human ever” by a rep for her reality show.
“She was adored by cast and crew because she always wore her heart on her sleeve,” the rep told People. “There’s nothing she wouldn’t do for those she loved.”
Ross’s longtime co-star Amanda Salinas also shared the news early Tuesday, saying she was in tears writing the post.
“Why did they take you away from us !!!! WHY!!!!!” she asked alongside a series of photos of them together.
“You were more than our best friend you were our big sister and still is !!!” she wrote. “I love you so much !!!! My heart is broken 😭💔 Rest In Peace my love.”
Ross is survived by her mother, Tammie Jackson, her aunt and uncle, Veronica and John Deloney, and grandmother Rose Deloney, as well as a host of other family members, Newsweek said.


newyorkpost--2020-04-28--Dr. Fauci praises Brad Pitt’s ‘classy’ impersonation of him on ‘SNL’

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Dr. Anthony Fauci gave high marks to Brad Pitt for his portrayal of the infectious disease expert on “ Saturday Night Live At Home , ” according to a report .
“ I think he did great .
I ’ m a great fan of Brad Pitt , and that ’ s the reason why when people ask me who I would like to play me , I mention Brad Pitt , ” Fauci told Telemundo ’ s “ Un Nuevo Dia ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He ’ s one of my favorite actors .
I think he did a great job , ” the member of the White House coronavirus task force added .
In the cold open , the Oscar-winning actor donned a silver wig as he ruminated President Trump ’ s handling of the coronavirus crisis .
Following the president ’ s much-publicized comments about UV light and disinfectant injections , Brad-as-Fauci grimaced : “ I know I shouldn ’ t be touching my face , but … ” After several predictable digs , Pitt , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America ’ s health-care workers on the frontline — and Dr. Fauci ’ s “ calm and clarity.
” Fauci , 79 , called Pitt , 56 , “ classy ” for breaking character and thanking the doctors and nurses .
“ I think he showed that he is really a classy guy when at the end he took off his hair and thanked me and all of the health care workers .
So not only is he a really great actor , but he is actually a classy person , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the remarks Pitt made during the skit had actually crossed his mind , Fauci answered : “ Everything he said on ‘ SNL ’ is what ’ s going on .
“ He did a pretty good job of putting everything together , ” he added .

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
Dr. Anthony Fauci gave high marks to Brad Pitt for his portrayal of the infectious disease expert on “Saturday Night Live At Home,” according to a report.
“I think he did great. I’m a great fan of Brad Pitt, and that’s the reason why when people ask me who I would like to play me, I mention Brad Pitt,” Fauci told Telemundo’s “Un Nuevo Dia” on Monday, Variety reported.
“He’s one of my favorite actors. I think he did a great job,” the member of the White House coronavirus task force added.
In the cold open, the Oscar-winning actor wore a silver wig as he ruminated on President Trump’s handling of the coronavirus crisis.
Following the president’s much-publicized comments about UV light and disinfectant injections, Brad-as-Fauci grimaced: “I know I shouldn’t be touching my face, but …”
After several predictable digs, Pitt, 56, removed his wig and praised America’s health care workers on the front line — and Fauci’s “calm and clarity.”
Fauci, 79, called Pitt, 56, “classy” for breaking character and thanking the doctors and nurses.
“I think he showed that he is really a classy guy when at the end he took off his hair and thanked me and all of the health care workers. So not only is he a really great actor, but he is actually a classy person,” he said.
When asked if any of the remarks Pitt made during the skit had actually crossed his mind, Fauci answered: “Everything he said on ‘SNL’ is what’s going on.
“He did a pretty good job of putting everything together,” he added.


newyorkpost--2020-04-28--Parrot owner squawks in the street for lost bird: ‘Chanel!’

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Going viral is for the birds. That’s the lesson a “devastated” Sandra Hannah learned in Merseyside, UK, after this tearful video of her calling for her missing parrot, Chanel, spread across social media. The inadvertently funny video shows the panicked pet owner shouting “Chanel!” several times in the middle of the street. Fortunately, the missing African grey parrot was later found by a neighbor and returned.
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newyorkpost--2020-04-28--Coronavirus pandemic model increases predicted US death toll to 74,000

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A coronavirus pandemic model has increased the predicted US death toll from the disease to 74,000 – up 14,000 from the previous estimate , according to a report .
“ Our forecast now is for 74,000 deaths .
That ’ s our best estimate .
The range is pretty wide because there ’ s a lot of unknown factors there , but our best estimate is going up , and we see these protracted , long peaks in some states , ” Dr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Washington ’ s Institute for Help Metrics and Evaluation , told CNN .
“ We ’ re also seeing signs in the mobility data that people are getting more active , and that ’ s also feeding into our assessment , ” he added .
The model had previously predicted 60,000 deaths from the bug .
Murray said the new data would affect his institute ’ s recommendations on when social distancing measures could be eased on a state-by-state basis , adding that they would move past the mid-May to early June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he believes states are opening too soon .
“ If you ’ re focused on trying to protect people ’ s health , then the answer is absolutely .
It ’ s a safer strategy to get the number of infections in the community down to a really low level and then testing and contact tracing and isolation can work , ” Murray told CNN .
More than 56,000 people have died from COVID-19 in the US , according to data from Johns Hopkins University .

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
A coronavirus pandemic model has increased the predicted US death toll from the disease to 74,000 – up 14,000 from the previous estimate, according to a report.
“Our forecast now is for 74,000 deaths. That’s our best estimate. The range is pretty wide because there’s a lot of unknown factors there, but our best estimate is going up, and we see these protracted, long peaks in some states,” Dr. Chris Murray, director of the University of Washington’s Institute for Help Metrics and Evaluation, told CNN.
“We’re also seeing signs in the mobility data that people are getting more active, and that’s also feeding into our assessment,” he added.
The model had previously predicted 60,000 deaths from the bug.
Murray said the new data would affect his institute’s recommendations on when social distancing measures could be eased on a state-by-state basis, adding that they would move past the mid-May to early June dates they had previously suggested.
He said he believes states are opening too soon.
“If you’re focused on trying to protect people’s health, then the answer is absolutely. It’s a safer strategy to get the number of infections in the community down to a really low level and then testing and contact tracing and isolation can work,” Murray told CNN.
More than 56,000 people have died from COVID-19 in the US, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.


newyorkpost--2020-04-28--South Korean officials claim they know Kim Jong Un’s location

Top South Korean officials on Tuesday said their government knows the whereabouts of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un , whose absence from public view has prompted a wave of speculation about his health , according to a report .
“ The government is aware of Kim Jong Un ’ s location , ” Unification Minister Kim Yeon-chul said without elaborating Tuesday when asked during a parliamentary session , Bloomberg News reported .
And when Foreign Minister Kang Kyung was asked separately if Seoul has notified President Trump about the despot ’ s condition and location , she said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials and “ should have been notified , ” according to the news outlet .
Kang later clarified that Trump was aware of Kim Jong Un ’ s condition but not his whereabouts .
During a White House briefing on Monday , Trump said he knew how Kim is doing , adding that the American people could find out in the “ not-too-distant future.
” “ I can ’ t tell you , exactly — yes , I do have a very good idea , but I can ’ t talk about it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the president said .
Earlier Monday , North Korean state media published a purported letter from the Hermit Kingdom ’ s leader in a bid to dispel rumors about his health .
The 36-year-old despot hasn ’ t been seen publicly since April 11 and missed the April 15 commemoration of the 108th birthday of his grandfather , North Korea ’ s founder Kim Il Sung .
His failure to attend the event sparked conflicting reports that he could be in a vegetative state , dead , or — as South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been staying “ in the Wonsan area ” on the North ’ s eastern coastline .
Meanwhile , South Korea ’ s minister for North Korean affairs suggested Tuesday that Kim may have missed the celebration due to concerns about the coronavirus pandemic , not because of an illness .
“ It is true that he had never missed the anniversary for Kim Il Sung ’ s birthday since he took power , but many anniversary events including celebrations and a banquet had been cancelled because of coronavirus concerns , ” Unification @ @ @ @ @ @ @ session , Reuters reported .
He added that there were at least two instances since mid-January in which Kim was out of sight for nearly 20 days .
“ I don ’ t think that ’ s particularly unusual given the current ( coronavirus ) situation , ” he said .

Top South Korean officials on Tuesday said their government knows the whereabouts of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, whose absence from public view has prompted a wave of speculation about his health, according to a report.
“The government is aware of Kim Jong Un’s location,” Unification Minister Kim Yeon-chul said without elaborating Tuesday when asked during a parliamentary session, Bloomberg News reported.
And when Foreign Minister Kang Kyung was asked separately if Seoul has notified President Trump about the despot’s condition and location, she said the commander-in-chief was in touch with South Korean officials and “should have been notified,” according to the news outlet.
Kang later clarified that Trump was aware of Kim Jong Un’s condition but not his whereabouts.
During a White House briefing on Monday, Trump said he knew how Kim is doing, adding that the American people could find out in the “not-too-distant future.”
“I can’t tell you, exactly — yes, I do have a very good idea, but I can’t talk about it now. I just wish him well,” the president said.
Earlier Monday, North Korean state media published a purported letter from the Hermit Kingdom’s leader in a bid to dispel rumors about his health.
The 36-year-old despot hasn’t been seen publicly since April 11 and missed the April 15 commemoration of the 108th birthday of his grandfather, North Korea’s founder, Kim Il Sung.
His failure to attend the event sparked conflicting reports that he could be in a vegetative state, dead, or — as South Korea says — is absolutely fine and had been staying “in the Wonsan area” on the North’s eastern coastline.
Meanwhile, South Korea’s minister for North Korean affairs suggested Tuesday that Kim may have missed the celebration due to concerns about the coronavirus pandemic, not because of an illness.
“It is true that he had never missed the anniversary for Kim Il Sung’s birthday since he took power, but many anniversary events including celebrations and a banquet had been canceled because of coronavirus concerns,” Kim Yeon-chul said at the parliamentary session, Reuters reported.
He added that there were at least two instances since mid-January when Kim was out of sight for nearly 20 days.
“I don’t think that’s particularly unusual given the current (coronavirus) situation,” he said.


newyorkpost--2020-04-28--Kristin Cavallari is getting very divorce-ari

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) The ‘ loving conclusion ’ of Kristin Cavallari and Jay Cutler ’ s marriage is more than what it seems , according to the divorce papers .
Prince ’ s former paramours are feuding over his legacy .
And despite fast-tracking their relationship during quarantine , Ben Affleck and Ana De Armas ’ love is thriving .
“ Very Cavallari ” star Kristin Cavallari says her ( future ex ) husband Jay Cutler committed “ inappropriate marital conduct ” in divorce papers .
But this was after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were splitting but “ have nothing but love and respect for one another.
” According to documents obtained by TMZ , the reality star , 33 , claims Cutler , 36 , “ is guilty of such inappropriate marital conduct as renders further cohabitation unsafe and improper.
” But she also says that “ any misconduct alleged or implied against her in the complaint for divorce was in response to and/or as a result of misconduct on behalf of the Husband ” — though the word “ misconduct ” was not used in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rep declined to comment on the new report .
Cavallari and the former NFL quarterback announced their split to the world on Sunday via coordinated Instagram posts , following seven years of marriage .
Prince ’ s muses go at it Prince ’ s former paramours Sheila E. and Apollonia are feuding over the musician ’ s legacy , four years after his death .
Apollonia , band members , and sources , who worked with the “ Purple Rain ” legend are claiming Sheila E. is cashing in on his career .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prince was estranged from the singer .
A source told Page Six Prince wanted nothing to do with her at the time of his death .
“ He was pissed off because she put information about him in a book without his permission .
They got into a huge fight and did not speak for five years .
She was not allowed at Paisley Park .
He wouldn ’ t allow her to come to shows .
It was a complete shut-out … And now she acts like she ’ s the widow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he passed away in 2016 , Sheila E. has been one of Prince ’ s most visible proteges .
She served as musical director of CBS ’ s “ Let ’ s Go Crazy : The Grammy Salute to Prince ” show that aired last week on the anniversary of his death .
Reps for Sheila E. and Apollonia did not comment .
Is Ben Affleck the one guy who found a silver lining in the coronavirus ?
The Oscar winner has had to press the fast-forward button on his romance with actress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shacked up — after a few months of dating — to quarantine together during the pandemic .
But that was never the plan to begin with .
“ Ben was due on set [ of ‘ The Last Duel , ’ written with and co-starring Matt Damon ] and Ana was meant to be on a world tour [ for the James Bond film ‘ No Time to Die ’ ] , ” a source close to the couple said .
“ To get to spend so much time together is a real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to get to know each other during this unexpected time off at Affleck ’ s $ 19-million mansion in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles .
They ’ ve been spotted walking their dogs , strolling the streets of Venice Beach and lining up with other customers outside Sidecar Doughnuts .
The “ Knives Out ” breakout star moved in after the two took a romantic trip to Costa Rica and her native Cuba last month .
Catch up on all episodes of “ We Hear ” by subscribing to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wherever you get your podcasts .
New episodes come out every Tuesday , Wednesday and Thursday .

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The ‘loving conclusion’ of Kristin Cavallari and Jay Cutler’s marriage is more than what it seems, according to the divorce papers.
Prince’s former paramours are feuding over his legacy. And despite fast-tracking their relationship during quarantine, Ben Affleck and Ana De Armas’ love is thriving.
Here’s a closer look at today’s stories:
Kristin Cavallari and Jay Cutler split
“Very Cavallari” star Kristin Cavallari says her (future ex) husband Jay Cutler committed “inappropriate marital conduct” in divorce papers. But this was after she told fans on Instagram the two were splitting but “have nothing but love and respect for one another.”
According to documents obtained by TMZ, the reality star, 33, claims Cutler, 36, “is guilty of such inappropriate marital conduct as renders further cohabitation unsafe and improper.”
But she also says that “any misconduct alleged or implied against her in the complaint for divorce was in response to and/or as a result of misconduct on behalf of the Husband” — though the word “misconduct” was not used in his divorce filing.
Cavallari’s rep declined to comment on the new report.
Cavallari and the former NFL quarterback announced their split to the world on Sunday via coordinated Instagram posts, following seven years of marriage.
Related Video Kristin Cavallari accuses ex Jay Cutler of ‘inappropriate marital conduct’
Prince’s muses go at it
Prince’s former paramours Sheila E. and Apollonia are feuding over the musician’s legacy, four years after his death. Apollonia, band members, and sources, who worked with the “Purple Rain” legend are claiming Sheila E. is cashing in on his career.
They’re even making accusations that Prince was estranged from the singer. A source told Page Six Prince wanted nothing to do with her at the time of his death.
“He was pissed off because she put information about him in a book without his permission. They got into a huge fight and did not speak for five years. She was not allowed at Paisley Park. He wouldn’t allow her to come to shows. It was a complete shut-out … And now she acts like she’s the widow, ” the source said.
Since he passed away in 2016, Sheila E. has been one of Prince’s most visible proteges. She served as musical director of CBS’s “Let’s Go Crazy: The Grammy Salute to Prince” show that aired last week on the anniversary of his death.
Reps for Sheila E. and Apollonia did not comment.
Ben Affleck and Ana De Armas thrive
Is Ben Affleck the one guy who found a silver lining in the coronavirus?
The Oscar winner has had to press the fast-forward button on his romance with actress Ana de Armas. The two have shacked up — after a few months of dating — to quarantine together during the pandemic. But that was never the plan to begin with.
“Ben was due on set [of ‘The Last Duel,’ written with and co-starring Matt Damon] and Ana was meant to be on a world tour [for the James Bond film ‘No Time to Die’],” a source close to the couple said. “To get to spend so much time together is a real blessing.”
The new couple has been able to get to know each other during this unexpected time off at Affleck’s $19-million mansion in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles.
They’ve been spotted walking their dogs, strolling the streets of Venice Beach and lining up with other customers outside Sidecar Doughnuts.
The “Knives Out” breakout star moved in after the two took a romantic trip to Costa Rica and her native Cuba last month.
Catch up on all episodes of “We Hear” by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes come out every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.


newyorkpost--2020-04-28--Chris Cuomo reveals he is coronavirus free and tested positive for antibodies

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CNN anchor Chris Cuomo announced Monday night that he is coronavirus free and was found to have antibodies that can potentially help protect him from reinfection .
“ So , I tested negative — I don ’ t have the virus , ” Cuomo , who was diagnosed about a month ago , said on his show .
“ Good for me .
I also tested to show that I have both antibodies.
” But Cuomo questioned if the development is a reason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently cautioned that the presence of coronavirus antibodies does not prove immunity against the disease .
“ Here ’ s the new thing , do I really have great news .
What does it mean that I have antibodies ?
Am I really immune ?
Do they know ?
” Cuomo openly pondered before consulting on-air with CNN ’ s chief medical correspondent , Dr. Sanjay Gupta .
“ There ’ s a lot of confusion about what it does and doesn ’ t mean , ” Cuomo said .
Gupta told Cuomo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have some protection against this.
” “ The thing is , that we need to prove it out , ” continued Gupta .
“ We need to take some time to actually show that these antibodies are actually going to protect you.
” The WHO ’ s Saturday warning runs counter to what many survivors thought could be their ticket to freedom from COVID-19 lockdowns .
“ Some governments have suggested that the detection of antibodies … could serve as the basis for an ‘ immunity passport ’ or ‘ risk-free certificate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ There is currently no evidence that people who have recovered from COVID-19 and have antibodies are protected from a second infection.
” Despite the uncertainty over antibody effectiveness , Cuomo vowed to donate his blood plasma , which can be used to treat coronavirus patients .
“ If they want the blood , I ’ m gon na give it to them because that is the best thing I ’ ve heard of so far in terms of what I can do to help as someone who was sick , ” Cuomo @ @

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CNN anchor Chris Cuomo announced Monday night that he is coronavirus-free and was found to have antibodies that can potentially help protect him from reinfection.
“So, I tested negative — I don’t have the virus,” Cuomo, who was diagnosed about a month ago, said on his show. “Good for me. I also tested to show that I have both antibodies.”
But Cuomo questioned if the development is a reason to celebrate considering the World Health Organization recently cautioned that the presence of coronavirus antibodies does not prove immunity against the disease.
“Here’s the new thing, do I really have great news. What does it mean that I have antibodies? Am I really immune? Do they know?” Cuomo openly pondered before consulting on-air with CNN’s chief medical correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta.
“There’s a lot of confusion about what it does and doesn’t mean,” Cuomo said.
Gupta told Cuomo that “presumably you’re going to have some protection against this.”
“The thing is, that we need to prove it out,” continued Gupta. “We need to take some time to actually show that these antibodies are actually going to protect you.”
The WHO’s Saturday warning runs counter to what many survivors thought could be their ticket to freedom from COVID-19 lockdowns.
“Some governments have suggested that the detection of antibodies … could serve as the basis for an ‘immunity passport’ or ‘risk-free certificate,’” the WHO said.
“There is currently no evidence that people who have recovered from COVID-19 and have antibodies are protected from a second infection.”
Despite the uncertainty over antibody effectiveness, Cuomo vowed to donate his blood plasma, which can be used to treat coronavirus patients.
“If they want the blood, I’m gonna give it to them because that is the best thing I’ve heard of so far in terms of what I can do to help as someone who was sick,” Cuomo said.


newyorkpost--2020-04-28--South Korea: Kim Jong Un isn’t dead, he’s just trying to avoid coronavirus

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SEOUL — Kim Jong Un may have missed a key holiday on April 15 because of concerns over the coronavirus , not because he is ill , South Korea ’ s minister for North Korean affairs said on Tuesday .
North Korean leader Kim ’ s absence from public ceremonies on the birth anniversary of his grandfather and founder of the country , Kim Il Sung , was unprecedented , and he has not been seen in public since .
That has led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
South Korean officials emphasize they have detected no unusual movements in North Korea and have cautioned against reports that Kim may be ill. North Korea has said it has no confirmed cases of the coronavirus , but given the fact that the country has taken stringent steps to head off an outbreak , Kim ’ s absence from the ceremonies is not particularly unusual , Unification Minister Kim Yeon-chul , who oversees North Korea engagement , told lawmakers .
“ It is true that he had never missed the anniversary for Kim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took power , but many anniversary events including celebrations and a banquet had been canceled because of coronavirus concerns , ” Kim Yeon-chul said at a parliamentary hearing .
He said there were at least two instances since mid-January where Kim Jong Un was out of sight for nearly 20 days .
“ I don ’ t think that ’ s particularly unusual given the current ( coronavirus ) situation.
” U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday he has a good idea how Kim Jong Un is doing and hopes he is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he was aware of reports on Kim ’ s health and he was paying close attention to developments .
North Korea had canceled some large events , and imposed a border lockdown and quarantine measures in an effort to prevent an outbreak of the coronavirus .
But if Kim Jong Un is hiding out due to fears surrounding COVID-19 , it would “ puncture a hole in the state media narrative of how this crisis has been perfectly managed ” , said Chad O ’ Carroll , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monitors North Korea .
“ If he is merely trying to avoid infection , it should theoretically be very easy to release photos or videos of a healthy-looking Kim , ” he said .
An authoritative source familiar with U.S. intelligence reporting said on Monday it was entirely possible Kim had disappeared from public view to avoid exposure to COVID-19 and the sighting of his presidential train in the coastal resort area of Wonsan did suggest he may be there or have been there recently .
But the source said that since there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conclusion , U.S. agencies were also still considering the possibility Kim might be ill , even seriously .
38 North , a Washington-based North Korea monitoring project , said on Saturday that satellite images from last week showed a special train that was probably Kim ’ s at Wonsan , lending weight to reports he had been spending time in the resort area .
While North Korean state media have not reported on Kim Jong Un ’ s whereabouts since he presided over a meeting on April 11 , they have carried near-daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ messages suggests he is still carrying out his duties as leader .
That suggests that he is still carrying out his duties , Unification minister Kim said , although some experts say they are not necessarily conclusive .
“ I agree with the South Korean government ’ s assessment that there is no reason to think Kim Jong Un is not performing his duties , ” said Rachel Minyoung Lee , a former North Korea open-source intelligence analyst for the U.S. government .
“ That said , I would not read too much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I would guess that most of them are not written by him anyway .
”

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SEOUL — Kim Jong Un may have missed a key holiday on April 15 because of concerns over the coronavirus, not because he is ill, South Korea’s minister for North Korean affairs said on Tuesday.
North Korean leader Kim’s absence from public ceremonies on the birth anniversary of his grandfather and founder of the country, Kim Il Sung, was unprecedented, and he has not been seen in public since. That has led to days of speculation over his health.
South Korean officials emphasize they have detected no unusual movements in North Korea and have cautioned against reports that Kim may be ill.
North Korea has said it has no confirmed cases of the coronavirus, but given the fact that the country has taken stringent steps to head off an outbreak, Kim’s absence from the ceremonies is not particularly unusual, Unification Minister Kim Yeon-chul, who oversees North Korea engagement, told lawmakers.
“It is true that he had never missed the anniversary for Kim Il Sung’s birthday since he took power, but many anniversary events including celebrations and a banquet had been canceled because of coronavirus concerns,” Kim Yeon-chul said at a parliamentary hearing.
He said there were at least two instances since mid-January where Kim Jong Un was out of sight for nearly 20 days. “I don’t think that’s particularly unusual given the current (coronavirus) situation.”
President Trump said Monday he has a good idea how Kim Jong Un is doing and hopes he is fine, but would not elaborate.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he was aware of reports on Kim’s health and he was paying close attention to developments.
North Korea had canceled some large events, and imposed a border lockdown and quarantine measures in an effort to prevent an outbreak of the coronavirus.
But if Kim Jong Un is hiding out due to fears surrounding COVID-19, it would “puncture a hole in the state media narrative of how this crisis has been perfectly managed,” said Chad O’Carroll, CEO of Korea Risk Group, which monitors North Korea.
“If he is merely trying to avoid infection, it should theoretically be very easy to release photos or videos of a healthy-looking Kim,” he said.
Signs of life
An authoritative source familiar with US intelligence reporting said Monday it was entirely possible Kim had disappeared from public view to avoid exposure to COVID-19 and the sighting of his presidential train in the coastal resort area of Wonsan did suggest he may be there or have been there recently.
But the source said that since there was no authoritative backing for such a conclusion, US agencies were also still considering the possibility Kim might be ill, even seriously.
38 North, a Washington-based North Korea monitoring project, said Saturday that satellite images from last week showed a special train that was probably Kim’s at Wonsan, lending weight to reports he had been spending time in the resort area.
While North Korean state media have not reported on Kim Jong Un’s whereabouts since he presided over a meeting on April 11, they have carried near-daily reports of him sending letters and diplomatic messages.
That suggests he is still carrying out his duties, Unification Minister Kim said, although some experts say they are not necessarily conclusive.
“I agree with the South Korean government’s assessment that there is no reason to think Kim Jong Un is not performing his duties,” said Rachel Minyoung Lee, a former North Korea open-source intelligence analyst for the US government. “That said, I would not read too much into letters signed by Kim Jong Un. I would guess that most of them are not written by him anyway.”


newyorkpost--2020-04-28--Arizona man allegedly shoots, wounds 3 officers, barricades himself in home before burning it

CHANDLER , Ariz. — A suspect was arrested for allegedly shooting and wounding three police officers Monday before barricading himself in a home and then setting it on fire , authorities said .
Police said the 35-year-old man was taken into custody shortly before 1 p.m. to end an incident that began 12 hours earlier when officers on patrol spotted and confronted a suspicious person .
The man ran and then turned around and fired several shots .
Police said one officer was treated and released from a hospital for a non-life threatening injury .
The second shooting occurred about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the suspect to a Chandler home when the man again fired shots .
Police say two officers were hit , but the bullets didn ’ t penetrate their body armor .
One of the officers suffered a cut to the back of the head and was taken to a hospital for treatment .
Police surrounded the house for about five hours until forcing their way in just before noon .
TV news helicopters showed smoke coming from the home and police said the suspect fled the scene before being arrested at a nearby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspect wasn ’ t immediately released by authorities , but police say he ’ s known to them .

CHANDLER, Ariz. — A suspect was arrested for allegedly shooting and wounding three police officers Monday before barricading himself in a home and then setting it on fire, authorities said.
Police said the 35-year-old man was taken into custody shortly before 1 p.m. to end an incident that began 12 hours earlier when officers on patrol spotted and confronted a suspicious person.
The man ran and then turned around and fired several shots. Police said one officer was treated and released from a hospital for a non-life threatening injury.
The second shooting occurred about 7 a.m. when police saw officers tracked the suspect to a Chandler home when the man again fired shots.
Police say two officers were hit, but the bullets didn’t penetrate their body armor.
One of the officers suffered a cut to the back of the head and was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Police surrounded the house for about five hours until forcing their way in just before noon.
TV news helicopters showed smoke coming from the home and police said the suspect fled the scene before being arrested at a nearby apartment complex.
The name of the suspect wasn’t immediately released by authorities, but police say he’s known to them.


newyorkpost--2020-04-28--North Carolina pug becomes first US dog to test positive for coronavirus

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A North Carolina pug became the first dog in the country to test positive for the coronavirus , a report said on Monday .
Winston , who belongs to a family in Chapel Hill , was tested as part of a study at Duke University after his caretakers fell ill with the virus , according to North Carolina ’ s WRAL-TV .
Dr. Chris Woods , the head of the Duke study , told the outlet he believes it ’ s the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The owner of the dog , Heather McLean , said Winston was coughing and sneezing — and one day didn ’ t even want to eat breakfast .
“ And if you know pugs you know they love to eat , ” she said .
“ So that seemed very unusual.
” McLean ’ s son , Ben , said he wasn ’ t surprised that Winston got sick .
“ ( The dog ) licks all of our dinner plates and sleeps in my mom ’ s bed , and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faces into his face , ” Ben said .
Winston recovered after being sick for a few days .
There have been a few alleged cases of dogs contracting the coronavirus in China .
At the Bronx Zoo , five lions and three tigers have tested positive for the illness .
The Centers for Disease Control said that there was “ no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading the virus.
” The risk of animal-to-human transmission is low , the CDC said .
Heather ’ s advice to other pet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worried about it .
”

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A North Carolina pug became the first dog in the country to test positive for the coronavirus, a report said on Monday.
Winston, who belongs to a family in Chapel Hill, was tested as part of a study at Duke University after his caretakers fell ill with the virus, according to North Carolina’s WRAL-TV.
Dr. Chris Woods, the head of the Duke study, told the outlet he believes it’s the first known positive canine case in the country.
The owner of the dog, Heather McLean, said Winston was coughing and sneezing — and one day didn’t even want to eat breakfast.
“And if you know pugs you know they love to eat,” she said. “So that seemed very unusual.”
McLean’s son, Ben, said he wasn’t surprised that Winston got sick.
“(The dog) licks all of our dinner plates and sleeps in my mom’s bed, and we’re the ones who put our faces into his face,” Ben said.
Winston recovered after being sick for a few days.
There have been a few alleged cases of dogs contracting the coronavirus in China. At the Bronx Zoo, five lions and three tigers have tested positive for the illness.
The Centers for Disease Control said that there was “no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading the virus.”
The risk of animal-to-human transmission is low, the CDC said.
Heather’s advice to other pet owners was “not to get too worried about it.”


newyorkpost--2020-04-28--Man in gorilla costume arrested after entering wrong home

A man wearing a gorilla costume allegedly terrified a six-year-old girl when he mistakenly entered the wrong home in Tennessee @ @ @ @ @ Muzick , 31 , waltzed into the back door of the residence while donning the @ @ @ @ @ p.m. on Sunday and was confronted by a man in the backyard shortly after , @ @ @ @ @ .
Juliet , Tenn .
When confronted by the man , Muzick darted away in @ @ @ @ @ located by officers nearby .
The furry trespasser was cuffed and told the cops he @ @ @ @ @ else ’ s home .
The suspect was arrested and charged with aggravated burglary .

That’s bananas.
A man wearing a gorilla costume allegedly terrified a six-year-old girl when he mistakenly entered the wrong home in Tennessee, police said.
Richard Muzick, 31, waltzed into the back door of the residence while donning the primate getup at about 2 p.m. on Sunday and was confronted by a man in the backyard shortly after, according to police in Mt. Juliet, Tenn.
When confronted by the man, Muzick darted away in full gorilla gear and was located by officers nearby.
The furry trespasser was cuffed and told the cops he thought he was at someone else’s home.
The suspect was arrested and charged with aggravated burglary.


newyorkpost--2020-04-28--Renowned gospel singer Troy Sneed dies from coronavirus complications

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LOS ANGELES — Grammy-nominated gospel singer Troy Sneed has died from complications with the coronavirus .
He was 52 .
Sneed ’ s publicist Bill Carpenter said the singer died early Monday at a hospital in Jacksonville , Florida .
Sneed earned a Grammy nomination for his work on the Youth For Christ ’ s 1999 album “ Higher.
” Sneed traveled throughout the United States early in his career to sing the gospel with the Georgia Mass Choir .
He arranged music @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choir in 1996 film “ The Preacher ’ s Wife , ” starring Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington .
Sneed helped form Youth For Christ , which was comprised of members between the ages of 12 and 18 from the Georgia Mass Choir .
He served as a producer on Youth For Christ ’ s “ The Struggle Is Over , ” which landed at No .
1 on Billboard ’ s gospel songs chart in 2006 .
As a solo artist , Sneed released seven albums and had several hit songs within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Out ” and “ My Heart Says Yes , ” which both peaked at No .
2 on Billboard ’ s gospel chart .
He ’ s also known for the upbeat “ Hallelujah.
” Sneed and his wife , Emily , started their own record label Emtro , which is a blend of their first names .
Their label became a success with a roster of artists from Alvin Darling & Celebration and Rev .
Rudolph McKissick .

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LOS ANGELES — Grammy-nominated gospel singer Troy Sneed has died from complications with the coronavirus. He was 52.
Sneed’s publicist Bill Carpenter said the singer died early Monday at a hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. Sneed earned a Grammy nomination for his work on the Youth For Christ’s 1999 album “Higher.”
Sneed traveled throughout the United States early in his career to sing the gospel with the Georgia Mass Choir. He arranged music on their albums and appeared with the choir in 1996 film “The Preacher’s Wife,” starring Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington.
Sneed helped form Youth For Christ, which was comprised of members between the ages of 12 and 18 from the Georgia Mass Choir. He served as a producer on Youth For Christ’s “The Struggle Is Over,” which landed at No. 1 on Billboard’s gospel songs chart in 2006.
As a solo artist, Sneed released seven albums and had several hit songs within the gospel realm including “Work It Out” and “My Heart Says Yes,” which both peaked at No. 2 on Billboard’s gospel chart. He’s also known for the upbeat “Hallelujah.”
Sneed and his wife, Emily, started their own record label Emtro, which is a blend of their first names. Their label became a success with a roster of artists from Alvin Darling & Celebration and Rev. Rudolph McKissick.


newyorkpost--2020-04-28--Five family members shot dead inside Milwaukee home

DETROIT — Fiat Chrysler is backing off a planned May ...

Five people, believed to be members of the same family, were shot dead by a lone gunman in a Milwaukee home on Monday morning, a report said.
The victims, ranging in age from 14 to 41, were found dead inside a home on the city’s north side after a man called 911 and said “his family was dead,” according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, citing police.
A baby inside the residence survived the bloodbath, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett told reporters at the scene. Investigators believe the shooter decided to spare the infant.
The suspected gunman — identified by police sources as 43-year-old Christopher Stokes — was arrested after the 10:30 a.m. shooting.
Police recovered a weapon at the scene.
Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales said a man called 911 after the carnage and told dispatchers “his family was dead.”
Stokes has several prior arrests dating back to 2002, which prohibit him from legally owning a gun, according to online records.
He was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison in 2007 after pleading guilty to felony battery, felony bail jumping and felony intimidation of a witness.
In 2017, he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor disorderly conduct and was sentenced to a month in jail with work-release privileges.
With Post wires


newyorkpost--2020-04-28--US auto factories likely to stay closed another two weeks

DETROIT — Fiat Chrysler is backing off a planned May 4 restart at its North American factories because some U.S. states still will have stay-home orders in place .
The move likely means that factories of all three Detroit automakers will be idled for at least another two weeks as they negotiate reopening terms with the United Auto Workers union .
“ In light of the updated state stay in place orders , the company is re-evaluating its plans to resume its North American operations and will communicate new restart dates in due course , ” FCA said Monday night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Motors and FCA factories have been idled for over a month due to fears of spreading the coronavirus .
In Michigan , where FCA has multiple factories , Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer is taking a “ hard look ” at whether to let industrial sectors like manufacturing reopen in the next phase of loosening restrictions .
The Democratic governor also said she will ask the Republican-led Legislature to lengthen her emergency declaration by 28 days before it expires late Thursday .
Brian Rothenberg , a UAW spokesman , said the union hasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the automakers .
GM said it hasn ’ t announced a start date , while Ford said a date hasn ’ t been determined .
The companies have pledged to monitor workers ’ temperatures , redesign work stations and stagger shifts to minimize contact with others , require masks , gloves and other protective equipment , and frequently sanitize factories in an effort to keep workers safe .
But the union wants companies to consider testing workers before they enter factories .
Detroit auto companies employ about 150,000 factory workers mainly in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from New York to Tennessee and Texas .

DETROIT — Fiat Chrysler is backing off a planned May 4 restart at its North American factories because some U.S. states still will have stay-home orders in place.
The move likely means that factories of all three Detroit automakers will be idled for at least another two weeks as they negotiate reopening terms with the United Auto Workers union.
“In light of the updated state stay in place orders, the company is re-evaluating its plans to resume its North American operations and will communicate new restart dates in due course,” FCA said Monday night in a statement.
Ford, General Motors and FCA factories have been idled for over a month due to fears of spreading the coronavirus.
In Michigan, where FCA has multiple factories, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is taking a “hard look” at whether to let industrial sectors like manufacturing reopen in the next phase of loosening restrictions.
The Democratic governor also said she will ask the Republican-led Legislature to lengthen her emergency declaration by 28 days before it expires late Thursday.
Brian Rothenberg, a UAW spokesman, said the union hasn’t heard of any restart dates from the automakers. GM said it hasn’t announced a start date, while Ford said a date hasn’t been determined.
The companies have pledged to monitor workers’ temperatures, redesign work stations and stagger shifts to minimize contact with others, require masks, gloves and other protective equipment, and frequently sanitize factories in an effort to keep workers safe.
But the union wants companies to consider testing workers before they enter factories.
Detroit auto companies employ about 150,000 factory workers mainly in the industrial Midwest, but there are factories from New York to Tennessee and Texas.


newyorkpost--2020-04-28--The Evan Engram, Jabrill Peppers contract decision facing Giants

Perhaps Markus Golden will return to the Giants , after all ... .

Every day, issues come across the desk of an NFL general manager and head coach. Decisions must be made. Big ones. Little ones. Decisions that affect the No. 1 player on the team. Decisions that, at this time of year, are all about player No. 90.
Some of these decisions are extremely difficult to make and end up as controversial or shortsighted.
The one awaiting the Giants regarding tight end Evan Engram and safety Jabrill Peppers is easy. They both should be, and almost definitely will be, secured for the 2021 season after the Giants exercise the fifth-year options on them.
Engram and Peppers are not perfect players and both ended the 2019 season on injured reserve. Picking up their fifth-year options — something teams can exercise on first-round draft picks — ensures their 2021 contracts are guaranteed against injury and that they cannot hit the open market in free agency after the 2020 season. The Giants could opt to part ways with either player after the 2020 season at no cost.
The deadline for the Giants to pick up the option is Sunday.
Cost is not an issue and actually a reason to pick up the options, as they would be team-friendly deals. Engram’s fifth-year option salary would be about $6 million and Peppers’ would be about $6.8 million. The salaries are based on where the players were taken in the first round and what position they play.
“They fit right in with what the Giants are trying to do there,’’ a college and NFL evaluator told The Post, stating he sees no reason why both players will not have their fifth-year options picked up.
Engram, 25, and Peppers, 24, came off the board two picks apart in the 2017 NFL Draft, Engram at No. 23 to the Giants and Peppers at No. 25 to the Browns. Engram signed a four-year rookie deal worth $10.7 million and Peppers’ contract with the Browns was for four years and $10.3 million. Engram will make $1.96 million in base salary for the 2020 season, Peppers $1.87 million.
Thus far, six players taken in the first round of the 2017 draft have had their fifth-year options picked up: Offensive lineman Ryan Ramczyk (Saints), cornerback Marshon Lattimore (Saints), cornerback Tre’Davious White (Bills), defensive end Myles Garrett (Browns), defensive end Derek Barnett (Eagles), defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (Redskins) and tight end David Njoku (Browns).
“We’ll make the decisions this coming week,’’ general manager Dave Gettleman said. “With the craziness on and off the field, so to speak, over the last six weeks, we’ve had preliminary conversations. We’ll make those decisions pretty quick.’’
Gettleman did not draft Engram — he was the centerpiece of Jerry Reese’s final draft class — and it has not been a smooth three years for the pass-catcher from Ole Miss. His games played and receptions decreased every year, from highs of 15 games and 64 receptions as a rookie in 2017 to eight games and 44 catches this past season. In 2018, Engram missed five games with a knee sprain, concussion and hamstring issue. In 2019, a knee sprain and a serious foot injury cost him eight games.
Engram had surgery Dec. 20 to repair ligament damage in his left foot. It was not a complete Lisfranc injury but it was significant. Engram has said he will be “more than ready’’ to return to the field this summer.
“I haven’t seen him,’’ Gettleman said. “None of us have been in the building in over a month. As far as I know, he’s doing fine. That’s all I know.’’
Durability and availability have held Engram back. When healthy, he is a matchup problem for most defenses. He is also a willing, although certainly not imposing, blocker. New Giants offensive coordinator Jason Garrett always featured tight ends when he was with the Cowboys.
The Giants insisted on Peppers’ inclusion in the trade that sent Odell Beckham Jr. to Cleveland. A hybrid-type defensive back from East Orange, N.J., and Don Bosco Prep, Peppers starred at a variety of spots at Michigan but showed only flashes of excellence his first two years with the Browns. Peppers was leading the Giants in tackles (76) and forced fumbles (three) in the first 11 games before he went down returning a kickoff in a Nov. 24 loss to the Bears. That was it for Peppers, who suffered a transverse process fracture in his back.
Given his versatility, Peppers figures to intrigue new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. With the Giants taking Xavier McKinney in the second round of the draft, Peppers should be freed up to take a few steps closer to the line of scrimmage, where he does his best work.


newyorkpost--2020-04-28--Organizer of North Carolina group protesting quarantine rules sidelined with coronavirus

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An organizer of a North Carolina group calling on the state to ease its coronavirus restrictions was unable to attend two rallies because she tested positive for the disease , a report said .
Audrey Whitlock , who administers the Facebook page of ReOpen NC , was under quarantine for two weeks ending Sunday after testing positive for coronavirus , according to news station WFAE .
“ I remained in isolation/self-quarantine at my home per the direction of my county health department .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ReOpen NC , ” Whitlock told the outlet .
While the organizer was in isolation , the group held two rallies in Raleigh — the state capital — demanding North Carolina Gov .
Roy Cooper speed up plans to lift the stay-at-home order , which is now in effect until May 8 .
At last week ’ s demonstration , more than 100 mainly unmasked protesters crammed together in defiance of social distancing guidelines , the report said .
The group is scheduled to hold its third rally on Tuesday outside Raleigh ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her coronavirus diagnosis in a private post to the group ’ s Facebook page on Sunday .
“ As an asymptomatic COVID19 positive patient ( quarantine ends 4/26 ) , ” Whitlock wrote in the message obtained by the Raleigh News and Observer .
“ Another concern I have is the treatment of COVID patients as it relates to other communicable diseases .
I have been forced to quarantine in my home for 2 weeks , ” she said .

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An organizer of a North Carolina group calling on the state to ease its coronavirus restrictions was unable to attend two rallies because she tested positive for the disease, a report said.
Audrey Whitlock, who administers the Facebook page of ReOpen NC, was under quarantine for two weeks ending Sunday after testing positive for coronavirus, according to news station WFAE.
“I remained in isolation/self-quarantine at my home per the direction of my county health department. I have not attended any events for ReOpen NC,” Whitlock told the outlet.
While the organizer was in isolation, the group held two rallies in Raleigh, the state capital, demanding North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper speed up plans to lift the stay-at-home order, which is in effect until May 8.
At last week’s demonstration, more than 100 mainly unmasked protesters crammed together in defiance of social distancing guidelines, the report said.
The group is scheduled to hold its third rally Tuesday outside Raleigh’s Legislative Building.
Whitlock first revealed her coronavirus diagnosis in a private post to the group’s Facebook page on Sunday.
“As an asymptomatic COVID19 positive patient (quarantine ends 4/26),” Whitlock wrote in the message obtained by the Raleigh News and Observer. “Another concern I have is the treatment of COVID patients as it relates to other communicable diseases. I have been forced to quarantine in my home for 2 weeks.”


newyorkpost--2020-04-28--Roy Horn of ‘Siegfried and Roy’ fame tests positive for coronavirus

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Twitter ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Facebook ( Opens in new window ) Roy Horn , of famed performance duo Siegfried and Roy , has tested positive for the coronavirus .
Horn , 75 , is “ currently responding well to treatment , ” his publicist said in a statement to ABC News .
He and Siegfried Fischbacher “ send positive wishes to everyone impacted by the pandemic , ” the statement said .
The illusionists were Las @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their acts involving white lions and white tigers .
In 2003 , Horn suffered a career-ending injury when Mantacore , a 400-pound Siberian tiger , attacked him during a live performance at the Mirage hotel-casino .
They stepped back onstage on March 1 , 2009 , for a benefit show for the Cleveland Clinic ’ s Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas that they said raised $ 14 million .
In an interview on ABC ’ s “ Good Morning America ” last August , the performers said they had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I really don ’ t miss it , ” Siegfried said .
“ We have been on stage in Vegas just by themselves for 40 years on stage , you know ?
And we had the most successful show in the history of Las Vegas anyway.
” Roy , who has continued to work on his recovery , said he has no reluctance with the tigers after the accident , adding that he is “ very ” content and happy .

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Roy Horn, of famed performance duo Siegfried and Roy, has tested positive for the coronavirus.
Horn, 75, is “currently responding well to treatment,” his publicist said in a statement to ABC News.
He and Siegfried Fischbacher “send positive wishes to everyone impacted by the pandemic,” the statement said.
The illusionists were Las Vegas staples for decades, known for their acts involving white lions and white tigers.
In 2003, Horn suffered a career-ending injury when Mantacore, a 400-pound Siberian tiger, attacked him during a live performance at the Mirage hotel-casino.
They stepped back onstage on March 1, 2009, for a benefit show for the Cleveland Clinic’s Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas that they said raised $14 million.
In an interview on ABC’s “Good Morning America” last August, the performers said they had made peace with the mauling incident.
“I really don’t miss it,” Siegfried said. “We have been on stage in Vegas just by themselves for 40 years on stage, you know? And we had the most successful show in the history of Las Vegas anyway.”
Roy, who has continued to work on his recovery, said he has no reluctance with the tigers after the accident, adding that he is “very” content and happy.


newyorkpost--2020-04-28--CC Sabathia on Shohei Ohtani: ‘Best baseball player I’ve ever seen’

Consider the names of the players CC Sabathia has played in the big leagues and then weigh the weight of a statement he recently made on the “ R2C2 is UNINTERRUPTED ” podcast .
“ I keep saying this and people always laugh at me when I say this but he ’ s the best baseball player I ’ ve ever seen in my life , ’ ’ Sabathia said to host Ryan Ruocco two-way Angels star Shohei Ohtani .
“ Are you kidding me ?
He can hit the ball 900 feet and throws 99 [ mph ] off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ?
Nobody else is doing that at the big-league level.
’ ’ Sabathia , who pitched 11 seasons for the Yankees and retired after last year , played with Derek Jeter , Alex Rodriguez , Mariano Rivera and Robinson Cano in The Bronx and in Cleveland with Jim Thome and Roberto Alomar .
He played against Manny Ramirez , Mike Trout , Albert Pujols , Manny Machado , Miguel Cabrera , Adrian Beltre and Frank Thomas .
He also played while Barry Bonds was active .
That ’ s quite an impression @ @ @ @ @ @ @ star has played in just 210 big-league games since joining the organization for the 2018 season when he was a pitcher and outfielder .
In the past two seasons Ohtani has a .286 batting average , 40 homers , 123 RBIs and a .883 OPS .
As a pitcher in 2018 Ohtani went 4-2 with a 3.31 ERA in 10 starts .
He didn ’ t pitch last year due to Tommy John surgery .
Sabathia obviously puts a high emphasis on Ohtani ’ s ability to both hit and pitch .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that spring training he had ( 2018 ) because if had that in New York they would

Consider the names of the players CC Sabathia has played in the big leagues and then weigh the weight of a statement he recently made on the “R2C2 is UNINTERRUPTED” podcast.
“I keep saying this and people always laugh at me when I say this but he’s the best baseball player I’ve ever seen in my life,’’ Sabathia said to host Ryan Ruocco two-way Angels star Shohei Ohtani. “Are you kidding me? He can hit the ball 900 feet and throws 99 [mph] off the mound. Who else can do that? Nobody else is doing that at the big-league level.’’
Sabathia, who pitched 11 seasons for the Yankees and retired after last year, played with Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Mariano Rivera and Robinson Cano in The Bronx and in Cleveland with Jim Thome and Roberto Alomar. He played against Manny Ramirez, Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, Manny Machado, Miguel Cabrera, Adrian Beltre and Frank Thomas. He also played while Barry Bonds was active.
That’s quite an impression Ohtani made on Sabathia since the Angels star has played in just 210 big-league games since joining the organization for the 2018 season when he was a pitcher and outfielder. In the past two seasons Ohtani has a .286 batting average, 40 homers, 123 RBIs and a .883 OPS. As a pitcher in 2018 Ohtani went 4-2 with a 3.31 ERA in 10 starts. He didn’t pitch last year due to Tommy John surgery.
Sabathia obviously puts a high emphasis on Ohtani’s ability to both hit and pitch.
“I am glad he chose Anaheim because that spring training he had (2018) because if had that in New York they would have turned him into one or the other,’’ Sabathia said.


newyorkpost--2020-04-28--AOC wants state and federal rent cancellations amid coronavirus pandemic

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Monday called for state and federal rent cancellations for tenants struggling to pay their bills during the coronavirus pandemic .
“ We need to make sure that rent cancellation happens on the state and federal level , ” Ocasio-Cortez said during a virtual town hall hosted by New York tenant advocacy organizations .
The Democratic lawmaker said that in private conversations she ’ s pressed Gov .
Andrew Cuomo to pass such a policy .
“ If the next step is to now escalate and make these requests publicly , I am fine doing that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level , Ocasio-Cortez vowed to cosponsor a bill proposed by Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar earlier this month that would cancel rent and mortgage payments nationwide amid the crisis .
Omar ’ s bill would nix the payments until a month after the national emergency is lifted .
It would also provide a fund to compensate landlords and mortgage holders who lose out on the payments .
Ocasio-Cortez said those skipping rent have no choice .
“ People aren ’ t striking because they don ’ t feel like paying rent .
People are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rent , ” she said .
“ You can not coerce someone into doing something that they can not do .
There is no money in the bank , people need to feed their kids .
”

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Monday called for state and federal rent cancellations for tenants struggling to pay their bills during the coronavirus pandemic.
“We need to make sure that rent cancellation happens on the state and federal level,” Ocasio-Cortez said during a virtual town hall hosted by New York tenant advocacy organizations.
The Democratic lawmaker said that in private conversations she’s pressed Gov. Andrew Cuomo to pass such a policy.
“If the next step is to now escalate and make these requests publicly, I am fine doing that,” said Ocasio-Cortez.
On a federal level, Ocasio-Cortez vowed to cosponsor a bill proposed by Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar earlier this month that would cancel rent and mortgage payments nationwide amid the crisis.
Omar’s bill would nix the payments until a month after the national emergency is lifted. It would also provide a fund to compensate landlords and mortgage holders who lose out on the payments.
Ocasio-Cortez said those skipping rent have no choice.
“People aren’t striking because they don’t feel like paying rent. People are striking because they can’t pay rent,” she said.
“You cannot coerce someone into doing something that they cannot do. There is no money in the bank, people need to feed their kids.”


newyorkpost--2020-04-28--Tara Reade’s charges against Biden have more backup than Kavanaugh  — but media don’t care

John Ziegler is senior columnist for Mediaite , from which this column was adapted .
Tara Reade ’ s sexual-assault allegations against Joe Biden , dating back to 1993 , make hypocrites of almost everyone in the political and journalistic classes .
Until the last few days , the story probably wasn ’ t worthy of mainstream coverage .
Reade , a former Biden staffer , had never claimed to have been assaulted by the then-senator , despite all these years and many opportunities .
She even failed to detail the assault in 2019 , when she first publicly alleged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and she didn ’ t name Biden in the recent police report she filed about the incident .
None of that proved her allegation false .
But her claims lacked the corroboration needed to be widely leveled against a presumed presidential nominee .
But two recent events have changed that .
First , a tape emerged of a person who appears to be Reade ’ s mother calling into an old “ Larry King Live ” show on CNN , during an episode devoted to sex abuse in Washington .
During the segment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period when Reade was leaving Biden ’ s Senate office , the caller reveals that her daughter had some sort of a problem with a prominent male senator but decided not to go to the press out of “ respect ” for him .
Biden supporters have pooh-poohed the tape , citing the lack of specificity in the caller ’ s claims .
But why would Reade ’ s mother take the extraordinary step of calling into a TV show unless something really significant had happened with her daughter ?
The tape , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ substantiation of Reade ’ s accusation than anything Christine Ford marshaled against Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his confirmation process .
Since a large chunk of Biden supporters no doubt believed Ford over Kavanaugh , in a rational world , this would cause them quite a dramatic consistency problem .
Even before the tape suddenly emerged , mainstream outlets were falling over themselves trying to explain why Reade ’ s allegation against Biden was getting nowhere near the same kind of wall-to-wall coverage that Ford ’ s did .
The editor of The New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a straight face , that Biden , the potential next leader of the Free World , just isn ’ t as “ hot ” a topic as Kavanaugh was .
Amazingly , the tape — which would have been treated by the news media like the finding of the famously kidnapped Lindbergh baby if Christine Ford had produced something like it — has done almost nothing to alter mainstream news media coverage , or lack thereof , regarding Reade .
Outrageously , Biden wasn ’ t asked about the tape even by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interviewed on the Sunday morning shows without even a mention of the controversy .
On Monday , a second major development further bolstered Reade ’ s case under the new # MeToo rules .
Two new people , one still a strong Biden supporter , came forward to say that Reade told them about this episode , or at least something which is consistent with her current story , back in the mid- ’ 90s .
Their accounts are understandably a little vague and aren ’ t totally contemporaneous , but they appear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reade thought was awful likely happened to her in this time period , but knowing for sure all these many years later looks to be nearly impossible without some level of confession .
There are elements of her story that just don ’ t ring true ( like the very open location of the incident , and the fact that nature of the assault sounds literally out of Trump ’ s infamous Access Hollywood tape ) .
Reade has sounded oddly pro-Putin notes in op-eds .
It is theoretically possible that either the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Biden wasn ’ t the perpetrator .
But in many ways , this story isn ’ t really about Biden .
It is about how nearly everyone in the political-media realm is a total and obvious hypocrite .
# MeToo-supporting Democrats are pretending this allegation has no merit .
Republicans are jumping all over it .
And news media outlets of all stripes are deciding , as usual , to shift their editorial standards to fit their agendas .

Tara Reade’s sexual assault allegations against Joe Biden, dating back to 1993, make hypocrites of almost everyone in the political and journalistic classes.
Until the last few days, the story probably wasn’t worthy of mainstream coverage. Reade, a former Biden staffer, had never claimed to have been assaulted by the then-senator, despite all these years and many opportunities. She even failed to detail the assault in 2019, when she first publicly alleged Biden had acted inappropriately toward her, and she didn’t name Biden in the recent police report she filed about the incident.
None of that proved her allegation false. But her claims lacked the corroboration needed to be widely leveled against a presumed presidential nominee. But two recent events have changed that.
First, a tape emerged of a person who appears to be Reade’s mother calling in to an old “Larry King Live” show on CNN, during an episode devoted to sex abuse in Washington. During the segment, which aired at exactly the time period when Reade was leaving Biden’s Senate office, the caller reveals that her daughter had some sort of a problem with a prominent male senator but decided not to go to the press out of “respect” for him.
Biden supporters have pooh-poohed the tape, citing the lack of specificity in the caller’s claims. But why would Reade’s mother take the extraordinary step of calling in to a TV show unless something really significant had happened with her daughter?
The tape, by the way, was far stronger substantiation of Reade’s accusation than anything Christine Blasey Ford marshaled against Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his confirmation process. Since a large chunk of Biden supporters no doubt believed Ford over Kavanaugh, in a rational world, this would cause them quite a dramatic consistency problem.
Even before the tape suddenly emerged, mainstream outlets were falling over themselves trying to explain why Reade’s allegation against Biden was getting nowhere near the same kind of wall-to-wall coverage that Ford’s did. The editor of the New York Times tried to claim, apparently with a straight face, that Biden, the potential next leader of the Free World, just isn’t as “hot” a topic as Kavanaugh was.
Amazingly, the tape — which would have been treated by the news media like the finding of the famously kidnapped Lindbergh baby if Christine Ford had produced something like it — has done almost nothing to alter mainstream news media coverage, or lack thereof, regarding Reade. Outrageously, Biden wasn’t asked about the tape even by CNN; three female Biden backers were interviewed on the Sunday morning shows without even a mention of the controversy.
On Monday, a second major development further bolstered Reade’s case under the new #MeToo rules. Two new people, one still a strong Biden supporter, came forward to say that Reade told them about this episode, or at least something which is consistent with her current story, back in the mid-’90s.
Their accounts are understandably a little vague and aren’t totally contemporaneous, but they appear credible and convincing. It seems something Reade thought was awful likely happened to her in this time period, but knowing for sure all these many years later looks to be nearly impossible without some level of confession.
There are elements of her story that just don’t ring true (like the very open location of the incident, and the fact that nature of the assault sounds literally out of Donald Trump’s infamous “Access Hollywood” tape). Reade has sounded oddly pro-Putin notes in op-eds. It is theoretically possible that either the accusation got exaggerated over time, or that Biden wasn’t the perpetrator.
But in many ways, this story isn’t really about Biden. It is about how nearly everyone in the political-media realm is a total and obvious hypocrite. #MeToo-supporting Democrats are pretending this allegation has no merit. Republicans are jumping all over it. And news media outlets of all stripes are deciding, as usual, to shift their editorial standards to fit their agendas.
John Ziegler is senior columnist for Mediaite, from which this column was adapted.
Twitter: @Zigmanfreud


newyorkpost--2020-04-28--Stimulus checks sent to the dead should be returned, Mnuchin says

The government ’ s coronavirus stimulus is only for the living .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said anyone who has received a $ 1,200 stimulus payment for a deceased relative should return it .
“ You ’ re not supposed to keep that payment , ” Mnuchin told The Wall Street Journal Tuesday .
“ We ’ re checking the databases , but there could be a scenario where we missed something , and yes , the heirs should be returning that money.
” The payments were part of the most recent , $ 2.2 trillion coronavirus relief package passed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last month .
It ’ s not clear how many payments were doled out to those who have passed or what measures the IRS will go to get that money back .
The payouts are legally considered a new tax credit for the 2020 tax year , based on 2018 or 2019 tax filings , meaning Americans who died in the last two years could still have been issued payments .
The Journal reported one instance where a woman received a stimulus payment for her husband who died in 2018 .
Trump earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent to the deceased as negligible , but still worth having the government pursue .
“ Everything we ’ re going to get back , ” Trump said on April 17 .
“ But it ’ s a tiny amount .
”

The government’s coronavirus stimulus is only for the living.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said anyone who has received a $1,200 stimulus payment for a deceased relative should return it.
“You’re not supposed to keep that payment,” Mnuchin told The Wall Street Journal Tuesday.
“We’re checking the databases, but there could be a scenario where we missed something, and yes, the heirs should be returning that money.”
The payments were part of the most recent, $2.2 trillion coronavirus relief package passed by Congress and signed by President Trump last month.
It’s not clear how many payments were doled out to those who have passed or what measures the IRS will go to get that money back.
The payouts are legally considered a new tax credit for the 2020 tax year, based on 2018 or 2019 tax filings, meaning Americans who died in the last two years could still have been issued payments.
The Journal reported one instance where a woman received a stimulus payment for her husband who died in 2018.
Trump earlier this month described the amount of money sent to the deceased as negligible, but still worth having the government pursue.
“Everything we’re going to get back,” Trump said on April 17. “But it’s a tiny amount.”


newyorkpost--2020-04-28--Huge asteroid 52768 to fly by Earth the morning of April 29

Don ’ t panic if you look up into the early morning sky on Wednesday and see an object streaking across .
It ’ s just asteroid 1998 OR2 , also called 52768 , saying hi to Earth .
Originally spotted in 1998 by astronomers and tracked for about 20 years , the monstrous asteroid is currently traveling at a rate of 19,461 miles per hour and will pass Earth from a safe distance of 3.9 million miles — or 16 times the distance between the Earth and the moon , reports Space.com .
According to NASA ’ s Center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is scheduled to take place at 5:56 a.m. and can be viewed live on the Virtual Telescope ’ s website .
When first discovered by NASA , experts predicted that should it veer off course and hit Earth , the asteroid is “ large enough to cause global effects.
” In a twist of fate , experts at Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico pointed out that the asteroid looks to be wearing a face mask , just like people on Earth amid the coronavirus pandemic .
“ The small-scale topographic features such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asteroid 1998 OR2 are fascinating scientifically , ” head of planetary radar Anne Virkki told CNN .
“ But since we are all thinking about COVID-19 , these features make it look like 1998 OR2 remembered to wear a mask.
” The Arecibo Observatory , which is supported by NASA ’ s Near-Earth Object Observations Program , raised the alarm over asteroid 52768 , since it ’ s more than 500 feet long and coming within 5 million miles of Earth ’ s orbit .
“ The radar measurements allow us to know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the future , including its future close approaches to Earth , ” researcher Flaviane Venditti told CNN .
“ In 2079 , asteroid 1998 OR2 will pass Earth about 3.5 times closer than it will this year , so it is important to know its orbit precisely.
” The largest asteroid known to pass Earth was 3122 Florence , which sailed by in 2017 .
It will be back , according to the Near-Earth Object Observations Program , on Sept. 2 , 2057 .

Don’t panic if you look up into the early morning sky on Wednesday and see an object streaking across it. It’s just asteroid 1998 OR2, also called 52768, saying hi to Earth.
Originally spotted in 1998 by astronomers and tracked for about 20 years, the monstrous asteroid is currently traveling at a rate of 19,461 miles per hour and will pass Earth at a safe distance of 3.9 million miles — or 16 times the distance between the Earth and the moon, reports Space.com.
According to NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies, the flyby is scheduled to take place at 5:56 a.m. and can be viewed live on the Virtual Telescope’s website.
When it was first discovered by NASA, experts predicted that should it veer off course and hit Earth, the asteroid is “large enough to cause global effects.”
In a twist of fate, experts at Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico pointed out that the asteroid looks to be wearing a face mask, just like people on Earth amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“The small-scale topographic features such as hills and ridges on one end of asteroid 1998 OR2 are fascinating scientifically,” head of planetary radar Anne Virkki told CNN. “But since we are all thinking about COVID-19, these features make it look like 1998 OR2 remembered to wear a mask.”
The Arecibo Observatory, which is supported by NASA’s Near-Earth Object Observations Program, raised the alarm over asteroid 52768, since it’s more than 500 feet long and coming within 5 million miles of Earth’s orbit.
“The radar measurements allow us to know more precisely where the asteroid will be in the future, including its future close approaches to Earth,” researcher Flaviane Venditti told CNN. “In 2079, asteroid 1998 OR2 will pass Earth about 3.5 times closer than it will this year, so it is important to know its orbit precisely.”
The largest asteroid known to pass Earth was 3122 Florence, which sailed by in 2017. It will be back, according to the Near-Earth Object Observations Program, on Sept. 2, 2057.


newyorkpost--2020-04-28--MLB season could start in July with Yankees, Mets in same division

The NFL might be ready to admit this coming season ...

The plan is for July.
MLB is growing more hopeful it is going to play games this season and — while multiple scenarios are still being hashed out and continue to change regularly with new information regarding combat of the coronavirus pandemic — the most constant roadmap has regular-season games being played by early July and trying to return to home ballparks as soon as possible.
One executive emphasized the word “roadmap,” noting the continuing absence of firm plans. Yet, a return by early July is becoming a more prominent concept because, first, MLB is coming to believe there is a greater potential to play by then. And second, because if MLB plots a return in July it is easier to push back to August, than if it were, say, planning for an August return and suddenly it was more feasible to play in July.
One executive cautioned, “They are saying think spring training in June and play games in July, but not long ago they were saying think spring training in May and play games in June.”
But there is both more information now and, thus, more optimism. MLB, though, continues not to want to commit to a plan yet for three key reasons: 1. It does not want to appear callous with firm plans to return until local and federal officials state it is safe to do so and the sport is not taking medical personnel and testing away from those who more critically need it; 2. The longer MLB waits the more information it takes in, which makes it easier to formulate a more solid strategy; 3. MLB knows a next negotiation on player safety and pay still must be undertaken with the union, and MLB does not want to start that without a much firmer grasp of logistics and revenues, among other items.
Nevertheless, a few pieces have become clearer even in the last week, notably that teams want to try to play as many games in their home stadiums as possible. That is where they have their familiar medical personnel, any equipment specific to the team and any chance to derive financial benefits should fans at some point be allowed to return. Also, players are less likely to balk at returning if they can live in their homes rather than be isolated in hotels.
There is still a possibility that a first wave of games would take place in spring training sites in Arizona and Florida or perhaps those two places plus Texas and then spread to more home stadiums as more and more cities bless a return to play.
“There still are five or 10 scenarios being played out in one, two, three places,” said an executive familiar with MLB’s inner workings. “They are looking at June and looking at August starts. They are contemplating what if New York and California open up or just one or the other. They are talking, ‘Is it safer to travel by bus or plane, stay at home or a hotel?’ They are going through all the logistics and scenarios.”
Arizona, Florida and Texas provide plenty of potential parks and limited travel, when MLB is still trying to grasp, for example, whether it can safely do air travel, especially initially, or whether teams can stay in hotels for standard road games? But multiple officials who have been briefed said if air travel becomes more acceptable than the potential to begin a season in as many home parks as possible is not off the board — and is the preference.
“We want to play as many games as possible,” one executive said. “But say we knew that we could return to all or most home stadiums, but it would mean holding off another two weeks, should we just wait and do that? That is going to have to be considered.”
If air travel/hotel accommodations are an issue early, MLB recognizes it might have to scramble its current division alignment to one more geographically favorable. So, for example, it is possible because of proximity that the Mets and Yankees could end up in the same division in 2020. But as one official said, “Time is on our side. We don’t have to make those types of decisions now. We can keep gathering information to make the best choice possible.”
What remains certain is that the initial games will not have spectators and be mainly TV-only affairs. But MLB is hoping that over time, fans could return to stadiums, albeit, probably having to practice social distancing (think way fewer seats occupied) and perhaps wearing masks. One club executive raised this concern that would come with fans in this environment: Would you have to hire a greater number of ushers/security to keep fans from congregating too closely and would the cost and putting those people’s health at risk make it self-defeating?
Also, MLB officials believe the NBA — if it can work around how to play a sport with more contact than baseball — could return first because that league is closer to both its playoffs and the start of another season and, thus, has greater incentive to get underway. MLB is comfortable with that, feeling it will learn lessons from the Korea Baseball Organization (which is in spring training and is set to begin the regular season May 5) and the NBA about how to handle issues such as testing and clubhouse crowds. MLB has been asking teams to provide an idea of the fewest number of personnel (not just players, but coaches, trainers, clubhouse attendants, etc.) that would be needed to stage spring training and a regular season.
This comes at a time when MLB has expanding optimism that there will be a spring training and regular season.


newyorkpost--2020-04-28--Ex-jail union boss Norman Seabrook wants new trial, cites de Blasio donor’s ‘lies’, ‘crimes’

The former head of the city correction officers ’ union deserves a new corruption trial because the star witness against him lied on the stand and has been accused of several fraud schemes since then , according to court papers filed Tuesday .
Norman Seabrook also wants a court order forcing federal prosecutors to reveal what the FBI has learned from an ongoing probe of Jona Rechnitz — a former fund-raiser for Mayor Bill de Blasio — or authorizing subpoenas so Seabrook ’ s lawyer can investigate on his own .
Seabrook ’ s Manhattan federal court filing cites three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that “ set forth allegations of stunning breadth , reflecting [ his ] continuing course of fraudulent conduct , as well as boasts that he was untouchable because the Government was dependent on his continuing assistance.
” The alleged scams involve Rechnitz ’ Jadelle Jewelry and Diamond company , which in December was revealed by The Post to have sponsored a showcase event in Los Angeles that was attended by Kim Kardashian and her mom , Kris Jenner .
Seabrook ’ s filing notes that one of the suits against Rechnitz alleges that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obtained by The Post — “ most likely depicted stolen and fraudulently obtained goods from…various diamond merchants.
” It also says that Rechnitz — described as a “ scam artist ne plus ultra ” — falsely told jurors that he “ had turned over a new leaf and that his honesty was assured by the terms of his cooperation agreement.
” Rechnitz — who Manhattan prosecutors have called one of their “ most important and prolific white-collar cooperating witnesses ” — was sentenced in December to five months in prison and five months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet begun serving the time .
Seabrook was found guilty in August 2018 of taking a $ 60,000 bribe in a Ferragamo bag from Rechnitz to invest nearly $ 20 million of the Correction Officers ’ Benevolent Association with the since-defunct Platinum Partners hedge fund .
Seabrook was sentenced to 58 months in prison but remains free pending appeal .
A spokesman for Manhattan US Attorney Geoffrey Berman declined to comment and Rechnitz ’ lawyers didn ’ t return email messages .

The former head of the city correction officers’ union deserves a new corruption trial because the star witness against him lied on the stand and has been accused of several fraud schemes since then, according to court papers filed Tuesday.
Norman Seabrook also wants a court order forcing federal prosecutors to reveal what the FBI has learned from an ongoing probe of Jona Rechnitz — a former fund-raiser for Mayor Bill de Blasio — or authorizing subpoenas so Seabrook’s lawyer can investigate on his own.
Seabrook’s Manhattan federal court filing cites three lawsuits pending against Rechnitz in Los Angeles that “set forth allegations of stunning breadth, reflecting [his] continuing course of fraudulent conduct, as well as boasts that he was untouchable because the Government was dependent on his continuing assistance.”
The alleged scams involve Rechnitz’ Jadelle Jewelry and Diamond company, which in December was revealed by The Post to have sponsored a showcase event in Los Angeles that was attended by Kim Kardashian and her mom, Kris Jenner.
Seabrook’s filing notes that one of the suits against Rechnitz alleges that video of the event — which was obtained by The Post — “most likely depicted stolen and fraudulently obtained goods from…various diamond merchants.”
It also says that Rechnitz — described as a “scam artist ne plus ultra” — falsely told jurors that he “had turned over a new leaf and that his honesty was assured by the terms of his cooperation agreement.”
Rechnitz — who Manhattan prosecutors have called one of their “most important and prolific white-collar cooperating witnesses” — was sentenced in December to five months in prison and five months of home confinement but hasn’t yet begun serving the time.
Seabrook was found guilty in August 2018 of taking a $60,000 bribe in a Ferragamo bag from Rechnitz to invest nearly $20 million of the Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association with the since-defunct Platinum Partners hedge fund.
Seabrook was sentenced to 58 months in prison but remains free pending appeal.
A spokesman for Manhattan US Attorney Geoffrey Berman declined to comment and Rechnitz’ lawyers didn’t return email messages.