newyorkpost--2020-06-29--Kyle Higashioka’s simple coronavirus strategy for Yankees’ MLB restart

Aroldis Chapman will soon be roaming the streets of New ...

Yankees catcher Kyle Higashioka has taken Post readers behind the scenes as he tried to stay prepared for the 2020 season amid the coronavirus pandemic. As told to Ken Davidoff.
Hello one last time from Oregon. I’ve been here for over three months now, but it’s time to get back to work. I leave Tuesday for New York, and I’ll be at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday to start summer training.
Those last few days before the season became official, I knew that it was crunch time, when something needed to happen, I was actually pretty nervous for those couple of days. I’m just glad that something got figured out. My agents at Beverly Hills Sports Council were in contact with me a lot, giving me updates. I didn’t reach out too much to our team representative Zack Britton. I tried to give Britt a break. I figured everyone was texting him. He probably was getting inundated with calls and texts. I didn’t want to make that worse.
I was optimistic that we’d have a season, and I guess the optimism definitely paid off. It eliminates a lot of stress when you’re not constantly worried about a negative result happening, even though that’s definitely possible. I always figure if the worst-case scenario is going to happen, then we’ll cross that bridge when we get there. There’s no use worrying about it the whole time. I couldn’t be happier that we’re at least getting the chance to start the season, and hopefully we’ll take it through the end.
It’s more or less up to us to try to insulate ourselves by acting as responsibly as we can and trying to keep our distance from people. We should be in a pretty controlled environment once we get to the field. Definitely away from the field, we’re going to have to isolate ourselves. I think if we do the best job we can, hopefully we’ll be fine. On the road, I’m just going to go from the hotel to the field and that’s it, and it’ll be the same thing in New York.
With all of the new rules, it’s definitely going to be different. I think a lot of it is in place for our safety and just to make things work during this weird season. That’s fine. I’m just glad we’re getting the opportunity to get back out there and play.
This shutdown has given many people time to think, and I certainly had more free time than I usually do at this time of year. I guess the only realization I’ve come to is, it’s almost like I can’t believe that something like this, a year this crazy, is happening in my lifetime. Even though throughout the last 100 years of our country’s history, I’m sure we’ve had plenty of years that have been just madness — but I think this is the first year in my lifetime that this chaos is going down. Stuff like this has happened throughout history, though. People in the past have had to deal with it, and we’ll deal with it now.
To anyone who’s been reading this, I really appreciate you following me and keeping up with what’s going on with my life during this whole process. I’m pretty disappointed that we can’t have fans in the stadium. It’s kind of the heartbeat of the team, both at home and on the road. That’s one of the best things about playing in New York, the fans. I hope everyone can safely watch us on TV, and hopefully we’ll put a good product on the field and win another championship.


newyorkpost--2020-06-29--Tim Tebow left off Mets’ veteran-filled summer roster

Gerrit Cole became one of the most sought-after free-agent starting ...

Plenty of veteran depth will be at the Mets’ disposal for their abbreviated season.
The team on Sunday announced its 60-man pool, which included names such as Eduardo Nunez, Matt Adams, Rene Rivera and Max Moroff — seasoned players who were at spring training as non-roster invitees competing for jobs. In addition, the Mets included 2017 first-round pick David Peterson and former Yankees reliever Chasen Shreve.
Other names who aren’t on the 40-man roster that are in the pool include Kevin Smith, Jarrett Parker and Johneshwy Fargas. Notably absent from the list is Tim Tebow.
The pool players, including the 40-man roster (minus Noah Syndergaard), will participate in the Mets’ summer camp over the next three weeks and be available for inclusion on the major league roster. With 45 players in their pool, the Mets still have 15 available slots that can be filled.
Yoenis Cespedes and Jed Lowrie are both part of the 60-man pool. The Post reported last week there is a strong chance Cespedes will be ready for the start of the season. But it’s still unclear whether Lowrie would be a consideration for Opening Day.
The season is set to begin with a 30-man major league roster that would be reduced by two players after the first two weeks. Rosters will be reduced to 26 players four weeks after the season opens on July 23 or 24. Each team will be allowed a three-player taxi squad for each road trip that would allow for the substitution of players who become injured or test positive for COVID-19. Those players will come from the 60-player pool.
Syndergaard, who underwent Tommy John surgery in March, won’t pitch this season.
Nunez, a former Yankees and Red Sox infielder, was in contention for a spot on the major league roster when spring training was shuttered in March. Nunez is primarily a third baseman, but there was the possibility he would receive a look at shortstop.
Adams, who missed much of spring camp with an irregular heartbeat, provides a lefty bat with power who could be utilized as a DH, pinch-hitter or corner outfielder. Adams hit 20 homers in only 310 at-bats last season with the Nationals.
Rivera was in contention for the backup catcher’s job during the spring, competing against Tomas Nido. But the fact Nido doesn’t have minor league options remaining gave him the edge in the battle. Rivera could be a possible third catcher with the early expanded rosters and then remain as part of the taxi squad.
Moroff figures to provide insurance in the middle infield. He spent last season with the Indians, for whom he appeared in 20 games.
The left-hander Peterson could provide rotation depth, but he will have competition from names such as Walker Lockett, Corey Oswalt, Franklyn Kilome and Jordan Humphreys — all were on the 40-man roster and are included in the 60-player pool. Players not presently on the 40-man roster must be added to be eligible for a game.
Shreve, a lefty, pitched for the Yankees from 2015-18 and appeared in three games last season for the Cardinals.
Erasmo Ramirez, who spent most of last season in the minor leagues with the Red Sox after previously pitching for the Rays and Mariners, was released by the Mets, but is expected to re-sign with the team and join the pool.
Here’s a look at the 45 players who make up the Mets preliminary roster:
Pitchers (22)
Tyler Bashlor
Dellin Betances
Brad Brach
Jacob deGrom
Edwin Díaz
Jeurys Familia
Robert Gsellman
Walker Lockett
Seth Lugo
Steven Matz
Corey Oswalt
David Peterson
Rick Porcello
Jacob Rhame
Paul Sewald
Chasen Shreve
Drew Smith
Kevin Smith
Marcus Stroman
Michael Wacha
Justin Wilson
Daniel Zamora
Submit questions on your favorite New York teams to be answered in an upcoming mailbag
Catchers (5)
Patrick Mazeika
Tomas Nido
Wilson Ramos
Rene Rivera
Ali Sánchez
Infielders (12)
Matt Adams
Pete Alonso
Robinson Canó
J.D. Davis
Andres Giménez
Luis Guillorme
Jed Lowrie
Jeff McNeil
Max Moroff
Eduardo Núñez
Amed Rosario
Dominic Smith
Outfielders (6)
Yoenis Céspedes
Michael Conforto
Johneshwy Fargas
Jake Marisnick
Brandon Nimmo
Jarrett Parker


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--Flamingo mirrors man’s dance moves in this magical moment

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Boogie down with your web-footed friend. A flamingo appeared to dance with a vacationer on Renaissance Island in Aruba. “I started salsa dancing with excitement being so close to one,” Daniel Corona said of the island’s famous flamingo population. “I caught a once in a lifetime moment when one started dancing back with me!”
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newyorkpost--2020-07-01--Cam Newton already working out with Patriots’ Mohamed Sanu

Shortly after signing with the Patriots , their new quarterback was already working out with one of their receivers , Mohamed Sanu , according to a video posted on Instagram by The Sideline Hustle .
The new teammates both have a lot to prove .
The 31-year-old Newton , a three-time Pro Bowler , was let go by the Panthers and was without a team until signing with the Patriots on Sunday .
Due to shoulder and foot injuries the last two years , Newton ’ s production has gone down .
This past season , he only appeared in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had just 26 catches for 207 yards and a touchdown reception in eight games with the Patriots last year after coming over in a trade with the Falcons , paltry numbers for the workmanlike wideout .
Both have been productive players throughout their careers , but they have faded of late .
The Patriots are counting on their rebirths this season .
A return to their usual outputs could be lucrative , with Newton and Sanu each approaching free agency at the end of the season — though the quarterback ’ s contract @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from applying a franchise tag for 2021 .

Cam Newton isn’t wasting any time.
Shortly after signing with the Patriots, their new quarterback was already working out with one of their receivers, Mohamed Sanu, according to a video posted on Instagram by The Sideline Hustle.
The new teammates both have a lot to prove. The 31-year-old Newton, a three-time Pro Bowler, was let go by the Panthers and was without a team until signing with the Patriots on Sunday. Due to shoulder and foot injuries the last two years, Newton’s production has gone down. This past season, he only appeared in two games.
Sanu, meanwhile, had just 26 catches for 207 yards and a touchdown reception in eight games with the Patriots last year after coming over in a trade with the Falcons, paltry numbers for the workmanlike wideout.
Both have been productive players throughout their careers, but they have faded of late. The Patriots are counting on their rebirths this season. A return to their usual outputs could be lucrative, with Newton and Sanu each approaching free agency at the end of the season — though the quarterback’s contract reportedly doesn’t prevent New England from applying a franchise tag for 2021.


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--This personal fireplace offers a cozier upgrade to candles

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There are some foods that just don ’ t taste as great heated up in the microwave : pizza , eggs , and our summer favorite , s ’ mores .
A melty marshmallow without the char or caramelization ?
No thank you .
But just because you ’ re confined to your home for the majority of the season , doesn ’ t mean you can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three ) within the comfort of your living room .
Meet the FLÎKR Fire2 : Personal Fireplace .
This safe-to-use , portable fireplace is about the same size as a standard candle .
The difference being is that with just five ounces of rubbing alcohol , it can give you a controlled , open flame that boasts nearly 50 minutes of burn time .
Using the FLÎKR , soot only collects where the flame touches ( in a ventilated area ) .
And , since no carbon monoxide is released in your home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe place to cook food over .
It ’ s a great option when you still want to enjoy summer ’ s little pleasures , like s ’ mores and gathering around a campfire , but from the comfort of your own home .
And , even if you ’ re not using it to cook up s ’ mores , its striking design makes it a great centerpiece to show off year-round .
Normally priced at $ 95 , the FLÎKR® Fire2 : Personal Fireplace is on sale right now for only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the usual price .

Discover the highlights of our NY Post Store, from our partner StackCommerce. NY Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links.
There are some foods that just don’t taste as great heated up in the microwave: pizza, eggs, and our summer favorite, s’mores. A melty marshmallow without the char or caramelization? No thank you.
But just because you’re confined to your home for the majority of the season, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a s’more (or three) within the comfort of your living room.
Meet the FLÎKR Fire2: Personal Fireplace. This safe-to-use, portable fireplace is about the same size as a standard candle. The difference being is that with just five ounces of rubbing alcohol, it can give you a controlled, open flame that boasts nearly 50 minutes of burn time.
Using the FLÎKR, soot only collects where the flame touches (in a ventilated area). And, since no carbon monoxide is released in your home during this process, you have a safe place to cook food over.
It’s a great option when you still want to enjoy summer’s little pleasures, like s’mores and gathering around a campfire, but from the comfort of your own home. And, even if you’re not using it to cook up s’mores, its striking design makes it a great centerpiece to show off year-round.
Normally priced at $95, the FLÎKR® Fire2: Personal Fireplace is on sale right now for only $79.99—that’s 15% off the usual price.


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon and more urge fans to ‘wear a damn mask’

Savannah Guthrie responds to critics of her 'unkempt ' on-air look

Summer 2020’s hottest accessory? A face mask.
As COVID-19 cases continue to spike across America, the CDC and World Health Organization have stressed the importance of face coverings to prevent coronavirus transmission — and now, Hollywood is helping spread the word as well.
On Tuesday, fashion designer Tory Burch launched the #WearADamnMask challenge on Instagram, sharing a selfie clad in a black-and-white paisley mask that matched her silk blouse.
“I am sure you all are seeing what I am seeing, COVID 19 rates in the USA are rising at a truly scary rate. One thing I know for sure is that there’s a very easy way each of us can help, and that’s to #WearaDamnMask whenever we are in public,” her caption began.
“WearaDamnMask because we want to protect ourselves and, even more importantly, we want to protect others. #WearaDamnMask because clearly, the doctors and data say we are not going to beat this pandemic unless we each do our part to get rid of it. #WearaDamnMask because is it not a political issue, it is an issue of saving lives. #WearaDamnMask because it is the only way to keep our most vulnerable safe and the only way to get our economy back on track.”
Burch, 54, called on her celebrity friends to share their own masked selfies and keep the message moving — and many, including Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Tracee Ellis Ross and Kerry Washington — happily obliged, sharing their own printed, patterned and brightly colored takes on the protective accessory along with pleas to stay safe.
Below, see Burch’s viral call to action, along with those from her A-list pals.


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--Zap germs in minutes with this UV Light Sterilization Case

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NY Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links .
Let ’ s cut to the chase : your phone is seven times dirtier than your toilet .
Ew !
But , don ’ t freak out .
The CleanTray UV Light Sterilization Case is here to give your phone and other dirty gadgets a much-needed cleaning , and it ’ s on sale for only $ 69.99 right now .
This awesome device , which was created from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tool that helps you avoid touching pretty much anything while on-the-go—is designed to kill 99.99 % of germs and bacteria on the small items that you use most .
The CleanTray UV Light Sterilization Case uses 4 UV-C LED lights to sanitize your smartphone , wallet , earbuds , keys , jewelry , and more in as little as five minutes—that ’ s half the time as comparable devices !
It also features an aromatherapy function , allowing you to add your favorite essential oils to infuse your belongings with a delicious scent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ portable 8.3″ size and is ultra-lightweight , you can even bring it with you on-the-go .
That way , you can zap germs on your phone , earbuds , keys , and other small possessions in a pinch when you ’ re out and about .
You can get it now for just $ 69.99 ( 12 % off ) .

Discover the highlights of our NY Post Store, from our partner StackCommerce. NY Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links.
Let’s cut to the chase: your phone is seven times dirtier than your toilet. Ew!
But, don’t freak out. The CleanTray UV Light Sterilization Case is here to give your phone and other dirty gadgets a much-needed cleaning, and it’s on sale for only $69.99 right now.
This awesome device, which was created from the same minds who made CleanKey—a handheld tool that helps you avoid touching pretty much anything while on-the-go—is designed to kill 99.99% of germs and bacteria on the small items that you use most.
The CleanTray UV Light Sterilization Case uses 4 UV-C LED lights to sanitize your smartphone, wallet, earbuds, keys, jewelry, and more in as little as five minutes—that’s half the time as comparable devices! It also features an aromatherapy function, allowing you to add your favorite essential oils to infuse your belongings with a delicious scent.
Since the device comes in a portable 8.3″ size and is ultra-lightweight, you can even bring it with you on-the-go. That way, you can zap germs on your phone, earbuds, keys, and other small possessions in a pinch when you’re out and about.
You can get it now for just $69.99 (12% off).


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--New Jersey teens beat homeless man to death, filmed lifeless body: cops

A pair of New Jersey teens are facing a first-degree murder charge after they allegedly beat a homeless man to @ @ @ @ @ body in an alleyway , police said .
The teens , a 15-year-old boy and @ @ @ @ @ of beating Bobby J. Hill Jr. to death in Camden last week , according to @ @ @ @ @ office .
The 63-year-old Hill was found unresponsive just after midnight on June 25 on @ @ @ @ @ Avenue with “ severe ” head injuries , and died at a nearby hospital shortly @ @ @ @ @ Cops tracked down the teens , whose names were not released because they are juveniles @ @ @ @ @ showed them walking into the alley with Hill — and leave without him several minutes @ @ @ @ @ The two teens allegedly filmed Hill ’ s beaten body with one of their cell @ @ @ @ @ cops said .
Camden County Prosecutor Jill Mayer announced the arrest of the teens Tuesday @ @

A pair of New Jersey teens are facing a first-degree murder charge after they allegedly beat a homeless man to death and filmed his lifeless body in an alleyway, police said.
The teens, a 15-year-old boy and 17-year-old female, are accused of beating Bobby J. Hill Jr. to death in Camden last week, according to the county prosecutor’s office.
The 63-year-old Hill was found unresponsive just after midnight June 25 on the 1100 block of Kaighn Avenue with “severe” head injuries, and died at a nearby hospital shortly after, authorities said.
Cops tracked down the teens, whose names were not released because they are juveniles, through surveillance footage that showed them walking into the alley with Hill — and leaving without him several minutes later, police said.
The two teens allegedly filmed Hill’s beaten body with one of their cellphones after the attack, cops said.
Camden County Prosecutor Jill Mayer announced the arrest of the teens Tuesday night.


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--See 3D steaks printed using plant-based ‘fat, blood and muscle’

A newcomer is looking to get a cut of the increasingly trendy faux meat market .
An Israel-based startup — aptly named Redefine Meat — is hyping high-tech printers that produce plant-based steaks that look eerily like real beef .
The company , located south of Tel Aviv in Rehovot , will test-market its “ Alt-Steak ” at high-end restaurants this year before rolling out its industrial-scale 3-D printers to meat distributors in 2021 .
“ You need a 3-D printer to mimic the structure of the muscle of the animal , ” Redefine Meat CEO Eshchar Ben-Shitrit tells Reuters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ print about 44 pounds per hour to start , and eventually hundreds , at a lower cost than real meat , Ben-Shitrit says .
In a video documenting the process , a trio of tubes can be seen separately squeezing out the three plant-based ingredients : “ Fat , blood and muscle , ” which combine to construct the final printed product .
Founded in 2018 , the company raised $ 6 million last year in a push led by CPT Capital , an investor in plant-based protein pioneers Beyond Meat and Impossible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poultry group PHW also invested startup funds .
Meat substitutes are all the rage with eaters who are concerned about animal welfare and the environment .
And it ’ s prime time for the 3-D push , as both Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat have reported a spike in sales as the coronavirus takes a serious toll on the world ’ s meat supply A 141 % surge in first-quarter revenue and profits “ exceeded our expectations despite an increasingly challenging operating environment due to the COVID-19 health crisis , ” Beyond Meat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But can Redefine Meat live up to its name ?
“ The market is definitely waiting for a breakthrough in terms of improving the texture , ” Stacy Pyett , who manages the Proteins for Life program at Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands , tells Reuters .
While 3-D printing is one technology competing to improve the mouthfeel of mystery meat , Pyett pointed out that “ having new technologies .
.
.
doesn ’ t necessarily solve the flavor and taste problem.
” Still , alternative meat sales could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tapping about 10 % of the world meat market , according to Barclays analysts .
Spanish competitor Novameat is also working on 3-D-printed plant meat , including a whole-muscle pork cut developed during the coronavirus crisis which disrupted pork supply .
“ Our technology will be available in selected top restaurants in Europe this year , before we focus on scaling it up during 2021 , ” Novameat CEO Giuseppe Scionti said in a statement .

A newcomer is looking to get a cut of the increasingly trendy faux meat market.
An Israel-based startup — aptly named Redefine Meat — is hyping high-tech printers that produce plant-based steaks that look eerily like real beef. The company, located south of Tel Aviv in Rehovot, will test-market its “Alt-Steak” at high-end restaurants this year before rolling out its industrial-scale 3-D printers to meat distributors in 2021.
“You need a 3-D printer to mimic the structure of the muscle of the animal,” Redefine Meat CEO Eshchar Ben-Shitrit tells Reuters. The machines will be able to print about 44 pounds per hour to start, and eventually hundreds, at a lower cost than real meat, Ben-Shitrit says.
In a video documenting the process, a trio of tubes can be seen separately squeezing out the three plant-based ingredients: “Fat, blood and muscle,” which combine to construct the final printed product.
Founded in 2018, the company raised $6 million last year in a push led by CPT Capital, an investor in plant-based protein pioneers Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods. Hanaco Venture Capital and German poultry group PHW also invested startup funds.
Meat substitutes are all the rage with eaters who are concerned about animal welfare and the environment. And it’s prime time for the 3-D push, as both Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat have reported a spike in sales as the coronavirus takes a serious toll on the world’s meat supply
A 141% surge in first-quarter revenue and profits “exceeded our expectations despite an increasingly challenging operating environment due to the COVID-19 health crisis,” Beyond Meat Chief Executive Ethan Brown said in statement.
But can Redefine Meat live up to its name?
“The market is definitely waiting for a breakthrough in terms of improving the texture,” Stacy Pyett, who manages the Proteins for Life program at Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands, tells Reuters.
While 3-D printing is one technology competing to improve the mouthfeel of mystery meat, Pyett pointed out that “having new technologies . . . doesn’t necessarily solve the flavor and taste problem.”
Still, alternative meat sales could reach $140 billion by 2029, tapping about 10% of the world meat market, according to Barclays analysts. Spanish competitor Novameat is also working on 3-D-printed plant meat, including a whole-muscle pork cut developed during the coronavirus crisis which disrupted pork supply.
“Our technology will be available in selected top restaurants in Europe this year, before we focus on scaling it up during 2021,” Novameat CEO Giuseppe Scionti said in a statement.


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--Man fatally gunned down in Queens amid spike in NYC shootings

A man was killed in Queens late Tuesday — one of 12 people shot in nine incidents citywide throughout the @ @ @ @ @ morning .
Dante Sartillian was blasted in the chest on Warren Street near 40th Road @ @ @ @ @ , authorities said .
He was rushed to Elmhurst Hospital by private means , where @ @ @ @ @ The slaying comes amid a spate of shootings across the city in recent weeks .
@ @ @ @ @ was killed , an 11-year-old boy was shot in the right leg around 9:45 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ Avenue D in East Flatbush , Brooklyn .
The shooter , who was driving by @ @ @ @ @ a number of rounds in the victim ’ s direction and took off , police @ @ @ @ @ remained unclear if the boy was the intended target .
He was taken to Kings @ @ @ @ @ but stable condition .

A man was killed in Queens late Tuesday — one of 12 people shot in nine incidents citywide throughout the day, cops said Wednesday morning.
Dante Sartillian was blasted in the chest on Warren Street near 40th Road in Elmhurst around 11:40 p.m., authorities said.
He was rushed to Elmhurst Hospital by private means, where he was pronounced dead.
The slaying comes amid a spate of shootings across the city in recent weeks.
About two hours before Sartillian was killed, an 11-year-old boy was shot in the right leg around 9:45 p.m. on East 29th Street near Avenue D in East Flatbush, Brooklyn.
The shooter, who was driving by in a car, discharged a number of rounds in the victim’s direction and took off, police sources said Wednesday. It remained unclear if the boy was the intended target.
He was taken to Kings County Hospital Center in serious but stable condition.


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--‘Dark’s Best Storyline Was Katharina’s

‘Dark’s Best Storyline Was Katharina’s

If there ’ s a time traveling character in Dark , you better believe they have a good story .
From being manipulated by their former selves to landing in jail in the past for trying to murder a child , there ’ s always a lot happening in this German sci-fi thriller .
Yet few characters , past or future , have a more interesting arc than Katharina Nielsen .
Though Katharina was first introduced in Dark as a victim , at her youngest she was the bully .
The teenaged Katharina ( Nele Trebs ) was a major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and for lack of a better word she was a pill .
She was cruel and cutting to Hannah long before the other woman accused her boyfriend of rape , a charge which landed him to jail .
Later , when Ulrich ( Ludger Bökelmann ) was released from jail on her testimony , the pair targeted the woman they thought was responsible for this lie , Regina Tiedemann .
And who was leading the charge on this hapless loner ?
Katharina .
As a teenager Katharina was every high school ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She was pretty , biting , and smug with a smoking boyfriend .
But her cruelty was always more that just typical teenage hormones .
As Dark later revealed Katharina ’ s own mother , Helene Albers ( Katharina Spiering ) , was emotionally and verbally abusive to her daughter , presumably as a reaction to the abortion she had to get at such a young age .
In short , Katharina came by her mean streak honestly .
In many ways Katharina ’ s younger self was a victim just as her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No matter what timeline you ’ re talking about , Katharina ( Jördis Triebel ) was introduced in Dark as someone in pain .
She was the harried mother of the ever-difficult Magnus , Martha , and Mikkel .
Katharina was the one responsible for the bulk of their parenting and she was doing that while her husband was having an affair with Hannah .
In the first alternative timeline , Ulrich ( Oliver Masucci ) was sleeping with Hannah Kahnwald at the time of his son ’ s disappearance .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , actually divorcing Katharina for Hannah Krüger and later cheating on Hannah with Charlotte Doppler .
That ’ s who Katharina was , a tired woman with a cheating husband and a missing son .
While Ulrich leaned into his pain and made his quest for truth about his missing family his sole goal in life , Katharina was left with the rest .
She alone was forced to deal with the pain of a missing son and later a missing husband while also caring for her two other children .
As a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As an adult the one person she thought was in her corner left her , once again leaving her alone .
If Katharina were to throw up both middle fingers and write off the disappearance of her unfaithful husband as a net win , she would have been completely justified .
And yet Katharina walked the higher road .
At the end of Dark Season 2 Katharina , Charlotte , and a handful of others were taken by Jonas to hide in a bunker to avoid the apocalypse .
Katharina and these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explanations about the knot and time travel like Jonas and later Martha were given .
No one held their hands .
But Katharina took the little bit she did know about alternative timelines and tried to use it for good .
Katharina ’ s quest to find Mikkel didn ’ t lead to violence or attempting to murder a child , the route Ulrich took .
It led to her attempting to free an older Ulrich ( Winfried Glatzeder ) from jail .
Even in that Katharina approached her task with caution and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reason with Ulrich ’ s jailer , her own mother in the past Helene , to help her release this old man .
And where did that confrontation leave her ?
With Katharina being murdered by her own abusive mother .
That ’ s Shakespearean right there .
Like everyone in Dark Katharine was not perfect .
She was a hard woman who channeled her own pain to her friends in high school .
But she was also someone who broke the cycle of abuse in her own life .
She was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the man who betrayed her needed a savior she tried to be there .
In the end Katharina wanted to be the hero .
She was just never allowed the opportunity .
That ’ s as sad as everything else in her life .

If there’s a time traveling character in Dark, you better believe they have a good story. From being manipulated by their former selves to landing in jail in the past for trying to murder a child, there’s always a lot happening in this German sci-fi thriller. Yet few characters, past or future, have a more interesting arc than Katharina Nielsen.
Though Katharina was first introduced in Dark as a victim, at her youngest she was the bully. The teenaged Katharina (Nele Trebs) was a major character throughout Dark‘s 1986 timeline, and for lack of a better word she was a pill. She was cruel and cutting to Hannah long before the other woman accused her boyfriend of rape, a charge which landed him to jail. Later, when Ulrich (Ludger Bökelmann) was released from jail on her testimony, the pair targeted the woman they thought was responsible for this lie, Regina Tiedemann. And who was leading the charge on this hapless loner? Katharina.
As a teenager Katharina was every high school’s typical mean girl queen bee. She was pretty, biting, and smug with a smoking boyfriend. But her cruelty was always more that just typical teenage hormones. As Dark later revealed Katharina’s own mother, Helene Albers (Katharina Spiering), was emotionally and verbally abusive to her daughter, presumably as a reaction to the abortion she had to get at such a young age. In short, Katharina came by her mean streak honestly.
In many ways Katharina’s younger self was a victim just as her older self became one, too. No matter what timeline you’re talking about, Katharina (Jördis Triebel) was introduced in Dark as someone in pain. She was the harried mother of the ever-difficult Magnus, Martha, and Mikkel. Katharina was the one responsible for the bulk of their parenting and she was doing that while her husband was having an affair with Hannah. In the first alternative timeline, Ulrich (Oliver Masucci) was sleeping with Hannah Kahnwald at the time of his son’s disappearance. In the second he took things a step further, actually divorcing Katharina for Hannah Krüger and later cheating on Hannah with Charlotte Doppler.
That’s who Katharina was, a tired woman with a cheating husband and a missing son. While Ulrich leaned into his pain and made his quest for truth about his missing family his sole goal in life, Katharina was left with the rest. She alone was forced to deal with the pain of a missing son and later a missing husband while also caring for her two other children.
As a teenager Katharina had to practically raise herself. As an adult the one person she thought was in her corner left her, once again leaving her alone. If Katharina were to throw up both middle fingers and write off the disappearance of her unfaithful husband as a net win, she would have been completely justified. And yet Katharina walked the higher road.
At the end of Dark Season 2 Katharina, Charlotte, and a handful of others were taken by Jonas to hide in a bunker to avoid the apocalypse. Katharina and these others weren’t given the intense explanations about the knot and time travel like Jonas and later Martha were given. No one held their hands. But Katharina took the little bit she did know about alternative timelines and tried to use it for good.
Katharina’s quest to find Mikkel didn’t lead to violence or attempting to murder a child, the route Ulrich took. It led to her attempting to free an older Ulrich (Winfried Glatzeder) from jail. Even in that Katharina approached her task with caution and near kindness. Several times Katharina tried to reason with Ulrich’s jailer, her own mother in the past Helene, to help her release this old man. And where did that confrontation leave her? With Katharina being murdered by her own abusive mother. That’s Shakespearean right there.
Like everyone in Dark Katharine was not perfect. She was a hard woman who channeled her own pain to her friends in high school. But she was also someone who broke the cycle of abuse in her own life. She was a loving and supportive mother, and when the man who betrayed her needed a savior she tried to be there. In the end Katharina wanted to be the hero. She was just never allowed the opportunity. That’s as sad as everything else in her life.
Watch Dark on Netflix


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--Florida teacher busted after bragging about oral sex with 15-year-old boy

A Florida teacher has been charged with having oral sex with a 15-year-old boy at a school graduation ceremony — getting busted after bragging about it to other guests , according to officials .
Middle school teacher Leslie Bushart , 49 , told investigators that she was drunk when she took the juvenile aside at the Lakeland ceremony to try to smoke marijuana with him , according to Polk County Sheriff ’ s Office .
“ She said , ‘ I was so intoxicated that I couldn ’ t light it — so instead , I had oral sex with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grady Judd said Friday of the teacher ’ s alleged confession .
“ She said to us , “ Yeah , I kinda do that when I get drunk , ' ” Judd said .
Soon after her encounter with the teen , Bushart — a teacher for 29 years — confessed to other guests , who told the boy ’ s mother , Judd said .
“ And you can imagine that she wasn ’ t too pleased about that set of circumstances , ” the sheriff said of the showdown at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sister ’ s class .
Confronted , Bushart fled the party — but soon contacted the boy ’ s mom on Facebook Messenger to try to justify her assault by saying she was drunk , the department said in a release .
She was arrested Thursday and charged with lewd battery after her confession , the statement said .
Records show she was still in Polk County Jail Wednesday morning , held without paying $ 15,000 bond .
An attorney was not listed .
“ It shocks our conscience that a school teacher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing , ” the sheriff said , saying she “ needs to go to state prison for her conduct.
” Bushart — who was on $ 48,769 a year — was placed on administrative leave and Polk County Public Schools is moving forward with her termination , a spokesman told The Ledger .

A Florida teacher has been charged with having oral sex with a 15-year-old boy at a school graduation ceremony — getting busted after bragging about it to other guests, according to officials.
Middle school teacher Leslie Bushart, 49, told investigators that she was drunk when she took the juvenile aside at the Lakeland ceremony to try to smoke marijuana with him, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
“She said, ‘I was so intoxicated that I couldn’t light it — so instead, I had oral sex with a 15-year-old boy,'” Sheriff Grady Judd said Friday of the teacher’s alleged confession.
“She said to us, “Yeah, I kinda do that when I get drunk,'” Judd said.
Soon after her encounter with the teen, Bushart — a teacher for 29 years — confessed to other guests, who told the boy’s mother, Judd said.
“And you can imagine that she wasn’t too pleased about that set of circumstances,” the sheriff said of the showdown at the graduation for the boy’s sister’s class.
Confronted, Bushart fled the party — but soon contacted the boy’s mom on Facebook Messenger to try to justify her assault by saying she was drunk, the department said in a release.
She was arrested Thursday and charged with lewd battery after her confession, the statement said.
Records show she was still in Polk County Jail as of Wednesday morning, held without paying $15,000 bond. An attorney was not listed.
“It shocks our conscience that a school teacher of all people would do such a thing,” the sheriff said, adding she “needs to go to state prison for her conduct.”
Bushart — who was earning $48,769 a year — was placed on administrative leave and Polk County Public Schools is moving forward with her termination, a spokesman told the Ledger.


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--Trump sends condolence letter to widow whose daughter was abducted by North Korea

President Trump has written a letter of condolence to the widow of a prominent Japanese activist who died recently without ever seeing his daughter who was abducted by North Korea in 1977 .
Yokota Megumi was 13 when she vanished on her way home from school in Niigata , in northwestern Japan , but it wasn ’ t until two decades later that it was revealed that the Hermit Kingdom was behind the abduction .
He and his wife Sakie , along with several other families of Japanese nationals kidnapped by North Korea , formed a group in 1997 that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abductions , the Japan Times reported .
“ The First Lady and I are saddened to learn of the loss of your husband Shigeru , ” the president wrote Tuesday in a letter addressed to the widow .
“ It was my great honor to meet you and your husband during my visit to Japan in 2017 .
I was moved by your unflinching determination to reunite with your daughter Megumi and to ensure that all families of abductees know the truth regarding the whereabouts of their loved ones , ” Trump wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of you and your husband , the North Korea abduction issue remains a primary focus for Japan and the United States .
We join you and your sons , Takuya and Tetsuya , in continuing this important work to finally bring Megumi home.
” Sakie thanked Trump for his message and pledged to continue efforts to bring Megumi back , Japan ’ s NHK reported .
Japan claims that North Korea abducted at least 17 people to train agents in Japanese language and culture to spy on South Korea .
Pyongyang has confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alleged that she struggled from depression and died by suicide in 1994 , according to UPI — but the family has never accepted that claim .
Trump raised the abductions issue during his summits with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in 2018 and 2019 .

President Trump has written a letter of condolence to the widow of a prominent Japanese activist who died recently without ever seeing his daughter who was abducted by North Korea in 1977.
Yokota Megumi was 13 when she vanished on her way home from school in Niigata, in northwestern Japan, but it wasn’t until two decades later that it was revealed that the Hermit Kingdom was behind the abduction.
Her father, Yokota Shigeru, died June 5 at age 87.
He and his wife Sakie, along with several other families of Japanese nationals kidnapped by North Korea, formed a group in 1997 that has worked to raise awareness about the abductions, the Japan Times reported.
“The First Lady and I are saddened to learn of the loss of your husband Shigeru,” the president wrote Tuesday in a letter addressed to the widow.
“It was my great honor to meet you and your husband during my visit to Japan in 2017. I was moved by your unflinching determination to reunite with your daughter Megumi and to ensure that all families of abductees know the truth regarding the whereabouts of their loved ones,” Trump wrote.
“Thanks to the tireless advocacy of you and your husband, the North Korea abduction issue remains a primary focus for Japan and the United States. We join you and your sons, Takuya and Tetsuya, in continuing this important work to finally bring Megumi home.”
Sakie thanked Trump for his message and pledged to continue efforts to bring Megumi back, Japan’s NHK reported.
Japan claims that North Korea abducted at least 17 people to train agents in Japanese language and culture to spy on South Korea.
Pyongyang has confirmed that Megumi was abducted but has since alleged that she struggled from depression and died by suicide in 1994, according to UPI — but the family has never accepted that claim.
Trump raised the abductions issue during his summits with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in 2018 and 2019.


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--Italian police seize record amount of amphetamines shipped from Syria

ROME – Italian police said on Wednesday they had seized about 14 tonnes of amphetamine pills worth around 1 billion euros ( $ 1 billion ) arriving from Syria , in what they described as the world ’ s single largest operation of its kind .
Investigators said they impounded three container ships that had docked in the southern Italian port of Salerno and found 84 million pills of the drug Captagon inside machinery and large paper cylinders for industrial use they were carrying .
“ It is possible that the local Camorra crime groups are involved in this business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reuters .
Used in the 1960s to treat narcolepsy and depression , Captagon is one of several brand names for fenethylline hydrochloride , a drug compound belonging to a family of amphetamines that can inhibit fear and ward off tiredness .
Captagon is popular in the Middle East and widespread in war-torn areas such as Syria , where conflict has fuelled demand and created opportunities for producers .
Production was initially concentrated in Lebanon and the Islamic State group sells it to finance its activities , police said in a statement .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drug of the Jihad ” after being found in militant hideouts , including one used by the Islamists who killed 90 people at the Bataclan theatre in Paris in 2015 .
Italian authorities believe the coronavirus lockdown cross Europe has hindered the production and distribution of synthetic drugs , forcing traffickers to organize shipments from Syria , where these activities have not slowed down .
In a raid two weeks ago , Italian police seized 2,800 kg ( 6,172 pounds ) of hashish and 1 million Captagon pills in the port of Salerno @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clothing items .

ROME – Italian police said on Wednesday they had seized about 14 tonnes of amphetamine pills worth around 1 billion euros ($1 billion) arriving from Syria, in what they described as the world’s single largest operation of its kind.
Investigators said they impounded three container ships that had docked in the southern Italian port of Salerno and found 84 million pills of the drug Captagon inside machinery and large paper cylinders for industrial use they were carrying.
“It is possible that the local Camorra crime groups are involved in this business,” Lieutenant Colonel Giordano Natale told Reuters.
Used in the 1960s to treat narcolepsy and depression, Captagon is one of several brand names for fenethylline hydrochloride, a drug compound belonging to a family of amphetamines that can inhibit fear and ward off tiredness.
Captagon is popular in the Middle East and widespread in war-torn areas such as Syria, where conflict has fuelled demand and created opportunities for producers.
Production was initially concentrated in Lebanon and the Islamic State group sells it to finance its activities, police said in a statement.
It said Captagon was known as the “drug of the Jihad” after being found in militant hideouts, including one used by the Islamists who killed 90 people at the Bataclan theatre in Paris in 2015.
Italian authorities believe the coronavirus lockdown cross Europe has hindered the production and distribution of synthetic drugs, forcing traffickers to organize shipments from Syria, where these activities have not slowed down.
In a raid two weeks ago, Italian police seized 2,800 kg (6,172 pounds) of hashish and 1 million Captagon pills in the port of Salerno. The shipment was hidden among counterfeit clothing items.


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--Alyssa Milano slams blackface allegations, claims she was imitating Snooki

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 ) Alyssa Milano is fighting back against claims she wore blackface in a 2013 parody video .
Defending herself on Twitter , the 47-year-old actress explained that the video was from a “ Funny Or Die ” skit she appeared in parodying Nicole “ Snooki ” Polizzi from “ Jersey Shore.
” “ Hey , a..holes .
The below picture is me parodying Jersey Shore and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Milano tweeted on Tuesday .
“ Snookie ’ s [ sic ] tan ( she is a sweetheart by the way ) is worthy of parodying as is [ President Donald ] Trump ’ s ‘ tan.
’ So go f..k yourselves with your smear campaign.
” She also included a link to a one-minute clip from the video , documenting her transformation into the reality star who , like her other “ Jersey Shore ” cast members , turned tanning into an art form .
In recent weeks , celebrities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including Jimmy Fallon , Jimmy Kimmel and YouTube star Jenna Marbles , while shows like “ 30 Rock ” and “ Golden Girls ” have pulled episodes that feature it .

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Alyssa Milano is fighting back against claims she wore blackface in a 2013 parody video.
Defending herself on Twitter, the 47-year-old actress explained that the video was from a “Funny Or Die” skit she appeared in parodying Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi from “Jersey Shore.”
“Hey, a..holes. The below picture is me parodying Jersey Shore and Snookie’s [sic] tan,” Milano tweeted on Tuesday. “Snookie’s [sic] tan (she is a sweetheart by the way) is worthy of parodying as is [President] Trump’s ‘tan.’ So go f..k yourselves with your smear campaign.”
She also included a link to a one-minute clip from the video, documenting her transformation into the reality star who, like the other “Jersey Shore” cast members, turned tanning into an art form.
In recent weeks, celebrities have come under fire for wearing blackface, including Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel and YouTube star Jenna Marbles, while shows like “30 Rock” and “Golden Girls” have pulled episodes that feature it.


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--Teacher vanishes from home after experiencing coronavirus symptoms

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic .
A Connecticut teacher who was quarantining in his family ’ s home because he feared he had COVID-19 has been missing for nearly two months , his worried relatives said .
Gil Cunha — who was working as a West Haven Public School teacher before the coronavirus pandemic — was last seen in the early hours of his 50th birthday on May 7 , at his family ’ s home in the West Shore neighborhood , NBC News reported .
Cunha ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a.m. and 2 a.m. , but then his mother woke up to find him gone , the report said .
His driver ’ s license appeared to be missing , but he left behind two cell phones , credit and debit cards , cash and his passport , according to the report .
“ It wasn ’ t unusual for Gil to go out for a walk , ” cousin , Lori Kenney , told the outlet .
“ But when he didn ’ t return later that day , [ his mom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wouldn ’ t just take off without contacting his family.
” Relatives said they were also worried because Cunha had been quarantining with COVID-19 symptoms at the time of his disappearance .
“ He was never tested for the virus .
But he wasn ’ t feeling well and decided to self-isolate in his room because he was afraid he had the virus , ” Kenney said .
His family is growing more frantic each day he ’ s missing .
“ If something happened to him because of the virus , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if someone did something to him , we would still find him .
But he ’ s just gone without a trace , ” Kenney said .

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
A Connecticut teacher who was quarantining in his family’s home because he feared he had COVID-19 has been missing for nearly two months, his worried relatives said.
Gil Cunha — who was working as a West Haven public school teacher before the coronavirus pandemic — was last seen in the early hours of his 50th birthday on May 7, at his family’s home in the West Shore neighborhood, NBC News reported.
Cunha’s father saw him watching TV between 12 a.m. and 2 a.m., but then his mother woke up to find him gone, the report said.
His driver’s license appeared to be missing, but he left behind two cellphones, credit and debit cards, cash and his passport, according to the report.
“It wasn’t unusual for Gil to go out for a walk,” cousin Lori Kenney told the outlet. “But when he didn’t return later that day, [his mom] knew something was wrong. He wouldn’t just take off without contacting his family.”
Relatives said they were also worried because Cunha had been quarantining with COVID-19 symptoms at the time of his disappearance.
“He was never tested for the virus. But he wasn’t feeling well and decided to self-isolate in his room because he was afraid he had the virus,” Kenney said.
His family is growing more frantic each day he’s missing.
“If something happened to him because of the virus, or if he harmed himself, or even if someone did something to him, we would still find him. But he’s just gone without a trace,” Kenney said.


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--Politicians call for UN probe into China’s forced birth control on Uighurs

Politicians around the world have called for a United Nations probe into a Chinese government birth control campaign targeting largely Muslim minorities in the far western region of Xinjiang , even as Beijing said it treats all ethnicities equally under the law .
They were referring to an Associated Press investigation published this week that found the Chinese government is taking draconian measures to slash birth rates among Uighurs and other minorities while encouraging some of the country ’ s Han majority to have more children .
The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China , a group of European , Australian , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the political spectrum , demanded an independent UN investigation .
“ The world can not remain silent in the face of unfolding atrocities , ” the group said in a statement .
The AP found that the Chinese government regularly subjects minority women in Xinjiang to pregnancy checks and forces intrauterine devices , sterilization and even abortion on hundreds of thousands .
New research obtained by The Associated Press in advance of publication by China scholar Adrian Zenz also showed that the hundreds of millions of dollars the government pours into birth control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s fastest-growing regions to among its slowest in just a few years .
The AP found that the population control measures are backed by mass detention both as a threat and as a punishment for failure to comply .
Having too many children is a major reason people are sent to detention camps , documents and interviews show , with the parents of three or more ripped away from their families unless they can pay huge fines .
The US Commission on International Religious Freedom called for a UN and State Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s birth control campaign “ might meet the legal criteria for genocide.
” According to a UN convention , “ imposing measures intended to prevent births ” with “ intent to destroy , in whole or in part , a national , ethnical , racial or religious group ” is considered evidence of genocide .
The last colonial governor of Hong Kong , Chris Patten , told Bloomberg Television that the birth control campaign was “ arguably something that comes within the terms of the UN views on sorts of genocide.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forced birth control “ beyond deplorable , ” and said that “ a nation that treats its own people this way should never be considered a great power.
” US senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Kamala Harris wrote a letter urging the Trump administration to respond to an “ alarming ” AP investigation and US Senator Marco Rubio and Representative Ro Khanna also called for action .
US President Donald Trump told China President Xi Jinping he was right to build detention camps to house hundreds of thousands of ethnic minorities , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adviser John Bolton .
However , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the reports of forced birth control for minorities were “ shocking ” and “ disturbing ” in a statement Monday .
“ We call on the Chinese Communist Party to immediately end these horrific practices , ” he said .
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian fired back on Tuesday by calling Pompeo “ a brazen liar , ” saying the Uighur population had more than doubled since 1978 in response to criticism of Xinjiang ’ s birth control policies .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ truth , how can he explain the big increase in the Uighur population ?
” Zhao asked .
For decades , Xinjiang ’ s population grew quickly , as minorities enjoyed laxer birth control restrictions than Han Chinese .
But in just three years , new measures have caused the birth rate in Xinjiang ’ s Uighur-majority areas to plunge and it is now well under the national average .
Zhao also said the American government had been responsible for “ genocide , racial segregation and assimilation policies ” on Native Americans .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Darren Byler said the Chinese state-orchestrated assault on Xinjiang ’ s minorities does echo past birth control programs .
“ It recalls the American eugenics movement which targeted Native and African Americans up until the 1970s , ” he said .
“ China ’ s public health authorities are conducting a mass experiment in targeted genetic engineering on Turkic Muslim populations.
” In response to the AP story , which he called “ fake news , ” Zhao said the government treats all ethnicities equally and protects their legal rights .
Chinese officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new measures are merely meant to be fair , with the law now allowing minorities and China ’ s Han majority the same number of children .
However , the AP ’ s reporting found that while equal on paper , in practice Han Chinese are largely spared the abortions , sterilizations , IUD insertions and detentions for having too many children that are forced on Xinjiang ’ s other ethnicities , interviews and data show .
Some rural minorities are punished even for having the three children allowed by the law .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House of Commons on Monday , with both Labor and Conservative politicians urging the UK Foreign Ministry to adopt a stronger stance against the Chinese government .
Nigel Adams , the British Minister of State for Asia , said the reports added to the UK ’ s “ concern about the human rights situation in Xinjiang ” and that it will be “ considering this report very carefully.
” Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne also told Australian broadcaster SBS that the reports “ further compounded ” their concerns .
Bill Browder , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and brainchild of the Magnitsky Act , asked the US government to level sanctions against Chinese officials , calling the birth control campaign part of a broader assault he called “ vile persecution .
”

Politicians around the world have called for a United Nations probe into a Chinese government birth control campaign targeting largely Muslim minorities in the far western region of Xinjiang, even as Beijing said it treats all ethnicities equally under the law.
They were referring to an Associated Press investigation published this week that found the Chinese government is taking draconian measures to slash birth rates among Uighurs and other minorities while encouraging some of the country’s Han majority to have more children. The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, a group of European, Australian, North American and Japanese politicians from across the political spectrum, demanded an independent UN investigation.
“The world cannot remain silent in the face of unfolding atrocities,” the group said in a statement.
The AP found that the Chinese government regularly subjects minority women in Xinjiang to pregnancy checks and forces intrauterine devices, sterilization and even abortion on hundreds of thousands. New research obtained by The Associated Press in advance of publication by China scholar Adrian Zenz also showed that the hundreds of millions of dollars the government pours into birth control has transformed Xinjiang from one of China’s fastest-growing regions to among its slowest in just a few years.
The AP found that the population control measures are backed by mass detention both as a threat and as a punishment for failure to comply. Having too many children is a major reason people are sent to detention camps, documents and interviews show, with the parents of three or more ripped away from their families unless they can pay huge fines.
The US Commission on International Religious Freedom called for a UN and State Department investigation, saying the Chinese government’s birth control campaign “might meet the legal criteria for genocide.” According to a UN convention, “imposing measures intended to prevent births” with “intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group” is considered evidence of genocide. The last colonial governor of Hong Kong, Chris Patten, told Bloomberg Television that the birth control campaign was “arguably something that comes within the terms of the UN views on sorts of genocide.”
The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee called the forced birth control “beyond deplorable,” and said that “a nation that treats its own people this way should never be considered a great power.” US senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Kamala Harris wrote a letter urging the Trump administration to respond to an “alarming” AP investigation and US Senator Marco Rubio and Representative Ro Khanna also called for action.
US President Donald Trump told China President Xi Jinping he was right to build detention camps to house hundreds of thousands of ethnic minorities, according to a new book by former national security adviser John Bolton. However, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the reports of forced birth control for minorities were “shocking” and “disturbing” in a statement Monday.
“We call on the Chinese Communist Party to immediately end these horrific practices,” he said.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian fired back on Tuesday by calling Pompeo “a brazen liar,” saying the Uighur population had more than doubled since 1978 in response to criticism of Xinjiang’s birth control policies.
“If Mr. Pompeo is telling the truth, how can he explain the big increase in the Uighur population?” Zhao asked.
For decades, Xinjiang’s population grew quickly, as minorities enjoyed laxer birth control restrictions than Han Chinese. But in just three years, new measures have caused the birth rate in Xinjiang’s Uighur-majority areas to plunge and it is now well under the national average.
Zhao also said the American government had been responsible for “genocide, racial segregation and assimilation policies” on Native Americans. on them.” University of Colorado researcher Darren Byler said the Chinese state-orchestrated assault on Xinjiang’s minorities does echo past birth control programs.
“It recalls the American eugenics movement which targeted Native and African Americans up until the 1970s,” he said. “China’s public health authorities are conducting a mass experiment in targeted genetic engineering on Turkic Muslim populations.”
In response to the AP story, which he called “fake news,” Zhao said the government treats all ethnicities equally and protects their legal rights. Chinese officials have said in the past that the new measures are merely meant to be fair, with the law now allowing minorities and China’s Han majority the same number of children.
However, the AP’s reporting found that while equal on paper, in practice Han Chinese are largely spared the abortions, sterilizations, IUD insertions and detentions for having too many children that are forced on Xinjiang’s other ethnicities, interviews and data show. Some rural minorities are punished even for having the three children allowed by the law.
British members of Parliament debated Xinjiang in the House of Commons on Monday, with both Labor and Conservative politicians urging the UK Foreign Ministry to adopt a stronger stance against the Chinese government. Nigel Adams, the British Minister of State for Asia, said the reports added to the UK’s “concern about the human rights situation in Xinjiang” and that it will be “considering this report very carefully.” Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne also told Australian broadcaster SBS that the reports “further compounded” their concerns.
Bill Browder, CEO of investment fund Hermitage Capital Management and brainchild of the Magnitsky Act, asked the US government to level sanctions against Chinese officials, calling the birth control campaign part of a broader assault he called “vile persecution.”


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--Apple rushing to finish new iPhones in time for fall launch: report

Apple is prodding its suppliers as it looks to avoid delaying the launch of its next crop of iPhones into next year , according to a report .
The Cupertino , California-based tech giant is facing delays of at least four weeks and as many as two months on its hotly-anticipated lineup of 5G iPhones , according to Japanese news service Nikkei Asian Review .
Apple had originally feared that it would not be able to put out its new iPhone — which is traditionally launched in September — until 2021 , which would see it miss out on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and its suppliers are working overtime , Nikkei reported , citing an anonymous source with knowledge of the iPhone production process .
“ What the progress looks like now is months of delay in terms of mass production , ” the source said , adding that Apple is “ doing everything it can ” to reduce the delay in hopes of moving up its schedule .
Indeed , with Apple employees returning to the company ’ s headquarters last month as the Bay Area ’ s coronavirus lockdown orders lifted , the team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the configuration of the new phones .
Still , the outlook isn ’ t exactly rosy , with another source telling the publication that it will be a close call to get iPhones to customers in the fall .
“ Some final iPhone assembly could be delayed to early October , and it wouldn ’ t be surprising if there are further delays because there are still a lot of tests going on now and the final designs have not yet been locked down , ” the source said .
Apple reportedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later this year , which will serve as the successors to the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro family of devices .
The 5G handsets will allow the phones to access a network that promises faster internet and quicker response times than LTE .

Apple is prodding its suppliers as it looks to avoid delaying the launch of its next crop of iPhones into next year, according to a report.
The Cupertino, California-based tech giant is facing delays of at least four weeks and as many as two months on its hotly-anticipated lineup of 5G iPhones, according to Japanese news service Nikkei Asian Review.
Apple had originally feared that it would not be able to put out its new iPhone — which is traditionally launched in September — until 2021, which would see it miss out on the lucrative holiday shopping season.
Both Apple and its suppliers are working overtime, Nikkei reported, citing an anonymous source with knowledge of the iPhone production process.
“What the progress looks like now is months of delay in terms of mass production,” the source said, adding that Apple is “doing everything it can” to reduce the delay in hopes of moving up its schedule.
Indeed, with Apple employees returning to the company’s headquarters last month as the Bay Area’s coronavirus lockdown orders lifted, the team was able to put the finishing touches on the configuration of the new phones.
Still, the outlook isn’t exactly rosy, with another source telling the publication that it will be a close call to get iPhones to customers in the fall.
“Some final iPhone assembly could be delayed to early October, and it wouldn’t be surprising if there are further delays because there are still a lot of tests going on now and the final designs have not yet been locked down,” the source said.
Apple reportedly plans to release four new iPhone models later this year, which will serve as the successors to the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro family of devices. The 5G handsets will allow the phones to access a network that promises faster internet and quicker response times than LTE.


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--Brian Austin Green dines with model Tina Louise after Megan Fox breakup

`` Anyone that knows you knows your heart is pure and ...

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Taco ’bout moving on.
Brian Austin Green was spotted on Tuesday grabbing some lunch with Australian model Tina Louise at vegan spot Sugar Taco in Los Angeles, of which she happens to be co-owner. Louise, 39, shared a video of her vegan nachos on her Instagram Story, though Green didn’t make the cut.
Reps for Louise and Green didn’t immediately return Page Six’s request for comment.
Since confirming his split from wife Megan Fox, Green has been a man about town. The 46-year-old “Beverly Hills, 90210” alum seems to love a lunch date, as he was recently spotted taking Courtney Stodden out on one just a couple of weeks ago.
However, Green and Stodden’s relationship is reportedly just platonic. The two met online and bonded over a music collaboration.


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--Kylie Jenner shows off new tattoo dedicated to daughter Stormi

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Kylie Jenner is continuing to add to her collection of tiny tattoos.
The 22-year-old star showed off her newest addition on her forearm, which reads “4:42,” in an Instagram Story on Tuesday.
The numbers nod to her daughter Stormi Webster’s exact time of birth on February 2; Jenner often sports a custom necklace by XIV Karats featuring the same timestamp as well as her daughter’s name.
This isn’t the first tattoo the young mom has dedicated to her 2-year-old; at ex-boyfriend Travis Scott’s 28th birthday party last year, both parents got matching “Stormi” tats.
The makeup mogul has a total of 10 tattoos, including the phonetic spelling of the word “sanity,” her grandmother Mary Jo’s signature, a tiny heart, “la” — which she converted from a “T” for her ex-boyfriend Tyga — a tiny butterfly to match with Scott and a lowercase “m” on her pinky that matches ex-BFF Jordyn Woods’.


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--Australia to lock down 300,000 in Melbourne suburbs after coronavirus spike

MELBOURNE – Authorities will lock down more than 300,000 people in suburbs north of Melbourne for a month from late on Wednesday to contain the risk of infection after two weeks of double-digit rises in new coronavirus cases in Australia ’ s second-most populous state .
Australia has fared better than many countries in the pandemic , with around 7,920 cases , 104 deaths and fewer than 400 active cases , but the recent jump has stoked fears of a second wave of COVID-19 , echoing concerns expressed in other countries .
Globally , coronavirus cases exceeded 10 million on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread of a disease that has killed more than half a million people in seven months .
From midnight , more than 30 suburbs in Australia ’ s second-biggest city will return to stage three restrictions , the third-strictest level in curbs to control the pandemic .
That means residents will be confined to home except for grocery shopping , health appointments , work or caregiving and exercise .
The restrictions will be accompanied by a testing blitz that authorities hope will extend to half the population of the area affected and for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The measures come as curbs ease across the rest of the state of Victoria , with restaurants , gyms and cinemas reopening in recent weeks .
Victoria recorded 73 fresh cases on Tuesday from 20,682 tests , following an increase of 75 cases on Monday .
State premier Daniel Andrews warned on Wednesday that the return of broader restrictions across city remained a possibility .
“ If we all stick together these next four weeks , we can regain control of that community transmission … across metropolitan Melbourne , ” Andrews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if I didn ’ t shut down those postcodes I ’ d be shutting down all postcodes .
We want to avoid that.
” Victoria ’ s spike in cases has been linked to staff members at hotels housing returned travelers for which quarantine protocols were not strictly followed .
Victorian state authorities have announced an investigation into the matter .
“ We ’ ve had an increase in cases but they ’ re almost all in a very defined geographic area , ” said acting chief medical officer Paul Kelly .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be based on family clusters … ( which ) have this single link back to quarantine failure in a couple of hotels in central Melbourne .
So that leads me to think this is not a widespread issue at the moment.
” Some other Australian states and territories are preparing to open borders , but applying limits and quarantine measures to citizens of Victoria as the school holiday season gets underway .
South Australia , the country ’ s fifth-most populous state , has had just three new cases in the past month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infections , on Tuesday it canceled its scheduled reopening to other parts of the nation .
New South Wales ( NSW ) , Australia ’ s most populous state , has stopped short of closing its borders to all Victorians , but those holidaying from hotspot areas – not permitted under NSW rules – can be handed a fine of A $ 11,000 ( $ 7,596 ) or jailed if they are detected , state authorities said .
State cases rose by 14 overnight , all returned travelers in quarantine .
The delays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal plan to set up “ travel bubble ” with neighboring New Zealand that would allow movement between the two countries .

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MELBOURNE – Authorities will lock down more than 300,000 people in suburbs north of Melbourne for a month from late on Wednesday to contain the risk of infection after two weeks of double-digit rises in new coronavirus cases in Australia’s second-most populous state.
Australia has fared better than many countries in the pandemic, with around 7,920 cases, 104 deaths and fewer than 400 active cases, but the recent jump has stoked fears of a second wave of COVID-19, echoing concerns expressed in other countries.
Globally, coronavirus cases exceeded 10 million on Sunday, a major milestone in the spread of a disease that has killed more than half a million people in seven months.
From midnight, more than 30 suburbs in Australia’s second-biggest city will return to stage three restrictions, the third-strictest level in curbs to control the pandemic. That means residents will be confined to home except for grocery shopping, health appointments, work or caregiving and exercise.
The restrictions will be accompanied by a testing blitz that authorities hope will extend to half the population of the area affected and for which borders will be patrolled, authorities said. The measures come as curbs ease across the rest of the state of Victoria, with restaurants, gyms and cinemas reopening in recent weeks.
Victoria recorded 73 fresh cases on Tuesday from 20,682 tests, following an increase of 75 cases on Monday. State premier Daniel Andrews warned on Wednesday that the return of broader restrictions across city remained a possibility.
“If we all stick together these next four weeks, we can regain control of that community transmission … across metropolitan Melbourne,” Andrews said at a briefing. “Ultimately if I didn’t shut down those postcodes I’d be shutting down all postcodes. We want to avoid that.”
Victoria’s spike in cases has been linked to staff members at hotels housing returned travelers for which quarantine protocols were not strictly followed. Victorian state authorities have announced an investigation into the matter.
“We’ve had an increase in cases but they’re almost all in a very defined geographic area,” said acting chief medical officer Paul Kelly.
“Most of the cases are continuing to be based on family clusters … (which) have this single link back to quarantine failure in a couple of hotels in central Melbourne. So that leads me to think this is not a widespread issue at the moment.”
Some other Australian states and territories are preparing to open borders, but applying limits and quarantine measures to citizens of Victoria as the school holiday season gets underway.
South Australia, the country’s fifth-most populous state, has had just three new cases in the past month. But citing the spike in coronavirus infections, on Tuesday it canceled its scheduled reopening to other parts of the nation.
New South Wales (NSW), Australia’s most populous state, has stopped short of closing its borders to all Victorians, but those holidaying from hotspot areas – not permitted under NSW rules – can be handed a fine of A$11,000 ($7,596) or jailed if they are detected, state authorities said. State cases rose by 14 overnight, all returned travelers in quarantine.
The delays reopening internal borders cast doubts over a federal plan to set up “travel bubble” with neighboring New Zealand that would allow movement between the two countries.


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--Trump blasts de Blasio for cutting NYPD budget, ‘denigrating’ Fifth Avenue

President Trump blasted Mayor Bill de Blasio after the New York City Council approved slashing the NYPD ’ s budget by $ 1 billion , urging the Big Apple to spend the money “ fighting crime.
” “ NYC is cutting Police $ ’ s by ONE BILLION DOLLARS , and yet the @ NYCMayor is going to paint a big , expensive , yellow Black Lives Matter sign on Fifth Avenue , denigrating this luxury Avenue , ” the president wrote on Twitter on Wednesday .
“ This will further antagonize New York ’ s Finest , who LOVE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BLM chant , ‘ Pigs In A Blanket , Fry ‘ Em Like Bacon ’ .
Maybe our GREAT Police , who have been neutralized and scorned by a mayor who hates & disrespects them , won ’ t let this symbol of hate be affixed to New York ’ s greatest street .
Spend this money fighting crime instead !
” Trump continued .
The city council just after midnight Wednesday passed an $ 88.1 billion budget that cuts $ 1 billion in spending from the police department .
NYPD Commissioner Dermot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerning ” and warned they would “ impact our ability , I believe , to keep New Yorkers safe in some way , shape and form.
” “ Cutting overtime , cutting head strength at a time of rising crime , is going to be an extreme challenge for the men and women of this department — extreme , ” Shea said .
The cuts come as the rate of shootings has increased in the city .
The NYPD recorded 63 shootings between June 22 and last Sunday — an increase of 26 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

President Trump blasted Mayor Bill de Blasio after the New York City Council approved slashing the NYPD’s budget by $1 billion, urging the Big Apple to spend the money “fighting crime.”
“NYC is cutting Police $’s by ONE BILLION DOLLARS, and yet the @NYCMayor is going to paint a big, expensive, yellow Black Lives Matter sign on Fifth Avenue, denigrating this luxury Avenue,” the president wrote on Twitter on Wednesday.
“This will further antagonize New York’s Finest, who LOVE New York & vividly remember the horrible BLM chant, ‘Pigs In A Blanket, Fry ‘Em Like Bacon’. Maybe our GREAT Police, who have been neutralized and scorned by a mayor who hates & disrespects them, won’t let this symbol of hate be affixed to New York’s greatest street. Spend this money fighting crime instead!” Trump continued.
About two hours later, de Blasio responded on Twitter, telling the president “here’s what you don’t understand.”
“Black people BUILT 5th Ave and so much of this nation. Your ‘luxury’ came from THEIR labor, for which they have never been justly compensated. We are honoring them. The fact that you see it as denigrating your street is the definition of racism,” he said in a posting.
De Blasio later announced that he’ll be there Thursday morning when the painting begins.
The city council just after midnight Wednesday passed an $88.1 billion budget that cuts $1 billion in spending from the police department.
NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea on Tuesday called the cuts “concerning” and warned they would “impact our ability, I believe, to keep New Yorkers safe in some way, shape and form.”
“Cutting overtime, cutting head strength at a time of rising crime, is going to be an extreme challenge for the men and women of this department — extreme,” Shea said.
The cuts come as the rate of shootings has increased in the city.
The NYPD recorded 63 shootings between June 22 and last Sunday — an increase of 26 from the same one-week period last year.


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--Stephen A. Smith’s adds Doc Rivers scenario to Knicks’ coach hunt

With their season officially over , the Knicks are back in ...

The Knicks have 11 known candidates for their head coaching job, but ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith threw out another intriguing possibility.
Smith said he has been “been on the record religiously” talking up Mark Jackson, one of the Knicks’ candidates. But the provocative NBA voice said he “would shove (the Jackson candidacy) aside” if they had a chance to get Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers in a year.
“I’ve been told that it’s entirely possible that Mike Miller might be kept for another year and then after that, you go and get Doc Rivers away from the Clippers,” Smith said Wednesday on ESPN Radio’s “Bart and Hahn” show. “You know, so who knows whether or not that’s going to happen.”
If Smith’s out-of-the-box scenario doesn’t materialize, you still can check out The Post’s breakdown of the 11 candidates, courtesy of Greg Joyce. Miller, who was the team’s interim coach this past season after replacing David Fizdale, is one of the candidates on the Knicks’ list.


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--Meghan Markle’s legal team says royal wedding brought in £1 billion

Meghan Markle ’ s legal team is claiming that her wedding to Prince Harry brought in £1 billion in tourism revenue , far off-setting the reported £32 million cost of the affair .
The Daily Mail reports that the new figures came in as part of the most recent filings in the 38-year-old Markle ’ s case against the Mail on Sunday .
They suggest that UK taxpayers footed the vast majority — £30 million — of the shindig ’ s total cost , most of which went to security , with the church service , flowers and reception paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , her lawyers contend that the nuptials were “ not , in fact , publicly funded , but rather personally financed by HRH The Prince of Wales ” ( Harry ’ s father , Prince Charles ) .
“ Any public costs incurred for the wedding were solely for security and crowd control to protect members of the public , ” they add , “ as deemed necessary by Thames Valley Police and the Metropolitan Police.
” The Mail ’ s dissenting opinion comes from a consulting firm , Brand Finance , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arm to UK tourism provided by the wedding was a scant £300 million and that the billion-pound valuation takes into account other , tangential economic factors such as retail and fashion .
Markle is battling the UK tabloid over an article that published parts of a letter she had sent to her father , Thomas Markle .

Talk about a royal flush.
Meghan Markle’s legal team is claiming that her wedding to Prince Harry brought in £1 billion ($1.25 billion) in tourism revenue, far offsetting the reported £32 million ($39.9 million) cost of the affair.
The Daily Mail reports that the new figures came in as part of the most recent filings in the 38-year-old Markle’s case against the Mail on Sunday. They suggest that UK taxpayers footed the vast majority — £30 million ($37.4 million) — of the shindig’s total cost, most of which went to security, with the church service, flowers and reception paid for by the royal family.
Meanwhile, her lawyers contend that the nuptials were “not, in fact, publicly funded, but rather personally financed by HRH The Prince of Wales” (Harry’s father, Prince Charles). “Any public costs incurred for the wedding were solely for security and crowd control to protect members of the public,” they add, “as deemed necessary by Thames Valley Police and the Metropolitan Police.”
The Mail’s dissenting opinion comes from a consulting firm, Brand Finance, which estimates that the overall shot in the arm to UK tourism provided by the wedding was a scant £300 million ($374 million) and that the billion-pound valuation takes into account other, tangential economic factors such as retail and fashion.
Markle is battling the UK tabloid over an article that published parts of a letter she had sent to her father, Thomas Markle.


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--This is what Seattle’s CHOP looks like after cops oust protesters

This is what Seattle ’ s Capitol Hill Organized Protest zone looks like after police officers stormed in on Wednesday to clear protesters out .
Photos showing the aftermath of the eviction showed city crews using heavy equipment to remove concrete barriers and cart away debris , including plywood signs that read “ BLM ” and “ Still our streets.
” “ I was just stunned by the amount of graffiti , garbage and property destruction , ” Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best said after she walked around the area .
Sanitation workers were spotted scrubbing the pavements in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police also strung yellow caution tape from tree to tree warning people not to reenter .
Earlier on Wednesday , Mayor Jenny Durkan authorized police to remove protesters who are “ unlawfully occupying Cal Anderson Park area ” — dubbed the Capitol Hill Organized Protest zone , or CHOP .
More than three dozen people were arrested during the early-morning ouster , charged with failure to disperse , obstruction , assault and unlawful weapon possession .
Durkan said that while she supported cops in making arrests Wednesday , she didn ’ t think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be prosecuted .
The dismantling of the CHOP came after two teens were shot and killed in the zone that spans multiple blocks in the city ’ s Capitol Hill neighborhood .

This is what Seattle’s Capitol Hill Organized Protest zone looks like after police officers stormed in on Wednesday to clear protesters out.
Photos showing the aftermath of the eviction showed city crews using heavy equipment to remove concrete barriers and cart away debris, including plywood signs that read “BLM” and “Still our streets.”
“I was just stunned by the amount of graffiti, garbage and property destruction,” Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best said after she walked around the area.
Sanitation workers were spotted scrubbing the pavements in the former protest zone and cleaning graffiti.
Police also strung yellow caution tape from tree to tree warning people not to re-enter.
Previous 1 of 10 Next Advertisement Seattle police enter the East Precinct after clearing out the CHOP zone. The Seattle Times via AP City crews dismantling the CHOP area. Getty Images Advertisement Getty Images A city worker moves concrete barricades away from "BLM" graffiti in Seattle's CHOP area. REUTERS Seattle Department of Transportation begins removing plywood outside the closed East Precinct. The Seattle Times via AP Advertisement The Seattle Times via AP A worker walks by a former barrier as city crews dismantle the CHOP area outside the Seattle Police Department's vacated East Precinct. Getty Images Advertisement
Earlier on Wednesday, Mayor Jenny Durkan authorized police to remove protesters who are “unlawfully occupying Cal Anderson Park area” — dubbed the Capitol Hill Organized Protest zone, or CHOP.
More than three dozen people were arrested during the early-morning ouster, charged with failure to disperse, obstruction, assault and unlawful weapon possession.
Durkan said that while she supported cops in making arrests Wednesday, she didn’t think many of those arrested for misdemeanors should be prosecuted.
The dismantling of the CHOP came after two teens were shot and killed in the zone that spanned multiple blocks in the city’s Capitol Hill neighborhood.
With Post wires


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--Ross + Kramer to take over old Bungalow 8 space in Chelsea

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Twitter ( Opens @ @ @ @ @ to share on Facebook ( Opens in new window ) Blue-chip art gallery Ross + @ @ @ @ @ 400,000 lease on the old Bungalow 8 space in Chelsea , Page Six has learned @ @ @ @ @ has locations on the Upper East Side and in East Hampton , will take over @ @ @ @ @ a deal brokered by Meridian Retail Leasing .
The gallery has works available for sale @ @ @ @ @ Haring , Yayoi Kusama and Banksy .
The space was also once home to the @ @ @ @ @ + Kramer confirmed the news , telling us that they plan to open in the @ @ @ @ @ COVID precautions .
“ When I saw the property , I knew it was somewhere @ @ @ @ @ exhibit their work .
It was too great to pass up , ” co-owner Todd @ @ @

Blue-chip art gallery Ross + Kramer has signed a $400,000 lease on the old Bungalow 8 space in Chelsea, Page Six has learned.
The gallery, which has locations on the Upper East Side and in East Hampton, will take over 515 W. 27th St. in a deal brokered by Meridian Retail Leasing. The gallery has works available for sale by Pablo Picasso, Keith Haring, Yayoi Kusama and Banksy. The space was also once home to the Paul Kasmin gallery.
Ross + Kramer confirmed the news, telling us that they plan to open in the fall with social distancing and COVID precautions.
“When I saw the property, I knew it was somewhere where artists would want to exhibit their work. It was too great to pass up,” co-owner Todd Kramer said.


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--Lenders angry over bankruptcy plans want CEO Lamarre out of Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil ’ s longtime Chief Executive Daniel Lamarre may soon prefer to be on the high wire than in the C-suite .
A group of lenders angry over Cirque du Soleil ’ s bankruptcy plans are mulling a plan to remove Lamarre , who has been Cirque ’ s CEO since 2001 , The Post has learned .
The lenders — who hold some $ 1.1 billion in debt that Cirque can no longer afford — say they were blindsided by Cirque ’ s plan to sell itself right back to its current owners , including majority owner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give the lenders — a group that includes Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly — a minority stake in the global brand in exchange for wiping out their debt .
The lenders have asked the Quebec superior court judge overseeing the process to squash Cirque ’ s plan to give TPG and the other investors a 55-percent stake in the company in exchange for a $ 400 million lifeline .
If the judge refuses this request , they plan to ask him to replace Lamarre as CEO and as a board member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sources tell The Post .
They would seek to replace Lamarre and the board with an independent restructuring officer , these sources said .
The lenders plan to argue that Cirque ’ s current leadership unfairly favors the investors , a group that also includes Chinese conglomerate Fosun and Quebec ’ s public pension manager Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec .
This view was highlighted Tuesday in an 11-page court document that blasted Cirque ’ s restructuring plan for having “ afforded special treatment to its shareholders.
” “ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] favor the interests of its shareholders to the detriment of the secured lenders gives rise to significant concerns about the company ’ s governance , ” the creditors complained in the court filing .
TPG and Cirque spokespeople declined to comment .
Lamarre took the helm of the trailblazing , acrobatic circus act in 2001 , when it was already an international sensation .
He was hired by Cirque ’ s colorful co-founder Guy Laliberte , who sold his remaining stake to Caisse in February .
The two men met back in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was working in public relations , according to an interview he gave Ontario lifestyle magazine Fifty-Five Plus .
Lamarre agreed to represent Cirque — only to waive his fee because the roving band of street performers couldn ’ t afford to pay .
“ At the time , [ Laliberte ] couldn ’ t pay my bills because Cirque was struggling financially , ” he told the magazine .

Cirque du Soleil’s longtime Chief Executive Daniel Lamarre may soon prefer to be on the high wire than in the C-suite.
A group of lenders angry over Cirque du Soleil’s bankruptcy plans are mulling a plan to remove Lamarre, who has been Cirque’s CEO since 2001, The Post has learned.
The lenders — who hold some $1.1 billion in debt that Cirque can no longer afford — say they were blindsided by Cirque’s plan to sell itself right back to its current owners, including majority owner TPG Capital. The controversial plan seeks to give the lenders — a group that includes Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly — a minority stake in the global brand in exchange for wiping out their debt.
The lenders have asked the Quebec superior court judge overseeing the process to squash Cirque’s plan to give TPG and the other investors a 55-percent stake in the company in exchange for a $400 million lifeline.
If the judge refuses this request, they plan to ask him to replace Lamarre as CEO and as a board member along with the rest of the board, sources tell The Post. They would seek to replace Lamarre and the board with an independent restructuring officer, these sources said.
The lenders plan to argue that Cirque’s current leadership unfairly favors the investors, a group that also includes Chinese conglomerate Fosun and Quebec’s public pension manager Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec.
This view was highlighted Tuesday in an 11-page court document that blasted Cirque’s restructuring plan for having “afforded special treatment to its shareholders.”
“The company’s decision to [again] favor the interests of its shareholders to the detriment of the secured lenders gives rise to significant concerns about the company’s governance,” the creditors complained in the court filing.
TPG and Cirque spokespeople declined to comment. Lamarre took the helm of the trailblazing, acrobatic circus act in 2001, when it was already an international sensation. He was hired by Cirque’s colorful co-founder Guy Laliberte, who sold his remaining stake to Caisse in February.
The two men met back in 1986 when Lamarre, a Quebec native, was working in public relations, according to an interview he gave Ontario lifestyle magazine Fifty-Five Plus.
Lamarre agreed to represent Cirque — only to waive his fee because the roving band of street performers couldn’t afford to pay.
“At the time, [Laliberte] couldn’t pay my bills because Cirque was struggling financially,” he told the magazine.


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--John Bolton’s tell-all memoir tops 780K sales in a week

Former national security adviser John Bolton ’ s new tell-all memoir sold more than 780,000 copies in its first week @ @ @ @ @ Simon & Schuster said Wednesday .
“ The Room Where it Happened : A White @ @ @ @ @ which Bolton blasts President Trump ’ s handling of foreign affairs , had sparked attempts @ @ @ @ @ block its publication , citing national security grounds .
But publisher Simon & Schuster , @ @ @ @ @ simply trying to quash a book he found “ unflattering , ” pressed ahead and @ @ @ @ @ 23 .
Bolton , who served as the national security adviser from April 2018 to @ @ @ @ @ withering portrait of the president , stating at one point , “ I am hard @ @ @ @ @ Trump decision during my tenure that wasn ’ t driven by re-election calculations.
” The @ @ @ @ @ printing that when completed will make for a million copies .

Former national security adviser John Bolton’s new tell-all memoir sold more than 780,000 copies in its first week on the market, publisher Simon & Schuster said Wednesday.
“The Room Where it Happened: A White House Memoir,” in which Bolton blasts President Trump’s handling of foreign affairs, had sparked attempts by the White House to block its publication, citing national security grounds. But publisher Simon & Schuster, which had argued Trump was simply trying to quash a book he found “unflattering,” pressed ahead and released the book on June 23.
Bolton, who served as the national security adviser from April 2018 to September 2019, paints a withering portrait of the president, stating at one point, “I am hard pressed to identify any single Trump decision during my tenure that wasn’t driven by re-election calculations.”
The publisher has ordered an 11th printing that when completed will make for a million copies.


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--NFL may make fans sign coronavirus liability waivers to attend games

Coronavirus will cut the NFL preseason in half .
The league ...

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The Wave is nearly gone from NFL stadiums, but the waiver could be coming soon.
The league is considering requiring fans who attend games this fall to sign a liability waiver as preemptive protection against lawsuits claiming coronavirus was contracted in the stands, according to a report by The Athletic.
Some teams, including the Giants and Jets, told season-ticket holders they can skip the 2020 season and get a refund or credit for any payments already submitted. They still would hold priority for renewing season tickets in 2021.
But the NFL wants to draw fans and operate as close to normal as possible, leaving it to teams to develop plans in accordance with state and local regulations for managing crowds. It is not known how teams would screen for COVID-19, but the report said an electronic questionnaire is more likely than turnstile temperature checks.
This is unlike colleges that faced a recent avalanche of criticism for asking student-athletes to sign waivers as a form of education and a pledge to be responsible. Fans have the choice to stay away or assume known risk coming through the gates, and the primary purpose of the waiver would be absolving the league of responsibility.
Attendees at President Trump’s rally in Tulsa, Okla., last month were made to sign a waiver.
Liability waivers at fee-charging places like a gym or an amusement park can be contested if willful or gross negligence is shown, according to the website for New York-based law firm Zalman, Schnurman & Miner. A NFL ticket seems to fit the bill.
The Athletic also reported stadium operations managers are working in conjunction with the NFL security to make other best-practice recommendations — including prohibiting cash transactions, increased availability of hand sanitizer, prepackaged food at concession stands and wearing face masks. The waiver proposal reportedly could be sent to teams next week.
Some teams already are using social media to publicly encourage fans to wear masks.
The NFL will close off the first 6-8 rows of stadiums, replacing empty seats with tarps to generate advertising revenue.
At least 19 states have paused, slowed or rolled back reopening plans as COVID-19 case numbers surged last week in regions around the country.