newyorkpost--2020-08-24--Jerry Falwell Jr. reveals wife’s affair: ‘Like living on a roller coaster’

Jerry Falwell Jr. , the son of late evangelical leader Jerry Falwell , revealed Sunday that his wife had an affair with a family friend that sent him into a depression he described as “ like living on a roller coaster.
” The admission follows Falwell Jr. being placed on indefinite leave from his post as president of Liberty University two weeks ago , after a controversy surrounding a racy Instagram photo he had posted .
In a statement sent to the Washington Examiner , Falwell admitted that his wife , Becki Falwell , struck up an “ inappropriate personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who worked at one of the family ’ s properties .
During this time , Falwell Jr. claims he became increasingly depressed and lost 80 pounds , though he said the affair only lasted for a short time and the two reconciled quickly .
Although Falwell Jr. did not name the employee , the Examiner identified him as Giancarlo Granda , citing dozens of news stories published over several years .
Following the affair , the Falwells invested 1.8 million in a property deal with Granda to open up a youth hostel in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the family ’ s dealings published by Politico in 2017 .
Years later , Falwell Jr. claimed Granda became “ increasingly angry and aggressive , ” and tried to extort the family by threatening to publicly reveal the relationship .
Falwell Jr. said in his statement that he rejected these threats , but felt now was the right time to go public with the story .
Falwell Jr. did not submit any evidence of his extortion claims .
Granda subsequently denied making any threats toward the family , and told the Examiner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s attempt to sandbag me , and the Examiner , with a last-minute story without providing the Examiner clear evidence that this was not simply an ‘ affair ’ with concocted allegations of extortion reeks desperation .
The WHOLE truth will come out.
” Falwell Jr. , for his part , says he hopes that his story will inspire others in crisis to seek mental health resources .
“ I shouldn ’ t have been afraid to admit my vulnerabilities and to reach out for assistance from the mental health professionals who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he wrote .
“ I am committed to speaking out and sharing with others at Liberty the importance of seeking counseling instead of thinking you need to be tough and try to bear these burdens on your own .
”

Jerry Falwell Jr., the son of late evangelical leader Jerry Falwell, revealed Sunday that his wife had an affair with a family friend that sent him into a depression that he described as “like living on a roller coaster.”
The admission follows Falwell Jr. being placed on indefinite leave from his post as president of Liberty University two weeks ago, after a controversy surrounding a racy Instagram photo he had posted.
In a statement sent to the Washington Examiner, Falwell admitted that his wife, Becki Falwell, struck up an “inappropriate personal relationship” with a Florida pool boy who worked at one of the family’s properties.
During this time, Falwell Jr. claims, he became increasingly depressed and lost 80 pounds, though he said the affair only lasted a short time and the two reconciled quickly.
Although Falwell Jr. did not name the employee, the Examiner identified him as Giancarlo Granda, citing dozens of news stories published over several years.
Following the affair, the Falwells invested $1.8 million in a property deal with Granda to open a youth hostel in Miami Beach, according to an investigation into the family’s dealings published by Politico in 2017.
Years later, Falwell Jr. claimed Granda became “increasingly angry and aggressive,” and tried to extort the family by threatening to publicly reveal the relationship. Falwell Jr. said in his statement that he rejected these threats, but felt now was the right time to go public with the story.
Falwell Jr. did not submit any evidence of his extortion claims.
Granda subsequently denied making any threats toward the family, and told the Examiner in an email, “The Falwell’s attempt to sandbag me, and the Examiner, with a last-minute story without providing the Examiner clear evidence that this was not simply an ‘affair’ with concocted allegations of extortion reeks desperation. The WHOLE truth will come out.”
Falwell Jr., for his part, says he hopes that his story will inspire others in crisis to seek mental health resources.
“I shouldn’t have been afraid to admit my vulnerabilities and to reach out for assistance from the mental health professionals who could have alleviated this pain and stress,” he wrote.
“I am committed to speaking out and sharing with others at Liberty the importance of seeking counseling instead of thinking you need to be tough and try to bear these burdens on your own.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-24--Protests break out in Wisconsin over police shooting of Jacob Blake

Anti-police protests erupted Sunday night in Kenosha , Wisconsin , just hours after a police officer was filmed shooting a black man in the back as he tried to enter his car .
Crowds of protesters first gathered at the scene of the shooting — where 29-year-old Jacob Blake was struck several times in the back and seriously injured — before making their way to the police station , according to local reports .
Footage posted to social media shows protesters banging on the station house window , screaming “ F–k the police.
” In another clip posted to Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ molotov cocktails and bricks towards police standing near a patrol car .
One officer appears to get struck by a flying object , knocking him to the ground .
Elsewhere in the city , dump trucks and garbage trucks that were placed at intersections were lit on fire .
Blake was shot at about 5:10 p.m. local time after police responded to the location for a domestic incident .
The footage circulating on social media of the shooting shows two cops with weapons drawn trailing Blake as he walks to a gray van @ @ @ @ @ @ @ door to get inside .
One of the officers then grabs him by the back of his tank top and appears to shoot him at close range .
A fusillade can be heard , followed by a car horn , and bystanders screaming .
A family member told Milwaukee ’ s WTMJ-TV that Blake ’ s children were in the vehicle when cops shot their dad .
At least half a dozen witnesses told the Kenosha News that the man had been trying to break up a fight between two women .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heard seven gunshots ring out .

Anti-police protests erupted Sunday night in Kenosha, Wisconsin, just hours after a police officer was filmed shooting a black man in the back as the man tried to enter his car.
Crowds of protesters first gathered at the scene of the shooting — where 29-year-old Jacob Blake was struck several times in the back and seriously injured — before making their way to the police station, according to local reports.
Footage posted to social media shows protesters banging on the stationhouse window, screaming “F–k the police.”
Police later deployed tear gas, TMJ4-TV reporter Lauren Linder tweeted.
In another clip posted to Twitter, protesters throw what appears to be Molotov cocktails and bricks toward police standing near a patrol car.
One officer appears to get struck by a flying object, knocking him to the ground.
Elsewhere in the city, dump trucks and garbage trucks that were placed at intersections were lit on fire.
Blake was shot at about 5:10 p.m. local time after police responded to the location for a domestic incident.
The footage of the shooting circulating on social media shows two cops with weapons drawn trailing Blake as he walks to a gray van and opens the driver’s door to get inside.
One of the officers grabs him by the back of his tank top and appears to shoot him at close range. A fusillade can be heard, followed by a car horn, and bystanders screaming.
A family member told Milwaukee’s WTMJ-TV that Blake’s children were in the vehicle when cops shot their dad.
At least half a dozen witnesses told the Kenosha News that the man had been trying to break up a fight between two women. They said cops tased him and that they heard seven gunshots ring out.


newyorkpost--2020-08-24--One person killed, two more wounded in Kentucky mall shooting

Three people were shot , one fatally , inside a Kentucky mall on Sunday , police said .
The shooting occurred about 4 p.m. outside of a store in the Fayette Mall in Lexington , cops said .
Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers said the shooting did not appear to be random .
“ It appears from the information that we ’ ve gathered thus far that the persons involved knew each other , ” Weathers told reporters .
“ We know at least the intended target may have known the suspect.
” The condition of the other two victims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mall described the chaos that ensued after gunshots rang out .
“ We just heard multiple gunshots , ” Alicia Spurlock , who was at the mall with her daughter , told the Lexington Herald-Leader .
“ It took me a minute to register what that was .
Everybody just started running , ” the mother said .
Destini Engle , a worker at Ann Taylor inside the mall , recalled seeing a group of people run towards her store while screaming .
“ My heart just sunk , I knew what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the newspaper .

Three people were shot, one fatally, inside a Kentucky mall on Sunday, police said.
The shooting occurred about 4 p.m. outside a store in the Fayette Mall in Lexington, cops said.
Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers said the shooting did not appear to be random.
“It appears from the information that we’ve gathered thus far that the persons involved knew each other,” Weathers told reporters.
“We know at least the intended target may have known the suspect.”
The condition of the other two victims was not immediately known.
People inside the mall described the chaos that ensued after gunshots rang out.
“We just heard multiple gunshots,” Alicia Spurlock, who was at the mall with her daughter, told the Lexington Herald-Leader.
“It took me a minute to register what that was. Everybody just started running,” the mother said.
Destini Engle, a worker at Ann Taylor inside the mall, recalled seeing a group of people run toward her store while screaming.
“My heart just sunk, I knew what was going on,” Engle told the newspaper.
With Post wires


newyorkpost--2020-08-24--Islanders, Flyers set for ‘greasy’ NHL playoff series

Todd Reirden was groomed to replace Barry Trotz , who schooled ...

The unique postseason bubble makes for some new experiences, but there isn’t a whole lot that the men behind the benches for the Islanders-Flyers series haven’t already seen.
Barry Trotz and Alain Vigneault will square off once again when their teams’ second-round playoff series begins Monday night in Toronto, pitting the two most experienced head coaches left in the postseason against each other.
“For me, I’ve coached against Barry quite a few times in the playoffs,” Vigneault, the former Rangers coach, said Sunday on a Zoom call. “It’s going to be a greasy series.”
Vigneault has gotten the best of Trotz in their prior two playoff meetings — his Canucks beat Trotz’s Predators in the 2011 Western Conference semifinals and his Rangers beat Trotz’s Capitals in a memorable seven-game series in 2015.
Much as Trotz has done since he arrived on Long Island, Vigneault, who was fired by the Rangers in 2018, has made an instant impact on the Flyers since getting the job last summer and has them playing well at the right time.
“Both coaches put a lot of emphasis on the winning areas of playoff hockey,” said Flyers defenseman Matt Niskanen, who won the Stanley Cup with Trotz and the Capitals in 2018.
Trotz and Capitals coach Todd Reirden shared just a quick handshake after the Islanders completed their dismantling of Washington in the playoffs Thursday.
The Islanders coach had a similarly unemotional response Sunday when asked about Reirden — who replaced him in Washington in 2018 — getting fired.
“It’s part of what you sign up [for in] coaching,” Trotz said. “That’s what you accept when you become a head coach in the National Hockey League. Just wish him well.”
It was an uncharacteristically short answer by Trotz, who resigned soon after winning the Cup in 2018, unable to work out a new contract with management. The Capitals hired Reirden, who had spent four years on Trotz’s staff.
Ross Johnston made his playoff debut Thursday, stepping into the lineup for the injured Cal Clutterbuck and contributing a solid game. With the expanded rosters for the postseason bubble, Johnston was one of 10 Islanders scratches who were trying to stay sharp until their number was called.
“I think we have a good group of guys that kind of push each other,” Johnston said. “Not being able to be in the lineup each night is obviously difficult, but with the group of guys we have … coming to the rink every day, we’re trying to push each other in a way where you’re physically ready if the opportunity does present itself.”
Trotz said everyone was on the ice Sunday for the Islanders’ practice, but declined to divulge the status of Clutterbuck or any potential lineup changes.


newyorkpost--2020-08-24--NFL coronavirus testing debacle renders 77 false positives

The NFL had 77 positive COVID-19 tests from 11 teams re-examined by a New Jersey lab after false positives , and all those tests came back negative .
The league asked the New Jersey lab BioReference to investigate the results , and those 77 tests are being re-tested once more to make sure they were false positives .
Among teams reporting false positives , the Minnesota Vikings said they had 12 , the New York Jets 10 and the Chicago Bears nine .
The Jets canceled a walk-through Saturday night but had a full practice Sunday morning after the previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bears moved their practice scheduled for Sunday morning to the afternoon .
The Detroit Lions had a player with a false positive test from the same lab in New Jersey and he was held out of practice Sunday , a league source told The Associated Press .
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the league and team were not disclosing test results .
The Pittsburgh Steelers said they had six false positives and those players will be back at practice Monday .
The Philadelphia Eagles held out four players from working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ canceled practice , but after re-testing turned up negative tests they decided to have their workout .
There are five labs nationwide that service the 32 teams , with only the New Jersey facility having the false positives this weekend .
The number of positive COVID-19 tests from a specific facility that might actually be false demonstrates the precarious position the NFL is in less than three weeks from the regular-season opener .
“ Definitely probably better that this happened now than three weeks from now , ” said Buffalo Bills general manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those positive results .
“ But it seems like every few weeks , or even every week , something ’ s going on .
Who know what the next curveball will be ?
” Beane said tests in the Northeast had gone “ haywire , ” and called it “ a lab issue and not a true issue with our guys currently ” after several Bills were held out of practice .
Anyone testing positive for COVID-19 — even a false positive upon a retest — is required to have two more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The NFL uses BioReference for all of its COVID-19 testing , though tests are handled by labs throughout the nation to ensure teams get results quickly — hopefully within 24 hours .
Heading into this weekend , there had been four confirmed positive tests for players who were at training camps .
“ Clubs are taking immediate precautionary measures as outlined in the NFL-NFLPA ’ s health and safety protocols to include contact tracing , isolation of individuals and temporarily adjusting the schedule , where appropriate , ” the NFL said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used for NFL testing have not had similar results.
” Jets offensive lineman Leo Koloamatangi , who opted out of playing this season because of family health concerns , tweeted : “ Wishing nothing but safety and great health over my brothers and their families right now .
As it turns out , testing isn ’ t as reliable as we ’ d all hoped.
” The Bears were alerted Sunday morning about the test findings .
“ That ’ s where I was really excited for the way we went about communicating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the players early , just letting them know , ‘ Hold on for the now .
We ’ re gon na delay this thing .
Let us work through this a little bit , ’ ” Bears coach Matt Nagy said .
“ And then we were able to get those players and everybody involved in the positive test , we were able to get them in and obviously get re-tested and come back with the second test , and it came back all negative .
So now we had to go to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do ?
’ That ’ s when we went ahead and figured we were able to move forward with practice .
We delayed it.
” Beane stressed the need for transparency throughout the Bills ’ organization and said some players were on a conference call with the NFL ’ s chief medical officer , Dr. Allen Sills .
“ We had an open dialogue with our players , ” he explained .
“ We even had some of our leadership crew of players on with Dr. Sills this morning just hearing directly with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all these tests that have gone a little bit haywire here in the Northeast .
“ And I think that was good for them to hear , because naturally , if you ’ re going to be out there tackling and blocking and things like that , passing the ball around , people might be unnerved if we got some guys missing.
” The Browns said initial results from the lab indicated multiple “ presumptive positive cases ” that included coaches , players and staff .
The team did not disclose the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheduled practice about four hours after calling it off .
The team also did a thorough cleaning of the facility in Berea , Ohio .
“ We ’ ve concluded our re-testing of each initial presumptive positive result from yesterday among players , coaches and staff , ” a team spokesperson said .
“ All have come back as negative , which is consistent with the irregularities across the league from multiple teams .
As a result , we are reopening our building and will resume football activities this afternoon .
As per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in question may not re-enter the building until they receive another negative test result tomorrow .
”

The NFL had 77 positive COVID-19 tests from 11 teams re-examined by a New Jersey lab after false positives, and all those tests came back negative.
The league asked the New Jersey lab BioReference to investigate the results, and those 77 tests are being re-tested once more to make sure they were false positives.
Among teams reporting false positives, the Minnesota Vikings said they had 12, the New York Jets 10 and the Chicago Bears nine.
The Jets canceled a walk-through Saturday night but had a full practice Sunday morning after the previously positive tests came back negative. The Bears moved their practice scheduled for Sunday morning to the afternoon.
The Detroit Lions had a player with a false positive test from the same lab in New Jersey and he was held out of practice Sunday, a league source told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the league and team were not disclosing test results.
The Pittsburgh Steelers said they had six false positives and those players will be back at practice Monday. The Philadelphia Eagles held out four players from working out Sunday. The Cleveland Browns initially canceled practice, but after re-testing turned up negative tests they decided to have their workout.
There are five labs nationwide that service the 32 teams, with only the New Jersey facility having the false positives this weekend.
The number of positive COVID-19 tests from a specific facility that might actually be false demonstrates the precarious position the NFL is in less than three weeks from the regular-season opener.
“Definitely probably better that this happened now than three weeks from now,” said Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane, whose club had some of those positive results. “But it seems like every few weeks, or even every week, something’s going on. Who know what the next curveball will be?”
Beane said tests in the Northeast had gone “haywire,” and called it “a lab issue and not a true issue with our guys currently” after several Bills were held out of practice.
Anyone testing positive for COVID-19 — even a false positive upon a retest — is required to have two more negative tests before being cleared to return.
The NFL uses BioReference for all of its COVID-19 testing, though tests are handled by labs throughout the nation to ensure teams get results quickly — hopefully within 24 hours. Heading into this weekend, there had been four confirmed positive tests for players who were at training camps.
“Clubs are taking immediate precautionary measures as outlined in the NFL-NFLPA’s health and safety protocols to include contact tracing, isolation of individuals and temporarily adjusting the schedule, where appropriate,” the NFL said in a statement. “The other laboratories used for NFL testing have not had similar results.”
Jets offensive lineman Leo Koloamatangi, who opted out of playing this season because of family health concerns, tweeted: “Wishing nothing but safety and great health over my brothers and their families right now. As it turns out, testing isn’t as reliable as we’d all hoped.”
The Bears were alerted Sunday morning about the test findings.
“That’s where I was really excited for the way we went about communicating with the coordinators, the coaches, the players early, just letting them know, ‘Hold on for the now. We’re gonna delay this thing. Let us work through this a little bit,’” Bears coach Matt Nagy said.
“And then we were able to get those players and everybody involved in the positive test, we were able to get them in and obviously get re-tested and come back with the second test, and it came back all negative. So now we had to go to, ‘Now, what do we do?’ That’s when we went ahead and figured we were able to move forward with practice. We delayed it.”
Beane stressed the need for transparency throughout the Bills’ organization and said some players were on a conference call with the NFL’s chief medical officer, Dr. Allen Sills.
“We had an open dialogue with our players,” he explained. “We even had some of our leadership crew of players on with Dr. Sills this morning just hearing directly with him, who’s aware of all these tests that have gone a little bit haywire here in the Northeast.
“And I think that was good for them to hear, because naturally, if you’re going to be out there tackling and blocking and things like that, passing the ball around, people might be unnerved if we got some guys missing.”
The Browns said initial results from the lab indicated multiple “presumptive positive cases” that included coaches, players and staff. The team did not disclose the number of positive tests and had resumed the scheduled practice about four hours after calling it off.
The team also did a thorough cleaning of the facility in Berea, Ohio.
“We’ve concluded our re-testing of each initial presumptive positive result from yesterday among players, coaches and staff,” a team spokesperson said.
“All have come back as negative, which is consistent with the irregularities across the league from multiple teams. As a result, we are reopening our building and will resume football activities this afternoon. As per protocol, the individuals with test results in question may not re-enter the building until they receive another negative test result tomorrow.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-24--Jacque Vaughn’s Nets future hangs in the balance

What ’ s left of the Nets ended their season Sunday at ...

The Nets’ crazy COVID campaign ended Sunday. It remains to be seen if interim coach Jacque Vaughn’s stay ended with it.
The Nets’ 150-122 thrashing at the hands of Toronto in their first-round Game 4 tilt saw them swept out of the postseason. Now general manager Sean Marks begins his coaching search in earnest to see who will lead this team next season.
Vaughn expressed confidence he’s the right person to handle the job — and the stars (Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving) who come with it.
“What I am confident in is my skill set as a coach, my ability to communicate and have relationship with guys, my ability to adjust on the fly, adjust with individuals,” Vaughn said. “Those things I’m very comfortable with, comfortable at this stage of my career of having a voice and choice with my players.
“Very comfortable at this stage of my career of having truth and transparency with management. Very comfortable in my career of having a care and competence level with my performance staff. So those things hopefully were showcased. But at the end of the day, I’m very comfortable with all those aspects.”
The Nets’ stars will have a huge say. Irving won a title in Cleveland under Tyronn Lue, a Clippers assistant expected to be a prime candidate. Jason Kidd, Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy and 76ers assistant Ime Udoka have been linked as well.
But with the expected roster turnover, Vaughn could provide stability.
“It’d be huge. If you ask anybody who was a part of JV’s two games before the cut-off and then the whole experience here, they’ll tell you he’s very deserving of the job,” Caris LeVert said. “He’s done a great job down here winning with less.”
Vaughn drew praise from analysts and foes, including NBA Coach of the Year Nick Nurse. But his players predictably were the loudest.
“Did an amazing job of putting guys in their spots, allowing them to play, not overloading people with information, and just allowing guys to shine. … He allows you to believe in yourself,” said Tyler Johnson.
“Having JV would make it a little more consistent,” Garrett Temple said. “I’m definitely a big fan of him. What he was able to do with us here in the bubble has been tremendous. But also just his demeanor, the way he was able to communicate, he’s shown that he deserves to be a head coach in this league.”
It remains to be seen if Johnson and Temple will be back. But Jarrett Allen is considered a stalwart, and he was effusive.
“In terms of Jacque coming back, I think it would be great. It’s easy to play for him, it’s easy to connect with Jacque, it’s easy to kind of mesh well with him,” Allen said. “He’s easy to talk to as a player. He knows what players are going through, what they’re thinking. He’s been in our role. So, to play for somebody that has both of those things about him, it makes it easy.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-23--Video shows cops shoot Wisconsin man Jacob Blake as he gets into car

A video posted online Sunday shows police officers in Kenosha , Wisconsin shooting a black man as he gets into a car .
The footage circulating on social media shows two cops with weapons drawn trailing a man on Sunday afternoon as he walks to a gray van and opens the driver ’ s side door to get inside .
One of the officers then grabs him by the back of his tank top and appears to shoot him at close range .
A fusillade can be heard , followed by a car horn , and bystanders screaming .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that cops were responding to a domestic incident at around 5:10 p.m. when they were “ involved in an officer-involved shooting.
” The gunshot victim — identified as 29-year-old Jacob Blake — was air-lifted to Froedtert Hospital and was listed in serious condition , cops said .
A family member told Milwaukee ’ s WTMJ-TV that Blake ’ s children were in the vehicle when cops shot their dad .
At least half a dozen witnesses told the Kenosha News that the man had been trying to break up a fight between two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that they heard seven gunshots ring out .
A large crowd gathered at the scene of the shooting later on Sunday , with some people climbing atop squad cars and breaking the windows , local reports said .
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers issued a statement Sunday night in support of the victim .
“ Jacob Blake was shot in the back multiple times , in broad daylight , in Kenosha , Wisconsin , ” Evers tweeted .
“ Kathy and I join his family , friends , and neighbors in hoping earnestly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injuries.
” Evers also showed support for the Black Lives Matter movement and called for accountability as unrest began to rattle Kenosha .
“ We stand with all those who have and continue to demand justice , equity , and accountability for Black lives in our country—lives like those of George Floyd , of Breonna Taylor , Tony Robinson , Dontre Hamilton , Ernest Lacy , and Sylville Smith , ” he wrote .
“ In the coming days , we will demand just that of elected officials in our state who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state and our country for far too long.
” The Wisconsin Department of Justice ’ s Division of Criminal Investigation will launch a probe into the incident .

A video posted online Sunday shows police officers in Kenosha, Wisconsin, shooting a black man as he gets into a car.
The footage circulating on social media shows two cops with weapons drawn trailing a man on Sunday afternoon as he walks to a gray van and opens the driver’s door to get inside.
One of the officers grabs him by the back of his tank top and appears to shoot him at close range. A fusillade can be heard, followed by a car horn, and bystanders screaming.
The Kenosha Police Department said in a statement that cops were responding to a domestic incident around 5:10 p.m. when they were “involved in an officer-involved shooting.”
The gunshot victim — identified as 29-year-old Jacob Blake — was airlifted to Froedtert Hospital and was listed in serious condition, cops said.
A family member told Milwaukee’s WTMJ-TV that Blake’s children were in the vehicle when cops shot their dad.
At least half a dozen witnesses told the Kenosha News that the man had been trying to break up a fight between two women. They said cops tased him and that they heard seven gunshots ring out.
A large crowd gathered at the scene of the shooting later Sunday, with some people climbing atop squad cars and breaking the windows, local reports said.
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers issued a statement Sunday night in support of the victim.
“Jacob Blake was shot in the back multiple times, in broad daylight, in Kenosha, Wisconsin,” Evers tweeted. “Kathy and I join his family, friends, and neighbors in hoping earnestly that he will not succumb to his injuries.”
Evers also showed support for the Black Lives Matter movement and called for accountability as unrest began to rattle Kenosha.
“We stand with all those who have and continue to demand justice, equity, and accountability for Black lives in our country — lives like those of George Floyd, of Breonna Taylor, Tony Robinson, Dontre Hamilton, Ernest Lacy, and Sylville Smith,” he wrote.
“In the coming days, we will demand just that of elected officials in our state who have failed to recognize the racism in our state and our country for far too long.”
The Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation will launch a probe into the incident.


newyorkpost--2020-08-24--RNC 2020: Trump meets with essential workers at the White House

WASHINGTON — President Trump made a surprise appearance during the 2020 Republican National Convention kick-off on Monday , interviewing frontline @ @ @ @ @ at the White House .
Trump met with a half a dozen essential workers , @ @ @ @ @ police officer , postal service employee , and several nurses — many of them who @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
“ I want to thank you all very much .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ at the White House , ” Trump said .
“ You represent an incredible group @ @ @ @ @ you all , ” he said .
The president earlier Monday flew to Charlotte , @ @ @ @ @ at a subdued convention center after the event was moved entirely online amid the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ on the final night of last week ’ s Democratic convention , Trump is expected @ @ @ @ @ speak at each night of the RNC .

WASHINGTON — President Trump made a surprise appearance during the 2020 Republican National Convention kick-off on Monday, interviewing frontline workers from the East Room at the White House.
Trump met with a half a dozen essential workers, including a truck driver, police officer, postal service employee, and several nurses — many of them who had been infected with the coronavirus.
“I want to thank you all very much. It’s an honor to have you at the White House,” Trump said.
“You represent an incredible group of people and we love you all,” he said.
The video showed Trump making small talk with the workers and asking them about their professions.
“I love the truckers, you know they’re on my side. I think all of them, frankly, pretty much all of them,” the president said after one truck driver introduced himself.
One nurse told Trump she was “in awe of his leadership,” while the president lavished praise on a postal worker as he continues blocking US Postal Service funding over mail-in ballots which he claims are fraudulent.
“We’re taking good care of our postal workers. That I can tell you. We’re not getting rid of our postal workers,” he said.
“I want to thank you very much and thank everybody in that whole, beautiful postal system. We appreciate it.”
The president earlier Monday flew to Charlotte, NC to personally thank delegates at a subdued convention center after the event was moved entirely online amid the pandemic.
Unlike Biden who appeared on the final night of last week’s Democratic convention, Trump is expected to take center stage and speak at each night of the RNC.


newyorkpost--2020-08-24--Knicks eyeing ‘relentless’ Isaac Okoro as NBA Draft option

As NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum turned over the Knicks ’ ...

He’s not a scoring point guard, he’s not even a good shooter. But he’s got a reputation for being a winner and defender — and that might be what the moribund Knicks need with their No. 8 draft pick.
According to an NBA source, Auburn’s 6-foot-6 small forward Isaac Okoro has support among Knicks brass as a consideration for the draft on Oct. 16.
If the Knicks decide to trade a shade back and obtain another asset, Okoro probably will be gone — which might be the route they choose.
Auburn coach Bruce Pearl said his staff had been interviewed by the Knicks about Okoro before the lottery.
“They’ve done their homework on him,” Pearl told The Post recently. “I didn’t get a read on it, but they’ve done their due diligence.”
ESPN’s college basketball maven, Seth Greenberg, sees a potential Jaylen Brown-type player in Okoro. Some have compared Okoro to Toronto’s wing, OG Onunoby.
“He’s a winner,’’ Greenberg told The Post. “He probably could defend 1-to-4 without an issue. He’s physically strong. He’s got a good floor game. You can post him up. He’s got some similarities to Jaylen. Physically strong, really defend and a toughness about him. High energy. Relentless work ethic. The thing I like the most is just his relentlessness.
“Jaylen Brown had the same question coming out of college, too, and he’s a good shooter now.”
The question could also be whether Okoro drops to No. 8.
“This draft [Okoro] gets consideration as high as No. 4,’’ one NBA personnel director told The Post. “He’s got NBA size, is an athlete with toughness and plays D. So he can get on the court fairly quickly. Coaches like that. After the top three, you can make a case for a lot of players.’’
The top three players figure to be Anthony Edwards, James Wiseman and LaMelo Ball, the latter being tops on president Leon Rose’s draft board.
Okoro guarded the opponent’s top scoring wing. The first one-and-doner in Auburn history averaged 12.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists and almost one steal a game. He shot 51.4 percent, but just 29 percent from 3. His baskets often came off his dribble-drives in the lane.
“In the Kentucky game, [Okoro] was the most physically imposing player on the floor,’’ Greenberg said. “He was tough to keep off the glass and out of the lane. His body is NBA-ready.”
The Knicks need to solidify their point-guard position, but if Okoro falls, they can use their second first-rounder on a point guard. The Knicks could trade up from No. 27 to nab speedy Kira Lewis (Alabama) or sharpshooter Aaron Nesmith (Vanderbilt), who also has some fans in the organization.
Plus, Rose will have his eye out in free agency and the trade market, where Ben Simmons of the Sixers and OKC’s Chris Paul could be available.
Meanwhile, Okoro, of Powder Springs, Ga., entered his freshman year with little buzz. In one national college preview, Okoro was the fifth Auburn forward mentioned but worked his way into a full-time starter. Pearl said he believes he’ll turn into a better shooter because he’s a gym rat.
The Sixers, ousted by the Celtics in a sweep Sunday, could well break up the core and look to deal either center Joel Embiid or Simmons. Embiid was Rose’s client at the Creative Artists Agency and it’s not hard to imagine him wanting a change of scenery to New York.
During All-Star Weekend, Embiid said of Rose, “Leon is my guy. He’s like family to me. When I heard the news, I was happy for him. He’s cool. Being an agent for such a long time and getting a GM or a president job I think is amazing. I’m so happy for him. I’m sure he’ll do a good job over there.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-24--RNC 2020: Teacher, school choice advocate Rebecca Friedrichs backs Trump

Rebecca Friedrichs , a veteran California teacher and school choice advocate , touted President Trump as the candidate for the education system at Monday ’ s opening night of the 2020 Republican National Convention — while warning against the agenda of the Joe Biden-Kamala Harris ticket .
“ We ’ ll keep fighting for the country and children we love , just like President Trump , ” said Friedrichs .
“ He ’ s breaking the unions ’ grip on our schools .
That ’ s why unions have tried to destroy him since the day he was elected.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ Association , seeking to liberate teachers from forced unionism , was argued before the Supreme Court in 2016 .
“ Do you know who intervened against us ?
” she asked .
“ The Obama-Biden administration and California Attorney General Kamala Harris.
” By contrast , she said , “ President Trump isn ’ t afraid to fight for what ’ s right .
He won ’ t back down .
His courage gives great teachers renewed hope .
“ President Trump stands with America ’ s families , great teachers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

Rebecca Friedrichs, a veteran California teacher and school choice advocate, touted President Trump as the candidate for the education system at Monday’s opening night of the 2020 Republican National Convention — while warning against the agenda of the Joe Biden-Kamala Harris ticket.
“We’ll keep fighting for the country and children we love, just like President Trump,” said Friedrichs. “He’s breaking the unions’ grip on our schools. That’s why unions have tried to destroy him since the day he was elected.”
Friedrichs’ lawsuit against the California Teachers’ Association, seeking to liberate teachers from forced unionism, was argued before the Supreme Court in 2016.
“Do you know who intervened against us?” she asked. “The Obama-Biden administration and California Attorney General Kamala Harris.”
By contrast, she said, “President Trump isn’t afraid to fight for what’s right. He won’t back down. His courage gives great teachers renewed hope.
“President Trump stands with America’s families, great teachers and, most importantly, our children.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-24--David and Libbie Mugrabi settle bitter divorce, inspired by Gwyneth Paltrow

David and Libbie Mugrabi — who last year were in such a bitter divorce battle that her attorney yelled out in court , “ Cuff him and take him down to the Tombs !
” — have settled their differences , Page Six has exclusively learned .
And Libbie said that Gwyneth Paltrow inspired them .
Sources told Page Six that the nasty divorce battle between Libbie and art scion David is over , though it hasn ’ t been finalized by a court .
The divorce was so contentious , Libbie ’ s side even testified the exes once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Keith Haring sculpture .
But a source told us , “ They ’ ve reached an amicable conclusion .
They ’ ve buried the hatchet — not in each other.
” Another source told us , “ They ’ re done .
They agreed in theory months ago , and they ’ re co-parenting.
” The pair were warring over an art collection , a $ 72 million townhouse and a Hamptons home .
Libbie told us in a statement when reached for comment : “ David and I are best friends again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreed on the terms of our divorce .
We have consciously uncoupled happily , with Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin as our inspiration !
Our priority continues to be our children and their future.
” David ’ s rep didn ’ t get back to us .
Sources said Libbie is working to help artists , and as part of the split she ’ ll walk away with significant art holdings .
Meanwhile , we hear she was spotted in town with Brock Pierce — the Disney child star turned bitcoin billionaire turned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month .
The two were seen dining at Avra , and have previously been seen in the Hamptons and at an LA campaign event .
Pierce is in town to accept an endorsement on Tuesday from the Independence Party of New York , headed by Frank MacKay , we hear .
When reached for comment , Pierce told us that Libbie is a friend and supporter who is “ very enthusiastic about the campaign and what it means … We are very concerned about the future .
”

David and Libbie Mugrabi — who last year were in such a bitter divorce battle that her attorney yelled out in court, “Cuff him and take him down to the Tombs!” — have settled their differences, Page Six has exclusively learned. And Libbie said that Gwyneth Paltrow inspired them.
Sources told Page Six that the nasty divorce battle between Libbie and art scion David is over, though it hasn’t been finalized by a court. The divorce was so contentious, Libbie’s side even testified the exes once “wrestled” over a $500,000 Keith Haring sculpture.
But a source told us, “They’ve reached an amicable conclusion. They’ve buried the hatchet — not in each other.” Another source told us, “They’re done. They agreed in theory months ago, and they’re co-parenting.” The pair were warring over an art collection, a $72 million townhouse and a Hamptons home.
Libbie told us in a statement when reached for comment: “David and I are best friends again … We have settled our differences and agreed on the terms of our divorce. We have consciously uncoupled happily, with Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin as our inspiration! Our priority continues to be our children and their future.” David’s rep didn’t get back to us.
Sources said Libbie is working to help artists, and as part of the split she’ll walk away with significant art holdings.
Meanwhile, we hear she was spotted in town with Brock Pierce — the Disney child star turned bitcoin billionaire turned presidential candidate who announced his run last month.
The two were seen dining at Avra, and have previously been seen in the Hamptons and at an LA campaign event. Pierce is in town to accept an endorsement on Tuesday from the Independence Party of New York, headed by Frank MacKay, we hear.
When reached for comment, Pierce told us that Libbie is a friend and supporter who is “very enthusiastic about the campaign and what it means … We are very concerned about the future.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-24--Mets have no time for excuses amid daunting stretch

After four straight days of postponements due to a pair of coronavirus cases , the Mets now face a different hurdle : starting Tuesday , they ’ ll play nine games in six days — including three doubleheaders .
“ It ’ s a challenge , but this is a year that can ’ t be about excuses , ’ ’ general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said Monday in a Zoom call .
“ We are not the only team that has faced adversity with scheduling .
We ’ re not the only team that ’ s faced adversity with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of time .
Everyone ’ s been faced with their own injury challenges .
We can ’ t be looking at what we don ’ t have or what our challenges may be going forward .
We ’ ve got to think about what we do have and find ways to be competitive with the schedule we ’ re faced with.
” That schedule begins with Tuesday ’ s twin bill against the Marlins at Citi Field .
The Mets held a staggered workout at Citi Field on Monday , their first action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday afternoon following the positive tests .
The Mets will then play single games against the Marlins on Wednesday and Thursday , followed by a doubleheader against the Yankees on Friday in The Bronx .
The Yankees and Mets will play a single game Saturday at Yankee Stadium , followed by another doubleheader at the Stadium on Sunday .
The other postponed Subway Series game is slated to be made up Sept. 3 at Citi Field , meaning five of the six matchups will take place in The Bronx — although the Mets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two of those games .
“ We ’ d always like to play every game at home , whether it ’ s this series or any other , ’ ’ said Van Wagenen , who added the Mets worked with MLB on the schedule .
“ We ’ ve got to be prepared to play everywhere .
That ’ s got to be our focus and not worry about whether it ’ s at Citi Field or Yankee Stadium or any of our other road games.
” Their other focus remains on staying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the position player or coach who tested positive for COVID .
Van Wagenen said the two did display symptoms , but those have mostly dissipated .
There is no timetable for when they might leave Miami .
The GM said through contact tracing , four other members of the organization were found to have been in close contact , but all four continued to test negative and are on their way back to New York .
As of Monday , the team still hadn ’ t determined how the positive results came about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re all learning is this virus continues to have a lot more questions for us than answers , ’ ’ Van Wagenen said .
“ We do feel comfortable that the spread has not come from player-to-player or coach-to-coach .
At this point , our best guess is it came from some outside spot .
But that is simply that : It ’ s a guess .
We don ’ t know and we may never know.
” Van Wagenen added he was confident the cases did not come because of “ misbehaving.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re doing and I know our players take it seriously , ’ ’ Van Wagenen said .
“ And we have a high degree of confidence that this exposure we received is not as a result of anyone misbehaving or failing to be responsible with their own safety.
” That begs the question of what the Mets might be able to do , if anything , to tighten protocols , since they got the positive cases .
“ I think it reminds us we ’ re not immune to exposure and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put in place and the efforts we ’ ve taken as an organization are smart and the right ones , ’ ’ the GM said .
“ When we started back up , I think there was an assumption and expectation that baseball was gon na have positive cases and I think it ’ s a tribute to what has been done that there ’ s been so few cases .
”

After four straight days of postponements due to a pair of coronavirus cases, the Mets now face a different hurdle: starting Tuesday, they’ll play nine games in six days — including three doubleheaders.
“It’s a challenge, but this is a year that can’t be about excuses,’’ general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said Monday in a Zoom call. “We are not the only team that has faced adversity with scheduling. We’re not the only team that’s faced adversity with losing players or coaches for a period of time. Everyone’s been faced with their own injury challenges. We can’t be looking at what we don’t have or what our challenges may be going forward. We’ve got to think about what we do have and find ways to be competitive with the schedule we’re faced with.”
That schedule begins with Tuesday’s twin bill against the Marlins at Citi Field. The Mets held a staggered workout at Citi Field on Monday, their first action since their game in Miami was postponed Thursday afternoon following the positive tests.
The Mets will then play single games against the Marlins on Wednesday and Thursday, followed by a doubleheader against the Yankees on Friday in The Bronx. The Yankees and Mets will play a single game Saturday at Yankee Stadium, followed by another doubleheader at the Stadium on Sunday. The other postponed Subway Series game is slated to be made up Sept. 3 at Citi Field, meaning five of the six matchups will take place in The Bronx — although the Mets will serve as the home team in two of those games.
“We’d always like to play every game at home, whether it’s this series or any other,’’ said Van Wagenen, who added the Mets worked with MLB on the schedule. “We’ve got to be prepared to play everywhere. That’s got to be our focus and not worry about whether it’s at Citi Field or Yankee Stadium or any of our other road games.”
Their other focus remains on staying healthy. The Mets did not disclose the position player or coach who tested positive for COVID.
Van Wagenen said the two did display symptoms, but those have mostly dissipated. There is no timetable for when they might leave Miami. The GM said through contact tracing, four other members of the organization were found to have been in close contact, but all four continued to test negative and are on their way back to New York.
As of Monday, the team still hadn’t determined how the positive results came about.
“I think what we’re all learning is this virus continues to have a lot more questions for us than answers,’’ Van Wagenen said. “We do feel comfortable that the spread has not come from player-to-player or coach-to-coach. At this point, our best guess is it came from some outside spot. But that is simply that: It’s a guess. We don’t know and we may never know.”
Van Wagenen added he was confident the cases did not come because of “misbehaving.”
“We feel good about what we’re doing and I know our players take it seriously,’’ Van Wagenen said. “And we have a high degree of confidence that this exposure we received is not as a result of anyone misbehaving or failing to be responsible with their own safety.”
That begs the question of what the Mets might be able to do, if anything, to tighten protocols, since they got the positive cases.
“I think it reminds us we’re not immune to exposure and reminds us the protocols Major League Baseball put in place and the efforts we’ve taken as an organization are smart and the right ones,’’ the GM said. “When we started back up, I think there was an assumption and expectation that baseball was gonna have positive cases and I think it’s a tribute to what has been done that there’s been so few cases.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-24--Liberal Dems more likely to shut down political talk over disagreement

Liberal Democrats are more likely to stop discussing politics with someone with whom they disagree than other Americans , a survey reveals .
Sixty percent of liberal Democrats cut off political talk with someone in person or online because of what the person said , an analysis from the Pew Research Center ’ s Election News Pathways Project found .
By comparison , 45 percent of conservative Republicans said they stopped chatting about politics with someone after hearing what the person , the poll said .
In general , Democrats were more touchy than Republicans .
Half of Democrats said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compared to 41 percent of Republicans .
Pew said the findings mirror an earlier survey conducted in 2014 .
It revealed that respondents who identified as “ consistent liberals ” were more likely than “ consistent conservatives ” to block or defriend someone because they disagreed with that person over politics — 44 percent to 31 percent .
There was also a racial gap in the most recent poll .
Half of white adults said they stopped talking to someone about politics with someone over his or her views , compared to just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Hispanics who said the same , according to the survey of 12,043 Americans done last fall and which Pew tweeted out Monday during the Republican National Convention and a week after the Democratic National Convention .
In a sign of America ’ s divisive times , 45 percent of the nation ’ s adults overall said they stopped talking about political and election news with someone because of something they said , either in person or online .
A slim majority of American adults — 54 percent — say they had not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of something the person said .
“ At a time when the country ’ s polarizing politics and public discourse are dividing many Americans , close to half of all U.S. adults acknowledge that they have stopped discussing political and election news with someone , ” the analysis said .
The poll also found that respondents who followed politics and elections most closely — 58 percent — were more likely to stop talking to someone about politics with someone than others who were less engaged .
“ All in all then , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are at the ideological poles of the parties and those who are most engaged with political news tend to have a greater inclination to cut certain people out of their political discussions because of something they ’ ve said , while the less engaged to begin with are less driven to restrict these conversations .
”

Liberal Democrats are more likely to stop discussing politics with someone with whom they disagree than other Americans, a survey reveals.
Sixty percent of liberal Democrats cut off political talk with someone in person or online because of what the person said, an analysis from the Pew Research Center’s Election News Pathways Project found.
By comparison, 45 percent of conservative Republicans said they stopped chatting about politics with someone after hearing what the person, the poll said.
In general, Democrats were more touchy than Republicans. Half of Democrats said they stopped talking politics with someone, compared to 41 percent of Republicans.
Pew said the findings mirror an earlier survey conducted in 2014. It revealed that respondents who identified as “consistent liberals” were more likely than “consistent conservatives” to block or defriend someone because they disagreed with that person over politics — 44 percent to 31 percent.
There was also a racial gap in the most recent poll.
Half of white adults said they stopped talking to someone about politics with someone over his or her views, compared to just 37 percent of blacks and 34 percent of Hispanics who said the same, according to the survey of 12,043 Americans done last fall and which Pew tweeted out Monday during the Republican National Convention and a week after the Democratic National Convention.
In a sign of America’s divisive times, 45 percent of the nation’s adults overall said they stopped talking about political and election news with someone because of something they said, either in person or online. A slim majority of American adults — 54 percent — say they had not cut off political talk with someone because of something the person said.
“At a time when the country’s polarizing politics and public discourse are dividing many Americans, close to half of all U.S. adults acknowledge that they have stopped discussing political and election news with someone,” the analysis said.
The poll also found that respondents who followed politics and elections most closely — 58 percent — were more likely to stop talking to someone about politics with someone than others who were less engaged.
“All in all then,” the Pew analysis said, “those who are at the ideological poles of the parties and those who are most engaged with political news tend to have a greater inclination to cut certain people out of their political discussions because of something they’ve said, while the less engaged to begin with are less driven to restrict these conversations.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-24--RNC 2020: Charlie Kirk hails Trump as ‘bodyguard of western civilization’ at RNC

Charlie Kirk , the young founder of the organization Turning Point USA , dubbed President Trump the “ bodyguard of @ @ @ @ @ speech opening the 2020 Republican National Convention on Monday night .
The 26-year-old conservative activist @ @ @ @ @ as a battle between “ preserving America as we know it and eliminating everything that @ @ @ @ @ the nation ’ s values were under attack from “ deceitful , vengeful , arrogant @ @ @ @ @ Trump , “ will ensure that our kids are raised to love America , not @ @ @ @ @ country , ” Kirk said .
The youth activist , who founded his nonprofit in @ @ @ @ @ just 18 , has been a longtime supporter of Trump .
The president has spoken @ @ @ @ @ organization ’ s events .
Kirk ’ s speech followed a prayer from the Archbishop @ @ @ @ @ Cardinal Dolan , and an opening video narrated by “ Ray Donavan ” star Jon @ @ @ @ @ is an outspoken Republican and staunch Trump supporter .

Charlie Kirk, the young founder of the organization Turning Point USA, dubbed President Trump the “bodyguard of western civilization” in his speech opening the 2020 Republican National Convention on Monday night.
The 26-year-old conservative activist framed November’s election as a battle between “preserving America as we know it and eliminating everything that we love.”
He said the nation’s values were under attack from “deceitful, vengeful, arrogant activists.”
However, reelecting Trump, “will ensure that our kids are raised to love America, not taught to hate our beautiful country,” Kirk said.
The youth activist, who founded his nonprofit in 2012, when he was just 18, has been a longtime supporter of Trump. The president has spoken at a number of the organization’s events.
Kirk’s speech followed a prayer from the Archbishop of New York, Timothy Cardinal Dolan, and an opening video narrated by “Ray Donavan” star Jon Voight.
The Academy Award-winner is an outspoken Republican and staunch Trump supporter.


newyorkpost--2020-08-24--RNC 2020: Viral candidate Kim Klacik tells Dems, ‘We’re not going to take it’

Kim Klacik , the Baltimore congressional candidate whose rebuke of Democratic leaders in big cities across America went viral last week , repeated the charge in Monday ’ s opening night of the Republican National Convention , giving a full-throated endorsement of President Trump .
“ They [ Democrats ] have run this beautiful place right into the ground , ” said Klacik .
“ Abandoned buildings , liquor stores on every corner , drug addicts , guns on the street that ’ s now the norm in many neighborhoods .
“ Sadly , the same cycle of decay exists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cities.
” Klacik , who is black , caught the eye of GOP leaders last week with a viral campaign video in which she led a tour of “ the reality for black people ” in Baltimore .
“ The Democrats still assume that black people will vote for them , no matter how much they let us down and take us for granted , ” Klacik continued Monday night .
“ We ’ re sick of it .
We ’ re not going to take it anymore .
“ The days of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an end.
” Klacik particularly took aim at Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden .
“ Joe Biden believes we can ’ t think for ourselves — that the color of someone ’ s skin dictates their political views .
We ’ re not buying the lies anymore .
You and your party have neglected us for far too long.
” The alternative , she said , is clear .
“ We want safety in our neighborhoods .
… We want lower taxes .
We want school choice , ” Klacik said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not just get by !
That ’ s what President Trump promised , and that ’ s what Trump delivered !
“ I ’ m asking you to help President Trump complete this great American comeback , and then I ’ m asking you to help this great Baltimore comeback.
” The portrayal of American cities ground down into hubs of crime , drugs and disrepair echoed the message in Klacik ’ s viral campaign ad .
“ The Democrat Party have betrayed the black people of Baltimore .
If the politicians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they would see exactly how their policies and corruption affects us , ” Klacik said in the video , highlighting “ crumbling infrastructure , abandoned homes , poverty and crime .
“ It ’ s not just Baltimore , the worst place for a black person to live in America is a Democrat-controlled city , ” continued Klacik , who is black .
“ It ’ s 2020 , name a blue city where black people ’ s lives have gotten better .
… Black people don ’ t have to vote Democrat.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mfume , a former president of the NAACP who in April won a special election for the seat vacated after the death of Rep. Elijah Cummings .
The video earned Klacik the support of Trump — who has frequently blamed Democrat leadership for problems in major cities across the nation , including Baltimore — as well as an invite to the RNC .

Committee on Arrangements for the 2020 Republican National Committee via AP
Kim Klacik, the Baltimore congressional candidate whose rebuke of Democratic leaders in big cities across America went viral last week, repeated the charge in Monday’s opening night of the Republican National Convention, giving a full-throated endorsement of President Trump.
“They [Democrats] have run this beautiful place right into the ground,” said Klacik. “Abandoned buildings, liquor stores on every corner, drug addicts, guns on the street that’s now the norm in many neighborhoods.
“Sadly, the same cycle of decay exists in many of America’s Democrat-run cities.”
Klacik, who is black, caught the eye of GOP leaders last week with a viral campaign video in which she led a tour of “the reality for black people” in Baltimore.
“The Democrats still assume that black people will vote for them, no matter how much they let us down and take us for granted,” Klacik continued Monday night. “We’re sick of it. We’re not going to take it anymore.
“The days of blindly supporting the Democrats are coming to an end.”
Klacik particularly took aim at Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden.
“Joe Biden believes we can’t think for ourselves — that the color of someone’s skin dictates their political views. We’re not buying the lies anymore. You and your party have neglected us for far too long.”
The alternative, she said, is clear.
“We want safety in our neighborhoods. … We want lower taxes. We want school choice,” Klacik said. “We want a chance to get ahead, not just get by! That’s what President Trump promised, and that’s what Trump delivered!
“I’m asking you to help President Trump complete this great American comeback, and then I’m asking you to help this great Baltimore comeback.”
The portrayal of American cities ground down into hubs of crime, drugs and disrepair echoed the message in Klacik’s viral campaign ad.
“The Democrat Party have betrayed the black people of Baltimore. If the politicians walk the streets like I do, they would see exactly how their policies and corruption affects us,” Klacik said in the video, highlighting “crumbling infrastructure, abandoned homes, poverty and crime.
“It’s not just Baltimore, the worst place for a black person to live in America is a Democrat-controlled city,” continued Klacik, who is black. “It’s 2020, name a blue city where black people’s lives have gotten better. … Black people don’t have to vote Democrat.”
Klacik is running against Rep. Kweisi Mfume, a former president of the NAACP who in April won a special election for the seat vacated after the death of Rep. Elijah Cummings.
The video earned Klacik the support of Trump — who has frequently blamed Democrat leadership for problems in major cities across the nation, including Baltimore — as well as an invite to the RNC.


newyorkpost--2020-08-24--Jerry Falwell Jr. allegedly caught on tape warning pool boy not to make wife jealous

Jerry Falwell Jr. warned the pool boy his wife was having an affair with not to make her jealous with stories of other hook-ups , according to audio of their phone call published Monday .
The pool boy in question , 29-year-old Giancarlo Granda , provided to Reuters a recording of the 2018 call , in which he and the couple discussed Becki Falwell ’ s envy at him dating other women .
“ Gian ’ s been very busy lately… His new thing is like telling me every time he hooks up with people , like I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Becki can be heard saying .
Jerry chimes in : “ You ’ re going to make her jealous , Gian.
” His wife then says she was in tears “ for a whole freakin ’ day ” after Granda told her he ’ d been with a Tinder date and ordered the woman an Uber home .
“ Come on… You don ’ t care about me , ” Granda responds , though Becki indicates that ’ s not the case .
“ I just tell you ’ cause you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
Becki replies : “ I know .
I ’ m trying to be OK.. accepting that position….
” “ I ’ ve taken a lot .
I ’ ve moved on .
I ’ ve matured .
Matured , ” she says , “ I ’ m not as crazy as I used to be , I think.
” Jerry , the son of late famed televangelist Jerry Falwell Sr. , on Sunday said in a statement to the Washington Examiner that he and Becki were being extorted by a former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his wife .
The religious-right Bible-thumper claimed he was not involved in the pair ’ s illicit romps .
But Granda said not only was Jerry aware of his wife ’ s sexcapades , he enjoyed watching them .
His future as president of the evangelical Liberty University was uncertain as of Monday evening .
A senior school official told the Associated Press that Falwell had stepped down and an announcement was forthcoming — but Falwell told Politico that he hasn ’ t agreed to leave the post .

Jerry Falwell Jr. warned the pool boy his wife was having an affair with not to make her jealous with stories of other hookups, according to audio of their phone call published Monday.
The pool boy in question, 29-year-old Giancarlo Granda, provided to Reuters a recording of the 2018 call, in which he and the couple discussed Becki Falwell’s envy of him dating other women.
“Gian’s been very busy lately … His new thing is like telling me every time he hooks up with people, like I don’t have feelings or something,” Becki can be heard saying.
Jerry chimes in: “You’re going to make her jealous, Gian.”
His wife then says she was in tears “for a whole freakin’ day” after Granda told her he’d been with a Tinder date and ordered the woman an Uber home.
“Come on … You don’t care about me,” Granda responds, though Becki indicates that’s not the case.
“I just tell you ’cause you’re my best friend,” Granda then says.
Becki replies: “I know. I’m trying to be OK … accepting that position …”
“I’ve taken a lot. I’ve moved on. I’ve matured. Matured,” she says. “I’m not as crazy as I used to be, I think.”
Jerry, the son of the late famed televangelist Jerry Falwell Sr., on Sunday said in a statement to the Washington Examiner that he and Becki were being extorted by a former pool boy who had an affair with his wife.
The religious-right Bible-thumper claimed he was not involved in the pair’s illicit romps.
But Granda said not only was Jerry aware of his wife’s sexcapades, he enjoyed watching them.
His future as president of the evangelical Liberty University was uncertain as of Monday evening. A senior school official told the Associated Press that Falwell had stepped down and an announcement was forthcoming — but Falwell told Politico that he hasn’t agreed to leave the post.


newyorkpost--2020-08-24--RNC 2020: Matt Gaetz says Biden administration would be ‘Weekend at Bernie’s’

President Biden would be a puppet of the Democratic Party ’ s noisy progressive flank , GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz said at Monday ’ s Republican convention kick-off — calling Biden ’ s White House a “ Weekend at Bernies.
” “ Settle for Biden — that ’ s the hashtag promoted by AOC and the socialists , ” the Florida lawmaker , 38 , said , referring to NY Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez .
“ And they will settle because they know it ’ ll be like Weekend at Bernie ’ s — and they ’ ll be pulling the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the 1989 black comedy film of the same name and suggesting socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders would be calling the shots .
“ But instead of a comedy , it ’ s a horror movie .
They ’ ll disarm you , empty the prisons , lock you in your home , and invite MS-13 to live next door .
And the defunded police aren ’ t on their way , ” he continued .
The Florida congressman has vaulted from obscurity to one of the Republican party ’ s most visible young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Gaetz eagerly aligned himself with Trump and has used frequent appearances on Fox News to build his brand despite being one of the newest members of Congress .
The congressman described Trump as a “ visionary ” and called out Democrats who he said no longer believed in America .
“ America is the greatest country that has ever existed .
Don ’ t let any celebrity , athlete or politician tell you otherwise , ” he said .
“ President Trump sometimes raises his voice — and a ruckus .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to raise an army of patriots who love America and will protect her , ” he continued .
The firebrand Florida Panhandle lawmaker is not afraid to break with the GOP caucus , pushing for the legislation of medical marijuana and lobbying the president to get behind the issue .
In July , Gaetz also upbraided GOP Rep. Liz Cheney for reportedly failing to support the president and called for her ousting as the No .
3 in the House Republican leadership .
He also turned heads in March when he wore a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a vote on a coronavirus funding bill .
Just days later , he announced he was self-quarantined after coming into contact with someone who had the virus — a bombshell that went off an hour after he shared an Air Force One flight with the president .
In June , Gaetz revealed he had been raising a Cuban-born teenager for the past six years , describing him as his “ son .
”

President Biden would be a puppet of the Democratic Party’s noisy progressive flank, GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz said at Monday’s Republican convention kick-off — calling Biden’s White House a “Weekend at Bernies.”
“Settle for Biden — that’s the hashtag promoted by AOC and the socialists,” the Florida lawmaker, 38, said, referring to NY Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
“And they will settle because they know it’ll be like Weekend at Bernie’s — and they’ll be pulling the strings,” he continued, riffing on the 1989 black comedy film of the same name and suggesting socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders would be calling the shots.
“But instead of a comedy, it’s a horror movie. They’ll disarm you, empty the prisons, lock you in your home, and invite MS-13 to live next door. And the defunded police aren’t on their way,” he continued.
The Florida congressman has vaulted from obscurity to one of the Republican party’s most visible young lawmakers since arriving in Washington in 2017.
Gaetz eagerly aligned himself with Trump and has used frequent appearances on Fox News to build his brand despite being one of the newest members of Congress.
The congressman described Trump as a “visionary” and called out Democrats who he said no longer believed in America.
“America is the greatest country that has ever existed. Don’t let any celebrity, athlete or politician tell you otherwise,” he said.
“President Trump sometimes raises his voice — and a ruckus. He knows that’s what it takes to raise an army of patriots who love America and will protect her,” he continued.
The firebrand Florida Panhandle lawmaker is not afraid to break with the GOP caucus, pushing for the legislation of medical marijuana and lobbying the president to get behind the issue.
In July, Gaetz also upbraided GOP Rep. Liz Cheney for reportedly failing to support the president and called for her ousting as the No. 3 in the House Republican leadership.
He also turned heads in March when he wore a bio-hazard mask on the House floor during a vote on a coronavirus funding bill.
Just days later, he announced he was self-quarantined after coming into contact with someone who had the virus — a bombshell that went off an hour after he shared an Air Force One flight with the president.
In June, Gaetz revealed he had been raising a Cuban-born teenager for the past six years, describing him as his “son.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-24--Joe Judge rips into Giants and gets exactly what he wanted

It was not a warning .
More like an alert .
Sean ...

Around the scheduled end time for a two-hour practice, Joe Judge called the Giants together and cut the music.
It quickly became clear over the silence that this wasn’t the end. This was a new beginning.
Judge ripped his team with colorful language during a short pause in an otherwise nonstop practice on a hot Monday morning, and he liked the response over the extended 30 minutes of mostly 11-on-11 two-minute drill and other drive-the-field action.
“They definitely ended with a good intensity at practice, competing at the end,” Judge said after cooling off literally and figuratively. “We have to get it where we come off a day off and we start sharp. That’s definitely something we have to work on as a team and improve.”
The maximums allowed in NFL training camp are a 2 ½-hour practice plus an hour of walk-through. The Giants didn’t waste a minute at the end or during their window.
Judge said several players — Shane Lemieux, Spencer Pulley, Rysen John and Jabrill Peppers — were tended to by trainers and left practice with “cramping” despite the staff emphasis on hydration. The rest of the team practiced in multiple simultaneous groups at a frenetic pace across two fields, with plenty of situational team drills — a sign the regular season is fast approaching.
A special teams period wrapped just as Judge huddled all 81 players plus staff to leave no doubt as to what he wanted to see.
“We definitely got some good quality work,” Judge said. “You value the opportunity in camp where you can work on sustained drives. You have to build in the football conditioning through playing football. We’ve done a lot of work with post-practice conditioning and trying to work through the drills to finish everything to build our endurance. Really, it comes through playing down-after-down with the right intensity and the right technique. Our guys really did that today to finish practice.”
Sean Spencer is like a knight tasked with slaying a fire-breathing dragon. Where’s the similarity?
The first-year defensive line coach is trying to succeed where so many others of his kind — position coaches and coordinators for the Jets and Giants — have failed: Namely, at unlocking the potential in Leonard Williams.
Williams, a first-round pick in 2015 and a Pro Bowler in 2016, has one of the lowest pressure-to-sack ratios in the NFL because he regularly gets into the backfield but is a step away from tackling the quarterback. Same old story with the Giants last season after a trade from the Jets, so there are plenty of skeptics reading this:
“I think he’s starting to put it all together,” Spencer said. “He’s always had the tools. He looks strong, powerful. We need to take him from being just this tremendous athlete to refining him as a football player, and I think he’s working towards that right now.”
The two Giants staffers who received false-positive COVID-19 tests as part of a league-wide rash of mistaken results from a New Jersey lab returned to work Monday. So did two other staffers isolated at home as part of contact tracing.
The Giants used a point-of-care test and a standard PCR test in a drive-by setting so as to not risk contaminating the daily testing trailer used by other members of the organization. All subsequent tests were negative.


newyorkpost--2020-08-24--Kevin Hart tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this year

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Kevin Hart said in a stand-up set @ @ @ @ @ tested positive for COVID-19 early in the pandemic .
Performing at the latest iteration of @ @ @ @ @ Intimate Socially Distanced Affair show in Yellow Springs , Ohio , Hart said of his @ @ @ @ @ is that I had it around the same time as Tom Hanks , and I @ @ @ @ @ because he ’ s more famous than I am.
” A source told Page Six @ @ @ @ @ 100,000 on coronavirus rapid testing for attendees of the outdoor shows he ’ s held @ @ @ @ @ performers including Donnell Rawlings , Bill Burr , Michelle Wolf , Questlove and Tobe Nwigwe @

Kevin Hart said in a stand-up set over the weekend that he tested positive for COVID-19 early in the pandemic.
Performing at the latest iteration of Dave Chappelle’s An Intimate Socially Distanced Affair show in Yellow Springs, Ohio, Hart said of his diagnosis, “The problem is that I had it around the same time as Tom Hanks, and I couldn’t say anything because he’s more famous than I am.”
A source told Page Six that Chappelle has spent $100,000 on coronavirus rapid testing for attendees of the outdoor shows he’s held this summer, with other performers including Donnell Rawlings, Bill Burr, Michelle Wolf, Questlove and Tobe Nwigwe.


newyorkpost--2020-08-24--Lawrence Cager using extra reps to make Jets take notice

This was not the NFL Scouting Combine experience that Lawrence Cager had been dreaming of .
It was 11 hours in an Indianapolis hospital undergoing a medical check , with doctors pulling and pushing on the ankle he had surgically repaired months earlier .
There was no 40-yard dash .
No chance for the Georgia wide receiver to run routes on the NFL Network .
He spent most of the combine staring at the inside of an MRI tube .
“ It killed me not being able to show off my talents , ” Cager said Monday .
But Cager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the combine and one of those teams was the Jets .
He instantly felt a connection to coach Adam Gase and wide receivers coach Shawn Jefferson .
The Jets subsequently scheduled a visit with Cager at Georgia where they wanted to get a look at his teammate Andrew Thomas as well .
That visit was canceled when the pandemic hit .
But Cager did have a Zoom call with the Jets a few weeks later .
When the draft came , Cager did not hear his name called .
An injury-plagued career @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doomed him .
But when the draft ended , he had his choice of teams to go to and he knew where he wanted to sign .
“ I wasn ’ t expecting to go undrafted but that ’ s life , ” Cager said .
“ It ’ s another obstacle you have to face .
Either way , this is where I wanted to end up .
Going through the process , meeting with coach Gase , coach Jefferson , if I could pick where I wanted to go this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ God works in mysterious ways and I ended up in the place I wanted to be at .
I ’ m not complaining at all.
” Neither are the Jets .
At 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds , Cager stands out on the practice field .
The undrafted rookie has been getting more and more reps at training camp for the Jets with injuries to receivers Breshad Perriman , Denzel Mims and Vyncint Smith .
On Saturday , he made two spectacular touchdown catches , showing his ability to go up and get the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday .
Cager still faces an uphill climb to make the Jets .
With no preseason games , undrafted free agents are going to have a tougher time than ever making the team , but he is catching the coaches ’ eyes .
“ He ’ s a quick study , very , very intelligent , ” Gase said .
“ He ’ s obviously a very big body , smooth runner .
He really tries to be a detailed route runner , he tries to do the little things right when we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certain techniques .
He ’ s just got to keep playing .
I think when he gets opportunities like he did [ Saturday ] and he makes those plays , it ’ s encouraging for us to see because it ’ s hard to find guys that are that big that run as smooth as he does and are as sharp as he is .
So , he ’ s a guy that has obviously came in here with a very big chip on his shoulder and he wants to prove a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Calvert Hall High School in Baltimore .
He chose the Hurricanes out of high school and played in 11 games as a true freshman .
He tore an ACL as a sophomore and missed the entire year .
As a junior , he had 16 catches for 237 yards and three touchdowns .
In his final year in Miami , he had 21 catches for 374 yards and six touchdowns .
He decided to go to Georgia as a graduate transfer after Miami underwent a coaching change .
He was familiar with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improve as a player there .
Through Georgia ’ s first 10 games , he led the offense with 33 catches and four touchdown receptions .
He had 132 receiving yards in a win over Florida .
But he broke his ankle during a late November practice and could not play in the SEC title game or Georgia ’ s bowl game .
Submit your Jets questions here to be answered in an upcoming Post mailbag “ It was kind of devastating right before the SEC Championship game , ” Cager said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ just made me mentally stronger .
That ’ s the only thing I look forward to .
I can get through anything after an ACL surgery back sophomore year and now this .
Mentally , nothing can hurt be .
That ’ s why I think it was a blessing in disguise.
” The injury probably led to him being undrafted and that led him to the Jets .
It could end up being a blessing for both Cager and the Jets .

This was not the NFL Scouting Combine experience that Lawrence Cager had been dreaming of. It was 11 hours in an Indianapolis hospital undergoing a medical check, with doctors pulling and pushing on the ankle he had surgically repaired months earlier. There was no 40-yard dash. No chance for the Georgia wide receiver to run routes on the NFL Network.
He spent most of the combine staring at the inside of an MRI tube.
“It killed me not being able to show off my talents,” Cager said Monday.
But Cager was able to interview with NFL teams at the combine and one of those teams was the Jets. He instantly felt a connection to coach Adam Gase and wide receivers coach Shawn Jefferson. The Jets subsequently scheduled a visit with Cager at Georgia where they wanted to get a look at his teammate Andrew Thomas as well. That visit was canceled when the pandemic hit. But Cager did have a Zoom call with the Jets a few weeks later.
When the draft came, Cager did not hear his name called. An injury-plagued career first at Miami and then Georgia likely doomed him. But when the draft ended, he had his choice of teams to go to and he knew where he wanted to sign.
“I wasn’t expecting to go undrafted but that’s life,” Cager said. “It’s another obstacle you have to face. Either way, this is where I wanted to end up. Going through the process, meeting with coach Gase, coach Jefferson, if I could pick where I wanted to go this is where I wanted to be at. God works in mysterious ways and I ended up in the place I wanted to be at. I’m not complaining at all.”
Neither are the Jets. At 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, Cager stands out on the practice field. The undrafted rookie has been getting more and more reps at training camp for the Jets with injuries to receivers Breshad Perriman, Denzel Mims and Vyncint Smith. On Saturday, he made two spectacular touchdown catches, showing his ability to go up and get the ball. He did it again on Sunday.
Cager still faces an uphill climb to make the Jets. With no preseason games, undrafted free agents are going to have a tougher time than ever making the team, but he is catching the coaches’ eyes.
“He’s a quick study, very, very intelligent,” Gase said. “He’s obviously a very big body, smooth runner. He really tries to be a detailed route runner, he tries to do the little things right when we’re talking about certain routes versus certain techniques. He’s just got to keep playing. I think when he gets opportunities like he did [Saturday] and he makes those plays, it’s encouraging for us to see because it’s hard to find guys that are that big that run as smooth as he does and are as sharp as he is. So, he’s a guy that has obviously came in here with a very big chip on his shoulder and he wants to prove a lot of people wrong.”
Cager was star at Calvert Hall High School in Baltimore. He chose the Hurricanes out of high school and played in 11 games as a true freshman. He tore an ACL as a sophomore and missed the entire year. As a junior, he had 16 catches for 237 yards and three touchdowns. In his final year in Miami, he had 21 catches for 374 yards and six touchdowns.
He decided to go to Georgia as a graduate transfer after Miami underwent a coaching change. He was familiar with the Bulldogs coaches and thought he could improve as a player there. Through Georgia’s first 10 games, he led the offense with 33 catches and four touchdown receptions. He had 132 receiving yards in a win over Florida. But he broke his ankle during a late November practice and could not play in the SEC title game or Georgia’s bowl game.
Submit your Jets questions here to be answered in an upcoming Post mailbag
“It was kind of devastating right before the SEC Championship game,” Cager said. “It hurt a lot. It just made me mentally stronger. That’s the only thing I look forward to. I can get through anything after an ACL surgery back sophomore year and now this. Mentally, nothing can hurt be. That’s why I think it was a blessing in disguise.”
The injury probably led to him being undrafted and that led him to the Jets. It could end up being a blessing for both Cager and the Jets.


newyorkpost--2020-08-24--Prison-bound Sheldon Silver threatens to punch out Post photographer

Crooked ex-pol Sheldon Silver almost added assault to his criminal record on Monday evening — when he blew his stack at a Post photographer .
The prison-bound former state Assembly speaker emerged from his apartment building on Manhattan ’ s Lower East Side shortly after 6 p.m. and recognized the shutterbug from past encounters .
“ Get away from me !
You have enough photographs !
” he said from behind a safety mask .
The disgraced Democrat — who ’ s set to start serving a 6-1/2-year sentence for corruption on Wednesday — then balled up his plastic-gloved right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take a swing .
“ I ’ m gon na punch you in your mouth !
” he said .
“ You have enough pictures !
I ’ m gon na break your camera !
” At that point , Silver ’ s son , Edward Silver , pulled up in a gray Toyota Camry and managed to pacify his pop .
But Silver , 76 , couldn ’ t resist getting in one last dig at the journalist — as well as New York ’ s favorite tabloid .
“ You ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work for !
” he said while getting into the car .
Despite the mistreatment , the photographer politely helped the aging felon shut the passenger-side door , prompting thanks from both father and son .
The men drove away , only to return about 25 minutes later , with Edward hopping into a parked Chrysler Sebring and pulling out of the space , and Silver maneuvering the Camry into it .
Asked when he planned to leave for prison , Silver cryptically replied , “ I left yesterday , ” then went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than five years battling charges of fraud , extortion and money laundering following his blockbuster , 2015 arrest in a pair of schemes that netted him nearly $ 4 million in bribes and kickbacks .
He avoided prison by appealing his jury conviction later that year , and again by mounting another appeal after he was convicted again in 2018 .
But justice was finally served when Manhattan federal Judge Valerie Caproni sentenced him for a third time last month and ordered him to report to prison despite defense claims that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus there .
“ This was corruption pure and simple , ” Caproni said .
“ The time , however , has now come for Mr. Silver to pay the piper .
”

Crooked ex-pol Sheldon Silver almost added assault to his criminal record on Monday evening — when he blew his stack at a Post photographer.
The prison-bound former state Assembly speaker emerged from his apartment building on Manhattan’s Lower East Side shortly after 6 p.m. and recognized the shutterbug from past encounters.
“Get away from me! You have enough photographs!” he said from behind a safety mask.
The disgraced Democrat — who’s set to start serving a 6-1/2-year sentence for corruption on Wednesday — then balled up his plastic-gloved right hand into a fist and threatened to take a swing.
“I’m gonna punch you in your mouth!” he said.
“You have enough pictures! I’m gonna break your camera!”
At that point, Silver’s son, Edward Silver, pulled up in a gray Toyota Camry and managed to pacify his pop.
“Dad! Dad! Calm down!” Edward said.
But Silver, 76, couldn’t resist getting in one last dig at the journalist — as well as New York’s favorite tabloid.
“You’re a scumbag and the newspaper you work for!” he said while getting into the car.
Despite the mistreatment, the photographer politely helped the aging felon shut the passenger-side door, prompting thanks from both father and son.
The men drove away, only to return about 25 minutes later, with Edward hopping into a parked Chrysler Sebring and pulling out of the space, and Silver maneuvering the Camry into it.
Asked when he planned to leave for prison, Silver cryptically replied, “I left yesterday,” then went back into his building.
Silver spent more than five years battling charges of fraud, extortion and money laundering following his blockbuster, 2015 arrest in a pair of schemes that netted him nearly $4 million in bribes and kickbacks.
He avoided prison by appealing his jury conviction later that year, and again by mounting another appeal after he was convicted again in 2018.
But justice was finally served when Manhattan federal Judge Valerie Caproni sentenced him for a third time last month and ordered him to report to prison despite defense claims that he could contract a deadly case of the coronavirus there.
“This was corruption pure and simple,” Caproni said.
“The time, however, has now come for Mr. Silver to pay the piper.”
Silver’s lawyer, James Loonam, declined to comment on the situation but said, “We understand the press has an important job to do and ask that reporters and photographers conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-24--How ‘protecting tenants’ hurts innocents

New York ’ s habit of offering blanket protections for renters has a serious dark side , as Heidi Russell is learning .
Russell rented out the second bedroom of her Barrow Street co-op to Kate Gladstone — who allegedly turned out to be a roommate from hell .
On Saturday , a judge ruled that Russell can ’ t evict the woman she calls a “ serial grifter , ” thanks to Gov .
Cuomo ’ s ban on evictions .
This , despite what Russell has suffered for the last year .
In June 2019 , Russell rented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay .
But when asked to leave , Russell says , Gladstone “ flew off the handle , yelling , ‘ No , no , impossible , you ’ re going to ruin my life .
.
.
I ’ m not leaving.
’ ” Then came the torture , Russell told The Post : not paying rent , repeatedly spritzing Russell with cleaning chemicals , letting her dog relieve itself in the unit and more .
Russell ’ s afraid to stay in her own apartment .
Gladstone denies all the allegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ habit : Court records show she ’ s faced repeated accusations of this behavior .
And she ’ s been arrested twice , facing trial next month for forgery and grand larceny .
Consider it more proof of how progressives ’ attempts to protect renters at all costs end up harming innocents .

New York’s habit of offering blanket protections for renters has a serious dark side, as Heidi Russell is learning.
Russell rented out the second bedroom of her Barrow Street co-op to Kate Gladstone — who allegedly turned out to be a roommate from hell.
On Saturday, a judge ruled that Russell can’t evict the woman she calls a “serial grifter,” thanks to Gov. Cuomo’s ban on evictions.
This, despite what Russell has suffered for the last year. In June 2019, Russell rented the room to Gladstone for a short-term stay. But when asked to leave, Russell says, Gladstone “flew off the handle, yelling, ‘No, no, impossible, you’re going to ruin my life . . . I’m not leaving.’ ”
Then came the torture, Russell told The Post: not paying rent, repeatedly spritzing Russell with cleaning chemicals, letting her dog relieve itself in the unit and more. Russell’s afraid to stay in her own apartment.
Gladstone denies all the allegations. But it seems to be a habit: Court records show she’s faced repeated accusations of this behavior. And she’s been arrested twice, facing trial next month for forgery and grand larceny.
Consider it more proof of how progressives’ attempts to protect renters at all costs end up harming innocents.


newyorkpost--2020-08-24--What to watch for as the 2020 RNC kicks off Monday night in Charlotte

Joe Biden ’ s campaign can ’ t seem to make up its mind ...

President Trump and the Republicans are making their pitch to America for four more years as the 2020 Republican National Convention kicks off Monday night.
Whereas last week’s Democratic National Convention was largely reduced to a series of pre-taped, remotely-recorded videos over coronavirus concerns, much of the RNC will be live and alive, with a substantial GOP contingent assembled in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Trump — who officially captured the party’s nomination during a delegate roll call earlier Monday — is expected to speak during each of the four nights of the RNC, before formally accepting the nomination on Thursday.
Other scheduled speakers on Monday range from President Trump’s oldest child, Don Jr., to reliable Capitol Hill allies, to supporters who have recently found viral fame within the party.
A quartet of congressmen will be among the guests on opening night: Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, House Republican Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana, Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida and Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio.
Other GOP veterans on tap include former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley and RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel.
Kim Klacik — a GOP candidate to represent Maryland whose viral video on deplorable conditions in longtime Democrat stronghold Baltimore caught the eyes of Republican leadership — will also address the nation.
Also on deck are Mark and Patricia McCloskey, the St. Louis couple caught on viral video brandishing firearms against Black Lives Matter protesters who strayed close to their property amid nationwide tensions in June.
The theme of the RNC’s first night will be “Land of Promise.”
Already in North Carolina on other business, Trump and Vice President Mike Pence visited delegates at the Charlotte Convention Center earlier Monday.
“This is going to be — and I really believe this — this is the most important election in the history of our country,” Trump said. “Don’t let that get away from you.”
Added Pence, “I believe if all of us do all we need to do between now and Nov. 3 — if we organize, if we mobilize, if we hit the phones, if we hit the doorsteps — we do our part in every state, in every territory of this country, we’re going to elect and re-elect Republican leaders, all across this land.
“And with your continued support, and with God’s help, we’re gonna make America great again, again.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-24--Team Biden’s two-faced games on anti-Semite Linda Sarsour

Joe Biden ’ s campaign can ’ t seem to make up its mind about notorious anti-Semite Linda Sarsour — unless its “ principle ” is merely to tell you what you want to hear .
In a private call Sunday , top Bidenites actually apologized for the campaign ’ s recent disavowal of Sarsour .
A vehement supporter of the anti-Israel Boycott , Divestment , Sanctions movement , a huge fan of Louis Farrakhan and public praiser of Palestinian terrorists , Sarsour had to leave the leadership of the Women ’ s March after one of the group ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ d helped make anti-Semitism “ become a part of the platform.
” Democrats nonetheless brought her to their convention for a panel last week , prompting Biden spokesman Andrew Bates to put out a statement saying the candidate had no part in it : “ Joe Biden has been a strong supporter of Israel and a vehement opponent of anti-Semitism his entire life , and he obviously condemns her views and opposes BDS , as does the Democratic platform.
” Then , just days later , three top Bidenites apologized for Bates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a dozen Arab and Muslim Democrats .
“ My apologies for what we did and what happened , ” said Tony Blinken , Joe ’ s top foreign-policy adviser .
“ I am sorry that that happened , ” said Ashley Allison , the campaign ’ s national coalitions director .
Senior adviser Symone Sanders called the disavowal an “ egregious misstep.
” Then , after Middle East Eye leaked details of the call , Sanders insisted the Bidenites merely wanted “ to make clear that we regretted any hurt that was caused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Muslim Americans.
” This isn ’ t the first time Team Joe has played both sides of a burning issue .
For example Biden himself said in June : “ I don ’ t support defunding the police.
” But later , asked if money should be “ redirected ” from police , he replied , “ Yes , absolutely.
” He ’ s since said again he doesn ’ t support defunding .
To quote from “ Hamilton ” : “ If you stand for nothing .
.
.
what ’ ll @ @ @ @ @

Joe Biden’s campaign can’t seem to make up its mind about notorious anti-Semite Linda Sarsour — unless its “principle” is merely to tell you what you want to hear.
In a private call Sunday, top Bidenites actually apologized for the campaign’s recent disavowal of Sarsour.
A vehement supporter of the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement, a huge fan of Louis Farrakhan and public praiser of Palestinian terrorists, Sarsour had to leave the leadership of the Women’s March after one of the group’s founders publicly outed the way she’d helped make anti-Semitism “become a part of the platform.”
Democrats nonetheless brought her to their convention for a panel last week, prompting Biden spokesman Andrew Bates to put out a statement saying the candidate had no part in it: “Joe Biden has been a strong supporter of Israel and a vehement opponent of anti-Semitism his entire life, and he obviously condemns her views and opposes BDS, as does the Democratic platform.”
Then, just days later, three top Bidenites apologized for Bates’ remarks in an off-the-record call with a dozen Arab and Muslim Democrats. “My apologies for what we did and what happened,” said Tony Blinken, Joe’s top foreign-policy adviser. “I am sorry that that happened,” said Ashley Allison, the campaign’s national coalitions director. Senior adviser Symone Sanders called the disavowal an “egregious misstep.”
Then, after Middle East Eye leaked details of the call, Sanders insisted the Bidenites merely wanted “to make clear that we regretted any hurt that was caused” to “Arab, Palestinian and Muslim Americans.”
This isn’t the first time Team Joe has played both sides of a burning issue. For example Biden himself said in June: “I don’t support defunding the police.” But later, asked if money should be “redirected” from police, he replied, “Yes, absolutely.” He’s since said again he doesn’t support defunding.
To quote from “Hamilton”: “If you stand for nothing . . . what’ll you fall for?”