newyorkpost--2020-03-05--Mets’ J.D. Davis hits for first time since shoulder scare

PORT ST. LUCIE — J.D .
Davis is back into baseball workout mode , just over a week after a hard landing on his left shoulder put a scare into the player and the Mets .
On Wednesday , Davis took batting practice , grounders and fly balls for the first time since receiving the diagnosis of swelling in his left shoulder .
During that MRI exam it was revealed Davis had a labrum tear that was believed to be an old injury .
Davis indicated his movements in the last few days have confirmed it wasn ’ t a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diving for a grounder at third base on Feb. 25 in Lakeland , Fla .
He remained on the ground for an extended period , heightening fears that he would be lost long term .
“ All the strength is there , all the range of motion is there , it ’ s just easing it back in , ” Davis said , noting that his next step will likely be hitting live pitching .
Matt Adams has been cleared to resume baseball activities after missing five days of workouts to undergo cardiac @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing in New York , according to general manager Brodie Van Wagenen .
Last week , Brandon Nimmo — who was previously diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat — left camp for cardiac testing and was cleared for baseball activities .
Jed Lowrie remains “ fully unrestricted ” in baseball activities , according to Van Wagenen , but it ’ s unknown when he will appear in an exhibition game .
The veteran infielder has been participating in workouts with a brace on his left leg .
“ It ’ s a continued work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential transition brace or make adjustments to the braces that he has , ” Van Wagenen said .
“ It makes sense to try to continue to try to find a brace that is lighter , is more mobile and hopefully can continue to provide the same support.
” Steven Matz threw a side session a day after leaving the ballpark early with an illness .
The left-hander remains on schedule to start Saturday ’ s exhibition game against the Nationals .
Marcus Stroman allowed one hit and one walk with four strikeouts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ 4-1 exhibition victory over the Cardinals in Port St. Lucie .
In three starts this spring , Stroman owns a 2.70 ERA .
Dominic Smith went hitless in two at-bats and fell to 3-for-20 ( .150 ) in the Grapefruit League .
Smith has struck out six times .
Eduardo Nunez , in contention for a backup infield role , continued his productive spring with an RBI triple .
He also walked with the bases loaded .
Nunez started at third base .
The Mets face the Cardinals in Jupiter , Fla. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Edwin Diaz , Justin Wilson and David Peterson are also among the scheduled pitchers .

PORT ST. LUCIE — J.D. Davis is back into baseball workout mode, just over a week after a hard landing on his left shoulder put a scare into the player and the Mets.
On Wednesday, Davis took batting practice, grounders and fly balls for the first time since receiving the diagnosis of swelling in his left shoulder. During that MRI exam it was revealed Davis had a labrum tear that was believed to be an old injury.
Davis indicated his movements in the last few days have confirmed it wasn’t a new tear.
Davis injured the shoulder diving for a grounder at third base on Feb. 25 in Lakeland, Fla. He remained on the ground for an extended period, heightening fears that he would be lost long-term.
“All the strength is there, all the range of motion is there, it’s just easing it back in,” Davis said, noting that his next step will likely be hitting live pitching.
Matt Adams has been cleared to resume baseball activities after missing five days of workouts to undergo cardiac testing. The veteran slugger underwent the testing in New York, according to general manager Brodie Van Wagenen. Last week, Brandon Nimmo — who was previously diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat — left camp for cardiac testing and was cleared for baseball activities.
Jed Lowrie remains “fully unrestricted” in baseball activities, according to Van Wagenen, but it’s unknown when he will appear in an exhibition game. The veteran infielder has been participating in workouts with a brace on his left leg.
“It’s a continued work in progress to try to find a potential transition brace or make adjustments to the braces that he has,” Van Wagenen said. “It makes sense to try to continue to try to find a brace that is lighter, is more mobile and hopefully can continue to provide the same support.”
Steven Matz threw a side session a day after leaving the ballpark early with an illness. The left-hander remains on schedule to start Saturday’s exhibition game against the Nationals.
Marcus Stroman allowed one hit and one walk with four strikeouts over three shutout innings in the Mets’ 4-1 exhibition victory over the Cardinals in Port St. Lucie. In three starts this spring, Stroman owns a 2.70 ERA.
Dominic Smith went hitless in two at-bats and fell to 3-for-20 (.150) in the Grapefruit League. Smith has struck out six times.
Eduardo Nunez, in contention for a backup infield role, continued his productive spring with an RBI triple. He also walked with the bases loaded. Nunez started at third base.
The Mets face the Cardinals on Thursday in Jupiter, Fla., with Rick Porcello on the mound. Edwin Diaz, Justin Wilson and David Peterson are also among the scheduled pitchers.


newyorkpost--2020-03-05--Seton Hall’s Myles Powell looks ahead after touching goodbye

In the movies , Myles Cale would get the shot off ...

It was beauty no one wanted to see. It was warmth no one wanted to feel.
It was a night no one wanted to come.
Myles Powell and a record-setting crowd (16,863) were powerless to postpone what was the senior’s final home game at Prudential Center. The Seton Hall star was helpless to prevent all he knew would come.
Before Wednesday’s 79-77 loss to Villanova, Powell walked onto the court, smiling in the midst of the exhilarating scene. Then, coach Kevin Willard hugged him.
That’s when the tears first fell. Powell wiped them away. New ones formed, dampening his cheeks, eloquently and succinctly detailing his unrivaled run.
“Coach said a few things to me, pretty much told that he loved me. I heard the crowd start cheering and it caught up to me,” Powell said. “I love this building. I love my fans. I love the university. It was just an emotional night for me.”
Powell raised his framed jersey and the crowd roared with gratitude. Unspoken was the inevitable fate of every great show: It ends.
Seton Hall will have no one like him next year. Perhaps not for another generation. Perhaps not in your lifetime.
It wasn’t possible to soak up every second, every shot, every win, every palpable buzz. Who can reflect when a ball is bouncing and time is running off the clock?
Powell hadn’t been able to relish every second, either. He chose to make each one count. He decided that when there was no hint of his destination.
The Trenton, N.J., native couldn’t imagine becoming an All-American, approaching second place on Seton Hall’s all-time scoring list, heading to his fourth straight NCAA Tournament, securing at least a share of the Pirates’ first Big East regular-season title since 1993.
How could he? He arrived at Seton Hall weighing 240 pounds. He was “Cheese.” He was short of breath a couple of shot-clock violations into workouts.
Powell, who ranked as low as 86th in national recruiting, then shed 45 pounds. He blinked and he was a senior, featured on billboards towering over the state, the most beloved Pirate to ever call Prudential Center home.
“This is what you dreamed of. I’m almost at the finish line of what I started, not only on the basketball court, but I took another step in life as a man,” Powell said. “The next time I’m gonna be in this building is when I’m receiving my diploma.”
It didn’t take long to know what was possible. In his third-ever college game, Powell went off for 26 points in a win at Iowa. As a sophomore slated for stardom, he happily played sidekick to the team’s older core. As a junior, he took the torch as the only returning starter, carrying his team to another dance.
As a senior, he briefly veered from the script. Powell injured his left ankle. He suffered a concussion. He battled with his shot. Still, he remained the most feared closer in the game. He remained the Big East’s best player and the team leader.
Wednesday, he struggled to score 14 points, on 5-for-18 shooting, but he still handed out a season-high seven assists, as expertly as he passes praise and confidence and motivation to teammates.
Returning for his senior season meant Powell could become the first member of his family to graduate college. It ensured his No. 13 would always hang above the court.
“Myles is like my third son,” Willard said. “We’ve always stayed together and I think that’s why I love the kid so much. Whatever’s happened, we’ve always had each other’s back.
“When you see them for your last time on the court, it’s emotional. It’s hard.”
When Powell committed to Seton Hall in 2015, the NCAA Tournament meant everything. Four years have passed since the school’s decade-long drought was snapped. Now, it is no longer enough. The most recent Sweet 16 was 20 years ago. The only Final Four appearance came in 1989.
Powell makes anything possible. It’s strange that some fans apparently forgot, leaving the arena with 38 seconds left and the Pirates down eight. Powell nearly made them pay, trying for a game-tying 3 with five seconds remaining.
No one in the building thought it would miss. No one could believe when it did.
Powell then walked off the Prudential Center floor for the final time, waving to the crowd.
“This one is rough. This is my last time here. We didn’t go out how I wanted to,” Powell said. “But you know me, you know my story, I always say there’s better days ahead.”
The most important chapter is just beginning. Who knows how beautiful goodbye may be?


newyorkpost--2020-03-05--Brooklyn court gets disinfected after lawyer learns of coronavirus connection

Brooklyn Civil Court got a thorough disinfecting on Wednesday after the city learned that a lawyer who works there goes to the same Westchester synagogue as attorney Lawrence Garbuz , 50 .
Garbuz , of New Rochelle , is one of at least 10 people in New York State — including his wife , Adina , and his two children — who are believed to have passed the virus among themselves .
Some 1,000 people connected to those 10 have been asked to self-isolate , among them an attorney who works at the Civil Court at 141 Livingston Street .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department of Citywide Administrative Services to scrub down the courthouse as a precaution after the attorney who attends Garbuz ’ s synagogue , Temple Young Israel in New Rochelle , and who also works at the courthouse , was asked to self-isolate , a courthouse source told The Post .
The city is keeping that attorney ’ s name confidential .
Garbuz is hospitalized at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia Medical Center in stable condition while the others are well enough to stay home , Gov .
Cuomo said earlier Wednesday .
New York ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 39-year old health care worker who is recovering in her Manhattan apartment after returning home from travel in Iran .
A spokesperson for DCAS said Wednesday ’ s cleaning was routine .

Brooklyn Civil Court got a thorough disinfecting on Wednesday after the city learned that a lawyer who works there goes to the same Westchester synagogue as attorney Lawrence Garbuz, 50.
Garbuz, of New Rochelle, is one of at least 10 people in New York State — including his wife, Adina, and his two children — who are believed to have passed the virus among themselves.
Some 1,000 people connected to those 10 have been asked to self-isolate, among them an attorney who works at the Civil Court at 141 Livingston Street.
The city sent in workers from the Department of Citywide Administrative Services to scrub down the courthouse as a precaution after the attorney who attends Garbuz’s synagogue, Temple Young Israel in New Rochelle, and who also works at the courthouse, was asked to self-isolate, a courthouse source told The Post.
The city is keeping that attorney’s name confidential.
Garbuz is hospitalized at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia Medical Center in stable condition while the others are well enough to stay home, Gov. Cuomo said earlier Wednesday.
New York’s eleventh confirmed case of the coronavirus is a 39-year old health care worker who is recovering in her Manhattan apartment after returning home from travel in Iran.
A spokesperson for DCAS said Wednesday’s cleaning was routine.


newyorkpost--2020-03-05--Asian man reportedly attacked in London by racist angry about coronavirus

An Asian man was left with multiple fractures to his face after a racist assault in London by a man @ @ @ @ @ ’ t want your coronavirus in my country !
” Jonathan Mok , 23 , @ @ @ @ @ , one of the city ’ s busiest thoroughfares , the Independent reported .
Mok @ @ @ @ @ , and posted about the Feb. 24 assault on Facebook .
The assailant was in @ @ @ @ @ four other men and one woman .
They all ran off before police arrived .
@ @ @ @ @ that this issue has sparked a debate about racism , ” he posted on Facebook @ @ @ @ @ Talk to someone about racism , ” he wrote .
“ Discuss how racism might @ @ @ @ @ how we can tackle such a senseless issue .
I hope we can move forward @ @ @ @ @ the future !
”

An Asian man was left with multiple fractures to his face after a racist assault in London by a man shouting, “I don’t want your coronavirus in my country!”
Jonathan Mok, 23, was beaten on Oxford Streets, one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares, the Independent reported.
Mok is a student from Singapore, and posted about the Feb. 24 assault on Facebook.
The assailant was in a group of three or four other men and one woman. They all ran off before police arrived.
“I’m glad that this issue has sparked a debate about racism,” he posted on Facebook on March 2.
“Talk to someone about racism,” he wrote. “Discuss how racism might arise in your society and how we can tackle such a senseless issue. I hope we can move forward to be better people for the future!”


newyorkpost--2020-03-05--Nets’ Kevin Durant is ‘playing three-on-three’ every day

Kevin Durant isn ’ t going to suit up for the Nets this season , but he finally has progressed to game situations in practice .
The injured All-Star joined the YES Network broadcast during Wednesday ’ s 118-79 blowout loss to the Grizzlies and revealed that he has begun playing three-on-three games against his teammates at the team ’ s practice facility in Brooklyn as the next step in his recovery from Achilles surgery .
“ I feel all right .
It ’ s been fun , playing three-on-three with the guys every day , ” Durant told Nets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jefferson during the second quarter .
“ I miss the routine .
I ’ ve missed getting up every day and being one of the guys , going to practice , going to shoot-arounds .
“ It ’ s been difficult , being away from the scene .
But I ’ m about nine months out [ from surgery ] , so I ’ m looking forward to getting back into the swing of things.
” The Nets are without both of their marquee free-agent signings from last summer — Durant and point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out for the season following right-shoulder surgery .
Nets coach Kenny Atkinson has been “ very impressed ” with 20-year-old Memphis rookie point guard Ja Morant , who finished with 15 points , seven rebounds and five assists .
The No.2 overall pick in the 2019 draft is averaging 17.6 points and 7.0 assists per game in his first 56 games with the Grizzlies .
“ Obviously , you look at him , he still looks like he ’ s playing in college .
He ’ s so young , ” Atkinson said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maturity , the competitor is the first thing that comes out .
The speed , athleticism , and then the skill level , especially in the pick-and-roll .
Takes guys five , six years to get that feel .
And the energy with which he plays with , he ’ s a tough [ player to ] guard because he ’ s moving all the time .
I ’ m really impressed.
” Garrett Temple sat out with a sprained left ankle suffered Tuesday in Boston .

Kevin Durant isn’t going to suit up for the Nets this season, but he finally has progressed to game situations in practice.
The injured All-Star joined the YES Network broadcast during Wednesday’s 118-79 blowout loss to the Grizzlies and revealed that he has begun playing three-on-three games against his teammates at the team’s practice facility in Brooklyn as the next step in his recovery from Achilles surgery.
“I feel all right. It’s been fun, playing three-on-three with the guys every day,” Durant told Nets play-by-play broadcaster Ian Eagle and analyst Richard Jefferson during the second quarter. “I miss the routine. I’ve missed getting up every day and being one of the guys, going to practice, going to shoot-arounds.
“It’s been difficult, being away from the scene. But I’m about nine months out [from surgery], so I’m looking forward to getting back into the swing of things.”
The Nets are without both of their marquee free-agent signings from last summer — Durant and point guard Kyrie Irving, who also is out for the season following right-shoulder surgery.
Nets coach Kenny Atkinson has been “very impressed” with 20-year-old Memphis rookie point guard Ja Morant, who finished with 15 points, seven rebounds and five assists. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 draft is averaging 17.6 points and 7.0 assists per game in his first 56 games with the Grizzlies.
“Obviously, you look at him, he still looks like he’s playing in college. He’s so young,” Atkinson said. “To have that kind of maturity, the competitor is the first thing that comes out. The speed, athleticism, and then the skill level, especially in the pick-and-roll. Takes guys five, six years to get that feel. And the energy with which he plays with, he’s a tough [player to] guard because he’s moving all the time. I’m really impressed.”
Garrett Temple sat out with a sprained left ankle suffered Tuesday in Boston.


newyorkpost--2020-03-05--‘Love is Blind’ reunion: Here’s who got back together and who almost divorced

After all the “ I dos ” — and dramatic “ I don ’ ts ” — from the cast members of Netflix ’ s reality dating show “ Love Is Blind , ” it ’ s time for them to dish .
The show follows singles as they spend hours in “ pods ” chatting through a wall , unable to look at each other .
Those attracted to the personalities on the other side of the wall go on to propose .
Only then do they meet their new partners and test their relationship in the real world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secrets were aired on the show ’ s “ reunion ” special , now streaming on Netflix and Netflix ’ s YouTube channel .
Spoiler alert !
Here are the most dramatic moments from the reunion , hosted by Nick and Vanessa Lachey .
Amber Pike , 26 , who is still married to Matt Barnett , 27 — one of just two successful marriages to emerge from the show — wastes no time in attacking Jessica .
Over the course of the show , Jessica Batten , 34 , who ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued to flirt with him even after he got engaged to Amber ( and Jessica was engaged to fellow cast member Mark Cuevas , 25 ) .
So when they were in a room together again for the reunion , Amber came after Jessica .
“ To see her throwing herself at him in Mexico … b–ch you ’ re sheisty , you ’ re so fake !
” she yells .
Around them , fellow cast members look uncomfortable , even putting their heads in their hands .
When Jessica apologizes for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I accept the intent behind the apology , I can ’ t be fully there yet.
” Yikes .
Jessica disliked Jessica just as much as you did Jessica didn ’ t only make enemies with Amber .
Overall , she was the most widely disliked cast member among viewers , with tweets calling out her behavior .
Aside from flirting with Barnett while he was engaged to Amber , Jessica also spent her time on “ Love is Blind ” doubting her engagement to sweet-tempered Mark before ultimately ditching him at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ There were some really cringe-worthy moments for me… ” she admits at the reunion .
“ It ’ s tough , watching it back .
It was obvious I was working through some things .
I didn ’ t like the person I saw.
” She apologizes to Amber and Barnett for questioning their relationship , and she clears the air that she was attracted to Mark , since many audience members thought that she wasn ’ t .
“ Mark is a fantastic person and obviously very very attractive , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gotten a lot of messages about that , and that was never a concern.
” All the guys confess to being wowed by Lauren “ Love is Blind ” mostly showed dates between couples who ultimately ended up together .
So it ’ s surprising that when hosts Nick and Vanessa Lachey ask the cast members whose appearance they were most surprised by once everyone saw each other in person , the guys unanimously said Lauren .
Lauren Speed , 32 , is half of the show ’ s other successful couple aside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s still happily married to Cameron Hamilton , 28 , and even Shonda Rhimes tweeted about her love for the couple .
At the reunion , fellow cast member Kenny Barnes , 27 , confessed that he was wowed by Lauren .
“ You ’ re stunning , ” he says .
Damian Powers agrees , and says he and Lauren dated every day up until their engagements .
“ We had the best conversations , ” he says .
So even though the footage on-screen in “ Love is Blind ” makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destiny from the jump , looks like Cameron had competition .
Carlton Morton , 34 , and Diamond Jack , 28 , dramatically broke up in Mexico halfway through the show .
Carlton hadn ’ t been honest with Diamond about his bisexuality , and she didn ’ t take it well that he hadn ’ t been upfront about who he was .
In the reunion , Carlton says both he and Diamond have been getting death threats online from viewers taking extreme sides after watching their fight .
Diamond clears the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her privately and apologized after the show .
Carlton is still visibly shaken at the reunion .
Crying , he says , “ I would have done whatever it takes to be sitting on the couch as happy as these people.
” He presents Diamond with her engagement ring and says , “ I hope you take this ring as a symbol of friendship and the start of something new.
” She accepts his apology .
Gigi and Damian are still together Giannina Gibelli , 25 , and Damian Powers , 27 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the “ Love is Blind ” finale .
When Giannina said “ I do ” and Damian said “ I don ’ t , ” she ran out of the venue and onto the street in her wedding dress , before crying and raging at Damian .
So it ’ s a shocker to find that a year later , they came to the reunion as a couple .
“ Looking back , I respect his decision , ” she says during the reunion .
“ Where we are now is so right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place , I have mine , we ’ re getting to know each other at our own pace .
[ Getting rejected at the altar ] hurt so much , but it ’ s about what can I do with that , what can I learn from that.
” Amber confesses she and Barnett almost divorced Although Amber and Barnett are the only successful married couple to come out of the show ( aside from Lauren and Cameron ) , it hasn ’ t been smooth sailing since the show filmed a year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where we almost broke because we had such expectations , ” she confesses , explaining how they had trouble navigating how to party together , since he was “ used to his bachelor life.
” At one point , she went as far as calling a divorce lawyer .
“ I was like ‘ This isn ’ t working , ’ ” she says .
But as of now , they ’ re still together .
The “ Love is Blind ” reunion is out now .
There ’ s no word yet @ @ @ @

After all the “I dos” — and dramatic “I don’ts” — from the cast members of Netflix’s reality dating show “Love Is Blind,” it’s time for them to dish.
The show follows singles as they spend hours in “pods” chatting through a wall, unable to look at each other. Those attracted to the personalities on the other side of the wall go on to propose. Only then do they meet their new partners and test their relationship in the real world.
Now, all the juicy behind-the-scenes secrets were aired on the show’s “reunion” special, now streaming on Netflix and Netflix’s YouTube channel.
Spoiler alert! Here are the most dramatic moments from the reunion, hosted by Nick and Vanessa Lachey.
Amber calls out Jessica
Amber Pike, 26, who is still married to Matt Barnett, 27 — one of just two successful marriages to emerge from the show — wastes no time in attacking Jessica. Over the course of the show, Jessica Batten, 34, who’d been spurned by Barnett early on, continued to flirt with him even after he got engaged to Amber (and Jessica was engaged to fellow cast member Mark Cuevas, 25).
So when they were in a room together again for the reunion, Amber came after Jessica. “To see her throwing herself at him in Mexico … b–ch you’re sheisty, you’re so fake!” she yells. Around them, fellow cast members look uncomfortable, even putting their heads in their hands. When Jessica apologizes for her behavior, Amber says, “I accept the intent behind the apology, I can’t be fully there yet.” Yikes.
Jessica disliked Jessica just as much as you did
Jessica didn’t only make enemies with Amber. Overall, she was the most widely disliked cast member among viewers, with tweets calling out her behavior. Aside from flirting with Barnett while he was engaged to Amber, Jessica also spent her time on “Love is Blind” doubting her engagement to sweet-tempered Mark before ultimately ditching him at the altar at their wedding. Ouch.
“There were some really cringe-worthy moments for me…” she admits at the reunion. “It’s tough, watching it back. It was obvious I was working through some things. I didn’t like the person I saw.”
She apologizes to Amber and Barnett for questioning their relationship, and she clears the air that she was attracted to Mark, since many audience members thought that she wasn’t. “Mark is a fantastic person and obviously very very attractive,” she says. “I’ve gotten a lot of messages about that, and that was never a concern.”
All the guys confess to being wowed by Lauren
“Love is Blind” mostly showed dates between couples who ultimately ended up together. So it’s surprising that when hosts Nick and Vanessa Lachey ask the cast members whose appearance they were most surprised by once everyone saw each other in person, the guys unanimously said Lauren.
Lauren Speed, 32, is half of the show’s other successful couple aside from Amber and Barnett. She’s still happily married to Cameron Hamilton, 28, and even Shonda Rhimes tweeted about her love for the couple.
At the reunion, fellow cast member Kenny Barnes, 27, confessed that he was wowed by Lauren. “You’re stunning,” he says. Damian Powers agrees, and says he and Lauren dated every day up until their engagements. “We had the best conversations,” he says.
So even though the footage on-screen in “Love is Blind” makes it look like Lauren and Cameron were destiny from the jump, looks like Cameron had competition.
Carlton Apologizes to Diamond
Carlton Morton, 34, and Diamond Jack, 28, dramatically broke up in Mexico halfway through the show. Carlton hadn’t been honest with Diamond about his bisexuality, and she didn’t take it well that he hadn’t been upfront about who he was.
In the reunion, Carlton says both he and Diamond have been getting death threats online from viewers taking extreme sides after watching their fight. Diamond clears the air and says Carlton reached out to her privately and apologized after the show.
Carlton is still visibly shaken at the reunion. Crying, he says, “I would have done whatever it takes to be sitting on the couch as happy as these people.” He presents Diamond with her engagement ring and says, “I hope you take this ring as a symbol of friendship and the start of something new.” She accepts his apology.
Gigi and Damian are still together
Giannina Gibelli, 25, and Damian Powers, 27, blew up explosively at the altar in the “Love is Blind” finale. When Giannina said “I do” and Damian said “I don’t,” she ran out of the venue and onto the street in her wedding dress, before crying and raging at Damian. So it’s a shocker to find that a year later, they came to the reunion as a couple.
“Looking back, I respect his decision,” she says during the reunion. “Where we are now is so right for us. He has his own place, I have mine, we’re getting to know each other at our own pace. [Getting rejected at the altar] hurt so much, but it’s about what can I do with that, what can I learn from that.”
Amber confesses she and Barnett almost divorced
Although Amber and Barnett are the only successful married couple to come out of the show (aside from Lauren and Cameron), it hasn’t been smooth sailing since the show filmed a year ago.
“There was one point where we almost broke because we had such expectations,” she confesses, explaining how they had trouble navigating how to party together, since he was “used to his bachelor life.” At one point, she went as far as calling a divorce lawyer. “I was like ‘This isn’t working,’ ” she says.
But as of now, they’re still together.
The “Love is Blind” reunion is out now. There’s no word yet on Season 2.


newyorkpost--2020-03-05--Warriors’ Stephen Curry set to return from hand injury

SAN FRANCISCO — Stephen Curry is scheduled to return from a more than four-month absence with a broken left hand to play for Golden State against the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night .
The Warriors announced Wednesday night that Curry had been medically cleared to play and would be in the lineup Thursday in a rematch of last year ’ s NBA Finals won in six games by Toronto .
The two-time NBA MVP missed 58 games after falling on his left hand Oct. 30 versus Phoenix .
He practiced Monday with the G League Santa Cruz Warriors , then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later in the day in a most expected promotion .
Curry , who turns 32 on March 14 , had hoped to return last Sunday against Washington but his timeline wasn ’ t too far delayed .
He is averaging 20.3 points , 6.5 assists and 5.0 rebounds over just four games this season .
Curry tweeted out his excitement about his return , saying “ About time !
!
!
” Curry ’ s initial game back from injury also will be his first on the court with Andrew Wiggins , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Feb. 6 for guard D ’ Angelo Russell , guard Jacob Evans and forward Omari Spellman .
“ I ’ m very excited .
I feel like everybody is , ” Wiggins said .
“ He ’ s the type of player that single handedly he ’ s going to come and change the way everyone plays for the better .
So , I ’ m excited .
He ’ s a game-changer.
” Wiggins is scoring 20.1 points in his first nine games with the Warriors .
The Warriors have already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Klay Thompson , for the entire season as he recovers from surgery last July 2 to repair a torn ACL in his left knee suffered in the decisive Game 6 last June 13 .

SAN FRANCISCO — Stephen Curry is scheduled to return from a more than four-month absence with a broken left hand to play for Golden State against the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night.
The Warriors announced Wednesday night that Curry had been medically cleared to play and would be in the lineup Thursday in a rematch of last year’s NBA Finals won in six games by Toronto. The two-time NBA MVP missed 58 games after falling on his left hand Oct. 30 versus Phoenix.
He practiced Monday with the G League Santa Cruz Warriors, then was recalled back to the NBA team later in the day in a most expected promotion.
Curry, who turns 32 on March 14, had hoped to return last Sunday against Washington but his timeline wasn’t too far delayed. He is averaging 20.3 points, 6.5 assists and 5.0 rebounds over just four games this season.
Curry tweeted out his excitement about his return, saying “About time!!!”
Curry’s initial game back from injury also will be his first on the court with Andrew Wiggins, who was acquired by the Warriors from Minnesota on Feb. 6 for guard D’Angelo Russell, guard Jacob Evans and forward Omari Spellman.
“I’m very excited. I feel like everybody is,” Wiggins said. “He’s the type of player that single handedly he’s going to come and change the way everyone plays for the better. So, I’m excited. He’s a game-changer.”
Wiggins is scoring 20.1 points in his first nine games with the Warriors.
The Warriors have already ruled out Curry’s Splash Brother, Klay Thompson, for the entire season as he recovers from surgery last July 2 to repair a torn ACL in his left knee suffered in the decisive Game 6 last June 13.


newyorkpost--2020-03-05--Robert Durst buried wife Kathie Sopranos-style in New Jersey Pine Barrens, DA says

Manhattan real-estate heir Robert Durst buried his wife , Kathie , in the New Jersey Pine Barrens , “ Sopranos ” -style , prosecutors are alleging at his latest murder trial .
Durst is on trial in Los Angeles for the 2000 murder of his best friend , Susan Berman , whose body was found in her home with a gunshot wound to the back of the head .
But as Deputy District Attorney John Lewin began his opening arguments on Wednesday , he gave jurors not only the police photos of Berman ’ s body , but tantalizing clues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that has never been found .
Kathie vanished in January , 1982 , and Lewin told jurors that he would offer phone records and other evidence showing that Durst buried her in the Pine Barrens .
“ For any of you who ’ ve ever watched ‘ The Sopranos , ’ the Pine Barrens were famous .
.
.
the soil at the Pine Barrens is sand , ” Lewin said .
“ It doesn ’ t freeze , so if you kill somebody in the middle of winter , you need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is a notorious Mafia burial ground , ” he said .
Durst made four collect calls to his family ’ s Durst Organization real-estate company in New York City from southern New Jersey on Feb. 2 , 1982 , two days after Kathie ’ s disappearance , the prosecutor said .
All the payphones he used to place the calls were at the edge of the Pine Barrens in New Jersey , establishing that Durst was there , according to Lewin .
Days later , Durst told the NYPD that he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 , Lewin told the jury panel .
Durst ’ s brother , Douglas , who heads the company , will testify that was a lie , Lewin said .
The prosecutor also told jurors they would see a cryptic note that was found in the South Salem , NY , home that Robert shared with Kathie shortly after she vanished .
“ Town dump , bridge , dig , boat , other , shovel or ?
” the note read .
“ Check car-truck rentals , ” it added .
Prosecutors allege @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late Las Vegas mobster David “ Davie the Jew ” Berman — because she was going to tell New York investigators that he killed Kathie .

Manhattan real-estate heir Robert Durst buried his wife, Kathie, in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, “Sopranos”-style, prosecutors are alleging at his latest murder trial.
Durst is on trial in Los Angeles for the 2000 murder of his best friend, Susan Berman, whose body was found in her home with a gunshot wound to the back of the head.
But as Deputy District Attorney John Lewin began his opening arguments on Wednesday, he gave jurors not only the police photos of Berman’s body, but tantalizing clues as to what happened to a body that has never been found.
Kathie vanished in January, 1982, and Lewin told jurors that he would offer phone records and other evidence showing that Durst buried her in the Pine Barrens.
“For any of you who’ve ever watched ‘The Sopranos,’ the Pine Barrens were famous . . . the soil at the Pine Barrens is sand,” Lewin said.
“It doesn’t freeze, so if you kill somebody in the middle of winter, you need to have sand you can dig into. This is a notorious Mafia burial ground,” he said.
Durst made four collect calls to his family’s Durst Organization real-estate company in New York City from southern New Jersey on Feb. 2, 1982, two days after Kathie’s disappearance, the prosecutor said.
All the payphones he used to place the calls were at the edge of the Pine Barrens in New Jersey, establishing that Durst was there, according to Lewin.
Days later, Durst told the NYPD that he had been in Connecticut on business on Feb. 2, Lewin told the jury panel.
Durst’s brother, Douglas, who heads the company, will testify that was a lie, Lewin said.
The prosecutor also told jurors they would see a cryptic note that was found in the South Salem, NY, home that Robert shared with Kathie shortly after she vanished.
“Town dump, bridge, dig, boat, other, shovel or?” the note read. “Check car-truck rentals,” it added.
Prosecutors allege Durst killed Berman — the daughter of late Las Vegas mobster David “Davie the Jew” Berman — because she was going to tell New York investigators that he killed Kathie.


newyorkpost--2020-03-05--Trial set to begin for Park Avenue neurosurgeon accused of molesting patient

A former Park Avenue neurosurgeon who ran an anti-aging clinic is set to go to trial next Monday for allegedly sexually assaulting one of his patients .
Eric Braverman is accused of molesting the woman during a massage at his private office on Park Avenue South in the Flatiron District in July 2017 , according to a criminal complaint .
The 63-year-old had “ no legitimate purpose ” to touch the woman other than “ for the purpose of degrading and abusing her , ” the complaint says .
The ex-doctor was arrested in October 2017 and charged with forcible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denied any wrongdoing .
Braverman declined to comment at a pretrial hearing Wednesday in Manhattan Criminal Court .
His lawyer , Donald Vogleman , told The Post Braverman is “ not guilty … he is actually 100 percent innocent.
” “ My client looks forward to his day in court , ” he added .
Braverman was previously arrested on sexual assault charges after a woman accused him of attacking her in his Tribeca apartment in 2015 .
In that case , he pleaded guilty to harassment to avoid jail time .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court documents related to his multimillion-dollar divorce with his third wife .
Braverman once enjoyed a list of notable patients , including Gov .
George Pataki and actress Suzanne Somers .
He also authored several books about aging and hormones , including “ Younger ( Sexier ) You ” and “ The Edge Effect .
”

A former Park Avenue neurosurgeon who ran an anti-aging clinic is set to go to trial next Monday for allegedly sexually assaulting one of his patients.
Eric Braverman is accused of molesting the woman during a massage at his private office on Park Avenue South in the Flatiron District in July 2017, according to a criminal complaint.
The 63-year-old had “no legitimate purpose” to touch the woman other than “for the purpose of degrading and abusing her,” the complaint says.
The ex-doctor was arrested in October 2017 and charged with forcible touching and sexual abuse. He has denied any wrongdoing.
Braverman declined to comment at a pretrial hearing Wednesday in Manhattan Criminal Court.
His lawyer, Donald Vogleman, told The Post Braverman is “not guilty … he is actually 100 percent innocent.”
“My client looks forward to his day in court,” he added.
Braverman was previously arrested on sexual assault charges after a woman accused him of attacking her in his Tribeca apartment in 2015. In that case, he pleaded guilty to harassment to avoid jail time.
The disgraced doctor also was convicted of stealing court documents related to his multimillion-dollar divorce with his third wife.
Braverman once enjoyed a list of notable patients, including Gov. George Pataki and actress Suzanne Somers.
He also authored several books about aging and hormones, including “Younger (Sexier) You” and “The Edge Effect.”


newyorkpost--2020-03-05--Three people still missing, dozens dead following Tennessee tornadoes

At least three people remained missing nearly two days after a pair of tornadoes ripped through Tennessee , killing at @ @ @ @ @ three were reported missing in Putnam County , some 80 miles east of Nashville .
@ @ @ @ @ great progress today , ” County Mayor Randy Porter said late Wednesday , calling the @ @ @ @ @ process.
” The search is 90 percent complete , the county Sheriff said .
As @ @ @ @ @ been missing in the wake of the tornadoes , the strongest of which hit Putnam @ @ @ @ @ , including five pre-teen children .
The second tornado struck Nashville and surrounding counties .

At least three people remained missing nearly two days after a pair of tornadoes ripped through Tennessee, killing at least 24 people.
The three were reported missing in Putnam County, some 80 miles east of Nashville.
“We have made some great progress today,” County Mayor Randy Porter said late Wednesday, calling the debris search a “time-consuming process.”
The search is 90 percent complete, the county Sheriff said.
As many as 21 people had been missing in the wake of the tornadoes, the strongest of which hit Putnam County, claiming 18 lives, including five pre-teen children.
The second tornado struck Nashville and surrounding counties.
With Post wires.


newyorkpost--2020-03-05--Katy Perry confirms she’s pregnant after premiering new music video

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Twitter ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Facebook ( Opens in new window ) Katy Perry is pregnant , the 35-year-old singer confirmed to fans following the Wednesday night release of her new music video .
The artist shared the news — that she and her fiancé , Orlando Bloom , are expecting their first child together — in an Instagram Live video after the premiere of “ Never Worn White , ” People magazine reported .
“ There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happening this summer ; not only will I be giving birth — literally — but also figuratively to something you guys have been waiting for , ” Perry told fans , alluding to her forthcoming album , the report said .
Perry later continued to spread the word on Twitter , writing , “ omg so glad I don ’ t have to suck it in anymore.
” Fans of the “ American Idol ” judge were speculating on whether she was pregnant since she released a teaser for the new music earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is seen cradling her baby bump while wearing a long white gown .
She has been in a relationship with Orlando Bloom since 2016 .
They got engaged in February 2019 .

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Katy Perry is pregnant, the 35-year-old singer confirmed to fans following the Wednesday night release of her new music video.
The artist shared the news — that she and her fiancé, Orlando Bloom, are expecting their first child together — in an Instagram Live video after the premiere of “Never Worn White.”
“There’s a lot that will be happening this summer; not only will I be giving birth — literally — but also figuratively to something you guys have been waiting for,” Perry told fans, alluding to her forthcoming album.
Perry later continued to spread the word on Twitter, writing, “omg so glad I don’t have to suck it in anymore.”
She added: “or carry around a big purse lol.”
Fans of the “American Idol” judge were speculating on whether she was pregnant since she released a teaser for the new music earlier Wednesday.
In the clip, Perry is seen cradling her baby bump while wearing a long white gown.
She has been in a relationship with Bloom, 43, since 2016. They got engaged in February 2019. He shares a 9-year-old son, Flynn, with ex-wife Miranda Kerr.


newyorkpost--2020-03-05--Luka Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis lead Mavericks past Zion Williamson’s Pelicans

DALLAS — Just five days after his 21st birthday , Luka Doncic continued to etch his name in the Dallas Mavericks ’ record book .
And in his first matchup against fellow young star Zion Williamson , Doncic got the last word — and the win .
The second-year star scored 30 points and broke Jason Kidd ’ s franchise record for career triple-doubles with his 22nd , helping the Mavericks hold off the New Orleans Pelicans 127-123 in overtime Wednesday night .
The nationally televised matchup between Doncic and Williamson lived up to the hype .
Doncic had 17 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 with 1:10 to play in overtime snapped a 118-118 tie and gave the Mavericks the lead for good .
And he did it with a nagging thumb injury that required X-rays after the game .
“ It hurts , but you ’ ve got to get through it , ” Doncic said .
“ You ’ re probably going to get hit every game , almost every game , so you ’ ve just got to fight through it.
” Former Knick Kristaps Porzingis had 34 points and 12 rebounds for Dallas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Doncic gave Dallas a 123-119 lead — and gave Doncic his triple-double .
Williamson scored 21 points in 35 minutes while playing back-to-back games for the first time in his young NBA career .
He has scored double figures in all 17 games he ’ s played in and has 20 points or more in his last 13 .
“ I think my game is progressing , ” Williamson said .
“ Still getting my legs under me , just learning the game .
The NBA , these are the best players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smart .
They have high IQs for the game .
They have scouting reports , so I think it ’ s just bringing something new to the table every game.
” Brandon Ingram led New Orleans with 27 points , but fouled out in overtime .
Lonzo Ball added 25 , including shooting 7 of 9 on 3-pointers .
The Pelicans ’ Nicolo Melli sent the game to overtime with a tying 3 with 7.4 seconds left after missing his first six 3s of the game .
The Mavericks led by as many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but New Orleans kept it close .
Dallas led by two at the end of each of the first three quarters .
Williamson gave New Orleans its first lead at 75-73 when he drew contact with Maxi Kleber , who fell to the ground without a call , giving the Pelicans rookie a clear path for a dunk .
New Orleans missed a crucial chance to move up in the standings as they try to capture a playoff spot .
The Pelicans are now five games behind current eighth-seed Memphis in the Western @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look ahead to other games , ” Ingram said .
“ We just look at what ’ s in front of us and figure out the best gameplan and scheme that we have and try to go execute .
”

DALLAS — Just five days after his 21st birthday, Luka Doncic continued to etch his name in the Dallas Mavericks’ record book.
And in his first matchup against fellow young star Zion Williamson, Doncic got the last word — and the win.
The second-year star scored 30 points and broke Jason Kidd’s franchise record for career triple-doubles with his 22nd, helping the Mavericks hold off the New Orleans Pelicans 127-123 in overtime Wednesday night.
The nationally televised matchup between Doncic and Williamson lived up to the hype. Doncic had 17 rebounds and 10 assists, and his 3 with 1:10 to play in overtime snapped a 118-118 tie and gave the Mavericks the lead for good.
And he did it with a nagging thumb injury that required X-rays after the game.
“It hurts, but you’ve got to get through it,” Doncic said. “You’re probably going to get hit every game, almost every game, so you’ve just got to fight through it.”
Former Knick Kristaps Porzingis had 34 points and 12 rebounds for Dallas, and his dunk off a feed from Doncic gave Dallas a 123-119 lead — and gave Doncic his triple-double.
Williamson scored 21 points in 35 minutes while playing back-to-back games for the first time in his young NBA career. He has scored double figures in all 17 games he’s played in and has 20 points or more in his last 13.
“I think my game is progressing,” Williamson said. “Still getting my legs under me, just learning the game. The NBA, these are the best players in the world. They’re smart. They have high IQs for the game. They have scouting reports, so I think it’s just bringing something new to the table every game.”
Brandon Ingram led New Orleans with 27 points, but fouled out in overtime. Lonzo Ball added 25, including shooting 7 of 9 on 3-pointers.
The Pelicans’ Nicolo Melli sent the game to overtime with a tying 3 with 7.4 seconds left after missing his first six 3s of the game.
The Mavericks led by as many as 11 in the first half, but New Orleans kept it close. Dallas led by two at the end of each of the first three quarters.
Williamson gave New Orleans its first lead at 75-73 when he drew contact with Maxi Kleber, who fell to the ground without a call, giving the Pelicans rookie a clear path for a dunk.
New Orleans missed a crucial chance to move up in the standings as they try to capture a playoff spot. The Pelicans are now five games behind current eighth-seed Memphis in the Western Conference.
“We can’t look ahead to other games,” Ingram said. “We just look at what’s in front of us and figure out the best gameplan and scheme that we have and try to go execute.”


newyorkpost--2020-03-05--MTA subway conductor punched in the face on Brooklyn platform

An MTA subway conductor was punched in the face on a Brooklyn platform by a man he confronted for holding @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday night , police said .
The confrontation between the 27-year-old MTA worker and the @ @ @ @ @ at large Wednesday night , happened about 7 p.m. at the Beverly Road station in @ @ @ @ @ The two got into an argument before the suspect clocked the conductor , who fell @ @ @ @ @ the platform , police said .
He was taken to Kings County Hospital in stable @ @ @ @ @ described by police as in his 30s , wearing blue jeans , a dark jacket @ @ @ @

An MTA subway conductor was punched in the face on a Brooklyn platform by a man he confronted for holding open the train doors on Wednesday night, police said.
The confrontation between the 27-year-old MTA worker and the suspect, who was still at large Wednesday night, happened about 7 p.m. at the Beverly Road station in Flatbush, cops said.
The two got into an argument before the suspect clocked the conductor, who fell back and hit head on the platform, police said.
He was taken to Kings County Hospital in stable condition.
The suspect was described by police as in his 30s, wearing blue jeans, a dark jacket and a mask.


newyorkpost--2020-03-05--Feds probing flow of contraband to Metropolitan Correctional Center amid week-long lockdown

Manhattan ’ s Metropolitan Correctional Center was on lockdown and had visitations ...

Federal authorities are investigating the flow of contraband into the Lower Manhattan prison where multi-millionaire pedophile Jeffrey Epstein hanged himself last summer, a report said.
The Justice Department launched the probe amid a week-long lockdown of the Metropolitan Correctional Center, The Associated Press reported, citing sources familiar with the investigation.
Investigators from the US attorney’s office in Manhattan are leading the probe.
The lockdown of the jail began after a report of a smuggled gun, sources previously told The Post. Since it began last Thursday, inmates have been barred from visiting with their lawyers and family members, the Federal Defenders of New York said.
Inmates have also reported being locked in their cells and receiving no hot food for days on end, David Patton, the executive director of the Federal Defenders, said.
Officials from the Federal Bureau of Prisons — which operates the MCC — met yesterday with the chief judge of the Southern District of New York, the US Attorney’s Office, the US Probation Office, the US Marshals Service and the Federal Public Defender’s Office to update them on the lockdown, the agency said in a statement.
“Out of an abundance of caution, for the safety of staff, inmates and the public, the BOP must take the time needed to complete a thorough investigation while actively working to return the facility to normal operations as soon as possible,” they said in a statement.
The prison has been under scrutiny since Epstein hanged himself in his cell last August while two prison guards failed to check on him and allegedly slept just 15 feet from his cell.
The guards then allegedly falsified reports to cover up their negligence and make it appear like they were doing their jobs the night of the suicide.
They’ve each been charged with conspiracy and filing false reports.


newyorkpost--2020-03-05--JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon had emergency heart surgery, memo says

JPMorgan ’ s Chief Executive Jamie Dimon had emergency heart surgery on Thursday morning and is now recovering , senior @ @ @ @ @ internal memo viewed by Reuters .
Dimon is “ awake , alert and recovering well @ @ @ @ @ , the memo said .

JPMorgan’s Chief Executive Jamie Dimon had emergency heart surgery and is now recovering, senior bank executives said in an internal memo.
The memo, a copy of which was obtained by The Post, told staffers that the 63-year-old Dimon had “an acute aortic dissection” on Thursday morning — a condition that involves a tear to the aorta, according to the Mayo Clinic’s website.
“He underwent successful emergency heart surgery to repair the dissection. The good news is that it was caught early and the surgery was successful. He is awake, alert and recovering well,” the memo said.
Dimon checked himself into the hospital early Thursday after experiencing chest pains, the Wall Street Journal said, citing a person familiar with the matter.
JPMorgan Co-Presidents Daniel Pinto and Gordon Smith, who signed Thursday’s memo, will run the bank while Dimon recuperates, the memo said, citing the bank’s lead director Lee Raymond.
“Our board has been fully briefed on these developments and has asked Daniel and Gordon to lead the company during this period, as Jamie recuperates,” Lee said in the memo.
Lee expressed “confidence” in the bank’s co-presidents and chief operating officers, but the news is sure to raise questions from investors as JPMorgan has become synonymous with the hard-charging Dimon since he took over the CEO job in 2005.
The bank’s stock fell 1.1 percent in late trading following a 4.9 percent decline during regular market hours to close down to $113.97.
Dimon took a leave from the bank once before, after being diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014. Thursday’s memo did not say how long he might be away this time.


newyorkpost--2020-03-05--NYPD cop Michael Valva accused of murdering son gets court-appointed lawyer

The NYPD cop accused of torturing and killing his 8-year-old autistic son was declared indigent and given a court-appointed lawyer for his Suffolk County murder case on Thursday .
Michael Valva , 40 , had twice cried poverty in Suffolk County criminal court last month , where he is charged with the Jan. 17 death of Thomas Valva , who died from extreme hypothermia after being locked in a freezing garage overnight , according to prosecutors .
On Feb. 24 , his latest lawyer removed himself from the case over a potential conflict of interest .
“ He received a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declaring him AWOL from his employment as a New York City police officer , so they have ceased paying him , ” David Russo , administrator of the court-appointed panel , told the judge at a pre-trial hearing Thursday .
“ At this point in time , he is essentially indigent.
” Valva was suspended without pay following his arrest .
Suffolk County Supreme Court Judge William Condon appointed John LoTurco to represent the disgraced cop in the case .
Valva and his ex-girlfriend , Angela Polina , 42 , were both charged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday , LoTurco maintained that the fallen cop was innocent — and claimed that his son ’ s death was just a horrible accident .
“ We contend that Thomas death was a nightmarish accidental death and clearly not a murder , ” LoTurco said .
“ This garage was unlocked , had a large electric space heater and was attached to the family home.
” “ Michael Valva is being portrayed as a monster when in actuality he is a caring father of three boys and his fiancee ’ s three daughters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being held without bail .

The NYPD cop accused of torturing and killing his 8-year-old autistic son was declared indigent and given a court-appointed lawyer for his Suffolk County murder case on Thursday.
Michael Valva, 40, had twice cried poverty in Suffolk County criminal court last month, where he is charged with the Jan. 17 death of Thomas Valva, who died from extreme hypothermia after being locked in a freezing garage overnight, according to prosecutors.
On Feb. 24, his latest lawyer removed himself from the case over a potential conflict of interest.
But the 15-year police department veteran finally scored a free lawyer Thursday.
“He received a letter from the city of New York declaring him AWOL from his employment as a New York City police officer, so they have ceased paying him,” David Russo, administrator of the court-appointed panel, told the judge at a pre-trial hearing Thursday. “At this point in time, he is essentially indigent.”
Valva was suspended without pay following his arrest.
Suffolk County Supreme Court Judge William Condon appointed John LoTurco to represent the disgraced cop in the case.
Valva and his ex-girlfriend, Angela Polina, 42, were both charged in Thomas’ death.
In court Thursday, LoTurco maintained that the fallen cop was innocent — and claimed that his son’s death was just a horrible accident.
“We contend that Thomas death was a nightmarish accidental death and clearly not a murder,” LoTurco said. “This garage was unlocked, had a large electric space heater and was attached to the family home.”
“Michael Valva is being portrayed as a monster when in actuality he is a caring father of three boys and his fiancee’s three daughters,” LoTurco said.
Valva is being held without bail.


newyorkpost--2020-03-05--Michigan primary is make or break for Bernie Sanders to halt Joe Biden

Joe Biden is heading for a blowout victory over Bernie ...

How the tables have turned.
Embattled Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is treating Michigan’s March 10 primary as a firewall — and possible last stand — to stem the momentum of suddenly surging rival Joe Biden.
Sanders canceled a rally planned for Friday in Mississippi — which also votes next Tuesday — and will instead stump in Michigan, ceding another southern state with a huge black population to Biden, who a week earlier considered South Carolina his “firewall” before a resounding victory propelled him through a near Super Tuesday sweep.
Michigan is the biggest prize of the six states voting on Tuesday, with 125 delegates, followed by the state of Washington (89 delegates), Missouri (68 delegates), Mississippi (36 delegates), Idaho (20 delegates) and North Dakota (14 delegates).
Sanders upset Hillary Clinton in the 2016 primary, but repeating that feat may not be so easy against Biden.
As Barack Obama’s vice president, Biden can claim he helped craft the package that bailed out the state’s reeling auto industry during the last recession. Obama won Michigan in both general elections in 2008 and 2012.
Meanwhile, Biden is dispatching Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar — who dropped out of the race and endorsed him just days ago — to stump for him in Michigan on Friday and Saturday.
And Biden landed the endorsement of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and immediately named her as a national co-chairwoman of his campaign.
But Sanders has strong backing in the Wolverine State as well, including from Michigan’s growing Arab-Muslim population — he landed the endorsement from the Arab American Political Action Committee.
A recent Detroit News-NBC/WDIV TV poll had Biden ahead of Sanders 29 percent to 22.5 percent. The survey was taken from Feb. 28 to March 2 — overlapping Biden’s victory in South Carolina but before his dominant performance on Super Tuesday. Mike Bloomberg, who dropped out of the race, took ten percent in the poll and 16 percent were still undecided.
Sanders will hold a rally in Detroit Friday and in Grand Rapids on Sunday. He is strong in the west, so he is favored to carry Washington, Idaho and North Dakota.
But Missouri, which has a sizable number of black voters in St. Louis, could tip to Biden. Clinton carried Missouri in a squeaker over Sanders in 2016.
The electoral and delegate map going forward appears to favor Biden.
The four states that vote on March 17 include the battleground states of Florida (219 delegates), Illinois (155 delegates), Ohio (136 delegates) and Arizona (67 delegates).
One political expert said he doubted that Sanders could catch Biden in the delegate count – and that was before seeing a new poll in Florida that had Biden ahead of Sanders by nearly 50 points
“Folks…Barring a seismic event, this race is pretty much over,” tweeted Dave Wasserman, US editor of the Cook Report.
Biden leads with 565 delegates to 506 for Sanders. A candidate needs 1,991 delegates to secure the Democratic Party nomination to take on President Trump.


newyorkpost--2020-03-05--NYCHA struggles to keep New Yorkers warm even with the mild winter

Berman told Durst shortly before she was shot in the ...

The city’s embattled Housing Authority struggled to keep the boilers on and the water flowing during this winter’s heating season, even as Mother Nature gifted the Big Apple with mild weather.
More than 134,000 New Yorkers living in public housing lost their heat between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31 thanks to 322 outages recorded at 126 developments, records obtained by the Legal Aid Society and analyzed by The Post show.
“NYCHA is clearly still unable to ensure that utility systems seamlessly provide for residents, and these numbers confirm what we hear from our clients on a regular basis,” said Legal Aid lawyer Lucy Newman. “These outages could be meaningfully addressed with the right resources.”
Her group is pushing for lawmakers in Albany to give NYCHA an additional $2 billion in the state’s next budget.
However, that request will likely be complicated by New York’s looming $6 billion budget deficit.
Brooklyn’s 1930s-era Williamsburg Houses were the hardest hit by heating outages over the three-month period, suffering through 24 unplanned outages that lasted for 11 hours on average.
That’s up from the 21 outages endured at the massive 20-building complex all last winter, according to stats provided to the federal monitor imposed on NYCHA last year.
“It’s either the heat is off or the hot water is off or both. At night, I got to turn my oven on to 450 and leave it on all night,” said Crystal Nelson, 37. “I had to use three or four heavy quilts to keep warm. I have to dress like I’m going outside when I go to sleep.”
The boiler failures also play havoc with the hot water supply at the Williamsburg Houses, forcing residents to take cold showers or use stoves and pots to heat up water on their own.
Previous 1 of 5 Next Advertisement The NYCHA Williamsburg houses in Brooklyn. BRIGITTE STELZER BRIGITTE STELZER Advertisement BRIGITTE STELZER Advertisement
“We use all the pots we have to boil water with all four burners on the stove going,” 57-year-old teacher Raul Aristy told The Post. “They’re stealing our money by the billions. When I call to make a complaint, the recording says there will be a response in 24 hours, but when I got to go to work in the morning and there’s no hot water.”
He added: “I can’t wait around for them to fix it. The boiler is on life support.”
NYCHA’s own records show the boilers at the Williamsburg Houses are consistently among the most troublesome across the entire sprawling agency.
They are slated to be replaced as part of a massive rehabilitation of the complex announced in February that will be paid for by converting it to a public-private partnership.
City Hall hopes that conversions like this one will pay for $12.8 billion in repairs and upgrades to bring 62,000 of NYCHA’s 180,000-plus apartments back to good condition.
The authority developments also suffered 273 water main breaks that interrupted service to more than 71,000 New Yorkers — often for hours, the Legal Aid records show.
“Officials at NYCHA defended the performance and said that more aggressive maintenance and quicker responses had cut outage times to eight hours on average, down from the 36 hour-long average that plagued the agency two winters ago.”
“Mother nature has been kind to us,” said Javier Almodovar, the Housing Authority’s director of heating. “But we have still had many days when it was cold and we’re still required to provide heat when the temperature is below 55.”
“We’ve been doing rather well,” he added.


newyorkpost--2020-03-05--Susan Berman may have ensured her own death, Robert Durst trial prosecutor says

Deputy District Attorney John Lewin warned the jury that his ...

LOS ANGELES — Susan Berman may have ensured her own demise by telling real estate heir Robert Durst she planned to cooperate with a renewed probe into the disappearance of his first wife, Los Angeles prosecutors said Friday in court.
Berman told Durst shortly before she was shot in the head that New York authorities had contacted her about Kathie Durst, 29, who mysteriously vanished in 1982.
In reality, Berman had made up the story that allegedly cinched her death in December 2000, prosecutors said.
“It was that statement from Susan Berman to Bob Durst that sealed her fate,” Deputy DA John Lewin told jurors on the second day of the prosecutions’ opening statements in LA Superior Court. Durst, 76, faces one count of murder for the execution-style slaying of Berman, 55, in her Beverly Hills home.
“Bob Durst showed up at her doorstep. She let him into the house,” Lewin said.
The moment she pivoted to tend to her dog, Durst raised his weapon.
“He shot her point-blank,” the prosecutor told jurors. “At the time the gun was fired, it was within an inch from the back of her head.”
New York authorities had launched a fresh investigation into Kathie’s suspicious disappearance, but they had not contacted Berman, Lewin said.
The prosecutor implied that Berman, who was in dire financial straights, made the false statement to Durst so he’d give her more cash to ensure her silence.
The notoriously stingy millionaire had given her about $50,000 in the weeks before her murder.
A day before Berman’s body was found Dec. 24, 2000, Durst sent an anonymous letter to the Beverly Hills Police Department. He wrote her address and the word “cadaver” in block letters on the note. Durst’s lawyers have since acknowledged that he penned the letter.
The real estate scion would only learn that Berman had lied to him 15 years later when Lewin interviewed him after his belated arrest in New Orleans for her murder.
Lewin has argued that Berman helped Durst cover up his killing of Kathie and had even confessed her role to numerous friends. Kathie’s body has never been found.
Weeks after allegedly shooting Berman, Durst went into hiding in Galveston, Texas, where he posed as a mute woman named Dorothy Ciner and befriended a neighbor, Morris Black.
As the two became close, Durst dropped his disguise and revealed his true identity. Their relationship soured after Black began to pressure him to buy a house for them to share.
Durst allegedly shot him in the head in September 2001, dismembered his corpse, packed the remains into plastic bags and dumped them into Galveston Bay.
Jurors were shown gruesome photographs of Black’s headless, limbless torso floating in the bay’s shallow water. At least two shaken panelists looked away and one put her hand over her mouth. Black’s head was never found.
The panel was shown a clip of Durst describing the gory dismemberment in the documentary “The Jinx.” Durst said he got drunk and stoned and used a saw to butcher his friend.
In 2003, a Texas jury acquitted Durst of Black’s murder finding that he had acted in self-defense.
But Lewin is using Durst’s testimony from that trial, as well as a series of interviews he gave to TV and law enforcement, to help prove he murdered Kathie, Berman and Black.
Jurors have watched countless clips from the six-part documentary series “The Jinx.”
Durst was arrested in New Orleans before the last episode aired. In the finale, he wrapped up the interview then headed to the bathroom, where he made a damning admission. “What the hell did I do? I killed them all, of course,” he muttered into a hot mic.


newyorkpost--2020-03-05--Senate approves $8.3 billion coronavirus bill

The Senate overwhelmingly approved a $ 8.3 billion coronavirus response package Thursday , sending the bill to President Trump for his signature .
Sen. Rand Paul ( R-Ky. ) was the only “ no ” vote in the 96-1 landslide .
Paul had tried to offset the cost with spending cuts .
Trump said this week he welcomes the funding windfall after he initially requested just $ 2.5 billion .
In the House , the bill passed in a 415-2 vote on Wednesday , with fiscally conservative Republican Reps. Ken Buck of Colorado and Andy Biggs of Arizona saying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provides $ 7.8 billion to address the COVID-19 outbreak .
Another $ 500 million is dedicated to improving telehealth access generally among seniors — the age group most impacted by the virus .
On Tuesday , Trump marveled at Democrats insisting he take more money than requested .
“ I asked for $ 2.5 billion ; it looks like they ’ re going to give us $ 8.5 billion , ” Trump said .
“ I don ’ t think that ’ s ever happened to me before .
So I think I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take it.
’ Right ?
Right ?
” The US infection total passed 100 this week , with 10 deaths in Washington state and 13 confirmed cases in New York .
Globally , more than 100,000 people have been infected , with outbreaks in Iran , Italy , and South Korea increasing the chances of a pandemic .
Vice President Mike Pence toured a mask-making facility in Minnesota contracted to produce 35 million more masks per month on Thursday before flying to meet officials in Washington state .

The Senate overwhelmingly approved a $8.3 billion coronavirus response package Thursday, sending the bill to President Trump for his signature.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) was the only “no” vote in the 96-1 landslide. Paul had tried to offset the cost with spending cuts.
Trump said this week he welcomes the funding windfall after he initially requested just $2.5 billion.
In the House, the bill passed in a 415-2 vote on Wednesday, with fiscally conservative Republican Reps. Ken Buck of Colorado and Andy Biggs of Arizona saying the bill was too bloated.
The legislation provides $7.8 billion to address the COVID-19 outbreak. Another $500 million is dedicated to improving telehealth access generally among seniors — the age group most impacted by the virus.
On Tuesday, Trump marveled at Democrats insisting he take more money than requested.
“I asked for $2.5 billion; it looks like they’re going to give us $8.5 billion,” Trump said. “I don’t think that’s ever happened to me before. So I think I should say, ‘I’ll take it.’ Right? Right?”
The US infection total passed 100 this week, with 10 deaths in Washington state and 13 confirmed cases in New York.
Globally, more than 100,000 people have been infected, with outbreaks in Iran, Italy, and South Korea increasing the chances of a pandemic.
Vice President Mike Pence toured a mask-making facility in Minnesota contracted to produce 35 million more masks per month on Thursday before flying to meet officials in Washington state.


newyorkpost--2020-03-05--Unprecedented QB market will have plenty of twists and turns

Ryan Tannehill is planning to stay in Tennessee after a ...

Hall of Fame quarterbacks become free agents about as often as the NFL loses a television ratings battle.
Almost never.
So, for the three active leaders in career passing touchdowns and yardage — all ranking in the top-six all-time — to be free agents at the same time is unprecedented.
NFL free agency and the Draft should be more exciting than ever because of the quarterbacks, and Tom Brady is the domino holding up every needy team’s plans. Here is The Post’s prediction of where the chips will fall in 2020:
Tom Brady: Chargers
Is it all a bluff that Brady will split with the Patriots? He seems to be loving the extra attention. And where do people who love attention wind up living? Los Angeles or Las Vegas. Don’t underestimate the drive to prove he can win without sharing credit with Bill Belichick – or even a mega personality like Jon Gruden. The Chargers are among the most talented of the new teams tied to Brady. Even Patriots owner Robert Kraft might not be able to save this marriage.
Philip Rivers: Colts
After Andrew Luck’s surprise retirement, Jacoby Brissett played well enough to take the Colts out of the running for a top draft pick but not well enough to win the job long term. Rivers is looking for a win-now situation (three years maximum), and the Colts offer one of the NFL’s best offensive lines. He would be reunited with coach Frank Reich (2013-15, Chargers assistant). Unless he retires.
Drew Brees: Saints
Brees hasn’t re-signed yet, but he made it clear he is returning for a 20th season and only to play for the Saints.
Dak Prescott: Cowboys
Nothing would re-villainize “America’s Team” like signing Brady. But the smart bet here is on franchise or transition tagging and working out a long-term extension with Prescott, while hoping a coaching change is what elevates this talented roster. The Cowboys wasted the gift of an undrafted Tony Romo and four years of Prescott as a low-paid fourth-round pick.
Teddy Bridgewater: Buccaneers
The market’s expected willingness to spend on Bridgewater is surprising considering he has made six starts in the last four years. The former first-round pick is past the dislocated knee that nearly ended his career in 2016, but he still hasn’t thrown for more than 14 touchdowns in a season. History will change playing for coach Bruce Arians.
Ryan Tannehill: Titans
Another team in the Brady sweepstakes. The Titans must decide whether to put a tag on Tannehill by March 12, six days before Brady can sign. Let’s take an educated guess that Brady’s friend, Titans coach Mike Vrabel, will be tipped off to whether Brady wants to come or not so proper arrangements can be made.
Marcus Mariota and Tua Tagovailoa: Dolphins
Happy Hawaiians! The Dolphins didn’t Tank for Tua but they probably will have to Trade (up) for Tua, who will be off the board before their scheduled No. 5 pick in the Draft. With Tagovailoa’s durability concerns, a veteran caddy is needed. Mariota, the former No. 2 pick in the 2015 Draft, lost his Titans starting job to Dolphins cast-off Tannehill.
Cam Newton and Justin Herbert: Panthers
Newton is a free agent after the season and the former MVP will get a chance to prove his shoulder is healthy while first-round pick Herbert takes a redshirt year to learn the offense. Coach Matt Rhule’s seven-year contract allows for some trial and error in 2020.
Andy Dalton and Jordan Love: Patriots
Now we know why the Patriots were spying on the one-win Bengals in Week 15! To gather intel on three-time Pro Bowler (and zero-time playoff winner) Dalton as Brady’s replacement! He is being pushed out for No. 1 draft pick Joe Burrow and is a free agent after the season, with no guaranteed money in 2020. The Patriots also trade up for the first-rounder Love.
Jameis Winston: Raiders
The relationship between Gruden and Derek Carr runs hot and cold. Signing the enigmatic Winston – off of the NFL’s first 30-touchdown, 30-interception season – will create one of the NFL’s most intriguing competitions. If ever there was a made-for-Raiders quarterback! Too bad HBO’s “Hard Knocks” used the Raiders last season.
Joe Flacco: Bears
If he is cut by the Broncos and will sign on the cheap, he could find a path back to starting by beating out Mitch Trubisky.


newyorkpost--2020-03-05--What to avoid in NYC this weekend if you’re worried about coronavirus

New York City may be the city that never sleeps — but it might be safer for some New Yorkers to give it a rest this weekend amid the coronavirus outbreak , according to experts .
Popular events in the Big Apple over the weekend include a New York Rangers vs. New Jersey Devils hockey game at Madison Square Garden ; the New York Wind Band Festival at Carnegie Hall ; and the Chocolate , Wine & Whiskey Festival at the Brooklyn Expo Center — all of which had not been canceled as of Thursday , according to reps .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yeung-Cheung , that doesn ’ t give everyone a free pass .
To avoid spreading the highly contagious illness , she said , “ Anyone feeling sick shouldn ’ t go.
” On Thursday , nine more coronavirus cases were reported in the Empire State , bringing the total number statewide to 22 .
In New York City , four cases have been reported .
Other people who should be more careful include those with pre-existing medical conditions and the elderly .
“ People with long-term illnesses or seniors need to take more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staying home — but not the average New Yorker , ” Yeung-Cheung told The Post .
But while most New Yorkers won ’ t have to cancel plans or avoid going out , New York-based Dr. Navarra Rodriguez said some goings-on are riskier than others for those worried about falling ill. Revelers may want to steer clear of culinary events — especially ones that serve buffet-style grub or finger foods — along with kid-centric gatherings .
“ This may be the weekend you avoid going to a buffet or skip a kids ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and chief medical officer at EmblemHealth , told The Post , noting that children can carry the flu-like virus with few symptoms .
Symptoms of the COVID-19 virus — fever , cough , runny nose — are similar to those of the common cold or the flu .
However , Rodriguez also stopped short of urging New Yorkers to scrap their weekend plans , saying , “ If there ’ s an event that ’ s meaningful to you , then go — but use common sense and wash your hands.
” In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safer than ones where people are free to move around , experts said .
And you ’ re less likely to catch the virus at outdoor events because the “ air exchange ” is better .
Health professionals are also urging New Yorkers to use hand sanitizer , wipe off subway poles and disinfect cellphone screens and other frequently touched items .
If you ’ re healthy , there ’ s no need to wear a face mask .
But recommendations might become more strict in the coming weeks — so it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latest public health advice .
“ It ’ s overkill right now to tell people to stay home , ” said Dr. William Haseltine , a US-China Health Summit chair and former Harvard Medical School professor .
“ But that could soon change .
It ’ s unpredictable .
”

New York City may be the city that never sleeps — but it might be safer for some New Yorkers to give it a rest this weekend amid the coronavirus outbreak, according to experts.
Popular events in the Big Apple over the weekend include a New York Rangers vs. New Jersey Devils hockey game at Madison Square Garden; the New York Wind Band Festival at Carnegie Hall; and the Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey Festival at the Brooklyn Expo Center — all of which had not been canceled as of Thursday, according to reps.
But according to Manhattanville College Professor Anna Yeung-Cheung, that doesn’t give everyone a free pass.
To avoid spreading the highly contagious illness, she said, “Anyone feeling sick shouldn’t go.”
On Thursday, nine more coronavirus cases were reported in the Empire State, bringing the total number statewide to 22. In New York City, four cases have been reported.
Other people who should be more careful include those with pre-existing medical conditions and the elderly.
“People with long-term illnesses or seniors need to take more precautions in crowded areas — and consider staying home — but not the average New Yorker,” Yeung-Cheung told The Post.
But while most New Yorkers won’t have to cancel plans or avoid going out, New York-based Dr. Navarra Rodriguez said some goings-on are riskier than others for those worried about falling ill.
Revelers may want to steer clear of culinary events — especially ones that serve buffet-style grub or finger foods — along with kid-centric gatherings.
“This may be the weekend you avoid going to a buffet or skip a kids’ birthday party,” Rodriguez, President and Chief Medical Officer at AdvantageCare Physicians, told The Post, noting that children can carry the flu-like virus with few symptoms. Symptoms of the COVID-19 virus — fever, cough, runny nose — are similar to those of the common cold or the flu.
However, Rodriguez also stopped short of urging New Yorkers to scrap their weekend plans, saying, “If there’s an event that’s meaningful to you, then go — but use common sense and wash your hands.”
In general, seated events tend to be safer than ones where people are free to move around, experts said. And you’re less likely to catch the virus at outdoor events because the “air exchange” is better.
Health professionals are also urging New Yorkers to use hand sanitizer, wipe off subway poles and disinfect cellphone screens and other frequently touched items. If you’re healthy, there’s no need to wear a face mask.
But recommendations might become more strict in the coming weeks — so it is important to keep up to date with the latest public health advice.
“It’s overkill right now to tell people to stay home,” said Dr. William Haseltine, a US-China Health Summit chair and former Harvard Medical School professor. “But that could soon change. It’s unpredictable.”


newyorkpost--2020-03-05--Rory McIlroy sees a lot wrong with Premier Golf League

PACIFIC PALISADES , Calif. — There ’ s an elephant in the room , ...

ORLANDO, Fla. — Two weeks ago, Rory McIlroy became the first top player to distance himself from the proposed world golf tour, called the Premier Golf League, telling reporters, “I’m out.’’
On Thursday, moments after taking the early first-round lead at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill with a 6-under-par 66, McIlroy doubled down on his denouncement of the PGL.
“I didn’t really like where the money was coming from,’’ McIlroy said in an interview on the Golf Channel, referring to the money reportedly coming from Saudi Arabia interests. “I wanted to be the first one to speak out against it and I’m glad that I have.’’
McIlroy, too, has been vocal about the proposed mandatory 18-tournament schedule of the PGL, 10 events in the U.S. and the other eight around the world.
“The reason I said what I said was because we were in Mexico [for the World Golf Championships two weeks ago] and some [players] decided not to go,” McIlroy said, referring to eight of the world’s top-10 ranked golfers skipping the WGC event in Mexico City. “But that was their choice; that was the freedom that they had. They have autonomy over their schedule and they can pick and choose when and where they want to play.
“But that’s not the case with this new league. You’re going to be contracted to play 18 events. They’re going to tell you where and when you should be there. As a golfer and an independent contractor, I didn’t like the sound of that. I’d like to think I’m quite a loyal person and the PGA Tour has given me a platform to showcase my skills and build my brand and become this athlete that I am.’’
There have been rumors floating about that PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan is ready to ban any players who are members of the PGA Tour from playing in PGA Tour events if they join the PGL.


newyorkpost--2020-03-05--Organic molecules discovered on Mars similar to early life on Earth

Organic molecules found on Mars are “ consistent with early life ” on the red planet , scientists have revealed .
The matter is a tantalizing clue in the hunt for alien life in our Solar System .
Mars has always been a great candidate for alien life – and hunting for it there is relatively easy , compared to other planets .
Now hope for a breakthrough has been boosted by the discovery of organic compounds on Mars .
They ’ re called thiophenes , and are found on Earth .
You ’ ll find thiophenes in coal , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – a popular type of mushroom .
According to scientists , their presence is consistent with early life having existed on Mars .
It ’ s believed that a biological process may have played a role in the organic compound ’ s existence on Mars .
However , they say this more likely involved bacteria than a truffle .
“ We identified several biological pathways for thiophenes that seem more likely than chemical ones , but we still need proof , ” said astrobiologist Dirk Schulze-Makuchm , of Washington State University .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then you would think they are biological , but on Mars , of course , the bar to prove that has to be quite a bit higher.
” The bad news is that it ’ s possible that these compounds were formed through non-biological processes .
One explanation would be meteor impacts , which can create the compounds through high-temperature chemical interactions .
However , there is a biological back-story too .
But three billion years ago , Mars was warmer and wetter – allowing bacteria to facilitate a “ sulfate reduction process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope to learn more about organic molecules on Mars with Rosalind Franklin rover , which launches in July 2020 .
Sadly , even if the next rover obtains better data than Curiosity ( currently roaming Mars ) , it ’ s still not a guarantee of finding alien life .
“ I think the proof will really require that we actually send people there , and an astronaut looks through a microscope and sees a moving microbe.
” This research was published in the Astrobiology journal .

Organic molecules found on Mars are “consistent with early life” on the red planet, scientists have revealed.
The matter is a tantalizing clue in the hunt for alien life in our Solar System.
Mars has always been a great candidate for alien life – and hunting for it there is relatively easy, compared to other planets.
Now hope for a breakthrough has been boosted by the discovery of organic compounds on Mars.
They’re called thiophenes, and are found on Earth.
You’ll find thiophenes in coal, crude oil, and even white truffles – a popular type of mushroom.
According to scientists, their presence is consistent with early life having existed on Mars.
It’s believed that a biological process may have played a role in the organic compound’s existence on Mars.
However, they say this more likely involved bacteria than a truffle.
“We identified several biological pathways for thiophenes that seem more likely than chemical ones, but we still need proof,” said astrobiologist Dirk Schulze-Makuchm, of Washington State University.
“If you find thiophenes on Earth, then you would think they are biological, but on Mars, of course, the bar to prove that has to be quite a bit higher.”
The bad news is that it’s possible that these compounds were formed through non-biological processes.
One explanation would be meteor impacts, which can create the compounds through high-temperature chemical interactions.
However, there is a biological back-story too.
Today, Mars is a cold and inhospitable world.
But three billion years ago, Mars was warmer and wetter – allowing bacteria to facilitate a “sulfate reduction process” that results in thiophenes.
Astronomers hope to learn more about organic molecules on Mars with Rosalind Franklin rover, which launches in July 2020.
Sadly, even if the next rover obtains better data than Curiosity (currently roaming Mars), it’s still not a guarantee of finding alien life.
“As Carl Sagan said ‘extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence,'” Schulze-Makuch said.
“I think the proof will really require that we actually send people there, and an astronaut looks through a microscope and sees a moving microbe.”
This research was published in the Astrobiology journal.


newyorkpost--2020-03-05--President Trump talks coronavirus to start Fox News town hall in Biden hometown

President Trump at his Fox News Town Hall on Thursday night urged Americans to remain “ calm ” amid the @ @ @ @ @ At the Town Hall in Scranton , Pennsylvania — the hometown of Democratic front-runner Joe @ @ @ @ @ asked Trump if thinks the deadly virus would have long-term impacts on the economy .
@ @ @ @ @ going to work out , ” Trump responded .
“ Everybody has to just be @ @ @ @ @ administration ’ s handling of the outbreak , noting how he banned travel to China @ @ @ @ @ an issue .
“ I ’ ve closed down the border to China … and @ @ @ @ @ he said .
Trump also said his administration has received “ tremendous remarks ” for @ @ @ @ @ with coronavirus .

At a Fox News town hall Thursday night, President Trump urged Americans to remain “calm” amid the rapidly spreading coronavirus outbreak.
At the event in Scranton, Pennsylvania — the hometown of Democratic front-runner Joe Biden — host Martha MacCallum asked Trump if thinks the deadly virus would have long-term impacts on the economy.
“It’s going to all work out,” Trump responded. “Everybody has to be calm; it’s all going to work out.”
Trump defended his administration’s handling of the outbreak, saying they have received “tremendous marks” for their coronavirus response.
He also praised Vice President Mike Pence’s leadership, saying “he is working 20 hours a day or more.”
He said his administration had coronavirus testing ready, “as soon as we found out it was a problem.”
And as the number of coronavirus cases climbs in the US, health officials have urged Americans to avoid shaking hands.
Trump admitted, “It is a little of a problem,” but added, that “I got over it.”
“The bottom line is I shake anybody’s hand now, I’m proud of it” Trump said.


newyorkpost--2020-03-05--3 LIRR high-rollers busted for overtime abuse, watchdog says

Riders get slapped with fare hikes — while these guys ...

Three more highly-paid Long Island Rail Road employees have been busted collecting overtime when they weren’t actually working, the MTA’s inspector general said Thursday.
Investigators caught railroad worker Jacqueline Gardner, signal inspector Robert Kreuzer and his supervisor William Bagnasco away from their jobs on multiple occasions in 2018 while they were still collecting OT, according to an IG report.
Gardner was seen arriving at either her home or Jamaica Station — where she parked her BMW during work days — on 13 separate occasions when her time-sheet claimed she was at work collecting OT, the IG said.
Gardner was the “railway worker in charge” at Manhattan’s West Side Yard, where she was responsible for coordinating between the railroad and outside contractors doing work at the site.
The terms of her position allowed her to leave early if her work was complete, as long as she informed railroad officials — which she never did, the IG said.
Gardner raked in nearly $100,000 in OT between Jan. 1 and Nov. 7 of that same year, en route to a $226,492 in total earnings.
Kreuzer and Bagnasco, meanwhile, were both caught leaving their Garden City workplace anywhere from 40 minutes to two-and-a-half hours before their OT shifts wrapped up, the watchdog said.
Investigators tracked Kreuzer’s movements on five separate days in April and May of 2018. On one occasion, the IG’s office spotted him at one of two locations he was known to sleep, in Valley Stream, 50 minutes before he supposedly wrapped up his shift in Garden City.
Bagnasco, the supervisor responsible for approving and monitoring Kreuzer’s hours, was caught on six separate occasions, the IG said.
In two of those instances the men left work at the exact same time — 4:55 p.m. and 5:51 p.m. — even though they collected pay through 7:30 p.m., according to the IG’s office.
Kreuzer and Bagnasco collected $60,288 and $97,512, respectively, in OT over the first eight months of 2018. That year, Kreuzer took home $169,698 in total pay, and Bagnasco $249,819.
All three workers were hit with 30-day unpaid suspensions in 2019, and forced to return the money they earned at the times they were caught playing hooky. They all remain on the LIRR’s payroll, a spokeswoman said.
Kreuzer and Gardner could not be reached for comment. Reached by phone, Bagnasco denied any knowledge of the IG’s investigation.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m not interested,” he said, before abruptly hanging up.
The LIRR represents just 11 percent of the MTA’s workforce, 13 percent of its operating expenses and 4 percent of its ridership. But six of 20 MTA employees penalized in 2019 as a result of the IG’s work came from the LIRR, according to the office’s annual report released Thursday.
IG Carolyn Pokorny has exposed multiple examples of LIRR workers caught collecting OT when they were at home and not working since the Empire Center exposed the railroad’s outrageous overtime spending last spring.
In response to the controversy, the MTA is in the process of putting its entire workforce on a biometric, fingerprint-based timekeeping system. As of mid-January, 89 percent of LIRR employees were enrolled in the system.
“We appreciate the IG’s work, and we want the public to know that we take these issues seriously,” LIRR President Phil Eng said in a statement. “We have tightened oversight of timekeeping including the use of biometric clocks that are currently in use across all our workforce crafts.”