newyorkpost--2020-12-15--Boko Haram claims abduction of students in northern Nigeria

The Supreme Court on Tuesday sided with two New Jersey ...

LAGOS, Nigeria — Rebels from the Boko Haram extremist group claimed responsibility Tuesday for abducting hundreds of boys from a school in Nigeria’s northern Katsina State last week in one of the largest such attacks in years, raising fears of a growing wave of violence in the region.
More than 330 students remain missing from the Government Science Secondary School in Kankara after gunmen with assault rifles attacked their school Friday night, although scores of others managed to escape.
The government and the attackers are negotiating the fate of the boys, according to Garba Shehu, a spokesman for Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari.
“The kidnappers had made contact and discussions were already on, pertaining to the safety and return” of the children to their homes, said Shehu on Twitter during talks with Katsina Gov. Aminu Masari. Neither official said whether the negotiations are with Boko Haram or another group.
Masari said security agencies “deployed for rescue operations have also informed us that they have located their position.”
The Daily Nigerian said it received an audio message from Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau claiming the abduction, although there has been no independent verification of its authenticity.
The Islamic extremist group has carried out mass abduction of students before. The most serious took place in April 2014, when more than 270 schoolgirls were taken from their dormitory at the Government Secondary School in Chibok in northeastern Borno State. About 100 of the girls are still missing.
In February 2014, 59 boys were killed during a Boko Haram attack on the Federal Government College Buni Yadi in Yobe State.
In the audio message about Friday’s attack, Shekau said his group abducted the schoolboys because Western education is against the tenets of Islam.
More than 600 students attend the school. Many were able to escape during a gunfight between the attackers and the police, according to state police spokesman Gambo Isah.
Students corroborated this account with various news agencies, saying many of them were also rounded up and forced to walk to a nearby forest, where some were also able to flee.
Several armed groups operate in northern Nigeria, where Katsina State is located. It was originally believed that the attackers were bandits, who sometimes work with Boko Haram.
Bandits have operated in the northwest region for some time, and kidnappings have increased in recent years. Amnesty International says that more than 1,100 people were killed in the first six months of 2020 in violence related to attacks by bandits.
A joint rescue operation was launched Saturday by Nigeria’s police, air force and army after the military engaged in gunfights with bandits after locating their hideout in the Zango/Paula forest.
If Boko Haram is proven to be behind the abduction, it could mean a new wave of religious extremism is on the rise in Nigeria. For more than 10 years, the group has engaged in a bloody campaign for introducing strict Islamic rule, but it has been mainly active in northeast Nigeria, not in the northwest, where Katsina State is located. Thousands have been killed and more than a million people displaced by the violence.
Nnamdi Obasi of the International Crisis Group said a shift of Boko Haram’s activities to the northwest would have serious security implications because it could partner with other armed criminal groups known to carry out attacks and collect payments from households and markets.
“They are Iike mini-armies that are able to carry out operations in defiance of the security forces, and it is worrisome,” Obasi told The Associated Press.
The local armed groups have no religious ideology, however, and Obasi said Boko Haram’s movement into the northwest would create “a risk of convergence between criminal groups and jihadist groups. The trajectories are very disturbing.”
Because the northwest is more homogeneously Islam than the northeast, there are more potential recruits for radicalism.
Previous 1 of 3 Next Advertisement Parents of the missing students in Kankara, Nigeria. AP Photo/Sunday Alamba AP Photo/Sunday Alamba Advertisement
Friday’s abduction has become a rallying cry for Nigerians fed up with growing violence, with #BringBackOurBoys trending on Twitter as people express their frustrations. A similar #BringBackOurGirls became an international rallying cry for the Chibok girls.
“Before now, it has been bandits and kidnappers terrorizing our state, but little has been done to address the situation,” said Mallam Saidu Funtua, a member of a local civil society organization in Katsina State.
He added that “the abduction of students was the height of it all. It is unacceptable and the government has to do more” to protect students and residents.
The attack was a major setback for education in Katsina, which was beginning to make progress in enrollment, he said, adding: “Our people will be discouraged in sending their kids to school.”
Kankara villager Lawal Muhammed said the attack left most residents terrified and traumatized.
“We have never experienced this kind of thing before,” he said. “We want the government to do more in protecting our children, especially now that schools would be resuming after the COVID-19 break.”
The abductions also come as Boko Haram and the Nigerian military may be investigated for war crimes in the rebels’ insurgency, which has lasted more than a decade.
The International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor last week said a probe has found enough evidence to merit opening a full-scale inquiry into allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity by Boko Haram extremists as well as into charges that Nigerian government forces have also perpetrated abuses.
Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said there is a “reasonable basis to believe” Boko Haram and splinter groups linked to it committed crimes including murder, rape, sexual slavery and torture, as well as intentionally targeting schools and places of worship and using child soldiers. While a vast majority of the criminality in the conflict has been carried out by Boko Haram, prosecutors also found grounds to believe members of Nigeria’s security forces had committed crimes, she said.
Amnesty International last week released a report saying at least 10,000 civilians have died in Nigerian military custody since 2011 after being detained in connection with the Boko Haram insurgency in northern Nigeria.


newyorkpost--2020-12-15--There is some good news coming the Jets’ way

The waters are rising around him , but Sam Darnold is ...

You can see rock bottom now if you are the Jets. It is in sight. It is coming in three more weeks when they are likely to complete this 0-16 season, becoming the third team to ever sink to those depths.
It can’t get any worse, can it?
The truth is as bad as Jets fans might feel about their team right now, optimism is right around the corner. Get ready for a spring and summer of good feelings around the Jets. That is hard to believe after an 0-16 season, but nothing gives fans hopes more than shiny, new things. The Jets are about to have a lot of those.
Start with a coach. Adam Gase will be fired at the end of the season. There is no doubt about that at this point. Jets general manager Joe Douglas and team CEO Christopher Johnson will start their search shortly after the season and it will be a while before we know whether they got it right. That won’t prevent optimism, though.
Gase is one of the most unpopular coaches ever in New York. He will slide into his place alongside Rich Kotite, Ray Handley, Isiah Thomas, Jeff Torborg and Allie Sherman. It won’t take much for his successor to be more popular than Gase and bring hope to a beaten-down fan base.
Giants coach Joe Judge showed how easy it is to win over fans. There was skepticism when he was hired instead of Matt Rhule. Unlike Gase, Judge won the press conference. His vision for the team was clear and he has carried that message into the season. Even when the Giants were losing every week, the fans still bought into Judge because he delivered a clear message and projected leadership.
Adam Gase for the NY POST
Gase famously lost the press conference in a rout. While everyone was making jokes about his eyes, it was his lack of vision for the team that should have been the bigger red flag in hindsight. As long as the new Jets coach does not murder a kitten during his introductory press conference, it will go better than Gase’s.
Besides having a new coach, the Jets will have the No. 1 pick unless they find a way to win in these last three weeks. That means months of talk about Clemson star Trevor Lawrence leading up to the draft … and then months of talk about Lawrence through OTAs, training camp and the preseason.
Lawrence’s potential arrival is no guarantee the Jets will suddenly be a contender. Look at the Bengals for evidence that it takes more than a rookie franchise quarterback to turn a team around. But Lawrence will excite Jets fans and provide every fan’s favorite drug: potential.
Douglas can get Lawrence the help he failed to get Sam Darnold. He enters this offseason armed with salary cap space. Unlike last year, he is going to have to spend on some premium free agents this time around. The Jets roster is bereft of talent. Free agency can be fool’s gold, but that does not mean it won’t cause excitement. Every major signing Douglas makes will bring some a jolt of hope with it.
Look around New York sports right now and you will see the cleansing power of change. Judge has Giants fans rooting for an unlikely playoff berth. Steve Cohen has Mets fans believing again. Heck, even Knicks fans are optimistic right now with Leon Rose and Tom Thibodeau in charge.
Much to the disappointment of most Jets fans, the Johnsons are not selling the team, so there will be no football version of Cohen riding to their rescue carrying his checkbook. But the Johnsons have another chance to get this right with Douglas leading the way.
The Jets are closing in on rock bottom as we exit 2020. The forecast for 2021 is much rosier. Optimism is on the way.


newyorkpost--2020-12-15--California distributes 5,000 body bags to areas devastated by COVID-19

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic .
SACRAMENTO , Calif. @ @ @ @ @ body bags mostly to the hard-hit Los Angeles and San Diego areas and has 60 @ @ @ @ @ makeshift morgues in anticipation of a surge of coronavirus deaths .
The precautions come from @ @ @ @ @ the summertime peak and threaten to soon overwhelm the hospital system .
Gov .
Gavin @ @ @ @ @ number of average daily deaths has quadrupled from a month ago .
The surge is @ @ @ @ @ more staff and space , a crush that might not abate for two months despite @ @ @ @ @ doses of vaccines this week .
In Orange County , health officials said they plan @ @ @ @ @ four hospitals to help handle their patient caseloads .

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California is distributing 5,000 body bags mostly to the hard-hit Los Angeles and San Diego areas and has 60 refrigerated trailers standing by as makeshift morgues in anticipation of a surge of coronavirus deaths.
The precautions come from hospitalizations that now are double the summertime peak and threaten to soon overwhelm the hospital system.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said Tuesday that the number of average daily deaths has quadrupled from a month ago. The surge is forcing an urgent scramble for more staff and space, a crush that might not abate for two months despite the arrival of the first doses of vaccines this week.
In Orange County, health officials said they plan to send large tents to four hospitals to help handle their patient caseloads.


newyorkpost--2020-12-15--Supreme Court sides with NJ religious leaders over COVID restrictions

The Supreme Court on Tuesday sided with two New Jersey religious leaders who accused Gov .
Phil Murphy of violating their religious freedoms during the pandemic .
Rev .
Kevin Robinson , of St. Anthony of Padua church , and Rabbi Yisrael Knopfler argued Murphy ’ s executive orders limiting religious services and allowing large crowd gatherings in indoor and outdoor public places were unconstitutional .
Two lower courts had ruled in Murphy ’ s favor , but on Tuesday , the leaders deemed the Supreme Court ’ s move a victory for religious institutions .
“ We are getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States Supreme Court that government can not set up any rules that apply to places of worship , or worship activities , but not to other , comparable secular activities , ” their attorney Christopher Ferrara told The Bergen Record .
“ This is the very crux of religious discrimination and a blatant abuse of the United States Constitution and its amendments.
” In November , Murphy signed an order limiting weddings , funerals , and religious services to no more than 150 people .
The Supreme Court also ruled in favor of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Jared Polis over his COVID-19 restrictions .
The rulings come after the nation ’ s highest court ruled in favor of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn and Orthodox Jewish synagogues , who charged that Gov .
Andrew Cuomo ’ s restrictions limiting high capacity at houses of worship violated their parishioner ’ s religious freedoms .

The Supreme Court on Tuesday sided with two New Jersey religious leaders who accused Gov. Phil Murphy of violating their religious freedoms during the pandemic.
Rev. Kevin Robinson, of St. Anthony of Padua church, and Rabbi Yisrael Knopfler argued Murphy’s executive orders limiting religious services and allowing large crowd gatherings in indoor and outdoor public places were unconstitutional.
Two lower courts had ruled in Murphy’s favor, but on Tuesday, the leaders deemed the Supreme Court’s move a victory for religious institutions.
“We are getting a very clear message from the United States Supreme Court that government cannot set up any rules that apply to places of worship, or worship activities, but not to other, comparable secular activities,” their attorney Christopher Ferrara told The Bergen Record. “This is the very crux of religious discrimination and a blatant abuse of the United States Constitution and its amendments.”
In November, Murphy signed an order limiting weddings, funerals, and religious services to no more than 150 people.
The Supreme Court also ruled in favor of a small Colorado church after suing Gov. Jared Polis over his COVID-19 restrictions.
The rulings come after the nation’s highest court ruled in favor of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn and Orthodox Jewish synagogues, who charged that Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s restrictions limiting high capacity at houses of worship violated their parishioner’s religious freedoms.


newyorkpost--2020-12-15--Stream It Or Skip It: ‘Midnight Family’ on HBO Max, Chronicling The Nocturnal Adventures Of A Privat

Stream It Or Skip It: ‘Midnight Family’ on HBO Max, Chronicling The Nocturnal Adventures Of A Private Ambulance Crew In Mexico City

Get some rest , because you ’ ll be up all night hanging on every call for aid the Ochoas receive in Midnight Family .
This compelling documentary details the dicey , dangerous private ambulance scene in Mexico City , where independent paramedic crews compete to provide help and make a buck amid a broken healthcare system .
MIDNIGHT FAMILY : STREAM IT OR SKIP IT ?
The Gist : We all know health care in America has its challenges .
But one thing we take for granted is the first mile of that system : the ambulance that ferries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s neither a guarantee nor an assumption in Mexico City , where according to Luke Lorentzen ’ s documentary Midnight Family , there are 45 government ambulances to serve 9 million people .
In the void between Mexico ’ s fractured public health infrastructure and its injured citizens are private ambulance crews like the Ochoas , who are the subjects of this captivating profile .
Each night , Fer Ochoa , his 17-year-old son Juan ( wise and world-tested beyond his years ) , and tagalong kid brother Josue park their rig on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police scanner .
When a call comes in — a car accident , or pedestrian hit-and-run — they hit the lights and sirens and race to the scene , often competing against rival independent ambulances in a mad dash to provide crucial aid and ( hopefully ) make a few measly pesos .
Midnight Family is presented without narration or any real back story .
Instead we ’ re thrust into the Ochoas ’ nighttime world , and learn about their work and its challenges as they hurtle through the streets of Mexico @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s loudspeaker for people and vehicles to move out of the way .
“ Let us through !
” Fer calls to the slow-moving traffic as Juan drives the ambulance , hunched over the wheel , his eyes scanning for danger .
“ We could be on the way to save your family !
” But traffic isn ’ t their only obstacle .
With each call , the Ochoas must stabilize and prepare to transport their patients , but also navigate a thicket of interference from government ambulances ( when they do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threaten fines or imprisonment in return for bribes , a messy and inconsistent network of public and private hospital care , and the victims themselves , who often can ’ t pay for emergency services due to limited means , or might simply refuse to compensate the crew for their time , trouble , and diesel .
The Ochoas are living close to the ground , and sometimes it seems like their ambulance and a desire to help is the only thing they have left .
What Movies Will It Remind You Of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Out the Dead bombed on release and is somewhat forgotten , but it ’ s worth a revisit for the director ’ s signature touches , a fine , bug-eyed performance from Nicolas Cage , and its exploration of the nocturnal urban landscape .
For a view from the streets in a different environment , seek out the BBC One documentary series Ambulance , which follows the daily operations of ambulance crews in the United Kingdom .
( Ambulance is available to stream on Tubi . )
And in a different vein , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 of the Netflix series Taco Chronicles brings alive the streets of Mexico City through its vital , vibrant , and delicious street food culture .
Performance Worth Watching : He ’ s just a kid , carefully grooming his fade with a comb and hairspray , grinning through his braces , and calling his girlfriend to chat in moments snatched from the night .
Alternately , he ’ s the crew chief of an EMT crew tasked with administering lifesaving care , navigating a difficult landscape of bribes and broken equipment , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services rendered .
Juan Ochoa proves to be adept at both sides of his world .
Memorable Dialogue : The danger and unpredictability of their work is one thing .
But it ’ s the grind of forever scrounging for a single peso ’ s compensation that really weighs on Ochoas .
“ I don ’ t understand why people get so upset , ” Juan , the paramedic-philosopher muses during a quiet moment of down time .
“ If I was in an accident , I ’ d pay .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a taco stand .
How are they going to buy meat ?
” Juan is seen tallying and divvying up their meager earnings , and taking an extra bite from everyone ’ s cut to satisfy the rules of the game .
“ We all need to pitch in for oil , gas , and Vallejo ’ s bribes.
” Our Take : “ If I get anything tonight , I ’ ll definitely give you a cut.
” The police bribes and side deals Juan Ochoa and his father Fer are forced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready for another night on the streets is the toughest thing to take in Midnight Family .
Independent ambulance crews like the Ochoas didn ’ t make the Mexican healthcare system fail .
Instead , they make it run , such as it is , but get grief and confront graft at every turn .
In one powerful segment , Juan wishes for a night off from the grind , just to prove to people how imperative the private ambulances ’ work really is .
Luke Lorentzen has uncovered an irresistible angle for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patient camera work delivers us into the action in something like real time .
We feel like we ’ re sitting next to Josue , bouncing around in the back of the ambulance as it roars off to another call .
We ’ re living in the moment , just like the Ochoas are .
And we feel their pain when they ’ re financially stiffed , yet again , after helping another someone survive .
Will they themselves survive another night ?
In its most captivating sequences , the team tears through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to arrive at a chaotic scene of broken people , crumpled automobiles , and the flashing lights of either their competition or uncooperative , outright hostile law enforcement .
It offers a startling perspective on life in a teeming urban landscape , one without the safety net many of us have come to accept as a fact of our existence .
Beyond that , it also exists as a personal document of the Ochoas as people , with world-savvy Juan at its center , distant , sickly Fer in the passenger seat , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the back of the rig .
Our Call : STREAM IT .
Midnight Family is a fascinating portrait of dedicated people at work , who provide vital aid to their fellow citizens in spite of an environment fraught with financial , bureaucratic , and logistic obstacles .
Johnny Loftus is an independent writer and editor living at large in Chicagoland .
His work has appeared in The Village Voice , All Music Guide , Pitchfork Media , and Nicki Swift .
Follow him on Twitter : @ glennganges

Get some rest, because you’ll be up all night hanging on every call for aid the Ochoas receive in Midnight Family. This compelling documentary details the dicey, dangerous private ambulance scene in Mexico City, where independent paramedic crews compete to provide help and make a buck amid a broken healthcare system.
MIDNIGHT FAMILY: STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?
The Gist: We all know health care in America has its challenges. But one thing we take for granted is the first mile of that system: the ambulance that ferries us to the hospital. That’s neither a guarantee nor an assumption in Mexico City, where according to Luke Lorentzen’s documentary Midnight Family, there are 45 government ambulances to serve 9 million people. In the void between Mexico’s fractured public health infrastructure and its injured citizens are private ambulance crews like the Ochoas, who are the subjects of this captivating profile. Each night, Fer Ochoa, his 17-year-old son Juan (wise and world-tested beyond his years), and tagalong kid brother Josue park their rig on the streets and stay hooked into the police scanner. When a call comes in — a car accident, or pedestrian hit-and-run — they hit the lights and sirens and race to the scene, often competing against rival independent ambulances in a mad dash to provide crucial aid and (hopefully) make a few measly pesos.
Midnight Family is presented without narration or any real back story. Instead we’re thrust into the Ochoas’ nighttime world, and learn about their work and its challenges as they hurtle through the streets of Mexico City, hollering over the vehicle’s loudspeaker for people and vehicles to move out of the way. “Let us through!” Fer calls to the slow-moving traffic as Juan drives the ambulance, hunched over the wheel, his eyes scanning for danger. “We could be on the way to save your family!” But traffic isn’t their only obstacle. With each call, the Ochoas must stabilize and prepare to transport their patients, but also navigate a thicket of interference from government ambulances (when they do show up), crooked police who threaten fines or imprisonment in return for bribes, a messy and inconsistent network of public and private hospital care, and the victims themselves, who often can’t pay for emergency services due to limited means, or might simply refuse to compensate the crew for their time, trouble, and diesel. The Ochoas are living close to the ground, and sometimes it seems like their ambulance and a desire to help is the only thing they have left.
What Movies Will It Remind You Of? The 1999 Martin Scorcese film Bringing Out the Dead bombed on release and is somewhat forgotten, but it’s worth a revisit for the director’s signature touches, a fine, bug-eyed performance from Nicolas Cage, and its exploration of the nocturnal urban landscape. For a view from the streets in a different environment, seek out the BBC One documentary series Ambulance, which follows the daily operations of ambulance crews in the United Kingdom. (Ambulance is available to stream on Tubi.) And in a different vein, the “Pastor” episode in Volume 1 of the Netflix series Taco Chronicles brings alive the streets of Mexico City through its vital, vibrant, and delicious street food culture.
Performance Worth Watching: He’s just a kid, carefully grooming his fade with a comb and hairspray, grinning through his braces, and calling his girlfriend to chat in moments snatched from the night. Alternately, he’s the crew chief of an EMT crew tasked with administering lifesaving care, navigating a difficult landscape of bribes and broken equipment, and having difficult conversations about payment for services rendered. Juan Ochoa proves to be adept at both sides of his world.
Memorable Dialogue: The danger and unpredictability of their work is one thing. But it’s the grind of forever scrounging for a single peso’s compensation that really weighs on Ochoas. “I don’t understand why people get so upset,” Juan, the paramedic-philosopher muses during a quiet moment of down time. “If I was in an accident, I’d pay. It’s like asking for free tacos at a taco stand. How are they going to buy meat?” Juan is seen tallying and divvying up their meager earnings, and taking an extra bite from everyone’s cut to satisfy the rules of the game. “We all need to pitch in for oil, gas, and Vallejo’s bribes.”
Sex and Skin: None.
Our Take: “If I get anything tonight, I’ll definitely give you a cut.” The police bribes and side deals Juan Ochoa and his father Fer are forced to make just to stay supplied and ready for another night on the streets is the toughest thing to take in Midnight Family. Independent ambulance crews like the Ochoas didn’t make the Mexican healthcare system fail. Instead, they make it run, such as it is, but get grief and confront graft at every turn. In one powerful segment, Juan wishes for a night off from the grind, just to prove to people how imperative the private ambulances’ work really is. Luke Lorentzen has uncovered an irresistible angle for a documentary, and his perceptive, patient camera work delivers us into the action in something like real time. We feel like we’re sitting next to Josue, bouncing around in the back of the ambulance as it roars off to another call. We’re living in the moment, just like the Ochoas are. And we feel their pain when they’re financially stiffed, yet again, after helping another someone survive. Will they themselves survive another night?
In its most captivating sequences, the team tears through the city, emergency signals blaring, to arrive at a chaotic scene of broken people, crumpled automobiles, and the flashing lights of either their competition or uncooperative, outright hostile law enforcement. It offers a startling perspective on life in a teeming urban landscape, one without the safety net many of us have come to accept as a fact of our existence. Beyond that, it also exists as a personal document of the Ochoas as people, with world-savvy Juan at its center, distant, sickly Fer in the passenger seat, and clown prince Josue goofing around in the back of the rig.
Our Call: STREAM IT. Midnight Family is a fascinating portrait of dedicated people at work, who provide vital aid to their fellow citizens in spite of an environment fraught with financial, bureaucratic, and logistic obstacles.
Johnny Loftus is an independent writer and editor living at large in Chicagoland. His work has appeared in The Village Voice, All Music Guide, Pitchfork Media, and Nicki Swift. Follow him on Twitter: @glennganges
Watch Midnight Family on HBO Max
Watch Midnight Family on HBO Now


newyorkpost--2020-12-15--Caris LeVert ready for ‘challenge’ of this possible Nets role

In the NBA bubble , Caris LeVert found himself as the Nets ’ focal point .
Their leading scorer and top playmaker , the guy everyone looked to when a big play was needed .
Despite the star power that now surrounds him in Brooklyn , LeVert may still be that focal point .
The Nets are toying with the idea of the 6-foot-6 guard serving as their sixth man and leading their second unit .
“ I ’ m looking forward to the challenge if that ’ s what it ’ s going to be , ” LeVert said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coach Steve Nash has said he ’ s thinking of starting Spencer Dinwiddie and bringing LeVert off the bench , and the fifth-year pro out of Michigan seems amenable to that possibility .
After being held out of the preseason opener on Sunday due to a minor knee issue , LeVert took part in Tuesday ’ s scrimmage and felt fine .
During the NBA restart , LeVert proved he ’ s capable of added responsibility .
Without a host of key teammates taking part in the bubble , LeVert was exceptional , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs and averaging 23.1 points , 7.8 assists and 5.4 rebounds in 10 games .
In an opening-round series sweep by the Raptors , LeVert posted 20.3 points and 9.5 assists .
Nash made the comparison to what the Spurs did with Manu Ginobli , in that he was basically an extra starter who finished games , but provided scoring punch with the backups .
It would give him more opportunities with the ball in his hands and enable him to build off his standout summer in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All-Star games , started on the bench , ran the second unit and closed games , ” Nash said previously .
“ We ’ ll see .
We ’ ll see how it goes .
It ’ s a great luxury to have.
” There is also the question of maximizing LeVert ’ s ability as an attack-first scorer when he doesn ’ t have to defer to a high-usage player such as Kyrie Irving .
Last year , for instance , Dinwiddie and Irving played much better together than Irving and LeVert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 284 minutes alongside one another while Dinwiddie and Irving were a plus-42 in their 305 minutes together .
In the exhibition opener , Dinwiddie played well next to Irving , notching 11 points , seven assists , six rebounds and a plus-11 rating .
LeVert , 26 , has been used as a reserve before , and he sees some advantages to it , like getting a feel for how his opponent is defending and what is needed upon checking in compared to being out there for the opening tip .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and try to find a positive out of each one , ” he said .
The best fit may be LeVert coming off the bench .
But if that changes and the Nets prefer him to start , he will adapt to that as well .
“ I ’ m kind of versatile and I can play with the ball and without the ball , ” LeVert said .
“ Starting , coming off the bench , whatever it may be , I feel I can adjust and I can play pretty much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in .
“ I ’ m just excited to get out there and contribute to wins in any way possible , so if that ’ s starting or coming off the bench , Steve and I will talk more about it .
But I think everyone ’ s main goal right now is winning basketball games and putting us in the best position .
”

In the NBA bubble, Caris LeVert found himself as the Nets’ focal point. Their leading scorer and top playmaker, the guy everyone looked to when a big play was needed.
Despite the star power that now surrounds him in Brooklyn, LeVert may still be that focal point. The Nets are toying with the idea of the 6-foot-6 guard serving as their sixth man and leading their second unit.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge if that’s what it’s going to be,” LeVert said on Tuesday over Zoom following practice.
Coach Steve Nash has said he’s thinking of starting Spencer Dinwiddie and bringing LeVert off the bench, and the fifth-year pro out of Michigan seems amenable to that possibility. After being held out of the preseason opener on Sunday due to a minor knee issue, LeVert took part in Tuesday’s scrimmage and felt fine.
“He looked great,” Nash said. “He played very well.”
During the NBA restart, LeVert proved he’s capable of added responsibility. Without a host of key teammates taking part in the bubble, LeVert was exceptional, helping the Nets hold onto the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs and averaging 23.1 points, 7.8 assists and 5.4 rebounds in 10 games. In an opening-round series sweep by the Raptors, LeVert posted 20.3 points and 9.5 assists.
Nash made the comparison to what the Spurs did with Manu Ginobli, in that he was basically an extra starter who finished games, but provided scoring punch with the backups. It would give him more opportunities with the ball in his hands and enable him to build off his standout summer in a leading role.
“Manu played in All-Star games, started on the bench, ran the second unit and closed games,” Nash said previously. “We’ll see. We’ll see how it goes. It’s a great luxury to have.”
There is also the question of maximizing LeVert’s ability as an attack-first scorer when he doesn’t have to defer to a high-usage player such as Kyrie Irving.
Caris LeVert during a recent Nets practice. NBAE via Getty Images
Last year, for instance, Dinwiddie and Irving played much better together than Irving and LeVert, with the latter notching a minus-59 in 284 minutes alongside one another while Dinwiddie and Irving were a plus-42 in their 305 minutes together. In the exhibition opener, Dinwiddie played well next to Irving, notching 11 points, seven assists, six rebounds and a plus-11 rating.
LeVert, 26, has been used as a reserve before, and he sees some advantages to it, like getting a feel for how his opponent is defending and what is needed upon checking in compared to being out there for the opening tip.
“I try to look at each situation and try to find a positive out of each one,” he said.
The best fit may be LeVert coming off the bench. But if that changes and the Nets prefer him to start, he will adapt to that as well.
“I’m kind of versatile and I can play with the ball and without the ball,” LeVert said. “Starting, coming off the bench, whatever it may be, I feel I can adjust and I can play pretty much any role that I’m put in.
“I’m just excited to get out there and contribute to wins in any way possible, so if that’s starting or coming off the bench, Steve and I will talk more about it. But I think everyone’s main goal right now is winning basketball games and putting us in the best position.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-15--Cuomo signs bill banning sale of Confederate flags

BIRMINGHAM , Ala. — Alabama voters reversed themselves from a few ...

ALBANY — Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill into law aimed at banning the sale of “hate symbols” such as the Confederate flag or the swastika on state property — even while admitting the new edict might clash with the First Amendment and be struck down as unconstitutional.
The new law — effective immediately — prohibits the sale of hate symbols on public grounds including state and local fairs, and also severely limits their display unless deemed relevant to serving an educational or historical purpose.
But Cuomo said the rule likely needs “certain technical changes” so the Empire State doesn’t get caught treading upon free speech protections codified in the Constitution’s First Amendment.
“This country faces a pervasive, growing attitude of intolerance and hate — what I have referred to in the body politic as an American cancer,” Cuomo wrote in his approval message.
“By limiting the display and sale of the confederate flag, Nazi swastika and other symbols of hatred from being displayed or sold on state property, including the state fairgrounds, this will help safeguard New Yorkers from the fear-installing effects of these abhorrent symbols.”
He continued: “While I fully support the spirit of this legislation, certain technical changes are necessary to balance the State’s interests in preventing the use of hate symbols on state land with free speech protections embodied in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.”
But noted First Amendment lawyer Floyd Abrams argues Cuomo may have a larger problem on his hands, extending beyond a quick “technical” fix.
“Governor Cuomo is correct that the First Amendment may require changes in the law in light of the First Amendment. A private entity can choose to sell or not sell offensive symbols but when the government bans the sale of offensive, but constitutionally protected symbols, on its property the First Amendment comes into play,” Abrams told The Post.
A Cuomo spokesman said the governor’s legal team will be reviewing the bill in consultation with the state Legislature to make a possible amendment.
“There’s going to be a chapter amendment that limits the prohibitions at the state fair, to ensure that we are respecting the protections that the Supreme Court has recognized for individuals and vendors at state fairs to exercise their First Amendment rights,” explained Maya Moskowitz, press secretary of bill sponsor state Sen. Alessandra Biaggi (D-Bronx).
Meanwhile, the governor also signed a new law making it illegal for federal immigration agents to make civil arrests of undocumented individuals when they enter, attend or leave a state courthouse without a federal warrant.


newyorkpost--2020-12-15--Cops respond after text autocorrects ‘swabbed’ to ‘stabbed’

A Wisconsin woman ’ s text sparked a full-blown police response after it autocorrected to say she was being “ stabbed ” — instead of “ swabbed ” for COVID-19 .
The unidentified woman ’ s frantic father called 911 after receiving the alarming message late last month , The Appleton Post-Crescent reported Monday .
“ He indicated that his daughter was being stabbed , possibly by a live-in boyfriend , ” Menasha police officer Nick Oleszak told the local paper .
At least eight cops rushed to the woman ’ s apartment to check up on her .
Then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the woman showed up unharmed .
Turns out , she ’ d gone to a clinic to get tested for COVID-19 and had told her dad she was being “ swabbed ” without noticing autocorrect changed the word to “ stabbed.
” “ She said she was fine and it was all a misunderstanding , ” Oleszak said .
The mix-up lasted around 25 minutes , Oleszak noted , saying officers had “ used an abundance of caution.
” He said that it was always best to check a text before sending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ words had been mistakenly changed .
Still , Oleszak added : “ Misunderstandings like this are very rare.
” “ We don ’ t want to dissuade people from sending texts for help .
”

Tomato, tomahto…
A Wisconsin woman’s text sparked a full-blown police response after it autocorrected to say she was being “stabbed” — instead of “swabbed” for COVID-19.
The unidentified woman’s frantic father called 911 after receiving the alarming message late last month, The Appleton Post-Crescent reported Monday.
“He indicated that his daughter was being stabbed, possibly by a live-in boyfriend,” Menasha police officer Nick Oleszak told the local paper.
At least eight cops rushed to the woman’s apartment to check up on her.
Then, much to everyone’s surprise, the woman showed up unharmed.
Turns out, she’d gone to a clinic to get tested for COVID-19 and had told her dad she was being “swabbed” without noticing autocorrect changed the word to “stabbed.”
“She said she was fine and it was all a misunderstanding,” Oleszak said.
The mix-up lasted around 25 minutes, Oleszak noted, saying officers had “used an abundance of caution.”
He said that it was always best to check a text before sending it to authorities to make sure no words had been mistakenly changed.
Still, Oleszak added: “Misunderstandings like this are very rare.”
“We don’t want to dissuade people from sending texts for help.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-15--Five alleged home invaders indicted for tri-state area robbery spree

Five alleged tri-state area home invaders — including two accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a Queens break-in — @ @ @ @ @ court on Tuesday .
The defendants are charged with conspiring to commit robberies over a @ @ @ @ @ Queens , Staten Island , Long Island and New Jersey , according to a release @ @ @ @ @ s Office in the Southern District of New York .
One of the crimes allegedly @ @ @ @ @ was a horrid May 4 home-invasion robbery in Little Neck , Queens , where eight @ @ @ @ @ a woman was sexually assaulted , federal prosecutors said .
The group expected to loot @ @ @ @ @ , prosecutors said , but found only a fraction of that .
Defendants Brandon Daniels @ @ @ @ @ Mobley , 50 , were tied to the crime through DNA found at the scene @ @ @ @ @ , 52-year-old Lamonte Johnson and Shi Zhen Lin , 29 , are also charged in @ @ @

Five alleged tri-state area home invaders — including two accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a Queens break-in — were indicted in Brooklyn federal court on Tuesday.
The defendants are charged with conspiring to commit robberies over a three month-period in 2019 in Queens, Staten Island, Long Island and New Jersey, according to a release from the US Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of New York.
One of the crimes allegedly carried out by the crew was a horrid May 4 home-invasion robbery in Little Neck, Queens, where eight people were held hostage and a woman was sexually assaulted, federal prosecutors said.
The group expected to loot tens of thousands of dollars, prosecutors said, but found only a fraction of that.
Defendants Brandon Daniels, 26, and Corey Mobley, 50, were tied to the crime through DNA found at the scene.
John Martin, 48, 52-year-old Lamonte Johnson and Shi Zhen Lin, 29, are also charged in the indictment.


newyorkpost--2020-12-15--Why Andrew Cuomo would be a horrible pick for US attorney general

WASHINGTON — New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo is one of ...

Gov. Cuomo is reported to be on Joe Biden’s short list for attorney general, though Cuomo says he isn’t interested: Savvy, considering he might not be the final choice, and if he is, he’ll have to undergo Senate scrutiny. He’d have a lot to explain.
Set aside the as-yet-unsubstantiated sexual misconduct allegations hurled against him Sunday. The real issue is his track record of proven policy blunders that cost New Yorkers their lives.
Cuomo’s constituents are bearing the brunt of his criminal-justice “reforms” that put repeat offenders back on the streets hours after their arrest with no bail required. That includes many serious offenders.
Repeat offenders are driving a huge spike in gun violence; many would be behind bars if Cuomo hadn’t kowtowed to the extreme left on bail. The toll: 1,756 dead or wounded so far this year in Gotham, according to the NYPD.
Biden should also look at Cuomo’s hand-picked Parole Board, which released cop killer Perry Bellamy and convicted killer Samuel Ayala, guilty of raping and murdering two mothers in front of their kids.
Since George Floyd’s tragic death, Cuomo has been panderer-in-chief, accusing all cops in the state of racial bias and threatening funding cuts to any local police department that didn’t change its ways, as if they’re all equally in need of reform. That bullying rhetoric won praise from Al Sharpton, but it isn’t what America needs.
An attorney general is also responsible for ensuring the Justice Department roots out corruption. But Cuomo wallows in it. He ran for governor in 2010 on a vow to clean up Albany. Then he shut down a commission created for that very purpose.
Cuomo himself has never been accused of a crime, but several of his closest aides have been convicted and sentenced to prison — notably Joseph Percoco. He was Cuomo’s longtime confidante who ran two of the governor’s campaigns and was described by Cuomo as his father’s “third son.”
Percoco was convicted of soliciting bribes — he called the money “ziti” — and demanding a low-show job for his wife from companies doing business with the state.
And while Cuomo’s own fundraising methods aren’t illegal under state tax law, he has been largely supported by donors doing business with the state. Hardly a model to be emulated nationwide.
This year, it cost thousands of seniors their lives. The carnage started in March, when hospitals inundated with COVID-19 patients insisted on clearing out elderly patients, even if they were still infected, and sending them to whatever nursing homes had empty beds. To swing that, they had to get rid of a safety regulation requiring that patients test negative twice for COVID-19 before being placed in a home. Cuomo’s state Health Department willingly complied.
On March 25, the Cuomo administration mandated that nursing homes accept COVID patients being discharged from hospitals and barred any testing. Facilities had to fly blind, not knowing who was infected. The infection spread like fire, killing thousands.
Yet the Cuomo administration stuck with its deadly policy until May 10, way too long. The impression of impropriety is unavoidable.
The hospital industry’s lobbying organization, the Greater New York Hospital Association, is a mega-donor to the state Democratic Party’s housekeeping account, which helps elect Cuomo. GNYHA’s head, Ken Raske, is usually seated at the governor’s own table at events. When GNYHA was called on for campaign cash in 2018, it came through with more than $1 million. Cuomo’s chumminess with the group certainly doesn’t look kosher.
To cover up the nursing-home deaths, the Cuomo administration began fudging numbers, reporting only patients who died in a home and excluding those who expired after being sent to a hospital. That reduced the toll by half.
The US Justice Department wasn’t fooled. Since August, it’s been pressing for the truth.
Yet Biden has praised Cuomo for doing a “heck of a job” against the virus. Don’t be fooled by the Emmy, Joe.
Cuomo is anti-cop, comfortable with corruption and willing to lie, even about death. Those qualities are not what our crisis-ridden nation needs
Betsy McCaughey is a former lieutenant governor of New York.


newyorkpost--2020-12-15--Minnesota man serving life for child’s 2002 death freed by pardons board

Freudian slip or does the Joe Biden era already feel ...

Minnesota’s pardon board on Tuesday freed a black man sentenced to life in prison as a teenager for the 2002 killing of an 11-year-old girl — bringing an end to the high-profile murder case that sparked protests earlier this year.
The Minnesota Board of Pardons voted to commute Myon Burrell’s life sentence to 20 years, with the remainder to be served on supervised release.
Burrell was 16 when he was sentenced in the killing of sixth grader Tysha Edwards, who was hit by a stray bullet while doing homework at her dining room table in Minneapolis.
He maintained his innocence — and another man later confessed to being the shooter.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who was the city’s top prosecutor at the time, has used the case throughout her career — including during a presidential debate in the 2020 Democratic primary — to tout her record on being tough on crime.
But Burrell’s case became a flashpoint after an investigation from The Associated Press found flaws in the police investigation and raised questions about the lack of physical evidence.
One of Burrell’s co-defendants, Ike Tyson, who was 21 at the time, admitted in an interview with AP to being the triggerman. He said Burrell was never even there.
There was no murder weapon, fingerprinting or DNA evidence and police did not check alibis — nor did they collect a corner store’s surveillance video, which Burrell said could have cleared him, the AP found.
Footage also showed the lead homicide detective offering a man in police custody $500 for Burrell’s name.
Previous 1 of 3 Next Advertisement Tysha Edwards Jimmie Edwards III/Linda Longino via AP Ianna Burrell displays a newspaper clipping that followed the murder trial of her brother, Myon Burrell, at her home in Shakopee, Minnesota. AP Advertisement
After public pressure stemming from the AP report, Klobuchar said she supported having an independent panel look at the case.
Last week, the panel of national legal experts recommended Burrell’s immediate release after reviewing the facts and all of the available evidence.
Burrell, now 34, asked for a pardon and commutation from the parole board, saying the request was “not in any way, shape or form me trying to minimize the tragedy of the loss of” Edwards.
“I come before you, a 34-year-old man who spent more than half of his life incarcerated for a crime I didn’t commit,” he said.
The board voted to commute Burrell’s sentence on Tuesday, but the request for a pardon was denied.
Burrell burst into tears as he watched the vote via teleconference, The Star Tribune reported. He was expected to be formally released later this evening.
“Thank you, thank you,” Burrell said, holding a palm up to the camera. “I appreciate it.”
With Post wires


newyorkpost--2020-12-15--Yankees bring back Adam Warren for another go-around

Adam Warren is back for another stop with the Yankees after signing a minor league deal , a source confirmed @ @ @ @ @ , missed all of last year while coming back from Tommy John surgery .
He @ @ @ @ @ with the Padres and spent time in the Yankees ’ system again last year .
@ @ @ @ @ ready for spring training .
Warren , who was drafted by the Yankees in 2009 @ @ @ @ @ Yankees in 2018 , when he had a 2.70 ERA in 24 appearances .
From @ @ @ @ @ appearances for the Yankees before he was traded to the Cubs ahead of the 2016 @ @ @ @ @ Warren in July 2016 in the Aroldis Chapman-Gleyber Torres trade .
They then traded him @ @ @ @ @ 2018 for international bonus slot money .

Adam Warren is back for another stop with the Yankees after signing a minor league deal, a source confirmed Tuesday.
Warren, 33, missed all of last year while coming back from Tommy John surgery. He last pitched in June 2019 with the Padres and spent time in the Yankees’ system again last year. He is expected to be ready for spring training.
The Yankees re-signed Adam Warren. Paul J. Bereswill
Warren, who was drafted by the Yankees in 2009, pitched last for the Yankees in 2018, when he had a 2.70 ERA in 24 appearances.
From 2013-15, Warren made 146 appearances for the Yankees before he was traded to the Cubs ahead of the 2016 season.
The Yankees reacquired Warren in July 2016 in the Aroldis Chapman-Gleyber Torres trade. They then traded him to the Mariners in July 2018 for international bonus slot money.


newyorkpost--2020-12-15--Jamie Foxx and Corinne Foxx boast dueling Christmas titles out soon

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 ) Disney ’ s coming up for our coming up Christmas .
Pitting father against daughter .
Jamie Foxx versus Corinne Foxx .
Both in one-word titles that start with S. Jamie in Pixar ’ s “ Soul.
” Corinne in college football flick “ Safety.
” Corinne : “ I know nothing about sports and my character ’ s a big sports fan .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our tough year , we all need a movie like this about family , love , connection .
You ’ ll hug your loved ones a little tighter , plus you ’ ll need some Kleenex.
” Jamie : “ Mine ’ s on loving your neighbors .
Old-time kindness where everybody knows your name .
Celebrating that sense of community.
” Question : Which Foxx will out Foxx the other ?
For $ 150 Casting Networks is looking for “ Santa Claus in a Bubble.
” Age 45 to 99 .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an unbalanced bridge table leg there ’ s Joey Bishop ’ s bio “ Deconstructing the Rat Pack : Joey , the Mob , and the Summit ” … For Christmas there ’ s Carleton Varney ’ s book “ Romance and Rhododendrons : My Love Affair With America ’ s Resort — the Greenbrier ” … For conversation there ’ s the Beach Cafe delivering unordered but appreciated chicken soup to stay-home customers … For whatthehell there ’ s the upstater whose leftover takeout sushi in a trash bag got eaten by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still exists it ’ s pushing September ’ s release “ The Artist ’ s Wife ” and Lena Olin , 65 , married to Swedish director Lasse Hallström .
Filmed in the Hamptons , she plays Bruce Dern ’ s wife .
She ’ s also in Amazon ’ s series “ Hunters ” with Pacino .
And if it ’ ll help , the director ’ s Tom Dolby whose pa invented Dolby sound .
And a series from the book “ Reagan at Reykjavik : Forty-Eight Hours That Ended the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s longer than the show — will have Michael Douglas and Christoph Waltz play Ronnie and Gorby .
Due to my overflowing innate kindness and extreme bottomless warmth I share this sweet loving tender item : Awaiting her COVID test , a lady babbled about lousy husband , lousy marriage , lousy pandemic .
On line ahead of her , social distancing , wearing masks , divorce lawyers Michael Stutman and Raoul Felder .
They chatted .
Before either had a Q-tip up his nose , she got signed as a client .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Giant comet rocketing toward Earth .
Gerard Butler saving his family .
Scott Glenn , playing the father-in-law : “ Great disaster movie about a fractured family [ that naturally gets unfractured with rebirth , healing , etc.
, etc. ]
.
Because I ’ m a real-life Marine — 173rd Airborne Brigade — we made this character a veteran .
My New York friends are bohemian poets , dancers , musicians , straight , gay , super liberal .
In hometown Idaho , they ’ re unbohemian cops , plumbers , pilots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about work together or you don ’ t make it.
” Forget ho-ho-ho and kumbaya .
Another disaster , COVID , pushed back this summer movie to start streaming Friday .
Forget Bad , Bad Leroy Brown .
Latest news about Britain ’ s Prince Andy is the fuzz may get him for lousy driving .
Whizzing past the Queen with some new bimbo .
Only in London , kids , only in London .

Click to email a link 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)
Disney’s coming up for our coming up Christmas. Pitting father against daughter. Jamie Foxx versus Corinne Foxx. Both in one-word titles that start with S. Jamie in Pixar’s “Soul.” Corinne in college football flick “Safety.”
Corinne: “I know nothing about sports and my character’s a big sports fan. I had to learn football vernacular. With our tough year, we all need a movie like this about family, love, connection. You’ll hug your loved ones a little tighter, plus you’ll need some Kleenex.”
Jamie: “Mine’s on loving your neighbors. Old-time kindness where everybody knows your name. Celebrating that sense of community.”
Question: Which Foxx will out Foxx the other?
Bits & bobs
For $150 Casting Networks is looking for “Santa Claus in a Bubble.” Age 45 to 99. One live appearance. Any ethnicity … For an unbalanced bridge table leg there’s Joey Bishop’s bio “Deconstructing the Rat Pack: Joey, the Mob, and the Summit” … For Christmas there’s Carleton Varney’s book “Romance and Rhododendrons: My Love Affair With America’s Resort — the Greenbrier” … For conversation there’s the Beach Cafe delivering unordered but appreciated chicken soup to stay-home customers … For whatthehell there’s the upstater whose leftover takeout sushi in a trash bag got eaten by raccoon neighbors.
Plenty of screen time
If an awards campaign still exists it’s pushing September’s release “The Artist’s Wife” and Lena Olin, 65, married to Swedish director Lasse Hallström. Filmed in the Hamptons, she plays Bruce Dern’s wife. She’s also in Amazon’s series “Hunters” with Pacino. And if it’ll help, the director’s Tom Dolby whose pa invented Dolby sound. And a series from the book “Reagan at Reykjavik: Forty-Eight Hours That Ended the Cold War” — the title’s longer than the show — will have Michael Douglas and Christoph Waltz play Ronnie and Gorby.
Confidentially
Due to my overflowing innate kindness and extreme bottomless warmth I share this sweet loving tender item: Awaiting her COVID test, a lady babbled about lousy husband, lousy marriage, lousy pandemic. On line ahead of her, social distancing, wearing masks, divorce lawyers Michael Stutman and Raoul Felder. They chatted. Before either had a Q-tip up his nose, she got signed as a client.
Film enlistees
More holiday stuff. “Greenland.” Giant comet rocketing toward Earth. Gerard Butler saving his family.
Scott Glenn, playing the father-in-law: “Great disaster movie about a fractured family [that naturally gets unfractured with rebirth, healing, etc., etc.]. Because I’m a real-life Marine — 173rd Airborne Brigade — we made this character a veteran.
My New York friends are bohemian poets, dancers, musicians, straight, gay, super liberal. In hometown Idaho, they’re unbohemian cops, plumbers, pilots, Republicans. The story’s about work together or you don’t make it.”
Forget ho-ho-ho and kumbaya. Another disaster, COVID, pushed back this summer movie to start streaming Friday.
Forget Bad, Bad Leroy Brown. Latest news about Britain’s Prince Andy is the fuzz may get him for lousy driving. Whizzing past the Queen with some new bimbo.
Only in London, kids, only in London.


newyorkpost--2020-12-16--Google reportedly could be hit with second antitrust lawsuit this week

A group of states is preparing to file a second antitrust lawsuit against Google this week — setting the tech titan up for a tough court battle , according to new reports .
The coalition of states , led by Colorado and Nebraska , is putting the finishing touches on the antitrust complaint against Google that could be filed as soon as Thursday , Politico reported , citing two people close to the investigation .
The suit is expected to focus on Google ’ s dominance in the online search market , particularly changes it has made to the designs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rivals at a disadvantage , according to the outlet .
The complaint would come about two months after the US Department of Justice filed its own antitrust case accusing Google of maintaining “ unlawful monopolies ” in its search and advertising businesses .
That suit criticized deals Google made to ensure that its search engine was set as the default on iPhones and Android smartphones .
The states will bring their lawsuit in the same Washington , DC federal court where the feds filed theirs , according to Politico .
The state attorneys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Justice Department ’ s , Reuters reported .
Meanwhile , Texas attorney general Ken Paxton ’ s office has hired two outside law firms — Keller Lenkner and the Lanier Law Firm — to represent the Lone Star State in a lawsuit against Google , which could also be filed this month .
Texas ’ trial team may be led in part by Kenneth Starr , the Lanier lawyer known for his roles in the impeachment proceedings against President Bill Clinton and President Trump , according to Bloomberg News .
Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for comment early Wednesday .
The Silicon Valley giant has pushed back against claims that it abuses its market power and called the federal antitrust lawsuit “ deeply flawed .
”

A group of states is preparing to file a second antitrust lawsuit against Google this week — setting the tech titan up for a tough court battle, according to new reports.
The coalition of states, led by Colorado and Nebraska, is putting the finishing touches on the antitrust complaint against Google that could be filed as soon as Thursday, Politico reported, citing two people close to the investigation.
The suit is expected to focus on Google’s dominance in the online search market, particularly changes it has made to the designs of its signature search engine that put rivals at a disadvantage, according to the outlet.
The complaint would come about two months after the US Department of Justice filed its own antitrust case accusing Google of maintaining “unlawful monopolies” in its search and advertising businesses. That suit criticized deals Google made to ensure that its search engine was set as the default on iPhones and Android smartphones.
The states will bring their lawsuit in the same Washington, DC federal court where the feds filed theirs, according to Politico. The state attorneys general hope to eventually consolidate their case with the Justice Department’s, Reuters reported.
Meanwhile, Texas attorney general Ken Paxton’s office has hired two outside law firms — Keller Lenkner and the Lanier Law Firm — to represent the Lone Star State in a lawsuit against Google, which could also be filed this month.
Texas’ trial team may be led in part by Kenneth Starr, the Lanier lawyer known for his roles in the impeachment proceedings against President Bill Clinton and President Trump, according to Bloomberg News.
Google declined to comment Wednesday. The Silicon Valley giant has pushed back against claims that it abuses its market power and called the federal antitrust lawsuit “deeply flawed.”
“People use Google because they choose to, not because they’re forced to, or because they can’t find alternatives,” Kent Walker, the company’s senior vice president of global affairs, said in an October blog post.
With Post wires


newyorkpost--2020-12-16--McConnell says ‘significant progress’ made on COVID-19 relief bill

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said a bipartisan group of lawmakers seeking to hammer out a coronavirus relief bill during the lame-duck session of Congress is making “ significant progress.
” “ Everybody wants to finish , ” McConnell said late Tuesday as legislators were wrapping up negotiations for the evening .
“ Everybody wants to get a final agreement as soon as possible .
We all believe the country needs it .
And I think we ’ re getting closer and closer.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ progress and I ’ m optimistic that we ’ re going to be able to complete an understanding sometime soon , ” the Kentucky Republican said .
While they have yet to strike a deal , Republicans and Democrats expressed optimism that an agreement could be reached as early as Wednesday to provide relief to millions of American workers left jobless because of the COVID-19 pandemic , and to approve funds to help distribute the vaccine across the country .
“ We ’ ll be back early and we ’ ll be on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said as she left the Capitol near midnight .
Rep. Kevin McCarthy , the Republican leader in the House , said , “ I think we ’ re moving in the right direction , ” following two meetings in Pelosi ’ s offices .
“ I think there ’ s a possibility of getting it done , ” he said .
Both sides have been deadlocked for months over what should be in the coronavirus relief bill and how much it will cost .
McConnell has opposed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 160 billion in aid to state and local governments , while at the same time pressing to give businesses liability protection from coronavirus-related lawsuits .
Pelosi has said the aid package for state and local governments , their coffers depleted by the lack of tax revenues , is needed to ensure they have the resources to distribute the vaccine .
But time is running out for both sides , because unemployment benefits dry up on Dec. 26 for the 10 million jobless .
Lawmakers are hoping to strike a deal on the $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s midnight deadline and send the aid package to President Trump .
That ’ s when a temporary funding bill passed by Congress last week expires and the government could shutdown .

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said a bipartisan group of lawmakers seeking to hammer out a coronavirus relief bill during the lame-duck session of Congress is making “significant progress.”
“Everybody wants to finish,” McConnell said late Tuesday as legislators were wrapping up negotiations for the evening. “Everybody wants to get a final agreement as soon as possible. We all believe the country needs it. And I think we’re getting closer and closer.”
“We’re making significant progress and I’m optimistic that we’re going to be able to complete an understanding sometime soon,” the Kentucky Republican said.
While they have yet to strike a deal, Republicans and Democrats expressed optimism that an agreement could be reached as early as Wednesday to provide relief to millions of American workers left jobless because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to approve funds to help distribute the vaccine across the country.
“We’ll be back early and we’ll be on schedule to get the job done,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said as she left the Capitol near midnight.
Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), the Republican leader in the House, said, “I think we’re moving in the right direction” following two meetings in Pelosi’s offices.
“I think there’s a possibility of getting it done,” he said.
The two sides have been deadlocked for months over what should be in the coronavirus relief bill and how much it will cost.
McConnell has opposed the Democrats’ demand that it include $160 billion in aid to state and local governments, while at the same time pressing to give businesses liability protection from coronavirus-related lawsuits.
Pelosi has said the aid package for state and local governments, their coffers depleted by the lack of tax revenues, is needed to ensure they have the resources to distribute the vaccine.
But time is running out for both sides, because unemployment benefits dry up on Dec. 26 for the 10 million jobless.
Lawmakers are hoping to strike a deal on the $1.4 trillion spending bill by Friday’s midnight deadline and send the aid package to President Trump.
That’s when a temporary funding bill passed by Congress last week expires and the government could shut down.
With Post wires


newyorkpost--2020-12-16--Tom Cruise COVID Rant Goes Viral: “If I See It Again, You’re F***ing Gone”

Tom Cruise tore into Mission : Impossible 7 crew after he saw them breaking COVID-19 protocol , multiple outlets report .
In an audio tape released by The Sun , Cruise can be heard yelling at assembled crew members for standing too close to one another on set .
“ I don ’ t ever want to see it again .
Ever !
” said the Mission : Impossible star .
“ If I see you doing it again , you ’ re fucking gone !
” According to The Sun , Cruise lost it after he saw two crew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each other ” in front of a computer screen , a violation of production ’ s six-feet-apart social distancing guidelines .
“ We are the gold standard .
They ’ re back there in Hollywood making movies because of us !
Because they believe in us and what we ’ re doing !
” screamed Cruise .
“ I ’ m on the phone with every fucking studio at night !
Insurance companies , producers , and they ’ re looking at us and using us to make their movies !
We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
” Cruise ’ s COVID-19 rant continued for almost a minute and a half more , with the movie star seemingly calling out the crew members who were standing too close together .
“ You can tell it to the people who are losing their fucking homes because our industry is shut down .
It ’ s not going to put food on their table or pay for their college education .
That ’ s what I sleep with every night — the future of this fucking industry !
” he yelled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I am beyond your apologies .
I have told you , and now I want it , and if you don ’ t do it , you ’ re out .
We are not shutting this fucking movie down !
Is it understood ?
If I see it again , you ’ re fucking gone.
” “ Am I clear ?
Do you understand what I want ?
Do you understand the responsibility that I have ?
” he added .
“ Because I will deal with your reason , and if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I can ’ t deal with your logic , you ’ re fired.
” Mission : Impossible 7 is currently filming in the U.K. Production was previously shut down while filming in Italy in October when 12 people on the set tested positive for COVID-19 .
The film , directed by Christopher McQuarrie , is slated for a November 19 , 2021 release .

Tom Cruise tore into Mission: Impossible 7 crew after he saw them breaking COVID-19 protocol, multiple outlets report. In an audio tape released by The Sun, Cruise can be heard yelling at assembled crew members for standing too close to one another on set. “I don’t ever want to see it again. Ever!” said the Mission: Impossible star. “If I see you doing it again, you’re fucking gone!”
According to The Sun, Cruise lost it after he saw two crew members standing “within two meters of each other” in front of a computer screen, a violation of production’s six-feet-apart social distancing guidelines. “We are the gold standard. They’re back there in Hollywood making movies because of us! Because they believe in us and what we’re doing!” screamed Cruise. “I’m on the phone with every fucking studio at night! Insurance companies, producers, and they’re looking at us and using us to make their movies! We are creating thousands of jobs, you motherfuckers!”
Cruise’s COVID-19 rant continued for almost a minute and a half more, with the movie star seemingly calling out the crew members who were standing too close together. “You can tell it to the people who are losing their fucking homes because our industry is shut down. It’s not going to put food on their table or pay for their college education. That’s what I sleep with every night — the future of this fucking industry!” he yelled. “So I’m sorry, I am beyond your apologies. I have told you, and now I want it, and if you don’t do it, you’re out. We are not shutting this fucking movie down! Is it understood? If I see it again, you’re fucking gone.”
“Am I clear? Do you understand what I want? Do you understand the responsibility that I have?” he added. “Because I will deal with your reason, and if you can’t be reasonable and I can’t deal with your logic, you’re fired.”
Mission: Impossible 7 is currently filming in the U.K. Production was previously shut down while filming in Italy in October when 12 people on the set tested positive for COVID-19. The film, directed by Christopher McQuarrie, is slated for a November 19, 2021 release.


newyorkpost--2020-12-16--MacKenzie Scott gives nearly $4.2B to charity in 4 months amid pandemic

MacKenzie Scott — the ex-wife of Amazon boss Jeff Bezos — gave nearly $ 4.2 billion to charity over the last four months to support struggling Americans during the coronavirus crisis .
In a blog post Tuesday , the world ’ s third-richest woman said she doled out the money to 384 organizations across the country , including food banks , social-services programs , civil-rights groups , colleges and universities .
Scott , 50 , said she decided to “ accelerate ” her giving to help people suffering from the pandemic ’ s devastation following her July announcement that she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to dozens of nonprofits .
Her latest donations bring her total giving for the year to roughly $ 5.8 billion .
“ This pandemic has been a wrecking ball in the lives of Americans already struggling , ” Scott said in her blog post , noting that the crisis has also “ substantially increased ” the wealth of billionaires like herself .
“ It would be easy for all the people who drew the long demographic straws in this crisis to hole up at home feeling a mix of gratitude and guilt , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — but that ’ s not what ’ s happening , ” she added .
Scott said her team of advisers selected the recipients of her gifts from an initial pool of nearly 6,500 organizations based on their ability to use the money effectively .
The advisers conducted extensive research into the charities that involved hundreds of emails and phone interviews and “ thousands of pages of data analysis , ” she said .
Each donation will be paid upfront and left unrestricted so the organizations have plenty of flexibility in how to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The responses from people who took the calls [ from Scott ’ s team ] often included personal stories and tears , ” she wrote .
“ … Their stories and tears invariably made me and my teammates cry.
” Scott is still a long way from fulfilling her goal of giving away more than half her wealth , which has surged by about $ 24 billion to roughly $ 61 billion so far this year , according to Bloomberg ’ s Billionaires Index .
Her roughly 4 percent stake in Amazon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Bloomberg says .
Scott set her charitable goal by signing onto the Giving Pledge in May 2019 after announcing her divorce from Bezos , who is not among the more than 200 signatories to the pledge despite being the richest man in the world .

MacKenzie Scott — the ex-wife of Amazon boss Jeff Bezos — gave nearly $4.2 billion to charity over the last four months to support struggling Americans during the coronavirus crisis.
In a blog post Tuesday, the world’s third-richest woman said she doled out the money to 384 organizations across the country, including food banks, social services programs, civil rights groups, colleges and universities.
Scott, 50, said she decided to “accelerate” her giving to help people suffering from the pandemic’s devastation following her July announcement that she’d donated almost $1.7 billion to dozens of nonprofits. Her latest donations bring her total giving for the year to roughly $5.8 billion.
“This pandemic has been a wrecking ball in the lives of Americans already struggling,” Scott said in her blog post, noting that the crisis has also “substantially increased” the wealth of billionaires like herself.
“It would be easy for all the people who drew the long demographic straws in this crisis to hole up at home feeling a mix of gratitude and guilt, and wait for it to be over — but that’s not what’s happening,” she added.
Scott said her team of advisers selected the recipients of her gifts from an initial pool of nearly 6,500 organizations based on their ability to use the money effectively. The advisers conducted extensive research into the charities that involved hundreds of emails and phone interviews and “thousands of pages of data analysis,” she said.
Each donation will be paid upfront and left unrestricted so the organizations have plenty of flexibility in how to use the funds, Scott said.
“The responses from people who took the calls [from Scott’s team] often included personal stories and tears,” she wrote. “… Their stories and tears invariably made me and my teammates cry.”
Scott is still a long way from fulfilling her goal of giving away more than half her wealth, which has surged by about $24 billion to roughly $61 billion so far this year, according to Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index. Her roughly 4 percent stake in Amazon makes up the bulk of that fortune, Bloomberg says.
MacKenzie Scott Getty Images
Scott set her charitable goal by signing onto the Giving Pledge in May 2019 after announcing her divorce from Bezos, who is not among the more than 200 signatories to the pledge despite being the richest man in the world.


newyorkpost--2020-12-16--Massive snowstorm set to bring a foot of snow, ‘ugly mess’ to NYC

The blockbuster storm headed for the Big Apple is still ...

New York City is set to get pounded with up to a foot of snow as the city’s first wintry blast of the season rolls in Wednesday evening — with forecasters predicting an “ugly mess” across the region.
Six to 12 inches of snow is still in the cards for the city, with the more severe prediction more likely, Accuweather senior meteorologist Matt Rinde said Wednesday morning.
Substantial snowfall is expected to begin around 4 p.m.
“Of the six to 12 range, we are leaning toward the higher numbers, 10, 11, 12 inches at this point,” Rinde told The Post.
“Some things would have to go very wrong” if the city doesn’t see at least 6 inches, the meteorologist said.
Even then, Rinde said the Big Apple will likely get “get 3 inches of sleet.”
“So either way, it’s going to be an ugly mess,” he told The Post.
Meanwhile, regions northwest of the city could see more than a foot, while parts of Long Island could get more of a wintry mix — with 3 to 6 inches predicted around the Hamptons, and only an inch or two farther out, according to Rinde.
Conditions will start looking treacherous for commuters at the very beginning of the storm, which is set to roll in around 4 or 5 p.m., according to Rinde.
“Late this evening, if you’re out for any reason, I think that’s where really big problems are going to occur,” he said.
“It’s not going to be great in the evening rush from 5 to 7 … any amount of wet roads or snowy roads slows things down considerably.”
As the snow starts, temps will sit around 33 — the high for the day, according to Rinde. But the mercury will drop to 30 or 29 as the storm gets underway, and is forecast to dip as low as 27 overnight.
However, windchill will make it feel much more frigid.
“We’re going to see sustained winds between 20 and 30 mph at the peak of the storm and that is going to drop the real-feel temperatures into the single digits at times as we head into the night,” Rinde said.
Previous 1 of 5 Next Advertisement A person walks with an umbrella in Central Park during the first snow of the season on Dec. 9, 2020, in New York Getty Images An NYC sanitation worker prepares a large sander truck at a sanitation station at 12th Avenue and the West Side Highway in Manhattan for the upcoming snowstorm. G.N.Miller/NY Post Advertisement Sanitation workers prepare salt spreaders and plows ahead of a snowstorm expected to hit New York City. Paul Martinka Advertisement
Some wind gusts will even be as strong as 40 to 50 mph — even packing a 55-mph punch on coastal Long Island, he said.
Temperatures will only hit 31 degrees Thursday.
Though the storm won’t meet the official definition of a blizzard, “there will be something described as blizzard conditions — when you have very strong winds with very heavy snowfall,” Rinde said.
The storm could also cause significant flooding, according to the meteorologist.
“Coastal flooding is going to be a problem, with the orientation of the high pressure to the north,” the meteoroligst said.
“And where the storm is coming in, it’s going to create a strong easterly wind as over a long fetch of water, and that’s going to cause problems specifically at high tide in the areas that are prone to coastal flooding.”
The area will also be at risk of power outages during the storm, he said.
“I think with the nature of the snow being fairly heavy and wet and mixing with sleet, and with the wind, we’re forecasting some pretty decent power outages mostly to the north of the city,” he said.
All things considered, the storm prediction isn’t particularly unusual for this time of year, according to the forecaster.
“If you’re going to see a storm of this nature, this is pretty much the time of year you’d expect it,” he said. “We’re in the three coldest months of the year typically.”
Workers from the city Department of Transportation were out in the Times Square area Wednesday morning, using yellow carts to spread salt on the roads.
The city Department of Sanitation issued a snow alert that will begin at 2 p.m. Wednesday.
“Salt spreaders are already filled and ready to go,” the department said in a press release earlier this week.
“Additionally, the Department’s collection trucks will be pulled from collection duty and turned into snow plows, ready to plow snow once two inches of snow has fallen. Further, as conditions allow, the Department will use its ‘brine trucks’ to apply liquid salt to some early-to-freeze roads.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-16--Karamo Brown knows the holidays are hard this year

Karamo Brown , the culture expert on Netflix ’ s “ Queer Eye , ” has some advice for those who will spend the holidays away from loved ones amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
“ I think the first thing is acknowledging how hard this is for a lot of people , ” Brown told Page Six recently .
“ I want first to say , I understand how hard this is and I ’ m very sorry that you ’ re experiencing this.
” Brown , 40 , continued , “ Our country is in the midst of grieving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard when you ’ re in the midst of grieving to be able to see that there are any positives around you , that anything is good.
” He then suggested trying to send love and cheer to those you are unable to be with this year .
“ You might not be able to have the traditional way of having dinners and things of that nature , but how can you still get on Zoom and bake with those you love ?
How can you still send cards ?
” Brown , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away $ 75,000 , said .
“ What can you do during the holidays that you ’ re not thinking about that you can still connect and still feel as if you ’ re not alone , but still feel like people are still connected to you ?
” As for Brown ’ s plans , he will be able to see his oldest son , Jason , on Christmas in Los Angeles , while his younger son , Chris , spends the holidays with his mom in Texas .
“ I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Corona , she and I are not friends , never been friends , and I don ’ t want to meet her , ” Brown told us , adding that in the beginning of the pandemic he didn ’ t see his sons , who are both in their 20 ’ s , because they weren ’ t taking things seriously .
“ They just weren ’ t getting it , ” he went on .
“ Finally , only in the past two months , they finally got it.
” And while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans a big trip together between Christmas and New Year ’ s , it ’ s been canceled .
“ A little bit of a shift , ” he said , “ but you know this is what we all have to do to make sure we ’ re protecting those we love.
” Karamo ’ s Holiday Spectacular , presented by Zelle , will be on Instagram Live on Dec. 17 at 7 p.m .
ET .
“ Three people who have been hit by these hard times are about to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person , just for sending cheer and I think it ’ s really great , ” he told us .
During the live-streamed event , Brown will also dole out advice to fans and chat with special guests .

Karamo Brown, the culture expert on Netflix’s “Queer Eye,” has some advice for those who will spend the holidays away from loved ones amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I think the first thing is acknowledging how hard this is for a lot of people,” Brown told Page Six recently. “I want first to say, I understand how hard this is and I’m very sorry that you’re experiencing this.”
Brown, 40, continued, “Our country is in the midst of grieving right now and it’s really hard when you’re in the midst of grieving to be able to see that there are any positives around you, that anything is good.”
He then suggested trying to send love and cheer to those you are unable to be with this year.
“You might not be able to have the traditional way of having dinners and things of that nature, but how can you still get on Zoom and bake with those you love? How can you still send cards?” Brown, who has partnered with Zelle to give away $75,000, said. “What can you do during the holidays that you’re not thinking about that you can still connect and still feel as if you’re not alone, but still feel like people are still connected to you?”
Karamo Brown and his oldest son Jason Getty Images
As for Brown’s plans, he will be able to see his oldest son, Jason, on Christmas in Los Angeles, while his younger son, Chris, spends the holidays with his mom in Texas.
“I have been staying my butt put because Ms. Corona, she and I are not friends, never been friends, and I don’t want to meet her,” Brown told us, adding that in the beginning of the pandemic he didn’t see his sons, who are both in their 20’s, because they weren’t taking things seriously.
“They just weren’t getting it,” he went on. “Finally, only in the past two months, they finally got it.”
And while every year Brown’s family normally plans a big trip together between Christmas and New Year’s, it’s been canceled.
“A little bit of a shift,” he said, “but you know this is what we all have to do to make sure we’re protecting those we love.”
Karamo’s Holiday Spectacular, presented by Zelle, will be on Instagram Live on Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. ET.
“Three people who have been hit by these hard times are about to be awarded 25,000 just for being a good person, just for sending cheer and I think it’s really great,” he told us.
During the live-streamed event, Brown will also dole out advice to fans and chat with special guests.


newyorkpost--2020-12-16--Ex-Houston cop allegedly points gun at man he thought was behind voter fraud

Attorney General William Barr said Tuesday the Justice Department has ...

A former Houston police captain allegedly ran a man off the road and pointed a gun at his head in an attempt to prove a massive voter fraud scheme two weeks before the presidential election, according to a report.
Mark Anthony Aguirre, 63, was arrested Tuesday and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, which carries a sentence of up to 20 years behind bars, KTRK reported.
The ex-captain told investigators that he was part of a group of private citizens called the “Liberty Center” who were conducting a civilian investigation into the alleged scheme in Harris County.
“He crossed the line from dirty politics to commission of a violent crime, and we are lucky no one was killed,” Harris County DA Kim Ogg said, according to the news outlet.
“His alleged investigation was backward from the start — first alleging a crime had occurred and then trying to prove it happened,” he added.
Aguirre said he had been conducting surveillance for four days on the alleged mastermind of a giant voter fraud scheme who was hiding 750,000 fraudulent ballots in a truck he was driving.
But the man turned out to be an innocent air conditioner repairman, according to court documents cited by KTRK.
Aguirre ran his SUV into the back of the technician’s truck to get him to stop and get out, court document said. He then pointed a handgun at the man, forced him to the ground and put his knee on his back until police arrived, it said.
Aguirre then directed cops to a parking lot where another suspect, who has not been identified, took the truck, the documents said. The truck contained no ballots, just air conditioning parts and tools, officials said.
Aguirre’s attorney Terry Yates called the arrest a “political prosecution.”
“He was working and investigating voter fraud, and there was an accident. A member of the car got out and rushed at him and that’s where the confrontation took place,” he said, according to KTRK.
“It’s very different from what you’re citing in the affidavit,” Yates added.
Aguirre allegedly never told investigators he had been paid $266,400 by the Houston-based Liberty Center for God and Country — with $211,400 of that sum being deposited into his account the day after the incident.
When asked whether the right-leaning Liberty Center endorses such a payment, Jared Woodfill, the attorney for the group’s head, Steven Hotze, said: “No, of course not. I’d be shocked if that’s what happened.”
“His company definitely worked for the organization. With respect to what happened, I’m not familiar, but we’ll be looking into it,” he told KTRK.
Aguirre, who worked for the HPD for 24 years, was indefinitely suspended after a botched raid outside a K-Mart in 2002, the outlet reported.
He remains jailed on $30,000 bond.


newyorkpost--2020-12-16--GOP urges Nancy Pelosi to remove Eric Swalwell from Intelligence Committee

She was a Chinese Mata Hari — who allegedly slept ...

More than a dozen Republican House members wrote to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi calling for her to remove Rep. Eric Swalwell from the Intelligence Committee after his connection to a suspected Chinese spy was revealed.
“Because of Rep. Swalwell’s position on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, his close interactions with Chinese intelligence services, however unintentional they may be, are an unacceptable national security risk,” reads the letter signed by 17 GOP lawmakers and obtained by Fox News.
The lawmakers noted that the panel handles “some of the most sensitive information our government possesses,” including “information critical to our national defense.”
“We urge you to immediately remove Rep. Swalwell from his position on the House Intelligence Committee,” they wrote.
The California Democrat was linked to the suspected spy, Fang Fang, who also went by the name Christina Fang, in an Axios report earlier this month that cited US intelligence officials.
Fang entered the US as a college student in 2011 and immediately began getting close to a number of politicians, including two Midwestern mayors she allegedly slept with.
According to the report, she met Swalwell when he was a city councilman in California and went on to help him raise funds for his 2014 campaign.
Federal probers who had been investigating Fang briefed Swalwell in 2015 about her actions and he cut off all ties with her. He has not been accused of any wrongdoing.
Among those who signed the letter are Minority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana, Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming and Rep. Jim Banks of Indiana.
The Republicans also pointed out that Pelosi in 2017 said former Attorney General Jeff Sessions was “not fit to serve” and must resign after reports revealed that he didn’t disclose meetings with the then-Russian ambassador.
“Rep. Swalwell withheld information for five years from the House Intelligence Committee about an ongoing Chinese espionage operation targeted at him and his own colleagues,” the letter says.
“Obviously, Rep. Swalwell’s interactions with a Chinese spy were more dangerous and unusual than AG Sessions’ meetings with a Russian diplomat.”
Nancy Pelosi REUTERS
The House members also pointed out that Swalwell, while a member of the committee, launched attacks on President Trump about his “unproven ties to Russia” — all while remaining mum about his connection to the suspected Chinese spy.
Pelosi said last week she was standing by Swalwell.
“I don’t have any concerns about Mr. Swalwell,” she said at her weekly briefing last Thursday.