July 2, 2009
NYPD GRAD BECOMES HERO MOMENTS AFTER CEREMONY
He's a newly minted hero! Only moments after he attended his graduation ceremonies from the Police Academy, an NYPD officer busted a mugger preying on an elderly man today, cops...
Free + Empowering: Lingerie Photoshoot
From women's magazines to shows like Carson Kressley's "How to Look Good Naked," something we've noticed over and over again is the power of perception on women who suffer from...
Musings from Tiger Woods' AT&T National
By MARK CANNIZZAROBETHESDA, Md. _ Covering the AT&T National tournament, which is hosted this week by Tiger Woods at Congressional CC, and had the following observations ...****Two weeks after Tiger...
LIRR TRAIN DERAILS
An LIRR train heading toward Huntington station partially derailed this afternoon, causing delays on the Port Jefferson branch. No injuries were reported. Officials are investigating whether a water main break...
STATE COMPTROLLER VOWS TO STOP PAYING STATE SENATORS
ALBANY -- Stop the checks! State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli ordered that all 62 state senators no longer be paid. Since the senate stopped passing legislation, they've cost taxpayers an estimated...
QUEENS REP HEADS UP NEW BOARD OF EDUCATION
Deputy Mayor Dennis Walcott, a Cambria Heights resident, Wednesday became the president of the city's first Board of Education since the 2002 implementation of mayoral control, which ended this week...
Mets sign Urbina's son
A source said the Mets have signed left-hander Juan Urbina, the 16-year-old son of former major-league pitching standout Ugeth Urbina, on the first day of the international-player signing period. Juan...
Report: Broncos taking Marshall calls
NFL reporter Adam Schefter tweeted that the Broncos will take calls on disgruntled wide receiver Brandon Marshall."Though Denver does not want to trade Brandon Marshall, it will take calls. Won't...
SC FIRST LADY: I'M WILLING TO FORGIVE MY HUSBAND
COLUMBIA, S.C. -- South Carolina's first lady says Gov. Mark Sanford's actions are "inexcusable" but she is willing to forgive him. Jenny Sanford on Thursday made her first public statement...
VIDEO OF JACKSON'S FINAL REHEARSAL RELEASED
Looks like Jacko was ready for his return. Just two days before Michael Jackson died of cardiac arrest, the King of Pop was caught on video dancing and singing on...
Calvin Pace suspended for first four games of 2009
By MARK CANNIZZAROJets linebacker Calvin Pace has been suspended without pay for the team's first four regular season games for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances.Pace's suspension begins...
JACKO'S EX-WIFE ROWE WANTS 'HER KIDS BACK'
Michael Jackson's ex-wife Debbie Rowe said today that she wants her two kids back -- even threatening to seek out a restraining order to keep Jacko's dad away from the...
S.C. GOVERNOR DIDN'T BREAK LAW TO VISIT ARGENTINE MISTRESS
COLUMBIA, South Carolina -- South Carolina's top police official says Gov. Mark Sanford did not improperly use state funds for visits with his Argentine mistress. State Law Enforcement Division Chief...
DA: ASTOR'S SON 'TRIPLED' OWN SALARY TO 116K A MONTH
Why just swindle your 103-year-old mother when you can give yourself a big raise for doing it? Prosecutors in the Brooke Astor swindle trial say the beloved philanthropist's son decided...
PRESIDENT OBAMA: MICHAEL JACKSON IS ENTERTAINMENT ICON
WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama called Michael Jackson a brilliant performer whose talents were paired with a tragic personal life. Get Full Jackson Coverage Here "I'm glad to see that...
Yankees sign 16-year-old Dominican catcher
By GEORGE A. KING IIIThe Yankees signed 16-year-old Dominican catcher Gary Sanchez today in a deal that includes a signing bonus in the neighborhood of $3 million.The Post reported that...
Knicks, Nets: Free agency rumors
Here's a look at all the NBA rumors that affect our local teams:July 13We noted some skepticism yesterday when bringing up the Chris Duhon for the 76ers' Andre Miller trade...
Summer action
It's often assumed that nothing happens in theater in summer. So wrong. Just because nothing happens on Broadway doesn't mean theater grinds down to a halt.The biggest, most prestigious event...
BLOOMBERG GETS CHOKED UP AT CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY
An emotional Mayor Bloomberg got choked up today he spoke to a group of newly minted U.S. citizens at a naturalization ceremony on the Upper West Side. Bloomberg, who delivered...
WHITE HOUSE: VP BIDEN HAS TRAVELED TO IRAQ
WASHINGTON -- The White House says Vice President Joe Biden is in Iraq. He's there to visit U.S. troops and meet with Iraqi leaders, including President Jalal Talabani and Prime...
Pitching set for Phillies series
The pitching matchups are now ready for the Mets' three-game series with the NL East rival Phillies that starts Friday night at Citizens Bank Park. Here is the breakdown:Friday --...
BRONX MAN WHO DISROBED ON PLANE WAS OFF HIS MEDS
A Bronx man who took off his clothes and forced a US Airways flight to Los Angeles to land in Albuquerque claimed he is bipolar and was off his meds,...
Toronto: The Guessing Game
The Toronto International Film Festival will not begin announcing its premieres until July 14, but Peter Knegt at IndieWire offers some fairly sound speculation on 30 titles he thinks will...
US MARSHALS EVICT RUTH MADOFF FROM PENTHOUSE APARTMENT
Ruth Madoff got the boot from her Upper East Side penthouse today - and walked out with "just the clothes on her back," authorities said. Six US Marshals showed up...
LI MOM ARRAIGNED IN FAKE CRAIGSLIST AD CASE
Long Island prosecutors added a child endangerment charge today against a mother accused of posting a lewd Craigslist ad to target a 9-year-old girl. Margery Tannenbaum, of Hauppauge, was freed...
Is Hill what they need?
By MARC BERMANIf the Knicks sign Grant Hill, does that mean D'Antoni can start five small forwards. D'Antoni told me Hill is "one of the best free agents out there'',...
NYPD GRADUATES 256 NEW COPS
Mayor Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Ray Kelly today presided over a graduation ceremony for 256 new police officers at the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden. The graduates will be...
NY POLICE DIVERS SEARCH FOR MISSING US SAILOR
LAKE LUZERNE, N.Y. -- Police divers have been pulled from a treacherous stretch of the upper Hudson River where a U.S. Navy sailor disappeared while swimming and is presumed to...
Altidore heads 7 U.S. Gold Cup additions
Our man Jozy Altidore heads a group of seven reinforcements added to the U.S. National Team's Gold Cup roster. After CONCACAF let the U.S. boost its roster up to 30...
EX-YANKEE JIM LEYRITZ ARRESTED, ACCUSED OF BATTERY
DAVIE, Fla. -- Former major leaguer Jim Leyritz was arrested Thursday in South Florida on charges of domestic battery against his ex-wife, just two months before his trial on a...
Devils sign former pick Pikkrainen
By MARK EVERSONThe Devils opened Day 2 of free agency today by bringing back their seventh-round, 218th overall 2002 draft pick, right wing Ilkka Pikkarainen, who spent the last three...
JUDGE SETS GITMO DEFENDANT'S TRIAL FOR 2010
A federal judge in Manhattan has set a September 2010 trial for a Guantanamo detainee charged in the 1998 bombings of two US embassies in Africa. Judge Lewis Kaplan set...
DEALS: 50 percent off on the Big Island
In honor of the 50th anniversary of Hawaiian statehood (and also to drum up some much-needed business, no doubt), The Fairmont Orchid resort on Hawaii's Big Island is slashing 50...
ARMORY BATTLE RAGES
Burly carpenters and angry supermarket workers clashed over jobs and the future of the Kingsbridge Armory on Wednesday, June 24 at an electric public hearing in the northwest Bronx. The...
Chat rewind: July 2
Click on the replay arrow in the graphic below to revisit my hour-long live chat on the Mets:Mets chat with Bart Hubbuch
$2.25 FOR FILTH
Neat freaks take heed: avoid the R train at all costs. The train, which rumbles from Bay Ridge to Downtown Brooklyn on its way to Manhattan and Queens, was rated...
ACQUITTAL LEAVES MOM SHATTERED
As she left the courtroom where a jury acquitted the man accused of killing her son, Joanne Zaccaria didn't know what she found more stunning: the verdict or the comedy...
'SUMMER STREETS' STRETCH OUT
Summer Streets, a citywide vehicle"'free recreation program, is expanding to seven sites in Brooklyn this season, joining more than 1,500 free summer events throughout the city. "Just because there's an...
TAMING OF THE GRILL
In May, Game Day Grill was hot. It had a pulsing hip-hop beat. It had a loud jumping crowd. It had a liquor license. Game Day Grill was hot ""...
$300 MILLION FOR NEW BRONX PSYCHIATRIC CENTER
The Bronx Psychiatric Center will soon be moving it's operation with a $ 300 million redevelopment project that will add numerous modern facilities. On Tuesday, June 16 representatives from the...
'GREEN' LOCOMOTIVES UNVEILED AT OAK POINT
CSX Transportation unveiled four new locomotives at the Oak Point Rail Yard that promise to greatly reduce emissions as they operate in and around the Bronx. The ultra-low emission GenSet...
FINE WAY TO TREAT A CABBIE
A private cab driver was waiting for his fare in Throggs Neck, but didn't bargain for what he got. A traffic agent summonsed him, even though he offered to move...
Game 78: Mets at Pirates
PITTSBURGH -- The Mets are hoping the good vibes from Wednesday's 1-0 win in Milwaukee carry over today when they take on the Pirates at PNC Park behind Tim Redding...
REPORT: SEC STAFFER WARNED OF MADOFF PONZI SCHEME
A prober working for the Securities and Exchange Commission warned her bosses in 2004 that Bernie Madoff's financial firm should be investigated for irregularities -- but was later told by...
The Daily Whacks, Thursday Edition
You can count me among the tweetin' Twitterers (or is that the Twitterin' tweeters?) now: http://twitter.com/MikeVacc*******There have been times this year when Andy Pettitte has looked more done than Mike...
NORTH KOREA TEST-FIRES 4 SHORT-RANGE MISSILES
SEOUL, South Korea -- North Korea test-fired four short-range missiles Thursday, South Korea's Defense Ministry said, a move that aggravates already high tensions following Pyongyang's recent nuclear test and U.N....
Coverage in The Post
The postgame team meeting the night before and Wednesday morning's bus ride to Miller Park got most of the attention, but it was Mike Pelfrey's 7 2/3 scoreless innings that...
INVESTIGATORS: AIR FRANCE FLIGHT DID NOT BREAK UP IN FLIGHT
LE BOURGET, France -- A French investigator says speed sensors were a factor but were not the cause of the crash of Air France flight 447. Alain Bouillard, leading the...
STATEN ISLAND MAN GUNNED DOWN IN MOB HIT
A hot-headed mob soldier under investigation by the feds was whacked in the wee hours this morning as he stood at a bus stop in a deserted section of Staten...
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE HIT 9.5 PERCENT IN JUNE
WASHINGTON -- Employers cut a larger-than-expected 467,000 jobs in June and the unemployment rate climbed to a 26-year high of 9.5 percent. Workers also saw weekly wages fall, suggesting Americans...
2 FRIENDS OF JACKSON SAY THEY TRIED TO KEEP JACKSON AWAY FROM DRUGS
LONDON -- Two of Michael Jackson's former confidantes, medium Uri Geller and ex-bodyguard Matt Fiddes, say they tried in vain to keep the pop superstar from abusing painkillers and other...
WIFE OF SLAIN FDNY MARSHAL SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS-TO-LIFE
The widow of a Staten Island fire marshal was sentenced today to 25 years-to-life for shooting him to death while he slept. Janet Redmond-Mercereau, 40, was convicted of second-degree murder...
MARINES EXCHANGE FIRE WITH INSURGENTS IN AFGHANISTAN
NAWA, Afghanistan -- U.S. Marines hiked through searing heat and took fire from small pockets of militants Thursday after landing in this Taliban-controlled southern region of tree-lined fields, mud homes...
3 UP: ICHIRO VS. SABATHIA
Yes, I am on Twitter.Here is one other lefty matchup you might want to watch tonight: Ichiro Suzuki vs. CC Sabathia. Of all lefty hitters with 20 plate appearances against...
Met leadership and standing
From JOEL SHERMAN Someone is going to have to remind me who was providing all that great leadership with the Mets back in John Franco's days with the team. As...
3 UP: MET LEADERSHIP AND STANDING, VARGAS
Yes, I am on Twitter.1. Someone is going to have to remind me who was providing all that great leadership with the Mets back in John Franco's days with the...
Box Office: 'Ice Age' Pulls Upset
"Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs'' sold a whopping $14 million worth of tickets on its opening day Wednesday vs. $10 million for the weekend's widely predicted leader, "Transformers: Revenge...
JACKSON'S WILL IS SLAP AT MOM
The glove is off. Two longtime business associates of Michael Jackson yesterday filed a will he signed in 2002 that puts them in charge of his estate -- challenging an...
O EMBRACES HEALTH REFORM
ANNANDALE, Va. -- President Obama hugged a cancer patient yesterday at an emotional forum and vowed to bring greater efficiency and accessibility to the nation's health-care system. Debby Smith, 53,...
HOOK, 'LINE' AND STINKER FROM SC GOV
NOW, class, listen up! Mark Sanford, the happy, horny, temporary governor of South Carolina, is causing great confusion, from the schoolyard to the parked car, with his claim that he...
BROKEN HEARTS - AND NOW A BROKEN PROMI$E
COLUMBIA, SC -- South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford has backed out of a promise to release personal financial records to prove he did not use state money for trips to...
HASID COP HAS RAY'S BLESSING
Police Commissioner Ray Kelly came to the defense yesterday of a Hasidic cop accused of abusing a female straphanger he arrested for having an unleashed dog in the subway. But...
'KUNG FU' DEATH AN ACCIDENT: AUTOPSY
Former New York Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Michael Baden, who oversaw a private autopsy on actor David Carradine, said yesterday the "Kung Fu" star died from asphyxiation -- and that...
OBESITY LAYS MORE WAIST TO US ADULTS
CHICAGO -- Obesity rates rose in the past year, with 23 states reporting adults are fatter now than last year, two advocacy groups said yesterday. Two-thirds of US adults are...
A SUDDENLY MOST UNWELCOME GUEST
FOR 30 years, the tradition has been for each newly elected president of the Is lamic Republic to travel at once to Mashad, Iran's main "holy" city, to thank Ali...
FRANK'S FREDDIE & FANNIE FARCE FEEDS FISCAL FUROR
In a reaction to your editorial about Rep. Barney Frank, I feel that letting Frank remain chairman of the House Financial Services Committee is like letting the fox guard the...
OUR AFGHAN ERROR
MISCALCULATING blindly, al Qaeda suffered a catastrophic defeat in Iraq. Now our approach to Afghanistan bears an uncanny resemblance to the terrorists' failed strategy. Certainly, there's a vast difference between...
EXPERTS GO APE
BANGKOK, Thailand -- Fossils recently discovered in Myanmar could prove that the common ancestors of humans, monkeys and apes evolved in Asia, rather than Africa, researchers contend in a study...
COSTLY COLLEGE CREEP
Jack Hough makes the point that college isn't for everyone, and that it costs a lot ("Don't Get That College Degree," PostScript, June 28). That insight, plus a few dollars,...
PERSONAL SAVINGS RATE RISE = VOODOO ECONOMICS
WHEN something doesn't make sense, it probably is not true. And Washington's assertion that Americans are suddenly saving a whole lot of money is not only illogical, but I thought...
NYPD DAILY BLOTTER
Broklyn A raging, foul-mouthed motorist threatened a fellow driver with Mace in Park Slope, authorities said yesterday. Michael Macneill, 43, went berserk when he got snarled in traffic and several...
CUOMO PROBE SMACKS PENSION FIRM FOR $2M
A company that helps big government pension funds decide how to invest their money has agreed to pay $2 million to extract itself from a corruption investigation. The settlement, announced...
MOVE TO 'STALK' STALKERS
Big Brother should be watching. In a form of reverse stalking, Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-Brooklyn/Queens) wants people slapped with restraining orders to be monitored through GPS tracking devices. Since 2004,...
HONDURAN 'PREZ' DEFIES WORLD
Honduras' new leader thumbed his nose at an international ultimatum to restore his exiled predecessor and said yesterday that his nation is preparing to repel a foreign invasion. "If there...
FIRMS SEEK A WIND-FALL
A newly formed group is examining the possibility of building a wind farm 13 miles out in the Atlantic Ocean off the South Shore of Long Island. The Long Island-New...
FAILING NY'S WORKING FAMILIES
THE labor movement in this state won't tolerate another legislative session as ridiculous as the one we've just been through. Because of the continuing Senate turmoil, the Legislature and governor...
STAFF-ABUSE GROCERS FINED
Supermarket bosses who forced their staff to work for tips have to cough up more than $1 million after being sued for illegal working conditions, Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said...
A 'LITTLE' SEX GOES A LONG WAY FOR NYERS
New Yorkers do it less but like it more, a new sex survey has found. Seventy-one percent of Big Apple residents said they were satisfied with their love lives. Only...
IT'S DEM PAYBACK VS. MAYOR
ALBANY -- After years of watch ing Mayor Bloomberg bankroll Republican control of the Senate, hearing his high-handed lectures on congestion pricing and seeing him back a primary against one...
LEAR HITS THE SKIDS
Lear, the auto industry's second-largest car-seat maker, yesterday filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, as the sharp decline in auto sales claims another victim in the car-parts sector. As part...
CITY PAYS MAN $25G OVER SUBWAY TERROR SEARCHES
The city will shell out $25,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by a man of South Asian descent who claimed he was unfairly stopped and searched nearly two dozen times...
FIRMS SEARCH TO SELF-POLICE ONLINE PRIVACY
Worried that lawmakers will beat them to the punch, a coalition of Internet and ad-trade groups is rolling out its own set of rules to police Web advertising and data...
CRABTREE & EVELYN FILES BANKRUPTCY
Crabtree & Evelyn Ltd., the maker of soaps, gifts and toiletries sold in 126 stores in 34 states, filed for bankruptcy protection in New York, citing a decline in consumer...
MOBSTER: I'M NO STOOLIE
A Genovese capo who went on the lam for 11 years to dodge murder and racketeering charges came this close to singing for the feds once the law caught up...
OSAMA BIN IN INDIANA: BOOK
A young Osama bin Laden surprised his first wife and their sons by taking them on a sudden trip from Saudi Arabia to Indiana 30 years ago, she recalls in...
FORD'S NEW FOCUS
Ford Motor is pulling out of Detroit's sales rut to lead the pack, easily passing mighty Toyota and leaving GM and Chrysler trailing behind badly in their own bankruptcy dust....
FUNDS SET FOR BOFA BOUT
A group of public pension funds, including state funds in Ohio and Texas, will lead investor lawsuits against Bank of America over its acquisition of brokerage Merrill Lynch. The investors...
SINGH HANGS UP STANFORD LOGO
When it comes to supporting accused Ponzi schemer R. Allen Stanford, even his most ardent supporter, Vijay Singh, has his limits. A day after the Texas financier was remanded to...
CIVIL (CLOWN) WAR
WHY is the state Senate still stuck in its standoff? It comes down to this: Dem ocrats are too splintered to settle on any truce. Republicans are too desperate for...
KATZMAN FAMILY LOOKS TO CLEAR THE AIR AND SELL FIRM
The New York City family that makes Vicks humidifiers and Honeywell air purifiers is putting the company up for sale amid signs their fortune might be evaporating. The Katzman Family,...
GASO-LEAN $CAM PROBE
Rigged gas pumps that illegally drain driver's wallets are the focus of a city crackdown in the lead-up to the holiday weekend, officials said yesterday. The Department of Consumer Affairs...
BUSINESS BRIEFS
Midway OK Midway Games, the bankrupt creator of the "Mortal Kombat" video- game series, won court approval to sell most of its assets to Warner Bros. Entertainment for $33 million....
BING BANG FOR M'SOFT
Microsoft's new Bing search engine gained US market share in its first month -- numbers respectable enough to put No. 2 Yahoo! in its sights. Bing took 8.23 percent of...
OVERSTOCK UNDERCUTS AFFILIATES
Overstock.com cut marketing ties in four states that are seeking to force out-of-state retailers to collect sales tax, following the lead of larger rival Amazon.com. The discount seller canceled contracts...
DOING WELL BY DOING . . . WRONG
Well, look what the cat dragged in: an other ethically crippled trial lawyer in a legislative leadership post. That would be new state Senate Democratic leader John Sampson of Brooklyn...
FIGHT BACK -- OR LOSE
It's a very good thing that we're not mayor of New York City. Because if we were, we'd have taken the state Senate's decision to strip away our control of...
MIKE NAILS CLASS CLOWNS
Take that, Albany! Mayor Bloomberg kept the schools running smoothly yesterday by reconvening the old Board of Education -- and even gave Schools Chancellor Joel Klein more power than he...
AMERICAN APPAREL CROSSES THE LINE
As many as one-third of the employees at American Apparel's clothing factory in Los Angeles are working illegally, a federal immigration probe has found. The news is an embarrassment for...
JOB CUTS FALL
Companies in the US cut more jobs than forecast in June, showing the labor market will be slow to improve even as other parts of the economy indicate the recession...
GILLY MEETS HER MATCH IN MALONEY
WASHINGTON -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney has the goods to mount a major primary challenge against incumbent Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, experts say. Maloney, who announced yesterday that she has decided to...
UPPER EAST GAY-BASHERS
A gay man was beaten to a bloody pulp by two vicious thugs on the Upper East Side -- just a day after another gay man was pummeled a block...
ROUGH SALE-ING IN CITY
The free fall in Manhattan's residential real-estate market continued through the most recent three months, with average prices falling by nearly a quarter compared with the white-hot market of a...
$30M DELPHI OFFER BARRED
Delphi Corp., the auto-parts maker once owned by General Motors, was barred by a judge from paying as much as $30 million of Platinum Equity LLC's expenses tied to its...
WHERE'S THE BEEF?
Don't be surprised if Slim Jims start disappearing from convenience store shelves -- lovers of the dried meat snack may start stockpiling them now that production has been halted. ConAgra,...
PARENTS SIMMER AS SUMMER SESSION STARTS
* The first day of summer school went off without a hitch yesterday -- but angry parents and educators flunked their state senators for failing to extend mayoral control of...
BEAR SWIPES SANDWICH
A New Jersey man packing his car for a business trip was waylaid by a hungry black bear who knocked him unconscious and stole his Italian sub sandwich, police said...
CONFLICT EYED IN SAMPSON MOVE
ALBANY -- State Senate Democratic leader John Sampson is suing Schools Chancellor Joel Klein on behalf of a fired assistant principal -- raising questions about what's really behind the Brooklyn...
CITI TAKING NO CREDIT
Citigroup held preliminary talks to link its credit-card business to General Electric's credit-card shop, but passed on doing a deal because the two sides couldn't agree on a price, according...
ANGIE TOP$ JEN
Angelina Jolie is Hollywood's highest paid actress, banking $27 million in the past year, beating out partner Brad Pitt's ex-wife Jennifer Aniston, who raked in $25 million, according to Forbes.com....
HISSING COUSIN PUTS SCARE INTO STATEN ISLAND
Cops found themselves in hot pursuit of a slithery perp yesterday when they chased a 10-foot python across a Staten Island yard. As John and Karen Trapani, of Great Kills,...
RAGE AGAINST MUSIC 'THIEF'
It's a triple bill you'll never see sharing the same stage: the Bee Gees, Poison and Rage Against the Machine. But the disco legends, glam metal band and left-wing alternative...
HOLDEN PATTERN
It's not a parody, it's not a critique -- and it's not for sale, a Manhattan federal judge said yesterday in temporarily barring publication of an unauthorized follow-up to J.D....
'CALCULATING' CON MAN HSU
Crooked Democratic donor Norman Hsu needs help adding up all the money he fleeced from victims of his $60 million Ponzi scheme. Hsu's lawyer yesterday sought permission for the jailed...
LANDING 'STRIP': NAKED BX. MAN ENDS FLIGHT
ALBUQUERQUE, NM -- A US Airways flight to Los Angeles was diverted to Albuquerque after a Bronx man removed all of his clothing midflight, forcing flight attendants to cover him...
WHO IS SELLING BERNIE'S ALBUM?
Someone is making money off Bernie Madoff! A person close to the world's biggest swindler yesterday began selling news outlets a large collection of candid family snapshots of Madoff, his...
PYTHON KILLS TOT
OXFORD, Fla. -- A 12-foot pet Burmese python broke out of a tank and strangled a 2-year-old girl in her bedroom yesterday. "The baby's dead!" a sobbing caller from the...
SHED NO TEARS FOR THIS TWISTED SICKO
YOU'D have thought by the media lovefest that the pope had died a tragic death after a lifetime of caring for lepers. But, no, it was the death of Michael...
UNION REBEL WINS
A subway maintenance mechanic took on one of the city's most powerful union bosses -- and won. A Manhattan federal jury dealt a defeat to Transport Workers Union Local 100...
BEAUTY BUSTED IN DOC 'THREAT'
In her 20s, she was one of the world's original supermodels -- strutting runways around the world for fashion icons Versace and Valentino, posing for Victoria's Secret catalogs, and making...
ASTOR'S SON RIPPED OFF UNCLE SAM, TOO: DA
Why just swindle your 101-year-old mom when you can cheat the feds on the "gift" taxes, too? Prosecutors in the Brooke Astor swindle trial spent yesterday grilling her former accountant...
NEW SI FERRY CRASH
A Staten Island ferry carrying 750 rush-hour commuters abruptly lost power and slammed into a dock at the St. George Terminal last night, leaving 15 people with minor injuries, authorities...
COP SHOOTS DRUG DEALER
A drug dealer who jumped parole and was wanted for an attempted murder was shot in Queens by a sheriff who thought the career criminal was reaching for a gun,...
MASSIVE MEMORIAL IS SET FOR LA ARENA
It's on. A massive public memorial service for Michael Jackson reportedly has been set for 10 a.m. Tuesday at LA's Staples Center arena. The Hollywood Reporter said AEG Live, which...
WEIRD BUT TRUE
Now he can be called the King of Popcorn. Michael Jackson is getting a new tribute -- a statue of the singer made out of butter will be displayed at...
GRIZZ OUT OF DAVID HUNT; KNICKS TARGETING HILL
On the first day of free-agency, the Knicks received good news on David Lee, bad news on Jason Kidd and OK news on their new target, forward Grant Hill. KNICKS...
NEW NET ALSTON OK GOING BACK TO BACKUP
When the Nets announced their draft-night trade -- acquiring Courtney Lee, Rafer Alston and Tony Battie from Eastern champ Orlando for Vince Carter and Ryan Anderson -- an opposing coach...
BRAWLER ARGUELLO FOUND DEAD
MANAGUA, Nicaragua -- Alexis Arguello, who fought in one of boxing's most classic brawls and reigned supreme at 130 pounds, was found dead at his home early yesterday. Coroners were...
CINCY COACH: STEPHENSON WILL PLAY
Mick Cronin already overcame pretty long odds to get Lance Stephenson to commit to Cincinnati, but that doesn't mean the challenges are over. The former Lincoln standout, who signed a...
RANGERS HAVE CAP ROOM FOR MOVES
A glimpse at the Rangers' cap situation heading into a Day 2 of the free agent market that general manager Glen Sather all but promised would feature more activity from...
PETTITTE FINDS COMFORT ZONE AS YANKEES ROLL
It took almost three months, but Andy Pettitte figured out how to pitch effectively in Yankee Stadium. The difference in Pettitte's home and away splits were so vast it was...
HINSKE TRADES PIRATE SHIP FOR PENNANT RACE
Eric Hinske was in uniform and available last night, one day after being acquired from Pittsburgh for two minor leaguers. Weather problems kept the 31-year-old utilityman from arriving in time...
AMAZIN'S RIDE HIGH BEFORE WIN
MILWAUKEE -- It might have been the most scrutinized bus ride in Mets history. The trip from their hotel to Miller Park lasted less than 10 minutes, but the Mets'...
FRANCO RIPS METS FOR LEADERSHIP VOID
MILWAUKEE -- Longtime Mets closer John Franco blasted his struggling former team in a radio interview this week, saying there is no leadership in the clubhouse and "too much individuality."...
PELFREY HELPS METS END 5-GAME SKID
MILWAUKEE -- As much as Jerry Manuel wanted to credit the team meeting he called Tuesday night for the Mets' 1-0 win over the Brewers yesterday, there was one small...
ISLES ADDRESS BACKUP PLAN
The Islanders insist Rick DiPietro is progressing well and will be skating in August, as he usually does, but they clearly aren't taking any chances. Less than a week after...
FEDERER, RODDICK REACH SEMIS
WIMBLEDON, England -- Roger Federer neutralized Ivo Karlovic's huge serves yesterday to reach the Wimbledon semifinals and move a step closer to a record 15th Grand Slam championship. Two-time finalist...
GLOVER LOOKS TO AVOID MAJOR TRAP
BETHESDA, Md. -- He walked into Bethpage State Park two weeks ago as anonymous as one of superintendent Craig Currier's grounds crew. A week later, Lucas Glover walked off of...
SISTERS FAVORED TO COLLIDE IN FINAL
WIMBLEDON, England -- Pretty much everyone is impressed by the way Venus and Serena Williams dominate at Wimbledon. Even Roger Federer, who knows a thing or two himself about success...
SAWX RALLY TO TOP O'S
BASEBALL ROUNDUP One day after being victimized by the greatest comeback in Orioles history, the Red Sox staged an improbable rally of their own. The Red Sox used a four-run...
RANGERS SIGN GABORIK, BRASHEAR
Last night's conference call in which the Rangers announced the signing of marquee free agent Marian Gaborik was interrupted after just about 30 seconds. Let's hope this was not a...
A-ROD AND YANKEES JOINED AT THE HIP
THE Yankees have three games next week on the Metrodome rockpile, already deemed one too many for Alex Rodriguez and his surgically repaired hip to responsibly endure. It's also one...
BRUNEY WON'T CRY IF HE LOSES EIGHTH-INNING ROLE
Brian Bruney isn't launching a campaign to keep his eighth-inning job. The inconsistent Yankee reliever yesterday stopped short of saying he'd welcome a new role, but also made it known...
SPORTS SHORTS
HOOPS: Kobe won't opt out Kobe Bryant chose not to terminate the final two years of his contract and will remain with the Lakers. Team spokesman John Black confirmed Bryant's...
HONDO WEST-WINGS IT
Hondo, the heartbreak kid, lost two the hard way last night, going down the tubes with the Angels and Giants to trim the bankroll to 130 cuellars. Tonight, he will...
TRIBECA
Sometimes when a real estate opportunity is trumpeted as "unique," it just means you've seen nothing like it -- that week. But we have to say, the chance to own...
UPPER WEST SIDE
Sure, a home on a high floor can be great, but this "immaculately maintained" condo is "conveniently located" on the ground floor of a full-service prewar building on West End...
MAPLEWOOD, NJ
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2½ Square feet: 1,511 Common charges: $961 -- Marketed as "Manhattan living" in the suburbs, this "totally renovated" condo (really -- "new walls, ceilings and floors") offers...
PLEASANTVILLE, NY
Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3 Square feet: 2,158 -- This "charming" Colonial offers great space outside (check out the "private back yard") and inside, with a loft area overlooking the family...
DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN
Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1 Square feet: 1,055 Common charges: $354 -- Get in for just 5 percent down, and the low common charges -- plus a 10-year tax abatement --...
STONY BROOK, LI
Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 3½ Lot square feet: 3,800 -- Pretty much everything you should want in Suffolk County comfort -- a big, "beautiful" Colonial on a "quiet" cul-de-sac, within walking...
INWOOD
Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Square feet: 1,600 Maintenance: $0 (for six months)Talk about zero maintenance: Once you settle the down payment and mortgage on this "castle-like" West 214th Street co-op,...
FLATIRON
More about this "superlative" apartment in a second; first, how would you like to work out with David Kirsch, personal trainer to stars such as Heidi Klum and Liv Tyler?...
KEVIN SKINNER IS AMERICA'S SUSAN BOYLE
CHICKEN-catcher Kevin Skinner -- who is being called the American Susan Boyle after a stunning debut this week on "America's Got Talent" -- had never sang outside a friend's basement...
JUST SOLD!
Manhattan CHELSEA $2,250,000 252 Seventh Ave. Prewar two-bedroom, two-bath loft condo, 2,269 square feet, with open kitchen with granite countertops and cherry-wood cabinets, 13½-foot ceilings, central AC and N/W exposures...
PARK-ER SLOPE
Sarah Jessica Parker might be moving to Brooklyn. Rumors are swirling in Park Slope that Parker, 44, and hubby Matthew Broderick, 47, are the secret owners of a stunning prewar...
GET LOST!
DO you have a moment to read this? If you do, I've gotten about 99 percent further along than the hundreds of clipboard-wielding do-gooders currently annoying pedestrians with questions like,...
BAND OF THE BARD
STEVE Curtis -- guitarist and mandolin player with the Brooklyn band Hem -- hasn't been in a play since 10th grade. But now the 39-year-old is performing with stellar cast...
SIMONE FROM THE BLOCK GETS BACH
THE Philharmonic's billing her as "Brooklyn's own Simone Dinnerstein." They're not kidding. New York's hometown band is welcoming its hometown gal made good: a pianist who did what most aspiring...
PIONEER OF DANCE
DANCE-theater pioneer Pina Bausch, who died Tuesday at 68, five days after being diagnosed with cancer, wasn't a marquee name in the US. But while she never crossed over into...
ABC DON'T KNOW JACKO: STOSSEL
JOHN Stossel is telling his own network "Give me a break!" after it pulled his health-case insurance segment off the air to give more time to the death of Michael...
JILLIAN GETS PLAYED
IS he or isn't he -- a two- timer? That's been the question for weeks now as "The Bachelorette" teeters toward the end of the season and that dramatic Final...
HALF OFF
FOR the first time in a generation, American TV is getting a new format: the half-hour drama. We're conditioned to expect a sitcom during a 30-minute time slot, but now...
GREAT SCOTTO
Given that she grew up in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn -- a heavily Italian neighborhood where everyone not only knew one another, but also knew what everyone else was cooking for...
DEVILS LOSE GIONTA, MADDEN
Four of their heroes left Newark yesterday, one defenseman remained, and no one else joined up. Better Devils days better be coming, soon, because this was another July 1 stinker....
HAUTE LIST
HOW much is that shoe in the window? $168 to $408, depending on your taste. Peek into Henri Bendel's window this week and you'll see tattooed cobbler Sasha hammering, cutting...
A-ROD'S HOMER LIFTS PETTITTE, YANKEES OVER SEATTLE
Alex Rodriguez hit a tiebreaking homer, Andy Pettitte pitched seven strong innings and the New York Yankees beat the Seattle Mariners 4-2 on Wednesday night for their seventh consecutive victory....