July 18, 2014
Israeli army finds 22 tunnels used by Hamas
The Israeli army uncovered 22 underground tunnels used by Hamas to smuggle weapons and killed at least 40 terrorists Friday in its first day of a widespread ground offensive in...
Moscow's bizarre conspiracy theories about MH17 attack
What’s next — UFOs? Russian state TV is spouting one wacky conspiracy theory after another in the attack on Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 — all of them clearing Moscow of...
Teachout hired strategist axed for anti-Israel rant
ALBANY — Zephyr Teachout, who is running against Gov. Cuomo in the Democratic primary, hired an anti-Israel political strategist to help her get on the ballot, The Post has learned....
Daily Blotter
Queens ■ Authorities released a sketch of a man wanted for questioning in regards to a seemingly unprovoked, fatal attack in Woodside. Roberto Martires, 56, was standing on Roosevelt Avenue...
MH17 tragedy forcing European leaders to recognize threat of conflict
WASHINGTON — The attack on Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 is forcing reluctant European leaders to acknowledge the threat the conflict in Ukraine poses to the continent. Chancellor Angela Merkel of...
Pilot lands plane for second time on same highway
Somebody ground this geezer! For the second time in about a week, an elderly Long Island pilot landed his ultralight plane on Sunrise Highway in Suffolk County after experiencing “engine...
Profs sue NYU over pay cuts allegedly tied to lack of grant money
Two longtime NYU medical professors are suing the school, claiming their salaries were slashed because they didn’t bring in enough grant money — even though their research data were destroyed...
Phelps stars, bats finally wake up as Yankees roll past Reds
Fielding errors by Brian Roberts and Derek Jeter were about to sabotage David Phelps when the stubborn right-hander — whose best attribute is his competitiveness — refused to let the...
SEC's insider-trading probe could set record as biggest case ever
A frustrated Securities and Exchange Commission revealed that an investigation hindered by stonewalling government employees could balloon into the biggest insider trading case in history, implicating as many as 44...
Wickersham on a role as ‘NCIS’ newbie
Emily Wickersham knew she had big shoes to fill when she joined the cast of “NCIS” early last season following the departure of Cote de Pablo. But, she says, her...
Meet New York's treasure hunters
On a brilliant afternoon at Long Island’s Sore Thumb Beach two years ago, Dave Efron strapped on his thousand-dollar White’s BeachHunter metal detector and went to work. A veteran of...
Let Israel do its job
Now that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dispatched Israeli ground troops into Gaza, he has one priority: accomplishing the mission. This means destroying the network of underground tunnels Hamas uses...
We're talking to the wrong Iranians
When it comes to an agreement with Iran about its nuclear program, no deal is better than a bad deal. Secretary of State John Kerry delivered the news to President...
Something sweeter than $6.5M needed to ice Crumbs' top bid
Anyone who wants to take on CNBC star Marcus Lemonis in the bidding for Crumbs Bake Shop will need at least $6.5 million by Aug. 19. That’s the day the...
Herbalife fires back at Latino activist
The war of words between Herbalife and its critics is flaring up. Last week Herbalife sent a “cease and desist” letter to a Latino activist who organized a protest at...
Net Neutrality comments to FCC surpass million mark
Net neutrality is almost as important to the American public as “Nipplegate.” As of Friday afternoon, the Federal Communications Commission had received more than 1 million comments on its proposed...
Hardaway, Plumlee to train with US team
The Knicks and Nets won’t have anyone on the U.S. team in the FIBA World Cup this fall, but there will be a pair of locals participating in the team’s...
Fox in no rush to ante up in pursuit of Time Warner
Rupert Murdoch’s 21st Century Fox plans to take it slow when it comes to Time Warner. Although Murdoch has ponied up for prized assets in the past, Fox is going...
Bon Jovi part of owners group eyeing Bills
BUFFALO, N.Y.— Rocker Jon Bon Jovi is part of a Toronto group that has retained a banking firm and submitted paperwork expressing interest in buying the Buffalo Bills, three people...
Local hoops star garners college attention after giving up baseball
July is a high school basketball prospect’s Nirvana. They crisscross the country, playing at one sneaker-sponsored showcase after another in front of the biggest college coaches in the country. For...
Liberalism turns against liberty
Liberals just aren’t very liberal these days. The word “liberal” comes from the Latin word meaning freedom, and in the 19th century, liberals in this country and abroad stood for...
Both NY teams on the lookout for some minor miracles
With the second half of the baseball season underway, some burning questions involving the local teams could soon be answered. Will the Yankees put together a stretch of baseball that...
A fatal arrest
Evoking memories of a more troubling era, the NYPD finds itself under mounting criticism over the death of a Staten Island man whom police were arresting for selling illegal cigarettes....
British Open gets schedule juggled with storms on the way
HOYLAKE, England — In anticipation for what is expected to be heavy rain and wind on Saturday, British Open officials have decided to start the third round at 9 a.m....
De Blasio delays vacation to Italy after chokehold death
Mayor de Blasio refused to change his Italy vacation plans for a potentially crippling railroad strike — but suddenly delayed the trip Friday amid outcries for a full investigation into...
Putin's bloody hands
Let’s be clear. The murder of 298 people in the skies over Ukraine — including at least one American — is more than a “global tragedy.” It is a war...
The hilarious lawlessness of Barack Obama
President Obama styles himself a wit, and some of his best material lately has to do with his abuse of his powers. “As long as they’re doing nothing, I’m not...
Mr. and Mrs. Pitt: The Sequel
LOS ANGELES - Universal Pictures said on Friday it has acquired worldwide rights to Angelina Jolie’s next film project, “By the Sea,” written and to be directed by the actress...
Cops who put man in fatal chokehold pulled from streets
A plainclothes NYPD cop violated department protocol by using a chokehold while handcuffing a Staten Island man who died following the arrest, Mayor de Blasio and Police Commissioner Bill Bratton...
The winning team New York deserves ... plays Ultimate
So you’re a baseball fan in the Big Town, and your choices are this: a slow swim at sea level with the Yankees, waiting for more ankles to crackle and...
New minivan has microphone to amplify parents' voices
DETROIT — Toyota wants to help you scream at your unruly kids. The latest version of the company's Sienna minivan has a feature called "Driver Easy Speak." It uses a...
Sabathia shut down for knee surgery -- and it might get worse
CC Sabathia will undergo season-ending, arthroscopic surgery to repair his right knee, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Friday. Cashman made it clear the big left-hander is not yet out...
Tiger Woods shows how lost he really is on final two holes
HOYLAKE, England -- Two holes and 20 minutes. That’s all you needed to see Tiger Woods play in Friday’s British Open second round to understand the clouded and confused state...
Remains of over 50 found with unlicensed mortician
BOSTON — An unlicensed funeral director accused of stealing more than $12,000 from an elderly couple could face more charges after authorities found 12 bodies and the cremated remains of...
Niese says Mets fans have deserted in times of trouble
Jon Niese better be at his best the next time he toes the rubber at Citi Field. The home fans won’t be so understanding if the veteran left-hander gets knocked around...
Chaos reigns as pro-Russia rebels stymie plane investigation
The nine-mile debris field of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 is a horror show of carnage and disarray — part aviation tragedy, part literal war-zone, and entirely a lawless free-for-all, according...
Connection to Phil could lead Bynum to Knicks after year off
Andrew Bynum for 2015? The 7-foot Bynum may not be reuniting with Phil Jackson's Knicks or any other team next season because he is seriously contemplating sitting out 2014-15 to undergo...
Tanaka still in pain, but hoping rehab will be enough
Less than two hours before it was announced that CC Sabathia would have season-ending knee surgery, Masahiro Tanaka remained optimistic he would not have to undergo a procedure of his...
The day in photos
Mud wrestlers celebrate, unrest in Ukraine and the Middle East continues, smoke billows over Washington and more.
Everything that happened after LeBron and Carmelo decided
Three weeks into July, with summer league winding down, the vast majority of the player movement around the NBA has been completed. It's a good time to look at how...
Could this be the solution to city sidewalk rage?
Pedestrians walking along one sidewalk in the nation's capital on Thursday found themselves with a choice. "No cellphones," said lettering on one side of the sidewalk. "Cellphones," the other lane...
Who got the better parting gift: Jeter or Rivera?
Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter both went through their farewell tours with plenty of fanfare. Here's how each team celebrated their career. Please decide who you thought got the better...
Jill Abramson tires of 'grassy knoll' speculation about her firing
Ousted New York Times editor Jill Abramson shot down reports that she clashed with her former deputy Dean Baquet as “grassy knoll” speculation in an interview with Katie Couric. “We’re,...
McIlroy puts Friday woes behind him, in control at British
HOYLAKE, England — Rory McIlroy conducted an exorcism on Friday. He exorcized Fridays. Before his 6-under-par 66 in Friday’s British Open second round at Royal Liverpool — that followed his...
Brain-eating amoebas are this summer's scare
This summer’s scare? Brain-eating amoebas. A 9-year-old water-sport-loving Kansas girl died earlier this month after contracting primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), caused by Naegleria fowleri, an amoeba found in fresh water....
Emma and Kate are ravishing, while Rita just looks ridiculous
The color purple — a good movie, a great book and, currently, the go-to hue in Hollywood. The best-dressed this week wore summer baroque, and kept all purple to clothing....
Where are the stars of ‘True Blood’ heading next?
It’s hard to believe that after this Sunday’s episode of “True Blood,” the final season of the hit blood-sucking series will be half over. What will we do without Anna...
Hundreds mourn slain Jersey City cop
Relatives of a slain Jersey City rookie cop collapsed into tears at the fallen hero’s funeral on Friday. “The bullet that stuck Officer Melvin Santiago in the head also struck...
Zuckerman lays off 17 at the Daily News
Daily News owner Mort Zuckerman wielded the ax again on Friday, laying off another 17 newsroom employees in a relentless drive to stem losses. The seemingly indiscriminate cuts included a...
This week in John Daly pants
John Daly has been able to make headlines at the British Open this week due to his wardrobe, rather than his steadily decaying golf skills. The 48-year-old will qualify automatically...
Men build hot tub in Cadillac
http://youtu.be/Vgi6W0vevOc Hot tub speed machine! Just when you thought a Cadillac Coupe de Ville couldn't get any cooler, two guys go and transform their 1969 classic into a fully functioning...
Forbes magazine sold to Asian investor group
Asian businessmen now control the Capitalist Tool. Forbes Media is selling a majority stake to a group of Asian investors known as Integrated Whale Media. The Forbes family, including Chairman...
Another 'RT' reporter resigns over show's Russia coverage
https://twitter.com/Sara__Firth/status/490101978622857216 A reporter in London working for the television show "Russia Today" has publicly resigned because she is furious about the station's coverage of the Malaysia Airlines plane that was...
Alderson wants to see more before deadline buy or Murphy sell
SAN DIEGO — Sandy Alderson arrived at Petco Park on Friday doing the “limbo” dance. Despite his team’s improved play in the final week and a half before the All-Star...
Obama: Russian-backed separatists probably shot down airline
WASHINGTON — President Obama pointed the finger at Russian-backed separatists in the downing of the Malaysian airliner — saying the US has “confidence” that the plane was hit by a surface-to-air missile...
Lakers' rough offseason has led to a very odd roster (and no coach)
Did the Lakers become the Clippers of old and not tell anyone? It’s been an odd offseason in La La Land, which began with the pipe dream of adding Carmelo...
Phil Mickelson's relentless optimism: 'It's really close'
Phil Mickelson, following his 2-under-par 70 Friday, stands at even par, but is 12 shots out of Rory McIlroy’s lead in pursuit of defending his title. “It’s really close,’’ Mickelson...
Cop in chokehold death stripped of gun, badge
The Staten Island District Attorney will lead a “full and thorough investigation” into the death of Eric Garner, 43, who had a fatal heart attack Thursday after NYPD cops put...
Lyft agrees to comply with taxi regulations in NYC
The ride-sharing app Lyft caved to demands by the city to submit to TLC regulations after a Manhattan judge threatened to bar the company from launching in the outer boroughs....
Jenrry Mejia: Mets 'are gonna make the playoffs'
Start printing those playoff tickets. There will be postseason baseball in Queens this year, according to Mets closer Jenrry Mejia. “We’re gonna make it because we believe in ourselves,” the...
Blake covers Vogue, Bella Thorne bags Candies gig and more
Daria Werbowy wins the campaign season, Blake Lively looks bangin’ in Vogue and Lykke Li confesses a love for Roxette. - Call her Annie Oakley: Blake Lively took a break...
Not exactly novel way to improve preseason football: Beer
CANTON, Ohio — Beer will be served to the public for the first time at the Pro Football Hall of Fame's annual enshrinement festival this year to boost revenue and...
Obama says 1 American confirmed dead in Flight MH17 tragedy
There was at least one American citizen killed in Thursday’s horrific plane crash that took 298 innocent lives from around the world, President Obama announced Friday morning. Reuters had reported...
Woody Allen’s 'Magic in the Moonlight' is his worst in years
Mia Farrow won’t have to worry about Oscar voters honoring Woody Allen’s latest movie — “Magic in the Moonlight’’ is the 78-year-old filmmaker’s most feeble effort since “Whatever Works’’ in...
CNN removes reporter after she refers to Israelis as 'scum'
CNN correspondent Diana Magnay was pulled from covering the Israeli-Hamas conflict Friday after she reported on a rocket attack and referred to Israelis who were allegedly harassing her as “scum.”...
He boarded MH17 at last minute, his wife barely missed MH370
In a terrible twist of fate, a Malaysian flight attendant died after swapping himself onto the doomed Flight MH17 at the last minute — just months after his wife, who is...
6-foot-9 man arrested for rape of waitress: cops
The 6-foot-9 man who brutally raped a Washington Heights waitress has been arrested, cops said. Jean Rodriguez, who lives in the Bronx near Yankee Stadium, was arrested in Harlem, cops...
Now we know how LeBron feels about Love-Wiggins debate
LeBron James wants Kevin Love in Cleveland, the Timberwolves want Andrew Wiggins part of any deal involving Love and the Cavaliers are willing to include the rookie in the package....
Nick Mangold is the Jets' irreplaceable man
As the Jets get close to training camp, I am going to examine the roster and give you my top 25 players. Each weekday, we will reveal another person on...
Can this buzz-less MLB season avoid joining worst of Selig Era?
OK, first of all, we have a month’s worth of Pop Quiz questions on which we must catch up. 1. From Bob Buscavage of Moriches: In a 1993 episode of...
Garbage truck kills woman crossing street
A 91-year-old Staten Island great-great-grandmother was fatally struck by a city garbage truck Friday morning as she walked back from a corner deli, cops said. Maria Valentino was struck as...
Create your own 'Dirty Dancing' vacation at these 6 resorts
When I was little, I loved princess movies more than anything — the magic of a True Love’s Kiss just melted my 6-year-old heart. But when I watched “Dirty Dancing”...
NYC's pension funds lag peers in private equity returns
New York City’s public pension funds fall near the back of the pack when it comes to private equity investments performance — a key area as they chase market-beating returns....
Anthony Pettis' UFC belt is too precious to defend it hurt
UFC lightweight champion Anthony “Showtime” Pettis has been a very busy man. In between coaching season 20 of "The Ultimate Fighter" and training for his first title defense against Gilbert...
Putin calls for cease-fire in Ukraine following attack on MH17
ROZSYPNE, Ukraine — Emergency workers, police officers and even off-duty coal miners spread out Friday across the sunflower fields and villages of eastern Ukraine, searching the wreckage of a jetliner shot...
'We have just shot down a plane'
Intercepted phone calls purportedly between Russian military intelligence officers and members of a pro-Russian separatist group that appear to capture the moment the rebels realized the plane they shot down...
Broadway lights will be dimmed in Stritch's memory
Broadway marquees will be dimmed in memory of a Tony- and Emmy-winning actress who epitomized New York and the theater world. Elaine Stritch died Thursday at age 89 in her...
Pro-Russian rebels deny reports that black boxes were found
KIEV, Ukraine — A pro-Russia rebel leader says no black boxes have been found in the scattered wreckage of the Malaysia Airlines plane that was shot down over eastern Ukraine,...
Amazon launches 'Netflix for books' as Hachette dispute rages
Amazon is rolling out a new subscription service that will allow unlimited access to thousands of electronic books and audiobooks for $9.99 a month in the online giant’s latest effort...
Why airlines didn't avoid risky Ukraine airspace
The possibility that the civilian jetliner downed over war-torn eastern Ukraine with nearly 300 people onboard was hit by a missile could have profound consequences for the world's airlines. Airlines...
Putin's full statement on the MH17 disaster
MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin opened a meeting with top economic advisers late Thursday with comments on the crash of a Malaysian airliner in Ukraine. The text of his...
Video from inside Flight MH17 moments before takeoff
http://youtu.be/mhJHfP3WOhA A video believed to have been recorded by a passenger from doomed Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 that was shot down over Ukraine on Thursday shows passengers in the plane...
More missiles launched as 181 bodies found at crash site
ROZSYPNE, Ukraine — Emergency workers, police officers and even off-duty coal miners spread out Friday across the sunflower fields and villages of eastern Ukraine, searching the wreckage of a Malaysia...
Courtroom battle against NYC's cops
It’s open season on cops — at least in New York courtrooms. And that’s not a good sign for New Yorkers. On Wednesday, a Queens jury awarded an admitted thief...
The attack on Flight 17
It was almost predictable: Vladimir Putin has been stirring mischief in Ukraine for months and flooding the region with weapons. On Thursday, a Malaysian Airlines jet with 295 aboard, possibly...
LIRR: On track (for now)
Good news: Commuters will be able to get to the city next week via the Long Island Rail Road, now that a labor agreement has been reached and a strike...
MTA to riders: go to hell-IRR
For weeks, the MTA has been psychologically torturing Long Islanders — pretending they were about to endure a railroad strike only to let Gov. Cuomo “save them” from that fate...
Downed plane: Don't let Russia skate
On Sept. 1, 1983, Soviet fighter aircraft shot down Korean Air Lines Flight 007, which had inadvertently entered Soviet airspace on its way from Anchorage to Seoul, killing all 269...
Disarming Hamas: An opening for Obama
President Obama, obviously looking for a way to help Israelis and Palestinians, can start by setting a long-term goal: Demilitarize Gaza. That’s a better aim than sending Secretary of State...
Christie's opportunity: Pension crisis up his 2016 alley
Chris Christie’s shot at the White House was sunk when a Christie aide e-mailed a Christie appointee a note about closing lanes on the George Washington Bridge. Or so goes...
Family's loss in both Malaysia Airlines tragedies
For one family mourning the loss of two relatives in the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 crash, the tragedy is an all-too-familiar nightmare. Australian Kaylene Mann lost her brother and sister-in-law,...
Bratton's friend named to head NYPD review board
Mayor de Blasio tapped a civil-rights litigator on Thursday to head the 13-member Civilian Complaint Review Board. Richard Emery, a former attorney for Police Commissioner William Bratton, has been both...
Severed head found on Long Island, part of missing woman's body
Cops believe that a severed head found on Long Island Thursday is that of a Brooklyn woman whose hacked-up body parts have been found in separate locations over the past...
Dumpling maker axed after complaining of work conditions sues
A restaurant worker who says he was forced to make 1,000 dumplings a day for an East Village dumpling joint is suing, claiming he was fired for complaining. Yong Quon...
Lambert lives out childhood dream with Queen tour
Talk about living out your rock star fantasies. Adam Lambert grew up adoring Queen, sang their songs at his "American Idol" audition — and now he's doing it for real....
Lawsky proposes new Bitcoin rules
Beware the bitcoin. Ben Lawsky, New York’s top financial sheriff, released new rules to take some of the Wild West out of the cyber currency. But the proposal by the...
Ackman says Valeant's bid for Allergan is a 'happy' one
Small wonder Bill Ackman is calling Valeant Pharmaceutical’s $53 billion bid for Botox maker Allergan a “happy” bid instead of a hostile one. Ackman said Thursday he is trying to...
Copyright folks bag Aereo backup plan
Aereo, which recently admitted it had no Plan B, now needs a Plan C. That’s the upshot of a determination by the US Copyright Office, which in a July 16...
'The Lottery' wins no praise as a 'Children of Men' series
Riffing on the current spate of headlines about declining birth rates around the globe, Lifetime whips up a dystopian, pro-maternity spectacle in “The Lottery,” its new series set in a...
CBS mum on plans for after Craig Ferguson
CBS has yet to name a replacement for outgoing “Late Late Show” host Craig Ferguson, and the network says it is looking at different formats for his 12:35 a.m. successor...
Three gang members charged in shooting of gathered mourners
Three thugs belonging to a gang called the “Grimy Motherf—---” were charged Thursday with shooting into a crowd of mourners during a candlelight vigil in Yonkers, killing an innocent bystander....
Families mourn the victims lost in Flight MH17 crash
One was a globe-traveling flight attendant. Another was an animal-loving soccer fan. More than 100 were AIDS activists and researchers en route to a conference in Australia. And six were...
Netherlands reels as 154 citizens die aboard Flight MH17
Netherlands was a nation in mourning Thursday — stunned that at least 154 of the 298 passengers who died in the horrific Malaysia Airlines crash were from the small European...
'Hell to pay' if Russia linked to MH17 crash: Sen. McCain
WASHINGTON — There will be “incredible repercussions” if it turns out that Russian forces or pro-Russian separatists shot down the Malaysian jetliner, Sen. John McCain warned Thursday. “If it is...
Steve Mills: Knicks roster needs 'better balance'
Last weekend, Carmelo Anthony re-signed with the Knicks, but only after experiencing free agency for the first time in his career. Nevertheless, the organization never seriously feared losing Anthony. “Carmelo...
NFL Draft bolts Big Apple
Roger Goodell finally made it official Thursday — the NFL Draft is leaving New York. Confirming months of speculation and hints, the league’s commissioner told The Los Angeles Times that...
Dozens dead as Israel pushes deeper into Gaza
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Israeli troops pushed deeper into Gaza on Friday to destroy rocket launching sites and tunnels, firing volleys of tank shells and clashing with Palestinian fighters...
Teacher fired for insulting students is suing to get job back
A Queens teacher who was fired for calling his special-education students a “waste of life” and saying, “I would just wish they were dead,” wants his job back. His reasoning?...
Meet the most popular sports star in the United States
Move over, Michael. There’s a new King in town. For the first time since 1993, neither Michael Jordan nor Tiger Woods was named the nation’s favorite sports star. According to...
Fellow cops from far and wide honor slain Jersey City officer
An army of police officers descended on Jersey City Thursday to pay respects to a slain cop — and to watch each other’s backs. Emergency Service cops in full battle...
The positional battles Bob Papa will be watching at Giants camp
SiriusXM host and Giants play-by-play man Bob Papa previews Big Blue’s training camp with The Post’s Justin Terranova. Q: What positional matchups are you eyeing in training camp? A: I’ll...
Hondo goes to KC
Hondo didn’t do any better with the CFL than he did at Monticello Raceway, losing with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Thursday night to elevate the deficit to 1,275 moons. Friday...
Man dies after suffering heart attack during arrest
An obese man died of a heart attack Thursday after he was tackled by police officers on Staten Island, cops and witnesses said. Eric Garner, 43, who weighed about 350...
Remembering sassy Broadway legend Elaine Stritch
Elaine Stritch, the wise-cracking and, at times, vodka-soaked Broadway diva who became a beloved TV icon as Alec Baldwin’s mother in “30 Rock,” died Thursday at her home in Birmingham,...
Daily Blotter
Queens Police are asking for the public’s help in finding the two men pictured above who allegedly attempted to mug and sexually assault an 18-year-old woman but were scared off...