February 12, 2015

Advocates push tax credits bill for adopting from animal shelters

There are pet causes, but this is a cause for pets. Animal advocates and elected officials converged Thursday on City Hall to push a long-stalled bill in Albany to grant...

Rangers pick up struggling St. Louis by burying Avalanche

DENVER — There were the Rangers on a power play with 2:40 remaining in the third period holding a 5-3 lead over the Avalanche. And there was Marty St. Louis...

Knicks' torturous 'what if’ will be front-and-center at All-Star Game

For those who have endured the Knicks miserable losing streaks of 10 and 16 games — not to mention their latest five-gamer — or have suffered through the Nets losing...

Bitter cold will keep Valentine's couples cuddling this weekend

It’s a good thing Valentine’s Day is for cuddling, because weekend temperatures could plunge to historic lows. Back-to-back arctic air masses will cause temperatures to drop Friday to 21 degrees,...

Sheldon Silver's top staffers get big pay raises for 2015

Staffers for Sheldon Silver struck gold before he resigned as Assembly speaker. Records show that Silver’s chief of staff, Judy Rapfogel, and counsel, James Yates, both got $10,000 raises to...

Obama gets goofy in video promoting ObamaCare

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1631492713658271&set=vb.1318800798260799&type=2&theater WASHINGTON — There’s almost nothing President Obama won’t do to push his health plan — and that includes holding a selfie stick, giving himself an “I’m cool” salute in...

Nearly 5,000 teachers cashing in on six-figure pensions

The number of teachers and administrators raking in six-figure annual pensions in New York state nearly tripled between 2009 and 2014, according to a new report. Data from the Empire...

'Look at me!' Oscar nominee Barkhad Abdi makes TV debut on 'Five-0’

After a memorable start, Barkhad Abdi is taking a realistic, slowly-but-surely approach to his budding Hollywood career. Last March, the first-time performer walked the Oscars red carpet as a Best...

‘An American in Paris’ readies to take over Broadway

The only show anyone’s talking about these days is “Hamilton,” Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hip-hop musical that opens Tuesday at the Public. Has he trimmed the running time? (Not enough.) Will there...

Keke Palmer’s all grown up — but don't call her a THOT

She's not little Akeelah anymore. Lauren Keyana “Keke” Palmer has done a lot in her 21 years — from playing Queen Latifah’s niece in 2004’s “Barbershop 2” to hosting a...

Behold, the worst steakhouse in NYC

Yo, Bill Bratton: Crime is back. I got mugged for $232.22. The perp was Texas de Brazil, the “new fine dining experience” at 1011 Third Ave. and East 60th Street....

Meet the most desirable men in NYC

Don't fret if you’re single for Valentine’s Day this weekend. There are plenty of decent men in the city! The Post turned to Lulu — an app that lets women...

Ex-Motorola unit Freescale Semiconductor in sale talks

Freescale Semiconductor, the $11 billion tech company spun out of Motorola in 2004, is in sale talks, The Post has learned. The company, whose shares have soared 75 percent in...

Undaunted Brian McCann: Yankees 'best decision I've made’

SUWANEE, Ga. — Inside the Mexican restaurant, the pop-music hits played at just the right level, brightening the mood while allowing for conversation. Outside was the sort of weather —...

Time Inc.'s fourth-quarter results leave investors skeptical

Investors didn’t know what to make of Time Inc.’s fourth-quarter results on Thursday — bidding the publisher’s shares down lower than a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model’s bikini bottom — about...

Rising pitching prospect doesn't begrudge Yankees for firing dad

TAMPA — As much as the firing of hitting coach Kevin Long stung plenty within the Yankees organization last October, there was one minor league pitcher the move could have...

City amidst record stretch of 10-plus days without a homicide

It’s been 11 days since there was a murder in the city — the longest stretch without a ­homicide since police started tracking such data in 1994. The record eclipsed...

AmEx shares plunge after Costco split announcement

American Express shares plunged after the company said its co-brand and merchant agreements with Costco in US stores will end next year. The stock dropped 6.4 percent to $80.48 at...

'Anti-bullying guy' Rex Ryan explains Richie Incognito signing

Rex Ryan has qualified his “build a bully” proclamation in the wake of Richie Incognito’s signing, saying Thursday he only wants to do so on the field. “I’m about the...

'Fifty Shades of Grey' is bound to set box office records

http://youtu.be/6FDTMRK7-24 Universal Pictures’ “Fifty Shades of Grey,” is heading for the record books. The movie based on the romance between a young student and a successful businessman with a predilection...

Partner got immunity for testimony against cop in Gurley killing

The partner of a rookie cop who gunned down an unarmed man in a darkened Brooklyn housing-project stairwell received immunity from prosecution in exchange for testifying against his brother in...

22 Marines hurt in California training accident

Military officials say 22 Marines have been treated for exposure to fire retardant gas at a Southern California desert base after an extinguishing system accidentally went off in an assault...

NYT columnist David Carr dead at 58

David Carr, who wrote an influential media column for The New York Times, died suddenly Thursday night. The 58-year-old columnist collapsed in his office at the newspaper’s Midtown headquarters around...

I don't regret my office romance -- and neither should you

I sing the praises of the office hookup. Where else but in the shadow of the copy machine can one meet a lover or a candidate for a drunken one-night stand...

Weak sales send Zulily shares tumbling

The value of Zulily took a nose-dive on Thursday on a lousy earnings report that sent investors heading to the exits. The flash sale Web site is apparently having difficulty...

Nathan Lane is a revelation in drinking drama 'Iceman Cometh'

Sometimes you don’t realize an unlikely combination will work until you try it. Chocolate and salt: Who knew? Same goes for the casting of Nathan Lane — one of his...

Les Moonves shoots down Viacom merger rumors

CBS boss Leslie Moonves answered those wondering about a prospective merger with another big company — we are going it alone! Moonves, who is fighting speculation of a get-together with...

Islanders rack up another ugly win over a bottom feeder

For the past two weeks, the Islanders haven’t looked much like a first-place team, but the standings remain on their side. Even after a recent stretch of four losses in...

Cuomo trumps Weiner on Twitter

Anthony Weiner can’t stop getting himself into trouble on social media. The disgraced ex-congressman ignited a juvenile Twitter war with Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Thursday when Weiner poked fun at...

WWE body-slams critics with fourth-quarter revenue gains

WWE gave his detractors a beatdown Thursday, blowing past analyst expectations to post a fourth-quarter revenue gain of 19 percent. WWE posted sales of $140.5 million, with a net loss...

Mobile gaming hurts Zynga, lifts 'Candy Crush' maker King Digital

Shares of “Farmville” creator Zynga got plowed under on Thursday as the video-game designer failed to keep up with the global move toward mobile gaming during the most recent quarter....

Kanye kicks off fashion week with an A-list extravaganza

Yeezus Christ. There were more famous faces at Kanye West’s show for Adidas than are in our Instagram feed. Music world royalty Rihanna, Beyoncé, Jay Z, Diddy, Russell Simmons joined...

MTA hosts best transit apps contest

Subway riders will able to look at a smart watch and see when the next train is coming, thanks to one of more than 40 new transit apps unveiled Thursday....

This 'hard to catch' Mets lefty can be their next deGrom

PORT ST. LUCIE — The little boat sits in the back corner of the parking area at the Mets’ minor league complex. This is not just any boat. The 14-footer...

Biden gives a shout out to his 'butt buddy'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNxYLgUgO1Y Joe Biden put his foot where the sun don't shine at a speech in Iowa when he punctuated his remarks by giving a shout-out to his “butt buddy.” At...

Police impersonator robbed drivers after riding to JFK

A police impersonator has robbed at least seven livery drivers at gunpoint after hailing rides from JFK Airport, cops said. In each incident, the suspect would go to the airport,...

5 reasons why 'Fifty Shades' is just 'Superman' with sex

E.L. James’ novel “Fifty Shades of Grey” began as fan fiction derived from the “Twilight” saga, but based on the movie out today, it appears James had another story in...

Oui, oui! Why two dudes started an upscale lingerie site

Two years ago, Alex Dulac went lingerie shopping for his girlfriend, and struck out at six downtown shops. “I couldn’t tell the difference between any of the pieces,” says Dulac,...

Flourishing Andrew Wiggins could end up haunting LeBron

While Kevin Love’s every move, shot and word is dissected endlessly in Cleveland, the player he was traded for, Andrew Wiggins, is thriving in Minnesota with Love’s former team. After...

Eat Kim Kardashian's chicken fried rump this Valentine's

To mark Valentine’s Day, Cobble Hill restaurant Brucie (234 Court St.) is honoring Kim Kardashian and her most famous asset with its “Khicken-Fried Rump Roast.” The $100 five-course Kim-and-Kanye-themed dinner...

Surrogate dad: Anthony Mason has fighting spirit to survive

Ken Fiedler remembers a scrawny kid who looked like a nerd showing up early for basketball tryouts at Springfield Gardens in Queens. “He was the first one there about a...

Author Susan Eddy dead after being hit by ambulance

An educational-children’s-book publisher and author has died after she was hit by an FDNY ambulance in Herald Square last month, police said Thursday. Susan Eddy, 69, was struck after she...

Jack Antonoff's sister won't be designing couple's outfits for him, Lena Dunham

Don’t count on Rachel Antonoff designing any matching duds for her younger brotherJack Antonoff and his girlfriend Lena Dunham to don on the red carpet.

From Jesse Jackson to Tark: The corruption of amateur sports

Out with the old, in with the same old newer version. Wednesday, the day that Jerry Tarkanian, synonymous with the stains and stenches of big-time college basketball, died, the 12-...

'You are not forgotten': Obama signs veterans suicide prevention bill

Acknowledging the struggles of the nation's veterans, President Barack Obama on Thursday signed legislation intended to reduce a military suicide epidemic that is claiming lives by the day. "If you...

Melissa hops the turnstile

When Rudy Giuliani appointed Bill Bratton to head the police back in 1994, among the first moves the new commissioner made was to go after subway turnstile jumpers. For in...

Obama boots it

In his call for a congressional resolution to help him defeat the Islamic State, President Obama excluded the one thing most deem essential: ground troops. It’s odd for a president...

Philly beats Brooklyn

On the whole, we’d rather be in Philadelphia: That was the bad news Democrats delivered to the Big Apple on Thursday. The 2016 Democratic National Convention will be held in...

Brian and Barack: Lies, damned lies, and journalism

The most telling point about David Axelrod’s revelation that Barack Obama fibbed about his position on marriage to get himself elected is not what it says about politics or even...

New York's diplomas leave too many kids out

While students in New York state struggle with the new Common Core-aligned Regents Exams, the state Board of Regents has another nasty surprise looming on the horizon. By 2022, students...

The safe haven we give to ISIS: No bombing in our foe's heartland

In remarks on his request for a new authorization from Congress for military action against ISIS, President Obama made an odd new commitment: not to allow “these terrorists to have...

'Net neutrality' will cost you

In his relentless drive to leave no aspect of American life unmolested, President Obama’s next stop is cyberspace. Having “reformed” US medicine, he now aims to “repair” the World Wide...

Katie Holmes: ‘I love to wear men’s clothes’

Katie Holmes was impressed with what she saw for Desigual’s women’s line sitting pretty from the front row at Lincoln Center Thursday. But there was one style secret she just...

RG3 leans into social media debate with 'RG4' baby reveal

https://twitter.com/RGIII/status/565972214361882624 Is RG4 on the way? Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III took to Twitter to let the world know he and his wife are expecting a child. On Thursday,...

Five questions about ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ from a confused man

Let me just say up front that I went into “Fifty Shades of Grey” as virginal as Anastasia Steele — only with, I hope, better taste in sweaters. I’d never...

The day in photos

Brave Buddhist monks play with tigers, hot air balloons take flight in the Philippines and more.

Michael Pineda’s 'heart excited' to keep pine tar, injuries in past

TAMPA -- If nothing else, Michael Pineda has generated plenty of headlines since being traded to the Yankees, and they're almost never good. He was overweight. He had a lingering shoulder injury....

Federal judge in Alabama orders county to marry gay couples

A federal judge in Alabama has ordered Mobile County to start issuing gay marriage licenses. US District Judge Callie Granade made the ruling after a brief hearing Thursday. Granade overturned...

Even Dolan feud can’t ruin Marv Albert’s love for Garden

If there was ever a city in need of a basketball celebration, it’s this one. The Knicks and Nets are careening toward embarrassment and irrelevance, respectively, as the All-Star Game...

Packers' late reaction to playoff choke: Change everything

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Packers coach Mike McCarthy made it official Thursday, announcing that he is relinquishing his job calling plays for Aaron Rodgers and the rest of the Green...

2015 World Press Photo Award winners

See the incredible snaps that nabbed the prestigious 2015 World Press Photo Awards.

Timo Weiland partner Alan Eckstein is feeling a little tired

Fashion isn’t an industry known for its early birds. That includes Timo Weiland and his partner Alan Eckstein, who were preparing for their 9 a.m. show Thursday at Pier 59....

10 actors who won Oscars for Nazi-filled films

If you can’t win an Oscar playing a disabled person, you’re practically guaranteed one by playing either a Nazi or a character who dealt with the Nazis and lived through...

Who is Amanda Knox’s rock ’n’ roll fiance?

Amanda Knox’s future husband has been revealed to be a New York musician named Colin Sutherland, but up until now, his work has had an audience best described as “select.”...

Senate confirms Ashton Carter for Pentagon chief

WASHINGTON — The Senate on Thursday confirmed President Barack Obama's choice to run the Pentagon, handing Ashton Carter the unenviable task of steering the military as the United States confronts...

Jim Bowden: When we’ll know if A-Rod 'can still play'

Former Reds GM Jim Bowden, a host on SiriusXM’s MLB Network Radio channel, talks with The Post’s Justin Terranova about Mets and Yankees expectations with pitchers and catchers reporting this...

Lyft hailing cash: Taxi app is raising $500M to better battle Uber

The Silicon Valley drag race is heating up. Lyft, the No. 2 ride-hailing app, is looking to raise $500 million as it revs up the competition with Uber, its larger...

Tiger Woods canoodles with Lindsey Vonn on slopes

The answer to Tiger Woods’ catastrophic short game must be somewhere at the bottom of a snowy mountain. A day after announcing an indefinite break from the PGA Tour that...

Carmelo Anthony: All-Star Game then 'very likely' shut it down

Carmelo Anthony said it’s “very likely” he will shut it down for the season after he plays in Sunday night’s All-Star Game. Anthony, doing a media tour Thursday, said on...

Brian McCann’s plan to beat shift that's killing his average

SUWANEE, Ga. -- Seventy-six players qualified for the 2014 American League batting title. Of that group, Brian McCann placed 76th, dead-last, in batting average on balls in play. That speaks...

It's time for 'The Daily Show' to hire a female host

Though the trendy, tongue-in-cheek suggestion for Jon Stewart’s “Daily Show” replacement is Brian Williams, it’s time to start thinking for real about who might be able to bring some fresh...

Bob Simon's driver had 'dead' arm, 9 prior license suspensions

CBS newsman Bob Simon’s black-car driver was a rookie with nine license suspensions who is suspected of speeding during the fatal crash — and had just one hand on the...

Why Bain's first female investor switched careers to sell bras

As the first female investor at Bain Capital, Michelle Lam knows what it’s like to be the “only woman in the room.” After failing to find a bra that fit...

An easy, never-fail dish to spice up your evening

Here's an easy-to-make recipe that's perfect for Valentine's Day, or any intimate dinner when you want to turn the heat up.

Turn up the heat on Valentine's Day with Spicy Shrimp Scampi

Chef and restaurateur Ryan DePersio has a never-fail dish for getting hot with whomever you're cooking for on Valentine's Day. Click here to watch the video. The full recipe is below....

Fashion Week gets its first model with Down syndrome

Actress Jamie Brewer just became the first model with Down syndrome to walk at New York Fashion Week. She did so alongside other inspiring women for Carrie Hammer’s Role Models...

Rashad Jennings reveals why he sleeps in a hyperbaric chamber

Frantic fashionistas struggling to maintain their energy levels might want to seek out the Giants’ Rashad Jennings as he takes on his first New York Fashion Week. The handsome running...

FTC delays vote on $3.5B food merger after Sysco meetings

The Federal Trade Commission has blinked. The regulator was close Wednesday night to voting to block a $3.5 billion food industry merger — but postponed the decision after an intense...

Nicole Murphy is ready to date again

As far as her dating life goes, model Nicole Murphy is open to love again — but is still making the most of her single life — following her split...

Newborn is youngest to get successful heart transplant

A 6-day-old baby boy in Arizona is the youngest medical patient in history to successfully receive a heart transplant, hospital officials said. "They never gave up hope, and we're so...

Mom pleads guilty to killing 6 newborn babies

PROVO, Utah — A Utah mother accused of killing six of her newborn babies and storing their bodies in her garage pleaded guilty to murder Thursday. Megan Huntsman, 39, faces...

Fellas, it’s OK to want gifts for Valentine’s Day

Every year, right around Feb. 1, my social media timelines begin to have the same conversation about Valentine’s Day: Is this a holiday for women only? My quick answer is,...

'I'm devastated': Driver struck by Bob Simon's cab

The young motorist whose Mercedes was struck by the Lincoln Town Car carrying tragic "60 Minutes'' correspondent Bob Simon told The Post on Thursday that he was a big fan...

Courtney Love rocks it on ‘Empire’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atgYClhiMZo For the last few weeks, “Empire” fans were teased with brief glimpses of an upcoming episode featuring none other than grunge widow Courtney Love. And suddenly, there she was...

Chris Kyle, friend both died armed at gun range

The real-life “American Sniper” died wearing a holstered gun, trial testimony revealed Thursday — poignant proof that the Iraq war veteran was taken by complete surprise when a PTSD-addled former...

Lilla Crawford is ‘obsessed’ with her ‘Into the Woods’ co-star Johnny Depp

“Into the Woods” star Lilla Crawford may be just 13 years old, but she’s already worked with one of her dream co-stars. “I used to be obsessed with Johnny Depp....

Is Countess LuAnn returning as a full-fledged ‘Housewife’?

Last season on “The Real Housewives of New York,” Countess LuAnn de Lesseps was demoted from “Housewife” to a recurring “friend of the Housewives” — meaning she wasn’t one of...

Chicago Little League whistle-blower getting death threats

The man who blew the whistle on the Jackie Robinson West Little League team claims he’s been receiving death threats for spoiling the youngsters' glory. The team from Chicago’s South...

Rosie signs off from 'The View'

Rosie O’Donnell had a low-key send-off from “The View” on Thursday, her last day hosting the ABC talk show. The co-hosts and the studio audience gave O’Donnell a standing ovation...

Charlotte Ronson has no plans to see ‘Fifty Shades’ any time soon

We may be in the throes of “Fifty Shades of Grey” mania, but socialite/designer Charlotte Ronson, for one, plans to wait a few months to see the sultry flick. “I...

Winking congressman video-bombs colleague

WASHINGTON — A Maryland congressman has taken the photo bomb to the next level. Republican Rep. Andy Harris was caught on C-SPAN winking and grinning behind a fellow lawmaker speaking...

It’s ‘about as sexy as a root canal,’ and other ridiculing reviews of ‘Fifty Shades’

With less than 24 hours to go until “Fifty Shades of Grey” opens nationwide, the masses are gearing up for the S&M-fueled flick. Although critics across the globe have already...

'Pacman' Jones returns with casino flip-out

Did you happen to watch a Cincinnati Bengals game this season and marvel at this "Adam Jones" character, a quick but undersized cornerback and return man toiling respectfully and productively...

Nina Garcia reveals what makes her feel like Cinderella

An all-white, Michael Kors-clad Nina Garcia reminisced about her last “Cinderella moment” at JCPenney’s luxe breakfast Wednesday at the New York Palace to celebrate the brand’s collab with the new...

Simon's final '60 Minutes' story to air Sunday

CBS will air the late Bob Simon's final "60 Minutes" story this Sunday -- with a longer tribute to him airing Feb. 22. The veteran "60 Minutes" correspondent, 73, was...

Andy Cohen takes Madonna’s haters to task

Madonna’s butt-baring Givenchy matador number on the Grammys red carpet may have landed her on many a worst-dressed list — but count Andy Cohen as a fan. “I loved it,”...

Fatal police shooting of man 'throwing rocks' caught on tape

http://youtu.be/y-0uqFTBclo Warning: Video contains graphic content PASCO, Wash. — A homeless man who was shot and killed by officers at a busy intersection had thrown multiple rocks, hitting two officers,...

Someone can now manage your Facebook account after you die

It’s like a living will — but for Facebook. The social media site announced a new life-after-death feature Thursday — the “Legacy Contact,” which allows people to assign a family...

Karl Malone: I’ll fight Kobe if he's still mad I flirted with wife

Karl Malone and Kobe Bryant have had a longstanding beef that stretches back over a decade, reportedly over Bryant's wife, Vanessa. Malone said Wednesday on Huff Post Live he doesn’t want...

NYC street to be named after the late Oscar de la Renta

Months after the death of Oscar de la Renta, Mayor Bill de Blasio has announced that a street in The Bronx will be renamed to commemorate the beloved Dominican designer....

Jon Stewart on leaving ‘The Daily Show’: ‘Did I die?’

A day after Jon Stewart announced he will retire from “The Daily Show” later this year, the Comedy Central host addressed the outpouring of grief that has met his news....

The 12 most scenic selfie locations around the globe

The fine art of selfie taking has gotten competitive, with people traveling to the ends of the earth just to snap the perfect photo. If you're seeking to take the...

Carmelo Anthony’s been waiting his whole career for this moment

Carmelo Anthony was no longer in New York, but longing to be back. He was 13, more than six months from starting high school and a year and a half...

Mom accused of killing 6 newborns set to take plea deal

SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah woman accused of killing six of her newborn babies and storing their bodies in her garage appears set to take a plea deal. Prosecutors...

Expedia buys Orbitz for $1.3B to battle Priceline

Expedia is buying rival online travel site Orbitz for roughly $1.33 billion, adding to the stable of brands it has snapped up recently in order to extend its reach and...

Storms, waves, and fires at sea: scariest cruise ship videos

In between the opulent interiors, the amusement park amenities, the high-end restaurants (and modern-day stabilizers), it’s easy for people taking cruises to think they’re in a floating resort instead of...

5 huge NFL stars who might retire (but probably won't)

With apologies to the 1972 Dolphins, nobody in sports stays undefeated and untied forever, except Father Time. With the Super Bowl bringing the NFL season to a close, here are...

Indian leader 'appalled' by shrine built to deify him

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said he was appalled that some of his fans had built a temple to deify him, adding that such an act contradicted tradition....

Hedgie John Burbank wins big betting against oil

Hedgie John Burbank, the ultimate outsider, has once again defied conventional wisdom to achieve big gains. While most of the hedge fund set was smacked by the sudden downturn in...

Corruption scandals crushed de Blasio's chance at 2016 DNC

Continuing corruption scandals in New York sank Mayor Bill de Blasio's hopes of landing the 2016 Democratic presidential convention, according to party sources. The Democratic National Committee announced Thursday that...

Tank crashes into elderly couple's garden

This one gives new meaning to "steel magnolias." An elderly German couple was stunned Tuesday when they discovered their home's fence was knocked down and hedges in their garden were...

Ex-Sony film boss admits firing after hack humiliation

Amy Pascal has buried the hatchet with Angelina Jolie — and it wasn’t in her back. The ousted Sony Pictures boss, who showed her disdain for Jolie and other stars...

Yacht snarls traffic in snow-clogged downtown Boston

BOSTON -- This was one hull of a traffic jam. A large truck towing an even bigger boat broke down in downtown Boston, snarling traffic in the heart of the...

DSK referred to women as 'gifts' and 'equipment' in texts

Dominique Strauss-Kahn refers to women as "equipment" or "gifts" when recruiting them for his international sex romps, according to text messages revealed in a French court Thursday. "Who do you have...

Sports anchor shot over dispute with broke painter

SAN DIEGO — A house painter suspected of shooting and wounding a San Diego television sportscaster was in a dispute with the victim over work done on the reporter's home,...

Inmates commit suicide after failed prison break

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Six inmates led by a mob boss committed suicide at a prison in Taiwan early Thursday after a failed breakout attempt in which they seized weapons and...

10 Chinese same-sex couples to wed in California after winning contest

Ten same-sex couples from China will tie the knot in California this summer after winning a week-long wedding and honeymoon package in an online contest sponsored by a maker of...

Toxic cloud blankets Spanish town after chemical explosion

MADRID — Spanish authorities ordered the residents of five northeastern towns to stay indoors for some two hours Thursday after a chemical explosion at a warehouse spread a large, orange...

Amanda Knox engaged to NY musician

Amanda Knox, the former college student whose murder trial in Italy became an international cause célèbre, is planning to tie the knot. The 27-year-old got engaged to Colin Sutherland, also...

Sudanese troops raped hundreds in Darfur attacks

UNITED NATIONS — Sudanese army troops raped at least 221 women and girls in a Darfur village in a series of organized, house-to-house attacks last year, Human Rights Watch said...

Dems pick Philadelphia for 2016 convention in blow to de Blasio

Philadelphia, here they come. The Democratic National Convention delivered a stinging blow to Mayor Bill de Blasio on Thursday by selecting Philadelphia over the Big Apple to host its 2016...

Why baseball's new commissioner should reinstate Pete Rose

Pete Rose is a symbol of what happens if you gamble on baseball and get nabbed. He is that symbol whether he is reinstated by new commissioner Rob Manfred or...

ISIS claims to have interview with French terrorist's widow

PARIS — The Islamic State group has published what it says is an interview with the widow of the French gunman who attacked a kosher supermarket and a police officer...

Judge orders release of Al-Jazeera journalists in Egypt

CAIRO — An Egyptian judge ordered a pair of Al-Jazeera English journalists released on bail Thursday as their retrial on terror-related charges continues. The decision comes less than two weeks...

Rapper liked by Malia Obama releases controversial music video

Warning: This video contains graphic content http://youtu.be/Nr_Gzz6ZRaE Brooklyn rapper Joey Bada$$, who recently gained notoriety after Malia Obama took an Instagram selfie in one of his T-shirts, released a controversial music...

Cease-fire to begin Feb. 15 after Ukraine peace deal reached

MINSK, Belarus — Guns will fall silent, heavy weapons will pull back from the front, and Ukraine will trade a broad autonomy for the east to get back control of...

Former Korean Air exec sentenced to 1 year in prison after nut rage

The “nut rage” Korean Air heiress was sentenced to a year behind bars on Thursday by a Seoul judge who questioned if the former executive has really learned her lesson....

Judge allows millionaire's mistress to tweet about affair

She’s free to tweet about her affair with a married millionaire businessman — but she still can’t go near him or his wife. Delphi Financial Group CEO Robert Rosenkranz studiously...

North Carolina, Puerto Rico, Texas tickets win Powerball

DES MOINES, Iowa — Tickets in North Carolina, Puerto Rico and Texas have matched all six numbers to split a $564.1 million Powerball jackpot, lottery officials said Thursday. Sue Dooley,...

Yankees’ big plan to harness Nathan Eovaldi’s 100-mph heat

TAMPA — Michael Pineda had just turned 23 when the Yankees surrendered one of their top prospects, Jesus Montero, to get the young right-hander in pinstripes. Pineda was coming off...

A-Rod can expect support from one ally in milestone fight

TAMPA — Alex Rodriguez’s Apology Tour has made two stops so far, to MLB headquarters in midtown and Yankee Stadium, where Rodriguez expressed regret about his role in the Biogenesis...

Belichick cracks with Deflategate leak and jokes on Letterman

Does Bill Belichick know more about the NFL’s Deflategate investigation than he’s letting on? The Patriots boss appeared to let it slip that he expects the report from league investigator...

Released veteran QB Josh McCown could be on Jets' radar

Potential veteran competition for Geno Smith is now on the market after the Buccaneers released quarterback Josh McCown on Wednesday. McCown, 35, certainly is no stranger to the Jets. The...

Why it will be difficult for the Nets to pull off a deadline trade

After the Nets finished their pre-All-Star break schedule with a 95-86 loss to the Grizzlies in Memphis on Tuesday night, coach Lionel Hollins was asked if he thought the team...

Little League strips Chicago team of US championship

In a brewing Little League scandal that has resonated all the way to the White House, the Jackie Robinson West team that won last summer’s U.S. Little League championship was...

The surprising duo keeping Rangers afloat right now

DENVER — The third line goeth forth. For everything that it seems the Rangers can’t do, that thing they do best is find ways to win, for even as they’re...

Liberty's Charles another All-Star ambassador for NYC

This weekend is all about putting the NBA’s best and brightest in the spotlight, but the city’s preeminent WNBA player —the Liberty’s Tina Charles — also is excited for the...

Mueller's state representative pushes for terror bounty

WASHINGTON — A day before ISIS announced that US captive Kayla Mueller was killed, the congressman who represents her home district in Arizona introduced a bill to offer a $5...

Record asbestos payout slashed following Silver's arrest

A judge who since Sheldon Silver’s arrest has come under scrutiny for the sky-high damages that juries in her court have awarded to Weitz & Luxenberg clients recently slashed a...

'Drunk' man arrested for slapping NYPD horse

What a horse’s ass! A drunk man allegedly slapped a police steed on the rump in Times Square — nearly causing the horse to toss its cop rider, police sources...

Kevin Long's swing tip helps promising Mets prospect turn corner

PORT ST. LUCIE — The physical breakthrough came in a high-school batting cage in Arizona in mid-December, when the Mets’ new batting coach Kevin Long found a key to unlock...

More New Yorkers having a Ferry good time commuting

More New Yorkers are cruising to work. New York Waterway, which runs ferries on the East and Hudson rivers, saw a spike of more than 500,000 riders between 2013 and...