MR GRADY'S DAILY BLOG: AMERICAS EARLY BIRD NEWS

Lupica: Budweiser, huge sponsors show Roger Goodell how to make a big play by ripping the NFL's handling of abuse cases

So this is how real pressure is applied to the National Football League, by some of the moneymen who don’t like policies on domestic abuse and child abuse that seem to have been written out on one cocktail napkin after another.

SEE IT 'I'm disgusted by what I saw': Baltimore cop suspended for vicious attack on punch-drunk civilian, hit with $5M

A Baltimore police officer has been suspended and faces a $5 million lawsuit after he was caught on video throwing a flurry of punches at a suspect as one cop restrained the man and another watched.

South Korean soldiers nab U.S. man apparently trying to swim to North Korea

SEOUL, South Korea — An official says South Korean border guards have arrested an American man who they believe was attempting to swim across the border into rival North Korea.

Al Qaeda asks ISIS to release British cab driver: Abducting him was 'wrong under Islamic law'

A local commander of Jabhat al-Nusra, a branch of Al Qaeda operating in Syria, appealed to ISIS to release Alan Henning, 47, because he thought the taxi driver came to Syria to help Muslims.

Children in immigration court now receive aid from the city

The city is providing services in immigration court for the first time — sending representatives to help thousands of recently arrived child migrants facing deportation.

Rivers’ personal physician took SELFIE while icon was under anesthesia

ISIS is recruiting ‘lone wolf’ terrorists to target Times Square: Bratton

The NYPD Commissioner said Tuesday that ISIS' is putting a call out there for someone to strike at the Crossroads of the World.

Cops nail woman dressed as Elmo demanding cash tips from tourists at Times Square

A Times Square Elmo was slapped in cuffs for demanding tips from tourists Tuesday afternoon, police said.

SEE IT: Pickpocket caught in act at Times Square subway

The victim of a subway pickpocket never even knew what happened, but even the thief didn't see this coming. A woman asleep on a bench at the Times Square subway station was pickpocketed early Tuesday, but the thief - caught in the act on video - was immediately apprehended by police, the NYPD said.

Bondy: Before Jackie Robinson, four broke NFL color line

Jackie Robinson wasn’t the only black pioneer in professional sports, just as Billie Jean King wasn’t the sole trailblazer among women. For some reason, our society needs to anoint exactly one martyred saint per race or gender, even though many others broke through similar barriers.

Rosie O'Donnell reveals her 53-pound weight loss

WATCH Philly transit police seeking man who robbed unconscious subway patron

A brazen thief is wanted by Philadelphia authorities for robbing a passed out subway patron in an attack caught on video.

Michigan father could lose custody over publicly humiliating 4-year-old son by making him hold 'I hit girls' sign

For the offense of hitting his female classmates, 4-year-old Tristan Devine was made to stand along a busy Michigan road holding a sign that served as his own scarlet letter.

Hillary Clinton calls for re-authorization of Zadroga Act

Fresh off her apperance in Iowa, Hillary Clinton promoted the re-authorization of the Zadroga Act, the law that compensates first responders for health problems caused by working at the World Trade Center site after the 9/11 attacks.

Teresa and Joe selling Jersey Shore beach home: report

Man dead, woman in critical condition after first-date fight

A Washington state man was killed – run over by his own truck – and a woman is in critical condition after she crashed the vehicle in a first date that went violently wrong. Pierce County Sheriff’s detectives believe a date that began with heavy drinking at a house party Saturday night veered into deadly territory after a physical altercation between the two escalated, Fox13 reported.

Philadelphia band teacher — now pregnant — had sex with middle school student

With her handcuffed hands lying on her swollen belly, a pregnant high school band teacher from Philadelphia was arraigned Tuesday on charges she had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a 14-year-old student.

Man chokes wife over lack of fried chicken leftovers: cops

A Florida man was arrested for choking his wife following an argument over the scarcity of fried chicken.

Former MLB Commissioner Fay Vincent says Goodell has to take control of NFL scandals

Underscoring that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is “in a fight for his career,” former Major League Baseball Commissioner Fay Vincent called on the football czar Tuesday to “show some leadership.”

Vikings legend Fran Tarkenton ashamed by team’s decision to activate Peterson after abuse allegations

On Tuesday, it was a former Viking, perhaps the greatest former Viking, who called out the club, saying he was “embarrassed” by the franchise’s decision to allow the embattled Peterson to return to action this Sunday.

READ Statements from Anheuser-Busch, FedEx, Verizon and Pepsi on NFL’s handling of recent domestic abuse issues

Here are what some of the NFL’s corporate sponsors are saying with regard to the league’s handling of recent crises.

Anheuser-Busch 'increasingly concerned' about NFL's handling of Rice, Peterson abuse cases as other sponsors also criticize league

Pro-football got blindsided Tuesday for its handling of the Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson scandals by one of its biggest sponsors — beer maker Anheuser-Busch.

Ray Rice appeals suspension from NFL stemming from domestic violence incident

Rice was originally handed a two-game suspension in July under the NFL’s personal conduct policy after he was charged with assault following a Feb. 15 altercation with his then-fiancee in a casino elevator.

"NO, F--- YOU!': Rihanna blasts CBS for pulling her song from NFL broadcast in wake of Ray Rice coverage

Rihanna had a few unapologetic words for the network that dared to pull her song from its broadcast intro.

EDITORIAL Goodell’s fumbles are getting worse

Fay Vincent had a fine run as commissioner of Major League Baseball. He is also a graciously optimistic man.

Minn. Gov. rips Adrian Peterson as 'a public embarrassment,' says Vikings should suspend him

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton has called on the Vikings to suspend running back Adrian Peterson, calling the Pro Bowler's alleged child abuse "a public embarrassment" to the team and the state.

Hamill: Little League coach proves sports still has role models

When a postal worker named Jerry Costa walked to the stage to accept his Bayside Little League Coach of the Year award, it was thrilling to see that the kids clapped the loudest.

Spanking favored in certain racial, religious and political groups: survey

“Spare the rod, spoil the child” is where African-Americans, born-again Christians and Republicans find common ground.

New York

EPA nixes Andrew Cuomo's requests to use $511M for Tappan Zee Bridge

Federal officials have thrown a roadblock at Gov. Cuomo’s much-touted plans for a new Tappan Zee Bridge — a move that could stick motorists with even higher tolls.

Uptown lawmaker, tenants file $10M lawsuit against Harlem landlord for allegedly hiking rents

THAT’S Wright! Assemblyman Keith Wright is among a group of rent-stabilized tenants at the Riverton Square Apartments in Harlem accusing the landlord of illegally inflating rents, overstating the value of capital improvements and improperly trying to evict residents.

9 children, 2 adults hospitalized after car hits school bus in Queens

Nine children and two adults were hospitalized Tuesday morning after the school bus they were riding in was hit by a car in Queens, officials said.

NYPD commish Bratton’s decision to replace second in command had de Blasio’s blessing: source

First Deputy Police Commissioner Rafael Pineiro was stunned to hear that NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton wanted him to retire to make way for a new second in command, sources said Tuesday.

LATEST FROM AROUND NEW YORK

Vow made to NYCHA tenants on reducing crime

A top de Blasio administration official promised public housing tenants Tuesday that a new campaign by the mayor to clean up crime at NYCHA projects is “not a one-shot deal.”

Duo duped 20 Manhattan apartment seekers out of $60,000 by listing units for rent that were already occupied: officials

Matthew Wada, 36, and Jennifer York, 27, allegedly rented out apartments after they gained temporary access and listed the already-occupied homes as available.

Longtime CCRB member booted by NYPD Commissioner from post after 17 years

Tosano Simonetti, 81, was shown the door after he and other Civilian Complaint Review Board members had increasing complaints about new Chair Richard Emery, the sources said Tuesday.

'Million Dollar' star shut down Times Square for proposal

Imprisoned leaker Chelsea Manning blasts Obama’s ISIS military strategy — 'When the west fights fire with fire, we feed into a cycle of outrage'

The imprisoned former U.S. intelligence analyst known as Chelsea Manning is offering advice to President Obama: contain ISIS, don't bomb them.

Vice President Biden's banker comment sets off criticism from Jewish group

Vice President Biden tripped over his tongue yet again Tuesday when he described unscrupulous bankers as “Shylocks” — setting off a round of criticism from a prominent Jewish group.

Texas pizza employee rubbed genitals on customer's food because order was placed near closing time: cops

Austin Michael Symonds, 18, was reportedly upset that the family sized pizza was ordered 30 minutes before closing, so he decided to rub his testicles on it as punishment.

Jodi Arias auctioning 'historic' eye glasses she wore on stand during murder trial for $500

Convicted boyfriend killer Jodi Arias is hoping some sucker will pony up $500 for the glasses she wore on the stand during her murder trial.

'Facts of Life' cast reunite for 35th anniversary

'There was blood everywhere': Brawl between 100 guests mars wedding reception

There was blood on the dance floor and holes in the walls of a Buffalo country club after a wedding reception descended into a brawl that required cops from seven different police departments, according to eyewitness accounts.

Utah man shoots and kills wife, then himself, wounds daughter

A Utah man shot his wife to death and then killed himself in an attack at their Utah home, police said.

Virginia gym teacher charged in ‘hairbrained’ move after lopping off friend’s locks

Melvin Hunt, 61, allegedly lopped off a "substantial" amount of the woman's locks as they sat in his car outside Elizabeth Davis Middle School in Chesterfield County Friday afternoon.

Deputy Chief Michael Marino, who raised eyebrows last year during a stop-and-frisk trial, will collect $135K-a-year pension

An NYPD chief linked to some recent police controversies has been approved for a three-quarters disability pension, the Daily News has learned.

Scotland independence debate heats up as sides scramble for voters

The two sides in Scotland’s independence debate scrambled Tuesday to convert undecided voters, with just two days to go until a referendum on separation.

FCC receives 3.7 million net neutrality comments

The FCC has received approximately 3.7 million comments about its proposed open internet rules, as the official public comment period on the rules closed Monday night.

Man sentenced for Hudson River boat crash that killed bride-to-be and best man questions why he didn’t die

During his sentencing Tuesday to two years behind bars for crashing the boat in July 2013, Jojo John tearfully expressed remorse, saying he often questions why his friends — and not him — were killed.

Hillary Clinton pushes for reauthorization of Zadroga Act

Hillary Clinton reconnected with her labor union 'comrades' Tuesday night and pushed for the reauthorization of the Zadroga Act, which aids 9/11 first responders with health problems.

Florida woman pleads not guilty in cold case killing of 5-year-old son in New Jersey more than 20 years ago

A lawyer for Michelle Lodzinski entered the plea during a brief court hearing in New Brunswick on Tuesday. Gerald Krovatin of Newark told the court his client adamantly maintains her innocence.

'Cannibal Cop' cohort sentenced to 10 years for plotting kidnappings, murder

A depraved former cop was sentenced to 10 years behind bars for concocting elaborate plots to kill women — deranged schemes that came to light as part of the "Cannibal Cop" investigation.

Sports

Bondy: News takes a look at how A-Rod's farewell tour could play out

As Derek Jeter’s farewell season limps to its ultimate, ill-fated conclusion, the Yankees must begin planning a new campaign that will somehow entice fans next season to throw large amounts of ticket money at another uninspiring roster.

10-story LeBron James mural could be back in Cleveland

A 10-story tall LeBron James could tower over downtown again. Sherwin-Williams Co. has asked the city for approval to hang a new banner of James on its headquarters across the street from Quicken Loans Arena, the Plain Dealer reported Tuesday.

NFL power rankings: Seahawks stumble allows Broncos to take No. 1

The 2-0 Broncos leapfrogged into the top spot after the Seahawks wilted in the San Diego heat and will now try to make amends for their February debacle as they venture into Seattle. We’ve dropped the Seahawks just one spot because we’re not downgrading them any more just for losing their first game in 267 days.

Stewart case goes to grand jury, will decide charges in death of Ward Jr.

Ontario County (N.Y.) District Attorney Michael Tantillo announced Tuesday that evidence from the investigation of NASCAR driver Tony Stewart's involvement in the death of Kevin Ward Jr. will be forwarded to a grand jury.

Rivers' rep calls final recording of comic icon bogus

OPINION What all U.S. citizens can learn from new ones

For most Americans, there is no conscious moment when we choose to be a U.S. citizen. We are born that way. Only over time do we realize how fortunate we are to live in a land whose ideals are liberty and justice.

'I wish it would have been me instead': California man gets 10 years in prison for homemade cannon's blast that killed fiancée

Richard Dale Fox, who accidentally killed his fiancée with a homemade cannon, will spend 10 years in prison for slaughtering the person he "loved the most."

'The next day, he was gone': Texas man, 83, dies day after West Nile virus diagnosis

A healthy 83-year-old Texas man died Thursday after contracting the West Nile virus.

Vatican not taking extra security measures to protect Pope Francis from ISIS during trip to majority Muslim Albania

The Vatican says it's not taking any extra security measures to protect Pope Francis during his weekend trip to majority Muslim Albania despite reports of Islamic militants returning from the Mideast.

REVIEW 'Gotham' gives Batman fans an unexpected thrill

Bill to aid historic Bowne House and Quaker Meeting House built in 1600s moves forward in Congress

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng pushed for the bill, which would require the National Park Service to study the two key sites which have important links to the Flushing Remonstrance.

SO DOGGONE TRAGIC: Washington state man fed up with barking fatally shoots wrong canine: cops

A Washington state man fatally shot his neighbor's dog — but it was apparently not the same dog that was bothering him.

BREAKING BAD: Texas high school chemistry teacher busted with recipes for date rape drug in bag: cops

Did she want to be Walter White? A Texas high school chemistry teacher is in hot water after she was busted for allegedly "Breaking Bad."

OPINION Enough bickering about football! Cuomo and Astorino need to get serious, and fast

Few judgment calls matter less to the future of New York State than which football team a politician roots for. Yet that’s pretty much all Gov. Cuomo and Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino have found to talk about for days in what’s shaping up as a mind-numbingly inane fall campaign.