MR GRADY'S DAILY BLOG: AMERICAS EARLY BIRD NEWS

Vacchiano: As refs avoid penalty for Odell Beckham vs. Josh Norman fight, NFL blows call too

Odell Beckham deserved the suspension he got and Josh Norman deserved his fine. Their actions were inexcusable. They deserved to be punished. But they’re not the only ones.

Texas mom says Santa Claus refused to let special needs baby sit on his lap in Christmas photo controversy

Megan Self took her 1-year-old son Caleb, who suffers from a genetic brain and muscle disorder, to see Saint Nick at Bass Pro Shops in San Antonio.

Homeless prostitute charged with murder after prominent doctor found naked, strangled in Philly hotel room

Philadelphia police arrested Manuel Baez (pictured), 27, who was seen walking out of Dr. Howard Baker’s hotel room on Monday morning, with the psychiatrist’s wallet and backpack.

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What Happens When Two Female Rockers Become Friends?

Indie rockers discuss the transformative nature of performing, the awesome responsibility of instilling confidence in others and what kind of legacy they want to leave behind.

In the third episode of In Focus, indie rockers Alexis Krauss of Sleigh Bells and Bethany Cosentino of Best Coast discuss the transformative nature of performing, the awesome responsibility of instilling confidence in others and what kind of legacy they want to leave behind, all in the sporty Ford Focus.

2 women sought in Derrick Williams' $600G bling theft

Minnesota bites off part of husband's ear during argument over beer

Jamie Elrod (pictured) is accused of attacking her partner during a boozy argument that turned physical Friday evening.

Teacher accused of sex with 16-year-old boy a dozen times at Wisconsin high school

April Novak, 30, was charged with 12 felony counts of sexual assault of a student by school staff Tuesday, a day after her husband filed for divorce, according to court documents.

MONSTER PAYOUT: Pedophile Jerry Sandusky to get $211,000 check after benefits ruling

The State Employees’ Retirement System told Sandusky lawyer Richard Beran last week that it will mail the check Monday and that Sandusky’s $4,900 monthly benefits will resume in January.

EXCLUSIVE: 'Power' hottie a victim in script hack

Connecticut gun maker Stag Arms pleads guilty to possessing unregistered machine guns, owner agrees to sell company

New Britain-based Stag Arms LLC pleaded guilty to a felony charge of possession of machine guns not registered to the company, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Overnight hospital fire in Saudi kills 31, injures over 100

An overnight fire at a hospital in the southwestern Saudi province of Jizan killed at least 31 people and injured over 100.

'ADULT CHILD SUPPORT': N.J. woman sued for writing 'bum' on memo of alimony checks

A New Jersey woman is being sued by her ex-husband for writing ‘loser’ and ‘bum’ in the memo line of her alimony checks.

Illinois attorney general says daily fantasy sports 'constitute illegal gambling'

The Illinois Attorney General determined Wednesday that daily fantasy sports “constitute illegal gambling” under state law.

LIVE LIKE A KING! Gayle Instagrams her tropical getaway with Oprah

Mall of America, Minneapolis airport snarled as 'unlawful' Black Lives Matter protests lead to 15 arrests

The country’s largest mall was placed on lockdown Wednesday as police cleared what they called an “unlawful” demonstration.

Trump Village Coney Island hit with federal lawsuit, but board members say persecution because of Donald

Donald Trump has no connection to the Brooklyn co-op, but a lawsuit alleges the board can play hardball just as well as the GOP candidate.

PICTURED: Queens man, 21, faces robbery, assault and weapons charges for shooting during botched jewelry heist at L.I. mall

Defendant Oliver Lee wore a dark hoodie and grey pants at his arraignment for robbery, assault and weapons charges in Nassau County District Court.

Medicinal marijuana effective in treating epilepsy patients

It’s high time for people suffering from seizures to get their hands on medicinal marijuana.

Shumpert's wife shows off post-baby bod just SIX days after giving birth

'I put my hands around his neck and squeezed it': Bronx dad accused of killing baby gives chilling confession

The monstrous murder suspect accused of killing his 2-month-old son confessed in chilling detail, prosecutors said Wednesday.

OPEN YOUR HEARTS: Father of drowned Syrian toddler asks world to welcome refugees escaping violence in Asia, Africa

The father of the drowned 3-year-old Syrian captured in a famous photo is pleading for the world to open their hearts and doors.

'Pharma Bro's former company, Turing, announces layoffs two days before Christmas

Turing said it would “streamline its operations” less than a week after Shkreli resigned as CEO amidst accusations of fraud.

More than 45,000 drones registered on FAA site in just 2 days

The agency reported it's expecting at least 400,000 more from the holiday rush.

OH, COME ON! Arnett, Cox spotted on date, but just as 'Friends'

DID SHE SEE THIS ARREST COMING? Colo. psychic accused of swindling $200G from Lacoste family

A Colorado psychic swindled $200,000 out of a member of fashion's Lacoste family, using the cash to buy gold, prosecutors said.

Woman claiming to be mistress of Brian Cashman pleads guilty to blackmailing Yankees GM

A woman who says she was the mistress of Yankees general manager Brian Cashman pleaded guilty to blackmailing him Wednesday.

Madame Claude, the exclusive French hooker honcho who matched JFK, Gaddafi others with call girls, dead at 92

Madame Claude, likely the most famous brothel owner in the world, died Saturday at 92.

Chipotle tweaks cooking methods after E. coli outbreak

The changes mark a dramatic turn in fortunes for Chipotle, which has surged in popularity by touting its "Food With Integrity" slogan.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2015

CHILD'S PLAY: The best gifts for the little ones this holiday season

From classic toys to sleek gadgets, we've rounded up the best kid-friendly presents for the holiday season … By Tracy Brock and Raakhee Mirchandani

HAPPY HOME HAPPY HEART: Some gifts for the castle this holiday season

From wine to mugs, get some inspiration on ways to warm up your home or a friends this holiday season ...

AUTOS

3 things to look for during 2016 Consumer Electronics Show

The annual technology convention has become a launch pad for new car-based technology.

Kia debuting X-Men inspired X-Car next month

The X-Car from the Korean automaker will be a sportage and an homage to 'Mystique'.

2015 autos rebates, financing and lease deals roundup

If you’re in the market for a new car, the holiday season is a great time to find rebates, low-interest financing, and affordable leases.

VW giving up on “Das Auto” slogan

In the hopes of creating a new image, Volkswagen will do away with their “Das Auto” slogan.

2016 Mazda 6

Blending style, sophistication, and safety in a fun and affordable package, the Mazda 6 is one of our favorite midsize family sedans.

New York

EXCLUSIVE Water bill tax break lets low-income, senior and disabled homeowners save $6 million on water next month

Nearly 52,000 low-income, senior, and disabled homeowners will get a $115.89 break on their next water bill, Mayor de Blasio said.

Cops bust Staten Island shoplifter with $114 worth of comics — and heroin

As far as villains go, he could use a better origin story.

'I'M GONNA SHOOT YOU B----': Brooklyn man pleads guilty to threatening to kill NYPD school safety agent

Nickolaus Daley, 25, still faces state charges for illegal gun possession and menacing, but the feds busted him for being a felon in possession of a handgun.

State Health Dept. creates medical marijuana online registry for eligible New Yorkers

The state Health Department said Wednesday it has created an online system allowing eligible New Yorkers to enroll in the medical marijuana program that begins in January.