AMERICAS EARLY BIRD NEWS

'FINGER’S ALREADY ON THE TRIGGER': Patient at Staten Island hospital helps NYPD cop who was nearly killed by man in custody who assaulted officer, grabbed gun

An NYPD prisoner nearly executed a cop — with her own gun — Sunday in a Staten Island hospital room, sources said.

EXCLUSIVE TEXTBOOK HOMOPHOBIA: Queens Democratic candidate for state senate wants to erase same-sex couples from school books, as critics say he’s 'ignoring reality'

A Democrat waging a primary campaign vowed to fight to bar pictures of same-sex couples from school textbooks.

LAX airport evacuated amid false alarm of active shooter, cops claim 'loud noises' sparked chaos

Travelers were evacuated from Los Angeles International Airport as police investigated reports of an active shooter in a terminal.

Women let loose on annual GoTopless Day in Times Square during march sponsored by UFO cult

Women said ta-ta to their tops Sunday during a march organized by the Raelian Movement.

BLOODY WEEKEND: 14 people shot, three fatally, and four others are stabbed in spate of violence in Bronx, Brooklyn and Manhattan

Three people were fatally shot and nine more were wounded during a spate of gunfire and stabbings across Brooklyn, the Bronx and Manhattan.

SHINING BRIGHT LIKE A DIAMOND! From RiRi to Beyoncé, see the top moments from the VMAs

EXCLUSIVE NOT PAYING HIS FARE SHARE! NYC taxi tycoon Evgeny Freidman owes $13M in taxes, as cabs still allowed to operate as city does nothing

Embattled taxi king Evgeny Freidman owes more than $13 million in taxes from his cab empire, yet his cabbies are still allowed to operate.

LOVETT Donald Trump is the newest weapon Democrats use in battle for New York Senate

In the fight for control of the state Senate, Dems have begun using Trump as their bogeyman to help raise money for their candidates.

New Mexico cop accidentally filmed himself stealing marijuana

The police sergeant recorded himself on a lapel camera taking marijuana from his office.

'I AM KANYE WEST. AND THAT FEELS REALLY GOOD TO SAY': Ever-humble West goes on rant at VMAs, compares himself to Walt Disney, Steve Jobs — and talks T-Swift

He's Kanye West, bro.

CAMPUS STABBING: Family and friends mourn 19-year-old Ithaca College student from Brooklyn killed following large fight at nearby Cornell, 'God gave him gifts'

An Ithaca College student was fatally stabbed after a large fight on the Cornell campus early Sunday morning, police said.

'IF I CAN’T GET AWAY, I’M GOING TO TAKE MYSELF OUT': Man wanted by police confesses to North Carolina killing on Facebook while on the run from cops

An alleged killer confessed to fatally shooting a man in a series of Facebook posts while trying to flee North Carolina.

Kim Kardashian wears see-through dress and wet hair at VMAs

Bus with La. flood workers crashes into firetruck on highway, killing 2, including fire chief, and injures 30

A massive highway bus crash in Louisiana Sunday morning killed two people — including a fire chief — and injured 41, police said.

Pol wants to clean up 'illegal activity' tainting Queens street

Sen. Jose Peralta (D-Queens) wants to clean up a stretch of 20 blocks along Roosevelt Ave. that bring in a “bad element” at night.

DMV face-recognizing technology is helping to bust cheaters

State authorities said the new, enhanced computer program for recognizing faces at the DMV has led to more than 100 arrests since January.

Scientists finish year-long Mars test involving living in isolation at Hawaii mountain dome

Six scientists completed a yearlong Mars simulation Sunday in Hawaii, where they lived in a dome on a mountain in near isolation.

EVERYBODY KNOWS AND HE FEELS LEFT OUT! Drake goes in for a kiss with RiRi after VMAs tribute

EXCLUSIVE Uber targets college kids for help in expanding to upstate New York

Uber is launching an ad campaign to urge college students to help them push lawmakers to allow the ride-sharing company upstate.

Bus crash injures 18 on FDR near Brooklyn Bridge

A three-vehicle crash involving a bus on FDR Drive left 18 people with minor injuries Sunday, officials said.

Plane wreckage found, 2 men still missing after crash in New Orleans lake

Divers found the wreckage of a small plane that crashed into the huge, mud-bottomed lake.

Clinton argues that Trump is no typical Republican

Hillary Clinton is working hard to prove Donald Trump isn't a normal Republican — and down-ticket GOP candidates are just fine with that.

SEE THE VIDEO 'YOU'RE A HERO!' NJ Transit officer rescues man lying on train tracks, pulls him to safety at the very last second

A New Jersey Transit officer risked his life to save a man on the train tracks with only a split second to spare in the dramatic rescue.

'BROUGHT A SMILE TO MY KIDS': Oakland Raiders give game tickets to family of B'klyn dad killed in fight over son's stolen hat

The Oakland Raiders have offered free game tickets to the family of Gerald Cummings.

BUSTING OUT! New Yorkers remove their tops, mark Go Topless Day with parade

Dozens of topless demonstrators took to the streets of New York City to march in the ninth annual GoTopless Parade on Aug. 28, 2016.

SEE IT Rhymefest tries to report a crime to Chicago police but no one will listen

Tent Mass for survivors of Italian earthquake that killed 290

Catholic clerics celebrated a Mass on Sunday for survivors of the earthquake that killed 290 people.

Bomb explodes outside Brussels criminology institute

Belgian media say a blast damaged Belgium's criminology institute, but the building was empty and nobody was injured.

EXCLUSIVE IN-CORRECTIONAL FACILITY: Rikers Island bosses routinely ‘purge’ unfavorable violence stats to create illusion of reform, review shows

There's something hokey going on at the city's pokey.

Nigerian president claims Boko Haram leader ‘fatally wounded’

The Nigerian government is ready to discuss the release of the girls held hostage by Boko Haram, president Buhari said in a statement.

Patton Oswalt plans to return to stand-up next month, after wife's death

Cyclist run over after crashing into open car door in Brooklyn, now in critical condition

The 33-year-old man is in critical condition with head and torso injuries.

BLOODTHIRSTY BROTHERS: Chicago siblings on parole were allegedly targeting another man when they gunned down Dwyane Wade's cousin Nykea Aldridge

Darwin Sorells, 26, and Derren Sorells, 22, were charged for the death of Nykea Aldridge.

Chris Christie defends Trump’s racist ‘what do you have to lose’ line

Trump's original remarks have been criticized not just for their inaccuracy but for their abjectly racist tone.

Parents keep closer eye on kids after U.S. Open abduction attempt

A day after an 11-year-old girl was nearly abducted during a “Kids Day” event to kick off the U.S.

Autos

RATINGS AND REVIEW 2016 GMC Yukon Denali emphasizes style over substance

Along with its platform mate, the Chevy Tahoe, the Yukon is the best-selling full-size SUV in the country. But should it be?

VW to compensate dealers, Singapore gets 1st self-driving cab, and more

We've also got the latest clean-air regulations from California, a whole lot of leased cars, and more in today's Daily Drive-Thru.

REVIEW Short Report: 2016 Kia Soul knows rhythm, jazz, and even the blues

If you like the Kia Soul’s styling, and you can live with a small cargo area, then you’ll probably love this funky but flawed vehicle.

PHOTOS 2017 Genesis G90 ushers in a new era of Korean luxury

With the new 2017 Genesis G90, Hyundai's luxury brand has officially launched in style.

To Minivan, or Not to Minivan?

Deciding whether to buy a minivan is more than a question of money. For many people, it is a question of personal identity.

PHOTOS Kia Cadenza gets sharper styling and more premium for 2017

This all-new Kia Cadenza offers more luxury, better technology and a wider array of safety features on a budget only the Korean brand can provide.

REVIEW First Drive: 2017 Kia Cadenza leaves a lasting impression

Carefully redesigned, the 2017 Kia Cadenza is the sporty full-size sedan that leaves a lasting impression.

New York

N.Y. teen who went missing during 2009 S.C. spring break vacation, was likely raped, shot and fed to alligators: FBI agent says

The 17-year-old from Rochester disappeared in 2009 while on a spring break trip.

N.Y. athletes raise $4G for kin of 9/11 victims with 75-mile trek

Two extreme athletes raised $4,000 for the children of 9/11 victims when they finished a 75-mile trek to Manhattan.

EXCLUSIVE Success Academy has 9,000 kids in extracurricular programs

A record number of students at the city’s largest charter school network are in extracurricular activities this new school year.

Body found under lifeguard chair on Coney Island beach

A body was discovered under a lifeguard chair on a bright Saturday morning at Coney Island.

Brooklyn man, 67, in critical condition after being hit by minivan backing up

The 67-year-old man suffered head trauma after the Fort Hamilton Parkway collision.

PERVERT ALERT: Girl, 11, kicks free from abduction attempt at Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day at Queens tennis stadium before the U.S. Open

A man tried to abduct an 11-year-old girl watching a tennis practice on one of the outer courts.

LATEST FROM AROUND NEW YORK

• LOVETT: Democrats using Trump to gain control of N...

• Uber targets college kids for help in expanding to...

• Queens candidate wants to erase same-sex couples f...

• Ithaca College student fatally stabbed during Corn...

• Motorcycle driver hits van, taken to hospital

• Bus crash injures 18 on FDR near Brooklyn Bridge

Chuck Schumer seeks registry to track firefighters with cancer

Sen. Charles Schumer wants to create a national health registry to track cancer among firefighters.

Classic short stories available to subway riders for free

Straphangers now have free access to classic short stories as part of a promotion to celebrate free Wi-Fi in subway stations.

Subway cricket prankster almost added roaches to her performance art

Straphangers who bugged out over a prank on a crowded D train should count their blessings.

Man driving three-wheel motorcycle in critical condition after crashing into parked van

A man driving a lime-green three-wheel motorcycle crashed into a parked van in Queens on Saturday night and was in critical condition.

SHELTER TO DORM: Homeless Harlem girl one of 11 teens to get college fresh start thanks to Women in Need shelters

Angely Tejada, 18, spent all four years of her high school career living in the Women in Need shelter in East Harlem with her family.

'TOTAL SHOCK': Brother of NYC man killed in 1990 stunned to learn victim’s girlfriend has been charged with the murder

Raphael Deleon recalled the long-ago arguments between brother Juan and the mother of his two daughters as the typical drama of young love.

Daily News Video

podcast Terry Gilliam brought his unique, often bizarre vision to 1995's '12 Monkeys'

The wonky time travel tale from director Terry Gilliam offers a clever plot and unique characters.

podcast 1974's 'The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3' is the classic New York City thriller that stills holds up

There are a handful of movies that are quintessential New York City, and "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three" is one of them.

Sports

MAC CATCHES ODELL'S DRIFT! Giants coach unhappy with Big Blue's offense

The first-year head coach knows the offensive line’s play has been unacceptable.

Bobby Rainey could make Giants roster in special teams role

Look, the odds aren’t in Bobby Rainey’s favor to make the Giants’ roster.

Jets make 11 cuts, place WR Devin Smith on Reserve/PUP list

The Jets started paring down their roster with 11 cuts Sunday.

Jay Bruce in Mets lineup but shows no signs of improvement

In 23 games with the Mets since Aug. 2, the right fielder is hitting .165 with two home runs and six RBI.

Yankees Insider: Aaron Judge has bad case of whiffs

Aaron Judge continues to strike out at a high rate in the majors, but Joe Girardi doesn’t seem too concerned about it.

Jimmy Fallon makes fun of Ryan Lochte at the VMAs — and Michael Phelps loved it

He almost won the VMA for impersonation.

Paid Content from Topix Offbeat

21 Victorian Death Photos

21 Victorian Photographs of Recently-Deceased People. These Are Sweet and Sad

UN-BALANCED BEAM! Gabby hospitalized, forced to miss out on the VMAs with Final Five

The Final Five was missing one of its team players at the Video Music Awards.

WHO RUNS THE WORLD? Beyoncé, Rihanna and Britney lead the way at VMAs

It was ladies' night at MSG on Sunday.

Cavaliers' Iman Shumpert appears naked in music video for Kanye West's 'Fade'

Iman Shumpert somehow managed to one-up J.R. Smith this offseason.

KAPLAN KANYE, WE GET IT, YOU LOVE YOURSELF: West's egotistical VMA speech hurts his cred as an artist

The last time someone was as in love with themselves as much as you are, they had to get a room.

Beyoncé wins Video of the Year at Video Music Awards 2016 — COMPLETE LIST OF WINNERS

Who run the VMAs? Beyoncé.

Drake 'stuck in traffic,' misses accepting his Hip-Hop Video Award

That zero to 100 would come in handy right now.

'THAT IS MY FRIEND': Jay Pharoah defends Leslie Jones at VMAs after hacking scandal

Jay Pharoah left comedy aside and used the Video Music Awards to stand by his friend Leslie Jones.

PHOTOS THE MOONMAN GOES TO: The best and worst looks on the red carpet as the stars arrive at the VMAs

Hollywood's hottest stars took New York City by storm for the 2016 MTV VMAs. Check out what the celebs wore to the highly anticipated award show.

‘The Night Of’ season finale recap: Naz's fate revealed

The final episode of "The Night Of" delivered answers to the series' most burning questions.

Aaron Judge has bad case of whiffs — but Joe Girardi isn't concerned

Aaron Judge continues to strike out at a high rate in the majors, but Joe Girardi doesn’t seem too concerned about it.

GET IN FORMATION — BECAUSE SHE SLAYS! Beyoncé dominates VMAs with ‘Lemonade’ hits

Britney Spears might have to step aside because Beyoncé ran the show at the Video Music Awards.

Ariana Grande’s VMA performance was a workout spin session

Ariana Grande put the quite spin on her Video Music Award performance.

TOUGH ACT TO FOLLOW: Britney Spears performs sexy rendition of ‘Make Me’ at VMAs, but right after Beyoncé took stage

For the first time since her infamous VMAs flop, Britney Spears returned to the show.

Beyonce brings mothers of Black Lives Matter Movement to VMAs

Beyonce made a statement about the Black Lives Matter movement at the MTV Video Music Awards.

BELLY CLOTHED! 'Catfish' Nev Schulman fiancee’s goes topless at VMAs

That's one way to make a statement.

Pirelli's sexy, star-studded calendar focused on acting talent with the likes of Lupita Nyong'o, Helen Mirren

Pirelli's 2017 calendar looks more like an Oscar red carpet than the stuff of salacious pinups.

Rihanna kicks off MTV VMAs with her biggest dance hits

Please don't stop the music.

MARIAH'S SISTER BUSTED! Carey’s older sibling arrested on prostitution charge

Mariah Carey's older sister was arrested on a prostitution charge in a small town in New York state, police say.

Gaston returns to hurricane form packing 115 mph winds

Hurricane Gaston has re-formed, gathering strength as it moves northwestward in the Atlantic.

Jay Bruce in Mets lineup but shows no signs of improvement

n 23 games with the Mets since Aug. 2, the right fielder is hitting .165 with two home runs and six RBI.

Mexican legend Juan Gabriel dead at 66 from heart attack

Mexican superstar Juan Gabriel has died at age 66.

BUM-MING AROUND! Iggy Azalea and French Montana vacation together in Mexico

It appears the "Fancy" rapper has a new man in her life.

QUARTERBACK'S STAND: Colin Kaepernick will continue sitting during national anthem

Colin Kaepernick has no plans to stand during the national anthem, even if it costs his job as a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers.

Yankees rookie Gary Sanchez showing he's got star power

Sanchize, we applaud your talent for news-making, as well as slugging.

Bobby Rainey could make Giants roster in special teams role

Look, the odds aren’t in Bobby Rainey’s favor to make the Giants’ roster.

Giants coach Ben McAdoo shares Odell Beckham Jr.'s frustration

The first-year head coach knows the offensive line’s play has been unacceptable.

BABY, ONE MORE TIME! Britney Spears wants to make music with ex-beau Justin Timberlake

Britney Spears is hoping to sing a hit one more time with her first love, Justin Timberlake.

IT ENDS WELL! Endwell, NY takes Little League World Series title with win over South Korea

Ryan Harlost led Endwell, New York, to the Little League World Series title, striking out eight and limiting South Korea to five hits.

MRI reveals Jets LB David Harris has bruised shoulder

David Harris got relatively good news one day after giving the Jets a scare in their preseason loss to the Giants.

Rickie Fowler left in limbo for Ryder Cup after blowing back nine

Hole after hole, the howls for Rickie Fowler livened up Bethpage Black.

Green Party candidate Jill Stein gets on the Harambe bandwagon

Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein is going for the highly-coveted Harambe vote.

Jets make 11 cuts, place WR Devin Smith on Reserve/PUP list

The Jets started paring down their roster with 11 cuts Sunday.

Ann Coulter gets obliterated at Rob Lowe's roast: 'You could kill yourself'

Actor Rob Lowe wasn’t the only one to take some major heat during his Comedy Central roast on Saturday.

EXCLUSIVE HEROES, NOT HEROIN: Ex-drug addict recalls the NYPD cops who rescued her from the 1990s Lower East Side lifestyle

For Dana Brown, the Lower East Side in the 1990s was a slow, heroin-infused slog.

WITH VIDEO FIERY RESPONSE: Angry 49ers fan burns Colin Kaepernick shirt, salutes after QB's refusal to stand for national anthem

Well, we knew this was coming.

Gausman tames hot Yankees offense as Orioles avoid sweep, 5-0

At this point, it's news when Gary Sanchez doesn't hit a home run.

Bullpen can't get Gsellman out of 7th-ining jam, Mets fall 5-1

With each passing day, the Mets are losing opportunities to make up ground and push for the postseason.

Music, style and art! Scenes from the 2016 Afropunk Festival in Brooklyn

Since 2005, the annual Afropunk Festival has been a way to celebrate music, art, film and most importantly the Afropunk community and movement.

The Real Reasons We Don't Hear About Giuliana Rancic Anymore
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The Real Reason 'CSI: Miami' Was Canceled
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Why Hollywood Won't Cast Brendan Fraser Anymore
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The Double Life of Anthony Bourdain
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Bella Hadid, Zoe Kravitz, Kate Moss and others strip down for #mycalvins campaign

From models to athletes, stars show off their Calvin Klein underwear in the #mycalvins advertising campaign.

SI model Hannah Ferguson sizzles on Ocean Drive

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Columnists

Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb

Kathie Lee & Hoda: Gabby Douglas loves America, hand or no hand, so critics should back off

Shaun King

KING: Why Colin Kaepernick was right not to stand for the national anthem 

Gersh Kuntzman

SEE IT: Why do people insist on jogging during the hottest part of a heat wave? 

Linda Stasi

Famous, accomplished women like Leslie Jones on receiving end of hate epidemic from sick losers

Mike Lupica

LUPICA: Donald Trump, NRA come to the wrong conclusion about Nykea Aldridge’s death

Don Kaplan

Kanye West's egotistical VMA rant on Taylor Swift feud, 'Famous' promotion cheapens his brand

Leonard Greene

Donald Trump, black people have everything to lose if they vote for you

Gersh Kuntzman

The Kuntzman challenge to Richard Branson: Come bike with me in New York City, wimp