MR GRADY'S DAILY BLOG: AMERICAS NEWS

'Shame on us if we've forgotten': President Obama agrees with The News and makes forceful call for gun control reform

President Obama made a forceful plea for Congress to pass gun control reform on Thursday, saying “shame on us” if Americans have already forgotten about the 20 children killed at Sandy Hook. read full story »

DADDY MOREBUCKS! Powerball winner Pedro Quezada may be on the hook for far more than $29,000 in past-due child support

Pedro Quezada, 45, a bodega owner who immigrated to New Jersey from the Dominican Republic, can’t live the high life until he settles the old score with the state.

Hamill: Newtown residents take to streets to urge gun control

About 100 people from Newtown took to the streets with signs outside the National Sports and Shooting Foundation after President Steve Sannetti told the Newtown Bee that he was not in favor of any new gun legislation. The protests also follow NRA robo-calls to Newtown residents, including parents of the slain, seeking their support against gun control.

‘Dislike’ button? Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg hit with $1.1B tax bill for 2012

He can’t “like” this. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg is on the hook for a $1.1 billion tax bill for 2012, the result of his company’s going public last year. That decision gave Zuckerberg, the company’s CEO, a $13 billion fortune, including about $2.3 billion in stock options alone that he reported as income last year, CNN Money reported.

Man accused of raping 10-year-old, killing her mother, now also faces federal child porn charges

A 29-year-old central New York man accused of raping a 10-year-old girl and stabbing her mother to death during a carjacking is facing new federal child pornography charges.

I'm here for the 'white man's perspective': CBS analyst ignites firestorm for on-air race comment

CBS analyst Doug Gottlieb got coverage of the NCAA tournament’s Sweet 16 off to an awkward start, saying he was there to bring the “white man’s perspective” to the network’s pregame show.

TGIF! The hottest celeb photos of the week

JUST LIKE JESUS: Pope Francis washes, kisses youths' feet during Holy Thursday

ROME — Pope Francis washed and kissed the feet of a dozen inmates at a juvenile-detention center in a surprising departure from church rules that restrict the Holy Thursday ritual to men.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un warned Friday that his rocket forces were ready 'to settle accounts with the U.S.'

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un warned Friday that his rocket forces were ready "to settle accounts with the U.S.," unleashing a new round of bellicose rhetoric after U.S. nuclear-capable B-2 bombers dropped dummy munitions in joint military drills with South Korea.

Colorado prosecutors refuse to make deal with movie theater massacre shooter James Holmes

Prosecutors said Thursday they are not ready to accept an offer from Colorado theater shooting suspect James Holmes to plead guilty in exchange for avoiding the death penalty.

Lupica: $137.5M for a no-hitter ... was Johan Santana's mega-contract worth it for the Mets?

He was going to start the season on the disabled list rather than on the mound at Citi Field on Monday against the Padres. Now he is as good as gone. Forty-six wins in all for the Mets, against 34 losses.

Raismann: Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner ain't that bad

Near the end of an interview with Hal Steinbrenner on “The Michael Kay Show” on ESPN-98.7 FM, Don LaGreca asked the Yankees’ managing general partner who he thinks is the “best” voice on YES.

Tiny hero saves tiny tot: Chihuahua saves little girl from near-fatal pit bull mauling

Jenna Desrochers, 8, a third grader from Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada, had her forehead and eyelid ripped open, but will live and heal thanks to Honey, the Desrochers' 4-year-old Chihuahua.

Sens. Schumer and Coburn are talking again but agreement on gun control is far off

New York's senior U.S. senator is hoping to strike a bipartisan deal with Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) but so far there has been little budging on universal background checks on gun sales.

Manhattan doc known as champion of better health care for Latinos accused of slingling $10M in Oxy

A Manhattan doctor who devoted his career to serving New York's Latino community was at the center of a sweeping narcotics bust that spanned four states and involved armed drug thugs.

Wall St. rally goes on! Stocks rise as S&P 500 closes at all-time high

The S&P 500 set a record closing high on Thursday, finishing a fifth consecutive month of gains to extend a four-year rally.

'Grim reaper' doctor charged with killing 7 patients to free up beds may have killed 300 people

Prosecutors said Dr. Virginia Soares de Souza and her medical team administered muscle relaxing drugs to patients, then reduced their oxygen supply, causing them to die of asphyxia.

She's still 'Going Rogue': Sarah Palin says she'll help pick candidates, play significant role in 2014 midterms in fiery new ad

Sarah Palin isn’t wasting any time re-entering the national political spotlight as Republicans gear up for the 2014 midterm elections.

Weapons website Newtown Killer Adam Lanza's mother, Nancy, visited frequently is a gun-lover's eBay

The website Nancy Lanza frequented while building her disturbed son’s arsenal is a gun-lover’s eBay where deadly weapons are just a few clicks away.

'Ebel Evil': Suspected killer of Colorado prisons chief terrorized guards while locked up

Within a day of arriving at his first permanent prison, Evan Spencer Ebel, the late suspect in last week’s slaying of Colorado’s prisons chief, got into a fight.

Drunken prank turns violent: Man arrested for violently beating roommate after he woke up with a penis drawn on his face

James Denham Walton, of Arlington, Va., passed out on his couch after a night of drinking. He wailed on his sleeping roommate after discovering the drawing on his left cheek.

Surveillance cameras catch men dumping a box of EYEBALLS into gas station trash can

Cops in Missouri are hunting for two men caught on surveillance cameras allegedly dumping a box of eyeballs at a gas station trash can late Wednesday night.

Armed vigilantes seize coastal Mexico town and arrest police after their vigilante leader is killed

Hundreds of armed vigilantes have taken control of a town on a major highway in the Pacific coast state of Guerrero, arresting local police officers and searching homes after a vigilante leader was killed.

Dying Iraq War veteran pens devastating letter to Bush & Cheney

"My day of reckoning is upon me. Yours will come," wrote Tomas Young, who was paralyzed in an insurgent ambush in Baghdad in 2004. "I hope you will be put on trial."

Bordeaux brawl! Man accused of selling bootleg wine accuses foe's lawyers of faking & destroying data

The court battle over the sale of bogus Bordeaux turned bitter Thursday when the broad-shouldered businessman accused of peddling phony wine ripped into his foe’s legal team.

Video of Nevada teen pummeling helpless classmate sparks outrage as clip goes viral

A Nevada teenager unleashed a torrent of rage on her helpless classmate last week, as bystanders watched - and even recorded video - the incessant punches and hefty stomps.

Oscar Pistorius allowed to leave South Africa for race

Judge Bert Bam said Pistorius, who is charged with murder in the Valentine’s Day shooting death of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, must travel under certain conditions.

Young suicidal mom guns down baby daughter near golf course then fatally shoots herself

Jenna Porter, 22, gunned down three-year-old Scarlett and then committed suicide at Hilaman Golf Course, near Tallahassee.

Cyprus banks re-open with strict guidelines on how much they can withdraw

Banks in Cyprus reopened to customers for the first time in nearly two weeks Thursday with strict restrictions on transactions to stop people withdrawing all their savings and triggering further chaos.

'I am Malala': Brave Pakistani girl shot by Taliban gets $3 million book deal to write memoir

The teen recently signed a publishing deal, reportedly worth $3 million, for a memoir chronicling her campaign for children's education and her shooting by the Taliban.

Whoops! Eva Mendes flashes photographers

McDonald’s debuts Premium McWraps... guess the new ingredient!

The green gourd family vegetable is finally getting its due in the brand new Premium McWraps, which were shown off at a launch event complete with a rap battle hosted by Hot 97.

A 'big miracle': King-size British baby born at staggering 15 pounds, 7 ounces

British baby George King was born six weeks ago, weighing 15 pounds, 7 ounces, just an ounce less than the biggest baby ever born naturally in the United Kingdom.

World’s rarest road-legal Jaguar XKR-S GT makes global debut at New York Auto Show

Wealthy buyers: get in line. Only 30 examples of Jaguar's road-legal $174,895 XKR-S GT track car - debuting at the New York Auto Show - are to be built.

Texas teacher busted for private sex sessions with student who then tries to blackmail her

Kahtanna Culp, 29, is accused of having intercourse with the teen several times while he was still at Northbrook High School in Houston, Texas.

After scandal over his son's racist Twitter rant, FDNY boss reminds graduating medics to behave at all times

FDNY Commissioner Salvatore Cassano, who’s son Joseph quit the department after he was accused of sending racist and offensive tweets, didn’t discuss social media by name, but...

Is the Turin Shroud more than a medieval hoax?

The famed burial shroud that many Catholics say bears the face of Jesus has been dated back to Christ’s time, a new study says.

Arizona panel OKs transgender bathroom bill that lets businesses bar transgendered customers from using the bathroom of their choice

An Arizona House panel approved a measure targeting transgendered people who want to use bathrooms of the gender they identify with.

B-2 stealth bombers dispatched to send a message to Korean Peninsula, though not to provoke North Korea

America's unprecedented decision to send nuclear-capable B-2 stealth bombers to drop dummy munitions during military drills with South Korea was part of normal exercises and not intended to provoke.

Thief nabbed in New Jersey with 21 tons of Wisconsin Muenster cheese

Cops nabbed Veniamin Konstantinovich Balika, 34, and the refrigerated truck he was driving at the Vince Lombardi Service Area off the New Jersey Turnpike.

See the $5.3 million rock that isn't a diamond! Asteroid owned by Spanish farmer fetches millions

Faustino Asensio Lopez found the 220-pound rock, which measures just 18-by-12.5-by-8 inches, as he was tending to livestock with his father in a field near Ciudad Real in 1980.

Teen girl punches and stomps fellow classmate as victim's mom outraged over clip posted online

It was not so much bullying as a WWE-style beatdown. A Nevada teenager unleashed a torrent of rage on her helpless classmate last week, as bystanders watched - and even recorded video.

Pot tax could put the bud into state budgets: lawmakers

People getting trashed may turn into states getting cash, if legislatures in states that have recently legalized marijuana get their way.

Buzzkill! Seattle weighs limits on sale, growth of now-legal recreational marijuana

The restrictions, unveiled Wednesday, include banning pot dispensaries and shops in residential areas. Selling pot would also be forbidden in parts of the city deemed to have “historic character."

Unusual trespassers: Two bears break into California man's home... and eat his mom's cooking

Justin Lee was in his Monrovia home when his dog Melo alerted him that something was wrong. A bear was using Lee's doggy door to break in.

Boxer set to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. arrested for gun possession at JFK

Professional boxer Robert (The Ghost) Guerrero was arrested for gun possession at Kennedy Airport Thursday morning, a law enforcement source told the Daily News.

Sports

FGCU Eagles hope to continue to soar

Dunk after dunk rattled the rim at Cowboys Stadium Thursday afternoon as Florida Gulf Coast completed its shootaround in front of a few thousand fans.

Weiss: In final days, Big East going out with fight

It is only fitting that two Big East teams — Syracuse and Marquette — will play here Saturday at the Verizon Center for the right to advance to the Final Four in Atlanta.

Quinnipiac climbs to the top of the college hockey world

It's past 1 a.m. and Jack McDonald is staring at the road in front of him. The Grateful Dead hour is playing on the radio and the Quinnipiac athletic director is having some serious doubts about his future.

Donovan wants back on U.S. team after self-imposed exile

Landon Donovan has returned to training with the Los Angeles Galaxy. Now his goal is to work his way back into the national team picture.

Hottest Showbiz Galleries

Fashion faceoff: Who wore it better?

View Gallery

Are you my STD Soulmate? Dating sites match up singles with the same diseases

Services like STD Soulmates and Positive Singles match members to people with the same sexually-transmitted disease — from herpes to HIV.

University of Illinois gymnast faces 3 years in prison for throwing boiling water on dog after it urinated on floor

Kyle Voissem, 21, left his Mountain Cur called Byron with second- and third-degree burns over his head and torso after the brutal attack in October 2011.

‘Nuke’ attack on Internet fails to make global impact: industry insiders

The headlines were apocalyptic, but many say the cyber war that "nuked" the Internet was a lot more gloom than doom.

Woman legally bought gun and gave it to 'white supremacist' who killed Colorado prisons chief: cops

Investigators believe Stevie Marie Vigil, 22y, legally bought the firearm from a licensed dealer in the Denver suburb of Englewood and transferred it to Evan Ebel, who was a felon who couldn't legally possess a firearm.

Up, up and away: Solar plane prepares for U.S. tour

The Swiss creators of the Solar Impulse are announcing Thursday which U.S. cities the experimental plane will visit during its "Across America" tour that kicks off in May.

Nude for a cause: These stars strip to save the world

Grilled cheese from Applebee's stands out among study that finds 97 PERCENT of kids' meals at chain restaurants fail to meet healthy standards

The menus offered to children by most U.S. restaurant chains have too many calories, too much salt or fat, and often not a hint of vegetables or fruit, according to a study.

Field trip nightmare: 3rd-grader shot with arrow on college campus

Nadine Hairston was playing on a statue of a whale in front of the university's science building at around 10 a.m. Tuesday when the arrow sailed over and hit her in the left leg.

Nelson Mandela responding positively to treatment after another health scare

Anti-apartheid warrior Nelson Mandela was responding “positively” to treatment Thursday after he was rushed to a South African hospital with another lung infection. It was not clear when the 94-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner would be discharged, but the country’s president asked his countrymen to keep Mandela in their prayers.

British police aren’t ruling out foul play in the death of Russian tycoon

Russian tycoon Boris Berezovsky was found dead on his bathroom floor with his neck bound and a similar piece of material attached to a shower rail, a police officer told a coroner's inquest.

Brother of Trayvon Martin's killer apologizes for racially charged Twitter rant

George Zimmerman’s brother apologized Wednesday for a racially fueled Twitter rant that paralleled shooting victim Trayvon Martin to a Georgia teen accused of killing a baby.

Ray Kelly testifies in ex-cop's suit alleging NYPD took revenge on him for racial discrimination claim

Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly breezed through a rare appearance on the witness stand Thursday at the civil trial of an ex-cop who claims he was retaliated against for making a discrimination complaint.

'Why here, why now, why this big?' Dozens of homes evacuated after massive Washington landslide

Geologists and engineers are assessing the stability of a scenic Puget Sound area after a large landslide thundered down a hillside, knocking one house off its foundation and threatening others.

Student left brain damaged after being bitten by tick on school trip to China awarded $41.7M

Cara Munn was 15 when, in the summer of 2007, she traveled to the Asian country with classmates from the posh Connecticut boarding school Hotchkiss.

NY lobbyists spent $15M less to influence lawmakers in 2012

ALBANY — Lobbyists spent millions of dollars to influence state lawmakers last year — but didn’t break their usual record.

Kelly & Elle have the same ex-husband – and now they look like twins!

Dying teen's friends pull out all the stops to fulfill 'bucket list' wish and bring the party to her hospital room

Friends and family raced against time to save a dying girl’s dream. They turned a hospital room into a prom venue when a breathing crisis drove tragically stricken Tennessee teen Katelyn Norman back to intensive care just before the big gala was set to start.

High-end Brooklyn real estate market heats up, investor snaps up 1 Brooklyn Bridge Park penthouse

A Brooklyn source told the Daily News that New York-based real estate investor Andrew Borrok signed a contract on a penthouse at One Brooklyn Bridge.

Sens. McCain and Schumer watch Mexican immigrant climbing border fence on fact-finding mission

It wasn't the best day — or place — to try to cross the border. A Mexican immigrant was busted trying to enter the U.S. on Wednesday — just yards away from four senators who were on a fact-finding tour.

'Friday Night Lights' author checks into rehab after admitting to sex and compulsive shopping addiction

Buzz Bissinger has gone public with not one, but two addictions he says is suffering from, both of which are burning quite a hole in his bank account, not to mention causing upheaval in his personal life.

Retro photo galleries

Yankee rookies through the years

View Gallery

It's a scooter ... that turns into a backpack! Can this fold-up bike revolutionize the big-city commute?

Nothing is quite worse than circling around for hours looking for a parking spot – nothing except getting gauged by steep parking tickets or exorbitant garage fees.

EXCLUSIVE: NYPD gives orders telling cops what they can and cannot post on social media

The tough new edict bans the creation of any site by precincts or units, and sternly warns individual cops “not to disclose or allude to their status as members of the department” on the Internet.

'She was sure she was going to die that day': Sandy Hook mom of two daughters who survived massacre pens heartbreaking letter pleading for gun control

After four months of struggling to cope with the trauma of Adam Lanza’s carnage, Carrie Battaglia posted her note online. It burns with a mother’s fury.

WATCH firefighter narrowly escape death after out-of-control car slams into vehicle and sends him flying nearly 30 feet

The Ohio fire captain who was nearly killed by a car during an icy highway pileup — a harrowing ordeal caught on camera — was released from the hospital Wednesday night.

'If you want the job done, get an expert': British virgin, 45, flies to U.S. for sex with 68-year-old woman who inspired Helen Hunt's character in 'The Sessions'

Clive, a British IT engineer and devout Christian, who, at the age of 45, was still a virgin and unhappy about it.

EXCLUSIVE: And 'The Biggest Loser' is... A 276-lb. reality TV wannabe outed by mob turncoats at Gambino capo's murder trial

Robert (Big Head) Iovane, 45, appeared in a special edition of the series in 2006 teamed with hefty relatives who owned an Italian restaurant in the Bronx — a brush with fame that didn’t go unnoticed in Mob Land.

Young girl mauled to death by five dogs when she walks into friend's house with a meat pie

The dogs belonged to dog lover Beverley Concannon, the mother of Jade's friend. "Can't believe that my mum's dogs have killed a 15-year-old," her son posted on Facebook.

Chinese mom buys glitzy $6.5M condo in Manhattan's soon-to-be tallest residential building ... all so her 2-year-old can use it during college!

A Chinese mother has forked over $6.5 million for a condo at the ritzy, still-unfinished One57 building in midtown for her daughter to use during college ... in 2028.

Editors' Picks

Confidenti@l: It's high time for holidays in celeb land

We don’t all spend the holy holidays slaving away at the office. Breaking matzo for Passover and coloring eggs for Easter are international affairs for the New York glitteratti who skipped town for the week.

Want to sit on on the coveted 'Game of Thrones' power seat?

There’s a dragon’s horde of merchandise to be had this year for the ultimate “Game of Thrones” fans. From sneakers to booze, there’s something to make every sword-loving fan happy, but for those with deep pockets, HBO is selling a 7-foot-tall, fiberglass throne that breaks the bank at $30,000 and is described as “a fun option for high-end collectors.”

PHOTOS: Which celebrity has the best beach body of 2013?

Think the stars are just like us? Guess again!

PHOTOS: The best news photos from all around the world

Stunning images depict life around the globe on March 28.

Kirsten Dunst on kissing Brad Pitt: 'It was disgusting'

The A-list star also poses in a series of artsy photos for Bullett magazine.

Dr. Drew nabs NYC penthouse for $1.45M

Television pop psychologist and 'Celebrity Rehab' star is bringing his act to New York.

Bieber's mom: 'I pray for my son'

It’s safe to assume no one's more concerned about Justin Bieber's recent behavior than his mother.

...meanwhile, Bieber drops in on Selena Gomez

Can you belieb it? Justin Bieber was spotted visiting ex-girlfriend Selena Gomez's Los Angeles pad.

PHOTOS: 2013 New York Auto Show

The best pics from the New York Auto Show which is celebrating its 113th anniversary.

It's a big-screen 'Weekend' for Chenoweth

Kristin Chenoweth was a major presence at the Oscars, with a red-carpet appearance and duet with Seth MacFarlane.

Matt's bad week continues: Lauer apologizes to ex-intern

'[I] always tried to be nice,' the anchor wrote to an anchor who worked for the show in 1997.

Jenna Wolfe: My child's father isn't Matt Lauer or Lester Holt

The expecting 'Today' anchor is keeping the paternity private.

Angelina Jolie: I am not secretly married

Jolie has put secret wedding rumors to rest.

Taylor's new tour is red-hot, literally

Taylor Swift wasn't kidding when she titled her new tour "Red."

Curvy, full-figured mannequins create online stir

A clothing store in Sweden is causing an Internet stir by women around the world.

Demi Lovato officially returning to 'X Factor'

Britney Spears, who was brought on alongside Lovato for season two, had a rather noisy exit.

Diane Kruger rocks sexy suede thigh-high boots

These boots are made for walking…and also for pants.

Diddy tops Forbes' wealthiest hip-hop artist list

With $580 million, the Bad Boy Records founder handily beat competitors Jay-Z and Dr. Dre.

Kourtney's ex: I may be her baby daddy

Michael Girgenti, an LA- based model, claims he's the father of Kourtney's son.

REVIEW: ‘Game of Thrones’ Season 3 is a must-watch

Another two dozen characters join a cast that’s already twice the size of Norway.

WATCH News reporter drops 100 feet from Roosevelt Island tram

There I was — dangling almost 100 feet in the air from a stalled Roosevelt Island car.

Confidenti@l: A low rating for NBC on Matt Lauer PR

The brainiacs attempting to handle public relations for NBC’s besieged “Today” show continue to bat zero.

PHOTOS: Stunning images from around the world

News photos from around the world ...

Kim K steps out in skintight bejeweled frock

Kardashian never ceases to stun with her maternity outfits.

Floyd Mayweather's next opponent busted on gun charge at airport

Professional boxer Robert (The Ghost) Guerrero was arrested for gun possession.

PHOTOS: An inside peek at the New York Auto Show

The New York Auto Show celebrates its 113th anniversary with hot new rides for 2013.

Low-lita: Victoria's Secret puts 'tweens in skimpy outfits for ads

Mad moms are petitioning Victoria’s Secret to yank the latest campaign.

Shia LaBeouf attends opening of ‘Orphans’ after quitting play

LaBeouf showed up to the first preview performance of the show Tuesday night.

Shiri Appleby gives birth to baby girl

It's a girl for the “Girls” guest star! Actress Shiri Appleby.

PHOTOS: Even Halle's covered-up beach bod makes a splash

It may be wintertime, but it's always sunny in Hollywood!

What does Kate Upton really want in a man?

Razor blade giant Gilette has hired Kate Upton to shave men into shape.

Dodgers owner's ex-wife claims team was undervalued by $1.5B

Judge rules Frank McCourt's ex-wife can question a financial adviser.

A new LiLo: Lohan 'looked hungover and puked' on 'Anger' set: source

Lindsay Lohan lived up to her wild child reputation on the set of Charlie Sheen's FX sitcom "Anger Management" Wednesday.

'Today' anchor & NBC's foreign correspondent engaged, having baby

Jenna Wolfe and Stephanie Gosk of NBC come out as couple; reveal engagement, baby on the way

Bieber says he's not having a meltdown: ‘I mess up … It's part of growing up’

Justin Bieber strikes back on reports he is heading for a meltdown.

Sean Penn's son, Hopper, hurls racist slur at photog

Sean Penn is no fan of the paparazzi, and it looks like he's passed on his distaste to his son Hopper. The19-year-old was caught on tape in Beverly Hills Tuesday hurling racist and homophobic insults at paparazzi while with his famous father.

PHOTOS: The hottest wives and girlfriends in sports

Sports stars are known for their ability to score on and off the field.

SEE IT: Lily Cole goes topless in Yeah Yeah Yeahs video

British fashion model Lily Cole plays a small-town seductress in the new Yeah Yeah Yeahs video for "Sacrilege."The clips begins with Cole, 25, being burned at the stake by a mob of townspeople, and goes in backwards chronological order to show her many sexual encounters with the group intent on her death.

Ashley Judd opts out of Kentucky Senate seat run

Actress Ashley Judd said Wednesday that she will not launch a Democratic challenge for the Senate seat held by Kentucky Republican Mitch McConnell.

Would you pay $200 to keep your bras crisp?

There might soon be a solution for women sick of wearing misshapen bras, ruined by the dryer.

Amazon smartphone in the works: report

Sources claim an Amazon-branded handset will boast a 4.7-inch display and could be on sale in July.

SEE IT: Landslide wipes out chunk of Washington cliffside

Residents of a hillside overlooking scenic Puget Sound heard the thunder of a large landslide early Wednesday that knocked one home off its foundation, and isolated or threatened more than two dozen others on Whidbey Island, about 50 miles north of Seattle.

Tatum on Clooney: 'I'd have sex with him'

Channing Tatum has admitted to yet another man crush.

SEE IT: George Bush makes a surprise visit to Baylor basketball game

Bush visited the Baylor and Florida State teams in their respective locker rooms before the NCAA tournament game Tuesday night.

Beyonce on gay nups: 'You should be able to put a ring on it'

The “Single Ladies” songstress made her sympathies clear Wednesday in a hand-written note posted on Facebook.

PHOTOS: See amazing shots from this year's Holi celebrations in India

Vibrant colors, jubilant revelers and a ton of powder fill the streets of India every year in celebration of Holi. Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, is meant to celebrate the coming of spring. Take a look inside India as the country goes wild.

Slender Kendall Jenner opens up about her weight

The very slender Kendall Jenner opens up about criticism on her slim size. The 5-foot-10-inch dark-haired beauty talks about being bullied for her weight in the April issue of Harper's Bazaar Arabia.

SEE IT: Selma Blair tweets unrecognizable masked photo

Selma Blair knows a thing or two about the art of disguise.The "Anger Management" star, 40, tweeted a photo of her face looking unrecognizable under a heavy layer of mask-sculpting material.

Party drink Sizzurp hailed by L'il Waybe is accessible, addictive -- and dangerous

The drink that reportedly landed Lil Wayne in the hospital is highly addictive with serious side effects. Known as “sizzurp,” “purple drank” or "water," it consists of prescription cough syrup with codeine and a mixer beverage such Mountain Dew, Kool-Aid or fruit punch.

Will Anderson take Matt Lauer's job at 'Today'?

The beloved CNN anchor has reportedly been vetted to take over the "Today" throne from embattled host Matt Lauer, according to Deadline.

PHOTOS: Inside the International Tattoo Convention where models and artists rock their ink

The world's biggest tattoo fair took place in Frankfurt, Germany from March 22 to 26. Tattoo enthusiasts were quick to flaunt their bodies as canvases of art. Take a look inside the convention where models and artists wore skimpy outfits to showcase their massive ink and expert tattooing skills …

Ivanka Trump’s alleged stalker to undergo psych exam

Ivanka Trump's lovesick accused stalker will undergo a psych exam to determine if he’s fit to stand trial for breaking following her to a Florida golf event earlier this month.

Alec Baldwin donates $2,500 to high school chess team

Actor Alec Baldwin has donated $2,500 to help the chess team at Central Falls High School in Rhode Island defray the cost of traveling to a national tournament next month.

A $91K Hermes T-shirt? 5 better things to buy

There are plenty of ways to spend nearly $100,000. But here’s just one: Hermes’ 100% crocodile skin T-shirt, on sale for $91,500 at the luxury brand’s Madison Avenue flagship.

Jon Hamm begs gawkers: Stop staring at my privates

Ladies aren't the only ones mesmerized by Jon Hamm's junk - it appears Underwear companies want him as well. Both Fruit of the Loom and Jockey have reportedly reached out to Hamm, 42, after he became the talk of the town for going commando during a "Mad Men" season six shoot involving tight pants.

SEE IT: Thrill-seekers enter a ring of fire to take pics of spewing volcano

Tourists were caught on camera standing near the edge of an erupting volcano, posing for pictures near the edge of the world: the desolate Kamchatka Peninsula in far Eastern Russia.

Confidenti@l: Al Jazeera's a turnoff at Al Gore's Current TV

Current TV employees have been waiting for a meeting, memo or even a sign from new network owner Al-Jazeera about the channel’s new direction since it was purchased in early January. All staffers do know is that Al Jazeera, financed by Qatar’s government, is planning to shut down Al Gore’s Current and create a New York-based network.

LILO RELAPSE: Lohan botches 2nd day of 'Anger Management' cameo

Actress slipped back into some bad habits reported on prior sets.

PHOTOS: 'DWTS' kicks out Dorothy Hamill

Check out which celebs hit a dancing high note, and which might be forced to hang up their ballroom shoes.

Gucci Mane jailed for alleged assault

The rapper allegedly hit a fan in the head with a champagne bottle at an Atlanta nightclub.

PHOTOS: JFK Jr. in his younger years

A look back at the Prince of Camelot.

Dream job: Hotel seeks a 'professional sleeper'

Hotel Finn in the heart of Helsinki wants someone to write about their hotel rooms.

The one-day diet: How you can eat better in just 24 hours

There's no need to purge your pantry, eat unusual foods or completely overhaul your eating regimen.

Did Hayden Panettiere get secretly engaged?

Panettiere and on-again beau Wladimir Klitschko are apparently back on for good.

SEE IT: ‘The Wolverine’ trailer and a very hairy Hugh Jackman

Jackman grows a beard and bares his claws as the eternally angry mutant.

PHOTOS: Is this Kim K’s most ridiculous dress ever?

With a baby on the way, all eyes are on Kim Kardashian, especially when it comes to her maternity style.

Billy Joel penthouse where he lived with 'Uptown Girl' sells for $11.3M

An unidentified European financier has bought a massive Central Park South penthouse.

PHOTOS: Sofia Vergara goes blond, without makeup

Check out the range of looks for these celebrity hair chameleons.

What has Amanda Bynes tweeted now?

The 26-year-old wayward actress took to Twitter Tuesday to show off her latest style.

Take a hip-hop walking tour of New York City

If you like New York rappers, now you can walk their talk.

The sweet life: Go inside the Peeps factory

The stars of the world’s biggest peep show just turned 60, but no way are they ready to retire.

WATCH Mr. T score a goal at Blackhawks game

You probably don't think of hockey when you think of Mr. T. Get ready for that to change.

NBC execs banned Ann Curry from sending condolences to Robin Roberts: report

The network competition has reached an absurd level.

Say a little prayer: Dionne $11M in debt

Grammy-winning singer Dionne Warwick, whose string of gold and platinum hits stretched through the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s, is nearly broke.

PHOTOS: Circus freaks and performers of the past

From giraffe neck women to the world's tallest man (EVER), check out the circus of the past.

Javier Bardem forced to close family restaurant in Madrid

Even the Spanish actor has been hit by his country's economic crisis.

PHOTOS: Jewelry manager arrested for stealing jewelry

Check out the world's most hilarious mug shots.

Nike Tiger Woods ad 'winning takes care of everything' ignites fury

Nike is causing a social media storm with its latest online campaign.

Two face: Drag queens with and without makeup

These drag queens are happy to showcase their dual identities, and they're getting a little help thanks to New York photographer Leland Bobbe.

Lindsay Lohan's riskiest court fashions

While Lindsay used to be an actress, her main stage these days is the paparazzi-filled walk into the courthouse, where she struts her stuff in designer duds.

Lost in translation: Foreign signs get hilarious English translations

Navigating a foreign country can be difficult, and these hilarious, mixed up signs definitely don't make it any easier ...

Mob molls of New York City

Take a fascinating look at the female companions of the Mafia, who not only put their lives on the line being associated with some of the most dangerous men in the world, but who also acted as their accomplices in some of the most deadliest crimes.

Iraq Then & Now: Looking back at the war torn country 10 years later

In the ten years since the invasion of Iraq, lives have been lost and what was once Saddam Hussein's country has been changed forever. These photo montages show the difference between Iraq a decade ago when fighting first began and the way pivotal places in the war look today.

FIRST LOOK at 'Mad Men' season 6

Just like that new Cadillac Don Draper bought for himself, the promotion for the upcoming sixth season of AMC's "Mad Men" is shifting into high gear.

Late night out? Stars who look worse for the wear

Sure, the stars are super photogenic on the red carpet, but after the party is the after party ... and after that, well, let's just say Hollywood's hottest don't look so hot after a late night (or day) out.

Porn stars without makeup

Makeup artist Melissa Murphy is showing porn stars stripped down, but not the way you're used to. See the transformations of porn stars with and without their makeup.

Craziest St. Patrick's Day revelers from around the globe

In honor of the booze-filled, green-splashed event, check out the best St. Patty's Day revelers from around the globe ...

Kiss them, they're Irish! Sexiest Irish celebrities in Hollywood

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with Hollywood's sexiest Irish stars - some of whom you'd never guess have Irish roots ...

Top child star meltdowns

It's not easy growing up in the spotlight, and no one knows that better than these child stars who have all, at one time or another, gone off the deep end...

'Splash' contestants make waves preparing for diving competition show

It's sink or swim for these stars as they jump off the deep end to compete in ABC's upcoming "Splash" ...

Valuable assets: Celebs who insure their body parts

Celebs are upping the ante in the valuation wars, and insuring their body parts against mishaps. Some of the more unusal parts insured are chest hair, teeth, sperm and crossed eyes. Find out what they're worth ...

First look at 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' cast in costume

Check out a first look of Jennifer Lawrence and the rest of the "Hunger Games" cast in "Capitol" costume.

White House under renovation in the Truman era

After years of neglect during the Depression and World War II, the White House received a major makeover during Harry S. Truman's presidency ..

Sports

Wainwright earns huge payday with Cardinals

Adam Wainwright fought to hold back his emotions. “Usually I am not at a loss for words, but the city of St. Louis means so much to me that it’s taken me a little bit to get it out,” he said.

Pens land Flames captain Iginla in deal for prospects, pick

The Pittsburgh Penguins are going all-in for a Stanley Cup run this spring, topped off by Thursday morning's Iggy Shuffle. Early Thursday, the Penguins acquired Calgary Flames captain Jarome Iginla, 35, in exchange for prospects Kenneth Agostino and Ben Hanowski, plus the Penguins' 2013 first-round draft pick.

Vinton: Spain's interest in Lance's doping is laughable

Spain's so-called anti-doping enforcement regime is as spineless and toothless as a jellyfish. That's exactly why Armstrong and his cronies moved to Girona in 2000 — they were worried the French would bust them.

Weiss: This is a Big (Ten) Time Tournament

Not since 1985, when the Big East sent three teams — Georgetown, St. John’s and Villanova — to the NCAA Final Four, has one conference monopolized a college basketball season. The Big Ten has a realistic chance to place top-seeded Indiana, second-seeded Ohio State, third-seeded Michigan State and fourth-seeded Michigan in the NCAA Final Four in Atlanta.

La Salle coach: We're no party crashers!

Were it not for the magic and mystery of Florida Gulf Coast, La Salle would be the story of this NCAA Tournament. The Explorers were one of the last teams picked into the draw, had to play a first-round game in Dayton and are only the fifth No. 13 seed to reach a Sweet 16.

Party on! Florida Gulf Coast celebrating hoops success

Basketball team posters covered windows in all 39 doors, both on the ground and in the upper levels of Alico Arena’s gymnasium Tuesday afternoon. To seek autographs and steal glimpses of the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles, onlookers gathered for two hours in the air-conditioned lobby as the team practiced.

Coffey: Queens man's dying wish takes him to Masters

In two weeks, Raymond Finerty and his son, Keith, will be off to Augusta, Ga. to take in the final round of The Masters. Their plane fare, lodging and tickets to the best Sunday in golf come courtesy of the Dream Foundation.

USA gets the breaks, earns scoreless tie with Mexico in 2014 World Cup qualifier

The U.S. national soccer team somehow hung on for a scoreless draw in Mexico City late Tuesday night, a welcome result the Americans earned only with the aid of a cooperative Guatemalan referee.

Peace out! Lakers F set for surgery for torn meniscus

Los Angeles Lakers forward Metta World Peace is out indefinitely with a torn meniscus in his left knee. Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni told reporters at shootaround on Wednesday that he wasn’t sure if World Peace will be ready for the start of the playoffs next month.

Gay NFLer is thinking about coming out of closet: report

NFL locker rooms were once a hotbed of anti-gay sentiment — with many players remaining silent, or nodding in agreement, while stars such as Reggie White, Jeremy Shockey and Garrison Hearst made anti-gay slurs.

SEE ALL the colorful and creative protest signs held high by supporters of gay marriage equality as Supreme Court decides on vital rule changes

Gay marriage has always been a hot button issue, but as the Supreme Court hears cases on equality and the Defense of Marriage Act, the debate has taken center stage. Check out some of the best expressions of American freedom of speech we've seen so far in the marriage equality debate ... read full story »

Friday, March 29, 2013

AMERICAS NEWS

Editors' Picks