MR GRADY'S DAILY BLOG: AMERICAS NEWS

EXCLUSIVE: Carriage horses may go from city streets to slaughterhouse if both mayoral candidates OK bill to ban rides

After protests by animal rights activists, the days of carriage horse rides through Central Park appear to be numbered, but the push to "rescue" the horses could lead to their slaughter instead, experts say. read full story »

EXCLUSIVE NY attorney general launches probe into Barneys, Macy’s for 'repeated, troubling' racial-profiling shopping incidents

The New York state attorney general has launched a probe into Barneys and Macy’s after four complaints surfaced in the past week about alleged racial profiling at the department stores, the Daily News has learned.

Grand jury files NO CHARGES in case of videotaped public sex act near Ohio University campus

Prosecutors say there wasn’t probable cause to file charges for the photographed and recorded sex act between a man and woman on Oct. 12. The woman later told police she was a victim of a sexual assault.

Obama’s Twitter account compromised after Syrian group hacks into link-shortener

#Uh-Oh. President Obama’s Twitter account was briefly compromised Monday after a shady online group hacked into the link-shortening service used by the White House’s social media team.

'The most beautiful ... soul that any parent could ask for': Slain Mass. math teacher Colleen Ritzer mourned at funeral

Five days after the Colleen Ritzer was brutally murdered — allegedly by a student — not even her parish priest could square the “angel” they knew and loved with her horrific death in a school bathroom.

WHAT A RELIEF! New York Mets pitcher LaTroy Hawkins shuts down unruly passenger during flight

As a part of the Mets bullpen, LaTroy Hawkins proudly wore a "Rapid Response Team" T-shirt this summer. It seems that the veteran reliever took it to heart on a night flight to South America Sunday night.

Selena Gomez sizzles by the sea in Florida

NYC bus driver calls Muslim boy, 10, a 'terrorist' and denies him ride, lawsuit claims

A 12-year-old Brooklyn boy says in a lawsuit that he was barred from boarding a city bus after the driver heard the youngster reciting a Muslim prayer and branded him a “terrorist.”

Obamacare deadline extended by sixth weeks after website's technical trouble

Uninsured Americans who fail to obtain health coverage because of technical troubles now have until March 31 to sign up, White House officials said Monday night. The Obama administration backtracked on its enrollment timetable to allow for bugs in the Affordable Care Act’s website to be repaired.

Brooklyn stabbing suspect accused of butchering mom and 4 kids with meat cleaver is held without bail in court

Mingdong Chen, 25, didn't say a word during his arraignment Monday in Brooklyn Criminal Court on murder, assault and weapons possession charges.

Hamill: Jay Z letting his Brooklyn projects ‘hood down

“But I’ll be hood foreva.” — Jay Z, “Empire State of Mind.” Well, Jay Z sure ain’t talkin’ about his old Brooklyn ‘hood of the Marcy projects.

Hurricane Sandy - One Year Later

OUT OF CHAOS, COME HEROES: Everyday folk were made saviors in midst of superstorm disaster

When the savage storm hurtled through New York last Oct. 29, when the waters rose and the homes fell and neighborhoods were crippled and children were dying, certain extraordinary people who didn’t even think they were special appeared out of the crazy winds and placed the lives of friends, neighbors and strangers above their own.

A year later, new victim of Sandy's wrath emerges: Coney Island man's name finally added to death toll

Vladimir Kleynburd, 51, drowned in the apocalyptic Oct. 29 storm, but until now his name was never included in official reports and news articles regarding the death toll.

OPEN FOR BUSINESS: Ellis Island reopens one year after it was ravaged by Sandy

A year after Superstorm Sandy's floodwaters pummeled Ellis Island, knocking out its electrical and air conditioning systems, the one-time gateway to the New World is again open.

Cardinal Dolan praises Staten Islanders 'solidarity' after Hurricane Sandy

Timothy Cardinal Dolan told Staten Island churchgoers Sunday that humanity has triumphed over disaster a year after Hurricane Sandy struck.

Sandy victims have received almost none of promised $60 billion in aid a year after storm

A year after Hurricane Sandy, only a fraction of the $60 billion in aid passed by Congress has reached people who need help — and lawmakers from both parties say it’s time to pick up the pace.

Long Island's waterfront communities suffered $7B in damage and reconstruction labors on

In Long Beach, one of the worst-hit communities, there’s a new $44 million boardwalk, but 20% of its homes are still uninhabitable — and that's just the tip of the iceberg of persistent problems.

PHOTOS: Look back at the devastation

'I want my kid to be able to go back to her home': Homeowners continue to grapple with FEMA, insurers

Thousands of homeowners find themselves still engaged in what sometime seems like hand-to-hand combat with insurers and government “helpers."

Rockaway landscape still bears the scars of the storm, though some wounds may never heal

Rockaway didn’t need Hurricane Sandy to further test its mettle. The peninsula and its tough residents had already weathered unfathomable losses from 9/11 and a shocking plane crash 2 months later.

The waters rose on Breezy Point that night — and the rescuers rose higher

Volunteer fireman Tim O'Brien and other volunteers from Point Breeze, Rockaway Point and Roxbury Fire Departments banded together to rescue stranded residents. The NYPD officer grew up in the shorefront enclave, which was ravaged by fires and floods during Hurricane Sandy.

Deputy Mayor Cas Holloway: To prepare for the future we have to remember Sandy as we plan ahead

Completing the rebuilding process and preparing New York City to withstand the impacts of climate change will require more than short-term fixes. Prevention requires long-term planning and significant investments.

Jersey Shore beaches and boardwalks may be coming back strong but the residents of Coolidge Ave. tell a story of pain

Coolidge Ave. used to be a very nice place to live. This ocean-block street in the heart of Ortley Beach, N.J., was a little piece of paradise for the mostly working-class retirees residing there — but now it's all gone.

EXCLUSIVE NYC erroneously gave STAR tax breaks for office building, parking lots

These tax snafus were truly close to home. Bumbling city Finance Department watchdogs have for years been erroneously giving more than $2,000 in tax breaks to the owners of an office building and three parking lots — including one rented by the department itself.

Maria’s Roma birth mother wants her back after giving her away as a baby

The birth mother of blond-haired Maria, a little girl given away at the age of seven months, says she wants her daughter back.

Cuomo anti-corruption panel targets elections board

The state Board of Elections is pleading poverty as it comes under scrutiny by Gov. Cuomo's corruption-hunting Moreland Commission. "We would hope that the commission will agree that our agency is understaffed and underfunded and has been for a long while," Board spokesman John Conklin said before appearing at a hearing Monday.

Two inmades who escaped Oklahoma prison in daring jailbreak back in custody; 2 other remain on the loose

Caddo County Sheriff Gene Cain says Dylan Ray Three Irons and Prime Brown were taken back into custody Monday. Authorities are still searching for Anthony James Mendonca and Triston Cheadle.

Giuliani on the campaign trail — but not for Lhota

He’s been to Long Island, backing the re-election of Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano, and he’s even been to Argentina, stumping for opposition leader Sergio Massa.

EXCLUSIVE: NY Times wants the story of Liam Gallagher's love child to go away

Sheldon Silver sued over Vito Lopez settlement

A retired engineer took Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver to court on Monday, accusing him of using $103,000 in taxpayer money to protect his own political interests by secretly settling sexual harassment claims involving a fellow lawmaker.

Conn. wants Con Ed to pay for Metro-North blackout

Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy has called on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to pursue legal action against Con Edison to recover losses from last month’s power failure on Metro-North’s New Haven Line.

Choking guest rushed out of Chicago fund-raiser with Hillary Clinton: report

Emergency medical services were called to the $5,000-a-plate fundraiser where Hillary Clinton was headlining after a guest began choking, according to a report.

ABC apologizes for 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' skit in which kid jokes about killing people in China

The network was left red-faced after a child joked about killing Chinese people to help erase the U.S. debt in a segment that appeared on the late night funnyman's show.

Tiger Woods hints Golf Channel should punish analyst over column branding him a cheater

Tiger Woods issued a veiled challenge to Golf Channel over a column written by analyst Brandel Chamblee that a series of rules violations by Woods amounted to cheating.

Jay Z says he's 'waiting on the facts' before deciding on Barneys, but hasn't been shy about taking on other issues

Jay Z says he is 'waiting on the facts' before he decides whether to scrap his partnership with Barneys New York — but the Brooklyn-raised rapper has never shied away from making bold statements on race.

Back-door RAGE mom: Farrah rips Bethenny Frankel after audience tiff

Scientists find 11 more genes linked to Alzheimer’s disease

Scientists have identified 11 more genes linked to Alzheimer's disease, according to the results of a large-scale international study aimed at shedding light on how and why the neurodegenerative disease develops.

Convicted killer Jodi Arias wants lead attorney removed for his 'utter poverty of people skills'

Jodi Arias wants to fire her lead attorney because he has "little to no tolerance for my emotional and psychological shortcomings," she wrote to a judge earlier this month.

Kelly Rowland is sheer-ly sensational

Kuwait upholds 10-year prison sentence for Twitter 'insults'

An activist says an appeals court has upheld a 10-year prison sentence against a social media commentator for posts considered offensive to Islam and the rulers of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

NYC department store Century 21 cancels Banksy show after graffiti artist disses World Trade Center

The famed downtown clothing emporium canceled a planned exhibit by the hype-driven graffiti artist after he dissed the design of 1 World Trade Center as a 'disaster.'

Indian teenager hangs herself after parents forbid her to use Facebook: report

An Indian college student reportedly hanged herself Wednesday after her parents forbid her from using Facebook.

Police catch 2 suspects in attempted robbery case near Raleigh, N.C. movie theater: cops

Someone suspected of an attempted robbery in the Raleigh, N.C. area may have fled to a movie theater in the area for shelter, where police have set up a perimeter outside Carmike 15 Cinema.

Sex can be good, but not great, exercise: study

A small new study published last week claims that when it comes to burning calories, sex is better than a walk, but not as good as a jog.

Texas rodeo clown struck TWICE by lightning during 'Rednecks with Paychecks' event

A Texas rodeo clown feels lucky to be alive two days after after he was struck TWICE by lightning during a storm.

Autos

The Ultimate SUV? Range Rover Autobiography Black trim to debut at Dubai Motor Show

Land Rover is preparing a its first official long-wheelbase SUV in 20 years. Set to debut at the Dubai Motor Show in November alongside the Range Rover Autobiography trim package.

Latest Autos Reviews

Sports

Harper: Red Sox success giving Yankee fans bad hair day

This can’t be playing well in New York, certainly not with Yankee fans. Enough already with all of this beard-tugging, for one thing, but more to the point, the Red Sox really do look some like some team of destiny, as tiresome as that may sound.

Nets Insider: LeBron says Brooklyn doesn't have 'hate' like Boston

The key components on Boston’s side of the Celtics-Heat rivalry now wear Nets jerseys but that doesn’t mean the blossoming rivalry between Brooklyn and Miami is going to have the same passion and intensity. At least that’s what Lebron James says.

Seahawks escape as St. Louis can't Ram it in from 1 in final seconds

Russell Wilson threw two touchdown passes to Golden Tate, and the Seattle Seahawks made a dramatic goal-line stand in the final minute to beat the St. Louis Rams 14-9 on Monday night.

NFL could play eight games in London: Report

While talk of expansion or relocation — whether it's to Los Angeles or London — continues to buzz around the NFL, Sports Illustrated's Peter King reported over the weekend that while it is unlikely that a team will actually move to England, the number of games played there could certainly increase.

Hottest Showbiz Galleries

Celebrity photos of the week: Week of October 21

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Comics & Games

Up & Down Words: Play Now! »

Garfield Minus Garfield: Read Now! »

Calvin & Hobbes: Read Now! »

Bilingual Crossword: Play Now! »

WHOOPS! Hunter trying to shoot moose instead hits man sitting on toilet in cabin

A Norwegian hunter accidentally shot a man sitting on the toilet after he missed a nearby moose and the bullet pierced through a wooden cabin wall.

Disabled Frenchman sends 'message of hope' with record Mount Everest skydive

Frenchman Marc Kopp, 55, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, fell from the airplane from 32,800 feet above the famed mountain.

Oklahoma woman tracks down thief who stole her wallet — and buys him groceries

An Oklahoma woman who had her wallet swiped didn't turn the culprit in, but instead did what she thought was the next best thing — she paid for his groceries.

THEY SAID 'WE'RE HERE TO KILL AMERICANS, NOT LIBYANS': British security officer present during Benghazi attack recalls that night

The first Western eyewitness to the gruesome attack on the American mission in Benghazi that left U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans dead has opened up about the assault.

Texas boy struck by hit-and-run driver on 7th birthday, and home surveillance captures it all

Home security footage capturing the horrific scene shows little Lorenzo Cantu dashing into a West Dallas street just before the truck carrying a flat-bed trailer sails right through him.

So sexy it's scary: Inside the Playboy Mansion's annual Halloween bash

Jewish comic in legal battle with adult shop over Rampant Rabbi vibrator

Shed Simove, a British Jewish comic, is facing off against the Ann Summers chain of adult stores over his Rampant Rabbi vibrator, which the store says infringes on its Rampant Rabbit sex toy.

Keith Urban admits to sexting wife Nicole Kidman 'once a year'

Scientists: Asian carp reproduce in Great Lakes watershed

Scientists have found for the first time that an Asian carp species has successfully reproduced in the Great Lakes watershed, an ominous development in the struggle to slam the door on the hungry invaders.

exclusive Developers, activists team up against NYC City Council bill benefitting construction unions

Big real estate developers, affordable housing builders and minority activists are teaming up to fight a bill they say will stymie local employment and economic development in the outer boroughs.

EXCLUSIVE Declining black, Latino admissions to NYC’s specialized schools could be reversed

The number of black and Latino students at the city’s elite specialized high schools has dropped over the last five years, but the next mayor could start to reverse that trend, a report says.

Ex-'Bachelor' star denies he's dating Kris Jenner: She is a 'very dear friend'

Three killed after car plows into Beijing’s Tiananmen Square

Police said the car carrying three passengers veered off the road at the north of the square, crossed the barriers and caught fire, injuring "many" tourists and police.

Bronx residents leap out of their homes as 168 smoke-eaters struggle to put out massive blaze which injures 16

A raging fire that ripped through three homes in the Bronx on Sunday injured 13 firefighters and three residents, officials said. The blaze broke out around 5 p.m. at a two-story home on Valentine Ave. in the Norwood section, fire officials said.

Dolphins' Mike Pouncey served with subpoena related to Aaron Hernandez case at Patriots' stadium

Investigators arrived unannounced at the home of the Patriots on Sunday afternoon to serve Miami Dolphins center Mike Pouncey.

Study finds older workers happy with their jobs

Not happy with your job? Just wait. A study by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds that nine in 10 workers over 50 are very or somewhat satisfied with their job.

Retro photo galleries

Historic Gibson family shipwreck photo collection

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'Boy Meets World' star flaunts sexy bikini bod in Hawaii

Minnesota woman's body found in shallow grave five months after boyfriend killed himself in police station parking lot prior to questioning

Mandy Matula, 24, was last seen on May 1 as she got into a car with her former sweetheart. After nearly five months missing, she was discovered Saturday in a shallow grave.

SEE IT: Flock of ducks invades CVS and refuses to budge until a trail of popcorn bait leads them outside again

Customers could only stop and stare as the unruly bunch of 30 waddled into the upstate New York shop and started eyeing up candy and cakes.

COWARD'S WAY OUT: Husband described as 'person of interest' attempts suicide as search goes on for bodies of wife, stepkids

A Florida man tried to kill himself in jail as investigators continue to search for the bodies of his wife and her two kids, authorities said. Luis Toledo, 31, blocked sheriff’s deputies out of a jail bathroom on Saturday, smashed a mirror with his head and slit his wrist with the shards, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said.

Man wants wife to pay the price with prison time after they're both convicted — but he claims she planned fatal child abuse against adopted daughter found naked in mud

Larry Williams blamed wife Carri Williams for the systematic abuse that led to the death of Hana Williams three years after they brought her home from Ethiopia. Hana was found face down and naked in the family's backyard on a cold and rainy night in 2011.

Editors' Picks

‘Dancing With the Stars’ shocker: Despite high scores Snooki sent packing

Snooki was snookered. "Jersey Shore" alum Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi was eliminated from "Dancing With the Stars" Monday night - despite boasting high scores near the top of the leader board this week -- in one of the most shocking results in reality dancing competition's 17 season history.

PHOTOS Lou Reed through the years

Lou Reed, one of the most influential rock and roll pioneers of our lifetime died Sunday at the age of 71.

REVIEW '12-12-12'

Far from a routine, megastar concert doc, “12-12-12” winds up telling a fast-moving, yet captivating story.

Going 'Behind the Mask'

College team mascots are in the spotlight in the 10-part Hulu documentary 'Behind the Mask.'

Networks look to DVR ratings for a big bump

Only on TV are seven-day-old facts suddenly more appealing than fresh ones.

TV REVIEW 'American Experience: War of the Worlds'

Like Orson Welles’ 1938 radio play, “American Experience” special spins a good yarn.

'Gravity' vs. the real thing, 'Dark Universe'

Attention, stargazers: “Gravity” isn’t your only ticket to the cosmos this fall.

How Lou Reed saved the day for The News' union

A personal memory of Lou Reed could blow his journalist-loathing image out of the water.

Miley: ‘I’d rather be naked in front of people than cry’

The 20-year-old pop star just 'Can't Stop' as her most recent hits enjoy widespread success.

Celeb trainer on what works for weight loss

Vinnie Tortorich, who bills himself as America's "angriest trainer," has a lot he could be angry about.

PHOTOS Sandy through the lens of The News

See the superstorm as witnessed by Daily News photographers.

50 Cent avoids jail in domestic violence case

The rapper pleaded no contest to a single count of misdemeanor vandalism of his ex-girlfriend’s LA home.

PHOTOS Remembering Hurricane Sandy

Take a look back at the superstorm that brought catastrophe one year ago.

Jason Aldean's tour bus tragedy

The country star is reeling after his tour bus struck and killed a homeless man walking on a busy highway.

What 'Thanks for Sharing' teaches about sex addiction

There's something about sex addiction that not only raises eyebrows but also furrows them.

Miranda Kerr's 'Bieber fever' played a part in split: report

Kerr, 30, apparently is a 'fan' of the 19-year-old, and that didn't sit well with Orlando Bloom.

Kelly Osbourne to Lady Gaga's birthday gift: 'Eat my s--t'

Kelly Osbourne isn't too happy about Lady Gaga's birthday wishes.

Blake Shelton addresses cheating, divorce rumors with Twitter jokes

If there are cheating rumors, you must be doing something right.

Kim's engagement to Kanye comes with a surprise

Confidenti@l's Marianne Garvey dishes on the engagement on VH1's 'The Gossip Table.'

watch 'Catching Fire' final trailer is home run during World Series

The action-packed final trailer for the 'Hunger Games' sequel debuted during Game 4.

Ciara, Future engaged after one year of dating

The 28-year-old singer is engaged to her rapper beau Future.

Miley favored to burn in effigy at British festival

A 40-foot version of the twerking 20-year-old is a favorite to go up in flames at the annual bonfire.

French is sexiest language: poll

French was named the sexiest language in the world according to an poll of globetrotters.

CONCERT REVIEW Drake shows his sensitive side at Prudential Center

Drake rolled things out slow and steady at his Prudential Center concert in Newark.

Running legend Haile Gebrselassie on staying fit at 40

The Ethiopian marathoner has been one of the world's most elite athletes for two decades.

Miley: 'Society wants to shut me down'

Cyrus continues ignoring haters: 'I'm literally what everyone is talking about'

Jared Leto lived his female role in 'Dallas Buyers Club'

Attention, shoppers — that woman in the checkout line may be Jared Leto.

OFF THE MARKET: Christina Ricci weds

Christina Ricci married her fiancé James Heerdegen on Saturday in Manhattan.

Jean Paul Gaultier launches couture for kids

The design house is taking its children's clothing to a new level of luxury.

photos Kardashian is white hot on Las Vegas red carpet

Kim's flashy style has taken a strange turn since she started dating Kanye.

British comedienne slammed for joking that Prince Harry snorts cocaine

Being a prince is no laughing matter, says a British official livid over a TV wisecrack suggesting Prince Harry’s a cokehead. British comedienne Jo Brand, appearing on a BBC-TV satirical show Friday, made the wisecrack about royal baby Prince George’s christening.

SPECIAL COVERAGE Hurricane Sandy: One Year Later

The News tells the stories of Sandy victims and their communities one year after the storm. How is the recovery going?

SANDY: ONE YEAR LATER Hurricane Sandy crushes Big Apple

The Daily News takes a look back at some of the most striking images to come from Hurricane Sandy.

PHOTOS Hurricane Sandy - One Month Later

One month after Hurricane Sandy devastated New York City's coastal communities, residents were still cleaning up and repairing their damaged neighborhoods.

TV Recap Rick hunts killer in their midst on 'Walking Dead'

Living can be a dirty job, and this week the survivors each struggled to accept the new roles they’ve been assigned in zombieland.

TV RECAP 'Homeland' Saul is in rival's sites in DC elite's duck hunt

Mr. Javadi, it’s nice to finally meet you.

TV RECAP Chalky turns the tables on 'Boardwalk Empire'

For all Nucky’s wheeling and dealing this season, the tension in Atlantic City has been between Dr. Narcisse and Chalky.

Miley, Alec crash Edward Norton’s ‘SNL’ monologue

Edward Norton took the "Saturday Night Live" stage for the first time Oct. 26. But he wasn't alone. Alec Baldwin and Miley Cyrus crashed the stage to offer the rookie host a few pointers. While he's well known for his dramatic roles, Norton was determined to tap into his comedic side for the sketch comedy show.

EDITORIAL: Very small of you, Jay Z

When he joined a partnership with upscale retailer Barneys, Shawn “Jay Z” Carter applied his celebrity, fashion sense and marketing savvy to raising large sums of money for his charitable foundation. All hail.

'Diana' arrives amid controversy, but director insists it's a love story

“Diana,” opening Friday, is the first time the late Princess of Wales has been fully portrayed in a film. And, as befits its subject, it arrives with controversy, sincerity and conflict.

Lou Reed, founder of The Velvet Underground, dead at 71

Lou Reed, famed singer, songwriter and guitarist of popular 1960s New York City band The Velvet Underground, died on Sunday, the Rolling Stone's Jon Dolan reports. He was 71 years old.

Michael Jackson's killer doctor Conrad Murray wants to sing

Michael Jackson's killer doctor wants to go from jailbird to songbird.

PHOTOS Lou Reed through the years

Lou Reed, one of the most influential rock and roll pioneers of our lifetime has died at the age of 71. Take a look back at the decades-long career of The Velvet Underground front man, Lou Reed ....

PHOTOS In memoriam: Stars we've lost in 2013

The Daily News remembers the stars we've lost in 2013 ...

Miley: ‘Society wants to shut me down'

Although Miley Cyrus has the world talking about her and her wild antics the singer still feels like she's "kind of an underdog." "I don't want to say that I'm on top right now - - I feel like I'm kind of an underdog in a cool way," the 20-year-old pop star said in the December issue of Cosmopolitan.

Eva Longoria, ex-boyfriend seen ‘making out’ in NYC

Nothing like some PDA over lunch.

Lorde scores first number one single with ‘Royals’

Sixteen-year-old singer-songwriter Lorde has become the youngest artist to enter Britain's singles charts.

PHOTOS Giants make it two in a row by beating Eagles

It was almost perfect. And then it was almost a nightmare again. But in the end the Giants prevailed by grinding out a 15-7 win over the Eagles.

PHOTOS Jets can't do anything right in Cincy

Gang Green was utterly embarrassed in Cincinnati after losing to the Bengals 49-9.

EXCLUSIVE Ashley Dupre marries construction honcho in Paris

She got the fairy tale. Ashley Dupre is now an Earle.

Fleetwood Mac bassist diagnosed with cancer

Tour dates were canceled after bassist John McVie was diagnosed with cancer.

Guess which playboy couple are dressing up as Robin and Miley?

Who wore it better? Hugh Hefner and his wife Crystal Harris are giving Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke a run for their money as they were adorned in outfits similar to what the singers wore during their infamous MTV VMAs performance.

PHOTOS Halloween special: Largest pumpkins of all time

These pumpkins weigh a ton! Well, almost. Every fall, gardeners around the world competitively grow giant pumpkins. Check out these supersized squashes...

Hal Needham, ‘Smokey and the Bandit’ director, dies at 82

Hal Needham, a top Hollywood stuntman who turned to directing rousing action films including "Smokey and the Bandit" and "The Cannonball Run," has died. He was 82. His business managers tell the Los Angeles Times that Needham died Friday in Los Angeles.

'Jackass' bounces 'Gravity' from box office heights

The new Johnny Knoxville picture, “Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa,” bounced the Sandra Bullock-George Clooney space adventure film from the number one spot at the box office with $32 million in ticket sales in its debut weekend.

SEE IT Top Daily News photos of the week: Week of Oct. 21

A roundup of our best photos of the week shot by Daily News staff ...

UPDATED Banksy's newest work is a moving target

Follow The News' live blog as your source for keeping up with the artist.

Julianne Hough dons blackface for Halloween costume

Not a good look, Julianne Hough. The former 'Dancing with the Stars' pro donned blackface on Friday night as part of her Halloween costume.

Kris Jenner, 'Bachelor' star spotted together at Barneys

Kris Jenner and "Bachelor" star Ben Flajnik stepped out together again on Friday night.

TV rolls out the blood-red carpet for Halloween

Thanks mostly to “The Walking Dead,” zombies have been sucking up all the oxygen in TV’s monster room lately.

Donna Tartt's engrossing new novel 'The Goldfinch'

In “The Goldfinch,” Donna Tartt presents such a spectacle of life in a novel so entertaining, mordantly funny and, yes, profound that it’s almost required reading.

Sterling N.Y. stage directors make their mark anew

Names of stars on theater marquees are there to whet your appetite.

What split? Orlando, Miranda get cozy

Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr are putting on brave faces through the dissolution of their marriage.

Marcia Wallace, the voice of Edna Krabappel on 'The Simpsons,' dies

Marcia Wallace, the star of "The Bob Newhart Show" and "The Simpsons," died Friday, according to several media reports. She was 70 and had reportedly been in ill health, although her the cause of her condition was not specified.

Liam's new girlfriend mocks Miley costume

Guess that Liam Hemsworth's new girlfriend Eiza Gonzalez isn't interested in playing Miley Cyrus for Halloween. The 23-year-old Mexican actress, who was spotted kissing Hemsworth outside of her Beverly Hills home after news of his split from Cyrus broke, paused in front of a window display of Halloween costumes while out shopping in West Hollywood Thursday.

PHOTOS Photog captures the bizarre faces of pups in slow motion

We all know what happens when a dog gets wet — it shakes.

Katy Perry, RPatz croon 90s ballads in karaoke video

Katy Perry and Robert Pattinson have been longtime pals. And longtime pals? Well, they sometimes do embarrassing karaoke versions of 1990s ballads together.

Bruce Jenner to walk Kim K down the aisle

Separation or no separation, Kim Kardashian wants Bruce Jenner to walk her down the aisle. The reality starlet, recently engaged to beau Kanye West, wants her step-father to be part of her upcoming nuptials, according to TMZ.

Katharine McPhee mortified she was caught cheating

Katharine McPhee and her husband may be separated, but the "Smash" actress is reportedly mortified by the leaked photos that show her kissing her former director of the NBC musical series, Michael Morris, who also is still married.

Ke$ha banned from Malaysian concert by authorities

Authorities in Muslim-majority Malaysia have banned a planned concert by U.S. pop singer Ke$ha after deciding it would hurt cultural and religious sensitivities.

PHOTOS Gaga climbs Berlin Wall in see-through dress

Lady Gaga doesn't just have a brand new single, she also has a brand new look.

PHOTOS Check out the newly-renovated home of Knicks, Rangers

MSG completes its $1 billion project — just in time for NBA, NHL action.

Glowing Kim shows off massive rock as prenup details emerge

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West may be blissfully engaged, however, they reportedly plan to protect their assets before walking down the aisle.

Tori rips Katie in new memoir: 'You can't sing for s--t'

Tori Spelling isn't a fan of Katie Holmes' transformation from "Dawson's Creek" sweetheart to A-list ex-wife. In her memoir, "Spelling It Like It Is," Spelling has some harsh words about "plastic" Holmes, according to Radar Online.

DANCING TO THE BEAT OF HER OWN DRUM: Tiny tap dancer steals the show with her own unique moves

A tapping toddler who decided to put her own flashy spin on a dance performance is the star of a charming viral video. Dancing to “Broadway Baby” from “Follies,” the animated little girl adds her own jazzy moves to the routine, bouncing up and down and shuffling her feet with enthusiasm and sass.

Most adorable animal video ever? Baby ducks take turns whizzing down water slide

These tiny tots take to this slide like ducks to water. In what's been dubbed "the most adorable animal video ever," the brood is seen repeatedly sliding down the slippery slope.

Time-lapse map shows all of the TWO THOUSAND nukes exploded around the world over 50 years

This mesmerizing time-lapse map shows every single nuclear bomb that has exploded worldwide since 1945. Japanese artist Isao Hashimoto mapped each detonation that rocked the Earth until 1998, before turning it into a hypnotizing 14-minute video clip.

Hip Hop mogul gets life for drug trafficking

James (Jimmy Rosemond) Henchman sentenced to life in prison for overseeing a huge drug trafficking empire.

E L James confirms Jamie Dornan cast in 'Fifty Shades' film

Author E L James has officially welcomed actor Jamie Dornan to the "Fifty Shades" family. James took to Twitter on Thursday to confirm Dornan will play the lead role of Christian Grey in the film adaptation of her best-selling S&M-themed books.

EXCLUSIVE Linda Ronstadt skipped some of the high notes

2014 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominee could’ve gone with Mormon choir.

PHOTOS: Kate Middleton stuns in one of her best style moments

There's no doubt about it -- Kate Middleton is the reigning queen of style when it comes to all things glamorous, elegant and effortlessly chic. See the style icon's best moments ...

Top Halloween costumes for 2013

Miley Cyrus and the minions featured in "Despicable Me" films appear to be the most popular choices.

PHOTOS The day's best moments from around the globe

Check out these striking photos from around the world ...

'Murder, She Wrote' remake in the works

NBC is remaking the classic mystery drama with Academy Award winner Octavia Spencer in the lead role.

UPDATED New Banksy installation pops up on Houston Street

Follow The News' live blog as your source for keeping up with the artist.

WATCH James Taylor flubs national anthem at World Series

Oops! The songwriter began singing a different patriotic song at first.

TGIF: Hottest celeb pics of the week

See what all the stars were up to this week ...

Gullermo del Toro's 'Cabinet of Curiosities'

Just in time for Halloween, the famed director releases “Guillermo del Toro: Cabinet of Curiosities.”

EXCLUSIVE: What bottle? LiLo denies boozing it up

Despite Daily News photos of recently rehabbed Lindsay Lohan seeming to reach for a wine bottle while visiting friends in L.A. this week, Lohan tells The News a different story. “I was reaching for my purse and phone,” she insists.

watch 'X-Men: Days of Future Past' teaser footage released

A sneak peek a week before the trailer comes out.

Ortiz on ex Jameson: 'I wish she would get help'

The fighter says his relationship with the porn queen left him tapped out – and now the world knows why.

Katie Holmes sends her first tweet from set of 'The Giver'

Welcome to the Twitterverse, Katie Holmes.

Instagram reveals what ads will look like

Soon you'll find ads from retailers like Burberry, Macy's and Ben & Jerry's popping up in your Instagram feed.

photos Kim wears 15-carat engagement ring proudly

The newly engaged reality stared posed for some in-your-face snaps.

J.J. Abrams, Lawrence Kasdan take over 'Star Wars: Episode VII' script

'Empire Strikes Back' writer was originally attached as consultant.

PHOTOS A ceremony fit for a king

As Kate Middleton and Prince William's child is christened, take a look at George Alexander Louis' photos.

Pearl Jam plays new single on 'Late Night with Jimmy Fallon'

It's Pearl Jam week on the show, which means an appearance by the rockers themselves.

Langston Hughes’ Cleveland home on the market for $85,000

Hughes lived in the attic of the 1,424-square-foot home.

Help for the hungry

The Daily News Readers Care to Feed the Hungry of New York food drive is now in its 31st year.

Sweating from stress can make you seem untrustworthy: study

New research proves that stress sweat really is different from exercise sweat.

Rutherford Place, home to the stars, is now showtime for condos

The East Side building was home to David Lee Roth and Sean Combs.

Karl Lagerfeld launches new accessories inspired by his cat

The German fashion designer used Choupette, his Persian cat, as a muse.

Bra tweets each time it is unhooked

Tweeting Bra, designed by OgilvyOne Athens, is part of Nestle Fitness' campaign promoting breast health.

Kylie Jenner in epic tantrum after she's denied booze

The 16-year-old reportedly had a meltdown when she and her friends were refused alcohol.

Ouch! Bruce not invited to Kanye's big proposal

Jenner apparently did not make the guest list for West's surprise proposal.

Pauly D asked baby mama to get abortion: report

The plot thickens in the case of Pauly D’s illegitimate child.

Liam's rumored gal pal strips for GQ

A tip of the hat goes to GQ Mexico for getting Eiza Gonzalez.

photos Oops: Salma Hayek has a Marilyn moment on set

Nearly all of Hollywood has experienced the dreaded moment of overexposure.

Starlet wife wants OUT after hubby/Kat McPhee tryst: report

Mary McCormack allegedly wants out of her longtime marriage to Michael Morris.

'Good Wife' turns up the heat

You can't accuse “The Good Wife” of holding anything back.

Jamie Dornan in ‘Fifty Shades’ gets early thumbs up

Jamie Dornan's rising Hollywood star may have just become a supernova.

Selena Gomez flaunts sizzling bikini bod by the pool in Florida

The brunette beauty took some time out of her demanding tour schedule to relax and soak up the sun before her next concert in the Florida city of Sunrise on Oct. 28, 2013.

Stars on Halloween 2013

Who says Halloween is just for kids? Celebrities of all ages have been gearing up for the spookiest time of year -- from eek to chic, check out which stars have been getting into the Halloween spirit ...

Stars who wear sheer clothing

There's taking a fashion risk, and then there's walking outside in outfits that are completely see-through. With the paparazzi ready to snap their every move, you would think that celebrities would be smart enough to cover up before walking out in sheer clothing for fear of ... overexposure. Or is that the point? See who's playing a fashionable game of peek-a-boo and who is making a huge fashion mistake.

Celebrity beach bodies 2013

It's always sunny in Hollywood, and these celebs love flaunting their picture-perfect beach bodies almost as much as they love getting all dressed up for the red carpet. Whether they're splashing around in itty bitty bikinis or causing a commotion with their incredible, washboard abs, these celebrities sure know how to make a sizzling day at the beach even hotter. Check out the sexiest celebrity beach bodies.

Hot or not? Stars who've gotten pixie hair cuts

Sometimes it's just time for a (drastic) change. Take a look at the celebs who've chopped their long tresses in favor of a super-short 'do.

Playboy Mansion hosts annual Halloween bash 2013

Playmate of the Year Raquel Pomplun was among the many sexy guests to show up at the annual Playboy Halloween party on Oct. 26, 2013.

Lady Gaga's latest style makeover

Lady Gaga doesn't just have a brand new single, she also has a brand new look. Check out her latest style transformation ...

In memoriam: Stars we've lost in 2013

The Daily News remembers the stars we've lost in 2013 ...

Kim Kardashian's style makeover

Kim's usual flashy Hollywood party girl style has taken a strange turn since she started dating Kanye West ...

Celebrity photos of the week: Week of October 21

See what all the stars were up to this week ...

"Shake": Photographer captures pups in slow motion

We all know what happens when a dog gets wet--it shakes its its fur, sending water flying all over the room. But not everyone gets to see it up close and personal. Fortunately, photographer Carli Davidson has captured wet dogs in motion in her new book, "Shake." Watch the fur and jowls fly ...

Hottest wives and girlfriends in sports

Game on! It looks like these sports stars know how to score both on and off the field. Not only do athletes have fame, fortune, legions of adoring fans and countless endorsement deals, they also have some of the most gorgeous wives and girlfriends of all time. From world famous supermodels to stunning actresses and pop stars, check out the hottest WAGs in sports ...

Kate Middleton's top style moments

There's no doubt about it -- Kate Middleton is the reigning queen of style when it comes to all things glamorous, elegant and effortlessly chic. See the style icon's best moments ...

Fall fashion guide 2013: Nail call

The Daily News rounds up its top nail polish picks for fall ...

Celebrity breakups

Breaking up is hard to do, even if you're rich and famous. See the latest star couples to join the celebrity broken hearts club.

Royal baby photo album

In celebration of Kate Middleton and Prince William's new bundle of joy, George Alexander Louis, take a look at the royal family's baby photos through the years ...

Hollywood actors replaced in major movie roles

While Charlie Hunnam's exit caused quite a stir among fans, this isn't the only time an actor's been recast in a leading film role. Whether the actor was fired or pulled out last minute, take a look at other Hollywood movie replacements ...

Miley Cyrus' most attention-seeking moments

Miley Cyrus complains about the paparazzi, and yet with each passing day, she's spotted out and about flaunting her body in outfits that just scream "look at me!" From short shorts to see-through tops to the debut of her radically shorn 'do, take a look at the singer/actress' most attention-grabbing moments.

Celebrity cheating scandals

Not all Hollywood romances have fairy tale endings. Check out the stars who shocked fans by cheating on their sizzling significant others ...

Celebrity wardrobe malfunctions

Ahh, wardrobe malfunctions ... Thanks to shoddy manufacturing, clumsiness and the advent of spaghetti straps, nearly all of Hollywood has experienced the dreaded moment of overexposure.

Hollywood brides

From "The Bachelor" nuptials to TomKat's big day, check out the most memorable Hollywood weddings.

Miss Universe 2013 contestants sizzle in bikinis ahead of pageant

It may be a few weeks before Miss Universe 2013 starts, but these beauties are already hot-to-trot! Get to meet this year's contestants ...

Celebrity baby bumps

Baby bumps never go out of style among the celebrity set. See which stars are expecting and who's showing off the bump.

Movie makeovers of the stars

They endure hours in the chair getting poked and painted within an inch of their lives. Check out the coolest makeup artistry, special effects, and costume design.

Celebrity kids who look just like their famous parents

When it comes to good genetics, these kids have hit the jackpot. Check out which celebrity children have grown up to look just like their famous relatives ...

Sports

Just Ducky: Oregon flies to No. 2 in BCS

Oregon passed Florida State and moved into second place behind Alabama in the BCS standings.

Promoter warming to idea of Floyd-Hopkins fight for '50'

Bernard Hopkins has always made it a goal to inspire older folks to do things they wouldn’t think possible. Well, in the case of Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer (who’s more middle-aged than ancient), that’s exactly what happened.

Rory gets best of Tiger in China

Rory McIlroy won for the first time this year — even if it was an 18-hole exhibition against Tiger Woods.

Peyton coping with two ankle sprains: report

Peyton Manning looked human against the hapless Jaguars two weeks ago, throwing for less than 300 yards and just two touchdowns. Now we know why.

D-III RB rushes for NCAA record 455 yards

Octavias McKoy ran for 455 yards to set an NCAA record for all-divisions in Division III Western Connecticut State’s 55-35 victory over Worcester State on Saturday.

Chelsea capitalizes on City miscue for 2-1 win

Fernando Torres capped off an impressive attacking display for Chelsea by seizing on Manchester City’s defensive blunder in the 90th minute to clinch a 2-1 victory in the Premier League on Sunday.

American Bradley leads Roma to victory

United States midfielder Michael Bradley scored late to help 10-man Roma beat Udinese 1-0 and set a Serie A record by winning its first nine matches of the season.

No. 21 South Carolina upsets No. Mizzou in 2 OT

Connor Shaw came off the bench in the second half to lead a 17-point rally, throwing for 201 yards and three touchdowns, and Elliott Fry kicked the go-ahead field goal in the second overtime to help No. 20 South Carolina stun No. 5 Missouri 27-24 on Saturday night.

Bell guides No. 17 Oklahoma past No. 10 Texas Tech

Blake Bell knew he would likely have to match Texas Tech’s high-powered offense with big plays of his own if Oklahoma was to knock the Red Raiders from the ranks of the unbeaten.

Duke stuns No. 16 Virginia Tech, 13-10

Anthony Boone ran for a touchdown, Ross Martin kicked two long field goals and Duke ended a long history of losing to ranked teams with a 13-10 victory against No. 16 Virginia Tech on Saturday.

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THEN & NOW: Residents rode out Superstorm Sandy and its devastating impact — and learned to put their lives back together

As those affected by Sandy's wrath continue to rebuild, the Daily News takes a look back at the storm's massive and long-lasting impact. read full story »

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

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