MR GRADY'S DAILY BLOG: AMERICAS EARLY BIRD NEWS

‘THIS WAS A CASH GRAB FROM THE START’: Lawyer for Sandy Rubenstein blasts alleged rape victim as she prepares to file a lawsuit against the high-profile attorney

Rubenstein's accuser is planning to file a lawsuit.

'I CALLED MY RABBI': Outraged woman says she found swastikas on Hanukkah gift wrap at California store

She did Nazi that coming. A California woman was outraged when she found swastikas adorning Hanukkah gift wrap at a local Walgreens.

Fugitive calls in bomb threat to Idaho school to evade police — but forgets to turn off caller ID: cops

An Idaho fugitive being staked out by police tried to shake local cops by allegedly calling in a bomb threat to a nearby elementary school.

COME AGAIN ANOTHER DAY: Winter storm will bring heavy rain and potential flooding for New York City

There won’t be snow, but New Yorkers should expect more rain Monday. Heavier rain is expected Tuesday.

BATTLE ROYALE: Michelle wows in D.C. as Prince William, Kate take NYC in style

Hundreds of protesters hit Grand Central, Herald Square to express outrage over Eric Garner case

Around 250 protesters targeted stores on the fifth night of outrage against a decision not to indict the cop who killed Eric Garner.

Off-duty Delaware firefighter critically injured after stopping to help motorist in highway car accident

Three lanes of I-95 were closed for more than five hours Sunday when an off-duty Delaware firefighter was struck trying to help a motorist.

HIS LAST SUPPER: Mass. family sues Applebee’s after man chokes on food, collapses on floor and dies

John Kocak, 48, died from a lack of oxygen after eating at the chain restaurant three years ago.

WATCH Do-gooder helps struggling driver out of icy parking lot — not knowing same driver SMASHED into his car moments earlier

Some Canadian drivers miraculously never learned how to drive in snow.

Texas PR group called ‘Strange Fruit’ — an allusion to lynching victims — changes name after social media furor

Billie Holiday’s 1939 song “Strange Fruit” that illustrates the lynching of two black men in Marion, Indiana mob inspired the Austin-based company’s name.

VIDEO HOLY SMOKES! Fuel truck driver survives explosion by crawling through windshield

One driver stuck in traffic caught the man’s dangerous escape along Interstate 78 near Union Township on camera Saturday afternoon before rushing to help, video shows.

Syria says Israeli warplanes bombed two areas near Damascus in 'flagrant attack'

Since Syria’s conflict began in March 2011, Israel has carried out several airstrikes in the war-torn nation that have targeted sophisticated weapons systems.

Widow of Pierre Korkie — South African hostage killed by Al Qaeda day before scheduled release — forgives U.S. for botched rescue mission

The wife of a hostage who died at the hands of Al Qaeda did not condemn the U.S. officials who botched the mission that caused his death.

Fire tears through East Orange, N.J., homes, killing five people, including a 6-week-old baby

Five victims fell to the flames at 16 North 17th Street: Lanore Carter-Love, 6 weeks; Breiona Love, 20; Alice Horton, 79; Randy Horton, 56; and Ronnie Horton, 60.

FOUR STARS: Bradley Cooper delivers in ‘The Elephant Man’

Passenger plane almost hit by drone at Heathrow airport

A passenger plane carrying 180 passengers was almost hit by a drone near Heathrow airport, it has been revealed.

President Obama urges patience in fight against racism

President Obama is encouraging the nation’s African-American youth to remain patient and hopeful regarding the problem of racism in America.

MONSTER STEPDAD: Pa. man killed stepdaughter to have sex with corpse, prosecutor says

Necrophilia motivated a man to fatally shoot his stepdaughter last month, according to a Pennsylvania prosecutor.

Catch him if you can: Newly single Leo leaves the club with 20 women

CUNY student: I was handcuffed while covering an Eric Garner protest for school

I left my house a graduate student about to cover an Eric Garner protest for extra credit.

Former cop sentenced to 90 days behind bars for fatal crash

A former New Mexico police officer whose careless driving killed a 21-year-old Air National Guard member was sentenced to 90 days in jail.

Two people returning to New York from West Africa agree to Ebola quarantine

Two people returning from West Africa, where they were exposed to Ebola, have agreed to a 21-day home quarantine.

Woman who filmed NYPD cops after arresting Eric Garner — and testified before grand jury — is shocked by no-indictment decision

A woman who filmed a cop callously waving to the camera as Eric Garner lay dying is astonished he was not indicted.

DONOHUE: Few attend usually heated transit hike hearings

Nobody likes fare hikes, but straphangers will accept increases as long as they are modest and on par with inflation.

‘NOT A DOUBLE DIP’: Central Park Five seek an ADDITIONAL $52M after reaching $41M settlement for wrongful imprisonment

After winning a $41 million settlement from the city, the Central Park Five are looking to make the state pay more for their time in jail.

Family still hasn't heard from California man who disappeared in Midtown

The heartbroken family of a California man who mysteriously vanished during a recent trip to Midtown said Saturday they haven’t heard a single word from their missing loved one in nearly two weeks.

LATEST FROM AROUND NEW YORK

Cash-strapped NYCHA to sell half stake in hundreds of units to private developers

New York’s housing authority will sell a 50% stake in close to 900 apartments to a pair of private developers.

5-foot crucifix stolen from Bronx church by drunken man recovered, suspect not arrested: pastors

A 110-year-old crucifix that was plucked from the front of a Bronx church last week is on its way home, police said.

State office buildings will fly flags at half-staff for Pearl Harbor's 73rd anniversary

Gov. Cuomo announced the show of respect for the 2,400 Americans — including 40 New Yorkers — killed at Pearl Harbor.

Don't forget it: Bow to Prince William, Kate Middleton in NYC, say experts

GOP VICTORY: Democrat Sen. Mary Landrieu loses Louisiana seat to Rep. Bill Cassidy

Republican Rep. Bill Cassidy defeated Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu on Saturday, denying her a fourth term.

Ex-student-teacher sentenced for sexual acts with student

A former student teacher in Arizona was sentenced to three years in prison for his sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student.

Al Qaeda operative tied to New York subway bomb plot killed by Pakistani soldiers

A top Al Qaeda operative linked to a plot to bomb the city’s subway system was killed by Pakistani soldiers Saturday.

Nicki Minaj spoofs Kim K.: ‘It was going to be my Hanukkah card’

U.S. rescue attempt in Yemen foiled by barking DOG, leading to death of Luke Somers, Pierre Korkie

An American photojournalist and a South African aid worker held by militants have been killed in a failed U.S. rescue attempt.

U.S. sends six prisoners from Guantanamo Bay to Uruguay

Six prisoners at Guantanamo Bay have been sent to Uruguay to be resettled as refugees, the U.S. government announced Sunday.

Angela Merkel: Russia 'creating problems' in Eastern Europe

German leader Angela Merkel has accused Russia of "creating problems" in Eastern European countries that want closer ties with the West.

Myers: Seahawks defense gets best of Mark Sanchez and Eagles

The Legion of Boom sent a strong message to Chip Kelly’s supposed state-of-the-art offense: Is that the best you got?

Price: Sorry TCU, Baylor, college football playoff is right

There are plenty of angry folks today in Fort Worth and Waco and who can blame them?

Vacchiano: Giants should hardly be jumping for joy after win

There were smiles on the Giants’ faces as they ran off the field, high fives between teammates in the runway.

Mehta: Woody must know Rex Ryan isn't lone culprit

A Vulcan Mind Meld with Woody Johnson typically isn’t recommended, but it sure would have been valuable.

Break out eggnog and ugly sweaters, the holidays are in Hollywood!

Typhoon Hagupit slams into central Philippines, leaving 650,000 people fleeing for safety

Typhoon Hagupit slammed into the central Philippines’ east coast late Saturday.

Fla. triple-murder suspect caught near slain pastor's church

Triple murder suspect Andres “Andy” Avalos has been caught in Florida after allegedly killing his wife, pastor and neighbor Thursday.

Carbon monoxide kills 2, injures 12 at N.J. recording studio

Two people are dead of carbon monoxide poisoning at a New Jersey recording studio Saturday afternoon.

Whoa Bieber! Justin, Channing Tatum suddenly sporting platinum hair

U.S. will keep up to 1,000 more soldiers than planned in Afghanistan into 2015: Hagel

The U.S. will keep up to 1,000 more soldiers than previously planned in Afghanistan into next year, Hagel said.

Man dies after fall from 300-foot cliff in Australia

A 25-year-old British tourist has died after falling off a 300-foot-high cliff in Australia as he tried to get a better view of the sunrise.

Brazil cops spot giant swastika in swimming pool

Brazilian cops made the unsettling discovery of a massive swastika decorating the bottom of a pool while flying over a private estate.

Demi Lovato says Wilmer Valderrama helped her deal with eating disorder

Swiss hostage escapes from extremists in Philippines

Suspected car thief nabbed for fatal carjacking on L.I.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

PHOTOS Gift ideas for HIM: What to get your main man

PHOTOS HOW DIVINE: Give fashion lovers one of these glossy coffee table books

PHOTOS Gift ideas for HER: How to pamper your leading lady

PHOTOS With these gifts, a percentage goes to a good cause!

PHOTOS See the best kid-friendly presents this season

PHOTOS Try these boob tube picks for the TV fanatic on your list

It doesn't matter what your favorite show is — we've got you covered.

Gamer's delight: There's plenty for everyone to play

This Christmas and Chanukah, it’s all about the games. About time, right? For the last two years it was a series of new consoles.

PHOTOS Some of the best gifts come in small packages!

PHOTOS From tech rings to touch phone gloves — the gift of gadgets

There’s something for all your tech lovers this holiday season!

PHOTOS PUT A SPIN ON GIVING! Festive gifts for Hanukkah, from menorahs to dreidels

From menorahs to dreidels, check out these festive gifts for the eight-day holiday!

Burt Reynolds’ 1977 Pontiac Trans Am up for auction

The iconic car owned by Mr. Reynolds himself from the 1977 flick 'Smokey and the Bandit' is up for auction, and it’s as glorious as ever.

Latest Autos Reviews

Comics & Games

Daily Jigsaw: Play Now! »

Cathy: Read Now! »

Peanuts: Read Now! »

Jumble Solitaire: Play Now! »

STASI: Sicko Bill Cosby really no different than those pedophile priests — a man incalculably more powerful than his victims
In mounting rape allegations against the comic, where there's smoke there's liars.

HOW DO YA LIKE ME NOW, JERK? British woman, called 'manbeast' by childhood tormenter, now a total MANEATER, stands up clueless bully with scathing note
Revenge is a dish best served by not showing up.

Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift and other celebs rock Jingle Ball

Conjoined twins Asa and Eli die one day after birth

College football player kills raccoon he takes selfie with

GAME-CHANGER? Dramatic proposal suggests relocating Manhattan’s Javits Center to Queens — one of plan’s top backers is former Bloomberg deputy mayor
A new development proposal suggests adding 1.3 million square feet to the Javits Center — right after relocating the whole place to Queens.

'WE’RE HOPEFUL BUT TERRIFIED': Doctors believe they now know rare illness that crippled 4-year-old Long Island boy — but one experimental drug is $180,000 a year
The 4-year-old Long Island boy who has suffered roughly 15 strokes survived a scare Friday night, but his condition remains grim.

Watch Hypnotist thief sends shopkeeper into a deep trance

Remains identified of 1 of 43 missing Mexican students

Fans bid adieu to Comedy Central's 'Colbert Report'

THE LAST STRAW: After the city’s four remaining horse carriage stables have survived Great Depression and invention of the automobile, owners debate whether to sell before de Blasio’s proposed ban
Stable owners are in crisis, caught between desire to keep their traditions — and de Blasio’s vow to abolish carriage horse industry.

Chris Brown's big reveal: ‘I’m single too, f--- that b-----’

EXCLUSIVE Inmates wrongfully released from Rikers Island found

Watch Bear tries to outrun cruel train drivers in Russia

EDITOR'S PICKS

Kelly Osbourne rips paparazzo looking for photo who yelled: 'It's for Joan!'
Kelly Osbourne went ballistic on a twisted paparazzo who called out to her at a red carpet event in Los Angeles Sunday night.

Prince William, Kate Middleton may have an awkward dinner with Blackstone exectutive
The royals will dine with an exec whose firm has ties to SeaWorld, which has been accused of animal cruelty.

Chris Brown: Ex cheated with Drake, had threesomes
Chris Brown and Karrueche Tran's tumultuous love affair is ending with a bang!

Knicks fall to Blazers as LeBron James sits courtside at MSG
The Knicks finally got LeBron James near their bench. But it was as a fan. And he got to see what's been a recurring theme.

Ralph Baer, father of video games, dead at 92
Inventor Ralph Baer, hailed as the father of video games, died late Saturday at his New Hampshire home.

Reporter slammed for revealing name of alleged UVA rape victim at center of Rolling Stone controversy
Charles C. Johnson was criticized on Sunday when he revealed the name of the alleged rape victim.

‘Don't be taken prisoner’: Veterans honor 73rd anniversary of Pearl Harbor attack at Intrepid Museum
It was 73 years ago, but Aaron Chabin can still remember the sound of Japanese planes bombing Pearl Harbor.

'Homeland' Recap: Embassy attack has Quinn channeling Jack Bauer
Whenever Showtime doesn’t provide an advance screener for “Homeland,” it’s a clue that bodies will drop.

Royal couple’s wedding cake slice sells for $7,500
A three-year-old slice of wedding cake from Prince William and Duchess Catherine's wedding cost one royal fan a lot of dough.

Paul McCartney: Man who shot John Lennon ‘jerk of all jerks’
Paul McCartney has called John Lennon's killer Mark Chapman the "jerk of all jerks" nearly 34 years after the singer's death.

FROM THE ARCHIVES John Lennon shot dead by Mark David Chapman
Thirty-four years ago, John Lennon was assassinated Dec. 8 outside his Central Park West house in front of his wife, Yoko Ono.

New book examines the life of Richard Pryor, from height of his genius to depths of his personal hell
Richard Pryor illuminated what it meant to be black in America from the release of his 1974 album 'That N-----’s Crazy' on.

Chlorine in air sickens 19 during FurFest convention
Fur flew as patrons quickly evacuated the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Rosemont, Illinois, after high levels of the gas were found in the air.

READ IT Joe DiMaggio's love letter to Marilyn Monroe sells for $78,000
The auction of more than 300 of the blond bombshell's personal belongings also included a series of love letters she wrote to playwright Arthur Miller.

New Mexico retiree banished from bingo hall appeals to attorney general
A 70-year-old New Mexico woman took her bingo banishment to the highest level she could — the state's attorney general.

VIDEO Carriages on amusement park ride collide
A United Kingdom ride gave its passengers something out of the ordinary — a collision.

Steve Wozniak reveals that Apple did not start in garage
Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, debunked the myth behind Apple being founded in a garage in an interview with Bloomberg TV.

LeBron James wants #ICantBreathe T-shirt to wear before game in Brooklyn
Bulls guard Derrick Rose wore the shirt Saturday during warm-ups in Chicago while Lions running back Reggie Bush had the phrase scrawled across his chest before Sunday's game.

James Franco jokes about Sony hacking scandal on ‘SNL'
James Franco addressed the Sony hacking scandal while hosting "Saturday Night Live."

Widely criticized Ebola czar Ron Klain to leave position by March 1: report
Klain will return to his prior job in the private sector, President of Case Holdings, after he leaves his post.

SEE IT Deer breaks into Galloway, N.J., home
Police say a deer burst through the front doors of a New Jersey home, darted through the residence and ransacked the master bathroom.

'Mockingjay - Part 1’ takes box office for third weekend
"The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1" continues to dominate the domestic box office.

Breastfeeding moms protest outside London hotel
New moms have staged a mass breastfeeding protest outside one of Britain's poshest hotels.

Uber taxi driver allegedly raped female passenger in India
An Uber taxi driver in India allegedly raped a 25-year-old woman passenger then threatened to kill her if she told police.

Lupica: Knicks struggling under Fisher, but unlike NY football coaches, he has job security
The players just aren’t good enough. They’ve had injuries. They’ve had some rotten luck.

French President Francois Hollande likened to Borat
The unpopular French president so often derided at home is now being mocked for looking like Borat on a trip to Kazakhstan.

C.M. Punk joins UFC, will debut in 2015
Former WWE star C.M. Punk has signed a multi-fight deal with the UFC, and he intends to make his mixed martial arts debut in 2015.

Ex-Washington, D.C. Mayor Marion Barry praised at funeral
By the time Marion Barry was done being mayor, he had “emancipated Washington,” said Rev. Jesse Jackson.

PS 4 20th anniversary consoles sell on eBay for over $15,000
If you wanted a 20th anniversary special edition PlayStation 4 you'll have to pay over $15,000 and enter a bidding war on eBay.

North Korea denies Sony hack, calls it 'righteous deed'
North Korea released a statement Sunday that clearly relished a cyberattack on Sony Pictures.

LAPD to search Hugh Hefner's estate during Bill Cosby sexual assault investigation
The LAPD will be spending time at the Playboy Mansion as cops investigate a woman’s allegations that Bill Cosby molested her there.

President Obama taken to hospital for sore throat
President Obama has a sore throat and has gone to Walter Reed military hospital for testing, the White House said on Saturday.

PHOTOS 'A DATE THAT WILL LIVE IN INFAMY': Remembering the attack on Pearl Harbor 73 years later
On December 7, 1941, the Japanese surprise attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Seventy-three years later, Americans vividly remember what happened on that fateful day.

Derrick Rose protests Eric Garner ruling before Bulls game
Derrick Rose is the latest athlete to voice his protest in the Eric Garner case.

Leonardo DiCaprio and latest model gal pal calling it quits
But the couple have been on and off “more than a light switch,” says one insider. They may get back together and then break up again by the time you read this.

HOMETOWN HEROES CONDUCTOR TO RESCUE: MTA worker stops teen from jumping in front of train
A transit worker stopped and comforted a distraught teen threatening to jump in front of a train, likely preventing tragedy on the tracks.

Forensics experts tell Sony massive cyber attack was done by 'organized group'
Forensics experts hired by Sony Corp. to investigate the cyber attack at its Hollywood studio said the breach was well-planned.

Chris Brown's big reveal: ‘I’m single too, f--- that b-----’
Chris Brown wants the world to know he’s a single man. During a concert on Friday, he announced he'd split with girlfriend Karrueche Tran.

SEE IT: ‘Seinfeld’ fan builds sitcom-themed fish tank
What's the deal with aquariums?

Giant white truffle sells for $61,250 at Sotheby’s auction
A record-setting 4.16-pound white truffle has sold for $61,250 at a New York City auction.

All-women Spanish theater group sells porn, gives away tickets
A Spanish theater group is getting around a "crippling" government sales tax hike by selling porn magazines - and then giving away tickets.

Mexican man arrested trying to smuggle coke inside dogs
A Mexican man was arrested for trying to smuggle more than six pounds of cocaine to his country inside the bellies of two St.

HOTTEST GALLERIES

Holidays hit Hollywood! Stars get into the holiday spirit
It's starting to feel a lot like Christmas and these stars were more than ready to spread some festive cheer! From merry decorating, baking and gift giving, check out who is getting into the holiday spirit.

Tis the season! What to wear for your family holiday card
Time to send out those holiday cards! From formal to ugly Christmas sweaters, our fashion experts have put together looks that will suit whatever style your family is going for this season.

Puff, puff, pasties! Miley Cyrus smokes weed on stage
Miley Cyrus broke her own rules at Art Basel in Miami.

Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lights up New York City
It's that time of year again! The 85-foot Norway spruce, donated by a family from central Pennsylvania, is lit in the iconic Rockefeller Center, New York on Dec. 3, 2014.

All grown up! Ashley Olsen, Bob Saget in ‘Full House’ reunion
These actors are getting back together years after their hit shows.

Check out the stars who swapped the screen for the stage
'Tis the season to head to Broadway! With the holidays upon us, seeing your favorite Broadway play has become a tradition in New York.

Angels hit the 2014 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show runway
It's the most wonderful time of the year! The Angels hit the runway for the highly anticipated annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show on Dec. 2, 2014 in London.

Whose celebrity's mom is that? You'll never guess her age!
If you thought Jada Pinkett Smith had a rockin' body, wait until you get a look at her mom!

Most Popular

Most Read

Most Shared

1 Nicki Minaj spoofs Kim K’s nude photos on 'SNL'

2 NYPD warned militant group plans to shoot cops

3 Chris Brown says ex Karrueche Tran cheated with Drake

4 Prince William, Kate Middleton arrive in New York

5 Reporter ripped for revealing alleged UVA rape victim's name

6 Israel strikes in Syria: report

7 James Franco, Seth Rogen salaries leaked by Sony hackers

8 Bill de Blasio details talk with son about dealing with cops

9 Video of bad Calgary driver sparks hit-and-run investigation

10 Frank Serpico on Eric Garner: Cops cry wolf all the time

Time to take a break!

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EDITORIALS & OPINION

EDITORIAL: City Council members are bucking de Blasio
City Council members are running away from the mayor's job-killing, knuckle-headed horse ban

EDITORIAL: When it comes to sexual assault, colleges need to call the cops
So much anguish could have been avoided if the dean had gone to the law.

EDITORIAL: How New York City can move forward after 'chokehold'
A city shaken by the death of Eric Garner — followed by a grand jury’s sense-defying failure to indict the officer who yoked Garner with a chokehold — must now marshal the wisdom and strength to build a better future.

Ernie Naspretto: What cops know about making collars
Police work is not an exact science. Never has been, never will be, especially as it relates to the use of force.

Editorial: Pink Houses horror
Emerging details of the events surrounding the fatal stairwell police shooting at Brooklyn’s Pink Houses have taken on a sinister cast.

Editorial: Ape the people
A five-justice appellate panel has ruled that chimpanzees are not entitled to the same legal rights as “persons."

Columnists

Denis Hamill

Hamill: Eric Garner's death defies reason

Pete Donohue

DONOHUE: Few attend usually heated transit hike hearings

Don Kaplan

Are NBC honchos upset at 'Peter Pan' ratings?; some blame Allison Williams' lack of star power

Kathie Lee and Hoda

Heidi Klum rocks her bikini bod and Madonna takes it off for Interview magazine

Mike Lupica

Lupica: Failure to indict NYPD cop who killed Eric Garner puts all police on public trial, and that’s unfair

Juan Gonzalez

Gonzalez: Few played as big a role in community as Herman Badillo

Linda Stasi

Sicko Bill Cosby really no different than those pedophile priests — a man incalculably more powerful than his victims

Bramhall's World

Bramhall Cartoons for December 2014

Gallery

REVIEWS

THREE STARS: Movie-star chats in ‘Hollywood Sessions’ have their moments
Bringing stars together for a filmed chat in a studio isn’t the same as eavesdropping on their pajama party.

TWO STARS: 'A Christmas Memory' turns Truman Capote tale into a musical
"A Christmas Memory," Truman Capote's classic short story, is a musical starring Tony winner Alice Ripley at Irish Rep.

THREE STARS: Colin Farrell shines in 'Miss Julie'
Despite the lush cinematography here, what’s compelling is the splintered, passionate people.

ONE STAR: 'Murder of a Cat' tries to hard
This is a perfect example of the kind of indie movie J.K. Simmons will hopefully never have to do again if he wins an Oscar for “Whiplash.”

TWO STARS: ‘Dying of the Light’ is lackluster
In the low-key but mildly absorbing “Light,” Cage comes close to making it work.

THREE STARS: 'Still Alice' is earnest portrayal of woman with Alzheimer's
Moore’s deeply empathetic performance grounds this straightforward drama about a woman undone by a trick of fate (or at least genetics).

THREE STARS: 'The Illusionists' make magic on Broadway
'The Illusionists' brings seven master magicians to Broadway for the holidays.

Autos Galleries

2014 L.A. Auto Show: Auto show girls' sexiest, wackiest moments

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Retro photo galleries

Thanksgiving celebrations through the decades

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Sexiest magazine shoots

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Monday, December 8, 2014

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