December 18, 2021

Washington state Sen. Doug Ericksen dies after COVID battle

Sen. Doug Ericksen's death came weeks after he said he had tested positive for the coronavirus while in El Salvador, though his cause of death wasn't immediately released.

Devils sunk by Red Wing's hat trick, suffer fifth loss in a row

The reeling New Jersey Devils had no answers for Dylan Larkin. Larkin got his first career hat trick and added an assist as the Detroit Red Wings handed the visiting...

Battle of NFL elites features two banged-up quarterbacks

Sunday’s Packers-Ravens game in Baltimore features two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL in differing states of pain.

NYC hip-hop legend dead of cancer at 55

Kangol Kid, a member of iconic New York City hip-hop group UTFO, died on Saturday at the age of 55 after a battle with colon cancer.

Americans evacuated from Afghanistan by vets group land at JFK

Fifty US citizens and legal residents — including more than a dozen kids — arrived at JFK Saturday morning after being rescued from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan by Project Dynamo.

Hofstra pulls off big upset over Top 25 squad

Hofstra (7-5) was led by former Arkansas big man Abayomi Iyiola, who finished with 18 points and 14 rebounds in the Pride's 89-81 upset win over the host Razorbacks on...

A familiar face returns to LI for first time to face Islanders

Robin Lehner, now with the Golden Knights, is making his first return to Long Island to face the Islanders.

Anti-vaxxer RFK Jr. says wife urged party guests to have COVID jab — not him

Anti-vaxxer Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. took a jab at media reports that guests at his holiday party had to show proof they were vaccinated.

It's hard to believe Biden never talked with Harris about 2024: Goodwin

The claim by Vice President Kamala Harris that she and President Biden have never discussed whether he would seek re-election seems the kind of ridiculous lie that only a politician...

Undermanned Nets put up fight but come up short

The Nets lost the Protocol Bowl to the Magic — 15 players between the two sides were sidelined by the NBA health and safety guidelines — in a 100-93 contest...

Kemba Walker's surprising heroics not enough in Knicks' loss

Kemba Walker scored 29 points in his return to Boston and the Knicks' lineup, but it wasn't enough as Tom Thibodeau's crew fell 114-107 to the host Celtics on Saturday...

Tiger Woods gives tantalizing glimpses of the Tiger of old

Except for riding in a cart instead of walking, Tiger Woods at times looked just like he did a year ago in the PNC Championship on Saturday. Just not very...

Chinese-American veterans get long-awaited medals for WWII service

The program included the presentation of six Bronze Star medals for valor in combat to former soldiers now in their 90s, along with dozens of Congressional Gold Medals.

Mandates, COVID spike bringing Wall Street back to square one

Wall Street’s holiday cheers are quickly turning into jeers as business leaders backtrack their return to the office mandates as the Omicron variant spreads, Charles Gasparino writes.

This has makings of a John Mara Giants nightmare

John Mara is trapped in the grips of a terrible slump, and he knows it. If he didn’t know it, all he would have to do is read his emails.

These Christmas carols tell story of New York sports in 2021

Every year, I wonder, is there enough material to clear our throats and join together in the community of song.

State Department boasts fewer than 12 Americans left in Afghanistan, but countless allies remain

The State Dept. says it's relocated 2,200-plus Afghan allies who worked with US forces these last two decades and are at great risk of Taliban retaliation if they stay. But...

Married couple gets wedding anniversary tattoos —husband gets wrong date

It's one thing to get the wrong tattoo. Then there's your husband getting inked with the wrong first wedding anniversary date, as Ashley Carlevato shares on Tiktok.

Schools Chancellor-to-be David Banks continues to offer good sense on what NYC schools need

After eight years of NYC chancellors appeasing the system's vested interests and playing divisive race-baiting games, David Banks' focus on what's actually best for students is a welcome relief.

Mom slams nursery for sending ‘upsetting’ letter ‘from Santa’

A mother was left fuming after her children were sent home from nursery with a letter "from Santa" that went into detail about the COVID-19 pandemic.

Emory University tells fraternity it can't hang Christmas wreath on door

Students at Atlanta's Emory University have been told that their Christmas decorations are a violation of school policy.

Letters to the Editor — Dec. 19, 2021

New York Post readers sound off on the fix for violence in NYC, Airbnb airheads, Gen Z’s promise, the sad state of city subways and Philly’s deadly DA.

Behind the Wheel(er): Portland mayor votes in city council meeting while driving

Portland's Democratic mayor, Ted Wheeler, voted at a city council meeting from behind the wheel last Wednesday.

Rahm Emanuel confirmed as ambassador to Japan despite Democrats' divide in Senate

Rahm Emanuel, one of President Biden's most controversial nominees, won confirmation as ambassador to Japan Saturday -- with a little help from the GOP.

President Biden to address country's COVID-19 fight Tuesday as cases spike

President Biden on Tuesday will address "the status of the country's fight against COVID-19," Press Secretary Jen Psaki tweeted Saturday.

'I do not trust humanity': COVID-19 spike, cancelations dim holiday season spirit in NYC

A record surge in COVID-19 cases, a sudden wave of major event cancellations and the specter of new mandates and shutdowns have dimmed holiday spirits.

Tina Fey to sub for Colin Jost amid 'SNL' COVID-19 outbreak: insiders

In addition, musical guest Charli XCX officially bailed on performing, saying she was "devastated and heartbroken" by the turn of events.

Cruz, Schumer cut Senate deal for vote on new Nord Stream 2 sanctions

Sen. Ted Cruz celebrated Saturday after his holdout tactics secured a January vote that could slap new sanctions on Nord Stream 2, Russia's natural gas pipeline to Germany.

'Most ridiculous I’ve seen': New Yorkers line up for hours to get COVID-19 tests

Instead of lining up to see Santa or waiting to buy Christmas gifts, New Yorkers stood for hours Saturday to get COVID-19 tests as cases continued to surge from the...

Gunman opens fire on three men sitting in Jeep in Queens: cops

One of the victims was shot in the face and the two others were hit in the back, police said.

Home field advantage? Adams vows to consider new soccer stadium for champion NYCFC

Mayor-elect Eric Adams is vowing to re-open talks to help bring New York City FC its own stadium — a message being hailed by Major League Soccer’s newest champs.

Giants paying the price for passing on Cowboys' stud in draft

He was on the board at No. 11 when it came time for the Giants to make their pick, No. 11, in the first round of the 2021 draft.

Amazon worker told to 'keep delivering' during deadly tornado: report

An Illinois Amazon driver was threatened with termination if she stopped delivering packages during the deadly tornado that recently ripped through the state.

Gang member denied bail in Queens shooting of off-duty NYPD lieutenant

Christian Cruz, who is accused of taking part in the botched robbery that left Lt. Nathan Yakubov wounded, was denied bail at arraignment Saturday afternoon.

Nets' veteran talks James Harden's beard, visualization, dealing with racism

Nets point guard Patty Mills and Australian Olympic medalist, who signed with the team as a free agent in August, takes a shot at some Q&A with Post columnist Steve...

NFL continues to reward this rotten behavior

The outcomes of NFL games are weekly determined by inexcusably childish, unprofessional conduct.

The situation hired Buck Showalter: Sherman

Is he a perfect hire? Of course not.

Bet on a longer fight in this UFC showdown

VSIN’s MMA expert dives into the main event for the final UFC card of 2021, Saturday night in Las Vegas.

Jumaane Williams calls for return to remote learning as COVID surges in NYC

Even as NYC schools report record numbers of COVID cases, Mayor Bill de Blasio has resisted a return to lockdowns.

Ghislaine Maxwell requests she be called 'Ms. Maxwell' instead of 'defendant'

Ghislaine Maxwell’s defense attorneys want their client referred to as “Ms. Maxwell,” rather than “the defendant,” when the jury addresses the controversial figure.

Candy cane crisis: Weak peppermint harvest fuels Christmas shortage

Weakness in peppermint crops and COVID-caused logistical issues have created a problem for Big Candy.

Simply incredible! A stunning look at the famous Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

The dazzling lights display has become one of the best holiday attractions in New York City.

Patriots vs. Colts odds, analysis and predictions for Saturday Week 15 game

The Patriots, a 2.5-point underdog, will cover against the Colts on Saturday.

How NYC hospitals are handling the latest COVID wave

Despite fewer COVID-19 patients, there were still 3,500 people hospitalized in Northwell facilities on Friday, the same as at this time last year.

New York hits another COVID-19 case record

COVID-19 cases in New York have climbed even higher, nearing 22,000 in a single day, Gov. Kathy Hochul said Saturday.

Spider-Man swings into the record books with $121.5M box-office debut

“Spider-Man: No Way Home” had the second-biggest opening day of all time in North America, and the biggest debut ever for December.

'J.K. Rowling is my woman of the year': Feminist fired for stance on trans rights

The "Harry Potter" author has incensed Twitter with her views on biological sex — but some high-profile women see her as a folk hero.

Hofstra will keep this one close

Former Hofstra and NBA guard Speedy Claxton is in his first year as the head coach of the Pride and will look to make the school’s alumni proud on Saturday...

Urban Meyer situation should be a cautionary tale

Let the Jaguars’ dalliance gone wrong with Urban Meyer be a cautionary tale for team owners who fall hard for star-power coaches they think are going to change their world.

NFL changes COVID testing protocols

The NFL may have found a solution to its COVID-19 problem: Do less testing.

New schools chief blasts DOE as 'fundamentally wrong' for kids

Incoming schools chancellor David Banks called for a "re-imagining" of the troubled system he’s about to inherit Saturday as he continued to blast the DOE's bloat.

Last-second shot beats St. John's in ugly loss

COVID-19 gifted St. John’s a win and it contributed to a costly loss on Saturday. 

‘SNL’ COVID-19 outbreak cancels live audience: ‘Everyone is fearful’

A set insider revealed that "four actors" have tested positive for coronavirus — and "three others" have called out.

Joe Biden honors first wife, daughter on anniversary of fatal 1972 crash

President Joe Biden attended an early morning mass Saturday to mark the anniversary of the death of his first wife and infant daughter in a 1972 car crash.

Husband transforms old trailer into Barbie Dream Camper

The hairstylist and her husband Steven are currently traveling across the West Coast of America in the bright pink van.

Muslim countries plan meeting to help Afghanistan

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation, a group of 57 Muslim states, are meeting to find ways to help Afghanistan's Taliban government.

Student 'diversity' rep under fire for anti-Semitic tweet

Yasmeen Mashayekh, a "diversity, equity and inclusion" senator to the Viterbi Graduate Student Association, posted the now-deleted tweet.

NHL's COVID protocols should live up to current environment

The NHL and NHLPA are trying not to shut down the business and not to shut down the league in response to the omicron variant.

Harvard going remote again over rise of Omicron variant

"Please know that we do not take this step lightly," university president Lawrence Bacow wrote in a memo to students and staff sent Saturday and obtained by The Post.

Chilling video shows suspect firing shots that killed Queens woman

The 39-year-old woman victim, Dawn Peterson, was fatally shot in front of her Queens home early Friday, cops said. The attacker got away.

Gov. Gavin Newsom turns on criminals with $300M smash-and-grab proposal

The California Democrat, who positioned himself for years as a criminal justice advocate, aims to spend $300 million to combat smash-and-grab robberies after a spate of brazen attacks on retailers...

Repeat eruption fears rise as Indonesian volcano activity increases

Authorities have turned up the alert level for Java’s highest volcano, Mount Semeru, warning it could erupt again just weeks after an earlier blow-up left 48 people dead and dozens...

Mets hire Buck Showalter as next manager

The Buck stops in Flushing.

Swedish 'Yule goat' burned as locals revive holiday tradition

It was placed under 24-hour security in 2016 and managed to remain protected from arson and other attacks until this year, The Verge reported. 

Two drivers killed in separate SI and Queens crashes: cops

The latest incident took place at 11:50 p.m. Friday on Staten Island, where a man driving a 2003 Ford Taurus hit a utility poll in front of 3687 Richmond Ave...

CoJo's next act: Corey Johnson looking to start government relations consulting shop

Johnson wants to start small, with a core group of seven or eight clients shelling out five-figure retainers, sources said.

Homeless Coney Island man's Biden mispronunciation scores him fame, home

A homeless Coney Island man's "President Joe Byron" riff caught the attention of President Joe Biden along with major celebrities on TikTok.

Jets' rookie wants to be 'loose' down the stretch

When the Jets faced the Dolphins four weeks ago, Zach Wilson watched from the sideline as Joe Flacco started at quarterback. Now, it’s his turn.

Woman shares hospital delivery room with her ex and his wife in viral video

A woman was left mortified after her ex-boyfriend walked into the same labour and delivery room as her.

Kyrie Irving goes straight into COVID protocols after return

Well, we all saw this one coming.

Fatal assault suspect who 'hit on' victim's wife charged: NYPD

The suspect, Dulat Abdikrimov, of Arlington Heights, Il., "voluntarily surrendered" to the NYPD early Friday afternoon, cops said.

Luna Park, other struggling Coney attractions getting new city leases

City officials have reached an agreement with Coney Island’s two biggest amusement parks that will keep them on the fabled boardwalk through 2037.

Manhattan hostel horror: Guest from hell allegedly attacked, threatened staffer

The owners of Central Park West Hostel on West 87th Street knew the male customer was targeting women at the discount establishment, the worker charges in court papers.

Bill de Blasio gives Eric Adams four lumps of coal for Christmas

Outgoing mayor Bill de Blasio is leaving behind such a cesspool for his successor.

Times Square 'Wishing Wall' hopes for 2022 revealed

All of the colorful notes from the wall will be added to the confetti that flutters down on the revelers who pack the Crossroads of the World on New Year's...

X-mas extras: NYC ad execs showering workers with massive holiday tips

A group of advertising industry employees are decking out New York’s diners and food carts for Christmas with lots of green -- tips of $100 or more.

Uyghur women in China labor camps recall horror of rape, forced sterilization

Former prisoners at Chinese labor or "re-education" camps recall being raped, abused and given sterilization pills — a move one source says is a form of genocide.

Knicks make signing after rookie PG lands in COVID protocols

Rookie point guard Miles McBride, the star in Houston Thursday, is the latest Knick to be put into the NBA's COVID-19 protocols.

Drink up! NYC Council 'legalizes' distillery industry

Nearly a century after Prohibition ended, New York City is updating rules to jumpstart – and legitimize – its growing distillery industry.

Nets Big 3 all in NBA's COVID protocols

Allowing Kyrie Irving back, even half the time, bodes well for the Nets’ future. Their present, though, has never looked so dire.

Rockefeller Center tree towers over all others in online searches

The tourist-magnet timber, this year a 12-ton, 79-ft. Norway spruce, racked up about 21,140 searches worldwide, more than any other Christmas tree.

Former Connecticut GOP digital director now working as male porn star

A former top official of the Connecticut Republican Party has found a new calling as a male porn star working in Florida.

Alabama judge who called colleagues 'Uncle Tom' removed from bench

An Alabama judge who called her fellow jurists "Uncle Tom" and "heifer" and who allegedly put her finger on the scales in domestic cases has been yanked from the bench.

Manhattan leads the Big Apple in record hate crime surge

Overall, the city has seen 514 hate crimes so far this year, up 98 percent from the 260 in 2020, and more than any year since 2013, when the department...

Moderate earthquake shakes up northern Italy

The quake had a magnitude of 4.4, according to the Italian Geophysics and Volcanology Institute, and no injuries or damage was reported, according to Reuters.

E.T. stay home: UFO sightings in NYC down in 2021

UFO sightings nosedived 41% in 2021, down to 27 from 46 the year before, according to the National UFO Reporting Center.

'The Shrink Next Door' doctor loses bid to get medical license back

The Manhattan psychiatrist portrayed by Paul Rudd in "The Shrink Next Door" won't be practicing again.

Closures, restrictions, possible lockdowns imposed as COVID surges in Europe

With coronavirus cases surging across Europe as the Omicron variant spreads, governments are imposing new restrictions across the continent.

YouTube TV drops ESPN, other Disney-owned channels

Cord-cutters had the plug pulled on them at midnight on Saturday morning as YouTube TV dropped Disney-owned channels, including ESPN, after failing to reach a carriage agreement.

Top New York pols run afoul of federal STOCK Act

The 2012 Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act requires disclosure of all equity trades by members of Congress within 45 days.

One killed, another injured in overnight NYC shootings

The deadly gunfire erupted at about 12:15 a.m. Saturday in Brooklyn, when a 30-year-old man was shot multiple times in the head near 14th Avenue in Bensonhurst.

Quidditch league changing name over J.K. Rowling's 'anti-trans' views

US Quidditch and Major League Quidditch said in a joint news release that they will change their name, citing author J.K. Rowling's outspoken views on transgender issues.

Search warrants issued for Deshaun Watson's social media

Three search warrants have been issued to give access to Deshaun Watson's social media accounts, according to ABC 13 in Houston.

NYC's priciest Christmas trees going for up to $1,200

Tree seller Billy Romp said the financial crisis of 2007-08 caused disruptions in Christmas tree farming that consumers are paying for today.

Queens parents demand answers after teen's chilling online school threat

Angry Queens parents are pushing for more protection after a student threatened a bloody attack on Scholars' Academy, a selective Rockaway Beach school.

Amazon warehouse evacuated after bomb threat: report

Employees at an Amazon warehouse in Albuquerque, New Mexico, were evacuated after the facility received a bomb threat. Authorities are still investigating the incident.

Upstate NY Dem pols plagued by cocaine busts

The three northern New York lawmakers were all been busted in the last two years for possession of the drug -- and one defiantly remains in office.

Creepy masked-up Santas another sign of COVID crashing Christmas joy

This year, St. Nick wears a creepy red mask while sitting behind a desk as if a detached CEO, socially distanced from bored toddlers, also masked.

St. John's star forward out with COVID

St. John's will be without star forward Julian Champagnie for today's game against Pittsburgh at the Garden after the junior tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday.

LA 'restorative justice' programs set to give violent juvenile felons a pass

Diversion programs are a form of pre-trial intervention which allows alleged juveniles to avoid prosecution, conviction in favor of more rehabilitative approaches.

Centuries-old art behind Disney's best animated films arrives at the Met

A just-opened exhibit at the Met, "Inspiring Walt Disney: The Animation of French Decorative Arts," showcases how historical European design influenced Walt Disney and those that worked for him.

How inflation is squeezing working American families at Christmas

Working Americans have had trouble this year affording basic needs amid the nation’s soaring inflation rate.

Puppy probe: City investigating UES kennel report of alleged animal abuse

A Humane Society sting allegedly uncovered the abuse at American Kennels on East 62nd Street -- where an English bulldog sells for $7,000.

Men more likely to die of COVID than women, data shows

Men make up a disproportionately large share of U.S. COVID-19 deaths, accounting for 54.4 percent of fatal virus cases.

Fewer NYC detectives means more unsolved cases

The number of detectives in the NYPD has plunged from 5,531 to 4,992 in the past three years, a 10 percent decline.

TikTok teen hosts packed underground dance parties

Sunjay Shrestha hosts flash-mob type parties in which his teen fans pack subway cars as Shrestha raps a playlist of songs into a wireless mic.

Inside look at four college bowl games from betting perspective

Some quarterbacks are game managers, and others are gunslingers. Bailey Zappe could be a character from the Wild West.

Fox News presenters reveal their most unforgettable Christmas memories

In “All American Christmas", 23 Fox News personalities welcome readers into their Christmas celebrations, and describe their most treasured seasonal rituals.

Inside the conversations and circumstances that fueled the Nets' reunion with Kyrie Irving

It took a perfect storm of circumstances, opportunity and desire to get Kyrie Irving back in the Nets' fold.

Robot waiters, rubber shoes and 7 more trends set to take over in 2022

From robot waiters to rubber boots, these are the 9 trends experts say will rule our world in 2022.

This activist won’t rest until every parent can choose the best school for their kids

Seventeen years ago, Corey DeAngelis made a decision in middle school that changed his life.

Mystery of vanished hotel heiress: Was she murdered — or ‘dematerialized’?

Inside the mystery of vanished hotel heiress and spiritualist Marcia Moore: Was she murdered — or “dematerialized?”

Kamala Harris interview with Charlamagne Tha God gets heated after he asks who is 'real' president

"I want to know who the real president of this country is — is it Joe Biden, or Joe Manchin?" Charlamagne The God asked on his Comedy Central show, "Tha...

Save $150 on this award-winning, long-lasting and expandable suitcase

The Rollux 2-in-1 Expandable Suitcase could be yours at the record-low price drop of $199.97 — saving you $250. Don't mind us while we go add one to our carts!

How to get 4 wines chosen and delivered to your door for $24.95

Right now, you can snag four bottles of wine from Winc and get them directly delivered to your doorstep for just $24.95. But this offer won't last long, so *wine*...

Typhoon in Philippines leaves 31 dead, areas 'leveled to the ground'

A powerful typhoon left at least 31 people dead, knocked down power and communications in entire provinces and wrought widespread destruction mostly in the central Philippines.

Cops looking for creep who sexually assaulted woman in NYC elevator

The unknown assailant followed the 51-year-old victim into the elevator of a building at 62nd Drive and 108th Street in Queens at around 12:10 p.m. on Friday.

One man killed, three wounded in NYC shootings Friday night

The other victim was shot in the left shoulder and taken by first responders to the same hospital, where he was in stable condition, cops said.

Giants' COVID outbreak decimates this position group

The Giants literally could not practice a “dime” defense Friday and might not be able to use it against the Cowboys’ high-scoring offense. 

Lakers star suffers two injuries in loss to Timberwolves

Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis sustained two different injuries in the game at Minnesota on Friday night, first hurting his right ankle and then his left knee.

How fantasy football owners can navigate latest COVID chaos

The excitement of the fantasy football playoffs was but a fleeting moment as everyone’s attention has, sadly, been dragged toward tracking the vast number of COVID-19 cases that have been...

Broadway musical 'Company' shuts down mid-show due to apparent food poisoning

The sudden announcement sparked panic among the audience at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre after several productions were forced to close this week due to COVID-19 outbreaks.

Nets owner: Kyrie Irving's return about winning, not politics

Kyrie Irving’s return to the court — unvaccinated and part-time — is as seismic as it is controversial. The Nets aren’t naïve to that.

Rangers star practices fully for first time since injury

Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin participated fully in the morning skate for the first time since he sustained a suspected groin injury.

Nicholas Sandmann reaches settlement with NBC in Covington Catholic High School controversy

Student Nicholas Sandmann announced on Twitter he reached a settlement with NBC-Universal over coverage of a confrontation at the 2019 March for Life in Washington, D.C.

Giants sign ex-Cowboy before matchup with rival

Former quarterback-spy Jaylon Smith now could be a rivalry spy for the Giants.

Islanders' Anthony Beauvillier draws comparisons with this Vegas star

When Barry Trotz was coaching the Washington Capitals, he saw Chandler Stephenson as a player who didn’t understand how good he could be. The Islanders coach now feels the same...

Fantasy football: Take a shot on this Cardinals receiver

DeAndre Hopkins wasn’t the fantasy force we expected him to be this season, and he is now out for the rest of the regular season with a knee injury.

Just as Nets get Kyrie Irving back, they lose another star

Just as the COVID-depleted Nets announced that unvaccinated Kyrie Irving soon will be returning to their lineup, Kevin Durant will be added to the long list of sidelined players. 

Pro sports caught up in COVID storm again

The NFL has rescheduled three games. The NHL has put three teams on ice through the holidays. COVID-19 is back in sports. And it's as bad as ever.

Mets' managerial search has reached decision time

After nearly two weeks of interviews for their managerial vacancy, decision time has reached the Mets.