WASHINGTON   President Trump was grousing about John R. Bolton, his national security adviser, at his Florida club not long ago. Guests heard the president complaining about the advice he was getting and wondering if Mr. Bolton was taking him down a path he did not want to go. For a president who runs hot and cold on nearly all of his advisers, private carping may not mean that much. But in recent days, the disconnect between Mr. Trump and his national security adviser has spilled over into public, sowing confusion around the world about America's foreign policy, particularly on matters of war and peace. The disparity was on stark display during Mr. Trump's four-day visit to Japan that ended Tuesday after he contradicted Mr. Bolton on high-stakes confrontations with both Iran and North Korea. The president declared that, unlike his national security adviser, he was not seeking regime change in Iran and he asserted that, contrary to what Mr. Bolton had said, recent North Korean missile tests did not violate United Nations resolutions. Sign Up For the Morning Briefing Newsletter In playing dove to Mr. Bolton's hawk, Mr. Trump may be simply keeping adversaries off balance, as some backers maintained. But questions about his relationship with his chief foreign policy coordinator have profound implications for the president as he tries to manage standoffs in Asia, the Middle East and South America without alienating the United States' allies. "As the trip to Japan reminds us, these breakdowns and interpersonal dramas happen when a lot of other things are going on in the world," said John Gans, a former Pentagon official and the author of "White House Warriors," a new history of the National Security Council and its role in military conflict. Mr. Gans, who is critical of how Mr. Bolton has changed the way policy is decided, said that unlike domestic issues, the business of foreign affairs does not stop because of a political spat. "That's why all this interpersonal drama after Bolton broke the process is so dangerous," he said. "The question right now is who is filling the gap and how." Related video: Trump 'not bothered' by North Korean missile launches (Associated Press) The president's supporters, however, said too much was being made of the differences. Mr. Trump has often surrounded himself with advisers who do not agree and encourages the debate, they said. If the disparate messages keep Iran, North Korea and Venezuela uncertain of how far the United States will go, they added, that can work to Mr. Trump's benefit. "Bolton is useful for him," said Mark Dubowitz, the chief executive of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a group that advocates a tough approach to Iran. "Bolton is the uber hawk from central casting. The North Koreans hate him. The Iranians hate him. Both regimes have gone after him   I think Bolton loves it, and I think the president does, too. It opens up some diplomatic space for him to go back and forth between a very hard-line position and holding talks." Mr. Trump chose Mr. Bolton as his third national security adviser last year, selecting a longtime conservative voice who shared the president's penchant for blunt talk and who regularly defended him on Fox News. Mr. Bolton previously served in multiple Republican administrations, most recently as President George W. Bush's ambassador to the United Nations. With his trademark bushy mustache and sharp tongue, Mr. Bolton, 70, has been a leading national security hawk for years, making a name for himself as a supporter of the Iraq war, a champion of American sovereignty and an unrelenting critic of international organizations and arms control treaties he deems tilted against the United States. After leaving Mr. Bush's administration, he harshly criticized the 43rd president for going soft in negotiations with North Korea. Mr. Trump picked Mr. Bolton in part as a reaction against the narrative that the current and retired generals in his administration were really running things, and in part to find a polar opposite of Mr. Bolton's predecessor, Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster. It also helped that Mr. Bolton had the support of Sheldon G. Adelson, the casino mogul and Republican financier who has been a key backer of the president. Unlike General McMaster, Mr. Bolton figured out how to brief Mr. Trump in a more effective way, according to administration officials, but the two have never bonded on a personal level, which is so important in this White House. Mr. Trump is not fond of Mr. Bolton, according to a half-dozen advisers and associates, and he makes no secret of it in private. And in some fundamental ways, the two diverge sharply over their approach to the world. Mr. Trump came to office vowing to pull out of overseas wars and has made diplomacy with North Korea a signature initiative. Mr. Bolton has been an advocate of military action and an opponent of negotiations with North Korea. In private, Mr. Trump has made fun of his adviser's militant reputation, suggesting that he was the one restraining Mr. Bolton rather than the other way around. "If it was up to John, we'd be in four wars now ," one senior official has recalled the president saying. At a recent meeting of the Republican Jewish Coalition, Mr. Trump pulled Mr. Adelson aside and asked how he thought Mr. Bolton was doing, according to a person briefed on the conversation. Mr. Adelson said that if Mr. Trump was happy, then he was happy. But it was not clear if he was happy. When Mr. Trump sours on an adviser, he often conducts informal surveys of people in his circle asking how they think that adviser is doing   it is his way of contemplating whether he should make a change. In the case of Mr. Adelson, the president may have also been testing the reaction of Mr. Bolton's backer, wary of offending the Republican megadonor. One person close to Mr. Trump said the situation resembled the moment when the president turned on Rex W. Tillerson, his first secretary of state, but still took another six months or more to push him out. Others expressed doubt that Mr. Trump would get rid of Mr. Bolton before next year's re-election campaign. Either way, the fault lines have been drawn more sharply in recent weeks as Mr. Trump resisted sending large numbers of additional American troops to the Middle East to counter reported Iranian threats and played down signs that his diplomatic rapprochement with North Korea was turning hostile. Mr. Trump has also grown dissatisfied with the results of another of Mr. Bolton's top priorities: the campaign to push out President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela. While Mr. Bolton has helped rally international condemnation of Mr. Maduro, the domestic opposition inside Venezuela has failed to turn the military against him and oust the president. After Mr. Bolton told reporters that " there is no doubt " that North Korean missile launches violated United Nations resolutions, Mr. Trump dismissed the concern. "North Korea fired off some small weapons, which disturbed some of my people, and others, but not me," he wrote on Twitter on Sunday . At a news conference the next day in Tokyo, Mr. Trump went even further by contending, inaccurately, that the missile launches did not violate United Nations resolutions. "My people think it could have been a violation, as you know," the president said. "I view it differently. I view it as a man   perhaps he wants to get attention, and perhaps not. Who knows? It doesn't matter." Later during the same appearance, Mr. Trump suggested that he did not share Mr. Bolton's enthusiasm for trying to overthrow the government in Iran. "It has a chance to be a great country with the same leadership," he said. "We're not looking for regime change. I just want to make that clear. We're looking for no nuclear weapons." Mr. Bolton did not address the matter afterward, and a spokesman declined to comment on Tuesday. Speculation arose when the national security adviser skipped the state dinner, although it was not clear why. But rather than fly home with the president, as an aide worried about his position might do, Mr. Bolton flew directly to the United Arab Emirates for meetings, a sign to his allies of the confidence he has in his relationship with Mr. Trump. "Ambassador Bolton works for the president, and the president sets the policy," said Fred Fleitz, the president of the Center for Security Policy who was Mr. Bolton's chief of staff until last year. "Bolton has said for years: 'Look, I work for the guy who won the election. He sets the policy.' That's always been his approach under any president he's worked for." For his part, Mr. Bolton has privately expressed his own frustration with the president, according to several officials, viewing him as unwilling to push for more transformative changes in the Middle East. At the same time, his allies said he had been misunderstood, cast as favoring military action in Venezuela, for instance, when in fact they say he does not. But Mr. Bolton is an inveterate disrupter, eagerly upsetting the status quo in furtherance of his policy goals. He has never seemed to worry much about offending others; he does not appear to care much about being liked. He came into the job last year saying he hoped to emulate the process Brent Scowcroft ran under President George Bush, but he has had his own conflicts with the Pentagon and the State Department. In reorganizing the national security apparatus, Mr. Bolton eliminated some meetings of the highest-ranking officials known as the principals' committee, or P.C., in favor of what are called "paper P.C.s," meaning documents that are distributed. Cabinet officers rarely complain about fewer meetings, but as one former senior administration official put it, Mr. Trump rarely if ever reads much paper of any sort. Instead, Mr. Bolton provides briefings on issues for the president, allowing him to control the flow of information. Mr. Bolton and his allies have said he makes a point of ensuring that all points of view on major issues get aired before the president, and he does not try to block other officials from seeing Mr. Trump directly. He has breakfast once a week with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan when everyone is in town. But he clashed with Mr. Shanahan's predecessor, Jim Mattis. At one point, during a discussion of the cost of maintaining American troops in South Korea, Mr. Mattis forcefully told Mr. Bolton that it was not the national security adviser's job to tell the president what to do, according to an official with direct knowledge of the meeting; it was Mr. Bolton's job to pass on the direct recommendations of the cabinet members. Much of the bad blood dates to last fall when the National Security Council, at Mr. Bolton's direction, asked the Defense Department for military options to strike Iran if necessary, a request that came after militants aligned with Iran fired three mortars or rockets into an empty lot on the grounds of the United States Embassy in Baghdad. The request alarmed Mr. Mattis and other top officials. When Mr. Bolton tried to bypass the Pentagon and go straight to the United States Central Command for military options, Mr. Mattis blocked the end run, according to a senior administration official. Mr. Bolton was frustrated by what he saw as resistance to legitimate requests, allies said. He would be derelict in his duty not to be prepared for any contingency. Lately, Mr. Bolton has been showing up at the Pentagon more frequently to attend so-called small group meetings of top officials, which has rubbed some the wrong way. There has also been friction between Mr. Bolton's National Security Council and Mr. Pompeo's State Department. While Mr. Bolton argued for canceling all waivers to buy oil from Iran, some at the State Department pushed to retain a couple. Mr. Trump sided with Mr. Bolton. Likewise, Mr. Bolton wanted to cut off all waivers for countries participating in civil nuclear projects with Tehran, while some State Department officials worried it would aggravate the European allies. In that case, the administration compromised by revoking two waivers and preserving waivers for three sites. Mr. Dubowitz, whose defense of democracies organization advocates more sanctions on Iran, said Mr. Bolton and Mr. Pompeo were "two men of common objectives" committed to the same strategy of maximum pressure but sometimes split over matters of sequencing and scope. More significant, of course, is the president, who at times seems to be on both sides of the issues that consume the national security team   one day threatening to wipe Iran off the map, the next day inviting it for talks. Mr. Bolton's admirers said any national security adviser could find himself at odds with a president who switches back and forth. The question is whether it is a negotiating strategy or foundational uncertainty. "Who is Trump?" Mr. Dubowitz asked. "He's not a bad cop, he's not a good cop. He's kind of the indecipherable, confused cop. But Bolton is always the bad cop. He doesn't play any other role in this drama." Eric Schmitt, Helene Cooper and Edward Wong contributed reporting.


According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, free-agent wide receiver Terrelle Pryor will work out for the Jacksonville Jaguars Wednesday afternoon and meet with the team's staff. This comes as the team is almost mid-way through their organized team activity sessions which began last week. This is an interesting one: The #Jaguars are working out free agent WR Terrelle Pryor today, sources say. He most recently played for the #Bills and #Jets . He's expected to meet with the staff soon. - Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 29, 2019 Pryor, 29, is a former third-round selection of the Oakland Raiders, who took him in the 2011 supplemental draft as a quarterback. After his run there, he had stints with the Seattle Seahawks (preseason of 2014) and also spent some offseason stints with the Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals in 2015. Later in 2015, Pryor made the Cleveland Browns' 53-man roster and spent two seasons with them. While there he made the switch to wide receiver and was able to accumulate 77 receptions for 1,007 yards and four touchdowns in 2016. Afterward, he spent time with the Washington Redskins, Buffalo Bills and New York Jets where he played in a total of 17 games while starting in one. The Jags' top-5 receiver spots will probably be claimed by Dede Westbrook, Chris Conley, DJ Chark, Keelan Cole and Marqise Lee, but with Lee being out until late in the preseason, the Jags could use a veteran on the back end of the depth chart. That said, the team probably saw fit to give Pryor a workout early in the offseason training process so they can start getting him acclimated before training camp if they want to sign the veteran. MORE: Kyle Busch was so frustrated during Coke 600 that he told Joe Gibbs he quit Report: The Celtics are no longer the favorites to sign Kyrie Irving Four potential Khris Middleton landing spots in free agency Draymond Green to LeBron James' 14-Year-Old Son: "I'm at Your F--king Neck This Summer" Interior pressure will still power Packers' pass rush in 2019


Video by For The Win U.S. national basketball team head coach Gregg Popovich and assistant Steve Kerr don't plan to just stick to sports as they prepare their team for the FIBA World Cup. The first Team USA basketball team of the Donald Trump era is led by two notable critics of the president, with Popovich once calling him a "soulless coward" and Kerr labeling him a "blowhard ill-suited" for office . On Tuesday, both coaches sounded off on lawmakers for not doing enough about gun control in the aftermath of mass shootings in Gilroy, Calif., El Paso and Dayton. "It'd be a lot better if the people in power got off their a---s and got something done ... in a lot of different areas," Popovich sarcastically told reporters. "I think they're on vacation right now. They'll come back and fix the gun situation, the environment, inequality, pay, they'll fix all that when they come back, I'm sure." Kerr, who lost his father to gun violence in his 20s, took a sharper angle with his criticism. The Golden State Warriors coach blasted Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell over Twitter on Monday . He kept his frustration targeted towards McConnell on Tuesday. "When you have 97% of the people in the country who want universal background checks and the Senate, not only, not won't pass it, won't even vote on it because Mitch McConnell won't allow them to vote on it because the NRA has bought him off, then you got problems," Kerr told reporters. "I think that's the issue. We have to have elected leaders who are willing to value human life over their own jobs and their contributions from the NRA." But apparently not 'sickening' enough to actually do anything about it, huh Mitch? https://t.co/DbHSxgKUIi   Steve Kerr (@SteveKerr) August 5, 2019 Kerr, a three-time NBA champion coach with the Warriors, played for Popovich as a player with the San Antonio Spurs. He's been a loud voice on gun violence since his father was assassinated as a diplomat in Lebanon in 1984. "I think about it all the time. Somebody could walk in the door in the gym right now and start spraying us with an AR-15," Kerr told The Mercury News . "They could. It might happen because we're all vulnerable, whether we go to a concert, a church, the mall or go to the movie theater or a school. It's up to us as Americans to demand change from the gutless leadership that continues to allow this to happen and continues to somehow claim the Second Amendment is doing its job." Popovich follows in coach Mike Krzyzewski's footsteps after three Olympic gold medal wins in the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Games. Both Popovich and Kerr have been so critical of Trump over the last few years in different capacities that it's inspired "Popovich/Kerr 2020" joking campaign t-shirts. It's unclear if Popovich and Kerr will set a mandate for players   and themselves   for how much they address politics in the midst of their gold medal pursuit at the world championships this September and Tokyo Olympics next summer. Both coaches told reporters Monday their aim is to lead by example representing the country with class while in pursuit of their athletic goals. Kerr told reporters, "we have a chance to do something that's very unifying." And Popovich noted: "We can't fix the divisiveness in our country. But what we can do is be a great example of how people can come together for a common goal and achieve it. It's our responsibility to not only become the best team we can be, but it's the way we conduct ourselves with USA on our shirts. We're representing a lot of people." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Team USA coaches Gregg Popovich and Steve Kerr   longtime Trump critics   rip politicians Related slideshow: 10 best moves of the 2019 NBA offseason (Provided by Yardbarker)


ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE - Pope Francis made an impassioned plea for Europe to stick together and revive the ideals of its founders on Sunday, saying ideologies and fear-mongering politicians were threatening its very existence as a bloc. His comments to journalists on the plane while returning from a three-day trip to Romania, one of the more recent European Union members, were his first since European elections last month. Francis, who was asked about the elections, Italian far-right leader Matteo Salvini and other European topics, urged believers to pray for European unity and non-believers to hope for it "from the bottom of your hearts". The far-right and nationalists in Italy, Britain, France and Poland came out on top in their national votes, shaking up politics at home but failing to dramatically alter the balance of pro-European power in EU assembly. "If Europe does not look carefully to future challenges, Europe will dry up. Europe is ceasing to be 'Mother Europe' and is becoming 'Grandmother Europe'. It has aged. It has lost the goal of working together," he said. "Someone could ask under their breath 'Is this perhaps the end of a 70-year adventure?'," he said. Francis avoided directly criticizing Salvini, leader of the right-wing League party who has often spared with him on migration issues, saying the reason they had not yet met was because Salvini had not asked for an audience. Francis also stressed that his comments should be taken generally about Europe and were not specific to Italy, saying it was near impossible for him to understand Italian politics. "We have to help politicians to be honest. They should not carry out (political) campaigns under dishonest banners, with calumny, defamation, scandals," he said, without naming any countries or giving examples. "Many times they sow hate and fear. A politician should never sow hate and fear, only hope - just and demanding - but always hope," he said. He said Europe had to again "take up the mysticism" of its founding fathers and overcome divisions and borders. "Please let's not let Europe be overcome by pessimism or by ideologies, because Europe is not being attacked by canons or bombs in this moment, but by ideologies - ideologies that are not European, that come either from outside or which stem from small groups in Europe," he said. Francis urged Europeans to remember how the continent was divided and belligerent in the years leading up to both world wars in the 20th century. "Please, let's not return to this. Let's learn from history. Let's not fall in the same hole." (Reporting By Philip Pullella; editing by David Evans)


The seller offers to complete the build, or you can do it yourself. There's no denying the appeal of classic Lotus cars, although they can be fairly pricey to buy. You can get the look of one combined with whatever engine you can shoehorn into this 2018 Birkin Rolling Chassis . Don't call it a blank canvas, because you're already getting a lot of car in this tiny package. For starters, this Birkin has killer aesthetic appeal. Not only does the body have plenty of styling akin to the great Lotus Seven, it's been painted Black and Gold. That color scheme harkens back to Lotus racers past and present, so there's an immediate connection big time Lotus fans will feel. The seller says the paint process is of high quality and wasn't exactly cheap, so you're not getting something that will just flake off after a few short years. You get to choose what wheels you want on the car, with many available, including the gold split five-spoke wheels in the pictures. A range of tires are also available, which is nice since we all have preferences. Then there's the actual chassis. While it's fairly simple, you don't have to worry about installing all kinds of basic items like with some options. Two black seats are pictured, while the seller says several others are available. You also get a racing steering wheel, black-faced gauges with gold surrounds, and basic buttons for the horn, emergency lights, etc. Of course, there's no engine. While you can drop whatever engine your heart so desires that actually fits, the seller is offering to install one of several options in the car. There's even the option of ordering something supercharged. If you aren't familiar with Birkin, that's ok. The brand has been around since 1983 and has gained a solid reputation internationally. Based in South Africa, you might not see too many of them in North America. Just know these cars are created in the spirit of giving people a pure motorsports experience with a simple yet elegant vehicle. You can buy this rolling chassis and even have the build completed through Texas Motor Works . More Cars: - Remarkable Red 1967 Alfa Romeo Spider Duetteo 600 Resto - Rare, Low-Mileage 1976 Ferrari 308 GTB Vetroresina Pops Up For Sale


Here's the most recent top news you may have missed in Philadelphia. ESPN: Phillies center fielder Andrew McCutchen out for season with torn ACL Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Andrew McCutchen is out for the season after tearing his ACL, Action News has learned. Read the full story on 6abc Action News . High-ranking Philly cops included in database claiming biased Facebook posts Facebook posts or comments attributed to 15 high-ranking members of the Philadelphia Police Department   a police inspector, six captains, and eight lieutenants   were among those included in a database published Saturday by a group researching what it considered police bias. Read the full story on Philadelphia Inquirer . Meek Mill granted new hearing next month in front of superior court Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said Mill should get a new trial and argued the judge is biased. Read the full story on CBS Philly . 'It Should be shut down': Community concerned after soil samples at Philadelphia park find elevated lead levels Chew park is located in the 1800 block of Washington Avenue in Pointe Breeze. Read the full story on CBS Philly . Former professional boxer arrested after pointing gun at tenant, Philadelphia police say Meldrick Taylor was arrested without incident. Read the full story on CBS Philly . This story was created automatically using data about news stories on social media from CrowdTangle , then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


Market turmoil over mounting U.S. tariffs on China and the threat of the same on Mexico in large part stems from a fear of the unknown: No one knows what a major trade war would do, as the U.S. hasn't been in one since the 1930s. There is, however, a more recent analog: the 1973 Arab oil embargo. Both that embargo and the new tariff barriers represent a supply shock in which a reliable supply of cheap imports oil then, manufactured goods now is suddenly curtailed. Prices paid by American consumers and businesses go up, hitting confidence and purchasing power. The 1973 embargo tripled the price of oil and plunged the U.S. into what was then its worst recession since the 1930s. The circumstances, of course, were different and a similarly severe slump today looks unlikely. Nonetheless, the oil shock provides a useful road map for the present. Perhaps most important: Even after the short-term pain passes, permanently more expensive inputs require costly adjustments to supply chains and business models, weighing on growth for years to come. In 1973, after Egypt and Syria attacked Israel, the U.S. rushed arms and aid to the Jewish state. In retaliation, Arab oil exporters cut production and suspended exports to the U.S. American business and consumers, long used to plentiful oil for less than $4 per barrel, were utterly unprepared when it rose above $11. The country's bill for imported oil and related products shot to $132 billion in today's dollars in 1974 from $28 billion in 1972 a de facto tax increase equal to about 1.5% of gross domestic product. The Federal Reserve initially cut rates, then raised them sharply as oil sent inflation into double digits. Governments compounded the chaos with rationing and price controls, which led to long lines at gas stations. Get news and analysis on politics, policy, national security and more, delivered right to your inbox The recession ended in 1975, but the reverberations lasted for years. Countless companies and workers found their factories, products and skills developed for a world of cheap oil no longer useful. American auto manufacturers never mastered the switch from big to small cars. Productivity growth slowed sharply after 1973 and economists believe the oil shock was a major reason why. The U.S. until recently was as reliant on cheap manufactured products from China as it was in the 1970s on cheap oil from the Middle East. But just as the U.S. came to regret its dependence on Arab oil, many now want the U.S. to disentangle its economy from China's as tensions have risen over its trade and technology policies and geostrategic rivalry. And, as in the 1970s, disrupting those bonds has a price. Related video: Why Trump's Mexico Tariff Plan Could Derail the New Nafta Economists at Goldman Sachs estimate U.S. tariffs imposed or proposed on steel, aluminum, solar panels, washing machines and imports from China now equal an annualized $200 billion. Adding all threatened tariffs on Mexico brings that to $288 billion by the end of October. At 1.4% of GDP, that is roughly equivalent to the Arab embargo "oil tax." That doesn't include the hit from China's and potentially Mexico's retaliatory tariffs, as well as severed supplier relationships because of U.S. sanctions on Huawei Technologies Co. The tariff war's economic consequences should be milder than those of the 1973 embargo, for several reasons. Most important, the Fed's preferred measure of underlying inflation is just 1.6%, below its 2% target. So while Goldman estimates the tariffs could add up to 1.25 percentage points to inflation, the Fed is likely to worry more about their impact on growth and cut rates rather than raise them. The benefit of higher prices on imported oil went to foreign oil producers. By contrast, tariffs are paid to the U.S. Treasury, which could spend the money to offset some harm from the levies. There's no panic about shortages and no lineups. There are, of course, de facto lineups at the Commerce Department as American importers file thousands of requests for waivers, in addition to pervasive uncertainty about whether threatened and retaliatory tariffs will be imposed, or existing tariffs lifted, which is chilling investment. Historically, tariffs were meant to boost domestic manufacturing production by protecting it from cheap foreign competition. But globalized production means that imports nowadays often consist of intermediate goods moving from one stage of a supply chain to another, and there are no U.S. substitutes at the ready. Rather than manufacture in the U.S., many importers are contemplating shifting Chinese production to Vietnam, raising prices or dropping products most affected by tariffs. Some had planned to shift production to Mexico but they may have to reconsider. As with the oil shock, these adjustments could take years and add countless inefficiencies, chipping away at productivity. One final lesson from the oil shock: The Arab embargo didn't change American support for Israel. It did, however, cause the U.S. to build strategic reserves, seek more secure supply in the North Sea, Mexico and Alaska and conserve energy through fuel-economy standards. High prices eventually made the fracking revolution possible and that is on the verge of ending net U.S. oil imports. The U.S. has thus largely insulated itself from the foreign "oil weapon." The lesson for today is that tariffs may not change China's behavior. But by breaking the trade, investment and knowledge chains that tie the two economies together, it may in the long run make the U.S. less vulnerable to Chinese influence, which is what the Trump administration wants.


There are legitimate reasons for Bruce Bochy to walk away from the Giants at the All-Star break, rather than ride his final Giants' season to the end of the trail. I will tell you why it would be a good idea for him to step away now, after first telling you that it won't happen. If Bochy were to announce he is retiring at the All-Star break, only one person in the world would find fault with that decision, but that one person is the one with whom Bochy has to live: himself. To him, there is more dignity and honor in staying to the painful end of what could be his first 100-loss season than there would be in making an early exit. The captain goes down with his ship. That's the unwritten rule on the high seas, and it translates to Bochy's situation. He can't undo the iceberg damage, but it's his ship. Still, it would be nice to see the skipper tip his cap and walk off at the All-Star break, a dignified   if slightly early   ending to his Hall of Fame-worthy 25-year managing career. It's not like Bochy would be bailing on his players when they need him most. The rebuilding of the Giants has become a job that has little to do with Bochy's skills as a chess master and a leader of men. He didn't create this tire fire, and he can't put it out. Not that Bochy hasn't tried. He could have grumbled and resigned when the Giants brought in president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi, a new-school, analytics-driven leader with philosophies that figured to clash with Bochy's more traditional style. Bochy said all the right things. He publicly (and privately, no doubt) supported Zaidi, and intended this final season to be a smooth transition year. It's way too early to judge Zaidi's roster-building skills, but so far, the process has been bumpy. No amount of managerial skill is going to make a silk purse out of this sow's rear. Besides, Bochy is working without his full set of tools. In New Baseball, the general manager is more of a co-manager, with the final say in decisions that once were those of the manager. Bochy is no analytics-hating baseball dinosaur refusing to embrace the future, but it's hard to see him loving the new way of running a team. He's not managing, at least not the way he used to manage. The numbers, I'm guessing, are not really important to Bochy. Going into the season, his regular-season record was 1,926-1,944, so there was almost no chance the Giants were capable of getting their skipper over the .500 lifetime mark. Now, with 110 games remaining, the visibly flawed Giants would have to finish 70-40 to put Bochy over .500, and that ain't happening. In a way, Bochy did Zaidi a favor by staying one last season, avoiding an abrupt changeover and not saddling Zaidi with the label of the new man who forced out the beloved manager. By leaving now, Bochy might be doing Zaidi another solid. He and his crew could get more of a running start on 2020 and the big makeover. Not that Zaidi could hire a long-term manager now, but with an interim manager, the executive could skip any dancing he might be doing with Bochy and get straight to the full Zaidi package. A Bochy walkaway at midseason would not be a protest against New Baseball or the new executive, but more of a concession that there's nothing more Bochy can do here. You can't tie a neat bow on a tire fire (although if you Google that, surely you could find a step-by-step video), so why stick around to try? It would be nice to see Bochy tip his cap one last time at the final home game of the season, but by then, there won't be many people around to see it. It is a nice bit of theater that could just as well unfold before the All-Star break. A midseason departure would give Bochy the honorable send-off he has earned. It would allow him the same dignity he has accorded his players for a quarter-century, as well as everyone with whom he comes into contact, including the ink-stained wretches, even those who have criticized him on occasion. But he won't be leaving early. Bochy will ride out this one to the end, because that's his style. Scott Ostler is a San Francisco Chronicle columnist. Email: sostler@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @scottostler


The fact that Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has taken the early lead in the competition to become the Week One starter means a lot, but it also doesn't mean very much at all. It doesn't mean much because, indeed, it's early. It also doesn't mean much because we've seen this movie before, throughout the many-years career of part-Fitzmagic, part-Fitztragic. When we expect nothing, he plays well. After he plays well enough to raise expectations, he stumbles off a cliff. Thus, regardless of how long Fitzpatrick holds the top spot, he's destined to eventually surrender it. That said, it means a lot because it gives the Dolphins a chance to monitor the manner in which Josh Rosen deals with disappointment. It's one thing to watch him from afar as the Cardinals jerk him around before drafting Kyler Murray . It's another thing to watch him up close as he processes failing to fulfill the presumption that he'll be the starter. It's tempting to wonder whether the Dolphins are simply testing Rosen. At some point during a football season, he's going to face real adversity. Why not throw some adversity in his face right out of the gates? Whether planned or not, that's where Rosen is. How he handles it will shed plenty of light on whether he'll be the long-term answer in Miami.


A new Chinese spot has opened its doors in the neighborhood. Located at 5829 Forbes Ave. in Squirrel Hill North, the new arrival is called The Magic Noodle . The eatery specializes in stew, soup, stir fry and create-your-own noodle bowls. On the menu, look for scallion pancakes, curry fried rice or braised pork rib noodle soup in spicy sauce. Explore the entire menu here . With a 3.5-star rating out of three reviews on Yelp so far, The Magic Noodle is still finding its way. Yelper Kanyawee T. wrote , "I like both of the noodle soup bowls we ordered. The broth is fairly light and easy to eat. The portion size is good for the price as well. " And Youwei L. wrote , " The noodles and the appetizers are quite good. " Head on over to check it out: The Magic Noodle is open from 11:30 a.m. 9:30 p.m. on Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m. 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11:30 a.m. 9 p.m. on Sunday. Want to keep your finger on the pulse of new businesses in Pittsburgh? Here's what else opened recently near you . This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


Using self-reported data from Payscale and Glassdoor, Business Insider looked into how much, on average, Walmart employees working in the stores earn. Walmart employees reveal how much they really make Walmart has gotten its share of criticism for its salary policies. Sen. Bernie Sanders lambasted the retail giant's pay rates for store employees as "starvation wages." Walmart has countered that its average store employee makes close to $15 an hour, despite the fact that its minimum starting hourly wage is $11. Read more : Costco is raising its minimum wage to $15 as the war for talent rages on Business Insider reviewed self-reported salaries for many roles on both PayScale and Glassdoor. Not all of the data was necessarily collected within the past year or so, so there may be a lag that explains why certain roles have average pay rates less than the chain's minimum starting wage of $11 an hour. Click through the slideshow to see what employees make across your average Walmart store, according to self-reported data. Cashiers cash out close to Walmart's minimum wage ... Based on 1,076 reported salaries, Glassdoor ended up estimating that cashiers made almost an entire dollar more than Payscale's estimation. Glassdoor average hourly rate: $11 PayScale average hourly rate: $10.14 ... and sales associates rake in marginally more Glassdoor and Payscale indicate that you might make more helping guests in the stores than manning the registers. Glassdoor average hourly rate: $11 PayScale average hourly rate: $10.59 Bakers make around the same amount of dough as cashiers ... This time, Payscale had more optimistic data regarding the Walmart employees responsible for serving up fresh and hot baked goods. Glassdoor average hourly rate: $10 PayScale average hourly rate: $11.56 ... as do customer service associates In this case, Glassdoor had a lower estimation when it comes to the wages of employees tasked with helping customers. Glassdoor average hourly rate: $10 PayScale average hourly rate: $11.23 Deli clerks can make dollars more than their colleagues If Glassdoor and Payscale are any indication, deli clerks at Walmart take home meatier paychecks than some of their coworkers. Glassdoor average hourly rate: $11 PayScale average hourly rate: $11.14 Overnight stockers wages hang toward the low side of the scale The night shift doesn't necessarily pay off, according to Glassdoor and Payscale data. Glassdoor average hourly rate: $10 PayScale average hourly rate: $10.71 Licensed opticians have their sights set on a higher wage There's certainly money to be made helping Walmart customers see more clearly. Payscale and Glassdoor both estimate that licensed opticians make considerably more than their colleagues within the store. Glassdoor average hourly rate: $23 PayScale average hourly rate: $22.80 Got a tip? Email acain@businessinsider.


Dieselgate is dead, long live the EV. Volkswagen wants to put Dieselgate behind it. In doing so, the company today released a TV ad entitled "Hello Light," which hopes to convince consumers to overlook its past and embrace an electrified future   all to the tune of the Simon and Garfunkel hit song, the Sound of Silence . The one-minute, 45-second ad (which airs tonight during game three of the NBA Finals) shows the battery-powered I.D. Buzz concept we drove in 2017 . The spot, VW promises, is part of larger plan to reinvent the brand in the U.S., guaranteeing "new ethics and compliance programs with real teeth," as well as "aggressively investing in electric vehicle development and production" in the wake of scandal. These promises come with an updated brand identity. A revised, black-and-white version of the iconic VW logo and the accompanying slogan "Drive Bigger" are both scattered throughout the accompanying marketing materials. VW says the new motto represents a long-term vision for the brand as a whole, with a goal to reduce its carbon footprint by 30 percent by the year 2025. "This campaign is for all of those we disappointed, all of those who stayed with us, those who worked like crazy to keep us moving forward and for all of those who stopped caring," said Scott Keogh, president and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. "We have a responsibility to do better, to be greater and we intend to shoulder that responsibility." VW's Electric Future: Volkswagen's 8 Upcoming EVs, And When You Can Buy Them Volkswagen I.D. R Sets New Electric Nürburgring Lap Record [UPDATE] Reconfirming what we already know, VW promises a significant $50 billion investment in electric vehicle production through 2028. A whopping 70 new EVs are destined in markets around the world, including the U.S. with products like the I.D. Crozz and I.D. Roomzz in 2020, and the I.D. Buzz seen in the add. Though, the I.D. Buzz won't go on sale until at least 2021. Source: Volkswagen


Andrew Luck and the Colts Are in Salary-Cap Heaven and Set Up for a Big Jump | Bleacher Report | Latest News, Videos and Highlights It's not easy to get into salary-cap heaven. It's not just about cap space. That's not all you need to reach the NFL 's financial paradise... Colts Have MIKE Linebacker Position Battle Between Anthony Walker and Bobby Okereke | 1070 the Fan There are not many position battles for the Colts in 2019, but they have one at the MIKE linebacker position with Anthony Walker and Bobby Okereke. Walker welcomes LB competition | Sports | heraldbulletin.com One of the first things Justin Houston did after signing with the Indianapolis Colts was to reach out to linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. Darius Leonard Ranked NFL's Third-Best Linebacker Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard was so good as a rookie in 2018 that many people already have him ranked as one of the NFL's top linebackers. Frank Reich "Very Encouraged" By Spring Work From Devin Funchess | 1070 the Fan Despite not being able to work with Andrew Luck this spring, Devin Funchess had a good spring in the eyes of his head coach Frank Reich. Colts Scout On Drafting Parris Campbell: "We Have To Get This Guy" | 1070 the Fan When the Colts scouting process began on Ohio State wide receiver Parris Campbell, area scout Chad Henry could not contain his excitement. What did Henry first think of Campbell? Colts Release 2019 Training Camp Schedule | 1070 the Fan On Wednesday morning, the Colts released their 2019 Training Camp schedule. When will the Colts be practicing at Grand Park this summer?


June 06--While summer doesn't officially start for a few more weeks, that isn't stopping the summertime festivities in Volusia County. From an animated movie at the Daytona Lagoon waterpark to an ice cream walk in downtown DeLand, here are eight things to do this week: Summer Dive In Movie Families can enjoy an animated movie about a yeti while chilling in a wave pool at Daytona Lagoon, 601 Earl St., Daytona Beach. "Smallfoot," rated PG, is scheduled to play 30 minutes after sunset on Friday. Admission to the waterpark after 3 p.m. is $16.99. For information, go to facebook.com/events/661824927593309/ . DeLand Ice Cream Walk Ice cream flavors selected by downtown merchants will be served up in DeLand Friday night. The downtown DeLand Ice Cream Walk is set for 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and younger. They are available at mainstreetdeland.org . Portugal Day Festival Dancing, food and drink will be part of the Portugal Day Festival this weekend in Palm Coast. The festival will take place at the Portuguese American Cultural Center, 1200 Palm Harbor Parkway, Palm Coast, from 6 p.m. to midnight Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. A flag-raising ceremony will take place at City Hall, 160 Lake Ave., at 6 p.m. Friday. For information, call 386-446-3910 or email palmcoastpacc1200@gmail.com . Friday night Bandshell concert A tribute to Van Halen will take the Daytona Beach Bandshell, 250 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach. The Completely Unchained concert is set for 7 p.m. Friday. General admission is free. For information, go to daytonabandshell.com . Saturday night Bandshell concert As the "Rocketman" movie is still standing at the cinema, a tribute to Elton John is set for 7:15 p.m. Saturday at the Bandshell. Fireworks will also take place over the ocean at 9:45 p.m. For information, go to bandshell.info. 'Dumbo' Preps Dance School and Company will bring the classic story of Dumbo to downtown DeLand's Athens Theatre, 124 N. Florida Ave., this weekend. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $12 to $18. For information, go to athensdeland.com . Movies on the Halifax "Ralph Breaks the Internet" will play in Rockefeller Gardens, 26 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach, on Friday. The free, PG-rated movie will start at 8:30 p.m. Attendees can bring a lawn chair or blanket and refreshments will be available for purchase. For information, call 386-676-3216. Laser Rock Concert Laser concerts with the music of Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd will fill the planetarium at Daytona Beach's Museum of Arts & Sciences, 352 S. Nova Road, on Saturday. The three concerts start hourly beginning at 7 p.m. One show is $5, two shows are $7 and three shows are $9. For a schedule and information, go to moas.org . ___ (c)2019 The News-Journal, Daytona Beach, Fla. Visit The News-Journal, Daytona Beach, Fla. at www.news-journalonline.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


Hendrick Motorsports may have just one win so far this season but its competition in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series likely expects to see more. Through the first 12 Cup races of the season, Joe Gibbs Racing and Team Penske have combined to win 11 of the events with Hendrick's Chase Elliott the only other driver to visit Victory Lane. So, it may have been a bit surprising Thursday when Penske's Brad Keselowski was asked to assess where his team stood in comparison to JGR and Stewart-Haas Racing and he offered up another organization which now stood out. "I honestly feel right now the Hendrick cars are the best cars," Keselowski said at Charlotte Motor Speedway. "I feel like they really came on strong over the last two or three weeks and had some nice updates to their stuff. "I would expect them to be the ones to beat this weekend." , at 21 becoming the youngest driver in the history of the event to do so. . Before qualifying, Byron was asked about Keselowski's prediction for Hendrick's weekend at Charlotte. "There is still a lot to accomplish. That's a good thing," Byron said. "Their cars were definitely the best at the start of the year. I feel like we're catching up, for sure. There's a lot of great cars out there. "I feel like it's probably the closest (between the teams) it's been in a while. And, I feel like we're starting to be right in that mix. It's exciting to be close like that and to have opportunities and I know that with the speed that we have, we've been looking for that for a while now. "So, it's been refreshing to be a part of the mix." Strong showing at Kansas At Kansas two weeks ago, Hendrick as a team had one of its more consistent weekends of performance. Three drivers   Bowman (second), Elliott (fourth) and Johnson (sixth)   finished in the top-six and Byron, Elliott and Bowman all led laps, with Bowman (63) leading the second-most in the race. During last weekend's All-Star Race activities, Byron picked up a win in the Monster Energy Open to advance to the main event, where he joined teammates Elliott and Johnson who were already qualified (Bowman entered by winning the fan vote). "I would say last weekend in the All-Star race was our most solid, well-put together weekend really, that we've had," Byron said. "We had really flawless pit stops. We had no issues. "At Kansas we had a couple of issues with having to go to the back. We've kind of had that a number of times (this season). So, we've got to just kind of continue to put together races on my end and the team's end to just make sure we're in position all night."


Todd Davis ' calf injury is expected to keep him out three to four weeks. "He's going to be out for a couple of weeks, and then we'll see from there," Broncos coach Vic Fangio said after Friday, via Ryan O'Halloran of The Denver Post . Until Davis (pictured) returns, other inside linebackers will get a chance for more reps. Davis played 78.2 percent of the defensive snaps last season. Joe Jones and Keishawn Bierria got only a handful of defensive snaps each last season. Alexander Johnson, who played no defensive snaps for the Broncos last season, got the first crack with the first-team defense Friday. Justin Hollins also saw more work opposite Josey Jewell , the other starter at inside linebacker. Fangio said the Broncos will "even off the work" to give others a chance with the first unit alongside Jewell this weekend. "The coaches know I'm a physical, fast guy," Johnson said, via O'Halloran. "I'm pretty sure they want to see me be able to get out there, line guys up, play fast and do my assignments. That's the biggest thing. If I [know] the playbook like the back of my hand, I'll be able to fly around."


"I'm the king of debt." So declared Donald Trump while running for president in 2016. Alas, he was not kidding. When President Trump moved into the White House, the government debt held by the public stood at $14.4 trillion. The most recent figure is $16.1 trillion. And under current law, that number will keep rising with no end in sight. The debt rises when the government borrows to finance a budget deficit, and in some circumstances, running a budget deficit is reasonable. Historically, the most important cause of large deficits has been spending on wars. During World War II, for example, deficits ballooned, and the government debt increased to 106 percent of gross domestic product in 1946 from 37 percent in 1941. The alternative to running a large budget deficit during a major military conflict is substantially raising taxes. Doing so would be economically debilitating. It would also arguably be unfair to current taxpayers, who are already offering their blood and toil to preserve freedom for themselves and future generations. By running up the debt, the government requires future generations to foot part of the bill. Sign up for the Morning Briefing newsletter Running a large budget deficit is also reasonable during an economic downturn. Whenever the economy goes into recession, revenue from income and payroll taxes automatically falls, and spending on programs such as unemployment insurance automatically rises. Balancing the budget would require tax increases or spending cuts precisely when the economy can least handle them. In fact, presidents of both parties often embrace deficit-enlarging policies to combat downturns. President Ronald Reagan cut taxes in 1981, and President George W. Bush cut them in 2001 and 2003 as the economy struggled with recessions. Similarly, President Barack Obama signed a sizable stimulus bill in 2009 to deal with the effects of the financial crisis. While economists debate the relative merits of tax cuts and spending increases to prop up a moribund economy, few criticize budget deficits during a time of high and rising unemployment. But the current budget deficit is not as easily justified. President Trump says his goal is to scale back military entanglements around the world, so temporary wartime spending is no excuse. Nor is the state of the economy. It is currently strong, with employment having grown robustly over the past two years. The unemployment rate is 3.6 percent, its lowest level since 1969. In these circumstances the norm should be a small budget deficit, or even a surplus. But that is not the case now. In 2018, the deficit was 3.9 percent of G.D.P., compared with an average deficit of 2.1 percent of G.D.P. over the previous 70 years. Even so, the current deficit is less worrisome than its trajectory. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that, under current law, the deficit will increase to 4.6 percent of G.D.P. in 2023. That projection is based on the plausible but optimistic assumption of continued economic growth and no major military conflict. Because of these deficits, the government debt held by the public will rise to 85 percent of G.D.P. in 2023, reaching the highest level since 1947, the Congressional Budget Office says. And if current law remains unchanged, the debt will keep rising as a percentage of G.D.P., eventually reaching levels never seen in the United States. That is simply not sustainable. What is to be done? Perhaps the wisest words on this topic come from an old New Yorker cartoon . In it, the president's advisers are huddled around his desk. They summarize the situation this way: "Our deficit-reduction plan is simple, but it will require a great deal of money." If we are not going to saddle future generations with ever-increasing government debt, we need to find a great deal of money. That means either spending less or taxing more. I would prefer to curb spending. For example, to prevent Social Security's funding shortfall from enlarging the government debt, we could slowly increase the age of eligibility. The government would still provide a safety net for the very old, but others would have to keep working or use their savings to pay for an earlier retirement. But I recognize that my preferences might not reflect those of the body politic. Many people want a more expansive government to address such problems as the rising cost of health care and the explosion of student debt. Doing so would require higher taxes. The conceit of some on the left is that all this can be done just by taxing the rich more. Yes, some revenue can be found there. Congress should reform the tax treatment of carried interest, which the finance industry uses to secure the lower capital gains rate for some forms of compensation. It should repeal the overly complicated and inequitable treatment of pass-through businesses in the 2017 tax bill. It could increase the corporate tax rate from 21 percent to, say, 25 percent, which would still be well below the 35 percent rate that prevailed when President Trump took office. Finally, it should strengthen tax enforcement so families like the Trumps pay what they owe. But the problem of rising government debt is too large to solve simply by taxing a small sliver of the population. Congress will need to consider broader-based taxes, such as the value-added taxes that efficiently raise substantial revenue in many European nations. If higher taxes are the eventual solution to rising government debt, as seems likely, then we all are going to have to pay more. If we don't, our children will. N. Gregory Mankiw is the Robert M. Beren Professor of Economics at Harvard University.


Philadelphia will see a return of last week's warm temperatures this coming week, according to drone-powered weather forecasting service Saildrone . Temperatures will make way for warmer weather from Wednesday to Sunday, with a high of 84 degrees on Thursday. Also expect rain coming in a few days. Wednesday's forecast shows the greatest chance of rain at 86 percent, with predicted rainfall of 0.05 inches. Skies will be partly cloudy today and tomorrow, and mostly cloudy Friday and Saturday. Winds will stay light in the course of the week, with the highest speeds today at just 12 mph. This story was created automatically using Saildrone's local weather forecast data, then reviewed by an editor. We also incorporate historic weather data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


Alamo Square , Civic Center , Divisadero , Embarcadero , Golden Gate Park , Hayes Valley , Lower Haight , NoPa , Ocean Beach , SoMa On Sunday, the 12-kilometer Bay to Breakers race returns to San Francisco for another year. Spanning from the Embarcadero to Ocean Beach, the race, which kicks off at 8 a.m., is expected to draw 50,000 participants and another 200,000 spectators, many of whom will trail the runners in a colorful, costumed parade. To help you survive this year's race, here's the scoop on what to expect, from traffic delays and street closures to restrictions on bags and containers. For those unfamiliar with Bay to Breakers, the race starts near the Embarcadero, at Main and Howard streets. Participants will then take Howard west to Ninth Street, then travel from Ninth Street up Market Street to Hayes Street. Revelers remain on Hayes Street until it reaches Divisadero, then continue along Fell until they hit Golden Gate Park. After winding its way through the park, the event concludes at the Great Highway, near Ocean Beach, with a Finish Line Festival featuring food, drinks, live music and vendors. Outer Sunset and Richmond dwellers should take note of a recent addition: a 3-kilometer race along the Great Highway, which earns runners a bonus medal in addition to the traditional finisher medal. The new addition will shutter the Great Highway from Balboa Street all the way south to Sloat Blvd. Here's a full list of expected street closures related to the race. Most street closures will start on Saturday evening or on Sunday in the early morning hours, except for the Ocean Beach parking lots, which will already be blocked off by Thursday. During the event, north- and southbound traffic should use either Embarcadero or 19th Ave. through Golden Gate Park during the race as crossing points. Keep in mind that even though the finish line will close at 12 p.m., some streets won't reopen until 4 p.m. Muni is asking riders who aren't participating in the race as a runner or spectator to avoid areas affected by Bay to Breakers. On some bus routes, riders should expect their lines to be divided into two sections; they'll have to cross from one side of the race to the other to access the other half of the bus line. Many lines will also see reroutes . Muni Metro shuttles will begin running at 6 a.m. on race day, traveling between West Portal station and Embarcadero station, the closest stop to the starting line. (Full Muni Metro service won't start until 8 a.m.) BART will also open early on Sunday, with service starting at 6 a.m., though trains before 8 a.m. will only arrive in 20- to 30-minute intervals. And Caltrain will offer four special pre-race trains to San Francisco and one additional post-race local train from San Francisco to San Jose. Organizers recommend buying public transit tickets in advance to avoid long lines. If you're planning a trip on Sunday and need to know how to get around, call 311 before race day for assistance. Additionally, special Bay to Breakers shuttles to the North Bay, South Bay, and East Bay shuttles will be available on race day. They'll depart Mill Valley, Millbrae, and Emeryville starting at 6:15 a.m., returning from the finish line starting at 11:30 a.m. After Bay to Breakers, Muni buses will also be staged in locations close to the finish line (Fulton between 47th and 45th avenues or Judah and La Playa) to provide rides back downtown. Participants should be aware that bags, backpacks and containers are not allowed on the race course, unless they are clear and smaller than 8.5" x 11" x 4". The consumption or possession of alcohol or controlled substances on the course is also not allowed.


China's economic growth could tumble, debt surge and foreign companies flee in a deepening trade war, economists warn as a week of escalating tensions forces them to ponder worst-case scenarios. Bank of America Corp., Morgan Stanley and UBS Group AG say China's expansion may slow below 6 percent under such a scenario for the first time in almost three decades. The 5.8% pace seen by chief Greater China economist Helen Qiao at Bank of America would create "a more dire growth environment than the number suggests." Analysts are assessing the damage to China's role as the world's supply hub as tariffs drive manufacturers overseas. They're also warning of a spiraling of debt that's already closing on 300 percent of output as the government cushions the blow with additional spending. Fresh curbs on Huawei Technologies Co. 's access to the U.S. market and American suppliers underscore the threat of economic containment China that is having to contend with. "The potential long-term cost is huge," said Larry Hu, chief China economist at Macquarie Securities Ltd. in Hong Kong. "They must know that Japan fell into the lost decade partly because the Bank of Japan overstimulated the Japanese economy after the Plaza Accord." The escalating clash with the U.S. is exacerbating existing economic judders, with data released Wednesday showing the expansion lost momentum in April even before President Donald Trump raised additional tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese imports to 25% from 10%. The weakness raises the stakes for President Xi Jinping to avert a prolonged economic confrontation at a possible meeting with Trump at the Group of 20 summit in Japan next month. The economy is set for a bumpy ride in the short term, with additional tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese products shaving 0.3 percentage points this year, according to economists surveyed by Bloomberg News. An additional 0.6 percentage points will be sliced off expansion in the year after all goods are hit by U.S. tariffs -- as Trump threatens from June, according to the survey's median estimate. A full-blown escalation with blanket 25% tariffs imposed by both sides would push China's growth below the lower bound of the 6% to 6.5% growth target set for this year by the second half of 2019, and to 5.5% next year, according to Morgan Stanley. Citigroup sees the cumulative impact of U.S. tariffs eliminating as many as 4.4 million jobs even before Trump slaps tariffs on those remaining Chinese exports of about $300 billion. "The outlook is bleak," said Chen Long, an economist at research firm Gavekal Dragonomics in Beijing in a May 14 note. "Equities are likely to correct further, potentially wiping out most of the market's year-to-date gains. Bond yields will fall again, after the recent pick-up. And the renminbi is likely to soften," he said, referring to the yuan by its other name. Xi is poised to deliver the stimulus needed to prevent a steeper growth plunge, likely causing debt to rise more sharply after a two-year campaign to rein it in. Blanket tariffs on Chinese products render the balance between short-term growth and debt sustainability "unattainable," according to Societe Generale SA. As debt climbs, that may reignite concerns over systemic financial risks. It's the potential for longer-term damage to China's economic model though that most concerns economists should Xi become embroiled in a protracted economic war. U.S. tariffs on Chinese products have already set in motion a profound shift in global supply chains that won't be easily reversed. That threatens to accelerate the departure of manufacturers that already are reeling from rising labor and other costs. Production Leaving China Japanese office equipment maker Ricoh Co. said Thursday it is moving some production from China to Thailand to avoid trade war risks and Taiwan's Kenda Rubber Industrial is investing in Vietnam for the same reason. Big consumer brands Samsonite International SA, Macy's Inc. and Fossil Group Inc. have all said on recent calls with analysts that they are continuing to move production and sourcing out of China. "Both foreign multi-national companies and Chinese private enterprises are more actively seeking alternative manufacturing bases," said Klaus Baader, global chief economist at Societe Generale. "A lower trend growth in investment, coupled with more restricted access to foreign know-how, would mean permanent damage to long-term productivity growth." Restrictions on Chinese investment in the U.S., especially in technology-related areas, risk stalling the transfer of technologies and foreign know-how, slowing China's move up the value chain, said Zhuang Bo, chief China economist in Beijing at research firm TS Lombard. Even worse may await should Trump add export tariffs or ban shipments of key technology components to China, especially semi-conductors, said Alicia Garcia Herrero, chief Asia-Pacific economist at Natixis SA in Hong Kong. That would strangle the Chinese economy, she says. Altogether, an economic war with the U.S. "blows China up," said Michael Every, head of Asia financial markets research at Rabobank in Hong Kong. "China would be cut off from Western markets, ideas, technology, and U.S. dollar-flow long, long before it's ready to replace the U.S. for real."


If you were planning to go to the Department of Motor Vehicles next month, steer clear on July 24, at least through lunchtime. All DMV offices across California will be closed for half a day as employees are trained on Real ID transactions and customer service. Offices will reopen at 1 p.m. after more than 5,000 employees receive training at 183 branches. The training initiative falls under Gov. Gavin Newsom's newly created DMV Reinvention Strike Team, which was prompted in response to long waits at the DMV that were magnified by the federal government's Real ID requirements. Starting Oct. 1, 2020, all travelers flying within the United States will have to present a Real ID, or a passport, in order to board a plane. More than 3 million Californians have obtained Real ID licenses, but hundreds of thousands of the licenses issued last fall did not meet the Department of Homeland Security's standards. The backtrack proved chaotic for California's process of issuing licenses. "The unprecedented complexity of the Real ID requirements is what led to the idea that we needed to take the extraordinary step of closing DMV offices for a short time to make sure all employees have consistent information in order to complete the transactions successfully," said Government Operations Agency Secretary Marybel Batjer, who is leading the DMV Strike Team. "It is a complicated transaction and we want customers to be well prepared in order to receive their Real ID efficiently." The new ID requirement has led to an increase in demand for DMV services. That's in addition to the surge of new drivers seeking licenses, a common summer occurrence. RELATED: California's Real ID driver's license? Still confusing. What you need to know now » Appointments were never available on the date of the closures and walk-in appointments will be available after 1 p.m. According to the DMV, roughly 67,500 customers are served on Wednesdays, the day of the scheduled closure. For those in need of DMV assistance while the offices are closed, customers can: Contact the DMV call centers at (800) 777-0133. Renew vehicle registration, change an address, request a copy of their driving record or make an appointment online at dmv.ca.gov . Use DMV Now self-service kiosks found at grocery stores and some libraries. colleen.shalby@latimes.com @cshalby


President Trump plans to have U.S. military planes, including one of the jetliners used as Air Force One, fly over the Mall as part of his July Fourth celebration next month, according to three people briefed on the plans. The flyover reflects Trump's long-standing interest in replicating the Bastille Day celebration he observed in France in 2017 and his desire to throw an extravagant patriotic celebration, according to the people, who requested anonymity because final plans have not yet been announced. He has regularly been briefed on the event. Under the arrangements, Trump would not be on board the presidential Boeing jetliner as it flew overhead, the people familiar with the plans said. Subscribe to the Post Most newsletter: Today's most popular stories on The Washington Post The White House, which declined to comment Tuesday, has provided few details on how it plans to change the long-standing celebration of Independence Day in the nation's capital. The Washington Post reported in May that the president plans to speak on July Fourth at the Lincoln Memorial in an event dubbed "Salute to America," a move that has shifted the National Park Service's fireworks launch from the reflecting pool area to West Potomac Park. On Tuesday, three senior Democrats on the Senate Appropriations Committee wrote Interior Secretary David Bernhardt a letter asking that he provide the panel with details on how much the celebration would cost, who would pay for it and what other changes were planned. "We are deeply troubled that the president's involvement at the event will turn the long-standing, nonpartisan celebration into a de facto campaign rally conducted at taxpayer expense that will serve to further divide rather than unify the nation," wrote Sens. Tom Udall (N.M.), Patrick J. Leahy (Vt.) and Chris Van Hollen (Md.). "We are also concerned that the decision to expand the event to include a potential Presidential address will require the National Park Service to divert resources from other priorities of the Mall or other national park system units at a time when it is facing significant budgetary pressures to address its $12 billion deferred maintenance backlog and accommodate record-setting visitation." Interior spokeswoman Molly Block said Tuesday in an email that the department had "nothing to announce" regarding a military flyover on the Mall. In regards to the senators' request, she added, "We have received the letter and will respond in a timely manner." Separately, Van Hollen and D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) wrote House and Senate appropriators Tuesday that they need additional funds this year for the District of Columbia's Emergency Planning and Security Fund because it will run out of funds in July, in part because it has still not been reimbursed $7.3 million for costs stemming from Trump's 2017 inauguration. "It is important to note that the spend rate does factor in the substantial unanticipated costs for President Trump's July 4th speech and activities at the Lincoln Memorial," Van Hollen and Norton wrote. "Since the July 4th program has not yet been set, those costs are still unknown." Park Service and D.C. officials have already begun to make changes to accommodate the White House's planned celebration. Park Service officials issued a notice last week informing local residents who play softball and other sports in West Potomac Park that between June 29 and July 6, "multiple athletic fields managed by the Mall will be unavailable for use due to activities associated with President Trump's Independence Day celebration." juliet.eilperin@washpost.com josh.dawsey@washpost.com


German fifth seed and reigning Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber was knocked out of Roland Garros in the first round on Sunday by Russian world number 81 Anastasia Potapova. Kerber, bidding to complete a career Grand Slam, slumped to a 6-4, 6-2 defeat to the 18-year-old who was making her Paris debut. Kerber had come into Roland Garros carrying a right ankle injury which forced her to pull out of the Italian Open and retire from her second round tie in Madrid. "I had a lot of confidence and I have to thank my coach for that," said Potapova who hit 28 winners past her German opponent who has now lost six times in the French Open first round. The Russian's first win over a top 10 player gives her a second round clash against either China's Wang Yafan or Marketa Vondrousova of the Czech Republic.


Sprouts Farmers Market has recalled its frozen spinach in 19 states, including Arizona, because of a potential listeria risk. The two different recalled frozen spinach packages, organic and non-organic, can be identified on the back of the packaging as follows: Sprouts Frozen Cut Leaf Spinach, 16oz. bag, UPC 87487500982, Lot 19031203A03, USE BY 12/03/21 Sprouts Frozen Organic Cut Leaf Spinach, 16oz. bag, UPC 87487500991, Lot 19031203A03, USE BY 12/03/21. All product has been removed from the stores. Customers are advised to destroy the product or return it to Sprouts for a full refund. The recall , issued Monday, was due to random sampling. The company will also conduct an internal investigation with National Frozen Foods to ensure the safety of its other products. No illness had been reported in connection with the product. Listeria is most likely to affect young children or elderly people, though it can also affect those with weakened immune systems. Reach the reporter at maureen.bohannon@arizonarepublic.com and follow her on Twitter @molboha . Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. For more stories that matter, subscribe to azcentral.com . This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Sprouts recalls frozen spinach for possible listeria risk


WASHINGTON, June 10 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump asked an appeals court on Monday to overturn a ruling that his accounting firm must turn over his financial records from before he was president to the Democratic-controlled House Oversight Committee. Lawyers for Trump said in a court filing that a May 20 decision by U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ordering Mazars LLP to comply with the subpoena was flawed and should be reversed. Mehta's ruling was the first time a federal court waded into the tussle about how far Congress can go in probing Trump and his business affairs, and marked an important victory for House Democrats. "It is simply not fathomable that a Constitution that grants Congress the power to remove a President for reasons including criminal behavior would deny Congress the power to investigate him for unlawful conduct - past or present - even without formally opening an impeachment inquiry," Mehta said in his ruling. The House of Representatives Oversight Committee has said it needs Trump's financial records to examine whether he has conflicts of interest or broke the law by not disentangling himself from his business holdings, as previous presidents did. Democratic Representative Elijah Cummings, the panel's chairman, issued the subpoena to Mazars after Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen testified to Congress in February that Trump had misrepresented his net worth. Trump's lawyers said in Monday's filing that the subpoena was invalid because it was never intended to help Congress perform its core constitutional role of making laws. "The Committee admits that the whole point is to discover whether the President may have engaged in illegal conduct," Trump's lawyers said. "It is an effort to investigate alleged legal violations power that is vested in the Executive, not Congress." Trump's lawyers told the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit that if it affirmed Mehta's ruling, it would be endorsing a "limitless" view of the congressional power to investigate. The Trump Organization, the president's privately owned real estate company, is also a plaintiff in the lawsuit. Trump is suing in his individual capacity, and is represented by a private law firm rather than government lawyers from the U.S. Department of Justice. Mazars has avoided taking a side in the dispute, saying it will comply with its legal obligations. (Reporting by Jan Wolfe; Editing by James Dalgleish and Peter Cooney)


Free agent quarterback Josh Johnson tried out for the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. The team was evidently impressed by his performance, as NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the Ravens offered Johnson a deal following the audition. However, Rapoport said the quarterback turned down Baltimore's offer, walking away because he believed the situation with the Ravens wouldn't be ideal. After his workout, QB Josh Johnson was offered a deal. But based on RGIII likely returning when the season begins, I'm told Johnson didn't feel it was the right opportunity. https://t.co/HxJS3c3llZ - Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 29, 2019 Baltimore tried out Johnson just a day after quarterback Robert Griffin III fractured his right thumb at Saturday's practice. While the team is optimistic that Griffin will be ready for the season opener - his timetable is four to eight weeks - Baltimore evidently still wanted to bring on a veteran arm for insurance. With five seasons of NFL experience under his belt, the 29-year-old Griffin is the only veteran quarterback on the team's roster; the two others are second-year starter Lamar Jackson and rookie Trace McSorley. MORE: Marcus Stroman explained what his clubhouse 'commotion' was about after Mets trade Tom Brady disobeys Bill Belichick at practice, and suffers the consequences Greedy Williams' tough day highlights the need for patience Most improved Packers defender? Mike Pettine picks DL Montravius Adams Ryan Pace says Chuck Pagano gives Bears advantage early in season


When corporations fight, you lose There are no real winners when big companies have pissing contests, but the consumer is usually the loser. In this case, that means you, sports fan. That's because Dish Network and Sling are on one side, and the Fox Sports RSNs are on the other (among other Disney-operated networks.) In boring business speak, the Carriage Contracts which govern the relationship between Dish (and it's subsidiary Sling) and the companies which provide the content (in other words, the channel owners) are up. Basically, zero hour is here for their negotiations, and this is the ultimate leverage. Starting tomorrow, July 22nd, Dish will no longer be carrying the Fox RSN's until an agreement can be reached. If you want way more detail, this link from Variety has you covered. While Fox Sports North is also home to the Timberwolves and Wild, this is a Twins blog, and the Twins are in season, so that's where our focus is. This will impact the TV homes of not just the Twins, but also Cleveland, the Tigers , Royals , Brewers , and a bunch of other MLB teams. So, if you are going to lose your ability to watch the game, what should you do? Fox has put together a website with some pretty handy FAQ's, and social media links to make your voice heard. If you just want to watch the game though, you do have some options. If you are out of market, you probably won't be affected, but have MLB.tv for a fallback. For those of you in the blackout zones though, that doesn't help much. DirecTV and Xfinity may be options if you prefer traditional TV and are willing to switch providers. For the cord-cutters, Hulu with Live TV, Youtube TV, and and Playstation VUE are all available. Another great over-the-top option is FUBO.tv, which provides a seven day free trial and in-market streaming capability, as well a tiny commission to some of your friendly Twinkie Towners if you choose to try it out through that link. That same website with the FAQ's will also give you a list of options based on your zip code. Please consider the above list a comprehensive overview of streaming services that can be mentioned on this site. We all know others exist, but they are not, strictly speaking, legal; and are not to be mentioned in the comments.


When a player tests positive for a PED, he necessarily was caught cheating. In most cases, however, statements from the player and the team tend to soften the notion that the player was caught cheating. But the fact remains that the player was caught cheating. Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson definitely was caught cheating. As reported by NFL via its in-house media arm, Peterson's sample had both a PED and a masking agent in it, which means that he cheated and then tried to cover up the cheating. And he got caught on both counts. "As we all do, he understands that regardless of intent he is ultimately responsible for everything he puts in his body ," the Cardinals said in their statement regarding Peterson's suspension. That kind of comment applies more accurately when the truth is that the player used a supplement that, unbeknownst to him, contained a banned substance. It doesn't have the same impact when the player cheated and then tried to cover up the cheating. Peterson hardly seems remorseful for cheating and then trying to cover up the cheating. Watch the video of his comments from Thursday night. He seems to be far more perturbed about the fact that the suspension was announced on the day of his foundation's annual fundraiser than the fact that he got caught cheating and trying to cover up the cheating. "Definitely, definitely sorry for what happened today," Peterson said. "For the most part, I think you guys understand my character and also understand my commitment on and off the field and also to my teammates and also the Arizona Cardinals organization. That's why this is obviously very, very hard for me, because I've never been in this situation before and never wanted to have my name attached to anything like this." There's an easy way to never have one's name attached to anything like hits: Don't cheat, and don't try to cover up the cheating. Harsh as it may sound, that's the inescapable conclusion to the news of the six-game suspension and the decision of Peterson to drop his appeal. Remember, the appeals no longer are decided by the league; an independent group of arbitrators resolve the case. If Peterson had a viable defense, he presumably would have presented it. So, yes, he cheated and he tried to cover up the cheating. Given the nonchalance exhibited by the team and by Peterson, it's hard not to wonder how many guys out there successfully cheat and cover it up. Related slideshow: 2019 NFL draft: The top picks (Provided by imagn)


Exxon Mobil said Tuesday it is moving forward with a major effort to develop at least 90 wells in Argentina's onshore shale. In recent years, shale developers have sought to translate their success from the onshore U.S. to Argentina's major Vaca Muerta shale play, which is Spanish for "dead cow." Exxon previously started smaller-scale production back in 2017. Although Exxon Mobil isn't giving project costs, it's a multibillion-dollar development in what's known as the Vaca Muerta's Bajo del Choique-La Invernada block. The shale region that dates back to the late Jurassic Period is known for its oil and gas potential as well as its numerous discoveries of dinosaur bones. Exxon said the project is expected to produce up to 55,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day within five years. The project also includes setting up central production and export facilities that connect to existing pipeline and refinery networks. RELATED: Hunt for shale gas becomes a dinosaur dig If the expansion is successful, Exxon Mobil said it may invest in a second phase to produce up to 75,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. There's no timeline attached to a potential second phase yet. The Bajo del Choique-La Invernada is a 99,000-acre block, located 58 miles northwest of Añelo and 114 miles northwest of Neuquén city.


It's no secret that Stephen Curry loves golf. Now, with the help of Under Armour, the Golden State Warriors guard is making a splash with his own golf collection. Curry, in China for the UA Basketball Asia Tour, stopped by Mission Hills Golf Club in Shenzhen on Monday to unveil the 14-piece capsule, which will become available for purchase this fall. The Range Unlimited Collection takes inspiration from Stephen's off-court and on-course style, and includes tops, bottoms, hats, outerwear and the Curry 6 spikeless golf shoe. It appears @StephenCurry30 knows a thing or two about making a splash in golf fashion. How about his debut @UAGolf capsule? 14 pieces. Available this fall. pic.twitter.com/Xajxq2EDVz   Brentley Romine (@BrentleyGC) June 24, 2019 "I wanted to try to blend my personality, my joy, my style off the court into a golf capsule," Curry said. "When you look good, you feel good and you play good golf." Polos, which feature UA's Iso-Chill technology that actively cools and keeps your body dry, start at $80. Pants are $80, outerwear is $95-100, hats are $30, and the shoe, which is the Curry 6 basketball shoe outfitted with the UA Rotational Resistance outsole, is $160.


Video by NFL.com OWINGS MILLS, Md.   School's out, but this is hardly the time for any final grades when it comes to the development of Lamar Jackson , the transitional quarterback of grand visions. The Ravens wrapped up their mandatory minicamp on Thursday with the second-year pro unleashing a perfectly timed dime on a deep corner throw one minute, then delivering a head-scratching pass into the dirt on the other side of the field the next. Young quarterbacks: so much promise, so much room to grow. Jackson's inconsistency is typical in many regards for a player at this point on the NFL learning curve. Yet given his team's bold gamble in bucking the conventional model at the position, few have drawn the level of scrutiny that Jackson has during his offseason lab work. "It don't really matter," Jackson told USA TODAY Sports during a quick hallway chat outside the locker room. "Just win games. That's what it's all about." Jackson quickly proved he can win in the NFL. After Joe Flacco was sidelined with a hip injury midway through last season, he sparked the Ravens to a 6-1 mark in seven regular-season starts. That run not only gave Baltimore its first AFC North title since 2012, but it probably saved coach John Harbaugh's job. But with 147 carries, Jackson also ran more than any quarterback in NFL history. A quick comparison: When Michael Vick rushed for a career-high 1,039 yards in 2006, he ran 123 times. More: Complaint: Fired Texans GM Brian Gaine 'targeted' African American employees in series of firings Doyel: Hit hard and carry a big chip   Colts LB Darius Leonard will never be satisfied Jackson's dashes offer great evidence of his ability to keep plays alive, to spring big gains and keep defenses off-balance. And it is precisely the X-factor the Ravens knew they were getting when they traded back into the first round last year to snag the Louisville product with the No. 32 pick. Can the success last? That's still an essential question when pondering the pain factor of running as a quarterback. Harbaugh undoubtedly plans to build around the ground threat with the idea emboldened by the offensive coordinator choice of Greg Roman, who replaced Marty Mornhinweg. It was Roman who pushed the buttons when Colin Kaepernick had his greatest success as the 49ers quarterback. Now he is charged with building a system around Jackson. "We were aligned in the vision," Harbaugh told USA TODAY after Thursday's practice, when asked why he made the switch to Roman. Still, for the vision to work, Jackson must complement his breathtaking runs with lethal passing   consistently. Yet whether the Ravens can become a legitimate AFC title contender again this season will hinge on the potential progression for Jackson after an entire offseason to work in a new system that Roman crafted specifically for the mobile quarterback. On top of that, rookie-year lessons loom. Jackson tied for the NFL high last season with 12 fumbles, which seems even more problematic when considering the other three quarterbacks he tied for in that category   Dak Prescott , Derek Carr and Jared Goff   started the entire season. The Ravens will also need to be versatile enough to react to opponents who are better prepared for Jackson the next time around. The Chargers can vouch for that, having ousted Baltimore in the playoff opener by keeping Jackson's running contained much more comfortably than they did two weeks earlier. On paper, the Ravens seem better equipped for versatility. They signed free agent running back Mark Ingram of the Saints and drafted Oklahoma speedster Marquise Brown as a deep receiving threat. Yet so much will come down to Jackson's throwing. In the five weeks before the start of training camp, he will work with his private quarterback coach, Joshua Harris, and might consult another in Tom House to work the fundamentals. "Footwork," Jackson said. "Shoulders. Hips. You know, quarterback work." Last season, Jackson completed 58.2 percent of his throws, but his six scoring strikes for the year equated to, well, a good game for Patrick Mahomes. It's no wonder that Jackson summarizes the goal for personal growth   and, it can be reasoned, for making the grade   as such: "Scoring points. Not relying on our defense to win games." Roman built a new playbook from scratch and in talking to reporters this week hailed the collaborative input from other coaches. Creativity can be a game-changer, too, especially when there's a special athlete like Jackson to inspire the brainstorming. Then there's the process of bringing the playbook to life. Jackson has a new language as Roman overhauled the terminology. Gone are elongated, 25-word play-calls. The new calls, some for the same old concepts, are quick and snappy. Harbaugh called it "purposeful" when describing the systematic process of fitting the elements together. Maybe that's why Marshal Yanda, the offensive line's linchpin, pointed to Jackson's command in the huddle as the most noticeable difference during the offseason. "Yeah, because last year there were games when I wasn't in command," Jackson said. "I'd come in last year kind of nervous, because there are grown men looking at you, depending on you to help them feed their family. "Now I'm a lot more comfortable just saying different things on different plays to let my guys know where they need to be." That's one measure of growth, which may be partly traced to experience, but also to the added comfort level with streamlined terminology. As Harbaugh puts it, "In order for it to make sense, you have to organize it." The coach is way past wondering whether they can succeed with Jackson as the unconventional answer in place of the classic dropback passer. The Ravens were all-in when they drafted Jackson. Now it's a matter of giving their vision the best chance to succeed. Follow Jarrett Bell on Twitter @JarrettBell . This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Opinion: Lamar Jackson is still make-or-break gamble at QB for Ravens


Welcome to MarieClaire.com's new series on weekend travel-a smart girl's guide to making the most of those glorious two days off. Miami is a place where the moment you land you feel exhilarated *and* relaxed, somehow at the same time. It's the perfect weekend escape because it has everything you want-pretty views, great food, good drinks, cool nightlife, culture, and-perhaps most importantly-beaches. It's also great for solo travel (#beentheredonethat), couple getaways, friend vacas, and, of course, bachelorettes. Here, a guide to the city. Where to Stay If you're staying in South Beach, my favorite hotel (like, ever) is 1 Hotel South Beach . The light woods, whites, and light blues immediately put you at ease, and the customer service is just the best. ( I'm clearly not the only one who feels this way .) If you can, splurge for the ocean front room. It is worth it. More into South Beach's art deco vibe? Try staying at the classic Delano or the Estefan-owned (yes, as in Gloria and Emilio) Cardozo Hotel , which is currently in the midst of a renovation and will be ready to go in the fall of 2016. If you want/need to stay in downtown Miami (hello, business traveler), the Mandarin Oriental is elegant and has an amazing spa. What to Do Beach and poolside lounging is a must. I mean-why even come to Miami if not for that (preferably with a blended alcoholic beverage in hand)? Once you get your fill of #loungelife, head to Wynwood and The Wynwood Walls to check out the amazing street murals. The Miami Design District has cool sculptures, galleries, and artsy stores to peep, while a boat tour (there are a couple to choose from) can give you a cool look in the Everglades. But honestly, Miami is all about the nightlife scene, even during the day. Hit up hotel pool parties starting around 2 p.m. for drinks, music, and poolside dancing. If you're not staying at the specific hotel, you may be asked to have a reservation or pay a day rate-just call the place you have your eyes on (check Yelp and Eventbrite for some ideas) to get the gist. If you're avoiding the club scene, there are plenty of fun bars to check out at night-my favorites include the outdoor Broken Shaker (a James Beard Award semi-finalist with a cool, Brooklyn-esque vibe located at the Freehand hostel), Craft Social Club (a dance-y bar with great cocktails-essentially the best of both worlds/the go-to for people who can't decide between a club or a bar), Ball & Chain (which often features live music like jazz and salsa), and Bunbury (a great Argentine restaurant that features an outdoor space perfect for sipping wine). Into clubs? LIV is the traditional go-to (make sure you go early, are women, or have a reservation for a table), while Basement , Story , and Trade all offer music, dance floors, and the *exclusivity* factor that people want from a club. Where to Eat First, make a reservation at Yardbird (you'll need it, the wait times are crazy!) because it's just so damn good. You *must* order the chicken and waffles, and if you have room, the maple-bacon donuts are the fluffiest, most holy-s**t-i'm-eating-a-million-calories-but-it's-worth-it things. For lunch or dinner, check out 1 Hotel's newest restaurant, Watr . It's outdoor, on the rooftop, next to the adults-only pool, and with views of the ocean. The poke is their standout (I recommend getting it over quinoa), but they have amazing sushi, a tuna tartar flatbread that's just ugh so good, fried rice, salads...literally nothing disappoints. (Shoutout to the head chef Catalina Ucros!). The restaurant also features a cocktail menu to pair perfectly with the eats, led by beverage director Charles Steadman. Think "Pimm's Goes East" (a Pimm's cup with hints of cucumber and shiso leaf), their signature cocktail "Golden Watr" (with apple and gold flakes), and-of course-adult slushies, AKA frosé (frozen rosé cocktails). Bunbury (mentioned above) also has amazing empanadas and argentine eats, while Cvi.che 105 has some of the best ceviche around. Blue Collar is a great, diner-like spot for comfort food, and El Mago de las Fritas has (you guessed it) the best fritas. Go to Versailles for the classic Miami Cuban hotspot. If you're up for it, head to the fun day-drinking brunch at The Palace , where drag queens perform as you sip mimosas. Helpful Tips: 1. It might sound dumb, but you'll want at least two swimsuits for your Miami vaca-one for the beach/being active, and one that's comfortable for pool naps. (If anything = more drying time.) Another fashion saver? Headscarfs and turbans (this Cult Gaia one gave me life ) that can protect your beachy 'do and save you from sweaty hairlines. 2. Most vacationers head to Miami in the "colder" months (AKA January through April), meaning summer is great for better rates. Hurricane season is technically June through November, but don't get spooked-as long as the weather's good, the city is open for business. 3. Miami often includes gratuities automatically at bars and restaurants-anywhere from 18 to 20 percent. Make sure not to overtip by checking the receipt before adding any additional gratuity 💰💰💰💰. 4. Nightlife starts late, so get a jump on where you want to go (and no lines!) by arriving early to your bar of choice-between 9 to 10:30 p.m. You'll get seats, get drinks, and be ready and primed for people watching.


The US Coast Guard said Friday it had found no survivors in its ongoing search off the coast of Haiti where a shipwreck left at least 21 dead and around a dozen missing. There were about 50 people on board the ship, who had been trying to reach Providenciales Island in the neighboring Turks and Caicos. The ship attempted to return to Haiti after running into bad weather. A rescue helicopter conducted a flyover at daybreak in the area where the wreck occurred Thursday, at the request of Haitian authorities. The helicopter crew "conducted a first light search Friday morning, searching between Cap-Haitien, Haiti and Port-de-Paix, Haiti, but did not find anything," the US Coast Guard said in a statement. Coast Guard Captain Mark Fedor said teams would continue the search but "the sad truth remains that many have already perished." "The Coast Guard urges all to reconsider taking the dangerous and illegal voyage at sea," he said. "Our condolences go out to all affected by this tragedy." In Haiti, an impoverished country where more than 70 percent of the population lives on less than $2 a day, residents regularly attempt to illegally reach Turks and Caicos or the Bahamas. Haitian authorities have tried to put a stop to the flow of illegal migrants, but soaring unemployment has led many Haitians, notably the young, to seek a better future elsewhere. In November 2013, 110 illegal immigrants were rescued by the US Coast Guard and Bahamian authorities after their ship capsized, leaving around 30 people dead.