MEXICO CITY - It's springtime in Mexico City, and love is in the air. Couples canoodle seemingly everywhere - at taquerias and sidewalk cafes, near bus stops and on packed subway trains. Lovers recline - and entwine - on apartment stoops and park benches, in the city's historic plazas and along its verdant boulevards. If there is a world capital of public displays of affection, it could be Mexico City in the spring, as the days start to lengthen and the jacarandas bloom. Why is it that so many intimate moments play out in the open across the avenues and esplanades of this leafy mountain capital? In a teeming metropolis of 21 million people, where rents are high and family is central, it's common for children to live well into adulthood with their parents and other relatives. So for a romantic moment away from nosy and sometimes culturally conservative kin, many couples leave the house - and find a little privacy in public. For Jorge, 35, and Eduardo, 26, men who recently started dating, downtown Mexico City offers an escape from prying, more traditionalist family members. "It's a little more comfortable here," said Jorge, who provided only his first name because of the personal nature of the topic. "It's more accepting." On a recent warm afternoon, they sat, lips locked, near a fountain in the Alameda Central, one of the city's oldest and most beautiful parks. On practically every bench around them, other couples did the same. Earlier in the day, clouds had threatened rain, but late-afternoon sunshine now bathed the city in golden light. Neon violet petals from blossoming jacarandas blanketed the cobblestone, and the soft sounds of bachata music played from a nearby cafe. It felt like the most romantic place on Earth. In front of the magnificent white marble Bellas Artes building on the edge of the park, another couple stood in a tight embrace. Both English teachers, they met in college and were friends for years before he formally asked her to be his girlfriend not long ago. They live on opposite ends of the city - 30-year-old Eduardo in ritzy Polanco and 28-year-old Lili in the working-class suburb of Ciudad Nezahualcoyotl. It takes them nearly two hours on public transportation to cross town, so every Friday after work they meet here, in the middle. Eduardo brings her a different type of flower each week. Daisies. Sunflowers. And on this day, which happened to be Lili's birthday, a red rose, wrapped in clear plastic. His family supports his relationship with Lili. Still, that doesn't mean they want to see it flaunted in their faces. "It's a little uncomfortable to be intimate in front of our parents," Eduardo said. "We have to be respectful." Unabashed PDA is generally accepted here, with most bystanders doing their best to politely look the other way. Perhaps because of that, some couples are emboldened to push the limits beyond mere kissing - sometimes far beyond. This writer once accidentally stumbled upon a couple engaged in the most intimate of activities while on an early morning jog in Bosque Chapultepec, a sprawling forest in the middle of the city. The pair looked up with annoyed glances and then quickly resumed, barely missing a beat. When told of the incident, a friend shared an even more shocking story: Once, in the grand old neighborhood of San Rafael, he had noticed a couple engaged in the mating act on the steps of a Catholic church. Such ubiquitous affection and over-affection can be funny, and sometimes sweet. Unless you've just suffered heartbreak, in which case the constant sight of couples madly in love might make you sick. The love fest here is remarkably equal opportunity, featuring couples of every age and style. On weekends, graying couples gather in plazas to sway together to the Caribbean rhythms of danzon. At skate parks, teenagers with face piercings hold one another close. In the Alameda Central on the recent sunny afternoon, two rail-thin young men dressed in skinny jeans embraced, before one picked the other up off the ground and into his arms. "You don't weigh anything," he said, laughing. Nearby, a crowd of spectators circled around several performing clowns and a few people shuffled past, noses to their cellphones, playing Pokemon Go. But the couples in love had eyes only for one another. Once fenced in and exclusively for the nobility, the park was opened to the public after Mexicans won independence in 1821. On any given day, there might be 100 couples here in a state of bliss. On a stone bench, two teenagers interlocked. She had pink hair and fishnet tights. He wore a green flannel shirt. They answered politely when a reporter interrupted with a few questions. "Our parents think we're in class," they explained. Then they tuned the world out - and turned back to each other. Visit the Los Angeles Times at www.latimes.com


Several new Florida laws take effect on July 1. Here are some of the highlights: Texting and driving The new law will allow law enforcement to pull people over and issue citations for texting as a primary offense. Authorities could also stop a person for using any sort of tablets or other electronic devices that could be distracting, with extra penalties enforced in school zones. However, there are loopholes in the new law . An officer must prove a driver was illegally texting behind the wheel. Obtaining such proof would require the officer to check your phone. There are other exceptions to the law, including checking GPS maps. Drivers are also allowed to use their phone while stopped at a red light or stop sign. A first offense is punishable by a $30 fine, with a second offense costing $60. Court costs and fees also would apply. Sanctuary cities ban The law requires local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal immigration authorities . Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, told CBS News the estimated 200,000 undocumented immigrants in Florida should not be afraid of the new law if they don't break the law. Opponents of the bill, however, say it could be used to deport people for minor offenses like jaywalking. There are currently no sanctuary cities in Florida. Cheaper drugs The law allows the creation of two prescription drug importation programs subject to strict regulation: one involving importing drugs from Canada and a second calling for drugs to be brought in from unspecified other countries to be chosen later. It would allow Floridians to gain access to cheaper prescription drugs. Combating opioid abuse The new law allows Republican Attorney General Ashley Moody to collect information from the state's prescription drug database to help build a case for the state's lawsuits against companies she says have created the opioid addiction problem . In addition to opioid manufacturers, Florida is also suing Walgreens and CVS, alleging they added to the opioid crisis by overselling painkillers and not taking precautions to stop illegal sales. Home gardening Floridians can grow fruit and vegetables in their front yards without fear of local government fines. Growing hemp Florida will establish an agricultural hemp program . Citrus farmers will now have an option of supplementing their groves with hemp. Hemp is related to marijuana but only has trace amounts of THC, the chemical that makes people high. The plant has a wide range of uses, from ropes and clothing to building materials and animal feed. Firefighter benefits The new law allows for certain disability payments to firefighters and death benefits to their families if they die because of cancer or cancer treatments. Counties will be responsible for most costs, an estimated $3 million collectively statewide. And, the state will pay about $920,000. Autonomous vehicles The new law means human-less self-driving vehicles could be hitting Florida streets soon. It also helps pave the way for rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft to expand the use of driverless vehicles. What other people are reading right now: Horseback riding ban could be coming to Tampa Bay Man accused of killing Pinky the flamingo hit and killed by a truck Video shows moment newborn pulled from plastic bag in woods Police: Baby girl dies from heroin and cocaine; parents indicted on homicide charges Rays owner announces goal of having 2 new stadiums in Tampa Bay and Montreal ►Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the 10News app now . Have a news tip? Email desk@wtsp.com , or visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed .


Born in the spy-vs.-spy cauldron of the Cold War, the iconic SR-71 "Blackbird" remains the fastest air-breathing military aircraft the world has known. It flew so high and so fast that enemy defenses were powerless to intercept it. Eventually, satellite technology and advanced radar eroded its advantage. In 1998, the U.S. Air Force retired it. Now, with regional threats growing and portable surface-to-air missiles evolving, engineers have once again set out to build the fastest military jet on the planet. This time, it will take the form of a 4,000-mile-per-hour reconnaissance drone with strike capability. Known as the SR-72, the aircraft will evade assault, take spy photos, and attack targets at speeds of up to Mach 6. That's twice as fast as its predecessor. Aeronautical engineers at Lockheed Martin and Aerojet Rocketdyne have been designing the SR-72 at their Skunk Works black site in California for the past several years. It will require a hybrid propulsion system: a conventional, off-the-shelf turbo jet that can take the plane from runway to Mach 3, and a hypersonic ramjet/scramjet that will push it the rest of the way. Its body will have to withstand the extreme heat of hypersonic flight, when air friction alone could melt steel. Its bombs will have to hit targets from possibly 80,000 feet. Lockheed says the craft could be deployed by 2030. Once it is, the plane's ability to cover one mile per second means it could reach any location on any continent in an hour not that you'll see it coming. "We are now on the verge of a hypersonic revolution."  Brad Leland, Lockheed Martin's Hypersonic Program Manager HOW RAMJETS WORK Ramjets forgo the big rotary compressors needed on turbojets and instead rely on their own forward motion to compress air. First, air is scooped into an inlet and compressed as it funnels into a diffuser. The diffuser also slows the air to subsonic speeds for easier combustion. From there, air and fuel are fed into a combustion chamber and ignited. Finally, an exhaust nozzle accelerates the resulting burst of hot, expanding air, producing massive thrust. PROPULSION Turbojet engines can take a plane from runway launch to about Mach 3; speeds faster than that require an air-breathing ramjet, which compresses high-speed air for combustion, but which typically begins operating at about Mach 4. To bridge the gap, engineers are developing a hybrid engine that can operate in three modes. The aircraft will accelerate to about Mach 3 under turbojet power, switch to ramjet power to take it to about Mach 5, and then switch again to scramjet mode, which uses supersonic air for combustion. It could reach any location on any continent in an hour not that you'll see it coming. SKIN Aerodynamic friction at speeds exceeding Mach 5 will heat an aircraft's exterior to 2,000 degrees. At that point, conventional steel airframes will melt. So engineers are looking at composites the same kinds of high-performance carbon, ceramic, and metal mixes used for the noses of intercontinental ballistic missiles and space shuttles. Every joint and seam must be sealed: Any air leak at hypersonic speed, and the in-rushing heat would cause the aircraft to collapse. (That's what doomed the space shuttle Columbia). AIRFRAME The stresses on a plane shift as it travels through subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic speeds. For instance, when a jet is accelerating through subsonic flight, the center of lift moves toward the back of the aircraft. But once the craft hits hypersonic speeds, drag on the plane's leading egdes cause the center of lift to move forward again. If the ceter of lift gets too close to the center of gravity it can cause dangerous instability. The plane's shape must tolerate these changes, and more, to keep the craft from tearing apart. PAYLOAD Lockheed describes the SR-72 as an intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike platform, but its exact payload is secret. Most likely, it hasn't yet been invented. Taking spy photos or dropping bombs at Mach 6 will require extraordinary engineering. It will require hundreds of miles to make a turn. It will need powerful guidance computers to line up targets, 80,000 feet below. Also, you can't just open a bomb bay at 4,000 miles per hour. The SR-72 will need new sensors and weapons to operate at such high speeds. This article was originally published in the June 2015 issue of Popular Science, under the title "America's Next Spyplane."


The U.S. healthcare system has a big problem: aging Americans. An estimated 10,000 baby boomers are turning 65 daily, and the number of senior citizens is forecast to double by 2050. Since Medicare provides healthcare for Americans over 65 and spending on healthcare climbs alongside age, a surge in people living into their 80s and 90s is likely to cause healthcare spending in the United States to skyrocket. Spending by age According to research conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation, Medicare spends more money on healthcare for people in their 80s and beyond than it does for younger recipients. Americans age 80 and older as of 2011 represented about a quarter of all Medicare recipients, yet they accounted for a third of all Medicare costs. That's worrisome given that Kaiser estimates the number of people in their 80s and older will triple between 2010 and 2050. The number of people living into their 90s or into their second century is expected to quadruple. In 2011, the age at which Medicare paid the most per person for healthcare was 96. On average, 96-year-olds cost Medicare $16,145 per year, far more than the $5,562 per beneficiary the federal program spent on people who were 66 years old. After 96, Medicare spending per person dropped off significantly as people forwent treatment. Since Medicare spends 38.9% more on people in their mid-90s than it does on people who are age 80 and three times what it spends on people who are 66, a quadrupling of Americans living until at least 90 will likely mean significant growth in the healthcare sector. But growth for the sector won't just stem from an increasingly larger population of seniors. After adjusting for inflation, the amount per person being spent on older Medicare patients annually is climbing more quickly than the amount per person being spent on younger Medicare patients. Between 2000 and 2011, the period for which the most recent data is available, spending on patients ages 66 to 69 grew by 5.8% annually, while spending on people in their 90s grew by 7.3% per year. Why so much higher? There are many reasons why healthcare spending grows significantly as we age, but one major cause is the need for inpatient and end-of-life care. This next chart breaks out spending by age by the healthcare service provided. It shows that while Medicare spending on areas such as doctor visits and outpatient services as of 2011 declined after age 83, it climbed for other services such as inpatient hospitalization, skilled nursing, and home health services. Care provided by these institutions is growing increasingly complex, so it's also becoming increasingly expensive. Looking ahead According to the Congressional Budget Office, spending on Medicare will grow from 3.25% of U.S. GDP in 2011 to as high as 4.26% in 2039. Overall, the CBO expects 55% of growth in government spending on healthcare over that period will come from a growing number of older Americans and rising costs per patient. As a result, a larger population of older patients who need increasingly expensive healthcare services could suggest this sector is one investors should focus on in the coming decades.


Here's the most recent top news you may have missed in Detroit. Graduation gone bad: Salutatorians rip their Detroit charter school Two top students at a Detroit charter school used their graduation ceremony speeches to blast their new alma mater for what they said was an inferior education and a culture of secrecy. Read the full story on Detroit Free Press . Detroit's historic Kettering High could get new life housing auto suppliers The city hopes that FCA's new Jeep plant will draw suppliers looking for space on Detroit's east side. Read the full story on Detroit Free Press . Murder suspect barricades self in Taylor townhouse when Detroit police try to arrest him A man barricaded himself inside a Taylor townhouse after Detroit police came to arrest him Monday evening, authorities said. Read the full story on Graham Media: WDIV Detroit . Design team selected to reshape Detroit's cultural center The ambitious plan could cost up to $85 million and take 10 years to complete. Read the full story on Curbed Detroit . Murdered woman's daughter knows suspect in Detroit serial killer case Tamara Jones' body was found in a vacant house on Detroit's east side Wednesday. Read the full story on Graham Media: WDIV Detroit . 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.


Looking to uncover all that Kingsborough has to offer? Get to know this Aurora neighborhood by browsing its most popular local businesses, from a Greek restaurant to a Mexican bakery. Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top places to visit in Kingsborough, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of neighborhood businesses. Read on for the results. 1. Athenian Restaurant Topping the list is Athenian Restaurant . Located at 15350 E. Iliff Ave., it's the highest-rated business in the neighborhood, boasting 4.5 stars out of 273 reviews on Yelp. The restaurant, established in 2000, specializes in traditional Greek fare. On the menu you'll find gyros, moussaka, pork souvlaki and baked lemon chicken, among other dishes. 2. Sam's Meat Market Next up is meat and seafood market Sam's Meat Market , situated at 2300 S. Chambers Road, Suite D. With 4.5 stars out of 65 reviews on Yelp, it's proven to be a local favorite. The market features grass-fed Rocky Mountain bison, homemade and specialty sausages, cheeses, fresh seafood, Colorado lamb, East Coast veal and exotic game meats and birds. 3. Game Force Game Force , a shop for video game rentals and videos, is another top choice. Yelpers give the business, located at 2300 S. Chambers Road, Unit H, 4.5 stars out of 15 reviews. Established in 1989, the store buys, sells and trades videos and games, and it carries current and classic video games, systems and accessories. 4. Panaderia Tlaquepaque Panaderia Tlaquepaque , a bakery that offers empanadas and more, is another much-loved neighborhood go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 10 Yelp reviews. Head over to 2300 S. Chambers Road to see for yourself. The bakery, which opened in 2006, specializes in a variety of Jalisco-based Mexican pastries baked fresh daily. Cakes featuring authentic Mexican flavors are also on offer. 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.


Wolverhampton Wanderers' first European game in over 39 years will see them play in the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round draw. [ LIVE: Europa League scores Wolves' reward for finishing seventh in the Premier League last season is to play either the winner of Crusaders and B36 Torshavn. The former are from Northern Ireland and the latter are from the Faroe Islands. Baring a huge shock, Wolves will be heading into the third qualifying round, and Nuno Espirito Santo 's side will then have to play in the knockout round of the Europa League qualifying system as they are still six games away from making the group stage of the competition. Wolves will use this competition as preseason and if they do end up making the group stage, it is pretty clear they will take their first European campaign since 1980 very seriously and they will be up their with the favorites to win it all. The first round draw for both the UEFA Champions League and Europa League was made on Tuesday , and the second round for the Europa League has now set up the schedule through early August. Below is the second qualifying round draw in full, with both the main path and the Champions path games taking place on July 25 and Aug. 1. Second qualifying round main path   25 July & 1 August (Seeded teams in bold) IFK Norrkoping (SWE)/Saint Patrick's (IRL) v Dinamo Minsk (BLR)/Liepaja (LVA) Barry Town United (WAL)/Cliftonville (NIR)/Haugesund (NOR) v Sturm Graz (AUT) Lechia Gdansk (POL) v Inter Turku (FIN)/Brondby (DEN) Domzale (SVN)/Balzan (MLT) v Malmo (SWE)/Ballymena United (NIR)/NSI Runavik (FRO) CSKA-Sofia (BUL)/OFK Titograd (MNE) v Osijek (CRO) Laci (ALB)/Hapoel Beer-Sheva (ISR) v Siroki Brijeg (BIH)/Kairat Almaty (KAZ) AEK Larnaca (CYP)/Petrocub-Hincesti (MDA) v Levski Sofia (BUL)/MFK Ruzomberok (SVK) Zeta (MNE)/Fehervar (HUN) v Breidablik (ISL)/Vaduz (LIE) Molde (NOR)/KR Reykjavík (ISL) v Cukaricki (SRB)/Banants (ARM) Roma (ITA) v Debrecen (HUN)/Kukesi (ALB) Arsenal Tula (RUS) v Neftçi (AZE)/Speranta Nisporeni (MDA) UE Sant Julia (AND)/Europa (GIB)/Legia Warszawa (POL) v Vitebsk (BLR)/KuPS Kuopio (FIN) Gabala (AZE) v Dinamo Tbilisi (GEO)/SP La Fiorita (SMR)/Engordany (AND) Aberdeen (SCO)/RoPS Rovaniemi (FIN) v Fola Esch (LUX)/Chikhura Sachkhere (GEO) Luzern (SUI) v Riteriai (LTU)/KI Klaksvik (FRO)/SP Tre Fiori (SMR) Espanyol (ESP) v Stjarnan (ISL)/Levadia Tallinn (EST) Utrecht (NED) v Akademija Pandev (MKD)/HSK Zrinjski (BIH) Malatyaspor (TUR) v Olimpija Ljubljana (SVN)/Rigas FS (LVA) Royal Antwerp (BEL) v Viitorul (ROU) Prishtina (KOS)/St Joseph's (GIB)/Rangers (SCO) v Cork City (IRL)/Progres Niederkorn (LUX)/Cardiff Met (WAL) Cracovia Krakow (POL)/Dunajska Streda (SVK) v Atromitos (GRE) Pyunik (ARM)/Shkupi (MKD) v FK Jablonec (CZE) Radnicki Nis (SRB)/Flora Tallinn (EST) v Eintracht Frankfurt (GER) Buducnost Podgorica (MNE)/Narva Trans (EST) v Zorya Luhansk (UKR) Ventspils (LVA)/Teuta (ALB) v Gzira United (MLT)/Hajduk Split (CRO) Strasbourg (FRA) v Maccabi Haifa (ISR)/NS Mura (SVN) Wolverhampton (ENG) v Crusaders (NIR)/B36 Torshavn (FRO) Mlada Boleslav (CZE) v Ordabasy Shymkent (KAZ)/Torpedo Kutaisi (GEO) Aris Thessaloniki (GRE) v AEL Limassol (CYP) Brann (NOR)/Shamrock Rovers (IRL) v Kauno Zalgiris (LTU)/Apollon Limassol (CYP) Jeunesse Esch (LUX)/Tobol Kostanay (KAZ) v Vitória SC (POR) AZ Alkmaar (NED) v Hacken (SWE) Budapest Honved (HUN)/Zalgiris Vilnius (LTU) v Sabail (AZE)/Universitatea Craiova (ROU) Alashkert (ARM)/Makedonija Skopje (MKD) v FCSB (ROU)/Milsami Orhei (MDA) Shakhtyor Soligorsk (BLR)/Hibernians (MLT) v Esbjerg (DEN) Lokomotiv Plovdiv (BUL) v Radnik Bijeljina (BIH)/Spartak Trnava (SVK) Connah's Quay (WAL)/Kilmarnock (SCO) v Partizan (SRB) Second qualifying round Champions Path   25 July & 1 August (Seeded teams in bold) Group 1 SP Tre Penne (SMR)/FC Santa Coloma (AND) v Sūduva (LTU)/Crvena zvezda (SRB) BATE Borisov (BLR)/Piast Gliwice (POL) v Dundalk (IRL)/Riga FC (LVA) Partizani (ALB)/Qarabag (AZE) v Sheriff Tiraspol (MDA)/Saburtalo (GEO) Group 2 Ararat Armenia(ARM)/AIK (SWE) v Feronikeli (KOS)/Lincoln Red Imps (GIB) Valur Reykjavik (ISL)/Maribor (SVN) v Ferencvaros (HUN)/Ludogorets (BUL) Slovan Bratislava (SVK)/Sutjeska (MNE) v The New Saints (WAL)/Winners of the preliminary round Group 3 Losing finalist, preliminary round v Astana (KAZ)/CFR Cluj (ROU) HJK Helsinki (FIN)/HB Torshavn (FRO) v Linfield (NIR)/Rosenborg (NOR) Nomme Kalju (EST)/Shkendija (MKD) v F91 Dudelange (LUX)/Valletta (MLT) Follow @JPW_NBCSports


SEATTLE (AP)   Trump administration rules that impose additional hurdles for low-income women seeking abortions are on hold once again. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco on Wednesday vacated a unanimous ruling from a three-judge panel and said a slate of 11 judges will reconsider lawsuits brought by more than 20 states and several civil rights and health organizations challenging the rules. The rules ban taxpayer-funded clinics from making abortion referrals and prohibit clinics that receive federal money from sharing office space with abortion providers. Critics say the rules would force many clinics to find new locations, undergo expensive remodels or shut down. The Justice Department did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. The agency previously said its position "is supported by long-standing Supreme Court precedent, and we are confident we will ultimately prevail on appeal." Federal judges in Washington, Oregon and California blocked the rules from taking effect. U.S. District Judge Michael McShane in Oregon called the new policy "madness" and said it was motivated by "an arrogant assumption that the government is better suited to direct women's health care than their providers." A three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit overruled them two weeks ago. The judges called the rules "reasonable" and said they align with a federal law that prohibits taxpayer funds from going to "programs where abortion is a method of family planning." With that decision vacated, the injunctions issued by the lower court judges are once again in effect. It's not clear when new court arguments will be held. "We are profoundly grateful the preliminary injunction is back in place," said Clare Coleman, president of the National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association, which is involved in the cases. She said the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services had not yet been enforcing the new rules, even though the three-judge panel's ruling had given it the green light to do so. The rules affect organizations that provide, and women who receive, health care through Title X, a 1970 law designed to improve access to family planning services. Among them is Planned Parenthood, which had called the now-vacated panel decision "devastating." It serves about 1.6 million of the 4 million low-income patients who receive health care through Title X. Abortion is a legal medical procedure, but federal laws prohibit the use of Title X or other taxpayer funds to pay for abortions except in cases of rape, incest or to save the woman's life. Abortion opponents and religious conservatives say Title X has long been used to indirectly subsidize abortion providers. If allowed to take effect, the administration's new policy would mark a return to rules that were adopted in 1988 and subsequently upheld by the Supreme Court. Under the Clinton administration, those rules were abandoned in favor of a requirement that the clinics provide neutral abortion counseling and referrals upon request. Those challenging Trump's approach have pointed to the Affordable Care Act, which bars the government from creating unreasonable barriers to medical care or interfering with communications between the patient and provider.


The NBA Draft already had a league-changing impact on free agency. Or, to be more accurate, the NBA Draft Lottery did. When the Lakers moved up to get the No. 4 pick, it sweetened the offer enough to make the Anthony Davis trade happen. That changed the plans of the Lakers and Pelicans   and to a degree the Celtics, Knicks, and anyone else who thought they had a shot at Davis   heading into the draft and free agency. That said, many of turning point moments coming this July were completely unaffected by what happened in the Draft. Let's take a look. WHAT CHANGED • The Lakers traded for Davis and now it's about rounding out the roster. Los Angeles might have landed Davis anyway   his agent, Rich Paul, could not have pulled more levers to try to make that happen (as an agent should for his client)   but the Lakers getting the No. 4 pick put the offer over the top. At the draft, the Lakers also picked up second-rounder Talen Horton-Tucker , who has potential but is not ready to contribute much in the coming season. Now for the Lakers it becomes about how to best build out the roster around Davis and LeBron James : Clear the cap space and chase one more star, such as Kemba Walker ; or, use that money to land three players (give or take) in the $7 million to $10 million range to go around the three quality rotation players the Lakers already have (meaning chase players such as Trevor Ariza , Danny Green , J.J. Redick , and others in that range). One thing on draft night made the timing of the Lakers' moves clear: With the Pelicans trading the No. 4 pick to Atlanta, is Davis trade will be executed on July 6. The floated of pushing the trade itself back to July 30 to create more Lakers' cap room to sign players will not happen with another trade now hinged on the Laker/Pelican deal going through. That was agreed to before the trade, if the Pelicans moved the No. 4 pick then the Davis deal got done the first chance it was allowed (July 6). That means the Lakers will have between $24 million and $32 million in cap space. One part of the equation is if Davis waives his $4 million trade bonus. For the Lakers to have the full $32 million in cap space, they need to trade Isaac Bonga , Mo Wagner, and Alex Caruso into cap space somewhere and get them off the L.A. books. Expect the Lakers to pull that off in the coming weeks. • Boston made trades on draft night, but of the slow build, not grand, variety. Kyrie Irving 's disenfranchisement with Boston   the city, his young teammates, Brad Stevens, clam chowder, pretty much everything   blew up Danny Ainge's plans. Trading for Davis was off the table, Al Horford isn't sticking around for this, and the Celtics aren't quite back to square one there is a reset. Boston made a couple of trades on draft night and ended up with a nice haul of young players   Romeo Langford , Grant Williams , Carsen Edwards , Tremont Waters , and the Bucks' 2020 first-round pick (protected). Danny Ainge will have a new plan, and he has some cap space this summer, but there will be no panic moves. • The Knicks are on the Plan C. Or D. Or E. Maybe all the way to R at this point. The Knicks dream summer? Win the lottery and get Zion Williamson and pair him with Durant and Irving (or maybe Kemba Walker). Now? They will still chase Durant and remain the reported frontrunners, but there are more teams seriously in the mix, and Durant will not play next season as he rehabs anyway. The Knicks want a meeting with Kawhi Leonard , but they are a longshot to land him. Next season in New York may be about seeing how just drafted R.J. Barrett fits with Kevin Knox and Mitchell Robinson . It's not the summer Knicks fans dreamed about. • What are the Pacers planning? No doubt center Goga Bitadze was the top player on the Pacers' draft board when they took him No. 18, but it raises a question: What is the plan in Indiana? There have been rumors of them wanting to go with either Myles Turner or Domantas Sabonis at center, not the platoon we saw last season, and Bitadze gives them some cover for it. The Pacers want to sign or trade for one more good playmaker to go next to Victor Olaidpo, and with Mike Conley now in Utah one target is off the board. Ricky Rubio at the point is a top target, but they have the room to be bolder. They are a team to watch. WHAT DID NOT CHANGE • Kawhi Leonard will tip the balance of power. No one decision this summer will change the landscape of the NBA like Leonard's   whatever team he chooses instantly becomes a title contender. While the Lakers and Knicks want to get meetings (and may, nobody knows what Leonard's process will be, exactly) I have heard from sources for almost a year now that those two teams were not mix in a meaningful way, and numerous others have reported that as well. This is a two-team race: Stay with the Raptors and be the favorites in the East, come back to Los Angeles and be a Clipper, turning a 48-win team into a contender. While speculation is rampant, nobody knows which way Leonard himself is leaning, and he has not tipped his (giant) hand. Whatever he chooses, it tips the balance of power between the conferences. • Kevin Durant has to decide where he wants to do his rehab, and eventually play. Durant is a kingmaker just like Leonard, but not in quite the same way because he will miss most or all of next season recovering from his torn Achilles. The Warriors are in the mix, but the Nets (theoretically with Kyrie Irving), Knicks (they also would like to play the Irving card), Clippers, Lakers, and others would like meetings and a chance to make their case. What does Durant want? Not to be recruited . After that, nobody knows because nobody knows how the injury changed his mindset. • Kyrie Irving has to decide if he wants to go to Brooklyn, the Nets have to decide if they want Irving without Durant. Irving is not the same level of franchise player that Durant and Leonard are   his leadership reputation took a serious hit this past season   but he is still an All-NBA level guard who makes a team much better. The Celtics wanted him for his play and to help win Anthony Davis over after the trade but that plan blew up. The Nets remain the frontrunners to land him, but some in the organization wonder if they want him without Durant . They probably sign him either way   Irving is an elite player, not just bait   but the Nets aren't the same with just him replacing D'Angelo Russell .


If you find you're second-guessing decision in the days leading up to your wedding, or even on the big day itself, you're in good company. "I think most people   right before they make any big decision in life   question themselves, even if just for a moment," says Jesse Tombs, senior event producer for Alison Events . "It's usually not that they are not in love with their soon-to-be partner or doubting their commitment   more commonly they are so excited and caught up in the moment they lose sight of what it's all about." Here, Tombs and psychologist Lauren Napolitano tell you how to warm up those cold feet with their top tips. Cut back. "The vast majority of 'cold feet' is related to anxiety about the enormity of the wedding," Napolitano explains. "So, if possible, scale back the wedding, or cut out some complications." Breathe. "Try the one-10 breath method, in which you breathe in for one, breathe out for one, breath in for two, breath out for two, etc., until you get to 10," describes Tombs. "Deep, focused breath helps calm the nerves, center the mind and release the butterflies." Schedule a relaxing honeymoon. " Your honeymoon is not the time for a rigorous bike tour," says Napolitano. "It's time to chill at the hotel pool." If your feet start to freeze, just picture them stepping into a hot tub. On a beach. With your beau. Turn to mom and dad. "Clear the room and let the bride be alone with her mom or dad ," says Tombs. "They always know what to say!" Get some perspective. "Talk to other brides or newlyweds to ask about their cold feet," Napolitano suggests. "Especially, talk to happily married couples with five or more years under their belts to see if they felt cold feet." Chances are they did, and they don't regret taking the plunge anyway! Eat something. "Often brides get upset because they haven't eaten all day and need sustenance," Tombs says. A quick snack (or even a drink) can fill you up and calm you down. Exercise. "The best antidote for anxiety is always activity," says Napolitano. "Take a yoga or spinning class. It will help to slow any racing thoughts that you might have." Talk it through. "Be honest to yourself, and remember who you are and why you are getting married in the first place," Tombs says. "Never forget that!" Seek help. "If your anxiety is causing you to lose sleep or causing you trouble concentrating at work, get help," says Napolitano. "A therapist can help you to feel less anxious." More from Brides The Top Fall 2015 Wedding Dress Trends 41 Incredible Wedding Dress Backs How To Find The Perfect Wedding Dress For Your Body Type


There's a brand-new cocktail bar in town. Located at 11-01 43rd Ave. in Long Island City, the new arrival is called Savanna Rooftop . Located on the 12th floor of the Z NYC Hotel, Savanna Rooftop offers an array of specialty cocktails, in addition to views of the Manhattan skyline. Try a frozen Negroni, a frozen gin and tonic, or a unique creation like the Coco Camino, made with mezcal, Lillet Blanc and coconut water. There's also a full selection of beer and wine and a menu of small plates, like sliders and tacos. With a four-star rating out of 14 reviews on Yelp so far, Savanna Rooftop is getting solid feedback from clientele. Ileana M., who was among the first Yelpers to review the new spot on July 9, wrote, "This is my new favorite spot in Long Island City! My sisters brought me here during the week, and I instantly fell in love. With frozen drinks, beach chairs and tacos, this place is a must-visit in the summer." Head on over to check it out: Savanna Rooftop is open from 5 p.m. midnight on Sunday-Wednesday and from 5 p.m. 2 a.m. on Thursday-Saturday. Want to keep your finger on the pulse of new businesses in New York City? 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.


Imagine crossing Times Square on a high wire between skyscrapers, 25 stories above the pavement. This was a reality Sunday for two siblings from the famed Flying Wallendas circus family. Nik Wallenda is a seventh-generation acrobat, but this time, he was nervous. His sister, Lijana Wallenda, joined him for the first time since her near-fatal accident in 2017, when she broke nearly every bone in her face.


How highly regarded is Browns RB Nick Chubb after just one season? Chubb is already getting acclaim on several 2019 preseason lists, including the top 11 RBs in the NFL from brother site Touchdown Wire and analyst Doug Farrar. The NFL's 11 best running backs Chubb checks in at No. 10 on the list after just missing 1,000 rushing yards in his rookie campaign. The second-round pick from Georgia showed explosiveness, versatility and exceptional patience in his first season. Those traits all impressed Farrar enough to get Chubb on the list, Chubb has already learned what it takes a lot of young backs a lot longer to figure out - that good things happen when you wait for your blocks to take effect. And with that, he has outstanding cut-and-go instincts, and a compelling combination of foot movement, vision, and acceleration to break the big run. His skill set tells the story of a back whose explosive-play percentage wouldn't decrease that much with a heavier workload. With all the talent and the opportunity in front of him, don't be surprised if Chubb winds up closer to the top of these sorts of lists next offseason. MORE: Russell Westbrook lost it over a Kevin Durant joke at a comedy show Three Potential Landing Spots for Chris Paul Does Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey want to team up with DeAndre Hopkins in Houston? Anthony Davis already messing around with his new teammate LeBron Carson Wentz lands behind Baker Mayfield in a ranking of the 11 best QB's in NFL


New York Yankees veteran CC Sabathia didn't necessarily pitch well during a 7-5 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday. While Sabathia did net his third win of the season, most of that had to do with the Yankees' bats going off . The lefty allowed four earned runs in five innings of work to bring his ERA for the season to 3.48. Following the game, Yankees manager Aaron Boone noted that Sabathia is dealing with some inflammation to his knee. Per Aaron Boone, CC Sabathia's right knee has been "barking" a bit lately. There's some inflammation in there that might need to be addressed. It's possible he skips his next start, Boone says.   Coley Harvey (@ColeyHarvey) May 23, 2019 This is notable in that Sabathia started the 2019 season on the injured list due to both an angioplasty and right knee injury. It's the same knee that's apparently ailing the six-time All-Star. The hope here is that a trip to the IL is not needed. New York already has starters James Paxton and Luis Severino on the shelf.


Hollywood players who have long enjoyed tax incentives for operating in Georgia could be angling to pull their productions out of the Peach State following this week's signing of an early-abortion law there. On Tuesday, Georgia's Republican Gov. Brian Kemp signed legislation banning abortions once a fetal heartbeat can be detected. (That can be as early as six weeks, before many women know they're pregnant.) Since then, celebrities and creatives have decried the decision and are beginning to put their money where their mouth is, potentially threatening the well-being of the Hollywood of the South, which is home to high-profile productions such as "The Walking Dead," "Ozark" and "Stranger Things." "The Wire" and "The Deuce" creator David Simon said that his Blown Deadline productions "must undertake production where the rights of all citizens remain intact," engaging in a lengthy Twitter discussion with critics on Wednesday. Killer Films CEO Christine Vachon also planned to halt production in the state, tweeting Thursday, "Killer Films will no longer consider Georgia as a viable shooting location until this ridiculous law is overturned." Meanwhile, the Motion Picture Assn. of America, which represents several major film studios, said it plans to "monitor developments." "Film and television production in Georgia supports more than 92,000 jobs and brings significant economic benefits to communities and families," the organization said in a statement to The Times. "It is important to remember that similar legislation has been attempted in other states, and has either been enjoined by the courts or is currently being challenged." TV writer Dan Gregor urged his colleagues this week not to film in the state, retweeting a March statement from the Writers Guild of America East & West opposing HB 481, which will take effect in 2020. "This law would make Georgia an inhospitable place for those in the film and television industry to work, including our members," the statement read. "If the Georgia Legislature and Governor Kemp make HB 481 law, it is entirely possible that many of those in our industry will either want to leave the state or decide not to bring productions there. Such is the potential cost of a blatant attack on every woman's right to control her own body." The "heartbeat" law has already been decried by the American Civil Liberties Union, Planned Parenthood, Hillary Clinton, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and U.S. presidential hopefuls Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Pete Buttigieg. Talk show host Busy Philipps also condemned the decision on her E! talk show, "Busy Tonight," opening up about her own abortion at age 15 and how enacting such a law had her fearing for women and girls. "Westworld" star Evan Rachel Wood applauded the host after tweeting her own dismay about the state's regard for abortions. "Um..guys? Women who are residents in Georgia can go to jail if they travel out of state for an abortion now?" she wrote, adding, "In Georgia a woman who miscarries could go to jail. Are we paying attention????" Dresden Dolls singer Amanda Palmer also criticized the decision and said she'd use her upcoming performance at the Cobb Energy Center in Atlanta to share her abortion story with the audience. Actress and advocate Amber Tamblyn took aim at Kemp for approving the bill, accusing the governor of stealing his position in the contested midterm election. "You are a fraction of a man and a fraud of an official. We will come for you next election. That's a promise. HB 481: Georgia law criminalizes abortion, subjects women to life in prison," she tweeted. In 2016, Disney, Viacom and AMC, Time Warner, Lionsgate, 21st Century Fox and others protested Georgia's Free Exercise Protection Act, which critics said is an anti-gay measure that boosts legal safeguards for opponents of same-sex marriage.     ©2019 Los Angeles Times Visit the Los Angeles Times at www.latimes.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


Duke granted Boogie Ellis his request to be released from his letter of intent with the university. The 6-2 guard out of San Diego Mission Bay committed to Duke on Nov. 9 during the early signing period. He originally chose to become a Blue Devil and play for coach Mike Krzyzewski over Memphis, North Carolina, San Diego State and USC. Ellis, a five-star recruit and the No. 34 overall player in the 2019 class (according to 247Sports' composite rankings), announced Thursday on Twitter that he will reopen his recruitment. The guard wrote: "I would like to thank Duke University and the coaching staff for recruiting me. However, after much thought and discussion with my family, I have decided to ask for my release and re-open my recruitment." Ellis had said in the fall after he committed to Duke: "I just felt like Coach K has the best vision for me as well as getting to my other dreams as being a pro and stuff like that. I feel like he gave me the opportunity to be an impact player, that's what he really sold me on." Memphis is expected to be "heavily involved" in the process this time around, 247Sports reports . pic.twitter.com/ZDYWItySWT   Boogie Ellis (@BoogieEllis) May 2, 2019 Ellis' release from the Blue Devils comes after Duke revamped its roster following the end of the 2018-19 season. Krzyzewski worked to replace his top three scorers   Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett and Cam Reddish   who declared for the 2019 NBA Draft. The Blue Devils added top-10 forward Matthew Hurt and shooting guard Cassius Stanley (No. 31 overall) in April. MORE : Mike Krzyzewski catches LeBron James Jr.'s game at Nike tournament | Duke lands third-ranked shooting guard Cassius Stanley Duke also picked up top recruits Vernon Carey (4), Matthew Hurt (9) and Wendell Moore (25), which ranks the Blue Devils No. 1 in the 247Sports' composite team recruiting rankings   even without Ellis. Related slideshow: Best photos of NCAA Championship (Provided by imagn)


Minneapolis will see a return of last week's warm temperatures over the next few days, according to drone-powered weather forecasting service Saildrone . Temperatures will dip somewhat to 76 degrees on Thursday. The immediate forecast also includes rain. Sunday should see the most rain, with a forecast accumulation of 0.15 inches. Skies will start to clear up on Thursday. Winds will continue to be light throughout the week, with the highest speeds on Tuesday 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.


Sen. Elizabeth Warren calls Betsy DeVos the "worst secretary of education we've seen." Sen. Amy Klobuchar says DeVos "shouldn't be in her job." Beto O'Rourke's take on DeVos: "We can do better." In the hunt for a presidential nomination, those Democrats and others are increasingly taking swings at DeVos as a way to energize supporters, jostle for attention and curry favor with the nation's major teachers unions, which claim millions of voters among their members. Over the last two months, candidates have gone after DeVos at campaign rallies, during TV appearances and in policy proposals. They have used her name to get a rise out of crowds at events from Las Vegas to Virginia. DeVos herself has become as much of an issue as any education policy, attracting more attention than most other members of President Donald Trump's administration. "When you look across the Cabinet, there really isn't anyone else who has driven engagement at a personal level in the same way she has," said Mike Spahn, a managing director at Precision Strategies, a political consulting firm that works with Democrats. "She's the one who draws the most negativity." So far at least six candidates have publicly opposed DeVos, often as they offer their own pledges to support public schools and raise pay for teachers across the country. Warren, in particular, has framed her friction with DeVos as a cornerstone of her 2020 campaign. In a letter to supporters this month, the Massachusetts senator issued a scathing rebuke of DeVos and promised that, if elected, she will put a former public school teacher in the nation's top education post. "I'll just be blunt: Betsy DeVos is the worst secretary of education we've seen," Warren wrote. "She and her team are up to their eyeballs in conflicts of interest. Instead of championing our students, they protect for-profit colleges that break the law and cheat them." Education Department spokeswoman Liz Hill said in a statement that DeVos "is focused on ensuring our nation's students don't remain 24th in reading, 25th in science and 40th in math in the world, not on protecting the status quo, which is often times the politically expedient thing to do." Others who have taken jabs include former Vice President Joe Biden, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and Pete Buttigieg, the mayor of South Bend, Indiana. In Fredericksburg, Virginia, O'Rourke recently drew cheers when he asked, "Do you all think that we can do better than Betsy DeVos as secretary of education?" He answered, "I do, too." While it's uncommon for an education secretary to become such a focus on the campaign trail, education itself is often an important topic in presidential races. During the 2016 election, Americans in both parties agreed that education was among the most important issues alongside the economy, according to a poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Democratic strategists say it's politically savvy to tap into the left's outrage over DeVos and her proposals, especially her support for school choice, her proposed overhaul of federal rules on campus sexual assault, and her efforts to roll back a variety of Obama-era regulations. Some say focusing on DeVos also can help candidates stand out in a crowded field of 23 competitors. "It's kind of a goldmine. For Democrats, she is the face of an incompetent administration," said Scott Ferson, president and CEO of the Liberty Square Group a political strategy firm in Boston. "I think Democrats are looking for somebody who isn't just going to knock the president every time they speak, and DeVos is a good surrogate for the administration." Candidates have taken aim at the secretary as the nation's two major teachers unions begin deciding who will get their endorsements. Both the National Education Association, which claims 3.2 million members, and the American Federation of Teachers, with 1.7 million, are seen as powerful political forces and recently began vetting candidates. Both unions are sharp opponents of DeVos and have depicted her as an enemy of public schools. DeVos in turn describes the groups as outdated institutions that put their own interests above students. Speaking to conservatives in California this month, DeVos called teachers unions and other groups "an education cabal that protects the status quo at the expense of just about everyone else." Strategists say swinging at DeVos is an easy way to score political points with the labor groups. Warren issued her declaration against DeVos the same day she spoke at a Philadelphia town hall organized by the American Federation of Teachers, which backed Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. The union has hosted other recent events with Klobuchar and Sanders, along with Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., and Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio. DeVos has been a popular target for Democrats since her 2017 confirmation hearing, where she appeared to be flustered by questions from some lawmakers. Online videos of her occasional public gaffes have been used as an organizing tool by her opponents, and Democrats in last year's midterm elections often depicted DeVos as a villain in their TV campaign ads. One ad from Democratic supporters in Maryland accused Republican Gov. Larry Hogan of having "similar views" to DeVos, saying it posed "a big problem for Maryland students." During O'Rourke's Senate bid in Texas, he released an ad saying his opponent, Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, "was the deciding vote in putting Betsy DeVos in charge of our children's public education." Beyond her policies, DeVos is a favorite foe of Democrats because they see her as a symbol of privilege, said Spahn, of the Precision Strategies firm. DeVos and her husband are billionaires who have used their wealth to support school choice efforts in Michigan and across the country. "The combination of the policies she is articulating and the system she represents has really resonated with people," Spahn said. "I think that does have to do with the fact that she's got a yacht or two, and she has funded some very conservative campaigns." Some consultants expect DeVos to remain a target for Democrats through the 2020 general election, but some question whether the strategy can yield more than a brief boost. Some previous campaigns have found that focusing on DeVos generated attention online but didn't always translate into long-term backing, said Larry Huynh, a partner at the consulting firm Trilogy Interactive. "What people have found is she creates energy," Huynh said. "But are these people simply anti-DeVos? Can you turn them into pro-candidate X? We have actually seen quite mixed results on that." Using DeVos as a foil could also be problematic for some candidates with past ties to DeVos. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., for example, once served with her on the board of Alliance for School Choice, a group that supported school vouchers, and he was the keynote speaker at a 2012 school choice summit hosted by the American Federation of Children, a group DeVos led. Booker later voted against DeVos' confirmation by the Senate and said he was "frustrated and deeply saddened" by her appointment. ___ Follow Collin Binkley on Twitter at https://twitter.com/cbinkley


Imagine being able to hop on a MARTA train and ride practically all the way to Arabia Mountain. While that might seem like a colossal project and a far-fetched ambition, DeKalb County officials voted this week to move forward with plans to expand the transit agency's reach to the City of Stonecrest. In a narrow 4-1-2 vote, the DeKalb County Commission approved a resolution that supports adding a heavy or light rail component to the upcoming Transit Master Plan, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution . The creation and adoption of a masterplan could mean DeKalb ups sales taxes by 1 percent to help fund transit improvements and expansion. But that wouldn't be enough to cover the cost of a new rail line running alongside Interstate 20 out to Stonecrest, according to the paper. The approval of the resolution also signifies the commission's interest in prioritizing rail lines over Bus Rapid Transit. DeKalb commissioners are now working with officials from MARTA and the young regional transit agency The ATL to create the masterplan. Residents in Stonecrest and other parts of south DeKalb have longed for rail access for years, and they've been paying a one-cent sales tax to support MARTA since its inception nearly 50 years ago. Now, says the resolution's sponsor, Commissioner Larry Johnson, it's time for constituents to enjoy their just desserts.


While New Orleans is known year-round as a melting pot of music, food and culture, the Crescent City raises the bar each Fourth of July weekend with the annual Essence Festival, the "party with a purpose." Spread over a main stage and four "superlounges," the Essence Festival is the largest celebration of African American culture and music in the United States. Marking its 25th anniversary this year, the festival features a conversation with former first lady Michelle Obama and headline music acts including Missy Elliott, Mary J. Blige, Nas and Pharrell Williams. Events are scattered across the city, so the Essence Festival also offers a chance to take in the sights and sounds of New Orleans. The festival runs July 4-7. Whether you're ready to book your trip now or just wondering what it would cost, take a look at these forthcoming flights between Anaheim and New Orleans, which we pulled from travel site Skyscanner . We've also included top-rated hotels, restaurants and attractions in New Orleans to highlight the city's best for visitors headed there soon. (Prices and availability are current as of publication and subject to change.) Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in the articles may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. Flight deals to New Orleans The cheapest flights between Anaheim and New Orleans are if you leave on July 5 and return from Louisiana on July 7. United Airlines currently has roundtrip tickets for $625. Top New Orleans accommodations To plan your accommodations, here are some of New Orleans' top-rated hotels, according to Skyscanner, that we selected based on price, proximity to things to do and customer satisfaction. The Hotel Monteleone (214 Royal St.) If you're looking to splurge on top quality, consider The Hotel Monteleone . The hotel has a 4.7-star rating on Skyscanner, and rooms are currently available for $179. The Hotel Monteleone stands in the French Quarter within four blocks of Jackson Square, the Canal Street Shops, Harrah's New Orleans Casino, Cafe du Monde and lively Bourbon Street. Dining options include Le Cafe, serving buffet-style breakfasts and cooked-to-order selections. The Columns Hotel (3811 St. Charles Ave.) If you're looking for an inexpensive place to stay, try The Columns Hotel . Rooms are currently set at $100/night. It overlooks St. Charles Avenue, and you can watch the famous streetcar go by   or ride it to the French Quarter. The Hampton Inn & Suites Convention Center (1201 Convention Center Blvd.) A third option is The Hampton Inn & Suites Convention Center . The 4.6-star hotel has rooms for $99/night. It's just across from the Ernest Morial Convention Center, the site of many Essence Festival events. Featured New Orleans food and drink If you're looking for a popular spot to grab a bite, New Orleans has plenty of excellent eateries to choose from. Here are a few from Skyscanner's listings to help you get started. Cafe Du Monde (800 Decatur St.) Let's start with the essentials: where to get beignets. For a popular option, check out Cafe Du Monde , which has an average of 4.6 stars out of 407 reviews on Skyscanner. This 24/7 French cafe (only closed on Christmas and during hurricanes) serves its patrons a mean cup of dark-roasted chicory coffee. Complement your cup of Joe with one of its famous beignets, gratuitously topped with powdered sugar and occasionally filled with fruit. "This place is open 24 hours but is always super packed," wrote visitor Monica. "It is worth it though ... also not super expensive." Commander's Palace (1403 Washington Ave.) One of New Orleans' most popular restaurants is Commander's Palace , with 4.8 stars from 93 reviews. "Jazz brunches are a tradition here in the garden room overlooking the courtyard," wrote visitor Michelle. "Cannot recommend this famous restaurant enough." Jacques-Imo's Cafe (8324 Oak St.) Also worth considering is Jacques-Imo's Cafe . Located in uptown New Orleans on a section of Oak Street, Jacques-Imo's embraces and interprets the New Orleans funky psyche in a way that is fetching to both tourists and locals alike. Not your typical New Orleans restaurant   Jacques-Imo's Cafe has become one of the hottest food tickets in town, known for its eclectic mix of Creole and Cajun specialties, at reasonable prices. "One of the busiest and smallest cafes in town because the food is wonderful and plentiful," wrote Cindee. "This is a neighborhood restaurant that is warm and friendly." Lilette (3637 Magazine St.) Finally, there's Lilette . Born out of chef and owner John Harris' desire to create an intimate dining environment, Lilette enjoys both a loyal local following and a steady stream of visitors from around the country. Cheerful and sunny at lunchtime, at night the dining room takes a turn toward the romantic, awash in wine-colored walls and soft lighting. "Chef and owner John Harris' dream restaurant, dubbed by Travel and Leisure magazine as 'the sexiest dining room in New Orleans' features a menu that boasts such items as bone marrow toast, marinated anchovies and passion fruit butter Alaskan crab cakes," wrote Justin. Top New Orleans attractions Not sure what to do in New Orleans, besides eat and drink? Here are a couple of recommendations, provided by Skyscanner. The French Quarter (501 Basin St., New Orleans) First up is The French Quarter . Known also as as the Vieux Carré, the French Quarter is the heart of New Orleans as far as tourist attractions go. The iconic Bourbon and Royal streets run parallel here, offering a rambunctious nightlife at the former and unique boutiques at the latter. Countless restaurants and bars reside here, and finding jazz is as easy as catching multi-colored beads. "The place for nightlife, social scene and overall fun," wrote visitor Kay. "When in New Orleans, go to the French Quarter. The French Quarter is always full of life and good vibes." Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 (1427 Washington Ave.) Finally, spend some time at Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 . "Interesting place to get a glimpse of the macabre side of New Orleans," wrote visitor Morgan. "It's free, and there is no tour guide needed." This story was created automatically using flight, hotel, and local attractions data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.


State officials frustrated lawmakers at a public hearing Friday by refusing to weigh in on legislation aimed at strengthening New York's sexual harassment laws. Division of Human Rights deputy commissioners Melissa Franco and Gina Martinez drew fire from elected officials at the Manhattan listening session for remaining "neutral" when asked about a package of proposed bills that would end rules that sexual harassment must meet the high bar of being "severe or pervasive" to warrant legal action. The bills would also improve workers' protections, extend statutes of limitation and amend the state Constitution to prohibit sex discrimination. "We're to remain neutral and enforce the laws as they are. Any opinion we gave would be inappropriate … While you would like us to say any recommendations, in order for us to remain neutral, we can't," Martinez said. Sen. Alessandra Biaggi (D-Bronx) pleaded with the pair, whose agency is tasked with taking complaints of sexual harassment from victims statewide, to aid the lawmakers as they prepare a final push to pass the sweeping anti-harassment legislation by the end of the Legislature's session next month. "I would actually disagree ... It is your job not to be neutral on this legislation. I would implore you to not be neutral on the laws," Biaggi said. The freshman Senator led a coalition of Democrats from both the Assembly and Senate through a marathon, three-hour opening salvo aimed at the officials during the second public hearing on sexual harassment held this legislative session. The hearing, a follow-up to an historic 11-hour-long hearing held in the state capital in February, was prompted by the lobbying of the Sexual Harassment Working Group. The alliance of ex-legislative aides survived, witnessed or reported harassment and abuse at the hands of their former bosses, including former Assembly members Vito Lopez and Micah Kellner, former Counsel to Speaker Sheldon Silver Michael Boxley, and former Sen. Jeff Klein. The group says the 10-bill package on the table is needed to stop harassment and ensure complaints are taken seriously. The silence of Franco and Martinez, who noted that the number of sexual harassment complaints with the state agency has increased by 62% since 2016, was contrasted by the testimony of New York City human rights official Dana Sussman, advocates and others who said there is no reason why the state should not adopt the broader protections already in place in the city. The city did away with the "severe or pervasive" standard in 2016 and defines harassment as when a person is "treated less well than other employees because of gender" or the offending conduct involves more than "petty slights or trivial inconveniences." Some in the business world oppose the legislation. Frank Kerbein, director of the Center for Human Resources at The Business Council of New York State, told Politico he's concerned the changes could lead to unnecessary lawsuits. "Most of this behavior can be stopped by talking to the person and correcting their behavior," Kerbein said. Assemblywoman Yuh-Line Niou (D-Manhattan) spoke of her own sexual assault as she admonished state officials for the language they uses when discussing statutes of limitation after a comment about memories going stale over time. "I will say that it took over 20 year and before I could even speak up about it," she said. "And there's has not been a single moment where I have not lived with it. Memories of it are very fresh and they will continue to be so. I remember what he smelled like, I remember what he looked like, I remember the color of the desk that I was grabbing onto. I just want to put that out here before we continue, it's using that kind of language."     ©2019 New York Daily News Visit New York Daily News at www.nydailynews.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


Check out the best images as the Formula 1 circus descended on Budapest for the Hungarian Grand Prix, which served up a great race with a thrilling finale. Read Also: Hungarian GP: Hamilton defeats Verstappen in tense duel The Hungarian GP as it happened Verstappen takes cheeky dig at Renault 1000bhp claims


Alex Rodriguez has had his share of tabloid moments. Many of them have centered around vanity. There was the infamous 2009 mirror kiss photo in Details Magazine that suggested nobody loves A-Rod as much as A-Rod does. well said RT @SeanGrandePBP : Man, when this is over, A-Rod's going to have to take a long hard look in the mirror. pic.twitter.com/wqyqm73d   SI Vault (@si_vault) October 12, 2012 There was his topless Central Park sunbathing moment in 2006 that he clearly wanted the New York Post to document. A-Rod's not-so private moment But Friday's revelation is even beyond the sleazy bounds of The Post's dedicated gossip section Page Six. Rodriguez, like the rest of us, uses the toilet. He apparently enjoys doing so in the New York apartment he shares with Jennifer Lopez with his windows exposed. Page Six reports that somebody snapped an image of the retired Yankee doing his business in the privacy of his home from another building. One step too far for tabloids Page Six got a hold of the photo and   gasp   declined to run with it. The gossip rag arm of the publication that's built a significant portion of its reputation on exposing the dirty secrets of A-Rod decided that this invasion of privacy was a step too far. So good for them, we guess. But the photo exists. And when it made its way to Twitter, Rodriguez's lawyers apparently decided it was time to take action. Per Page Six, citing a source: "Alex's lawyers are all over this. They are working hard to find out who the culprit is. It is a clear breach of privacy. The photo was obviously taken from the building next door, from a floor possibly parallel to Alex's apartment. One of the hedge funds in the building next door will be getting a big lawsuit." It appears we've found the limits of how far New York tabloids will go. That limit is a picture of Alex Rodriguez sitting on the throne. More from Yahoo Sports: Warriors erase double-digit deficit to win Game 2 Tweak that helped Golden State limit Lillard, McCollum Former WWE star Ashley Massaro dies at 39 Related slideshow: 2019 MLB season (provided by imagn)


When the Wisconsin ruffed grouse management plan is finished, it will likely include a recommendation for a shorter grouse hunting season, according to a Department of Natural Resources supervisor. Speaking Wednesday at the Natural Resources Board meeting in Barneveld, DNR upland wildlife ecologist Mark Witecha said the plan is pointing to an annual grouse season closure on the first weekend in January. It now ends Jan. 31 in northern Wisconsin, the state's primary grouse region. Debates over ruffed grouse season lengths and bag limits have become common as the species has declined over much of its range in the U.S. and as concerns mount about disease impacts on the bird, especially West Nile Virus. Lisa Williams, ruffed grouse biologist with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, said research in that state has shown two factors are driving grouse declines: the decades-long loss of high-quality young-forest habitat and West Nile Virus, which has been killing Pennsylvania grouse since the early 2000s. The impact of the disease on Wisconsin grouse isn't clear; the first substantial grouse sampling effort was conducted by state officials last year and results are expected to be released in the coming weeks. Last year, in response to unexpected declines in grouse drumming counts and concern over a drop in the grouse population, the Natural Resources Board passed an emergency rule and ended the grouse season Dec. 31. That rule has since expired. However, the board indicated Wednesday it would likely bring the issue back for consideration this year. Department staff and stakeholders are in the process of preparing a draft of the grouse plan, the first in state history. Witecha said the plan is likely to include a season that ends in early January, which would be timed to end with several other hunting seasons and trim about three weeks off the season now on the books. Last year, under the shortened season, hunters spent fewer days afield and killed fewer grouse. A DNR report showed hunters spent 552,293 days afield in 2018 in pursuit of ruffed grouse, down from 583,917 in 2017. The grouse harvest of 173,347 birds in 2018 compared to 185,336 in 2017. Whether the reduced harvest was due to the shortened season or fewer grouse encountered by hunters isn't clear. It's also not known how big a role the shorter season had in helping grouse make it through to this spring's breeding period, but the 2019 drumming counts were up 41%. "We can say, however, the shorter season didn't hurt," said NRB chairman Fred Prehn in a phone interview. "And the action was out of concern for the resource." Prehn said the board is likely to consider another emergency rule this year to shorten the season. Witecha said the draft grouse plan would be open for public comment later this year, and a final version is on track to be presented in January to the NRB. Zimmer lauded for NRB service Gary Zimmer of Rhinelander on Wednesday completed his six-year term on the Natural Resources Board. A biologist by training who worked for many years for the Ruffed Grouse Society and is now employed as assistant executive director of the Wisconsin County Forests Association, Zimmer was appointed to the board in 2013 by then-Gov. Scott Walker. Zimmer, soft-spoken and respectful by nature, earned a reputation as a board member who took principled, science-based positions and was committed to listening to the public. He said over his term he answered every phone call and email he received, a task that became especially large when Wisconsin held wolf hunts early in his tenure. "Gary was intelligent, articulate and we're going to miss his presence on the board," NRB chairman Fred Prehn said. In remarks, Zimmer thanked Gov. Walker for appointing him. "I'm not a political person," Zimmer said. "He took the chance on appointing a biologist and an unknown person to the job." True to form, Zimmer spoke Wednesday for only a few minutes, thanking DNR staff and Wisconsin Conservation Congress members for their assistance over the years. "How we manage the natural resources in Wisconsin is unique and special, one of a kind, with the WCC and NRB working together with the stewards of the department," Zimmer said. "I've been humbled to be a part of the board, and I've been honored and privileged to serve with you folks." Zimmer received a standing ovation as he concluded. The board term of Bill Smith of Shell Lake, who was appointed last Friday by Gov. Tony Evers, began at the end of Wednesday's meeting. Our subscribers make this coverage possible. Subscribe to the Journal Sentinel today and get a special offer at jsonline.com/deal. Top Headlines from Sports: Brewers make several moves, including bringing back Hiura For subscribers: Cyclist goes the extra miles for the Tour of America's Dairyland For subscribers: Bucks have decisions to make in free agency FOLLOW JS SPORTS: Like our Facebook Page for the latest news This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin ruffed grouse plan likely to include shorter hunting season


LOS ANGELES, CA   Los Angeles police officer searched Monday for the gunman who shot to death an off-duty Los Angeles police officer in the Lincoln Heights area of Los Angeles as family, friends, colleagues and civic leaders mourned his passing. Officer Juan Jose Diaz, 24, was shot early Saturday outside a taco stand in the area of Avenue 26 and Artesian Street and was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Diaz had been with the department for two years, according the LAPD's Media Relations Section, and was last assigned to the Professional Standards Bureau. No suspect description was released. More than 100 people gathered for a vigil in Diaz's memory Saturday night in front of the Los Angeles Police Department headquarters building downtown, where others continue to leave flowers, candles and other remembrances. Among those participating were classmates who attended the Police Academy with Diaz, his two sisters, former teachers and former middle and high school classmates. Several officers at the vigil were in uniform with black mourning bands around their badges. The vigil was held in front of a photo of a smiling Diaz with a sign that read: "Rest easy brother. We'll hold the line from here." Sgt. Manny Hernandez, Diaz's Police Academy sergeant in 2017, noted his pupil "was always asking questions. "I saw him grow up and had no doubt he'd be a great police officer," Hernandez said. "He showed up every day with a smile on his face." Diaz's sister, Anahi Diaz, told the crowd her brother was living his dream, noting he wanted to be a police officer since pre-school. Their mother and father "are broken," she said. "We need to stop this madness," she told the crowd. Shortly before 1 a.m. Saturday, a civilian flagged down an LAPD motorcycle officer to report a shooting in the area of Avenue 26 and Artesian Street, according to Assistant Police Chief Beatrice Girmala. The officer called for backup officers, who responded to the scene and located two victims suffering from gunshot wounds, Girmala said. Diaz was pronounced dead at the scene and the second victim was taken to a hospital where he was expected to survive. The Los Angeles Times, citing an unnamed law enforcement source, said Diaz was with his girlfriend and her two brothers eating at the taco stand when a group of young men approached them and began making threats prior to the shooting, with one of them showing a gun in his waistband. "My understanding was there was some persons or person spray-painting a wall or something, committing an act of vandalism, and the officer -- I don't know what the conversation was -- walked away," Craig Lally, president of the Los Angeles Police Protective League, told reporters at the scene. "There was no altercation that I know of, and then later, the officer was walking to his car and this person or persons went up and shot him." Police Chief Michel Moore is out of the country, with Girmala serving as acting chief in his absence. Moore has been in constant contact with the department regarding the shooting, Girmala said. "Tonight we gathered to honor a man who dedicated himself to our city -- a man whose passion was L.A.," the department tweeted. "There were hugs & tears -- but we held our heads high as we paid tribute to his dedication to something greater than himself. Tonight, our HQ Facility is proud to have Juan front & center." City News Service


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Alphabet Inc's Wing Aviation unit on Tuesday got the okay to start delivering goods by drone in Virginia later this year, making the sister unit of search engine Google the first company to get U.S. air carrier certification, the Federal Aviation Administration said. This means Wing can begin a commercial service delivering goods from local businesses to homes, which includes flights beyond visual line of site and over people, the FAA and Wing said. Wing Aviation plans to start commercial package delivery in Blacksburg, Virginia later this year. Wing partnered with the Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership and Virginia Tech, as one of the participants in the Transportation Department's Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Pilot Program. "This is an important step forward for the safe testing and integration of drones into our economy. Safety continues to be our Number One priority as this technology continues to develop and realize its full potential," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao. The FAA said Wing demonstrated that its operations met the agency's safety requirements, based on extensive data and documentation, as well as thousands of safe flights conducted in Australia. Wing plans to reach out to the local community before it begins a food delivery trial, to gather feedback, the FAA said. Wing has recently begun commercial air delivery service in the north of Canberra, Australia and is also about to begin its first trial in Europe, delivering to homes in Helsinki, Finland. Wing said its data shows a lower risk to pedestrians from drone deliveries than the same trip made by car. In May 2018, Chao announced it had approved 10 projects to help it assess how to regulate drones and integrate them safely into U.S. air space. The United States has lagged other countries in experimentation with drones, something the program hopes to correct. In January, the FAA proposed rules that would allow drones to operate over populated areas and end a requirement for special permits for night use. The FAA is also considering moving ahead with additional rules in response to public safety and national security concerns as it works to integrate drones with airplane traffic. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by David Gregorio)


Dominican prosecutors say witnesses and security camera footage show that the attempt to kill former Red Sox star David Ortiz was carried out by two men on a motorcycle and two other groups of people in cars, indicating a new level of sophistication in the attack. The details were contained in a court document obtained by The Associated Press on Wednesday. Oliver Moisés Mirabal Acosta, who was captured Tuesday night in the town of Mao in the northern Dominican Republic, was driving a grey Hyundai Accent before mounting the bike driven by 25-year-old Eddy Vladimir Feliz García, the document said. The document also said the two men were seen on security camera footage talking with other people in the Accent and another Hyundai in a nearby street before the shooting at 9:20 p.m. on Sunday. "In one of the videos it was possible to observe both the accused and the shooter planning the commission of the incident right on Octavio Mejía Ricard Street, which is parallel to the place where the event took place," prosecutors said. The document also reveals ineptitude, saying the driver was captured after he skidded and fell off his bike as the pair tried to flee. Feliz García's lawyer says his client is an innocent motorcycle taxi driver who had no idea his passenger was going to commit a crime. Ortiz's wife, Tiffany, said in a statement Wednesday that Ortiz "continues to recuperate today in the Intensive Care Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital under the direction of treating trauma surgeon Dr. David King." Ortiz was able to sit up as well as take some steps on Tuesday. "His condition is guarded and he will remain in the ICU for the coming days, but he is making good progress towards recovery," Tiffany Ortiz said in the statement. "My family and I again want to thank everyone for their endless love and well wishes, and still ask for privacy while David continues to heal." READ MORE: 'He is making good progress towards recovery,' Big Papi's wife says CHECK OUT WCVB: Get the latest Boston news, weather and sports online, anytime. Stay in the know with Boston's news leader   WCVB.


Just because we weren't graced with perfectly proportioned frames (because, really, who is?) doesn't mean we need to pass on wearing high-waist pants. Follow these five tips to bend, mold and tweak the trend so it will work with not against your short torso. We ve truly come full circle from the days when scandalously low-rise jeans were all the rage. Women in 2019 live by the motto  Give me high-rise pants or give me death.  We get it: Higher cuts are pretty darn flattering, and they re excellent at emphasizing your figure, as they draw the eye to the narrowest part of your waist. But for anyone with a short torso, this trendy style runs the risk of making you look like you're using the waistband of your jeans to also support your bust. But just because you weren t graced with a perfectly proportioned frame doesn t mean you need to pass on wearing high-waist pants. Follow these five tips to bend, mold and tweak the trend so it will work with not against your short torso. Find that Goldilocks Pant Leg Pant legs that are not too tight, not too wide, but somewhere right in the middle are going to offer the most appealing silhouette. A slim-fit pair of pants are great for showing off your stems but make it impossible to fake the appearance of a longer torso. A wide-leg or a flare runs the risk of drowning your bottom half in a pool of fabric. Stick with straight-leg or boyfriend styles when dealing with a higher rise. Get the look: Blanc Noir sweater ($54); Lucky Brand T-shirt ($40); Rag & Bone pants ($158); Superga sneakers ($65) Tuck in a Blousy Top Tucking lets the pants serve their purpose, which is to draw attention to your waist (or, you know, to create the illusion of an hourglass shape). Women with short torsos should opt for tops with a bit of volume, rather than a super-slim fit. The addition of puffy sleeves will help even out the proportions between your mile-long legs and your petite upper half. Get the look: Ulla Johnson top ($333); Madewell jeans ($80); MICHAEL Michael Kors heels ($99) Avoid Anything Too Cropped A peek of ankle is fine, but once you start to show calf, you run the risk of looking like you just pulled your pants up far too high. Stick to longer inseams and leave those cropped jeans for another day. Get the look: BB Dakota top ($58); Frame jeans ($294); Rebecca Minkoff bag ($120); Naturalizer heels ($110) Pay Close Attention to Exactly How High They Go Let s say an 11-inch inseam perfectly hits right at your waist …but is also just a short hike away from swallowing your boobs. A nine-inch inseam will give the same leg-lengthening, middle-defining effect, with the added bonus of elongating your torso a bit, too. Trust us, they re still going to look as trendy as their super-high-waist cousins, just more proportional. Get the look: Alexis top ($394); Suboo pants ($241); Cult Gaia bag ($111); Dolce Vita heels ($120) Try a Monochrome Approach Sticking to a single hue (and we truly mean just one, not similar shades of the same color) creates one long, lean line while the high-waist pants work their magic to whittle your middle. The end result? The illusion of a supremely chic jumpsuit and a well-defined waist, with no weird proportions in sight. Get the look: Nasty Gal blazer ($22) and pants ($30); River Island camisole ($20); Stuart Weitzman boots ($200) Opt for Higher Necklines While V-necks are usually the most flattering neckline for those of us with shorter torsos, that rule does not apply when wearing pants (or even a skirt) that hit at the waist. V-necks elongate your middle by drawing the eye downward, but a high-cut waistband draws the eye up and so your neckline should follow. Crew necks, turtlenecks or even a Meghan Markle-approved boatneck will work with to draw the eye up, up, up and create the illusion of a longer middle. Get the look: Reiss blazer ($350) and pants ($180); Diane von Furstenberg top ($222); Coach bag ($198); Sam Edelman sandals ($100)


Read on for the most recent top news you may have missed in Cleveland. Liberty County deputy shot at vet clinic in Cleveland, Texas Multiple people were shot, including the deputy. Seven Cleveland ISD schools are in lock-in mode due to the shooting investigation. Read the full story on ABC13 Houston . Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert 'doing as well as he can be' after stroke According to Quicken Loans vice chairman Bill Emerson, Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert is awake and responsive after suffering a stroke on Sunday. Read the full story on WKYC . Cleveland Police seeking suspect in hit-skip crash that severely injured motorcyclist Police believe the suspect vehicle is a silver or light gray Ford/Mercury and is likely to have front and considerable windshield damage. Read the full story on WKYC . Man dies after crashing car into Cleveland house It happened in the 4300 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Read the full story on WKYC . 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.


Ever wonder how to get an upgrade in the hotel you're staying in? Is there such a thing as a "best" night of the week to stay in a hotel? And just how clean are hotel rooms ? We found out answers to all of these burning questions … and more. In the latest in our ongoing series, How to Get Better Service, NBC News sat down with Michael Fazio, career concierge and author of " Concierge Confidential: The Secrets of Serving Champagne Bitches and Caviar Queens ". Fazio has spent his career working with and for some of the nation's finest hotels and told us the dirty little secrets of how to get better service from hotel staffers. A%20Better%20Way These are the days you're more likely to score upgrades Wanna know when the best time of the week is to score room upgrades? Fazio said it's not during the work week. "The busiest times of the week are Tuesdays through Thursdays," Fazio said. "That's when the hotel sees most of its business travelers and may have the least amount of wiggle room when it comes to changing rooms or offering customers upgrades." Fazio says because business travelers tend to book the higher-grade rooms during the week, there's a bigger volume of those rooms up for grabs on the weekends. Fazio says that the best way to score a better room   which includes a room with more space, with a view or with additional features that may include a balcony or Jacuzzi   is to personally ask. "With people who work in hospitality, there's something in our DNA that wants to make you happy," Fazio said. "And when there's a humanness with the communication, everyone will work harder to make you happy. If you're dying for a view of the ocean or you're hoping for a bigger room because of your family or you want a more romantic room because you're celebrating an anniversary, let the hotel know. If you ask in person and you make it personal, chances are, they're going to want to help you." Fazio said checking in early can also sometimes result in a room upgrade. "Check-in is technically at 3 pm, but when you check in early, you sometimes get lucky," he said, noting that because some of the hotel's most expensive rooms may have gone unbooked the night before, there may be a bigger inventory of those rooms available earlier in the day   before traditional check-in gets under way. "You might find that the hotel is not only eager to get you into a room early   but might give you a bigger or better room than you would otherwise have gotten." Fazio said hotels do overbook, especially during times of high demand, like sporting events, trade shows and conferences. That's when it's best to show up early or to call ahead to guarantee a late check-in. It pays to book directly with the hotel   and be a frequent guest Ever wonder if hotels keep track of how frequently guests stay in a hotel? Turns out, they do. "Sign up for all frequent guest programs," Fazio said. He said hotels keep track of people who are enrolled in their guest programs and that members of frequent guest program tend to get more perks and are sometimes treated with greater respect. And want to know what else gets you noticed, in a good way, by a hotel? Booking directly with the hotel. "Hotels tend to look down on guests that book through discount travel sites," Fazio said. "The inexpensive travel sites and aggregators like Expedia and Priceline and Orbitz have low rates, but the hotels sometimes don't love seeing that you booked your reservation from the aggregators. It's like you're coming in with a scarlet letter attached to you that says 'cheap rate.'" Fazio suggests the best way to book directly with a hotel is to call a hotel directly and ask to speak with the front desk, to ensure that you're speaking with a manager at the actual hotel, and not someone working with a national reservation line. "Ask for the director of rooms or the assistant manager on duty. The best time to do that is at night. And just say, 'I hate going through the reservation line   can I just book directly with you?'" Fazio says hotels are often happy to match prices that are advertised online by sites like Expedia and may be eager to do so, knowing, in booking a guest directly, they won't have to share a sales commission with a website. "Working directly with the hotel and with the hotel staff tends to pay off," Fazio said. Don't miss out on these unadvertised perks Fazio said many guests are unaware of all of the perks available to them in a hotel. Are you a guest who loves a terrycloth robe? If there's not one hanging in your closet, Fazio said you should ask the hotel staff. "Many hotels keep a stash of robes on hand   but only supply robes and slippers to guests who ask for them. Some hotels even have fitness clothes you can borrow. It's 'Don't ask don't tell' in many hotels. If guests don't ask, hotels don't offer. So definitely don't be afraid to ask." Other amenities that many hotels offer but don't advertise are toiletries, including shaving cream, tooth brush and toothpaste, and different bedding options, including feather down pillows or pillows that are harder or softer than those readily found in the hotel room. Many hotels additionally offer phone chargers, computer cables and refrigerators upon request. "It doesn't hurt to ask," Fazio said. "If you need something, say something." If you're a parent or have something important going on … call in advance Fazio said it's important for parents of young children to plan their trips in advance. "There are a limited number of cribs in a hotel, so definitely call in advance," Fazio said. "Hotels also like to work with families to make sure they're in rooms with enough space or are best suited for their needs." Fazio advises calling and making contact with a concierge or hotel manager several days before arriving with children. Concierges and managers can work to ensure that a family has everything they need in a hotel room, including a refrigerator and microwave in some cases. Concierges and managers can additionally help help families identify kid-themed amenities offered within a hotel. "Many hotels offer kids' kits like coloring books, art supplies and other fun items   and some parents don't know to ask," Fazio said. Fazio said just as parents of young children should call in advance, so should people planning something special during their visit. "If it's your anniversary, hotels can help arrange a better view, recommendations for meals, flowers," Fazio said. "Calling in advance helps us ensure that you'll have the best stay." How clean is your hotel room? It depends We've all heard the horror stories of how dirty hotel rooms can be. So how dirty are they? Fazio says it depends. "It's not realistic to think that every touch point in the room can be cleaned and wiped and thoroughly disinfected between guests," Fazio said. "Remote controls are almost always filthy as are the switches at the bedside lamp as are the switch on the makeup mirror in the bathroom. " Fazio said the new trend some hotels are employing, of placing a down comforter between two bedsheets, better ensures a hotel's ability to make certain nothing will touch a guest's body that touched a different guest the night before. But, he notes, that trend isn't embraced by all hotels and some hotels still use traditional blankets and bedspreads. Fazio said he reached out to his national network of hotel staffers about how often their hotels change out bedspreads, throws and decorative pillows and was told the items are not switched out between all guests and often are only switched out or cleaned when the items show visible signs of wear, tear and staining. So if your hotel room does have a bedspread, decorative throw or decorative pillows, don't assume the items have been changed or cleaned recently. If you're a germaphobe, you might be wise to avoid contact with decorative pillows and throws and bring your own disinfectant wipes for the remote control and light switches. Lifestyle Want better service? Gently let it be known you write online reviews Finally, Fazio said, if you want to place a hotel on notice that you're looking for good service, it can pay to gently let the hotel know you like to write online reviews . "Hotels live and die by reviews," Fazio said. "But while they're concerned about reviews, they're not impressed if you immediately threaten to write a bad review. The best way to go about it is to gently ask the hotel about how to write a review when you're checking in or indicate in a nonthreatening way you like to write reviews." Fazio said that when a hotel is aware that a guest likes to write online reviews, and has a history of writing online reviews, the staff will place a tracer in the reservation indicating this   and that the manager will likely see to it that the guest is taken care of. "Hotels take reviews seriously, especially Trip Advisor-verified reviews," Fazio said. "Trip Advisor scores matter to a hotel manager's performance review, so if they know you're serious about writing reviews they will take notice. Just don't threaten a hotel from the outset. No one wants to be working with a guest who comes in, behaving in an entitled and threatening way." MORE TRAVEL TIPS Save $520 (or more) on your next flight with these 4 airfare hacks How to pack a carry-on (so you don't need to check a bag) How to snag a 'glitch' flight (and other travel hacks that will save you money) How to find the best travel rewards credit card for you Want more tips like these? NBC News BETTER is obsessed with finding easier, healthier and smarter ways to live. Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .


Sticking around the Twin Cities for the Fourth of July? There are many places - on several days - where you can enjoy some fireworks. Here's a list of some of the bigger displays to get you started: (All on July 4 unless otherwise noted) Red, White and Boom in Minneapolis Anoka (July 3) Apple Valley Freedom Days Star Storm Resort in Alexandria Blaine (Past, June 29) Bloomington (July 3) Coon Rapids (July 2-4) Delano (July 3-6) Eagan Fun Fest Eden Prairie (July 3-4) Edina Excelsior Maplewood Richfield (July 2-4) Roseville St. Louis Park Stillwater White Bear Lake


After being bit hard by the motorsport bug, Elina Lipilina dove headfirst into building a unique project of her own. BMW's 2002 Series is one of the brand's more iconic models and one that ultimately carved a path for the company's success in the United States. Of course, as the years have gone by, the 2002 Series and its variants became scarce, going from commonly used vehicles within motorsports to a car reserved mostly for collectors and investors. However, when the motorsports bug bit Elina Lipilina of Santa Rosa, California, she knew the BMW 2002 was the perfect car to begin building, despite the roadblocks that come with choosing it as a platform. Following a drift event where two drivers participated in a tandem race, Elina became enthralled by the idea of racing on her own. After picking up skills from local shops that provided some instruction, Elina sought out a BMW 2002, due to its stylish looks, racing pedigree, and the fact that it wouldn't be subject to California's emissions laws. After looking through a few examples, Elina found a diamond-in-the-rough 2002 that suited her needs. One of the main selling points was a 5-speed manual transmission from an E21-chassis 3 Series, but unfortunately for her, the car was not what it was advertised to be   it still utilized the stock 4-speed manual. Despite this, Elina heard the engine run, and it sounded hearty, so the build began. From there, she began removing the interior to prepare the petite BMW for a roll cage. Soon after, she participated in her first race, which was an SCCA road course race, and within the past few years, she earned herself a full competition road-racing license. Even with her accomplishments, Elina acknowledges that she could use some more seat time. However, driving for fun and personal enjoyment is more of a priority to her than being competitive. "I think my favorite part is the vision in the beginning, it's the whole process," she says. "I like the vision early on. I like the learning, the challenges… when you have success with an idea, that's really satisfying for me." Source: Petrolicious Read More... Built BMW 1600 Has Straight Six Power Lurking Within Why BMW's 2002 Turbo Should Be Considered The M-Division Daddy