| Iran will retaliate in kind if U.S. designates Guards as terrorists: MPs Posted: 07 Apr 2019 06:34 AM PDT  Iran will take reciprocal action against the United States if Washington designates the elite Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) as terrorists, a majority of Iranian parliamentarians said on Sunday, according to state news agency IRNA. The United States is expected to designate the Revolutionary Guards a foreign terrorist organisation, three U.S. officials told Reuters, marking the first time Washington has formally labelled another country's military a terrorist group. "We will answer any action taken against this force with a reciprocal action," a statement issued by 255 out of the 290 Iranian lawmakers said, according to IRNA.
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| Timmothy Pitzen: Ex-convict charged with pretending to be long-missing boy Posted: 06 Apr 2019 07:49 AM PDT  A former convict accused of pulling a cruel hoax by pretending pretended to be a missing boy from Illinois has been charged with making false statements.Brian Rini, 23, had claimed he was 14-year-old Timmothy Pitzen, who went missing in 2011 after his mother killed herself when he was six-years-old. He said he had escaped from an eight-year ordeal at the hands of sex traffickers.But Mr Rini's claims were debunked earlier this week after DNA tests confirmed he was not the long-lost boy.The FBI said Mr Rini had made false claims twice before, also portraying himself as a juvenile sex-trafficking victim."Law enforcement confronted him with the DNA results, and at that point the person immediately stated that he was not Timmothy Pitzen, and of course law enforcement knew by virtue of the DNA analysis that he was in fact Brian Rini," said US attorney Benjamin Glassman.The charge should send a message about the damage such false claims can do, he said, adding: "It's not okay to do it because of the harm that it causes, the pain, for the family of that missing child."After confessing he was not Mr Pitzen, Mr Rini told federal agents he had heard about the missing boy's case on the ABC television program 20/20 and wanted to get away from his own family, according to court documents."When questioned further, Rini stated that he wished he had a father like Timmothy's because if he went missing, his father would just keep drinking," FBI agent Mary Braun wrote. Mr Rini is being held without bail until his detention hearing on Tuesday after a brief appearance in federal court. He faces up to eight years in prison if found guilty, Mr Glassman said.Mr Pitzen's case has stumped authorities since May 2011. The boy was last seen with his mother, who pulled him out of school and took him on a trip to a zoo and a water park, then took her own life in a motel room, leaving behind a cryptic note about her son's whereabouts."Tim is somewhere safe with people who love him and will care for him," she wrote in the note. "You will never find him."
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| Crises Intensify on Both Sides of the Atlantic: Weekend Reads Posted: 06 Apr 2019 05:00 AM PDT  Spiking avocado prices wouldn't be the worst of it. Giuliani Earns Millions Telling Countries to Boost Police ForcesWhile he represents the president for free, former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani travels the world consulting, giving speeches, and building his brand, Stephanie Baker reports.How Has Maduro Survived? With Lots of Help From Cuban OperativesThe men who ripped Carlos Guillen's toenails out and tightened a plastic bag over his face at counterintelligence headquarters in Caracas were Venezuelan. Andrea Dudik has a powerful account. Trump Sidelined as Barr Mulls What in Mueller Report to ReleaseAttorney General William Barr has left Trump out of his deliberations over how much to release publicly from Robert Mueller's investigation, Shannon Pettypiece and Chris Strohm report.
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| Jussie Smollett update: Lawyer for 'Empire' actor responds to Chicago's civil suit threat, says he will depose Mayor Rahm Emanuel Posted: 05 Apr 2019 07:55 PM PDT  A lawyer for actor Jussie Smollett has issued a response to the city of Chicago's threat to sue the actor.
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| Divorce or break-up? How to consciously uncouple your digital life Posted: 07 Apr 2019 09:12 AM PDT  These days, former sweethearts find themselves tangled up in gadgets, passwords, and online accounts. Here are tips to separate your digital assets.
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| Venezuela street rallies show deep divide in power struggle Posted: 06 Apr 2019 02:28 PM PDT  CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Rival political factions took to the streets across Venezuela on Saturday in a mounting struggle for control of the crisis-wracked nation, where U.S.- backed opposition leader Juan Guaidó is attempting to oust socialist President Nicólas Maduro.
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| UK's May says greater risk of no Brexit the longer it takes to find compromise Posted: 06 Apr 2019 02:30 PM PDT ![UK's May says greater risk of no Brexit the longer it takes to find compromise]( "UK's May says greater risk of no Brexit the longer it takes to find compromise") British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Saturday that the longer it takes to find a comprise with the opposition Labour Party to secure a parliamentary majority for a Brexit deal, the less likely it is that Britain will leave the European Union. May has so far failed to secure backing for her negotiated agreement with Brussels as some Conservative lawmakers and Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party, which props up her minority government, have voted it down.
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| Try this $19 Crock-Pot before you buy a $100 slow cooker Posted: 06 Apr 2019 10:22 AM PDT ![Try this $19 Crock-Pot before you buy a $100 slow cooker]( "Try this $19 Crock-Pot before you buy a $100 slow cooker") Multi-cookers like the ones made by Instant Pot are fantastic, but they're also definitely overkill if you only plan to use them as slow cookers. So many people do that, and it's a huge waste of money! Check out the Crock-Pot 6-Quart Cook & Carry Oval Manual Portable Slow Cooker instead. It's a fantastic 6-quart Crock-Pot that has amassed hundreds of 5-star ratings on Amazon, and it's on sale right now for just $19 and change!Here are the key details from the product page: * 6-quart portable slow cooker serves 7+ people * Handles make it easy to carry and lid-mounted locking system * High/Low/Warm settings * Removable, dishwasher-safe stoneware insert, and dishwasher-safe locking glass lid * Stylish red exterior with black accents and plastic handles
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| Libya PM accuses rival of betrayal over Tripoli offensive Posted: 06 Apr 2019 01:06 PM PDT  The head of Libya's UN-backed government Fayez al-Sarraj on Saturday accused his rival Khalifa Haftar of betraying him over a military offensive against the capital Tripoli which risks plunging the country into civil war. Forces loyal to the Libyan commander have pressed on with their assault despite international calls to halt hostilities. For the first time, forces backing the GNA launched air strikes earlier Saturday on Haftar's self-proclaimed Libyan National Army (LNA) -- which vowed to retaliate -- around 50 kilometres (30 miles) south of Tripoli.
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| Florida man arrested for burglarizing cars in jail parking lot moments after being released Posted: 07 Apr 2019 02:10 PM PDT  Michael Lewis had just been released after being arrested on grand theft charges when he allegedly began stealing from cars in the jail parking lot.
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| May Makes Fresh Appeal as Lawmaker Warns of Brexit Purgatory Posted: 07 Apr 2019 08:32 AM PDT  A long but flexible extension to the Brexit process proposed by the European Union was denounced as "like purgatory" by a leading U.K. lawmaker, as Prime Minister Theresa May appealed to both the public and politicians in search of support for a compromise departure plan. The government needs to move forward with leaving the trading bloc as soon as possible, the Conservative Chief Secretary to the Treasury Liz Truss told BBC radio on Sunday. While May will meet EU leaders Wednesday to make her case for a short extension to June 30, European Council President Donald Tusk is pushing for a delay of as long as a year to allow time to forge a new consensus, with an option to leave earlier once the withdrawal agreement is ratified by parliament.
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| Does North Korea Have Any Chance of Killing an F-35? Posted: 06 Apr 2019 04:45 AM PDT  With South Korea getting the F-35A this month it's time we ask the question.
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| American Airlines extends Max 8 flight cancellations into June Posted: 07 Apr 2019 07:00 AM PDT  The airline says it will cancel 90 daily flights through June 5 due to the Max 8 grounding. The airline previously had canceled flights through April.
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| Reuters People News Summary Posted: 07 Apr 2019 05:55 AM PDT ![Reuters People News Summary]( "Reuters People News Summary") Convicted sex offender Bill Cosby on Friday settled a federal defamation lawsuit brought by seven women who said the former actor and comedian sexually assaulted them and wrongly called them liars when they went public with their charges years later. The settlement ends a court fight that predates the 81-year-old's conviction a year ago for drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand, a former Temple University administrator, in 2004. Cosby is currently serving a 3- to 10-year sentence for that crime, though his lawyers plan an appeal.
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| Can’t Any Democrat Here Play This Game? Posted: 06 Apr 2019 03:30 AM PDT  Time to check on the 20 Smurfs.Joe Biden recorded a message on a friend's iPhone in which he admitted that he's made women and "some men" uncomfortable by, among other things, touching them, rubbing their shoulders, and smelling their hair. It's his way of making a "connection," Biden explained, as though he were a domestic animal introducing himself to another pet. Men, women, "young, old," he's touched them all. Handshakes and small talk aren't enough for Joe. He's "tactile."Biden pledged to be "mindful" of personal space because "social norms" have changed since he was born in the late Cretaceous period. He still hasn't announced his presidential run, but has signaled to allies that his prospective candidacy is "full steam" ahead -- in which direction, and toward what destination, no one can say. It already resembles one of those Amtrak trains Biden admires so much: rickety, noisy, a relic transiting badlands.Biden's old boss, Barack Obama, has maintained a studied silence throughout the controversy over his vice president's creepiness. So has Michelle. The Obama team appears to be more intrigued by Robert Francis "Beto" O'Rourke, who launched his campaign at a rally in El Paso, Texas, last weekend. Andrew Stiles of the Washington Free Beacon wrote about it here. The AP had to correct its story on the speech, which said, "Mr. O'Rourke also spoke at length in his native Spanish." Dios mio.Beto is as lily-white as Elizabeth Warren, whose finance director is leaving because of a disagreement over money. The director would like to raise some. Warren's not so sure. She pledged not to accept donations from millionaires and billionaires, holding out for small-dollar contributions from folks like you and me. The problem: Folks like you and me don't want anything to do with Warren.Some of us, apparently, are much more interested in the 37-year-old mayor of South Bend, Ind. Pete Buttigieg is winning the coveted media primary, as journalists gush over his youth, his Harvard credentials, his husband, and his language abilities. He answers questions in Norwegian. Elect this man! The other day an acquaintance of mine, a reporter for a major newspaper, got caught up in a reverie about the mayor's dogs. They are, I'm told, SO cute.The geniuses narrating our lives can't figure out where Buttigieg came from. Do they read bylines other than their own? The press has been chirping about this boy wonder since a 2016 Frank Bruni column. Now Buttigieg has risen in the polls. He had a solid first quarter for someone without a national profile. The media reputation machine -- it builds them up and tears them down -- is humming along nicely.I find Mayor Pete far less interesting than what he reveals about the Democratic field. He's upstaged the Washington Senators -- Warren, Kamala Harris, Amy Klobuchar, Kristin Gillibrand, Cory Booker, and perhaps Michael Bennet -- who have been dreaming of this moment for years. Buttigieg isn't having a moment because Democrats have been waiting decades for a nominee who speaks seven languages and whose husband is good at Twitter.He's enjoying his 15 minutes because even the most talented of these elected officials has yet to stand out. The afterglow of Kamala Harris's successful launch faded rapidly. She's running a professional campaign, raising cash, announcing policies, building coalitions. Don't count her out.Even so, Harris's bid to seize the mantle of "establishment frontrunner" during these early days has fizzled. Her colleagues are no better off. They gab on the talk shows, appear on the cable town halls, join in calls to tear down the Constitution. None commands authority.With one exception: Bernie Sanders. Who isn't even a Democrat. But he looks more like the Democratic frontrunner every day. He is second to Biden in national polls and leading in some states. He has raised the most money and has the most donors, a solid core of supporters, and a simple but comprehensive message of economic and social equality. The party's establishment is leery of him. In these times, that might be an advantage.Born a year earlier than Biden, Sanders is nevertheless more in sync with the moment. Not just because his fans include so many Millennials. Thinking dialectically, as Sanders does, the Vermont senator's democratic socialism is the antithesis to the thesis of President Trump's nationalist populism. He means to work the same changes in the Democratic party that Trump made in his. He'll be resisted just as Trump was. The question is whether Democratic elites have a better sense of their voters than Republican elites do of theirs.That leaves the others -- JohnHickenlooperJayInsleeJulianCastroTimRyanTerryMcAuliffeSteveBullockJohnDelaneyTulsiGabbard-EricSwalwellAndrewYangMarianneWilliamsonI'veneverheardofthemeither.Given the weakness of this gang, is it any wonder that Stacey Abrams is flirting with a bid of her own, and Michael Bloomberg might reverse course and run after all? Why the heck not, considering the competition?This is the opposite of the 1927 Yankees. It's more like the 1916 Athletics.This article originally appeared in The Washington Free Beacon.
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| Intel scoffs at report that its 5G modems won’t be ready for Apple’s 2020 iPhone lineup Posted: 06 Apr 2019 05:17 PM PDT  The 5G revolution is slowly getting off the ground but Apple will be sitting on the sidelines for the time being. As is to be expected, and similar to its previous strategy with respect to 4G a few years back, Apple is planning to wait for broader nationwide coverage before joining the 5G party. So while 2019 will see any number of 5G enabled devices from Android hit the market, iPhone users will have to wait a bit. The only question, though, is how long that wait is going to be.Despite the widespread assumption that 5G enabled iPhones will hit store shelves in 2020, recent investor notes from analysts have raised the possibility that Intel -- Apple's chief 5G modem supplier -- will not be able to produce modems at the scale Apple needs. Meanwhile, Apple isn't liable to strike up a deal with Qualcomm given that the two companies are still battling it out over royalty payment issues in jurisdictions across the globe.As to Intel's alleged ongoing technical challenges, a Fast Company report from a few days back relayed the following:> The chip giant was to be the sole provider of the 5G modems in the 2020 iPhones, too, but it has been missing deadlines for the development of the chip, the XMM 8160 5G modem, a source with knowledge of the situation says.> > In order to deliver big numbers of those modems in time for a September 2020 iPhone launch, Intel needs to deliver sample parts to Apple by early summer of this year, and then deliver a finished modem design in early 2020.Not to despair, Intel was quick to squash any rumors that its 5G modem production might not be up to snuff. And though the company naturally didn't reference Apple by name, it's no secret what company it's referencing when discussing delivering 5G modems to partners.In a statement provided to Fast Company, an Intel spokesperson said the following: "As we said in November 2018, Intel plans to support customer device launches in 2020 with its XMM 8160 5G multimode modem."Of course, it goes without saying that missing the 5G boat in 2020 would represent a huge strategic blow for Apple. The good news, though, is that all of the rumors we've seen regarding an alleged 2021 launch window for 5G iPhones have come from analysts with far from perfect records with respect to Apple rumors.
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| US Homeland Security chief Nielsen resigns Posted: 07 Apr 2019 05:01 PM PDT  US Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, the front-line defender of the administration's controversial immigration policies, announced her resignation Sunday, in a move linked by observers to the president's anger over Central American border crossers. During her 18 months at the head of the powerful agency, Nielsen became synonymous with the controversial policy of separating children from their parents, making her a frequent target of progressive groups and the Democratic opposition who repeatedly called on her to resign. None of this, however, seems to have been enough for Trump, whose ever hardening push against illegal immigration has left no room for the 46-year-old, an old hand of the administration who signed on at the start of the real-estate tycoon's presidency.
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| Lori Loughlin's daughter 'very frustrated with her parents' in wake of admissions scandal: Report Posted: 06 Apr 2019 10:23 AM PDT  Olivia Jade is blaming her parents for her bad PR as she works to rebuild her own brand, according to People magazine.
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| When a Ferrari 488 Spider Becomes an Ambulance Posted: 06 Apr 2019 07:30 AM PDT  A crosstown adventure featuring a friend with peanut (and Ferrari) envy.
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| The Latest: Russia FM opposes attempts to lay blame in Libya Posted: 06 Apr 2019 07:37 AM PDT  CAIRO (AP) — The Latest on developments in Libya (all times local):
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| McDonald's will soon cut back on its late-night menu after midnight Posted: 05 Apr 2019 07:15 PM PDT ![McDonald's will soon cut back on its late-night menu after midnight]( "McDonald's will soon cut back on its late-night menu after midnight") Starting April 30, McDonald's is trimming its menu between midnight and 5 a.m. at participating restaurants nationwide.
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| 10 deals you don’t want to miss on Sunday: $11 Philips Hue bulbs, $100 off iPads, Bose headphones, more Posted: 07 Apr 2019 04:28 AM PDT ![10 deals you don't want to miss on Sunday: $11 Philips Hue bulbs, $100 off iPads, Bose headphones, more]( "10 deals you don't want to miss on Sunday: $11 Philips Hue bulbs, $100 off iPads, Bose headphones, more") We've got another fantastic roundup of daily deals for our readers to check out on Sunday, and there's definitely something for everyone today. Highlights include refurbished Philips Hue white A19 LED bulbs for only $11.26 each when you buy a 4-pack, $100 off 128GB Apple iPads, excellent wireless noise canceling headphones for only $54 when you clip the 10% coupon on the Amazon page, Bose Bluetooth earbuds at the lowest price of 2019, a compact Bose sound bar for only $199, Samsung 128GB microSD cards for $19.99, the best-selling Instant Pot on Amazon at its lowest price since Black Friday, deep discounts on two different types of patio string lights, and more. See all of today's best bargains below.
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| Chicago prosecutor Kim Foxx suggests race is involved in Jussie Smollett dismissal backlash Posted: 07 Apr 2019 03:37 PM PDT  Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx said Jussie Smollett didn't receive any special treatment when her office decided to drop all charges against him.
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| REFILE-UPDATE 1-UK's May says greater risk of no Brexit the longer it takes to find compromise Posted: 06 Apr 2019 02:55 PM PDT ![REFILE-UPDATE 1-UK's May says greater risk of no Brexit the longer it takes to find compromise]( "REFILE-UPDATE 1-UK's May says greater risk of no Brexit the longer it takes to find compromise") British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Saturday that the longer it takes to find a compromise with the opposition Labour Party to secure a parliamentary majority for a Brexit deal, the less likely it is that Britain will leave the European Union. May has so far failed to secure backing for her negotiated agreement with Brussels as some Conservative lawmakers and Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party, which props up her minority government, have voted it down. "The fact is that on Brexit there are areas where the two main parties agree: we both want to end free movement, we both want to leave with a good deal, and we both want to protect jobs," May said in comments released by her Downing Street office.
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| Engie, Caisse to Buy Petrobras Pipe Unit for $8.6 Billion Posted: 06 Apr 2019 02:42 AM PDT  Engie and the Caisse prevailed after multiple rounds of bidding for the unit, known as TAG, beating out Macquarie Group Ltd. and a joint bid from EIG Global Energy Partners and Mubadala Development Co. It is the biggest-ever single asset sale for Petrobras, whose new chief executive officer has sought to speed divestitures that began years ago, when the state-run energy giant briefly became the world's most indebted oil company. Engie has been selling oil and coal assets in recent years to fund investment in wind and solar power, energy efficiency services, and gas and power networks, betting that they offer faster growth prospects and more predictable returns.
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| Erdogan's party to demand total recount of Istanbul ballots Posted: 07 Apr 2019 12:44 PM PDT  Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's party said Sunday it had asked for a recount of all ballots cast in Istanbul, the country's economic capital, during last week's mayoral election after an opposition candidate claimed a slender win. The vice-president of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) Ali Ihsan Yavuz made the demand for a recount going beyond one already under way. The AKP won most votes nationwide in last Sunday's election, but results showed the ruling party lost Ankara and was also narrowly defeated in Istanbul in what would be one of their worst setbacks in a decade and a half in power.
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| The biggest thing Apple needs to improve for the iPhone 11 to keep pace with Android Posted: 06 Apr 2019 06:01 AM PDT  No matter how you try to spin it, there's no getting around the fact that iPhone sales have been stagnant over the past few years. Despite some respectable upgrades over the past few years -- the introduction of Face ID and a brand new form factor with the iPhone X being two prime examples -- the simple reality is that consumers are holding onto their devices for longer. Suffice it to say, the 2-year upgrade cycle that helped transform Apple into the most profitable company on the planet is now nothing but a memory. Looking ahead, there is reason to believe that a monster refresh cycle -- which analysts have been anticipating for the last two years -- may be right around the corner. Most notably, the advent of 5G may prove to be just what Apple needs to inject a little bit of life into the iPhone line. Unfortunately, though, Apple will not be adopting 5G until 2020 at the absolute earliest. A recent analyst report even floated the idea that 5G iPhones may not see the light of day until 2021. So where does that leave Apple in the interim? Are iPhone sales doomed to take another dip in 2019? Not necessarily. One area where it'd be great to see a tremendous improvement in iPhone functionality involves the iPhone camera. While the camera on Apple's iPhone XS is best-in-class across certain categories, there's one category in particular where Apple needs to play a little bit of catch-up with its Android counterparts; low-light photography. If Apple wants the iPhone 11 release to make a huge splash and reinvigorate sales, a vast improvement in low-light photos is certainly one way to go. Now there's no disputing that the iPhone XS takes absolutely stunning photos in ideal lighting conditions, but there's also no denying that its low-light capabilities simply can't keep up with the Google Pixel 3 and the recently unveiled P30 Pro from Huawei. Originally introduced last year, Night Sight mode on Pixel devices is incredible and actually engenders excitement amongst new buyers. With Apple set to unveil its 2019 iPhone lineup in just about 5 months now, we can only hope that Apple will be able to match what Google managed to do with respect to low-light photography. And because a picture is worth a thousand words, Jeremy Burge a few weeks back posted some damning photos comparing low-light photos taken with a current iPhone and a 18 month old Google Pixel 2. The results speak for themselves. https://twitter.com/jeremyburge/status/1083689392722583553 https://twitter.com/jeremyburge/status/1084382858691706881 https://twitter.com/jeremyburge/status/1084386063861329920 https://twitter.com/jeremyburge/status/1085529309047967752 As impressive as that is, the P30 Pro takes things to an entirely new level. The quality of low-light photos taken with the P30 Pro borders on modern-day magic and even puts Google's Night Mode to shame. The following photo comparison is simply jaw-dropping. All that said, we should see some considerable camera improvements with Apple's iPhone 11 lineup later this year. Rumor has it that Apple's flagship -- the iPhone 11 Max -- will include a triple-lens camera scheme. Meanwhile, the entry-level iPhone 11 will reportedly include a dual-lens camera scheme a'la the iPhone X and XS models. That's all well and good, but if Apple wants consumers to truly get exited about its forthcoming iPhone models, it can't go wrong with improved low-light photography. Most consumers simply fall to sleep when you start talking about optical zoom and triple-lens cameras. But one thing that every smartphone user can immediately comprehend and appreciate is a gorgeous photo taken in less than stellar lighting conditions. Google and Huawei have recently set new bars for mobile photography. Hopefully, with the iPhone 11 release looming overhead, Apple will return the favor sooner rather than later.
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| Dutchman ends 'world's longest electric car trip' in Australia Posted: 06 Apr 2019 11:57 PM PDT  A Dutchman completed an epic 95,000 kilometre (59,000 mile) journey by electric car in Sydney Sunday in a bid to prove the viability of such vehicles in tackling climate change. Wiebe Wakker drove his retrofitted station wagon nicknamed "The Blue Bandit" across 33 countries in what he said was the world's longest-ever journey by electric car. The trip from the Netherlands to Australia took just over three years and was funded by public donations from around the world, including electricity to charge the Bandit, food and a place to sleep.
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| Dozens of neglected animals evacuated from Gaza zoo Posted: 07 Apr 2019 08:37 AM PDT  GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — Dozens of neglected animals were evacuated from a ramshackle Gaza zoo on Sunday in the fourth and largest such rescue mission in the blockaded Palestinian enclave.
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| Barack Obama warns progressives to avoid 'circular firing squad' Posted: 06 Apr 2019 09:20 AM PDT  * Remarks come as Democrats battle for 2020 nomination * Former president was addressing young Europeans in GermanyBarack Obama addresses a town hall of young leaders from across Europe at an Obama Foundation event in Berlin, Germany, on Saturday. Photograph: Fabrizio Bensch/ReutersBarack Obama warned on Saturday that US progressives risk creating a "circular firing squad" at a time when prospective presidential candidates are competing fiercely against each other to run against Donald Trump.The former president was speaking in Berlin, at an Obama Foundation event."One of the things I do worry about sometimes among progressives in the United States," he said, "maybe it's true here as well, is a certain kind of rigidity where we say, 'Uh, I'm sorry, this is how it's going to be' and then we start sometimes creating what's called a 'circular firing squad', where you start shooting at your allies because one of them has strayed from purity on the issues."And when that happens, typically the overall effort and movement weakens."Sign up for the US morning briefingAmong Democrats, the field of prospective presidential nominees has swelled to nearly 20. All are eager to appeal to a party base pushed left in opposition to a hard-right president and motivated by success in the midterm elections.Championed by progressive luminaries including the Vermont senator Bernie Sanders and New York congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, policy ideas such as Medicare for All and the Green New Deal have achieved rising prominence.On either side of the aisle, party primaries are traditionally brutal affairs in which candidates are tested against rivals from other wings or factions. The first debates of the 2020 Democratic contest are months away but fierce fire is already being directed towards some more centrist candidates.Obama's former vice-president, Joe Biden, for example, has not yet entered the race but has nonetheless attracted attacks on his record over close to 50 years in national life, including previous stances on racial issues and women's rights. He has also struggled to respond effectively to claims from a number of women that he made them physically uncomfortable.Among other candidates, the former Texas congressman Beto O'Rourke has been attacked over a voting record on issues such as the environment and immigration which indicates a willingness to engage with Republicans.Kamala Harris, the California senator, has attracted broadsides over her prosecutorial record before she entered national politics.Republicans are of course seeking to stoke the flames of controversy themselves. Sarah Dolan, executive director of the America Rising political action committee, told the Guardian this weekend the group's "mantra this cycle is really just to cause chaos, especially with how big the field is".Barack Obama's remarks in Berlin.In Germany, Obama also discussed the virtues and drawbacks of political compromise. He advised his audience of young Europeans to "take some time to think in your own mind and continually refine and reflect, 'What are my core principles?'"Because the danger is if you don't know what your principles are, that's when you compromise your principles away."He added: "You can't set up a system in which you don't compromise on anything, but you also can't operate in a system where you compromise on everything."Answering questions, Obama said progressives needed to think about remaining "true to our values and principles while recognising that in democracies … the only way we are going to be able to get things done is that we agree to a certain set of rules and part of those rules are that you never get 100% of what you want".He cited the Paris climate agreement as an example of an imperfect deal achieved under his presidency with the aim of building on it later. Trump has withdrawn the US from the deal.
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| You Don’t Have To Go To War To Fire A Machine Gun From A Helicopter Anymore Posted: 06 Apr 2019 08:23 AM PDT  We have the video to prove it.
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| Hit-and-run driver dragged 2-year-old in a stroller about 1,000 feet, police say Posted: 07 Apr 2019 02:20 PM PDT ![Hit-and-run driver dragged 2-year-old in a stroller about 1,000 feet, police say]( "Hit-and-run driver dragged 2-year-old in a stroller about 1,000 feet, police say") Phoenix police say a hit-and-run driver who struck a woman and three children on Friday dragged a 2-year-old in a stroller caught underneath the vehicle.
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| Wall St Week Ahead-RPT-Big banks to report Q1 results with lowered expectations Posted: 07 Apr 2019 04:00 AM PDT ![Wall St Week Ahead-RPT-Big banks to report Q1 results with lowered expectations]( "Wall St Week Ahead-RPT-Big banks to report Q1 results with lowered expectations") Citigroup Inc and Goldman Sachs Group Inc will report the following Monday, followed by Bank of America Corp and Morgan Stanley on Tuesday. In the wake of the Federal Reserve's cautious shift due to signs of softness in the U.S. economy and the subsequent drop in 10-year Treasury yields, S&P 500 banks are seen posting year-on-year first-quarter earnings growth of 2.3%, down from 8.2% forecast six months ago, according to Refinitiv data.
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| This $65 case adds a backlit keyboard to your iPad Posted: 07 Apr 2019 08:13 AM PDT  Would you believe us if we told you that the iOS-powered MacBook of your dreams was only $65 away? Meet the Yekbee Backlit iPad Keyboard Case, an excellent and versatile case that's compatible with every regular sized iPad released in the past few years. It's a protective case that adds a full size QWERTY keyboard to your iPad. What's more, it has an awesome design that lets your iPad rotate 360 degrees so you can fold it against the top of the keyboard like a convertible Windows 10 laptop. If you have an iPad that you'd like to use for more than just light web browsing and watching Netflix, you've got to check it out.Here's more info from the product page: * ✅ 1 BEST SELLING KEYBOARD CASE ON AMAZON.COM: A stylish finish with grip-enhancing tech & smart business-grade protection make our high-quality hard clamshell case uniquely ideal for home work & travel. The quiet keyboard's spacious layout & 7 backlight colors provide the freedom to read browse & work anywhere at any time. The case is compatible with the latest 2018 iPad 6 (A1893-A1954) 2017 iPad 5 (A1822-A1823) iPad Pro 9.7 (A1675-A1674-A1673) iPad Air 2 (A1566-A1567) & Air (A1474-A1475). * ✅ 360 REASONS TO SMILE: Rotate the screen 360 degrees to effortlessly display your work presentation, watch your favorite show or read a new book while you enjoy your iPad a little more, even when you're out and about! Whether you're a blogger, writer, designer, professional or student, the Yekbee iPad keyboard case offers you a smart, stylish and practical solution to your everyday needs. The simple and elegant style makes it great for any accessory combo as well (stylus holder & more!). * ✅ SMART PROTECTION: Auto/sleep wake protects and conserves battery life while the durable polycarbonate shell with impact-resistant corners and reinforced aluminum hinge protects the rest. All 9.7 inches of your retina display are further protected by durable, 10,000,000 stroke-certified keys. The keyboard arrives in a premium hardshell, gift-ready box and includes an external USB charging cable and, our highly-praised product manual (with full-color photos!) that makes setup a breeze. * ✅ ULTRASLIM DESIGN: Combining our industry-leading keyboard design and adding more spacious chiclet keys means a more satisfying and tactile typing experience for you. With productivity maximized touch typists rejoice! The ultra-thin case is lightweight, portable, & guaranteed to get complements. * ✅ PLATINUM WARRANTY & SUPPORT: Lifetime technical support and a 12-month manufacturer's warranty can give you peace of mind about your purchase and assurance that a great team is ready to help every step of the way.
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| 'Both sides' must compromise in cross-party Brexit talks: British PM Posted: 07 Apr 2019 09:07 AM PDT  British Prime Minister Theresa May on Sunday conceded that concluding a Brexit deal with the main opposition will need "compromise on both sides" as she faced criticism for being inflexible. The embattled leader opened negotiations this week with the Labour Party in a bid to end months of political crisis over her divorce deal struck with European leaders last year but repeatedly rejected by MPs.
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| Ecuador Rejects WikiLeaks Claims That It Plans to Expel Assange Posted: 06 Apr 2019 01:35 AM PDT  In a statement Friday evening, Ecuador's Foreign Ministry denied it has an agreement with the U.K. about Assange's arrest. WikiLeaks said earlier on Twitter that Ecuador was about to expel its founder within "hours to days," citing what it called a high level source within the Ecuadorian government.
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| Obama warns progressives to avoid 'circular firing squad' as Democrats prepare for 2020 showdown Posted: 06 Apr 2019 12:57 PM PDT  Barack Obama has urged progressives in the US to avoid becoming part of a "circular firing squad" that takes aim at people who do not share all their views.In what will be interpreted as a comment about the nature of the rivalry between different factions within the Democratic Party, the former president stressed the need for compromise."The way we structure democracy requires you to take into account people who don't agree with you," he said at an event in Berlin hosted by the Obama Foundation. "And that, by definition, means you're not going to get 100 per cent of what you want."According to The Hill, he added: "One of the things I do worry about sometimes among progressives in the United States….is a certain kind of rigidity where we say, 'Uh, I'm sorry, this is how it's going to be', and then we start sometimes creating what's called a "circular firing squad", where you start shooting at your allies because one of them has strayed from purity on the issues. "And when that happens, typically the overall effort and movement weakens."The 2016 Democratic presidential primary was marked by often bitter hostility between the camps of Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. Supporters of the Vermont senator considered her a Wall Street sell-out, while many of those backing the former secretary of state believed Mr Sanders was out of touch and campaigned for unrealistic policies.As Democrats prepare to select a challenger to Donald Trump for 2020 – congressman Tim Ryan announced on Saturday he was joining the already crowded field – different factions are already becoming clear. Progressives such as Elizabeth Warren and Mr Sanders support policies such as Medicare for All and the Green New Deal.Others, such as Beto O'Rourke and Cory Booker have adopted a more centrist position. With perhaps as many as 20 Democratic candidates running in 2020, there is already a energetic fight underway for supporters and donations, something that will intensify as the contest progresses. At the same time, Mr Obama said it was important for candidates to know what they stood for. "You should take some time to think in your own mind and continually refine and reflect, 'What are my core principles'," he said. "Because the danger is if you don't know what your principles are, that's when you compromise your principles away."He added: "You can't set up a system in which you don't compromise on anything, but you also can't operate in a system where you compromise on everything."
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| April freebies: Your monthly guide to food specials, meal deals and more Posted: 05 Apr 2019 08:53 PM PDT  April brings big freebie and deal days including National Burrito Day, National Beer Day, Tax Day and National Pretzel Day.
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| 25 years after genocide, can Rwanda heal? 6 villages try Posted: 06 Apr 2019 08:27 AM PDT  MBYO, Rwanda (AP) — Twenty-five years ago, Tasian Nkundiye murdered his neighbor with a machete.
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| U.N. to hold Libya conference as planned despite surge in fighting: envoy Posted: 06 Apr 2019 12:31 PM PDT  G7 foreign ministers warned eastern Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar to halt his thrust on Tripoli, menacing the internationally recognized government based there, or face possible international action. Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA) said on Friday its forces had advanced into the capital's southern outskirts and taken its former international airport. Its spokesman Ahmed Mismari said 14 LNA troops had been killed so far The offensive by the LNA, which is allied to a parallel administration based in the main eastern city of Benghazi, intensifies a power struggle that has fractured the oil-producing country since the 2011 overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi.
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| Why Are Rear-Seat Entertainment Systems behind the Times? Posted: 07 Apr 2019 07:30 AM PDT  It's not quite as bad as the era of crappy car stereos, but nearly every automaker's system has some downsides.
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| Missing 15-year-old girl Louisiana girl Domeanna Spell found in Colorado with 47-year-old man Posted: 07 Apr 2019 07:22 AM PDT  Her family says she babysat the man's children, but they contacted police when they discovered inappropriate text messages he sent her.
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| Keep some personal space: Today's Toon Posted: 07 Apr 2019 02:11 PM PDT  Want to keep up with USA TODAY's editorial cartoons? Bookmark this page. We'll update it frequently.
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| Elections over, Turkey's Erdogan eyes economic reforms Posted: 06 Apr 2019 08:58 PM PDT  Soon after his ruling party faced defeat in Ankara and Istanbul in last Sunday's election, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was quick to promise reforms to revive the country's weakened economy. Now with no elections until 2023, Erdogan has room to focus on the economy, but analysts say he must convince investors already wary over his sometimes unorthodox policies, and worried about fallout from tensions with the United States. Turkey's lira can be volatile, but analysts said Erdogan's government must balance any gains from short-term stopgaps with the need for deeper reforms for more long-term stability.
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| U.S.-China Trade Deal Is Getting ‘Closer and Closer,’ Kudlow Says Posted: 07 Apr 2019 10:13 AM PDT  Larry Kudlow's "guarded optimism, maybe more than guarded optimism" on CBS's "Face the Nation" on Sunday came after China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported that progress was made during talks in Washington that ended Friday.
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| Wrestler Bret Hart tackled during WWE Hall of Fame speech Posted: 07 Apr 2019 05:05 PM PDT  NEW YORK (AP) — Wrestler Bret "The Hitman" Hart was tackled by a spectator Saturday while he was giving a speech during the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
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