WorldAssociated PressKey events raising tensions in the Persian Gulf
Tensions between the United States and Iran have soared in recent weeks, with Washington dispatching warships and bombers to the Persian Gulf, and Tehran threatening to resume higher uranium enrichment. The tensions come a year after President Donald Trump withdrew from Iran's 2015 nuclear accord with world powers and restored crippling sanctions.
- PoliticsThe Independent
2020 election poll: Joe Biden's lead shrinks to zero against Bernie Sanders in critical Iowa
Joe Biden may be leading national polls among Democratic voters, but a new poll shows his dominance doesn’t necessarily extend to Iowa.Mr Biden is matched by Bernie Sanders in the state, a sharp drop from his 11 point lead in a separate poll last month. Both candidates can claim 24 per cent support in the state, which will vote first in the nominating process next year.Mr Biden and Mr Sanders are followed in the new poll by several candidates with significant showings, including Pete Buttigieg (14 per cent), Elizabeth Warren (12 per cent), and Kamala Harris (10 per cent).Reading into the polls just a bit more, Mr Biden has more to worry about than just Mr Sanders, too.Ms Warren stands out as the most liked candidate in the race, with a favourability rating at 78 per cent — the top in the race. She is followed by Mr Sanders, who is the next closest with 71 per cent.“Good news for Elizabeth Warren: her favourability exceeds that of any other candidate in the race and her name recognition is near universal,” said principal pollster Jane Loria in a news release.She continued: “In some states, we see a large spread between the front-runners and the so-called second-tier in the excitement barometer, but in Iowa the candidates are all pretty tightly clustered. When we ask respondents to identify the five candidates they’re most excited about, 54% say Warren, followed by Biden (53%), then Harris (53%), Sanders (49%), and Buttigieg (46%)The terrain looks much better for Mr Biden when looking at the other states that follow close after Iowa, however. In New Hampshire, Mr Biden beats Mr Sanders 36 per cent to 18 per cent. In South Carolina, meanwhile, Mr Biden recently got 46 per cent support compared to Mr Sanders’ 15 per cent.But, any fragility in Iowa could have real consequences for Mr Biden’s third presidential race. The state has an outsized influence on the presidential nominating process, and a loss there would show potentially significant vulnerabilities for the former vice president.The Iowa Starting Line/Change Research Poll was released on Monday, and the Iowa caucuses will be held in January.
WorldBloombergSwiss Set to Back Tax Reform, Gun Control in Sunday Referendums
The new tax regime would replace special tax breaks that multinational companies now enjoy but which Switzerland is forced to do away with to comply with international rules. While Switzerland isn’t a member of the EU, it is in the open-border Schengen area and therefore the law needs to be changed in accordance with stricter rules in the bloc. Both measures are up for a vote because of Switzerland’s system of direct democracy which calls for mandatory referendums if 50,000 votes are collected within 100 days of a law passing.
BusinessReutersTrump says tariffs making companies leave China, a deal can't be '50-50'
In an interview with Fox News Channel recorded last week and aired on Sunday night, Trump said that the United States and China "had a very strong deal, we had a good deal, and they changed it. Trump took the step after China soured the negotiations by seeking major changes to a deal that U.S. officials said had been largely agreed. Since then, China has struck a sterner tone in its rhetoric, suggesting that a resumption of talks aimed at ending the 10-month trade war between the world's two largest economies was unlikely to happen soon.
- WorldThe National Interest
This Missile Might be the U.S. Navy's Most Important Weapon in Decades
The Tomahawk and its controversies might make headlines, but as the U.S. Navy re-arms for high-tech warfare, the SM-6 is the missile to watch.The U.S. Navy in late January 2019 confirmed the designation of its newest cruise missile, in the process clarifying its long-term plan for arming its growing fleet of warships.The plan heavily leans on one missile, in particular. It's the SM-6, an anti-aircraft weapon that quickly is evolving to perform almost every role the Navy assigns to a missile.(This first appeared earlier in the year.)The Navy dubbed the newest version of the venerable Tomahawk cruise missile the "Block V" model, Jane's reported. There are two separate variants of the Block V missile, one with an anti-ship warhead and another with a warhead the Navy optimized for striking targets on land.Raytheon's Tomahawk has been the subject of controversy in Washington, D.C. In order to save money the Obama administration wanted to pause production of the long-range missile, which since the 1980s has been the Navy's main weapon for striking land targets from the sea.Congress overruled the Obama administration and continued buying Tomahawks for roughly $1 million apiece, adding potentially hundreds of the missiles to the thousands the fleet already possesses.
WorldFOX News VideosState Department warns Iran after rocket attack near US embassy in Baghdad
The U.S. government says there have been no claims of responsibility for the attack and the rocket missed any building with Americans in it; Rich Edson reports from the White House.
WorldAFPBlast hits Egypt tourist bus, 17 injured: security, medical sources
An explosion struck a tourist bus on Sunday near Egypt's famed pyramids, injuring 17 people including foreigners, security and medical sources said. South Africans and Egyptians were among those injured when an explosive device went off, hitting the bus in Giza, according to the sources. Sunday's incident comes after three Vietnamese holidaymakers and their Egyptian guide were killed when a roadside bomb hit their bus as it travelled near the pyramids outside Cairo in December.
BusinessReutersModi’s jobs deficit: J&J’s largest India plant idle three years after completion
It was to eventually employ at least 1,500 people and help bring development to a rural area near Hyderabad in southern India. Two sources familiar with J&J's operations in India and one state government official told Reuters production at the plant, at Penjerla in Telangana state, never began because of a slowing in the growth in demand for the products. One of them said that demand didn’t rise as expected because of two shock policy moves by Prime Minister Narendra Modi: a late 2016 ban on then circulating high-value currency notes, and the nationwide introduction of a goods and services tax (GST) in 2017.
- EntertainmentThe Telegraph
Brienne of Tarth: from love triangles to knighthood, what's next for Game of Thrones' strongest female?
I’m just going to put it out there – Brienne of Tarth, or rather Ser Brienne of Tarth, is a feminist icon. Not only does she rise above being rejected – if not resented – for her pragmatic and perfectionist approach to fighting, simply for being a woman, but she fails to falter as one of the most loyal, honest and determined women in Westeros. By the Seven Kingdoms’ patriarchal standards, she simply doesn’t fit in. And is regularly belittled by inferior swordsmen who feel they should remind her. Not that being underrated has got in the way of her defeating the likes Loras Tyrell or The Hound (two of the greatest fighters in the realm). With the final episode of Game of Thrones season 8 done and dusted, here is everything you need to know about Brienne of Tarth’s incredible story: Who is Brienne of Tarth? Brienne Tarth, commonly called Brienne of Tarth after her island home, is the only living child and heir of Lord Selwyn Tarth, Lord of Evenfall and head of House Tarth on the island of Tarth, located in the Narrow Sea off the coast of the Stormlands By Westerosi standards she is unusually tall and muscular for a woman (therefore sometimes pejoratively referred to as Brienne the Beauty) but used her differences to her advantage by practicing martial activity from a young age. Brienne was introduced in series two as a dedicated member of Renly Baratheon’s Kingsguard. His subsequent slaying at the hand of Melisandre’s smoke demon instigated a calamity of errors which turned her dream (of becoming a knight) into a nightmare (killing her fellow Kingsguard in self defence). She then fled the camp to avoid being blamed for Renly’s death, swore her sword to Catelyn Stark, and eventually escorted hostage Jaime Lannister back to King’s Landing – their antagonism developing into an unexpected friendship. Brienne of Tarth, left, battles with Sandor "The Hound" Clegane in season 5 Following the Red Wedding’s tragic murder of Catelyn Stark (and – well – the majority of our favourite characters), Brienne transferred her oath of protection to the dead woman’s children. From here on, Westeros' strongest Lady found herself stuck in a messy love triangle. Wildling - and fellow almost-giant - Tormund Giantsbane fell for Brienne the moment he met her and dreamed about having 'giant babies' who would take over the world. Sadly for many Trienne/Bormund fans, Brienne fell for someone a little more unexpected. A long-burgeoning romance between Jaime and Brienne blossomed after season eight's Battle of Winterfell. In one of the cringiest sex scenes fallouts to date, Brienne lost her virginity to the kingslayer only to be abandoned, hours later, when Jaime decided to flee back to his twincestual sister in Kings Landing. His death, albeit in Cersei's arms, was exactly what Brienne fans were hoping for. The Raven newsletter in-article Who is Gwendoline Christie who plays her? Gwendoline Christie was born on October 28, 1978 in Worthing, West Sussex and made her TV debut in the second season’s third episode in April 2012. She is just under 6ft 4in tall. Starting off as a theatre actress, Christie’s collective playbill includes performances as the Queen in Shakespeare’s Cymbeline (alongside Tom Hiddleston) and Mag Wildwood in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. In 2015, Christie played Commander Lyme in the final film in The Hunger Games series, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2. In the same year, Christie co-starred in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, as Captain Phasma, one of the film’s main antagonists. She reprised the role in 2017’s Star Wars: The Last Jedi. She also plays Teresa in upcoming film The Friend, a drama from Blackfish director Gabriela Cowperthwaite, starring Casey Affleck, Dakota Johnson and Jason Segel. Since early 2013, Christie has been in a relationship with fashion designer Giles Deacon. British actress Gwendoline Christie Credit: AFP What’s happened to Brienne so far in Game of Thrones? Season 2 Brienne joins King Renly Baratheon’s forces in the War of the Five Kings, proving herself by winning a tournament amongst his men, including a victory over Renly’s favorite/love interest Ser Loras Tyrell. She asks to be named to his Kingsguard as a reward, which Renly does, despite her gender and consequent lack of knighthood. Brienne guards Renly during an unsuccessful meeting with his brother, King Stannis Baratheon, and is devastated at witnessing his death at the hands of a shadow demon with the likeness of Stannis. At Robb Stark’s camp Catelyn Stark decides to free captive Jaime Lannister in an attempt to exchange him for her two daughters, who she believes are both being held hostage in King’s Landing. She orders Brienne to smuggle Jaime from the camp and deliver him to King’s Landing in order to secure the safety of her daughters. Jaime vows to return Sansa and Arya Stark to Catelyn in exchange for his return. Season 3 In the Riverlands, Jaime and Brienne are captured by Bolton soldiers. He dissuades them from raping Brienne by claiming her father will pay them her weight in sapphires as a ransom, provided she is unharmed, but their leader Locke cuts off Jaime’s sword hand when he tries to bargain for his own release. Brienne and Jaime are taken to Harrenhal, where Jaime reveals to Brienne that he killed the Mad King Aerys II Targaryen to stop him from burning King’s Landing. Lord Bolton allows Jaime to leave for King’s Landing, but decides to keep Brienne in Harrenhal for abetting treason, in spite of Jaime’s protests. Jaime compels his escorts to return to save her. Jaime and Brienne arrive at the gates of the Red Keep. How Game of Thrones characters look in the show vs how they look in the books Season 4 Several weeks after their return, Brienne visits Margaery Tyrell. After enduring Olenna Tyrell’s comments regarding her appearance and her gratitude for putting Loras Tyrell in his place, Brienne and Margaery slip off to discuss Renly’s assassination. Brienne explains what she saw and how the shadow had Stannis’ face. She assures Margaery that she will find a way to avenge their king. Brienne cannot now return Sansa to Catelyn Stark, since murdered by the Freys. Jaime argues that Sansa (now married to Tyrion) is safer staying in King’s Landing. Brienne attends King Joffrey Baratheon's wedding to Margaery Tyrell, and witnesses his death by poisoning. After Jaime's brother Tyrion is accused of the murder, Jaime gives Brienne a Valyrian steel sword, which Brienne names “Oathkeeper”, in order to find Sansa and take her to safety. He also gives her Tyrion’s former squire Podrick Payne, whose life is in danger after being coerced to offer false testimony against Tyrion. On their way through the Riverlands, the two learn that Arya is alive, and decide to travel to the Vale, as they suspect she is being sheltered by her aunt Lysa Arryn. Brienne encounters Arya in the Vale, being escorted by Sandor “The Hound” Clegane. When Arya refuses to go with Brienne, she and the Hound fight, culminating in Brienne forcing him off a cliff and apparently dealing him a mortal wound. Season 5 Despite their failure to retrieve Arya, Podrick wishes to remain with Brienne as her squire in order to find Sansa. While dining at an inn, Podrick identifies Sansa Stark sitting with Petyr Baelish. Brienne approaches them and reveals to Sansa that she swore an oath to her mother to keep her safe. Sansa refuses to respond and Brienne, realising that she is in danger from Baelish, flees with his guards in pursuit. Undeterred, she later follows Sansa to the ancestral Stark stronghold of Winterfell, where she has been wed to Roose Bolton’s sadistic son Ramsay. Staying in the nearby town, Brienne manages to have a message smuggled into Winterfell, instructing Sansa how to signal if she is in need of help. Sansa eventually manages to escape the room where Ramsay has kept her captive, while the Boltons are preparing to battle Stannis’ approaching forces. However, Brienne left to find and kill Stannis (having sworn to avenge his brother Renly’s death) before she could see Sansa’s signal. Brienne finds Stannis gravely wounded in the aftermath of the battle and, after he confesses to his role in Renly’s death, she executes him, telling him she is doing so in the name of the rightful king – Renly. Season 6 Podrick, Sansa and Brienne of Tarth in season 6 With Stannis dead, Brienne and Podrick continue their search for Sansa. Eventually, they manage to find Sansa and Theon Greyjoy apprehended by a Bolton hunting party. Brienne kills the soldiers and once again offers her services to Sansa, who readily agrees this time. Brienne reveals to Sansa that Arya is still alive, although her whereabouts are unknown. Brienne, Podrick, and Sansa journey on to Castle Black (Theon having returned to the Iron Islands), where Sansa’s half-brother Jon Snow has just resigned as Lord Commander. Brienne and Podrick travel to Riverrun to deliver a letter from Sansa Stark to her great-uncle Brynden “Blackfish” Tully. (Sansa is seeking reinforcements for her campaign to retake Winterfell from the Boltons.) Upon arriving, they discover that the Lannisters and Freys are besieging the castle. Jaime and Brienne meet discreetly in a tent and she tells Jaime that she has come to secure Brynden’s help. She convinces Jaime to let her negotiate with the Blackfish so that Brynden and his men can leave the castle at night to travel to Winterfell. Before she leaves she points out that, if she is unsuccessful, she will be compelled by honor (to Sansa’s family) to fight against Jaime. Jaime voices his hope that it doesn’t come to that. Brienne fails to convince the Blackfish but, in the end, the castle is taken with him as the only casualty. Just before he goes off to meet his death, Blackfish puts Brienne and Podrick into a rowboat in a secret escape tunnel. As Brienne and Podrick row quietly away in the dawn, Jaime sees her from the castle. She meets his gaze as they both wave a quiet farewell. Season 7 Tormund's loving glares at Brienne On their return to Winterfell, Brienne and Podrick are met by the aftermath of the Battle of the Bastards. When Jon Snow announces that he expects women to be trained for the coming war with the undead, Brienne smiles. While tutoring Podrick in the courtyard, wildling Tormund Giantsbane tries to steal her attention but is rebuffed. When Jon announces Sansa’s control of the North (at least during his trip to visit Daenerys in Dragonstone), Brienne again warms at the opportunity for women to seize power. Some time later, Arya – who has recently returned to her home of Winterfell – challenges Brienne to a spar. The fight is intense and equally matched; they eventually reach a respectful stalemate. When King’s Landing calls for a collective parley, Sansa sends Brienne to represent the North. She arrives – with Podrick – and is stunned to discover that Sandor Clegane is alive and well, even siding with the North. She remains quiet, under Jon's canopy, during the tense negotiations. GOT What happens next no-reg Season 8 Back in Winterfell, Brienne's big moments (which we can only hope continue) begin by speaking out on Jaime Lannister's behalf at his makeshift trial in the Great Hall. When he later asks to serve under her command in the Battle of Winterfell, she accepts. Later, Brienne and Podrick join the Lannister brothers and Tormund for wine and conversation soon turns to her rank as a woman. When Tormund tells her he would knight her ten times over if he was a king, Jaime knights her himself. Celebrations are cut short when three horn blasts mark the arrival of the White Walkers. She survives the Battle of Winterfell, doing much of her hoard-hacking at Jaime's side. In a state of shock and celebration, she decides to mark her survivial by losing her virginity to Jaime. Her heart is unceremoniously broken, as soon as it possibly could be, when she finds Jaime leaving Winterfell in the middle of the night to return to Cersei. Following the capital's destruction and Daenerys' murder, Brienne returns with many Great House leaders to take control and nominate Bran as King. After updating the chronicles of the Kingslayer in the Kingsguard's White Book, she joins the new King's small council as the only female player. Game of Thrones Season 8 | Latest news Catch up on Game of Thrones season 1-8 now with a 7 day free trial with NOW TV.
WorldAssociated PressThe Latest: Saudi Arabia won't hesitate to defend itself
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The latest on developments in the Persian Gulf region and elsewhere in the Mideast amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran (all times local):
- PoliticsMashable
Elizabeth Warren has a plan to fix everything, even our sad love lives
Elizabeth Warren is all about making plans, and she's bringing her expert policy-making skills to social media.The 2020 presidential candidate has plans to forgive student debt, rebuild the middle class, and even end the opioid crisis. But she's also open to helping people navigate their tricky love lives.On Saturday, comedian Ashley Nicole Black asked her 88,000 followers if they thought Warren had a plan to fix her love life. On Sunday, Warren, queen of policies, unexpectedly replied to the tweet directly."DM me and let's figure this out," Warren tweeted. Simply iconic. DM me and let's figure this out. -- Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) May 19, 2019SEE ALSO: Elizabeth Warren takes a 'hard pass' on Fox News town hallBlack was absolutely shook upon receiving Warren's response, and she tweeted a screenshot of the exchange, along with the words, "I am deceased. And ready to welcome new love in my life. And then get our new pres elected. ~~~~ shehasaplan" We stan a Queen. Nay, a PRESIDENT. https://t.co/WIPCbUzWNJ -- Ashley Nicole Black (@ashleyn1cole) May 19, 2019Other Twitter users were equally impressed by Warren's hilarious tweet, and digitally bowed down to the Democratic candidate by showering her with praise. Welp, she did it. Elizabeth Warren just won the presidency. Give her the White House, the Iron Throne, a Nobel prize, a pony, whatever she wants. pic.twitter.com/AlKOC9oFDy -- Chuck Wendig (@ChuckWendig) May 19, 2019 This is the most magical thing I've ever seen happen on this website or anywhere -- Katie MacBride (@msmacb) May 19, 2019 How effin' awesome is this?! A POTUS with a heart, a mind, a sense of humor and two X chromosomes. Yes! We are so ready for this! ElizabethWarren Warren2020 -- Annie Fox (@Annie_Fox) May 19, 2019 All hail.... pic.twitter.com/RCNOy0SzMp -- Isaac Butler (@parabasis) May 19, 2019 This is the kind of leadership I want for this nation pic.twitter.com/3aVFYd88ki -- Karen Kilgariff (@KarenKilgariff) May 19, 2019 First, this is hilarious. Second, if you give folks student loan debt relief, some help with higher wages and access to affordable housing and daycare, all those things give space to actually wanna go on dates and make it possible to build a family. So she kinda does have a plan! https://t.co/Nrs0w74xiJ -- Brittney Cooper (@ProfessorCrunk) May 19, 2019 She has a plan for EVERYTHING! https://t.co/0fsaqJAuQD -- Jenny Han (@jennyhan) May 19, 2019 Whoever says women candidates aren't relatable or likeable or funny is nuts. I adore this woman. https://t.co/AJtlEhbRiR -- Belle Resists (@BelleResist) May 19, 2019Many were well aware Warren has established herself as the 2020 election's Sam from Holes by saying "I can fix that" in the face of any challenge. But to see her keeping things light, acknowledging, and extending her own strong policy plans to social media was a delight.Warren, the American people stan you giving relationship advice, but can you please make it public next time so we can all benefit? Thanks. WATCH: Beto O'Rourke announces $5 trillion climate crisis plan
- BusinessBloomberg
Trump’s Huawei Attack Is a Serious Mistake
The nuclear missile the U.S. just launched at Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. is a case in point. Last week, the Commerce Department placed Huawei and nearly 70 of its affiliates on an “Entity List,” which means that U.S. suppliers may now need a license to do business with them. If the ban is applied stringently, it could drive one of China’s most high-profile companies — employing more than 180,000 people — out of business.
NewsAFPThousands protest strict Alabama abortion law
Thousands took to the streets in the southern US state of Alabama on Sunday to rally against the nation's most restrictive bans on abortions in decades. Around 500 women's reproductive rights defenders gathered in state capital Montgomery, while in the cities of Birmingham, Anniston, Huntsville and Mobile around 3,000 more joined in denouncing the "Alabama Human Life Protection Act," local media reported. The act, known as HB314, virtually outlaws terminations of pregnancy.
- WorldYahoo News Photo Staff
PHOTOS: Gun attack at bar in Brazil
A gang of gunmen reportedly attacked a bar in the capital of Brazil's northern Pará state Sunday afternoon, and authorities said 11 people were killed.The state security agency confirmed late Sunday only that six women and five men died in the incident in the Guamá neighborhood of the Pará state capital, Belém.The G1 news website said police reported that seven gunmen were involved in the attack, which also wounded one person. The news outlet said the attackers arrived at the bar on one motorcycle and in three cars.In late March, the federal government sent National Guard troops to Belém to reinforce security in the city for 90 days.Brazil hit a record high of 64,000 homicides in 2017, 70% of which were due to firearms, according to official statistics.Much of Brazil's violence is gang related. In January, gangs attacked across Fortaleza, bringing that city to a standstill with as commerce, buses and taxis shut down. (AP)See more news-related photo galleries and follow us on Yahoo News Photo Twitter and Tumblr.
- NewsUSA TODAY
F-16 fighter jet crashes into warehouse near March Air Reserve Base in California
The crash happened as the pilot was landing following a routine training mission, March Air Reserve Base Deputy Fire Chief Timothy Holliday said.
- LifestyleBGR News
Anker’s true wireless earbuds fix everything wrong with the other brands’, and they’re down to $45 today
The Soundcore Liberty Neo Truly-Wireless Earbuds by Anker are a tremendous value at their full retail price of $65, especially when you consider the fact that they improve upon Apple's $159 AirPods in every conceivable way. The graphene drivers produce better sound and deeper bass, the silicone tips fit better in your ears, and the IPX5 rating provides better water-resistance. They're among the best cord-free earbuds we've ever tested in this price range, and they just dropped to an all-time low of $44.99! Definitely pick up a pair before this excellent deal is done.Here are the bullet points from the product page: * Breathtaking Sound: Exceptional clarity delivered via Graphene drivers with deep, resonant bass. * Smaller & Lighter: Each bud weighs only 0.2 oz for incredible comfort and seamless sound that sits effortlessly in your ears. * 12-Hour Playtime: Get 3.5 hours' playtime from a single charge and 9 extra hours in the compact charging case. * Ultra-Fast Pairing: Push and Go Technology simplifies the setup: process so the last-paired device automatically connects on startup. * IPX5 Protection: Resists liquids for workouts in the sun or songs in the rain. * Hand-Free Calls: A built-in microphone ensures easy on-the-go phone calls.
WorldReutersSwedish prosecutor requests Assange's detention over rape allegation
Sweden reopened the rape investigation last week. It was begun in 2010 but dropped in 2017 after Assange took refuge in the Ecuadorean embassy in London. "I request the District Court to detain Assange in his absence, on probable cause suspected for rape," Deputy Chief Prosecutor Eva-Marie Persson said in a statement on Monday.
- WorldThe Telegraph
India's Narendra Modi on track for a second term as PM, exit polls predict
India’s prime minister Narendra Modi look set to retain power at the head of a coalition government last night, after exit polls showed his Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies were on track to win a majority of seats in India’s parliament. With polls showing the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance will win as many as 306 seats in India’s 543-seat lower house, the controversial Hindu-nationalist leader would secure a second five-year term, though with a slimmer mandate than in 2014. The opposition Congress-led United Progressive Alliance coalition, which sunk to historic lows last time out, were predicted to win an estimated 132 seats - but a Congress spokesman dismissed the exit polls as “laughable”, citing the shyness of voters in such a polarised contest. The exit polls, which have proved wildly unreliable in the past, were released yesterday evening after the last of India’s 900 million registered voters had cast their ballots. The counted result is due on Thursday. The six week campaign has been largely peaceful, though ended with violent clashes on the outskirts of Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal where the BJP have been skirmishing with the regional Trinamool Congress party. There were sporadic clashes throughout the campaign as Mr Modi pushed to pick up seats in the target-rich state to offset expected losses elsewhere. The projected result emerged as Mr Modi attracted attracted ire and bemusement yesterday after donning saffron robes to meditate in a Himalayan cave, in a bid to garner voters at the end of the campaign. In pictures released by his party press machine, the PM is seen wearing the orange garments synonymous with Hindu priests and sitting cross-legged in a cave near the Kedarnath shrine, in the northern state of Uttarakhand. A master of the grand political gesture, Mr Modi and his aides tweeted the photos, hoping they would strike a chord with his austere, religious supporters. Indian elections 2019 - Projected seat share However, as violence continued in West Bengal and people were voting in Mr Modi’s own constituency of Varanasi, the holy city on the River Ganges, the pictures were mocked online. “No meditation is complete or meaningful without the right attire, red carpet and of course a stage managed photo opportunity,” wrote Rupa Subramanya prominent economist and a former BJP supporter turned critic. Other observers and much of the Indian media turned their attention to the caves themselves - which are actually in a man-made retreat. They can be booked online for Rs 990 (£11.20) a day and the facilities include electricity, drinking water, and “morning tea, breakfast, lunch, evening tea and dinner at prescribed timing which can be changed upon request”, reported the Hindustan Times. The cave also has a telephone connection and an attendant who can be summoned with a bell, the newspaper added.
WorldAssociated PressRussia says Syrian government forces halt fire in Idlib
MOSCOW (AP) — Syrian government forces have unilaterally ceased fire in the northern Idlib province, the last major rebel stronghold, Russia said Sunday, while opposition activists reported continued shelling and airstrikes.
- LifestyleTech Media Network (Tom's Guide)
Best Tech Deals in May 2019
Amazon Deals | Walmart Deals | Apple Deals | TV Deals | Gaming Deals | Laptop DealsGood news for bargain hunters this week. Retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart are offering early Memorial Day sales with discounts on everything from smart home devices to game consoles. So if you're looking for the best tech deals, you've come to the right place. Shopping around for a kid-friendly tablet for your upcoming family vacation? When you preorder the All-New Fire 7 Kids Edition Tablet for $99.99, you'll get a free pair of Toy Story Headphones (a $22 value). The new Fire 7 Kids Edition tablet sports a case that twice as rugged as the previous model. What's more, it features a built-in kickstand. If you're shopping for an affordable GPS running watch, Amazon has the Garmin Forerunner 35 on sale for $119.99 ($50 off). With built-in GPS and 24/7 heart rate monitoring, this watch helps you track and meet your daily health and fitness goals. With the imminent arrival of Amazon Prime Day 2019, soon we'll be gathering the best Amazon Prime Day deals. In the meantime, here are some of the best tech deals we're seeing right now. Amazon Hardware DealsAmazon is currently offering many of its proprietary devices at discounted pricing. * All-New Fire 7 Tablet w/ $10 Appstore Credit for $49.99 ($10 off) * All-New Fire 7 Kids Edition Tablet w/ Toy Story Headphones for $99.99 ($22 off, preorder) * Echo Connect for $24.49 ($11 off) * Fire TV Stick for $24.99 ($15 off, Prime Members Only) * Fire TV Stick 4K for $34.99 ($15 off, Prime Members Only) * Echo Dot (3rd Gen) Smart Speaker (3-Pack) for $70 ($80 off) * Echo Spot Smart Alarm Clock (2-Pack) for $219.98 ($40 off) * Echo Dot Kids Edition + Fire HD 8 Kids Edition for $149.98 ($50 off) * Echo Dot Kids Edition + Fire 7 Kids Edition for $129.98 ($40 off) * Ring Video Doorbell 2 w/ Echo Dot (3rd Gen) for $199 ($49 off) * Ring Spotlight Wireless Cam w/ Echo Dot (3rd Gen) for $199 ($49 off) * Ring Spotlight Wired Cam Wired w/ Echo Dot (3rd Gen) for $199 ($50 off) * Ring Stick-Up Wireless Cam w/ Echo Dot (3rd Gen) for $179.99 ($50 off) * Ring Stick-Up Wired Cam w/ Echo Dot (3rd Gen) for $179.99 ($50 off) * Ring Floodlight Cam w/ Echo Dot (3rd Gen) for $249 ($50 off) * Ring Smart Lighting Spotlights (2-pack) for $99.99 ($30 off) Top Tech Deals Right Now * Kenmore Smart Air Conditioner (12,000 BTUs) for $409.99 ($80 off) * Honeywell Portable Air Conditioner (10,000 BTUs) for $349 ($101 off) * Apple Smart Battery Case for $102 ($27 off) * Apple AirPods 2nd Gen (Back-order) for $139.99 ($19 off) * Apple iPad 9.7-inch 128GB for $329 ($100 off) * Apple iPad Air 2019 (Wi-Fi, 64GB) for $479 ($20 off) * Apple 9.7-inch iPad for $249 ($81 off) * Microsoft Surface Go for $399 ($100 off) * Acer Aspire 3 Laptop for $400 ($99 off) TV Deals * Vizio 50-inch 4K HDR Smart TV for $279.99 ($120 off) [NEW] * Samsung 55-inch Q60 Series 4K QLED Smart TV (2019) for $997.99 ($200 off) [PRICE DROP] * LG 65-inch 4K UHD Smart TV for $599.99 ($600 off) * Vizio 55-inch P-Series 4K HDR Smart TV for $598 ($200 off) * Vizio 65-inch M-Series 4K HDR Smart TV for $649.99 ($350 off) * Sharp 65-inch 4K Smart TV for $449.99 ($250 off) * Sony 70-Inch 4K UHD Smart TV for $1,098 ($500 off) * TCL 55-inch 4K Ultra HD Roku Smart TV for $329.99 ($270 off) * Samsung 49-inch Q60 Series 4K QLED Smart TV (2019) for $797.99 ($202 off) Tech Under $50 * SanDisk 128GB Nintendo Switch MicroSD Card for $24.99 ($10 off) [NEW] * Apple Lightning to USB Cable for $15 ($4 off) [NEW] * Chocotech Wireless Charging Stand for $8.99 ($8 off via coupon, "LZTVD9NI") [NEW] * Spotify Premium Membership for $0.99 ($27 off, ends 6/30) * Logitech M705 Marathon Wireless Mouse for $24.99 ($25 off) * Redragon K552 LED Gaming Keyboard for $34.99 ($25 off) * Anker 7-in-1 USB C Hub for $40 ($30 off) * Echo Connect for $24.49 ($11 off) Smartwatch Deals * Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS, 42mm, Renewed) for $209 ($100 off) * Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS, 38mm) for $199 ($80 off) * Samsung Gear Fit2 Pro w/ $125 GC for $199.99 ($125 off) * Garmin Forerunner 935 for $407 ($93 off) * Garmin Fenix 5S Plus for $599.99 ($200 off) also at Best Buy * Garmin Fenix 5X Plus for $649.99 ($150 off) also at Best Buy * Garmin Fenix 5 for $349.99 ($150 off) also at Best Buy Phones * Motorola Moto Z3 Black (Verizon) for $24 ($456 off with contract) [NEW] * Google Pixel 3 64GB (Clearly White) for $679.99 ($119 off) * Google Pixel 3 XL 64GB for $699 ($200 off) * Google Pixel 3 XL 64GB Unlocked (Just Black) for $720 ($179 off) * Google Pixel 3 XL 128GB Unlocked for $779 ($221 off) * Apple iPhone SE Unlocked for $249 ($100 off) * Samsung Galaxy S9 Unlocked 64GB for $493 ($107 off) * Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Unlocked 128GB for $673 ($327 off) [PRICE DROP] Cameras * Arlo Smart Wi-fi Baby Monitor Camera for $133 ($67 off) * Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Camera for $498 ($150 off) * Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Camera w /15-45mm Lens for $599 ($300 off) * Nikon D3500 DSLR Camera w/ 18-55mm VR Lens for $396.95 ($103 off) * Canon PowerShot SX530 Digital Camera for $229 ($150 off) Games and Consoles * Nintendo Switch Bundle with 2 Free Games for $299.99 ($50 off, ends 5/22) [NEW] * MS Xbox One X 1TB Division 2 Bundle for $329.98 ($170 off via coupon, "PRO60") [NEW] * Rainbow Six Siege Advanced Edition for $29 ($31 off) [NEW] * MS Xbox One S 1TB Console for $211 ($82 off) [PRICE DROP] * Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for Nintendo Switch for $50 ($10 off) * Mortal Kombat 11 for Xbox One or (Switch) for $50 ($10 off) * Marvel's Spider-Man for PS4 for $35 ($25 off) also at Amazon * WWE 2K19 Deluxe Edition for $39.99 ($50 off) * Kingdom Hearts 3 for PS4 for $29.99 ($30 off) * Kingdom Heart 3 for Xbox One for $29.99 ($30 off) * Red Dead Redemption 2 for PS4 for $34.99 ($25 off)
U.S.FOX News VideosDHS: 2018 saw increase in migrant naturalizations
Does this mean President Trump's immigration crackdown is working? Ron Meyer and Chuck Rocha weigh in.
- PoliticsBloomberg
The World Agrees With Trump on One Thing When It Comes to Iran
Governments worldwide are alarmed at the tension between Washington and Tehran, concerned about the risk of escalation or military miscalculation and frustrated at a lack of communication about U.S. goals. What keeps the anxiety in check from Berlin to Moscow to Ankara is President Donald Trump’s oft-stated aversion to starting fresh wars.
BusinessAFPFord to cut 7,000 jobs, 10% of global staff
Ford plans to cut 7,000 jobs, or 10 percent of its global workforce, as part of a reorganization as it revamps its vehicle offerings, the company said Monday. The reorganization will involve some layoffs and reassignments and should be complete by the end of August, a Ford spokeswoman said. Ford has been phasing out most sedan models in the United States as more consumers have opted for pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles.
- BusinessUSA TODAY
Borrowing from your 401(k) is easy. But should you really break open that piggy bank?
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- BusinessBGR News
Elon Musk: Tesla needs to cut costs or it will run out of money in 10 months
Defying skeptics, Tesla during the September quarter of 2018 actually managed to turn a profit of $312 million thanks to strong demand for the mass market Model 3. Tesla's profits for the quarter were far from staggering, but it nonetheless instilled faith that the electric automaker was on a path towards financial viability.Just a few months later, the narrative surrounding Tesla has drastically shifted. When the company last month released its earnings report for the March quarter, it posted a quarterly loss of $702 million. That said, it's worth noting that production, deliveries, and demand for Tesla vehicles have all grown at an impressive clip over the past many months. As an illustrative example, Tesla during Q1 of 2019 manufactured 77,100 vehicles, a figure which well more than double the amount it manufactured during the same quarter in 2018.Nonetheless, Tesla continues to burn through money at an alarming rate. So much so, in fact, that Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently sent an email (obtained via Electrek) wherein the Tesla CEO explained that the company -- which has approximately $2.2 billion in cash on hand -- may not have enough cash to last beyond a period of 10 months."This is a lot of money," Musk said, "but actually only gives us about 10 months at the Q1 burn rate to achieve breakeven!"Consequently, Musk explained that the company will be taking a much closer look at employee expenses as it pertains to "parts, salary, travel expenses, and rent."Musk conceded that the soon to be implemented cost-cutting measures are "hardcore," adding that it's the "only way for Tesla to become financially sustainable and succeed in our goal of helping make the world environmentally sustainable."This isn't the first time Musk has rung the alarm bells about drastically cutting costs, but it remains to be seen what the company can do within a 10-month timeframe.
