This week, Apple finally added support for Rich Communication Services (RCS) to Messages as part of the second developer beta of iOS 18. Until now, iPhone users could only send SMS or MMS messages from the Messages app to people who didn’t have an Apple device. Now you can share high-quality images and get read receipts and typing indicators while messaging with Android users — but text bubbles are still green.

Apple finally supports RCS in iOS 18 update

So what’s Google Gemini, exactly? How can you use it? And how does Gemini stack up to the competition?. To make it easier to keep up with the latest Gemini developments, we’ve put together this handy guide, which we’ll keep updated as new Gemini models, features and news about Google’s plans for Gemini are released.

Google Gemini: Everything you need to know about the new generative AI platform

Google also shared that it already has over 35 developer partners on board to test the new feature, including Spotify, Pinterest, Tumblr, TikTok and Shopify. In a session at the conference, developers were presented with information about a new invite-only Engage SDK, designed largely to bring users back into their apps by showcasing content, promotions, and deals. The surface, Google said, would “automatically organize the best and most prevalent content from apps already installed” with a focus on enabling cross-ap-continuing journeys for nearly every app category.

Android’s upcoming ‘Collections’ feature will drive users back to their apps

California State

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Alameda Post

California regulators just stopped AT&T from pulling the plug. California’s Public Utilities Commission on June 20 rejected AT&T’s application to stop providing landlines and other services in areas where there is no other option.

Still Need Your Landline?

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Total Apex Sports & Entertainment

Leading people isn’t a piece of cake. Some are obedient while certain zodiac signs are stubborn and dislike following instructions. A good leader should have a vision and be influential. They need to compromise some things to match everyone’s preferences. You need to make logical decisions rather than emotion-based judgments. Be willing to take the blame for other people’s mistakes and advise them. Are some of us natural leaders?

3 Zodiac Signs Who Are Leaders

Emily Standley Allard

We often run across people in our lives who either have a natural healing and calming energy to them and those who seem bent on ruining everything you set out to do whether they mean to or not. Astrology offers a complex and nuanced understanding of personality traits associated with each zodiac sign, attributing both positive and negative aspects to individuals' characters. Among these characteristics, some signs are often hailed for their healing abilities, bringing comfort, peace, and rejuvenation to those around them. Conversely, other signs may possess more destructive tendencies, challenging relationships and personal growth. This article explores the zodiac signs that are traditionally considered the most healing and the most destructive, offering insights into the dual nature of certain astrological influences.

The 6 Zodiac Signs That Can Either Heal or Destroy You

Missouri State

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CJ Coombs

The first time my family walked into a Ponderosa Steakhouse was in the late 1960s. It was new and the experience was great. Like other new restaurants, if the management doesn't stay on top, the quality of service can decline. The location we went to did change through the years, but in the beginning, it was great.

The 1960s: the Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses are still around in some states

Maine State

Idaho State

Shop with Me Mama

Why Idaho Ranks in the Top 10 States Americans Are Flocking To in 2024. A lot of Idahoans are saying 'Idaho is FULL! Go find somewhere else to live!'. With that said, MANY people and their families are flocking to this state and calling it home.

Why Is Everyone Relocating To Idaho?

Los Angeles, CA

L.A. TACO

The streets of MacArthur Park were alive with the energy of L.A.'s Mexican community on Sunday. In a grand display of civic duty, Mexican citizens living in Los Angeles flocked to the Mexican Consulate, eager to cast their historic vote.

Thousands Line Up at L.A.’s Mexican Consulate To Cast Their Historic Vote for Mexico’s First Woman President

Kansas City, MO

Cats of Kansas City

All of these cats are currently looking for a place to call home and have heard it through the grapevine that you've got some pretty nice digs. If you fancy any of them, consider clicking on their links and getting in touch with their respective shelter. All of these cats are in the greater Kansas City area.

Five cats that would love to move in with you

Mobile phones purchased from a carrier are generally locked to that carrier until either the contract is up or the phone is paid off. But despite improvements to the process over the years (unlocking was flat-out illegal not long ago), it still isn’t quite clear to all consumers when and how they can unlock their phone and take it to the carrier (or country) of their choice.

FCC rule would make carriers unlock all phones after 60 days

Am I the only one whose head is spinning from all of the transpo news this week? Reminder, it’s only Thursday morning. Let’s jump in!. Oh wait, before I do that, one housekeeping item: We will not have a newsletter next week due to the July 4 holiday. See ya July 11!

VW taps Rivian in $5B EV deal and the fight over Fisker’s assets

Chicago Happenings

What is more summery than an icy, sweet frozen drink? If the heat wave is getting to you, try whipping up this simple frozen strawberry lemonade. All you need is your choice of lemonade and some frozen strawberries. You can use store-bought lemonade, make your own from scratch, or a powdered version. As for strawberries, frozen ones are the easiest choice. If you'd rather use fresh, add at least two cups of ice until you reach a nice, frozen consistency.

2-Ingredient Frozen Strawberry Lemonade: Beat the Heat!

Georgia State

Buford, GA

DeanLand

There's been a whole lotta shakin' goin' on in Northwest Georgia over the past 30 days. And, yes, some of it likely has been in the barn. A total of six earthquakes have been recorded in the northernwestern portion of the state over the past 30 days, according to data from the US Geological Survey (USGS).

6 Earthquakes Shake NW Georgia in 30 Days

According to Shakey's website, this pizza parlor is only in California, North Carolina, and Washington state in the U.S. now. This was my family's go-to pizza joint when my father was stationed with the Air Force outside of Omaha, Nebraska. We liked it so much, that when we were transferred again, it was hopeful we'd find another one.

Shakey's Pizza Parlor and nostalgia: the first franchised pizza restaurant also landed in Missouri

The Supreme Court announced Friday morning that it had ruled 6-3 (you know who voted how) to overturn Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council, a case from 1984 that established a very important doctrine in federal regulation. Federal law is by necessity broad, applying as it does across so many...

Forget the debate, the Supreme Court just declared open season on regulators

New Jersey State

Morristown Minute

NEW JERSEY - Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has issued a new directive that sets stringent controls on law enforcement's access to newborn bloodspot information from New Jersey's Newborn Screening Program. This initiative aims to strengthen privacy protections and public trust in the program, which screens newborns for a variety of health conditions shortly after birth.

Stricter Controls on Newborn Bloodspot Data for Law Enforcement

Declutterbuzz

Why Depression Can Impact A Cluttered Home & Cluttered Mind sets out to explain the possible connection between depression and clutter. Scientists that study depression have found a link to depression playing a role in some folks.

Why Depression Can Impact A Cluttered Home & Cluttered Mind

Josue Torres

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced this week that in a significant move to alleviate the financial burden on residents, the state has cleared water and wastewater utility bills for 4 million Californians.

California forgives water utility bills for 4 million residents

Clutter doesn’t just make your home look icky and run less efficiently, I will point out the specific reasons why clutter can cause mental anxiety and stress. Clutter to me is a visual explosion, it is loud and very distracting. I cannot focus in a cluttered environment whether in a home, a store, or any venue. This may be why I detest crowds and I avoid shopping in large brick-and-mortar stores.

Why Clutter Can Cause Mental Anxiety and Stress

NewsBreak

Strava to shutter 3D mapping platform Fatmap 20 months after acquisition

In an email sent to users this week, accompanied by an online support page, Fatmap said that its website and app will be retired from October...

Strava to shutter 3D mapping platform Fatmap 20 months after acquisition

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