• South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem repeatedly praises Donald Trump throughout her book.
• But her decision to compare the former president to her granddaughter may draw eyebrows.
• Noem meant it in a loving manner, but it's often Trump's political opponents that say he's like a toddler.

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem paid an odd compliment to former President Donald Trump in her much-talked-about memoir.

"In some funny ways, I see similarities between Trump and my granddaughter, Miss Addie (that's what I call her)," Noem wrote in "No Going Back: The Truth on What's Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward" which went on sale on Tuesday.

Noem, who Trump once confirmed was on his vice presidential shortlist, has seen her political standing crater ahead of the book's release after one of the sections devoted to her explanation of why she killed a roughly 14-month-old wirehair pointer named Cricket.

The South Dakota Republican has stood by her decision decades ago to kill the dog and has argued that the moment in her life illustrates how she does not shy away from difficult choices. Noem has also been forced to correct the book after it came to light that it included a claim that she met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. (She had not, and the book's digital edition now omits it.)

As for Trump, Noem, who previously served in Congress before she was elected to lead the Mount Rushmore State, offered effusive praise for the former president throughout the book.

"He really doesn't think he's better than anyone else," Noem wrote on Trump, a claim that even the former president might protest. "He values everyone. That's why so many people who have worked for him and his family for years are so loyal to him; he truly cares about them and the work they do. He's full of surprises too."

It's her decision to compare Trump, 77, to her daughter that may draw eyebrows given that it's traditionally Trump's opponents who compare him to a toddler.

"And, yes, age is an issue.  I'm a grown man running against a six-year-old," President Joe Biden, the oldest person to hold his job, quipped of Trump during the recent White House Correspondent's Dinner.

Noem adds that her granddaughter, who at the time of her writing was nearly 3 years old, approaches the world in a truly authentic and curious way.

"I love to watch her figure things out, in ways that grown-ups like me, would never consider, because that's just how we've always done things, Noem wrote.

She added, "She has no concept of trying to please people or acting in ways that aren't completely real for her."

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Google revealed its new Pixel 8a phone for preorder on May 7, ahead of a release on May 14 for the company's Google I/O event. The Pixel 8a complements the Pixel 8 series released in October 2023 as a more affordable option while carrying many of the same high-quality characteristics, like flagship-level performance and cameras.

Indeed, starting at $499, the Pixel 8a is less expensive than the base $699 Pixel 8 and $999 Pixel 8 Pro. As such, there are some compromises, but not as many as you'd think for the price difference. In fact, there are so few meaningful compromises that the Pixel 8a puts into question the base Pixel 8's existence. 

Google Pixel 8a: Features

The Pixel 8a runs on the same Google Tensor G3 processor as the flagship Pixel 8 series, so performance should be identical or at least comparable. It also includes two rear cameras — the same as the base Pixel 8. It even has Google's premium and bright "Actua" OLED display that runs at 120Hz, an upgrade over the Pixel 7a's 90Hz refresh rate. Albeit, the Pixel 8a's display is slightly smaller at 6.1 inches compared to the Pixel 8's 6.2-inch display. 

Google is also including the same AI features, some powered by Google's Gemini Nano AI model from the flagship Pixel 8 series in the Pixel 8a, like Best Take, Magic Editor, Real Tone in Video, Guided Frame for both the front and rear cameras, Circle to Search, and Call Assist, among several others. 

It's also good to see safety features like Crash Detection, Crisis Alerts, and Safety Checks make it to the Pixel 8a. To top it off, Google is supporting the Pixel 8a with Android, security, and feature updates for seven years until 2031, a support window that mirrors the best Google Pixel phones. 

So, where are these compromises I mentioned? The Pixel 8a's back is made of plastic instead of the flagship Pixel 8's glass, which is totally expected in less expensive phone models. If the Pixel 8a's back is anything like the Pixel 7a's plastic back, most people really won't notice. The Pixel 8a's black borders around the display are also somewhat thicker than the flagship Pixel 8 phones, which admittedly imparts a less premium vibe.

The Pixel 8a's cameras aren't the same as the Pixel 8's — they're actually the identical cameras from the Pixel 7a. However, the Pixel 7a takes stunning photos, not just for a $500 phone, but even compared to some of the best Android phones that cost $1,000 or more. With that in mind, we're expecting the Pixel 8a to take equally good photos.        

And finally, the Pixel 8a comes in four color options, including "Aloe," "Obsidian," "Porcelain," and "Bay."

Google Pixel 8a: Price

There are two storage options for the Pixel 8a models, 128GB and 256GB, with the higher storage option only available in the "Obsidian" colorway. 

Google Pixel 8a: Release date

The Google Pixel 8a is available for preorder now from the online Google Store, Best Buy, Amazon, and carriers like Verizon. It will be fully released and available to buy on May 14 from the same retailers and carriers. 

Google Pixel 8a: Specs

• California's Senate is considering a bill that would change how retailers run self-checkout.
• The rule would prohibit retailers from offering self-checkout unless several conditions are met.
• Lawmakers and supporters say the changes are intended to reduce crime in the state.

The California legislature is considering a proposal that would bring significant changes to the self-checkout lanes in the state.

Under Senate Bill 1446, large grocery and drug retailers would have to satisfy a list of conditions in order to continue operating self-service kiosks in their stores.

Here's what would change if the proposal passes:

• At least one assisted checkout station must remain open at all times.
• Self-checkout lanes would be limited to 10 items or fewer.

• Restricted items like alcohol and tobacco, as well as items with enhanced security measures, must be checked out by an employee.

• A single worker may only be assigned to monitor two self-checkout stations, and they must have no other responsibilities during that time.

"This act will protect workers and the public by ensuring safe staffing levels at grocery and drug stores and regulating self-checkout machines in a way that's being smart on crime," said the bill's sponsor, Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, according to the Bay Area NBC affiliate.

The proposal comes as retailers have been rethinking their approach to self-checkout over the past year, including the role the tech plays in shoplifting and inventory shrink.

"The hope is that we can reduce the amount of theft that happens. That's a much better solution than punishing theft after it occurs," Cristine Soto DeBerry, founder of the Prosecutors Alliance of California, told the Bay Area ABC affiliate ABC7 News.

"One of the main deterrents from theft is that there are staff paying attention in the store to your activities," she said.

Walmart operates more than 300 locations in the state, while Target and Costco have 200 and 130, respectively.

TikTok promised to fight its ban in the US — and now the social media giant has made it official.

TikTok and its parent company ByteDance sued the federal government on Tuesday to halt a nationwide ban of the app, according to reports in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and Reuters.

The ban would force TikTok's Chinese owners to sell the platform or shut it down within 9 months.

TikTok alleged in its suit that the ban violated the First Amendment and that a sale would be "simply not possible," according to the reports.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

• Business Insider asked gardeners and interior designers how they decorate outdoor spaces.
• The experts said they wouldn't have plastic flamingos, wind chimes, or indoor fabrics.
• Continuous pavement and invasive plant species can impact how your outdoor environment operates.

Outdoor space is a luxury. For those lucky enough to have a private yard, patio, or balcony, it can significantly increase your home's curb appeal and resale value — if you style it properly.

Business Insider asked interior designers and gardeners what features, items, and trends they'd never have in their own outdoor spaces.

Here's what they said.

Synthetic turf isn’t worth it.

Turf may seem appealing for a year-round green lawn. But Lara Hermanson, a licensed landscape contractor and the principal and cofounder of Farmscape, recommends a more sustainable and natural approach to outdoor design.

"Synthetic turf grass might look like real grass but will ultimately end up in the landfill," she told BI.

The expert also said turf can trap heat in your yard and still requires extra maintenance to keep it clean, especially if you have pets.

Over-paving your yard interferes with soil moisture.

Hermanson said she avoids continuous paving in outdoor spaces because it prevents soil from obtaining moisture and causes high heat.

"When we receive precious rain, it's important that the water makes it into our soil for long-term storage," she told BI. "Lots of hard, reflective surfaces heat the local environment, making it virtually uninhabitable during the daytime in summer months."

Plastic flamingos lack natural appeal.

According to Alice Moszczynski, an interior designer at Planner 5D, plastic flamingos can diminish the natural beauty of your outdoor space.

"Plastic flamingos may have a kitschy charm, but they often lack the elegance and natural appeal desired in outdoor spaces," she told BI.

Invasive plant species cause too much disruption.

Moszczynski wouldn't introduce invasive plant species — like buckthorn, garlic mustard, or Japanese knotweed — into her outdoor space.

"As a responsible gardener, it's crucial to avoid planting species that can harm the environment and native wildlife," she told BI.

Moszczynski recommends contacting local garden centers to learn more about what plants work best in your area.

Certain outdoor accessories, like wind chimes, can be annoying.

When reaching for outdoor accessories, Jessica Holmes Holiday, founder and principal designer of HSH Collective Home and Design, said she always keeps local weather patterns in mind.

"We avoid noisy wind chimes or anything similar that is easy to break or get knocked over by the weather — especially in Florida," she told BI.

Fabrics made for interiors don’t belong outside.

Marisa Bettencourt, founder of North + Fair Interior Design, told BI, "I avoid fabrics primarily meant for indoor use, such as cotton, leather, or velvet."

On the other hand, fabrics like acrylic and polyester, are typically designed to withstand outdoor weather conditions.

The designer recommended using weather-resistant cushions and decorative pillows to keep them clean, mold-free, and undamaged.

Terracotta pots are a tiresome option for plants.

Donna Letier, gardening expert and founder and CEO of Gardenuity, said she never uses terracotta pots in her outdoor spaces.

"This might be surprising, but I would never buy anything including terracotta pots or designs with a terracotta color theme," she told BI. "The pots are heavy to move around and not the best containers for plants."

Skip the hammock — it's never as comfortable as you think.

Hammocks might look aesthetically appealing and comfortable, but according to Letier, they aren't worth the hassle.

"I don't find them that comfortable. The minute you get situated in the hammock, you think of something you forgot, and getting in and out can be challenging," she said.

Cushioned furniture isn’t practical.

Laura Redd, interior designer at Laura Redd Interiors, doesn't keep cushioned furniture — chairs, couches, or otherwise — in uncovered outdoor areas.

"I would never put cushioned pieces of furniture out in the open air," the interior designer told BI. "They always seem to mold and mildew and stay wet when needed for seating."

She also recommended having a chest for any removable outdoor cushions to protect them from the elements.

A monoculture lawn can be problematic.

Sarah Warner, Greenhouse Manager and Organic Farmer at the Case Western Reserve University Farm, keeps her garden diverse.

"Personally, I would not have an outdoor space where only one type of crop grows. By doing this, I am limiting the food supply and habitat for wildlife," she told BI. "This can also create pest and disease issues, along with supporting very little biodiversity for soil life."

• Apple revealed the 10th-generation iPad will now be available for $349.
• The entry-level iPad has a 10.9-inch display, modern bezels, and is offered in four colors.
• The lower-cost iPad supports Apple Pencil, Magic Keyboard, and offers 4K resolution.

You can now get a whole lot of iPad for not a lot of money.

While Apple CEO Tim Cook took the wraps off of new iPads and accessories during the company's "Let Loose" event in California on Tuesday, it also announced a highly competitive new price for its entry-level iPad.

The iPad 10th generation is now available for $349 — that's about $100 less than what it came out as in 2022.

Cook referred to the new offering as a "more affordable entry-level iPad with an all-screen design."

The iPad features a 10.9-inch liquid retina display and more modern bezels compared to some of the earlier models. It comes in four colors, including white, yellow, red, and blue.

You can use Apple Pencil first generation and earlier Magic Keyboard with the lower-cost iPad. It also offers a landscape 12MP Ultra Wide front camera.

The iPad 10th generation is $250 less than the iPad Air and $650 less than the iPad Pro. So what do the more expensive models have that it doesn't?

In addition to larger screens, the Pro and the Air have antireflective coating and the Pro has antireflective coating as well — in addition to its headline feature, an OLED display, with ProMotion. The 10th generation also has an A14 chip, while the Pro has the new M4 and the Air has the M2. This means the Air and the Pro will have faster processing speeds and improved graphics performance.

The Air and 10th generation both have the same camera but the Pro has ProRes as well, which provides better color depth and allows for greater editing capabilities.

• A "soft landing" scenario is unlikely for the US economy, Citi CEO Jane Fraser said. 
• The bank chief said that wealthier Americans are spending while lower-income income consumers are cutting back.
• "We're seeing a much more cautious low-income consumer," Fraser said.

It's going to be tough for the US to stick an economic soft landing, and rampant inflation is hitting lower-income Americans hard, Citi CEO Jane Fraser said. 

"It's hard to get a soft landing," Fraser told CNBC on Monday. "We're hopeful, but it is always hard to get one. So far the Fed is trying to navigate a quite complicated system."

At the latest Federal Reserve policy meeting, officials held the interest rates steady and ruled out a rate hike in response to sticky inflation. Markets have seen renewed hope of a soft landing since the April jobs report showed hiring and wage growth slowed, though not to recessionary levels. Yet, Fraser cautioned against declaring a soft landing was a done deal. 

"We have to see where wage inflation goes. We have to see what happens to services inflation. And I think we need some more data points," she said. "I think, like everyone here, we're hoping to see the economic conditions that will allow rates to come down sooner rather than later."

The Citi executive also said she's seeing a "K-shaped consumer" pattern, with affluent consumers ramping up their spending while low-income households are struggling with the higher cost of living. 

"We're seeing a much more cautious low-income consumer," Fraser said. "They're feeling more of the pressure of the cost of living, which has been high and increased for them. So while there is employment for them, debt servicing levels are higher than they were before."

Wall Street has been feeling fairly upbeat but a number of commentators are still voicing caution over trouble ahead. Gary Shilling and BCA strategist Roukaya Ibrahim this week forecast a recession by late this year or early 2025, potentially causing a 30% plunge in the stock market.

• Instacart is now offering restaurant delivery through Uber Eats on its app.
• The partnership represents "a threat to DoorDash," Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi told Bloomberg.
• It's also the latest way that Instacart is expanding its business beyond grocery delivery.

You can now get restaurant takeout through Instacart thanks to a new partnership with Uber Eats.

Instacart customers will be able to order from "hundreds of thousands" of restaurants through a tab on the delivery service's app just for restaurants, the company said Tuesday.

Restaurant orders placed through Instacart will be picked up and delivered by Uber Eats gig workers. Users of Instacart+, the company's paid subscription service, will get free delivery on restaurant orders over $35.

The partnership, which will be rolled out over the next few weeks, allows customers "to conveniently tackle all their food needs from a single app," Instacart CEO Fidji Simo said.

"Whether it's ingredients for a beloved family recipe, a prepared meal from a nearby grocer or takeout from a favorite restaurant – customers can now get the food they want, from the retailers and restaurants they love, all within the Instacart app," Simo said.

"You could say that we're a threat to DoorDash both independently and teaming up as well," Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi told Bloomberg about the partnership, adding that the Uber will get access to Instacart's base of mostly suburban consumers through the partnership.

DoorDash controls about two-thirds of the market for food delivery in the US, per Bloomberg Second Measure.

Getting into restaurant delivery is the latest way that Instacart is expanding its business into new areas. The company plans to have thousands of its Caper shopping carts, which allow customers to ring up products as they place them in the cart, in stores by the end of the year.

Instacart is also trying to expand its advertising business, both through its website and app as well as through its Caper carts.

Do you work for DoorDash, Instacart, Uber Eats, or another gig delivery service and have a story idea? Reach out to this reporter at abitter@businessinsider.com

• A 12th-century French castle, Château d'Armainvilliers, is being auctioned for around $454 million.
• The castle was previously owned by King Hassan II of Morocco.
• It could be transformed as part of a new city development outside Paris.

A 12th-century castle that once belonged to a Rothschild is being auctioned for a staggering €425 million, or around $454 million.

Once sold, the castle and its grounds could be transformed into a new city development just outside Paris, a spokesperson for Ignace Meuwissen, a luxury real-estate agent who is handling the sale with his company Whisper Auctions, told Business Insider.

The 17-bedroom castle, known as Château d'Armainvilliers, dates back to the 12th century and is around 30 miles outside Paris, according to Mansion Global. It was once owned by Edmond de Rothschild, who sold it to King Hassan II of Morocco, a spokesperson for Meuwissen told Business Insider.

Meuwissen told Mansion Global that it's one of the most expensive real-estate listings in the world.

But despite its connection to royalty, a spokesperson said the castle "may not hold much historical value" to the future buyer and will likely be favored because of its large size. The castle is 2,500 square meters and has an additional 1,000 hectares of surrounding land.

Château d'Armainvilliers has three floors with 17 bedrooms.

The castle is 2,500 square meters in size, consisting of three floors with three elevators, 17 bedrooms, five reception rooms, a hairdressing salon, a kitchen, separate housing for staff members, and stables that can hold up to 50 horses, a spokesperson for Ignace Meuwissen told BI.

A developer could transform the castle and its grounds into 'a new city.'

The sale is being handled by Whisper Auctions, which represents off-market, luxury properties. The company's listings start at 2.5 million euros, or around $2.6 million, according to its website.

Ignace Meuwissen, the company's cofounder, is "in discussions with developers" who could transform the castle and surrounding area into a city, a spokesperson said.

Meuwissen's vision "entails the possibility of developing a new city near Paris, with the historical significance of the castle being of secondary importance," they said.

They added that the project would involve the creation of apartments, commercial centers, and other amenities. It's unclear if the castle would have to be refurbished or demolished for the development to take place.

Take a look inside one of the castle's five reception rooms, which stands out for its colorful decor.

The castle's decor is loud and colorful. This room has bright blue chairs and red throw cushions, while others have extravagant chandeliers, vibrant paintings, and grand pillars.

The castle's 17 bedrooms all have their own unique look.

One of the bedrooms, photographed above, has a chandelier and a walk-in closet and is decorated with several armchairs, a dressing table, mirrors, and a double bed.

The property was last put on the market in 2008.

Speaking to Mansion Global, Meuwissen said King Hassan's son inherited the castle following his death in 1999. He sold it in 2008 for 200 million euros, or around $215,500 million, Meuwissen told the outlet.

"The property was purchased by an owner from the Middle East but has never been utilized," Meuwissen said.

The castle has generated interest from around the world.

The castle has generated worldwide interest, with press outlets including Architectural Digest and The New York Post writing about the listing.

Meuwissen told Mansion Global that the property has received interest from international buyers, including one person from Eastern Europe and three people from Asia.

• Apple launched new accessories for its latest lineup of iPads on Tuesday at its "Let Loose" event.
• That includes the $129 Pencil Pro and a new Magic Keyboard starting at $299. 
• You can preorder the add-ons as of today, which will be available next week.

Apple announced fresh accessories for its newest iPad models during its "Let Loose" event on Tuesday.

There's a new, more advanced stylus called the Apple Pencil Pro, which Apple claims is a "game changer for users to express ideas and creativity." Starting at $129, the Pencil Pro includes a new sensor on the barrel roll that users can squeeze to bring up a new tool palette with line weights and colors to make art.

Artists using the Pencil Pro on the graphic design software Pro Create can press the barrel row to do things like activate shortcuts to brushes, change the image size automatically, and introduce color.

Meanwhile, the Pencil Pro "pairs, charges, and stores" using a magnetic on the side of the iPad Pro. Users can locate the Pencil Pro using the "Find My" location feature.

Apple's new Pencil Pro also pairs with another new attachable iPad Pro accessory: the Magic Keyboard. It's the first iteration of the keyboard since 2020, and Apple says it's been redesigned to be "much thinner and even lighter" than its predecessor.

The new Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro comes in two colors, black and white. It also comes in two separate sizes: one for the 11-inch Pro for $299 and another for the 13-inch Pro model for $349.

Some of the keyboard's new features include a function row for easy access to controls like screen brightness; aluminum palm rests; and a larger trackpad.

"The entire experience feels just like using a MacBook," Apple said on the call, adding that the new keyboard makes the new iPad Pro "more portable and versatile" than ever.

Apple says the Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard are available for pre-order as of today and will ship starting next week.