Falconry in Gulf countries is now a big money sport. Birds fetch high prices at auctions. Races offer huge cash prizes. Saudi Arabia and UAE host major falconry events. Breeders focus on rare species. Wealthy individuals flaunt falcons as status symbols. International trade of falcons is common. The sport blends tradition with modern luxury.
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Canadian musician Matthew Good has cancelled his US tour in protest of President Trump's pressure on Canada to drop its digital services tax. Good criticized the Canadian government's decision to scrap the tax, which was intended for big tech companies. He accused Canada of being bullied out of billions in revenue and expressed fear of border issues for speaking out.
Elon Musk is venturing into the political arena with the "America Party," aiming to disrupt the existing two-party system. He has consulted with Andrew Yang, who has experience with third-party initiatives. Yang expressed his support for moving beyond the Democratic and Republican duopoly, offering his insights to Musk on navigating the challenges of establishing a successful third party.
Zohran Mamdani, a New York City mayoral candidate, is in controversy. An old social media post showing him disrespecting a Christopher Columbus statue has resurfaced. Italian Americans are offended by Mamdani's post. They feel it disrespects their community and heritage. Angelo Vivolo of the Columbus Heritage Coalition opposes Mamdani. Mamdani had previously defeated Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primaries.
Donald Trump wants Attorney General Pam Bondi to release credible Jeffrey Epstein files. This comes amid pressure from his MAGA supporters. Trump received a briefing on the Justice Department and FBI review. The review found no evidence of a client list. Bondi says she will stay as long as Trump wants her. Kash Patel was reportedly frustrated with Bondi.
Amid trade tensions, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in Kuala Lumpur, agreeing to explore cooperation areas. Discussions included communication improvement and potential Trump-Xi meeting. While trade disputes persist, the focus shifted to broader cooperation. Rubio also addressed Southeast Asian concerns about US policies and China's growing influence, emphasizing security issues alongside trade.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has imposed sanctions on UN official Francesca Albanese for her criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza. Albanese, a UN Human Rights Council Special Rapporteur, is accused of advocating for ICC investigations into alleged Israeli war crimes and leading a campaign against the US and Israeli economies.
Kevin O'Connor, ex-White House doctor, declined to answer questions about Joe Biden's cognitive health. He invoked his Fifth Amendment right. James Comer, Oversight chairman, alleges a cover-up. Comer suggests a conspiracy. Interviews with former Biden aides are scheduled. The panel aims to assess if others were administering the presidency. Ashley Williams' interview is next. The investigation continues to unfold.
Hamtramck, Michigan, once a symbol of multicultural success, faces accusations of betrayal after its Muslim-majority council banned the Pride flag. This decision has sparked outrage, particularly from former councilwoman Catrina Stackpoole, who feels abandoned after years of supporting the Muslim community. The situation highlights a fracturing of progressive alliances and raises questions about identity politics in diverse communities.
An Allegiant Air flight from Florida to Virginia had to return due to a bomb threat. Taj Malik Taylor told a fellow passenger his laptop was a bomb. The flight landed safely in Florida. Law enforcement arrested Taylor. No bomb was found on the plane. The flight later continued to Virginia. Taylor faces charges and a possible prison sentence. He cited mental health issues.
The top military chiefs of South Korea, the United States and Japan met in Seoul Friday, as US President Donald Trump piles pressure on Washington's allies over defence spending and trade. Trump, who has also threatened Seoul with 25 percent tariffs unless they can negotiate a trade deal, said South Korea "should be paying for their military".