US AND CANADA

ALASKA AIRLINES GROUNDED AS TECHNICAL MELTDOWN HITS FLIGHTS

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Alaska Airlines faced major disruptions after a massive technology outage grounded flights across all airports, stranding thousands of passengers and forcing the cancellation of more than 229 flights. The airline confirmed early Friday that operations had been restored but warned that residual delays and cancellations would persist as it worked to stabilize its systems.

BINANCE FOUNDER PARDONED BY PRESIDENT TRUMP

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President Donald Trump has pardoned Changpeng Zhao, founder of cryptocurrency exchange Binance, who was sentenced to prison in April 2024 after pleading guilty to violating US money laundering laws. Binance was previously ordered to pay $4.3 billion (£3.4 billion) following a US investigation that found the exchange had helped users circumvent sanctions. A White House official confirmed the pardon, which was initially reported by the Wall Street Journal.

TRUMP “TERMINATES” ALL TRADE TALKS WITH CANADA

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In a sudden and seemingly contradictory move, President Donald Trump announced Thursday he was ending trade talks with Canada, reversing course shortly after a cordial White House meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney. The stated reason was an anti-tariff advertising campaign that Trump, in a post on his Truth Social network, deemed "fake." Trump claimed the ad, produced by the Canadian province of Ontario, misquoted former President Ronald Reagan and was designed to influence the Supreme Court's upcoming decision on his sweeping global tariffs.

MICHAEL WOLFF SUES MELANIA TRUMP FOR DEFAMATION AND INTERFERENCE OVER NEW TELL-ALL BOOK

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Journalist and author Michael Wolff has filed a lawsuit against former First Lady Melania Trump, accusing her of defamation and deliberately interfering with the publication of his upcoming book The Art of Her Deal: The Untold Story of Melania Trump (Redux).

NBA STARS AND COACH ARRESTED IN MASSIVE BETTING SCANDAL

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In a stunning twist that has shaken the sports world, NBA player Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups are among dozens arrested in an FBI probe into illegal sports betting and mafia-linked poker games. The massive federal operation, spanning 11 states, exposed corruption that prosecutors called "one of the most brazen sports scandals in modern history."

AUSTRALIA SIGNS RARE EARTHS DEAL WITH THE US

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Seeking to challenge China's control over the rare earths and critical minerals market, the Trump administration has signed an agreement with Australia to increase the supply of these key resources. According to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the deal will provide support for $8.5 billion worth of projects that are ready to expand his country's mining and processing abilities.

AMAZON UNVEILS AI SMART GLASSES FOR ITS DELIVERY DRIVERS

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Amazon is exploring new ways to optimize its delivery operations, unveiling a prototype of AI-powered smart glasses called "Amelia" for its drivers. The glasses, which include a camera and display, sync with a waistcoat that allows drivers to quickly take photos of deliveries. Amazon's Beryl Tomay, VP of Transportation, said the company is "testing it at a number of locations with over a dozen delivery service partners and hundreds of drivers across the country.”