Problem pets are hounding US President Joe Biden once again, after his dog Commander was involved in biting incidents, including at the White House – the second time that a family pooch has been accused of nipping staff.
Commander, a German shepherd puppy who first arrived at the bustling White House in 2021, will have to undergo a new round of training after at least 10 incidents, including one that sent a victim to the hospital, US media reported.
In one incident, Jill Biden “couldn't regain control” of the young dog as he charged at a Secret Service staff member, CNN reported.
It was quoting Secret Service emails obtained through Freedom of Information requests by conservative group Judicial Watch.
“I believe it's only a matter of time before an agent/officer is attacked or bit,” the staff member wrote in an email.
Ms Biden's representative told CNN the hectic White House was a “unique and often stressful environment for family pets".
The Bidens were working with the Secret Service and building staff on new protocols and training, the representative said.
The Bidens' other German shepherd, Major, also had some trouble adapting to life at the White House.
In 2021, he was briefly sent back to the Biden family home in Delaware after at least one biting incident, and was also sent for more training. He was later sent to live with family friends.
Mr Biden attributed Major's unpresidential behaviour to the way he gets surprised by Secret Service agents and others appearing around every corner in the busy White House complex.
The Bidens also have a cat – a short-haired tabby named Willow.
But although White House cats have been known to gain political cachet – the Clintons' cat, Socks, was photographed at the presidential desk in the Oval Office – they are a much rarer species.
The US presidential mansion has a long and storied history as a pro-dog house. More than 100 have roamed and sniffed its corridors.
In modern times, well-liked presidential dogs have included George H W Bush's English springer spaniel Millie and Barack Obama's Portuguese water dogs Bo and Sunny.
After all, as Mr Biden's predecessor Harry Truman once famously said, if you want a friend in Washington – get a dog.
Breast cancer in men: the facts
1) Breast cancer is men is rare but can develop rapidly. It usually occurs in those over the ages of 60, but can occasionally affect younger men.
2) Symptoms can include a lump, discharge, swollen glands or a rash.
3) People with a history of cancer in the family can be more susceptible.
4) Treatments include surgery and chemotherapy but early diagnosis is the key.
5) Anyone concerned is urged to contact their doctor
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
GIANT REVIEW
Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan
Director: Athale
Rating: 4/5
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