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Make money on Instagram or YouTube? What content creators must report to the IRS

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As social media content creation evolves into a significant source of income, many influencers are finding that online income comes with real tax liability. Creators who make money through platforms like Instagram and YouTube must follow the same tax rules as other self-employed individuals, USA Today reports.

Tax experts say most influencers are independent contractors rather than employees. (AFP Getty Images)
Tax experts say most influencers are independent contractors rather than employees. (AFP Getty Images)

Tax experts say most influencers are independent contractors rather than employees. This means taxes are not automatically withheld from payments.

“It becomes more complicated for the self-employed to report W-2 income compared to reporting W-2 income as an employee,” Richard Pianoforte, managing director of tax at Fiduciary Trust International, told USA TODAY. He noted that while deductions are available, assessing non-cash compensation can be challenging.

In addition to regular income taxes, self-employed individuals must pay a 15.3% self-employment tax, which covers Social Security and Medicare.

What counts as taxable income

Influencer earnings are not limited to direct payments.

Experts say creators must report:

  • Sponsored posts and brand partnerships
  • Platform advertising revenue
  • Affiliate Marketing Income
  • Free products or promotional items, reported at fair market value
  • barter exchange, such as services in exchange for goods or accommodation

Hannah Cole, an enrolled agent with the IRS, told USA TODAY that barter transactions are taxable: If services are exchanged for goods, the value received must be reported as income.

Creators who earn $600 or more from brands or platforms typically receive a 1099-NEC form. However, all income must be reported even if no form is issued.

Quarterly payment and filing requirements

The U.S. tax system operates on a pay-as-you-go basis. Influencers who expect to owe $1,000 or more typically must make quarterly estimated payments. Annual returns are due on April 15.

If the creator earns income from a business in another state, state tax obligations may also apply.

Deductions Creators Can Claim

Self-employment also allows legal business deductions. Qualifying expenses may include equipment, lighting, internet and phone bills, and home office space. Certain purchases made specifically for content production—such as clothing or in-flight makeup—may also qualify.

Tax professionals advise influencers to keep detailed records and understand reporting rules.

‘My One and Only’: Why is Tulsi Gabbard’s dashing husband so rare in American politics? world news

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'My one and only': Why Tulsi Gabbard's dashing husband is such a rarity in American politics

Tulsi Gabbard tags her husband abraham williams‘ On her birthday, the message read less like a routine social media greeting and more like a private vow briefly revealed to the world. “Happy birthday to my one and only,” she wrote, before adding a verse with a quiet rhythm of commitment: “Over and over again, I do.The tone was obviously affectionate. This is also completely unique.Because in the American political arena, where spouses are often viewed as carefully managed public assets, Abraham Williams played a very different role. He’s not a campaign surrogate, a TV show, or a familiar political spouse. In fact, most Americans only encounter Gabbard’s name when she herself chooses to mention him. He appears briefly in her words, then returns to the anonymity he seems to prefer.The reaction to that birthday post exemplified how unusual their pairing felt. One user responded with a mixture of admiration and sarcasm: “Two handsome, smart, beautiful people. I hate you.” It was a throwaway comment, but it reflected broader public perception. In a world where political relationships often feel calculated, strategic and transactional, their marriage seems unusually normal.

Gabbard and her husband Abraham Williams

Williams is a cinematographer and video producer from Hawaii who has spent his career away from politics. His work revolves around filmmaking and media production, not policy or public life. It was through this work that he first met Gabbard around 2012, when he was hired as a photographer and videographer during her congressional campaign. Their relationship did not begin in elite political circles or donor networks. It grows quietly from connections in the workplace.They married in April 2015 in Hawaii in a traditional Vedic Hindu ceremony that reflected Gabbard’s spiritual practices and religious identity. The wedding itself was personal, had cultural roots, and was largely removed from the usual spectacle of political marriages.For Gabbard, this isn’t the first time she’s tried to build a life with someone. Her early marriage to Eduardo Tamayo began in 2002 when she was just 21 and ended four years later. She spoke of the strain military service and deployment put on the relationship, describing a period shaped by distance, stress, and emotional exhaustion. Williams enters her life as the chapter closes, his presence defined not by visibility but by stability.This quiet stability is most evident in moments of personal vulnerability. In recent years, Gabbard has spoken publicly about the couple’s struggle to start a family. She described undergoing multiple IVF surgeries and being diagnosed with unexplained infertility. In these narratives, Williams appears not as a political figure but as a constant companion in the same disappointments and uncertainties.Another area of ​​concern is their connection to the Identity Science Foundation, a Hawaiian spiritual organization with ties to Chris Butler. Gabbard grew up in a family with strong ties to sports, and Williams’ family background intersects with the same community. Critics describe the group as cult-like, while supporters see it as a spiritual group. Both Gabbard and Williams have consistently framed their personal beliefs in Hindu terms rather than organizational affiliations.Yet even the controversy has not changed the central pattern of his public image. He remains largely unknown, his voice rarely heard and his role more about staying out of the spotlight than participating in it.Perhaps this is the most telling detail. In a political culture built on amplification, where even intimacy is often staged for mass consumption, Abraham Williams represents a rare inversion of power. He is not one to share the spotlight. He was the one who silently held it steady for others to stand in it.

Tulsi Gabbard and husband Abraham Williams

FAQ

1. Was Abraham Williams an Indian or a Hindu?Racially speaking, he is not Indian. He is American, born and raised in Hawaii. His religious background intersects with the same spiritual community that influenced Gabbard, and their wedding followed Hindu Vedic rituals. Gabbard herself identifies broadly with Hindu spiritual practices.2. How did they meet?They met during Gabbard’s congressional campaign around 2012, when Williams worked as a photographer and videographer.3. What is their age gap?The age gap is small, generally reported to be around five to six years, with Gabbard being the older.4. Do they have children?Won’t. Gabbard has spoken publicly about multiple IVF attempts and a diagnosis of unexplained infertility.

‘Get out of Iran’: India issues new warning to its citizens as tensions rise; citizens please exercise caution | India News

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'Get out of Iran': India issues new warning to its citizens as tensions rise; calls for caution

NEW DELHI: India’s embassy in Iran on Monday issued an emergency advisory directing all Indian nationals to leave the country as tensions rise between Tehran and Washington and looming fears of war in the Middle East.In its advisory, the embassy asked all citizens, including students, pilgrims, businessmen and tourists, to leave the country by available means of transportation, including commercial flights.

‘Leave anyway’: India issues new warning as Iran protests intensify in cities

“Following the advisory issued by the Government of India on January 5, 2026, and in view of the evolving situation in Iran, Indian nationals (students, pilgrims, businessmen and tourists) currently in Iran are advised to leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights,” the advisory read.“The advice of January 14, 2026 is hereby reiterated and all Indian citizens and PIOS should exercise caution, avoid protest or demonstration areas, stay in touch with the Indian Embassy in Iran and monitor local media for any developments,” the statement added.The embassy also requires Indian nationals to carry travel and immigration documents, including passports and identity cards. It has also released a helpline number for assistance.“The emergency contact hotlines of the Embassy of India are as follows: Mobile numbers: +989128109115; +989128109109; +989128109102; +989932179359. Email: cons.tehran@mea.gov.in,” the advisory reads.Meanwhile, student protests in Iran continued for a second day as Tehran and Washington continued to negotiate a nuclear deal. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Busaidi confirmed that the next round of talks will take place later this week, on Thursday, February 26, in Geneva.Previously, U.S. President Trump also issued a warning to Iran, requiring it to reach an agreement with the United States within 10 to 15 days.“Either we make a deal or it’s unfortunate for them… 10-15 days is enough,” Trump said.

Blood-stained gloves, blood-stained rocks: Arizona couple’s chilling discovery during Nancy Guthrie search

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in search Nancy GuthrieAn Arizona couple reported finding a pair of blood-stained gloves and a rock with drops of dried blood in the desert a mile from the 84-year-old’s home, days after the man was reported missing. The couple found the pair of black gloves on the ground 10 feet apart on Campbell Avenue in Catalina Foothills, Tucson, on Feb. 11, KVOA reported.

TUCSON, AZ - FEBRUARY 22: Volunteers search for any possible signs near Nancy Guthrie's residence on February 22, 2026 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Joe Reddell/Getty Images North America/Getty Images via AFP) (Getty Images via AFP)
TUCSON, AZ – FEBRUARY 22: Volunteers search for any possible signs near Nancy Guthrie’s residence on February 22, 2026 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Joe Reddell/Getty Images North America/Getty Images via AFP) (Getty Images via AFP)

“Sure enough, it was a black glove in the desert. It looked like it was torn. There appeared to be blood on it. Two different colors. The blood was more on the wrist side of the glove, and on the index finger, it looked like it was torn,” they told the outlet.

Concerned that the gloves might be linked to the search for Nancy, the couple reported the sighting to authorities.

“It looked like more than just an ordinary glove. It looked like the glove might have been used to do what they were looking for,” the wife told the outlet.

While the couple didn’t touch gloves, they still took some photos of the scene.

According to reports, there appeared to be at least one blood stain on a rock where the second glove was.

Learn more | Savannah Guthrie’s husband Michael Feldman arrives in Tucson amid search for Nancy, sparking outrage: ‘Where’s he?’

“From the glove, there was blood dripping on the rock underneath the glove, like dried blood or something. We didn’t move it or touch it. We immediately thought, we have to do something. So I thought I’d call the Sheriff’s Department,” Husband said.

Investigators attended the scene and interviewed the couple before allowing them to leave.

Authorities have not said whether they collected the gloves as DNA evidence. “We have no confirmation at this time. Detectives and agents have collected multiple pairs of gloves from the area and analysis is part of the investigation,” the department told the outlet.

DNA Analysis Update

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos Zeng said there were some problems with the DNA evidence collected there Nancy’s It could take up to a year for private labs in Florida to resolve the issue. Last week, Nanos told NBC News DNA The information local police found from Nancy’s home did not match her, her family, or anyone working at the home. However, the DNA of an 84-year-old man was mixed with it, and the sample was incomplete.

Learn more | Nancy Guthrie Case: How long does DNA analysis take? Sheriff Chris Nanos shares update

“Our lab tells us it has challenges, and we understand those challenges,” Nanos said. “But our labs also know that this technology is moving so fast and so wildly that they think some of these problems will resolve themselves in weeks, months or even a year, allowing them to be better able to handle the mix of things like this.”

It’s unclear why Nanos used a private lab in Florida instead of an FBI lab or the Arizona Bureau of Scientific Analysis to obtain the samples. Meanwhile, the FBI is analyzing data, videos and interviews from the search for Nancy.

‘Mohabbat ki dukaan ka yoddha’: Rahul Gandhi meets ‘Mohammed Deepak’ who confronts Bajrang Dal members indian news

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'Mohabbat ki dukaan ka yoddha': Rahul Gandhi meets 'Mohammed Deepak' in face-off with Bajrang Dal members

New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi On Monday, he met gym owner Deepak Kumar, also known as “Mohammed Deepak”, in Kotdwar, Uttarakhand, to confront Bajrang Dal members who allegedly harassed an elderly Muslim shopkeeper for using “Baba” – a Hindu term the right-wing group claimed – in the shop’s name.In a social media post on“Deepak is a warrior of ‘Mohabbat ki dukaan’ – the entire country is proud of him,” it added.In January, Bajrang Dal activists staged a protest outside the ‘Baba’ clothing store on Patel Marg, demanding that the 70-year-old owner Vakil Ahmed change the name of the store.Clashes broke out between protesters, Ahmed and Deepak, a friend of Ahmed’s son, prompting police to intervene. The situation was brought under control and the police later registered three separate FIRs in connection with the incidents.Tensions rose again after a video circulated by the Hindu Raksha Dal showed a man threatening to travel to Kotwala to “teach Deepak a lesson” on February 12.The local government has strengthened security precautions to prevent further escalation of the situation. Additional Inspector General of Police Chandra Mohan Singh said no one should disturb the peace of the town and warned of strict action against those who tried to incite riots.

UAE declares 4 days of Eid holiday for public sector; will private sector get extra day? |World News

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UAE declares 4 days of Eid holiday for public sector; will private sector get extra day?
The UAE announces a 4-day Eid holiday for the public sector and a 3-day holiday for the private sector/Representative picture

As Ramadan begins, the UAE has confirmed official Eid holiday arrangements for federal government employees and the private sector, providing clear information to workers and businesses ahead of the holiday.The Federal Government Human Resources Authority and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation jointly announced that employees of federal government entities will observe the Eid al-Fitr holiday from Thursday, March 19, 2026 to Sunday, March 22, 2026. Official business hours will resume on Monday, March 23, 2026.For private sector employees, the holiday will begin on Thursday, March 19, 2026, and run until Saturday, March 21, 2026. However, the authorities confirmed that if Ramadan ends for 30 days, the private sector rest period will be extended until Sunday, March 22, 2026.The announcement applies across the UAE and follows the established framework governing holiday schedules for the public and private sectors. By common practice, the conditional extension for private sector employees is directly linked to the duration of Ramadan.Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is one of the most important religious holidays in the Islamic calendar. By confirming dates in advance, authorities are allowing employees, families and businesses to plan travel, gatherings and operations over the festive period.

Kodak launches 65-inch Mini LED 4K smart TV in India with six speakers, priced at Rs… | Tech News

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Kodak expands its TV portfolio in India with the launch of its first Mini LED model. The company launched a 65-inch Mini QD 4K TV, marking its official entry into the Mini LED field. The new TV is available on Amazon.

Kodak QD-Mini LED 4K 65-inch TV launched in India and now available for purchase online. (Kodak)
Kodak QD-Mini LED 4K 65-inch TV launched in India and now available for purchase online. (Kodak)

Kodak QD-Mini LED 4K 65-inch TV: Specs and Features

The Kodak Mini LED 65-inch model uses a Mini QD panel, which combines Mini LED backlighting with quantum dot technology. It offers 4K Ultra HD resolution and supports Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG formats. Kodak says the TV offers peak brightness of up to 1,500 nits and a contrast ratio of 100,000:1. The display supports over 1.1 billion colors and an ultra-wide color gamut.

Also read: Apple March event: iPhone 17e, cheap MacBook and new iPad may be launched soon

The company also focuses on audio performance. The TV comes with six built-in speakers, including two subwoofers and two sky subwoofers. Total sound output is 108W. The audio system supports Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital+. Kodak says the unit is designed to provide surround sound for movies, sports and games.

The TV runs on the Google TV platform, giving users access to more than 10,000 apps. Supported services include Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, Apple TV, Zee5, Voot and Sony LIV. Users can also explore other content through the Google Play Store. The TV has built-in Chromecast and Apple AirPlay for screen mirroring of Android and Apple devices. The Google Assistant-enabled voice remote allows users to search for content and control compatible smart home devices.

Also read: Google Pixel 10a vs. Pixel 9a: What exactly sets them apart?

Under the hood, the device uses a MediaTek processor and Mali-G52 GPU. It comes with 2GB RAM and 16GB internal storage. Kodak says this configuration supports smooth navigation and application performance.

For gaming, the TV offers 120Hz refresh rate along with MEMC, Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). These features are designed to reduce lag during gameplay and maintain smoother movement.

Connectivity options include dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, three HDMI ports with ARC and CEC support, two USB ports, and an optical audio output.

Kodak QD-Mini LED 4K 65-inch TV: Price and availability in India

Kodak QD-Mini LED 4K 65-inch TV is priced at Rs. 54,999. The company also announced a bank discount of Rs. Qualifying customers can receive $3,000. This model is currently available only through Amazon India.

Nancy Guthrie Case: How long does DNA analysis take? Sheriff Chris Nanos shares update

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Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos Zeng said there were some problems with the DNA evidence collected there Nancy Guthrie’s It could take up to a year for private labs in Florida to resolve the issue. Last week, Nanos told NBC News DNA The information local police found from Nancy’s home did not match her, her family, or anyone working at the home. However, the DNA of an 84-year-old man was mixed with it, and the sample was incomplete.

Nancy Guthrie Case: How long does DNA analysis take? Sheriff Chris Nanos shares the latest news (Reuters/Herbert Villaraga) (Reuters)
Nancy Guthrie Case: How long does DNA analysis take? Sheriff Chris Nanos shares the latest news (Reuters/Herbert Villaraga) (Reuters)

“Our lab tells us it has challenges, and we understand those challenges,” Nanos said. “But our labs also know that this technology is moving so fast and so wildly that they think some of these problems will resolve themselves in weeks, months or even a year, allowing them to be better able to handle the mix of things like this.”

Learn more | Savannah Guthrie’s husband Michael Feldman arrives in Tucson amid search for Nancy, sparking outrage: ‘Where’s he?’

It’s unclear why Nanos used a private lab in Florida instead of an FBI lab or the Arizona Bureau of Scientific Analysis to obtain the samples.

The FBI is analyzing data, videos and interviews from the search for Nancy.

Other recent updates

Nanos also recently said he believed Nancy was being held there. “I don’t know why. I don’t have any proof of it but I just believe she’s out there somewhere,” he told the BBC on Wednesday, February 18.

Authorities earlier released surveillance video showing the potential subject. However, Nanos said officials still have no suspects or names.

Learn more | Was the Nancy Guthrie case a “burglary”? Reporter reports 84-year-old man “may still be alive”, latest news released

“It’s never fast enough for the Sheriff. I want to be like you, ‘Come on guys, let’s go, let’s go, let’s find her,'” Sheriff Nanos told NBC News on Friday while acknowledging delays in the investigation.

“But the reality is I also know that sometimes things take time,” he added.

Nanos also said the investigation is “constantly expanding.” “As far as leads, jobs and getting out there, I would say, yes, it’s growing,” the chief said.

Sony or Zebronics? What really matters when buying a Dolby Atmos soundbar | Tech News

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Choosing a Dolby Atmos soundbar isn’t just about adding volume to your TV anymore. Many buyers these days want theater-style sound in their homes, with audio that moves around the room and puts the effects above the listener. This is where brands like Sony and Zebronics compete directly.

Sony vs Zebronics Dolby Atmos soundbar: Find out which one offers better home theater sound for your budget? (Sony)
Sony vs Zebronics Dolby Atmos soundbar: Find out which one offers better home theater sound for your budget? (Sony)

While both offer Dolby Atmos soundbars, they follow very different strategies. The first is to focus on brand inheritance and balanced adjustments. Another goal is affordability and higher yields. Buyers often compare wattage and price, but the long-term experience often comes down to more practical factors like clarity, connectivity, and room compatibility.

Also read: Apple March event: iPhone 17e, cheap MacBook and new iPad may be launched soon

Sony vs. Zebronics Dolby Atmos Soundbars: Key Differences

Sony Dolby Atmos Soundbar

Sony builds its audio products around controllable sound tuning and solid performance. Its Dolby Atmos soundbar is designed to create a surround sound effect without overwhelming the listener. Dialogue clarity is often outstanding in movies and web series, making it easier to hear voices even when music is playing in the background.

Most Sony models support HDMI ARC and Bluetooth connectivity. Setup is still straightforward, especially for those who already own a Sony TV. The soundbar also manages sound separation carefully. Instead of pushing the bass hard, they try to balance the low frequencies with the mids and highs.

For a medium-sized living room, this method works well. Even without ceiling speakers, Atmos processing can create a height effect through virtual surround technology. Buyers who prefer controlled sound rather than heavy bass may find this tuning more suitable for everyday viewing.

Sony soundbars tend to be more expensive. However, buyers often consider trading this cost for consistent performance and long-term reliability.

Also read: Google Pixel 10a vs. Pixel 9a: What exactly sets them apart?

Zebronics Dolby Atmos Soundbar

Zebronics is targeting buyers who want a home theater experience but don’t want to spend too much. Many of its Dolby Atmos soundbars offer high wattage and bundled subwoofers at lower prices compared to international brands.

The brand often emphasizes powerful bass and loud output. In smaller rooms, this setup can have an immediate impact. Action scenes and music tracks feel more powerful thanks to the boost in low-end performance.

Zebronics models typically include a variety of connectivity options, such as HDMI ARC, optical input, USB playback, and Bluetooth. Installation remains simple, making it suitable for first-time buyers upgrading from standard TV speakers.

However, buyers should also consider room size and listening habits. Higher power output doesn’t always mean better clarity. In some cases, bass-heavy tuning can obscure dialogue in a movie.

Things buyers often overlook

Many shoppers compare Dolby Atmos soundbars based on wattage and discounts. But actual performance depends on your TV’s tuning, placement, and compatibility.

Sony focuses on balanced sound and stable integration. Zebronics focuses on providing affordability and higher yields at competitive prices.

Before making your choice, consider how you use your TV. If you watch movies every day and value clear sound, a balanced sound configuration may be more important. If you want loud audio and deep bass on a lower budget, a power-focused setup may be more satisfying.

In the end, Dolby Atmos is only part of the story. The brand’s approach to sound design has a far greater impact on the experience than the numbers printed on the box.

Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay updated with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has affiliate partnerships, so we may get a share of the revenue when you make a purchase.

326 days, harsh terrain, tight intelligence network: How troops shot down 7 terrorists in Kishtwar | India News

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326 days, harsh terrain, tight intelligence network: How troops shot down 7 terrorists in Kishtwar, J&K

New Delhi: The Indian Army on Monday said it has neutralized seven terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district after nearly a year of sustained joint operations in the high-altitude Chhatra belt. The operation was carried out by the White Knights Corps, Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF, after months of tracking militants through dense forests and rugged mountains.Detailing the scale of the operation, the White Knight Corps said, “326 days of relentless, grueling, high-altitude joint operations were conducted in the Kishtwa region. Troops tracked terrorists and made multiple contacts across daunting terrain in cold, wet and icy weather conditions.”According to the force, the force, in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF, “ultimately neutralized all seven of the dreaded terrorists” in Kishtwar Chhatru using “a tight intelligence network established by civilian and military intelligence agencies”. Modern tools play a central role, the Army said, adding, “Technology in the form of FPV drones, satellite imagery, remotely piloted aircraft/drones, communications, etc. are continuously utilized to assist operations.”Three members of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed were killed in a clash in the forest foothills on Sunday. Officials said the militants opened fire from inside the mud hut as search teams approached. During the shootout, the mud hut caught fire and the bodies recovered were charred beyond recognition. Initial assessments indicate that one of the victims was Saifullah, a senior commander who is believed to have infiltrated the group nearly five years ago and has been linked to several deadly attacks.“The relentless pursuit and determination of our troops, which resulted in the elimination of Saifullah and his associates, proves that nothing can stand in the way of the determination, courage and bravery of our uniformed and intelligence community personnel,” the White Knights said.Speaking about Operation Trashi-I, Delta Counter-Insurgency Force Commander Major General Apus Bal said the militants had local support. “They have a support system available and without that support system this would not have been possible… without any support it would not have been possible and the police are fully aware of that and without naming names they (police) have the information and they will take necessary action against everyone.…”Calling the mission a model of coordination, he said, “The recently concluded Operation Trahi was a perfect example of perseverance…seamless coordination at all levels…everyone contributed to the success of this operation.” He added that the troops acted “in a very calm, collected, collective, collaborative manner” and were successful, “especially without causing any casualties… except for the brave dog Tyson, who actually initiated the operation…”