Pakistani prodigy Bilal Asher, the world under-14 Scrabble champion, exemplifies the rising popularity of the game among Pakistani youth. With English rooted in the colonial past, schools and parents in Karachi promote Scrabble as a tool for language development and future opportunities, fostering a new generation of champions.
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President Donald Trump announced that the US will hold Iran accountable for future attacks by Tehran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. This comes after Houthis targeted US and foreign ships, leading Trump to order airstrikes that killed 31 people, including civilians. The Houthis, supported by Iran, have been intensifying regional conflict.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams linked the arrest of Luigi Mangione, suspected of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, to a concerning rise in anti-American sentiment among young people. Adams highlighted Mangione's affluent background and Ivy League education, citing his manifesto as evidence of radicalization and hatred towards the country.
A federal judge reviews the Justice Department's motion to dismiss corruption charges against Mayor Eric Adams, while Governor Kathy Hochul considers his removal. Adams, proclaiming his innocence, continues his mayoral duties. The charges allege conspiracy and bribery, with debate over priority for Adams to focus on city issues like illegal immigration and crime.
US judges have temporarily blocked parts of President Trump's executive orders targeting Jenner & Block and WilmerHale, citing constitutional violations. The firms argue these orders aim to punish opposition and restrict their legal work. Jenner & Block and Perkins Coie have sued to stop further actions.
The FCC released a transcript of a contentious "60 Minutes" interview with Kamala Harris, amid Donald Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against CBS. The interview excerpt was edited for brevity, sparking allegations of news distortion. The FCC plans to seek public comment on the complaint.
Efforts to control California wildfires continue, with improvements in weather conditions aiding containment. Experts predict significant progress over the weekend, although full control may take several more days. The Palisades Fire is at 17% containment, impacting 24,000 acres. Over 5,000 firefighters are battling the blaze.
In a Time interview, President-elect Trump acknowledged the volatile situation with Iran, stating that "anything can happen" regarding potential conflict. He cited Ukraine's alleged missile strikes into Russia as a major escalation. Trump's history with Iran includes ordering the killing of Qassem Soleimani and withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal.
Hamas aired a video showing two Israeli hostages, Elkana Bohbot and Yosef Haim Ohana, captured during the October 7 attack. The men, barefoot and unshaven, are seen in a dim room urging another hostage to recount his experiences to speed their release. Families urged Israeli and US leaders for urgent action.
​Storm after storm: Tornadoes, wildfires, dust storms and blizzards batter US​
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the SPD condemned a false assertion by CDU's Roderich Kiesewetter about a planned meeting between Scholz and Russian President Putin. The SPD called the claim vicious, demanding an apology. Scholz reaffirmed Germany's support for Ukraine, despite recent communications with Putin, stressing the importance of preventing escalation into a war involving NATO.