Palin backs Trump's presidential bid

WASHINGTON • Former US vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin has endorsed billionaire Donald Trump, saying the real estate mogul would "lead the charge" as America's next president.

Ms Palin has emerged as a conservative icon and political powerbroker since her failed 2008 vice-presidential bid.

"The president has to keep us safe economically and militarily," said Ms Palin as she stood alongside Mr Trump at a campaign rally in Iowa. "He knows how to lead the charge."

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Dubai skyscraper blaze blamed on short circuit

DUBAI • The recent fire that engulfed the luxury Address Downtown Dubai, one of Dubai's most prominent skyscrapers, over the New Year was caused by an electrical short circuit, Dubai police chief Khamis Mattar Al-Mazeina said yesterday.

He said no flammable liquids had played a role in the blaze.

REUTERS

Muslim boy's 'terrorist house' a false alarm

LONDON • A 10-year-old Muslim boy has been questioned by police in northern England after mistakenly writing in an English lesson that he lived in a "terrorist house" instead of a terraced house, the BBC reported.

Teachers did not realise he had made an error and reported the boy to police in accordance with new counter-terrorism rules. Police interviewed the boy and examined a computer at the family home. The family has demanded an apology from police and the school.

REUTERS