IN BRIEF

United States

Train suspect yells slogans in court

A murder suspect accused of killing two men during an anti-Muslim rant against two girls on board a train in Oregon appeared in court on Tuesday, shouting slogans and defending his act as "patriotism". Jeremy Joseph Christian, 35, did not enter a plea during his arraignment on charges including two counts of aggravated murder, which carry the death penalty. Christian allegedly targeted two teenagers, one of whom wore a hijab, with racial and religious insults. Two men who tried to help were fatally stabbed.

Philippines

89 militants killed in urban battle

Philippine troops have killed 89 Islamist militants during more than a week of urban battles but a final showdown is expected to be fierce as the extremists protect their leaders and hold hostages, authorities said on Wednesday. Attack helicopters fired rockets into parts of Marawi, a Muslim city in the south of the Philippines, that was still controlled by the militants fighting under the black flag of the Islamic State group. President Rodrigo Duterte has canceled his planned trip to Japan next week to deal with the crisis.

South Korea

Daughter of Park's friend questioned

A South Korean woman extradited from Denmark arrived in Seoul on Wednesday to face questions about the massive corruption scandal centered on her mother and the country's ousted president. A handcuffed Chung Yoo-ra, 20, told reporters at Incheon International Airport that she knew nothing about the alleged crimes committed by her mother and former President Park Geun-hye, who was removed from office and arrested in March over charges including bribery and abuse of power. Authorities then escorted Chung to a prosecution office for questioning.

Brazil

Court authorizes Temer action

A Brazilian Supreme Court Justice on Tuesday authorized the federal police to interrogate President Michel Temer in writing over the Petrobras corruption scandal. In his statement, Edson Fachin did not specify a date for the interrogation but said it should happen within 10 days. Temer will have 24 hours to respond in writing. Temer is being investigated for corruption in a case involving Brazil's largest meat company JBS.

Bangladesh

Cyclone slams coast, killing 6

At least six people were killed as Cyclone Mora slammed the Bangladesh coastlines after making landfall in the country's southeastern region on Tuesday morning. An official of Bangladesh's National Disaster Response Coordination Center said four people died in the Cox's Bazar district and two in southeastern Rangamati.