World briefs

CHINA A couple suspected of killing a man and dismembering his body in California has been arrested in China and returned to the United States to face prosecution.

TAIWAN More than 1,000 people attended a mass wedding banquet in Taiwan’s capital to celebrate the marriage of same-sex couples after a landmark decision legalizing the unions.

THAILAND Prem Tinsulanonda, who as an army commander, prime minister and adviser to the royal palace was one of Thailand’s most influential political figures over four decades, died yesterday at age 98.

JAPAN President Donald Trump presented a special U.S.-made trophy to the winner of a sumo tournament yesterday as he got a taste of one of Japan’s most treasured cultural institutions.

IRAQ offered yesterday to mediate in the crisis between its two key allies, the United States and Iran, amid escalating Middle East tensions and as Tehran’s nuclear deal with world powers steadily unravels. 

PAPUA NEW GUINEA Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has resigned after seven years on the job. His announcement yesterday follows weeks of high profile defections from his government to the opposition.

PERU A powerful magnitude 8.0 earthquake struck a remote part of the Amazon jungle in Peru yesterday collapsing buildings and knocking out power to some areas but causing only one reported death.

EU Across Europe, anti-EU populists and proponents of closer unity made a final push for support yesterday as 21 nations went to the polls in a continent-wide battle for influence at the European Parliament.

US A former business manager of Stan Lee was arrested Saturday on elder abuse charges involving the late comic book legend. Keya Morgan was taken into custody in Arizona on an outstanding arrest warrant after being charged by Los Angeles County prosecutors earlier this month.

US An apparent tornado killed at least two people as it destroyed a motel, roared through a nearby mobile home park and caused other significant damage in the Oklahoma City area, officials said yesterday.