IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Spotlight on Singapore's conscription

SINGAPORE - A memorial service was held on Sunday for a Singaporean actor and soldier who died from injuries at a military exercise, a case that has renewed scrutiny of the tiny Southeast Asian nation's system of mandatory conscription.

Palestinian president decides to change govt

Palestinian officials said President Mahmoud Abbas has decided to shake up his government.

ROK navy commander skips Japan over disputes

A senior navy official from the Republic of Korea called off a planned visit to Japan amid heated military disputes that observers say could further damage the already tenuous relationship.

In war-torn Yemen, children find solace in music

TAEZ, Yemen - The sound of music fills the halls at a school in Yemen's Taez, where little Nazira al-Jaafari sits at a keyboard as a teacher takes her through the notes.

IN BRIEF (Page 11)

Attack sparks worries over peace process

The Islamic State claimed credit for the bombings of a Catholic cathedral that killed at least 20 in southern Philippines, putting fresh pressure on peace efforts aimed at ending decades of extremist violence in the region.

Hope fades for missing in Brazil dam breach

BRUMADINHO, Brazil - Firefighters are carefully moving over treacherous mud, sometimes walking, sometimes crawling, in search of survivors or bodies left by a dam collapse that buried mine buildings and surrounding neighborhoods with iron ore waste.

'Red scarves' march against violence

More than 10,000 people, many wearing red scarves, marched through Paris on Sunday to denounce the violence during 11 weeks of "yellow vest" protests across France.

Most people disagree on Trump's US world vision

WASHINGTON - A majority of citizens in the United States disapprove of the way President Donald Trump is handling US foreign policy and about half think the country's global standing will deteriorate during the next year, according to a new poll that highlighted the nation's partisan divide on foreign issues.

Bombs target cathedral in Philippines

JOLO, the Philippines - Two bombs, minutes apart, tore through a Roman Catholic cathedral on a southern Philippine island where extremists are active, killing at least 20 people and wounding 111 others during a Sunday Mass, officials said.

India celebrates 70th Republic Day

NEW DELHI - The Indian government on Saturday celebrated the 70th Republic Day amid tight security measures, officials said.