Nation in brief: Airliner searched in L.A. after threat

Los Angeles – A Thai Airways flight from Bangkok landed safely at Los Angeles International Airport Tuesday evening after a bomb threat written in poorly-worded English was spotted on a bathroom mirror on the plane, authorities said.

Airport officials were notified at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday of the alleged threat to Los Angeles-bound Flight 794. The plane landed safely after 8 p.m. and was taken to a remote area of the airport, where passengers exited the plane.

Thai Airways president Piyasvasti Amranand said the message – written in English with bad grammar – warned that a bomb was on the plane.

Luggage on the plane was to be screened and the passengers and crew were being interviewed by law enforcement officers, said an FBI spokeswoman.

Detroit – Flames swept through at least two dozen homes in Detroit Tuesday, fanned by strong winds that toppled power lines across the city and knocked out service to at least 77,000 Michigan homes and businesses, fire officials said.

Tuesday night’s fires were scattered through at least three neighborhoods. The National Weather Service reports wind gusts of up to 50 mph.

No injuries were reported.

New York – The flight attendant accused of onboard antics that captured the nation’s attention when he told off a passenger and slid down the plane’s emergency chute with a beer will undergo a mental health evaluation with the aim of avoiding jail time in a possible plea deal.

Steven Slater, dressed in a trim blue suit, appeared in a Queens courtroom Tuesday for a brief hearing on charges of criminal mischief, reckless endangerment and trespassing after last month’s meltdown aboard a JetBlue Airways Corp. flight.

Attorneys on both sides said a deal was being discussed. Slater will be evaluated and may qualify for an alternative sentencing program.