2 bomb attacks in Uganda; many die

2 bomb attacks in Uganda; many die

kampala, uganda

Bombs exploded at two sites in Uganda’s capital late Sunday as people watched the World Cup final on TV, killing at least 64 people.

Foreigners, including Europeans and possibly Americans, were believed to be among the casualties.

Police Chief Kale Kaihura said he believed that Somalia’s most feared militia — al-Shabab, which has pledged loyalty to al-Qaida — could be behind the attacks.

Iran halts stoning ‘for the time being’

tehran, iran

The controversial death- sentence by stoning for an Iranian woman convicted of adultery will not be implemented for now, a judicial official said Sunday.

The world outcry over the death sentence has become the latest issue in Iran’s tense relationship with the international community.

Malek Ajdar Sharifi, the top judicial official in the province where the mother of two was convicted, told the Iranian state news agency that her crimes were “various and very serious” and not limited to adultery, but that the sentence “will not be implemented for the time being.”

He added Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani’s stoning would still take place if the judiciary wanted, despite the “propaganda” by the West.

Man throws toddler into oncoming traffic

oakland, calif.

A 21-year-old man Oakland police say threw a toddler in front of a moving car is in custody after being arrested by an off-duty police officer.

Police say the officer saw the man shake the 18-month girl and throw her into oncoming traffic around 5:39 p.m. Saturday.

The child was hit by a car, but police say she escaped serious injury. She was taken to a hospital, where her condition is unknown.

After stopping to give aid to the little girl, the officer pursued the man, finding him scuffling with several motorists who had stopped to help.

When on-duty police officers arrived, they subdued the man with a Taser stun gun.

Schuller to retire

garden grove, calif.

The Rev. Robert H. Schuller, founder of Southern California’s Crystal Cathedral megachurch and host of the “Hour of Power” televangelism broadcast, announced Sunday he will retire after 55 years in the pulpit, and his daughter will take over.

The 83-year-old Schuller told his congregation that Sheila Schuller Coleman will become sole lead pastor, after sharing that role with her father for the past year.

Coleman previously served as principal of a private Christian school run by the cathedral and head of the Orange County church’s family ministries division.

Japan ruling party handed big defeat

tokyo

Japanese voters handed a stinging electoral defeat to the ruling party Sunday, exit polls showed, rejecting a proposal to increase taxes and handicapping a fledgling government struggling to keep the world’s second-largest economy from financial meltdown.

With public spending at more than double its GDP, Japan is trying to manage its ballooning debt while addressing high unemployment and stagnant growth. Prime Minister Naoto Kan has warned the country could face a Greek-style meltdown if it does not get its finances in order — possibly by raising the sales tax.

But projected losses in elections for the upper house of parliament indicate voters have rejected his solution, and will make it difficult for his government to effectively revive the economy.

Associated Press