Explosion, clashes kill 13
A bomb ripped through a historic mosque Friday in Hyderabad, India, and 13 people were killed — 11 in the blast and two in subsequent clashes between angry Muslim worshippers and security forces, police said. Minutes after the blast, worshippers began chanting “God is great!” Muslims later clashed with security forces in at least three parts of Hyderabad.
Israeli planes pound Hamas
Hamas and Fatah gunmen exchanged automatic weapons fire Friday at a Gaza City university and Israeli planes pummeled Hamas targets for a third straight day, killing eight people in response to the Islamic group’s attacks on southern Israel. Masked gunmen took up positions at roadblocks and rooftops, defying attempts at a cease fire.
Exchange rate controls eased
China took steps Friday to let its currency trade more freely against the dollar and to cool its sizzling economy ahead of talks in Washington over Beijing’s soaring trade surplus. China eased controls on the yuan amid pressure from the U.S. and Europe, but cautioned against expecting sharp increases in its value.
Gunman surrenders
A former gangster surrendered Friday night in Nagakute, Japan, after a shooting rampage at his home that left one policeman dead and three other people — including his son and daughter — injured, police said. The surrender ended a daylong standoff as nearly 200 police surrounded the building. The gunman had holed up with his ex-wife as a hostage.
AND FINALLY
Engagement cools off
Plans for the wedding have been sunk — along with the prospective groom’s clothes, CDs, DVDs and his van. Police in northwestern England have arrested Emma Thomason, 24, after she allegedly packed her partner’s possessions into his van, drove to the harbor and left off the hand brake Sunday. She was charged with aggravated vehicle-taking without consent and released on bail.
