Bomb Blast Kills Somali Official

A large suicide car bombing left Somalia’s security minister, Omar Hashi Adan, Thursday. “The explosion caused by the suicide bomber was so huge and could be heard in all corners in the city,” a local journalist told CNN.  In addition, at least 11 other people, including the nation’s former ambassador to Ethiopia, were killed and eight people were seriously wounded. The blast occurred near a hotel in the city of Beledweyn, where Adan had been staying. In a news conference following the bombing, President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed said “international terrorists” who have come into Somalia, were responsible for the attack. With Somalia’s vast struggles against militants, the loss of Adan, could prove to be costly. On Wednesday, fighting between militants and government security forces in capital city Mogadishu killed at least 40 and wounded 130 people.

South Africa Sees its First Swine Flu Case

South Africa has seen its very first swine flu case, reports the BBC. On Thursday, tests found that a 12-year-old boy, who had recently flew in from the United States, had the illness. “The patient was kept in isolation and discharged after a few days in hospital,” Fidel Hadebe, the nation’s health ministry spokesman, said in a statement. “He is well and recovering in isolation at home.” Swine flu has put the world on high alert and there have been about 30 cases of the flu in Egypt and several in Morocco, the BBC reports. This, however, is the first known case in sub-Saharan Africa. Officials believe that could change, though, because nations in the southern hemisphere are now going into winter. Since the virus surfaced in April, it has infected about 40,000 globally and has killed 167, according to the World Health Organization.

Clippers’ Brand signs with 76ers

After publicly saying he would return to the Los Angeles Clippers, forward Elton Brand signed a five-year, $80 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. Does this mean Baron Davis won’t sign as well? Playa Hatter has the latest.

Shaq, Shaunie O’Neal may be reconciling

Just weeks after he infamously rapped that “Kobe ratted me out, that’s why I’m gettin’ divorced,” an NBA star is cozier with his estranged wife. Shaquille O’Neal, whose “free-style” dis of league MVP Kobe Bryant was broadcast on TV and splattered across Web sites, has been spotted recently with Shaunie O’Neal, from whom he began divorce proceedings months ago. The couple reportedly spent the Fourth of July together in the Cayman Islands. A photo showing Shaunie in a bathing suit as she reclines against a resting Shaq is Exhibit A. The Phoenix Suns center rapped at a New York nightclub last month in reference to Bryant’s NBA championship loss and his reported statements to Colorado cops about Shaq’s affairs when Bryant was accused of rape.

Alonzo Mourning Charities won’t face lawsuit
Attention NBA veterans: The Wynn Las Vegas Casino doesn’t play. The luxury gambling and hotel resort that recently threatened retired baller Charles Barkley with criminal charges over a betting debt has decided to drop a lawsuit against player Alonzo Mourning’s non-profit. Miami Heat center ’Zo’s charity allegedly failed to pay the Wynn in full for a convention bill during last year’s All-Star Week. The casino had first named the NBA, mistakenly it claims, along with Alonzo Mourning Charities, in the $50,000 suit. But spokeswoman Jennifer Dunne says the Wynn’s debt was paid last week, nixing the Clark County District Court action. ’Zo had used the Wynn for a charity pool tournament and silent auction.