National and International News-Monday, Oct. 9th

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - North Korea says its nuclear test will contribute to "defending the peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula." But other countries don't see it that way. Condemnation has poured in from the United States, China, Britain, Australia, Japan and South Korea.

LONDON (AP) - British Prime Minister Tony Blair blasts North Korea's reported nuclear test as "completely irresponsible." The Foreign Office says the international community will "respond robustly." Australia says the United Nations must take tough action or risk losing its authority.

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - The brother of Iraq's Sunni Arab vice president has been killed in his Baghdad home. A government official says General Amir al-Hashimi was killed by gunmen wearing military uniforms. Al-Hashimi was brother of Tariq al-Hashimi and an adviser in the Defense Ministry.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - So far no one appears to have gotten sick from lettuce grown in California's Salinas Valley. But lettuce sold under the Foxy brand is being recalled after E-coli turned up in irrigation water. The Salinas Valley was at the center of the nationwide spinach scare.

CHICAGO (AP) - If you really want your children to excel, cut back on classes and other activities, and give them more time for good, old-fashioned play. The American Academy of Pediatrics says unstructured play has many benefits, such as helping children become creative, develop problem-solving skills and learn to relate to others.