US envoy: Pakistan aid surpassed expectations but more needed to fight terrorism

US envoy: Pakistan aid beats hopes but more needed

TOKYO — A day after international donors pledged more than $5 billion to Pakistan, U.S. envoy Richard Holbrooke said Saturday that the aid exceeded expectations but far more is needed to strengthen the country’s economy and fight terrorism.

Doctor: Thai protest leader in stable condition after shooting

Doctor: Thai protest leader stable after shooting

BANGKOK — A Thai protest leader shot and wounded by assailants in the capital after days of rioting is in stable condition and recovering rapidly, doctors said Saturday.

5 suspected militants killed in Afghan raids

KABUL — NATO-led forces and Afghan troops killed three suspected militants during a raid Saturday in central Afghanistan, where insurgent attacks have spiked this year, officials said. At least two other suspected militants died in an airstrike in the south.

Hostage captain arrives to cheers in Vt. small town welcome, thanks Navy SEAL ’superheroes’

Pirate hostage captain gets small town welcome

UNDERHILL, Vt. — A small Vermont town welcomed home its hero, an unassuming shipping captain who many have lauded for helping his crew survive a high-seas, international hostage drama off the coast of Somalia.

Hostage captain arrives home in Vt. to cheers, thanks Navy SEAL ’superheroes’ who rescued him

Pirate hostage captain praises SEAL ’superheroes’

UNDERHILL, Vt. — The unassuming ship captain who escaped the clutches of Somali pirates made a triumphant return home Friday, insisting he’s no hero, just an ordinary seaman. Richard Phillips said the U.S. Navy, which pulled off the daring high-seas rescue that ended his five-day captivity, deserves the credit.

Kidnapped Swiss Red Cross worker freed in Philippines, Italian man still held by militants

MANILA, Philippines — A Swiss Red Cross worker was freed Saturday after three months of captivity in a Philippine jungle, but al-Qaida-linked militants were still holding an Italian hostage who is ill and needs surgery, officials said.

Philippine police rescue Swiss Red Cross worker, Italian volunteer still held by militants

Philippine police rescue Red Cross worker

MANILA, Philippines — Officials in the Philippines say police have rescued a Red Cross worker from his al-Qaida-linked kidnappers three months after he and two colleagues were kidnapped on a southern island.

Test of blood sample from Lincoln is sought to prove cancer theory, raising dilemma for museum

Test of Lincoln DNA sought to prove cancer theory

PHILADELPHIA — John Sotos has a theory about why Abraham Lincoln was so tall, why he appeared to have lumps on his lips and even why he had gastrointestinal problems.

British soldier killed in Afghanistan

LONDON — Britain’s defense ministry says a soldier has been killed while on patrol in southern Afghanistan.