Family, hometown celebrate U.S. soldier's release from Taliban

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• Family, hometown celebrate U.S. soldier's release from Taliban
• American suicide bomber grew up in Central Florida
• 6 missing Mount Rainier climbers feared dead
• O'Driscoll hailed as Leinster win Celtic League trophy
• Hunt for "HiddenCash" moves to Southern California
• Freed U.S. soldier on way to military hospital in Germany: official
• U.S. soldier freed in Afghanistan, five Taliban prisoners leave Guantanamo
• US soldier freed from captivity in Afghanistan
• Obama hails soldier's release, cites 'ironclad commitment' to bring home POWs
• 6 climbers missing on Mount Rainier
• Released soldier's parents appear with Obama
• Obama welcomes release of captured US soldier
• Watson takes a 1-shot lead at Memorial
• US soldier released by Taliban in prisoner swap
• Will Power wins 1st of 2 Detroit Grand Prix races
• Exclusive: Syria bomber was Florida-born, raised in middle-class family
• Freed soldier's hometown makes welcome-home plans
• Stacy Lewis leads ShopRite LPGA Classic
• Singer Ray J arrested at Beverly Hills hotel
• For GOP, which Reagan legacy is right for 2016?
• Masters champ Watson leads Memorial event
• Pirate Bay co-founder arrested in Sweden to serve copyright violation sentence
• Work on Olympic golf course could be halted
• Oscar nominee Joan Lorring dies at 88 in New York
• World Cup warm-ups: Italy's Montolivo breaks leg, Dutch edge Ghana
• U.S. soldier freed in Afghanistan, five Taliban prisoners to leave Guantanamo
• Cruz wins presidential straw poll at GOP summit
• GOP lawmakers: Prisoner exchange violated law
• Obama to make statement at White House at 6:15 p.m./2215 GMT
• Obama to make statement on captured soldier
• Montolivo injury ruins Italy's World Cup warm-up
• Mickelson says he's cooperating in trading probe
• Factbox: Taliban detainees turned over by U.S. in Bergdahl deal
• Toulon beat Castres to win Top 14 as Wilkinson retires
• Kyle Busch 2 for 2 at Dover with Nationwide win
• Cameron says can't guarantee UK staying in EU if Juncker gets top job - magazine
• Mickelson plays on amid news of U.S. probe into possible insider trading
• What to look for Sunday at the French Open
• Nadal's bad back offers off-court drama at French

Family, hometown celebrate U.S. soldier's release from Taliban Posted: 31 May 2014 06:26 PM PDT By Patrick Sweeney HAILEY Idaho (Reuters) - Balloons, symbolic yellow ribbons and celebratory signs sprouted up in the small mountain community of Hailey, Idaho, on Saturday after news that native son U.S. Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl had been freed after almost five years as a prisoner of the Taliban. Bergdahl's parents said they were ecstatic to hear the news from President Barack Obama, whom they later joined at a news conference in the White House Rose Garden. "We were so joyful and relieved when President Obama called us today to give us the news that Bowe is finally coming home!" Bob and Jani Bergdahl said in a statement released through the Idaho National Guard. "We cannot wait to wrap our arms around our only son." A senior U.S. defense official said the Bergdahls, who live in Hailey, happened to be in Washington when they got the news their son had been freed in a deal that resulted in five Taliban members held at the U.S. facility in Guantanamo, Cuba, being turned over to Qatar.

American suicide bomber grew up in Central Florida Posted: 31 May 2014 06:19 PM PDT VERO BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The American man who launched a suicide bombing against Syrian government troops grew up in Central Florida and attended several colleges in the state before dropping out and moving abroad.

6 missing Mount Rainier climbers feared dead Posted: 31 May 2014 06:14 PM PDT SEATTLE (AP) — Mount Rainier National Park officials say six climbers are presumed dead after helicopters detected pings from emergency beacons buried in the snow and a debris field that may indicate an avalanche.

O'Driscoll hailed as Leinster win Celtic League trophy Posted: 31 May 2014 05:52 PM PDT Brian O'Driscoll's Leinster colleagues hailed the retiring centre as he ended his career with yet another winner's medal in Dublin on Saturday. The Irish province beat Glasgow 34-12 to secure their fourth Celtic League trophy, becoming the first side to retain the title in the process. The build-up to the game had been dominated by O'Driscoll's impending retirement after an illustrious 15 year career at the top of the game. Two tries from Zane Kirchner plus further scores from Shane Jennings and Gordon D'Arcy gave the Irish province a handsome win, with fly-half Jimmy Gopperth adding 14 points with the boot.

Hunt for "HiddenCash" moves to Southern California Posted: 31 May 2014 05:44 PM PDT HERMOSA BEACH, Calif. (AP) — The California cash rush has moved to the beach.

Freed U.S. soldier on way to military hospital in Germany: official Posted: 31 May 2014 05:10 PM PDT WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, freed on Saturday by the Taliban after being held for nearly five years, was on his way from Afghanistan to an American military hospital in Germany, a U.S. defense official said. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Bergdahl was flying to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, the largest American hospital outside the United States. It is located close to Ramstein Air Base. Bergdahl had been receiving medical care at Bagram Air Base, the main U.S. base in Afghanistan. ...

U.S. soldier freed in Afghanistan, five Taliban prisoners leave Guantanamo Posted: 31 May 2014 05:10 PM PDT By Warren Strobel WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The last U.S. prisoner of war from America's waning Afghan war was handed over to U.S. Special Operations forces in Afghanistan on Saturday in a dramatic swap for five Taliban detainees who were released from Guantanamo Bay prison and flown to Qatar. Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl had been held for nearly five years by Afghan militants and his release followed years of on-and-off negotiations. President Barack Obama hailed the release in a brief appearance with Bergdahl's parents, Bob and Jani, in the White House Rose Garden, saying that "while Bowe was gone, he was never forgotten." Bergdahl was on his way to an American military hospital in Germany, a U.S. defense official said. U.S. special forces took custody of Bergdahl in a non-violent exchange with 18 Taliban members in eastern Afghanistan, senior U.S. officials said, adding that he was believed to be in good condition.

US soldier freed from captivity in Afghanistan Posted: 31 May 2014 04:53 PM PDT WASHINGTON (AP) — The only American soldier held prisoner in Afghanistan has been freed by the Taliban in exchange for the release of five Afghan detainees from the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Obama administration officials said Saturday.

Obama hails soldier's release, cites 'ironclad commitment' to bring home POWs Posted: 31 May 2014 04:41 PM PDT President Barack Obama, flanked by the parents of a U.S. soldier released after being held for nearly five years by the Taliban, said in the White House Rose Garden on Saturday that the United States has an "ironclad commitment" to bring home its prisoners of war. Obama said that while Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl was being held, he was never forgotten. "We're committed to winding down the war in Afghanistan and we are committed to closing Gitmo (the prison for foreign terrorism suspects at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba). But we also made an ironclad commitment to bring our prisoners of war home," Obama said.

6 climbers missing on Mount Rainier Posted: 31 May 2014 04:29 PM PDT SEATTLE (AP) — Six climbers are missing on Mount Rainier, and a helicopter search was launched on Saturday for them, a National Parks spokeswoman said.

Released soldier's parents appear with Obama Posted: 31 May 2014 04:18 PM PDT WASHINGTON (AP) — The father of the lone U.S. soldier held in Afghanistan, Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, says the nature of his son's recovery will never really be comprehended.

Obama welcomes release of captured US soldier Posted: 31 May 2014 04:16 PM PDT WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is welcoming the release of the lone U.S. soldier held in Afghanistan, Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl.

Watson takes a 1-shot lead at Memorial Posted: 31 May 2014 04:11 PM PDT DUBLIN, Ohio (AP) — Bubba Watson has been coming to Muirfield Village ever since his rookie year on the PGA Tour. Nine years later, he might have finally figured it out.

US soldier released by Taliban in prisoner swap Posted: 31 May 2014 04:07 PM PDT A US soldier captured nearly five years ago in Afghanistan was freed Saturday in exchange for five Taliban inmates held at the Guantanamo prison in a dramatic deal brokered by Qatar. US Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl was in "good" condition after Taliban fighters handed him over to "a few dozen" US special operations forces backed up by helicopters at an undisclosed location in eastern Afghanistan, defense officials said. "Sergeant Bergdahl has missed birthdays and holidays, and the simple moments with family and friends which all of us take for granted," President Barack Obama said in the White House Rose Garden, flanked by the soldier's parents Bob and Jani. Obama thanked Qatar's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and the government in Kabul for helping to bring home the only American held captive by the Taliban in the 13-year-old war.

Will Power wins 1st of 2 Detroit Grand Prix races Posted: 31 May 2014 04:07 PM PDT DETROIT (AP) — Will Power gave Roger Penske and Chevrolet what they desperately wanted by winning the first of two races at the Detroit Grand Prix.

Exclusive: Syria bomber was Florida-born, raised in middle-class family Posted: 31 May 2014 04:02 PM PDT By Zachary Fagenson SEBASTIAN Fla. (Reuters) - The man believed to be the first American suicide bomber in Syria was born in Florida and loved to play basketball. The family of Moner Mohammad Abu-Salha, 22, on Saturday declined to comment or to open their door as a small group of reporters gathered outside their home in a gated community in Sebastian, on Florida's east coast. Neighbor Mark Hill, 46, said he knew little about the family across the street, who moved in around 2006 at the same time he did, but they seemed to be "very nice people, always pleasant." Hill described Abu-Salha as a "normal boy" who wore T-shirts and walked around the neighborhood with a basketball looking for someone to join him in a game. The family, who have owned a string of local Middle Eastern grocery stores, were a visible presence in the community and often left the garage doors open, Hill added.

Freed soldier's hometown makes welcome-home plans Posted: 31 May 2014 04:01 PM PDT HAILEY, Idaho (AP) — The news Saturday of U.S. Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl's release from captivity spread quickly in his hometown in southern Idaho, and residents immediately began making plans for a welcome-home celebration.

Stacy Lewis leads ShopRite LPGA Classic Posted: 31 May 2014 03:58 PM PDT GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) — Stacy Lewis moved into position to take the top spot in the world, shooting a bogey-free 8-under 63 on Saturday to match the 36-hole record in the ShopRite LPGA Classic.

Singer Ray J arrested at Beverly Hills hotel Posted: 31 May 2014 03:52 PM PDT BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — Police arrested singer Ray J at a Beverly Hills hotel after they say he became belligerent with staff, kicked out a patrol car window and spit at an officer.

For GOP, which Reagan legacy is right for 2016? Posted: 31 May 2014 03:50 PM PDT NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Another prominent Republican gathering, more evidence of the dueling legacies of President Ronald Reagan overhanging the party as it tries to widen its reach and avoid extending its presidential losing streak in 2016.

Masters champ Watson leads Memorial event Posted: 31 May 2014 03:44 PM PDT Dublin (United States) (AFP) - Bubba Watson moved one shot ahead of the field after firing his second straight three-under 69 in the third round of the PGA Tour's Memorial Tournament on Saturday.

Pirate Bay co-founder arrested in Sweden to serve copyright violation sentence Posted: 31 May 2014 03:31 PM PDT One of the founders of file-sharing website Pirate Bay has been arrested in southern Sweden to serve an outstanding sentence for copyright violations after being on the run for nearly two years, Swedish police said on Saturday. Peter Sunde had been wanted by Interpol since 2012 after being sentenced in Sweden to prison and fined for breaching copyright laws. "We have been looking for him since 2012," said Carolina Ekeus, spokeswoman at the Swedish National Police Board. "He was given eight months in jail so he has to serve his sentence." Ekeus said Sunde had been arrested on Saturday in the southern Swedish county of Skane but she was not able to provide further details.

Work on Olympic golf course could be halted Posted: 31 May 2014 03:30 PM PDT RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Like other delayed venues for the beleaguered Rio 2016 Olympics, work on the golf course has fallen behind schedule.

Oscar nominee Joan Lorring dies at 88 in New York Posted: 31 May 2014 03:20 PM PDT NEW YORK (AP) — The Oscar-nominated actress Joan Lorring has died more than six decades after appearing opposite Bette Davis in the film "The Corn is Green."

World Cup warm-ups: Italy's Montolivo breaks leg, Dutch edge Ghana Posted: 31 May 2014 03:18 PM PDT Italy's World Cup build-up suffered a major blow on Saturday when midfielder Riccardo Montolivo broke his leg against Ireland, while in other Brazil 2014 warm-ups Holland beat Ghana and Greece held Portugal. AC Milan captain Montolivo was injured in the early stages of the friendly at Fulham's Craven Cottage following a crunching tackle from Ireland defender Alex Pearce. Skippering Italy on the night he needed several minutes of treatment and was seen mouthing "it's broken" before eventually being carried off.

U.S. soldier freed in Afghanistan, five Taliban prisoners to leave Guantanamo Posted: 31 May 2014 03:15 PM PDT By Warren Strobel WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The last U.S. prisoner of war from America's waning Afghan war was handed over to U.S. Special Operations forces in Afghanistan on Saturday in a dramatic swap for five Taliban detainees who were released from Guantanamo Bay prison and flown to Qatar. Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl had been held for nearly five years by Afghan militants and his release followed years of on-off negotiations. U.S. special forces took custody of Bergdahl in a non-violent exchange with 18 Taliban members in eastern Afghanistan, senior U.S. officials said, adding that he was believed to be in good condition.

Cruz wins presidential straw poll at GOP summit Posted: 31 May 2014 03:11 PM PDT NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Texas Sen. Ted Cruz has won the latest 2016 presidential straw poll at a conservative summit in Louisiana.

GOP lawmakers: Prisoner exchange violated law Posted: 31 May 2014 02:57 PM PDT WASHINGTON (AP) — Two Republican lawmakers on Saturday accused President Barack Obama of breaking the law by approving the release of five Afghan detainees held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in exchange for a U.S. soldier believed held by Islamist insurgents for five years.

Obama to make statement at White House at 6:15 p.m./2215 GMT Posted: 31 May 2014 02:50 PM PDT WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama will deliver a statement in the White House Rose Garden at 6:15 p.m. (2215 GMT) on Saturday, the White House said. The White House did not say what Obama would speak about, but he is expected to address the swap of the last U.S. prisoner of war from Afghanistan for five Taliban detainees. [ID:nL1N0OH0HY] (Reporting by Roberta Rampton; Editing by Will Dunham)

Obama to make statement on captured soldier Posted: 31 May 2014 02:46 PM PDT WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House says President Barack Obama will deliver a statement Saturday afternoon from the Rose Garden.

Montolivo injury ruins Italy's World Cup warm-up Posted: 31 May 2014 02:44 PM PDT Italy's World Cup plans were thrown into turmoil as Riccardo Montolivo suffered a broken leg during a 0-0 draw against the Republic of Ireland on Saturday. Montolivo made seven appearances for the Azzurri during their World Cup qualifying campaign and was set to be a key member of Cesare Prandelli's side in Brazil. It is too emotional now," Prandelli said. Montolivo is a key player for this squad."

Mickelson says he's cooperating in trading probe Posted: 31 May 2014 02:33 PM PDT DUBLIN, Ohio (AP) — Hall of Fame golfer Phil Mickelson confirmed that FBI agents investigating insider trading approached him this week at the Memorial Tournament. The five-time major champion said Saturday he has done "absolutely nothing wrong."

Factbox: Taliban detainees turned over by U.S. in Bergdahl deal Posted: 31 May 2014 02:33 PM PDT (Reuters) - The five Taliban prisoners being turned over by the United States to Qatar in a deal with the Taliban for the release of a U.S. soldier on Saturday were listed by the Pentagon as "high-risk" detainees, including two implicated in the deaths of thousands of Shi'ite Muslims in Afghanistan. A U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, identified the five men as: Mohammed Fazl, Mullah Norullah Noori, Mohammed Nabi, Khairullah Khairkhwa and Abdul Haq Wasiq.

Toulon beat Castres to win Top 14 as Wilkinson retires Posted: 31 May 2014 02:30 PM PDT England legend Jonny Wilkinson played a starring role in his final match as a professional as Toulon added the French Top 14 title to their European crown with an 18-10 victory over holders Castres on Saturday. Wilkinson bowed out from a stunning career not only as a winner but as the most influential player on the pitch, landing Toulon's first 15 points, including a trademark drop goal. In truth, the match itself wasn't a great spectacle but neither Toulon, who won their first Bouclier de Brennus since 1992, nor Wilkinson will care too much as they took revenge on Castres for their defeat in last year's final. This final had been more billed as Wilkinson's retirement than Toulon's revenge mission and the England legend didn't disappoint.

Kyle Busch 2 for 2 at Dover with Nationwide win Posted: 31 May 2014 02:27 PM PDT DOVER, Del. (AP) — Kyle Busch heard the critics who said he was too good, too dominant, too loaded with the best equipment to keep dropping down levels and routinely romping his way toward victories.

Cameron says can't guarantee UK staying in EU if Juncker gets top job - magazine Posted: 31 May 2014 02:23 PM PDT By Michelle Martin BERLIN (Reuters) - British Prime Minister David Cameron has warned he would no longer be able to guarantee that Britain would remain a member of the European Union if European leaders elect Jean-Claude Juncker as European Commission chief, Germany's Spiegel said. The European People's Party, which won the most seats in the vote, had chosen Luxembourg's ex-premier Juncker as their candidate. In a pre-publication copy of an article, Spiegel said Cameron had explained, on the sidelines of an EU summit in Brussels on Tuesday, that if Juncker became Commission president, he would no longer be able to ensure Britain's continued EU membership.

Mickelson plays on amid news of U.S. probe into possible insider trading Posted: 31 May 2014 02:19 PM PDT By Ben Everill NEW YORK (Reuters) - DUBLIN, Ohio, May 31 (Reuters) - If golf star Phil Mickelson is concerned by a federal probe into possible insider trading involving him, billionaire investor Carl Icahn and Las Vegas gambler William Walters, he did not show it on Saturday. As he hit a few practice balls before his round at the Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio, Mickelson was in a light-hearted exchange with fellow American golfer Robert Garrigus. "It's been an interesting evening," Mickelson replied, adding with a laugh, "I don't have much to say about it." Garrigus jokingly intimated that talking with Mickelson could get him into trouble, saying he was "not sure I want to talk to you now." On Friday night, a source familiar with the matter said the FBI and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission were investigating possible insider trading involving Icahn, Mickelson and Walters.

What to look for Sunday at the French Open Posted: 31 May 2014 02:19 PM PDT PARIS (AP) — Five things to look for Sunday at the French Open:

Nadal's bad back offers off-court drama at French Posted: 31 May 2014 02:03 PM PDT PARIS (AP) — The closest thing to intrigue or drama involving Rafael Nadal on Saturday came after his 31st consecutive French Open victory concluded.

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