Captive soldier freed in Afghanistan...Six climbers presumed dead in Washington state

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The only American soldier held prisoner in Afghanistan is back in U.S. hands and is said to be in good condition. The Obama administration says Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl was handed over to U.S. special operations forces by the Taliban in exchange for the release of five Afghan detainees held at Guantanamo. A pair of Republican lawmakers complain Obama violated a law requiring 30 days' notice to Congress. The White House says the decision to go ahead was made because of the unique circumstances.

SEATTLE (AP) — A grim day on Mount Rainier where officials say six climbers are probably dead in a fall in an avalanche-prone area. Helicopters which detected pings from avalanche beacons later spotted climbing gear thousands of feet below the group's last known location. National park officials say they area is very dangerous and searchers may "never be able to get on the ground there."

UNDATED (AP) — College players whose images were used in videogames may be due for a payday. A $40 million settlement has been completed that will pay college football and basketball players dating to 2003 for the use of their likenesses in NCAA-branded videogames. The payouts could go to more than 100,000 athletes, including some current players.

BEDFORD, Mass. (AP) — Authorities say a small private plane with seven people aboard crashed and burned as it was leaving Hanscom Field in Massachusetts Saturday night. There's no word on the occupants. The plane was headed for Atlantic City. The air field, which serves the public, was closed and the National Transportation Safety Board is investigating.

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand's military rulers are taking more step to head off protests by deploying thousands of troops and police officers across the capital, Bangkok. Authorities also closed several subway and elevated train stations at key intersections. The army seized power late last month, claiming it had to restore order after seven months of demonstrations against the now-ousted government.