Today on the presidential campaign trail

IN THE HEADLINES

Obama pledges support for Afghanistan ... McCain raises more than $21 million in June, spends more than he raises as part of strategy ... Pentecostal minister planning Democratic convention promotes party members' faith and values

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Obama meets Afghan president, troops

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) _ Barack Obama pledged steadfast aid to Afghanistan in talks Sunday with its Western-backed leader and vowed to pursue the war on terror "with vigor" if elected, an Afghan official said.

Obama's meeting with President Hamid Karzai came after he had breakfast with U.S. troops.

On the second day of an …

today's people

Lawmaker tries to preempt story

WASHINGTON - Rep. Dan Burton, R-Ind., one of President Clinton'sharshest critics, has taken the unusual step of telling reportersthat he and his wife have been separated three times during their 38-year marriage.

Burton was trying to preempt what he called a "scandal story" by aVanity Fair writer, although the magazine has not even scheduled thearticle for publication. The chairman of the House Government Reformand Oversight Committee, which has been investigating Clinton'scampaign fund-raising, also said at town meetings Monday in Indianathat he believes Clinton's supporters are spreading personal rumorsabout him in an attempt at …

Custom comfort

Every body needs a comfortable night's sleep. And, most likely, everyone defines "comfortable" differently than his or her spouse, family members or friends. Custom Mattress Outlet on Goshen Road in Fort Wayne is ready to help each individual find the mattress that means comfort and a good night's sleep, customized just for them.

Custom Mattress Outlet has been assuring years of comfortable nights' sleep to thousands of area residents since Bud Doetsch first opened the business in 1978 to manufacture and sell mattresses. It's been a family-focused and -operated business ever since. Bud's daughter, Marguerite, and her husband, Gabe Bolas, bought the store in 1995. They came up with …

South African Football Results

Results from the South African football league (home teams listed first):

Wednesday's Games

SuperSport United 3, Bay United 0

Thanda Royal Zulu 0, AmaZulu 3

Maritzburg United 0, Mamelodi Sundowns 3

Saturday's Games

Golden Arrows 0, Mamelodi Sundowns 1

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Tears after treasured memories lost in fire ; A MUM-OF-THREE wept today after losing everything in a fire that ripped through a removal firm's warehouse.

A MUM-OF-THREE wept today after losing everything in a fire thatripped through a removal firm's warehouse.

The trauma came weeks before Irene Stewart is due to startchemotherapy treatment for cancer.

The 48-year-old and husband Bill had every piece of furniture,ornaments and kitchen equipment in storage in the building inPortlethen as they waited to move into a new house.

But for the couple the most heartbreaking loss of all is theprecious family mementos which can never be replaced.

Irene said: "I keep thinking of all the photographs, videos,cards, school reports - everything precious from 21 years ofmarriage and our children.

"All of it …

Thief gets away with $75,000 in bull semen

WASHINGTON - In his nearly 16 years in the Frederick County, Md.,Sheriff's Office, Detective Chuck Jenkins has seen a lot: old-fashioned cattle rustling, grand theft tractor and thousands of morepedestrian crimes. But he's never seen anything quite like his mostrecent whodunit: The case of the stolen bull semen.

The burglary took place Sunday in Smithsburg, while Eric Flemingwas away from his farm, Stonewood Acres. When he got home that nightfrom a visit to relatives in Pennsylvania, he found that the …

Victory of pro-Thaksin party in Thai election bodes further instability

Thailand's first election since a 2006 military coup ended Sunday with a big victory for loyalists of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a stunning rebuke to those who ousted him for alleged corruption.

No party won an absolute majority, however, setting the stage for a battle over forming a government _ which could create instability and delay the promised return to democratic rule.

Many fear that a government led by Thaksin loyalists could seek revenge for the coup. About 60 percent of 45 million eligible voters cast ballots for around 5,000 candidates, the state Election Commission said.

Still, the failure of the pro-Thaksin People's …