Reward for Lost Girl Reaches £2.6 Million

JK Rowling, Richard Branson and other British business figures have contributed to a £1.5 million reward offered by the tabloid News of the World for the safe return of Madeleine McCann. The British 4-year-old was kidnapped in Portugal 10 days ago; the new offer raises the total reward to a record  £2.6 million.

The News reported that the Harry Potter author contributed the largest sum—"a staggering amount"—though the figure was not revealed. Madeline's parents spoke at a special mass in Portugal today, describing the grief over her loss as a tidal wave felt around the world. (More Madeleine McCann stories.)