[U.S.] Extreme weather worries across US on Christmas Day

Extreme weather worries across US on Christmas Day
http://abcnews.go.com/US/snow-storm-threatens-post-christmas-travel/story?id=18053885
Updated 12:05 a.m. ET. Both coasts of the country are dealing with unusual weather this week during an especially challenging time.

Small fire breaks out on US Airways jet in Phoenix
http://www.seattlepi.com/news/us/article/Small-fire-breaks-out-on-US-Airways-jet-in-Phoenix-4144582.php
PHOENIX (AP) - A US Airways jet briefly caught fire at its gate at the Phoenix airport during maintenance tests. US Airways spokeswoman Michelle Mohr says crews were conducting routine maintenance tests when the fire broke out Monday night on the ...

Snowboarder killed by avalanche in Sierras
http://www.news10.net/news/article/222487/2/Snowboarder-killed-in-Donner-Ski-Ranch-avalanche
TRUCKEE, Calif., Dec. 25 (UPI) -- A body found Monday under 2 feet of snow in California is believed to be that of a snowboarder who vanished during an avalanche, authorities said.

Christians flock to Bethlehem to mark Jesus' birth, as pope presides over Vatican ...
http://www.sfgate.com/world/article/Bethlehem-packed-on-Christmas-Eve-4144514.php
VATICAN CITY - Despite the tension and violence that shook the Holy Land this year, Christians from around the world flocked to Manger Square in Bethlehem on Monday to celebrate the birth of Jesus in the ancient West Bank town where he was born.

NORAD volunteers track Santa's progress
http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2012/12/24/norad-track-santa/1789259/
Close. NORAD volunteers track Santa's progress. Dan Elliott, Associated Press12:31a.m. EST December 25, 2012. CommentsShare. NORAD.

Lackmeyer: Santa Claus spends happy holiday weekend downtown
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/santa-surprises-deaf-boy-sign-language-article-1.1226924
The last time I saw Santa Claus, it was Christmas night 2006, and he was telling me about how disappointed he was with what seemed to be a diminished holiday spirit along the Bricktown Canal.

Ben Affleck not running for US Senate in Massachusetts
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-34222_162-57560770-10391739/ben-affleck-says-hes-not-running-for-u.s-senate/
Ben Affleck, the actor, director, and Massachusetts native, will not be a candidate to succeed the departing senior Senator John Kerry.

Area churches note traditions of the faith
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/story/2012/12/24/sk-old-church-service.html
Members of Sacred Heart parish decorate as Advent ends and the twelve days of Christmas begin. Area churches also display nativity scenes, wreaths and lights in celebration of the birth of Christ.

Burkes: The gift of giving is the best present possible
http://www.katu.com/news/local/Rare-gold-coin-found-in-Salvation-Army-kettle-184696901.html
Many of the some 300 volunteers needed for the Salvation Army's toy distribution came from generous employers. By Paula Burkes | Published: December 25, 2012 Oklahoman Comment on this article Leave a comment.

Holiday on Tuesday (Christmas)
http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/858760--who-s-open-who-s-closed-this-christmas
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Senator: Ex-Sen. Hagel would face tough confirmation if picked by Obama to be ...
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/closeread/2012/12/behind-the-ugly-attacks-on-hagel.html
WASHINGTON - Two senators predicted Sunday that former Sen. Chuck Hagel would face a difficult confirmation if nominated by President Barack Obama to be defense secretary.

Grand Bargain Shrinks as Congress Nearing U.S. Budget Deadline
http://www.kansascity.com/2012/12/24/3980829/here-are-some-routes-to-avoid.html
The deal that seems possible to fix the U.S. budget is getting smaller and smaller. Five days before a deadline that would trigger more than $600 billion in tax increases and spending cuts that could cause a U.S.