AP Top News at 11:01 p.m. EST

Senate OK's health care bill in victory for Obama

WASHINGTON (AP) _ In an epic struggle settled at dawn, the Democratic-controlled Senate passed health care legislation Thursday, a triumph for President Barack Obama that clears the way for compromise talks with the House on a bill to reduce the ranks of the uninsured and rein in the insurance industry. The vote was 60-39, strictly along party lines, one day after Democrats succeeded in crushing a filibuster by Republicans eager _ yet unable _ to inflict a year-end political defeat on the White House.

Pope knocked down by woman at Christmas Eve Mass

VATICAN CITY (AP) _ Pope Benedict XVI's Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter's Basilica got off to a tumultuous start Thursday after an apparently deranged woman jumped the barriers and knocked him down on his way to the altar. In his homily, delivered unflappably after the incident, Benedict urged the world to "wake up" from selfishness and petty affairs, and find time for God and spiritual matters.

Storm turns holiday travel dangerous in Midwest

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) _ A blustery storm spread snow and ice across the heartland Thursday as Americans rushed to get home for the holidays, grounding flights, stranding drivers on white-knuckle highways and forcing churches to cancel Christmas Eve services. "I don't think God wants anyone to get killed or break a hip or break a knee or something," said the Rev. Joseph Mirowski of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Transfiguration in Mason City, Iowa, where up to a foot of snow and sleet was expected.

Boy, American dad arrive in US from Brazil

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) _ A father and son played with toys and puzzles and rested on a quiet nine-hour flight from Brazil to Florida, a peaceful conclusion Thursday after a tumultuous reunion that brought a five-year custody battle spanning two continents to an end. David Goldman and 9-year-old Sean Goldman landed in Orlando on a jet chartered by NBC. Later they were driven away in a caravan of three SUVs, heading to an unknown destination. They did not speak with reporters at the airport, but NBC broadcast an interview with the father and footage from the flight.

Obama makes Christmas calls to US troops

WASHINGTON (AP) _ President Barack Obama says he personally delivered a holiday message to a few members of the U.S. military. Obama says he wanted to wish the troops a merry Christmas and thank them for their service in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Crew of NKorean weapons plane jailed 12 more days

BANGKOK (AP) _ A Thai court has ordered the crew of a cargo plane seized in Bangkok earlier this month to remain in a Thai prison 12 more days pending investigations. The five crew members _ four from Kazakhstan and one from Belarus _ were arrested Dec. 12 during a refueling stop in Bangkok after authorities discovered 35 tons of weapons. They were charged with illegal arms possession.

China sentences Liu to 11 years for subversion

BEIJING (AP) _ A Chinese court handed down a harsh 11-year sentence to a prominent dissident Friday on subversion charges after he called for sweeping political reforms and an end to Communist Party dominance. The sentencing of Liu Xiaobo comes despite international appeals for his release. Rights groups said the harshness of the sentence was a warning to others who challenge China's one-party rule.

Obamas arrive in Hawaii for vacation

HONOLULU (AP) _ President Barack Obama arrived in Hawaii on Thursday for a holiday vacation in the state where he was born and lived as a child. The president, first lady and their daughters came to the island of Oahu for a more-than-weeklong vacation away from Washington. The Obamas have no public schedule and are expected to celebrate the holidays in private at a rented compound in Kailua.

Small, private funeral held for Brittany Murphy

LOS ANGELES (AP) _ Brittany Murphy's family and friends celebrated her life at a private Christmas Eve funeral. The 32-year-old actress was buried Thursday at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills. The intimate gathering was "very nice, very respectful," said longtime family friend Alex Ben Block, who eulogized Murphy.

Wizards say Arenas had firearms in locker

Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas stored unloaded firearms in a container in his locker, according to the team, and the NBA is looking into the situation. The Wizards issued a statement Thursday night saying there was no ammunition in the locked container, and Arenas and the team have notified authorities and the league.