AP Top News at 1:49 a.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.

Taliban video claims to be of captured US soldier

KABUL (AP) _ The Taliban released Friday a video purporting to show a U.S. soldier who was captured more than five months ago in eastern Afghanistan. The media arm of the Afghan Taliban announced last week on an affiliated Web site that a new videotape of Pfc. Bowe Bergdahl was forthcoming. They did not name the American captive, but the only one known is Bergdahl, a U.S. airborne infantryman who was captured by the Afghan Taliban in Paktika province on June 30.

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.

Crew of NKorean weapons plane jailed 12 more days

BANGKOK (AP) _ The crew of a cargo plane loaded with weapons from North Korea was ordered Friday to remain in a Thai prison for 12 more days, as authorities request more time to investigate the plane's cargo and final destination. The five crew members _ four from Kazakhstan and one from Belarus _ insist their destination was Sri Lanka and not Iran, contradicting a report from arms trafficking experts.

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 in what rights groups said was a strong warning to others who challenge China's one-party rule. The sentencing of Liu Xiaobo, after he called for sweeping political reforms and an end to Communist Party dominance, also drew diplomatic criticism, with the United States saying it went against international norms.

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, saying words cannot express their devastation at her passing. "Brittany was an incredibly loving and passionate person and an artist to her core _ she loved acting, singing, dancing, and performing," her family said in a statement.

SMU dominates Nevada in return to postseason

HONOLULU (AP) _ SMU is back from the dead. Freshman Kyle Padron threw for an SMU-record 460 yards, leading the Mustangs to a 45-10 victory over Nevada in the Hawaii Bowl on Thursday night _ SMU's first postseason appearance in 25 years.