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NEW YORK (AP) — Friends, relatives and colleagues of a New York City police officer who was gunned down along with his partner have gathered at a church in Queens. They're among those paying their respects to Officer Rafael Ramos. In the evening, hundreds more are expected when the wake at Christ Tabernacle Church opens to the public. Ramos' funeral is scheduled for tomorrow, and Vice President Joe Biden is expected to attend. Ramos was killed in a brazen daytime ambush along with another officer last week. The shooter later killed himself.
PERELIYA, Sri Lanka (AP) — The memories from ten years ago today are still vivid in the minds of survivors of the deadly tsunami that killed nearly a quarter of a million people along the rim of the Indian Ocean. They wept as they took part in beachside memorials and religious services across Asia today. Some European countries have also marked the anniversary, remembering the thousands of Christmastime tourists who died in the disaster.
DONETSK, Ukraine (AP) — It's the biggest exchange of prisoners since the pro-Russian insurgency flared up in eastern Ukraine in April. Ukrainian authorities and pro-Russia rebels have exchanged nearly 370 prisoners today -- a major step toward easing hostilities in eastern Ukraine.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Even though it's also available online, crowds have been flocking to theaters to see "The Interview." According to its distributor, the film made just over $1 million in ticket sales from 331 locations yesterday. Many theaters reported selling out showings. Just one week ago, it seemed no one might see the satirical comedy following hacker threats, but, in a dramatic reversal of events, the studio this week decided to allow theaters to show the film and made it available for rental and purchase on digital platforms.
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (AP) — Renowned jazz clarinetist Buddy DeFranco has died at the age of 91. He collaborated with Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday and other top singers and musicians of his era. His wife says DeFranco died on Christmas Eve at a Florida hospital.
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