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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — The Deep South has been unable to shake stormy weather that is blamed for death and destruction since Wednesday. The National Weather Service confirms a tornado touched down in southwest Jefferson County in Alabama at about 5 p.m. It was moving northeast toward the city of Birmingham.
BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. (AP) — Three children and their mother have been killed in a Southern California mobile home fire. A San Bernardino County deputy who responded found a mobile home fully engulfed in flames and an injured man outside. Big Bear Lake firefighters arrived and attempted rescue efforts but had to pull back because the roof was about to collapse.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington Post correspondent who has been held by the Iranians for more than a year has been allowed a Christmas Day visit with his wife and mother. Jason Rezaian (reh-ZY'-ahn) has dual citizenship. He was convicted in closed proceedings earlier this year after being charged with espionage and related allegations. The length of his sentence has not been disclosed publicly.
VATICAN CITY (AP) — The ongoing conflicts in Africa, the Middle East and Ukraine have been very much on the mind of Pope Francis on this Christmas Day -- along with what he calls the "brutal acts of terrorism" in Paris last month. Speaking from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, the pope denounced the atrocities endured amid civil wars in Syria and Libya, and praised countries that have taken in refugees from the fighting.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — William Guest, a member of Gladys Knight and the Pips, has died. Guest, who was 74, performed throughout the lifespan of the Grammy-winning group from 1953 to 1989. He performed background vocals on such hits such as "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" and "Midnight Train to Georgia." A relative says Guest died yesterday in Detroit of congestive heart failure.
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