KMPH Fox 26 Central San Joaquin Valley News Source in Fresno, California Entertainment, News, Sports and Weather | AP Top News at 1:54 a.m. EST -Saturday, December 26, 2009

AP Top News at 1:54 a.m. EST -Saturday, December 26, 2009

AP sources: Al-Qaida link in failed plane attack

ROMULUS, Mich. (AP) - A Nigerian man who said he was an agent for al-Qaida tried to blow up a Northwest Airlines plane Friday as it was preparing to land in Detroit, but travelers who smelled smoke and heard what sounded like firecrackers rushed to subdue him, the passengers and federal officials said. Flight 253 with 278 passengers and 11 crew members aboard was about 20 minutes from the airport when passengers heard popping noises, witnesses said. At least one person climbed over others and jumped on the man. Shortly afterward, the suspect was taken to the front of the plane with his pants cut off and his legs burned, a passenger said. Law enforcement officials said the burns indicated the explosive was strapped to his legs.

Prayers and silence mark 2004 tsunami anniversary

PHUKET, Thailand (AP) - Five years after a massive tsunami triggered deadly tidal waves across Asia, low-key ceremonies Saturday marked the solemn anniversary with prayers and moments of silence for the 230,000 people killed. The devastating Dec. 26, 2004, tsunami struck a dozen countries around the Indian Ocean rim. It eradicated entire coastal communities, decimated families and crashed over tourist-filled beaches the morning after Christmas. Survivors waded through a horror show of corpse-filled waters.

Family pleas for captive US soldier's release

KABUL (AP) - The Taliban released a video Friday of an American soldier captured in Afghanistan, showing him apparently healthy but spouting criticism about the U.S. military operation. In Idaho, Pfc. Bowe Bergdahl's family pleaded on Christmas Day for his release and urged him to "stay strong."

White Christmas turns into a headache for some

MILWAUKEE (AP) - Residents across the Midwest and the Plains who made it home for Christmas were digging out on Friday after a fierce snowstorm while those who spent the night in airports and shelters tried to resume their journeys. Meteorologists warned that roads across the region remained dangerous. The National Weather Service said blizzards would hit parts of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin through Saturday. The storm had already dumped significant snow across the region, including a record 14 inches in Oklahoma City and 11 inches in Duluth, Minn., on Thursday.

Girl abducted in Phoenix rescued by police

PHOENIX (AP) - A 5-year-old girl abducted by a man as she played outside her Phoenix home Friday was rescued hours later after police chased down the suspect's pickup and found her "alive and well" inside, officials said. Natalie Flores was found around 9 p.m. after a patrol officer spotted the truck of the man accused of kidnapping her, Sgt. Andy Hill said.

Vatican to review security after papal knock-down

VATICAN CITY (AP) - The Vatican will review security procedures after a woman jumped a barrier and rushed at Pope Benedict XVI for the second time in two years, this time managing to knock him down before being pulled away by guards, the Vatican spokesman said. Benedict, 82, wasn't hurt and delivered his traditional Christmas Day greetings in 65 languages from the loggia overlooking St. Peter's Square. While a bit unsteady at first, he also delivered a short speech about the world's trouble spots without problem.

Body of missing Maryland girl found in woods

SALISBURY, Md. (AP) - The body of a Maryland girl who authorities say was abducted by a registered sex offender was found Friday in a wooded area near the Delaware state line after thousands of volunteers spent Christmas searching for her. Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis said the body of 11-year-old Sarah H. Foxwell was discovered about 4 p.m. He offered few other details. Thomas J. Leggs Jr., 30, was arrested Wednesday and charged in her kidnapping.

Divers search for 24 missing from Philippine ferry

MANILA, Philippines (AP) - Deep-sea divers searched Saturday for a sunken ferry and 24 missing people after it collided with another vessel and went down on Christmas Eve. Search-and-rescue teams, backed by six government ships and three aircraft, have combed a 20-nautical-mile (37-kilometer) radius of Manila Bay since Thursday, but the ferry has yet to be located, the head of the Philippine coast guard said.

Actor Charlie Sheen arrested in Colorado

ASPEN, Colo. (AP) - Charlie Sheen spent the better part of Christmas Day in a Colorado jail cell after being arrested on domestic violence allegations. The 44-year-old actor was taken into custody Friday morning by officers responding to a 911 call from a house in this ski resort town about 200 miles west of Denver.

Fans throw foam on court in Lakers' loss to Cavs

LOS ANGELES (AP) - The yellow foam hands came flying in from every corner of the lower bowl, sailing onto the court in dozens of frisbee-style arches late in the Cleveland Cavaliers' dominant victory. LeBron James was more worried than amused by this unusual display of frustration from the Los Angeles Lakers' fans - and he got a bit more concerned when at least one water bottle followed the foam.

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