In brief: Bush remains in hospital despite ‘terrific’ day
Despite having “another terrific day,” former President George H.W. Bush would spend a third night in a Texas hospital, his office announced on Christmas.
Bush, 90, is the nation’s oldest former president. His office said Tuesday night that he was taken to Houston Methodist Hospital “as a precaution” after experiencing shortness of breath.
The 41st president “is in great spirits” and wished everyone a merry Christmas, his office said in a statement Thursday. He received visits from his wife, former first lady Barbara Bush, and from his son and daughter-in-law Neil and Maria Bush, it said.
This isn’t the first time Bush has been hospitalized over Christmas. In November 2012, he went to Houston Methodist with a persistent cough. He developed a fever and stayed nearly two months.
Last year, Barbara Bush was admitted to the same hospital on New Year’s Eve with signs of pneumonia. She was released after six days.
Jordan warns IS against harming pilot
AMMAN, Jordan – The Jordanian parliament issued a stern warning Thursday as relatives pleaded with Islamic State militants holding a Jordanian pilot captive.
Jordan’s lower house of parliament threatened “grave consequences” if the extremists harm Lt. Moaz Kasasbeh, 26, whose F-16 crashed Wednesday near the Islamic State stronghold of Raqqah in northeastern Syria.
The statement supported Jordan’s role in the U.S.-led coalition waging an air campaign against Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, and urged the government of King Abdullah II to “do its utmost to ensure a safe return of the pilot.”
Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour announced at a news conference in the pilot’s hometown south of the capital that international negotiations had begun to save Kasasbeh’s life, but he did not elaborate.
Man dies after border confrontation
SAN DIEGO – A 40-year-old U.S. citizen died after a border inspector shot him with a stun gun at the nation’s busiest crossing, authorities said Thursday.
San Diego police said the man jumped over a counter and attacked an inspector after being taken to a separate area for questioning at the San Ysidro port of entry connecting San Diego and Tijuana, Mexico. A records check showed he was wanted on a felony charge.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency said in a statement that the man attacked two inspectors and that officers found heroin during a body search.
The man attempted to enter the U.S. on foot Wednesday afternoon, about four hours before the incident, according to Customs and Border Protection.
Police said the man, who was pronounced dead at a hospital, would not be identified until his family was notified.
Transit officials help deliver baby on train
PHILADELPHIA – Transit officers in Pennsylvania helped make a very special Christmas delivery.
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority said two transit officers jumped into action to help a mother deliver a baby on a subway train. The delivery happened as the train was approaching a stop in Philadelphia Thursday evening, SEPTA said.
Officials said the mother and baby were taken to a hospital in good condition.
SEPTA police Chief Thomas Nestel III tweeted late Thursday about his department’s excitement over the birth: “WOOHOO!!! Now that’s a Christmas gift!!!”