Author: AP, AP

Former U.S. first lady Michelle Obama visited Children’s Hospital Colorado in suburban Denver on Thursday. Mrs. Obama read “The Night Before Christmas,” answered questions from children and encouraged Santa Claus to get up and dance. …

French prosecutors say a man killed in a shootout with police in Strasbourg has been identified as 29-year-old Charif Chekatt, the main suspect in a Christmas market attack that killed three people. WARNING: Suspect’s body is visible in video. (Dec. 14)

A Georgia police officer and a suspect died Thursday night after a traffic stop led to a foot chase and shooting just east of Atlanta, authorities said. A police dog was also shot and was listed in critical condition. (Dec. 14)

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Father Jim Sichko had a calling and it wasn’t just to God. It was to, well, everybody. Pope Francis named the Kentucky-based priest to a newly created fleet of Papal Missionaries, ministers who travel the world offering acts of mercy. (Dec. 14)

George Washington dies at age 67; Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and his group reach South Pole; Leaders of Bosnia, Serbia and Croatia sign an internationally-brokered peace treaty; Baseball’s Roger Maris dies at age 51. (Dec. 14)

It’s a busy time for Santa Claus, but he’s making time to scuba dive and feed the fish in San Francisco. The California Academy of Sciences launched its holiday festivities by having a diver dressed as Santa swim in the coral reef exhibit. …