OTTAWA—Expect election fever to climb a few degrees today when MPs return to Ottawa from their extended Christmas break. Conservative House leader John Baird said his party will introduce some new policies in this session of Parliament.

VATICAN CITY (AP) - Iraqi Christians celebrated a somber Christmas in a Baghdad cathedral stained with dried blood, while Pope Benedict XVI exhorted Chinese Catholics to stay loyal despite restrictions on them in a holiday address laced with worry for the world's Christian minorities.

The North Platte Telegraph Christmas spirit filled the downtown area in North Platte on Thursday evening at the 2nd annual Christmas parade sponsored by the Downtown Association.

The North Platte Telegraph The ornaments adorning the Christmas tree in the sitting room of Buffalo Bill's mansion are the result of hours of patience. Every year, organizations create themed trees for the Scouts Rest Ranch home in preparation for the annual Christmas at the Codys' event. This year there are 20 trees.

The North Platte Telegraph The Santa's Workshop display in Cody Park has come a long way over the past 64 years, but residents say the magic surrounding it still remains. For many, visiting it is a trip down memory lane.