Guns Smuggled on Passenger Planes to New York

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Tornadoes, Rain Slow Travel  A rare December tornado touched down in Mississippi today, knocking out power, flipping over vehicles and damaging homes. The twisters in Mississippi and Louisiana were part of a massive weather system threatening travel for millions, with wet weather triggering delays at airports in the East and South. Get the holiday forecast, including tomorrow’s winter storm watch for Chicago.     Learn More

Now Playing: The Interview  Screenings are selling out for “The Interview,” now set for release on Christmas Day at independent theaters. The reversal was praised by President Obama and the film’s stars, with Seth Rogen tweeting “freedom has prevailed.” As Sony explains its decision, will the hackers retaliate?     Learn More

Guns On Passenger Planes  How did a man get onto a Delta flight from Atlanta to New York with 16 handguns in his backpack? Police say the smuggling has been going on for five years, exposing a loophole in security for airport workers. NBC’s Pete Williams takes you through this scheme that moved guns from the airport parking lot to the tarmac after they traded hands in an airport bathroom.     Learn More

Bouncing Back?  If you’re spending more than usual on gifts this holiday season, you’re not alone. The consumer confidence index has hit an eight year high, as lower gas prices put an extra $1,100 on average in the pockets of families. There is also encouraging news about job growth, and the Dow reached 18,000 today, another indicator pointing to a more lasting change to the economy.     Learn More

Remembering New York’s Finest  Vice President Joe Biden will attend the funeral this weekend for one of the two slain New York City police officers. The city observed a moment of silence today and tonight its iconic skyline will dim its lights. As the tributes continue and families of the fallen describe feeling “shattered, broken,” questions persist about the role recent protests may have played in this attack -- and how to prevent it from happening again.     Learn More

A Brain’s Response to Prayer  Some disagree, but Dr. Andrew Newberg believes he has found proof that prayer can heal. He injects radioactive dye into people’s brains to see what happens as they reflect. Each time he has found something fascinating.     Learn More

A Hero's Welcome  Every December, the sons, daughters and spouses of fallen military heroes are treated to their own hero’s welcome at the annual Snowball Express. While their common bond is bittersweet, the event is far from that, as they are treated to flights, hotels and a sense of appreciation. One mom said, “You feel like you’re coming home every time for Christmas.”     Learn More