Two Storms Threaten Holiday Travel Rush

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Details of NY’s Deadly Ambush  Tributes poured in today for the New York police officers who were shot and killed Saturday, including a father to two teenagers and a newlywed. Their killer had 19 prior arrests and was described by his sister as emotionally troubled. The attack is heightening a rift between police officers and the mayor after weeks of racially-charged protests. For now, Mayor Bill de Blasio is calling for an end to protests until both funerals are held.     Learn More

Police On Edge  As police officers in Los Angeles and elsewhere are asked to wear black on their badges to honor those killed in New York, many of the nation’s police departments are now sending out safety warnings. Some are asking officers to patrol in pairs, advising them to remain vigilant, even when off duty. This weekend’s attack is part of a disturbing trend -- the number of ambush killings on police officers this year is now three times the average.     Learn More

Storms Threaten Holiday Rush  A pair of winter storms are threatening to hit the country just as millions of Americans are waiting for last-minute packages and loved ones to arrive. By tomorrow, airports in Chicago and Atlanta could be affected, with rain and wind expected at every major hub in the Midwest and East Coast by Christmas Eve. UPS and FedEx will also be put to the test and say precautions are in place to get your gifts delivered on time.     Learn More

Counter-Attack on North Korea?  Just three days after the White House threatened a “proportional response” to the Sony hacking, North Korea suffered a widespread Internet outage today. The State Department will neither confirm nor deny any possible U.S. involvement in the blackout. Meanwhile, after pulling its movie “The Interview,” Sony now has an update about its potential release.     Learn More

The Power of Prayer  Half of all Americans believe prayer can heal, so why is it nonexistent in the doctor’s office amid growing evidence of its impact? A Duke University doctor is working to change that, noting those who pray daily are 40 percent less likely to have high blood pressure. Detractors say it’s a coincidence and religion and medicine should be kept separate.     Learn More

The Original Sleep Aid  Having trouble sleeping? It may be your iPad, and there’s a low-tech solution for better dreams.     Learn More

The Wishing Tree  It’s as simple as it sounds. A community in search of more meaning around the holidays posts its wishes on a tree. There are pleas for puppies, lavender and a roof over one’s head. As Harry Smith reports, the tags of paper create a sense of hope and have become a reminder that it’s OK to wish for things -- even when you are a grown up.     Learn More