Remembering some of those lost in the deadly central Texas flash floods
There have been more than 100 deaths following the flash floods in Texas, and dozens more are still unaccounted for. We remember some of those lost in the floods.
Holiday Lights Flip Neighbors 'The Bird'
Authorities in Denham Springs, La., threatened Sarah Childs with arrest because her holiday lights were arranged in a particular shape. A judge sided with her, issuing a temporary order allowing her to light up the night with the shape of an extended middle finger.
Obama Focuses On Newtown, 'Fiscal Cliff'
President Obama has responded forcefully to the Newtown, Conn., shootings this past week. He assigned Vice President Biden to come up with policies aimed at preventing future such tragedies. The president has also been trying to strike a budget deal to avoid the year-end "fiscal cliff."
Plug Pulled On 'Plan B,' House Breaks For Christmas
House Speaker John Boehner was dealt a major defeat Thursday night. After spending most of the week trying to round up votes for his "Plan B" to extend tax cuts for virtually everyone, he pulled the measure without a vote. The clock keeps ticking toward the end of the year, when automatic tax increases and spending cuts are set to hit.
Yes Virginia, There Is A Smartphone-Controlled Toilet
A Japanese company recently announced it has such a device. Using a smartphone app, you can flush without touching the handle. You can also raise and lower the seat, and there are built-in speakers.
Bernie Madoff's Brother Is Headed To Prison
A federal judge sentenced Peter Madoff to the maximum sentence, 10 years, after he pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy.
More Israeli Settlements Could Scuttle Peace Plan
After the United Nations voted overwhelmingly to recognize the Palestinians as a non-member state, Israel announced it would expand settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. If completed, the project would effectively divide the West Bank in two, according to the Palestinians.
Coal Mining Museum Welcomes Solar Panels
The Big Pit National Coal Mining Museum, a former mine in Wales, celebrates the fossil fuel that sparked the industrial revolution. Now it's embracing solar energy. Renewable Energy World reports 200 newly installed solar panels could save the property as much as $650,000 over 25 years on power.
Dead Russian Parliament Member Voted 31 Times
Vyacheslav Osipov voted on 31 different measures despite being dead at the time. The rules allowed other lawmakers to cast votes for him by proxy. He's off the voting rolls now.
Sen. Warner: Gun Laws Alone Won't Solve Problems
Following the school massacre in Newtown, Conn., some staunch supporters of gun rights have shifted their tone and appear open to new action on gun control. One of them is Democratic Senator Mark Warner of Virginia. He talks to Steve Inskeep about his position.
South Korea's New Leader Promises Moderate Path
South Korea will have its first female president, following Wednesday's close presidential election. Park Geun-hye says she will be open to better relations with North Korea, but she leads a conservative party known for its hardline with Pyongyang.
Toyota Camry, Prius Downgraded On Crash List
Toyota's 2013 Camry received a crash-test rating of "poor" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. This is a big change from last year when the 2012 model received top marks from the group. This time the organization implemented a more stringent frontal crash test. Toyota's 2013 V was also scored as "poor."