right now on cbs 2 this morning...where the main focus will be today as the southern u.s. continues to deal with spring-like weather. what police believe led up to a fatal shooting at a north carolina mall while people finished their christmas shopping. how one corridor church hopes to keep people coming back after the holidays. merry christmas friends!thank

morning.i hope your day today is a joyous one!what weird weather we've been having lately...i know you're all wondering what today holds. justin, what are we in for today?

there's no white christmas for us in the corridor today, but just a couple hours west of us...it is!a light snow fell across parts of central and northeast iowa thursday, just in time for christmas.but even though it wasn't a whole lot, it did impact holiday travelers.parts of interstate 35 near des moines had to be shut down for parts of the day. and yesterday in cedar rapids several areas were in clean-up mode.thunderstorms wednesday night brought strong winds that knocked trees down at a farm on the north side of town. nobody was hurt but a nearby home did have some roof damage. in a cbs 2 news follow up... up...the national weather

touched down near the quad cities. cities.they were part of that same system that moved through the corridor wednesday.one of the twisters was rated an e-f- one with winds of about 100 miles per hour.again, nobody was hurt, but some small buildings were damaged. the death toll has risen after strong storms and tornadoes slammed parts of the south. south.at least 11 people are dead from storms in arkansas, mississippi, and tennessee.at least 14 twisters hit mississippi wednesday, but most of the damage was done by just one.hundreds of families in the region are now with out homes.state of emergencies are now in effect for several states.more rain is expected today for much of the south, including georgia and alabama who are dealing with flooding. new this morning... morning...at least two tornadoes were also reported yesterday in central and northern california.one tornado did touch down near the sacramento area and traveled an estimated eight miles.right now - the national weather service is assessing damage from another possible

damaged homes and other buildings in both areas.no injuries have been reported. a fatal officer involved shooting at a mall is now being investigated in charlotte, north carolina. carolina.it happened early thursday afternoon.authorities believe it all started when an altercation between two groups escalated.an 18-year-old suspect fired a gun, prompting a reaction from an off-duty officer.witnesses say the suspect pointed a gun at the officer and the officer shot the suspect.the suspect died at the scene. "very terrified, and i was pushing him in the stroller and he's in the front, you know, and i'm thinking, 'get him out the way, just get out the way.'" way.'"the officer who shot the suspect is on paid leave while internal affairs investigates. a hit and run that killed a corridor woman is still being investigated in ames. ames.emma-lee jacobs of urbana died last monday morning after she was hit at an intersection just south of the iowa state campus.there were no witnesses. the only surveillance video

her dorm moments before she was hit.according to the des moines register, investigators have gotten 30-tips since jacobs' death.a driver has not come forward. in the race for the white house... house...a pair of presidential candidates will begin next week in eastern iowa. iowa.on monday - new jersey governor chris christie will make a couple stops.the first will be in dubuque for a town hall at noon before ending his day in davenport.on tueday - the republican will be in the corridor.christie will visit the hamburg inn down in iowa city and the field-house in cedar rapids.right now - christie is in the middle-of- the-pack in the g-o-p race. democrat martin o'malley will also be in eastern iowa monday he'll be making visits to waterloo and tama.the stops are a part of a four day tour of the hawkeye state for the former marlyland governor.his first event in iowa is sunday in des moines.o'malley is in third among the three democrats running. all three democratic candidates are experessing their disaproval of a federal agency's move to deport hundreds of illegal immigrants.

reports homeland security is preparing a large-scale effort to quickly deport families that illegally entered the u-s since 20-14.the raids will target adults and children already ordered to leave. thursday, hillary clinton, bernie sanders and martin o'malley all condemned the move.they say it unfairly targets families who were trying to escape brutal violence in central america. it was a packed house last night in north liberty. liberty.15-hundred people attended three christmas services at grace community church.and as cbs 2 news reporter mellaney moore explains, explains,church leaders hope people will come back, even after the holidays are over. over. for some, coming to church is a way to start their christmas celebration. celebration.01:51:14 we are committed to the lord jesus.this is his birthday, it is all about that.at grace community church, staff say christmas is part of what it's all about. about.church executive pastor 20:14:47 we hear the message of the baby jesus and people can think that's all good and cute, but the reality is, when

rescue mission. when he came it was really the start of him coming back to bring us back into right relationship.more than 1500 people attend the non denominational church with locations in north liberty and downtown iowa city.the church expects more people on holidays and with some regulars out of town, a different congregation. church executive pastor 20:07:51 we are so glad they're here. we just hope that they continue to be here then throughout the year as well and so that's definitely going to be part of our focus tonight .hansen hopes the message is welcoming, authentic and communicates christ can make a difference in one's life.according to the pew research center, fewer americans are identifying as christians. christians.1:34:15 we're an autonomous culture that doesn't really feel a need. jesus said when he came that he preached good news to the poor and if you look at our country, were affluent.the research shows the decline is mainly attributed to decreases in protestants and catholics. hansen says he has noticed fewer people identifying with a particular christian denomination, but still having a relationship with christ. christ.church executive pastor

hungry for that authenticity and in a sense, it almost would seem that some of the denominational matters can be kind of superfluous to the main things that we need to be about. about.01:53:58 jesus came to earth as the king and this is his kingdom, but we all want to be our own king.covering the corridor in north liberty, mellaney moore cbs 2 news. christmas came early for senior veterans in the corridor.home instead senior care celebrated its be a santa for a senior program . more than seven hundred seniors got presents through-out the week.it's the first year home instead has partnered with linn county veteran's affairs.other veterans volunteered to be santa to deliver the gifts. "a lot of these veterans have to rely on somebody to step forward to m,ake their christmas a little more enjoyable." enjoyable."home instead senior care plans to expand the program even more for next year. today is not just about recieving gifts but it's also a time to give back and mission of hope is doing just that. that.we now go live to cbs 2 reporter stephanie johnson.

hope this morning.stephanie, how's it going? going?merry christmas kelly, you are right mission of hope is all about giving back. right now volunteers are prepping.

stephanie johnson cbs 2 news. news.thanks, stephanie! it's after the break - -you're kids will love to see this!a popular disney character made a mundane task extra fun in new york!stick around for this fun scene!

everybody's getting in the everybody's getting in the christmas spirit, take a look at this! olaf pumping gas in new york! york!gas attendant daniel kendrick dressed yesterday up as olaf from the movie "frozen."customers say he is always ready to greet them with a song, dance, and smile.

crazy costume brightens peoples day. it's now on this morning.when we return.... return....it's our christmas in the corridor grand finale. we'll take you grand finale. we'll take you inside a very familiar home here in cedar rapids with some of the most decadent decorations you'll find in the midwest.

on this christmas morning - we're wrapping up our month long look at some of the best light shows and events in eastern iowa.we've gone from coralville, to the amanas, and even keokuk - iowa's most southern city!but for our last stop cbs 2 news reporter matt hammill brings us back to cedar rapids for a turn of the century holiday home- coming - as we celebrate christmas in the corridor. " absolutely the best time of year to visit brucemore is during christmastime " thousands seem to agree. brucemore is beautiful year round - but stunning during

are loving the lights and trees that turn every room - of cedar rapids most famous mansion - into a wonderland for children." i think the holiday season is about family and i think that's really what brucemore represents ... .. i think it has become a tradition for contemporary families to come and begin their holidays and celebrate their holidays here. " groups gather to hear about the grand stair-case - covered in garlan - with an amazing view from the top.there are thirteen christmas trees - - nearly one in every room - decorated in glorious themes and all overflowing in sparkling ornaments.and reflections from christmas past - bring all the fire- place mantles to life - some decked out - - others a cozy place for deer." it is totally different than the entire rest of the house. " katie bene-dix - loves the tahitian* room - howard hall's hangout - with palm trees in lights - and imagines the incredible christmases in this home." margaret had a catillion every year at this time of year in the great hall .. all the parties .. dancing ... ... just being able to come here

" everyone knows the legendary lions who lived at brucemore - - but people forget - three douglas daughters grew up here too.the nursery glows in christmas warmth - - along with a pair of their roller skates - under the tree - - and a puzzle they put together nearyby.brucemore has never been about how the other half ved - - for visitors it's exploring a simpler time and holiday history." brucemore is an anchor in our community, it's a cultural hub in our community and it's very much about the stories of who we've been, how we've grown as a community over the last century. "celebrating christmas in celebrating christmas in the corridor - i'm matt hammill hammill holiday mansion tours at brucemore continue until the

information, you can head to our website - cbs 2 iowa dot com. it's coming up... up...why fiat-chrysler is recalling hundreds of thousands of jeeps and s-u-v's.

it's still to come... come...why you may be in luck today if you're still waiting

fed- right now on cbs 2 this morning...the rush corridor businesses saw as shoppers tried to beat out the final buzzer before christmas. how you can make sure a grinch doesn't steal your christmas while you're not at home. ve ways you can make sure everyone can enjoy their christmas meal even if they have food allergies. merry christmas friends!thank you for joining us on this special morning.i hope your day today is a joyous one!what weird weather we've been having lately...i know you're all wondering what today holds. justin, what are we in for today?

a person was found dead yesterday afternoon at a car wash in waterloo. waterloo.the waterloo cedar falls courier reports the body was und around 2-30 at the kwik star gas station on west ninth street.waterloo police do not believe foul play was involved.the person's name has not been released.we also don't know if they were a man or a woman. new this morning... morning...the linn county sheriff's office needs your help finding this man.charles hobert junior failed to return to the linn county jail yesterday following a court- ordered furlough.hobert was sentenced on wednesday after pleading guilty to a number of charges, including stalking and forgery.if you have any information as to where hobert

call the linn county sheriff or the cedar rapids police department. a man has been arrested because black hawk county authorities, authorities,beleive he was preparing to deliver meth. meth.la porte city police stopped jordan jones early thursday morning for a traffic violation.a k-9 unit indicated drugs were in the vehicle. police not only found meth in jones' vehicle, but also at his home. he faces numerous charges, including possession of methampetamine with intent to deliver. black lives matter protesters continue their calls for justice. justice.several hundred activists disrupted last minute holiday shopping along chicago's magnificent mile yesterday.they're demanding mayor rahm emanuel resign following the fatal shooting of la-quan mcdonald last year by officer jason van dyke.van dyke has been charged with murder in the case.emanuel has apologized for his response to the shooting. the hawkeyes have made it to pasadena - and as thousands of fans get ready to join them there, con- artists are trying to cash-in.

yesterday morning, marion police are on the lookout for someone in a white hyundai sonata with washington plates selling fake tickets to the rose bowl. if you are making a purchase from someone you met on-line, police want to remind you that their lobby and parking lot are "safe zones" for those transactions.they made the space available in march, after an incident in colorado where a woman was attacked while responding to a craigs-list ad. it's finally christmas morning and many of you might be taking a deep breath after rushing around for last minute shopping.cbs 2 news reporter dora miller visited some busy stores yesterday and talked to some who felt the hustle and bustle of the holidays. holidays. it happens every year...last minule shoppers scrambling to their gifts...but wait -- "everything's still open, it's not that crowded here. seems like a good time to shop, seems like a good time to shop."doesn't seem to be any scrambling here... here... "thought it would be a good time to get the shopping done and sales are still good so here we are."more like strategic planning -- "go out, have a good time, have some coffee. it's really

you get the best deals because everybody's trying to get rid of their stuff."and what's last-minute shopping without a tinge of guilt -- or not. not. "it's a pattern of reckless behavior that needs to be stopped and i keep thinking i will, but it just keephappening." happening." "honestly, just procrastination. i have not gotten mom anything yet, so i thought i'd get it before tomorrow obviously."technology is a hot-ticket item this time of year... year... "we're looking for a camera on christmas eve." eve." "we're getting a new phone for my son."but so is this treat. treat. "dark chocolate, people really like our dark chocolate."for stocking stuffers, apparently chocolate goes over well. well."food is one of the items that's hot to be giving at this time of year."and if christmas cheer doesn't come in the chocolate variety...the power of persuasion won't be too hard. hard. "she says 'i need something evil' and so sicilian sea salt caramels are

should do the trick." all those gifts can be a tempting target for thieves this time of year.home break-ins happen a lot during the holidays.t there are ways you can protect yourself - it starts when you're throwing away the boxes from all your new toys and gadgets. 14:44:21 make sure when you bundle it that you keep the pictures on the inside so that the would be burglars can't see whether that's abox from a refrigerator that you got...that would be a great christmas present...or whether it is a big screen tv. sergeant hamblin says to lock your doors. cedar rapids saw a spike in home burglaries in november and december.a lot of those cases happened at homes that were un-locked.and although it is so beautiful, police say putting your christmas tree by a window can be an invitation for thieves because they know there are most likely presents under them.if you are traveling for the holidays, ask your neighbors to look after your home. we now have a cbs 2 consumer alert to tell you about. about.fiat chrysler has issued

recalls.the first includes 350- thousand jeep grand chekees model years 20-11 and 20-12 and some dodge durangos . wires for the lights on the vanity mirrors can over-heat leading to fires. the other recall involves nearly 60- thousand jeep compass and patriot s-u-v's with faulty clamps. so far - no injuries have been reported. if you're stll waiting for a christmas delivery, you may be in luck. luck.fed-ex is operating today in some markets, including cedar rapids.from nine a-m to one this afternoon, people will be able to pick up packages at the shipping center on beech way south-west. fed-ex says today's openings are to make sure packages scheduled for delivery by christmas make it on time.the company also says some employees volunteered to work today. as we get ready to enjoy our holiday meals, it can be stressful for those with food allergies. allergies.a rerent study from the centers for disease control says food allergies have jumped 50 percent between 19-97 and 20-11.nearly six-

states now have some form of food allergy.experts say just one bite of an allergenic food can be life-threatening. "cross contamination is an issue with some foods more than others. even a small amount of allergenic food, if that gets in something unexpected it could potentially cause a reaction." reaction."there are some ways you can be prepared for allergic reactions like this. this.first - epinephrine is the only medicine for a serious allergic reaction, so have some of that on hand.if you don't have it handy, make sure a person with food allergies doesn't eat anything with unknown ingredients. second, if you are the one who has a food allergy, reach out to the host and let them know about your let them know about your allergy.third - pre-pack a snack - that way no one feels left out.fourth, if you're the one with an allergy, play host yourself, then you'll be in control of what food is made. and finally - keep the original packages. that way anyone who needs to

it's still ahead... ahead...where the main focus will be today as the southern u.s. continues to deal with spring-like weweher.

praised as one of america's best mayors who governed as a pragmatist. bernie sanders passed more amendments in a republican congress

cracked the gridlock with john mccain to strengthen veterans' healthcare. bernie sanders. a consistent, principled, and effective leader. building a future to believe in.

"real housewives" "real housewives" star teresa giudice is out of prison and back in her new jersey mansion! mansion!here she is walking out of jail wednesday after serving 11 and a half months on multiple counts of fraud. giudice and her husband joe pleaded guilty last march to several charges... including lying on mortgage and loan applications.her attorney says giudice will be on home confinement until february fifth, followed by two years of supervised release.people magazine people magazine reports she took about a half hour to primp in the prison bathroom before she walked out. out.and that one of the first things she's going to do when she gets home is get a spray tan.people also reports that in prison she taught exercise classes and traded items she

beauty services.she also spent time writing a book that will be released soon.now that she's home, her husband will begin serving a 41-month sentence soon.the judge separated jail the judge separated jail time so that one parent could be at home with their four daughters.

we'll have another look at some of today's top stories, right after r is. cbs-2 news connects with the corridor.call us with your story tips at 1-800-222-kganor email us at news at cbs2iowa.comor connect with us on facebook - kgan cbs 2. dad: i'm on it. culligan man: dude. don't do it yourself. dad: no? culligan man: no. anncr: leave it to the experts. with a culligan whole-house water softening system, you get better water, and service you can actually count on.

you get better water, and service you can actually count on. dad: hey, culligan man. culligan man: hey! dad: this is great! culligan man: i know. anncr: leave it to the experts. with a culligan whole-house water softening system, you get better water, and service you can actually welcome back -- it's now we're taking a look at your_______ your_______ there's no white christmas for us in the corridor today, but just a couple hours west of us...it is!a light snow fell across parts of central and northeast iowa thursday, just in time for christmas.but even

it did impact holiday travelers.parts of interstate 35 near des moines had to be shut down for parts of the day. and yesterday in cedar rapids several areas were in clean-up mode.thunderstorms wednesday night brought strong winds that knocked trees down at a farm on the north side of town. nobody was hurt but a nearby home did have some roof damage. in a cbs 2 news follow up... up...the national weather service now says two tornadoes tohed down near the quad cities. cities.they were part of that same system that moved through the corridor wednesday.one of the twisters was rated an e-f- one with winds of about 100 miles per hour.again, nobody was hurt, but some small buildings were damaged. the death toll has risen after strong storms and tornadoes slammed parts of the south. south.at least 11 people are dead from storms in arkansas, mississippi, and tennessee.at least 14 twisters hit mississippi wednesday, but most of the damage was done by just one.hundreds of just one. hundreds of families in the region are now with out homes.

in effect for several states. more rain is expected today for much of the south, including georgia and alabama who are dealing with flooding. new this morning... morning...at least two tornadoes were also reported yesterday in central and northern california.one tornado did touch down near the sacramento area and traveled an estimated eight miles.right now - the national weather service is assessing damage from another possible twister in modesto.the storms damaged homes and other buildings in both areas.no injuries have been reported. a fatal officer involved shooting at a mall is now being investigated in charlotte, north carolina. carolina.it happened early thursday afternoon.authorities believe it all started when an altercation between two groups escalated.an 18-year-old suspect fired a gun, prompting a reaction from an off-duty y officer.witnesses say the suspect pointed a gun at the officer and the officer shot the suspect.the suspect died at the scene. "very terrified, and i iwas

and he's in the front, you know, and i'm thinking, 'get him out the way, just get out the way.'" way.'"the officer who shot,the suspect is on paid leave while internal affairs investigates. a hit and run that killed a corridor woman is still being investigated in ames. ames.emma-lee jacobs of urbana died last monday morning after she was hit at an intersection just south of the iowa state campus.there were no witnesses. the only surveillance video of jacobs is of her leaving her dorm moments before she was hit.according to the des moines register, investigators have gotten 30-tips since jacobs' death.a driver has not come forward. in the race for the white house... house...a pair of presidential week in eastern iowa. iowa.on monday - new jersey governor chris christie will make a couple stops.the first will be in dubuque for a town hall at noon before ending his day in davenport.on tueday - the republican will be in the corridor.christie will visit the hamburg inn down in iowa city and the field-house in cedar rapids.right now - christie is in the middle-of-

democrat martin o'malley will also be in eastern iowa monday he'll be making visits to waterloo and tama.the stops are a part of a four day tour of the hawkeye state for the former marlyland governor.his first event in iowa is sunday in des moines.o'malley is in third among the three democrats running. it's now on this morning.we'll be back after the break with your top eadlines on this christmas day. & sanders: over 2 million contributions have been made to the only campaign that rejects a corrupt campaign finance system. you can't level the playing field with wall street banks and billionaires by taking their money.

by taking their money. i'm bernie sanders, and i approve this message. a persononas found dead yesterday afternoon at a car wash in waterloo.the waterloo cedar falls courier reports the body was found around 2-30 a athe kwik star gas station on west ninth street.waterloo police do not believe foul play was involved.the person's name has not been released.we also don't know if they were a man or a woman. the linn county sheriff's office needs your help finding this man.charles hobert junior failed to return to the linn county jail yesterday following a court-ordered

on wednesday after pleading guilty to a number of charges, including stalking and forgery. if you have any information as to where hobert might be, you are asked to call the linn county sheriff or the cedar rapids police department. the national weather service now says two tornadoes touched down near the quad cities.they were part of that same system that moved through the corridor wednesday.one of the twisters was rated an e-f-one with winds of about 100 miles per hour.again, nobody was