1. Atlanta authorities say police shot and wounded a robbery suspect in a parking lot of a suburban shopping mall. The suspect showed a gun to an off-duty police officer after complaining he'd been robbed. Police later arrested the suspect at a nearby home and say his wounds were not life-threatening

2. In the waning hours before Christmas, the nation's retailers got a pleasant surprise--a last-minute shopping surge. The extra spending is expected to help stores' meet modest sales goals.

3. Chicago's airports are reporting normal operations after hundreds of flights were canceled over the weekend. After a high wind swept through the region, the Chicago Department of Aviation says smooth travel and fewer passengers are expected at O'Hare and Midway Airports because of the holiday.

4. Thousands of Christian pilgrims from around the world gathered in Bethlehem to celebrate Christmas. The crowds included American tourists, clergymen and Palestinian scouts. Tourists said they felt more at ease because of new peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians.