"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" showed few signs of flagging over Christmas weekend, barreling past the $1 billion mark globally at a faster clip than any film in history.

 Storms hit southern and central U.S. states over the Christmas holiday, unleashing floods and tornadoes that killed at least 41 people, flattened buildings and snarled transportation for millions during a busy travel time.

Severe storms unleashing tornadoes, heavy rain and hail across the southern and central United States left at least six people dead and dozens injured while snarling traffic as holiday travel began in earnest for the Christmas holiday weekend.