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This Morning from CBS News: Dec. 29, 2014

AirAsia search

An Indonesian helicopter searching for the missing AirAsia Flight 8501 jetliner saw two oily spots in the water Monday, and an Australian search plane spotted objects elsewhere in the Java Sea. But the Indonesian navy said vessels didn't find the slicks when they arrived where the helicopter had been, and CBS News correspondent Elizabeth Palmer reports it is too early to know whether the debris is from the missing aircraft and its 162 passengers and crew. CBS News correspondent Jeff Pegues reports the plane was a relatively new Airbus 320. It was delivered to AirAsia in 2008, straight from the production line.

Mystery flights

The search for AirAsia Flight 8501 is a reminder of another mystery: the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. At first glance, Flight 8501's disappearance echoes that of Flight 370; the airline and regional governments have so far failed to explain how this happened. But, CBS News correspondent Elaine Quijano reports, the circumstances surrounding 8501's disappearance, and the reaction of those involved, are shaping up to be very different.

No backs

New York City Police Commissioner William Bratton said on CBS News' "Face the Nation" it was "very inappropriate" for officers to turn their backs on New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio at the funeral for slain NYPD Officer Rafael Ramos. It was the second time officers had done so since the slaying of Ramos and his partner.

Student drivers

Ever seen a presidential motorcade? It's how presidents usually get from Air Force One to events -- two dozen or more vehicles zooming through closed-off streets at 40 to 60 mph, and it can get pretty hairy. What some may find surprising, reports CBS News White House correspondent Bill Plante, is that some of the drivers are students, local party volunteers or just people with friends in the White House.

Papal superstar

Pope Francis made history again this month helping the United States and Cuba on the route to establishing diplomatic relations for the first time in more than 50 years. The pope has a talent for bringing people together. You can see it even in how he signs his name. Popes have a special way -- the name, followed by "p-p," short for papa, and the appropriate Roman numeral. But this pope writes "Francis" -- just Francis. Scott Pelley reports for "60 Minutes" that humility has made the former Jorge Bergoglio a star, and a lot of his fans aren't even Catholic.

Taxman cometh

If you're finished with holiday family gatherings and gift returns, you should start thinking about taxes. While the April 15 deadline to file your federal income tax return is still months away, making some year-end moves now could reduce the amount of taxes you'll owe Uncle Sam.

Foreign affairs

Ukraine and cyber espionage were among the biggest issues abroad this year. Foreign policy challenges played a much more prominent role in 2014 than they have in recent years, as conflicts erupted across the globe. While the biggest challenges from the end of 2013 - including a civil war in Syria, nuclear negotiations with Iran and tensions with North Korea - remain unsolved, a host of new challenges cropped up, with more likely to come in 2015.

Healthy year

Health stories made headlines around the world this year, from the unprecedented Ebola outbreak to the growing use of medical marijuana, the uproar over Dr. Oz, and perennial concerns like diet and exercise. There were some promising breakthroughs, surprising scares and trends that had millions of people talking. Click through for our look at the most important and most talked-about health stories of 2014.

Hail and farewell

CBS News "Sunday Morning" host Charles Osgood brings a smile to your face, and maybe a tear to your eye, as he marks the passing this year of so many talented people who helped define our times.

Top News

World

Death toll in Greek ferry disaster rises, as 49 reach Italy

Senior Iranian general killed in Iraq during ISIS battle

Why does Pakistan's government hate Showtime's "Homeland"?

Politics

Rudy Giuliani calls on New York Mayor Bill de Blasio to apologize to cops

U.S.

Parts of L.A. on alert after gunfire aimed at police

Ferguson police spokesperson suspended after comment about Micheal Brown memorial

Alleged victims sue after sex offender wins lottery

Hawaii lava creeps closer to shopping center

Seahawks clinch No. 1 seed; Panthers take NFC South crown

SF 49er's coach departs, possibly for University of Michigan

California surfer survives great white shark attack

MoneyWatch

10 of the cheapest U.S. beach towns to buy a home

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