The New York Times
The final stretch of December is usually a slow shopping period but stores are continuing to generate more traffic and sales that some chains are calling it the 13th Month or the "Second Season."  

Chicago Sun Times
One pawn shop owner Mathis thinks he might be able to help a U.S. Army veteran find a warmer place to stay — if only he could track him down.

The Hill
Before leaving town for the holidays, Congress passed a stopgap spending bill to keep the government’s lights on until Jan. 19.  

Forbes
Customers shuffle into The Dina Collection to peruse its selection of Cartier bracelets, Hermès Birkin bags and Patek Philippe watches.  

Ledger-Enquirer
One person is dead and two others are wounded after the shootout inside the pawn shop, police say. Police chief Ricky Boren said the man, Marquiell "Q" Wilson, 21, that was taken away in an ambulance is a suspect in the shooting. Wilson was released from Midtown Medical Center this week and charged with murder.  

Bitcoin.com
ccording to recent reports, bitcoin teller machines (BTMs) worldwide are popping up in great numbers; most notably in the U.S. as the country now commands roughly 1,279 crypto-dispensing devices.

NJ.com
New Jersey City Police Det. Jose Santana recognized items taken during an August burglary while conducting an unrelated investigation in a pawn shop and it led to an arrest this week.

wrbl.com
The owner says he can’t bring himself to continue business after one of his employees was murdered and another was injured during an armed robbery that went wrong December 20.