night. thank you for watching. we are back in 30 minutes with more news for you. >> glor: on the cbs evening news this thursday, a wild day in washington. defense secretary james mattis is stepping down. and a government shutdown appears more likely. severe weather could interfere with travel plans for millions. and we'll meet one of santa's oldest and happiest elves. all that and much more beginning with the headlines in 60 seconds. >> the defense secretary james mattis is leaving. >> this comes right in the middle of this debate over u.s. troops in syria. >> president trump has tweeted, "i greatly thank jim for his service." >> drama here at the 11th hour. >> washington might be getting a government shutdown for christmas. >> this idea of a wall is dumb! >> the fact is we need the wall. >> a purple heart veteran launched a gofundme page to pay