good morning. nature's fury. the death toll rises to seven in the devastating tennessee wildfires, as new tornadoes rip through the south overnight. now, more than 30 days. breaking overnight. a police officer shot called to a home in washington state. the suspect barricade insid ae home for hours. victory lap. president-elect trump, kicking off his thank you tour, in indiana and ohio. as his top cabinet picks get called out for bailouts and wall street. and lit. >> three, two, one.

does not stop the lighting of the world's most famous christmas tree in a star-studded and soaked celebration. rockefeller center shining bright. and the tree does not need watering today, thursday, december 1st, 2016. from nbc news, this is "today," with matt lauer and savannah guthrie. live from studio 1a in rockefeller welcome to "today." it's a thursday morning. now, we can celebrate. we got this gorgeous tree. it's all lit up. we got willie. you're just a lilt shorter than the tree. >> and you're still out here from last night. i won the coin toss. matt had to be out here in the rain last night. i get to be here now. it looked like fun. >> it was a beautiful night. we had a great crowd.

we'll have more on the tree-lighting. we want to start with destructive weather in the south. and in tennessee, the wildfires rages on. >> kerry sanders is in gatlin, tennessee. good morning. >> good morning, willie. a good portion of gatlinburg is in evacuation. there's fires burning here. if there's any good news, it's that there's little wind and the authorities don't think it will spread much beyond where it is right now. this morning, search and rescue efforts are under way. first responders in tennessee, still watching a few hot spots in the aftermath of raging wildfires. heavy rain was good and bad. the downside, mud and rockslides. this morning, more than 17,000 acres in the smokey mountains

firefighters said they did what they do on the blaze. this was on the johnson firefighters page. the caption, as close as we got to see sleep in 36 hours. drought and hurricane-force winds combine to create a firestorm. this morning, there are at least seven dead. and the number of people still missing, more than six. john and janet summers from memphis were gatlinburg with three sons. the sons are in the burn unit. their parents, not seen in three days. and michael reid is waiting to see if the bodies found wednesday are those of his missing wife, constance, and two daughters, 12-year-old chloe and 9-year-old lily. >> i don't know what to say about my 9-year-old. jeremy and jeffrey lost their home in the blaze.

the daughter keeps asking where her friend is. >> we pray. she's been praying for her also. she'll ask about lily. well, they haven't found her yet, honey. >> reporter: the morgans' family home burned to the ground. but like so many here, they're resolute to move on. >> we're rebuilding. we're not moving. this did not scare us away. we love this place and this is where we want to be. >> reporter: as firefighters try to get a this morning, here in town, there's the dollywood theme park. dolly parton has started a fund. it's called the my people fund. saying, in part, she wants to provide a hand up to those families who have lost everything. those families and others who had hoped to come back into the city have a much better understanding this morning of why they will be delayed getting

properties fared. willie? >> staggering pictures behind you, kerry. thank you so much. the storms that produced the storms in tennessee, produced tornadoes across the region. three people were killed. and one tore through rosily, alabama. that's where jacob rascon is for us this morning. good morning. >> reporter: the governor of alabama will be out later today. he will declare energy. store after store, just demolished. the national weather service surveyed this area and said it was an ef-2 tornado that came through here and was on the ground for less than two minutes. severe weather pummeling the south yet again. >> the people behind me had a trampoline. it's 20 feet up in a tree. >> reporter: lightning, torrential rain, and a possible tornado in south carolina, after a deadly outbreak of twisters throughout the region.

kaboom, everything hit. >> reporter: james benson and his family barely escaping after a tornado ravaged their home. >> scared. i'll be okay. >> reporter: in tennessee, another twister. the young family salvaging keepsakes, losing almost everything. >> i screamed at my husband saying, there's a tornado coming. there's a tornado coming. get the kids. grab the >> reporter: more than 30 tornadoes in 6 states. in georgia, high school students sang christmas songs after a tornado warning forced them to take shelter in the hallway. one of many close calls in the first deadly tornado outbreak in this country since may. so, just this morning the national weather service has confirmed there were 34

in fact, 7 states. the national weather service will be out later this morning, as will dozens of families, digging through what's left. and the city of bloomingdale, tennessee, has confirmed that the two people who died in that state, were a volunteer firefighter and his wife. willie? savannah? >> severe stretching up so much of the south. jacob in rosily, alabama. thank you, jacob. we move to politics. as president-elect donald trump he's kicking off a post-election thank you tour. he has a stop in cincinnati. and first, he makes a stop in indiana, to tout a deal that keeps about 1,000 jobs. kristen wellker, is in indiana this morning. >> reporter: hi, savannah. president-elect donald trump will be touting his first big

leaving the country. the entire day will have crowds reminiscent of the ones that helped him win the white house. donald trump tried to show, as president-elect, he can put the art of the deal into practice. >> we're bringing jobs back to our country. we're not going to let carrier leave. >> reporter: mr. trump making good on that promise. convincing carrier not to follow through to move its indianapolis plant to next coe. manufacture gas furnaces at home, preserving more than 1,000 jobs. trump tweeting, we will keep our companies and jobs in the u.s. while few details have been released by the deal. sources close to the negotiations, say carrier will receive tax breaks from the state, where mike pence is governor. carrier acknowledging, the incentives offered by the state were an important consideration. >> drain the swamp. >> reporter: meanwhile, there is

draining the washington swamp, after mr. trump named billionaire wilber ross as his secretary. and steve minucian as his secretary. >> he is handing the keys of the treasury to a wall street banker who helped cause the crash. >> transition officials are pushing back. >> both of thes fit the outsider bill, that they never worked in washington. >> reporter: all this comes as the drama of secretary of state intensifies. the transition team, says the president-elect has nor narrowed his pick down to four choices, including mitt romney, and rudy giuliani giuliani, campaigning for the role. trump officials not tipping their hands about the other two contenders. but john kelly may be in the

wednesday. mike pence held high-level meetings of his own, including with former secretary of state condoleezza rice. and trump tweeted about the carrier deal late last night. here's what he said. he said, look forward to going to indiana to be with the great workers of carrier. they will sell many air conditioners. all of this comes as president-elect trump has vowed to separate himself yesterday from his vast business empire. but still has given no des to do that. he's going to cap his day in cincinnati, ohio, thanking all of his supporters in that critical swing state. willie? savannah? >> kristin welker, thank you. in washington state, a officer was shot and killed. the suspect is dead, following an hours-long standoff. john has the latest.

department there's a memorial that's been growing since last night. since the officer was shot and killed, responding to a domestic violence call wednesday afternoon. but the situation has come to a dramatic conclusion recently. a 12-hour standoff ends with two children being rescued from a house. and the suspect, as you mentioned, shot and killed. this happened and started around 4:00 yesterday afternoon. tacoma police responding to a domestic violence call. the officer went we're told by witnesses, and shots were fired. soon, there was a standoff that ensued. meanwhile, the officer was taken, fatally injured to a local hospital. there was an emotional scene from the streets here, as the honor guard guided him from the hospital to the medical examiner's office. they had the s.w.a.t. situation lasting for roughly 12 hours. four officers were shot close to

back to you. >> terrible story for that town. john, thank you. in the meantime, there's new anger and outrage over a fatal police shooting in charlotte, north carolina. demonstrators took to the streets after prosecutors announced the officer involved will not face criminal charges. gabe gutierrez has the latest on this story. hi, gabe. good morning. >> reporter: good morning. police were on heightened alert here after that decision was announced. there were four arrests overnight but no m a district attorney saying that the gun at the shooting scene was cocked and loaded. and this story was much different than what it originally played out on social media. overnight, a small, peaceful process, in charlotte, slamming the district attorney'sec dision not to charge officer vincent, in the shooting of scott. >> this is a blow to our justice

nation. >> don't shoot him. don't shoot him. >> there's a huge gap between the police and the community. that's where we are here. >> reporter: right after the shooting, violence in the streets and questions about whether scott was armed. police say they were trying to serve a warrant to a different man at an apartment complex when they saw scott with a gun and marijuana. >> it's my opinion that officer vincent acted lawfully when he shot mr. scott. >> drop the gun. >> he doesn't have a witnesses claim scott was holding a book instead of a gun. but state investigators say that wasn't true. and he ignored commands to drop the weapon. >> don't shoot him. did you shoot him? did you shoot him? he better not be [ bleep ] dead. i know [ bleep ] that much. >> reporter: the officer releasing new surveillance video of scott before the encounter.

consistent with the hollister and gun that was described by officers at the scene. >> reporter: but scott's family says there's no proof there was a gun in his hand. >> whether he had a firearm in his hand or not. that's not the key question, in terms of determining whether or not keith scott should have lost his life. >> reporter: attorneys for the scott family say they are planning to file a civil lawsuit but are urging anymore protests to remain peaceful. willie and savann? we're learning about the final moments of that doomed flight, carrying members of a brazilian soccer team that crashed in colombia. here's nbc's keir simmons. >> reporter: all dressed in white, thousands pack the stadium in colombia, for a brazilian team that were set to play wednesday night. thousands more in the streets outside. in brazil, another memorial, at the home field.

>> i don't have words. >> reporter: making you cry. >> yeah. it makes me cry all day. >> reporter: aviation officials believe the plane ran out of fuel. and a stunning recording obtained by the associated press, between the control tower and the pilot. we are asking for priority in our approach. we have a full problem. the controller tells the pilot, he can start to approach in seven minutes. two minutes again asks to land. but is told, there is an aircraft below. she asks, how much time do you have to stay put? fuel energy, the pilot responds. i'm asking for immediate descent. a short time later, the pilot says the plane is in total electric failure and out of fuel. the aircraft slams into a hill short of the airport. this first responder says there were bodies everywhere and people screaming for help.

pointing to the tail of the plane, visible at the top of the hill. that's where the survivors were found. only six survived. among them, the stand-by goalie remains unconscious. his doctor, hopeful. >> he is a young patient. and also, he's very athletic person. >> reporter: most of his teammates are gone. last night, a balloon released for everyone of the 71 who died. >> that was keir simmons, colombia. now, new research that suggests hallucinogenic mushrooms may be beneficial for cancer patients. 80% of cancer patients who were given a dose of magic mushrooms had minimal side effects. in many cases, the benefit lasted for months. the substance has been illegal

research. the studies are published in "the journal of psycho pharmacology." >> i hope it helps a lot of people. mr. roker? >> i'm going to the weather map. that's where we're talking about santa ana winds, possibly. this is a cold santa ana wind. we have high pressure dominating. the high pressure going to build into the great basin. we have high wind warnings, watches and million people. a wind gust of 60 to 70 miles per hour, from shaver lake all the way to parts of colorado. i should say, arizona. also looking at the december outlook. out west, much cooler than average for december. we're looking at near-average for much of the country. warmer in the northeast. it's looking wet in the east, especially as you get to parts

cameras are showing the low clouds out there this morning and may catch some flurries off and on today. it will be breezy, too, but the winds will die down tonight and stay there for tomorrow. temps this morning are hovering in the mid 30s with some low 30s to the west. west winds are running mainly 10- 15 mph, although at times they are stronger. that will be the case through the rest of the day, with winds weakening this evening and turning more to the

>> and that's your latest weather. guys? >> al, thank you. coming up, a mysterious message branded into the skin of the california mother who survived a brutal kidnapping ordeal. we'll have the latest, as her husband is speaking out in an emotional interview. and on "rossen reports," new technology to keep your kids safe. the app you can download to track every call and search they

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become u-n-i's next president visits campus. mark nook isthe current chancellor at montana state university in billings. he has ties to iowa -- he received his masters in astrophysics at iowa state u-n-i's interim president james wohkpart outlining his vision for the university -- should he get the job. he previously served as provost and says he has an understanding of the strengths within the campus. the board of regents is expected to select the new president next week. opening pushed back to january or february. longer open december 10th. the multi-million dollar hospital been under construction for four years storm track seven meteorologist eileen loan is here now with your storm track seven forecast. from the kwwl stormtrack here is additional forecast breezy with flurries today, mostly cloudy tomorrow and saturday. some rain/snow showers sunday with a bigger system tracking in for the middle of sure to check kwwl dot com for

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good morning, everybody. it's 7:30, thursday morning, december 1st, 2016. that's how we start the month of december. we light the christmas tree. it's t-minus 25 days until christmas. we have a big crowd out on the plaza. we'll get outside and visit in a moment. >> a balmy start to december. inside studio 1a, a check of the headlines. the toll from the raging wild fires from tennessee is growing. seven people have died and 700 buildings have been damaged or destroyed around gatlinburg. the recount of presidential ballots in wisconsin begins today. it was requested by jill stein. donald trump won wisconsin by

after the recount. in the meantime, the president-elect is headed to indiana and ohio today to kickoff what they are calling a thank you victory tour. and golf's biggest star is making his return today tiger woods will be playing in the hero world champion challenge. it's his first following two back surgeries. you can see it on golf channel and this weekend on nbc. we start this half hour with the kidnapping of a california mother. nbc's gadi schwartz has been following this investigation for us. gadi, good morning. >> reporter: this morning, we have new details of the two women who kidnapped sherri papini. this morning, we also have new questions about the motivation behind this horrific crime.

sherri papini was found chained and beaten on the side of this northern california road, authorities released new clues about the two women suspected of abducting her at gunpoint near her home. >> she related that both suspects spoke in spanish during the time of her captivity. both of the suspects concealed their faces in an attempt to hide their identities from her. papini was able to provide basic details about her kidnappers. one woman was younger, with long, curly hair, pierced ears and thin eyebrows. the other was older with graying black hair and thick eyebrows. papini husband telling "people" magazine, she was badly beaten, her hair chopped off and branded by captors. >> she was bound. she had a metal -- a chain around her waist. a bag over her head. that is correct.

vehicle, chained to something. >> reporter: still unknown, say investigators, the motive for her kidnapping. is there any indication this is cartel-related or possibly sex trafficking? >> we don't have specific information. >> this is where we believe sherri was taken from. >> reporter: but private investigator bill garcia has his suspicions. he worked with the papini family during her disappearance but isn't involved with the sheriff's investigation. trafficking cases, she believes that she has the telltale signs. >> the beatings, the broken nose, the cut hair, especially the chains and the branding, indicate that it was most likely one of these sex trafficking groups. >> reporter: detectives are now working with a sketch artist as they compare papini's case to others in other states. her path to healing just beginning with her family by her side.

the two women who took her were driving a dark suv. so, investigators have been showing her surveillance video of the area she was abducted. but so far, she has been unable to identify that specific vehicle. savannah and willie, back to you. >> thank you, gadi, so much. let's look at the weather from al. >> we're looking ahead to the weekend and a fairly big rain event that will be taking place. starting off in texas. saturday, heavy rain for eastern texas. i'm concerned that it's going to be raining heavily in parts of tennessee, where they had the wildfires. and there's burn scars that could cause flooding. showers are with wet snow in parts of the northeast, as we go to sunday. look at the rainfall amounts, where with all of the gulf moisture. with three to five inches of rain through monday, in houston, shreveport and heavy rain in atlanta and macon, georgia, as well. that's what's going on around the country. stretched across the midwest. we

at 10-20 mph with flurries tracking through. temps only drop about 10 degrees tonight with cloudy skies and winds at 5-10 mph from the northwest. we stall in the mid 30s to low 40s tomorrow with some breaks in the clouds for the afternoon. a weak system tracks through sunday with some rain and/or snow showers >> and get that weather anytime you need it. check out the weather channel on cable. >> thank you, al. still ahead, music and british royalty. the event that had rihanna and prince harry all smiles. but first cyber safety for your kids. >> i'm jeff rossen. coming up, our kids are always on their phones, right? we have no idea what they're up to. until now. we tell you about the three apps you can download today to keep them safe. even watch their every move, live.

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we're back at 7:40 this morning. and "rossen report" how to keep your kids safe when they're glued to their phones. >> reporter: good morning. we want to keep our kids safe, especially when they get to that age when they can't seem to put their phones down. most of the time, we have no clue what they're doing, what they're typing. bus changes. we're about to show you lee apps you can download, on your kids' phones to monitor all of their activity. quick and easy. your kids are leading secret lives. on their phones. but now, secret's out. three smartphone apps designed to help you monitor not just your child's web hisser to, but every text, every phone call, even your kids' location.

>> what about you? >> reporter: and their two teenage kids. >> yeah. yeah. >> reporter: they're always on their phones. today, we're about to show mom some new tricks. we've downloaded the apps on your kids' phones. we can monitor everything they're doing. >> okay. >> reporter: first up, net nanny. this app allows you to control your kids' internet activity remotely. you can choose the exact >> that's great. awesome. >> reporter: it goes a step further. you can block the type of websites. dating sites, newty, pornography, tobacco. >> helpful, yeah. >> reporter: suicide, for example. you can set it to warn mode, so you will get a warning if your kid types suicide in. >> that's helpful because of the cyber bullying, everything that happens in a teen's life that's common today.

more. called secure teen. this one gives your kids' call logs. you know who your kids are calling and who is calling your kids. you can actually read your kids' text messages. >> that's fantastic. >> as scary as that might be. >> reporter: we have your daughter's called up here. >> come over, her friend. and her friend says i have a cheer scavenger hunt. >> reporter: a called teen safe. not only tracking text messages and calls. but it pinpoints your child's exact gps location, instantly. your son is a driving age. and any mom who has a kid who drives -- >> a nightmare. >> reporter: this app gives you the coordinates of where he is any given time where he is. >> that is awesome. i see him there. >> reporter: and the app is right. we actually have a camera with

parking lot. here's the coolest thing of all. we worry about texting and driving. >> absolutely. i tell my kids all the time, don't text and drive. >> reporter: if you think he could and you don't want him to have the option -- >> absolutely. >> reporter: click on the teen safe app. you see the pause button? his phone is frozen. >> my phone is locked. i can't do anything. i can't text. >> for a parent, this is fantastic. >> reporter: you'll use this? >> absolutely. you but you'll use it. >> yes. yes. >> reporter: he will be safe, though. >> that's the most important. >> reporter: i made an enemy of every teenager in america right now. some of you are watching this saying, i'm downloading thes. a or you're saying, this goes too far. we have to trust our kids. this invades our privacy. it's a great debate to have in your home with your kids today. now, you know what you can do. >> we're too early with the kids on the phones.

the personal safety aspect for it, with the suicide mention. that's something i would want to know as a parent. >> it's an interesting discussion to have. >> you were asking if you can download it secretly for your kids. >> well. first of all, my baby is 2. i'm curious. do the teens know this is on their phone? >> they know it's there. if they disable it, you know that, too. >> you are making me look terrible. >> sorry. >> what is vail up to? speaking ofou you have any idea of what they're talking about? a group of teenagers will tell you what the slang words actually mean. we're happy to have carson back. he's going to put a wrap on the no shave today campaign. no shave today campaign. and carson is not no shave today campaign. and carson is not the first person to survive alzheimer's disease is out there. and the alzheimer's association is going to make it happen by funding scientific breakthroughs,

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carson, you're holding on to your facial hair. we shave on december 1st. i don't know where the share is. >> carson is not pleased. >> let's go back to november. all to raise awareness for men's health. for 30 days, we've been tracking the progress of our own facial hair, and you the viewers, online. using and the month of scruffyness has paid off. 21 countries participated in the movember campaign. bringing in $40 million. in the u.s., $10.8 million of that. bringing the grand total to over $750 million. the majority of that money goes to funding men's health programs. online, we saw people get creative with their hair. groups coming together to support the cause, which we

ways to take part, great shot there. and of course, you can go to today.com to learn how you can keep supporting men's health, long after the month of november is gone. and i swear, i thought i would walk in today, i thought there would be a chair. i've been waiting for 30 days to get this small animal off my face. and i walk in, clean faces everywhere. >> you got your goatee. >> are you going to keep yours? >> i'm going to keep it for a little while. >> now, out of protest, i might >> continue. >> full zz top. >> the shave we normally do is so great. i was looking forward to today. and nothing. >> no shave. and it's not behind that door. there's no shaving guy coming. >> i think carson needs a hug. >> i'll always take a hug from uncle al. >> that beautiful tree. >> breaking news, our producer says he will do it for you tomorrow, carson. >> hang on another day.

rub. >> and a foot massage. >> i'll shower tonight and be ready. >> and a back shave, incidentally. >> i'm good. kelly clarkson. >> coming up, the unusual -- tipsy drivers from getting behind the wheel. and our holiday toy guide with our favorites. when we were younger and the modern versions your kids will love. and jill hi, i'm paul and i used to ask if you could hear me now with verizon. i switched to sprint because their network reliability is now within 1% of verizon. and they save you 50% on most current at&t, t-mobile, and verizon rates. why is this one twice as much? this one right here has 1% more needles. why pay twice as much for only a 1% difference? we'll take this one. can you hear that? (vo) don't let a 1% difference cost you twice as much. happy holidays to you and your family. for people with hearing loss, switch to sprint today. visit sprintrelay.com give your home the gift of huge holiday deals

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new this morning -- case dismissed. a lawsuit filed by the family of a woman killed in an eastern iowa mall will not be moving forward. alexander kozak -- a mall security guard -- shot and killed andrea

ridge mall last year. farrington's family filed a the case had been scheduled to go to trial next year -- but has been dismissed. iowa police departments are remembering officers who died this year. two iowa companies created this christmas tree to honor them. the tree skirt displays the names and badge numbers of the five fallen officers. this week its on display at the urbandale police department. storm track seven meteorologist eileen loan is here now with your storm track from the kwwl stormtrack 7 weather team. see the screen for your complete stormtrack 7 weather team: breezy with flurries today, tracking in for the middle of

?? it's 8:00 on td. coming up under assault. a new string of tornadoes sweeps across the south. >> 30 seconds later, k as the region tries to recover from the worst fire in more than a century residents try to pick up the pieces. teen talk. >> let's dip it. >> straight. ratchet. >> we get the latest on the teens in the hallways. what do they mean? and when harry met rihanna. today is thursday, december 1st.

>> we're from north dakota. we left 81 degrees to be here on the plaza! whoo! >> give a little bit. >> we're sisters from mississippi. >> from alabama to the plaza, merry christmas. whoo! good to be here. heads-up, everybody. talking about today, it's thursday, december 1st.

here. >> savannah, a throwback throw. >> supertramp. >> "give a little bit." >> it turns out this may be the last throwback thursday for say, 12, 13 weeks. >> yes, i'm going on my maternity leave after tomorrow. tomorrow is my last day. >> i can't believe you made it this far. >> we were watching tv last night, my family sees savannah, they're like, how much longer is she going to work? >> people are like, we don't want to see her water break. >> you do deserve that rest. but it's not rest. >> not rest. >> tomorrow is savannah's last day. we'll, of course, have a fitting sendoff for savannah to go along

deals in history. but first, jill's got unbelievable bargains to share with holiday gifts for eye kids. >> "thursday night football." a home cooked meal. padma is up there. we've got recipes to try tonight. >> this sounds good. first a check of the headlines. >> reporter: we begin with devastating tornados that ripped through the south. i'm jacob rascon in rosalie, alabama. this is the town hardest hit. you're be the town's only shopping center. the national weather service now tells us it was an ef-2 tornado that ripped through the area. it was on the ground for less than two minutes and 1.7 miles. and dozens of families will be digging through the rubble. and other people did not survive. the national weather service says that's one of 34 tornados that seven different states. that storm system will continue to move on but the tornado

declared a state of emergency and will be among those out today to survey the damage. for more on weather in the south, we go to gatlinburg, tennessee. and nbc's kerry sanders. >> reporter: well, a good portion of gatlinburg remains in evacuation zone and for good reason. just before sunrise, you can see another fire sparked here. this is a home that now burned to the ground. the fire department was on the scene quickly. but remains here with a death toll that stands at least seven. at least six people are missing. savannah. >> all right, kerry, thank you so much. a jury in charleston, south carolina is beginning a second day of deliberations in the murder trial ofic melha slager. he's the former police officer who was captured on his control phone camera shooting a black motorist after a traffic stop. slager testified that in hindsight, he would have not chased walter scott on foot in

the jury deliberated for about an hour before going home for the night. an ailing visitor at the south pole. the patient, 86-year-old buzz aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon as part of the apollo 11 crew. aldrin was in stable condition. ar into the california hall of fame. governor michael brown said the former first lady enriched the lives of others. by the way, other inductees, harrison ford, and late baseball legend tony gwynn. coming up a plumbing

and we'll help you understand the secret language of teens. that's right. and throwback toys on throwback thursday. how our favorites as kids are being reunited after a whole new generation but first these

at progresso, we are now using 100% antibiotic and hormone-free white breast meat chicken in all our chicken soups! reatest opus! i found barbie a home! what, oh no! this one's even better! great.

it's you remember this, right? >> carson back at the table. he is the hardest working man this time of year. finally, we get to see how he lives. not carson daly. we don't want to know that. we're talking santa claus. zillow posting santa's home on the north pole. looks like santa is doing okay. he has a three-bedroom, two-bath

santa is doing well. just to be clear. zillow says the 19th century home is not on the market. >> wow. >> he doesn't have a sleigh bed. >> wonder if the elves live that good. >> you don't want to see the elves' place. >> exactly. here's a house that maybe should be on zillow. why? look at what the home owners found in their toilet. >> this is the worst. >> oh, yeah. >> this is what nightmares are made of. >> it's an snake. one of the homeowners went to the bathroom in the morning. this is what they found. we'll tell you. anybody who has bathroom stories, this beats it. >> this is a real thing. >> happened in south africa. the homeowners were shocked, needless to say. called the snake catcher. he couldn't get it. why? >> he's got him. >> it slips and goes down the drain. >> he slithers back down. yes. >> oh. oh. >> has not. >> the guy brings in that tiny tube with a snake in it.

eight-footer. >> he slithers back down. he hasn't been spotted since. and the ward is, the homeowners have been holding it ever since. >> it's like an apartment complex. nobody is going to the bathroom. >> like whack-a-snake. >> i would be out of there so fast. >> i would be gone. >> back-to-back. >> would you sit down? >> of course not. eight feet and poisonous. that's enough to move for me. out. >> they have cameras in the pipes. residents want to put boiling and acid down. >> they don't want him to do that. they killed 22 out houses. police department in canada has come up with an unusual way to punish drunk drivers. a post on facebook says, offenders will be charged. but they will be hauled in a police cruiser and forced to listen to this. ? every memory, i'm looking out

>> forever the canadian punch line. yet, they are the punchline forever. >> are they really? >> yeah. it's a thing. >> they're a never-ending target of abuse, from their fellow canadians. the department is trying a new approach to communicate the age-old message. i never understood the nickelback thing. >> they had v a string of hits that sound so similar. >> t's ? never want to give you up ? >> they haven't earned that scorn. >> that's a hilarious thing. we're going to listen to nickelback. >> jack it up. we got pop stars. >> we're going to have good news for kanye west and his family this morning. our sister network, e! is reporting that kanye is out of the hospital and back at home with his wife, kim kardashian and their kids. kanye spent a week in the hospital, after reportedly suffering from mental

he is doing better. spat spotify releasing their biggest acts of the year. and one artist crushed all others. >> right. yeah. >> drake. >> are you surprised by that? >> i'm not. but he's amazing. >> he dominated the radio. the spotify listing. he gets the most streamed track, most streamed album and artist. "one dance," the most popular song. bruno is definitely on there. >> i love bruno. >> don't put bruno in the corner. >> he's his own spotify. >> that's right. finally, rihanna, on another list on spotify. but she's also making headlines this morning for her royal run-in. rihanna hosted prince harry during his visit to her native barbados. and harry looks happy.

celebrating the nation's 50th anniversary of independence from britain. it caps harry's two-week tour of the caribbean. >> the two of them got together, the internet would explode, right? >> i think he's spoken for. >> we're not even playing a rihanna song here. right? >> i don't know what's happening with rihanna. >> ironically written by nick taylor, his ex. >> that's >> carson, we're so happy to have you back. "teens tell all." and this morning, we're tapping into that slang and what it means. >> stephanie is here with a guide that will make us feel old. >> reporter: good morning, guys. parents should watch and listen closely. but definitely don't try this at home. >> hits. >> let's dip at 8:00. >> iconic. >> girl, you're straight poppin'. >> she ratchet. >> reporter: need a translater

we found some. >> salty is a word in a you describe when someone is not in a good mood. >> down in the d.m. means when deciding when you're going to hook up. >> woke means to be alert and aware of what's happening in today's world. >> reporter: teenspeak is nothing new. every generation has its own language. just consider hogr morphed through the years. boss. groovy. mad. rad. the bomb. and today, it's lit. >> lit means that something was awesome. the party that i went to was so lit. >> reporter: teens use coded language as an expression of independence, a way to create an identity separate from parents. and sometimes, to keep their parents in the dark. >> netflix and chill is when you go over to your significant other's house and you guys go to watch netflix. but you don't watch netflix.

like a bird call to your social group, creating an instant bond. >> straight fire means you're hot. >> suh, dude. abbreviation for what's up? >> reporter: and there's slang words for the group itself. fam is the inner circle. >> fam are the people that you ride or die with. >> if you're going down the hall, you say, what up, fam? >> reporter: not to be confused with squat, a word taylor swift. >> squad goals, when your group of friends has something that everybody else admires. >> reporter: taylor swift isn't the only musician with entries in the urban direction nair. >> i slay. >> reporte r:beyonce, for slay, flowless and i woke up like this. and pop culture generates slang.

>> that is so fetch. >> stop trying to make fetch happen. it's not going to happen. >> reporter: once a word goes mainstream, it's dead. yolo, short for you only live once, was popularized by drake. yolo became so overused, drake apologized on "snl." my sincerest apologies. >> reporter: bae is like a short word for b and i use it to call your boyfriend or girlfriend. >> if you don't want to take the time to say baby, it saves you lot of time. >> reporter: bae went the way of yolo, once it showed up on "ellen," and tweets by burger king, sonic and olive garden, bae was used. take on fleek, which started about perfect eyebrows.

and in a matter of months, taco bell and ihop for tweeting it. if you use it now, you're basic. >> it's basic to like starbucks or have uggs. you're not original. >> reporter: as a parent, you may want to be goals. but there's one surefire way to get your kid the throw some shade. that's talk like this. or worse, like seth meyers, trying to make friends. >> hey. what's up, play. that was a dab. >> the big takeaway is as a parent, you're not supposed to get it. and the painful truth is, we're kind of not cool enough. >> no. >> we're basic. >> we are basic. >> the coolest thing is to not try. let them have their words. >> remember when your parents said it and it was so cringe-worthy.

>> that's right. >> what have you got tomorrow? >> it's going to be good. we challenged a group of kids to go a full week without their cell phones to see if they could do it. >> did they survive? >> just barely. would you survive? >> i know. >> probably not. >> all right, steph. it's been fun. see you tomorrow. mr. roker, let's get the weather. >> all right. 23 skadoo. cat's pajamas. that's a seasonal weather pattern. temperatures where they should be. vegas, 60. 44 in denver. 47, st. louis. new york city, in the mid-50s. 40s by the time we get to saturday. but colder air will be coming in, by next week. look at billings by wednesday. 14, denver. oklahoma city, chill downing to 40 stormtrack7 live weather netk

this morning and may catch some flurries off and on today. it will be breezy, too, but the winds will die down tonight and stay there for tomorrow. temps this morning are hovering in the mid 30s with some low 30s to the west. west winds are running mainly 10- 15 mph, although at times they are stronger. that will be the case through the rest of the day, with winds weakening this evening and turning more to the northwest. that's right. football night. weekend begins tonight. thursday night. football night in america. america's team, the boys, coming into u.s. bank stadium in minneapolis. cloudy and cold. it's a dome stadium. if you're tailgating, it will be 33 degrees. catch coverage of tonight's game at 7:30 eastern, right here on nbc thursday night, "football night in america." >> thank you very much, sir.

>> and we are launching our two-day toy guide. and because it's throwback thursday, we're starting with our childhood favorites. >> we have lori, a style editor for "good housekeeping." a lot of us participated in a piece for the magazine. we talked about our favorite toys as kids. and you're updating. >> i get to start. >> i do. >> snoopy was my number one. >> snoopy has never gone >> second was, i wanted a light bright. >> we have the old light bright. but the update is the light-up doodle art. this is today. you get this old-school etching art. you get stencils. different art. you can flip the light on. you can do six different ones. and it will light up and it changes color.

this is his toy because it's a wooden toy, which i love to make fun of him for. he loves this. and tell me about the update. >> what matt was saying for "good housekeeping," he loved that it occupied him for hours. really, created a lot of focus. what we wanted to do is say, matt this, is great. but we have an update. a three-dimensional update. you get the little marble. and there's a 360-degree orbital path. and this is good for skill-building. critical thinking. it's good for -- does he have excellent motor skills? >> he does. my results may vary. >> don't worry. this was not a "good housekeeping" award winner. but this is fun. >> over to willie. >> that's like a cat with a ball

>> this was me 8 or 9 years old. professional wrestling. the rubber action figures. >> who was your favorite? >> hulk hogan. >> welcome to the world of wwe. no longer, willie geist, do you have to use what's in your head. you can get john sina, and i'm going to get the rock. >> now what happens? >> you can do different moves. >> watch out. >> a little action. >> i watched wwe and didn't see that. >> these are $26 at toys "r" us. if you do, because you're so creative. if you want to use your own catchphrases. i'm going to hand over this microphone to you. press this button and talk and announce. >> can you hear that? >> it plays back.

there's arena sounds. catchphrases. and you can do your own. >> i'll be busy all weekend. >> go to your room. >> mr. roker, i feel aligned with you on this. this was my favorite toy. why did you love the viewmaster? >> it took you to places you couldn't go. you could look at your favorite tv shows or movies. and it was in 3d. >> what's so cool, is mattel has updated for the v.r., the you have the viewmaster. and use this lever here. just like the old viewmaster. and start looking around. what al is looking at is a virtual reality of safari of -- there's wild life. there's rain forests. and it's educational. it blends the technological and the education. you need a smartphone. that's for $40 and mattel. >> you have 30.

>> the new magic 8 ball. >> are the raiders going to be 10-2 after this weekend? >> of course. >> yes. you can get this on amazon under $9. >> suck it, buffalo. >> why did you love these? >> i'm a doll person. i have my original cabbage patches at home. >> now, we have american girl welly wishers. there's $16, which is a lower they embody social and environmental girls, making friends. >> activist dolls. >> hey, girl. >> hey, hoda. >> i loved the etch-a-sketch. >> here we have, your picture. my first sand scribbler, from crayola. that's $19. you attach it to the magnet.

>> oh. >> have a seat. >> that never happened.

newest member of the linn county board of supervisors is calling for a special prosecutor for a cedar rapids officer-involved shooting case. earlier this month an officer shot jerime mitchelle following a traffic stop. a grand jury will determine whether the officer should face charges. supervior stacey walker wants a special prosecutor to present evidence to the rgand jury. "one of the things i hope everyone in the community understands is that we can admire and respect what police officers do, while holding them to very high sar the officer who shot mitchelle --lucas jones -- was involved in a deadly shooting last year. storm track seven meteorologist eileen loan is here now with your storm track seven from the kwwl stormtrack 7 weather team. see the screen for your complete weather information. here is additional forecast mostly cloudy tomorrow and saturday. some rain/snow showers we'll be back in 30 minutes, be sure to

you're watching k- w-w-l, we've got you [ bird warbling ] [ whispering ] the new iphone's finally here. and you can get it on any network, but why would you? u.s. cellular's got a great new offer, and we put towers where the other guys didn't for a strong signal wherever you go... [ cellphone ringing ] is that you? ...'cause like i said, u.s. cellular's signal is strong. so, you might want to put your new iphone on silent. woman: hi, honey, it's your mother! dude. why is it so dark? act now, and you'll get iphone 7 for half off

?? good morning, everybody. that's a cute sight. december 1st. really getting in the spirit. it is thursday. and look who we have there, top chef, lending a hand to our annual toy drive. toy to the plaza. still ahead -- take a look at studio 1a. can you tell these two, mother and son. that's elizabeth hurley and her son damian. and we're going to catch up with them and find out what it's like to work with your mother on "the royals." >> good genes in that family.

week of "steals & deals." jill has a look at the gifts for the kids in your life. first, al has weather. mr. roker. drive for good on the plaza is created with our sponsor mazda, as the mazda drive for good event, driving matters most when you're driving for good. well, last night's tree lighting, i thought it would be neata my city winning 30,000 for his organization, as part of mazda's drive for good campaign. jamal, good morning. it's good to be drier, isn't it? >> it is. feels good. thanks for having me today. >> tell us about the organization. >> you bike to work every day. but a lot of chicago teenagers have never been downtown or seen lake michigan. their world view is shaped by a few blocks. that reality is tragic. when you ask them what they want to be, they say a rapper or a basketball player.

and we take them to nbc. to gatorade. we expand their world view. >> what will be award mean for your organization? >> we get to help more teenagers in chicago. we want to serve six schools next year. >> what can people do? >> they can go to our website -- first of all, al, they can buy a hoodsie. the best tax ductable hoodie in the world. you can represent your block and your hood. n >> thank you. >> all right. let's check your weather quickly. show you what we got going on as far as today's concerned. not a bad day in chicago. 42 degrees and some clouds. some snow back through the plains. and developing santa ana winds out west in the southern california area. mild in the east, with plenty of sunshine in the gulf coast and the mid plains. that's what's going on around the country. here's wha stretched across the midwest. we will be in the upper 30s to low 40s today with west winds at 10-20 mph with flurries tracking through. temps

mph from the northwest. we stall in the mid 30s to low 40s tomorrow with some breaks in the clouds for the afternoon. a weak system tracks through sunday with some rain and/or snow showers >> don't forget. go to the weather channel on cable. ladies? >> thank you so much. a brand new season of elizabeth hurly's hit new show "the royals" begins sunday night. promises to be a battle royale for control of the crown. >> and elizabeth's son, damian, is joining the cast for his television acting debut. take a look. >> i am the crown prince of liechtenstein. he needs to bow down to the crown. nobody knows what it's like to

>> elizabeth and damian, good morning. damian, welcome. >> thank you. >> this is so exciting. you work together in the sense that it's on the show. but you play a character on a tv show. it's kind of a show within a show. did mom give you advice? >> she said, learn your lines and don't be annoying. >> were you a little nervous? when you have your son there, it's one thing for you to take care of business. but it's another thing to watch him in action. your son do his thing? >> on the first show of "the royals" he came on the show every day. so, he was very comfortable. they promised him a part one day. and this day came. we looked at each other. and he said, mom, what can i can't do it? and the script came. it was a german accent. a difficult scene. i was like, i really hope he's good. you know what, he was a

i was the chaperon. i was his servant. handing him water. he didn't need help. >> no tips? >> he didn't need any. >> don't get on their nerves. >> he's been watching the best forever. >> damian, do you have the bug? >> i felt really at home. it was good. i am hooked on it. >> it's fun to look at your instagram. because we love you. when you're writing about your son, it's a whole other side of you. it seems like you're more >> it's true, isn't it? it's handling on the baton. as we say. i'm interested for him. he's at school, full-time school, i might add. this is in the vacations. he's a baby still. >> i'm 14. >> he likes it a lot. we'll see what happens. >> damian's like, don't call me a baby on national tv. >> he's big and strong. >> exactly. a television star. you have to forgive us. we have a dramatic ending in the last season. where do we find helena in this

know who killed the king, her husband. that's now put to rest. at beginning of season one, it was a state funeral for the prince of wales, my favorite and eldest son. however, at the end of season two, it's teased that perhaps he's alive after all. and we think he's going to come back. prince robert, my favorite son. if he did come back, it will change everything. shake everything up. and he was my favorite. >> reading a little thing you and his girlfriend. >> oh. >> do we picture them as a real couple? >> yes. >> do you want -- >> tell us what you think. >> i've met her. yes. she's enchanting. and to have somebody -- i want her to marry into the real royal family. to have someone that's talented, successful, a woman of her own, gorgeous and american is what the royal family needs. and i am behind it. >> he's been on our show a lot. she's a real person.

>> good luck. >> i can't stop looking at the two of you because you are literally a mini-me. it's happening in front of us. good luck. thanks again. season three of "the royals" begins sunday night on our sister network, e! up next, jill has a kids' edition of "steals & deals." and we'll help you have a stress-free holiday. but first, this is "today" on nbc. >> thank you. thank you. thank you. good luck. switch to centurylink and get up to 40 megs of high-speed internet for just $20 a month. that's the speed you need to stream... ...game... ...connect on social media... learn, shop and more with fast in-home wifi.

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[ cheers and applause ] it's day four of our stress-free holiday "steals and deals." we covered everybody on the list. we need to get the kids in here. >> today, contributor jill martin is back with more bargains this morning. good morning. >> we had girls. we have guys. tomorrow, an hour. this is "steals and deals" week.

we have world tech toys and flying figures. the retail is $70.99. >> little drones? >> yeah. they fly right out of the box. no assembly require. it's ages 8 and up. and i'd love for an adult to be around because we were testing them. and they fly fast. i want to put that out there. all of your favorite superheros, retails $70.99. the deal is the shelves. >> literally. >> these are headphones. $149.99. you go on today.com to see two different choices. one has a microphone in it. one has wireless bluetooth streaming. they're superchic and fun.

70% off. >> what did you say? >> you almost need them with all of the drilling going on. >> this is good. >> i love this. i know what you're going to say after i tell you. there's ten in a set. the random house li'l golden book sets. 16 iconic sets. ten books in each set. if you have ten little friends. >> you can split them up. ten gifts. >> that's how my mom thinks. >> all of the c here. great variety. the retail $43.90, the deal, $15. up to 70% off. >> these haven't changed over the years. i love these. >> and it's nice to have a real book. i read real books, as opposed to everybody on their ipad. this is called little giraffe stuffed animal and blanket set. the retail is $94. this is the lion and the

bear. the retail, $94. $28, 70% off. >> these are cute. look at the models. >> this is cole, isla and mila. say hello. >> hi, guys. >> they're our models this morning. the retail is $80. a three-piece set. the hat, the scarf and the gloves. comes in six the retail $80. the deal, $24. 70% off. and i want to stress -- >> sizing. >> oh, to check out the sizing. got it. >> looking at these for an adult. they are cool. very cool. >> there's a "w." >> let's recap. the flying figures from world tech toys. the headphones from cadin.

and winter accessories from robin rose. >> get there in a hurry at today.com. you don't want to miss tomorrow. jill, are you ready? >> a whole hour. >> an entire hour of "steals & deals" ever. you can get all of your christmas shopping done. >> thank you to our models. you guys were great. up next, we'll be in the kitchen far gameday treat.

all right. we're back at 8:45 this morning on "today." foot loves foot ball. >> food loves football. >> we love football. tonight's game, the cowboys and the vikings. excited for this game. padma lakshmi, we know her, as

tonight. >> can you believe it? >> why in charleston. >> we wanted to be in the south. it's having a culinary renaissance. it was steeped in history. i ate my way through the city. >> what are we making this morning? >> we are changing chili verde, with tomatillos. a mexican husk tomato. here's what you need for the dish. very easy. you c want. avocado, cilantro, green chile, garlic. that will whiz up. you can use the salsa on its own as a green dipping sauce. >> i better test that right now. >> i love the salsa verde. the rojo is good, too.

gives it a depth. i know from asian culture. all these liquids, lemon juice, olive oil, and vinegar. >> where did you put the sesame seeds? >> i put them in here and i'll put them in there. once the onions get glassy, you put the ground park in there. as soon as the ground pork loses its pinkness, you add a shot of tequila. and give it subtle flavor. if you have any -- if you're blocked about using alcohol, don't use alcohol. we're going to put water in here and add the salsa. and the only spices that i put in here when the meat was cooking, sesame seeds, red chili flakes, and mexican oregano. you want to make double of the sauce. it comes in handy for so many recipes. >> i put it on eggs.

the next day. if you're going to go into labor soon, make your husband make this so it's ready. you can freeze it. >> i will. >> once this cooks down, a lot of people will use canned beans, which is fine. canned beans tend to be softer. add them towards the end of the half hour. >> our tasters are downstairs. how did you like the tomatilla salsa? >> it's and it will look like this. >> beautiful. >> that's a chili verde. >> it's beautiful like a fall night. it's great for a game day. everyone can sit around the tv with some bowls. i'm going to dress it. you want to squeeze a little bit of lime juice. cilantro. we had this for dinner last night, actually. >> i'm going to have it for lunch today. a little secret. we're going to wrap this up. >> a little cheese on top. >> try it.

i will give your a spoon. i have another tasting portion here. >> guys, downstairs, talk to us. >> it's amazing. >> licking the bowl already. >> outstanding. really good. >> if you want to do -- you can make this vegetarian. all you have to do is swap the meet for beans. you can use any beans. pinto beans or add the same weight in meat in beans. >> i feel like it's healthy. >> not that heavy. we keep this around all the time because it comes in handy. >> does it freeze well? >> it freezes beautifully. and the seeds, i put some in here when i was cooking the meat to toast the seeds with the meat. and it gives you a nutty flavor. i rediscovered sesame street -- sesame seeds -- i rediscovered sesame seeds in charleston because it's a southern

it has so much to do with that culture. and so, it adds a richness. shawn brock, who is a big chef in charleston, makes hot sauce with sesame seeds. it tasted like an indian chutney. it brought back an old ingredient from my childhood. and it's so southern. >> i taste a lot of this. the mexican oregano. >> and mexican oregano is different. >> can you g >> i learned about this when i was researching my book, the encyclopedia of spices. if you don't get mexican oregano. use regular oregano, it will be fine in this dish. >> this is delicious, padma. >> they're making it in the commissary. >> you saw me make it in front of you. >> thank you so much. and "top chef" season premiere.

today.com/food. >> the vikings hosting the cowboys, can coverage at 7:30 eastern on nbc. and we mentioned "top chef's" season premiere on bravo. that's tonight. congrats to our friends on "top chef" season 14 tonight. >> that's crazy. >> happy birthday. >> we'll be back in a moment. this is "today" on nbc. we know kristen.

welcome back. time to hand it over to al roker for today's birthday. >> let's see who is celebrating on the smucker's jar. first up, a happy 102 birthday to mildred southwood of niagara falls. slowly, i turn. she is always enjoying a good book. and fishing trips. mary helen kraft, enjoying 100 years. the former restaurant owner, from indianapolis, indiana, volunteering with the salvation army for 65 years. happy 100th birthday to ann carroll. this tennis fan is from jacksonville, florida. she knits over 100 carves every year for patients in the hospital. how nice is that? evelyn jones of jackson, michigan. says the secret to her longevity is smucker's strawberry jam on toast. and grace jones of fair field

years old. over 65 years, she also volunteering with her local hospital. that's terrific. happy 100th birthday to allene ferguson crockett. 105 now. this proud grandma from mississippi. six grandkids, nine great grandkids and two great, great grandkids. that's amazing. if you know somebody that's celebrating their 100th birthday. go don't forget a photo. we have "the walking dead" star.

arrests made as people protest the dakota access pipeline in iowa. they went to the iowa utilities board -- where some have been demanding a meeting. two of those people got arrested for bck protest... "we don't want this thing, this is not good for any of us, and that we have a responsibility to stand up and do the right thing here. and to make sure the people of this board do the right thing ." despite arrests -- the two say their fast will continue. they plan to go back to the iowa utilities board until they get a meeting. iowa road departments are

recent warmer weather allowed workers to finish some last-minute projects. storm track seven meteorologist eileen loan is here now with your storm track seven forecast. from the kwwl stormtrack here is additional forecast information from the kwwl stormtrack 7 weather team: sunday with a bigger system tracking in for the middle of next week. [ bird warbling ] [ whispering ] the new iphone's finally here. and you can get it on any network, but why would you? and we put towers where the other guys didn't for a strong signal wherever you go... [ cellphone ringing ] is that you? ...'cause like i said, u.s. cellular's signal is strong. so, you might want to put your new iphone on silent. woman: hi, honey, it's your mother! dude. why is it so dark? act now, and you'll get iphone 7 for half off

?? this morning on "take's take," natalie portman on her new movie getting oscar buzz. and find out why photos of selena gomez are the talk of the internet. and counting down to christmas with your must-have holiday checklist and a performance to put you in the spirit, coming up now. >> from nbc news, this is "today's take," live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. >> welcome to "today." thursday morning, december 1st, 2016. look at that tree. >> she's a beauty. >> everything about it, is curves, the lines. >> you know. you covered it. 94 feet. >> i saw it in the ground in

plaza. >> i don't think it needed augmentation. a lot of times they cut branches and fill it out. but it is just gorgeous. >> beautiful. with the rain, what a beautiful production. i dvr'd it. >> matt and savannah and hoda and myself. and matt and savannah, at the home base area. matt and was -- there's the countdown, as well. alec baldwin, kate mckinnon and helped hit the button. we're in a downpour. a deluge. i mean, it is coming down, cats and dogs. and the people around us are getting drenched. there's matt and savannah. they had a tent over them. they had a heater. had a butler and a masseuse. >> oh, my gosh. >> i have to admit.

notice it to this point. >> but the good thing is, it's not like matt and savannah rubbed it in. look at the picture they texted us. >> oh, my gosh. >> here they are, laughing at hoda and me. >> that's -- >> they had someone mopping up the floor. >> they had somebody squeegeeing the floor. and bringing them cucumber sandwiches. >> and it kept getting more beautiful. >> it changes and gets all curly. but, yeah. she was armed. with hairspray. >> matt's jacket is open. >> it's like they were at a different location. >> on a different planet. it was like, the alternative earth. >> look at that. >> i said, i got to take the dog out.

>> i didn't notice this until now. >> always aware of your environment. >> gosh. >> what i love about you. >> what we're aware of, the countdown, it's december 1st. you have 24, 25 days. >> christmas is still the 25th. you can say, i didn't see you christmas day. here. you don't have to worry. we have the -- and i promise you -- biggest "steals & deals" tomorrow ever. the entire hour. tech. fashion. home decor. there's not a person on your list in your life that we will not provide something for. >> with a deal. >> jill martin going to be running this. >> if it's not a deal, we don't buy it. that's what i say. >> the reason you had to watch it back, the christmas tree lighting. at the christmas premiere. >> it was wet going in.

>> this is a beautiful dress. >> i passed winter fashion. and i mistakenly wore a yellow spring ensemble. >> here's savannah guthrie. >> i heard my name taken in vain. is anyone going to eat this? >> you're eating for two. >> al just called you and matt out for being an easy street. do you want to come in and defend yourself? i cannot d were on easy street last night. i know. >> look at you. no gloves. >> the mic for you there. >> yes. there was -- we've never had it so good. and you and i have done the tree lighting, six years ago. never been so good. >> why were you in a tent this year? >> the rain. >> wow. >> meteorologist. >> they did put a tent up. but they had heaters, which we've never had before.

tundra, being whipped around like a tornado. >> were you concerned for al and hoda. >> let's put the picture up to show the concern. >> can you caption that? >> savannah is laughing so hard, she is about to deliver. >> i was like, makeup, there's some tears coming out of my eyes, not from the cold but laughing at al and hoda. we did feel bad. matt says, should we our tarp sprung a leak. and the squeegee guy came. >> can you recognize the side-by-side. >> that's terrible. i have no defense. >> and the folks who were around us, put up with it, as well. it is all worth it. >> looks like -- >> look at them. remember in "broadcast news" when they ship off the reporter, like a competitor. and they're like, let's put her in alaska.

>> the split-screen is devastating. >> there's matt and savannah. and now, hoda and al, one more time. >> can i get another hot cocoa. but i need marshmallows this time. >> but you're pregnant. if anybody deserved to be covered up -- >> thank you. >> you don't think that had anything to do with it? >> that was fun. >> hoda and al's credit, the happiest, greatest, tree. >> and it wasn't too cold. >> and you have fans with you. >> and also -- it was raining hard. >> you know what else? brian's 30th birthday, dylan's husband. >> i'm finally not married to someone in their 20s any longer. >> but you're still a cougar. >> i know. 5 1/2-years younger than me. he turns 30. he's been worried about it.

20s. >> leaving them in a big way in two or three weeks. >> with her and the baby will be december babies. >> he will. yes. >> i'm going to go give birth. >> don't leave. wait until you hear what she did. >> what did you do? >> we couldn't celebrate his 30th birthday now. he wanted to celebrate it in vegas. for the last two years, he's been sending me random texts of what he would like for his ideal 30th one of the odd requests is he wanted two cakes that tell a story. i found two cakes that tell a story. i called him fish. growing up, his friends called the house the fish tank. >> is that because of drinking? >> because of drinking? >> probably. >> i have been told to give you my seat. that's the chivalrous thing. >> isn't that enough after yesterday? >> stand in the rain. >> i didn't know she was going to stand. >> we're happy you're here.

partied in his room. >> after 30, this is now, the father in "finding nemo." >> where did you find that? the cake place in vegas. >> it's martin? melvin? >> marlin. >> marlin. yes. >> the dad fish. >> i'm going to swim around. it will be good. i will find dorrie. it will be fantastic. >> i called him the dad fish. i didn't know his name. he with goldfish and star burst. >> he made that specific request? >> he was bored. texting me. here's what i would love. >> oh. >> that's how you -- >> slow-motion. >> this looks like -- >> is this in vegas? >> as the cosmopolitan in vegas. >> on the 65th floor. >> what can go wrong there?

>> it felt like "the hangover." it was the only stick i had. we went out to a nice dinner. and it was, yeah. we lost money gambling like we always do. it was a fun vegas trip about three or four months ago. that's his big birthday celebration. >> your last day is tomorrow. >> yes. >> december 10th, i think, if my last day. if i make it. >> i think i'm going early. i mean, look at me. >> vail was early. >> and this baby he's so huge. >> and nicki wasn't early. >> our due dates are two days apart. >> yes. >> how about the same day? >> that would be amazing. >> that's like a movie. >> imagine, we're like texting each other. >> i know. >> go to the same hospital. how great would that be? >> i know. we can be bestties. >> you're visualizing texting while giving birth.

>> you can? >> i don't think so. >> and al has a box you can put your phone in. and he tries to get me to put my phone in. >> you are having a baby, do whatever you want. >> i'm giving your seat back. >> this was fun. you were on for an hour. >> i love it. it's fun to be with you guys. and thanks for picking up all of the hard duty. she is. she's got to -- she's going to be filling in a lot. >> i thought you were changing diapers. >> we're neighbors and y >> if that's the case, just feet him bananas. >> i don't like you right now. >> yogurt. >> we're neighbors. and i will be coming over. >> i hope so. >> and i will send you a little emoji. >> and i will come over with the baby say, what do i do? we're going to go walk off our pounds. >> we have to go to commercial. >> all right. up next, show her the money. >> i'll take it. check out the brain teaser photo.

i can buy maternity gifts. i can buy maternity gifts. are they es ey open? say hi to xiidra, lifitegrast ophtlmhaic solution. the first eye drop approved for the signs and symptomsy of dreye. one drop in each eye, twice a day. common side efctfes include eye irritation, discomfort or blurred vision when applied to the eye, and an unusual taste sensation. do not touch the container tip to your eye or any surface. and wait for at least 15 minutes before reinserting them. if you have dry eyes, ask your doctor about xiraid.

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walgreens presents a holiday mini miracle. hey! -hey! this is for you. you didn't really have to... getting the gift you almost kept for yourself? now that's a holiday mini miracle. with 30 percent off photo purchases, just around the corner. walgreens. at the corner of happy and healthy. we're back with more "today." more al roker being smothered with the pregnancy talk. you love it. >> i love pregnancy talk. >> you gave me one of the best piece of advice.

>> you said, what do i know going into the baby thing? and i said i don't know anything. and i said brian doesn't know much, either. let him figure things out. i don't know more than he does. >> why don't you write a book, al's advice. roker rules. >> i love it. >> i mean, deborah and i wrote that book. >> we want life according to al. >> you don't want to go by me. >> you want to tease this morning. before the break, we showed you the following puzzle and asked you to find the santa with a bag of casual. so, can you see -- >> i can't see that far. >> i can see. >> what's on the bottom left? >> this is from voucher cloud. >> that's the logo. >> okay. >> i can't find it. >> you ready to give up? reveal it. the third row, third from the right. i still don't see it.

what happens around this time of year. >> if you look, it's waldo. >> you're so mean. >> i wouldn't be able to find waldo, either. what color is the cash? i don't see the bag. >> he has green cash. >> is it in the bag? >> oh okay. everything else is a present. >> a green present. >> and that's cash. >> that's your brain teaser. hope you feel alive today. let's have a cl. something a little classier. a little more -- >> classier? >> much classier. instagram celebrities. >> i love it. this is where i live. >> most-followed celebs of 2016. who is number five? >> kim kardashian. >> i thought she would be number one. >> because of everything going on in her life, including kanye being released from the hospital and that robbery, she's not been on instagram. she's been cold on instagram.

of the instagraming certain situations, it could have led to -- >> and comeback to instagram and social media. and this thing happened with kanye. >> of course, anybody. >> beyonce, at 88.9 million. love her. love her. ariana grande. 88.6 million. taylor swift, 93.6 million followers. she is number one last year. now, here's -- >> i'm spr >> this is a stunning, stunning revelation. selena gomez 103 million followers. and my nephew is going to get mad at me saying this, isaiah mitchell hall, in college, his dream girl. >> do you think, i'm back to number one? >> they may not. but the managers and all the people who make money off of the instagram accounts. show a leg or something to get the account up.

get the most likes. even on our accounts. do you look at the ones -- >> the ones that you show leg? >> in my case, a little chicken leg. >> a little al roker hair, thousands of likes. we like selena gomez. ad adorable. what about the weather? is it a adorable? >> not so adorable. but not horrible. show you what we have going on for today. wet weather moving in the pacific northwest and snow in clouds around the rockies. we are going to see colder air through the rockies and the intermountain region, with temperatures in the 20s, 30s, 40s. 80s in florida. 70s in southern texas. we look for a beautiful day in the east with mild weather. developing santa ana wins in southern california. could be breezy there. but the sunshine continues in

cameras are showing the low clouds out there this morning and may catch some flurries off and on today. it will be breezy, too, but the winds will die down tonight and stay there for tomorrow. temps this morning are hovering in the mid 30s with some low 30s to the west. west winds are running mainly 10- 15 mph, although at times they are stronger. that will be the case through the rest of the day, with winds weakening this evening and turning more to the northwest. our clouds are still >> up next, how bad is it overspend on your secret santa gift. >> al roker, these are the pictures you like from al roquer. show the superman. when he shows chest hair. >> that's a microphone. >> that's like a chest hair neck loss. >> i keep them numbered for an emergency. find out if we're in (vo) what if the sweet stevia leaf was discovered before the sugar cane?

sugar would come along and go... ...hey! i'm sweet too! sure...sugar, you are very sweet. but we've already got sweetness minus caloriness. it would be kind of awkward. truvia. life with less sugar is just as sweet. question, are my teeth yellow? have you tried the tissue test? ugh yellow. what do you use? crest whitestrps. ng toothpaste i passed the tissue test. oh yeah. crest whitestrips are the way to whiten. coming up on "look! famous people!" we catch flo, the progressive girl, at the supermarket buying cheese. scandal alert! flo likes dairy?! woman: busted! [ laughter ] right afterwards we caught her riding shotgun with a mystery man. oh, yeah! [ indistinct shouting ] is this your chauffeur? what?! no, i was just showing him how easy it is to save with snapshot from progressive. you just plug it in and it gives you a rate based on your driving.

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and proven 48-hour moisture. for healthier-looking skin... ...look for eucerin, now in the red cap. after 40 years of making soup at progresso, we've learned chicken is king. and so we're now using 100% antibiotic and hormone free white breast meat chicken in all our chicken soups. long live chicken! hey julie, i know today's critical, but i really... ...need a sick day. dads don't take sick days. dads take dayquil severe: the... ...head, no sick days medicine. the rock center tree is lit, which is the kickoff to christmas season and all of the holiday parties. >> to get in a festive mood, we're playing a holiday edition

we're testing our holiday habits and see if we're on the naughty or nice list. >> i haven't bought a single present yet. >> here's your holiday questions. question number one, how bad is it to store frosted cookies at room temperature? on your kitchen counter instead of in the fridge? >> i think that's fine. >> is that bad? not bad? >> not bad. most cookies are fine keeping in a container. the only exception is if you icing. sometimes they're made with raw egg whites. >> i don't know what royal icing is. >> don't worry about it. keep your cookies on the counter. okay. next one. how bad is it to use the oven's self-cleaning feature right before a holiday party? >> that's bad. >> bad or not bad? >> naughty? >> bad. not a good idea. >> too many risks. the most stressful thing you can

it starts to smell in your house. might break down. >> you might even get your fire alarm, smoke detector coming off. >> good luck to get a repairman. >> i didn't know it worked. >> it's a big thing. >> they never clean their ovens. >> i don't. i use spray stuff. >> if you're embarrassed of your oven gunk, use baking soda and water, cover it in the oven and wipe it down. the safe way to do it. how bad suggested on a secret santa gift? >> i think that's bad. i think it makes it -- it makes everyone else feel bad. >> yeah. but we did one last year like $10. it was hard. >> dylan's right. >> yeah. >> you can't do -- you should not spend more. it sends the wrong message. you're trying to one-up your friends. your co-workers. you might look like a brown-noser at work. >> it's a secret santa. they don't know who gave it to

it's not really $10. >> dylan, you're up one. >> you want to be a rule-follower. if you spend more, you kind of look like a jerk. >> i will save my money. it's the holidays. how bad is it to cook savory and sweet dishes at the same time in the oven? >> i think that's okay. >> i think that's okay. >> the turkey. i'm going to give you a hint, what if your meat has onions, garlic, spaces? smelly f. it's not bad. it is bad. the flavors of your desserts can take on the garlic. you don't want your cherry pie and tasting like garlic. how bad is it to vacuum christmas tree needles? >> can you do it? >> yeah. vacuum cleaner companies say, just suck them up with the hose.

>> it's because there are some people you should give underwear to this holiday. and there are some people you shouldn't . people you should. shouldn't. janice! should. shouldn't. yes. no. should. no way. should. no. definitely not. rybody. but for those you do, give them fruit of the loom. ow! so you think santa will like these... red and green m&m's? i don't know! i never met the guy! whaaaaa! he does exist! they do exist! uhm... santa? when cold and flu hold you back try theraflu expressmax, now in new caplets. it's the only cold & flu caplet that has a maximum strength formula

for a powerful comeback. new expressmax caplets. good morning, i'm ally crur. candidate in the running to become u-n-i's next president visits campus. mark nook isthe current chancellor at montana state university in billings. he has ties to iowa -- he received his masters in astrophysics at iowa state u-n-i's interim president james wohlpart outlining his vision for the university -- should he get the job. he previously served as provost and says he has an understanding of the strengths within the campus. the board of regents is expected to select the new president next week. opening pushed back to january or february.

no longer open december 10th. the multi-million dollar hospital been under construction for four years storm track seven meteorologist from the kwwl stormtrack 7 weather team. see the screen information from the kwwl stormtrack 7 weather team: sunday with a bigger system tracking in for the middle of next week. we'll be back in 30 minutes, be sure to check kwwl dot com for the latest news you're watching k- w-w-l, we've

>> clearly costume change because my favorite is in the house. jeffrey dean morgan has been busy over the last several years appearing in dozens of movies and tv series. he captured our hearts as john winchester, the father of sam and dean on the show "super natural." medical drama "grey's anatomy." >> now jeffrey is giving bad a whole new meaning on "the walking dead." he plays the undisputed villain of the show who rolls by hiswn o set of rules. >> well, hello there. do not make me have to ask.

you're early. i missed you. >> jeffrey dean morgan. okay. your character is so bad -- >> awful. the worst ever. the most frightening. >> misunderstood. >> misunderstood. a guy with a barbed wire on it. >> lucille. >> everybody was talking about the season premier, and they thought it might have gone too far. how did you feel about the premier? there was people that talked about some of the gore, really graphic violence. >> i don't know that the show was going to win either way on that. people were upset last year that i didn't bash someone's head in. the cliffhanger ending. we came back this year and

>> i don't know that there's not even a happy medium there. that being said, you he had to do what he had to do. >> you can't even -- >> it was pretty horrible. >> is it fun to play a bad character? >> this character in particular is -- he kind of takes such glee and the world is his stage, and v know, bringing him to life, there's a certain amount of glee you have to bring to this guy, and i'm certainly having fun doing it. >> well, the anticipation of meeting meegan, the build-up for all of us on-line on the social media community for the -- >> no. >> what? i want this to work. and then to finally meet neegan. this character lives up to everything.

most frightening non super natural villains of all time. >> thank you. >> you're going for it. >> you're welcome. >> now i'm solely watching for who is going to be killed. is that wrong? >> i think that's wishful thinking. i think the claim would be you don't want him to die yet, do you? sure, sure. >> the next question i have. dave chapelle, he hosts t neegan. did you see that? >> i sure did. how cool was that? for him to come back after, you know, taking a ten-year kind of break and to bring back his favorite characters that we love, i guess, and to do neegan was awesome. >> do we have the split screen of you and dave? just wanted to see if you see the resemblance? >> he nailed it. he nailed it. i mean -- >> no pun intended.

>> is it true that you get into this -- you actually hurt yourself? >> well, andy lincoln took particular glee in the fact that i was having a lot of fun in kind of doing a neegan -- had a neegan moment on set, and i was kind of yelling and making fun of rick, andy's character, and i was having too much fun, and i pulled a muscle -- ripped a muscle in my ribs where. >> from laughter? >> from >> and he was, like, serves you right, you know? >> nice. >> i know we're short on time, but i love through all this you have a candy store. >> i do. >> which i just think is so -- >> up in -- >> -- amazing where. >> with paul rudd. >> yeah, with paul rudd. a friend of ours had owned it for 25 years, and he passed away, and we decided we wanted to kind of keep his legacy alive. >> that's beautiful. >> can you do, like, candy

sure, sure. come on over. >> thank you so much. >> thank you for having me. >> i'm never changing. >> the walking dead airs sunday night on amc. coming up, oscar winner natalie portman dlirg another performance, getting rave reviews in the new movie "jackie." we'll talk to her about bringing camelot to the big screen. after these messages. >> i just want to lean back like -- the roses are blooming in herbal essences hair is delightfully fragranced with notes of moroccan rose and the freshness of springtime

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and providing local support to those living with the disease and their caregivers. but we won't get there without you. visit alz.org to join the fight. well, it's been nearly six years since the oscar for her role in "black swan." and now, more oscar buzz for her portrayal of jackie kennedy in "jackie." >> we had the pleasure to sit down with the actress and director to talk about the film. >> you ready? >> of course.

>> you remember governor and mrs. connolly. >> welcome to dallas, darling. >> thank you so much. >> i was telling you, i grew up in texas. and i remember moving to the northeast for the first time in philadelphia. and people said, you're from the place that killed our president. thatas of all of it, still so fresh. what pressure were you under to capture jackie kennedy? >> she does represent so much to the american people. her and jfk. and of course, you want to do them justice. but also, you're trying to portray human beings. i think that was nice about the approach. that it was trying to look at them as people, not as icons.

english-speeching film that you're directing. and you picked a topic that is so iconic to us in the country. did that add extra pressure to it? >> well, yeah. it's a lot of pressure. but it's an opportunity to focus on a woman and our first lady, on a mother and someone who is so iconic for the rest of the world. >> and that was humanizing, natalie, the scene. i don't want to give everything away here. but there was a shower scene. and i told you, i started crying. it was the humanizing portrayal of this woman we are convinced we know so well. >> i think there was something that was so interesting about the approach of the movie that it takes place in short, condensed period, right after the assassination because we know the assassination so well. but we don't think of those moments of like, she had to wash the blood off her after. and pablo, we were making it

hospital. >> 6:30. >> must have felt like an eternity. >> from the moment of the bullet until they got to the hospital, was more than six minutes. it's a life. you know? >> this is a special movie for us, besides the fact that, you've done such a great job, both of you. but our executive producer wrote the script, noah oppenheim. this is a woman so famous. and we know so little about her. but those seven days including, probably one of the first people that was cognizant of her brand. and branding, camelot and all that went with it. >> absolutely. and it's really impressive to see someone then, who was thinking so much about their image, even in a moment when they're -- impressive because she knew how much the image meant to the entire nation and how much it meant symbolically and how much it meant for

really terrible moment for her. >> do you think, what would she think of your portrayal? >> i would be terrified. i have reverence for her. and we're not presenting this as a history book. it's not a documentary. it's a lot of imagination involved. >> that's amazing film. and "jackie" hits select stretched across the midwest. we will be in the upper 30s to low 40s today with west winds at 10-20 mph with flurries tracking tonight with cloudy skies and winds at 5-10 mph from the northwest. we stall in the mid 30s to low 40s tomorrow with some breaks in the clouds for the afternoon. a weak system tracks through sunday with some rain and/or snow showers

coming up, it's feeling like christmas, thanks to the hitman a cappella group, straight, no chaser. they have a performance to get all of ? happy holidays from crayola. so when do i start? um, shouldn't it be "spokes-crayon?" can somebody turn on the a/c? i'm melting here. ?air marker spraayer!!!? chemistry, baby! i'm okay. the holidays just got more surprising. you can find these great gifts and more in the crayola aisle. aaaaaah! each sold separately. does your child need help with digestive balance? try align junior probiotic. so she can have a fraction dominating... status updating... hello-yellow-belt kind of day. get 24/7 digestive support with align junior.

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chrishmas album. >> i think we finally got it right after touring the country. >> what are you going to play for us? >> "feels like christmas" off the new album. >> okay. >> straight no chaser. ? snow outside the neighbors didn't run up lights ? ? nobody's making cookies ? ? making a list buying toys ? ? or wrapping gifts it's only november ? ? but it might as well be december ? ? 'cause when i'm with you it feels like christmas ? ? it must have been good because

? now that i got you the nights don't feel so cold ? ? it will be to hold on to you out of my sleep ? ? feels like it will feel like christmas ? ? it will feel like christmas it will feel like ? ? it will feel like we'll light a fire ? ? and we'll heat things up ? ? let me pour some cocoa in your cup ? ? go ahead and hang that mistletoe ? ? because either way to get real close ? ? only november but it might as well be december ? ? 'cause when i'm with you it feels like christmas ? ? it must have been good because, baby, you're just what i wanted ? ? and now that i got you the night's gonna feel so ? ? cold you got me to hold on to ? ? i don't mind to sleep

when i'm with you ? ? it feels like christmas must have been good because ? ? baby, you're all that i want ? ? and now that i got you ? ? the nights don't feel so cold yeah, you're there for me to hold on to ? ? and it's only november but might as well be december ? ? 'cause when i'm with you it feels like christmas ? ? it must have been good because baby, you're just what i the nights don't feel so cold ? ? yeah, you're there for me to hold on to ? ? and i don't mind sleeping because i know when i wake up ? ? you'll be beside me i'll never let you go ? ? even if i wake up from the best dream ever ? ? it feels like it will feel like christmas ? ? it will feel like christmas

? yeah, yeah, yeah yeah, yeah, yeah ? [ applause ] >> straight no chaser. that was awesome, guys. you can see the video for "feels like christmas" on today.com. we're back in a moment. this is "today" on nbc.

the holidays are a time of giving. and we're getting into the spirit with our 23rd annual "today" toy drive. and with us is morgan, director of boys toys, to tell us about this year's donation. morgan, good to see you. >> thank you for having us. >> why is it a pleasure, honor, to participate in this? >> we're lucky, we do a great drive. we give joy to kids. smile to kids. and that should be to all kids,

especially around time of christmas. some kids are not as fortunate as others. and we should be there for them. >> what are you donating this year? >> we're donating all of our 8,000 toys, worth over $150,000. and that's across several brands, including pokemon. you're clutching one of the hottest toys around. >> he's okay. you know him. my friend, pikachu. >> and it lights up. >> it lights up. he talks and laughs and reacts when you press his tummy. thanks to tome, as well. and by the way, we hope you will stop by the plaza and donate a toy for a child up to age 18. you can donate online,

beyond is a natural pet food that goes beyond assuming ingredients are safe... to knowing they are. going beyond expectations... because our pets deserve it. beyond. natural pet food. new this morning -- case dismissed. a lawsuit filed by the family of a woman killed in an eastern iowa mall will not be moving forward. alexander kozak -- a mall security guard -- shot and killed andrea farrington inside the coral ridge mall last year. farrington's family filed a

been dismissed. iowa police departments are remembering officers who died this year. two iowa companies created this christmas tree to honor them. the tree skirt displays the names and badge numbers of the five fallen officers. this week its on display at the urbandale police department. storm track seven meteorologist eileen loan is here now with 7 weather team. see the screen information from the kwwl stormtrack 7 weather team:

from nbc news, this is "today" with kathie lee gifford and hoda kotb, live from studio 1a in rockefeller az thsty thursday. we're so glad you chose to join us. it's the first day of december, hoda woman. >> it's already here. >> yesterday's song by hunter hayes. my daughter loves him, thinks he's great. >> adorable. >> we have a good show. >> two british beauties are here, elizabeth hurley and her son damian. she's back in the series called "the royals" on e! and her sonic mas his acting debut.