>> join us for nbc bay area news at 11:00. today is thursday, friday eve. get out and enjoy the day. ♪ ♪ good morning. done deal? republicans in congress reach an agreement on their massive tax reform bill expected to pass next week. a huge victory for president trump. >> we want to give you, the american people, a giant tax cut for christmas. >> but jusexactly who is going to get that big break? defiant. >> the battle rages on. >> roy moore still refusing to concede the alabama senate race, as republicans point fingers over his stunning defeat. this morning, a "today" exclusive. alabama's new senator, doug jones, joins us for his first live interview since the election. more accusations, more fallout. pbs suspended tv host tavis

smiley over sexual misconduct allegations. documentary filmmaker, morgan spurlock confesses to his own inappropriate behavior. and salma hayek calls harvey weinstein a monster. the new statement from weinstein just ahead. those stories plus a dramatic armed robbery at a donut shop. a worker shot in the neck. the suspect is on the run. the e-mail that had these students exploding with joy. bravo, charlie. after 15 incredible months, we're saying good-bye to our puppy with a purpose, today, thursday, december 14th, 2017. >> announcer: from nbc news, this is "today." live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. >> morning, everybody. welcome to "today." thank you for joining us on a thursday morning. >> we have to say good-bye to charlie. >> are you going to be all

right? >> charlie, come here. come here. >> come on! >> you mean we can't do that anymore? you know what? >> what? >> charlie is going somewhere for a good cause. >> yes, he is. >> stacy, his veteran he is going to be with. we can't wait to send him off in the style he deserves. it'll be a tear-jerker day here. >> yes. we'll check in with charlie in a moment. first, let's talk taxes. charlie, your taxes aren't going up. here's the news out of washington. including a new deal between republicans that could land their controversial tax bill on the president's desk next week. there is also growing fallout this morning over roy moore's stinging defeat in alabama and his refusal, so far, to concede the race. we'll talk about that and more with senator-elect doug jones in a moment. we'll begin with nbc national correspondent peter alexander. hi, peter. good morning. >> reporter: good morning to you. president trump vowing the u.s. is on the verge of an economic miracle.

if congress passes the bill next week, as expected, he says there will be more money in people's paychecks beginning in february. republicans reaching an agreement on this tax overall plan in principle. democrats are blasting the entire process as a charade that disproportionally benefits the wealthiest americans. >> americans will see lower taxes and bigger paychecks beginning in february. >> reporter: pivoting from a political defeat in alabama, president trump taking an early victory lap on taxes. >> we want to give you, the american people, a giant tax cut for christmas. >> reporter: multiple gop sources familiar with the negotiations tell nbc news the highest earners will pay less. their tax rate knocked down from nearly 40% to 37%. up to $10,000 of state and property taxes can be deducted. the cap for mortgage interest deductions lowered to $750,000 from $1 million right now. the bill also repeals a key component of obamacare, the individual mandate.

no longer penalizing people for not having health insurance. potentially jeopardizing already fragile marketplaces. for businesses, a significant corporate tax cut, currently 35%. dropping to 21% beginning next year. democrats are calling on senate majority leader mitch mcconnell to hit the brakes on his tax bill until alabama's new senator is seated. >> delay until doug jones gets here and can cast a vote. >> jones, calling for his opponent, roy moore, to concede. >> do the right thing, roy. it is time that we heal. >> reporter: moore still defiant, releasing this statement on youtube overnight. >> the battle rages on. in this race, we have not received the final count to include military and provisional ballots. this has been a very close race, and we are awaiting certification by the secretary of state. >> reporter: his stunning loss still reverberating. >> alabamians didn't want somebody who dated 14-year-old girls. >> reporter: some republicans relieved the democrat won the race.

>> it was a great night for america. so i couldn't be more happy. >> reporter: but not for president trump. >> -- not happy with the way it turned out. as the leader of the party, i would have liked the seat. >> now moderate republicans are trashing steve bannon, who campaigned for moore. >> looked like a dishevelled drunk off the street. >> reporter: he wants to step up his fight against the establishment while crediting the democrats. >> you have to give the devil his due. there is no magic wand. you have to outwork people. if you get outworked, you're going to lose. >> reporter: here in washington, back on the russia investigation, the president's son, donald trump jr., spending another nine hours behind closed doors wednesday. this time with senate investigators. his third interview on the hill. as he left, reporters asked whether he would be back or if he was done. trump junior replied, you never know. cold one out here. tough to talk. back to you.

>> thank you very much, peter. senator-elect jones is with us this morning exclusively. senator, good morning to you. i should say, senator-elect, you have not been sworn in yet and we'll get to that in a moment. let me start with your opponent, roy moore, who has we just saw, hasn't yet conceded. i presume he hasn't called you this morning. he said they need to count provisional ballots, military ballots. if you could talk to him right now, what would you say? >> well, i understand the frustration a little bit. it is a close race. i'd say, look, it is time to move on. every race is tough. it's bitter sometimes. i think this one was one that people of alabama have now spoken a little bit, and they decided to heal. i think our campaign has been about that. it's been about trying to find common ground and heal. i think he'd do well to go ahead and let's get this behind us, so the people of alabama can get someone in there and start working for them. >> to be clear, you say it is close but there is no doubt in your mind what the result was tuesday night. >> no, there's no doubt in my

mind. >> okay. >> we looked at the numbers and we've had folks -- we feel confident in the outcome of this race. >> i don't need to tell you how extraordinary this victory was. you come from alabama, about as republican a state as there is. forgive me for being so direct. do you think the voters there voted for you or against roy moore? >> i think it was a combination. i think every election is a combination of your message as well as your opponent's. in this race, there's no question, we had the wind at our back. we felt like our message was getting across. people were really responding to what we called the kitchen table issues. obviously, roy moore has his issues, with his record and all of the disturbing allegations. but that's okay. i'm fine with that because if people in the state reject that kind of politics, i think it is a very good thing. >> i know that the president called you and you said he congratulated you. again, you come from a republican state, a state that

still has 48% approval for president trump, which is higher than the national average. >> right. >> are there areas you could work with president trump? what would those be? >> i think we have to find any number of areas. i mean, i'm not going to rattle off right now, but i've told and i've consistently said this, even in the primary, that if the president has things on his agenda i think are good for the people of alabama, i'm absolutely going to work with there him. we have a great defense industry in alabama. i'd like to see those federal dollars coming into the state. i can work with him on those issues. i can work with our delegation, all of whom i know, and especially senator shelby, who i have known for decades, ever since he's been a public servant. >> real quickly because i'm out of time, you heard senator schumer, the democratic leader in the senate wants republicans to not vote on tax reform until you get there and can cast a vote. quickly, do you agree with that? do you think they'll wait? >> i'll let that play out. i really don't have a position on that. you know, with the holidays and everything going on, this is a big deal.

i want it to be done right. we'll see how it plays out. >> alabama senator-elect doug jones, thank you for your time. appreciate it. >> my pleasure. thank you. also this morning, there are new concerns over the health of arizona senator john mccain. he's back in the hospital being treated for side effects related to his ongoing cancer therapy. kasie hunt is on capitol hill with the latest. good morning. >> reporter: hoda, good morning to you. senator john mccain has not voted here in the senate all week, as his battle with brain cancer is intensifying. both he and his family are struggling with this devastating disease. senator john mccain battling brain cancer. >> doing just fine. >> reporter: hospitalized at walter reed this morning. his office saying in a statement, the treatment is for, quote, normal side effects of his ongoing cancer therapy. adding, senator mccain looks forward to returning to work as soon as possible. >> the treatment is very difficult. john has kept his senatorial duties at a level that blows my

mind. >> reporter: mccain a war hero, held prisoner in vietnam. the 2008 republican nominee for president, now battling the same deadly brain cancer that killed joe biden's son, beau. >> i think about beau almost every day. i was told -- i'm sorry -- that this doesn't get easier. >> look, one of the things that gave beau courage, my word, was john. beau talked about your dad's courage. not about illness but about his courage. >> reporter: megan mccain accelerating her recent wedding after her dad's diagnosis. >> we were at mayo clinic and my father had his scan. we got engaged because we decided to sort of celebrate life and celebrate being alive and all these things. >> reporter: her father walking her down the aisle last month,

even with his injured foot in a boot. after his diagnosis, making an emotional tribute to the senate he served for three decades. >> whether or not we are of the same party, we are not the president's subordinates. we are his equal. >> reporter: calling out his president, once again putting country over himself. mccain is a critical vote in the senate. he killed efforts to rid of obamacare. at this point, no word on when mccain might be returning to work. hoda? >> kasie hunt, thanks. now to a headline shake up with the trump administration. a former "apprentice" contestant on her way out. it was a dramatic departure from the white house. hallie jackson has that story this morning. good morning. >> reporter: good morning.

you got that right. the drama is now continuing this morning as am arosa shares her side of the story, and talks about being the only african-american top adviser working here in the west wing and making explosive claims. the former reality tv star on her way out throwing some verbal grenades. this morning one of the administration's most famous faces explains her exit. >> i resigned. i didn't do that in the residence as being reported. >> reporter: pushing back on words she was escorted from the white house after trying to enter the residence to discuss the terms of her departure. >> i wanted to make the one-year mark. that was one of the goals i set out. i like to hear all of these interesting tales, but i have to tell you that they are 100% false.

omarosa, who worked with the president on the "apprentice" to the administration, in what she describes as difficult moments, though she is not getting specific yet. >> as a senior staff and assistant to the president, i have seen things that have made me uncomfortable and have upset me and affected me deeply and emotionally, and it has affected my community and people. >> she was the most prommant in african-american woman in the administration. but she struggled to shake her reputation as a villain. she took her husband's last name

when she married this spring. the secret service says am arosa's pass has been deactivated but she is still able to access parts of the residents, and the president wishes her continued success. >> thank you. breaking news now, disney with a mega merger that will create an entertainment powerhouse, and disney acquires foxes movie and tv studios and their 30% stake in hulu. also breaking overnight, russian president vladimir putin is sounding off on a number of issues including scandals in his country and here in the u.s., this as he prepares to face an unlikely challenger in his next

election. keir simmons is in moscow for us. >> reporter: good morning. president putin is still in the building here, into the fourth hour of answering questions from journalists. dismissively describing the controversy over the american elections as spy fever. while in the audience, a woman who says she plans to take on putin in the russian elections. president putin weeks after announcing he will run for re-election, facing more questions about russia's intervention in america's democratic process. all of this has been invented, made up by people who are in a position to president trump, he told journalists. with hopes of shedding a negative light on trump. he praised the u.s. president. look at the markets, how they've grown, putin said. i do still hope he wants to improve relations with russia. listening in the audience, could this woman be russia's next president? a former reality tv star, once called russia's paris hilton, now a 36-year-old mother who

says she's ready to take on the controversial and powerful russian leader. >> russian people are not stupid. they know that the system we're living is undemocratic. my dream is to see this kremlin wall opened for all the people. >> reporter: she already has supporters. what do you think of the idea of a woman becoming president of russia? >> yes. >> reporter: and detractors, who allege she's running with putin's blessing to make the election look legitimate. a putin family friend, her father, was one of putin's mentors. are you president putin's goddaughter? >> no, i am not. >> reporter: you can see why people would be suspicious. some people say you are a kremlin stooge. >> they can say, and they will say whatever they like. i think they should judge actions. >> reporter: her election office run by young stars, using social media. she has 5.4 million instagram followers.

her account mixing fashion with politics. >> politics is not something boring. it is not only old men sitting in suits and discussing inflation. it is fashionable. >> reporter: this morning, putin denying russia used social media to influence america's election. they see our media as a threat, he said. where did freedom of the press go? she had the opportunity to ask president putin a tough question. she said to the president in this country if you are in opposition, it means you will either be jailed or killed. what do you say to that? she is unlikely to win the election next year. president putin expected to win, and if he does he will be president until 2024. it'd mean he serves a term almost as long as joseph stalin. >> wow. >> keir, thank you very much. we're seeing snow out there, al. >> it's beginning to look a lot

like christmas. let's take a look where it looks even more like christmas. it's smartville, new york. right there off of lake ontario. the video shows lots of snow, folks trying to get through. some of them said, the heck with it and we will leave the car and stay home. we have lake-effect snow and light snow out here in new york city and parts of new jersey and pennsylvania. this system pushing off quickly. maybe some slick roads and then another clipper coming across and the windchills are going to be fairly brutal in single digits to teens from cleveland, buffalo, down to buffalo and boston and burlington and right on into the weekend. not a lot more snow coming, but we are looking for one to two inches especially on the eastern side of the great lakes. we will get to your forecast coming up in the next 30 seconds.

♪ holla back holla hey... ♪ hurry in to old navy! get up to 60% off the entire store with sleepwear from seven dollars and sweaters from ten dollars. at old navy. good thursday morning, i'm meteorologist kari hall. beautiful sunrise under way right now from palo alto as we speak, sun coming over the hills, but still some really cold temperatures. we are down to 37 degrees now in the tri-valley, 32 in the north bay and the east bay at 37 degrees. now, as we go through the day it warms up quickly, making it into the low to mid 60s, even some upper 60s for the south bay, san jose expect a high of 67 degrees and 65 today in napa. >> that's your latest weather. guys? >> al, thanks. coming up, the avalanche of

new sexual misconduct allegations against powerful men in television and music. plus, how harvey weinstein is responding this morning to disturbing accusations from oscar nominee salma hayek. and better than black friday? why waiting to do your holiday shopping could actually pay off, and in a big way this year. first, this is "today" on nbc.

coming up, the post on facebook that led a couple who always wanted kids to adopt seven siblings. we'll share their heart-warming story. charlie's dogs can't see color like we do. but they see you like it's the first time, every time. they see a tough day a mile away. and things they can't unsee. they see life. and they see love. every time they see you. maybe dogs can't see color. but what they see is so much more.

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a 15-hour police standoff in san good morning. it's 7:26. i'm marcus washington. a 1,500 hour police standoff in san jose is over. it ended about 3:30 this morning. it all started yesterday afternoon in the neighborhood not from loss logos golf course in san jose. police say officers spotted a felon who was wanted for a burglary and that officers followed that suspect into one home. the suspect then escaped and barricaded himself in a nearby home. officers early in morning fired tear gas and nonlethal rounds into the home. officers arrested him. let's get a look at the weather right now. cold start to the morning. another cold start. we get our coldest temperatures right at sunrise which is under way as we speak.

taking a live look outside in san jose, clear skies, 42 degrees now, 37 in livermore and oakland and some freezing temperatures in the north bay. after this chilly start it warms up and we will be in the low to mid 60s today, really nice afternoon once again and san francisco expect a high of 63 degrees and 64 in palo alto and for the next several days we will still have the dry weather but the winds pick up. it will be slightly cooler in a few spots for the weekend. anynay, any slow downs on the roads? unfortunately we have a couple issues out on the road. we are dealing with that backup due to road work from earlier today along southbound 880 before fruit vale, they were a bit behind and that is causing delays on the southbound and northbound side. chp was reporting a rose hazard along northbound 280 at meridian avenue. that has been cleared off to the side. we are seeing a build buildingup along westbound 80 at the bay bridge. we can see a lot of that

buildingup doo you to that road hazard. i will have another local news update in half an hour. ♪ santa, tell me if you're

really there ♪ welcome back, everybody. 7:30 now on this thursday morning. we have a little christmas music for ya. we got a christmas tree. >> yup. >> we have beautiful snow. >> check, check, check. this is the first day it's reallychristmas, i think, in new york city. >> great reasons to celebrate. let's begin with this half hour's headlines, starting with a historic agreement on your taxes. >> we want to give you, the american people, a giant tax cut. >> early victory lap. >> americans will see lower taxes and bigger paychecks. >> president trump touting his new tax plan, as republicans strike a new deal, agreeing to lower rates for the richest americans and killing the

individual mandate from obamacare, leaving democrats scrambling to hit the brakes. >> delay till doug jones gets here and can cast a vote. the fight of his life. senator john mccain hospitalized at walter reed for treatment related to his battle with brain cancer. >> i was told -- sorry -- that this doesn't get easier. >> the senator's daughter, megan, sharing an emotional moment with former vice president joe biden. >> there is hope. if anybody can make it, your dad. her dad is one of my best friends. marking the day. a moment of silence to be held this morning in newtown, connecticut, as families and the community honor those killed in the sandy hook school shooting five years ago today. armed robbery caught on camera. surveillance video captures the harrowing moment a brazen thief bursts into a california donut shop, opening fire on a worker, then fleeing. somehow, the worker escaped

serious injury. and christmas dust up. a preschooler at a nativity pageant in tennessee decides the baby jesus doll is hers, leading to a tug-of-war that brings laughter to the holiday crowd today, thursday, december 14th, 2017. i mean -- >> that is not something you see every day. >> it isn't. as a parent, you can just imagine. oh, don't fight over the baby jesus. there it is. >> we won't forget that one. >> happy holidays, everybody. we move on to other news this morning. some disturbing, new allegations of misconduct emerging against some high-profile men in the entertainment world. nbc's senior national correspondent kate snow is here with the latest. good morning. >> hi. we're going to change the subject here. let's start with the man who founded def jam records. after allegations surfaced against him weeks ago, he said he'd step aside from his businesses. now, new, serious allegations, including rape. >> down here, sir. >> reporter: this morning, russell simmons, the music mogul and wellness guru facing

multiple, new allegations. in two extensive reports in the "l.a. times" and ""new york times"" this morning, nine women accuse simmons of a wide range of misconduct, from vulgar language, assault to four instances of rape. one woman telling the "l.a. times," he was pinning me down, i was trying to fight him and he had his way. simmons attorney says he vigi s vigorously denies the claim. he said in a statement, in part, i vehemently deny all these allegations. these horrific allegations shocked me to my core, and all of my relations have been consensual. >> good evening from los angeles. i'm tavis smiley. >> reporter: also, pbs suspecting tavis smiley's late-night talk show after an internal investigation prompted at his production company. pbs saying, in part, this investigation included interviews with witnesses, as well as with mr. smiley. the inquiry uncovered multiple,

credible allegations of conduct that is inconsistent with the values and standards of pbs. "variety" reports smiley engaged in sexual relationships with multiple subordinates. some witnesses interviewed expressed concern their employment status was linked to the status of a sexual relationship with smiley. >> i was as shocked as you were. >> reporter: overnight, smiley denying the allegations, saying pbs overreacted and its investigation was sloppy. >> pbs investigators refused to look at any of my documentation. refused to talk to any of my current staffers. refused to give me the names of any of my accusers and refused to give me any semblance of due process. it is clear that this has gone too far, and i, for one, intend to fight back. >> reporter: adding in a statement on facebook, if having a consensual relationship with a colleague years ago is the stuff that leads to this kind of public humiliation and personal destruction, heaven help us. in hollywood, selma hayek

breaking her silence about sexual harassment. the actress revealing in a "new york times" editorial, harvey weinstein is my monster, too. hayek says she thought her dream had come true. weinstein said yes to distributing her passion project "freida." little did i know, it would become my turn to say no. no to opening the door to him at all hours of the night. no to me taking a shower with him. no to letting him watch me take a shower. no to letting him give me a massage. no to my getting naked with another woman. no, no, no, no, no. and with every refusal came harvey's rage. >> she gave herself time to truly process and decide to come forward. >> reporter: hayek is one of more than 90 women who have levelled accusations against weinstein, raging from sexual misconduct to assault to rape. weinstein has repeatedly denied any allegations of non-consensual sex. a spokesperson for weinstein released a lengthy statement, saying in part, all of the

sexual allegations as portrayed by salma are not accurate. others who witnessed the events had a different account of what transpired. one more item this morning, a kind of con tefessional from mon spurlock, the man behind "supersize me." he said, quote, i am part of the problem. in the statement, spurlock said he used to call his assistant hot pants or sex pants. he later paid a settlement to her when she quit. he describes a sexual encounter in college he said he thought was consensual and she later referred to as rape. he adds there were no charges or investigations of that. it's raised add lot of comment on social media overnight, guys, with people saying, what is this confessional? is he trying to preempt negative press, and others saying, more power for coming out and being honest. >> there's so much going on here. >> there's a lot. >> just how quickly the accusations come, the resolutions are. there are is so many questions.

>> yeah. >> thank you for covering it. we'll continue to stay on it. we are going to switch gears now. we'll go to mr. roker who has a check of the weather. hey, al. >> we have snowfalling now, but last night, we saw some stars. the meteor shower was over new york city before the clouds moved in. the planes were landing at laguardia airport. a neat show in the sky. unfortunately, we're seeing different kinds of lights in the sky in southern california. sparks from those wildfires. santa ana winds firing up. upper low with cold air being drawn in. then the high pressure, the difference between the high pressure and the low, the winds funnel through the canyons and kick up the problem of wildfires. 11 million people at risk for critical fire danger, from santa barbara down to east of san diego. we also have red flag warnings for the strong winds. 20 to 30-mile-per-hour sustained winds. gusts of 55 miles per hour. such low humidity that fires, anything that starts or anything that's going now is going to quickly spread.

we have to watch this situation ca smiley. i'm meteorologist kari hall. a lot of sunshine today, cool temperatures to start and warming up as we take a live look outside in san francisco, we will see that high temperature today of 63 degrees, up to 61 degrees in oakland and antioch, expect a high of 63 there. livermore, 64, san jose, 67 degrees. well above normal temperatures. and our winds will be picking up here as well as we go into the weekend. on saturday san francisco will see a high of 64, with inland areas in the upper 60s. >> and that's your latest weather. it's thursday night, so come on, let's saddle up. that's right. we've got two teams with horse names in em. yeah. giddy up. we're going to be talking about the broncos coming in to play the colts. ride em, cowboy. catch the colts/broncos, right here tonight at indianapolis

lucas field stadium. it has a roof so the corral is all inside, boys and girls. thursday night football. it starts up 7:30 p.m. be there, partner. >> you really outdid yourself with the galloping sound effect. i love that. >> you're nuts. nuts. coming up, lots more ahead. starting with a round up of the best holiday shopping deals right now. are they better today than cyber monday and black friday? we hope so. this is a great wone. exclusive, first look at ed sheeran's newest collaboration. we'll meet seven remarkable siblings and a special couple who brought them back together under one roof in time for the holidays. this is a good one. we'll look back at the fun we've had with charlie as he begins an exciting, new chap

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get matthew on his treatment." (matthew) it's not that bad, though. (mom) yeah. (matthew) the good thing about the surgeries is i get to have a popsicle at the end. (mom) he makes the best of everything and he teaches us to be strong and brave, too. (vo) through the subaru share the love event, we've helped grant the wishes of fifteen hundred kids so far. get a new subaru and we'll donate two hundred fifty dollars more to help those in need. ♪ put a little love in your heart. ♪ we're back. 7:44. christmas is less than two weeks away. clock is ticking for holiday shoppers. >> if you waited to start, you're in luck. there are some incredible deals to be had. nbc national correspondent miguel almaguer has what you need to know. hey, miguel. good morning. >> reporter: good morning. nearly half of all americans wait to complete their holiday shopping until the week before christmas or even a bit later. fear not. retailer insiders say those who missed black friday deals may find even bigger bargains in the days ahead.

the secret? knowing what to buy, when. >> shop macy's doorbusters. >> hurry in for amazing deals. >> reporter: if you thought the best holiday deals were on black friday, think again. the smartest time to buy may be right now. >> i'm about ready to leave the mall, and i'm very excited because i did good. we had awesome sales. >> reporter: industry insiders say today is the best day to buy tools and hardware. for great deals on video games, shop up to the 15th. discounts on apparel, shoes, accessories and kitchen appliances also come in on the 15th. but the smart play on toys target the 16th. that's when working mom kim chapel will be shopping online. >> i feel like good companies keep those sales going throughout the entire season. it is not just about black friday or cyber monday anymore. >> reporter: sparkling deals on jewelry last for the rest of the month. the sooner you buy, the better. many retailers urging shoppers

to buy online and pick up in the store, as late deliveries typically double over the holidays. but make sure you know the store's return policy. consumer reports found they can range from naughty to nice. >> we found some common themes with the most generous store policies. they had no limit on the time you had to return, didn't require any receipt or fees if you made returns. >> reporter: the top-rated retailers for returns include nordstr nordstrom, l.l. bean, bed bath & beyond and costco. read the fine print. some retailers have strict time limits, require the original tags attached and may charge re-stocking fees. >> some policies are so restrictive, the store won't take it back if it is not in its original packaging. others even if it is opened. >> reporter: something to keep in mind as you stock up and cash in on great gifts for those you

love. >> the list has been covered. now i just go home and i start wrapping presents. >> reporter: experts say if you're shopping for yourself, wait until after christmas for those deepest discounts. if you're shipping gifts yourself, today is the final day to send them regular ground service and deliver them to your post office if you want them to arrive by christmas. so much to do, guys. so little time. >> stressing me out, miguel. >> thanks, miguel. carson is back. good morning. >> good morning, guys. i'm stressing out, too. thanks for that. coming up, we've got a much-needed pure moment of joy that will put a smile on your face. i guarantee it. we'll have that weekend deals are back at target.

this weekend save 20% on star wars toys, apparel, and home decor. save big with weekend deals every weekend. only at target. outer layer of your enamel tooth surface. white, the thing that's really important to dentists is to make sure that that enamel stays strong and resilient for a lifetime the more that we can strengthen and re-harden that tooth surface, the whiter their patients' teeth are going to be. dentists are going to really want to recommend pronamel strong and bright. it helps to strengthen and re-harden the enamel. it also has stain lifting action. it's going to give their patients the protection that they need and the whiter teeth that they want. ♪ turns out things aren't always take guinea pigs.ey are. they're not pigs at all, nor are they from guinea. or take this haircut.

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and with panera catering, there's more to go around. panera. food as it should be. this weekend save 20% on are back at target. star wars toys, apparel, and home decor. save big with weekend deals every weekend. only at target. 7:51. so happy carson is back. you've got a great moment to share with us. >> much-needed, well-deserved, great moment indeed. good morning. 16-year-old little has always dreamed of going to harvard. this week, when he found out the dream would be coming true, he wasn't the only one who was excited. check out how excited his classmates and family members reacted to his harvard acceptan acceptance. [ scream i cheers and applause

how great is that? the video had been viewed already about 5 million times now. harvard alum nbc player jeremy lin tweets out, congrats. awesome story of someone pursuing education, chasing their dreams and turning a blind eye to the haters. harvard reached out saying, congratulations and welcome to harvard. if this wasn't enough excitement for the family, if you can believe it, this was just last week, a similar scene for his older brother, alex, when he got accepted to stanford. >> what? >> wow. >> yeah. they're part of a small graduating class of 16 students at tm landry college prep school. it's in louisiana. the brothers were in the same grade was one skipped a level. his acceptance marks the third year in a row the school has

sent a student to harvard. he plans on majoring in math and computer science and hopes to find a job on wall street one day. congratulations to all the students graduating, all 16 of you in the class. >> best thing

in this home... we count our blessings. uh, this one. both when there's a little and a lot. there you go. what matters most is made at home. now with more icing.

see ya. -take care. ♪ so probably take it at night. and if you have any questions, the instructions are here in spanish as you requested. gracias. ♪ at walgreens, how we care will change over time, but why we care remains the same treating everyone with the care and attention they deserve. walgreens. trusted since 1901.

good thursday morning, i'm meteorologist kari hall. right now it's 7:56. we take a live look outside over san francisco and still pretty smoke gee out there with the hazy conditions and it's a spare the air day. if you can try to catch public transportation and limit your outdoor time if you have breathing vens tifts. it's also really cold. 45 degrees in san francisco, for the south bay it's 42 degrees. a chilly start but a nice warm afternoon. we will be in the upper 60s in san jose and some mid 60s for much of the bay area. mostly sunny skies. in santa rosa expect a high of 63 degrees, also 63 in antioch. over the next few days more dry weather and the winds lake county picking up this weekend. san francisco reaching the mid 60s and a little bit cooler for the end of next week. more dry weather inland as well. we've got a messy commute now at this hour but i want to

get right to a sig alert that has been issued by the chp along northbound 280 before the san jose exit. it appears several laps are blocked. the latest report says they have opened what appears to be one of the lanes but you can see that backup and you can expect to keep a lot of those delays chp hasn't cleared that sig alert so keep that in mind. we are also still seeing heavy delays along southbound 880 before fruitvale avenue. happening now we're learning about an apparent assault at san francisco state university. residence hall. campus police say that the suspect is now in custody. we have a crew headed over there right now. look for updates on our twitter feed. and the south bay a man wanted is behind bars after a lengthy standoff that ended early this morning. details on our homepage including the chaotic scene that played out when officers made the arrest. also on our homepage details on tonight's second big concert

for firestorm victims of the north bay. more at nbc bay area. year? the question employers soon (won )t be able to ask.... it may mean more money for you. plus: a national honor for a local police department )s special officer. the story you )ll only see on... )today in the bay ) ♪ [vo] the season of audi sales event is here. audi will cover your first month's lease payment on select models during the season of audi sales event.

it's 8:0 it's 8:00 on "today." coming up -- taxing questions. >> americans will see lower taxes and bigger paychecks beginning in february. >> house and senate leaders coming to an agreement on a tax package that slashes individual and corporate rates. but is it a done deal? and what does it mean for you? we're live at the white house. plus, "party of nine." >> it's like a dream come true. >> we introduce you to the family who adopted seven siblings living in separate foster homes. >> if you would not have adopted, what would have happened with this family of seven? >> more than likely they would have got split up. >> how this military couple is

giving these kids the perfect home just in time for the holidays. and good luck, charlie. his training complete, our puppy with a purpose heads off to his new home to make a military vet's day-to-day life easier. join us for a bittersweet good-bye today, thursday, december 14, 2017. >> it's my birthday. >> our first time in new york city. >> where are you from? >> raleigh, north carolina. >> it's your birthday? >> yes. 5-0. >> 5-0? are you all 5-0? >> no, but we're sisters from texas. >> happy 72nd birthday, nana? >> yes! happy birthday! >> thank you. >> you look fantastic. >> i like this sign. how long have you guys been friends? >> 50 years. >> 50 years? >> isn't that great? how long have you been friends with me? >> 50 seconds!

[ cheers and applause ] >> that's fun. 50 years right there. welcome back to "today." thank you so much for being with us. >> there's a lot going on. republicans have moved their historic tax overhaul into the fast lane but they could be facing one new obstacle. nbc's white house correspondent kristen welker has more. good morning. >> reporter: good morning, this morning president trump is trying to seal the deal with republican lawmakers on the cusp of passing what mr. trump is calling a once in a generation tax reform package. and it's the ongoing fallout from that epic loss in alabama that is still reverberating at the white house and on capitol hil hill. >> after the that stunning republican defeat in alabama, fresh urgency to pass tax reform. president trump promising to get it done by christmas. >> we want to give you, the american people, a giant tax cut for christmas and when i say "giant" i mean "giant." >> reporter: republicans say

they've got a deal so what's in it? according to multiple republican sources for top earners the individual tax rate will drop a more than 39% to 37%. the corporate tax rate slashed from 35% to 21%. the thorny issue of deductions for property and state income taxes will be capped at $10,000 and perhaps the most controversial part of the bill, it repeals the obamacare individual mandate, ending the penalty for not having health insurance, a move that could leave 13 million more people uninsured and alienate some moderate republicans. protesters rallying outside capitol hill. >> kill the bill! >> reporter: democrats are trying to put the brakes on the whole thing, calling on senate majority leader mitch mcconnell to delay a vote on the bill until the democrat who won in alabama is seated. >> delay till doug jones gets here and can cast a vote. plain and simple. >> reporter: the alabama race cutting the already narrow republican majority by one vote

and throwing the entire gop agenda into question. earlier on today, senate elect doug jones speaking to savannah. >> you heard senator schumer, the democratic leader in the senate, wants republicans to not vote on tax reform until you get there and you can cast a vote. just quickly, do you agree with that? do you think they should wait? >> i'm going to let that play out. i don't have a position on that. with the holidays and everything going on, this is a big deal. i want to make sure it's done right so let's see how it plays out. >> reporter: mr. trump, who backed roy moore, trying to down play the results noting moore was so controversial some in the gop are actually pleased, but not him. >> they're happy with the way it turned out. as the leader of the party i would have liked to have had the seat. >> reporter: many in the party are pointing the finger at steve bannon, the former white house top official who backed moore after declaring war against the gop establishment. >> to see him on the stage this week with the big american flag behind him, it looked like some

dishevelled drunk that wandered in off the street. >> reporter: but bannon defiant, telling them his war against the establishment is just warming up. >> meanwhile, one of the most famous faces at the white house is out. nbc news has learned a source close to the white house that omarosa newman, former apprentice star, was escorted off the grounds of the white house tuesday night after trying to reentry the residence to debate the terms of her departure. in an interview this morning, manigault-newman says reports she was fired are 100% false insisting she resigned and was not escorted off campus. hoda? >> kristen welker at the white house. thank you. a coroner says the death of a kentucky state lawmaker accused of molesting a teenage girl was a probable suicide. 57-year-old republican dan johnson died wednesday from a single gunshot wound. the father of five was also a church pastor. on monday, the kentucky center for investigative reporting

published accusations from a woman who said johnson assaulted her five years ago when she was 17. johnson called the story "totally false" and refused to resign. an amazing story from canada where officials say all 25 passengers and crew members survived an overnight plane crash. one of the passengers is an infant. a number of people were taken to the hospital with injuries, including broken bones. the plane went down just after takeoff from the fond du lac airport in saskatchewan. there was no fire. a transport plane and helicopter was sent to help with the rescue operation. 8 c:06. time for the morning boost. some say you should never meet your idol but there was one little girl in our studio wednesday that couldn't disagree more. take a look. vail was here, she got to meet her favorite character peppa pig. she was jumping around. she worked up the courage to give peppa a big hug. peppa was there to help toys

collect for a toy drive. that baby was on twitter and everyone was all over it. >> now you're boosting me, i just thought is there no morning boost? you surprised me. she had the time of her life. >> you could see that. >> seriously. hard to top it. still to come, a heartwarming holiday story about a couple and seven siblings they just adopted. >> then, jenna heads to nashville to find out why christmas means more for vince gill and amy grant. but let's see what megyn is working on. good morning. our guest today began obsessively pulling out her hair at age 11. it started with eyebrows, progressed to her head and she was eventually hospitalized. wait until you hear what happened to her next. you will not believe. top of the hour. megyn, thank you. coming up, charlie's last day in studio 1a. >> we are going to give him a proper sendoff after these me messa messages.

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at kay, the #1 jewelry store in america. dad? ♪ every kiss begins with kay we are back with a remarkable family with a lot to celebrate this holiday season. here is nbc's kerry sanders. >> reporter: sophia and dasean olds always knew they might adopt. one, maybe two. but seven? and all at once? >> it was all or none. >> reporter: all or none. because even though they were in three separate foster homes, all seven are brothers and sisters. if you had not adopted, what would have happened with this family of seven? >> more than likely, they would have got split up. >> it was no questions asked. if they allow us to adopt these children, we will do it. we will do whatever it takes to make sure that we can care for them. >> reporter: were it not for a

news story posted on facebook -- >> this group had their family pulled in all directions. >> reporter: -- sophia and dasean would never have known the kids dreamed of a forever home. >> i felt it was a calling, honestly. when i saw the picture, it was automatic. >> reporter: as it turns out, this childless couple in florida could not have been more prepared. both served, both deployed to iraq, both now back in florida. today, dasean is a math teacher. >> i got one, two. >> reporter: sophia, a social worker. their deep love coupled with their military background made the ramp up from no children to seven remarkably smooth. but you may still wonder, how do they do it all, including the finances? >> we eat chicken instead of beef. >> we don't spend as much for ourselves like we used to. >> reporter: as soon as the kids get home from school, they're right at it. >> you have homework? >> reporter: homework. then fun time.

sports. dinner. >> lord, i thank you for your blessing. >> reporter: they know the drill. they know the schedule. they like the structure. they like the discipline. they help each other out. they help us out. >> reporter: a family rhythm unknown until adoption. >> i never actually had a mom and a dad under the same roof. but it feels great. it's like they both -- it's like a half of something, peanut butter and jelly. >> reporter: siblings separated for so long, memories have started to fade. >> i almost forgot about somebody. >> reporter: you almost forgot your brothers and sisters? but this christmas, a wish granted. >> i was hoping it could happen. it's like a dream come true. >> reporter: a dream that began when this lovely lady met this fella, and they knew it was much more than a hunch. all nine would make a happy bunch. for "today," kerry sanders, nbc news, marietta, florida.

>> do we need anything else today? nothing else. >> kleenex. >> you know what, there are so many exceptional people in this world. >> yes. >> they are wonderful. >> wow. >> great thing. that's awesome. kids, shall we trend? you want to? >> let's do it. >> jenna is here. >> hey. >> whenever jbh makes it in the mix -- >> i'm ready to trend. >> this morning there is a hashtag called my three celeb dinner would be. users are drafting their dream dinners. i'm going to start off just to get it going. we'll go around. >> okay. >> ending up with ms. savannah guthrie. so my three would be oprah, because oprah. >> you have to. >> of course. >> mine would be ricky gervais. drew brees. >> due bre >> why drew brees? >> i'm a new orleanian deep in my soul and he is everything. he's the guy you want to marry, you want your daughter to and he

the father. >> would joel not be invited? >> sorry, joel. >> al? >> i'd go with michelle obama, stephen colbert, just because he's smart and funny, and josh gad, because he makes me laugh all the time. >> all the time. >> he does. >> those are good ones. mr. daly? >> i'd go with my buddy tiger woods who i haven't seen. grew up playing golf with him. i thought about this. thought how the dinner conversation would be good. martin scorsese. a lot of good movies there. and cardinal timothy dolan. just a big fan. my faith has been rocked this year and i have a lot of questions for you. >> he's also fun. >> yes. >> great person to have dinner with. >> he could say the prayer, so that's good. my is a little more frivolous. i went with lyin-manuellin-manu. willie nelson for obvious reasons. dolly parton because i love her. >> yes. >> so fun. >> i thought there'd be good music and good convo. >> love that.

>> mine won't surprise anyone. i went with roger federer. >> hilarious. >> two clones of roger federer. >> in case one didn't show. >> i came up with a real one. roger federer was on my list. also amy shubert. reese witherspoon. jenna thinks she's her bestie but i want to move? >> i just know it. >> pop start, carson? >> let's start with hoda's dinner date, oprah winfrey. she'll receive the award at the golden globals. it is given to those who made an incredible impact on the world of entertainment. she'll be the first african-american female to receive it. recent recipients include meryl streep, denzel washington and my dinner date, martin scorsese. oprah tweeted, what an honor. you can catch the 75th an vergo globes here on nbc. meghan markle will have a

royal wedding. kensington palace announcing the actress will spend christmas day with her fiance, prince harry, along, of course, with the royal family, at the queen's estate. c william and kate will also be there. meg markle will be the first fiance to spend christmas with the royal family. kate spent christmas with her family when she was engaged to william. ed sheeran, want to add him to your dinner? >> yes. >> ed was on the show when he announced there was a third version of the song with andrea bocelli. we have a sneak peek. enjoy. ♪ darling, you look perfect tonight ♪ ♪

>> captivated, just watching andrea bocelli. one of the most beautiful songs lyrically, done in one of the most beautiful languages with by one of the beautiful artists in the world. and sings in italian in that version. >> bocelli could sing the phone book. >> for sure. today's morning click here -- or daly click. morning boost together with --i. wanted a new stove. her grandson surprised her with one. say cheese. >> cheese. >> grandma, merry christmas. >> ah! >> forget getting into harvard. get a new stove.

>> oh, my gosh. >> jumping and screaming went on for hours -- no. minutes. the surprise was a great success. we love that video. that's your daly click. >> cutie. that's a good one, carson. good to have you back. >> thank you. how is the weather looking? >> we've had a little snow. we'll see a little more over the next 24 hours. windy conditions in the mid-atlantic states, ohio river valleys. mild afternoon along the gulf coast. unfortunately, the santa ana winds continue to blow in southern california into the southwest. hopefully, we start to see a break in the air stagnation in the that's what's going on around the country. here what's happening in your neck of the woods. >> good morning. we are going to have an unhealthy day for air quality once again. as we take a live look outside in san jose, it's been a really cold start. only 42 degrees right now. lower 40s from oakland down to palo alto and below freezing temperatures in parts of the north bay valleys. it's going to be really nice with some much more comfortable weather reaching into the low to

mid-60s today. and upper 60s for san jose. expect a high of 67. >> that's your latest weather. savannah? well, it is a bittersweet morning here in studio 1a because we are saying good-bye to our puppy with a purpose, charlie. but we could not be prouder as he starts his next chapter. >> do you remember when we first met him nearly 14 months ago? he made his grand entrance on the plaza. eight weeks old, boom, he was a member of our family. come on. >> we followed his progress with america's vet dogs every step of the way, as he worked toward becoming a service dog. perfecting skills in and around our studio with his trainer. >> last month, charlie finally met the wounded warrior he'd ultimately serve, stacy pearsall. that was the beginning of the inspiring journey they're setting off on together. when staccey pearsall and charl met on our plaza, it was love at

first sight. >> we were flthrowing hearts at each other between eyes. >> we watched as charlie has grown over the last year, learning all the skills he needs to become a service dog. >> charlie, come. >> now it was time to put the skills to the test. >> when i get to see charlie performing with confidence and enthusiasm, it is everything that we have worked collectively as a team for. >> charlie's trainer, olivia poff, has been working with him and stacy to fine-tune tasks like retirievaletrieval. >> here. >> ball danance and mobility. and nightmare interruption. because stacy sometimes experiences seizures, charlie will be right by her side to help. >> there is something to having a teammate there when coming out of being disoriented like that. it adds a little bit of reassurance. that will make all the difference. >> the biggest part of charlie's

new job, hitting the road with stacy as she shoots her veterans portrait project. >> he'll be there supporting me. having him nearby will offer some peace of mind to the veterans who are in front of my camera. charlie has already changed my life just by being in it. and he is going to teach me a lot about my own vulnerabilities but reinforce the fact that i'm not alone. >> i could not have imagined a better match than stacy for charlie. they look as if they've been together for years. there is such a bond and such a rapport that's occurring already. it's magical to watch. >> this is a tough one because we are so happy for you, stacy and charlie, but we are going to miss the sweet dog. how has it been back home? >> an incredible journey. i have learned so much about not only charlie but how we're going to work together. it's been incredible.

>> olivia, charlie has had an interesting upbringing. it's been right here with us in the studio. >> yes. >> how is he adapting, and how has this helped him help stacy? >> i have to thank the "today" show because charlie experienced almost zero transition, going from the set here in studio 1a to stacy's life. stacy is a photographer. he is comfortable around cameras and comfortable around other veterans, meeting people and getting back to the job. it's set him up for a powerful, powerful relationship. >> here he was part of our little zoo, but at home in south carolina, he's on a farm. what is it like for him, with the animals and other dogs? >> we have a menagerie. he's met every single one of them and has had a new best friend. every animal that comes into our life gets a royal title. we'll call him prince charlie now. >> so cute. >> i love that. >> you waited two years for a service dog. what are you most looking forward to once this ends and

you get back home with charlie? >> took me a lot to admit i need help, because it is contrary to everything i am. that happened two years ago, so it has been a process. just admitting i needed help and being open about it now. now that charlie is in my life, he is going to help me move forward with dealing with that. >> as we said, we love this dog so much, but to give him up, it is not as hard because it is going to someone so deserving and so worthy. obviously loves him so much. we're happy for you. >> and olivia, we love you, too. >> thank you. >> we're going to miss you around here. >> thank you. >> hopefully you'll be back, if you know what we mean. >> yes. straight ahead, jenna's country christmas. how two of nashville's biggest stars celebrate the holidays. nick jonas performs his song just nominated for a golden globe. we're calling that baby a hit. after your local news. a 15-hour police standoff in san

jose is now over. good morning. it's 8:26. i'm marcus washington. a 15-hour police standoff in san jose is now over. it ended about 3:30 this morning. it all started yesterday afternoon in a neighborhood not far from los lagos golf court. they spotted that man who is a felon wanted for burglary and officers followed him into the home. the suspect escaped and barricaded himself in another nearby home. officers early this morning fired tear gas and nonlethal rounds into that home. the suspect exited the home and officers arrested him. and tracking right now a sig alert delay in san francisco. >> there was a sig alert that had been issued within the past 30 minutes. we've got a couple of issues out

on the roads. i do want to make a quick update of that, now that we have seen that sig alert has been canceled and now lanes are open 280 before san jose avenue. we could see, that's still causing some pretty good delays. we're seeing some delays along southbound and now northbound 880. earlier, there were road work delays and that could be an issue for why there's still a lot of slowing in that area. real-time camera right now of 880 and oakland, you can see stop and go traffic in that area, back to you. >> all right, thanks. i'll have another local news update for you in half an hour. of course you can always catch up on everything, get nbcbayarea.com. ♪

♪ think of your fellow man, ♪ lend him a helping hand, ♪ put a little love in your heart.♪ ♪ you'll see it's getting late, oh please don't hesitate...♪ ♪ put a little love in your heart.♪ ♪ in your heart... ♪ in your heart... ♪ in your heart... ♪ in your heart. (vo) going on now, our subaru share the love event will have donated over one hundred fifteen million dollars to those in need.

♪ 8:30 now. thursday morning, the 14th of december, 2017. beautiful tree. beautiful crowd. and nick jonas doing the honors this morning. our celebrity toy drive. all up ahead of a live performance of his latest hit, now golden globe nominated. he'll perform it for us in a couple. al, what you got? >> well, we are happy to say our toy drive, as you see, is a huge success again this year. so far, able to donate more than $8 million worth of gifts to

kids in need. thank you to our loyal contributors. here to tell us about their generous donations, ryan clark and his daughter, lauren. merry christmas to both of you. >> thank you. >> you are making a great donation to us this year. tell us about it. >> we're proud to announce a donation of $250,000 worth of food to the boys and girls club through feeding america and the "today" show program. we're excited about it. >> why so important, the boys and girls club? >> so many kids go hungry. hunger is a national problem. helping is something we try to do as a company. >> thank you for being here. guys? in fact, if you want to be part of this, you have until next friday to bring a gift to the plaza or donate online at amazon.com/today. the details are on today.com. kids, you want your crowd moment? >> yes. >> do you really want it? >> yes. >> everybody loves charlie.

but we especially found this lovely lady. ho, ho, ho, from denver. all we want for christmas is charlie in our stocking. we can't do that, but we can do something that's close. come on, charlie. >> so cute. >> come on, charlie. >> what do you think of your little charlie, your stuffed animal? >> love charlie. >> thank you. >> thank you, charlie. >> stacy, thank you so much, too. she's got a present for charlie, an ornament for stacy and charlie. y'all, thank you. thank you so much. >> really nice. >> how sweet is that? >> stacy and charlie have friends all over the country. i love it. >> awesome. jenna traveled to nashville to manage out with amy grant and vince gill.

we'll help you wrap up shopping with a list of the top gift reviews so you don't waste your time or money. first, megyn is here. what's shaking, eggs and bacon? >> charlie, before he goes home officially with stacy, he'll take a side trip by our studio. we get another shot at him before he goes. i get stressed out when people come over for the holidays. i don't cook, like you. appetizers, i feel like we can handle. >> yes. then megyn's month of merry. here's the clue for what we're giving away. they pop the cot on -- >> somebody from boston? >> you have to watch to find out. >> megyn's month of merry. let's get a check of the weather from al. >> announcer: today's weather is brought to you by kay jewelers. every kiss begins with kiss. >> all right. let's check out what's going on as far as your weather is concerned. and the weekend outlook, friday,

clipper comes across the great lakes, bringing more snow. santa ana winds, unfortunately, continue down in california. sunshine throughout much of the country. saturday, snow showers around the great lakes, trying to make their way to the northeast. wet weather in southern texas. snow in the northern rockies. high fire danger continues out west. sunday, sunday, hopefully we see an end to the wildfires or at least the santa ana winds. showers develop in the mississippi and high river valleys. heavier rain down through the gulf. cold continues in the northeast with some snow througth that's what's going on around the country. here's what's happening in your neck of the woods. >> good morning. after this chilly start, it will be a beautiful afternoon once again with some dry weather. our temperatures reaching into the low to mid-60s for most of the bay area. upper 60s for san jose. for san francisco, look for a high of 63 degrees. just a little bit cooler in a few spots as we go into the day tomorrow. and windy on saturday. but it does stay dry and that dry weather continues at least through the middle of next week

for the inland areas. breezy and highs in the upper 60s. >> and that is your latest weather. with this kind of stuff going on, lot of folks doing shopping, check out your nbc station. also, our friends at the weather channel on cable. almost all the way around. and that's your latest weather. oh, hoda? >> that's al's morning boost. >> thank you. all right. time for our special holiday series, which we love, and it is called jenna's country christmas. you go to nashville. you have the best job. >> a childhood dream come true. amy grant and vince gill have 27 awards between them. amy, the queen of krchristian p. and vince gill, a star in country music. superstar couple amy grant and vince gill have been entertaining audiences for a decade.

here at the auditorium in nashville. ♪ i really can't stay ♪ baby, it's cold outside >> with their soldout christmas show. what makes creating these memories for the audience so special and sacred for y'all? >> this is where she really shines. this time of year, these songs, this spirit, you know. the real spirit behind christmas, she has that over anybody i've ever met. me, not so much. i just like to get -- stand beside her, play a little guitar and cheer her on. it is a good feeling. ♪ chestnuts roasting on an open fire ♪ >> when you see somebody doing something they love, you fall in love with them all over again. he might half joke and say he's not wild about doing all the crooner songs, but he kills em. >> he is. >> then he starts playing guitar and everybody levitates. he has a rare gift.

i stand next to him and say, i'm crazy about you. i would stalk you if i wasn't married to you. >> but now that you're married to me, you don't have to stalk me. >> these concerts, the season, are especially meaningful because the couple first met during a televised christmas concert 24 years ago. ♪ tender tennessee christmas ♪ it's the only christmas for me ♪ >> their love story made all the sweeter when they married six years later, combining their families. >> i'm so thankful for my family. to see them living lives that are kind and generous toward other people and helpful, and all of that, i'm so grateful. >> today, relishing in their role as grandparents. >> the experience for me, watching your children finally understand what it means to love. in that kind of unconditional

way, they finally go, oh, now i see. i see how you feel about us. >> so christmas means to you, fill in the blank. what does it mean? >> family and showing love. >> i didn't know there was going to be hard questions today. >> come on. fill in the blank. >> no, christmas means safe. i feel safe. with this child right here. it's the best feeling of all. >> that is so sweet. you have a romantic husband. >> i do. >> christmas brought them the gift of each other, and for vince, the gift of music. >> y'all both had christmas memories with your families growing up. what's your favorite? >> the one i always go back to is when i was a kid, i was 10, i got a guitar. you know, my first one. i played my dad's all up to that point. there was a gift that lasted my whole life.

>> i'm sure around this time of the year, especially since y'all met, you know, 24 years ago, but also since it was when you got your first guitar, there's something magical about it. there's something spiritual about it. >> christmas started because god so loved the world, he gave his son. and beyond all the presents, beyond the hoopla, i know that i know that i know that god is with us. ♪ sleep in heavenly peace ♪ sleep in heavenly peace >> lay down and take a nap. >> you guys, i just wanted to be part of their family. >> i know. >> i was like, can i sing with y'all? they were like, no. you can't. it's cozy in there. amy released her fourth christmas album, "tennessee christmas," and it is spectacular.

i know what i'm getting you for christmas. >> i love amy grant. love her. >> the cd? >> wasn't sure. >> thank you, jenna. coming up, what is worth your money? popular gifts for the holidays tested and reviewed. we'll show you those. first, this is "today" on nbc.

welcome back. it is okay to admit holiday shopping can be overwhelming. if you're looking for the best quality gifts for your money, there is a new online site that can help. it's called best reviews. tod today.com editorial director is here with some of the top tested, searched for ideas. you're doing the shopping for us. i love this. >> yeah. it is great because best reviews did the work for us and tested everything. >> hot toys, tell us about these. >> "star wars," big movie, of course. >> of course. lightsaber. >> everyone wants a lightsaber. it looks realistic and you can make a hundred combinations out of this kit. it is great. >> this is a remote controlled

car. >> there is a range here. we have all the options on today.com. this one is only -- it has a lot of power. >> cool. all right. easy to operate. >> this is great because it works on bumps or if you have uneven surfaces in your house. it is well-built. >> cool. that's a good one. what do we have here? >> this is laser tag. i saw kids get excited about it, grown-ups, as well. there are four guns in the kit. you don't need a vest anymore. little more sophisticated. fun for the whole family. >> let's move foto the grown-up. if you have someone who likes to cook, this is an inexpensive and great gift. >> it's only $14. spiralizer. i'm sure you heard healthy veggies turn sboog ping into pa. take any veggie and turn it into noodles. >> $14. by the way, you are right, it is a perfect stocking stuffer. if you're looking to send your kids off to school with a kind of cool little lunchbox, you found it. even for grown-ups.

>> this is great. cute way. these are bento box lunchboxes. they come with compartments, huge silverware. stick them in the microwave and dishwasher. they keep the food separated. >> i remember the air popper from back in the day. is it back? >> it's grown up a little bit. it's evolved. quiz this is a cute evolution. you don't have to go to the microwave but make your popcorn in three minutes. ten cups of popcorn. >> this is a throwback gift. these are back, the instamatic cameras. >> they tested -- looked at 16 models of cameras. there's a lot on the market. this is a mini 9. it comes in different colors and you take old school polaroids. >> $65. if you want to check on your house when you're not home, this is a doorbell. >> splurge item that is a good investment for your home. it rigs up a camera like this. ring the doorbell. you can see anywhere from your

phone who is waiting for you outside your house. if you're at work and were waiting for a package, you can check it and see if it is waiting for you outside. >> how many is that splurge? >> about $200. >> got it. all good gift ideas. find much more on today.com/shop. the best reviews is an ecommerce site, which means they select a small fee if you purchase a recommended product from the best review site. up next, a live performance from nick jonas. but first, this is "today" on nbc.

>> announcer: the citi concert series on "today" is proudly presented to you by citi. >> nick jonas is a certified triple threat. actor, singer and song writer. >> also a good guy. he plays alongside kevin hart and dwayne johnson in "jumanji." >> he co-wrote this song on the

"ferdinand" soundtrack, nominated for a global globe. you're doing press for "jumanji" over seas. your manager called me. >> my friend bang on my door and pulled me out of bed, put me on the phone with my manager. it is a dream come true to be recognized for anything. for me, songwriting is special. i wrote this song about my family. so it has even more meaning. >> when you wrote this song, sometimes you get a sense, like i think this might be a hit. did you have that thing inside you, that little thing that went off and said, maybe? >> i wish. the thing was, i wrote it specifically for "ferdinand," which comes out trorm aomorrow is amazing. my director gave me guidelines of what to write about. i was really nervous. i went to play it, and they loved it. >> it must have been nerve-racking.

you're like, here's the song. >> i felt like i was in school, handing in my essay. >> yeah. you got an a-plus. >> you did. you're in the "jumanji" sequel. you shot in hawaii. had to be kind of fun. >> it was really tough couple months. >> i'm sure. you had to suffer for your art there. >> just time. obviously a great cast. beloved film, the original, with robin williams. they took a new approach to this one, telling a different "jumanji" adventure. people will love it. >> you're going to sing? >> "home." >> take it away. ♪ always out of place, i knew i needed something new for me ♪ ♪ i never knew just what that was, yeah ♪ ♪ finding something safe was just like trying to catch a bird in flight ♪ ♪ i knew that i would never touch ♪ ♪ but now i won't let go

♪ cause i'm happy to call this home ♪ ♪ no more running ♪ i'm good knowing that i belong ♪ ♪ happy to call this home ♪ i got loving inside this island ♪ ♪ don't care who knows it ♪ happy to call this home ♪ oh way oh, oh way oh, oh way oh ♪ ♪ happy to call this ♪ shedding all that insecurity ♪ i kind of found a new me ♪ i'm okay with how that feels, yeah ♪ ♪ being me was hard enough so being someone else was too much ♪ ♪ all i want is something real ♪ now i won't let go ♪ cause i'm happy to call this

home ♪ ♪ no more running, i'm good knowing that i belong ♪ ♪ happy to call this home ♪ i got loving inside this island ♪ ♪ don't care who knows it ♪ happy to call this home ♪ oh way oh, oh way oh ♪ oh, i'm happy to call this ♪ home is where you're happy ♪ home is when you're right where you should be ♪ ♪ find where you're happy ♪ cause i'm happy to call this home ♪ ♪ no more running ♪ i'm good knowing that i belong ♪ ♪ happy to call this home

♪ i got loving inside this island ♪ ♪ don't care who knows it ♪ happy to call this home ♪ oh way oh, oh way oh, oh way oh ♪ ♪ oh, i'm happy to call this home ♪ ♪ home, oh, way oh ♪ happy to call this [ applause ] >> nick jonas, thanks so much. the song is "home." golden globe nominated. "ferdinand" opens in theaters tomorrow. >> sounded great. >> thank you, guys. we're back in a moment. >> we'd like some more. >> great job. >> great job. >> this is "today" on nbc.

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so little. >> oh. >> there's our baby.

hard to believe it. we are celebrating charlie's next chapter and saying good-bye. before we do that, we have another important person we want to recognize. this is wells jones, the ceo of america's vet dogs. >> good morning. >> after more than 28 years of dedication, he is retiring next year. well done, sir. >> we have a bit of a surprise. comcast is the parent company of nbc universal and the military and veterans affairs team would like to present america's pet dogs with a $10,000 donation. we have it here for you, mr. jones. i'll pass it to you. thank you so much. >> thank you so much. thanks to comcast. this has been such a wonderful experience for us. both the "today" family and the vet dogs family have done wonderful things together. charlie and stacy are a great proof of that. we're so grateful for that opportunity. >> stacy, do you roll around on the ground with charlie sometimes and make out? does that happen?

>> my trainers are here. >> exactly. that's a no-no. >> we encourage it. >> we wish the very, very best to you. we're going to miss charlie like crazy, but please tell us how you're doing and keep in touch with us, okay? >> yes. >> olivia, you can let everyone know, if they want to get involved, go to today.com and there's all the dei )m - -... san francisco state campus good morning. it's 8:56. i'm marcus washington. san francisco state campus police have arrested a man accused of attempted murder at a residents hall. police say that student at mary ward hall was attacked tuesday night. officers arrived in time to take an 18-year-old suspect into custody. he's also accused of assault with a deadly weapon and burglary. so far police are not saying if the attacker and the victim knew each other or what kind of

injuries the victim suffered. with our pete at san francisco state talking with police and students. pete will have a live report in our midday newscast. head over to our twitter feed. that's where we will post updates as soon as we get them. in the south bay, a want ed felon is behind bars. police used tear gas and nonlethal rounds to get him out of that home. other neighbors were evacuated for a time. to get more information, you can go to our homepage, including a look at the chaotic scene that played out when officers made that arrest. also, details on tonight's second big benefit concert for victims of the north bay wildfires. tonight, concert at san francisco bill graham auditorium. headlined by the red hot chili peppers. year?

the question employers soon (won )t be able to ask.... it may mean more money for you. plus: a national honor for a local police department )s special officer. the story you )ll only see on... )today in the bay )

♪ toyland, toyland ♪ little girl and boy land ♪ while you dwell within it ♪ you are ever happy there daddy, it's christmas! ♪ childhood's joy land never let go of your dreams. the mercedes-benz winter event is back. lease the glc300 for $449 a month at your local mercedes-benz dealer. mercedes-benz. the best or nothing.

this morning on "megyn kelly today," the list grows. more well-known men accused of sexual misconduct as an a-list actress speaks out about the monster she faced. and turning heartbreak into hope. five years after newtown, a mother remembers the daughter she lost by honoring her mery. >> we're all here for a reason, and we have a gift to share. then the amazing strides one young beauty queen made on the way to being crowned. plus, our month of merry train rolls into the studio on "megyn kelly today" right now. good morning, everybody.