macy's thanksgiving day parade starts for you at 9:00. from all of us here at "today in the bay" wish you a very happy thanksgiving. thank you so much for joining us every morning. we're just thanksgivingful for yo you. "today" show is next. ♪ good morning thanksgiving 2020. while it's not your typical holiday, there's still plenty to be thankful for. with beloved traditions getting an update, the macy's thanksgiving day parade looking a bit different. while across the country, families adjusting to smaller celebratioas health officials double down on their plea to keep safety measures front and center we'll break down everything you need to know. off the hook president trump grants a full pardon to his former national security adviser michael flynn, who pleaded guilty to lying to the fbi twice. democrats outraged but president-elect biden urging

unity in his own holiday message. >> i know the country has grown weary of the fight we need to remember, we're at war with a virus, not with one another. not with each other. calling inaudible. the nfl makes a last-minute change to thanksgiving football, brought on by a new coronavirus outbreak among the baltimore ravens the league now scrambling to get the numbers back under control in time for the weekend. we'll talk to their chief medical officer about that live. ready, set, shop those infamous black friday crowds won't be the same this year, but don't worry, the deals are still very much on we've got your preview and a game plan for the holiday sales you will not want to miss. plus, marching on. the iconic floats and show-stopping performances keeping tradition alive at the macy's thanksgiving day parade we are live along the route with a front row seat to all the

excitement ahead today, thursday, november 26th, 2020. >> announcer: from nbc news, this is "today" with savannah guthrie and hoda kotb, live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza >> hey, guys hey, guys. welcome to "today. so happy you are joining us. it's a thursday morning. happy thanksgiving savannah and i are here in herold square, right in front of macy's. >> i cannot think of one place i would rather be right now than right in this spot with you, and waiting for the 94th macy's thanksgiving day parade. it is happening. it kicks off about two hours from now. >> but -- >> nothing is going to rain on this parade. >> nothing by the way, you know what, we like the rain. they've been lining up the floats are behind us there they've been lining up since early morning. you guys know, it is not thanksgiving without our annual thanksgiving day parade. today's, we have to let you know, will be a little different than what we're used to, but the

show is going to go on. >> nbc's joe fryer has got all the details on how in the world they're going to pull this off they are going to do it. hi, joe, good morning. >> hi, joe >> reporter: savannah and hoda, good morning usually, this morning about 3.5 million people would be lining the streets to catch a glimpse of the balloons and other festivities in person. this is a parade without a parade route it is not a spectator event this year it is designed for tv. not even a pandemic could deflate this holiday tradition those humongous balloons pumped up with helium will rise again in the macy's thanksgiving day parade this year, they'll be pulled by utility vehicles instead of the 100 or so people each balloon is typically tethered to. those human handlers will eagerly wait for next year. >> probably i'll be there underneath the balloon, whatever balloon they give me. >> reporter: in all, the big balloon count is dropping from

16 last year to 12 this year while the number of floats sinks from 26 to 18. and the parade workforce, that's been cut by 88%. put simply, this year's blueprint, fewer footprints for more safety. >> normally, we see a lot of crowds we have a lot of clowns. we have a lot of balloon handlers we're just not going to have as many people this year. >> reporter: nypd cut back on parade staffing by 80% and doesn't expect many spectators to show up those who do will be reminded to practice social distancing. >> we're not asking people to show up. of course, there will be plenty of measures to make sure there are no crowds. ♪ >> reporter: rehearsals offered a glimpse of what to expect. ♪ >> reporter: a performance by jimmy fallon and the roots marching bands from the new york area, and, yes, the rockettes, unable to dance at radio city music hall, will don nutcracker

costumes on herold square. around since 1924, the macy's parade was canceled only three times, during world war ii not even a snowstorm in 1989 could ground the procession. a blissfully stubborn event that, in 2020, is still standing tall for that, we are thankful. we need this, don't we >> now more than ever. we are new york tough, and this parade is really a display and a showcase for all of new york i think that people are going to look at this, and they're going to say, you know what, if new york city can put on this parade, we can get through a pandemic >> reporter: a couple other changes we want to point out first is the parade route. in a normal year, it is about 2 1/2 miles long starts way up around 77th street, marches through manhattan, and ends around 34th street this year, very different. it is basically about a block around herold square and the macy's flagship store.

another change is usually, on thanksgiving eve, on wednesday, there is sort of a balloon blow-up event. people come from all around the city to see the balloons get filled up. obviously, this year, they did still have to fill up those balloons, but there was no event. they didn't want crowds gathering to watch that. hoda, savannah, despite all the changes, cannot tell you how excited i am to see this parade. >> i know, joe i think you're new to the east coast this year, so you're in for a really good show. >> yeah, the party is going to go on. i can't wait 9:00 we're starting it. >> i know. there's only one person we really need to check in with. >> who >> the most important person on thanksgiving morning his name is al roker he along our parade route, which means he's probably right over there. >> yeah. >> al, we see we got some rain, but our spirits are high how about yours? >> oh, they are. and the rain has kind of dropped off. i think what we're going to be looking at is this, in and out showers, not a big deal. okay, so here's 34th street. there's tom turkey tom turkey is going to be starting off there, and the floats are down there.

this 6th avenue, all the balloons are lined up there. then down here, of course, herold square in front of macy's, and that's where you guys are that's where the parade will really get kicked off. let's show you what's going on radar wise take a quick look. you'll see, we do have heavy showers, thunderstorms moving through the northeast. there is not band behind that. once that moves through, that's good news. scattered showers in the east, heaviest rain will be the northeast this morning it moves out this afternoon, cold front moves offshore, things dry out into the evening later today. then as we get into tomorrow, we are going to be looking a lot at wet weather making its way through the gulf coast lots of heavy rain that rain will be making its way up into the northeast later in the weekend and on into the beginning of next week, causing possibilities of flash flood potential. heavy rain anywhere from 2 to 3 inches from corpus christi, texas, all the way into the southeast. that's going to be a real mess again, for thanksgiving day, if you're going to be eating outside, the east coast is going to be the more problematic for ya

again, we got the parade getting ready to start off nobody cares about the rain. we're just thrilled, thrilled that we're going to see the parade guys, also good news, it is going to be about 60 degrees by the time santa hits herold square and there's no wind, so the balloons won't have a problem. even though the balloon handlers won't be there, but, but, will butter man make an appearance? stay tuned butter, it's always better with butter, baby. >> i hope so i heard santa might wear a tank top. that's how warm it is. >> i don't think we want to see that. >> i don't know. i don't know >> i do, kind of. >> he's been working out, al thank you so much. right now, we have the commissioner of the nypd here to talk to us about what is normally a busy day for him in the force, and, actually, i think it still is. >> savannah, hoda, thank you for having me. happy thanksgiving. >> i think we can say, this is not like any parade any of us have experienced, but it still has its challenges

tell me about the process of setting this up, and also, i was just thinking about making sure folks don't come up and try to watch what there is to see here because it's just not safe in a pandemic. >> that's right. i think the weather is helping us a little, unfortunately, this morning. but the advice for people, it is a great day to curl up on the couch, get coffee, and watch from home. the planning has been going on for weeks, if not months officers are still out there, so i thank them for being out in the rain and keeping people safe should be a nice day. >> do you have to use a fewer number of officers we were saying, normally, the parade route is 2 1/2 miles plus we can literally see the parade from here. does that mean more officers get a little time off on this thanksgiving. >> absolutely does some of them redeployed. they all tried to get off. some were redeployed, but a significant amount of officers cut back from prior years. >> the parade worked with the nypd and city to make sure this is a responsible event it is important to us. it is good for our spirits, but we have to keep it safe. can you tell us a little bit

about that process >> yeah. we've been putting messages out for quite some time now, again, for people to stay home. unfortunately, everyone loves this parade. it is probably people's -- certainly my favorite parade each year, and people want to come out with families and kids and watch the balloons go by we've said this probably too many times this year, just not this year, right a little different this year people are compliant i think it should be a nice day. >> i think often, people think, i see a police officers there, there, and there, but there's a lot we don't see when it comes to protecting this parade. >> there absolutely is whether you're below ground in transit, we have a bump up in resources today. you have the counterterrorism element that, unfortunately, we always do. nothing to worry about today it should be a very fine, safe day. again, we're out there i thank everyone, and especially macy's, just for keeping the tradition alive and the show must go on.

>> oh, yeah. >> this is a day to be thankful, and we are thankful for the officers on the force, especially working so hard on the front lines during a pandemic. >> yes. >> how are your officers doing how has this year been for them? >> my fingers are crossed, because we had two officers injured this week in a terrible accident. >> yes. >> we're hoping they'll both get out later this morning thank you to jamaica hospital on that. >> yeah. >> as far as the covid, you know, we are a part of new york city as it rises in the city, it's also rising in the department. we are seeing an uptick in numbers, but the very good thing is, very few officers in the hospital two in stable condition. we'll ride it out with new york city i don't know about you, but if we're doing the parade today, can we drop the ball, too, and get it -- >> yes, light the tree. >> get to '21. >> commissioner, thank you to your officers and everything you do year round. >> next year, we'll have a different atmosphere. >> definitely. >> looking forward to it, commissioner thank you. we're going to have a lot more from herold square along the

parade route throughout the morning. now, what do you say we go to a dry and toasty studio 1a, where craig because sheinelle are. >> happy thanksgiving. >> good morning, guys. >> good morning. >> loving the energy out there we're going to go back to herold square in a moment it'll be a bittersweet holiday for a lot of americans though, with skyrocketing coronavirus cases across the country, and new restrictions taking effect as overwhelmed hospitals brace for a new surge of patients. nbc's gabe gutierrez joins us now with the latest on that. gabe, good morning >> reporter: craig, good morning. the most tragic effects of this virus are felt deeply on a day like today the pandemic forcing many of us to stay apart. still, many americans are finding a lot to be thankful for. this morning, health care workers across this country are taking no holiday from the pandemic >> it's hard to stay away from our loved ones during the holidays, but i think it's an act of love.

>> reporter: more than 261,000 lives lost to covid in the u.s more than four times the number of americans who died in the vietnam war. so many empty chairs at thanksgiving tables this year. cliff anderson lost his mother, maryanne. >> we told the staff we were ready and that they could disconnect the monitors. we said bye, and it was okay to go >> reporter: overnight, los angeles county shut down all dining at all restaurants and bars for the next three weeks. pennsylvania banned alcohol sales in its bars and restaurants last night through this weekend in an effort to keep people at home. nationwide, governors, mayors, and public health officials are urging people today to limit the size of any family gathering. >> let's not look back and say, if we'd only done thanksgiving differently, thousands upon thousands of people would still be with us. >> going back for family, just short for thanksgiving >> reporter: at the nation's airports, a thanksgiving like none other travelers weighing whether to heed the advice to stay home.

>> i really want to see my family my dad was really sick, so it just needed to happen. >> reporter: but many who survive covid-19 are saying a special type of thanksgiving today to the doctors, nurses, and staff who saved their lives. patients like sal mazara, who survived four weeks in the icu >> thankful to all the staff, doctors, and nurses who took care of me and made sure i came home to my family. >> reporter: and carrie weg, who underwent a double lung transplant. >> grateful for northwestern medicine i may make it home and be home with my family >> reporter: overnight, some breaking news out of the u.s. supreme court. the court issued an injunction, blocking new york's governor from enforcing 10 and 25 person occupancy limits on religious institutions, in an unsigned majority opinion the court said the restrictions would violate religious freedom, craig. >> gabe gutierrez for us in new york, thank you. in a thanksgiving address on

wednesday, president-elect joe biden looking forward and asking the nation to come together to fight covid. meanwhile, president trump looking back at the election results, and now granting a full pardon to his former national security adviser michael flynn, who twice pleaded guilty to lying to the fbi white house correspondent kelly o'donnell joins us now with more on that. good morning and happy thanksgiving. >> reporter: to you, as well, sheinelle. good morning michael flynn is the only white house official, current or former, convicted in connection with the russia investigation. the president linked the timing of the pardon to the thanksgiving holiday in his announcement, and the flynn family responded with a statement expressing gratitude and solidarity to the president. brandishing presidential power and political loyalty, a full pardon granted to former national security adviser michael flynn. rolled out on twitter, but long foreshadowed by president trump. >> he was an innocent man.

he is a great gentleman. he was targeted by the obama administration, and he was targeted in order to try to take down a president >> reporter: reaction from democrats was swift and damning. >> it is a body blow to our national security. it is also a body blow to the rule of law. >> reporter: house speaker nancy pelosi called the flynn pardon an act of grave corruption and a brazen abuse of power. flynn plead guilty to lying to the fbi about his communication with a russian ambassador, and was fired by president trump when he lied about it to the vice president flynn later asked to withdraw his plea trump ally, lindsey graham, called this a very good use of the pardon power wednesday, other trump supporters gathered in pennsylvania to outline complaints about election procedures before republican state legislators, though biden's win there is already certified. president trump called in, denying his defeat.

>> this election was rigged, and we can't let that happen we won pennsylvania by a lot, and we won all of these swing states by a lot. and we have to turn the election over >> reporter: in wilmington, a very different message from president-elect joe biden. >> we have full and fair and free elections, and then we honor the results. >> reporter: biden also urged patience and unity against covid. >> i know the country has grown weary of the fight we need to remember we're at war with a virus, not with one another. not with each other. >> reporter: in another development, even after the pennsylvania results were certified by the democratic governor, wednesday, a pennsylvania appeals court judge ordered no further certification, no additional steps toward the electoral college, after a gop lawmaker filed suit, challenging 2.5 million mail-in ballots. then prompted another volley of court action the next steps are still to be determined sheinelle?

>> all right kelly o'donnell, thank you let us go back to mr. roker on that parade route for another check of the weather happy thanksgiving, sir. >> happy thanksgiving to both of you and your families. it's good to see you guys on thanksgiving morning let's take a quick look, show you what we have as far as your weather is concerned on this thanksgiving morning we are looking at a damp start along the eastern seaboard, all the way from new england, where there could be light snow in the upper elevations, to wet weather in the central gulf. mild and sunny in the midsection of the country with temperatures into the 50s and 60s bright and sunny out west. we're going to get to your local forecast coming up in the next 30 seconds a fluffy blueberry muffin, from the drive thru you're already driving through. a glazed apple fritter, which might find its way into your coffee. these are options every breakfast-haver should have, and now... they do.

meet the new bakery sweets at mcdonald's ♪ ba da ba ba ba good morning, i'm meteorologist kari hall. outside in san jose and some sunshine and cool temperatures across the bay area in the mid to low 60s and pretty windy out there throughout the day and we're going to see those gusts at times topping over 30 miles per hour, especially in the north bay. going through the forecast, we'll still have a lot of sunshine and dry weather. morning temperatures will start out in the 30s in the inland valleys and dry through early next week. savannah, hoda >> roker >> al, thank you so much the parade about an hour and a half away now. coming up on the "today" show, we're going to talk about the nfl's covid crisis with one day's notice, the league had to postpone the steelers and ravens game set for tonight, after several more baltimore players tested

positive coming up, the nfl's chief medical officer joining us live exclusively with how the nfl is trying to get that schedule and this outbreak back on track. plus, the giant balloons are flying, but you know what, no crowds at today's macy's thanksgiving day parade. but you can all be cozy watching it at home we'll talk to the ceo of macy's about why this is important to keep this tradition alive, even though they had to reimagine the iconic event we'll be back from the parade route. give you my world. ♪ ♪ how can i, when you won't take it from me. ♪

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a last-minute gift makes a lasting impression. a tray carries your heritage. and an ending means a new beginning. good morning. happy thanksgiving. it's 7:26. i'm kira klapper. here are today's top stories including a crackdown in san jose. >> enforcem teams are out enforcing covid-19 rules. they will be joined by firefighters in santa clara county because of this surge in covid-19 cases. record number of cases, record number of hospitalizations and a threat on the icu beds. they'll be looking at grocery stores now at 50% capacity. retail stores at 25% capacity and making sure that people are wearing their masks and

practicing social distancing. >> i'm cierra johnson in san francisco. despite covid, folks here still wanting to put on a warm meal for the folks in need. so, behind me, three tents are set up right here at the 300 block and they're gngoi to feed more than 0olks f and for the folks that can't make it to this location, 200 meals will be delivered throughout the city. meteorologist kari hall has a look at your holiday forecast. >> and it's going to be a really nice day with a lot of sunshine, but we are still going to have some really high winds for this afternoon. we're looking at our wind gusts in some parts of the bay area reaching over 30 miles per hour. if you're going to be outside, plan for the decorations to be blown around and we'll have a calmer wind tomorrow and highs reaching into the low 60s and morning temperatures will be very chilly here our inland valleys will dip below freezing in some spots.

>> i hope everyone can stay cozy inside. another local news update for you in half an hour. have a happy thanksgiving. come experience floor and decor's grand opening in san leandro! safely shop our wide aisles

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♪ we're back now it's 7:30. it's thanksgiving morning. oh, there's the man of the hour. i mean, the turkey of the hour, tom turkey always the traditional -- >> look at that. >> -- first float to come along the parade route today will be no different so much is different about this year, but one thing is going to go on almost as it always has, and that is the macy's thanksgiving day parade. >> it is you can't really see it behind us, but there is a production number starting. jimmy fallon and the roots are joining us at the top of the parade macy's parade starts in 90 minutes. they had to get super creative to pull off this one it's been a unique year amid the

pandemic, but macy's says health and safety are priorities. they're getting it done. >> we know a little about this parade and how they're pulling it off it'll be a really good show. in a few minutes, we'll talk to the ceo of macy's about what to expect this year first, let's talk football another big part of thanksgiving tough news for the nfl to deliver, a last-minute change to your thanksgiving lineup covid outbreak among the baltimore ravens forced the nfl to postpone today's matchup against the unbeaten steelers. in a moment, craig is going to talk to the nfl's chief medical officer. first, morgan chesky with the latest morgan, good morning. >> reporter: hey, savannah, hoda, good morning to you. these thanksgiving day games have become as much of a tradition here as turkey and pumpkin pie. the cowboys and lions are going to be hosting these games as they have for decades. the third game, featuring

arguably the best team in the league, is off the table all courtesy of covid-19. >> reporter: this morning a primetime turkey day clash is on the back burner. the baltimore ravens is now trying to contain a covid outbreak. at least seven players matchup out of, quote, an abundance of identified as positive or identified as close contacts. the team saying in a statement, they've disciplined a staff member for conduct surrounding the recent covid-19 cases. in turn, the nfl said it is postponing the thanksgiving day matchup out of, quote, an abundance of caution. >> we've done a very, very deep dive into this situation we've interviewed everyone involved we feel like we have a really good handle on exactly when transmission occurred. >> reporter: some steelers players frustrated by the delay. wide receiver juju smith-schuster tweeting, first the nfl takes away our bye week because another team can't get their covid situation together now, they take away our thanksgiving primetime game for the same reason. wide receiver chase claypool tweeting, simply, what a joke. the league cracking down even

further on virus protocols announcing players must wear masks on the sidelines if not entering the game or wearing a helmet that follows another mask mandate, requiring staff and players to wear them at all times at team facilities, during practice and in weight rooms team meetings must be now held virtually or in a large indoor space approved by the league all meals have to be made grab and go, to avoid players and staff spending time in cafeterias the nfl, motivated not just by growing cases inside their own sport, but across the country. the league's chief medical officer putting out this thanksgiving psa, warning fans to look out for any covid symptoms. >> in today's day and time, it's always covid until proven otherwise. if anyone in the family or household has those symptoms, isolate them, get them tested immediately, make sure they don't interact with everyone else >> reporter: and we learned the ravens have disciplined a strength and conditioning coach following the fact that they've

learned he wasn't routinely wearing a mask, nor consistently reporting symptoms they think that could have led to this recent rash of covid-19. meanwhile, they're hoping that by proactively punishing him, the nfl will lessen a fine or punishment after having to cancel the thanksgiving day game craig? >> morgan chesky for us there in texas. morgan, thank you. dr. allen sills is the chief medical officer for the nfl and joins us this morning. happy thanksgiving to you, dr. sills. >> happy thanksgiving to, you as well, craig. >> so the two running backs, they test positive earlier in the week walk us through what happened after that how did you guys arrive at the decision to postpone the game? >> well, we did what we do in every single one of these cases, craig, which is we look at the facts and evidence of where it takes us, in terms of transmission so whenever we get a positive case, we have a dedicated team of contact tracers and epidemiologists that go in, interview everyone involved. they look at our proximity tracking device data and try to

understand, where might this case have come from, and who might be at risk for further spread we started doing that with the very first cases in baltimore and continue with each case since. from that, you get a pattern of where you think the spread may have been. we also sequence the genome of each positive sample so we can better understand, did person a pass it to person b, or is this coming inside from the community? >> we're postponing this thursday game until sunday afternoon, as i understand it. why are you confident you're going to be able to play the game three days later, if you can't play it today? >> well, let me start out by saying we take every single day one step at a time we have to look at the results every day and make the best decision for that day. in this particular situation, we feel we have a good understanding where transmission occurred we also feel like we have a good understanding of where that window of transmission may close. we certainly don't want to put anyone on the field for either team if we think they're in the window of vulnerability. at present, with the information in hand, we feel fairly confident that we understand the

end of this transmission chain and would be able to get the game played safely on sunday we did not have that confidence that we could do that today, and that's why we made the decision to postpone the game. >> got it. i want to go back to juju smith's point that he made in that tweet the pittsburgh steelers' receiver tweeting, the nfl takes our game away because of the other team not getting the covid together. now taking away our primetime thanksgiving game for the same reason doesn't he have a point? shouldn't teams be forced to be held accountable for outbreaks on their team, and other teams shouldn't suffer as a result >> craig, i think we'd all like to get back to a sense of normalcy and a schedule we can count on it is not just true in the nfl but in daily lives, with schools and businesses what we said throughout the season is we have to remain flexible and adaptable because safety is our top priority our number one priority is to make sure we put two teams on the field who are infection free, and we can keep everyone safe, players, coaches, and staff on both sides.

we have to make the decisions that lead us to that place and be ruled by the science and not be ruled by the schedule that's what we've tried to do consistently throughout this entire season. >> really quickly, before the season, there had been talk that perhaps the nfl should consider the kind of bubble that the nba and wnba and nhl used. this point in the season, playoffs looming, games become more important, any talk of the nfl considering the bubble model for the rest of the season >> craig, we've said throughout that all options remain on the table. we'll look at whatever the most appropriate decision is, based on the data and science. we've been in regular communication with those other pro sports leagues i'll say there are some pros and cons there is risk and benefits to each model now, we're doubling down on intensive protocols for each team, making changes this week we have confidence in those steps, and we'll be monitoring the data carefully over the next few weeks to see what makes the most sense come january. >> dr. allen sills, thanks thanks for your time enjoy your thanksgiving, sir

reminder, now two nfl games on nbc this sunday. the ravens taking on those undefeated pittsburgh steelers at 1:00 eastern, followed by the bears and packers. nfc north showdown at 7:00, right here on nbc. >> still have two games. >> there you go. >> two games on sunday on nfl. >> savannah and hoda, back to you on harold square. >> thanks, guys. huge balloons, spectacular floats, musical numbers, they're all going to be here, still the beating heart of the macy's thanksgiving day parade a little later this morning. >> with covid precautions, we'll talk to the ceo of macy's about how it is all coming together, coming up after this a migraine hope from aimovig.

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>> here with us is jeff gwinnett, the chairman and ceo of macy's. >> happy thanksgiving. hoda, savannah, great to be back with you again. >> can't think of anywhere we'd rather be than right here, saying the parade is going to happen this is a labor of love. >> it is. >> tell me about what it took to put it on this year. >> this year was different because, first off, just want to thank the creativity of our entire team and amazing partners so you think about the city and state of new york, the nypd, all of our great partners at nbc, just we're going to make this happen so it is different this year it is not a live event in the sense that we have crowds. it is a tv event it was filmed over three days. when you think of the envelope we are in right now, it is just on 34th street instead of 9,000 participants last year, 500 this year everybody covid tested everybody social distanced with masks. it is still going to be a feast for america. they're going to love it in this three-hour presentation we're about to do. >> in the very beginning, you

guys said, we're going to do it, and everyone was like, how are they going to pull that off? it was important to keep the crowds back. if you're at home and watching this, jeff, i think what you're going to see is a macy's day parade you may miss the crowds, but as you're watching it, i don't know that you will say, "oh, that's a weird parade." >> that's true all the elements are back. we have the balloons, which is fantastic. we've got the new floats what i love is that we have the talent we have a lot of talent here in new york city that haven't been able to perform for the last nine months. putting that on a national stage. broadway shows, jimmy fallon is going to be here. >> boom. >> dolly parton, patti labelle, the rockettes. this wouldn't be a parade without the rockettes. my favorite is the macy's christmas tree they're virtual but back. >> all macy's employees. when you thought about this, and, obviously, this has been an unusual year, i'm sure someone said, "okay, do you want to do it this year do you think we can do it? what does it mean, standing here

and knowing this is going to happen, something that 50 million americans count on and watch, especially when we want the little normalcy. what does it mean to you >> there's your answer i'll tell you, we have been doing the thanksgiving day parade almost 100 years. it is a family tradition boy, do we need traditions right now in america so proud to do that. we've only canceled it three times. all in world war ii. to figure out a way to launch this, proud to do it >> you talk about how it is scaled back. you have new things, too, new balloons talk about what people haven't seen before. >> you have boss baby and red titan. you have the tom and jerry float, which you'll love can't wait for you to see it jack and little pill mean girls broadway shows >> hamilton. >> i love the new york city ballet is going to be here we have local parades that were canceled this year the opportunity to show that great talent on a national stage, very proud of that.

>> my theme for the day is don't rain on my parade, right >> not going to let a parade be dodged by any rain so happy. >> thank you. >> thank you, jeff. >> happy thanksgiving. >> happy thanksgiving. thank you. >> thank you to the macy's employees. the 94th annual macy's thanksgiving day parade starts right here, 9:00 a.m. on nbc, a little over an hour. the man of the hour is always al. he lets us know how it'll be along the parade route it is a short one, but already, the rain has cleared up, al. >> we're going to get a couple more spritzes, hit or misses, but nothing as heavier as it was this morning in fact, here's our forecast for the parade we are looking at wet but mild parade by the time santa hits harold square, we're going to be looking at 60 degrees. a spritz here and there. if you are going to be dining outside, wet and cool in the east dress in warm, waterproof layers maybe hold off on eating until later in the afternoon if you're in the south, it'll be nice and warm. get a fire pit going if you're in the midwest

mild temperatures in the south in the northwest, you'll need warmer layers, but the southwest, a light jacket after sunset that's what's going on a good morning, i'm meteorologist kari hall. take a look outside at a different system. all clear and sunny and nice start to our morning. we're going to have some winds as our temperatures head up to the low to mid 60s for today. if you will be having dinner outside, it's going to be quite windy especially in the north bay. highs into the mid 60s today and as well the next several days but our mornings will be chilly starting out near freezing in the inland valley. >> that's your latest weather. tom turkey is all ready to kick off the parade. by the way, happens to be the favorite of one deborah roberts. guys >> oh, sweet. >> it is a tradition speaking of, one of your favorites, or perhaps your nemesis, your old pal butter, al that's right

al and butter man are going to reunite. a live interview they will revisit their encounter, shall we say, from last year's parade, that turned this unlikely duo into a viral sensation. that's right >> we love you, roker. then we are going to share our gratitude for small businesses we have a special steals and deals. from comfy fleece jogger sets to a celebrity favorite jewelry line, jill martin will help us shop first, these messages. ♪

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xxxx. good morning and happy thanksgiving. it is 7:56. i'm kira k llapper. >> i'm cierra johnson and despite the cooler temperatures and the pandemic, the folks here at glide stepping up and doing what they to serve more than 2,300 folks warm meals in a safe and sanitary measure. now, behind me those tents will be filled with folks beginning at 9:00 and runs until 1:00. for the folks that can't make it meals delivered via vans throughout the city. i'm thom jensen. enforcement teams are out enforcing covid-19 rules. new rules go into effect joined by firefighters in santa clara county because of this surge in covid-19 cases. record number of cases, record number of hospitalizations and a

stress on those icu beds. they will be looking at grocery stores now at 50% capacity and restale stores at 25% capacity and making sure people are wearing their masks and practicing social distancing. meteorologist kari hall has your thanksgiving forecast. >> and it will be windy today with our temperatures starting out chilly. reaching into the low 60s for much of the bay area. microclimates a few mid 60s for the our inland valleys and we go through the forecast the weather remains and cool mornings and warm and sunny afternoons. we'll see that continue into at least the middle of next week. back to "today" show.

it's 8:00 on "today. coming up, happy thanksgiving. the holiday kicks off like never before, as americans adjust to new safety measures. health officials pleading for smaller gatherings this year, while we give thanks >> and thankful to all the staff, nurses, and doctors who took care of me and made sure i came home to my family. >> we're live with the latest. plus, get ready to shop. the big changes coming to black friday, as major retailers work to keep shoppers safe. >> there's really not one big sale's day this year. >> ahead, what you need to know about the deals happening online

and in stores. and can't rain on our parade the macy's thanksgiving day parade kicks off with new floats and new performances, and a few old friends. butter man will join us live, as we get ready to celebrate today, ♪ i'm thursday, november 26th, 2020. ♪ i'm grateful >> lancaster, pa. >> starting thanksgiving with "today." >> this is "today." >> happy thanksgiving. >> from the gowins family. >> all the way from beverly hills, michigan. ♪ i'm thankful for >> from our family to yours, happy thanksgiving. >> from tulsa, oklahoma, to health care workers, thank you and happy thanksgiving ♪ grateful >> and a happy thanksgiving to everybody. >> happy thanksgiving. >> welcome in, guys. we are so grateful that you guys are with us.

you at home, craig and sheinelle in studio. >> happy thanksgiving, guys. >> happy thanksgiving. >> happy thanksgiving, guys. >> we are right here in front of macy's on 34th street, where miracles happen. we are getting ready for the 94th annual macy's thanksgiving day parade are you excited? >> they call this the miracle on 34th street, and this year, it feels like that with all the things going against it. this parade is happening in about an hour. it is going to kick off. yes, it will be a bit different, but it is going to have all the things you count on. the giant balloons, the animated floats, of course, the big name performances jimmy fallon and the roots are going to be here live. dolly parton, leslie odom jr., muppets from "sesame street," performance from "hamilton." >> patti labelle, tori kelly we have so many stars here today. it is fun, we're watching it all come together. they're lining up behind us, and it is going to start in a little less than an hour. >> really, if you're watching from home, i don't think you're going to notice anything. >> no. >> we're not missing a beat here you have a fun interview coming

up tomorrow on "today," by the way. >> i do. >> goldie hawn and kurt russell. >> can i tell you something? >> tell me there is an "overboard" sequel. >> i don't know about that, but i have to tell you, sitting with them was so fun. they are this iconic couple. i don't know if you know, but they met when goldie was 21 and kurt was 16. >> whoa. >> i know, kind of crazy right now, they are playing santa and mrs. claus in "christmas chronicles 2. it is out right now. >> there's "overboard," my favorite movie. >> knew we were going to get that in. we're going to say bye, but we'll see you for the parade. >> good luck. >> you have us excited to see the parade really looking forward to it. >> it'll be good. >> enjoy and good luck see you at the top of the hour. >> okay. let's get right to the news this morning at 8:00. we start this hour with the coronavirus, as cases spike all over the country some states are implementing new restrictions in an effort to try to slow the spread

gabe gutierrez joins us with the very latest on that. gabe, good morning >> reporter: craig, good morning. today, health care workers across this country are taking no holiday from the pandemic more than 261,000 lives have been lost due to covid-19 since the pandemic began overnight, los angeles county shut down dining and restaurants and bars for the next three weeks. pennsylvania banned alcohol sales in its bars and restaurants last night through this morning in an effort to keep people home nationwide, governors, mayors, and public health officials are urging people today to limit the size of any family gatherings. also overnight, some breaking news out of the u.s. supreme court, which blocked new york's governor from enforcing occupancy limits at some houses of worship here in new york. in an unsigned majority opinion, the court said restrictions would violate religious freedom, craig. >> gabe gutierrez for us there thank you. president-elect joe biden is

urging americans to hang on and not surrender to the fatigue of the coronavirus as millions of americans get ready to celebrate thanksgiving with a smaller group around the table. meantime, president trump is turning heads after a high-profile pardon. nbc white house correspondent kelly o'donnell has it all covered for us kelly, good morning. >> reporter: good morning, sheinelle. keeping with tradition, today, the president will place calls to troops stationed overseas to give thanks for their service. president trump followed another far more political tradition in the final weeks of his term, granting a full pardon to his friend, ally, and former national security adviser michael flynn, who had pleaded guilty to lying to investigators in the russia probe. flynn later asked to withdraw that plea and was waiting for a judge to act the president cleared the slate, and democrats are calling it an abuse of power meanwhile, president-elect joe biden delivered his own thanksgiving message, and urged american families to come together safely and remain patient as the country deals with covid.

>> i know the country has grown weary of the fight we need to remember, we're at war with a virus, not with one another. not with each other. >> reporter: on this holiday, the bidens will be at their delaware beach home, and the trumps will spend their first and only thanksgiving at the white house instead of at the mar-a-lago estate in florida sheinelle? >> kelly, thank you. tributes are pouring in for a soccer legend, diego maradona, he died wednesday at the age of 60, suffering a fatal heart attack in his home in buenos aires. maradona considered one of the best to ever play the game of soccer he was one of argentina's greatest heros, leading his country to its second world cup in 1986. pele, soccer icon, tweeted, i lost a great friend and the world lost a legend. one day, i hope we can play ball together in the sky. it is a view truly out of this world

a nasa astronaut, victor glover, traveled to the space station for the first time, sharing this unique perspective of earth. >> the video just doesn't do it justice. it is pretty amazing though. >> wow >> breathtaking, isn't it? glover is part of the crew-1 mission that launched aboard spacex's crew dragon capsule earlier this month he'll call the international space station home for the next six months. 8:07. >> let's boost. >> hoda has parade duty. want me to do it >> let's do some boosting, yes. >> i'll try it everyone craves the space of their own to relax, unwind might call it a man cave, a she shed what if you're too young for one of those watch this. >> okay. >> so we're in our basement. he thinks nobody knows about his hiding spot.

what are you doing in here, bud? you have an ipad what are you doing noah, what are you doing, buddy? >> he's, like, i'm living my best life. that's what i'm doing. >> noah carved out that little spot inside the kitchen cabinet in the basement. he's got his snacks there, ipad, blankie. >> so cute he's like, can you close the door >> needs his privacy back. all right, mom good to see you, mom take care, mom. >> looking for goldfish or something. that's adorable. happy thanksgiving that was a good one. coming up, our harry smith checks in with the queen of thanksgiving, martha stewart hi, harry. >> look at harry at the fire i love that. >> fire going. they're going to look back at her four decades of turkey tips on the "today" show, and she'll share advice for a pared down holiday celebration. he makes me smile.

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the floats. >> pandemic isn't going to stop the parade rain isn't goins to stop it either it's happening. thanksgiving night has been the kick-off to holiday shopping, but tonight, a lot of retailers will be closed. >> if you shop in person tomorrow, you can expect it to feel different jo ling kent has more. jo, good morning. >> reporter: good morning, guys. happy thanksgiving usually, we'd be bringing you inside a store with workers, getting doorbuster deals ready, showing the long lines of shoppers outside this year, all is quiet on the thanksgiving front this morning, as most major stores closed up for the day, citing health and safety reasons, giving online sales a huge bump. remember those black friday doorbusters with shoppers crammed together, clamoring to grab deal discounts? now, those will be considered superspreader events, and stores are trying to prevent them so today, major retailers like walmart, target, best buy, and many others choosing to stay closed until tomorrow morning. black friday will now include an

array of new safety measures for many shopping centers, it is unclear how many people are going to show up in person on black friday, but they're ready regardless they've got the social distancing signs, mobile reservations is, of course, lots of hand sanitizing stations to make sure it is safe if shoppers decide to come out >> i'm still a shopper that likes to touch and feel what i'm getting. >> reporter: the upside, smaller crowds. >> used to be packed during the holidays now, you can walk into the store, pick up your items, and leave. it's amazing. >> reporter: experts say expect the same deep discounts but very different experiences in stores. >> visits are going to be timed possibly or limited. you may need to stand in line outside, wear a mask. >> reporter: with 75% of shoppers saying they prefer buying online this holiday season, shopping is expected to be competitive for super hot items, with online cues. >> don't worry, we have four chances to get it from walmart >> reporter: some shoppers hoping to get popular picks like the ps5, relying on youtuber jake randall for tips and

tricks. >> target's up target's up. >> reporter: aside from big ticket electronics and toys, relax, the great deals will last well into next week and beyond. >> there's really not one big sale's day this year retailers want to make sure that they are avoiding crowds and reducing the risk, so they've spread their sales out >> reporter: now, of course, there is the stress of shipping. the best advice i've seen so far is ship directly to your gift recipient, if you're buying online, and try to get it done by december 11th to take advantage of free or cheaper shipping build in those extra days in case shipping is running late. >> jo, you showed us how different it is going to look this year in terms of shopping on black friday. one of the reasons we enjoy you so much is you always have the good deals where are the deals? >> reporter: we have more tips as you prepare thanksgiving here focus on the bigger ticket items for the home this year large appliances, smart tvs, things like trampolines, outdoor

heaters, fire pits, i know that's popular right now, exercise equipment, things like that for anything you want free shipping for, be sure to order as soon as you can i know we keep saying earlier is better, but it really is you want to avoid the shipping delays we've been telling you about, and if you can avoid it, steer clear of the winter coats and jackets that are so cute, because they will drop so more in price the day after christmas, and maybe even christmas night, so you can buy it online even then. >> jo kent, thank you. >> good advice. >> jo kent, happy thanksgiving. >> reporter: happy thanksgiving. let's check in with our buddy al roker again on the parade route this time, he has a special guest. al >> guys, thanks so much. we're so thrilled this morning one of the performers performing on the lifetime float is tori kelly. good to see you. happy thanksgiving.

>> you, too. happy thanksgiving >> so this is your first thanksgiving day parade? >> it is, yes. >> how excited are you >> so excited. you can't see, but i'm smiling so big i've been giddy all morning. i'm just -- i can't wait. >> tell us about your new holiday album. >> yes so i did a whole christmas album this year, from home, actually babyface produced the whole thing. it's a dream come true i always wanted to have a christmas album, so this year felt like the right time to do it. >> you have two great hits, "gifts that keep on giving" and "25th. how fun was this >> so fun to do it i'm doing "25th" today on the float. yeah, i just love christmas. i'm just so happy. >> how are you going to spend thanksgiving once the parade is over >> yeah, you know, keeping it small, of course obviously, things are crazy right now, but now -- this isn't where i'm from i'm from so cal, so i'll probably order in and do something small with my husband. >> enjoy the parade. enjoy your time. >> thank you. >> so thrilled to have you. >> thank you so much for having me. >> thanks so much. let's check your weather really quickly, show you what

we've got going on thanksgiving day, east rainy bright skies out west. moving forward, you'll be looking at better weather as we make our way into the holiday week good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. as we take a look at our live view in san jose, a clear, beautiful start. but we had some gusty winds and cool temperatures. we will warm up, but those gusty winds will remain and we're looking at highs that will reach into the low to mid 60s for today. tomorrow expect the winds to start to calm down just a bit with highs in the low 60s through the rest of the forecast we can staying dry with cool morning and fairly mild afternoons into at least the middle of next week. >> and that is your latest weather. coming up, move over, mike tirico, my all-time nemesis, butter man, will be coming up. >> uh-oh >> become a celebrity in his own right at this point. >> thank you, al.

wouldn't be a thanksgiving here on "today" without martha stewart, right we went into our archives and found her first thanksgiving visit with us was, get this, 1980 you weren't born yet. >> i was born in '78 i was 2 when she started on the show this year's thanksgiving might be the most unusual yet. harry smith, who happens to be a neighbor of hers -- i didn't know that, harry -- biked over to find out how she's managing it all good morning to you and happy thanksgiving. >> reporter: good morning. thanksgiving is a great day. happy thanksgiving to you. we're up north of new york city, i don't know, an hour and change, and about 10 miles over that way is martha's place so we decided, we'll get tested, she'll get tested. we wanted to stop by and talk about thanksgivings, a lot of thanksgivings. >> reporter: when i ride by martha stewart's place on my bike i always shout "yo,

martha." this time, i rolled up the driveway >> well, well, well, look who is here don't you look snazzy. >> thank you very much >> happy thanksgiving. >> reporter: we wanted to say thank you to martha for all the thanksgivings she shared with us on the "today" show. >> people like familiarity on thanksgiving >> reporter: going back 40 years. >> 40 years ago, and i look just the same, don't i? my hair was longer i was thinner. willard was the same he was always the same to me. >> reporter: over the decades, martha has brought her steady, reassuring hand to all things thanksgiving, especially the bird >> to keep these drumsticks from drying out, don't forget to, after about an hour, if they start getting brown, put a little foil on the drumsticks. i'm doing the turkey in a new way, upside down onto the bread. >> why do you like spatch so much >> do you know what

spatchcocking means? >> i think it means split down the center -- >> no, it mean to spatch the cock. >> oh, okay. >> reporter: she's taught us the basics. >> i'd like to show you the perfect pie crust. make it cold and make it hot i've probably cooked, oh, maybe 60 thanksgivings or more i got married at 19, and i did my first thanksgiving, my own thanksgiving, when i was 20 years old. >> reporter: for martha stewart, there was much to be grateful. her magazine still going strong. >> this year is its 30th birthday it has still a very large readership, and people enjoy the ideas and the recipes and the crafts and the entertaining ideas. so i'm very grateful for that, too. >> reporter: her energy is boundless, as is her curiosity during covid, she's picked up an old pastime. >> i picked up knitting again. knitting i haven't knitted for years. >> reporter: and learned a few

new ones. >> now, i want to learn poker really well. i think poker is fun >> reporter: let me see your poker face if you're taking up poker -- >> i have a very good poker face totally. >> reporter: i can't tell what you're thinking right now. >> probably not. >> reporter: one thing martha's always been an expert on, decorations. so this pared down thanksgiving, tips, ideas, thoughts? >> set a pretty table. my granddaughter, jude, she showed me these beautiful place cards she already made for the table. get the kids involved. sophie, my niece, is helping, dipping the pumpkins. >> reporter: thankful for? right now. >> healthy daughter, grandchildren, healthy friends, lots of work. how lucky i am, getting to talk to harry smith for god's sake. >> oh, please. >> for the "today" show. i've been on the "today" show for so many years, and it's

always such a pleasure >> reporter: and we so appreciate martha's contributions over all those years. i'll tell ya what, a blast just to hang out with her her energy is just phenomenal. she's busy, busy with the magazine there's always stuff going on. it just was a delight to be able to swing by and say howdy. >> she's ageless, just like you, harry. >> i know. >> see the pictures of martha from the '80s. the woman doesn't age. how are you spending turkey day, buddy? >> reporter: well, there's a spatchcocked half of a turkey in the fridge, and it is being brined as we speak, and the pies were made yesterday. the aroma with the pies and especially the stuffing, oh, my gosh, i'm not sure i'm going to make it to this afternoon. >> listen, our morning is complete now we've seen harry >> harry and martha. >> reporter: happy thanksgiving, kids love you guys. >> love you, too, buddy. >> he oozes warmth, doesn't he >> and the fire. >> the whole thing if you loved all of those classic tips from martha

stewart, by the way, head to today.com/food for a round-up of martha's best thanksgiving recipes from all her appearances on "today. still ahead here on a thanksgiving morning, we'll show our support for amazing businesses steals and deals for getting cozy at home that's after your local news

good morning, 8:26. starting today firefighters will be on the look out for businesses violating health orders. they'll work with covid compliance officers who can on the spot. retail stores 25% capacity and have to wear those masks and, of course, social distance. well you know it's thanksgiving and an easy way to help those in need this holiday season is through our nourishing neighbors food drive. the next time you're at safeway make a $10 donation and that money goes straight to local food banks and our drive

continues through december 29th. get a look at that thanksgiving day forecast for you. kari, something to smile about. >> we're going to have some great weather whether you'll be inside or outside. it's just going to be windy today as our high temperatures head into the low to mid 60s and that sunshine will continue. we'll see more of that in the forecast, even as the winds calm down starting tomorrow. but after we get the calmer winds, we'll also have some chilly mornings and start out with frost over the next several mornings. >> thanks, kari. another local update coming up in the next 30 minutes. give you my world ♪

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we are back. 8:30 on this thanksgiving morning. we are so happy to see our my today plaza crowd, taking a break from their holiday dinner prep to join us. >> hi, everybody happy thanksgiving. >> rocking our aprons. they have the "today" show aprons sheinelle and i holding down the fort in studio 1a, while savannah, hoda, and al are

getting ready for the big parade. >> it'll be a great day, counting down the minutes. we still have exciting guests ahead, including good news from the folks at st. jude's research hospital. and jill martin will join us for a special edition of steals and deals this morning, featuring some holiday gift ideas from small businesses all over this country. so you can feel good about helping them stay afloat while, of course, also getting really good deals. >> jill has the best stuff on that note, tomorrow on "today" ahead of the bills and packers game, we're in green bay, looking at small businesses near the stadium. >> the businesses depend on lambeau field, the crowds at lambeau. they depend on the crowds to stay afloat. sam brock talked to their owners about how they are managing to survive in the midst of a pandemic fascinating story. >> important story. >> yes. now to our special series "thanks and giving," about the life-saving work done at st. jude's children's research

hospital. >> it is a day to give thanks for everyone, of course, but these two families from st. jude have something extra special for which to be thankful here's nbc's kerry sanders >> how do you feel >> good. >> reporter: sparrow cloe is a pint-sized ball of energy. how old are you? >> how many is that? one, two, three. >> reporter: adorable. a delightful little girl who at only 10 months was changing in ways that only a mother would pick up on >> started to suspect something was wrong. she had just stopped trying to crawl. she had become super clingy to me she wouldn't go to her dad she wouldn't go to her grandmother. she wouldn't play with her brother. she would just be always just kind of wanting to cuddle. >> reporter: insistent something was off, abrianna, a self-described helicopter mom,

took her to doctor after doctor lethargy, it was probably allergies. >> i just felt like that was not the gist of it. five in all, who each said the bulging eyes, sparrow's lethargy, it was probably allergies. >> i just felt like that was not the gist of it that was not the sum of what was wrong with her i knew that it was something more. >> reporter: her intuition was right. tests at local hospital then confirmed little sparrow had cancer >> it was gut-wrenching when it sank in. i mean, it was just moments after the doctor came in and said, "we suspect it's leukemia, you guys are going to st. jude the day after tomorrow." >> reporter: when st. jude first opened its doors, sparrow would have had a 4% chance of survival today, 94% of children at st. jude survive this type of leukemia but the journey is never easy. for every family facing

leukemia, it's all consuming as the owens family also discovered. >> brecken shadow owens, he is 4. this is vale catherine owen. >> and she's 2. >> she's 2. >> reporter: when breck was under 2 years old, he was diagnosed with the same type of leukemia as sparrow. >> just 48 hours before, we just thought it was a fever now, you're using the word cancer to our little boy it was overwhelming. we had no idea what the outcome would be we were scared >> reporter: scared and hurting. >> there's no pain like kid pain whether it's a scrape on his knee or a fever or cancer, it's just a gut-wrenching feeling when you can't make it better. >> reporter: for sparrow and breck, doctors prescribed chemo. for sparrow, it lasted two years. for breck, two and a half years. for both, it recently ended. which makes this thanksgiving ever so meaningful what do you want to be when you

grow up? >> superhero doctor chef >> reporter: i think you already are a superhero. >> the doctors and staff at st. jude, our family would like to thank you for the part you've played in saving our daughter's life we're truly appreciative. >> there's not anything that we can do to repay them, for giving us our son just looking at him, they gave us more than they'll ever even realize. and we are just so grateful this thanksgiving >> reporter: from the day children arrive at st. jude, there is a single goal the celebratory, no more chemo party. because of covid, it wasn't the normal celebration it was different >> it's been two and a half years. it's been such a long journey, that you yearn for that celebration, just to watch the confetti go down to not have that, it's heartbreaking. >> you're on the goal line walking in, and we can't celebrate it together.

>> reporter: covid stole the celebration, but with the help of marlo thomas -- >> congratulations >> reporter: -- and the staff at st. jude, we're making up for it this thanksgiving. ♪ you don't get chemo anymore >> reporter: for "today," kerry sanders, nbc news. >> oh, yeah. now the national outreach director for st. jude, marlo thomas, joins us on this thanksgiving the song we heard, the no more chemo song, that has a special place in your heart. >> it certainly does you know, the first time i went to st. jude after my father had died, i was kind of afraid to go inside because i thought i'd be overwhelmed by the memories of the times i had been there with him. i kind of sat in the car and cried a little bit then, finally, i pulled myself together, and i went inside. there was this party going on. these little kids in paper hats,

balloons, confetti, and a cake, ice cream. i asked the nurse, "whose birthday is it?" she said, "oh, it's not a birthday party it is an off chemo party." i really lost it these tears came down my face, and i thought, my father's spirit is alive and well here. >> absolutely. >> i knew that i had to be a part of it it was a really defining moment for me >> when we talk about treatment, and i'm sitting here trying not to cry i lost a childhood friend to leukemia when i was young, more than 20 years ago. i think about if she were alive now, right you think of the success rate. for most childhood leukemia, it is 94% now, right? you think it'll ever reach 100%? >> it will because we'll go after it the same way we got to the 94%. the children that are not responding to the known therapies, we customize a new treatment especially for them. for example, the infant leukemia that sparrow had, they get the same leukemia as older kids, but it is common for infants to have this genetic alteration that makes them resistant to the

conventional chemo we pioneered a combination, using less chemo, immunotherapy, and molecular targeted therapy, and it is working now and being used in 17 hospitals across the country and canada that therapy is a few years old that we discovered it. that's very exciting sparrow is doing well. she might not be doing well at all if we hadn't figured out about the infant leukemia. >> marlo thomas, we're thankful for you. thank you. >> something to be thankful for, those kids. >> thank you, marlo. enjoy the day. speaking of thanksgiving, we have a thanksgiving reunion. we've been waiting for it all morning. al roker and butter man. there he is. wow. >> nice costume. >> first, this is "tay" onod

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>> announcer: this portion of "today" is created with our sponsor, verizon >> okay, so last year, in case you missed it, there's one moment i got involved with, where my kids were like, dad, what did you do? all of a sudden, i had to worry about a butter guy a butter man who was just driving me crazy all throughout the parade well, butter is back and better than ever. donny willis reprising his role. when i say role, i mean buttered roll donny willis, how are you, man >> doing great, al nice to be with you today. >> did you have any idea when did you first find out that you and i were, like, an internet sensation >> you know, it was around this corner we were coming around the corner last year, rounded the corner, and i came right here to the grandstands, and my wife, ashley, jumps out and goes, donny, what did you do i was like, i have no idea what did i do? she's like, they talk about you. we hear your voice

i was like, i don't know i got to go. i had to run away. >> you're back for your second year you're on -- your butter image is on the t-shirt that macy's handed out to all the volunteers how has your year been different? >> you know, it has been a butter year than expected. >> very nice >> so we have no complaints. a lot of good things happening with our family. my wife is now principal at her school, and she's just been leading through that whole thing. we have no complaints. very blessed. >> you've got a shorter parade route to harass me, so i'll be looking for you. donny willis, thank you. thank your wife and kids for me. >> thank you, al >> good to see you, my friend. let's check your weather an. show you what we have going on for thanksgiving day, a damp start with bright skies out west. mild and sunny in the midsection of the country into thursday, you can see for today, friday, sunny in the northeast. heavy rain in the gulf

strong winds in southern california saturday, above average temperatures through the plains. beautiful in the mid-atlantic to the northeast. more rain through the gulf sunday, sunday, soggy in the gulf coast and into the mid ohio and mississippi river valleys. quiet day in the northeast, into the great lakes. sunny and dry for the western two-thirds of the country. that's good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. let's look at our thanksgiving high temperatures reaching into the mid 60s and still very windy today. our inland valleys near freezing and we'll see more frosty mornings going into the weekend. our highs will continue to reach into the low 60s in the inland areas and all dry and sunny going into at least the middle of next week. san francisco will see temperatures in the low 60s also over the next week. >> and that is your latest weather. you know, guys, we all know this year's macy's thanksgiving

day parade is a little different, but good news is, our sponsor, verizon, helping everybody at home find a different way to see the parade in a whole new way tune into the parade livestream to see exclusive content and different camera angles of the parade you can even see your own family in the parade livestream with the 5g virtual spotlight check out verizon's youtube page or the youtube app for a special look at this year's macy's thanksgiving day parade. guys, it may not be the parade we wanted, but this year, it's the parade we need. >> i agree. >> amen. >> happy thanksgiving. i am thankful for you guys thankful for family and friends. thankful for our viewers have a great day hoda, savannah, and i starting up in just a little bit. >> i love it we're thankful for you, too, my friend. >> happy thanksgiving, al roker. when we come back, jill martin is going to stop by to help us get a bit of a head

start on the holiday shopping, featuring small businesses and a special steals and deals on this thanksgiving morning

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back now with a special steals and deals as we enter the season for shopping. small businesses are hoping that the holidays will bring them a much-needed boost. a recent study shows 69% of the small businesses count on the holiday season as a top sales opportunity. >> it is so important. we wanted to shine a light on small businesses across the country today. who do we call "today" lifestyle contributor jill martin, joining us with steals and deals i want everything on the table for shopping small i should remind everybody, you can scan the qr code on the bottom of your screen. >> there it is, right there. >> for instant shopping. jill, take it away. >> hi, guys. good morning and happy thanksgiving to you. grateful for your friendship and happy to be with you on this thanksgiving i have a very special steals and

deals, as you said small business edition this year has been beyond challenging for all, but especially for small businesses hit hard by the pandemic we are in awe of their resilience through this different season, and we wanted to show our gratitude this morning. let's get going here first up, the suburban riot fleece jogger set. retail, $140 suburban riot was founded in 2006 by two college friends who quit their corporate day jobs and set out to create a brand that would allow them to ignore the rules, have fun, and not take themselves too seriously. it worked. their brand is a huge celebrity favorite today, they are offering four different jogger sets. my favorite, be a nice human, you see gratitude right here, and they have an embroidered heart set in navy or black super comfy cozy retail, $140 the deal, $56 for the set. that is 60% off. next up, this is always a popular one and always sells out fast the stationary studio gift set

retail, $100 public relations consultant renee founded this in 1994 as a passion project. has gone from selling to clients in her living room to creating a personalized website with over 30,000 products. we're offering four "today" exclusive designs. these aren't available anywhere else comes with 60 personalized cards, each with different designs and envelopes in a beautiful gift cards cheers from sheinelle here from the desk of craig melvin in front of me. the retail, $100 deal, $39. 61% off. you always love beauty, so we wanted to bring you the korina naturals natural beauty skin care set retail, $112 korina naturals is a female-owned small business. all products, including the best-selling face serum, are handcrafted in san francisco using natural ingredients. we have a choice of two natural

beauty skin care sets. it's the same set, just choose based on your skin type. normal to dry or oily and acne prone. in this set, you get the face serum, the cleanse makeup remover, coffee and sugar scrub. it is awesome. retail is $112 and it is now for $29 which is 74% off. this is a savannah guthrie favorite the alicia adams alpaca blanket. it is a collection of luxury home and gift products, baby and children's wear, men and women's apparel, and accessories made of the most luxurious and rarest materials, alpaca fiber. today from alicia adams, we have alpaca field blankets in solid and striped throws really beautiful 24 patterns and colors incredible gift. retail, $395, deal, $85. 78% off. jewelry, you always love this for the layered look it could go with something you

already have it is a beautiful sentiment, as well the jennifer miller jewelry. retail, $250 now, founder jennifer miller launched the line out of her new york apartment with the help of a loan from her aunt what began as a humble operation, making jewelry for family and friends, grew to a successful trunk show business and ultimately a celebrity favorite line. today, the company is offering best-selling charm necklaces in two fan favorite styles. star and moon charm necklace my stage manager, my mom, always says, "i love you to the moon and back." or the heart and cover charm necklace. 14 karat, yellow or white gold $250 the deal is $59.50, 75% off. next up, you always love a good tote, and these are super beautiful. the my luxury tote bags. retail, $598 m.i.l.a. stands for made in los angeles, and each is crafted by la artisans. super luxurious, available in italian leather or suede

this is the company's best-selling tote, versatile, easy to find everything, and large enough to hold a tablet. check today.com for the interesting and unique colors. great organization inside. amazing gift, as well. retail, $598 the deal, $89. that is 85% off. let's wrap up the products one more time. the suburban riot jogger sets. stationary gift sets korina natural beauty set. the alpaca blankets and the jewelry, and my luxury tote bags just so you know that "today" works with affiliate partners and may earn a commission on purchases made through our links at today.com. back out here live from my family to yours, i know this is a different one, but happy thanksgiving from my stage manager mama and i, sending love back to the studio love you guys. >> happy thanksgiving. >> from a $600 bag to an $80 bag. like not so bad. just a reminder, i just learned how to do this, you literally

take your cell phone and hold the camera up to the qr code on the bottom of your screen. everything you need will pop up. or you can head to today.com/deals to support these small businesses it's such a good deal. we'll be right b

in just a few months, we've learned a lot more about the covid-19 virus. it's real. it's dangerous. and we do know how to keep you and your loved ones safe. wear a mask. wash your hands. stay six feet apart. we can do this. if we do it together.

we are back and ready for some time with the my today plaza crowd this morning families up early all over america, joining us live as they get ready for thanksgiving what do you say we check in? >> i love this hi, guys this is one of my favorite parts of the morning. >> hello. >> hi. >> kids sitting at attention, ready. >> happy thanksgiving. >> happy thanksgiving. can i see the miller family? you guys are from memphis. there you are. >> happy thanksgiving. >> so we have carla and more with their kids. i know there is someone special you're really thankful for who is watching. who would you like to say happy

thanksgiving to? >> i would like to say happy thanksgiving to my nana, gigi, and granddaddy i'm thankful for my family because of the virus, we haven't been able to see them much i wanted to wish them a happy thanksgiving. >> thank you happy thanksgiving to nana, who is watching, as well >> let's go to the booths in washington catherine, zach, 4-year-old son harrison good see you, booths >> hi. >> what's on the menu today? rblths good morning to you it's 8:56. i'm marcus washington. 2,000 bicycles were stolen this was after the chain to the storage unit was cut. police are looking into how the thieves broke into the store and how they knew that particular unit is where they had them and why they left the more expensive bikes behind.

but for now they hope to get more donations. if you'd like to contribute, sign up to receive a toy, sign up at sffirefighterstoys.org. it will begin holding its annual outreach day and due to the pandemic those attending will have some changes. we have more information on our home page for you. have a very happy thanksgiving to you.

♪ oh >> with the streets empty looks like there might not be a thanksgiving day parade this year >> 0, no, you can't take the parade away from new york city you can't take the parade away from america you can't take the parade away from the world we need this parade. siri, text, tell her to meet with in herald