y that too. - after taking prevagen, i just didn't have to work so hard to remember things. prevagen. at stores everywhere without a prescription. a pair of home explosions rock the heartland. a house in ohio destroyed in a blast, killing two people. and two others hurt in a

separate gas explosion in michigan. what authorities are saying about the incident. prosecutors in donald trump's hush money case signal they are open to delaying his sentencing originally set for later this month. the defense team's response and how long it could be before the president-elect is sentenced. meanwhile, mr. trump continues to make picks for key administration positions. a long-time loyalist, including another tv personality announced for top government jobs. it's still over a year away, but plans are already in the works for the country's 250th better day celebration, with iowa set to take center stage, we'll tell you why. and the massive surprise bestowed on a connecticut teacher. why her students say she is so deserving. it's wednesday, november 20th. "early today" starts right now. good morning. i'm frances rivera. we begin today with breaking news out of michigan, where a suspected gas leak caused by a

two-storey condo to explode. two adults were seriously injured and taken to the hospital in last night's blast. no fatalities have been reported. the explosion completely destroyed a four-unit condo building, causing extensive damage to several other buildings, according to officials. the blast's exact cause has not been determined. and in ohio, two people were killed and another injured when a building exploded. >> it sounded like somebody drove into the side of my house. like i felt the shock wave through a brick house. >> the fire chief says the cause of blast is unclear, and the identities of the victims have not yet been released. today, convicted child killer susan smith will ask a parole board to release her from

prison. she made headlines in 1994 when she claimed she was carjacked by a black man. she confessed to killing her sons, letting her car roll into a lake with her boys inside. smith will testify to reenter society. the board must approve parole with a simple majority vote to release her. the funeral for one direction singer, liam payne. british media reporting the services will take place outside london with all members of one direction expected to attend. the funeral will be a private ceremony for family and close friends. payne died last month after falling from a hotel balcony in argentina. he had alcohol, cocaine and an anti-depressant in his system. three people are facing charges for abandonment and supplying nationals in connection with payne's death.

the embattled western "rust" is set to premiere at a poland film festival after halyna hutchins was killed on the set when a prop gun discharged. the actor's involuntary manslaughter charge was dismissed in july. according to gloria allred, who is representing hutchens family, baldwin filed a motion to pause their lawsuit against him and others on thursday evening. allred said they will oppose the motion. baldwin is also not expected to attend the premiere. president-elect donald trump has announced another choice for his cabinet, picking linda mcmahon to be his secretary of education, which is a department donald trump has repeatedly said

he'd disband. she served as small business administrator during the last trump administration. she's also a co-chair of the transition team. garrett haake has more on the latest cabinet picks. >> reporter: president-elect trump traveling to texas to witness the launch of a spacex rocket, run by his ally, billionaire elon musk, and announcing two new administration picks, dr. mehmet oz, as the medicaid services administrator, who will work closely with robert f. kennedy jr. critics have accused dr. oz of offering questionable medical advice. and all while trump was asked if he's reconsidering his choice for attorney general, former florida congressman matt gaetz. >> no. >> reporter: it comes as an unidentified hacker was able to gain access to a file containing depositions of two women who have made allegations against

gaetz, what is described as damaging testimony, according to a source familiar and an e-mail obtained by nbc news. one of the depositions is from a woman who alleges she had sex with gaetz when she was 17, an accusation gaetz strongly denies. both women testified to the house ethics committee, which is expected to meet on whether to release the report. the house speaker says he's against it. >> the president-elect has in place the people needed to do what he wants to do. >> there needs to be legitimate vetting. we need to embrace consent with full enthusiasm. >> reporter: prosecutors ultimately did not file charges. >> gaetz has denied any wrongdoing. >> nobody should be disqualified because of a media report. >> it's more than a media report. he was investigated by the department he wants to lead. >> and they didn't proceed

forward. >> reporter: a transition official tells nbc news, trump has been, quote, heavily working the phones, calling republican senators to push for gaetz. >> i wouldn't bet my house on it one way or the other. >> reporter: if all democrats oppose the nominee, they can only lose three republican votes to be confirmed. >> what these picks tell me is donald trump is going through the same movie. chaos. contempt for the law. and disrespect for the american public. >> our thanks to garrett for that report. the president-elect trump is scheduled to be sentenced in his hush money case later this month. but now prosecutors say the sentencing should be postponed. lawyers have been trying to get the case dismissed completely. they argue that the president-elect should be shielded from prosecution. they say the sentencing may need to take place after the president has left office. the judge would need to approve the proposal.

sean "diddy" combs is due back in court. he appeared in manhattan courtroom yesterday, where his legal team argued that prosecutors wrongly took possession of documents from his jail cell last week, saying they should be covered by attorney-client privilege. prosecutors say it was part of a preplanned sweep and that the notes are not confidential. the judge told prosecutors not to use the documents as part of their case at least for now. diddy has pleaded not guilty in the case. on tuesday, firefighters battled another brush fire in upper manhattan amid the historic drought in the northeast. the fdny said the three-alarm fire broke out around 2:30 p.m. yesterday and quickly scorched approximately 10 to 15 acres before it was under control. so far, there have been no injuries reported. the cause of the blaze is under investigation. strong storms are pushing into the east this morning. let's check in with nbc meteorologist angie lassman, who's tracking that trouble for us. good morning, angie. >> we've got two ends of the

country dealing with storm systems. let's start in the east where you see showers and thunderstorms stretched across the southeast. but we'll see more of the frontal system working into the great lakes. then, as we get into tomorrow, much-needed rain across the northeast. notice, we get some of the cold air working in. so we will see the potential for heavy and wet snow across the central appalachians. that's something we deal with into tomorrow and even on friday. we'll still be seeing the system spinning just offshore as it works across that region. notice the rainfall amounts. upwards of two inches, much needed as the drought has been continuing and the problems with the fires. this next system brings the potential for wind gusts up to 70 miles per hour. we've got heavy rain, the wind i mentioned and intense mountain snow on tap as this system works across this region. atmospheric ri dallas.

mid-50s for columbus and cleveland. chicago tops out at 48 with mostly cloudy skies. and that's a look at your forecast. coming up, how you could be saying bonjourno to a new home in italy for $1. and get ready to party like it's 1776. a preview of the year-long events to celebrate america's events to celebrate america's 250th better day. botanicals. ♪♪ these sulfate-free formulas deeply penetrate and replenish nutrients. ♪♪ to boost hair health in just one wash. ♪♪ all without the salon naturals price tag. ♪♪ ♪♪

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america's heartland, even the bright lights of sin city, a colossal patchwork of patriotism is taking shape. with national organizers say all 50 states rapidly prepping plans for ringing in 250 years of independence. marking july 4th, 2026 as the nation's semi quinn centennial. >> it was billed as the largest and most dramatic fireworks display ever produced in the united states. >> reporter: celebrations wise, think modern day versioning of the 1976 bicentennial or the world's fair. with one organization touting an update on the famed freedom train. another publishing this video on their website, promising a flotilla of 80 ships in the port of new york and new jersey. >> the maritime gathering in new york harbor will be the greatest in our history. >> reporter: but it's iowa's celebration that could take center stage and within a matter

of months. though those tasked with carrying it out have no idea how. there's no zero, here are our plans? >> yeah. >> reporter: here's what we do know. both the state's governor and president-elect trump have set their sights here on iowa's iconic state fairgrounds. the same fairgrounds have marked a must-visit for candidates, including on several occasions, trump himself. cut to last year when the then-candidate released a video laying out his version for the lead up to america's 250th birthday bash. >> my hope is that the amazing people of iowa will work with my administration to open up the legendary iowa state fairgrounds to host the great american state fair. a unique one-year exhibition featuring pavilions from all 50 states. it will be something. >> reporter: earlier this month, iowa's governor reposted that

clip saying iowans dream big and stand ready to host the great american state fair, giving the green light for a tight deadline. we're talking about a year-long exhibition. so, starting like, this coming summer. are any plans in place? >> no. no official conversation. >> reporter: so, would you like plans to be in place by now? [ laughter ] you're nodding. >> it takes a long time to plan an event. >> reporter: is trump's iowa idea, then, in addition to what you all were planning? >> absolutely. >> reporter: rosie rios chairs america 250, a congressional commission established in 2016 by the obama administration to plan national celebrations for the semi-quinn centennial. >> students can earn a once in a lifetime opportunity. >> reporter: the commission launching an essay competition, taking to students to iconic landmarks, and now working overtime to weave the president-elect's vision into their broader plans. >> people really want something

to plan for, something that unifies all of us. and so far, we've been heading in that direction. we look forward to working with the trump administration on all these ideas. >> reporter: rios adds organizers are motivated by a bigger picture, with america's anniversary coming alongside a list of blockbuster events, including the 2026 world cup set to be played in cities across north america and the 2028 summer olympics in los angeles. >> it's an opportunity to use that global platform to our advantage to kind of make everyone realize that we are the oldest democracy in the world. and how we can actually hopefully be that unifying force moving forward, i think, is a great opportunity for all of us. >> reporter: back in iowa, cattle rancher, vander mullin would be thrilled to see that rooted in his own state. >> hopefully people see rural america and farm side of things, the aspect, it's not just concrete buildings and city living. the people are just very humble

people in the midwest. >> reporter: the third generation farmer adding, as an avid trump supporter, he's not worried about logistics. >> he can pull off miracles, and it wouldn't surprise me one bit. >> reporter: you think he can do it? >> absolutely, 110%. still to come, this age-old debate. will you be defying rules or the gravity? the stars of wicked on whether you should sing along in theaters. a first look at a new live a first look at a new live action movie i realized i could be successful in a civilian career. we stand by warriors and advocate for their needs going forward. in the hospital, and they're still with me today. through our programs, community and advocacy, we're proving anything is possible. learn more at wounded warriorproject.org/connect ♪♪ [laughters] mom.

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why not? >> we understand it. >> yeah. >> we understand it. if you do, and if you don't. we respect the feelings. >> i say, if you come the first time and sing through, come the second time and let us sing to you. >> and if someone throws popcorn at you or something, maybe stop. >> here's what they're talking about. to sing or not to sing. that's the question.

the stars of "wicked" weighing in on whether you should belt out the famous tunes during the movie. for anyone who can't resist, theaters are holding special screenings on christmas day that are sing-alongs. you want to hear it in its entirety, right? you don't want to hear the screaming behind you. so i get that. >> i get that people are so, like, "wicked" has such a die-hard fan base that the people who are seeing this, especially on opening day, they want to be able to really enjoy it, but if i'm someone in the back, i'm the one throwing the popcorn. >> i want to hear it and see how they worked so hard for this. >> exactly. nearly 15 years after the animated release of how to train your dragon, the re-imagined live action movie is coming to the big screen. >> it's okay. i won't hurt you.

the film stars nico parker and set to fly into theaters in june. >> love that they all make live action for these great animated classics. when we come back, how instagram is working to make its platform safer for teens. and a massive monet piece exceeded expectations at weeks. tremfya blocks a key source of inflammation. at one year, many people experienced remission... and some saw 100% visible healing of their intestinal lining. serious allergic reactions and increased risk of infections may occur. before treatment, your doctor should check you for infections and tb. tell your doctor if you have an infection, flu-like symptoms or if you need a vaccine. healing is possible with tremfya.

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around 4600 adults, 60 and older reported being defrauded for a six-figure sum. instagram is set to change with teens in mind to make sure they see more age-appropriate content. claude monet's water lily's panting sold for $65.5 million. the five foot tall piece was expected to sell for $60 million. "early today" will be right "early today" will be right back. (♪♪) bounty is made to be stronger... ...and more absorbent. so, while ordinary brands can't hold up, one sheet of bounty keeps working, even when wet. (♪♪) now that's the sound of value. bounty. the quicker picker upper. i know we only just met, but i can't imagine my life without you.

[dog whimper] (♪♪) many remedies you take for chest congestion only mask the symptoms. you're gonna love this property. try this. mucinex 12 hour treats the mucus that causes chest congestion for all-day relief. ahhh! mucinex in, mucus out! treat the cause. "early today" is back now with a big surprise for a beloved teacher. the educator awards are given to

celebrate outstanding teachers, and students in connecticut say their teacher is deserving. >> reporter: what as thought to be a normal assembly turned out to be anything but that. shock throughout the room as a $25,000 prize was revealed to students. >> i was like, oh, are you kidding? that's crazy. >> i was really surprised when it just continued to increase. >> reporter: and little did they know, the winner of that award was sitting right beside them. the moment students found out, roars for their teacher, jessica chapman. recipient of the malkin education award. >> i was surprised, shocked. all of the things. i was so excited for her. >> i turned around, and she was, like, i can't believe it. i was, like, you are so deserving. >> i don't even know how they knew how i was. i am, by nature, i like to fly

under the radar. >> reporter: but the students say there is no one more deserving. >> she believes me in the classroom. she supports me whenever i need help. >> i wasn't really shocked. when i heard they were giving an award, i assumed it was going to be her. because i knew she was very deserving of it. >> reporter: as for chapman's first phone call, to her husband nicolas. >> i just won the milliken educator award, and they handed me a check for $25,000. >> reporter: and what will she do with the money? >> i have no clue. i think i'll stare at it for a while. >> reporter: perhaps her students can help. >> spend it on something she likes. honestly, i just want her to be happy. >> reporter: either way, she says this isn't possible without them. >> i love them. i said this before. this place has made me who i am. >> we can't thank teachers enough. what a perfect way to do it. thanks to sidney borrow for that report. an italian village is

offering $1 homes to those who wish to leave the u.s. they need extensive renovations. the village is also offering free temporary homes for remote workers or ready to occupy houses for about $105,000 you. >> the mayor hopes to revive the shrinking population. the website has already received 38,000 information requests from the united states. how charming. what a gorgeous town. look at that. coming up on "today", "saturday night live" star bo yang is live. and i'm frances rivera. hope you have a great wednesday. see you back here early tomorrow. for now, your news continues on nbc and your nbc stations.

with what may be days of rain. meteorologist kari hall is monitoring the north bay flood watch and