good morning. breaking overnight. the pentagon acknowledges defense secretary ash carter used his personal e-mail account to conduct government business, and kept doing it, even as the hillary clinton e-mail scandal was unfolding. carter now admitting it was a mistake. but the quqution this morning, why didn't he know better? late night confession. >> i've been a little bit divisive, in the sense that i've been hitting people pretty hard. >> a little bit, yeah. >> a rare admission from donald trump as he tells jimmy kimmel he'd like to see republicans come together. but hours earlier, it was vintage donald. >> i had jeb come at me. you know, low energy. he said it just the way his pollster told him to say it. >> this morning, how bush is responding. sucker punchch. a 17-year-old lands a vicious left hook on the spanish prime minister, a blow so hard it left

the teen tackled to the ground charges. the opening of "star wars: the force awakens," just hours from now. the fans already lining up. and one member of our team may be a bit too excited today, thursday, december 17th, 2015. >> announcer: from nbc news, this is "today," with matt lauer and savannah guthrie, live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. and good morning, everybody. welcome to "today" on this thursday morning. >> spoiler alert. e stormtrooper -- >> not the stormtrooper we were looking for? >>&no. welcome back, buddy. want to take the helmeoff? >> really? hello, everybody. welcome. i could use a nice, hot cup of coffee. excited for "star wars." great to be back, guys. >> great to have you back. >> thank you. >> we'll get to all things "star wars" in a bit.

used his personal e-mail for work-related matters, and he was doing that after hillary clinton came under fire fofodoing the same thing while she was secrcrary of state. let's go right to nbc's jim mick miklaszewski miklaszewski at the pentagon. this? >> savannah, given the uproar over doing official government business on your own personal e-mail, it's difficult to imagine any top government official w wld actually do that. the pentagon now admits that defense secretary ash carter did just that. according to the officials, it was shortly after he was sworn in as defense secretary in february that he started using his private e-mail to conduct some official business. now, according to the officials, there was no classified information, no secrets in any of these e-mails. but nevertheless, it violated regulations.

carter started doing that, the scandal broke on capitol hill about secretary clinton's exclusive use of e-mails for her business while she was secretary of state. it launched a huge political scandal. nevertheless, we're told despite the scandal, carter continued to use his personal e-mail to do official business for at least two months. now, again, officials here stress that no secrets, no classified information was contained on any o o those e-mails. but the fact that he would even do it raises questionsbout his own personal judgment, savannah. >> a lot of those questions unfolding now. jim miklaszewski, thank you very much. we have new information this morning tied to the san bernardino shooting. federal prosecutors have decided to bring criminal charges against the man who purchased some of the rifles that were actually used in that attack.

correspondent pete williams. pete, tell us more. >> matt, good morning. several federal law enforcement rst criminal charges@to stem from the san bernardino mass shtings could be fileds early as today. officials say the charges will be brought against enrique marquez, a long-time friend and former neighbor of syed farook. investigators said marquez bought the two assault rifles ss three and four years ago that were used in the shooting. marquez told them he did this as a favor, so that farook wouldn't be on record as the purchaser or go through a background check. authorities say marquez has told the fbi that he and farook talked about conducting an attack in 2010 but called it off after unrelated terror arrests in southern california. james comey said agents found no connection between farook and the people arrested back then.n. comey also said despite reports to the contrary, investigators have found no social media

the months before she came to the u.s. that means the state department and homeland security officials who reviewed her background before giving her a fiance visa did not miss any publicly available social media postings. all her statements in support of jihad, comey says, were in private messages or e-mails. as for marquez, officials said he did agree to be interviewed by the fbi for several days without a lawyer even though it's been clear almost from the beginning that he could be charged with a crime at the very least for buying the guns for farook. matt? >> pete williams on the story for us. thank you very much. president obama will travel to san bernardino tomorrow to meet with the families of the victims in southern california on the way to hawaii for the first family's christmas vacation. the department of homeland security is adding a third warning level to the terrorism level. the bulletin level will allow

terror threats. it includes actions the government is taking and suggestions what the public should do in response. the former system had two levels, elevated and imminent. officials say the change has been in the planning stages for months and is not in response to any specific or credible threat. let's turn to politics now. donald trump's feud with rival jeb bush spilled over on to the campaign trail. during a late night appearance, , the republican front-runner appeared to have a change of heart and a n message for his party. nbc's national correspondent peter alexander has more. peter, good morning to you. >> good morning. donald trump is picking up where the debate left off, swatting at jeb bush, insisting he doesn't want bush's endorsement. as trump told nbc news in a statement, bush does not represent strength, power, and stamina, qualities he sayss the country desperately needs. >> reporter: donald trump marking six months in the race, almost all of them atop the gop field, the same way he spent

overnight with jimmy kimmel. >> i would like to see the republican party come together, and i've been a little bit divisive in the sense i've been hitting people pretty hard. >> a little bit, yeah. >> reporter: rallying supporters in arizona, trump dismissed critics who said he was a showman. >> somebody said, trump is an entertainer. that's a [ bleep ]. >> repepter: and bashed jeb bush afafr bush got under trump's skin in tuesday's debate. >> this is a tough business, to run for president. >> oh, i know. you're a toughuy, jeb. i had jeb come at me, you know, low energy. he said it just the way his pollster told him to say it. >> reporter: still bush is confident he cracked the trump code. snoop i don't think he's a serious candidate. i don't know why o oers don't feel compelled to point it out, but i did. >> reportete with trump and cruzuz dominatingnghe race, the establishment lane, anti-trump, may once again be up for grabs with bush and chris christie delivering strong performances and marco rubio bouncing between

with hallie jackson, defending accusations from cruz he's too moderate on immigration. >> i've always been at the right. i'm a consistent conservative -- >> that is ted cruz's campaign slogan. >> i have been more for than just the years in the senate. >> reporter: cruz questioned on fox news about his support for immigration reform in 2013. >> it doesn't mean that i supported the other aspects of the bill, which was a terrible bill. >> reporter: insisting his position hasn't changed. >> i categorically oppose amnesty. my first priority is securing the borders. the more cruz, rubio, and the others fight amongst themselves, trump moves forward. he seemed to be unscathed. even he was taken bakby his support. several thousand people in the crowd in arizona during the day

and it's beautiful to see. >> peter, thank you very much. big news in the economy. historic move by the federal reserve, raising key interest rates for the first time in nearly a decade. chairwoman janet yellen saying it marked an extraordinary period. >> the economic recovery has clearly come a long way, although it is not yet complete. but with the economy performing well and e eected to continue to do so, the comomttee judged that a modest increase in the federal funds rate target is now appropriate. >> nbc's olivia stearns is here to explain what all of it mes. it's the end of an era. good moving, morning, olivia. >> good morning. so what this means is for people at home it's going to get a little more expensive to borrow money. the fed raised their interest rate, whicso many loans in our

of one percentage point. they're doing this because they're saying the economy is ready to stand on its own two feet after seven years of 0% interest rates. still, rates extremely low and supportive of lending in the economy. one sign that we were actually ready for it, wall street rallied on the back of this news. the dow jones shot up 200 points. it's a signal that even investors think we can cope with slightly higher rates. >> what happens now? will we see more rate hikes? >> all eyes on the fed's next news conference that is coming up in march. the question there is will janet yellen move to raise rates again. she said repeatedly yesterday, she'll only continue to raise interest rates gradually and only if the economy continues to improve. so if we see some kind of shock, if we see a selloff on wall street, bad jobs reports, she's likely not to move and move gradually throughout the year. on the flip side, if the labor market accelerates, growth accelerates, inflation picks up, she's likely to raise rates at a quicker pace. she said yesterday she expects to raise rates at about 1% over

3% to 5% in the next five years. >> thanks so much. keep an eye on it for us. thank you so much. >> thanks, olivia. in other news, protesters took to the streets of baltimore last night, hours after a mistrial was declared in the freddie gray case. demonstrators remain peaceful, but at one point, they tried unsuccessfully to block the interstate. on wednesdayhe judge nounced a hung jury in the mamalaughter trial of william porter, the first of six baltimore officers to stand trial in connection with freddie gray's death while in police custody. new video shows the fatal police shooting of an ax-wielding student at a university in north texas. stephanie gosk has that story. steph, good morning to you. >> hey, good morning, savannah. it happened on sunday. the texas rangers released dash cam video of the incident, shortly after university officials named unit police officer stephen bean as the

>> reporter: police dash cam video released overnight shows an officer with the university of north texas fatally shooting a student on sunday. the shooting happened around 1:30 a.m., when the officer responded to a call about a man smashing car windows inside a parking garage near the campus. sophomore ryan mcmillen can be seen walking toward the unt officer with a small ax in his hand. the officer stephen bean repeateded telel mcmillan to back away while mcmillan says, "shoot me" over and over. nbc news paused the video so it doesn't show the actual shooting. this is the audio of the full confrontation. >> hey, hey, back away. back away. >> excuse me. >> back away. back away from me now. >> shoot me! shoot me! [ gunshots ]. >> reporter: the officer then radios the station. >> i've got t white male down with an ax in his hand. >> reporter: the o oicer has been on the unt police force for four years. he's been placed on routine leave, as the investigation into the incident gets underway.

he turned 21 last saturday. some students say they don't lieve lethal force was necessary. >> if you're given a gun, you should be trained to know how to use that gun in a way that you're not just going to kill people without absolute necessity. >> the medical examiner is still conducting the autopsysy among the questions is whetherer ryan mcmillen was under influence of alcohol or drugs when the shooting took place. >> all right, stephanie. thank you very much. we've got some breaking news this morning tied to the pharmaceutical world and the ceo who was making headlines a short time ago. nbc's justice correspondent pete williams back with that. pete? >> matt, good morning. several reports this morning say martininh shkreli was taken into

charges. it's a federal investigation related to his former hedge fund. the fact he was under investigation had been reported earlier. this apparently stems from his time as the manager of a hedge fund called msmb capital management. and the chief executive of biopharmaceutical company retrophin incorporated. this is not related to the controversy that got him into hotwater, jacking up a a much as 5000% the cost of a life-saving aids drug. >> pete, thank you very much. back to that video we showed you at the top of the show. the spanish prime minister suckerpunched during a campaign stop on wednesday. take a look. you can see a 17-year-old boy hit the prime minister directly in the face with his left hand. he was hit so hard, his glasses flew off. he staggered but didn't fall. he had a red mark on his face. his attacker was quickly detained. >> scary they got so close to him. >> yeah. christmas, eight days away. the holiday travel rush is about to take off. new numbers show u.s. airlines

ever with big profits. but what does that mean for you the next time you fly? nbc's tom costello is at international airport with more on this. hi, tom, good morning. >> hey, matt, good morning. you know, all those low prices we're paying at the gas pump, they're helping to pump up the prices and the profits for the best year on record. even if you're a procrastinator, you can still find a good deal if you're flying home for the holidays. >> reporter: profits are taking off. for airlines that once flew for peanuts, up 75% in just one year, totaling more than $20 billion. per-passenger profit soaring almost 60%. airlines now make more than $20 for each person on the plane. that's up from $13 last year. add in $56 million more in bag and change fees this summer for

the sky's the limit. >> it seems like it's excessive. hundreds of dollars just to move from a 4:00 flight to a 1:00 flight. >> we're going really light, but we didn't have any baggage fees. >> you buy a ticket and then when you get ready to take your seat, there's additional fees. >> reporter: airlines are passing the buck back to consumers. fare compare.com found last-minute deals for christmas. $187 round trip. $257 for d.c. to dallas. miami to vai garks just $241, but you don't have to wing it. want a deal? book now. airfares for the last three weeks of january and most of februaryre at five-year lows. just avoid warm weather destinations and those three-day weekends. >> fly on the cheapest days, tuesday, wednesday, and saturday, and you'll always find a decent deal. >> reporter: giving airlines a

falling fuel prices. this year, play paid $45 billion less to gas up those planes. the airlines argue they're reinventing their profits, just like other big companies, apple or starbucks. >> airlines are doing the same thing with new planes, seats, new apps for your phone, making the travel experience better. >> listen to this. on an inflation adjusted basis, airfares today are actually 10% lower than they were in 2000. that's what the airline industry says. however, of course, that doesn't include all the extra fees we pay today. back to you. >> tom, thank you very much. i'm one of these people who wants airlines to make a profit to reinvest in better planes and better service, if they can do that. >> and for years they y uldn't make a profit. in terms of economics, i think it's good they are making money. there's new developments in the case of a texas teenager. a child described as too rich to have to pay for his actions. well, two years ago, ethan couch grabbed national headlines. he killed four people in a drunk driving cash. instead of time behind bars he

after his attorneys coined the infamous term affluenza. now it seems he has disappeared and natalie picks up the story from there. >> that's right. an arrest warrant is issued for ethan couch after he failed to appear for a probation hearing that would have tested him for drugs and alcohol. his absence coinciding with the controversial video that recently surfaced online. >> reporter: this morning frustrated authorities are on the hunt for ethan couch, the young man infamously known as the affluenza teen. >> frustration is a mild word for what most of us feel. >> reporter: ethan's case gained worldwide attention when after killing four people while driving drunk near ft. worth, his attorney claimed the teen didn't understand thth conseqeqnces of his actions because of his family's affluence. and amid widespread anger, he was given probation. but recently ethan missed a required meeting with his probation officer.

run, possibly with his mother. sheriff anderson isn't surprised. >> hate to say i told you so, but i did. >> reporter: the crash was horrific. ethan was 16 years old, driving with a blood alcohol level three times the legal limit. >> there's another child in the ditch. oh, my god. >> reporter: his affluenza defense dev vated the victims' families all over again. boyle lost two family members. >> it's difficult to talk about. >> reporter: authorities say they're investigating this video that was released, appearing to show ethan playing beer pong. authorities say they're investigating. ethan's lawyers say they're awawe probation officers have been unable to make contact with ethan or his m mher and authorities are seeing if he

outrage is growing on social media. one posting, rich kids are always exempt from consequences. another, find ethan couch and lock him up. >> if he's somewhere in this part of the world, we'll find him, but i've got a bad feeling that he's gone, and i don't think he's gone a short distance. >> if authorities find ethan and determine he violated his probation, hee could find himself in jail for u uto ten years, guys. >> natalie, thank you very much. let's get a check of the weather from mr. roker. >> we're talking about a christmas coming up that could be the warmest in living memory. i mean it is going to be brutally warm for a lot of the country. in fact, this is the temperature departures. 15, 25, even 30 degrees above average. overnight christmas lows, record lows, washington, raleigh, charlotte charlotte, also indianapolis, atlanta, we're coming very close to those. northeast, record warm lows.

we could see this. for christmas day, we'll probably see record highs in portland, boston, new york city, philadelphia. and as we make our way from chicago, washington, raleigh, atlanta, a memphis, all most likely seeing record highs for christmas. that's what's going on. we'll get to your local forecast in the next 30 seconds. it's that night of the year you come here. looking for gifts so there won't be tears. eleventh hour shopper...that's you. it's ok because they know you. they're loaded up with gear. an xbox for the children. and a mixer for your dear. no need to shop around for present you've missed it's all here. you're off the naughthtlist! elelenth hour shopper... that's you! see you nextxtear, buddy! get low prices on all your last-minute gifts. walmart. today will be cold and breezy with highs near 30, but with the wind it will feel more like the teens and 20s. i'm also fairly confident that we'll see at least a few peeks of sun today, but not to worry, we'll have plenty of opportunity to see some tomorrow and over the weekend. now, it will still be cold tomorrow with similar temperatures to today's, but temperatures closer to 40 will arrive this weekend

overall dry weather. see graphics. >> >> >> that's your latest weather. t savannah? >> al, thank you so much. coming up, yahoo! ceo marissa mayer under fire again. should she have thrown a multi-million dollar party for employees as her company struggles? plus, even as al talks about record-high temperatures, what do if you're stranded in a winter storm? jeff rossen on what you can buy for $30 that could be the difference between life and

nbc. announcer: a horrific terror attack in paris. then, a brutal act of terror here at home. it's time for a tested and proven leader who won't try to contain isis. jeb bush has a plan... to desesoy them. and keep america safe.

should not delay in leading a global coalition to take out isis with overwhelming force. announcer: tested and proven leaderters. jeb bush. right to rise usa is responsible for the content of this message. coming coming up, tonight's the night. carson gets us ready for the new "star wars." plus, the good times we've shared in 2015, right here on

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bernie sanders passed more amendments in a republican congress than any other member. cracked the gridlock with john mccain to strengthen veterans' healthcare. bernie sanders. a consistent, principled, and effective leader. building a future to believe in. sanders: i'm bernie sanders and i approve this message. nobody was injured in a firi that damaged an apartment building in yankton, south dakota. it happened wednesday afternoon. deputy fire chief larry nickles

he estimated the damage at about 45-thousand dollars. the red cross is helping one family that was displaced by the fire. parts of siouxland seeing some snow this morning. several schools are starting late... ben, what's the latest?

it's been her fight for twenty years. something is wrong with our healthcare system and it needs to be fixed. then, it was about health reform and getting eight mimiion kids covered. now, it's about stopping republicans from repealing obamacare, and taking on insurance companies to bring down drug prices. i'm not going to let any family be deprived of healthcare. i'm not going to let the republicans rip up obamacare and throw it away.

7:3030ow on a thursday morning. 1717 day of december, 2015. big crowd on the plaza. probably some "star wars" fans out there. eagerly awaiting the chance to see "the force awakens." we're going to get some rai in the northeast today but hopefully it won't dampen the spirits out there. we're going to go out and say hi in a little while. let's take a look at stories making news now. dozens of protesters took to the streets in baltimore following the mistrial in the case against the first of six officers charged in the death of freddie gray. lawyers were expected to meet with the judge today to discuss dates for a possible retrial. there is a new e-mail contntversy in washington.n. the pentagon is now acknowledging defense secretary ash carter used a personal account to conduct official business. it happened during secretary carter's first month on the job, even as hillary clinton was under fire for doing the same

a pentagon spokesperson said the practice has been stopped and it was a mistake. parts of the midwest are starting to wind down. the snow and ice leading to several deadly accidents. nearly two-day closure of a 350 mile stretch of a highway in wyoming and hundreds of cancelled flights. yahoo! yeo is in the hot seat once again this time for an elaborate anniversary bash reportedly cosng millions even as her company struggles. erica hill has the story. erica, good morning to you. >> good morning. during the dot-com boom, lavish parties were the norm. today those events not only trakt scrutiny, they bring up lots of questions. >> reporter: it's a scene that

the high-flying '90s, but this is 2015. a toast to yahoo!'s 20th anniversary. the roaring '20s theme with a speakeasy and costumes out of the "great gatsby." that's ceo marissa mayer posing for photos with employees on a lavish set. >> it's a company trying to write itself versus having this lavish party, where it looks like you don't have a care in the world and you're spending a lot. >> reporter: employees thanked her for the party on social media others criticized the spending. in a 99-page letter to the shareholders, eric jackson raises concerns about the future of the company saying, quote, a change in ceo must be made now,

$10 billion in capital, and pointing to costly perks for employees like $450 million in free food. a source familiar with the party tells nbc news the cost was closer to $2 million. still, industry watchers say the optics and very public pressure from shareholders are a serious threat to mayer's job security. >> yahoo! >> reporter: yahoo! launchededn 1996 as a web portal and search engine, growing to become one of the world's most visited websites before struggling in recent years, its stock plummeting 34% in the past year alone. >> yahoo! acquired -- >> reporter: yahoo! hired mayer in 2012 to right the ship. she was six months' pregnant with her first child at the time. her decision to take two weeks of maternity leave, sparking a national conversation. shortly after the party pictures were taken, mayer gave birth to

she's now on maternity leave. >> this is the time she has to prove to shareholders s d employees she has what it takes to keep the company going. >> yahoo! declined to comment on the holiday party or the shareholders' calls for mayer's removal. mayer did not respond. she isn't expected to be away for long. when announcing her pregnancy earlier this year, mayer indicated she'd take a limited maternity leave and work throughout the leave. it's important to note during her tenure, yahoo! has upped paid leave for 16 weeks for moms and 8 weeks for dad. >> you have to put all the costs in perspective. but the optics of that -- >> and that's a big part of it. even ift ended up costing $70,000, it certainly didn't look that way. >> no. >> erica, thank you very much. let's get a check of the weather from mr. roker. >> announcer: today's weather is brought to you by walmart. stop by a store or visit us at walmart.com to share wonder every day. >> we're looking at a frontal system that's going to be pushing in showers to the

heavier thunderstorms as you get down to the south. warm, moist air ahead. colder air behind it. as this makes its way toward us tonight, we're going to be looking at a heavier thunderstorm down through atlanta. in fact, airport delays today from atlanta all the way north to boston as the afternoon wears on. rainfall amounts, thoroughly light, though we could see an inch around new york city all the way back to charlotte. lighter amounts to the east. then look what happens. we're also going to see colder air filtering in. lake-effect snow setting up. through sunday, 18 inches of snow between oswego and utica. 18today will be cold and breezy with highs near 30, but with the wind it will feel more like the teens and 20s. i'm also fairly confident that we'll see at least a few peeks of sun today, but not to worry, we'll have plenty of opportunity to see some tomorrow and over the weekend. now, it will still be cold tomorrow with similar temperatures to today's, but temperatures closer to 40 will arrive this weekend and stick around next week with overall dry weather.

>> that's your latest weather. savannah? >> al, thanks. and you have a great story coming up. paying it forward to someone. >> yeah. first, a special rossen reports. >> good morning. i'm jeff rossen. it happens every winter. a storm hits and drivers get stranded in their cars. how do you survive? are you supposed to get out of the car and go for help? do you keep the car on or off? we have all the tips you need to stay alive for 24 to 48 hours in here. plus, the emergency kit you can buy right now for less than $30. the snow is starting to fall... and all the decorarions are just right. the presents have all been opened... d our loved ones are gathered all around.

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cascade. [ laughter ] [ male announcer ] for tim and richard smucker, giving a gift of their family's delicious jam always made the holidays just a little bit sweeter. we forgot to put our names on them! richard, i think they'll know who it's from. thank you boys. you're welcome. you're welcome. [ male announcer ] happy holidays from our family to yours.

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7:41. time for our jeff rossen series, save a life. >> jeff rossen shows you what to do if you become stranded on a winter road trip. jeff, good morning. >> good morning to you. this happens all time. we see it on the news. a snowstorm hits, the cars litter the side of the road, people trapped inside. i think to myself, come on, it'd neveve happen to me. it turur out, it's happening to people just like youound me, from small towns ss to the biggest cities. what are you supposed to do? this morning, the simple tips to save your life.

and, suddenly, you're stranded. it happened just days ago to this family. their car got stuck in deep snow in the oregon mountains on their way to go sledding. >> i was, like, trying to stay calm. my anxiety kicked in, and i was thinking the worst. >> reporter: after nearly 24 hours, a group of snowmobilers found them. it's not just the middle of the mild wilderness. it's happened outside of atlanta. >> i had one bottle of water, half a tank of gas left. >> reporter: on i-65 in kentucky. >> i was melting ice and snow to drink. >> reporter: even in the middle of lake shore drive in chicago. >> if they don't get me in enough time, my car could be covered completely in snow and i could be barricaded under here. >> reporter: drivers trapped for days, unprepared, desperate to stay alive. what do you do if you're stranded? >> to show you how to save your life, we've come to frigid utah.

this is cray sitracy christiansen. my instinct is i would stay in the car and get out to get help. >> that's one of the biggest mistakes, leaving your car. stay in the car. >> why? >> it's cold out there. you can die from hypothermia. >> you say rescuers have a better chance of finding the car than a random person on the road. >> we will find you in you're in the vehicle. >> reporter: should you run the engine or save gas? >> run your car ten minutes an hour to stay warm. make sure you're conserving fuel. you could be here for the long haul. it is okay to run your car. >> ten minutes every hour. >> another tip, always make sure the exhaust pipe is clear and free from snow so you don't suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning. >> never sleep alone in a running car? >> exactly. it's a recipe for disaster. >> reporter: the life and death

you can buy the bare essentials for less than $30. anywhere. >> what do we have? >> couple things are really important. at least a liter of water, snacks and fruit, batteries, hand warmers. >> those are cheap in the store. >> they're great. >> you have a blanket, which is super important. >> one of the most important things to have. a little bit of warmth. wrap this around yourself, keep your core temperature warm like this. are with >> with these tips and minimal equipment, you can stay alive for 24 to 48 hours. >> yes. and we will find you. >> just to give you an idea how dangerous it is to leave your car, in temperatures below freezing. >> holly: hypothermia can set in within 30 minutes. tell someone where you're going and how to get there. >> years ago, i got stuck on the

providence, rhode island, for four hours. it was a long four hours. >> did you have a blan etket? >> no, but you think about your fuel everything. >> before cell phones? >> back in your day. we know how long ago that was. >> thank you. justtahead, the wedding proposal so grand, it shut down a major interstate. the hot waters that landed the groom to be in. next, carson's ready. are you? are new "star wars" in theaters tonight. how far some fans are going to keep their friends from spoiling it for them. savannah has seen it. tell carson about it. right when neil lane creates a ring for today's biggest stars... ...it looks fabulous from every angle. and for kay jewelers... ...he does the exact. same. thing. yes! neil lane bridal -- vintage-inspired rings at kay, the number one jewelry store in america. every kiss begins with kay. it's the kay jewelers save the best for last event!

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in case you haven't heard, the new "star wars" film opens in a few hours. >> so excited. fans are ready. carson is in his costume. it's like the "star wars" bar over there. >> it's so much fun. hold on. there we go. got stuck there. let's just talk about what people are doing right now all across the country. this is a really genius idea. they're having these marathon screenings, where people are flooding the theaters and they'll watch all seven movies back to back. they've got the guy doing the "star wars" theme on the organ in the theater to create the mood. this is hitting social media, as it's rolled out internationally. the opening credits there done in different languages. i would fit into the movie theaear. people are going pressed up. my theory is that's brad pitt in los angeles, the only way he could possibly see this movie. joining me now, the great chewbacca.

orange room than in real life. does everybody know who you are, chewy? want to do a reveal? >> i have stilettos. >> it's natalie, everybody. >> that's impressive. >> we're excited. we know everybody else is excited. >> hot. >> "star wars" fever. >> are you gargling? >> can i reveal a secret talent of our audio guy in joe, one more. >> you have to hear natalie's. now you do it. >> joe? >> natalie sounds like she's gargling red wine. >> like last night. >> i heard. >> thank you. >> nderful. first time coughing...sniffling... and wishing you could stay in bed all day.

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good morning and welcome to the morning club quiz. on the phone today, chchssy ellis of kingsley, iowa. the prize today is four sub sandwiches at subway. what is chewbacca? a) bear b) sasquatch c) wookie

it's 8:00 on today. coming up, the donald and the doctor. >> winners and losers. >> here are some i do not like at all. we must kick these frogs out, then build aall rvegts. then, paying it forward. al goes to great lengths for a remarkable woman who had a huge impact on his family. >> three, two, one, go. from singing to dancing, we reminisce about the good times we had together in2015.

2015. >> 20 years of marriage here at the "today" show. >> my wife next to me. >> celebrating our 46th anniversary. >> merry christmas from michigan. >> merry christmas from tyler falls, oregon. >> hi, we are from omaha, nebraska. we are trying not to be too corny. >> happy holidays. >> thank you so much. >> good morning, everybody. it's 8:00 on today. thursday,ecember 17, 2015. what a beautiful day on the plaza. i'm loving this warm weather, feels so good, everybody is in a great mood, getting ready for the holidays. matt lauer's biggest fan here. >> nice of you. happy holidays.

i was swept away by the music in the background. this is savannah's throwback thursday song. i believe it's "don't stop believing" by the cast of "glee." >> the cast of "glee." >> i think that's great. >> anyway, i'm glad you like the song. >> i like it a lot. >> it was. in more ways than one. >> an interesting call. >> you don't get that every day. natalie will support my choice. >> savannah, i do like your choice even though you haven't supported me in the past. in the news, the pentagon admit admitting ash carter used his personal e-mail for government business. according to a new york times report, carter started the

chief in february and continues after the scandal with hillary clinton using her personal e-mail while being secretary of state. the pentagon says carter's occasional use for work related business was a mistake and he did not use it for classified information. controversial drug companyny was arrested by the fbi this morning in new york. the 32-year-old entrepreneur made headlines in september when he boosted the price of a life saving pill from $13.50 to $750 for one pill. however, his arrest on security fraud charges is not connected to that matter. the case accused him of taking stock from a biotechnology firm he started in 2011 to pay off debts from unrelated business dealings. police released dashcam video of a nebraska sheriff's deputy risking his life to stop a run away truck after a 12-mile per suit.

emergency and his truck was rolling toward the norfolk, airport, when it slowed to 255 miles ananhour. an officer dashed across the highway and wasas able to climb insidede and brought the truck to a safe stop, thank goodness. >> she said yes. the texas man that shut down a highway to propose to his girlfriend was arrested. he was charged with obstructing a highway. he stopped on interstate 45 in houston, got down on one knee and popped the question. several drivers recorded the risky stunt. he posted $500 bail and defended his actions. he said something love makes dwrou stupid things and i wanted to do something she will always remember. yeah, they are not going to remember that one anytime soon.

with abby wombach played her final game. she helped the u.s. team win the world cup title this year. she has a pair of olympic golds and inspired a generation of yun women to take up the game she loved. we are going to miss her. an incredible athlete and inspiration to many. >>today will be cold and breezy with highs near 30, but with the wind it will feel more like the teens and 20s. i'm also fairly confident that we'll see at least a few peeks of sun today, but not to worry, we'll have plenty of opportunity to see some tomorrow and over the weekend. now, it will still be cold tomorrow with similar temperatures to today's, but temperatures closer to 40 will arrive this weekend and stick around next week with overall dry weather.

>> and that's your latest weather. just ahead, i'm going to pay it forward in a personal way. i'm going to celebrate a woman who means a great dea to our family. >> terrific story. plus, we are taking care of your last-minute holiday shopping this morning with our biggest gifts guide ever. but first, singing, dancing and a whole lot of laughter. all the fun we've had over the past 12 months i said i really can't stay baby it's cold outside i have to go away baby it's cold outside e i r rlly can't stay baby it's cold outside!

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>> announcer: year in review on "today" is brought to you by mercedes benz. the best or nothing. >> oh, my gosh, we have a quorum. we're all year. time for something we look forward to every year. >> the cast of glee, really? >> come on! >> to look at all the fun we've had in 2015. hey, that's what i like, i like about you the way you do what you do, how you do, i like about you come on now, hey, that's what i like, i like about you the way you do what you do, how you do, i like about you >> the gang is all back.

it says, we're all back, even carson. >> hey. >> raise your hand if you were in sharknado 3 last night. >> carson, were you glued? >> no, i was not. honey, i'm good, but i probably should i got a honey at home, and if i stay, i might not leave alone >> where do you keep your emmy? >> one with me right here. never leaves me. good morning, coaches. pharrell, blake, christina -- hey! where am i? >> let's trend, guys. there's someoeo in this studio right now who does not remember anything that happened yesterday. any guesses? >> usually, all of us. >> i will go to a movie alone. i'm happy sitting in a dark theater with popcorn by myself. >> not really what we were talking about but -- >> here's how it works. the question you pull out, you must answer. >> what is your porn star name.

>> i check in to hotels under the name, dj warm cookies. >> whoa! >> we are in the white house kitchen, where among other ins,thin s gs, you brew beer. >> it's not good. >> seriris? > it's not. n't eat a a of this stuff. you can learn more -- >> just say no. >> even the germ freak would -- just to show you. there you go. >> i'm just saying. that's a waste. on my own, once again now >> this is the chisel. 2> apparently, i'm burning the counter. >> sorry. >> oh, dear. wow. >> having my way with it.

let me have a moment. >> come back here with those. >yeah! >> that is unbelievable. >> go! go left. your left. left! your left! >> what we should have talked about first was our right from our left. >> what are we doing in here? >> i don't know. i just do what i'm told. >> this is called hoda or yoda. these are all real quotes. rejoice for those around you who transform into the force. >> yoda. >> correct. next up, i wake up at 4:15, get

clickty clock to see what i mimied. then i go to w wk and i'm really awake. >> yoda. >> it's hoda! >> i usese to have great legs, then gretat knees and now great ankles. >> we're busy reading the wall street journal. we start our day with a little research. >> i'm here. whoo hoo! >> thank savannah guthrie for helping me out. do you know who is co-hosting tomorrow? >> you wanted to today. >> matt lauer is going to co-host the fourth hour. >> i have not prepared, but with hoda, she doesn't anyway. what's the big deal? >> i was told matthew m mcconaughey was here, not matt lauer. >> you have nothing to do? >> very little to do. >> we are going to build a fantastic playground right in this field here. >> it's really beautiful. i hope everyone takes care of the park. >> all month long, the men of today, along with guys all

their facial hair to raise awareness for men's health. >> i changed my mind in the middle. >> called the twizzler challenge. all the money goes toward programs to help with autism. >> riding 230 miles from boston to the big apple, to raise money for red-nose day charities. >> i have a lot of people i'd put on spandex for at this hour of the morning. don'tstop to party >> please make it stop. >> i'm going all the way up there. >> they know how to welcome somebody inn sydney, australia. >> guys, it's so hot out here, my iphone just shut off. that's hot.

>> can you handle rockerthon2? >> one weatherman. >> paradise. >> we are in kentucky. >> 50 states. one week. to bring you the weather from every state in our great nation. >> rokerthon rolls on! see you in boston! >> rokerthon makes it to new york. >> here he is! >> does carson ever mention us when he's att the "voice"?"? blake sasa, i didn't know carson worked here. >> it's so good to be up this early. >> boogie woogie. i ain't going to play more because i charge.

>> girl got moves. >> you're a grandpa? >> matt, you're a grandpa? that was hard. >> i want you to relax, savannah. relax. >> i'm trying. >> what line will be remembered for this movie you've just finished? >> man, that's a good question. nothing i can say on this show. >> get out of my way. i got news i'm gonna work, work, work every day this is where my story's going, i just want to share this moment whoa

i feel the sky tumbling down you never count your money when you're sitting at the table there will be time enough for counting when the dealer is d de witit your love, nobody can drag me down nobody, nobody >> i was on vacation. how did you get out of this? >> wow, i don't know, but thank the good lord. down in your pocket, you've got something to give, it goes jingle, jingle today, today, today, today, today is christmas living like, living like, living like every day of the year

we want to know, what do you need oh, what do you need now all i need is the rhythm, be in the rhythm yeah, the rhythm, be in the rhythm backseat freedom, rocking and

never grow old it's going down, hey, hey, hey [ applause ] >> the naked show! >> tah-dah. >> next one, fudge brownies. >> i knew it!

>> exposed, he's naked. >> lauer! >> overnight, matt lauer put up four billboards. >> two second of yours >> two second of yours of your time. >> go somewhere else. >> get out of here. >> oh, my goodness. what happened? oh, you son of a gun. you son of a gun! i knew you were going too do that.. >> cueue the alarm. >> savannah? >> don't panic. we'll be right there. >> what is that? >> i'm neil patrick harris.

>> we're back. carson -- >> on the air. >> making my -- >> tv program, savannah. >> sorry. >> leonardo dicaprio. >> you got the offer to do this by text mail? >> text message? >> the kids are calling it text mail. >> text message. >> it's going potty. >> it's popping. let it go, let it go >> start your engines! >> good job. >> i just touched street gum

i don't know what got into me. time to get some purreell. >> the bush ladies know how to raise beautiful little girls, and you're one of them. >> wait a minute. >> w wt's up? >> what's upup >> couple years ago in washington, the correspondents dinner, at the men's room, standing next to me at the urinal. >> did you high-five him? >> no, you don't do that at the urinal. might want to learn that lesson. >> you two are really obnoxious. >> wow. that was quite a show. >> i won't do it. i won't. for the rest of my life, i

i will do what's right stars in the sky, rest of my life yeah, yeah, yeah, the rest of our lives edge of the earth, search in the sky at night, out on the verge on the rest of our lives >> yeah. [ applause ] >> nice. >> that was fun. really fun. >> we have to thank an editor somewhere. >> many of them. >> really well done. >> erica levins is the producer. molly, drew, and paul is the

>> thank you,prompted the evacuation of the high school in newman grove, nebraska. it involved threats of violence posted on facebook made against the school building and the people inside. newman grove police contacted the madison county sheriff's

critical incident response team. that team surrounded the school and began investigating. four juvenile students into custody. the county attorney will decide what charges they'll face and whether they'll be tried as adults. here's meterologist ben dorenbach. .

today, today, today, today is christmas we are back now. it's 8:30 on a thursday morning. it's the 17th day of december, 2015. kind of a dark morning here on the plaza. rain expected. but we're brightening things up with a couple of broadway stars. we have matthew broderick and annaleigh ashfofo from the play "sylvia," clecting toys for us this morning. they're the elves of the day. we're going to chat with them in a couple of minutes. >> loobking forward to that. plus, we have a rare christmas miracle. that's right, i'll be baking. don't worry. siri pinter is here and she knows what she's doing. we're making cookies, and we have the cutest helpers.

>> that's cute. also ahead, if you didn't do your shopping for christmas back in july, we have our ultimate gift guide, the biggest ever to finish off everyone on your list. and i'm going to get a chance to pay it forward by doing something for an amazing woman who has really changed my sonic nick's life. >> carson, w wll have your buddydy from the "voice" who was crowned the winner in a second. first, we have matthew broderick and annaleigh ashford, stars of "sylvia." >> pleasure. >> matthew, you have to choose between the love of your life and man's best friend. >> all right. it's a tough one. >> how does that go? that's the play, you have to see the play to find out. >> annaleigh, you play the best friend. >> i do. i play a dog.

i'm looking at the sweet dog. maybe i'll get inspiration for tonight. what a cutie. >> you don't have a liver treat, he won't look at you. we can get you somethinin >> oh, he's so cute. hi. hello. u want to - -he's like, nono >> this isour 12th broadway production, matt, right? we're keeping count here. >> really? >> what brings you back to the stage all the time? >> something to do. >> just a little something. >> no, i reallyove doing it. you know, i've been lucky enough to get 12 jobs, i guess, now that you've told me that. show? >> that's what they say. >> your wife, sarah jessica parker, originated the role. >> that's right. that's correct. >> she's looking for liver treats. >> somebody lazhas a treat.

>> i'm surprised it's that many. i thought it was maybe nine. >> this is your life. >> yeah. >> i know, that's magical. it's good if you lost count. it means you're fabulous. >> or senile. >> guys, have fun. we want to say for people to go check them out on broadway in "sylvia." thanks for connecting toys this morning. we appreciate it. mr. roker,today will be cold and breezy with highs near 30, but with the wind it will feel more like the teens and 20s. i'm also fairly confident that we'll see at least a few peeks of sun today, but not to worry, we'll have plenty of opportunity to see some tomorrow and over the weekend. now, it will still be cold tomorrow with similar temperatures to today's, but temperatures closer to 40 will arrive this weekend and stick around next week with overall dry weather. see graphics. >> >> and that your latest weather.

now to the "voice" on "today." this morning, we have the champion in the house. take a look. >> the winner of the v -- jordan smith! >> jordan smith is here. good morning and congratulations. >> congratulations. >> i have to tell you, i have a friend who is a super fan of the "voice" and told me nine weeks ago, i predict it, jordan smith goes all the way. >> that's so kind. >> did you feell good o o were you sweating it? >> this show has been fun and i had a great time working with adam and the other contestants. it's a creative atmosphere. it didn't hit me until i was on the stanlge at the finale. i'm in the finale. we were taking it week by week. >> gwen stefani said you don't look like your voice. is that a good thing? >> i think so.

been proving that. those things aren't really what happens. last tuesday night, whenever i won the show, it was kind of a big moment for me. i proved to myself, what's on the outside doesn't matter. it's what's in your heart and what you love to do and doing those things. >> we've had front runners onn the show before who, you know, were strong all the waydown. they've grgrn fatigued. ititas interesting to watch you in the final weeks, you never got nervous. you were stronger. how did you thrive when the pressure was really on? >> i think that it's kind of the type of person i am. i love that pressure. that's what makes me stronger and better. i think just keeping a level head through the whole process is super important. i think that those are four really strong contestants, myself and the other three. i was proud to be among them. we were a support for each other to the end. >> your parents were the only ones that looked shocked you won. what was it like in your close circle? >> they're so proud and happy. they made so many sacrifices for

for them, it's a huge payoff and they're proud. they saw this in me before i saw it in myself. >> you owe them big time. >> congratulatio. >> jordan smith, congratulations. >> he'll be with kathie lee and hoda in a little bit. also ahead, cookies and cuteness. siri and i do a little baking with our babies. checking people off your holiday shopping list. you can't miss our biggest gift guide ever.

nbc. it's been her fight for twenty years. something is wrong with our healthcare system and it needs to be fixed. then, it was about health reform and getting eight million kids covered. now, it's about stopping republicans from repealing obamacare, and taking on insurance companies to bring down drug prices. i'm not going to let any family be deprived of healthcare. i'm not going to let the republicans rip up obamacare and throw it away.

it is now time for today's hassle free holiday and our biggest gift guide ever. we have so many items we can't fit it in one segment. we're streaming it live at today.com so you can find what we don't get to on the air on our website.

good housekeeping. this gift segment goes from here all the way around the studio. >> we better get started. eight days left to shop. >> great gift ideas. this is the best of the best. the amazon echo. it's a voice-activated information teller. traffic. it will tell you knock-knock jokes. it is the gift of the future. $179. >> this looks like something out >> $30 at target. what you do is put your smartphone in there and they partnered with google cardboard for virtual reality. it's like you're in the wildlife, in space. it's so cool. >> vinyls are back. >> throwback thursday gift with a modern flair. this is available at bloomingdales. real cool. >> how much is that? >> great. >> i'm obsessed with thth, as

the urban decay smoky naked palette. one is sold every 6 seconds. >> are they expensive? >> $54 and they'll last a long time. universally flattering shades. >> why are these shoes so hot? >> don't you love them? they're a little sporty, a little cozy. $50 at jc penney. you can wear them with anything. they appeal to all ages. they're comfortable. love that for the winter. >> these are going to catch a lot of attention because of what they're made of. >> fashion flex. this is the great bag co. everyone is saying these will be the new itbags. they're $120, v vy affordable. heat resistant, crash resistant, you can clean them easy and they look amazing. >> talk to me about the glassware. >> matt, everybody loves a gift that feels personalized. these have initials on them.

these are flown from portugal. beautiful something to bring to a house, hostess gift. >> taught about something special. >> "star wars" opening, have you heard about that? >> i haven't heard. >> "star wars" fans. >> indy film. this toaster is available at kohl's. it has a light side and dark side for toast. we love that.. also for the little fans withh bigimaginations, the force reallylywakens with leg golegos. you can do anything with the millennial falcon. fun for the little ones. how cute are these guys? jackson and juliet. jackson is on the brilliant buy sickle -- bicycle. everybody >> everybody said this is the best way to learn to ride the bike. >> no more training wheels. >> i'll pause for a second and tell you we're going to end this on the air right now.

we'll stream live at today.com. coming up next, holiday cookies with the kids. savannah and siriet adorable help in the kitchen. plus, siri wiwi share one of her go-to cookie recipes.

nbc, as we continue to stream. we're back now. it's 8:44 withmo of our holiday food cookie swap. so i decided to do a little baking. i called friend, we had a couple pint size tasty treats. peek-a-boo. we're going to make bud candy canes. >> to me the holidays are all about family and home.

it feels yummy. >> oh my gosh. thth whole thing in the mouth. we lost a lot there. >> my favorite childhood christmas memory is probably baking withy mom. we would make the same thing every year. we'd give them the same people at the drug store. i'm going to take the butter, put it in here with the sugar. >> christmas is the only time i remember, we did a swap one yearr with light sabres. it was like aandy glass. >> oh, good job. >> making makes me feel like i can give something of myself to people. >> these look amazing.

they wouldn't let us put them down. >> we didn't color coordinate well, this day. >> let's make this recipe really easy. >> this is a vanilla bean sugar cookie. it'sium yummy like you said. >> it gives it vanilla bean flex and eggs and candy sugar. in this mixer we have butter and sugar. i will g ge it a little more o o a stir. then w wwill p in an egging. >> okay. >> and some vanvan vanilla. so now over here, we have our dry ingredients, flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. it's important to whisk them together so everything gets incorporated. you want to add half of that to the mixer. >> yes.

which we couldn't find in her home. >> if you are as much of aess as i am. >> you were lookiki in your closet? >> i know. oh boy. >> now,w, we will add the sour cream and then the rest of the dry ingredients. >> okay. >> why does bake having to do things in certain order, why is that? >> it's very scientific. it's important you follow the directions properly >> you can't wing it, apparently. >> the next thing chill it. >> that solidifies the butter so they don't spread. this will chill at least 30 minutes. overnight, if you can. the flavors of the cookies, too, use this little scooper. >> cute. >> we coup them out. about two inches apart. because they will spread a little, overhere, we have our standing sugar. this is the part we thought the babies would do so well. that didn'to so well. >> so we will rolll that in sugar all around. then we bake them 12-to-15

>> these are fudge brownie candy canes made with brown my mix, really delicious. >> did you invent brownie mix cookie? in my mind you did. >> let's just say you did. it is an easy way to make a fudgy chocolatey cookie. >> you can get our cookie recipes at today.com. i put myself in it like they're our recipes. >> they are. a great dealor the family.

>>. this morning on make your today, it is al's turn to pay it forward. >> thanks so much. when i was asked to pick someone to honor, i didn't have to think twice. it's a woman who means a lot to me and my wife deborah, because she inspires and helps other extremely special person in my life. my amazing boy,y, nick. >> numbers start on this corner. >> reporter: anyone who knows lori will tell you, she defies description. >> what do you think? >> fancy. >> very fancy. >> you have to experience lori. lori is an experience. >> super strong legs. those are super strong. >> reporter: she's an

>> can you get this undone? >> >> reporter: like my son. she's so much more. >> sometimes as a parent when as many as is wrong with your child, you can freeze because it's overwhelming. to have someone that's not only amazing for your child and to your child, but is an advocatee for your child, is a god send. >> use the strong arms. >> reporter: lori started working with nick when he was 3 years old. he's 13 now. >> he didn't talk, couldn't walk. he had very low body core plus musculature musculature. a lot of people were not positive about his, you know, his outlook. you know, there was never any of that with lori. >> look at me because i'm the focus point, okay? >> some kids are a 50-piece puzzle. some are 100-piece. some are 150. i think nick was about 150, if i was to look at nick. my heart is so big for him. 's my son.

these days, but he is my son. >> beautiful, nick. beautiful. >> reporter: this is her calling. lori knew she wanted to be an occupational therapist since she was in seventh grade. >> their goal was to work in the presence of others with minimal sharing of supplies. >> reporter: this is a student in the '70s, working with students with autism before there was a diagnosis. she was devoted then and is now, helping children reach their developmental milestones. >> at 2 years old, my son wasn't meeting the benchmarks a 2-year-old should be. this past june, he g his black belt in tie quando. >> reporter: lori doesn't want recognition. >> three, two, one, go. yes! nicely done.

>> i do this because i believe in the kids. i don't do it for recognition. >> i can honestly say that nick is where he is today because of her help. and for that, i can't thank her enough. >> reporter: but onnhis day, i wanted to try. i know lori pretty well, and i know she loves two things. running and tennis. specifically, serena williams. current sports illustrated sports person of the year, byflying you and roy down to miami to run in the serena williams foundation 5k to support children coming up in a couple of weeks. >> fabulous. >> for you. >> nick has come so far. >> i know. >> more to go. more to go. >> hi, serena, how are you? >> how are you? >> nice to see you. this is lori. >> how are you? >> nice to meet you. >> reporter: on n e day of the run, serena williams did not disappoint.

the water. hopefully the wind will be behind us. >> reporter: the serena william live ultimate run in miami raises money for the serena williams fund. >> serena williams fund, we help send kids to college. we also build schools in africa and help families affected by violence in communities, like my sister was. it's really exciting for me. >> reporter: and exciting for us to be part of such a special day. >> serena williams run, we're about to get started. >> right now! >> repepter: the race was exhilarating. at least for my wife, deborah. and for lori. >> we did it! >> couple of days later. >> reporter: for me, might have another word for it. >> wasn't it fun? >> oh, what a barrel -- we have a different idea of fun. >> reporter: but what's a few aches and pains for a woman who worked nonstop for my child and countless other kids? >> everybody has a lori in their

they could probably make more money doing something else, but they're doing it because they love your chilil >> like i say, everybody has a lori innheir life. itit easy to assume they k kw how much they mean to owe, butyou, but this is a great time of year so >> reacted to the same moment, she knew she wanted to do it since the seventh grade. amazing. >> it's a calling for her, and she answers the call every day for so many kids in this area. >> what a saint. >> she is. she's a gift. >> incredible. >> nick is a really cool kid, too. >> now that he's a black belt -- >> yeah. >> he asked for an allowance. oh, okay. we're back with much more of

after your local news.a christmas display that might just be visibile from space is

mark and shari frerichs put up the extravagant and veve bright display of lights and inflatable charactete every year at their home on highway three. they've been doing this for more than 20 years and they change it up a bit each year to keep it fresh. so, how many lights are there? "how many lights, uh, we don't even know for sure," said mark frerichs. "we tried counting but we can't keep track of it. it's just unreal." mark says it takes about six weeks to set it all up. but he says it seems never ending process because he's constantly replacing bulbs. here's ben with weather.

cold tomorrow with similar temperatures to today's, but temperatures closer to 40 will arrive this weekend and stick around next week with overall see graphics. .

>> t this morning on "today's" take, "star wars" mania, the reviews are in, the merchandise is out. the countdown begins until tonight's opening. then a look at the fun we had this year with some of hollywood's biggest stars. plus, newest stocking stuffers from best selling author james patterson coming up next. >> from nbc news, this is "today's take" with al roker, natalie morales, willie geist and tamron hall live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. >> it's december 17th, 2015, we are smack dab in the middle of the new york holiday season. i am we're with willie, tamron and natalie. >> come here. here is my sound effects. go ahead. ggggggg.

>> that's live, may the force be with you. >> the force is strong with you. >> wow. >> wow. >> i have hair in my face now. >> all right. >> i love it so much. >> "star wars" fortunately opens in theaters tomorrow, really tonight. they had some earlier screenings in select cities. people won contest, stuff like that. we're finally here, guys. we have been hearing about this movie for years. j.j. would tweet out a picture, the cast, the table read. >> universally, it's pretty darn good. >> yes, a lot of things going back to this one. this one brings back all the characters. we all went to see it, loved it. you know what was interesting.

minute gift, a lot of peoeoe willet into the whole swargs star wars craze "star wars" craze, all the craziest things you can buy from "star wars." first, a "star wars," is that r 2 d 12 shower head. >> that's the real deal, r2d2 shower head. >> you end up in the shower. >> on the first datete >> and that was there. >> the guy's shower. >> my mother watches this show. >> sorry. >> sorry. >> if i was married and i went to the guy's house after we got married, the shower cam. >> it's for 13-year-olds. i don't know if it's 25-year-olds.

>> is he in the movie "star wars"? if he's in the movie, we're cool. after we'rere marriri i would expect something different. >> this is on the countertop, the toast pops up, it pops up with the "star wars" emblem. >> that's a problem. you oy have toastn one side. 's not really toast. >> the whole thing is not toasted. >> different layers of brown. >> it's toast. >> so are my family. >> that was the most genius thing you ever said inure liech i got this e-mail from george-- in your life. i got this e-mail, they answer it, it's basically asking georgetown university professor

actual science and the things we say, get ready to nerd out, geek out. it is absolutely brilliant. >> it's on youtube. georgetown university professor. >> they're like seminar -- i don't want you to see what's on there, it might be the date that natalie was there. >> where were you last night? >> georgetown on "star wars." you ask the professor anything. they answer. the decoding and they are like nerding out. it's amazing. >> they are getting the nerd on, that's for sure. whether you like "star wars" or not. i think everybody at this point will be a groupie. >> if you google dearth vader, donald trump, they've done a mashup, taken darth vader's

from all of his speechs. it is brilliant. i think donald trump would love this and speaking of donald trump, he was on jimmy kimmel last night and admitted to maybe causing just a rip him or two within the gop. >> i would like to see the republican party come towing. i have been a little divisive in the sense that i have been hitting people pretty hard. >> a little bit? >> yeah.. >> a little bit divisive. but i love jimmy kimmel thenn went aheadnd read mr. trump a dr. seuss inspired children's book. >> it's very funny. >> here are some frogs, i do not like at all. we must kick these frogs out and then build a wall. oh, the places you'll go on your yacht on your plane, with your suits from milan and your wife from ukraine. oh the buildings you'll build or

people around you all kissing your [ bleep ]. there are two kind of people, which one will you be? a loser like them? would you like to finish? or a winner -- >> like me. >> that's good ratings. >> very incredible. >> good stuff. >> that is good. what else is good, oh my gosh, this kid, 9-year-old grace, she won a school fundraiser we aired these stories before. they're epic. this might be the best of all time. it took place in bloomington, minnesota, bethany academy. she wass nervouou she gavav the baba to mom. her mom angela, her first try fell short. then her daughter gave it a shot. okay. here's what angela has, here we go. >> i don't mind thatbeyond that, i am not good at

>> that's the explanation. >> underhand, pretty good. >> last try. >> get there. get there! boom. oh. . >> yes, it was a bounce shot into. >> that counts. >> that counts. >> we're taking a trip to minnesota to rally for her. it was a great slam. it was phenomenal. it counted. but that's what the tuition got. every parent, please come together. very good. there you go. falls short. boom, right online, though. impressive. >> she is stunned, or not, stunned. >> another g gat moment on the hard court, this time during the ca cavs.

there you go. here he's wouk walking over. he was born with spastic hemophilia. doctors feared he would never walk or talk. now he plays basketball at his high school. apparently, he sinks 3-pointers. look at that face, it'ss like surreal. >> he said they were at a timeout in the ga imhe went and surprised the kid. the kid happened to be wearing lebron james' shoe, designed for kids that can't tie their shoes, they have one strap and after the game, lebron took off his own shoes from the game and gave them to the kid. >> he has been great, he has a great heart. >> he goes over, has fun, no matter what. >> food news. >> he's a decent actor in "train wreck." he was great. >> a big career off the court, too. >> all right.

>> he's a media mogul. >> there you shaped-- 50 shades of brown the roker family. >> a storm coming in, another day, another storm, moving into the pacific northwest. we will watch this as the day progresses this afternoon, snows back to the intermountain scades, coast cal gail. wind gusts upo 60 miles an hour. some areas pick up along the coast up to 7 inches of rain and snowfall wise again great news for skiers. it will be good news, into the sierras, they will be seeing snow. that's great news for the snow pack and helping with the drought as we move along into today will be cold and breezy with highs near 30, but with the wind it will feel more like the teens and 20s. i'm also fairly confident that we'll see at least a few peeks of sun today, but not to worry, we'll have plenty of opportunity to see some tomorrow and over the weekend. now, it will still be

with similar temperatures to today's, but temperatures closer to 40 will arrive this weekend and stick around next week with overall dry weather. see graphics. >> >> that is your latest weather. >> thank you very much, al. coming up next, the glitz, the glamour, the madness. all the greaea stars that grarad we'lllave the snow is starting to fall... and all the decorations are just right. the presents have all been opened... and our loved ones are gathered all around. so share that extra joy in your heart... and make this christmas even more special than the last. walmart has everything you'll need for a christmas meal they'll never forget.

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it's always worth remembering... that icing the cinnamon rolls is a privivige not a right. unleash the power of douou. give it a pop. the flu virus hits big. with aches, chills, and fever, there's no such thing as a little flu. and it needs a big lution: an antiviral. so when the flu hits, call your doctor right away and up the ante with antiviral tamiflu. prescription tamiflu is an antiviral that attacks the flu virus at its source

from spreading in the body. tamiflu is fda approved to treat the flu in people two weeks of age and older whose flu symptoms started within the last two days. before taking tamiflu, tell your doctor if you're pregnant, nursing, have serious health conditions, or take other medicines. if you develop an allergic reaction, a severe rash, or signs of unusual l havior, stop taking tamiflu and ll your doctor immediately. children and adolescents in particular may be at an increased risk of seizures, confusion, or abnormal behavior. the most common side effects are mild to moderate nausea and vomiting. anti-flu? go antiviral with tamiflu. yesterday, we took a personal trip down the memory lane of 2015 and were reminded what hapapns in studio 1 1 definitely d ds not stay in studio 1a. >> today, we want to shine the spotlight on our famous guests

a very lively 2015. >> there are days where i look through my phone and all of the celebrity stuff, moments on the phone that we've snapped. it's like, that happened? >> thanks for having me on this. this is the cool hour, right? >> i watch you every morning. >> why is there never anyone in my nightclub? >> not long ago, tamron was doing her pop fix, and a figure comes out of the shadows. >> he's 21 years old, so that makes this legal. >> i took it for every 16-year-old girl out there. took the kiss. >> i'm down. >> people that show up, pop up during our weather segments. >> that's what's going on around the country. here's what's happening in which i say -- chrissy teigen's world. in youreck of the woods. >> put the weather up there. >> tsunami.

it's going to clear up and -- al, i need help, please. take it from here. >> most fun set visit ever was playing a zombie on "the walking dead." >> this will be great if it doesn't come off tomorrow. >> i have nightmares looking at that picture of me. >> patty labelle surprise was incredible. >> oh, no! on my own once again now >> mystery guest? >> come on out. >> yes! >> we had to pity them fools, al. >> this is all worthwhile. >> the al mind and tamron body. . >> don't laugh.h. >> sit r rht over there. >> i'm an actress,nd i'm full of crap.

>> little known fact about gina rodriguez, she also raps. >> likely girl lily lily -- like my girl natalie. >> we expanded our family to include great folks. >> you have a slow pan up your legs. >> oh, yeah. >> i let everybody know the real champ is here. >> john cena is a big guy with a big heart. >> this is the most important part of the year so far. >> who would have thought we'd have a wwe wrestling champ? mr. roboto >> co-hosting our program. >> ellie kemper. >> not only did i co-host with ellie kemper, jane krakowski, but tina fey showed up. natalie, willie, tamron were not there. >> we dare take a couple days ofof to be with our beloved family. >> we had to hear about it every

>> you want to replace us with them? come on. >> it hurt. >> it was the best show ever. ha, ha! bam! >> good for you, al. one day, i invited jane to come back. it was just the two of us. jane krakowski roller skated out on to the set. >> this is the jane loves willie hour. >> i think i win that one. >> hello, ms. tamron. >> ladies and gentlemen, prince -- >> prince, good morning. >> good morning, all. >> all i need is a horse. >> there we go. >> good to see you. >> thank you. great to be seen. >> fantastic. >> don't i look hot? >> hard to do this while i'm delivering the library book. >> a lot of families are >> oh! >> there we go.

it makes me like, oh, my gosh, life flies before you. >> i know. >> the fun. i'm a debbie downer. >> this is our calling card to get more of these celebs on with us. come on and have some fun. we're the fun hour. >> who is your dream guest? >> we've had so many. i'm not going to -- patty labelle. i wasn't here that day. >> everybody who shows up. >> your dream show is what? >> we already sawaw that. >bye, al,, you don't need us.

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my dentist recommended that i use sensodyne. i think that sensodyne has been great in terms of reducing the sensitivity and pain that i was experiencing. now i can put ice in my water. sensodyne absolutely works, there you have it. hey, you forgot the milk! that's lactaid. right. 100% real milk, just without the lactose. so you can drink all you want... ....ith no discomfort? exactly.y.ere, try some... mmm, it is real milk. see? delicious. hoof bump! oh. right here girl, boom lactaid . 100% real milk. no discomfort and for a creamy and delicious treat, try lactaid ice cream recently we've noticed some ads created by these two birds, inviting you to stay away from the streak free shine of windex. well dear windex users these ads are false. sfx: squeaks from window cleaning clean glass is better than dirty glass.

use windex. there are eight days until christmas. your stockings have been hung with care. now, it's time to fill them. >> lilliana is here with great stocking stuffers, all for under $30. good morning. >> good morning, guys. >> you did our shopping for us. >> i did. i think stockings are my favorite part of christmas traditions..

them and not spend a lot of money. one. >> sure. i like this, right off the bat. these are great. my son luke would love these. >> those are minions headphones. available at kohl's.com. inside, i think, are also peanuts headphones. target.com. super affordable. every kid loves those. >> great idea. to the "star wars" theme somewhere in here. >> there's something in there "star wars" related, and it could be a head lamp. you look adadable. >> wow. >> that turns on at night and your kids with use it as a reading light or to play in the dark. >> it's like a lego. >> it's available at amazon.com. how cute is that? >> really cool. >> color roll. ava is showing us this jumbo sized color roll. it's taking coloring books to the next level. design life kids.com. >> i love these. >> willie, for your sweetie. >> thank you. >> let's see what's in there. >m i your -- oh, no. >> yes, you are. >> that took a turn.

>> i love these. these are makeup bags. they have all these fun things right there. those are from breakup to makeup.com. if you unzip the bag, you'll find something else for the "star wars" fan. cover girl has done an entire limited edition makeup collection. >> mascara. >> so cute. you can find them at any drugstore drugstore. >> amazing. >> might be -- >> the money disney is making. >> i know. >> something else in your stocking. selfie mirror. for the woman who wants to look good in every photo. that's from stoptiques.com. now for the pets, al. >> great. >> these are from wildlywald.com. the pet matt. these are dog treats.

not active but you need them to be. a dog lawntreat launcher. >> here we go. >> it went reverse. i shot it at myself. i didn't mean to take it from you. >> we'll figure it out. >> we also have chew toys. >> that was at me. > all at once. >> y y can't forget about the cats. >> one for you, my friend. >> this for a co-worker. work through there. >> let's see what we found. >> for you. we shopped for you. >> oh, that's so cute, you guys. thank you. adorable. >> lotions and potions, oh, my. >> thank you, guys. happy holidays. >> happy holidays. thank you. coming up, we have a pop culture pop quiz. on the ac it's that night of the year you come here. looking for gifts so there won't be tears.

it's ok because they know you. they're loaded up with gear. an xbox for the children. and a mixer for your dear. no need to shop around for present you've missed it's all here. you're off the naughty list! eleventh hour shopper... that's you! see you next year, buddy! get low prices on all your last-minute gifts. walmart. fact you won't findndhe brand pharmacist . . . relief doesn't get any better than this. . . . it cleaned all this. good job, mom. gr .ea .

apartment building in yankton, south dakota. it happened wednesday afternoon. investigators say the blaze started in a laundry area. damages are estimated at 45-thousand dollars. the red cross is helping one family that was displaced by the fire. four students have been arrested after a threat prompted the evacuation of the high school in newman grove, nebraska. it involved threats of violence posted on facebook made against the school building and the people inside. newman grove police contacted the madison county sheriff's office, who then called a critical incident response team. four juveniles were taken into custody. the county attorney will decide what charges they'll face and whether they'll be tried as adults.

cold tomorrow with similar temperatures to today's, but temperatures closer to 40 will arrive this week with overall dry weather.

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taking a look at the headlines. disney is instalalng metal detecters at the front of all four theme parks. it's also discontinuing the sale of toy guns and will no longer allow kids over the age of 14 to wear costumes. the detecters are going up ahead of tonight's "star wars" premiere at disney springs, sea world orlando and universal orlando will also use metal detecters. the cost of borrowing has gone up. on wednesday, the federal reserve raised interest rates 4 of one percenen janet yellen said rates would keep rising gradually next year if the economy is strong enough. it's bad for borrowers but good for people saving money. promise toward a screening test for ovarian cancer. researchers studied more than 200,000 women for more than a decade in britain and used a blood test to check for a chemical that sometimes is linked toen a earl an early stage of

it took into account a woman's age and the degree of change in the chemical over time. they were able to calculate a risk force. the study suggested the screening could cut ovarian cancer deaths by 20%. earlier recall of bean bag chairs is being reissued once again. it involved more than 2 million chairs cold between 1995 and 2013. twtw children have died, suffocatinggn the foam beads inside. fewer than 1,000 consumers responded to last yaer'sear's recall, and officials fear many of the chairs are still being used by children. consumers should contact ace bayou for a free repair kit. triple ginger brew is being recalled from trader joe's, after r rorts of the bottles exploding. if you have the bottles in your home, t tder joe's say to handle it with extreme care and dispose

they will provide a refund. a nebraska sheriff's deputy jumped to the rescue when a truck driver had a diabetic attack and slumped behind the wheels. authorities followed the truck for 12 miles. that's when the sergeget dashed across the road, jumped in and brought the truck to a stop. let's get a check of the weather from mr. roker. >> nat, we're looking at wet weather for today along the eastern sea board. windy, wet weather along the pacific north coast, with snow in the interiors. high surf advisories along the californian coast. icy conditions and snow in the pacific northwest. western new york, upstate new york, looking at lake-effect snow. some areas could see 18 inches by sunday of snow. that's what's going on around thtoday will be cold and breezy with highs near 30, but with the wind

confident that we'll see at least a few peeks of sun today, but not to worry, we'll have plenty of opportunity to see some tomorrow and over the weekend. now, it will still be cold tomorrow with similar temperatures to today's, but temperatures closer to 40 will arrive this weekend and stick around next week with overall dry weather. see graphics. >> >> that's your latest weather. we've got our buzzers. we've got our podiums. natalie is making her way down. she has a frightening it's game time. >> she's stretching, getting ready for this. everyone working on this show becomes an expert when it comes to pop culture. no one more so than our amazing producers, gavin and kate. they've decided, for some reason, they want to go head to head in a showdown. dylan is here, the only person

natalie, we're still waiting for natalie. >> she's coming. >> kate, you're at a slight dischangdis disadvantage. >> we don't need it. >> she's here. >> fierce look in her eyes. >> i always wanted to be a game show host, and i forced myself on to the show. we like to pretend we know a lot about pop culture, but it's kate and gavin that know more than us. you're on the buzzer. you guys are window dressingment. i'll read the question. >> if you don't win this, you're fired. >> about right. >> go for it. >> here we >> it's a music question. we're going to listen to a music clip. at's the songnd the film? roll the clip. >> flashlight pitch perfect tune. >> oh, my gosh! >> that's not part of the question. >> you got it. >> i'm making things more difficult. what film earned the most at the

>> gavin again. >> "jurassic park." that's not correct. >> it's" jurassic world." >> you got this. up got this. next question. who played furiousa in the golden -- >> >> charlese theron. >> who stumbled and fell while performing at the britt awards? >> madonna. >> madonna expert here. >> obvious. >> i would be proud of that. >> what? come on. who played the villain in the

>> krzysztof wall. >> is it 2-2? who is cookie's ex-husband in empire? >> lion? >> no, his real name. >> jay power. we get it. >> who praised his new wife when he accepted the cecil b. demille award at t t golden globes? >> george clooney. >> can you name don draper's daughter in "mad men"? >> sally. >> that's right. >> tied up. tied up. >> next one. whoaide was polite, intention, smart, really

>> in one of the year's biggest films, who said he was polite, intense, smart, really intimidating? >> that's a line from the movie? >> no, it was the actress. >> oh, i know this. oh, gosh. i know it because it was -- i know it. i know this. >> think about it. >> pass. >> dakota johnson. >> we have time for more? >> zoe dechannel and her husband gave their daughter -- >> otter. >> two names. >> otter -- >> ah -- um -- >> otter control.

>> who played reverend gary wayne in -- >> john happ. >> gavin. nice working w wh you. >> gavin. you and madonna did it.

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with ingngdients like roroted hazelnuts and cocoa, there's a whole lot of happy in every jar of nutella. spread the happy. can you believe it's already week 14 in our 16 to 16 challenge, and our three participants who couldn't make it today have nearly completed their mission to get healthy by the new year. tasty treats are at every turn. joy bauer is here to help with a holiday food faceoff. good morning. good to see you all. let's begin with the weigh in. how is everybody doing?

mary jean lost another pound. she's down for a total of 33 pounds. >> wow! >>ochelle lost another three pounds. she's down a total of 28 pounds. >> oh, my gosh! congrats, ladies. >> ken is not here. he lost another pound. he's down for a total of 29 pounds. collectively, willie, if you can imagine, they're down 90 pounds. the best part of that is we have donated more than 15,000 meals for people in need. >> you guys arere incredible. . >> 90pounds. wow! >> thrilled. >> help us through this holiday cocktail party season. >> we're going to go from station to station, and each one, you're going to take a bell. you'll have a bell. i'm going to ask you a question. the first person who thinks they know the answer, ring the bell and you're going to say what you think the answer is. >> okay. >> for the first question, which one has more calories.

topped with cheesese orr is it two sliders, or are they even? >> which is more fattening? >> this is better. fattening. 260 calories for the sliders. >> no way! >> about 200 calories for the crackers with the cheese. we were wrong. that was good. >> we'll go over here. >> pick up your jingles. >> i'll jingle myself here. >> which has more calories. four swedish meatballs or four mini vegetable egg rolls? >> meatballs. >> more calories. >> the egg roll. >> the meetatballs, 350 calories. there's a lot of fatty ground beef with this creamy sauce. >> they look so good until you said that, joy. >> i would have one of each. sometimes they're too good to

>> here we go. ladies, you look amazing. >> now, which has more calories. a quarter cup of regular, traditional spinach art choke dish, or the same amount of cheeee fondue,, or are they even? >> they're even. >> yes! >> wow. >> even though they sound healthy and, by the way, guys, 300 calories for a quarter cup, bread. just go easy. pick the one you want. home run. >> yay. >> dip with vegetables, okay. >> thank you.. coming up next, alex cross is back, with best-selling author james patterson. he has three books to tell us about after this. he's a machine. olay regenerist renews from within,

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and i was worried about joint damage. my doctor said joint pain from ra can be a sign of existing joint damage that could only get worse. he prescribed enbrel to help relieve pain and help stop further damage. enbrel may lower your ability to fight infections. serious, sometimes fatal, events including infections, tuberculosis, lymphoma, , her cancers, nervous system and blood d dorders and allergiciceactions have occurred. tell your doctor if you've been someplace where fungal infections are common, or if you're prone to infections, have cuts or sores, have had hepatitis b, have been treated for heart failure, or if you have persistent fever, bruising, bleeding, or paleness. don't start enbrel if you have an infection like the flu. joint pain and damage... can go side by side. ask how enbrel can help relieve joint pain and help stop joint damage. enbrel, the number one rheumatologist-prescribed biologic. thank you. thank you, again. pat yourself upon your back. your shopping is done. you ain't no slack.

you ordered online and got them in the same day. navigate the app at will with incredible digital ninja skills. the holidays could not be better. maybe you have time to k kt him a sweater. i don't know maybe a snowman. i could do that. let's get out of here. i'm just thinking. order gifts online and pick them up the same day. walmart. james patterson is one of the most popular authors in the world. he's sold more than 3255 million books globally. he holds the guinness world record for the most number one "new york times" best sellers. his stories have been made into tv and big screen motion pictures, including 1997's "kiss the girl" starring morgan

tyler perryry the new book is called "cross justice." new kids out for books, as well. >> you made it, man. i was worried about you. >> i was, too. alex cross, 23rd book in the series. >> yeah. >> and he's maybe going to find his father. maybe. >> wow. >> that's the big question. >> that's one of the things that drdres him. it's been a big factor in this series. >> he thought his father was dead, and he gets new information in this book. we'll see where it goes. one of the fun things, people watch the tv show, the 26 episodes, "blindside" or whatever. here, there's only one episode a year. that's it. >> that's a great thing. if somebody starts from the beginning with a ax cross, they have 23pisodes to readd through. >> that's right. >> one of the things i love about you is that, you know, you are one of the -- we've done this series, you know, paying it

the fact you've been going around giving bonuses to folks at the bookstores. >> i'm trying to draw attention to the fact that we need independent bookstores. we need bookstores and book sellers. we need to honor them. wherever you are, if you're watching this, go into a bookstore and get books for your family. get books for your kids, especially. >> okay. now, you're a prolific writer. you've done so much. you actually have a cameo -- >> practically, i do. alfred hitchcock used to do this, but he was smart and walked in the background. i kind of walk right into the middle. >> what movie is this? >> it's "middle year, the worst years of my life." it's funny. ferris bueller meets pixar. there's a lot i it patterson's acting debut. >> the manager. >> hello. >> can we keep it down a lot, if

you know, this is not c cck e. cheese. >> good talk. can i have another root beer? >> absolutely not. you had enough sugar. >> you stole that from lauren graham. >> i did. i stole it. >> you immediately took it. >> most movies, they'll put the good scenes out. this is the worst scene in the movie. it's very, very funny. they don't usually prorote that way, but it's cool they did. >> fantastic. out. >> "i funny tv" is out. well, the book says "i funny," it better be funny. >> with james patterson, you know it is. merry christmas. good to see you. >> "cross justice"? book

we'll be back i ia mo

kinney, author of "the wimpy kid" series. he's here to announce a donation to our toy drive. we're excited. the train jumped the track and won't move. thank you so much for partnering th us. tell us a litite bit about the donation this jeeryear. >> we're giving away 10,000 books, including the "wimpy kids" books. >> this is something so many people can appreciate. >> kids read it through age 7 and usually stop around age 13.

tremendous donation.for one sioux city woman, christmas decorations are not about lights, but rather, nutcrackers. every christmas season, jacque goettsch puts up her collection of nutcrackers. goettsch says she started her collection in 1988 and has been adding to it ever since. of the 243 nutcrackers in her collection, only three of them are duplicates. she also has 53 nativity scenes and a room dedicated to santa claus. goettsch says it takes her about a week and a half to set up the decorations. she acknowledges that she is "nuts about nutcrackers"... but one figurine has eluded her thus far. goettsch, who is a retired nurse, would really

here's meterologist ben dorenbach with weather.