and the threat isn't over yet with 50 million people lying in thth of this huge storm system today. everything from possible tornadoes to h snow and severe flooding, we are on top of it all. trouble down under, a raging wildfire destroys more thaha 100 homes in a popular australian tourist destination, thousands forced from their homes and firefighters worked to douse the flames, the fire expected to burn for weeks. turn rush, malls across the country bracing for another mad dash of shoppers who didn't necessarily want the gifts they found under the tree. how you can handle those holiday returns andven find some great deals today. and, hello, is this planet earth? an astronaut on board of international space station accidentally makes the prank call of the century when he dials the wrong number phoning home, the confusion prompting the astronaut to apologize on twitter and an attempt to convince that woman he is not

today, saept 26th, 2015. >> announcer: from nbc news, this is "today." live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. good morning. welcome to "today" on this saturday morning, i'm sheinelle jones. >> good morning, i'm harry smith here with kristen we will kerr and rafael miranda from our station here in new york, wnbc. erika and dillon have the day off today. christmas good for everybody. >> yes. was santa good to everyone? >> my a family is in chicago, my husband and kids, so i flew back last night with all the gifts. they opened them so quickly i wonder if they will notice that mommy took them all home. >> will they notice that i'm gone? >> merry day after. >> we will get to all of these stories in just a moment. let's get to the top story today, a christmas day nightmare

the south, rafael, i know you have the latest here. >> in morning residents arm birmingham, alabama are assessing the damage after a tornado touched down on friday evening, their holiday turning into horror. the twister came out of nowhere. residents saw the funnel cloud from afar one minute and the next, at their door step. >> when they say take cover, take cover. >> several homes were destroyed. some people even had to be rescued from under the wreckage. >> wires being down. if there is no danger, move on. >> people found themselves searching for anything that could be saved. >> give me your hand. >> reporter: 10,000 customers lost power and residents throughout the state have been dealing with more than a half foot of driving rain and

outside of birmingham, residents were saved from the raging flood watering. even the birmingham mayor came out to direct traffic friday night. the same twister in tuscaloosa where it caused more damage. the same conditions that spawned the tornado are ponllresponsible for the deadly outbreak in mississippi. volunteers there are still searching for the missing. >> we are trying to go through the mess with the trees and just a disaster. >> reporter: a disaster for came through the storm alive,e, something to be grateful for. >> what is important is your family and your friends and having a gift of life. >> and no deaths were reported in the christmas day tornado, but unfortunately, millions of people in the path of severe weather again today. we will have more on that in a thank you. the weather outsisi may be

country, for many of us on the east coast, the warm temperatures are weird. here in new york city, the warmest christmas ever. nbc's kristen dahlgren is in central park with the latest on that. kristen, good morning. >> reporter: good morning, harry. december 26 it is 53 degrees in central park. a lot of people running by in shorts this morning. much of the country struggled with the weather this christmas, but new york is not one of them. forget the figgy pudding. it was ice cream in new york. >> what is christmas normally like? >> white. >> how about this year? >> sweaty. >> reporter: ice cream trucking doing summer-like business with temperatures soaring to 66 degrees. >> best christmas ever? >> best christmas ever. >> reporter: in central park, short sleeves replaced winter wear.

never think this. >> reporter: and in this bizarre world in buffalo, where there is feet of snow, instead saw a lake day with jet skis and scuba diving. and near frigid providence, rhode island, christmas day was a good day to hit the links. record highs shattered for a second day. >> amazing. we spend half of our christmases in florida. >> reporter: there was no celebrating at eastern ski areas. no snow means no business. there was not holiday joy for fed ex. they were scoured by deliveries. i don't think irate is an accurate word right now. and the company blames the heavy volume and severe weather outbreak

outbreaks, people in the northeast say they are really looking at the warm weather as a gift. it is likely just to stay in the 50s today. no records. tomorrow, we could see another record. guys, if the forecast holds out until next week, we will not see it dip below freezing in december. that hasn't happened since they started keeping records. >> kristen dahlgren in central park. at our house, we complained because it was so warm. we had mosquitoes in the apartment. honestly. >> it is weird. >> still better on christmas. >> snow is better on christmas. we need the hard freeze. if they don't do it this year, and it looks like we might not, this is the first time on record we have not gone below freezing in central park. here is the set up.

25 to 30 degrees above average. bermuda high pressure. 80 in charleston. new york city is in the 50s. as we head into sunday, another record breaker in new york city. 65 degrees. part of the warm weather is responsible for the severe weather we saw yesterday. this is the set up. tracking a winter storm in the upper midwest. portions of the southwest this morning, you see the rain breaking out. this storm is just getting started. we will deal with this one for several days. here is the severe set up. possible supercells. we will trackck that. over 14 million people in the risk area. dallas and now a blizzard warning on the cold side of the storm for eastern new mexico into the panhandle of texas. this could be the most snow they have ever seen in parts of new mexico. unprecedented blizzard warning there. this is the set up. cold air cololding with the warm moist air.

you can see the heavy snow throughout the day today. severe weather possible in texas. we will set this into motion so you see where the storm is going. lots of people trying to go home over the weekend. this is a mess. blizzard conditions possible as you head out west. another day w wh severe weather as you head into the southehet. you know, travel big over the next few days. this is a massive storm affecting millions of americans. the pattern might change next week a bit. we will look at that in a few. thank you. it is time now for a look at the rest of the top stories. >> kristen welker iss hereith the wildfires in australia. >> we begin overseas where wildfire are worries across southern australia. the blaze destroyed more than 100 homes on christmas day. forcing people to race from the flames. the emergency management commissioner said the brush fire could continue to burn for months.

remain with potential to burn in january and february. >> hundreds of firefighters are trying to keep it from reaching other coastal towns. in arkansas, arson suspected in the fire of the childhood home of former president bill clinton. by the time firefighters arrived in hope, arkansas, the fire blazed an outside wall. the chief said a smell of accelerant could be detected. and the current commander in chief made a visit to the troops. the president and first lady thanked service members statatned in hawaii. take a look. >> we never take for granted for what you do for the american people. you help keep us free and you help keep us strong. whatever service you are in, whatever branch, we are extraordinary grateful. >> nice tradition. the president said being able to personally able to thank the

something he looks forward to every christmas. and finally, one of the longest long distance calls to go astray. get this, this was from the international space station. british astronaut tim pepee dialed up a numbern earth to get the wrong one. he tweeted out a christmas day apology assuring her it was not a prank, but an honest mistake from space. that is a wrong number i would not mind getting. >> what would the caller id say? >> a long number. all right. it seems like we're dealing with the hotemperature in the northeast. others are having record snow. >> bizarre and extreme. we are snow starved here in the northeast. grand junction received 4.9 inches of snow.

that was grand junction's snowiest christmas on record. here is the set up for today. you see the slight risk of severe storms. santa ana winds in southern california. wildfires reported there. and the heavy rain moving into the midwest. snow in the upper midwest. heavy snow in minnesota. 53, a high 32. winds e/n 20-30 mph. weather brought to you by knova's carpets. siouxland's largest shaw flooring center. see how people here at home and that's your forecast.

if you thought shopping season was over, now that christmas has come and gone, think again. bargain hunters are returning too the mall to retutu gifts. julia bagg from wtvj is at the mall this morning already. julia, good morning. >> reporter: harry, good morning. did you notice relatives around the tree yesterday who could not put down their phones? they may have been doing a little shopping for somebody they l@ft off their list. christmas day is not a big day for retail shopping. that is changing. you can blame your smartphone for that. yesterday, online shoppers racked up a whopping $600 million in sales. that is $50 million over last year. whatat abobo today? the day after christmas. we just saw shoppers going into the apple store here.

early start. we know it is not just about returning the ugly sweater or a poorly planned pair of shoes or shopping for yoursese. that's what we're hearing from 60% of guests that plan to shop those christmas after sales. also, harry, if you are looking for a more frugal option, something that won't break the budget, there is always regifting. it has been taboo in the past, but it is moreopular now. remember, you don't have to admit it. >> julie bagg, thank you. we'll have some tips for handling holiday returns coming up in the next half hour. if you are one of the 400,000 americans who found a drone under the tree this christmas, there are some thingng you need to do before taking to the skies. nbc's blake mccoy has more.

bishoff got a drone for christmas. neighbors beware, their flying skills need honing. they are some of the 400,000 americans receiving a drone this holiday. learning to fly it is unobstacle. with all this new activity in the sky, the federal government is clamping down. from now on, anyone operating a drone must register it with the faa. the new rules apply to anyone over 13. you must give your name, address and e-mail. the cost is $5. that is being waived for the first 30 days. >> as soon as you start flying outside, you are in effect a pilot. and the responsibility with becoming a military and rulinges apply. >> reporter: the faa says that will allow them to share rules with people like staying below 400 feet and no flying within five miles of an airport. airline pilots report 100 drone sightings and close calls each

in january, this drone crashed on the white house lawn. and just this week, this video went viral after a drone nearly crashed on a professional skier. that sort of clumsiness has james barnes bracing for a post holiday rush at his drone academy. >> before june, up to 500 students. >> reporter: b bore you take your drone to the wononrs of the world, remember to register it. for "today," blake mccoy, nbc news. >> now to the new film tackling a major issue in the nfl head on. >> "concussion" is going into the doctor finding the brain disease among growing concerns of head areainjuries in football. >> i found a disease.

the brain. >> the movie "constitutioncussion"concussion" is based on the doctor who found the brain disease. it is called chronic traumatic encephapholy. also known as cte. alec baldwin played the character who presented it to the nfl. >> i didn't wouldn't to believe it. it was not good news. >> no proof was presented today because there simply isn't any. >> they want you to say you made it all up. >> the nfl put its headn the sand. it took them several years kicking and screaming to address the protocol. >> retired nfl punter steve

>> it was a war zone. the more people enthralled with the game to s junior seau take his own life. >> reporter: the league has seen a 34% decrease in concussions since 2012. the nfl says in part, we are funding independent sighcientific and medical research to advance progress. the game continues to change. player health and safety is our highest priority. still, football is a contact sport. movie goers say the film opened their eyes. >> this movie changed my perception. >> i would not want my son or daughter to play contact sports like that. >> it raised the converseation. and a look back at the week's biggest stories from the

the feud with donald trump and hillary clinton and to the shortest reign ever in miss universe in history. we have all that in "the download." but first this is "today" on nbc. sanders: over 2 million contributions have been made to the only campaign that rejects a corrupt campaign finance system. you can't level the playing field with wall street banks and billionaires by taking their money.

by taking their money.

we're back on a saturday morning with "the download." a time to look at the week's biggest stories. >> here are the headlines that caught our attention. >> wild weather across the country. over theoliday season. >> a devastating scene just before christmas after deadly storms and twisters carved through the mid section of the country. 11 people were killed and more than 40 injured. >> total loss. >> east of the rockies, temperature records were not just broken today, they were crushed. here are just a few examples. boston, 69.

norfolk, virginia, sizzling 82. >> in the northwest, they got more snow this season than last. on the campaign trail, face-off with the frontrunners with the republicans and democrats. donald trump and hillary clinton. >> he is becoming isis' best recruiter. >> it turned out to be a lie. she's a liar. >> after donald trump's crude "s" word describing hillary clinton's loss to barack obama. >> she is using three b words. >> bigotry, bluster, bullying. >> he's fund raising off an editorial cartoon. now retracted by the washington post showing his young daughters as dancing monkeys. fair game after cruz put his kids in a campaign ad. >> i'm use my server and no one

a suicide bomber killed six american soldiers. >> as the americans walked through the village, a suicide bomber on a motorcycle drove through the group and attacked the group. it was the deadliest attack in more than two years. a new door was open for doing business in space. >> the falcon 9 rocket launched satellites and returned safely to earth. >> the falcon has landed. i have to apologize. >> and a crowning blow at the miss universe pageant. >> miss colombia forced to forfeit her crown on live television after host steve harvey mistakenly named her miss universe. >> i will take responsibility for this. it was my mistake. and looking ahead to next christmas, s sta may now have

>> could this be the sleigh of the future? and this viral video sparked for many of us when it comes to the unwanted gifts. >> who's next? [ chuckles ] >> that eddie murphy. >> are you good actors when you get the gifts? >> you just say thank you. >> and you smile. >> i rarely get a gift i don't like. >> that is so phony. you're very good at it. >> true. >> my face says everything. i can't hide it. there's no hope for me. >> the first thing i saw yesterday morning, a meme of steve harvey. merry easter. i thought they are everywhere. >> he tweeted after the memes were out.

week. >> did he sign a contract? >> he did. the ladies handled it so well. >> right. props to them. >> we're still talking about it. >> and why? >> m me p pple will watch nextt time around. >> he's all right. >> he owned it. he wore it well. and everybody is still talking about it. steve, hey. still to come, at we prepare

but first these messages. my guest today is matt anderson from the sioux city y blic museum and the exhibit we'e' talking about today is the department stores of downtown sioux city from 1880 to 1970. a period where you say when quality was higher than price. what are the department stores you're featuring in this exhibit? it's martin's, davidson's, and pelletier's. they really trace their beginnings back to 1880 when thomas and james martin founded what was called a dry goods store in that time. these we're pretty simple basically textile stores but in the 1890's they shifted into what were called department stores. where they started organizing their merchandise into specialized departments and they eventually grew a network of buyers that were around the world that brought really high quality divers merchandise into sioux city and basically could go to these stores and get anything you

family which kind of got the ball rolling. then you had ben and dave davidson who were russian jewish immigrants who came here and were just door to door peddlers in the 1880's. but they started a store right after martin's and that grew into the davidson's store, grew into the largest store in iowa and one of the largest in the midwest. then there was also frank pelletier had another what became a very large store. these were huge enterprises. in the 1920's davidson's had over 800 employees and martin's had over 600 and pelletier's had over 500 so i mean these w we really big ststes. and really sioux city had a depapament store scene in the early 20th century that you had to go to chicago literally to find fancier stores. this is certainly something you'll want to check out. it's running from december 18th until march 6th at the sioux city public museum. for more information 279-6174 or go to siouxcitymuse um.org. matt thanks for joining us. thanks for joining us around

we're back on this saturday morning, december 26th, 2015. the day after christmas crowd

with the tree still anglow. happy that they're here. let's give you a look at headlines. first responders assessing the damage after a tornado touched down in birmingham, alabama. destroyed homes and left 10,000 residents without power. the twister spawning from the same unseasonable system that was responsible for the deadly outbreak including mississippi. a christmas day wildfire destroyed more than 100 homes on australia's southern coast. flames scorched a popular tourist destination. hundreds of firefighters battled the inferno sparked by a lightning strike. thousands were forced from their homes. and the golden state warriors were the grinch who stole the christmas win from the cleveland cavaliers and highly anticipated rematch.

battled steph curry i califoia. let's look back at anthe trends that defined 2015. chris kristen. >> a lot of trends mean out with the old and in with the new. let's reflect on the good, bad and ugly of 2015 as we look ahead to what you can expect in 2016. the selfie saw no slowing down in 2015 and neither did the cousin the selfie stick. >> how do you say you look stupid using a selfie stick. you look stupid. >> thankfully we have lots of fun things to capture like man buns and bubble nails and food porn. >> if you are taking pictures of food and you are not "better homes & gardens" or the food network, stop.

>> that brings us to instagram. giving rise to instamoms. and with fans of taylor swift to describe her girls as #squadgirls. >> i used to think emojis were cute. people now are sending you a string of emojis and are you supposed to know what they mean. >> where do the trends start? >> they trickle up from memes and internet and from young people. in the past, trends thaha become what is popular is more on the hands of a few editors. >> and what is coming down the pike in 2016? expect things to stay casual. >> we are at the beginning of athleisure. it is considered the same way high luxury clothing is.

for charlie and jack and the fonz. >> it is the '70s comeback. >> think center parts and pigs in a blanket. and the trend goes for drinks. the cheeseier,r, the better. >> if youu were drinking sex on the beach, it is corny. it is no longer a stink eye. >> kylie jenner my have the exaggerated pout with her pumped lips. some posted real life photos of don't judge me trend that will continue in 2016. >> you are already seeing a lot of people break the glossy lifestyle. it is hard to maintain. it can be jarring. >> which brings us to the social media darling for next ar. snapchat. aatory platform where you

cooler and look for more direct contact with celebrities. >> beyonce hasn't given an interview in years. social media bypasses the old outlets that you relied on which makes them s serpowerful. >> noo matterr who reigns supreme in 2016, we can stay cal and carry on with the next big thing. >> no doubt. if you are wondering where in the world we should look to in 2016 for what's cool, everyone says south korea. expect beauty and fashion and music and food. i love the section about the emojis. it is true. u getan entire text with emojis. i know you are sending them, harry. you look perplexed. >> i had time on my hands for christmas. everyone sends you the merry christmas. i do red and green hearts. i didn't realize you had so many options.

>> harry, jump in on it. >> i'm not an emoji person. >> you should be. it gives you a way to express your emotion. >> that and snapchat. >> yes. forcing ourselves. >> thank you, kristen, soo ch. > absolutely. >> i feel like i have to send you an emoji. let's get to the weather. they have all sorts of emoji ones, raphael. >> we are here the day after christmas. were the gifts good? everybody is happy. they want snow in the northeast. you don't need to bundle up. millions of americans, 25 million, dealing with the flood threat today. busy travel days. everyone trying to get home from grandma's house. look at the rain from texas and oklahoma and arkansas. that yellow bull's-eye is over 7 inches of rain coming today

that is a flood threat for the central plains. severe weather for texas. blizzard in the southwest and new mexico. windy for california. cooler in the northeast. 53 degrees. still well above average there. we are tracking snow as we head into the upper midwest. the pacific northwest finally catching a break today. the pattern has changed. no storms for oregon and washington and down in florida. hot and humid in the 70s and 80s.high 32. winds e/n 20-30 mph. weather brought to you by knova's carpets. siouxland's largest shaw flooring center.

from a festive and breezy plaza, back to you in the studio. >> thank you. from ho ho ho to no, ho, no. how to handle the holiday returns for the discover card. hi! so it says here i can redeem my cashback bonus for cash. do i need to have a certain amount? nope, you can redeem your cashback for any amount, any time. that's great. yeah, you can use it for a statement credit or even get the cash. nice. i could use that extra cash for a last-minute gift. one less thing hanging over your head, right? tell me about it. gary, you got to go. who's gary? a mistake from last year coming back around again. too much egg nog! yes! laaaaa... at discover we treat you like you'd treat you. redeem your cashback for any amount, any time. get it at discover.com. feel a cold coming on? new zicam cold remedy nasal swabs shorten colds with a snap, and reduce symptom severity by 45%. shorten your cold

with zicam. when heartburn hits fight back fast tums smoothies starts dissolving the instant it touches your tongue and neutralizes stomach acid at the source tum, tum, tum, tum smoothies! only from tums there are 16 fresh-picked oranges squeezed into each bottle of tropicana pure premium. and absolutely no space for added sugar, water, or preservatives. tropicana. we put the good in morning. here in vineland, home of progresso, we figured out how to get rich ingredients like bacon into 22 light soups, so if you want 100 calories or less per serving without giving up rich flavor

emerge restored. fortified. replenished. emerge everyday with emergen-c packed with b vitamins, antioxidants, electrolytes plus more vitamin c than 10 oranges. why not feel this good everyday? emerge and s.

abouttreturning the gifts you don't love. this morning, we have insider tips to help make the process easier for you. sarah is retail me not expert. good morning to you. thank you for coming in. >> thanks for having me. >> i did not realize 33% of people return gifts after the holidays. what are they returnrng? >> the biggest things returning are clothing and fragagnces. actually. >> let's get to it. how should we e ioritize? >> absolutely. first and foremomo, prioritize your time. if you cannot hit the mall before noon, wait until after january 1st. wait for the crowds die down and you will ensure stress free returns. >> and are you suggesting people should sell unwanted gifts online? i never tried it. it is intimidating to me. >> try to getour big ticket

there's a timeframe for retailers. of course, like you said, if you are not able to get them back in time, and if you are, they will charge you a restocking fee. you may want to get the most bang for your buck if you are selling on e-bay or craigslist. >> let's leave the house and go to the stores. what do we need to do before we head out? >> you want to make sure you have the return and exchange policies in hand. all of these are printed on the web site and on the receipt. take them to the store so you don't get anything confused. bring identification. these days, a lot of retaile^s are requiring identification so t% they are trying to curtail fraud return and exchange behavior. >> if you don't have receipt? >> nordstrom a a bed, bath &

100% customer satisfaction. what is awesome about these particular retailers, they are good about printing a return label from home and send it back free of charge. >> okay. i have a question for you. i got married i don't know how many years ago. i still havav gift cards. it is one of the things you put them in a box and you forget about them. some people have unwanted gift cards. >> 91% of us have received a gift card for the holidays and just like any gift, you might not necessarily want that particular gift card. there are web sites where you are able to sell your gift card and exchange it and look for something that you will use. >> this makes me feel better. you don't have to feel guilty. sarah, thank you for coming in. for more tips on returning the gifts, kaylee keeps a jojonal as she fights brain cancer. "i wish i wasn't different than other kids." but you are getting so much better.

giving kaylee and kids like her across america the best chance at survival. i want to write "my cancer is gone". oh honey... st. jude has doubled those chances for you. to st. jude dot orgrg or shop wherever you see thst. jude logo. i absolutely love my new york apartment, but the rent is outrageous. good thing geico offers affordable renters insurance. with great coverage it protects my personal belongings should they get damaged, stolen or destroyed. [doorbell] uh, excuse me. delivery. hey. lo mein, szechwan chicken, chopsticks, soy sauce and you got some fortune cookies. have a good one.

protect your belongings. let geico help you with renters insurance. coughing...sniffling... and wishing you could stay in bed all day. when your cold is this bad.... ...you need new theraflu expressmax. theraflu expressmax combines... maximum strength medicines available without a prescription... ...to fight your worst cold and flu symptoms... ...so you can feel better fast and get back to ththjob at hand. new theraflu expressmax. the power feel better.tm dove invited women to a makeover... with a difference. hi ma'am. hi. would you like to have a free makeover? perfect! who doesn't love a good makeover. here you go...

it's a shower! but it's a shower with dove body wash.. with its breakthrough formula all it takes is just one shower. for softer, smoother skin. wanna feel? it feels really good! really silky smooth. it's awesome. i love it! dove body wash. softer, smoother skin after just one shower. > back now on a saturday morning with the highly anticipated film this weekend. quentin tarantino's "hateful eight."

caught up with the experience. >> reporter: in the new movie, "the hateful eight" eight mysterious strangers are forced to holed up together in a cabin. set in wyoming, the film follows a bounty hunter played by kurt russell with his prisoner to the gallows. every person there is not what they seem. "the hateful eight" throws the brutal characters together and tests their loyalty and principles and friendships are made and betrayal. it is all set in the fun, funny, snowy western. is it a western? is it an who-done it? >> it is a western and it is a mystery aspect. my first time writing a mystery. >> no, no, no.

i'm a meteorologist and it did not snow that much last year. it did not snow on cue like you hoped it would. >> i'm not used to working that way. the ideal way of working. but at the same time, there is something cool and ideal about getting out of your comfofo zone. were you going for a big look. we were not going with phony snow. >> i assume working in the harsh conditions, it is nice to get back in the studio? >> the studio was refrigerated. >> we moved to a refrigegeted stage in los angeles. then once we were there, we could keep the temperature exactly what we wanted. >> we were all sitting outside and we go inside. we think what did this [ bleep ] do to us? >> reporter: tarantino chose to shoot the film using 70 millimeter film.

>> it gave it a big look. as film is moving to digital effects, i wanted to actually plant a flag in the sand for film. i think when you see the movie in 70illimeter in the theater, there is no more argument. >> more so than any other movie i have been in or director i have been around. he honors two words. moving pictures. >> now we're talking. >> reporter: what now? you have genius script and actors who trust each other to put this movie to the. is this as good as it gets? >> one of the things i was able to pass on to jennifer was the e great thing that will happen here is no matter what he asks you to do, no matter what it is, you can trust one thing. he will use it in its best possible way. >> he creates an environment not only between action and cut that you know magic is going to happen.

compare and how you ever go back. and consequently, everyone weeps the last day. it is true. nothing like a tarantino set.compliment. >> and always such calm and peaceful affairs those tarantino films. just ahead, 50 million people in the path of severe weather heading their way. a blast of winter. we're keeping an eye on it.

nbc. still to come on "today," pressing rewinin on the newss that was. e stories the citi double cash card comes in very handy with cash back twice on purchases.

that's cash back now, and cash back again later. it's cash back d\j vu. the citi double cash card. the only card that lets you earn cash back twice on everer purchase with 1% when you buy and 1% as you pay. with two ways to earn, it makes a lot of other cards seem one sided. if you could see your cough, it's just a cough. you'd see how often you cough all day and so would everyone else. new robitussin 12 2 ur delivers fast, powerful cough relief that lasts up to twelve hours. new robitussin 12 hour cough relief.

when cigarette cravings hit, all i can think about is getting relief. only nicorette mini has a patented fast-dissolving formula. it starts to relieve sudden cravings fast. i never know when i'll need relief. that's why i only choose nicorette mini. introducing kisses deluxe chocolates. with a whole-roasted hazelnut, delicate crisps, and layers of rich, creamy chocolate, they're twice the size of the kisses chocolates you love. say more with new kisses deluxe. still not feeling well? no...you know when i got sick my mom used to make me chicken noodle soup. aw, ok... you should call your mom. byby campbell's chicken noodle soup. there when no one else is. campbell's. made for real, real life. feel a cold coming on? new zicam cold remedy

and reduce symptom severity by 45%5% shorten your cold with a snap,

paris: there's a lot to do on a dairy farm. nobody's gonna do it for you. you have to get out there and do it yourself. bernie sanders is a well-known friend of family farms. bernie cannot be bought out by big money. bernie's opinion cannot be purchased. it's time for our next president to get in there, roll up his sleeves, take off the gloves, and take on wall street, take on big business, take on big money,

he's a rock.

good morning. it's 8:00. here are some of the stories we're watching. 50 million people in the path of a severe weather system expected to pummel the plains with snow and put areas to the south at

this, the day after the tornado, pounded parts of birmingham and surrounding areas. plus, today, crowds hitting the malls to looking to return the unwanted gifts and cash in on day after christmas deals. and a newlywed husband finds himself in deep trouble when he loses his wedding ring working on a friend's boat. today, saturday, december 26th, 2015. >> good morning. welcome back to "today." we have a full crowd. everybody waiting for me to give the cue. let's see. some people say they are finished shopping. others plan to do the day after christmas shopping. thank you for spending your day with us. i'm sheinelle jones alongside

>> so stoppableha only people from miami, would think it's cold in new york right now. they're like, ohh! >> they're bundled up. >> we are not complaining. >> lots to get to this morning. but let's begin with kristin walker, who's following that severe weather system that's in the headlines about that. >> that's right, harry. >> we've been talking about it all morning. as you've heard, residents and holiday travelers have been facing some wild and sometimes deadly weather. in alabama, emergency crews have been working through the night to rescue people trapped in the devastation of a tornado that swept through birmingham. >> when they say you take cover, take cover! >> teams have also been working to save people from fast-rising water. storms throughout the southth have ft at least 15 dead. storms are also hitting the west, but these are bringing snow blocking passes. while the west shivers, the east royals with record high temperatures. on christmas day in new york and throughout the region. in texas, investigators are

mosque. the fire consumed the savoy mosque in a houston shopping mall. officials are labeling the blaze suspicious. just one hour before the fire broke out, hundreds packed the mosque for friday prayers. and there was a special visit on christmas day for "washington post" reporter imprisoned in iran. jason rezaian was able to see his wife and mother for several hours. his mother said it was the first time she's been able to bring him a home-cooked meal. "the post" correspondent has been held for more than 500 days on charges of spying. in china, emergency crews artrying to rescue more than a dozen trapppp minors. search teams have also been able to pull at least 11 11 miners from the rubble of the gypsum mine. the other miners are trapped in an area of the crushed mine. and finally, a couple celebrating what they're calling a christmas miracle. literally, jason and megan

but just this month, jason dropped his wedding ring overboard while on a friend's boat. just awful. well, determined to get it back, he marked the spot with the boat's gps. then he hired a diviv to make the attempt. the ring had been in the water, get this, guys, for six days, but after some tense moments, the diver came up with it, exactly in the spot that it had been marked. and it is a great gift to help them ring in the new year. no pun intended. >> that's so impressive? >> you drop a ring in the ocean. >> in the ocean. >> that love is meant to be. >> it's a cautionary tale for those of you who have wed rings on. >> unless you do it on purpose. >> hopefully that doesn't happen. let's go to rafael now with a check of the forecast. >> good morning, guys. no jackets needed out here on the plaza, except for our friends from miami. they're bundled up. temperatures in the 50s in the northeast today, but we have

a blizzard from the southwest into texas. the panhandle, look at these snow totals, everywhere shaded in pink, that's over a foot, upwards of 2 feet of snow. blizzard conditions expected there. major travel impacts and ice, also expected as we get into oklahoma, up to half an inch of ice. that could mean downed trees and power lines. this is through monday. this is a long duration storm, starting today, lasting right through weekekd. for the rest of thth country, windy in southern california, finally catching a break in the northwest, nice and sunny there, 50s today in new york city. heavy rain possible from texas into the great lakes. watch out for tricky travel on sunday as well, as thathigh 32. winds e/n 20-30 mph. weather brought to you by knova's

shaw flooring center. see how people here at home and around the and that's your forecast. back to you in the studio. . >> raphael,l, thanks. before the ball drops in times square, a stunning look back at the stories that dominated the headlines in 2015 right after

pain from your day can haunt you at night, don't let it. advil pm gives you the healing sleep you need, helping you fall asleep and stay asleep so your body can heal as you rest. advil pm. for a healing night's sleep. a a rm sun. lots of water. nutrient rich soil. that's how you grow the best, tastiest vegetables. and that's how you make it progresso. when heartburn hits fight back fast tums smoothies starts dissolving the instant it touches your tongue and neutralizes stomach acid at the source tum, tum, tum, tum

there are 16 fresh-picked oranges squeezed into each bottle of tropicana pure premium. and absolutely no space for added sugar, water, or preservatives. tropicana. we put the good in morning. the flu virus. it's a really big deal. and with fever, aches, and chills, mom knows it needs a big solution: an antiviral. don't kid around with the flu, call your doctor within the first 48 hours of symptoms and ask about prescription tamiflu. attack the flu virus at its source with tamiflu, an antiviral that helps stop it from spreading in the body. tamiflu in liquid form 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,

or take other medicines. if you develop an allergic reaction, a severe rash, or signs of unusual behavior, stop taking tamiflu and call 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. here's a little healthy advice. eat well, live well, and take of what makes you, you. right down to your skin with aveeno aveeno daily moisturizing lotion with the goodness of active naturals oat and 5 vital nutrients for healthier looking skin in just one day. healthy skin equals beautiful skin. and for shower softness, add the body wash, too!

how do you sum up a year in a few words? it's hard, but we'll try. 2015, a year of triumphs and tragedy. >> we will look back at the stories that shaped our world this year. >> breaking news. masked men open fire at offices of the newspaper in paris. >> terrorists traumatized this region for three days are dead, but not before leaving 17 innocent lives ended. >> this is fear with the one

this is out of france where a germanwings passenger flight crashed. >> the co- pilot intentionally crashed the plane into the mountain. >> and a night of chaos, violence and lawlessness in baltimore over the death of freddie gray. >> areas in the city that look like a battle field. >> this is the moment nepal was brought to its knees. >> search and rescue teams continue digging through the rubble. >> death toll spiked above 3,000. >> inncredible emotion. >> a lot of sadness. >> what does this is a that in 2015, someone walks into a church and shoots someone one by one.

rainbow over the ruling of same-sex marriage. >> a clerk in kentucky is behind bars over refusing to issue couples. >> and john kerry, the first secretary of state, to visit cuba since 1945. >> and he seem like he was ready to fight until the end. some were we. >> i would like to say thank you for saving my life. >> the growing crisis. migrants trying to get way from the war-torn homeland. >> a glimmer of hope who have been stuck in hungary. they made it to austria. >> breaking news out of virginia. television reporter and photo journalist shot and killed and they conducted an interview live on the air. >> and it started over an

college when the gunman opened fire on the vicious attack. >> he's in a classroom. >> we have become numb to this. >> a 57-year-old man behind bars after a deadly shootout at a planned parenthood clinic. >> a couple young opening fire killing at least 14 people. >> startling information about the san bernardino attackers. >> tashfeen malik and syed rizwan farook left evidence behind. >> this was an act of terrorism designed to kill innocent people. >> the u.s. has seen more mass shootings than days in the year. >> the terror group isis claims responsibility for unprecedented attacks in paris. >> the scene of the worst carnage at the bataclan theater. >> police carried out a deadly raid. the suspected ringleader is in fact dead.

loved ones killed in the friday massacre. we are hearing remarkable stories of survival. >> and in a tunnel after the soccer game, the french started singing the french national anthem. an anthem as defiantly patriotic as our own. last january, days after the "charlie hebdo" attack, this is the picture what we want to see. >> this morning, my thought as many others, viva la france. the pope is waking up in the u.s. after being greeted by the president and vice president and adoring crowd. >> it is our top story. pope francis continuing his tour of the u.s. on the way to philly to hold the biggest mass ever.

don't forget. >> be on the lookout for two escapees. >> where are they? >> the search to find and capture two inmates involved in a brazen prison break. >> i knew i was in way over my head. >> the nightmare is finally over. >> not the monster that everybody thinks i am. >> are you african-american? >> i don't understand the question. >> we begin this half hour with an naacp activist claimed to be black, but outed by her parents as white. >> are you an african-american woman? >> i identify as black. >> new england patriots at the center of the controversy. >> on friday, the nfl broke the silence on deflategate confirming that the balls in the first half of the game were under inflated.

>> i don't think so. i feel i always played within the rules. >> we did it. >> american pharoah is crown. >> american pharoah is finally the one! >> what is an exciting horse race. american pharoah wins the triple crown. >> it was hands down the most exciting sporting event i have ever seen. >> relief. the u.s. women win the world cup. >> we are world cup champions. >> bruce jenner's transition to a woman. the new look on the cover of "vanity fair." >> there is nothing better to look in the mirror and be comfortable with yourself and who you are. >> let the race begin. >> i am announcing. >> i am proud to announce. >> i am officially running. >> i'm a candidate.

>> of the united states. >> questions raised about why hillary clinton used a personal e-mail account only during her tenure as secretary of state. >> the story that won't go away. >> did you wipe the server. >> what? like with a cloth or something? >> i said it wasn't the best choice. >> the american people are sick and tired of hearing about your damn e-mails. >> thank you. me, too. >> we put together a benghazi special committee. >> your scheduled to testify before the committee. do you think it should be disband. >> they admitted it is a political party. >> i thought more than what happened than all of you put together. >> nbc news learned house majority leader john boehner will resign from congress. >> this is not about me. this is about the people. >> the paul ryan era is under way on capitol hill.

>> donald trump is riding the wave to the lead of a crowded republican field. >> when mexico sends its people, they are bringing crime, they're rapists and some, i assume, are good people. >> target trump. the republican candidate for president take on the frontrunner and pulls no punches. >> i have to get this off my chest. donald trump is a jerk. >> look at that face, trump is quoted as saying. >> i think women all over the country heard clearly what mr. trump said. >> do you think you are setting the right example of someone running for the highest office in the land. >> every poll said i'm the best leader by far. >> we have to wake up. we cannot elect somebody that doesn't know how to do the job. >> another day, another new poll with donald trump in the lead. >> it seems so hard for anyone to get attention. how do you break out? >> it's a marathon. >> donald j. trump is calling

shutdown of muslims entering the united states. >> he's a chaos candidate. he'd be a chaos president. >> you cannot deny him whether you like it or don't like it. >> what a year. >> breath taking. >> it just happens every year where you say so much happened. >> it was the year of shootings, unfortunately. >> terrorism. >> yes. >> and in new york. the thing i was struck by was the pope. we were so fortunate and the goodwill that he spread. >> it was exciting. you could feel it. >> and in that moment, it was incredible. >> hopeful days. >> we should thank the producer joelle garguilo.

nbc. it is great to have the best of philadelphia here with us. >> we have philly folks here with us. good morning. hi, philly. >> listen, it's still beautiful in new york. we should take advantage of the really nice weather. the tree looks fantastic still. >> you cannot complain. that will do it for us this morning. tomorrow on "today," coverage of the massive storm hitting the middle of the country. and we look back at all of the fun we had in the past year. we'll see you tomorrow morning. >> let's do it. let's enjoy the weather. >> thank you. >> have a great day. >> on to shop. here's a little healthy advice. eat well, live well,

you. right down to your skin with aveeno aveeno daily moisturizing lotion with the goodness of active naturals oat and 5 vital nutrients for healthier looking skin in just one day. healthy skin equals beautiful skin. and for shower softness, add the body wash, too! aveeno naturally beautiful results arturito soup! okay, okay. arturito soup! hi! arturito soup? follow me. campbell's new star wars inspired soups. arturito soup! yaaa! made for real, real life. when cigarette cravings hit, all i can think about is getting relief. only nicorette mini has a patented fast-dissolving formula. it starts to relieve sudden cravings fast. i never know when i'll need relief. that's why i only choose nicorette mini. kenlie and jaycee go to the same school. and we both have cancer. and they both came to st. jude children's research hospital

with your help, we'll get to 100%. so, how would you guys help st. jude? i'd carry his books. i'd buy him a dog. what kind of dog? st. bernard. nice, saints yes... that's good thinking. go to st. jude dot org or shop wherever you see the st. jude logo. discover card. hi! so it says here i can redeem my cashback bonus for cash. do i need to have a certain amount? nope, you can redeem your cashback for any amount, any time. that's great. yeah, you can use it for a statement credit or even get the cash. nice. i could use that extra cash for a last-minute gift. one less thing hanging over your head, right? tell me about it. gary, you got to go. who's gary? a mistake from last year coming back around again. too much egg nog! yes! laaaaa... at discover we treat you like you'd treat you. redeem your cashback for any amount, any time.

it's here, the first gummy multivitamin... ...from centrum. a complete, and tasty way to support... ...your energy... ...immunity... and metabolism like never before. centrum multigummies. see gummies in a whole new light. to the couple who set aside the whole day to sell their old car and buy a new one... oops. nana's got the kids til 9... but it's only 2. guess you'll just have to see a movie... ...then get some dinner. what a pity. coughing...sniffling...

when your cold is this bad... ...you need new theraflu expressmax. theraflu expressmax combines... maximum strength medicines available without a prescription... ...to fight your worst cold and flu symptoms... ...so you can feel better fast and get back to the job at hand. new theraflu expressmax. the power to feel better.tm what if the sweet stevia leaf was discovered... ...before the sugarcane. after people were enjoying truvia in their coffee and everything else... ...sugar would come along and go, "hey, i'm sweet too." "sure, sugar, you're very sweet, but we've already got sweetness minus calorie-ness." it would be kinda awkward. truvia.

my guest today is britney sininger from sioux city go with the young professionals new years eve. which obviously is on new years eve, thursday december 31st coming up 7 pm at the howard johnson's in downtown sioux city. britney, before we get people information about the event itself, for those who don't know the goal of sioux city go, what is it? the goal of sioux city go is to track and retain young professionals in the area to inspire them to do good things in the community and to build great networking connections. i don't doubt that a lot of those same goals are going to be accomplished at that event on new years eve. is that the reason you do so many events throughout the year for sioux city go, it that the reason you added an event on new years eve this year? it is one of the reasons we added it. we're looking for a great event to host to bring together a lot of young professionals in

time networking, to enjoy a great night of dinner, dancing and a champagne toast at midnight. sioux city go is something that you've heard a lot about that started in 2002. if people are interested in joining sioux city go, from your perspective, what are the advantages of joining an organization like this? the advantages of sioux city go is networking opportunities for sure, also getting involved in the community. sioux city go gives you the opportunity to get to know other things that are happening in sioux city and also meet people who want to do a great job in the community. if you want more information about either sioux city go or the event coming up on new years eve thursday december 31st 7 pm at the howard johnson's just go to the website, it's siouxcitygo.com. britney thanks for joining us. thank you. thanks for joining us

[ ] man: tree fu, go! [ ]