together after a student has a brain aneurysm. plus... a house for homeless veterans is taking shape in eastern iowa. and it's not lions and tigers and bears -- but a woman does have tigers, monkeys and a cougar - roaming around in her home! highway 20 in black hawk county. as you can see -- fog is a concern this morning. good morning, i'm ally crutcher.

areas of dense fog have formed in the last few hours over the kwwl viewing area. we have mainly clear skies now, but clouds are tracking in from the west... mainly high and thin. temperatures are in the 30s to mid 40s this morning and winds are calm to around 10 mph from the north, but they will become more westerly today and we should end up with plenty of sunlight. highs will stay mild... in the upper 50s to low 60s today. and even warmer tomorrow and thursday... but a a few minutes.

president elect donald trump to send signs of unity. the president asking him to reach out to minority groups concerned about messages trump sent during the campaign. the president is also trying to reassure americans that he wants itself and some of his gifts that obviously allowed him to execute one of the biggest political upsets in history those are ones that hopefully he will put to good use on behalf of the american people." the president is now overseas for his final foreign trip as president. former new york mayor rudy giuliani could become donald trump's secretary of state. someone close to the president elect says there's no real competition for the job, and if giuliani wants it, it's his. the 72-year-old former federal prosecutor and top trump adviser

he lacks extensive foreign policy experience, and he's known for his hard-line law- and-order views. donations to planned parenthood are surging because of vice president-elect mike pence. people unhappy with the election results have been donating thousands of dollars in pence's name... pence has called for cutting federal money from going to the organization. time now is xx. a new study shows a growing number of children in the u-s have access to health insurance and medical care we looked at data from the five percent of children had no insurance in 2014 ... down from 12-percent in 2000. the uninsured rate dropped even more among children in poor families ... and nine million more kids had a check-up during the year. new this morning -- in one eastern iowa school - students dig through their pockets- using change to help one of their classmates back to school. kwwl's amanda gilbert joins us live in cedar falls... you can tell us more about pennies for

one 5th grader at north cedar was in orchestra class... when she had a brain anuerysm... lilly was rushed to iowa city... and had immediate surgery. but it's what happened after her surgery that she won't forget. while she was recovering in the hospital... her school found cards... evening signing a blanket made for her. "when i was back in the hospital, i really wanted to see anything but then finally i got to go back." lilly's two friends also started a fundraiser for her.. they asked everyone in the school to donate their spare change... calling it pennies for lilly

change. now she's starting to get back to school... doing half days. live in cedar falls, amanda gilbert, news 7 kwwl. north cedar dedicated the school's recent orchestra concert in lilly's honor. continuing coverage - one man is dead after being pulled from a burning home. des moines firefighters say the man died at thes his name has not been released. it's now up to the kids. a restaurant owner letting his kids decide whether to rebuild a restaurant destroyed in a fire. luigi's had been in business in oelwein for 57 years. the family says the fire started in a kitchen fryer. "well, luigi's is my name basically, we are your babies but this is your bigger baby"

talking to people everyday. no injuries following a house fire in eastern iowa. firefighters say no one lives in the home at the corner of elm and mulberry, which caught fire yesterday morning. investigators are trying to figure out how it started. firefighters say they believe someone who's homeless might have been in the home. a police chase across state lines means many charges for the suspect. the chase began on the edge of allamakee and clayton counties -- then went through dubuque - before ending across stat it hit speeds of 100 miles an hour -- one of several things officers have to think about as they decide whether to keep chasing. "some of those criteria are the time of day, depending on the particular time? the severity of the offense is also something that must be considered. is this a felony offense or perhaps a simple misdemeanor." no one got hurt. a road is back open after a gas

partially blocked yesterday when construction equipment hit a gas line it reopened yesterday afternoon. the department of defense identifies the two u-s soldiers killed in an explosion at an airfield in afghanistan. one was 20 years old. he was from illinois. the other was 30 -- and from california. two american contractors also died in the explosion saturday morning. another 16 u.s. service members and one polish soldier got hurt. the taliban claimed responsibility for the atck a father is found guilty of murder after leaving his son in a hot car/ the georgia man faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole, plus 42 years died after his father left him for about seven hours in his s-u-v while he was at work in june 2014. a murdered man is identitied -- as the brother of jacksonville jaguars linebacker telvin smith.

night in georgia authorities believe the shooting was an isolated event and was not a random act. they have not discussed a possible motive or the details of what happened and are still searching for the shooter. bowe bergdahl's trial on desertion charges is moved back. it was originally set for february, but the judge moved it to may 15th. yesterday, attorneys argued about who could have access to the evidence in the case...calling some of it "top secret" which means bergdahl is accused of walking off his post in afghanistan in 2009. he was then taken captive by the taliban for nearly five years, and was released in a controversial prison-swap in 2014. drving along the road -- suddenly covered in glass. a peaceful drive turns terrifying. a florida woman driving just after sunset. suddenly -- a crow bar slams into her windshield. police say it may have been just

"i hear a loud bang and i grip panicked, i hit my flashers and pulled off to the side of the road." the crowbar hit her in the head... but thankfully, it was only a minor injury. letting exotic animals, including three lions, roam free in the family's home. a woman is arrested -- accused of endangering her 14-year-old daughter. tried selling a kitten to a man for $3,000... but never gave him the kitten after receiving the money. when officers arrived at her houston home, they found three tigers, a cougar, a skunk and a fox -- plus monkeys. they said the woman's 14-year-old daughter was also in the home. "having wildlife inside your home or even in your yard is dangerous." she did have permits for the tigers-- but the other animals

sitting during the pledge of allegiance. a member of the oshkosh, wisconsin city council refused to stand during the pledge of allegiance after donald trump was elected president. she was exercising her right of free speech and wasn't trying to show any disrespect to veterans. the city's mayor says she will "politics does not, should not right environment in which to do it?" pledge at the next city council meeting. job training, counseling, and a roof over their heads. progress is being made on waterloo's first house for homeless veterans. kwwl's elizabeth amanieh shows us how renovations are going. proudly outside this home. and that's because it'll soon be ready to serve veterans. teresa tjaden "everyone wants to help the veterans. i mean the reason that we're here in the greatest country, and we have the opinions that we do is that." and you can tell-they've been working hard. little by little.

one-hudnred thousand dollar donation to help this project get started. president-elect donald trump making veterans a big part of his campaign-calling for better care of our nations vets. those changes taking shape here at this home. volunteers chipping away and rebuilding. inside and out. house with these veterans in mind. take a look they took out this deck and are poutting in a wheelchair ramp." and inside-making a full handicapped bathroom. giving them every little bit of hope. reminders even on the walls to keep them going. "our intention is to get them physical therapy if needed. anything to get them back into being empowered individuals again, is what we need to do." they're always looking for donations and volunteers- -even if you can spare a saturday.

more. veteran journalist and p-b-s newshour co- anchor gwen ifill has died. ifill passed away monday in hospice care in washington, d-c.... suffering a battle with cancer. she was a former newspaper reporter who eventually switched over to t-v... working for both n-b-c news and p-b-s. she moderated two vice- presidential debates... and most recently moderated last february's democratic presidential primary debate with judy woodruff. ifill was 61-years old. time now is xxx. coming up-- and the weather's not helping. plus the earth, moon and sun align -- causing some flooding. and -- for one two-year-old -- the most exciting day of the week -- is

roads this morning - a live look at highway 20 in black hawk county now. howard winneshiek and independence schools are delayed

with the fog in mind - let's go to storm track seven meteorologist eileen loan now for your forecast forecast. from the kwwl stormtrack 7 weather team. see the screen for your complete weather information. here is additional forecast information from the kwwl stormtrack 7 weather team: stormtrack7 live weather network cameras will likely catch areas of fog early this morning... visibilities are down to a mile or less in many areas. we will get rid of that by mid-morning with plenty of sunshine stay warm for the next few days, but there is a change coming by friday. right now, though, we are still mild... in the 30s over most of the viewing area with the 30s to the west as well, although warming as the winds turn to the southwest... we will keep that westerly flow today and we should keep quite a bit of sunlight, although some clouds are tracking in from the dakotas. that is a cold front that will bring a few clouds and turn the winds a bit, but there really isn't any moisture with it. highs will be in the

but that changes by the end of the week. today we aim for the upper 50s to low 60s with westerly winds taking over. areas of fog again tonight with lows in the mid to upper 30s. and we aim for the upper 50s to mid 60s for wednesday with mostly sunny skies again. another great day on thursday, but a strong system tracks in thursday night through saturday. rain is possible friday with a rain/snow mix possible friday night. strong winds friday could lead to falling temperatures during the day and will make for a very raw day on saturday with high below normal for sunday and monday as well...although we may end up with that killing freeze by sunday morning for those allergy sufferers. wednesday with mostly sunny skies again. another great day on thursday, but a strong system tracks in thursday night through saturday. rain is possible friday with a rain/snow mix possible friday night. strong winds friday could lead to falling temperatures during the day and will make for

just below normal for sunday and monday as well...although we may end up with that killing freeze by sunday morning for those allergy sufferers. to falling temperatures during the day and will make for a very raw day on saturday with highs allergy sufferers. the weather is making things worse. the north carolina fire has covered nearly 3,500 acres and is being fueled by a severe drought. firefighters from across the country have traveled to the area to help bring the wildfire under control. with high winds in the forecast -- the it's pushing the fire and it's

will make the fire behavior more extreme" around 1,000 people have been evacuated, most of whom live in the area seasonally, or part-time it's not dry weather but wet weather causing problems in south florida. king tides -- caused when the earth, moon and sun are aligned to produce tidal effects. the king tides started this past saturday and will continue through friday. people in low lying areas bracing for increased water levels. time now is xxx. still to come -- when this down the street -- he runs outside to

trash day -- brings a smile to his face. the texas boy has his own outfit -- and every week -- can't wait every monday, like clockwork, 2-year-old lance gets ready for trash day. he wheeled his mini recycling bin to the cur it's a unique friendship first formed last july, when the rufus family hugs four years on the job james has a new sidekick. "what's up lance?" (aww. check you out!) hugs four years on the job james has a new sidekick.

garbage truck! we have to get him out of the high chair and run to the back." "a youngster that's so excited, i said, is he going to be there again? i would always wonder." the friendship that started with a wave, quickly blossomed. james gave his buddy a "city of plano" toy bank. lance hasn't been able to put it down. it makes it all sweet when you see someone who really likes what you do." so much.. that he dressed as james for halloween! made this tiny recyclng bin, with a matching reflective vest! the friendship has warmed their hearts. and it's only a matter of days... till the pair meet again. "say bye james!" no word on if lance helps pick

before taking it out to meet james. today is america recycles day... a nationally recognized day dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the u-s. today, people are being aksed to take a pledge to "learn" about what you can recycle in your community, and encourage others to also take the pledge. its coming up - a group heading out to see some whales get closer than they ever could have expected. fog is a concern this morning -- a live look at highway 20 in black hawk county now. we'll check back in with eileen

[ tower pinging ] [ whistling ] we've got a problem, friend. half off any smartphone for anyone who switches? what's the problem? the naughty list shouldn't get deals! yeah, but anyone who switches gets half off of any smartphone. even these? yeah, any smartphone. call the big guy! [ bell dings ] santa? no, jingles. [ knuckles crack ] [ spits ] ooo. ouch. [ neck cracks ] phone.

eileen loan is back with another check of your storm track seven forecast. for the next few days. changes on friday with wind and rain along with some falling temperatures. rain/snow mix friday night (little, if any accumulation) and windy and cool on saturday. staying chilly into next week. a curious whale puts on quite a show for sight- seers the 50-foot humpback whale repeatedly circled a boat off the coast of the jersey shore. researchers say there's been a surge of humpback sightings in

got you covered. this is today in iowa." new this morning on today in iowa -- iowa elementary school students dig into their pockets to help a plus -- demanding answers. people want dashcam video released of an iowa officer-involved shooting. and -- to people protesting donald lawmakers -- says suck it up. here's a live look at i-380 in linn county as you can see -- fog is a concern this morning. good morning, i'm ally crutcher. and i'm jerry gallagher. storm track seven meteorologist eileen loan is here

forecast. eileen on camera areas of dense fog have formed in the last few hours over the kwwl viewing area. we have mainly clear skies now, but clouds are tracking in from the west... mainly high and thin. temperatures are in the 30s to mid 40s this morning and winds are calm to around 10 mph from the north, but they will become more westerly today and we should end up with plenty of sunlight. highs will stay mild... in the upper 50s to low 60s today. and even warmer tomorrow and thursday... but a change is coming by friday. i'll new this morning -- pennies for lilly.. after a 5th grader gets extremely sick... her school comes together to raise money for her. kwwl's amanda gilbert joins us one cedar falls student was in orchestra class here at north

when she had a brain anuerysm... she had immediate surgery that lasted around 6 hours. but it's what happened after her surgery she won't forget. for fifth grader grader lilliana, it cedar... when all of a sudden things changed. "my head was just pounding and i fainted and i just completely blacked out." lilliana was eventually rushed to iowa city for immediate surgery once doctors discovered she had all my friends and get back to

classmates sent her emails and notes... even signing a blanket for her. the school orechestra friends did something pretty unique. "and it's just hard to think of somehting like that happening." they started a fundraiser askign everyone in their school to donate change in these buckets... calling it pennies for lilly... "we raised over 1500 dollars from the penny drive. helping one girl get back to school (nat) lilly's starting to get back to school now.. but she's only doing half days. some of her classmates and teachers. live in cedar falls... amanda gilbert... news 7 kwwl. the school was able to raise more than 15-hundred dollars in change for lilly. today -- friends of a man shot by police take their plea for answers to the cedar rapids city council. police say jerime mitchell began some sort of fight with officer lucas jones during a traffic stop earlier this month--

mitchell, who did survive. friends say that doesn't sound like mitchell. some of them protesting -- demanding dash cam footage to be released. "release the footage, release the footage! "we want answers, release the footage!" we reached out to the linn county attorney's office. they say releasing the dash cam video from the incident too early could affect the investigation. today marks one year since a young man died after a confrontation with police in minneapolis. the officers were cleared in the death of jamar clark. tonight, a candlelight vigil will be held. a peace march is also being planned. days after a jury deadlocks -- a group demands a retrial. the jury could not come to a unanimous decision in the case of university of cincinnati police officer ray tensing -- accused of murdering an unarmed man during a traffic stop. representatives from black lives

on them to try tensing again. a major problem. violence affecting young men and women in waterloo. a 19-year-old shot to death a few days ago. the third murder in waterloo this year. the victims -- 19, 21 and 22. a community leader -- a pastor -- talks about the pain and frustration. "i would say, don't give up. in them, when they don't believe in themselves. i would say, look at them and tell them they can do anything and they can be anything. i believe, if in and day out, time by time, i think we will see a change. police chief dan trelka says the department is getting lots of tips coming in on the two most recent murders. crashes on the road in eastern iowa -- are a good reminder to be even more careful this time of year. the driver of this vehicle is lucky

after crashing into a tractor in fayette county late last week. then a driver in dubuque county ran into a truck hauling an ammonia tank. even though the harvest is almost done, you'll still see "as harvest is winding down, there's still a lot of trucks on the road moving grain. we had a record corn crop, a record bean be, the processing plant. there's still just a lot of activity." and don't feel rushed if you get a wisconsin man -- who became well known through a documentary -- could soon be released from prison. a federal judge says brendan dassey needs to released -- since his murder conviction was overturned. his case got a lot of attention thanks to the netflix documentary "making a murderer." dassey and his uncle, steven avery, were convicted of killing a woman more than a decade ago. prosecutors say dassey confessed

conviction -- saying his constitutional rights were violated when he was questioned. free this morning -- a man who spending 28 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. the colorado man was sentenced for rape many years ago. supporters say d-n-a evidence that could've proven him innocent a long time ago -- was destroyed and neglected by the d-a's office. there, that a person didn't commit a crime, then why prosecute it? it doesn't seem right in the eyes of common sense, as well as the law itself that dictates when the prosecun the man will get about two-million dollars in damages. rescue operations now underway for the people stranded following an earthquale. about a thousand tourists and hundreds of people who live in new zealand are cut off from access to cars and trains. military helicopters now working

ship is expected to arrive tomorrow. isis militants and iraqi security forces continue to battle over the city of mosul. iraqi soldiers are up against intense sniper fire and suicide car bombs, slowing down their advance into isis' last major stronghold in iraq. a u-n spokesman says more than 54- thousand people have fled their homes as a result of the ilitary operation. back home in the u-s -- the nypd is responding to an article in an isis magazine calling for a lone thanksgiving day parade. a former fbi agent says the article is troubling, but nothing new. "the nypd and the jttf are second to none when it comes to addressing threats like this." he said police will use a multi-layered security strategy to keep people along the parade route safe. continuing coverage -- hundreds of rallies are planned across the country today -- against the dakota

capitol locked down for a while due to protests in the area/ they're concerned about water quality should the pipeline be finished. "we want you to come, we of you people if you can hear me, please come." - the protests remained peaceful. the army announcing its finished its reviewing process route -- but it wants more input from the finish. a group backing the pipeline calls the decision quote "death by delay" new this morning -- a decision today could affect the future of sand mining in iowa. tonight the clayton county board zoning board of adjustment will hold a public hearing on pattison sand mining. the company wants to expand its underround mining operations. in the past, people have expressed concerns about water contamination and air quality

state of emergency extended in flint, michigan. it was supposed to expire yesterday -- but the mayor renewed the state of emergency. she says the water is still not safe to drink without a filter. she called it a civil rights and public health issue that must a kwwl follow-up democrats are still licking their wounds this morning after a disappointing election across the country and in iowa state senator jeff danielson held onto his seat -- but the democrats lost control of tht he admits democrats have a tough road ahead - but he's ready for the challenge. i look forward to working across valley, gets the kind of investments and benefits from these policies that we should expect. senator danielson says he will not go after or accept a leadership position within the democratic party. he says his hilary clinton's campaign plane --

the university of dayton men's basketball team used it to fly to tonight's game in alabama the university says it had no idea it would be using the clinton plane until the team arrived at some new developments this morning as the white house transition begins to take shape. former new york mayor rudy giuliani is emerging as the favorite to become the next secretary of state. tracie potts has more on the criticism is pouring in on president- steve bannon as chief strategist. "the fact the republicans have been silence on bannon's appointment is a disturbing side." bannon's "reitbart news" website

favorite of extremists and white nationalists. team trump defends him. "this is a very balanced, very sensible, very smart man." "i look forward to having a discussion on whoever they appoint." president obama declined to weigh in on bannon. but he is giving the how to heal a divided nation. signals his interest in their issues or concerns, i think those are the kinds of things including reports that steve mnuchin - mr. trump's campaign finance chair - is being considered as treasury secretary conservative radio host laura ingraham as press secretary and rudy guiliani and former u-n ambassador john bolton as god." insiders say the trump for them to get security clearances. i'm tracie potts in washington, now back to you. people continue to prtoest trump's presidency.

"people have a right to protest, free speech but they don't have respect. she's addds the country needs to find a way to come back together. suck it up, buttercup. that's state represenative bobby kauffman's message to protestors here in iowa. according to our coverage partners at the iowa city press-citizen -- he's planning session to make sure taxpayer dollars aren't being used to pay for election related sit-ins or counseling. this all comes following a protest in iowa city which blocked part of i-80. its coming up -- preparing to travel -- the signs the economy is doing better. plus - new efforts to speed up

a live look at i-380 in black track seven meteorologist eileen loan is up next.

roads this morning - a live look at higy howard winneshiek and independence schools are delayed two hours this morning. let's go to storm track seven meteorologist eileen loan now for your complete weather information. here is additional forecast information from the kwwl stormtrack 7 weather team: stormtrack7 live weather network cameras will likely catch areas of fog early this morning... visibilities are by mid-morning with plenty of sunshine around.. although there may be

but there is a change coming by friday. right now, though, we are still mild... in the 30s over most of the viewing area with the 30s to the west as well, although warming as the winds turn to the southwest... we will keep that westerly flow today and we should keep quite a bit of sunlight, although some clouds are tracking in from the dakotas. that is a cold front that will bring a few clouds and turn the winds a bit, but there really isnn across the midwest today and tomorrow, but that changes by the end of the week. today we aim for the upper 50s to low 60s with westerly winds taking over. areas of fog again tonight with lows in the mid to upper 30s. and we aim for the upper 50s to mid 60s for wednesday with mostly sunny skies again. another great day on thursday, but a strong system tracks in thursday night through saturday. rain is

friday night. strong winds friday could lead to falling temperatures during the day and will make for a very raw day on saturday with highs only around 40. we stay just below normal for sunday and monday as well...although we may end up with that killing freeze by sunday morning for those allergy sufferers. upper 50s to mid 60s for wednesday with mostly sunny skies again. another great day on thursday, but a r thursday night through saturday. rain is possible friday with a rain/snow mix possible friday night. strong winds friday could lead to falling temperatures during the day and will make for a very raw day on saturday with highs only around 40. we stay just below normal for sunday and monday as well...although we may end up with that killing freeze by sunday morning for those

skywatchers -- it's a sight to behold. the supermoon being observed all around the world -- here's a look from china. the moon from earth in 68 years. it's believed it wont be this close again until 2034. time now is xxx. coming up -- mary did you know an iowa choir - will be performing for the pope! and when you see news - or if you have pictures or video to share... you can do that by going to our page on facebook. you can also "like" our page to stay up to date on breaking news

we don'te here in our neighborhood and we want our neighbors to have access to good things at affordable prices. the only thing easy in our community is fast food. ?? well hello! wow! we're here to offer some help. welcome! retirement, huh? (laughs) i mean, look at the size of this thing! who doesn't need a sweet potato that size? they took the time to care what our project was about. here you go. and that was something

will travel this upcoming thanksgiving holiday -- the most since 2007. according to triple-a, the increase is thanks to improvements in the economy. the majority of holiday drivers will drive to their destination. for those who do fly -- a new screening process in place at one of the country's busiest airports. o'hare is now using a system called "innovation lanes" to screen bags, airline employees say they perform betterthan the old systems --

"we worked diligently to launch our automated screening lanes and... well before thanksgiving processes and technology changes." so far the new technology is being used by american and united airlines. work is moving along on waterloo's first transitional house for homeless veterans volunteers have been working on renovating the house. earlier this yeah dollar donation to help this project get started. reason that we're here in the greatest country, and we have the opinions that we do is living...we need to change that." renovations include making the house handicap acccessible. students in the cedar valley collect more than 30-thousand pounds of food. eight schools involved in the six-week food drive for the northeast iowa school bank - which just wrapped up.

drive is that it not only raises food but that it really teaches enough for what they do." the winners of the food drive-- cedar falls high school, hudson and waterloo christian. performing for holy ears. mary did you know that your baby boy (nats continue a bit) dubuque's wahlert catholic high school cho they'll perform at a mass sunday -- and the pope is expected to be there. more than 300 students from the u-s were selected to preform, but wahlert is the only high school choir picked from the states. at least 60- thousand people are expected at sunday's mass, which celebrates the close of the jubilee year of mercy. fog continues this morning a live look at 1-380 in black hawk

you can find those on the bottom of yo the butterburger is made of just three cuts of fresh midwest beef.

and the plate. no fillers; that's it. all prized cuts, all well-marbled for richness and flavor. this is where those three wonderful cuts of beef come together. you can just tell that blend is working in there. and we sear them, and that seals in the juices of the burger. it doesn't get any better than that. and that's the culver's butterburger.

roads this morning - a live look at highway 30 in linn county now. a number of schools are dey mroe time mild and dry with area of fog for the next few days. changes on friday with wind and rain along with some falling temperatures. rain/snow mix friday night (little, if any accumulation) and windy and cool thanks for joining us, the today show is next and we'll be back have a great day.

sunshine around.. although there may be high clouds. we stay warm for the next few days, but there is a change good morning. new world order? inside the fierce battle to be in the trump inner circle. is rudy giuliani the next secretary of state? laura ingraham, the next white house press secretary? and what about the backlash against top advisor steve bannon who one conservative is now president obama side-stepping the issue. >> it will be up to him to set up a team that he thinks will serve him well and reflect his policies. >> who is in and who is out? we'll ask top trump advisor kellyanne conway. excellent target. isis puts out the call for followers to attack next week's thanksgiving day parade in new york in its propaganda magazine. terror officials saying there is no specific threat and