> good mornin letg. the ving begin. americans head to the polls in the most anticipated expensiveial and midterm election in generations. >> everything we have achieved at stake. >> the character of this country is onot the ball. >> both parties pulling out all e stops for their final pitches. the president and husbais agend driving the national conversation. so will americans votehim or against him? >> if we don't do so well tomorrow, they will put me on the ticket. if we do greathe tomorrow, willhi say he had notng to do with it. >> what's at stake? control of congress, democrats battling to win back. tapublicans fighting to s in power. >> we are going to win this

race. >> we know what's at stake. >> record early voting coast to coast mak key races possible to predict. storms a potential issue for today's turnout as america gets set to decide the nation's shape and rection. today is election day, tuesday, november 6th, 2018. ♪ >> announcer: from nbc this is a special edition of "today" the vote.s america'uture with savannah guthrie and hoda kotb live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. >> and welcome to "today." thank you for joini on this tuesday morning. it is election day. you can feel the buzzn the air. >> you can. we are here at nbc's election headquarters this is where the action is until late into the tonight. so much at staken >> roker to vote early this

morning. the lines were already long. we will set the stage for what is sure to be a dramatic day and evening ahead. for grabs470 seats up in congress, 35 in the senate, d all35 in the house. >> democrats would need to flip a net of 23 seats, turn them fr red to blu in the senate they need two if they want torele control from republicans. >> be prepared to wait in line at your polling place. a record 35 million ballots have already been counted. >> our election team is across the country covering thete ti races and big issues facing voters. >> beginning with nbc white house correspondent peter alexander in leesburg, virginia. >> reporter: good morning. demoats are counting on wins like this one to regain control of theou of representatives.

it's between bash malhotra come stocks and jennifer wex ton. the president, the politics have done their talking. now it's up to themerican people have their voices heard at the ballot bo after barnstorming in the critical states of ohio and indiana, president trump overnight closing out the campaign in missouri. >> go out and vote fo republican congress for republican senate. >> reporter: bringing out a high-profile lineup of consecutive stars, including daughter ivanka, radio host rush limbaugh and jeanine pirro and sean hannity. >> by the way, those people in the back are fake news. >> reporter: hannity saying earlier he wod not appear onto stagampaign with the preside president. we have got to stop

pelosi from erasingth eveg that we have gained. >> reporter: keeping his focus on his signature issue, immigration. soaking fears of a nation under siege byaravans of central american migrants and refugees. >> if you want more caravans, if you wan more crime, vote democrat. >> reporter: the president also resurrecting one of his favorite debunked conspiracy theories. warning, without evidence, ofad widespllegal voting. >> there are a lot of people, a lot of people, my opinion and bad on proof, that try and get in illegally and actually vote illegally. >> reporter: experts say voter fraud is extremely rare. earlier, the president was ask if he had any regrets about his first two years in office. >> i would say tone. i would like to have a much softor tone. >> rter: the campaign's final day featuring a marquee matchup of presidential messagers, pitting 45 against

44. >> the good news is across the country what i'm saying is there is a great awaking. >> reporter: former president obama with democrats in virginia. >> you are yoing out there, are going to make sure that people vote and start making things bet and when you do that, then the spirit of america is going to shine. >> the president obviously has been hopscotching around the country. hell has but put his own name on the ballot. do you think that's a big gamble for him? >> reporter: well, the bottom line is at the end of today the president will find out if americans endorsed the first two years of his presidency or deliver a stinging rebuke. after weeks of caaigning, 11 rool lease in eight states in recent days, he is going to be at home at the white house watching returns cn tonight alongside family and friends. he will be making phone calls we are told by sarsa ers, his press secretary, over the course of the day. the president's name in effect on the line tonight. back to you. >> all right.

peter alexander in leesburg, virginia. >> one of the hallmarks of this election ready, the early voter turnout. it's been shattering records. is that a sign for what we could see at the polls today? nbc's morgan ratford is near st. louis, checking out the mood of voters. they have a hot senate race there th>> morning. hat's right. good morning. polls here in missouri, they are just now opening. the is ahead of oen o re country. truth be told, this is one of many states where people are already lining up outside because enthusiasm around this midterm is higher than we have ever seen before. this morni it's voting day. >> let's vote and win this thing. >> reporter: millions of americans prepare cast their ballots. while voter enthusiasm in midterm elections is usually down, this time it's different. 70% of voters, both democrats and publicans, telling nbc news they are extremely

interested in today's midterm rac races, an all-time record high. >> by show of hands how many of you are republican? one, two, three. and dem? one, two. eo you thinkple are more riled up about this election? >> epsolutely. >>ter: you do? and for young people, latinos. >> let's make a rl big change. >> reporter: and african-americans that enthusiasm jump bigger, up double digits since the 2014 erdterms. >> the day a the last election they were either really pumped and ready to immediately everything or they were >>ady to confirm what had just happened. reporter: some of the key issues driving people to the polls, the economy, health care, immiation, and, of course, president trump. >> i want a strong message sent to trump. >> reporter: 40% of restered voters telling us their vote will be a signal of opposition to there president com with 32% who say it will be a signal of support. have you ever seen level of excitement before?

>> not that i know of. not that i can remember. >> reporter: why do you think that is? >> i think it's the p sident pushing them. either you like the president or you don't like the president. >> reporter: another shattered record, the early vote. more han 35 million votes have already been cast, crushing the number of early votes back in 2014. >> i did the early voting thg. >> i hav voted absentee. >> reporter: since october 1st, there have been more than 14 million tweets about voting and early voting. and in states with some of the closest races, women voter out ping men. the question now, with enthusiasm at an all-time high, who will show up? wh it comes to those early s, ballotemocrats are leading republicans by 11 points according to the most recent b poll, the big question is what's goi to happen today. savannah. >> all right. of course, that is the question, morgan. thanks. the guy with the answers, nbc's chuck todd. at least on what's at stake in the key races.

no crystal balls here. good morning. >> good morning. >> let's start with the house. first just lay out what democrats need to do if they want to get back control of the house for the first time in a decade. >> they need to win 23 seats. on paper it actually isn't t at tall o order. there is 100 republican held congressional seats that we deem vulnerable. 25 of those 100 were carried by llary clinton in 2016. if they just win the house seats that were carried by hillary clinton that are represented by republicans, they win house. they don't need a wave to do vat. >> let's look aginia. this is a bellwether, a purple state. you are watching a couple of districts. this is an interesting race, as is this. >> it is. this is where peters was thi morning, in the 10th congressional district. this isng inside the wasn suburb. if the democrats aren't winning -- >> they are not having a good night? >> n t >> what is? >> the typical swing district, virginia. whoever controls congressls controhe virginia beach seat. s a quick early test to find out if they are on a path.

>> the senate, much tougher road for democrats. they need to flip two. >> doesn't sound big. >> but hard when you look at where they are fighting. >> this is where 23 is less than 2. it absolutely is. look, there is a path for them, but it would mean winning some in texas or tennessee or north dakota. like --hose feel >> and holding on in red states? >> yes. that's what makes this seemul diff but if they are just break even or only lose a seat or two, they will feel really good. >> the racese watching, st. louis, missouri. we were just there this morning with the polling pce. >> it to me is the bellwether.cc clairekill, they are sa state trending republican. for her to win, she needs surge in democratic votes. if she wins, we have seen a surge in democratic votes. something else interesting aboue missouri, don't have many early voters. o how did the last week of the campaign impact a race? missouri is ground zero for heat. that's why president was

there last night. >> yeah, momentum matters a lot. and let's not forget the governors. this is incredibly important and a chance for democrats to take back some state iuses? >> ands a way to sort of have a little 2020 bragging rights. i mean, there is some states, particularly in the midwest, wisconsin, ohio, iowa, michigan where the president carried all of those i states 2020. they have republican governors and democrats have a chance to win in all of the if the do, a sign in 2020. of course -- >>ow we knflorida, florida, florida. andrew gillum, ron desantis, a nasty and hard-fought race. >> the perfect 2020 proxy fight. you have the trump endorsed candidate in ron desantis. you have a progressive democrat andrew gillum. if he wins heren the swinging of swing states, a lot of democrats>>ill win. hoda and casey want to get in. if i am sitting at homeonight popping the popcorn, watching the results come in, chuck

touched on a couple of bell weathers. are there certain raco watch that this will be a dynamite rce for democrats republicans? >> i think missouri is a key thing. you know it's going to depend what time you are watching. if you are on the east coast you are looking for an early night, those two key races in virginia, a bunchn new jersey. if democrats say take all four of those critical res, you know we will be really in for a weave kind of across the reuntry. if youtaying up late on the west coast, there is a bunch of tis districts in california up for brashs orange county, places that have been republican for generations really but whi voted for hispanics and have seats might flip. >> the president bragged about this today. >> whatever the case is, almost like a minute eye presidential eutction. talk ahe money as well. i mean, there is literally

billions being spent here. >> billions being spent. and for the democrats it was money fell out of trees. there is something called act blue. i don't want to get into the details of it, but it's basically centralized giving portal that has transformed how the democratic party raises money. the biggest -- it's not a blue wave or redave. when you talk to republicans, they say if they lose control of congress it's a green wave. the money fell out of the sky. >> and ahen democrats competing in conservative strongholds. because they have the money, why not? >> yes, absolutely true. keep in mind thaty people not be able to vote in some of the most critical swing areas. it stillo is going come down to who shows up to the polls. i think that all, especially in light ofhat happened in 2016, is what we are all wondering. is it going to be women, african-americans? >> we have been talking about signs of a good blue night. early sign if it's a good republican night joe moongs in

west virginia. heelhould win rtion. >> he is a democrat? >> that's right. ot, you have to start thinking uh-oh on the democratic side. >> ready for the long night tonight? >> am going to do one more little nap. one more little nap, right? rit after you. you and kathie lee get me up. then we will be ready. >> carb load and we'll do it. another factor at play todaynd chuck acknowledged this is true, weather. storms are expected to hit thee ea u.s. al, sometimes that's the difference between going to the polls and not for ivoters. shouldn't be, but it can be. i wantannel my inner kornacki. the battleground statsd, co gubernatorial state, we are going to be looking at showers and thunderstorms heavy in the afternoon. temperatures in theen 60s. we head to georgia. ig, big, big governor race there. line of storms moving north to south. winds and gusty downpours. a gubernatorial and senate race in florida. the panhandle a thunderstorm

threat, partly sunny, hot and humid on the peninsula. all in all, not too bad. those are your forecasts. and there you have it. back to you, savannah. >> thank you. you were very good a the wall. ahead, we will crisscross the country live. let's get into it and check on some of those heated races. we hope you join us tonight. we will be right here. colete election cover. lester, chuck and i will be here to walk you through the results. we start at 8:00 eastern here on nbc. it is going to be fascinating. >> all right. and craig, you join the table. another story? >> good morng. we do. pipe bomb suspect cesar sayoc correspondented to make to court appearance today in new ysk. prosecutre going to ask a judge to hold sayoc without bail because he is considered dangerous. he is accused of sending improvised explosive devices to many people. if convicted he faces nearly 50 years in prison. to a major development surrounding the u.s. gymnastics team.

the u.s. olympic committee is moving to revoke usa gymnastics' stus as the governing body for the sportmp at the o level. it comes in the wake of a sex abuse scandal involving former team doctor larry nassar. in an open letter to the gymnastics community, sarah hirsch land said, quote, you deserve better. the challenges are i more than is capable of overcoming as it is currently instructing. anticipation building over that decision on amazon's secone quarters. there is new word the online retailer may actually split its new headquarters ang two locations. mehe wall street journal" and "the new york ti reporting that they would locate in the new york borough of queens and in the crystal city area of arlington, virginia. amazon t has refused comment on that report. the online retailers apparently plans to hav 25,000 employees

let's tern to our political analyst. and y are wearing your "i voted" sticker. >> long lines already. >> early and often. just kidding, not often. >> come on! we are look alt severe stormson the eastern seaboard. light snow through estern montana. plenty of sunshine along the west coast and down into we are going to get to your local forecast coming up in the next

low clouds and fog this morning. the top half of thenu washingto nt invisible because of the low clouds. visibility down under a mile in some of th suburbs a rain becoming moderate across parts of northern virginia.in that's mowards the d.c. mosel metro area. there is alight risk for rong to severe storms late morning to midafternoon. stay weather alert. download our nbc washingto some of the battleground senatetates weather. i'm serious. >> al wants in. >> coming up, from voter turnout to the wave o women running for office to the weather this election day, it's already one for the recordbooks. we are live on the campaign trail with today's most critical battles. >> then jnna gaines stops by

studio 1a live. she is going to talk about milestones and babies and she is going to share her favorite design tips when we see you guys a little later. first, this is "today" on nbc. l e talktle later. firs

i was a navy doctor, so i'm used to getting to work early. now i have a general practice, with a lot of patients who are counting on me. many of them worry about president trump taking away protections for pre-existing conditions. and women are frightened they could lose reproductive health care. it's why i'm glad i have a friend named ben. ben is a national leader who's protecting obamacare from president trump. he's my friend ben. i hope he's your friend, too. i'm ben cardin and i approved this message.

> imagine having a lottery ticket worth hundreds of millions and then losing that lotteryticket. the powerball winningnd grama who came forward is going to share her wild story. plus, idris elb crowned sexiest man alive overnight. first, your local news.

heyi'm craving somethingkin! we're missing. the ceramides in cerave. they help restore my natural barrier, so i can lock in moisture... and keep us protected. we've got to have each other's backs... and fronts. cerave. what your skin craves. because it's the foundation for white teeth.be it's important to look after your enamel eve dentists will recommend pronamel strong and bright because it strengthens your enamel, but then also it polishes away stains for whiter teeth. we got you cornered lucky. give us your lucky charms of unicorn marshmallows. never!

♪i love me lucky charms with marshmallows unicorns forever! ♪they are magically delicious somebody burned down my she shed.. nobody burned down your she shed, cheryl. well my she shed's on fire. your she shed was struck by lightning. zachary, is my she shed covered by state farm? your she shed's covered, cheryl. you hear that victor? i'm getting a new she shi-er she shed. she shi-er? mhhm. that's wonderful news. . to help life go right. state farm. darryl! hey, darryl. hey! hey. how much would you pay for something you don't want? nothing. is this a test? no. question two: do you like getting stuff you like for free? yes. this feels like a testt it's not, just why verizon lets everyone in your family get the unlimited plan they need without paying for stuff they don't. siand why verizon gets youmonth. did i pass? not a test. but, yeah, you passed. yeah!

(vo) the music you want, the unlimited plan you need, on the network you deserve. fswitch now and get $300 our be. jogive jat kohl's! with an extra 15% off! save on new bedding plush towels - just $7.64 d a new crock-pot! plus - take an extra $10 off your $50 or more home purchase! you'll get kohl's cash too! give joy, get joy - at kohl's. i can do more to lower my a1c. because my body can still make its own insulin. i take trulicity once a week to activate my body to release its own insulin, like it's supposed to. trulicity is not insulin. it works 24/7. it comes in an easy-to-use pen. and i may even lose a little weight. trulicity is an injection to improve blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes when used with diet and exercise. don't use it as the first medicine to treat diabetes, or if you have type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. don't take trulicity if you or your family have medullary thyroid cancer, you're allergic to trulicity,

or have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. stop trulicity and call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, a lump or swelling in your neck or severe stomach pain. serious side effects may include pancreatitis. taking trulicity with a sulfonylurea or insulin increases your low blood sugar risk. common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and decreased appetite. these can lead to dehydration, which may worsen kidney problems. to help lower my a1c i choose trulicity to activate my within. ask your doctor about once-weekly trulicity. to help lower my a1c i choose trulicity to activate my within. before she puts them in the dishwasher. so what does the dishwasher do? (vo) cascade platinum does the work for you.

prewashing and removing stuck-on foods, the first time. (mom) wow! that's clean! (vo) cascade platinum. break. >> 7:26 is your time onhis tuesday, november 6th. 2018. good morning to you. i'm eun yang. >> i'm aaron gilchrist. today is the day to go vote i the midterm elections. if you are not sure where to cast your ballot head to the nbc washington app. we have all the information you need to have right there. lls in d.c. are open from 7:00 this morning to 8:00 tonight. polls in maryland, virginia open as well athis point. the news4 i-team is voter patrol. >> if you see any issues, send the i-team. a t call the number on your screen or send an email to tips at news4 i-team dot-com. our special election coverage begins tonight at 7:30. if there racest decided before you go to bed we will

have the results starting at 4:00 a.m. on news4 today. two brand new problems hestin hill inner loop near woodrow wilson bridge. a crash wh one lane blocked. all that green showing you where it's raining around the area. too northbound 95 before fairfax county parkway a crash and slow headed inbound. >> thank you. check on your . acheck on yo up next. check on your forecast at this critical moment in america...

in maryland, democrats are on the front lines. s wimuch at stake, ben jealous is the bold leader maryland needs. ou his plans will get schools back to number one and protect our healthcare.' marylas teachers, nurses and president obama agree. up next. age to move familiesorward." let us stand upor families let us stand up for our state at> low clouds, fog, and areas of light to mod rainp the i-95 corridor into the d.c. metro area. trong to severe storms late morning to early afternoon. highest risk in southern maryland. everyone has a chance. mid-50s now. upper.0s tod rain should be ending by 4:00 or

5:00. vote early or late. >> thank you. another local news update in 25 minutes. >> back to "the today show. it h. but we have to work to keep it great, like fixing transit and traffic for commuters like my son-in-law. increasing open space where my grandchildren and yours can play. and reducing classroom sizes for all our kids. that's why our next county executive has to require developers to solve the problems their developments create. as county executive, that's exactly what i'll do . dave brat said hvo i'm abigail spanberger, and i approve this message. by $1.9 trillion. brat went washington, taking hundreds of thousands from big drug companies, wall street banks, and other corporate special interests and voting to give his big corporate donors big tax breaks,

making the next generation pay. dave brat went washington, and all we got was the bill. it's 7:30. it's election day. it's tuesday morning, the 6th of november 2018. look at that. polling places already seeing lots of fol l. thes are long. this is atlanta, georgia. ig governors race there, among others you may see long lines at the polls today. get used to seeing that. and get usedo seeing us right here. lection headquarters right here. this is where the action is starting at 8:00 tonight. >> all the resulg com into this spot. much more on the midterms contestted first, today's headlines. the remains of a utah mayor and national guardsman arrivedov night.

39-year-old brent taylor was killed in an insider attack in kabul on saturday. he was the mayor of >> he died for the success of freedom a democracy in both of our countries. >> his remains are expected to return to utah later this week. funeral plans are still being li fid. one person was killed, several others injured severe storms through tennessee and mississippi overnight. residents cleaning up this rning after possible tornados touched down knocking down trees, ripping apart buildings there. storm system brought strong winds, lightning, flash flooding. tens of thousands of residents still without power in tennessee. here's auestion. could it be aliens? a mysterious object flying through space is raising eyebrows to the science community. scientists have been trying to figure out what it is for about a year now. s they given its high-speed

and its unusual trajectory the reddish stadium-sized object is clearly coming from outside earth's solar system and now a pair of harvard researchers raising the possibility that it was actually an alien spacecraft. other possibility is possibly it's space debris from another planetary system. > let's go with that possibility. >> let's stay on earth, guys. the midterm elections,al washingtonce of power hanging in the balance. some of the hot spots. the political map is big and we ill start with nbc's der ray sanders. he is in florida. where else? a record number of people have alreadyed v a couple of marquee races there? >> reporter: good morning. 5.1 million people voted early, which may explain that people wanted to go out early and avoid long lines, although there is no lines here. y it may be that folks already knew who tre going to foet/votenow for the two big races are the race for u.s. senate as well as the fwofr's race.

in the governor's race, president rttrump's sup of republican ron desantis helped to win the primary. will trump supporters who had long dismied politics until donald trump ran for office show up at the ballotox for desantis in significant numbers. a marist poll shows democrat andrew gillum, who would be florida's first african-american governor, ahead in four votes.by his backer include rihanna, who posted her i support ontagram writing, florida, you have the opportunity to make history this election. in the race for u.s. senate the final spending is not in, butcu ent senator bill nelson and republican rick scott, whose term limit out of his job as ag rnor here together spent in excess of $100 million. an unknown that could hurt republicans on election day here is that portions of the panhandle, which leans republic, were devastated by

hurricane michael. and even though theyxtended voting there for up to eight counties all the way up until yesterday, it's unclear whether people's liv might be so disrupted by what happened there tot they didn't have time early vote and can't find the time today. savannah. >> bkerry, issue. thank you. >> from florida to texas. one of the coun watched senate races. thean battle between republic incumbent ted cruz and his democratic challenger beto o'rourke. garrett, this race has captured the attention and a lot of energy in that state. >> reporter: yeah, hoda, the story of this race is the ris of beto o'rourke. two years ago he was unknown from elw paso. e is a certifiable star in the democratic party. anyaised more money than other senate candidate and he has been drawing big diverse young crowdsll across this state, which hasn't sent a democrat to the united states senate since 1988.ap

oximate but is up against theo presidential candidate ted cruz. he has also been drawing crowds. he has been running onon the bo. also been trying to disqualify o'rourke saying he is just too liberal for this still fairly conservative state. in the last few days both candidates have been saying they are the ones who can unite texas. e>> if you are tired of hame and the hatred, all of us as 's texas, l come together behind a common sense super majority for the state of texas. >> doesn't matter to me who you pray to. could care house who you love, how many generations you have been here, we are together now and we have anc c to do something amazing for this country th we love so much. >> reporter: the early vote in texas has bee extraordinary. more people voted early in texas in 2018 than voted in the entire 2014 midterms in thistate.

both campaigns expect big turn out numbers across the state today. >> >> laster but cinly not least, jacob soboroff joining us from california. the golden state appears to be one of the focal points ofht election nnd the days to come? >> reporter: i don't think it's an exaggeration to say the house of representatives could be decided in this warehouse in santa ana, california. that's because orange county and the orange county ristrar is responsible for four different toss-up congressional districts. the ones whave been talking about, and they have been counting ballots in this absentee ballot machine over the last feway d not just a couple. 500,000. that is presidential level turnout. it's not just the absentee ballots. 130% surge in in-person early voting. the registrar has never seen anything like it. it will go down inside this

warehouse. you will have sheriff's deputies here, lawyers all over the place. that is because not only will you have 200,000 in pers additional ballots, but absentee ballots will be coming in for days to come. if it is close here, the east coast, the center part of the country, right here in orange fo county, caia, you are going to be counting ballots not just for days, weeks, but up to one month. what do hundreds of thousands of ballots look like? you are looking at them right now, guys. >> a nice look benend the s in santa ana. thank you, sir. it could be a long night or a long month. all rig t. more on midterms just ahead. first, check of the weather on election day from chuck roker. >> or alna ki. either one. can't grow the beard yet. anyway, let's take a look. so far the battleground states as far as gubernatorial rac are concerned, take a look. wisconsin, that's a big one going on. we are looking atain and snow in the northwest corner of the state. rain generally everywhere else.

especially late in the day. then montana, western part of the state going to be looking at snow,sunny, very cold in the east, and the rest of the u.s. as far asheorecast is concerned windy conditions in the northern plains, strong storms down through thehe sot into the mid-atlantic. also looking at sunshine from texas into the southwest. that's what's going on around the country. here's what's happening in your neck of t woods. an ugly, cloudy, gloomy, rainy day in the nation's capitol. temperatures in the 50s to around 60 degrees and lots of rain on the radar in northern virginia. that's coming straits towards the d.c. metro area. grab that umbrella. ort only this chance for rain, but an onity for stronger storms around the midday hours today, even a slight ris for severe weather today from washington into parts of southern maryland. stormy today. back to dry weather foth wednesday an >> and that's your latest weather. savannah. >> al, thank you. still ahead, do you wish your home could look like

games' farmhouse? she is going to stop by with her best design tips. and mike d. and the beastie boys opening up to wilr e about theigendary career. o lost her ticket worth hundreds of millions. where she found it and how she isow cashing in. next, the many reasons and candidates that makeay t election so historic. we'll take a deep dive right after this.

vin, i have ♪our caramel brulee lattes ready! i'm a musician about to embark on a concert tour,r. with the majority of which will be down south. atlantic city?th the deep s this thanksgiving... in the deep south, there's gonna be problems.e when you seeworried... to you'll know .if i'm worried. how about some quiet time. it's amazing you said that, my wife used to say that all the time. their journey inspired an unexpected friendship. i don't think i ever met anyone with your appetite.la hing ] wow, that's an pretty great, huh?low. if you're a banana. i find it very...appealing. new kellogg's raisin real banana slices.s.oops met i've done a scgreao t job of raisin ya .tw [tv] so pleased to have you... ♪ hey google, good morning. good morning ashton, your commute time is 26 minutes.

hey google, show me how to saute. hey google, turn up the music and dim the lights. ♪ ♪ it's simple, honest ingredients. it's pre chopped, and pre seasoned. it's just the right amount of help to make a wholesome meal. that's what it is.

whoa! the mercedes-benz winter event is back and you won't want to stop for anything else. [ barks ] ho! lease the gla 250 for $359 a month at your local mercedes-benz dealer. mercedes-benz. the best or nothing.

♪ we are back. more long voting lines on the critical midterm elections and why this election day is so historic. >> yeah, the polls are barely open and people are already there andea records have a been set. lots of potential firsts to talk about tight. nbc's senior national correspondent kate snow is getting into that. >> oh, yeah. >> really cool back stories? >> it's exciting, guys. first off, 35 million americans have cast ballots. that's more than the usualm midt numbers. indianapolis, for example, they have had more people vote early in person than ever, eve in a presidential year. 33 races in the house and senat ature a woman versus a woman,

the sheer number of womeng runnoverall smashing previous records, and that's only part of the story. >> reporter: four states could make history tonight, potentially electing their firs >> you get a vote and you get a vote. >> reporter: and s gcey abrams rgia, the one oprah helped, she would be the nation's first african-american woman to lead a state. >> as governor i'll never stop fighti i. > reporte michelle lujan grisham wins in new mexico, that epuld be the first time a woman elected toce a woman as governor. there has never been a native american woman in congress, but tonight there could be two. >> change b haseen slow for indigeno indigeno whole life. >> r david is a mma fighter and won a record number of lbgtq candidates. >> i am honored -- >> reporter: jaredolis in olorado could be the first

openly gay man elected governor. in vermont, christine hallquist would be the first transgender trailed in ough she the polls to the republican republican eddie edwards would be the first african-american to represent new hampshire i congress. two democrats are vying to be the first muslim-american women in congress. two republicans wanto the first korean-american women in congress. it's not your grandfather's election. more than two dozenilnnials born in 1981 or later are running in the country's most competitive races. >> the futurear of this -- >> reporter: at 29, new york's alexandria osio-cortez would be the youngest woman eld as a u.s. representative. by one count, some 200 veterans are on ysitterllots for house s including 12 women vets. in her final ad, m.j. hagar

responded to her republican opponent who compared their campaign to a war with some salty language. >> congressman carter, i am the lady you are at war with. well, respectfully, congressman, you don't know [ bleep ] about war. >> yeah. that was quite an ad. >> i know. there are so many military veterans running. some are democrats. some are republicans. >> that's ryoht. just saw some in both parties. you can't say en about the gender, there is so many different women running. we are seeing gender gap in the polling, too. >> exactly. look, it's up to the voters today,ight? but likely we are going to see more women than ever before servg in the u.s. house after tonight. that's the good news. here is the bad news. fery single women, they win in a competitive race tonight, still only a quarter, lessrt th a q of the u.s. house would be female. >> wow. >> all right. >> thanks. up next, we are going to hear from the mom who claimed

her share of that massive powerball jackpot. how she almost st her winning ticket though. leap over look. now over later. and pause. not even in your vocabulary. so when a cold sore tingle strikes. you act on it. only abreva can get rid of a cold sore in as little as 2 1/2 days when used at the first sign. it start to work immediately to block the virus and protect healthy cells. nothing gets rid of a cold sore faster. and because abreva acts on it... u can too. act on it, with abreva. for years, i thought i was lactose intolerant. turns out i was just sensitive to a protein commonly found in milk. now, with a2 milk®... ...i can finally enjoy cereal again. it's delicious like real milk. because, it is real milk! a2 milk® is... ...real milk from real cows that... ...produce only the a2 protein. i love milk! i'm so happy i found this.

a2 milk®, real milk that's easier on digestion. love milk again. emreplenished,d, fortified. emerge everyday with emergen-c. packed with b vitamins, electrolytes, antioxidants,

plus more vitamin c than 10 oranges. why not feel this good every day? emerge and see. the full value of your new car? you'd be better off throwing your money right into the harbor. i'm gonna regret that. with liberty mutual new car replacement, we'll replace the full value of your car. ♪ liberty. liberty. liberty. liberty. ♪ welcome back on this election day. we say good morning to carson who votedar this morning. >> already voted. >> one of the winners of that massive $688 million powerball jackpot just steppedorward to claim her prize. t> the confetti is a nice touch there. this. the iowa grandmother says she

actually lost that golden ticket. here is nbc's kristen dahlgren. >> reporter: it's not often the little town of redfield, iowa, population 725, makes headlines. but just past these fieldshe casey's general store, a multi-million dollar dream ame >> i put the correct date in and it was red, red, red, red, red jackpot. >> reporter:yn 51-year-old l west, a single mother of three halfrandmother of six, won of the third largest powerball in game history, splitting the prize with a new york winner who has notome forward yet. her take $343.9 million. $198 million in a lump sum. >> my girls and i used to dream of winning the lottery. >> reporter: for west, who began working the fields at age 14 help her family, and dropped out t wasgh school at 17, already a special day. >> friday, october 26th, started

out like most other days, only it was kind of special for me because i bought my first home. >> reporter: she and her sister went out for a lateight bite to eat. >> i got a copy and i got a slice of pizza and i said, oh yeah, can i get my lottery ticket? >> reporter: but the fates of west misplaced the ticket. >> went to check my tickets and my purse.'t in >> reporter: but some things are just meant to be. her sister found them on the floor pf herkup truck. >> i said to my sister, get that ticket. get in your truck and get up here now and drive slow. >> reporter: s has already started a foundation in the name of her deceased grandson. >> this will forever change my life, and i willse this opportunity to impact others. as a single mom, i worked full time. i went to school full time at nights and weekends, and my tughters had sacrifice a lot for that. >> reporter: a

lottery winner who knows what it's like to have little,ow promising to pay it forward. for "today," kristen dahlgren, nbc news, new york. >> my goodness. >> isn't that exactly who you want to win? >> yes. >> that's great. congratulations. coming up just ahead, get ready for design inspiration because joanna gaines brought her best ts to studio 1a and her number one supporter is right outside. >> that's called stalking, joy!na. >> secur ♪ ♪ ♪

♪ ♪ ♪ (man) hey portal, call rory. happy birthday! (woman) awww, you remembered! (man) of course i remembered, you're my sister. (woman) what'd you get me? (man) uhhh, i got you...this! (woman) it's half dead. (man) just like you! (woman) oooooh! wait until your birthday comes. [man laughing]

the new lincoln mkc.mix. connecting the world inside, with the world outside. so you can move through both a little easier. introducing the well-connected 2019 lincoln mkc.

a 50% chance isn't good enough when it comes to your kid's nutrition. ids don't get enough calcium, vitamin d, and potassium. make sure your kid isn't one of them. one simple way? 3 servings of real milk a day. serve real milk at mealtime. this is a news4 today news >> 7:56 is your time now on this tuesday, november 6, 2018. good morning to you. i'm eun yang. right now it is time to get a look at your commute withtt melissa mond your first4 traffic. how is it looking on this election day? >> goodorning. take a look. all of this radar showing you where it's raining around town.o mostthe bottom of the beltway is wet. oxon hill, inner loop ramp to indian head highway a disabled

vehicle. the ramp is blocked by a tractor-trailer stuck there. turkey run park a's crash. et as well. reston eastbound toll road before fairfax county parkway left lane blocked. trust news fourll for of your election day coverage. we will start bringing you the results live tonight at 7:30. a check on your forecast is next.. kaine: weliberty and justiceto a flag not for some, but for all. i want a virginia that works for all, with economic opportunity and a chance for a good life. i'll work with anyone to build that virginia. we can't let our leaders divide us because we're all americans. i'm tim kaine, and i approve this message because if we ask our kids to say these words... teacher and children: ...one nation under god, indivisible... ...we have to be willing to live by them. teacher and children: ...and justice for all.

to execute a search warrant when wor an arrest warrant, we'd line up and we'd put our hand on the shoulder of the person in front of us. you always knew who had your back. with all the money in politics, it's hard to say who has our backs. i worked in federal law enforcement and at cia serving the american people, not special interests. i'm abigail spanberger. i won't take money from corporate pacs because in congress, i'll always have your back, and that's why i approve this message.

at this critical in maryland, democraare o. with so much at stake, ben jeal ms is the bold leadyland needs. his plans will get our schools back to number one and prect our healthcare. maryland's teachers, nurses and president obama agree. ben jealous has the "courage "to move families forward let us stand up for our kids let us stand up for families let us stand up for our state ben jealous, democrat for governor let us stand up for families >> new information on the storm team4 weather alert day, a food warning iued for chunk of prince george's county here just east. beltway along route 50 towards annapolis. beok on the t.

pockets of very heavy rain coming into the d.c. metro area now. it is going to be a slow soggyo for the rest of t morning commute. 50s now. upper 60s today. sunshine back tomorrow. yland ne. his plans will get our schools back to number one and protect our healthcare. maryland's teachers, nurses and president obama agree. ben jealous has the "courage to move families forward." set us stand up for our k let us stand up for families let us stand up for our state ben jealous, democrat for governor

it 8:00 on "today." coming america. voters are heading tthe polls in thepensiveidterm elections er after democrats and republicans bring out heavy hitters for eir final pitch. >> the midterm elections used to be like boring, didn't they? now it's the hottest thing. >> across the country what i'm saying is there is a great awakening. >> we are liverom coast to coast with the latest. plus, gaining the upper hand. >> come on, mama. >> the design queen herself, joanna ines, is stopping by studio 1a with som simple tips for every room in your home along with a sneakt peek her new book, her new baby, and what's next for the fixer upper

family. and license to spill. >> no! >> willie sits down with the beastie boys mike d. and ao rock talk about their legendary careers. t this ould hang out record store called the rat cage that was hardcore punk rock. and eventually a little bit of hip-hop. and their tell-all book sure to give fans what you uent. today isday, november 6th, 2018. ♪ >> from texas. >> minnesota. >> and wiscosin. >> hi our friends and >> representing topeka, kansas. >> good morning to my fellow parma, hters back in ohio >> sending love to my kids in louisville, kentucky. woo! >> happy 16th anniversary to my husband patrick. >> from orlando, florida, here for our>>enior trip. celebrating eight years of love with "today." woo!

>> they have been loving us for eight years? >> we love them right back. yes, indeed. welcome back to "today" on ts election day. it's electric inir the a. thank you for being with us on this tuesday morning. >> yeah. aheadnight it's going to be a late one. a lot of excitement. >> we are going to start with the news. the voters getting the final say after a bitter campaign season focused large p onsident trump and his policies. they have a chance now to shift control of cs and choose new governors in key states if they choose. we have correspondents across the country. let's start with nbc white house correspondent peter alexander. peter, good >> reporr: good morning to you. from here in northern virginia, democrats are counting on wins in districts like this one to regain control of the house of representatives. today culminates the most polarizing midterm in decades. president trump has cleared his hedule. he is going to focus solely on the first nationwide test of his presidency.

after barnstorming in the ritical states of ohio and indiana, president trump overnight closing out the 2018 campaign in missouri. >> go out and vote for republicans, cgress for publican senate. >> reporter: bringing out a high-profile lineup of conservative stars, including his daughter ivanka, rad host rush limbaugh, and fox news anchors jeanine pirro and sean hannity. >> i had no idea you wer going invite me up here. those people in the back are fake news.r: >> repor hannity saying earlier he would not appear on stage to campaign with the president. mr. trump warning democratic control of congress could lead to an economic down rn. >> we have got to stop cryin' chuck schumer and nancy pelosi. from eerasingverything that we've gained. >> reporter: keeping his focus on his signature issue,

immigration, soaking fears of a na under siege of immigrants and refugees. >> if you want more caravans, if you want more crime, vote democrat. >> reporter: earlier the president was ask if he had any regrets about his first two years in office. >> i would say tone. i would like to have a much softer tone. >> reporter: the mpaign's final day featuring a marquee matchup of presidential messengers, hittipitting 45gain 44. >> across the country i'm saying there is a great awakening. >> reporter: former president obama with democrats in rginia. >> you are going out there. you are going to make sure that people vote and start making things bette when you do that, then the spirit of america i going to shine. >> reporter: interesting to hear esident trump say he would have like to have had a softer tone. a week ago he said he rlly coul tone it up. as for the president, after weeks of campaigning, 11 rallies

in eight states today, he is going to stay put at the wngte house, go watch the returns this evening in the residence with friends and family after ming phone calls er the course of the day and pow wowing with his political team. the question tonight, will he witness an endorsement or stinging rebuke of his first two years? >> thank you. the most closely wat red governore is the showdown in georgia. it his stirred song emotions on each side, even accusations of hacking. rehema is there this morning. good morning. >> reporter: good morning, savannah. georgia has been awash in allegations of voter suppression in a hard fought governor's race. racially charged robocalls and now an allegation from the republican secretary of state who is also running for governor, brian kemp. he launched an investigation into the state democratic party alleging they attempted to hack into the state's voter registration system. his opponent, stacey abrams,

vying to become the first female blk governor in the country, says it's an act of desperation and a distraction to voters. these folks behind me aren't distracted. georgia has already shattered the previous early voting records. more than two million cast their votes. it comes down to today. this race iseck and neck. if no one gets more than 50% of the vote, there will be a special runoff eleerion in dece >> all right. we shall see. join us for this excitingight. prime time election average 8:00 eastern/7:00 central right here on nbc. the u.s. navy has released dramateo of what they call a dangerous maneuver by a russian figer jet. the pentagon says that the russian aircraft failed to make radio contact before it b ozed a navy pn monday over the black sea. the russian jet then turned on its afterburners causing strong vibrations that shook the american plane. while the russian military is thin its rights to patrol

international air sp e, the navy calls the encounter, quote, irresponsible. i have a boost y'all are going to love. a little boy is in no hurry to get home a enjoyg an outdoor music festival in it was time to go and here is wh ♪ >> he walked over to every person, eve person and hugged them good-bye. each one got a big hug. he was determined to get to every single one of them. pele were so moved by that spontaneous act of love and affection, literally the video goes on and on. you can tell how strangers were just kind of first startled and, oh my gosh. >> what a little love bug. >> great kid. >> don't we need that on "today," too? >> aw! >> thanks. just ahead, wow, chip gaines, how did he get in here? >> oh boy.

now he is working the camera? >> a man of many talents. >> oh, know. joanna, how do you do it? >> it's like she has six kids. >> it really is. focus, focus. joanna's new book, new baby, and how does she do it? willie catches up with the betie boys. th talk about the evolution of their legendary band and their music that you have not heard. first, no sleep in 1 a. there is chip and joanna. more after this. this is "today." the clarke st street crater, the mother of all potholes, for decades its tormented the people of this town, they've tried to fill it but it always returns, got me good. but you know state farms got you too. yeah. you hear that, you ain't nothing! are you trash talking a pothole? yup. yeah i am. go with the one that's here to help life go right.

give joyat kohl's! with an extra 15% off! save 30 to 50% on outerwear save on boots for the family and an instant pot! plus - only at kohl's you get kohl's cash to spend later! the more you give, the more you get!jo give joy, ge- at kohl's. ...are sweetened with this. t which is a plat comes from this. so you can make this moment even sweeter. with 75% fewer calories than sugar. pick nature's sweetness. pick truvia. (waves crashing) excedrin sees your relentless, pounding headache even if no one else can. it's why we focus only on headaches. nothing works faster. we see your pain and what's possible without it. excedrin extra strength. ...heals extremely dry skin in just 5 days. ♪ al.healsit's amazing what skied skin can do.s.

the healing power of vaseline. al.healsit's amazing what skied skin can do.s. wow, that's an pretty great, huh?low. if you're a banana. i find it very...appealing. new kellogg's raisin bran with bananas. two scoops meet real banana slices. i've done a great job of raisin ya. ♪

♪ kevin, i hav♪ your caramel brulee lattes ready! i wish i could tell ya how i feel about a mornin' like this. and that includes a good hearty breakfast. you need somethin' to kinda warm the whole body up and gets it going. it's a great way to kick off your day. thiuninterrupted streaminglogy brilliant sound clarity and life-like color. experience dell cinema on the xps 13. get up to $200 off select xps 13 laptops at dell.com (intel chime)

with large debris and stuc, so shark invented duoclean, replacing the front wall with a rotating soft brush. whil tdeep cleaning carpets, brush rolls pick up largeparticles wit, ke quick work of stuck-on dust, giedng hard floors a poli look, and lessly devour piles. shark duoclean technology, designed to do more on carpets and floors, avaible in corded and cord-free vacuums, and only available from shark. on carpets and floors, [ disa[ gulping ]unts ] uhh. how much emotional eating have i been doing? [ wimpers ] that's hurtful. ♪ ♪ i'm all for backing the community that's made me who i am. i'm all for my theatre, my barbershop and my friends. because the community doesn't just have small businesses, it is small businesses.

and that's why american express founded small business saturday. so, this year let's all get up, get out and shop small on november 24th. i got croissant. small business saturday. a small way to make a big difference. we are here fighting over joanna gaines' today's talker with the one and only joanna gaines. over the years we have admired heror her design whether on her hit hg tv show fixer upper and her thriving magnoliasi hom ss. >> now she is compiling her expertise into a brand new design book. it's called "homebody." >> i love that. >> yourecrets andtips, you put them in one spot for us. >> we are going to restrain ourselves. all we want to talk about is the baby because we are so excited and happy for you. you know what? i love this book because you say

that people like -- we have no natural ability for like design and .arty thin you are saying it can be learned? >> yes. i think once you take theea who f design and style out of tellquation and say let's our story, i feel like the weight falls off. when you think i have to design my house, there is so much pressure there. the whole idea is to nudge people into the direction of get after it, try it. it's not with it's about how do we tell our story. >> for you was it innate? were you just somebody who said, oh, i thi there should be plant there, a bed there? >> it was a lot of trialnd error when i opened the shop in 2003. my customers wld bring in pictures of their mantles and say what would you do here? i would gldss. i wit there and go i have no idea. say it y come back and worked and you see the joy in their face and you go, i love that. >> we get toee your farmhouse.

the entryway. that's the fst thing. there is the beautiful farmhouse. the entryway, some people think of i like a throwaway. you can show a lot of personality there? >> it's the first welcome. for me i think how my famil going to f when they come home from a long day at school, work. i wanted it to bearm welcome. obviously, with the big mirror, it's a smaller place. that plays up on the size. >> t living room is for living at your house. in our house was like don't go t inre. but the living room is gorgeous. >> that's l wheree happens right there. we have a few little stools around. we are all in there together, we sit inhere. it's a smaller space. thankfully, the dining room/kitchen is there. >> i love how nice and bright, the graphics. i can't keep a plant alive. you should write a book about that. let's do the kids playroom. you have so many kids. >> upstairs it was an unfinished attic. >> wait. who is --

>> you guysd promi. >> how did you get through security. i was n invited. >> what a sweetie. congrats >> you guys forgot to put me on the guest list. > we knew there would be -- we'd see you somewhere. >> i love the table. you can get a lot of stuff done there. >> kids love nooks and crannies. so any time you hav these fun little spots, they can really play up with them. ey love this. they like the play sets. >> i mean, we recentl put a place for hilly to colll. it was a sable. it changed everything. >> so fun. >> where is baby crew? can baby crew come w over? >> it to hold him. my hands are clean. i just cleaned them. this new sweet boy. >> oh, the little baby! >> hes out cold.

precious cargo. it looks like you ladies know ur way around these little gu guys. >> he is a gift. we were talking the other day saying how he has d slownn time. how do you say that? whatever. he has just been agift. >> isn't there something so magical like the baby on you?his it feels so good. and you talked about how much you love this little one. >> yes. >> and how you love your expanded family. do you ever imagine it getting a little bit bigger? >> chip said you were going to have six. he wants a city. >> what do youhink? >> i love being pregnant. i love giving birth. we don't wanto -- >> i feel like that's like a ride you want to ride again and again and again anderecause it's so beautiful. >> you hit it on the head. it's a ride i want to -- wout did say? >> no. i was talking about pregnancy,

just to be clear, chip. >> got it. >> who let him in? >> you guys laugh all theanime. >> how you not? >> oh, i'm such a serious person by nature.ea he isy -- he is a gift, too. >> i have to say, we have had you on the show a few times. and every time you come on you open up more and more. we like the process. >> we love being he. we love it. >> where did he go? >> i don't know. he ran off. >> what about the older nbies? they a babies. i know they are like 8. >> they are obsessed with him. is one of those things where i have to fight to hold him. >> do they help out? o they help with the diaper change? >> so much. that's why the idea, not that we are having more, butt's so easy. when you have a gap from 8 to this, newborn, it's easy. >> by the way, savannah and i were coming to see you. we are coming to waco. >> i can't wait. we are excited to have you. >> i can never let go. he is the sweetest baby.

>> he is like a little -- >> so cute. >> i love you. >> is he 4 months? >> 4 months. >> he is beautiful. >> congratulations. >> can savannah keep him? him need could i just hold him through the nbc election? nk younna, t and thank you, chip. we love you, too. find out more about joanna's book on today.com/shop. jenna went and visiteduy you at home in waco to pick up more design tips. we will have that later with me and kathie lee. let's go overo al with a quick of the weather. >> chip, i feel like you got short tripped. you want to help me do weather? >> yes. >> here we go. got it. guy weather. all right. go.e we we are talking, look at texas. home state, looking good. >> how is it lking? >> fantastic. it's going to be nice and warm, plenty of sunshine. today for election d we have strong storms along the east coast. but you guys are here. going to be here. how long are you here? >> four days. >> all right.

light snow out throu the rockies. windy conditions and snow through montana. sunshine through yeah, that's right. that's what's going on around the country. here's what's happening in your neck of the d ods. grning, everybody. it is raining hard up and down the i-95 corridor now.er is a flood warning already for a big chunk of central prince so keep that in mind. avoid high or fast-moving wat at all costs. it will rain hard for the next couple of hours. there is a chance for some potentially severe storms bymi ay. right now ware in the low-to-mid 50s. afternoon temperat 60s. watch out for those potentially strong s back to sunsernoon. >> if you are running out the or, don't forget you can catch us on our tod show radio sirius xm channel 108. we ran out of countries. >> we are havin another baby. just testing mike. >> how great with was that

little baby? >> okay. all right. things are getting hot in here. that's because jess cagle is here. >> we love him. >> peopl magazine revealed the pick for sexiest man alive. carson, tell us about it. >> all right. it's not me, but i'll be happy to. anyeah. >> you to make the announcement? >> i would be happy. sexiest man alive 2018 idris elba. >> yes! >> why wouldn't he be? >> there he is. >> come on. >> what went into that y decisi? know what? i have been wanting to put him on the cover ofal sexiest man e ever since i took over "people" several years ago. and this year it felt like the right year to do it. >> he was at his sexiest this year? >> yeah. he peaked this year. >> clearly. >> i always thought he should be theext 007. >> absolutely. >> luther ishe best. >> unbelievable. not only is he talented and a

great guy, he loves music. it's a great choice. e he is sexy. there is something cool about guy. i bet hekn s. i don't think you can look like that. >> unless he has a home without mirror >> you know, in "people," yes, he is sexy. no looks good. we all it's kind of also what makes him appealing. >> absolutely. he h two kids. e is a really, really doting father. his little boy was at the photo shoot with him. he was like a little mini-me of idris. >> and that accent. >> yeah. he is very sweet a very is a re. he looks you in the eye like you are the only personron the. >> who else is on the list? >> well, there is somebody here. >> is that right? at your table? >> ok. >> who cou be? >> carson, you have been on the listefe. craig melvin. >> woo! >> and you know until i read the article in "people," i didn't know you only had one dimple. oh, yeah. >> look at that. >> it's good to know, jess, that

the standard for sexy in our society has shifted so dramatically. >> i always thought craig melvin should be the next 007. >> it was cool. when you asked him on thoroug ed the crew. my boy loved, loved the cameras. >> oh, that's a bad sign. >> going into show biz. >> thank you for coming to see us. congrats on the issue. >> you should be on the list next tear. >>t's a conflict of interest. >> i was going to say. >> i vote for me. you can't do that. >> when you slide over to "sports illustrated" or something, you can. >> sexiest man alive the issue hits newsstands nationwide on friday. thank you. we have a quick daily quick today. golf fans an up and coming golfer youill see onhe tour not too long in the future. here is 2-year-old luca. look at his swing.lo out tiger. look out rory.

look out bubba. look at speith. >> he is prolific. look at the passing. >> right a the carpet here. boom! >> the dog is like, get out of the way. >> it'sis favorite sport. showing incredible talent at an early age.u yoight remember tiger was on "that's incredible." >> yeah. keep an eye ou >> wow. that's incredible hand-eye coordination. amazing. >> yes. >> all right. guys, just ahead, willie and the beastie boys. >> i love the beastie boys.o we are going go back to the '90s in a big way. then how to create the ultimate decadent dessert. we will have a wizard, a real wiz in the baking department.

then how to createhe ultimate

good morning everybody. 8:26 on this tuesday, november 6. i'm aaron gilchrist. let's get over to melissa molett. she is tracking your election >>day commute. ood morning. take a look here. you can see by the radar showing you where it's raining across the area. oxon hill inner loop beltway the rampo indian head highway that disabled vehicle now out of the way. lanes are open.e still have s delays though. stafford southbound 95 after quantico a crash withef the lane blocked there. and a live tlook 270, that rain is coming down. slow main and local lanes southbound. >> thank you. we will have a check on your .orecast when we come back.

hey! hi! congrats on ranking highest by jd power for internet service satisfaction this year. oh, thank you! and on being ranked #1 in customer satisfaction compared to cable. well, the 100% fiber-optic network deserves the credit. and he's humble! so umm... i should probably go get started. you need me to watch the van? no, i'm good! 100% fiber-optic network. 100% phenomenal. switch to fios, the fastest internet in the us, and get internet for as low as $39.99 per month. that floodarning in prince george's that goes to 1:45 this afternoon. there already heavy rain there, more heavy rain to come. so storm team4 weather alert for today heavy rain this morning, a possibility oome severe storms around the midday hours

today. finally two days to try out wednesday and thursday. >> thank you. get the latest news and nbweather anytime in the washington app . dave brat said he'd vote to reduce the deficit. but instead, he voted to increase it by $1.9 trillion. why? brat went washington, taking hundreds of thousands from big drug companies, wall street banks, and other corporate special interests and voting to give his big corporate donors big tax breaks, making the next generation pay. dave brat went washington, and all we got was the bill.

♪:3 >> 80 now. it's tuesdayit morning. 's the 6th of november, 2018. 's election day. we have got a great crowd out here on our plaza. nice weather, too, i might add. we are do-si-doing. >> tuesday morning crowd wmome. >>d love it. >> i'm looking for, let's see, ashley and dean. hey! nice and close. first of all, happy anniversary. >> thank you. thank you, thank youe >> you are h understand on a second anniversary trip? >> yes. >> where are you from? myrtle beach. >> columbia. >> that's hug worthy. fellow columbian here. now you are in myrtle beach.

this is your son. >> lenny. name? >> and this is a halloween picture? >> this is normal i attire. joking. >> who is he dressed as? >> alfalfa. >> he is a adorable alfalfa. >> he is. >> thanks for coming. happy anniversary. >> thank you. >> palmetto pride there. i love t thaty got way for the second anniversary, too. >> she went old alfalfa. wow. i like these. >> so cute. >> you know what i realized? those are your napkins. >> hey, rocky, watch me pull a rabbit out of my sleeve. >> okay. >> he got them off dinner table. the napkins went with you. hoda had ribs last night. coming up, willie is going to catch up with one of the most iconic groups in hip-hophi story. we are psyched. we are talking all ts beastie boys in a bit. and how wou you like to get away for the holidays from the holidays for the holidays?

we will reveal the five top travel deals of the season. some of these destinations as cheap as5 bucks a night. pretty good for some of these places. >> yeah. >> and if you want to be a real hero, bring something great for the holidays to folks. in the mood for something sweet? maple -- >> bet you can't say it again. >> sticky bun cake. yes, that'syo right. are going to love it. it's fantastic. it's great for breakfast. >> she is incredible. >> she was terrific. first, mr. roker. >> yes? >> check out the weather for us, please. >> please. >> she is waving in some ships. fantastic. we are looking for severe ast, s in the middle mid-atlantic states to the southeast. light snow through the northern rockies. tomorrow a o surge cold air coming into the plains. warm and humid. heavy showers and thunderstorth

ugh the gulf. west coast looking fantastic. that's ahat's going onund the country. here's what's happening in your neck of the>> woods. it is a storm team4 weather alert on election day. already a new line of storms starting to form up here across southwestern virginia and already some thunderstorms here down near fredericksburg moving into stafford and spotsylvania county. that's headed over the river into parts of charles county in away from high orov fastg water. a chance for severe weather during the midday. chilly for the weekend. >> take us with you. check us out on today's sirius xm channel 108. and here we are. where are you from?. >> io >> all right, iowa. we like it. another battleground state. we love it. back all right. thanks. now to unlikely trail blazers in the world of

the beastie boys skyrocketed to fame in the 1980s, producing seven platinum albums and the ng three grammys along way. >> they are out with a new book about their journey, "beastie boys book". willie, you get the best interviews. >> i love them. >> are you fans? >> yes. >> how could you not i have beasty trivia. did you know it stands for someing? >> what? >> boys entering anarchist i can states towards internal excellence. they don't talk about it a lot. it's a mouthful. there it is. i got together with mike diamond and ada horovitz, better known as ad-rock a mike d. writing this book without a third member of their crew who died six years ago. walking down manhattan's avenue a with mike diamond and adam horovitz, better known as mike d an ad-rock, is a step back in time.

and a glimpse into the formative years of a group that helped to reshape music. >> it's onef e first where we did a rap set. >> oh, my god. it was terrible. >> we made the mistake of, we asked a good friend of ours, a graffitirtt, to do a mural behind us. we thought that would be cool. weidn't calculate that the teen any club of a teeny stage, the paint fumes. we couldn't rap or perform or anything. >> terrible idea. >> reporter: >> reporter: mike, adam, and their late buddy adam grew up on the streets. teenage kids finding their way in the grittyow east side punk scene of the early 1980s and cutting school to b records downtown. >> we would hang out at the rat cage. that was kind of like the hardcore pu punk rock. >> reporter: it was the beginning of beastie boys. they started out with a hardcore punk rock edge, but soon began experimenting with a new sound.

hip-hop. mtv helpe to make them stars. their music and videos were artistic statements in hits like "so what you want?" ♪ intergallactic" and "sabotage."or >> we bought ar cop car for the video and kind of went crazy. film and y to everybody gets out and turn the camera on. that was basically the whole video. >> reporter: it was the 1986 debut album license to ill that put the beastie boys on the map. it w the biggest selling rap alb albumf the decade, certified ten times platinum. one of their biggestits,

no sleep till brooklyn. throck star lifestyle left them feel out of control. >> a lot of the stuff was pretending to be someock star, just saying crazy -- i mean -- >> ah, just saying crazy -- >> watch what you make fun of because you become t thing you make fun of quick. >> it takes on a life of its own and you stop being in control. >> reporter: after the initial explosion of fame which came with over the top antics and controversial lyrics, they pulled back from some of their own music, including their biggest hit. ♪ you've got to fight forour right to party ♪ >> did you stop playing that song after "license to >> yeah, we haven't played it since 1987. >> enough time wen by that we realized there is parts of the record that we could perform. we could also comment on who we

were then and what we could have done better, you know, and calling ourselves out, owning up to th stuff we should have done better. >> reporter: you also spent time in the book basically apologizing for some of your lyrics from when you were young. why did you feel like you needed to address that again in the book? >> if we are going to write a book about theth history o band, that's part of the history of the band. >> we didn't have a desire tohi it. we had an opportunity to comment on it. >> reporter: for mike and adam though, a crucial piece of the band's history is missing. the third member of the group adamh yanown as mca. >> i have a form of cancer in the gland that's over here. >> reporter: yauch died six years ago from cancer. his bandm a lifetime type of friend. was it difficult to relive this? >> it's hard losour friend. so that's ultimately what it's all about. >> i think it took us a while.

eventually it was nice bringing him int the room. >> reporter: the beastie boys have not released new music since mca's death. 50s.n their diamond and horovitz don't perform as the old group, but there may be hope for hungry fans. stored away in a los angeles >> we had our studio on it. and we would play every day, recorded everything. we have like h 1rs of all of that. >> reporter: do you guys miss being on a stage togher? >> morehan anything we wish adam was here, more than the bae grateful that we had these decades all together. all the three of u ♪ >> great guys. this is about halfway to war and peace, this book. but if you are ast bs fan, a lot of honesty. you heard it. they look back on the early music "license to ill" and they don't love what they hear. they talk about sortng of d that record as a parity of the

rock stars they had been watching and the became those rock stars. also i would say most of all sitting with them for an hour, they miss their buddy. they miss adam yauch so much. it's painful to go through it but they wanted to get the story out. >> when you are driving with those sequential sengs def jam beats, it's like a mus did they talk about new york city in t0s >> they did. they started as a punk rock band. 15, 16 years old they would go downtown to the lower east side and go into clubs. the drinking age was 18. they passed for that and g in and they loved the bands you could think of. the clash and ramons. then this new sound cp-led p leaked into their neighborhoods and they took that on and became a hip-hop group. >> cool. >> that, 100 hou are we going to hear it? >> they hinted at th. 10s of the masters locked away in l.a. >> if you want to see more of the conversation hear it at today.com. >> thank you, sir. straight ahead, how does

thanksgiving in the caribbean sound? lant to go? holiday tra deals you can book right now for a lot less than yours think. fi this is "today" on nbc mu

. he made a list. he checked it twice. not talking about santa.re we talking about mark elwood. he searched far and wide for thh bestiday travel deals and we have that list right here for you this morning. mark, of course, a contributing editor for "conde nast" traveler. good to have you. they all have one thing in common. under 200 bucks, right? >> yes. and there is a big range here. they are all great for the lidays. if you want to relax, i want to be active, be on the beach, you want to ski, we have you covered completely. >> let's start in the northwest. this is a city have been to a couple of times. you might not think it, but portland, oregon, fantastic

food. >> it's a foodie city. it's a coffee hub. we know they make great coffee. there is a big new chef scene. also, the rooftop of this brand new hotel. fantastic with vws across the city. this is the hoxton.st britain's hot motel in america, $95. and at thanksgivin you have fantastic local promotions like little boxes, a bit like black friday for local stores. portland is making you shop local. >> heading back east. we are talking about nantucket here. and you sayt this particular hotel is like stepping into a holiday card? >> nantucket in the holidays, you are stepping into a holiday you'veot the new england leaves. it's a brand new hotel made by a couple who lived on the isld r 20 years. they freshened it up. and then you have at thanksgiving are you a big immer?

>> no. but my family is. >> okay. there is the cold turkey plunge when you get into those icy waters. would you do it?>> no. but i would watch people and laugh at them with drink in hand. >> i would do it with a awetsu. right. we wouldn't have a holiday travel segment without a ski trip. let's go to colorado. we are talking about breckenridge. fantastic skiing inid brecke. >> if you picture, again, the ideal snow destination, a perfect skibrillage, it's kenridge. it's a ski in, ski out by peak nine. you have kitchens, wch i love for a family traveling. and a of 3,000, almost 3,000 acres, you know, it crazy. >> let's go south. reno, nevada. >> go to reno. enjoy the comeback of reno. i think there was a sense that it was a little '80s. not anymore. you have a giant complex of

three hels. almost two dozen restaurants, two dozen bars, 21,000 square foot spa. wu never need to leave. >> quickly, it to get to the caribbean. this would be my top choice. what hotel? homuch are we talking? >> we are going to guadalupe. you are getting two for one. europe in the caribbean. there is a new european airline called norweigian, which is like tblue for europe, offering direct flights from fort lauderdale and jfk. 79 bucks one way. >> the hotel? >> under 200 bucks. some are und 100. all about deals. anyoneould take these. >> appreciate it. up next from sweet deals to sweet desserts, the recipe for a mapleke sticky bun cahat a beginner could apparently make. first, thiis "today" on nbc. at this critical moment in america...

in maryland, democrats are on the front lines. with so much at stake, ben jealous is the bold leader maryland needs.

his plans will g our schools back to number one and protect our healthcare. ma land's teachers, nurs and presi. ben jealous has the "courage to move families forward." let us stand up for our kids let us stand up for families let us stand up for our state ben jealous, democrat for goverr and we are back at 8:00 ht

op "today's" food. let them eat cake. the next time you need a show-topping dessert, you can head to your own kitchen. she is going to teach us how tm not only a doable but incredible celebration cake that tastes good. good morning. first of all, cake in the morning is genius. >> this is breakfast cake. all cake i mea for breakfast. >> it looks like you are about to make some breakfast. >> it's a sticky bun cake. it's like a coffee cake. h it cream cheese icing. that is the breakfast of champions. >> stoit. >> this is my dream as a child, quite honestly. we starte with a lit crumble that goes in the middle of the cake, because there is a surpidse in thee. >> i like that idea. >> you slice intotmama gave me . brown suga pecans lightly toasted. brings out the flavor. don't burnhem.

ast them. this is what happens when you toast pecans or any nut. you fget them and you walk around the house and you are like, what's that smell? you are like, oh. >> that's a permanent smell in my house. >> what was that again? >> okay. >> so it's nice, you know. you know whathis does. makes it crumbly and wonderful. then we have the cake batter. yo b cream theter and sugar. they are like maple sugar, granar sugar. >> i never heard of maple sugar. >> you can use maple syrup, the real stuff. maple sugar is an angelic sugar. cream this until it's light and fluffy and add the eggs one at tha them in? >> if you dump them in all at once, it gets gloppy. >> tots is cake territory? >> exactly. they are sticking on top with caramett it gets .

>> oh, my gosh. >> so you're making this lovely batter and then y fill up your cake pan. >> this is an important trick that you do. >> halfway. >> look what she is doing. >> i do homemade cake strips. you know when cakes dome, i call it snacks because you cut it off, you put a wet paper towel or kitchen towel around the sides d cover it -- >> al, get in here. keep going. >> what isum this? um foil? >> yes. >> and it makes it rise evenly. you don't have to bake an extra cake. >> brilliant. >> half the batter. and then cross it with this gorgeous -- w>> so good. t is that? >> caramel. >> oh, do it! so we are going to, come on, all over the place. >> look >> yeah.. come on. >> or there you go. >> oh, yes. >> a over the place. then you have the extra. >> when you were a kid, did you like mabaking?

>> this is why i wrote the book. she had this old school '70s so everything was brown, ange, and yellow. it was a decorating book. i was like, oh, it's y beautifu. tou look at it and you are like, argh! i wanted that bk foroday for people who are not great bakers, dscould get their h dirty and make great cakes. people who love to mak cakes but aren't sure how to decorate. it makes baking and decorating easy f a. >> the altitude on this is tbelievable. t is a black forest cake. i wanted to put a forest on the cake. so you get your littl mic mushrooms. >> like the joanna gaines of cakes. >> you are. by the ery, when you with us a couple times ago, your sister, sandra bullock, came on. is she a bak d, too? does s this stuff? >> s we both grew up in a household bereft o sugar. >> really? >> we weres. veg this is what happens.

so she loves the sugar, but when i come, i am -- >> and i dedicated the book to louie and lila, my niece and nephew. i get so excited when their birthdays come up. you knowhey have something new and exciting they are into. we build a cake. they help. >> and eat. >> your favorite aunt. >> what's that? it is one of my great joys to make cakes for the peoe i love. you have to bake with love. >> you clearly do. >> iike that. >> thank you so much. we will put all these cake recipes at today.com/food. go get the cookbook, too. that's at today.com/shop. we are back in a moment. first, this is "today" on nbc. announcer: the following will surprise you about barbara comstock: barbara comstock: "i think roe vs wade should be overdrned and the state shoul " announcer: that's right. comstock supports taking away a woman's right to choose. she voted to defund pland parenthood

6 times, limiting women's access to contraception. and comstock votes with trump e ninety eight percent of timef a woman's right ose. jennifer wexton for congress. redependence usa pac is onsible for the content of this advertising.

>> all right. we want to take a second to thank gesine a for this fantastic bake.

fantastical cakes is the book. next hour, a performance by the one and only carole king. >> also, the best and most affordable fall wines. kathie lee and i will be drinking them. >> i'm stunned. >> after your local news. >> and aga. this is a news4 today news break. >>:5 is your time on this tuesday, november 6, 2018. i'm eun yang. melissa molett is keeping an eye out on your election day commute. she has the trouble spots. what do you see? >> we are slow everywhere because of all of this radar showing you where it's raining which is all p over thece at this point this morning. southbound 295 disabledri vehic t lane blocked.

g.w. parkway we have a street flooding there. on 272 problems southbound after falls crash with a middle o the roadblock and southbound after montrose a disabled vehicle in the center of thad. >> thank you. we'll take a break now. we'll check your forecast when we come back. stay wit. people aren't talking about how giant's delicious nature's promise turkey is free from antibiotics. they're not talking about or that our sustainable shrimp wrapped in prosciutto makes the perfect appetizer. they're also not talking about our delicious spiral ham glazed with real honey. they're not talking, because they're eating. oh hello, that looks so good. at giant, it's the little things that make mealtime easy, leaving more time for those closest to you during the holidays.

i waso i'm used tor, getting to work early. now i have a general practice, with a lot of patients who are counting on me. many of them worry about president trump taking away protections for pre-existing conditions. and women are frightened they could lose reproductive health care. it's why i'm glad i have a friend named ben. ben is a national leader who's protecting obamacare from president trump. he's my friend ben. i hope he's your friend, too. i'm ben cardin and i approved this message.

good morning. this first area of very heavy pushing through over the next hour and a half or so as it moves oute leave ourselves open to the possibility of another line of potentiay strong storms arriving during the early parts of the afternoon. finally, chance to dry out tomorrow and thursday. >> chuck, thank you. get the latest news and weather anytime in the n it's time to uncover that feeling again. with the compassion and strength of a name... most accepted by top doctors and specialists. and the power of a card... that opens doors in all fifty states. giving you the freedom to love to dream to dance like no one is watching. carefirst blue cross blue shield. live fearless.

live from studio 6a, this is "today." [ applause ] >> and a very good tuesday you.ng to craig melvin, along with savannah guthrie, chenilshein s jones and harry smith. re's election day. finally he in years past they have come and gone without much fanfare, but this year is very different. we have a team of correspondents fanned out over the country covering the key races. let's start with peter alexander. he is li in leesburg, virginia. what's the word as far as