And how a young actress is getting to play the role of a lifetime in more ways than one. With you on a friday morning. This morning, reports are swirling, House Speaker may soon leave his job. With political claiming, they are seeing his journey coming to an end, as he engineers his legislative dream. That dream, tax reform. Lets jump in to the 1. 25 trillion tax plan. With them hitting more than a few snags as the last minute behind the scenes deal making is going on. We are learning that some last minute republican holdouts could complicate matters. For more, we good to tracy potts who is in washington, how are you . You saw him there, Floridas Marco Rubio may not be backing his partys bill. He said that he wants more of the Child Tax Credit refundable to low income families if they cannot work it out, he may be a novote, listen. Unless they figure out a way to increase the refundable part, higher than 1100. The way they figured out a way to give corporations an extra year of cuts and they lower the top rate of a family making a million. Unless they can figure out a way to add to the 1100 figure, i will not support the bill. Utahs mike lee is standing with him on that one. He is said to be up decided and bob corker of tennessee has concerns about the deficit and theres two lawmakers, john mccain and mississippi cochran, that makes five republicans up in the air about whether they will be here or support the tax plan. The Republican Party can only afford to lose two. Meantime, that political report that you were just talking about, with paul ryan saying that he may be out as House Speaker next year. That his jaurny may that his journey may be coming to an end after he hopes what is the big achievement on tax reform. And asked about it, ryan said that, no confirmation, its pure speculation. Philip in. All right, a lot of variables and a lot of movieing parts. The real life drama, playing out, questions are running rampant around the former star omarosa knewman, she is saying she voluntarily left her position and was not fired. She is commenting on inner white house scenes that left her uncomfortable. We have that and more. President trump bidding farewell to omarosa, who was tasked with outreach to the black community. A former reality tv star, she is stirring up a real life drama, announcing her intention for a tellall. I have seen things that made me uncomfortable. That have upset me, that have affected me deeply, and emotionally and affected my community and my people. And when i can tell my story, it a pro found story that i know the world will want to hear. One of her problems, the i think theres blame on both sides. She is no stranger to controversy of her own. Every critic and detract for will have to bow down to president trump. Omarosa pushed back against reports that she is fired. I resigned, john kelly and i sat down in the situation room, which is a secure and quiet room in the white house, we had a candidate conversation. Omarosa is one of only three black officials of president s trumps three cabinet members and senior staffers. Her departure raising questions at all levels. We have a diverse team across the board at the white house. I dont have a number directly in front of me specifically not africanamericans. There needs to be somebody of color at the table talking with the president and helping the president understand the needs of the africanamerican community. A source close to the white house said that omarosa was escorted off the grounds after trying to appeal her firing and trying to enter the residence. That she said is 100 false. The secret service said they were not involved in removing her but deactive her high level security a pass. Authorities confirmed a firefighter died while battling the thomas fire flames as it continues to blaze. We have the report on the wild fire that is headed in to the 11th day and has grown to be one of the largest in the states history. Northwest of los angeles, the thomas fire continues to ravage the mountains. The blaze, has now claimed the life of a veteran firefighter. Cory iverson lost his life while fighting the thomas fire. He is survived by his wife, ashley, his 2yearold daughter, evie cory and ashley are expecting a second daughter this spring. Reporter the circumstances were not immediately available. Flags flew at halfstaff and firefighters stood at attention as a pro session carried him to the coroners office, he was a cal fire unit in san diego, the captain knew him well. Its a reminder of the danger that we face here. The fire began december 4th. Fed by the conditions of to santa anna winds. It drois a quarter of a million acres firefighters have made progress against the fire, more than a third of it is contained. And the flames are still a threat to many more homes. Nbc news. The way you access the internet can change as Net Neutrality rules were scrapped. Critics say the rollback could give the nations largest internet providers, like verizon and comcast, the ability to charge for Faster Service or charge consumers more for certain websites. But the fcc chair said that the fears are unfounded and the move will simply revert the internet to the way it was before 2015. Everyone in the internet economy is better with a market based approach. Before 2015, we had a free and open internet where Small Companies were global giants. Facebook, netflix, google. The roll back is facing problems, as a lawsuit is filed to keep the Net Neutrality rules in place. Scientists, including Stephen Hawking thought this cigar shipped astroid could be a alien spacecraft. So far, scientists say, that it was not evidence of a alien civilization. If there was evidence, it would have led our news cast. Who knows what it would look like. The weather though, i dont know how is it doing . Are we getting a warmup for the part that are frigid. So, right now, theres not a lot on the weather map out there, it cold throughout the great lakes and the northeast, a bit of snow coming down in the areas of the portions of the great lakes. Later we will have a storm moving forward the mid atlantic region. By 3 00, and 5 00. Its over new york city and by evening its exiting the new england. It could be slippery in the evening commute. Just enough snow to make it di area, light rain developing in south texas, looks wetter this weekend. Well, it was ten days until christmas and all through the zoo, the creatures are stirring, lions and monkeys too. The zoos squirrel monkeys woke up to find stocking full of treats and the lionesses delighted in clawing threw gift wrapped cardboard boxes. It allowed them to use natural skills like foraging. This is coming to us from the london zoo. I wonder if they have the elf watching the animals. Ahead, new analyzes of Sexual Misconduct against powerful men in the world of media. I used to have no idea what the American Cancer Society did. Research . Yeah. But also free rides to chemo and free lodging near hospitals. I used to maybe give a little. Then i got so much back. I used to have cancer. Please give at cancer. Org. Pain from chest congestion can make this. When you have a cold,. Feel like this. Allinone cold symptom relief from tylenol®, the 1 doctor recommended pain relief brand. Tylenol®. Giveshop early to save big kohls Super Saturday and get kohls cash present for them, kohls cash for you give joy with a sweater for her a Star Wars Toy or a diamond bracelet plus take an extra 20 off when you spend 100 or more give joy, get joy at kohls. Do i use a toothpaste thati had whitens my teeth or one. Thats good for my teeth . Now i dont have to choose my dentist told me about new crest whitening therapy. So, i tried it from crest 3d white comes new whitening therapy. Its our best whitening technology. Plus, it has a fortifying formula to protect your enamel. Now i get a whiter smile and healthy teeth, all in one. The 3d white collection from crest. Healthy, beautiful smiles for life. That was just aight for me. Yo, checi mean,t dawg. You got the walk. You got the stance. But i wasnt really feeling it. You know what, im not buying this. You gotta come a little harder dawg. You gotta figure it out. Eh, i dont know. Shaky on the walk, carriage was off. Randy jackson judging a dog show. I dont know dawg. Surprising. Whats not surprising . How much money lisa saved by switching to geico. Wow performance of the night. Fifteen minutes could save you fifteen percent or more. Leading the news, he was suspended after he was publically accused of sexual assault. He claims that pbs over reacted when it suspended the show after they said there was troubling allegations of Sexual Misconduct. New accusations surfaced about matt lauer. On Instagram Russell simmons was defiant, saying i begin to properly defend myself today. In reports in the l. A. Times and new york times, nine more accusers accused him of misconduct, from vulgar language to assault and nine instances of rape. I shut my eyes and waited for it to end, adding simmons said dont fight me. Simmons stepped back from running his Business Empire after two other women accused him of rape. He is denying the allegations, vowing to share evidence of his innocence. And to contrast the popular me too, writing not me. Its clear that its gone too far and i for one, intend to fight back. Tavis smiley on offense, after they suspended distribution of his show following an investigation. Variety reports, witnesses interviewed that they were concerned that their Employment Status was tied to their relationship status with smiley. Smiley saying if having consensual relationship with a colleague years ago is the stuff that leads to this kind of of public hu mill consideration and personal destruction, heavy help us. We dont want to find that the real offenders here, the really assaulters and rapists are blurring in to these other guys. Before she was in the military, she was a Production Assistant at the today show. When she was about to leave nbc, lauer started to send her messages and invited her to his dressing room, it was a consensual encounter, she was 24 and he was one of the most powerful men in the company. Even though it was consensual, i felt like a victim because of the power conflict. He has been fired for inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace. Still ahead, the season for giving to yourself, the rising trend this holiday season, and star wars mania sweeps the globe. You are watching early today. For 100 years, heritage and innovation have made gillette the 1 shave in america. Now get gillette quality at lower prices every day. Brought to you by 1200 workers in boston were proud of giving you our best. Gillette. The best a man can get. When this guy got a flat tire in the middle of the night. Hold on dad. Liberty did what . Yeah, Liberty Mutual 24hour roadside assistance helped him to fix his flat so he could get home safely. My dad says our insurance doesnt have that. Dont worry i know what a lug wrench is, dad. Is this a lug wrench . Maybe . You can leave worry behind when liberty stands with you™. Liberty stands with you™. Liberty mutual insurance. In todays quick hits, star wars, mania is spreading as the last jedi he ones at theater. Its expected to take in 45 Million Dollars globally. Its the season for giving and people are spreading the joy of giving to themgselves. 24 of those 1822 self give and 27 of those 2340 do the same. And the white house has released the trump familys First Official christmas portrait with the first couple in black tie attire, the Vice President , mike pence and his wife released their official photo. The white house is confirming that the president spoke with Vladimir Putin by phone. Putin praised president trump, and was confronted by the woman taking him on in next years election. Reporter president putin, praising president trumps leadership. Pointing to wall street gains. Calling the Russian Election medaling investigation spy hysteria and coming face to face with the woman that wants to replace him. Once called russias paris hilton. Now putins unlikely election opponent. Even in the fake system, there are people who are ready to fight. There are people who are not afraid. But the detractors say she is running with putins blessing to make it look legitimate. Her father, one of putins mentors. You can see why people are suspicious. They can say and will say what ever they like. I think they should judge actions. And this man said if he is banned from running, people should not vote, and she disagrees. My goal is to not come with a gun and kill putin, my goal is to come and say, that there are millions people who are against the way he rules the country. And that these should be chan d changed. Just ahead, jimmy fallon has president trumps take on the night before christmas, plus, why that ugly christmas sweater could bring you some little known benefits. You are watching early today. For a quick and convenient clean, try Swiffer Wetjet. Theres no heavy bucket, or mop to wring out, because the absorb and Lock Technology traps dirt and liquid inside the pad. Its safe to use on all finished surfaces tile, laminate and hardwood. And it prevents streaks and hazing better than a micro fiber strip mop, giving you a thorough clean the first time. For a convenient clean, try Swiffer Wetjet with a money back guarantee. Brand power. Helping you buy better. 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But entresto is a medicine that was proven, in the largest Heart Failure study ever, to help more people stay alive and out of the hospital than a leading Heart Failure medicine. Women who are pregnant must not take entresto. It can cause harm or death to an unborn baby. Dont take entresto with an ace inhibitor or aliskiren. If youve had angioedema while taking an ace or arb medicine, dont take entresto. The most serious side effects are angioedema, low blood pressure, kidney problems, or high potassium in your blood. Tomorrow, tomorrow. When can we do this again, grandpa . Well, how about tomorrow . Ask your doctor about entresto and help make tomorrow possible. Twas the night before christmas in washington, d. C. And not a perish who is working and especially not me. When all of a sudden, there came a loud bing, bing, bong and i went outside to see what was wrong and there was a nicolas that started to say Merry Christmas to all and god bless the united states. That just made my friday. It made my week. Cheers to the editors there. That was incredible. So good. In the president s own words. You dont have to wait until your next Holiday Party to bust out of the tacky over the top tops and outfits like everyone wears like these, this is National Ugly christmas sweater day. The holiday will encourage people to put on the ugliest seasonal wardrobe and share pictures online, and some companies are pledging to donate to charities if employees participate. Alaska airlines offered early boarding on flights today for people wearing ugly holiday sweaters. Its become such a thing. They are cool. They are not ugly anymore. It used to be the throwaway, what could you get from grandmas closet. Circa 82 and 83, and now it full on. And just ahead, we will tell you about the young star making history on a stage in a beloved classic holiday tale, you are watching early today. See ya. Take care. So probably take it at night. And if you have any questions, the instructions are here in spanish as you requested. Gracias. At walgreens, how we care will change over time, but why we care remains the same treating everyone with the care and attention they deserve. Walgreens. Trusted since 1901. Packing to the last minute. Time to break these bad boys out no i have a couple of things to wash we got this come on. Even on quick cycle, tide pods cleans great 6x the cleaning power, even in the quick cycle lets go did you just get up uhhuh its got to be tide an up lifting holiday story that has life imitating art. As we report on paris strict land. She is the first girl of playing the role of tiny tim in the famed production of a Christmas Carol and her own life story makes her the Perfect Choice for the role. This year, at chicagos Goodman Theater the child playing the most beloved character in a Christmas Carol has a personal story as meaningful as the one created by d dickens himself, she is the first girl to play the young disabled tiny tim. God bless us, everyone. When you har your daughter say when you hear your daughter say, god bless us nch . What do you think . It takes me back to ten years ago, where we were in a bad spot. As a baby, paris was diagnosed with a rare cancer, she is healthy now, but her mobility is somewhat limited. I have a bit harder time walking and running. And i put it behind me and say, its fine, i can still run. Just maybe not that fast. And yet, that did not break her spirit. No, not at all. She has a phenomenal spirit. She shines everywhere she goes. And shine she does, as the audience watching her warm the heart of a christmas kurmudgen. We are alike in many ways. We started out a little rough. We bring people hope. And we change peoples perspectives. Just as tiny tim reminds us of the true meaning of christmas, paris strict land reminds us, its still alive today. God bless us everyone nbc news, chicago. Little star is born. Yeah, that star will continue to rise and shine, i think from here on. Hmmm. Bill, back with us for another look at the forecast. I want to watch her. Somehow, we have her on video. You check out the weather and see how it is in chicago and make your way there. We will see a bit of snow throughout this afternoon. A little bit of change in the forecast, just be prepared, only an inch or a coating. But from washington, d. C. To philly to fourth and southern portions of new england, be prepared for the evening drive home. Middle of the country, fine, storm system in the northwest, bringing light rain. And in to saturday, late day rain in south texas and east coast, no problems. Cold in Northern New England and snow moving through the rockies. But by sunday, we will seal the rain really over areas of louisiana, could be thunderstorms too. A lighter rain area in chicago and st. Louis. Notice that we warm up the temperatures. We are not talking ice or know and even temperatures warming to 50 in d. C. By sunday. Nice, bill, thank you. And we thank you, hope your friday is off to a great start. Thanks for watching dogs cant see color like we do. But they see you like its the first time, every time. They see a tough day a mile away. And things they cant unsee. They see life. And they see love. Every time they see you. Maybe dogs cant see color. But what they see is so much more. Dogs are more. Lets treat them that way. Milkbone. Doing more for dogs since 1908. A very good friday morning to you. A live look outside in San Francisco on this 15th day of december. A somber day in San Francisco today. Well have more on the memorial thats been growing for ed lee. First want to say good morning to you, 4 30, im laura garcia. Im marcus washington. Just like a mirror image, again, cold morning. This afternoon is going to be the same, too. A lot of sunshine and temperatures making it to the upper 60s in the bay area. As we get a look at what you are going to feel as you step out the door. One degree above freezing in santa rosa. A cold start and a ni