Nightly news with lester holt. Good evening. Im kate snow in for lester on this thanksgiving night. Congratulations if you successfully avoided talking politics over the turkey. But there is political news to cover tonight. From his estate in florida this morning, president elect donald trump tweeted he was working hard this holiday. Trump talking about a Campaign Pledge to save jobs at a plant in indiana. As a top aide tweeted that trump loyalists are warning against mitt romney as the choice for secretary of state. With cabinet appointments and meetings occupying much of his time, weve learned the president elect has chosen not to receive daily u. S. Intelligence briefings. We have it all covered from maralago tonight with kristen welker. Reporter donald trump celebrating his first thanksgiving as president elect at his sprawling palm beach estate. Eager to show hes not just relaxing, tweeting, trying to get carrier to stay in the company. The company in the midst of a move to mexico, was a constant trump target on the campaign trail. Carrier confirming theyre in conversations, but so far, no announcements. It all coincides with striking revelations, intelligence officials telling nbc news mr. Trump has only received two Intelligence Briefings since the election, far fewer than the daily briefings that are expected. By not having daily briefs, hes risking the security of the united states. Reporter the Washington Post first reported the news, noting that mike pence is getting briefed almost every day. The sessions sdiped to give a summary of key Security Intelligence from all 16 intelligence agencies, as well as the cias covert operations. During president obamas transition, he requested extra briefings. President george w. Bush got into a daily routine after the florida recount. There is nothing as important as these briefings for the president of the united states. If he discounts them, then, of course, its possible there could be ramifications. Reporter in response, the Trump Transition Team stressing National Security is Donald Trumps top priority. One Senior Intelligence official cautions, its too early to draw broad conclusions with trump busy forming his administration. So who will be named next . All eyes on secretary of state. The top contenders, new york mayor rudy guiliani, a trump loyalist, and mitt romney, one of trumps biggest critics during the primary. Donald trump is a phony, a fraud. Reporter but today, one of trumps top advisers seemed to pick a side, with a tweet raising loyalty in past secretaries of state, a sentiment echoed by other trump allies. I can think of 20 other people who would be more naturally compatible with the trump vision of foreign policy. Reporter meanwhile, yet another sign trump may be moderating. After criticizing nato as a candidate, today the alliances secretarygeneral insisting donald trump is dedicated. Donald trump stated clearly he supports nato. Reporter as for mr. Trumps former rival, hillary clinton, she was spotted doing a little thanksgiving shopping yesterday. Today she tweeted out, happy thanksgiving. She currently leads donald trump by more than two million votes in the popular vote. Kate . Kristen welker down in florida, thank you. Happy thanksgiving. Hopefully by now youve had your fill of turkey. Its truly a day of celebration from the millions visiting new york, to our troops stationed overseas. Tammy leitner has us covered on all of todays festivities. Reporter 3. 5 million packed the streets to take part in a new york city parade thats become an american tradition. Security was at an alltime high this holiday. From eyes in the sky to canines on the ground. Did you come here just for this . Yes. You are kidding me. Reporter performers from all over. Thank you. Reporter spectators straining to catch a glimpse of their favorite balloon. 50 of them flying high over the two and a half mile parade route. Some new faces, diary of a wimpy kid, and a comeback for felix the cat. Its been a great experience. Reporter for this lit girl, a chance to see her hero, olympic gold medalist, laurie hernandez. I cried. Reporter in southern california, some celebrated their first thanksgiving. Volunteers delivering meals to syrian refugees. It really means a lot that were delivering these meals to refugees, to these immigrants here in san diego. Its just kind of like the true meaning of thanksgiving. Reporter Charity Turkey trots from maryland to california. For those hoping to burn some calories before their thanksgiving feast. Happy thanksgiving reporter our troops overseas, sending a message of their own. Im safe and well. I wish all my family members a happy thanksgiving and a happy holidays. Reporter a surprise call from their commander in chief, who had this message today. Thanksgiving reminds us that no matter our differences, were still one people. Part of something bigger than ourselves. Reporter no better reminder than millions coming together. To catch a glimpse of saint nick. Back here in new york, there were 3,000 nypd officers on the parade route today. Were told there were no problems, but the show of force could become the new normal. Kate . Tammy leitner, thank you. After a day of being thankful for what we have, whats more american than heading out to buy the stuff we dont have . Black friday has already begun in many places and as jo ling kent reports, the race is on to steal those deals. Reporter thousands of americans rushing into stores before the thanksgiving dishes are done. Little bit off you get, always helps a little bit. Reporter grabbing hot deals and deep discounts, some camping out overnight before thanksgiving. Probably you save about 300 on it. Save that money for christmas. Happy thanksgiving. Reporter 137 million americans are expected to shop this holiday weekend. But this year, Retail Stores are under extra pressure to perform. Black friday foot traffic was down last year, and is expected to sink again this year by 3. 5 . More people going on the internet than anything into stores. Consumers forecast to spend more than 50 of their holiday Budget Online this year. Thats why malls are rolling out the red carpet to get you to shop. Offering vip Services LikeValet Parking and a personal concierge, even champagne. You feel special. You are more inclined to make more luxurious decisions. So if youre feeling special when youre shopping, youre going to want to spend more. Merry christmas reporter santa claus getting a high tech makeover too. New interactive experiences built for kids. With virtual flight suits. And a lifesize snow globe. What was it like in there . It was like fun and exciting. Because like i didnt know what was coming next. Having a Great Service experience, a great experiential offering is critical to being a winner versus a loser. Reporter retailers heaping on the perks and the discounts, hoping to avoid leftovers this holiday weekend. Crowds are out here at best buy in full force. Retailers hoping you come in store to spend a little extra money, rather than sticking to your list when shopping online. 6 in 10 americans plan to spend on themselves this holiday season. And the average personal splurge, 140 bucks, kate . Jo, thank you very much. Talk about a dangerous double threat in nicaragua, at almost the same time a 7. 0 magnitude earthquake shook the countrys west coast today while a category two hurricane, otto, slammed into the east coast of nicaragua. So far, no reports of injuries or serious damage. Back in the uk, federal authorities are revealing whether the shooting of a teenager in West Virginia should be prosecuted as a hate crime. A 62 yearly man is jailed without bond facing murder charges. Hes confessed to the shooting of the teen, but insists it was selfdefense. Ron allen has that story tonight. Reporter grief and sorrow after the death of james means. 15, high school freshman, who loved cars and dreamed of owning a mechanic shop. My son is in a safer place now, and we all love him. Reporter gunned tonight police say by William Pulliam after the two Exchange Words near a local discount store. Be advised your suspect Reporter Police say pulliam confessed to shooting means because he felt threatened, and in a jail house interview with wchs, pulliam said means had a gun. I dont like it. Believe me, i didnt want to kill anybody. But, you know, theyre not going to kill me. Reporter but authorities have said the teenager was not armed. Pulliam, according to the criminal complaint, expressed no remorse. Stating, the way i look at it, thats another piece of trash off the street. He then had dinner and visited a friend. Federal authorities looking into whether a hate crime was committed. If they want to charge me with a hate crime, they can. But they got to prove i hate black people, and i dont. Reporter the teens family calling for calm. Were going to let the law put it in their hands. Reporter on social media, a request for a few thousand dollars to help with funeral expenses, surging past 40,000 if just a few days. We dont hold a grudge, so nobody else should hold a grudge. We all have to forgive and let everything take its place. Reporter tonight, pulliam remains jailed, with a hearing to come after the holiday weekend. As a family and Community Mourn the loss of a young life. Ron allen, nbc news. To the middle east now and the war against isis. As u. S. Backed forces battle to retake the city of mosul, a desperate situation is emerging on the front lines for the soldiers and innocent civilians injured in the fighting. Lucy cavanaugh is there for us this evening. Reporter its a frantic race to save a life. An iraqi soldier, arriving at the only hospital serving the front line outside of isis control. Simply getting here could make the difference between life and death. But up to a Million People are still trapped inside mosul. They are civilians, caught in the crossfire, unable to flee. Few doctors, no hospitals, hope running low. Dr. Omar knows it first hand. He managed to escape mosul and is now treating patients. His family, still inside the city, trapped by isis. This hospital is a saviour for the people. They are our families. They are our neighbors. They are our friends. Reporter tonight, u. S. Backed iraqi and Kurdish Forces say theyve now completely surrounded mosul. 50,000 soldiers part of the mission, one of them this 25yearold whose family is still stuck behind enemy lin lines. Im fighting isis to free my sisters, my relatives, he tells me. We have to put an end to this hell. The most heart breaking stories here, the children. 6yearold ahmed was playing outside when a mortar struck. How are you feeling . Sad. Reporter a lucky survivor in a war that grinds on. Lucy cavanaugh, nbc news, iraq. Still ahead tonight, your doctor on call on your computer monitor, even if shes just across town. Also, an extraordinary thanksgiving tradition. Liberty mutual stood with me when i was too busy with the kids to get a repair estimate. Liberty did what . Yeah, with Liberty Mutual all i needed to do to get an estimate was snap a photo of the damage and voila voila sigh i wish my Insurance Company had that. Wait hold it. Hold it boys. Theres supposed to be three of you. Wheres your brother . Wheres your brother . Hey, wheres charlie . Charlie . you can leave worry behind when liberty stands with you. Liberty stands with you™ Liberty Mutual insurance it. When that laxour loves your body back. Only miralax hydrates, eases, and softens to unblock naturally. 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As the practice expands, rehema ellis reports, so do the questions about quality, cost, and how to pay for it. Reporter daria bells rovea is a busy new mom, also trying to manage her own diabetes. So shes checking with her doctor from her dining room. Some on insulin might still be on board by the time you have dinner. I needed to be seeing the doctor all the time. Basically working full time its tough. Reporter daria is part of a new Telemedicine Program at brigham and Womens Hospital making it possible to see her doctor without making the 20mile trek into boston, or losing any work time. I dont have to be in the waiting room. I dont have to think about parking. Im not as frazzled. Its been very helpful in caring for my diabetes. Reporter doctors say the treatment is the same. I think this is a model in which we can reach out and provide the care for people who cant make it in. Reporter the model of care is booming. There are 3,500 programs in hospitals nationwide. More than 70 of all hospitals use some form of telemedicine. 30 states and the district of columbia require private insurers cover telemedicine, just like an inoffice visit. But theres a growing debate over what you should pay for. Skype visits with your doctor . What about emails or phone calls . Thats what massachusetts lawmakers are trying to figure out. What concerns you the most . Its a broad definition of what would be covered. Its something that we really need to take a look at as a state to understand what types of services that were talking about. Reporter for daria, its an ideal way to stay connected with her doctor, so she can take care of herself and her new baby. Rehema ellis, nbc news, boston. Were back in a moment on this thanksgiving with one of the most popular traditions of the day. Which dog was this man my dad and i have the same eyes. Same nose. Same toughness. And since hes had moderate alzheimers disease, the same never quit attitude. Thats why i asked his doctor about onceaday namzaric. avo namzaric is approved for moderate to severe alzheimers disease in patients who are taking donepezil. It may improve cognition and overall function, and may slow the worsening of symptoms for a while. Namzaric does not change the underlying disease progression. Dont take if allergic to memantine, donepezil, piperidine or any of the ingredients in namzaric. Tell the doctor about any conditions including heart, lung, bladder, kidney or liver problems, seizures, stomach ulcers, or procedures with anesthesia. Serious side effects may occur, including muscle problems if given anesthesia; slow heartbeat, fainting, more stomach acid which may lead to ulcers and bleeding; nausea, vomiting, difficulty urinating, seizures, and worsening of lung problems. Most common side effects are headache, diarrhea, dizziness loss of appetite, and bruising. man dad and i shared a lot of moments. 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Reporter york is a red county with a bit of blue downtown, and it reflects the quantum shift thats happening in this sta state. Just this appear, the Pennsylvania Republican party enrolled almost a quarter million new voters and saw nearly 100,000 democrats switch to the gop. This guy gets it. If you cant trust your garbage man, who can you trust . We need to fix harrisburg. Reporter thats part of why he ran a writein campaign for the state legislature in 2014, against a democrat, and a republican who was already on the ballot. He won. What did you tap into two and a half years ago, that youre still tapping into now . Its anger. People are fed up with government. Reporter wagner likes to hand out tshirts with this on the back. If you could take your hands and put them around my neck and start choking me and let me turn blue until im the color of your shirt, thats how Business People in america feel. Reporter overregulated and underappreciated. So this renegade republican is going to run for governor. Sound familiar . Where everybody missed this whole thing, they didnt talk to the people on the ground. Reporter and the folks on the ground are done with business as usual. Its why they supported trump. Hes not the status quo. And i like what i see so far. Reporter they may have elected a republican, but they voted for trump. Harry smith, nbc news, york, pennsylvania. Its a favorite for so many people every thanksgiving, the national dog show. And todays big winner, gia the greyhound. She was the top hound in her group and rose to earn the best in show designation, beating out 1,800 canine competitors and maybe she earned some of that leftover turkey tonight. When we come back, a common tradition with a unique twist. A thanksgiving gathering where the here . becky ive seen such a change in einstein since he started eating the new beneful recipe. The number one ingredient in it is beef. einstein the beef is fantastic becky hes a very active dog. He never stops moving. He has enough energy to believe that he can jump high enough to catch a bird. It has real beef, grains, vegetables, and he loves it. Well, we were coming for an interview. So he wanted to wear his tie. einstein its my power tie. It gives me power. vo try new beneful originals with beef. Now with real beef as the number one ingredient, healthful. Flavorful. Beneful. L finished. Umm. You wouldnt want your painter to quit part way. I think you missed a spot. So when it comes to pain relievers, why put up with just part of a day . Aleve, live whole not part. Painter you want this color over the whole house . You totanobodys hurt, new car. But there will still be pain. It comes when your Insurance Company says theyll only pay threequarters of what it takes to replace it. What are you supposed to do . Drive threequarters of a car . 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Dont take eliquis if you have an artificial heart valve or abnormal bleeding. If you had a spinal injection while on eliquis call your doctor right away if you have tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness. While taking eliquis, you may bruise more easily. And it may take longer than usual for bleeding to stop. Seek immediate medical care for sudden signs of bleeding, like unusual bruising. Eliquis may increase your bleeding risk if you take certain medicines. Tell your doctor about all planned medical or dental procedures. Eliquis treats dvt and pe blood clots. Plus had less major bleeding. Both made eliquis the right treatment for me. Ask your doctor if switching to eliquis is right for you. Finally tonight, something to make you feel good on this thanksgiving. We all have our traditions. But this one is unique. The story of a man who truly understands what the holiday is all about. Giving. And togetherness. No matter whos at the table. Reporter all day yesterday, Scott Mccauley worked at his vacuum cleaner shop. The holidays are his busy season. Its this mad dash. All of a sudden, companys coming. Reporter but thats nothing compared to today, because scott has an ambitious thanksgiving tradition. One, two, three. Reporter every year, he cooks and serves a thanksgiving feast in a Church Basement for a crowd of strangers. Its really important to me that people are not home alone. I dont want to stay home alone. Reporter it started way back in 1985. Scotts parents were going through a divorce and he didnt have anywhere to go for the holiday. I would be miserable if i was staying home alone on thanksgiving. And so i just figured its gotta be other people in that same boat. Reporter he put an ad in the local paper, offering to cook for 12 others without a place to go, and it was a hit. So scott did it again the next year, and the incom next, and the next. I never thought it would last 31 years. Reporter the crowd has grown over time. This year, 60 strong. We dont have family here, so it really helps to have a family, extended family with the people we meet here. If we had an opportunity to take another invitation, we would probably we might turn it down and say, we already have plans. Reporter its a Staggering Amount of work for one person. To make it homey, he brings in fake fireplaces, arm chairs and rugs. Anything and everything i can do to make it look as much like a home as possible. Reporter scott would love to see his tradition spread. Im a vacuum fixer. If a vacuum fixer can do thanksgiving dinner for people, anybody can do it. Reporter over all the years, hes never had time to sit down and eat. But hes not complaining. If i made the people happy, thats the best part of the dinner, because thats the goal. Happy people. The more the better. A lot of happy people. That will do it for us on this thanksgiving thursday. Hope you and your loved ones had a very happy one. We leave you tonight with some of the highlights from macys thanksgiving day parade. Im kate snow in for lester. From all of us at nbc news, thanks for watching. Have a great night. Here comes santa claus whether sunny or snowing the excitement is on extra. Think you know trump . I can call you donald, right . How about calling me mr. Trump . Fair enough. Every secret about our next president as we go boack to his roots. Those roots, too, hes at ivankas lost photo shoot. Its always been an ambition to make a name for myself. And from the reel washington to Jessica Chastains political thriller. What she found out about the beltways power women. It shows power. Brad pitt sleeping with the enemy. Opening up about their steamy love scene. The car was so small. John stamos. This is 53 . I have a syndrome about me. The scream queens star about what hes about to expose about daytime soaps. Its basically sort of boogey nights in the soap world in the 80s. Plus, look out. Paula deen sharpening her knives. I dont know why youre scared. You dont trust me now on extra from Universal Studios hollywood, the entertainment capital of