Thencandidate trump. And 12 days till christmas, but did you know even bigger shopping deals are still out there . The secret is knowing precisely when to buy. This is nbc nightly news with lester holt. Good evening. With the new year rapidly approaching, tonight were finally getting some specifics of what the republican tax overhaul will look like. House and Senate Republicans reaching a deal in principle that could land a bill on the president s desk soon. Details revealed today include the fate of state and local Tax Deductions and other popular writeoffs. Today President Trump was selling the plan even as he tried to shrug off yesterdays loss of a Republican Senate seat in alabama. More on that election and its impact in just a few moments, but first, nbcs Peter Alexander on big tax changes coming. Reporter President Trump just in time for the holidays promising to put more money in your pocket. We want to give you, the american people, a giant tax and when i say giant, i mean giant. Reporter so what do the republicans agree on . According to multiple gop sources, for top earners, the individual tax rate will drop from more than 39 to 37. What had been a Sticking Point deductions for property and state income taxes, capped at 10,000. Mortgage interest deductions protected for loans up to 750,000. But overturned the crucial component of obamacare, repealing the laws individual mandate, ending the penalty for not having Health Insurance and potentially jeopardizing already fragile marketplaces. That repeal it is warned could lead 13 million more people uninsured within the next decade. For businesses the Corporate Tax rate, currently 35 will be slashed to 21. This is only a small beginning to the incredible things that our people will achieve over a very short period of time. Reporter for republicans banking on promoting tax cuts as a sign achievement ahead of next years midterms, new urgency after tuesdays stunning defeat in alabama with democrats calling on Mitch Mcconnell to hit pause on the new tax bill until the new senator is seated. Delay till doug jones gets here and can cast a vote, plain and simple. Reporter critics argue the bill disproportionately benefits the wealthy. Today the outgoing fed chair cast doubt on the president s rosy economic projection. It would be challenging to achieve numbers like that. Reporter the white house is hoping congress will sign off on the bill and put it on the president s desk before christmas. If they do, President Trump today promised americans could begin seeing more money in their paychecks in february. Lester . Peter alexander at the white house tonight, thank you. With the news of all these tax changes on the way, theres a lot to process including the loss of and limitations on a long list of popular deductions. And you might be wondering what you should do now to prepare before they take effect. [000 03 58;00] been looking into it for us. Reporter while americans are losing a list of favorite deductions, the new standard deductions are going up. 12,000 for individuals, 24,000 for couples. Now with the new tax year just a few weeks away, personal finance experts say the time to act is now before the new rules take effect. The first thing that you should do is kind of review your finances and talk to a professional to make sure that the changes that you may want to make are ones that are really going to be best suited for you and your family. Reporter among the top tax tips, if you live in a hightax state, prepay at least some of next years state and local property taxes now. Those deductions will soon be capped at 10,000. Contribute now to your Favorite Charities so you can itemize the deduction. Next year you may not have the same financial incentive to itemize. If you own stocks and need to offset a year of big gains on wall street, sell now. The new law may require you to sell a stock youve held the longest first, resulting in pay off your student and home equity loans. You may not be able to deduct your interest in the new tax year. And if youre shopping for a new car, buy it now if youre living in a state with income taxes and hope to deduct the sales tax. Most middle class americans probably wont feel a significant difference unless they are in hightax states where they will no longer get the deduction for state and local income taxes. Reporter one more item, if you have expenses for job hunting, Business Travel or tax preparation, pay them now as well. Those deductions could also go away in the new tax year. Tom costello, nbc news, washington. One more note of economic news, the Federal Reserve today raised its benchmark Interest Rate a quarter point, the third rate hike this year. The cost of borrowing still on the low end range of 1. 25 to 1. 5 . And on wall street, another record day. The dow finishing up about 80 points closing at 24585. Now to the shocker in alabama. Winning the special Senate Election upsetting republican roy moore who was dogged by allegations of Sexual Misconduct with teenaged girls. Moores loss is a big blow to President Trump who went all in by endorsing the controversial candidate. And it could spell trouble for the gop in 2018 and beyond. We have it all covered starting with nbcs gabe gutierrez. Gabe, good evening. Reporter lester, good evening. Doug jones says he got a gracious call from President Trump who invited him to the white house. Still, roy moore has not conceded, even though Election Officials say any recount is highly unlikely. Tonight, ruby red alabama is sending its first democrat to washington in 25 years. Doug jones is now urging his opponent, republican roy moore, to concede. I would say do the right thing, roy. Reporter exit polls show about half the voters believed the allegations of Sexual Misconduct against moore, the claims involving teen girls disgusted some registered republicans. Alabama needs somebody that is going to make us proud, not be an embarrassment. Reporter jones victory relied heavily on strong support from women, crossover suburban republicans and africanamericans who made up 29 of the electorate, up slightly from when barack obama was last on the ballot. You feel people dont give black voters enough credit. A lot of times were looked at as oh, theyll just vote democrat anyway. Reporter this is a Community Activist in birmingham. I think people stood up and said, we dont agree with that. And we stood up in numbers. Reporter turnout surged in the states socalled black belt. I was arrested right along in here. Reporter in hittic selma, annie emory walks the Edmund Pettis bridge like she did a century ago on bloody sunday. It frightened me to think that there was a possibility that we might have someone like that in there as a senator. Reporter she remembs thanks doug jones for prosecuting the kkk members responsible. This was what the fruits of my work had done you know, all my years working in civil rights. Reporter a remarkable upset still sinking in. Gabe gutierrez, nbc news, birmingham, alabama. This is Kristen Welker at the white house. After a stunning rebuke, tonight President Trump trying to downplay the impact of roy moores loss, the candidate he supported. How will that loss affect your agenda . I dont think its going to affect it. Reporter still a huge embarrassment for the president after backing moores opponent in the primary, President Trump supported moore in the general election in part after his former chief strategist steve bannon convinced him to do so. Get out and vote for roy moore. Reporter alabama exit polls show voters are divided in their support of President Trump after he overwhelmingly won the state just a year ago. So is the president becoming a liability . Not only is donald trump weakened by United States senate, but he put his prestige on the line for a candidate who turned out to be absolutely toxic. Reporter deepening gop concerns, the rift in the Republican Party is growing with bannon saying moores loss has energized his war against the establishment. Theres no magic wand. Youre going to have to outwork people. If you get outworked, youre going to lose. Reporter even as many republicans are stepping up their calls for bannon to abandon his antiestablishment battle. He campaigns in front of an american flag. He goes out of his way, looks like some disheveled drunk that wandered in off the street. Reporter on capitol hill a mix of relief that moore wont be coming to washington. I couldnt be more happy. Alabamians didnt want somebody who dated 14yearold girls. Reporter and worry the gop loss in alabama could be a sign of things to come in the 2 better. Reporter the Immediate Impact may be on capitol hill where republicans already very narrow majority will be cut by one vote, making it even more difficult for the president to pass key agenda items. Lester. Kristen welker tonight, thank you. There are conflicting reports tonight about what happened surrounding the departure of trump aide and former apprentice contestant, Omarosa Manigault newman from the white house. The Administration Says she resigned though a white house official tells nbc news the timing of manna gault newmans departure was unexpected. Its unclear whether the decision to leave was hers or whether she was removed from the post. The man involved in the russia investigation says he has full confidence in Robert Mueller. But a newly revealed batch of Text Messages between two fbi officials who work on muellers team and also worked on the clinton email investigation has many republicans questioning the investigations impartiali [000 10 58;00] Trumps Campaign was building steam last spring, an fbi lawyer sent a text message to one of the bureaus top agents who was working on the russia investigation. The lawyer, lisa page, wrote, god, trump is loathsome human. And the agent peter strzok said Hillary Clinton should win 100 million to zero. A few months later, she texted maybe youre meant to stay where you are because youre meant to protect the country from that menace. They frequently called mr. Trump an idiot. When clun won the primary he wrote, about damn time. When it appeared that trump won the election strzok texted, omg, this is exmessive terrifying. Until july, strzok was part of muellers special counsel investigation. He was dismissed from the team when mueller found out about those texts. Rod rosenstein the Deputy Attorney general who oversees muellers team was hammered today by house republicans. They say the texts show that muellers investigation of the Trump Campaign is biased. This is not just political opinions. Unaccountable bias and theres no way that could not affect a persons work. And im here to tell you, mr. Rosenstein, i think the public trust in this whole thing is gone. Reporter but rosenstein says he and mueller are determined to make sure that, despite anyones personal views, the investigation is impartial. We will ensure that no bias is reflected in any of the actions taken by the special counsel or in any matter within the jurisdiction of the department of justice. Reporter rosenstein says hes fully confident in how Robert Mueller is doing his job and that no one, including President Trump, has ever urged him to fire mueller. Lester . Pete williams, thank you. Theres late word senator john mccain is back in the hospital tonight being treated for what his office calls normal side effects of his ongoing cancer therapy. As mccains battle continues, longtime friend joe biden appeared on the view today cohosted by the senators daughter, meghan mccain. The two sharing a very the impact cancer has had on both their families. Nbcs Hallie Jackson has more. Reporter on a critical week for congress, at the capitol a noticeable absence. Mr. Mccain. Reporter senator john mccain at Walter Reed Medical Center in treatment for brain cancer. His office emphasizing tonight, he looks forward to returning to work as soon as possible. His daughter getting emotional today on the view with former Vice President joe biden whose son died 2 1 2 years ago. Your son beau had the same cancer that my father was diagnosed with six months ago. And im sorry. But theres a lot of hope there. I think about beau almost every day. And i was told sorry that this doesnt get easier. Reporter the moment poignant and personal. Its not about me. Its about everyone. No, no. It is about everyone. But look, one of the things that gave beau was john. Your dad, you may remember when you were a little kid, your dad took care of my beau. Beau talked about your dads courage, not about illness, but about his courage. Reporter diagnosed over the summer, mccain this winter has seemed to struggle at times getting around the capitol, physically weaker, but still ribbing reporters. The treatment is very difficult. John has kept his senatorial duties at a level that just blows my mind. Reporter now in one of his lifes biggest battles, the senator fighting hard. Hallie jackson, nbc news. Were going to take a short break here. In a moment, you still have a lot of names on your Holiday Shopping list. Well tell you the best day to score the best deal on clothes, electronics, toys and more. Also another famous actress comes forward. The accusation shes leveling at harvey weinstein. I dont have to choose 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. The market. Redict but through good times and bad. At t. Rowe price. Weve helped our investors stay confident for over 75 years. Call us or your advisor. T. Rowe price. Invest with confidence. Bburning of diabetic nerve pain these feet. Liked to style my dog as a kid. Ny longer. So i talked to my doctor and she prescribed lyrica. Lyrica may cause serious allergic reactions, suicidal thoughts or actions. 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Reporter if you missed the black friday stampede, the best holiday deals of the year may still be on the shelf. Theresa gilmore has 12 days left to shop for seven people, but industry insiders say knowing what to buy when could save you big. In the leadup to christmas, you will see some retailers with special offers and promotions that they have been saving for the lastminute shopper. Reporter todays the day to get plugged in on a new laptop. Tomorrow go to work on tools and hardware. Theyre typically on sale. Target the 15th for video games. Month. I try to take advantage of it, you know, and i covered all my list. So i did good. Reporter apparel, shoes or Kitchen Appliances on your list . Shop the 15th. The smart play for toys, the 16th. The sooner you buy the better. Shippers are stretched to the limit. Many retailers urging shoppers to buy online and pick up in the store as late deliveries typically double over the holidays. 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Actress salma hayek is breaking her silence about harvey weinstein. In a powerful oped she calls weinstein, bombarding her with unwanted sexual advances. She also says weinstein forced her to do a nude scene in the movie frida for his own gratification. More than 80 women accuse weinstein of Sexual Misconduct. He denies having any nonconsensual sexual encounters. An allstar class is about to join an exclusive club of the greatest of all time. Nina simone, bon jovi, the cars, dire straits, the moody blues and sister Rosetta Tharp make up the list of the 2018 class of the rock n roll hall of fame. They were chosen from a group of 19 nominees that will be inducted in april in cleveland. Do you ever get accused of being too stubborn . That might not be a bad thing. A new study finds it might help you actually live longer. Researchers at the university of california san diego and a university in rome found traits like positivity, a good work ethic and, yes, stubborn the keys to longevity. When we come back, the real life Charlie BrownChristmas Tree and the girl who knew all it needed was a little love. Who knew all it needed was a if you have moderate to severe plaque psoriasis,. Isnt it time to let the real you shine through . Maybe its time for Otezla Apremilast . Otezla is not an injection or a cream. Its a pill that treats plaque psoriasis differently. With otezla, 75 clearer skin is achievable after just 4 months,. With reduced redness,. Thickness, and scaliness of plaques. And the otezla prescribing information has. No requirement for routine lab monitoring. Dont use if youre allergic to otezla. Otezla may cause severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Tell your doctor if these occur. Otezla is associated with an increased. Risk of depression. Tell your doctor if you have. A history of depression. Or suicidal thoughts,. Or if these feelings develop. Some people taking otezla. Reported weight loss. Your doctor should monitor your weight and may stop treatment. Other side effects include upper. Respiratory tract infection and headache. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take. O be. Ask your dermatologist about otezla today. Otezla. Show more of you. Its date night and. Ugh. Nothing fits. Youre just bloated from gas. I can see it and i know you feel it. Take gasx®, the 1 gas relief brand. It relieves pressure and bloating fast so you can wear whatever you want. So we know how to cover almost almoanything. Hing even a swing set standoff. And we covered it, july first, twentyfifteen. Talk to farmers. We know a thing or two because weve seen a thing or two. We are farmers. Bumpadum, bumbumbumbum but he hasoke up wwork to do. In. So he took aleve. If hed taken tylenol, hed be stopping for more pills right now. Only aleve has the strength to stop tough pain for up to 12 hours with just one pill. Aleve. All day strong. Finally, its something right out of the classic Charlie Brown christmas special. It may not be the most traditional Christmas Tree youll ever see, but thanks to the girl who saved it, its becoming a lasting tribute to the spirit o the season. Heres joe fryer. Reporter among the hundreds of almond trees neatly lined across the genzoli family orchard, you might notice the scrawny one on the corner which was moments away from removal until Danielle Genzoli intervened. She had a fit. All this tree needs is a little love and care. It deserves to live, dad. Reporter danielle called it her Charlie Brown tree. I never thought it was such a bad little tree. Reporter like the one in a Charlie Brown christmas, the tv special and book. Maybe it just needs a little love. Reporter touching words for danielles mom, kimber. Because thats what she said about her tree. Reporter you see, 12 years ago at the age of 16 danielle was in a car accident and died. Just took our hearts away. Reporter understandably, her parents were in the Christmas Spirit until someone hung an ornament on that tree, a simple idea that grew into a christmas tradition. I wonder who brought this. Reporter now every year the Community Covers the tree in ornaments and lights. Thats a new one. Its danielles Charlie Brown tree, but its also a community tree. Reporter its even decorated for valentines, st. Patricks day and halloween, but this time of year means the two, one. [ cheers ] reporter they always light the tree on danielles december birthday. A scrawny tree with surprising strength. Most of us may not have seen it. Thank goodness danielle did. Made it the brightest and the best of all. Thanks to danielle. Reporter joe fryer, nbc news, california. What a beautiful tribute to a life cut short. We appreciate you spending part of your evening with us. That is nightly news for this wednesday night. Im lester holt. For all of us at nbc news, thank you for watching and good night. It happened in alabama, but the results continue to resinate every where. Oh my god