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The GOP takes back the House. Plus, new details emerge in the murders of four college students at an off-campus house at the University of Idaho, and Candace Cameron responds to a wave of criticism over her comments about "traditional marriage."  

Republicans win control of the House, giving the GOP a powerful check on Biden.

More than a week after polls closed on Election Day, NBC News projects Republicans have won control of the House of Representatives. Several tight races will give the GOP a slim majority in the chamber. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) won the Republican nomination for Speaker of the House, but must win additional support to secure the position. And in the Senate, where Democrats kept control, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky won re-election to remain the top Republican in the chamber. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) plans to give an update on her future in Congress later today. 

Here’s what we know about the four University of Idaho students found murdered near campus.

New details are emerging about the murders of four University of Idaho students who were found dead in a house in Moscow, Idaho, on Sunday. The city's police chief said yesterday that two other roommates were home at the time of the slayings, but were not injured or taken hostage. The victims — Ethan Chapin, 20; Madison Mogen, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Kaylee Goncalves, 21— were fatally stabbed in an “isolated, targeted attack, and police were still hunting for a suspect. Meanwhile, a late-night food truck camera appeared to show 2 of the victims hours before their deaths. Here's everything we know so far.

Candace Cameron Bure responds to blowback for her comments on 'traditional marriage' in Christmas movies.

“Full House” alum Candace Cameron Bure has spoken out after facing backlash for saying her new network, Great American Family, is going to “keep traditional marriage at the core” of its Christmas movies. Celebrities and groups quickly responded, with LGBTQ advocacy group GLAAD calling Bure’s comments “harmful and insulting." Jojo Siwa called Bure’s take “rude and hurtful to a whole group of people” in an Instagram post, while Bure’s “Full House” co-star Jodie Sweetin left a comment in support. "It absolutely breaks my heart that anyone would ever think I intentionally would want to offend and hurt anyone," Bure said yesterday. Read her full response here.

🛍️ 80+ early Black Friday deals to shop from Target, Walmart, Amazon and more.

Black Friday is just a week away, and experts say if you're not thinking about it until the morning of, you might miss out on the best deals. To ensure the most savings, Julie Ramhold, consumer analyst with DealNews.com, says to shop around for what you want before buying. "Look at retailers you might not ordinarily shop at to see if they have better deals than your tried-and-true stores," she told us. Amazon, Target and Walmart have already started discounts — check out more than 80 early Black Friday deals, from AirPods to GoPros.

Achieve your life goals with easy tips.

As a kid in the ‘80s, TODAY writer Rachel Paula Abrahamson's playdates were spent in friends’ basements slurping juice boxes and goofing off. As a mom, she’s found those days are over. “When did moms become cruise directors?” she asks, as playdates seem to have become mini birthday parties, with goodie bags, homemade treats and parent-led activities. But one youth development expert cautions against investing too much energy into playdates, insisting parents focus on keeping kids safe and giving them space (and maybe a snack). “Your job at a playdate is not to entertain or impress your children’s friends,” she said. For more on how to shrug off the playdate stress, go here.

Allow us to do the meal-planning for you.

Dinner, of course, is the star of Thanksgiving, but do you have a breakfast move? if not, we recommend this roasted squash with whipped ricotta toast. Fresh, in-season squash combines with ricotta for a velvety, sweet and tangy spread to serve on buttery toast. It's a great morning nibble during the Macy's Day Parade, or serve it later as an appetizer.

A little pick-me-up before you go.

As a journalist in Kenya was filming a report on the country’s drought, a baby elephant came up from behind him and stole the show. As Alvin Kaunda was speaking, a brown trunk came into frame to investigate his face. The elephant eventually grabbed his nose and mouth, sending the reporter into giggles. Kaunda said he had filmed more than 10 takes of his report at an elephant orphanage before one of the beasts got curious, The Washington Post reported. “I’d kept my distance, but I was so focused and didn’t even realize they were getting close,” he told a local Kenyan station. Watch the video here. 

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Written by Anna Kaplan | Edited by Philip Caulfield

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