a president ial impeachment

inquiry could become official. israel's military campaign in gaza is pushing tensions with the white house higher president biden warning benjamin netanyahu as aid workers call the situation an apocalyptic free fall. we are just a few hours away from the fed's last potential rate hike of the year, but will they choose to hold steady we break down what the fed decision means for your 2024 budget the race to save one of america's national treasures climate change-fueled wildfires wreaking havoc on joshua trees and we kick up your typical hot chocolate recipe with a 21 and up twist "early today" starts right now good morning, and thanks for joining us, i'm jessica layton >> glad you could be with us,

i'm frances rivera. a vote in congress is expected to come today on an official impeachment inquiry. the inquiry has not shown any direct evidence of wrongdoing by the president. >> the house oversight committee also schedule d a closed-door deposition with hunter biden he has said he's interested in testifying but known public. it's unclear if hunter biden will appear today. republicans have threatened to hold him in contempt of congress if he does not meantime, president biden spent tuesday hosting an ally at the white house. ukrainian president volodymyr zelenskyy returned to washington, d.c., pleading for more aid for his country for president biden has been urging congress to pass a massive funding package that includes billions for aid to

ukraine. hi, brie, zelenskyy's visit to the capitol was much different than the one last year >> reporter: last year president zelenskyy received a hero's welcome. this year he was faced with a stalemate in our congress. the ukrainian leader made his case to leaders of each party in closed-door meetings the republicans are holding up a massive funding package, because they want it to include an overhaul of immigration policies at our southern border and house speaker mike johnson also says he wants a clear strategy of how ukraine can win. >> we need a clear articulation of the strategy to allow ukraine to win and thus far, their responses have been insufficient >> president zelenskyy made it so clear how he needs help, but if he gets the help he can win this war and he outlined in some great deal, a, the kind of help he needs, and how it hadwill help

win. >> reporter: meanwhile, president biden did announce $200 million in additional aid for ukraine, but he warned, begin, that the u.s. will soon run out of the ability to help unless more funding is approved. after this news conference, zelenskyy told nbc news that his meetings with lawmakers were helpful and that he got a chance to offer a detailed explanation of what is happening on the battlefield. nbc news also later asked speaker mike johnson if congress would approve aid to ukraine he made it clear that republicans won't approve the package unless they get their tougher or get tougher policies for our southern border. frances? >> brie jackson for us, thank you. and now gaza, where israel's war against hamas is raging on the u.n. general assembly has voted 153-10 to demand a humanitarian cease-fire. the u.s. joined israel, voting

against the resolution, but president biden offered some pretty blunt words for israel's government over what he is now calling indiscriminate bombing in gaza. and this comes amid reports that israel is flooding hamas tunnels. here's nbc's richard engel >> reporter: israel is pushing ahead with its devastating ground offensive in gaza, fighting door to door to overthrow hamas. a u.s. official tells nbc news, israel is pumping seawater to flood hamas tunnels in limited areas of gaza, saying it's unclear if it will work. >> there is assertions being made that there's quite sure there are no hostages in any of these tunnels, but i don't flow that for a fact. >> reporter: israel ales military campaign is now sparking tensions with the white house. president biden spiking at speaa fundraiser saying israel is right to take on hamas and has

support but they are losing support and that benjamin netanyahu's government has to change you can't say there's no palestinian state in the future. the administration wants the more m mod ran palestinian auth moderate palestinian authority to take control of gaza six aid groups said the humanitarian situation in gaza is in an apocalyptic free fall writing, the war has killed more than 7,500 children, more than all global conflicts last year combined israelis are still reeling from the october 7 attack when hamas killed more than 1200 people and took 240 hostages. kibbutz beeri was overrun by hamas at 6:30 am golan, a data manager for a pharmaceutical company was here as hamas and other militants went house to house, killing and setting fires.

>> there were two terrorists just standing casually over there. no one is fighting them. >> reporter: golan locked his family in a safe room in his house and went outside with his pistol when you saw that they were focussing on your place and they were coming for you, that's when you emptied the magazine >> yes, and i hit them they were hit. i don't know if i killed anyone. >> reporter: luckily, the attackers moved on and didn't return his security camera recorded when israeli troops did finally come to the rescue 16 hours later does that slow response make you angry? people here angry? >> we were supposed to be protected, and we weren't. >> reporter: the israeli government has repeatedly acknowledged the failure and says it will be investigated thoroughly when the war is over, but many israelis are increasingly frustrated with that answer and say prime minister netanyahu is refusing

to accept responsibility >> all right, richard, thank you. with just over a month until the new hampshire republican primary, a major political figure is weighing in on the contest. at a campaign event tuesday, the state's gop governor, chris sununu endorsed nikki haley for president. he flirted with his own presidential run this year while haley has seen a recent uptick in support, she still trails trump by double digits in most state polling a new york courthas allowe the state to redraw its congressional map. it throws out a map that led to several republican victories in the state. democrats are lopinghoping to fp several seats. republicans say they will challenge any map that violates the gerrymandering ban

arizona must decide the future of an abortion law. it was enacted in 1864 when arizona was still a territory. justices must now decide if the state can enforce the law, which would only allow abortions aif the mother's life is in danger now to a mystery flight taken at one of the nation's biggest airports authorities discovered a russian stowaway a criminal complaint shows the man arrived at l.a.x but when he reached customs, officers discovered he was never listed as a passenger on the flight and didn't even have a passport he did have russian and israeli i.d.s. according to the complaint, the flight crew noticed the man walking around the plane did not appear to have an assigned seat and kept asking for meals. it is still unclear how he got on that flight a good reason to stay up late tonight or not sleep at

all. one of the best meteor showers of the year is streaking acrisis the night sky. angie lassman has the timing for us and if the sky is going to be clear. >> you're going to want to set your alarm the peak is midnight to 3:00 a.m really the entire night you will be able to see it. but we could see anywhere from 80 per hour in the right conditions and the good news is the crescent moon will set early in the evening. pretty good if you have the fo for and some spots do. look across parts of the midwest, tennessee valley, really good viewing. clear skies also for parts of southern california, nevada, even up into portions of the northern plains. it will be fairly cloudy as we watch that system across parts of the southwest and moving into the plains and even the northwest is going to be quite cloudy if you live in the northeast things look good there along the gulf coast you'll have to deal with some clouds there as well. we've got snow not just today

but into portions of the southwest tomorrow this will lead us with the chance of flooding for texas, new mexico it will be something tha angelo. philadelphia hits 46 degrees today. and that's a look at your forecast, ladies don't forget to set your alarm >> oh, we will be up you know that. thanks, angie. this morning we are remembering the life of one of tv's top police officers >> i have zero interest in food. if it were feasible, my diet would consist entirely of flavorless beige smoothies, containing all the nutrients required by the human animal >> actor andre braugher passed away at the age of 61 after a

brief illness. he garnered acclaim for his dramatic and comedic roles as police officer in a statement tuesday, nbc entertainment commemorated him, calling him the actor that others would always aspire to be "early today" is back in a minute with how apple is keeping an eye on would-be thieves and will we be seeing another interest rate hike close to the new year? we're live with what to expect from the last fed meeting of 2023 from the last fed meeting of 2023. ed stuff gives me a headache, but this is just right. and i don't like anything. but i like this. get a light scent that lasts with no heavy perfumes or dyes. ( ♪ ♪ ) (screams) bleeding gums are serious, jamie. dr. garcia? woah. they're a sign of bacterial infection. crest gum detoxify's antibacterial fluoride works below the gumline to help heal gums and stop bleeding. crest saves the day. crest.

feeling sluggish or weighed down? it could be a sign that your digestive system isn't at its best. metamucil gummies make it easy to get the fiber you need. promoting your digestive health for a better you. metamucil gummies. the easy way to get your daily fiber. we're back with news that apple is testing out a new security feature called stolen device protection to help guard against stolen passcodes it uses the device location and if the user is in an unfamiliar place it would add extra steps

before before allowing changes. we could find out today if another interest rate hike is on the way. let's turn to cnbc with what to expect good morning >> very good morning well, market players do not expect any changes to the current level of interest rates at this meeting. however, we have seen prices falling in recent months and therefore, investors will be loo looking for clues on whether the fed will cut rates in the new year aheading of the meeting some traders were expecting that these first rate cuts will start in may of 2024 and that then the fed will continue on that path in the months ahead. but of course a lot will depend on how the u.s. comply develops in the new year. now, i have to say, though, that going into today's meeting, the

main take away, guys, is that it's not so much about the decision they will get later on today. but more about the message on the outlook for 2024 >> we have to read between the lines then, siylvia, thank you we are putting a boozy twist on a classic, we ring in national cocoa day with a hot chocolate koblg tail ay with a h chocolate koblg tail. jerry! come see who it is! what are you doing here you said you weren't coming home! i wanted to surprise you! mom, are you coming? i'll be right in! ( ♪♪ ) this is not just 1-hour delivery. this is help with the holidays, right in your neighborhood. walgreens. ( ♪♪ ) honey... honey... nyquil severe honey. powerful cold and flu relief

with a dreamy honey taste. nyquil honey, the nighttime, sniffing, sneezing, couging, aching, fever, honey-licious, best sleep with a cold, medicine. lactaid is 100% real milk, just without the lactose. delicious too. just ask my old friend, kevin. nothing like enjoying a cold one while watching the game. who's winning? we are, my friend. we are. theo's nose was cause for alarm, so dad brought puffs plus lotion to save it from harm. puffs has 50% more lotion and brings soothing relief. don't get burned by winter nose. a nose in need deserves puffs indeed. america's #1 lotion tissue. feeling ughh from a backed up gut? miralax works naturally with the water in your body to help you go... ...free your gut. and your mood will follow. for 8 grams of fiber, try new mirafiber gummies. listen, your deodorant just has to work. i use secret aluminum free. just swipe and it lasts all day. secret helps eliminate odor, instead of just masking it.

and hours later, i still smell fresh. secret works! ohhh yesss. ♪♪ - bye, bye cough. - later chest congestion. hello 12 hours of relief. 12 hours!! not coughing? hashtag still not coughing?! mucinex dm gives you 12 hours of relief from chest congestion and any type of cough, day or night. mucinex dm. it's comeback season.

ooh, we got it >> we got it we got it. ♪ hot, hot, hot chocolate ♪ >> we got it >> we are not on the polar express. >> ours is better than that. >> we are celebrating national cocoa day. to celebrate, we're putting a grown-up spin on the holiday classic. and our bar and beverage

specialist is here with a cozy cocktail we are a little bit excited about this >> this is exciting. hot cocoa can mix with anything. that's the beauty of it. we have some of my favorite options right here my favorite two bases is either like a dark rum or brandy. so i have two cocoas here for you so you can each make your own. >> okay. >> frances, what would you like to start with? >> i would like to go with something less sweet rum is always on the sweeter side let's do some brandy >> okay. >> this is great, i've thrown in some vodka when it comes to hot chocolate, but never these two who knew it would all gowith chocolate. >> what would you like >> i will do the other, so i'll to the rum we'll mix it up a little bit i've done bailey'se baile am am never these.

>> people would typically add a bailey's or amaretto or coffee liqueur. and we're going to put fruit fruit and chocolate, mm. >> always a great combo. >> i've never tried it in a drink. >> you have two options again. mango chili or berry with a little bit of cinnamon >> mm, i'll do the mango chili get some heat in that hot cocoa. >> and this is nice, because you can have the cozy family night you can give the kids the regular hot chocolate, and then you can, you know, make yours a little extra special >> 100%. and this travels well, too you can stash a little, so when you're out and about, carolling, p pour a little something something in our drinks. >> and last but not least, whipped cream. >> oh, boy, oh, my gosh. >> here we go.

>> woo >> and we've been up for a while, so it's kind of like our 5:00 right now, right? >> okay. >> here you are. >> we will try >> clears. cheers. >> happy holidays. >> just keep these away from the kids, because they will want to dive right in. >> that is nice. it's sweet but not too sweet the sweetness of the chocolate and the fruit. >> this is spectacular skip dessert during the holidays it is holiday in the cup thank you. as always. >> you're the best >> we'll be right back after this .

(bill) we made a promise to our boy blue that we would make the healthiest foods possible... ...with the finest natural ingredients and real meat first. and that's our promise to you and your dog or cat. because when you love them like family you want to feed them like family. ♪♪ vicks vapostick provides soothing, non-medicated vicks vapors. easy to apply for the whole family. vicks vapostick. and try vicks vaposhower for steamy vicks vapors. i'm jimmy dean and uh, isn't that sunrise somthin'? i honestly feel that way about jimmy dean sausage. get yourself a large chunk of that good morning feeling. boy, that smells good. mmm.

nature's bounty hair growth. clinically shown to help grow thicker, fuller hair with just one capsule a day of advanced hair complex. conquer hair thinning... ...and fall in love with your hair all over again. only from nature's bounty. lately, my skin seems dry and sensitive. my dermatologist recommended all free clear for my laundry. it's free of dyes and perfumes, for a clean that's gentle on skin. if it touches my skin, i clean it with all free clear the number one brand recommended by dermatologists.

there's something going around the gordon home. good thing gertrude found delsym. now what's going around is 12-hour cough relief. and the giggles. the family that takes delsym together, feels better together. bladder leak underwear has one job. i just want to feel protected! especially for those sudden gush moments. when your keys are in the door and your body's like, “it's happening”! if you're worried about your protection, it's not the right protection. always discreet protects like no other. with double leak guards that help prevent gushes escaping from the sides. and a rapid dry core that locks in your heaviest gush quickly for up to zero leaks. and it contours, to everybody. now this, is protection! always discreet- the protection we deserve! we are back with what you need to know "early today. florida attorney general ashley moody announced an anti-trust

probe against the college football playoff committee after excluding the undefeated florida state seminoles in the upcoming playoffs they ranked fifth. moody is investigating whether the committee was involved in anti-competitive conduct hill ar hilary duff is expecting baby number four good for them. congrats we'll be right back. we'll be right back. the all-in-one and done symptom relief of mucinex is delivered fast with doordash to the comfort of your couch. slow down!... i mean (coughs) slow down! ahh! watch it! ♪♪ come on! a hero will answer the call... (laughs) you just have to answer the door. oof! that was fast. ♪♪ mucinex available on doordash. ahh! it's comeback season. skin-carving next level hydration?

new neutrogena hydro boost water cream. a vital boost of nine times more hydration* to boost your skin's barrier for quenched, dewy skin that's full of life. neutrogena. hydro boost. having triplets is... -amazing -expensive. so, we switched to the bargain detergent, but we ended up using three times as much and the clothes still weren't as clean as with tide. so we're back with tide, and the clothes are clean again. do 3x the laundry and get a tide clean. it's got to be tide. volunteers are on a mission to rebuild one of the country's most beautiful national parks by planting

planting seeds of hope liz kreutz takes us inside the effort to save the joshua tree >> reporter: they look like something out of a dr. seuss book california's iconic joshua trees. but as we drive into the mojave national preserve, all around us devastation. >> brought a tear to my eye when i was driving in, because it's such a loss. >> reporter: over the past three years, two massive fires exploded in this area, killing an estimated 2.5 million joshua trees. this used to be one of the densest joshua tree populations in the world but now everywhere you turn it looks like this. these skeletal trees, charred, burnt to a crisp, and it goes on like this mile after mile after mile >> the plant will kind of come out and fall in the hole >> reporter: now erin knight is leading an ambitious project to save the trees are you scared that there could be a world without joshua trees? >> oh, totally most of these joshua trees

burned all the way to the crowns >> reporter: the plan is to plant 4,000 over four years. among those volunteering -- >> anybody over there need a hammer >> reporter: 10-year-old joshua from wisconsin yes, named after joshua trees. >> we came hiking here when i was pregnant with ansel. >> reporter: but restoring these trees was not easy, as the desert sees higher temperatures and less rain, only about 20% of these new ones will survive. it could be decades before >> oh, yeah. >> reporter: they're grown >> and we're not going to see this in our lifetime being what it was in the past still, i think if one tree survives, that is success. >> reporter: they are planting the seeds for future generations. >> it's a crisis, and you can see it first hand here maybe we're a small part of fixing that. >> reporter: a labor of love in the fight to preserve these

treasur treasure 3ed trees and still ahead, remembering andre braugher we'll have a lock bacok back ats career as memorials are pouring in just 61 years old, so young and that smile that lit up the screen >> he's one of those actors where you think, oh, my gosh, he was in "brooklyn 99. so many genres in acting thanks so much for watching "early today." i'm frances vera >>ri my name's dan and i live here in san antonio, texas. i ran my own hvac business and now i'm retired. i'm not good being retired. i'm a pain in the neck. i like to be able to have a purpose. about three or four years ago, i wasn't feeling as if i was as sharp as i used to be. i saw the prevagen commercials. after a short amount of time taking prevagen,

i started noticing a difference-- that i'm remembering this, i'm remembering that. i stopped taking prevagen and i found myself slacking back so i jumped right back on it. prevagen. at stores everywhere without a prescription. ( ♪♪ ) ( ♪♪ ) ( ♪♪ ) ( ♪♪ ) "top story." stay right there, more news on the way. ews on the way. a presidential impeachment