major accidents on the roadways, which is great, as more people are heading back to work. >> thank goodness. and thank goodness it sounds like the new year is starting off on a sunny note. hopefully that's a good sign. >> hope in the future. >> mother nature says i'll give you a little more of this. >> exactly. thanks, kari. thanks so much to all of you for joining us. >> it is the day after christmas, kwanzaa has begun, returning gifts today. folks are going to be busy. keep it safe out there as we continue to keep things moving. >> thank you so much for joining us for "today in the bay." the "today" show starts now. we hope to see you back here tomorrow. good tuesday morning. it's the day after christmas. for families across the country, that means it's time to hit the road again. >> holiday travelers gear up for new year's celebrations. it's december 26th.

this is "today." the holiday travel rush is far from finished with americans returning from christmas and gearing up for new year's. millions of drivers facing dangerous winter weather on the roads and at least one airline racing to get back on track after hundreds of cancellations. we have what you need to know and what's in store this busy week. breaking overnight, the u.s. carrying out a new round of retaliatory air strikes in iraq. an attack on air base injured three service members on christmas day. one in critical condition this morning. we have the very latest. no end in sight. prime minister benjamin netanyahu visiting israeli troops in the gaza strip saying he's planning a new phase of the war despite calls for a cease-fire. this morning officials around the world are stepping up security to keep crowds safe

ahead of new year's eve. just plain wrong. spirit airlines apologizing this morning after an unaccompanied 6-year-old boy ended up on the wrong flight to the wrong city. >> how did that happen? >> his family demanding answers. we'll have the latest on the investigation. those stories, plus thanks but no thanks. first the gift giving. now the gift returns. things could be more complicated this year at some of the nation's biggest retailers. we have the deadlines you need to know and why you might have to pay to take that sweater back that just doesn't fit. and festive on the field. the baltimore ravens celebrating a stunning christmas win against the 49ers. well, it was a very merry swiftmas for taylor's fans. her whole family in kansas city cheering on travis kelce and the chiefs keeping spirits bright

despite a loss to the raiders. today, december 26, 2023. from nbc news, this is "today" with savannah guthrie and hoda kotb. from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. >> good morning and welcome to "today." it is 7:00 on the west coast. we hope you had a great holiday. savannah and hoda are enjoying the week off. i'm peter alexander around with laura jarrett. hope you had a good christmas. >> it was all good. good food, good gifts. >> your son got what he wanted? >> as it turns out. we turn to the holiday travel rush with millions of americans expected to fly or drive between now and new year's day. it's been a rough stretch for some with that blizzard causing

white-out conditions in the plains. some southwest flyers are facing major delays. dylan is going to have a look at the forecast for the week ahead. we start with morgan chesky. >> the airlines are trying their best to keep up with the holiday rush this go-around hiring extra staff trying to avoid what happened to southwest last year that left 2 million passengers stranded. the good news today, things so far so good thanks in large part to more mild ware across a large part of the country, but there's still been plenty of travel hiccups. this morning americans are on the move. millions now returning from the christmas weekend, and many heading off for the new year holiday, taking to the roads, rails and the skies. on the road, blizzard conditions across the plains and midwest making for a chaotic drive back home.

with travel dangerous to impossible at times, according to the national weather service. in nebraska, the state patrol says it responded to more than 100 weather-related incidents, despite urging drivers to stay off the road. dangerous whiteout conditions and ice on the interstate as well causing semi-trucks to slip off the road. in several cases jackknifed tractor trailers forced highways to shut down for hours. while air travel was mostly smooth over the weekend, travelers still faced some trouble in certain areas. >> we had an evening flight and it was delayed, delayed because of the fog and then canceled. >> reporter: in chicago, even thick fog delayed dozens of flights, even triggering cancellations. southwest with nearly 300 cancellations on sunday after the fog in midway caused disruptions, but it was nowhere near last year's christmas melt downwhere the airline canceled 17,000 flights. southwest says it expects to be back to a full operation today. this year's travel period

between christmas and new year's day, the second busiest since 2019, according to aa ashgs more than 115 million travelers are expected to go 50 miles or more from home by air or car. and the race home for the holidays even surpassing pre-pandemic levels at the nation's airports with more than 2.6 million people going through tsa checkpoints last thursday. despite some travel in the skies, travelers did not lose their holiday spirits. >> there is frustrated people out here, but there is also plenty of cheer. >> reporter: there you go. regarding this year's cancellations, southwest says they have an all hands on deck approach to take care of customers as fast and safely as possible. in the meantime, if you are hitting the roads, be advised, aaa says this upcoming thursday likely going to be one of the most congested days on the road before christmas. >> all right. smooth sailing, we hope, for the next several days. thank you very much. >> all right. dylan is in for al this morning

with the all-important forecast. what do you need to know? how is it looking? >> there is kind of a big storm system spread out through the plains states and down through the southeast. it has multiple parts to it. we did have heavier snowfall yesterday across the dakotas, down to nebraska and some snow is still falling right now. the storm itself is weakening a bit, a trying to fall apart, so we will not see heavy, heavy snow today, but blowing snow will be an issue. look at this rain stretching into atlanta where we could see stronger storms developing across the southeast later today. we do have winter storm warnings still in effect. ice storm warnings, too. the blizzard warnings, because of winds 35 to 50 miles per hour, that could create blowing and drifting snow which could reduce visibility and make it more difficult on the roadways. this cold front will move east ward as we go through the day. we see western pennsylvania, heavier rain across virginia. and then on wednesday, we are

going to see this approach the east coast with some heavier rain down through the mid-atlantic stretching into the northeast by wednesday evening. if you are traveling today, the trouble spots are denver, minneapolis, cleveland, into the northeast with the rain moving in. after the storm moves out, we are clear sailing as we go through new year's eve, new year's day. it looks like it will be sunny for most of the country. >> very nice. all right. thanks so much, dylan. now to the breaking news we mentioned overnight, u.s. air strikes in iraq hitting sites where militants have been targeting troops. president biden authorizing those retaliatory strikes after a christmas day drone attack left three service members wounded. ryan nobles joins us now. good morning. >> good morning to you. yes, you're right, this is another sign of u.s. involvement and tensions escalating in the middle east. overnight the secretary of defense, lloyd austin, confirming u.s. military forces carried out what they say were

necessary and proportionate strikes in iraq, targeting several facilities being used by an iran-backed terrorist group. according to u.s. central command, early assessments show the facilities were successfully destroyed and a number of militants were killed. no civilian lives were affected. the defense department says the strikes were in response to a series of attacks against u.s. personnel in the area, including one earlier on christmas morning. that incident happened at an air base in iraq where three u.s. service members were injured from a drone attack, leaving one in critical condition. president biden quickly convened his security team at camp david where he made the call to direct the strikes against those groups responsible. peter? >> and, ryan, this has obviously become a cycle now. we have been reporting this out for months. were there any signs of this military activity slowing down? >> well, secretary austin says the president has no more higher priority than protecting americans serving in harm's way. and that the u.s. will continue to respond should these attacks

continue. there have been more than 100 in the region since october. peter? >> ryan nobles in washington, thank you. now to the middle east, where israel's government is under intense pressure to wind down that war and bring the hostages home. but negotiations on a new hostage deal showing little progress this morning. josh letterman joins us now near the israel/gaza border. good morning to you. >> good morning, laura. it has been a difficult period here in israel. a deep sense of mourning has there has been one funeral after another as israel has lost 17 troops on the battlefield just since friday. for palestinians in the gaza strip just behind me, the losses have been far more stark. this morning, gaza is reeling from one of the deadliest stretches of the war. some 250 palestinians killed in a 24-hour period, the hamas-run palestinian health ministry

says, including at least 70 on a christmas eve air strike on a central gaza refugee strike. the dead and wounded piling up at a nearby hospital. itself barely standing. >> doctors and nurses here are doing their best. their best will never be enough until there's a cease-fire. >> reporter: benjamin netanyahu is under pressure to change course by aid groups, foreign nations and by families of hostages still captive in gaza, who heckled him in israeli parliament holding signs saying, what if it was your daughter? but netanyahu was defiant during an unannounced visit to the war zone telling troops in gaza, we don't stop. this war continues until the end. with one of netanyahu's top advisers in washington today to discuss the war's next phase, netanyahu writing in the "wall street journal" that israel must

control gaza's security for the unforeseeable future, which the biden administration says is unacceptable. the war loomed over christmas day festivities at the vatican where pope francis pleaded for an end to what he called the appalling harvest of innocent lives. in israel, mothers and fathers are checking the idf website that announces those killed in action. this woman's son has been fighting in gaza for seven weeks. how long can you live like this? >> that's a good question. we break every day. >> you know, it's -- it's -- >> like when we say we can't do it anymore, but we don't have any choice. >> israel's war cabinet met last night to discuss the hostages as egypt is pushing a proposal that would initially see 40 hostages released in exchange for a multi-week pause in the fighting, but there's no signs that israel or hamas will accept that deal. laura? >> josh letterman, thank you. with the war in the middle east and heightened tensions

here at home, law enforcement remains on high alert as many are looking at celebrations to ring in 2024. protesters and police clashing in midtown manhattan yesterday. stephanie gosk is in times square where millions will be watching the ball drop on sunday night. what is the latest there? >> good morning, peter. for weeks, people have been protesting the war in gaza, and yesterday was no exception. here in midtown, there were those scuffles like you mentioned with police. there were six arrests according to the nypd. but no one was injured. you could see it got a little tense here. people calling for canceling christmas and no celebrations. it wasn't just here in new york city. also in chicago over the weekend, pro-palestinian demonstrators disrupted traffic. they also showed up at various places where people were doing last-minute shopping to get their voices heard. the calls for a cease-fire only growing louder here in this country as well, peter.

>> new year's eve is coming up, just a matter of days away. big crowds and some busy areas. what are the expectations when it comes to security? >> well, according to a bulletin from the department of homeland security and the fbi that was sent out to law enforcement across the country, there is a heightened concern and threat of possible lone wolf attacks, when one person, not an organization of people, choose a public event to attack. obviously here in new york city, you are going to have up to a million people here for the ball drop. but there will be large groups gathering also in places like d.c. and chicago. and law enforcement is asked to be an alert. so is the public, too, peter. >> yeah. as a reminder, what police always tell us, if you see something, say something. this is the time of year when that really matters. stephanie gosk at time square, thank you. as the presidential primary season will be in full swing, it may be hard to believe, but the

first in the nation iowa caucuses are less than three weeks away. nbc's aaron gilchrist is at the white house with the latest. good morning. >> good morning. and then there were six contenders trying to win the domination to get them to the white house. the fight for iowa is in full swing with donald trump leading the pack and setting his first 2024 rally in that state for january 6th. this morning, with less than three weeks to go before the official start of the 2024 primary season, republican presidential candidates are in their final push ahead of the iowa caucuses. but the prospect of catching up to former trump is increasingly appearing out of reach for the candidates as he maintains a more than 30-point lead in the hawkeye state in a poll. >> we can put this to bed after iowa, if you want to know the truth. we can put it to bed for them, too. they can go home and forget it. >> reporter: trump campaigning in iowa far less than other candidates. according to an nbc news tally,

he's visited 14 of iowa's 99 counties. desantis and ramaswamy visiting all 99. haley visiting 23. with haley and desantis battling it out, both are sharpening their attacks against each other. >> she represents more of the old establishment type of thinking. ceos rallying liberal democrats. >> ron desantis drafted and led the charge to ban the renewable fuel standard that matters so much here in iowa. he banned fracking. he banned offshore drilling. >> reporter: but it comes as nikki haley is surging in new hampshire with one poll putting her within 14 points of the former president. meanwhile, trump's fight rages on in the courts. four criminal cases, all potentially going to trial in 2024. his lawyers over the weekend asking the d.c. appeals court to toss out his case on grounds of presidential immunity, posting on truth social his efforts to

overturn president biden's win in 2020 were part of his, quote, duty as president. now, as the republican primary season settles, the biden campaign indicating the president will ramp up his re-election effort in the new year, and sources say he will have his sights squarely set on trump. >> all right. thank you. the nfl set up a holiday feast in last night's main event. the ravens and 49ers. the ravens defense picked off five interceptions. the ravens cruising to the win, 33-19. they now own the league's best record at 12-3. the philadelphia eagles snapped their three-game losing streak courtesy of the giants. jalen hurts setting a record. his 15th rushing td in a single season. a late giants rally fizzled. the eagles held on 33-25. the giants benching tommy devito, their qb. kansas city was looking to clinch the afc west title at home.

but the las vegas raiders scored on back-to-back turnovers. the raiders win 20-14. and that is your sports center. >> that seems like a win. 20-14, even i know that. >> that's a win. >> let's bring dylan back to look at the rest of the country's forecast. >> yeah. we have this storm system impacting most of the country. we could see issues if you are traveling back through wichita, denver the snow is still falling. the snow is still falling. blizzard conditions are expected across the western dakotas into western nebraska because of the blowing snow. we could see wind gusts of 50 to 55 miles an hour. we will start to see steadier rain take hold down through the carolinas, especially the western side of those states. in the northeast, temperatures look very much above average. we should see highs once again in the 50s. that's a look at the weather across the country. we'll get to your local forecast in the next 30 seconds. you need pantene's miracle rescue deep conditioner. it's filled with pro-vitamins to help hair lock in moisture,

visibly repairing six months of damage in just one use, with no weigh-down. guaranteed, or your money back. for hair that looks healthy and stays healthy. if you know, you know it's pantene. good tuesday morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. our temperatures will be cool today and only headed for the upper 50s for much of the east bay into the north bay, and 59 in san francisco. down the peninsula to the south bay, we'll see highs in the low 60s. we're also getting ready for rain arriving tomorrow, and off and on showers in the forecast for thursday into friday, as well as saturday. for now, sunday is looking dr and that's your latest forecast. >> all right, dylan. thank you very much. coming up, a parents' nightmare. their child on a flight to the wrong city

this happened this holiday weekend with an unaccompanied 6-year-old placed on the wrong plane. sam brock is following this frightening story. >> yeah, peter, good morning a lot of parents hearing that wondering, wait a minute, what happened spirit airlines apologizing for an unaccompanied 6-year-old child getting off in the wrong city completely. many families want to know what are the rules for children flying alone what are spirit airline's policies for children flying alone. the answer for that coming up after this >> lots of questions there plus, everything you need to know to get the most out of your holiday returns. the key deadlines, possible fees and what to do if you don't have a receipt. but, first, this is "today" on nbc.

still ahead here on "today," as many commit to get healthy in the new year, some are counting on weight loss drugs to make those still ahead here on "today," as many commit to get healthy in the new year, some are counting

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international airport. this, after weather in the midwest caused flight delays and cancellations on christmas day. fortunately, not as bad as those cancellations we saw at this time last year, but still hundreds of flights were canceled yesterday, including 11 at oakland international. so far this morning, no canceled flights, but expect long lines. a federal judge is ruling that the company x, formerly known as twitter, must pay its employees millions of dollars they were promised. the judge ruled friday that the social media giant violated a contract between the company and its employees. the employees have claimed that the company failed to give advance notice of mass layoffs. the lawsuit against the social media giant also claimed employees were promised half of their targeted bonuses. those payments to employees were never made. x could not be reached for comment on that ruling. we're going to check in with meteorologist kari hall for a look at our microclimate forecast. >> we are starting out with some hazy skies, and it's a spare the air alert day.

if you can, just try to limit the carbon emissions and no wood burning today. and then as we go into the next couple of darks we'll have something to help cleanse all of the unhealthy air quality, some rain moving in, starting out in the morning, and the rain will be off and on from tomorrow into the day on saturday, a couple of systems moving our way. there will be some breaks in between and we'll get some dry weather for sunday into monday, as we start out our new year. we're going to also see, once again, times of rain in san francisco, but we are all dry today. the full forecast on nbcbayarea.com.

♪ back now at 7:30 it is tuesday, december 26th, 2023 look at that crowd so merry, even in the cold nbc's jacob soboroff is in for craig this morning. >> what's up >> and christmas isn't over just

yet. on the plaza, the tree is shining in all her glory it is so nice to see you in person, not jumping out of a plane, not riding the waves. >> i never got to do this with the two of you together. i'm looking forward to this. >> we do this every weekend. you can come any time. >> i'll stop by. >> we hope everybody is having a good start to their holiday post holiday week. >> yes post-holiday this is a truly bizarre post-holiday story here. spirit airlines apologizing this morning after an unaccompanied minor was put on the wrong flight -- yes, the wrong flight to the wrong city. the young boy's grandmother waiting for him on an airport on the other side of the state only to find him not there sam brock joins us this morning with more. sam, good morning. >> reporter: laura, good morning. peter, jacob, good morning if you are parent out there wondering how is this child doing, he is okay.

so far spirit airlines has not offered an explanation as to how he ended up in the wrong city some 200 miles away from his destination. unaccompanied minors are allowed to fly between the ages of 5 to 14 however, a parent or guardian is expected to escort them to the gate and wait for the plane to take off spirit airlines this morning is apologizing after a six-year-old boy was placed on the wrong plane. the child flying alone for the first time boarded a spirit airlines flight in philadelphia. he was supposed to fly to fort myers, florida but instead look a nearly three-hour flight to orlando his grandmother, maria ramos, waiting for him at the fort myers airport. >> i was so excited about seeing my grandson again. >> reporter: ramos told cbs affiliate wake tv that realizing her grandson wasn't on the correct plane was one of the scariest moments of her life >> my heart was pounding.

>> reporter: the flight attendants in fort myers saying her grandson missed her flight ramos had his check-in tag once spirit airlines tracked down the location of her grandson, ramos raced to the orlando airport, a four-hour drive away in a statement, spirit airlines saying the child was always under the care and supervision of a spirit team member. as soon as he uncovered the error, we take immediate steps to contact the family. we take the safety of our gusts seriously and are conducting an internal investigation we apologize to the family for this experience. unaccompanied minors have gotten on the wrong plane before, like in 2019 when this 14-year-old. he flew to germany instead of sweden this whole deal reminiscent of blockbuster holiday movie. >> oh, no, my family is in florida, i'm in new york >> reporter: a happy ending for the ramos family, despite the questions that remain. >> how did that happen did they get him off the plane >> sam, we're glad that little boy is okay, but what are the standard protections here for

unaccompanied minors, especially at this time of the year. >> reporter: it is a great question, laura. so the department of transportation says the d.o.t. technically does not have any specific federal regulations the onus is on the individual airlines to craft their own policies spirit airlines parents have to sign a for actually acknowledging that child will be flying unaccompanied and they charge $150 each way to be able to do that service we have not been able to confirm if spirit airlines, whether or not their own guidelines were followed in this case. >> something tells me this is not the end of this story. >> they will be flying first class on spirit for a little while. >> i was going to say, grandma is the mvp driving to pick up the little man grandma, we love you. stick around because coming uprising interest rates kept many people out of the housing market this year but is there new hope ahead for those that want to buy a home in 2024 but, first, what you should

know about returning those less than perfect holiday gifts. brian cheung is here with a guide to getting what you want. >> good morning. all those gifts are opened up, and in some cases, you might want to bring that stuff back. we'll have to do as you head out on the other side of "today. what's that? you need another four inches? do you work here? nope, i just saw you there and i thought i'd save you the trouble. nana! she's a human measuring tape. and she knows allstate is the right fit for her. it's not gonna fit. that's not gonna fit. what? steven? some people just know. well played. well played, my friend. those are the people who know you're in good hands with allstate. my frequent heartburn had me taking antacid after antacid all day long but with prilosec otc just one pill a day blocks heartburn for a full 24 hours. for one and done heartburn relief, prilosec otc. one pill a day, 24 hours, zero heartburn. [music playing]

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your trips t the mall or post office may not be depending on what you got under the tree this year. >> shoppers returned over $170 billion worth of goods during last year's holiday season the rush to return this year's gifts could be even bigger here with what you need to know before you get rid of those only the day after christma unwanted items is brian cheung i may have returned one or two things already. i know it is only the day after christmas what do the return deadlines look like this year. >> it may not be the right fit or you just don't want it. but when it comes to the deadline, you will have extended periods in many cases to return those items. if you are looking at best buy or apple, it is basically until the middle of january to return those goods. january 13th, january 15th but for other major retailers, macy's walmart, amazon, kohl's, you have until january 31st to return you have basically a month to return a lot of these things. >> i am a habitual returner at

there are boxes everywhere i have noticed the fees are increasing lately. >> yeah. >> how much can people expect to pay? >> restocking fees, which is oftentimes to cover the cost of postage will be between $5 and $10. a few tips for those returning, just try to bring it to the store in person. amazon, for example, you can just bring the item back you don't need the box bring it to whole foods or kohl's they will box it up and send it back for you there are also loyalty programs where they will put it back without a restocking charge. >> the biggest challenge is you are not going to ask your aunt or grandma for the repeat. if you don't have the receipt, what are the strategies trying to return something like that? >> i think more commonly it's people throwing away the receipt with the gift wrap one way to get around that is by going to the store and asking anyway walmart can look up your order using just a credit card number.

either way, have your personal information on hand. have an i.d. because with return theft, there is usually a case they want to check your i.d., even if you have a receipt anyway if you don't have the receipt, just ask for store credit. >> can i ask you, what about buy now, pay later we talked about it so much this holiday season, can you return buy now pay later items? >> this is super interesting phenomenon because people have been financing their purchases what happens if you want to return something but you have not finished paying it off yet you can return it. but return the item to the store where you bought it from first then you go on your buy now pay later app to request a refund. during that point in time, it could be two weeks where you still have to make payments. read the fine print. it will depend on what type of financing you did and what company you got that product from >> are some things you just can't return we had some off-the-record conversations. are there some things you really can't? >> things that may have been heavily used, you don't want to bring that back.

>> you are looking at me. >> i'm not accusing anybody of anything things that are perishable you can't return also, this is kind of a surprise, seasonal gifts if you guy things that are just christmas themed, oftentimes they are not returnable. hygienic items also for obvious reasons are not returnable anything that's labeled clearly as final sale. >> by the way, a good time to buy next year's christmas gifts right now. $1.99 for everything if you can't return something, what else do you do with it? regifting is one way to go. >> there are great facebook groups online where you can drop things off, especially communities in need. but you could also resell your goods online if it is something like, for example, a nice pair of sneakers. there are some outlets like stockx and g.o.a.t. where you can resell them. there is always ebay, of course. but this is a time of need as well if you got something, you don't need it, maybe consider donating it nearby. time to check the forecast again. dylan is keeping an eye on it

for us. >> it was a mild christmas for us around here and it will stay mild for the next day or so. we're looking at temperatures 10 to 20 degrees above average. rochester, new york, 53 for a high today cincinnati, close to 60. chicago 43, which is still 11 degrees above average. then tomorrow we're still looking for above-average temperatures norfolk, virginia 64 degrees then we settle in to more seasonable type temperatures as we go into the weekend cleveland friday and saturday 39 degrees. chicago 39 by saturday we settle back in to the 40s across new york too. but as we go into the new year, it looks like we're going to see some status quo weather, especially in the northeast. not looking at anything too warm or too cool. it does look warmer than average out west temperatures above average going good tuesday morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. today is a spare the air alert

day, where the particulate matter and the pollution today is not healthy for people with any kind of health conditions. and we're going to also be advised not to burn any wood today, as we still have some dry weather. but then tomorrow rain will be coming in, starting out in the morning, spreading across the bay area for tomorrow afternoon. and after we see and that's your latest forecast. >> dylan, thank you very much. up next, her presence itself is a gift taylor swift had her whole family spreading christmas cheer when the kansas city chiefs needed it most. and on the morning boost, what might be the cutest kiss under the mistletoe that you will ever see. that's right after this.

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woo-hoo! migration is... can we land? you're old enough to do it in the sky now. but it's gross. there is no way we're landing. are you sure no one is watching? gwen mallard! do it now, or we leave without you. ok. ok. ♪ welcome back as if you hadn't already heard, it was christmas day, taylor's version at the chiefs game yesterday. the pop star's entire family was on hand to watch her boyfriend travis kelce take the field. talk about pressure, yeah. my family is coming. liz is here with how traylor spent the holiday and what is

next in 2024 for the global icon >> swifties are very excited that she spent the day in kansas city, even though it ended in a loss for the chiefs against th las vegas raiders, the singer seemed merry and bright supporting kelce from the box alongside her parents and brother. >> it is a true swiftmas miracle. >> this morning fans had themselves a merry little swiftmas after taylor swift and family were spotted arriving in style at monday's chiefs game. >> it is officially an arrowhead affair >> reporter: despite the loss, swift seen screaming i support of travis kelce, ringing this holiday bell after a good play and wearing a santa hat with kelce's number on it, next to her brother fully dressed up as santa kelce's dad ed with them, too. >> this is the christmas spirit. >> reporter: the christmas day gathering the latest step in the singer's now very public love story. the chiefs having fun with the

romance auctions off two jerseys signed by kelce emblazoned with swelce and traylor it comes as kelce recently gushed about dating swift on his podcast, describing the moment she showed up on the big screen during a game against the patriots. >> you don't see an entire home team fan base go insane for somebody wearing the opposite team's colors. just shows you how amazing that girl is. i was trying to keep it cool, though >> reporter: it's a fairytale ending to the year of taylor swift. >> this has been the most extraordinary experience of my entire life. >> we love taylor! >> reporter: the top star taking 2023 by storm after being named "time's" person of the year. swift solidifying her place as a culture force and global icon. her sold-out international tour, the highest grossing concert tour of all time, boosting local economies and bringing joy to

millions worldwide. >> i just wanted you to know that you have changed my mom heart. >> this mom thanking swift for bringing her closer to her 9-year-old daughter. >> it just means the world >> reporter: swift so moved that she responded saying you just reminded me why this year has been so special. and the era of taylor continues as she wraps up a year likely beyond her own wildest dreams. and as we enter 2024, things do not seem to be slowing down. taylor will resume her international tour on february 7th in tokyo, japan. and, yes, for any fans wondering, she has a show the day before the super bowl, which means it could be a tight race if travis and the chiefs end up playing. >> she'll get on a rocket ship >> she'll make it. >> the chiefs game was on. and the first thing i said when i walked by was, is taylor there? >> you have been trained well. >> much respect to her brother, by the way full santa suit. he really got into it.

>> if that wasn't a boost enough, jacob, what do you got >> my first boost ever, guys i have to do hoda proud. ladies and gentlemen, here we go christmas day may be over, but do not get rid of the mistletoe just yet not if you want kisses on demand like this little cutie watch. >> kiss-kiss kiss kiss >> you want a kiss >> yes >> mwah! love you >> oh, i love you, too daddy knows the drill. he's probably, i would imagine, looking forward to next year when he does not have to bend down quite so low. >> hopefully she's still doing it next year, too. >> keep going. coming up in "popstart," more proof athletic genes are strong in the williams' family. wait until you see the cute video of her little girls working out together and we will take a close look at how those weight loss drugs are changing the game when it comes to a popular new year's

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oh, oh, oh...i'll be the judge of that. oh, that's nice... oh!! searchable, verified reviews. that's better than the ham, and i've never said that. booking.com booking.yeah good morning. it is 7:56. i'm kira klapper. here is a look at what's happening now. >> reporter: i'm thom jensen at oakland international airport, where we have been tracking traveling issues since yesterday. there were cancellations here, 11 on christmas day, no issues today, along with cancellations they had 36 delays.

it was nothing like last year when millions were stranded by southwest delays and cancellations. poor weather in the midwest to blame for hundreds of cancellations yesterday across the u.s., but southwest expects to be back on schedule today, after the fog lets up in chicago. speaking of fog, meteorologist kari hall has a look at our forecast. >> yeah, we're starting out very hazy, as it is a spare the air alert day. that means there is a high amount of smoke in the air, and no wood burning allowed today. now, we're also seeing it at a level where you might want to limit time outside, especially for people who have any kind of health condition, and are sensitive to a lot of pollutants in the air. as we look at our forecast for kwanzaa, first day, looks really nice, partly to mostly cloudy, temperatures in the low 60s, much needed rain coming in starting tomorrow morning. off and on showers in the forecast through saturday, and sunday, as well as the first day of 2024 is starting out all nice and dry. but we are going to get that

rain coming in, in san francisco it could be as early as late tonight, and for the rest of the forecast, some times of rain, partly to mostly cloudy skies, and temperatures in the low 60s. we will be watching out for the impacts of this incoming rain, with updates over the next few days. >> i know we need that rain, but i like that sunshine to start off 2024. thanks, kari. marcus washington is have another local news update in half an hour. we hope to see y why are we the only birds heading this way? migration is... stay close and everything will be alright. [ gulp ] i'm okay. yeah, no.

hold on! [ quack, quack ]

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plus how the weather is shaping up this week we're live with what you need to know before you head out and new year new you with 2024 less than a week away. health is top of mind for those making a resolution. for those trying a weight loss drug for the first time, that regimen may look different this year and with real estate hitting all-time highs, 2024 is looking up and christmas with the stars. from andy cohen and son to serena williams and her daughters. mariah carey's kids and ed sheeran's new acoustic performance. ♪ >> we have a look at how hollywood celebrated the holiday, today, tuesday,

december 26th, 2023. ♪ >> rejoicing in retirement >> and we finally made it to the plaza. >> family trip to new york shout-out to friends and family back in michigan. >> visiting from arkansas. >> saint paul, minnesota. >> illinois. >> australia. >> and indianapolis, indiana >> all the way from wellington, florida. back to "today." we are so glad you are >> today is my 21st birthday welcome back to "today." we are so glad you are with us on this tuesday morning. what a great crowd the day after christmas break and cool temperatures in the northeast. savannah, hoda, craig, they're all enjoying well-deserved time off this holiday week. i'm peter alexander along with laura jarett jacob soboroff is here as well the day after christmas otherwise known as the day the dads have to get that 200-piece barbie dream house put together

before they get in trouble. >> i want to say to my mother-in-law, thank you for assembling the toys before you gave them to my children thank you very much. >> that is the best gift of all. >> it was amazing. all right. coming up tomorrow on "today," with just a few days left in 2023, our shop today team has the best-selling items of the year that is tomorrow on "today". >> we want to get right to your news there is a lot to make headlines today. stormy weather complicating the holiday trip home for millions of americans others are simply going to be dealing with heavy roll volume on the roads and, of course, at the airports nbc's morgan chesky is in dallas' love field with a look at how things are going there. morgan, good morning >> reporter: hey, peter. good morning u.s. airlines doing their best to keep up with the holiday crowd. this period from christmas to new year's day is expected to be the second busiest week of travelers since 2019 all airlines trying to avoid what happened to southwest airlines last year when they had

to cancel 17,000 flights, stranding upwards of 2 million travelers. the good news today, as of right now, things are appearing relatively smooth thanks in large part to mild weather country. but there have still been travel hiccups. in nebraska, more than 100 weather-related accidents were reported after near white-out conditions took place from hig amounts of snow, driving across the roadways there, causing some semi-trucks to jackknife and shutting down interstates for hours. and in chicago, it was dense fog that was the culprit this year, causing southwest to cancel 300 flights. the airlines saying in a statement they have an all hands on deck approach to take care of this matter as quickly and safely as possible, and they expect full operations to resume today. in the meantime, if you are one of the many hitting the roads, aaa says expect thursday to be the most congested travel day

for drivers in some time going back to before christmas so there should be a fair amount of traffic there if you have the luxury of planning ahead, please do so because you will most definitely not be alone peter? >> dylan will have the forecast for the days ahead as well thank you very much. now to the middle east where the u.s. launched new air strikes overnight targeting militants who have been attacking u.s. troops in the region the most recent attack just yesterday, injuring at least three u.s. service members nbc's capitol hill correspondent ryan nobles joins us with the very latest on this. ryan, good morning. >> laura, good morning this is yet another sign of u.s. involvement in the region as tensions continue to escalate in the middle east. overnight, the secretary of defense, lloyd austin, confirming that u.s. military forces carried out what they say were necessary and proportionate strikes in iraq, targeting several facilities used by an iran-backed terrorist group. according to the u.s. central command, early assessments show

that the facilities were successfully destroyed and that a number of militants were killed no civilian lives were affected. the defense department says that the strikes were response to a series of attacks against u.s. personnel in the area, including one earlier on christmas morning. that incident happened at an air base in iraq where three u.s. service members were injured from a drone attack, leaving one in critical condition. president biden convened his security team at camp david where he made the call to district the strikes against the groups responsible and secretary austin has warned the u.s. will respond should these attacks continue there have been more than 100 in the region since october laura? >> thank you. nt situation at t. now to secretary of state antony blinken who travels to mexico tomorrow to discuss the urgent situation at the u.s. border his trip comes as thousands of migrants trek northward towards the united states. officials are saying it is the largest group in more than a year

the secretary of state will be trying to reach now agreements to control the number of people seeking entry. this month as many as 10,000 migrants were arrested each day at the southwest border. the houston home where beyoncé grew up was badly damaged in a christmas day fire. firefighters arrived to see flames coming out the second floor windows. the family living there got out safely beyoncé lived in that house until she was five years old and has been featured in movies and documentaries about the star, turning it into what's become a local tourist attraction the cause of that fire is still under investigation. and whale watchers have been in for a treat off the coast of southern california. look at this a pod of killer whales spotted in the waters from laguna beach up to malibu that's unusual because usually they prefer colder waters, but the orcas go where the hunting is good. and they will only stay until the food runs out. >> right when i left l.a come on. all right. coming up here, mariah carey's kids don't want a lot for christmas. there is just one thing they

need their hilarious holiday wish. >> it is hilarious but, first, oprah winfre adding medication to help with weight loss goals. we brought in dr. azar to answer your questions about ozempic that's coming up next. stick around want luxury hair repair that doesn't cost $50? pantene's pro-vitamin formula repairs hair. as well as the leading luxury bonding treatment. for softness and resilience, without the price tag. if you know... you know it's pantene. ♪ limu emu & doug ♪ [bell ringing] and doug says, “you can customize and save hundreds on car insurance with liberty mutual.” he hits his mark —center stage— and is crushed by a baby grand piano. are you replacing me?

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survey, 69% of americans are considering a resolution to improve their physical health. with millions of americans trying weight loss drugs for the very first time, the usual resolutions may look a little different this year it is a new year ritual. the ball drops and millions resolve to drop a few pounds themselves but to lose the weight, many this year are looking to a drug, not just a new gym membership. the market for these anti-obesity medications like ozempic and mounjaro exploded to $6 billion this year and could grow to $100 billion by 2030 traditional weight loss companies getting in on the craze. earlier this month, weight watchers announcing ww clinic to prescribe the medications in tandem with its food tracking system competitors noom and metafast both offering virtual health options to users to prescribe meds >> when people are making a new year's resolution list saying work out more, eat less, lose weight, save money, these drugs don't necessarily

completely disrupt that list it could be the same list. >> it is a false dichotomy to think, is it behavior or is it medications? that's just wrong. it is both behavioral programs have to serve as the basis of any effective treatment plan >> reporter: weight watchers most famous shareholder oprah winfrey recently revealed even she has meditation in her weight loss tool kit, despite initial, my own because if i take the drug, skepticism. >> i felt, i've got to do this on my own because if i take the drug, that's the easy way out. >> reporter: now medication is just another part of her overall health regime.o make her long-t resolution stick in 2024 with the help of medication, diet and exercise. michelle carney is one of many hoping to make her long-time resolution stick in 2024 with the help of medication, diet and exercise. >> two years ago my new year's resolution was to lose 80 to 100 pounds and i joined this all women gym and had a personal trainer and

was doing keto i lost 40 pounds, and i couldn't get passed that 40 pounds. with the help of zepbound, i'm hopeful i will get there >> for many, it may not be time to cancel that gym membership yet. the price tag for medication is still steep. about $1,000 without insurance. >> are we going to see gyms closing and weight loss companies going out of business? >> absolutely not. i don't think so. >> expect a year of weight loss advertising, partnership between medical wellness and a $75 billion industry facing the biggest disruption in its history. already pill versions are in the works that could help lower the cost of these drugs for users. some companies are considering how the drugs will affect their business conagra foods says it might consider changing portion sizes in the future. and walmart is seeing customers filling their weight loss prescriptions at the retailer spending less in the grocery aisle. but experts say it is still too early to predict lasting changes. >> christine, thank you very much. for more insight, dr.

natalie azar is here we're so lucky to have you so this was the talk of the table during the holidays, at least in my family who is a good candidate looking into the new year perhaps for a reset? >> yeah. so when we talk about these medications, first of all, i think it is important to remember what is approved for type ii diabetes and what is approved for weight loss but if we're talking and medications for weight loss, we are talking about individuals that have a bmi of 30 or greater or individuals who are at risk of other factors like heart disease. just to review, remember that these two are both approved for type ii diabetes, but then we have their sister drugs, wegovy is the same ingredient as ozempic and is approved for weight loss. zepbound is the same as mounjaro but is approved for weight loss. >> so let's talk about the strategies here for so many

people now beginning these weight loss drugs or plan to as you head into the new year can you eat the same way what should your strategy be >> right i just want to call attention to this. >> oh, sorry i got excited there. >> no, no, no. we kind of answered both in one. i just want to remind everybody that in order for you to be able to get the medicines for weigh loss specifically, you need to either be obese or -- which is a bmi over 30 or be overnight and have another risk factor >> you need to be in a certain category. >> exactly now, when we talk about what to do and whatnot to do, the experts will say the number one thing to remember is that anything that upset your stomach before taking these medications will also do so when you start to take these medicines. they slow down how quickly the food is moving through your gut. so things like red meat, soda, alcohol, especially things ultra processed, have a high sugar content will be difficult to digest the things to do, one of the

biggest things is to go really slowly meaning you want to start with a low dose you want to increase the dose slowly you also want to make sure that you're increasing the water content of the things that you are eating, and that is going to help you a lot a lot of experts will say it is also very similar to what you do, for example, when you are pregnant, that you want to eat a lot of smaller meals throughout the day. and also, if you take a walk after you eat, that helps. a lot of people say enlist the help of a nutritionist or some experts to help you handle the side effects. >> we talked about both of these drugs a lot this year. with more and more people considering them, do you have to stay on them forever say it works for you is it something you stay on indefinitely >> i think we have a graphic on this unfortunately, most individuals will probably regain some weight the number to think about is about two-thirds of the weight you lost you are very, very likely to regain >> as soon as you get off. >> these are not medicines resetting you for life i think it is important that

people understand that this -- that these medications are never really meant to be taken without doing appropriate diet and exercise interventions also. think about it very simply there is two pathways in our brain. one pathway says eat less, store less and the other pathway kind of triggers you to want to eat more and store more it's basically an imbalance of those things that cents to obesity in a lot of people it is more of a neurological issue than behavioral, certainly. i think if you keep those things in mind, you can see how these work together in harmony to help you actually lose weight >> all right >> not a panacea, but it can help certain people. nice to see you, dr. azar. now we want to get another check of the forecast. >> good morning again, everybody. we do have this big cold front that's moving across the country. this is going to bring rain to the east coast, especially as we get towards the middle of the week later today through ohio, west virginia, the appalachian, we

will see that chance of heavier rain on wednesday, it takes hold of the mid-atlantic and the northeast, too it's warm, though. so this is an all-rain event we could see several inches of rain, especially back through western north carolina, west virginia where we could end up with one to two inches of rain doesn't look like a big flooding thing, but it will make for a bit of a tricky drive if you're traveling along i-95 tomorrow. we also have blizzard conditions out across the western plains and into south dakota, too more because we could see wind gusts of 50 to 55 miles an hour. that will create blowing snow and reduce visibility. out on the west coast,

and if you are heading out the door, don't forget to check us out on our sirius xm channel 108. >> thank you very much jacob, pop start -- should we do a little pop start >> let's do it >> the answer is yes there is no question first up, andy cohen it is the holiday season, and everybody is getting in some sweet family time, including the king of bravo that shared this adorable video teaching husband son a valuable life lesson thanks to rudolph the red nosed reindeer. check this out >> what's a misfit >> what's a misfit a misfit means a little bit out of -- just a misfit means you march by your own drummer. do you understand that

like you drew all over your foot with a magic marker, huh oh, ben. you're a little bit of a misfit, my man >> andy captioned the video, turns out we are all misfits and that is okay, ladies and gentlemen. that is okay. >> what a good lesson. >> ben is like the star of andy cohen's -- do you follow him he is the cutest thing you never see his face next up, serena williams is proving that you have got to start them young yesterday, serena shared a video of her little girls getting in a quick and a very cute workout. check out 6-year-old olympia. >> t spotting her 4-month-old sister. very impressive. serena joked on instagram, we all work out in this family. >> it is always terrifying when the older kid plays with the

baby for the first time. it's like, her neck! >> everything was good >> no children were harmed >> ed sheeran over the long weekend gave fans an early christmas gift ed posting on social media an acoustic version of the holiday hit that you might remember this he posted with elton john simply called "merry christmas. listen to this m ♪ carry on, carry on ♪ ♪ filled it with so much love ♪ for the ones who are gone ♪ merry christmas everyone ♪ >> so good >> dylan said she loves the song. >> i do. it's been on repeat a lot this year. >> do you wish you had the talent that you could just play like that. >> the guy is smooth next up, mariah carey. historians have been asking, is it possible to get sick of "all

i want for christmas is you. could that song be actually played too much? it looks like her teenage twins are answering the question in a hilarious new video. watch. >> mom, please, we don't want to do it every time >> just be festive >> every time. >> it's not every -- ♪ i don't want a lot for christmas ♪ >> i snorted, that was so funny. mariah said, quote, had to do it there you go the very last "all i want for christmas" of 2023 see you in november of 2024. "bridgerton" is getting a ton of christmas miracle a sneak peek at the long awaited third season a series of pics from netflix getting a glimpse of what's in

store, including a brood ing a luke newton, the younger "bridgerton" brother people online are blowing up the comments section with excitement and begging for more a trailer maybe for new year's because fans have to wait a while for season 3 part one is slotted to drop in may, and part two after that cannot wait for that finally, captains of the world, that is the name of a new docuseries from netflix. it will be great featuring exclusive interviews with all 32 players including kane messi here is a look at the new trailer. >> once every four years, pursuit of football's grandest prize for its grandest players, what each intends to be, his journey of a lifetime. >> it is important that you control your emotions.

>> they're under enormous pressure going to be good "captains of the world" starts streaming december 30th on netflix. don't miss it. that is your "popstart." >> that was a super sized "popstart. straight ahead, we'll look at the outlook for buying and selling homes in the new year. >> our expert will have everything you need to know about trends and real estate including real estate and the best cities to buy them right now. but, first, your local news. but, first, your local news.

good morning. it is 8:26. i'm marcus washington. a federal judge is ruling that twitter must pay employees

millions more than promised. the ruling says the company failed to give advance notice on mass layoffs. the lawsuit also claims employees were promised half of the targeted bonuses of payments to those workers were never made. "x" could not be reached for comment on this ruling. meteorologist kari hall has a look at our forecast. >> the air quality is not the best today. it's hazy outside. if you are sensitive to pollutants, you want to limit your time outside. temperatures in the low 60s. rain is going to be coming in early tomorrow morning and scattered showers in the forecast from tomorrow through saturday. it does look dry for the start of 2024, marcus. we'll have another local news update in 30 minutes.

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♪ we are back at 8:30 on a tuesday after christmas. and we have got a holiday week crowd out on the plaza we've got three different lauras out here we have a lovely service dog and coming up, we've got everything you need to know about real estate in the new year we are going to ask about the trends and interest rates and the best place to buy right now. >> i love people but i love dogs even more. this is ming ming. pam, were you nervous when i took ming ming >> not really. >> i'd be nervous.

i'll give you ming ming back there you go do not forget, we have a good story coming up. ground breaking new medical device could be a game changer for people with als. i recently got a look at how ai is helping patients speak with just the power of their minds. you won't want to miss that. >> i thought ming ming was a late holiday gift. >> pam would never >> one female chef at a famous indian restaurant in london is making a difference. she's inspiring women in the restaurant world and beyond and we'll share their story. al roker goes on the job as a national park ranger you don't want to miss it. i think the power went to his head a little bit. >> he hasn't come back yet coming up, a first glance at th surprise you. here's another check of the forecast. a lot of people making plans to start their heading home. >> i top trends in beauty for 2024. what's new and what will surprise you. here's another check of the forecast a lot of people making plans to start their heading home. >> i know. if you don't have to travel on wednesday, i think otherwise you are good wednesday up and down the east coast will be our trouble spot

that storm system will bring steady rains to the appalachian today, that will move east tomorrow it is bringing blizzard-like conditions across the plains today. light snow tomorrow moves through the midwest. that heavy rain in the mid-atlantic and the northeast, especially the interior northeast where we could see a couple inches of rain possible lots of sunshine across texas temperatures in the 60s. good tuesday morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. we are starting out with hazy sky and clouds. we are going to have a spare the air alert continue for today. tomorrow and the next few days we'll see our rain returning back to the bay area, scattered showers and temperatures in the low 60s. sunday looks dry as well as the start of the new year with not much change in our temperatures. for san francisco, rain may move

in as early >> and that is your latest forecast >> thank you very much up next, we're looking ahead to the top trends in real estate for 2024, what you need to know if you're considering buying or selling in the coming year first thiss "today" on nbc i

we are back now with "today's consumer. it has been a rough year for many aspiring homeowners as listing prices and interest rates surged in 2023 >> so will buying get easier in the new yearr 2024. so nice to see you. nice to have you. so any trends tha fran is here with predictions for 2024 so nice to see you nice to have you >> thank you >> so, any trends you sense changing in the new year >> you know, i think 2024 is going to mirror 2023 for the first quarter. you are going to see the same

price positioning. you will see the same type of negotiability. then i think as the rates start market move down. it's already down 2%. >> 8% in a lot of places. we've seen it start to go down you will see movement i think you will see the rental market move down it's already down 2%. >> this was a rough year for interest rates they hit 8% in a lot of places we've seen it start to come down a bit, right now in the 7% range. what are your expectations as we go ahead to this new year? >> it seems that christmas came early because about a week and a half ago when the 10-year treasury yield dipped below 4%, we saw the rates immediately drop from 8% for a 30-year down to the mid-6s. i think it will continue i think that will spur a lot of movement back into the sell markets. >> okay. let's talk about that more if the rates go down, what will happen >> i think you will see people come back into the market. i think you will see a lot of movement the big issue here is people have to say good-bye to holding really good rates currently. but i will say this, that you can always renegotiate your rate you can't renegotiate your

buying the capitulation in the market is so good, you can get a good deal. >> that's why a lot of people are recommending adjustable rate mortgages, where you get in high but they come down over time lots to talk about with your brokers. >> for sure. >> if you are looking to buy right now, where are some of the best places to buy >> i love that question. we know that texas is hot. so austin, texas, green bay for sure and then we've got boulder, colorado and huntsville, alabama. now, i recognize these are all a little bit off the grid and not your usual keep in mind, they are in >> these are some of the most popular places in the country. >> beautiful places. i notice new york city is not on that list. is there anything you absolutely should not settle on? they have good infrastructure, great culture and they still have the small town vibe >> these are some of the most popular places in the country. >> beautiful places.

i notice new york city is not on that list. is there anything you absolutely should not settle on buyers and sellers are making deals right now. anything you should not settle on >> i think the big one is location when the market is soft, the fringe neighborhoods are the first to recede and those prime locations hold value when things are strong in the market, those markets, those neighborhoods take off so location is pivotal number two i would say is proximity to school and work gas is expensive schools are really great so if you have done a nice renovation in your home, you don't want to have to now move so it is all about location and proximity. lastly, but definitely not least is light to be able to not turn a light on during the day is a big plus. >> you want good light in that house. that's a strategy i could have considered before we bought this one. we have been talking a lot about buying here. how about for sellers? what are the strategies for sellers? >> that's a great question i think, depending on the market, right now we're down on inventory 20.8%, which means that the sellers who have really good product that are strategic in their pricing and positioning, they will drive it up that's what we're seeing because there is no inventory.

we're down 20.8% for the sellers in a hot market, you know how to sit back when your product is looking good and drive it up. >> a lot of good information you can use. thank you very much for coming >> always nice to see you. thank you so much. straight ahead right here, jacob has the story of a new life changing medical device for people with als. how artificial intelligence can help translate their thoughts into spoken word with amazing results. but, first, this is "today" on

♪ we are back with your health, taking a look at a new medical advancement that could help tens of thousands of als patients that have difficulty speaking. >> researchers at stanford university developed new technology that could lead to game-changing advancements in assisted speech devices. jacob, you recently got a look at the ai-powered software that is helping one patient to be able to think out loud >> this stuff is really, really

remarkable it is estimateded that more than 31,000 americans are living with als. and 80% to 95% of them will lose their ability to use their natural speech to communicate. now researchers at stanford have proven a small computer implanted in the brain could help speech-disabled patients carry out a conversation >> this is the sensor. >> reporter: it might be tough to see, but this tiny sensor, smaller than a coffee bean may lead to the advancement in speech technology it is a brain computer interface developed by researchers at stanford university to translate brain waves into words, allowing an als patient with impaired speech to simulate speaking for the first time >> hello how are you? >> we're just excited about how far we have come. >> reporter: dr. jamie henderson and his team of researchers first worked to pinpoint the specific regions of the brain responsible for speech then henderson performed neurosurgery, implanting the sensor into a patient's brain.

as they try to speak, the brain fires off signals captured by the device then with the help of ai, they'r translated into text on a screen that can be spoken on a computer >> i have faith. >> reporter: we met up with pat bennett, she's the first person to train with the software that's bringing a voice to her thoughts how does it make you feel to see that the machine can understand you? makes you feel heard. since being diagnosed with als in 2012, bennett has lost the ability to use the muscles in her lips, tongue, larynx and jaws, making her speech difficult to understand and fo notes to communicate. when als started t forcing her to rely on writing notes to communicate something she continues to do while working with the research team to perfect the software when als started to impact your ability to speak, what was your thought process like

you knew it was bad. speaking is everything human the relatively slow progression of the disease in bennett's case has made her the perfect test patient. she's been part of the clinical trial since march of last year and has been able to provide invaluable feedback to the team every step of the way, something that may not be possible with a patient with a faster progression. >> what's really exciting about this is it is an opportunity to restore fluent conversational speech >> reporter: after just four months of training, the sensors were able to translate 64 words a minute that's three times faster than the previous record for a bci. and at least eight times faster than older versions of the tech that rely on eye tracking to type words >> i think it really is the next stage. it really does demonstrate that we could elevate the performance to the point where it can be a clinically usable device >> reporter: does it seem far away

>> i think we'll see these systems in people's homes within the next five to ten years in that time with the development of chatgpt, the software could become more accurate >> one of the things we noted in the study was the ability to distinguish between 125,000 words with a 25% error rate, which is too high. but as you use more and more sophisticated language models that can come from 24% to 11% to even single digits >> reporter: for now, though, the machine is not perfect >> i am nurse. >> but it is good enough to give bennett a sense of what might soon be possible. >> you are going to give a lot of people hope can i show the camera that that's the best outcome, hope. awesome! that was awesome man, i loved, i loved spending time with pat it was honestly remarkable to see all of this in action. you saw pat trying to verbalize the prompts in front of her

doctor dr. henderson says that's not even necessary for the device to work, but the more brain power pat puts towards speaking, the more accurate the results will be the thing that was most interesting to me, we're all so scared of ai, but with artificial intelligence, you could have this increase in the ability of this thing to translate words and it could be transformative for people with als. >> used for good >> als is such a cruel disorder, and just the idea that there is hope and the researchers and pat herself helping provide that is such a differencemaker >> she was an equestrian she was showing us all the things from her riding life. the ability to do that while talking through this technology basically makes all of that possible she is used to writing on that pad. this is a game changer for somebody like her. >> talking is human. i love that she said that. >> great story, jacob. >> thank you. coming up next height here, how a world renowned restaurant owner and chef is bringing hope to women in her native india, supporting their dreams for a better education

but, first, this is "today" on nbc. [narrator] covered california is a free service from the state that's already helped millions of people like you get and pay for health insurance. with financial health to lower the cost of health coverage, you could get a quality health plan for less than $10 a month. every plan covers preventive care, doctor visits, emergency care, and more. if you have questions, we're here to help every step of the way. covered california. this way to health insurance. enroll by december 31 at coveredca.com.

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now to a pioneering restaurant owner who is changing women's lives all over the world. >> nbc's kelly cobiella has an inspiring story of the darjeeling express in london >> reporter: a meal here is a journey into an indian mother's home the smells flowing out of the kitchen, the walls covered in family photos, the recipes passed down for generations. the head chef's not so secret ingredient putting women at the heart of everything she does. >> i am the only indian restaurant with an all-female kitchen at this level in the world. >> that's shocking, isn't it >> yeah. >> reporter: her team of nine

chefs are all south asian immigrants, former nannies and cleaners not a single one of them is professionally trained. >> there is no written recipe here we measure with our eyes and our hands. but there is a rhythm that all of us know. >> this is an incredible plate of food. but it is so much more than just a meal it is about tradition. it is about memories it is about women. a mission khan was born for. the second daughter in an indian royal family she says her mother cried the day she gave birth because she wasn't a boy >> i was made to feel by extended family, by relatives, neighbors, not being wanted, the unloved one, despair >> kahn says her parents loved and supported her. she was educated, moved to london, started a family, earned a ph.d. in law but felt her new

life was missing a certain flavor >> i was homesick. i didn't know how to cook. and i yearned for the food of home when i cooked, i realized that this is the one thing. it is a game changer because i can then feel complete >> so she started a supper club from her home kitchen in 2012, taking friends and neighbors on a journey into her past, through food word spread through social media. her supper clubs becoming so popular, she decided to open her own restaurant in 2019, she took the global food scene by storm, becoming the first british chef to feature on netflix's acclaimed "chef's table. >> this restaurant is theirs as judged "top chef" all while champion women's global causes. much as mine. >> reporter: she has since judged "top chef" all while champion women's global causes she opened a cafe in iraq, helping women who survived isis.

>> you have a window where you can walk into a woman's life and change it. my freedom only counts if i break the chains of others you have a chance to actually put your hand around the flickering flame of a young girllow and and when the flame is steady, remove your hands. she will glow and bring light and radiance everywhere. >> kelly cobiella, nbc news. >> wow. >> amazing. >> that image of the hands around the flickering flame of a young girl and watching them prosper like that. what a difference she's making for women of young ages around the world. >> very cool flickering flame, birthdays we hear. >> good transition well done, laura all right. let's spin around those smucker's jars and see who is turning 100. happy 100th birthday to emily walton a baker from woodbridge, virginia she is known for her famous sticky buns. >> john of honolulu, hawaii is

also 100 he served our country during world war ii we salute you for your service, sir. happy birthday to helen sweig. a big fan of naps. she enjoys naps to keep up with her 21 grandkids frances is from park ridge, illinois she is 100 her drink of choice, red wine. i agree with that, too good choice. charlotte kephart of phillipsburg, pennsylvania, is also 100 she worked as a nurse's assistant until she was 80 that is beautiful. happy 100th birthday to mary jane humphreys of michigan she likes to spend greeting cards. now it is your time to get those cards, too. cards to her 13 kids and dozens of grandkids now it is your time to get those cards, too happy birthday if you have a loved one turning 100 or more, let us know at today.com/celebrates. >> for frances' sake, i'm hoping

three down is cabernet today. >> i'll drink a glass to that. >> this was fun, you guys. coming up on hoda and jenna, a rare look inside victoria beckham's fashion empire first brad paisley performs his new song right here in studio 1a. it is going to be a great day. stick around you will not want to miss it that is all coming up after your local news and weather see you guys tomorrow. our local news and weather. see you guys tomorrow.

good morning. 8:56. i'm marcus washington. we are following up on a fire that gutted several buildings in los altos on christmas morning. fire broke out in this building on el camino real. several businesses were destroyed by those flames including a dance studio and a college prep center. the cause of the fire is still under investigation. happening now, the main street ferry terminal in alameda is closd to completion now. the closure was because of repairs and replacement of aging infrastructure. that terminal reopens january

2nd. weather in the midwest caused flight delays and cancellations christmas day. southwest cancelled hundreds of flights yesterday. this morning many passengers were experiencing long line

this morning on the 3rd hour of "today," on the job in the great outdoors. >> this is your office. >> not a bad office, if i do say so myself. >> i ventured out of my neck of the woods to fin