so you can sleep great and wake up human. new mucinex nightshift cold and flu. christmas night tweets from you know who attacking speaker pelosi over the impeachment process. no day of rest for the commander in chief, even on christmas. >> notre dame in worse shape than we thought. the century's old landmark has only a 50% chance the cathedral survives after this year's devastating fire >> ready, set, return. the mad rush to the malls to bring back and exchange those unwanted gifts we've got the details that will help you put more cash in your wallet and ensure you get proper credit >> while you were sleeping across planet earth, the final eclipse of 2019 took place >> a santa claus moment for the lakers' anthony davis as he shares his christmas day wishes

with one kevin hart. >> plus the ultimate gift, the nurse, the patient, and a dream come true. "early today" starts right now good morning, everyone i'm dara brown >> and i'm phillip mena. christmas past and no gift in sight from north korea the regime had threatened to deliver something if the u.s. didn't ease sanctions on them. washington is now on high alert with the u.s. reportedly flying four surveillance planes over the korean peninsula our chief white house correspondent hallie jackson is in west palm beach with the latest >> reporter: u.s. officials bracing for new aggression after north korea's ominous warning of a christmas gift and deploying four american surveillance planes over the korean peninsula according to south korean media reports the pentagon has not responded to nbc news's request for comment. it comes as there is increasing concern over what pyongyang's plotting, like perhaps a long-range missile launch soon that hasn't happened since 2017

when kim stopped testing those rockets during a window of diplomacy with president trump >> he's a very talented man. >> reporter: the president now publicly playing down concerns over a potential test, but pledging to respond if and when it hachz >> we'll find out what the surprise is and we'll deal with it very successfully let's see what happens >> reporter: the now-impeached president bracing for a fight on another front as negotiations remain at a stand still over the details of a senate trial considering whether to remove him from office. house speaker nancy pelosi says she won't send the articles of impeachment to the senate until she's confident there will be a fair trial top republican mitch mcconnell calling the delay absurd, and the president railing against democrats and pelosi all week. >> she's doing a tremendous disservice to the country. she's not doing a good job >> there's no crime. there's no nothing how do you impeach you had no crime >> i don't feel like i'm being impeached because it's a hoax. it's a set-up. it's a horrible thing they did >> reporter: but on this

christmas day, a more topical tone and message >> on behalf of the entire trump family, we wish everyone a joyous and merry christmas and a very -- >> reporter: and, phillip, there is also news now coming out of alaska from senator lisa murkowski, a key republican voice. she now says she's disturbed by senator mcconnell's comments promising total coordination between the republicans and the white house in an impeachment trying it's a sign of at least some dissent in the gop ranks, but it is still early in the process and ultimately democrats would need more republicans to break rank in order to, for example, determine procedures like whether witnesses can be called. phillip, back to you >> wish they could do that hallie, thank you. >> a fallen soldier has returned home the remains of special forces soldier killed in afghanistan have returned to the u.s a dignified transfer ceremony was held at dover air force base for 33-year-old sergeant first class michael j. gobel of washington township, new jersey. the pentagon says he died from injuries he sustained during a

combat operation the taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack that killed gobel. >> now to the shocking news about the death of a rising star at espn. the 34-year-old died on his birthday just weeks after being diagnosed with pneumonia so how did it become so deadly so quickly nbc's kerry sanders reports. >> our colleague and friend edward ashoff died yesterday >> reporter: only 34 years old, edward ashoff was a star in the making >> tough loss on the road. >> reporter: he made it from espn's website to camera work. he covered the michigan game, his cough became worse a colleague says after going to the hospital, doctors determined he had pneumonia posting online, had a virus for two weeks and it morphed into this monster pneumonia causes fluid to collect in the lungs, is triggered by a virus, bacteria, or even a fungus

while we don't know his cause of death, doctors say it's typically treatable. but -- >> in certain cases, the infection just over whelms someone's immune system. >> reporter: tributes pouring in on social media. espn producer and friend melinda adams tells nbc news, ed was a bright light dimmed way too soon while his reporting was superior, it's his kindness and joy for life we will miss. ed ashoff died tuesday on his 34th birthday. he was engaged to be married next year, writing about his fiancee in his final instagram post love you, babe thanks for putting up with my 5:00 a.m. coughing fits. >> i'm edward ashoff, espn >> reporter: kerry sanders, nbc news >> as the world celebrated christmas wednesday, we learned startling new information about the notre dame cathedral and its struggle to comeback after the devastating fire in april. nbc's aaron mclauchlin has more.

>> reporter: around the world, the faithful gather and millions celebrate. at the vatican [ speaking foreign language pope francis calling for peace, saying change begins from the heart. but in the heart of paris, there is sadness for the first christmas in over 200 years, the beloved notre dame cathedral is dark ♪ ♪ sad parisians celebrate next to the louvre notre dame and its entirety might not survive. cathedral rector says there is maybe a 50% chance it will be saved. eight months ago, the world watched in horror as the blaze tore through the roof. the iconic gothic spire gone now officials warn the cathedral still vulnerable prior to the fire, hundreds of tons of scaffolding were put in place. part of a renovation effort. now there is concern it could come crashing down on the already-fragile structure.

the government's goal, to reopen by 2024, in time for the paris olympics but the rector says until the scaffolding is removed, they won't know if the cathedral can be saved >> we are french we are going to try to rebuild notre dame as it was before because it's a symbol simply >> reporter: in paris, determination and prayer knowing it could be years before they find out if this christmas wish can come true erin mclauchlin, nbc news. >> a christmas day tradition in delaware was completed for the first time in three years. thousands showed up for the annual reenactment of george washington's crossing of the delaware river in 1776 it had to be scrapped in years prior because of bad weather wainwright of our affiliate wcau has more >> reporter: the history and the excitement that our country started here >> it was our first victory as a nation

♪ ♪ >> it was exciting a beautiful day, perfect conditions, the water is great >> fire! >> gives you goosebumps when you cross the river in a durham boat >> that's what this is all about, celebrating our history we want to put on a good show for everyone who gave up their afternoon on a christmas day to come on out here and watch us. >> 11 patriot ancestors who served in the revolutionary war. my grandfather nine generations removed, and we have other relatives who served in the battle of paoli. i did cross the river at the dress rehearsal. doing it on christmas day is something special. it means a lot >> fire. >> i used to come when i was a kid and you don't really appreciate it until you realize what happened here ♪ ♪ >> we really enjoy this great camaraderie. it's a great feeling to be out here >> our thanks to wayne for that

report winter weather gets extreme this holiday season. snow swept through mount laguna in california. meanwhile, rain drenched the southeast. snarling traffic for travelers just trying to head home for the holidays and the midwest saw record highs, 70-degree weather in kansas here's nbc steve patterson >> reporter: in a rare holiday twist, one of the few places across the country primed for a white christmas this year was california the snow fell steadily in the mountains with up to 2 feet expected in some areas, making for a skier's paradise in fact, much of the mess nationwide was in the usually mild west. heavy snow in the grand canyon and a christmas day rain in phoenix for the first time in ten years. meanwhile, across the midwest. >> good morning. and we are going to be warming up today >> reporter: it was freakishly warm >> it's beautiful. i mean, i'm a little warm just wearing this >> reporter: in chicago, it came close to the warm est christmas

in 147 years bonnie hall says it's one of the strangest things she's ever seen >> i haven't seen a christmas like this and i'm 60 >> reporter: most of the region is blanketed with unseasonable heat with some of the highest christmas temperatures in years. from kansas city to st. louis to louisville, all at or near 70 degrees. a far cry from southern california where many are bracing for the worst. flash flood watches are in place with powerful winds and heavy rain on the way across the region all just a few days after the area was pounded and it is a holiday weekend the clouds will clear out barrelling east from minnesota to texas, bringing temps back down to reality for the midwest and potential headachesfor travelers heading home and so the biggest concern for that overnight storm is really exactly what you see behind me. these areas so badly burned and scarred from the recent wildfires we've had here, potentially priming this ground

and the hillsides you see here for potentially calamitous mudslides t. all depends on what happens over the next few hours. phillip? >> all right, steve, thank you >> so, how are we looking on this day after christmas meteorologist michele grossman is here with her weather forecast >> hi, guys. we're looking really good. we're looking very, very mild for so many of us. the southwest, they're not doing great. the snow and the rain, but for most of us we're looking so mild 15 to 25 degrees above what is typical for this time of year. not bad for a late december, almost january and look at some of these temperatures we're looking at record-breaking temperatures so not just slightly above normal, but well above normal in many spots milwaukee 56 grand rapids 54. we could break a record of 53. we'll watch that throughout the day. south bend 57. chicago 59 fort wayne 58 degrees. saginaw 52 and that will hold on until friday and at least saturday in some spots chicago 46 12 deges above typicalre

could see freezing rain in some spots especially along the great lakes or upper midwest all right. so now that everyone is warm, most of us are warm and then things are going to change drastically by next week >> great, michele. thank you. >> you're welcome. >> kevin hart's court side christmas seat at the staple center came with more than a good view of the lakers/clippers game when laker star anthony davis shot a jumper, the power forward falls backward right on the lap of the 5'4" comedian started to laugh and find a more comfortable spot on his lap. then lebron james joins in, sits on his lap as well santa hart couldn't bring the lakers a win they lose 111-106. >> an act of courage lands one man in the "star wars" universe. >> it's never too latege to t back in the saddle

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leading the news, a 91-year-old air force veteran is one step closer to completing her bucket list. her name is winnie hatcher and until recently, she says she's not ridden a horse in nearly 50 years. well, earlier this week a friend helped make that dream come true and winnie was introduced to duke, a 34-year-old horse who had not been saddled in four years. well, the two took a ten-minute ride and created a special bond. winnie said she grew up on a farm and used to ride horses as a little girl and she plans to visit duke when she can. go get 'em, winnie >> a 21-year-old university of north carolina charlotte student who died trying to take down a shooter on campus last april is being memorialized in a very special way. riley howell has been named an honorary jedi master and historian in the new book "star wars: rise of skywalker" the visual dictionary. according to his family, howell was a huge "star wars" fan and

when lucas film contacted them asking if they could use his name in an upcoming book, they said yes without knowing any details. the book was released along with the new movie. >> santa has made a special trip to indiana to visit 8-year-old tyler burkhart for christmas tyler has autism and was turned away from seeing santa at the mall because he needed to bring his special service dog in when the fire burg territory heard, they rushed in with santa, bringing him toys and lots of holiday joy. >> just ahead, we will pay tribute to one of the music industry's most colorful figures who wrote the theme song to "friends." >> plus, first come the gifts atouees.the return wh y nd to know before your trip to the mall. introducing a razor that works differently. the gillette skinguard. that helps protect skin.

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♪ ♪ ♪ so no one told you that was gonna be this way ♪ ♪ >> the song writer responsible for that "friends" theme passed away tuesday according to her partner prudence the grammy winning artist was known for penning earth wind and fire for september and broadway's version of the color purple in 2017 she was inducted into the song writer's hall of fame she was 72 >> now that most everyone has gotten their holiday gifts, does that mean there's going to be plenty of returns. here's nbc's vicky nguyen with what you need to know before you

head back to the store >> reporter: after ripping open those perfectly wrapped gifts, 75% of us will be heading to the return line. >> my mom got us pajamas and they're so ugly so we're going to return them tomorrow. >> there was like a shirt that i got and i was looking at it. i would never wear this. >> reporter: but there are things to know before you go >> oh, you shouldn't have, lester say you get a gift that you absolutely love but maybe it doesn't fit. you need to take it back but there's no gift receipt. >> so you want those products to be in perfect sellable condition if at all possible >> reporter: that means saving whatever you can tags, packaging, even hangers can help you get back top dollar want to save time and return those gifts by mail? watch for hidden costs some retailers will give you a return shipping label but still charge you for shipping. and once you ship, confirm the money goes back into your account. and if you're headed to the store in person, make a list to organize your take-backs and

check store policies timing your trip could help you avoid long lines and maximize your money back. >> if you can, wait a little bit after january 2nd. the crowds will be thinner, the lines will be shorter. you want to reach the window january 3rd through january 15th because after the 15th, some stores will not accept returns and give you the full credit >> reporter: and with the added inventory from all those returns, that's also when many new sales will kick in vicky nguyen, nbc news, new york >> i don't know about regifting, but you just told me you double gifted >> i did, same present two years in a row i liked it i liked it >> the same person, the same gift two years in a row. let's make it three. >> i'll pass i'll find something new. michele's weekend forecast is up next >> and after a long brk,ea the biebs is back. you're watching "early today." eating right and staying active? on it! audrey thinks she's doing all she can to manage her type 2 diabetes and heart disease, but is her treatment doing enough to lower her heart risk?

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in today's top stories, just hours ago the final solar eclipse of this year and this decade was seen in parts of europe, asia, australia, and africa this one was an annualer eclipse when the moon doesn't completely block out the sun's light and it creates that ring of fire you see around it. it also kind of looks like an amazon echo and you have a notification >> amazing >> you have a package. that's what it looks like. >> people still think that "it's a wonderful life" is wonderful 3 1/2 million people watched nbc's broadcast of the classic film making tuesday's highest rated program. it's a wonderful life is over 70 years old, but clearly it still resonates. i actually watched that last

night. >> i came across it, too beliebers rejoice, the wait is over almost, almost after announcing he was taking a break from music, pop star justin bieber is back with a slew of new projects on instagram bieber says in 2020 he's dropping a new single, a new album, a new docuseries and he's going to go on tour his new single "yummy" is set to come out january 3rd >> this week we are updating our favorite stories from the year this morning two separate lives who are now one happy family nbc's kristen dahlgren has their story. >> reporter: for liz smith, wrapping gifts with her daughter is a dream come true >> "jingle bells," "jingle bells," jingle all the way >> reporter: she'd always wanted to be a mom, but time had gotten away from the 46-year-old nurse. ivf didn't work, and then a chance encounter at work >> as soon as i met gisele something clicked. i said, you know what, she needs me and i need her and i can do this >> reporter: behind those beautiful blue eyes, a little

baby in need born prematurely, suffering from withdrawal from drugs her mother had taken, gisele needed a foster mother. >> when we started our journey as mom and daughter, it was something i imagined my whole life and every day it just got better and better she never stops talking, singing or dancing i mean, from the moment she wakes up till when she goes to bed. >> reporter: and last year after 553 days sharing laughter and love, a judge made it official >> she taught me to appreciate every single day she taught me the, you know, power of resilience and the power of love. >> reporter: love that helped liz through the tough times recently when she lost her father gisele's papa. >> i'm so grateful that i have this gift to share with him for two years, and she changed his life and my whole family's life. >> reporter: these holidays bring new meaning to liz's family >> signing a christmas tag "mom."

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and a good thursday morning, december 26th. and this morning the morning after christmas. some of you probably heading back to stores while others like myself are returning back to work. a live look this morning out at downtown san jose. a good morning to you. i didn't get to say merry christmas yesterday but happy day after christmas. >> yeah. we're happy to have you back. >> glad to be back. >> i was filling in for you. now i'm filling in for laura. i'm kari hall didn't get a break yesterday. many of us who didn't want to cook yesterday will be able to find something oto