up toward oakland road where there is a blowout tire there too. no injuries but one lane blocked causing a backup. good morning. breaking overnight. battle lines. the senate fights the president's vaccine mandate on private businesses, voting to repeal it overnight while across the country frontline workers battling rising cases and a sudden flood of new patients. just ahead, can booster shots hold off another holiday wave? about-face. former trump chief of staff mark meadows reverses course, refusing to cooperate with the january 6th investigation and suing nancy pelosi and the house committee. the panel moving to hold him in contempt.

we're live on capitol hill. feet to the fire. the head of instagram grilled for the first time by congress over the site's impact on teenagers. >> you're the new tobacco, whether you like it or not. >> have some empathy and take some responsibility. >> just ahead, the ceo's response and the new firestorm he created saying his company will not back away from creating a kids version of the app. courtroom showdown. convicted killer scott peterson faces his wife's family for the first time in nearly two decades at his resentencing hearing. what they said to him when they came face to face. an inside look at peterson's push for a new trial when his attorney joins us live. those stories plus cross-country storm. al's tracking a major winter system that could dump snow from california all the way to michigan. and sheeran joy. ed sheeran is ready to take over our chilly plaza, and our crowd has got shivers.

today thursday, december 29, 2021. >> announcer: from nbc news, this is "today" with savannah guthrie and hoda kotb. live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. hi, everybody. good morning. welcome to "today." it's good to have you with us. hoda continues her week off. she's missing a good concert out there this morning. >> this is the largest crowd we have had on the plaza since the pandemic and no surprise. one of the biggest acts on the planet taking over. >> he's going to have a mini concert here this morning. we'll get to that in a moment. let's start with major headlines. overnight, the senate voting to overturn president biden's vaccine mandate for private businesses. two democrats siding with all republican senators on that repeal. >> that vote coming as a major vaccine milestone.

more than 200 million americans have now been fully vaccinated. that's more than 60% of the population. >> pfizer is revealing that its booster ramps up protection against the omicron variant. it's the variant that has many hospitals overwhelmed again this morning. tom costello is covering it all for us from washington. good morning. >> reporter: good morning. we've been talking to doctors and nurses. they say they are getting an earful of disbelief and anger from the people filling their ers and icus that they have covid despite not getting vaccinated. an anger directed at the people trying to help them. omicron spreading fast, but mild symptoms. it is a delta variant killing more than 1,000 people every day. >> reporter: on capitol hill overnight, a symbolic blow to president biden's vaccine mandate for private companies. the requirements for companies with 100-plus employees already facing opposition in the courts, now rejected by the senate. the vote not expected to go to

the house. it comes as frustration is rising at hospitals across the country as covid infections and deaths are yet gone surging. >> another day, another shift with no beds. >> reporter: 1,100 people dying every day. the vast majority unvaccinated despite ample vaccine supply. doctors and nurses are exhausted and even walking away from the job. >> us nurses, co-workers, medical teams, we are tired. >> it's so frustrating when you have this continuing to occur when it's really self-inflected. >> reporter: six states make up half the country's hospitalizations, ohio, indiana, pennsylvania, new york, illinois and michigan. >> our whole teams, we're exhausted. >> reporter: this er doctor. >> i have the privilege of training younger doctors in the field as well and see their struggle, especially when they see people of their younger age

group come in so critically ill. it takes quite a bit of an emotional toll on all of us. >> reporter: meanwhile, president biden is celebrating news that pfizer's booster shot provides protection against the new omicron variant. >> if you get the booster you're in good shape. >> reporter: the first two doses do not hold up well against omicron, but the booster provides 25 times the protection against omicron. >> it just came out -- >> reporter: on wednesday, pfizer's ceo talked to savannah. >> it's almost equivalent to the two doses we had against the original variant. >> reporter: it's the booster shot that may provide the most robust protection against covid's current mutations. will the definition of fully vaccinated change to three shots or more? >> that's certainly being discussed.

>> we're getting more real-world data coming in and it does add to the importance of getting the boosters. what more with you tell us? >> reporter: two new studies out of israel, listen to these numbers, the booster shots with pfizer in israel cut the infection rate tenfold, cut the death rate by 90%. israel has been pushing boosters since they had a surge over the summer. more evidence that the role that the boosters are playing and giving you added protection. we asked dr. fauci, will the moderna booster provide the same kind of effect that the pfizer booster is? he says there's every reason to believe that, savannah. now to the escalating standoff between the committee investigating the january 6th insurrection and former trump chief of staff mark meadows. meadows is firing back with a new lawsuit. garrett haake has the latest on all of it. >> reporter: after announcing earlier this week that he would no longer cooperate with the january 6th committee, mark meadows taking things a step further and suing nancy pelosi

and every member of that committee, accusing them of overstepping constitutional boundaries. the committee calling that argument flawed. >> reporter: president trump's former chief of staff is escalating his battle with the committee investigating the january 6th insurrection. mark meadows filing a lawsuit against house speaker nancy pelosi and all nine members of the committee. it's part of a larger struggle between the january 6th committee and the committee and the one-time allies of former president trump who lawmakers believe hold the key information to the president's involvement in that day. pelosi pushing for action on wednesday. >> i'll never forgive the former president of the united states and his lackeys and his bully that is he sent to the capitol for the trauma.

>> reporter: as mr. trump remains the dominant presence in the republican party, many of his former staff members are resisting the group's efforts. meadows abruptly halted his cooperation and skipped the scheduled deposition wednesday saying the panel planned to ask him about matters that he said were covered by executive privilege, an issue that is still being litigated by the courts. >> the president has claimed executive privilege. i'm going to honor that. >> reporter: at issue now, meadows' private text messages that lawmakers say reveal the trump administration actions on the day of january 6th, the committee asked for those via subpoenas which his lawsuit calls overly burdensome. bennie thompson details certain documents that meadows has provided, including texts between meadows and an organizer of the january 6th rally and another text exchange with an unnamed member of congress, quote, apparently about

appointing alternate electors in certain states thompson writes that was part of a plan, the member acknowledged, would be highly controversial and to which mr. meadows apparently said, i love it meadows would become the third trump associate to face contempt proceedings in the house the first, steve bannon has pleaded not guilty to criminal contempt charges the long wait until the trial is deeply frustrating the committee members who want action now, craig. >> our senior capitol hill correspondent, garrett haake. 120,000 russian troops now amassed al the president hoping his threat of unprecedented sanctions will persuade vladimir putin to pull back richard engel is on the ground in ukraine for us. good morning >> reporter: good morning, savannah we are in eastern ukraine, not far from the russian border. this is a closed military zone, controlled by the ukrainian

military no civilians live here and it is already been extensively damaged from years of ongoing fighting. but this is where the world is watching right now to see if russian forces will crossover the border en masse and launch an invasion. >> reporter: the front lines along ukraine's border with russia harken back to wod r rl ii, or even earlier. miles of narrow paths flanked by land mines and trenches. muddy today. often frozen solid these positions are designed to stop or at least slow down a russian advance and they're on high alert now russian troops and tanks and artillery are massed along three sides of the ukrainian border. and there are pro-russian militias already operating inside of ukraine. this is the most dangerous flash points ukrainian troops occupy these trenches 24/7 and pro-russian forces are 20 yards away and those russian-backed troops fire on them almost every day.

and it wouldn't take much for an escalation here to trigger a much wider war >> we have trench with guys, they have trench with guys, mine fields so basically when some side start attacking, it's -- no matter what they do. >> reporter: this 30-year-old lieutenant has been serving on the front for eight years. >> putin, i think not stop in ukraine. >> reporter: do you think russia is going to do it? >> in our language we have words like hope for the best and get ready for the worst. >> reporter: this is one of the forward lookout positions. this squad commander showed me where the enemy is those pro-russian militias on ukrainian territory, backed and

armed by moscow. >> it's not very far away. >> reporter: an all-out ground war could expand beyond ukraine. the u.s. state department warns neighboring belarus could also be drawn in. >> so, richard, with regards to the possibility of an armed conflict here, what's the likelihood of american troops getting involved in any capacity in a conflict? >> reporter: president biden has effectively ruled out sending combat troops. it is highly unlikely that you would see american soldiers or marines deployed to places like this one, potentially going toe to toe against russian troops. but the u.s. and other governments already have and already send advisers to ukraine to offer specialized training. and the ukrainian government wants the u.s. to send more ofr

us in uk those advisers and more weapons. craig? >> richard engel on the ground for us in ukraine. thank you. here at home, powerful testimony in a minneapolis suburb yesterday of former police officer going on trial for killing daunte wright during a traffic stop she drew her gun instead of a taser last april the jury were shown images of the two weapons. >> she drew it, she aimed it, she pointed it directly at daunte wright and she did those things without bothering to confirm what was in her hand >> she can't let him leave because he's going to kill her partner. and so she does taser, taser, taser, and she pulls the trigger believing that it was a taser. >> potter's lawyer told the jury saying his client made a mistake.

potter is expected to take the stand in her own defense let's welcome in tom llamas. >> good morning. we told you how the head of instagram was heading to congress he faced criticism, tough questions and some heated exchanges yesterday during his appearance before congress the hearing over what is and isn't being done to protect kids online hallie jackson is following that story for us good morning >> good morning. the instagram ceo defended the app, pointing to what they're doing to make it safer for teens. but that wasn't good enough for many of the lawmakers he faced who say they can't trust the company to make the changes they want to see. >> reporter: a contention debut for the head of instagram with a bipartisan browbeating in his first time testifying on capitol hill. >> self-policing based on trust is no longer a viable solution. >> we are asking you, have some empathy and take some

responsibility. >> our kids aren't cash cows >> reporter: both republicans and democrats demanding to know more about how the company plans to protect its youngest users after internal research shared by a whistle-blower showed instagram executives knew the platform could be harmful to some teen users, especially girls. >> you're the new tobacco. >> instagram's ceo adam mosseri on defense. >> we want teens to be safe online. >> reporter: pointing to new safety tools the company just rolled out, like a take a break feature to stop endless scrolling, nudges to keep teens from dwelling on one topic for too long, and soon parental controls to let adults set time limits for teens. >> there's no area more important than safety. >> reporter: some lawmakers dismissing the moves as too little too late, insisting

congress needs to pass tough new regulations with new pressure after the leaked documents suggested instagram led 1 out of 3 teen girl users to feel worse about their body image gabriella, now 19, knows what that's like. she said she started struggling with body image issues when she was just 12 after comparing herself to models and celebrities on instagram >> i would cover my face when i took a picture and pose my body in a certain way. >> reporter: instagram and facebook now known as meta dispute the characterizations of some of the leaked research. and while mosseri told craig in september they're putting plans for instagram kids on hold -- >> we want to take the time to talk to parents and researchers and safety expert and is get to more consensus about how to move forward. >> reporter: -- he testified they're not spiking the idea all together. >> it's going to be more responsible to develop an age-appropriate instagram for those under 18. >> the creation of an industry panel to create best practices for social media companies and next year instagram will give users an option to see a chronological feed based on timeline instead of what that is

based on algorithm. >> hallie jackson with that update from washington thank you. time for the weather you have a big storm on the way. >> this is going to be just about coast to coast everybody is going to be feeling something from this. in fact, we right now have 11 million people stretching from california to parts of michigan under winter weather advisories or winter storm warnings we're seeing rain and snow into california and that's starting to make its way forward the rockies and we've got 16 million people at risk for severe weather, tornados possible, damaging winds and hail. today, difficult travel through the central rockies, but they need that rain so they're going to get that. tomorrow, rain and snow shifts into the great lakes look at this system ahead of it. we're going to look at heavy showers and thunderstorms and

warm weather stretching from texas into indiana saturday it's a soggy start to the weekend for the east coast heavy snow and wind tapering off from the western great lakes the mountains in the rockies some places could see up to 2 feet of snow into the cascades and the sierra mountains. we're looking into the upper midwest, anywhere from 9 to 12 inches of snow and heavy rain stretching from new england all the way down into the south, anywhere from 1 to 3 inches of rain. we're going to get to your local forecast coming up in the next 30 seconds stand up straight. okay now let me flip it. ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ good thursday morning.

we are seeing a quick round of rain moving through. it's going to be clearing for today, but behind that some very cold temperatures. we're only going to reach into the mid 50s today and some spots will be freezing tonight. we'll see more of the same throughout the weekend. all attention will turn to the big storm set to arrive in the bay area on sunday into the middle of next week with heavy rain, gusty winds and heavy sierra snow. >> that's your latest weather. >> thank you. coming up, scott peterson resentenced for the murder of his pregnant wife laci and their unborn son after facing emotional words from her family. this morning, peterson's attorney is with us live to share peterson's reaction. what he was prepared but not allowed to say in court and their pursuit of a new trial. inside the alarming surge in gang violence near popular resorts in cancun, mexican, and americans caught in the chaos. americans caught in the chaos. > but first, this is ">>to

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♪♪ and protect aga♪♪st vision loss. acqua di giò & acqua di giò profondo giorgio armani at macy's the fragrance destination good morning. i'm marcus washington. here are today's top stories including honoring a former decorated police officer. >> reporter: at san jose's civic auditorium the memorial service will be held for kevinnishita. the former police officer was working as an armed guard protecting a news crew in oakland when he was gunned down almost two weeks ago. the search continues for his killer and the possible get away

car, a white acura four door sedan with no license plan. i'm bob redell in fremont. the alameda county water district is considering an ordinance that would declare an emergency water shortage and get customers to reduce their water usage by 15% through mandatory conservation measures. the ordinance would limit irrigation to one day every other week in the winter, once a week in the spring, twice a week in the summer. the hosing down of sidewalks and other hard surfaces would be prohibited. we are starting out with some chilly temperatures after some early morning rain. now that rain is clearing out across the bay area. we are seeing a clear sky. later on tonight we will have some record low temperatures as many spots dip near freezing as well as some frosty conditions. expect more of the same throughout the weekend.

then we get ready for that big storm set to move in from sunday throughout the middle of next week. we'll have another news update in 30 minutes. for people living with h-i-v, keep being you.

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♪♪ we are back at 7:30. it's thursday morning. and the nation is preparing to say a final good-bye and thank you to bob dole and his life of service. the late senator being honored at the capitol today. we will lie in state in the rotunda and tomorrow a funeral service at the national cathedral where the president will speak among others. a public celebration of senator dole will be held at his beloved world war ii memorial. he helped bring it to fruition and could be found there on many weekend mornings greeting the veterans. >> you're going to be speaking as well? >> such an honor to do that. i'm going to speak. tom hanks is going to speak. chairman milley is going to

speak. it's going to be a moving day. we will have special coverage on many of these nbc stations. >> we look forward to that. let's get a check of your headlines. a father and son have been arrested for arson in connection to the caldor fire. the two were taken into custody on suspicion of sparking that blaze. you might remember the fire burned more than 220,000 acres. it destroyed more than 800 structures and left 18 people hurt. the two men are being held on $1 million bail. it's being called one of the world's toughest crackdowns on tobacco. new zealand is planning to ban young people from ever buying

cigarettes in their lifetimes. under this proposal, people aged 14 and under would never be allowed to purchase cigarettes in the country while the legal smoking age will keep rising year after year. now to an incredible discovery in space that has a lot of people talking this morning. scientists have discovered a giant planet orbiting a pair of extremely hot stars. it's an environment thought too inhospitable for a planet to form in. but the planet is outside our own solar system and it's ten times as massive as jupiter, making it one of the most massive planets ever found. >> growing up, there were just nine planets you remember that? every year there's a new planet. >> the telescopes are getting bigger, i guess. now to the dramatic and emotional day in court for scott peterson and the family of his victims. laci peterson's mother facing him for the first time 17 years as peterson was resentenced to life in prison without parole

for the murders of his wife and unborn son. >> we're going to talk to scott peterson's attorney, but we're at the courthouse in redwood city courthouse for us good morning >> reporter: good morning. i was in the courtroom for yesterday's hearing. it was heartbreaking to see laci's family in so much pain. they addressed scott peterson directly their tone was measured yet full of fury. laci and conner will have been gone 19 years this christmas eve. >> reporter: laci peterson's family speaking out in anger and anguish. scott peterson was feet away, shackled, wearing a mask and staring directly at laci's mother as she lashed out at him. she's dead because she loved you, she trusted you and believed you you betrayed her and your son and everyone else. peterson's death sentence reduced to life without parole after the supreme court found significant errors in jury

selection. peterson was found guilty of murdering laci and their unborn baby conner on christmas eve 2002 since his 2004 trial, peterson murdering has remained silent. on wednesday, the judge denied his request to speak his lawyer saying he wanted the opportunity to challenge the public's perception of him >> one of the things that really upsets him is this concept that he did not want to have a child and he wanted to talk a little bit about that and the fact that he would have never ever harm laci and conner. >> reporter: in the hearing, laci's mother recounting the last time she saw her daughter she and i were sitting on the sofa and i was resting my hand on her stomach waiting for the baby to move and she looked at me and said, scott doesn't want to do that. he doesn't want to feel the baby

move all the while, you were already planning her murder. supporting peterson at the hearing, his family, including his sister-in-law. >> there's no forensic evidence, there's no timeline to this crime. scott peterson is innocent. >> reporter: peterson's defense team pushing for a retrial, citing evidence of alleged juror misconduct with that pending sharon directed her closing words to the man convicted of killing her daughter no matter what happens, there are two things that will never change, laci and conner will always be dead and you will always be their murder >> reporter: this isn't the end for scott peterson's case. his next hearing is scheduled for february 25th where his defense team is expected to present evidence of alleged juror misconduct in the hopes of winning a new trial. savannah >> thank you joining us now is pat

harris, scott peterson's attorney good morning thanks for being with us. >> good morning. >> we heard from laci's family in court yesterday, your client, scott peterson had wanted to address the court, but the judge refused that can you tell us more about what he planned to say and whether he planned to address laci peterson's family at all >> well, essentially what scott wanted to do was to make it clear that how he's been presented in the media and in court isn't who scott peterson is i think what he wanted to do is make people understand that when you have things like a billboard outside the courtroom with a -- his picture saying man or monster, that he's not a monster, and i think he wants people to know that. and i think it's been difficult for him because his lawyers, myself included, have asked him just let the process play out. continue to let the process play out and eventually you'll have your opportunity

and i believe it's been frustrating for him, which is understandable he's been sitting in a jail cell now for almost 18 years. and he wants the opportunity for people to know that he is innocent and that he would never have hurt laci and conner and i think it's frustrating to him. >> you're in the midst of an appeal on the basis of alleged juror misconduct if you prevail on that appeal, he would get a new trial that hearing is set for february are you optimistic that he will get a new trial as you well know, the bar, the legal standard is very high? >> we're cautiously optimistic i think there's a great deal of evidence that the juror did commit misconduct, when she filled out the juror form and when she was questioned in court. she did not tell the truth about incidents in her own life when she was a victim of domestic violence while she was pregnant. i think that was obviously a very important thing for her and

a big part of her life and if she had been honest about it, she would not have been selected for the jury so it is a very important issue. as you said, the bar is high we're going to have a hearing that's going to last several days how the evidence comes out, we'll probably give us an idea what the judge is going to rule at that time. >> if you were granted a new trial, do you have new evidence, evidence that exonerates your client >> absolutely. we now know that the burglary that occurred across the street which the police stated occurred on december 26th, we now can present evidence that it occurred at the time laci disappeared. the police initially and when they were questioned in court stated that the burglars told them it happened on the 26th the problem with that is, by the 26th, the entire street was covered with media who were covering laci peterson's disappearance and several journalists have stated there's no way in the world it could have happened because they were all standing there outside the house and a burglary could not

have occurred. we were not allowed to present a lot of the evidence at the last trial. we have gathered in the last 17 years a great deal more evidence we can prove that that burglary occurred on the 24th, it occurred about the time that we believe laci disappeared and we believe we have evidence that the people who actually were involved are people who have very violent criminal history and we believe we can prove that that is much more likely as to what happened than scott having killed his wife. >> and one final question, the supreme court, which overturned the death penalty sentence in this case, found there was considerable circumstantial evidence incriminating your client, including the simple fact that laci and conner's bodies washed ashore within sight of where scott peterson said he went fishing that day. the research he did on currents and the fishing boat he bought but mentioned to no one.

my question to you is, do you believe you can overcome that circumstantial case? >> we not only believe we can, we know we can you mentioned, for example, that no one knew about it and that's just not correct in fact, what happened was, the police detective had written in his report that laci peterson was at -- that there were two witnesses who were there saw laci peterson at the warehouse where the boat was she had asked them to use their bathroom and she was there at the boat where it was. the detective took that out of his report he excised it from his report so they could say laci never went to the warehouse it's not true. she was there. she saw the boat she knew the boat existed. that kind of evidence i think will prove that what they've stated all along is just incorrect. >> we'll be watching in february to see what the court rules on your appeal. appreciate your time this morning, sir, thank you.

>> thank you up next, chaos in cancun after a troubling new round of gang violence on a popular beach. >> we're going to hear from tourists forced to take cover as the u.s. announces a travel advisory that story right after this. -what's snapshot? -what the commercial was about. -i tune commercials out. -me too. they're always like blah, blah blah. tell me about it. i'm going to a silent retreat next weekend. my niece got kicked out of one of those. -for talking? -grand larceny. how about we get back to the savings? [ everyone agreeing ] expecting someone else? how about we get back to the savings? it's the all-idays, and no matter how you jingle, we've got your jammies. nice, nice. it's the naughty ones who make history. alla the jingle jammies, alla the gifts.

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serena: it's my 3:10 no-exit-in-sight migraine medicine. it's ubrelvy. for anytime, anywhere migraine strikes, without worrying if it's too late, or where i am. one dose can quickly stop my migraine in its tracks within two hours. unlike older medicines, ubrelvy is a pill that directly blocks cgrp protein, believed to be a cause of migraine. do not take with strong cyp3a4 inhibitors. most common side effects were nausea and tiredness. serena: ask about ubrelvy. the anytime, anywhere migraine medicine. we're back 7:44 with in-depth today. and the violence threatening mexico's popular tourism industry. >> citing a spike of violence along with rising covid-19 the u.s. state department issued a new travel advisory and it comes days after mexican authorities say attackers on jet skis started firing guns near a

beach full of tourists. >> sam brock has more, including what it means for families hoping to take the long-awaited vacations. sam, good morning. >> good morning. a lot of questions about this. travel to mexico is surging for a variety of reasons for some families, like the jones' from utah, this is going to stick around for a while. >> reporter: in mexico along with sunbathers and white sand beaches, a new image emerging, armed troops, protecting one of the country's most important resources, tourists. mexico beefing up its security armed troops, protecting one of following a string of violent attacks. the latest two days ago, sending terrified vacationers fleeing for cover. >> everybody started scrambling and screaming and crying. >> reporter: witnesses say armed attackers appeared on jet skies and according to local authorities opened fire near several popular resorts. zane jones was resting in his

hotel room when the shots rang out. his wife and two kids were at the pool. >> the adrenaline hit me and it was just like, figure out where they are, make sure they're safe. >> reporter: you're thinking about cutting your trip short at this point because of what happened >> absolutely. >> reporter: the mexican government ramping up reinforcements in the popular tourist haven which includes cancun deploying more than 1400 national guardsmen on december 1st. it wasn't enough to stop the incident on this beach some americans thinking about traveling to mexico may be reconsidering after a series of violent incidents there recently last month, frightened tourists and staff sheltered in a cancun hotel after police say suspected drug dealers opened fire on the

beach. and in october two tourists were killed during a reported shootout between gangs an updated state department travel urges increased caution when traveling to the region. >> when someone says i'm worried about my safety, what do you advise them? >> the government has taken drastic measures by putting armed guards in military fatigues on the beach is something that perhaps should instill some confidence to a certain degree. >> reporter: a literally army now guarding one of mexico's top tourist attractions. there's a few things you can keep in mind to try to be extra safe stick with name brand hotels they're more likely to have comprehensive security plans you can stay near cancun but not right in the middle of the action and then you can enroll in the smart traveler enrollment program. that's a federal program that is for free it provides you with resources

in the event of an emergency this can be done safely. you don't necessarily need to abandon the visions of margaritas on the beach. >> thank you. al is here with our forecast what you got >> you may not have to go that far to feel those warm temperatures we're talking about record highs today. look at this texas breaking their record today. dallas, tying it wichita, houston, into the upper 80s. tomorrow, jackson, huntsville coming close to record same in new orleans, dallas and springfield. and as we hid towards this weekend, we're going to come back to reality. new york city, 64 on saturday. by sunday, drops down to 48. norfolk, 73. sunday, down to 53 and nashville, you're going to warm up a little bit but getting cooler even in atlanta six to ten day outlook, look at how much warmer it's going to be for the eastern two-thirds of the country while out west it's going to be below normal th

good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. our temperatures today will be nice and cool. our sky is clearing. we're only headed for the mid to upper 50s with very cold air moving in tonight. a lot of spots in our inland valleys will have freezing temperatures. we're getting ready for that atmospheric river that will be here starting sunday. heavy rain next week. >> that's your latest weather, guys >> thank you still ahead, we're going to celebrate a beloved christmas classic for its 75th anniversary. harry smith takes us to the town where the spirit of "it's a wonderful life" is alive and well the real-life bedford falls. first, these messages. , keep being you. and ask your doctor about biktarvy. biktarvy is a complete, one-pill, once-a-day treatment used for h-i-v in certain adults.

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yves saint laurent. at macy's the fragrance destination good morning. it's 7:56. here's what's happening. >> good morning. the latest data on first time jobless claims show another dip and that's good. 184,000 americans headed to the unemployment office for the first time. that's the lowest in 52 years. part of a long trend, you can see since the beginning of the year the number of jobless claims declined. that's exactly what you want. good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. we have some early morning showers with a cold front that's now clearing the bay area, but it will bring in chilly temperatures today as the sky

clears. by tonight we could set some new record lows especially as we look in comparison with the current record for the day. it's going to be well below that. we could see some freezing temperatures in some of our inland valleys. as we go into the weekend, expect temperatures in the mid 50s. after that, we'll be gearing up for our big atmospheric river with heavy rain developing on sunday continuing through at least the middle of next week. we'll have another local news update in 30 minutes.

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it's 8:00 on today. coming up, bac it is 8:00 today back and forth the battle over vaccines after the senate votes to repeal the biden mandate on private businesses and hospitalization it's 8:00 on today coming up, back and forth. the battle over vaccines heating up overnight after the senate votes to repeal president biden's mandate on private businesses meanwhile, cases are surging and doctors are speaking out >> our whole team, we're exhausted. then the comeback kid. tiger woods announcing he'll play golf next week, less than ten months after that devastating car crash. the details straight ahead. plus, wonderful news >> every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings

>> celebrating 75 years of "it's a wonderful life." harry smith takes us to the town that inspired bedford falls as we look back at an iconic christmas classic. and 'tis the sheeran ed sheeran is here for a special concert event you do not want to miss thursday, december 9, 2021 ♪ >> traveled from florida for the concert. >> here from palo alto, california. >> we're from south dakota >> san antonio, texas. >> here from chicago to celebrate with ed. >> three generations love ed sheeran. >> we love ed sheeran. >> let's go. we got ed sheeran. there he is. ed sheeran is such a peach

here he is, it's cold out there, he's been performing on the breaks for the crowd he's going to take our stage in a few minutes. taking selfies we love ed sheeran one of the all-time best guests around here. >> it was so cool to see him right there. >> he's been coming over the years, almost like the houseman here. >> we wish, we wish. we love him. let's get to your news at 8:00 the battle over covid vaccines is escalating. just when u.s. health experts say they're needed the most. and last night the senate told president biden to back off on vaccine mandates, repealing the mandate on private business. tom costello joins us with the latest on all of it. tom, good morning. >> reporter: good morning. this was a bipartisan resolution essentially for -- to repeal president biden's mandate for private businesses to have a vaccine mandate. however, this was largely symbolic two moderate democrats in the senate went along with this. it would have to go to the house. as you know, the house being controlled by the democrats, highly unlikely to go ahead with that nonetheless, this morning, the

concern is in the midwest, the upper midst, the northeast, covid cases are surging there. we're now at about 1,100 cases every single day 1,100 deaths every single day nationwide from the delta variant. ers and icus are completely overwhelmed. doctors and nurses stressed out and burned out, some of them walking off the job because of the numbers who are filling up the hospitals. and almost every one of them is unvaccinated the delta variant is the concern here omicron is spreading fast. the symptoms with omicron seem to be almost always mild, according to the cdc director, it is delta that is the biggest concern. also today, the united states passing a major milestone, 200 million americans now fully vaccinated that is 60% of the population. good news as the country moves forward in battling not only

delta but also omicron and the news out of pfizer that the booster shot not only provided dramatic improvement in terms of your efficacy and protection against delta, but also against omicron is certainly good news according to the cdc and the nih and right now the thinking is that moderna's booster shot will likely provide the same level of protection that pfizer's booster shot provides as well. savannah >> thank you. the pandemic's impact on the u.s. job market is not letting up another 4 million americans quit their jobs in october. that left employers with a near record 11 million job openings economists say many workers are quitting because the tight labor market has opened up better opportunities. others are simply burned out from working long hours during the pandemic and many are reluctant to get back into the workforce because of covid fears, commuting or childcare issues now to good news for golf fans

tiger woods, he's back the golf legend announcing he'll play in next week's pnc championship tournament less than ten months after surviving that horrific car crash. it's a comeback some feared might never be possible. miguel almaguer has this story good morning >> reporter: good morning. one of sport's most disciplined and determined athletes, tiger woods says he's ready to get back on the golf course to compete. he's pairing up with his son charlie. woods looks again to do the impossible >> reporter: tiger woods is teeing up for his latest comeback the golfing great announcing on twitter his return to the sport he's dominated for decades although it's been a long and challenging year, i am very excited to close it out by competing in the pnc championship with my son, charlie. i'm playing as a dad and couldn't be more excited and proud. woods and 12-year-old charlie will return to the course together next week, a repeat of their appearance in the family tournament last year some are calling the team woods

rematch miraculous in late february, woods was involved in a single-car crash that threatened to end his golf career. >> i'm very grateful that someone upstairs was taking care of me. that i'm able to not only be here, but also to walk without a prosthesis. >> reporter: father to charlie and 14-year-old daughter sam, woods has cited his children as motivation in his long road to recovery >> it's been tough at times, yes. some dark moments. but then, again, as i was making progress through it too, i could see some light i'm able to participate more with my kids and their activities and more in life in general. >> reporter: some of the first images after the accident showed

woods cheering on his son as he competed in tournaments of his own. but in recent weeks, woods has made it clear he's not ready to be a permanent spectator days ago, the legend practicing in his signature sunday red at the hero world challenge and this three-second clip of his famous swing captioned "making progress." >> playing tour golf and being prepared to play and try and shoot scores against the best players on the toughest golf courses, that's a different deal and i'm a long way away from that >> reporter: at almost 46 years old, woods has long been considered one of the greatest golfers of all time. now all eyes will be watching as he attempts his latest comeback. >> woods has said his recovery isn't over yet and he's still working through some pain and weakness, in his words, he's not even at the halfway point yet. next week seeing him on the course in action will give us a glimpse at how far the golf great has come >> nothing short of remarkable that he's back ten months after surviving that --

>> well, it's tiger woods. he has a few more miracles up his sleeve it looks like. let us get the boost students at franklin high school really appreciate their english teacher and they know that he loves sneakers when they noticed that his beloved air jordans were falling apart, they pitched in to buy him an early christmas present >> oh. are you serious? who looked inside of my shoes to know what size i needed. >> you're our sneaker head they probably cost a couple hundred bucks. but the point is, they were so thoughtful

they thought of him. they figured out his shoe size. >> air jordan ones >> cool. >> that is a great gift. that's really cool up next, a fixture of this holiday season >> harry smith is a fixture. but he's here to celebrate a milestone anniversary for "it's a wonderful life." his visit to what's being called the real-life bedford falls and why the film's message lives on 75 years later right after this own and why the message still lives on we're givs to more options more exclusives more ways to save so you can celebrate everyone on your list. this season at sephora, there's more beauty to go around. and everyone's invited. 20% off your purchase at sephora. ends december 12th. ♪ ♪ ♪

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of kleenex there's a place in america that really thinks bedford falls is a very real and genuine place. >> reporter: spend a little time in seneca falls, new york, this time of year and you'll begin to wonder if the town is having an identity crisis. >> hello, bedford falls! >> did you see the signs coming into town, there's a placard that goes over seneca that says bedford. >> reporter: the connection between seneca and bedford falls starts with a bridge movie fans remember jimmy stewart wondering if his life had been worth living. >> i suppose it would be better if i had never been born before. >> what happened here on this bridge in 1917. >> in 1917, a young woman came on the bridge and jumped he managed to get her close enough to shore where another gentleman lifted her from

antonio's arms saving her, but antonio disappeared from sight. >> he was the angel. >> he was the angel. >> i'm your garden angel. >> frank had visited seneca ju. he managed to get her close enough to shor falls just a few years before antonio disappeared from the film was made and the story about the bridge, locals are sure he heard it >> here's jimmy stewart looking into the water >> a real angel jumped in the water here. >> reporter: no wonder that

seneca falls throws a "it's a wonderful life" festival every december and the fans come. >> how many times do you think you've seen it >> what do you want? >> probably about 15 or 20 >> no way. we've been married 40 years. th >> i read that when he was praying and you've seen it at least 40 times. a minimum of 40 times. >> what do you want? you want the moon? just say the word and i'll throw a lasso around it and pull it down. >> reporter: no romcom has ever come close and jimmy stewart near the end. >> i read that when he was praying and thinking about everyone out there, it came over him. >> reporter: the reporter has

tears in his eyes just thinking about i. our favorite, when stewart goes full throttle after mr. potter. >> remember this, they do most of the working and paying and living and dying in this community. >> reporter: if you come to seneca -- i mean, bedford falls for the festival, be sure to stop at "it's a wonderful life" museum and swing by the dodge dealership the old car, yes, the old car, jimmy stewart runs into the tree is there though, the fender has been repaired but the real draw, the stars from the movie. >> i play the role of zuzu. >> and i played tommy bailey in the film >> excuse you for what >> i burped. >> do you remember shooting the scene with jimmy stewart when you're sick in bed >> at the end of the scene, his hands were so big. it almost covered my whole face when he put his fingers over my head to feel if i had any fever. it was a sweet scene. >> reporter: both are thankful for their roles in the film and for the fact that the movie still means so much to so many people

>> every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings >> we were talking about the film and said you know something, jimmy, the film never changed. the people changed they need that message more than ever now that's what that movie tells them >> strange, isn't it each man's life touches so many other lives. >> reporter: like fran who keeps seneca falls connection to the great film alive. >> what's your favorite scene in the movie? >> at the end when harry raises a toast to his big brother george to george. >> the richest man in town. >> the richest man in town >> harry >> yeah, right >> i just learned a whole lot about that movie that i had never heard. >> veronica downstairs happened to have this

every time a bell rings. and paramount has this special 75th edition blu-ray, supercool, amazing, can't live without it from paramount home entertainment. you can watch "it's a wonderful life" on christmas eve right here on nbc. >> all right thank you. al, let's get a check of the weather. >> look at me, i'm giving out wings. let's show you what's going on thank you very much. light snow around the great lakes. heavy snow out west. sunshine up and down the eastern seaboard that's what's going on around good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. we're seeing some chilly temperatures moving in today with a mostly sunny sky and tonight we're headed towards some frosty conditions. we are most likely going to set some new record lows and do it

all over again for the next few days. and then by sunday we're getting ready for some heavy rain and atmospheric river moving in will bring us heavy downpours starting on sunday and continuing through wednesday while the temperatures stay in the low to mid 50s over the next several days. >> check us out on siriusxm channel 108. best time of the morning >> yes >> "pop start. >> harry, you make everybody smile, you can stay right here it's that time of the year, "time" magazine named the top players for 2021 the greatest of all time, simone biles graces the cover the issue highlights the gymnast's bravery and her decision to step back and shine a light on athlete's mental health in entertainment, olivia rodrigo has earned the title of entertainer of the year. she was the youngest solo artist to debut on the billboard hot 100. time's heroes of the year will

be announced this monday next up, jennifer aniston, the 52 actress is opening up in a new interview with the "hollywood reporter. describing the scrutiny she's been under for decades for not having children telling the publication, i used to take it all very personally. the pregnancy rumors and she chose career over kids you have no clue what's going on with me personally, medically, why can't -- can i have kids they don't know anything and it was hurtful and just nasty. speaking about that famous "friends" reunion from earlier this year, she described stepping back on that set opened

up serious old wounds. it reminded her of going through the hardest time of her life and she had to walk off at times, telling the "hollywood reporter," i don't know how they cut around it. that will get a lot buzz. sarah jessica parker on wednesday walked the red carpet for the premier of "and just like that" she told entertainment tonight about what it's been like reimagining the series and continuing the next chapter without two characters >> we have a writer and actors who love that character, who love telling stories and being in situations and environments with samantha. really what's missing is really garson this was a person who was lost far too soon who was going to

play a significant role. and that's a kind of space you can't feel >> that's tough. willie garson passed away in september from cancer. the next chapter in the "sex and the city" series is streaming on hbo max. the top ten movies of the year, half of which haven't hit theaters yet can you see these? "science fiction" and "king richard" named as the greatest of the year. no surprise here, "west side story" making the list a big milestone for rachel as she makes her debut on the big screen in the iconic role of maria. was she great? >> incredible. >> also on the list, bradley cooper's "nightmare alley. this is one that everyone has been talking about, "don't look up" in theaters tomorrow meryl streep, jennifer lawrence. with a few weeks left before the end of the year, it looks like we still have a lot to look forward to there you go

finally will ferrill, you remember this "snl" throwback? >> and the only prescription is more cow bell. ♪ >> everybody wants to clap along. here you go, mark anthony thinks so look at this, earlier this week, he hopped on stage to accompany anthony during a performance of one of his biggest hits. ♪ >> i can't hear the cow bell >> he decided to spice it up "i need to know" with cow bell. >> that is a collab i would have never predicted. >> i got a fever. >> just ahead, the wait is over. the big moment we have been eager for all week here, ed sheeran taking over the plaza

live for a full half-hour. >> looking forward to it he's got his gloves on he's going to strum that guitar for us but first, your local news and good morning. it is 8:26. i'm marcus washington. police have released this new image of a vehicle they say is tied to a deadly shooting that sparked outrage in oakland. happened on november 28th near lake meret when he died trying to stop a car theft. he moved to oakland two years ago and his death left family members devastated. a $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest. let's get a look at the forecast for you today. kari hall tracking the rain in our area. >> yes, already moving out. we're seeing the sky clearing in san francisco.

we'll see much of the rest of the bay area clearing out as cold air moves in. here's a look at the rain that moved through this morning. most of us got 0.1 of rain or less and looking for heavier rain in the future and couple more days of sunshine in the forecast. we just have the concern of some freezing temperatures and frosty conditions in our inland valleys and then going into sunday. that's when the rain will be moving in. heavy rain continues through at least wednesday of next week, marcus. >> all right, thanks, kari. another local news update coming up for you in 30 minutes. i'll meet you back here then. how do i know that you're not a weirdo? ♪ confessing, yeah ♪

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♪ you can keep me inside ♪ >> we are back it is 8:30 on a thursday morning. and, folks, you know when we have a superstar in the house when people pack the plaza like this, even in the cold ladies and gentlemen, i give you ed sheeran [ cheers and applause >> we can't wait. >> i love the sign shivering for ed sheeran your newest album is number one

in 19 countries. streaming more than a half billion times already, including by my husband and me every weekend. you have the biggest crowd we've had in probably years. >> yes >> no question no question. where's mr. roker? oh, al >> guys, we're over here and everybody having a good time [ cheers and applause >> a lot of folks contributed -- this is our biggest crowd yet for a concert. you're all part of history i'm looking for two students from fordham you should be studying for finals >> yes, we should be finals are happening this week we're missing the last day of classes to be here right now. >> i skipped my 8:30 to be here. >> your parents have to be thrilled about that. >> i'm hoping they don't watch

this today. >> you got on your shirt -- >> this is bread sheeran based on a loaf of bread. >> that's fantastic. as it turns out, ed is performing tonight at madison square garden. >> is he >> part of -- tomorrow night, i should say part of jingle ball. iheart radio even though you may flunk some courses, you can go see ed sheeran. >> thank you >> thank, ed. >> i hope you enjoy the show. >> let's check your weather. looking ahead forward the weekend and for tomorrow, it's going to be pretty spectacular in the east. but we are going to be looking at a lot of wet weather. record highs in the central plains we're looking at heavy snow out west and then for tomorrow, we expect more of the same, a lot of sunshine in the east that snow will be making its way good morning, i'm meteorologist kari hall. our temperatures chilly today

and highs only reaching into the mid 50s and more days like this leading into the start of the weekend. frosty and freezy conditions in the inland valleys for the next several days and then we get ready for heavy rain to move in on monday and that continues into early next week. san francisco will also have cool temperatures. we're only looking at highs that will reach into the 50s and mid 50s for the weekend and, of course, more updates on the rain coming. >> all right, nice sign. thank you. >> keeping it close, like my dancing. my people! >> there you go. >> actually, they're ed people. >> ed people coming up next, singer, songwriter by the name of ed sheeran does what he does best right here on our plaza. first, this is "today" on nbc. right here on our plaza. first, this is "today" on nbc.

>> announcer: the citi concert series is proudly presented by citi. >> let's not wait one minute longer >> kicking off with "shivers." let's hear it for ed sheeran ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪♪ ♪ ♪ ♪

♪ ♪ ♪♪ ♪ ♪♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ heart i never kisse ♪ i took an arrow to the heart never kissed a mouth that tastes

like yours ♪ ♪ straw like yours ♪ ♪ strawberries and something gr more ♪ the i want it all ♪ want it all ♪ ♪ i ♪ lipstick on my guitar ♪ ♪ fill up the engine we can drive real far ♪ ♪ go dancing underneath the stars ♪ ♪ i want it all ♪ ♪ i wannabe that guy ♪ ♪ you got me singing i love it when you do it like that ♪ ♪ when you're close you give me the shivers ♪ ♪ when they say the party is

over we'll bring it right back ♪ ♪ i love it when you do it like that ♪ ♪ when you're close up give me the shivers ♪ ♪ you want to dance until the sunlight cracks ♪ ♪ when they say the party's ove then we'll bring it right back ♪ ♪ into the car ♪ ♪ on the backseat in the moonli dark ♪ ♪ i never thought i could love this hard ♪ ♪ you got me feeling like ♪ ♪ i want to be that guy ♪ ♪ i want to kiss you right ♪ ♪ i want to drink that smile ♪ ♪ i want to feel like that my soul is on fire ♪ ♪ i want to stay up all day and all night ♪ ♪ you got me singing like ♪ ♪ oh i love it when you do it like that ♪ ♪ when you're close up you give me the shivers ♪ ♪ baby you want to dance until the sun light cracks and when they say the party is over then we'll bring it right back ♪ ♪ i love it when you do it like that and when you're close up you give me the shivers ♪ ♪ you want to dance until the sunlight cracks ♪ ♪ when they say the party is over we'll bring it right back ♪ ♪ you make me shiver with the fire ♪

♪ i don't want it to stop ♪ ♪ you make me shiver ♪ ♪ you burn so hot you make me shiver with the fire ♪ ♪ you got this thing we started ♪ ♪ i don't want it to stop ♪ ♪ you know you make me shiver ♪ ♪ yeah you got me singing like ♪ ♪ oh i love it when you do it s♪ ♪ you like that ♪ thing we started ♪ ♪ i don't want it to stop ♪ ♪ you know you make me shiver ♪ ♪ yeah you got me ♪ when you're close up give me p the shivers ♪ ♪ you want to dance until the sunlight cracks ♪ ♪ when they say the party's ove then we'll bring it right back ♪ [ cheers and applause >> ed sheeran out on our plaza he's just getting started. we'll be back with much more but first, this is "today" on nbc. we'll be back with much m

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♪♪ we are back on a very special thursday morning. ♪ we are back on a very special thursday morning that's because one of the biggest music stars on the planet is with us. >> we're so delighted to have you. ed, welcome back. >> thanks so much for having me. >> how does it feel to be back here, live concert, after the pandemic nobody takes this for granted anymore. >> and i'm so, so happy that i'm able to do it. i've been doing shows for the past three months and it's nice to be back at it. >> we love you around here we were thinking about the first time you were on was actually i think back in 2012 and you were just a -- there you are singing. and you've come and visited us over the years one of our favorite visits, we had pizza for another segment and you just went right -- do you remember

you ate three boxes of pizza it was incredible. how does it feel to be back and how is the album doing >> it feels really, really great to be back i love new york in the winter. it's one of the only places in the world that feels like christmas, if that makes sense i was doing a show yesterday and it started snowing halfway through. it's wonderful it's wonderful i'm really happy to be back. >> you mentioned christmas any special plans for the holiday? >> hopefully not working i finish on christmas eve and i'm off. i'm working right up to then and then i just saw a clip of "it's a wonderful life" which i've never seen i'm going to watch that this christmas. >> you got -- >> homework assignment >> before we get into it, as you were just talking about this, this is next level it never gets old, this device that you use can you explain it for folks at home. >> you would record something

like that and press play and it would play it back and then you can kind of -- ♪ >> every single one of my live shows you start off with nothing and you build a track. at the end of it, you delete it and it's never the same the second time. >> you've been doing this since you were 14 years old. >> when i used to do it at 14, it was two pedals and we got it fused into four pedals it's fun. >> what a better place to perform this brand-new christmas song of yours than in front of our rockefeller christmas tree "merry christmas," ed, take it ♪ build a fire and gather around away ♪ build a fire and gather aroun the tree ♪ me ♪

♪ ♪ ♪ fill a glass and maybe come ♪ so kiss me under the and sing with me ♪ ♪ ♪ been pain this ♪ so kiss me under the mistletoe ♪ ♪ pour out the wine let's toast and pray for december snow ♪ ♪ i know there's been pain this year but it's time to let it go ♪ ♪ next year you never know ♪ ♪ but for now merry christmas ♪ ♪ we'll dance in the kitchen while embers glow ♪ ♪ i wish you could see it through my eyes then you would know ♪ ♪ my god you look beautiful but right now merry christmas ♪ ♪ and the fire is raging on and

we'll all sing along to the song ♪ ♪ just having so much fun but while we're here can we all spare a thought for the ones who are gone ♪ ♪ merry christmas everyone ♪ ♪ so keep kissing me under the mistletoe ♪ ♪ pour out the wine ♪ ♪ let's toast and pray for december snow ♪ pour out the ♪ next year you never know ♪ ♪ for now merry christmas ♪ mer♪ ♪ we' ♪ we'll dance in the kitchen while embers glow ♪ ♪ i wish you could see it ♪ aough my eyes and you know ♪

♪ my god you look beautiful ♪ ♪ right now merry christmas ♪ ♪ and i feel it when it comes ♪ ♪ every year we're carrying on ♪ ♪ fill up with so much love ♪ ♪ all the family and friends ar together where we all belong ♪ ♪ merry christmas, everyone ♪ ♪ ah ah ah ♪ ♪ ah ah ah ♪ ♪ ah ah ah ♪ ♪ it's christmastime for you an i ♪ ♪ merry christmas ♪

♪ it's christmastime for you an i ♪ ♪ good night and merry christmas ♪ ♪ it's christmastime for you an i ♪ ♪ we'll have a good night and a merry christmas ♪ ♪ it's christmastime for you an i ♪ ♪ we'll have a good night and a merry christmastime ♪ >> what a memory ed sheeran singing us a holiday song in front of the rockefeller center christmas tree. center christmas tree. we mrs. claus the shopping boss here to help you merry savers decorate with the best bargains ever! ross has savings on everything you need to get the party started. because who waits for shipping anymore? or guests?! i love saying yes to more merry for less at ross!

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♪ i found a love for me ♪ ♪ darling just dive right in ♪ ♪ follow my lead ♪ ♪ well i found a girl ♪ ♪ beautiful and sweet ♪ ♪ i never knew you were someone waiting for me ♪ ♪ we were just kids when we fel in love ♪ ♪ not knowing what it was ♪ ♪ i will not give you up this time ♪ ♪ darling just kiss me slow ♪ ♪ your heart is all i own ♪ ♪ and in your eyes you're

holding mine ♪ ♪ baby i dancing in the dark ♪ ♪ with you between my arms ♪ ♪ barefoot on the grass ♪ ♪ i whispered underneath my breath and you heard it ♪ ♪ darling you look perfect tonight ♪ ♪ i found the woman stronger than anyone i know ♪ ♪ she shares my dreams, my hope and someday i'll share her home ♪ ♪ i found love carry more than just my secrets ♪ ♪ to carry love carry children in love ♪ ♪ fighting against all odds

of our own ♪ ♪ we're still kids and we're so in love ♪ ♪ fighting against all odds ♪ ♪ i know we'll be all right thi time ♪ ♪ darling just hold my hand ♪ ♪ i'll be your man ♪ dancing ine ♪ i see my future in your eyes ♪ ♪ baby dancing in the dark ♪ on♪ ♪ listening to ♪ you between my arms ♪ ♪ barefoot on the grass ♪ ♪ listening to our favorite song ♪ ♪ when i saw you in that dress looking so beautiful ♪ ♪ i don't deserve this ♪ ♪ darling you look perfect

♪ tonight ♪ween ♪ baby dancing in the dark ♪ ♪ you between my arms ♪ ♪ barefoot on the grass listening to our favorite song ♪ ♪ i have faith in what i see ♪ ♪ now i know i have met an ange in person and she looks perfect ♪ ♪ i don't deserve this ♪ [ cheers and applause ] ♪ you look perfect tonight ♪ [ cheers and applause >> ed sheeran, everybody hand warmers, you've earned them thank you so much. our concert is not over yet.

thank you for being here. >> thank you, thank you, ed. one more round of applause for ed sheeran more music straight ahead on the "3rd hour of today" and the fourth hour as well. first, local news, weather, these messages and hand warmers. ♪ good morning to you. it is 8:56. i'm marcus washington. as the drought concerns grow by the day, the water district is considering declaring a new water shortage urging customers to cut their usage by 15%.

that would limit to one day every other day in the winter and twice a week in the summer. no draining or refilling swimming pools. happening now looking at new restrictions there and else where. going to have that during our mid day newscast. remember security guard and former officer kevin nishita who was shot and killed. his service is at noon.

this morning on the "3rd hour of today," a trip to santa's adopted home. a winter wonderland where christmas lasts all year long. a mom on a mission to take control of her health and one of music's biggest stars on the planet, ed sheeran back to rock our plaza. all coming up today, thursday, december 9, 2021. >> announcer: live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza, this is the "3rd hour of today." >> good thursday morning. welcome to this