>> yeah. >> we're always here for you 4:30 to 7:00 monday through friday, and midday news as well. >> yeah, and we have a live news update coming up at 7:25 this morning. stay dry if you can. the "today" show is coming up, next. good morning fast and furious with omicron rapidly spreading across the country and christmas just three days away, president biden urging caution and vaccines >> i promise you, it saves lives. and i honest to god believe it's your patriotic duty. >> coast to coast, frustration mounts over those growing lines at covid testing sites, some hours long at home tests, still nearly two years into the pandemic. we'll have everything you need to know as the director of the

cdc joins us heading home, record traffic at airports and on the roads as the holiday travel rush kicks into high gear >> we didn't expect to see passengers come back the way they did this morning, a firsthand look at what's being done to get you where you need to go on time driving force, the growing backlash against that controversial 110 year prison sentence for the truck driver who caused a fatal pileup after his brakes failed. millions signing a petition calling it unjust. even the judge and jurors involved speaking out against it straight ahead, his fate now in the hands of colorado's governor we'll have the very latest on that new twist, detectives actively working the jonbenet ramsey investigation, now turning to new dna technology. could it lead to a break in the unsolved case that captivated a nation 25 years ago this week. all that, plus double

feature. >> on the run, throw to the end zone it is caught >> the eagles and rams picking up big wins during a rare tuesday night of action in the nfl. >> he's got it it's a rams touchdown! >> adding a new layer of drama to the playoff picture today, wednesday, december 22nd, 2021 >> announcer: from nbc news, this is "today" with savannah guthrie and hoda kotb live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza >> and welcome to "today" on this wednesday morning thank you so much for joining us savannah and hoda are off. i'm doing the work from home thing and we've got weekend today co-host kristen welker there in studio 1a always good to see you, my friend >> craig, it is always good to see you and be with you on this holiday week and even if virtually, and it's another busy one.

we begin with covid, the omicron variant and more closure and shortages from coast to coast, just three days before christmas. >> there's a lot to digest, including those reports that nhl players are not going to participate in next february's winter olympics. an announcement from the league expected as early as today after already pausing the season until after the holidays amid a spike of cases >> here in new york, major hospitals have run out of the treatment for severely ill patients meantime, new york city is ready to offer $100 to residents who get their booster shots before the end of the year. >> and israel set to start rolling out a fourth dose of the covid vaccine for people 6 and over, frontline workers and people with weakened immune systems, as well those eligible can get the shot as long as four months have passed since the third dose. we've got it all covered this wednesday morning, including the

impact on holiday travel and a new interview with the cdc's director but let's start in washington, d.c. with nbc's hallie jackson hallie, good morning to you. >> hey, craig, good morning. cases are up 33% across the country and it's against that back drop that president biden is asking people not just to get vaccinated, but to get boosted for the best protection heading into the holidays. but he's also making clear this is not march 2020, right we're in a different place while his administration will roll out half a billion free new at-home tests starting next month, he's facing questions over whether that may be a little too little too late with the countdown to christmas getting shorter across the country, the lines are getting longer from new york city to cleveland, where this drive through site filled to capacity soon after opening tuesday. frustrated americans waiting hours for covid tests, wondering whether to gather with family over the holidays as cancellations roll in for major public holiday events, all

driven by the rapid rise of the omicron variant. president biden aiming to reassure vaccinated people they'll be safe over the holidays, while delivering a stark warning to unvaccinated americans. >> if you're not fully vaccinated, you have good reason to be concerned. you're at a high risk of getting sick >> facing more pressure to fight the latest wave of infections, president biden says the federal government will set up additional testing sites in places where they're needed most and starting next month, the administration will ship 500 million at-home covid test kits for free to anyone who requests one. that's just a couple of weeks after the white house downplayed the need for at-home tests >> why not make them free and give them out everywhere >> should we send one to every american >> maybe >> then what happens what happens if every american has one test how much does that cost and what happens after that >> hospitals are quickly becoming overwhelmed, doctors and nurses desperate as beds

fill up. >> sometimes we're calling 20 to 30 hospitals a day trying to find beds for these patients and a lot of times we have patients that sit in our emergency room for three or four days >> hospitals in multiple states delaying elective surgeries as cases rise dr. joe gestaldo says beds at his hospital in columbus is tight, with the vast majority of covid patients there unvaccinated >> unless you live in a bubble or unless you live on the top of a mountain and don't have any contact with society, everybody has a date with this virus i'm very concerned for people who don't have any degree of immunity >> there's new medical news this morning with multiple sources telling bloomberg the fda could authorize as soon as this week a pair of pills from pfizer and merck that would help treat covid in people who are infected, another key step in the fight against this pandemic. craig? >> hallie, thank you

that sets us up nicely for dr. rochelle walensky, the director of the cdc dr. walensky, good morning to you. >> good morning, craig good to be back with you >> president biden insisted on tuesday that this was nothing like march of 2020, but here you have long lines and testing sites, you've got broadway shows shutting down, sports leagues hitting pause, holiday parties being canceled a lot of folks all worried what do you say this morning to all the people who are panicking right now? >> yeah. things are moving quickly. so let me back up and tell us where we are because there really is no need to panic so we now know that about 73% of cases in the united states now are omicron. and that we expected this because we have seen the doubling times of this virus in other countries have been really rapid and that's what we're seeing here in the united states and that really was the motivation for the president and the administration's action right now and those actions

include providing support capacity in surging hospitals. it includes getting more tests out there and increasing access to free testing. and then it, of course, provides support for more vaccinations, more shots in arms, more boosting but i want to remind people that we are in a very different place than a year ago. we have vaccines, we have boosters, and we have all the science that demonstrates prevention interventions like masking indoor settings work to mitigate the spread of this virus. >> you just said we knew this at-home was coming why then weren't more of those at-home testing kits secured and made available en masse, even practice right after the delta surge? why does it appear as though we were caught a bit flat-footed? >> so this has come on quickly we've learned about omicron just over thanksgiving or just prior

to thanksgiving, around the end of november. and we -- the doubling time of this virus has been really rapid. the administration is doing a lot with regard to testing and we recognize we have more work to do. so that, of course, includes a $3 billion investment in rapid tests and 500,000 rapid tests that are anticipated to be delivered in january we have 20,000 sites where you caright now, in areas of high demand, including new york, g s this surge in we're setting up new federal pcr testing sites so we can address this surge in demand >> we know that the recommending has been to test before you see and see friends and family, but because so many people seem to be having a hard time getting that test, if you are boosted, if you're vaxed, can you simply forgo the test and go on your merry way and spend time during the holidays with your friends and loved ones >> yeah. we really do want people to be

gathering includes, of course, being vaccinated, ideally being boosted if you're eligible to be boosted and making sure that all the people who you gather with have been doing -- are also vaccinated and boosted but i want to remind folks that so much about the safety of your gathering has less to do with the plane ride or the train ride you do to get there, and much more to do with the behaviors you have in the week prior to your gathering have you bee practicing those safe prevention strategies or have you been out and gath n erring in indoor settings without a mask on. because that's when your exposure would have happened. >> dr. walensky, the cases are rising fast. we know this new variant is so transmissible. there have been so many breakthrough cases is it reasonable to expect at this point that everyone is just going to get covid and your outcome is going to pretty much depend on your vaccination

status >> certainly your outcome is going to depend on your vaccination status we have seen time and time again, in fact, data just released again las week that you're 20 times more likely to die from covid if you're unvaccinated compared to if you're boosted. ten times more likely to be a case if you're unvaccinated compared to if you're boosted. i do think that we will see that those who are vaccinated and boosted will have less severe outcomes, less risk of mortality. there are going to be breakthrough cases of omicron, and they will be cases, but they will be milder if you're vaccinated and boosted >> dr. rochelle walensky, thank you for your time. hope you can enjoy the holidays a bit this week, as well >> thank you so much, craig. >> well, great interview, craig. meantime with three days to go until christmas, holiday travel is ramping up from coast to coast. the nation's highways and runways are seeing a record number of travelers. it comes amid a new warning

from two aviation giants about new 5g cell phone technology, saying it could interfere with critical cockpit technology. tom costello is at reagan national airport with the latest on all of this tom, good morning to you >> reporter: a lot to cover here let's start with the travel rush right now. we got about 2.1 million people flying every day that's double what we had a year ago. still below 2019 levels nationwide but it is still very strong. meanwhile, most people, of course, out of the roads and if you're driving, traffic up 34% compared to last year on this wednesday before christmas, you've got good company if you're hitting the road millions are getting behind the wheel this morning, clogging key interstates from i-95 on the east coast to the 101 out west among the drivers this week, 23-year-old madison cruz, heading from baltimore, maryland, to roswell, georgia. >> with the rise in the new covid variant, it's extra scary to be around people, especially

coming home to grandparents and family >> meanwhile, among the busiest airports today, l.a.x. 8:00 a.m. and dallas at 10:00 a.m. across the country, many airports are reporting pandemic record breaking traffic, even all time records >> the rebound really came on unexpectedly we didn't expect to see passengers come back the way they did >> at l.a.x. and los angeles, united airlines sees a stark contrast to nine months or even a year ago >> we are back up to 120 plus flights. >> but covid remains top of mind for many people traveling to see family and friends >> on the plane itself, it's really quite safe. particularly if you're vaccinated and boosted but in other settings, it may not be so safe >> meanwhile, this morning, more pressure on the cell phone industry to delay the rollout of 5g technology next month after airplane giants boeing and

airbus issued a rare joint call for the government and cell phone industry to postpone the rollout, warning 5g coul interfere with critical cockpit technology the cell phone industry says there's no reason to delay the rollout, telling nbc news 5g networks operate safely without interference in nearly 40 countries around the world, and it will be no different here but pilot organizations, airlines and members of congress share the concern that 5g can interfere with the plane's altimeters >> if you're coming down in zero visibility and your radio altimeter is off, you might go boom into the ground >> the faa issued an air worthiness directive for pilots starting in january. no using the altimeter when coming in for a landing in bad weather and close to a 5g site, the airlines are warning that could disrupt the travel plans for americans across the country.

32 million americans could see cancellations, diversions, postponements. so that's wh you have multiple agencies now calling for a postponement of the 5g rollout >> remarkable. a lot of different headlines you're covering. let me ask you about one more. there's a new push from a major airline to loosen cdc isolation recommendations. what can you tell us about this, tom? >> delta air lines is calling on the cdc to shorten the period of time you would need to quarantine or isolate if you get covid and you've been vaxed and boosted. delta wants to bring that down from 10 days to 5. citing data suggesting that the vaxxed and boosted, i guess the omicron variant recover more quickly. we'll see how that moves forward. but delta is concerned of course, about the impact on the business model for them. >> tom costello, thank you so much now to a controversial sentence for that driver who caused a fatal crash near denver 110 years. that was the sentence and it's sparking outrage rage and a

erin mclaughlin has the latestus sentenced last week because of state laws that require sentences for certain crimes to be served consecutively or back to back. now there are mounting calls for clemency action for the colorado governor this morning, there are growing calls in colorado to reduce a controversial 110 year sentence. celebrity attention and an online petition signed by nearly 5 million people asking for help for a truck driver responsible for a fatal crash near denver two years ago. now a colorado district attorney asking for a hearing to see if it should stand. he was sentenced on december 13th, for the deadly chain reaction crash that captured the nation's attention in april 2019 >> oh, my god! we almost [ bleep ] died >> the crash reached 28

vehicles, four people were killed the 26-year-old says his brakes failed prosecutors say the driver should have taken steps to prevent the crash, including diverting to truck ramps aguilera-mederos testified last week that he never meant to hurt anyone >> i would have preferred god taken me instead of them >> in october, a jury found aguilera-mederos guilty of 27 counts including vehicular homicide and vehicular assault last week, a judge citing colorado state law that requires sentences for each count to be served consecutively >> if i had the discretion, it would not be my sentence >> although he said aguilera did deserve jail time, more than 5 million people have signed the online petition. kim kardashian west also speaking out, urging the governor to gran aguilera clemency, or commute the sentence >> i understand what the judge had to adhere to the minimum

sentencing per law however, we do believe that was an unjust sentencing >> family of the victims even sensing support for sentence modification >> i hope that the defendant can have his dad for the rest of his life >> erin, colorado's governor jared polis, how is he responding to all of this so far? >> well, his spokesperson tells nbc news they just received aguilera-mederos' application. and the legal team is reviewing it once they reach a decision, they'll make an announcement in the meantime, controversy is growing surrounding the original prosecutor who according to the washington post allegedly posted a photo on facebook with a brake shoe engraved with the case number craig.

>> all right erin mclaughlin for us this morning, thank you time now to get our first check of the weather on this wednesday before christmas wnbc's dave price is in for al this morning dave, it is so good to see you >> good to see you good to see both of you and good to be with you at home let's take a check of the weather across the country we begin in the northeast, another coastal low that's bringing rain, freezing rain, sleet and snow depending on where you are. this is going to continue to work its way off winter weather advisories posted from the south of boston all the way to northern new england with the exception of coastal areas around boston. we could see up to 8 inches of snow in northern new england, in maine, as this begins to pull off later on in the afternoon. but rain, ice and snow for the morning drive certainly and watch as it pulls offshore we're going to see some lake-effect snow right along lake erie and lake ontario, as well the rest of the country, above average high temperatures in the central section of the country today. could see some local records fall we're going to have more on that a little later and another strong storm brewing out west.

that could bring snows to some areas as far west as the rockies all the way into christmas we'll have more on that a little later. in the meantime, that's a look at the national maps your local forecast in just about 30 seconds good morning. i am meteorologist, kari hall. we're under a microclimate weather alert. with light rain moving through, we are seeing some breaks for parts of the north bay and the peninsula, but it's moving through the east bay and the south bay. expect more widespread downpours

by tomorrow morning into the early afternoon, and breaks in the activity for friday afternoon into early saturday. but we will continue to see at least a chance of rain each day in the forecast through next tuesday. >> and that's our first look at the weather. we'll send it back to both of you. >> dave, thank you coming up, the search for new leads in the jonbenet ramsey case an unsolved mystery that captivated the nation for 25 years now. this morning, an inside look at the new dna technology that detectives hope could finally crack the case, kristin. plus, something new to consider when it comes to your family's christmas tree. would you ever consider renting one? craig, i'm asking you. we'll take you to one -- >> no, never >> i think i'm with you. but first, this is "today" on

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you can count on fast, ♪ your whole team can see your upper thigh ♪ ♪ pour that smooth roast and aim that camera up high ♪ ♪ the best part of wakin' up is folgers in your cup ♪ very good morning to you. 7:26 on your wednesday morning. i am laura garcia. we are in the microclimate weather alert, which we will get to in a moment, but other stop stories include the new push from governor newsom. >> he will announce that the state of california will be requiring all health care workers to get their covid-19 booster shot. in a tweet the governor wrote with omicron on the rise we are taking immediate action to protect californians and ensure our hospitals are prepared.

the california nurses' association wrote that measures that prevent covid are essential and look forward to reviewing more information on governor newsom's recent announcement. let's get a look at the forecast, kari. rain, rain, rain. >> yeah, we are seeing that light rain. here's a surge of light rain that will continue. it will start to taper off by late morning into the early afternoon hours. by the evening commute, we are seeing a lot less rain but there will be another wave of rain coming in during the overnight hours that could be a little heavier, and a break by tomorrow afternoon in some spots and then it just continues with off and on showers into christmas eve as well as christmas day. overall we are looking at cool temperatures, off-and-on rain

so make sure you are prepared for anything in the next couple of weeks. we will have another update in about half an hour. we will see you then, and also at 11:00. rn about covid-19 the more questions and worries we have. calhope can help with free covid-19 emotional support. call 833-317-4673 or live chat at calhope.org today.

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calhope offers free covid-19 emotional support. call 833-317-4673 or live chat at calhope.org today. ♪♪ we are back, 7:30 on this wednesday morning. just three days to go now until christmas. with a look at our beautiful tree there. i'm working from home this morning. kristen welker in studio 1a holding things down. let's get to the 7:30 headlines. a police officer pulling out a gun after a brawl breaks out at miami international airport. take a look. cell phone video shows a crowd

clashing with police and it all started when a charter flight was delayed. a passenger grabbed the keys to a golf cart and refused to let a worker leave. the officer who responded soon found himself struggling to get away at one point appearing to have his arms around the man's neck. you can see the officer pulling out his gun. fortunately no shots were fired. two people were arrested. miami-dade police say they are investigating why the officer drew his weapon. >> not what you want to see a few days before christmas. that's for sure. also this morning, the kellogg's strike is now over. the union voted to ratify a tentative contract. the company says the deal includes wage increases and enhanced benefits. labor reps say there were no concessions. more than 1400 union members have been on strike since early october from plants in nebraska, tennessee, pennsylvania and michigan.

kellogg's ceo says he is pleased about the agreement and looks forward to workers returning. craig. and the nfl capped off a long week with a double feature of covid postponed games last night. >> wilson throws it deep. metcalf back there. so are two rams and it's intercepted. >> the seattle seahawks desperately needed a victory to keep their playoff hopes alive, but their early lead fell apart. the l.a. rams leading this one 20-10. in the meantime, philadelphia quarterback jalen hurts led a 27-17 comeback over the covid depleted washington. that keeps the eagles in the hunt and the game made history with washington's jennifer king serving as the team's running backs coach. jennifer king became the first black female position coach in league history >> all right

well, also this morning, one of the most notorious unsolved cases in american history is back in the headlines now. >> yeah, it is 25 years after the murder of jonbenet ramsey, no arrests have ever been made, but the case remains an active investigation and now authorities say advanced dna technology may help as they search for new leads nbc's national correspondent miguel almaguer has all the details. miguel, good morning >> craig, good morning the boulder police department says it has gathered more than 21,000 tips and gone through 1500 pieces of evidence over the years, including hundreds of samples of dna this morning, investigators are using genetic dna testing processes in hopes that new technology will finally shed some light on a horrific crime that continues to baffle authorities. new focus this morning on the jonbenet ramsey case, one of america's most notorious

unsolved murders as officials now turn to advanced dna >> we have a kidnapping. >> explain to me what's going on, okay >> we have a -- there's a note left and our daughter is gone. >> the 6-year-old beauty contest winner taken overnight from her bed just after christmas in 1996 this bizarre ransom note we have your daughter found inside the family home in boulder, colorado jonbenet's body found hours later wrapped in a blanket in their basement >> all i can do is just scream >> suspicion from the police fell on her parents, john and patsy ramsey and on her older brother, burke >> i did not have anything to do with it. i loved that child with my whole of my heart and soul >> in 2008, two years after patsy ramsey died of cancer, armed with evolving dna technology, investigators

concluded an unknown male outside the family was responsible. the boulder county district attorney apologizing, saying the suspicions about the ramseys in this case created an ongoing living hell for the ramsey family investigators have analyzed nearly 1,000 dna samples, but no arrests have ever been made. now detectives are hoping genetic dna testing which led to the capture of the golden state killer in 2018 may finally bring closure to the family and friends of jonbenet. her father, john ramsey, telling nbc news we know there are a number of items found at the scene that have never been tested for dna evidence. time will tell if they're really spending time and resources to final the killer of our daughter a quarter centy of dead end leads and the memory of a little girl taken from her family on christmas. >> hard to believe it's been 25

years, miguel. any sense of when they may have results from this new dna testing? >> craig, police are not yet releasing a timeline so far. the boulder police department declined to answer questions saying this is an active investigation. but genetic dna methods across the country have helped cold cases and detectives in colorado hope it brings closure to this case as well >> hope, indeed. thank you. >> a lot of people would like closure on that case coming up next, a story you need to see to make your home more secure. >> good morning, guys. are you going away for the holidays don't make your home a target for thieves. i'm vicky nguyen coming up, some easy things that don't cost you anything to make your home secure that's next on "today. ored yum. dog life's more fun with milk-bone dipped.

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and this is the time of year when a lot of folks are traveling for the holidays but don't worry, this morning, we have some very simple tips for you to protect yourself and your family. from coast to coast, home security footage released by police captures burglars in action in new york city, these crooks posed as police officers to get inside, overpower the homeowners and walk off with $130,000 in cash and jewelry in phoenix, burglars deploy a battering ram to break in. in los angeles, a mother and her baby followed home and robbed in their driveway and in beverly hills, 81-year-old philanthropist shot dead in her home police apprehended and later charged this suspect who attempted to break into another nearby home. though national statistics show burglaries are in decline, these cases can shatter our sense of security while it can be scary to think about these crimes, there are simple steps you can take to

prevent the criminals from targeting you and your home. i enlisted the help of a former nypd detective with 16 years of experience, he's now the president of squad security, a global security firm when it s coto bad guys breaking in, what is the first thing we should know >> these are crimes of opportunity. we want to make it as difficult as possible to come to your home and break in >> what is the most common way they get in? >> checking doors, checking windows. they will look for something that might be unlocked like this if it's locked, they're going to move on. >> mike says breaking windows and doors can alert neighbors and many criminals will move on if there isn't a convenient way to get in. another thing people will do, they had the key nearby under the doormat. >> don't do it >> if you have a security system, call the company to make sure the software and equipment

are up to date no alarm system, a doorbell alarm can be a cheaper alternative. this is the time of year, lots of packages coming in, piling up what should people know about this >> we all know about porch pirates, but this is a key no one is home at all the more you leave out, the more you have to get these into your home >> what if you're going on vacation and you have to leave your home empty? >> you want to make your home feel as secure as possible you want to do as much as you can to tell the burglar that you're home. maybe leave lights on, put some shades down. you want to be able to not have somebody be able to look into your window and see that nobody is around. >> and if you parked your car outside, keep your car doorsc g programmed inside, locked because if you have an automatic garage door opener programmed inside, it will work even if there are no keys. mike says thieves sometimes strike right when you get home so look around before getting out of your car. be aware of your surroundings and avoid talking and texting on

your phone let's say you come home and something is not right what should you do >> step back, call 911, give them a safe place, a description of what you saw and don't go inside >> what happens if you're inside and someone breaks in? >> don't confront them step back, give them what they're asking for usually property get a really good description and when the opportunity comes, call the police once you're safe >> such great tips vicky, what about outside your home, anything people should consider doing there to make themselves safer >> yeah, you know, this is interesting. mike said a lot of times people were leaving ladders outside their homes or garden tools readily available. some of these crimes are just crimes of opportunity. so if you give the thieves tools a badeak into your home, that's a bad idea clean up outside your home this time of year as well >> vicky nguyen, appreciate it thank you. >> great tips there. let us switch gears now to wednesday morning, get another check of the weather from dave price who is in for al hey, buddy

>> hey, let's take a check and see what is happening across the country. warm weather for the mid section of the country look at some of these numbers, 15 to 25 degrees above the norm. 64 in denver today keep in mind, that's more like april weather there. 50 in kansas city. 69 in lubbock. close to 20 degrees above the norm heading into tomorrow, we keep the heat, and we build on it 81 in midland. as we work our way to the east we could break records in texas and louisiana. the northern tier sees a cooldown after the holiday weekend. that's good morning. i am meteorologist, kari hall. we are under a microclimate weather alert and we will continue to see the off and onshowers, most of them light. we will see another round of heavier rain moving through during the overnight hours and also waves of rain throughout the day tomorrow into friday as

well as saturday. very wet weather continues at least through next tuesday. >> and that's a quick look at your weather back to both of you. forget real or fake. this season, there's a new choice that's emerged when it comes to your christmas tree inside the rise of rental trees. and the good they can do for your holiday and the environment, as well that's right after this. and even when things go a bit wrong, we've got your back. here, things work the way you wish they would. and better protection costs a whole lot less. you're in good hands with allstate. click or call for a lower auto rate today. you're in good hands with allstate.

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>> hey, guys, good morning from a christmas tree farm, here, you come, you pick out your dream tree. three weeks later, you bring it right back so it can keep living take a look. we have just a few more days until christmas. there is still lonely trees waiting to be brought home but this year, instead of buying a freshly cut tree, well, here comes rental-claus >> it feels so good to keep your tree alive there is something that slightly gets in your heart >> and paul keen is full of heart. you have more people who want to rent than you guys can supply right now? >> by far, yes >> why is that right now, do you think? >> i think just everyone likes the idea >> today about 80% of their customers walk away with pre loved rental trees after three weeks of holiday festivities and ornament wear and tear, they bring them right back here. >> it gets a little pruning up in january, make sure they're ready to go for another year and we'll look after them again. >> americans buy about 30 million christmas trees.

while some will be composted and recycled, most will end up in landfills. plus out here, there's just more variety. there are fat ones, skinny ones, keys with character and this slightly lopsided six footer >> he's still trying to go around the corner. he could still -- i'd be all right. >> not unlike charlie brown's famous christmas tree. but thousands and thousands of rental claus customers having more joyful luck >> it's like this relentless optimism you could be even better next year >> they're as individual as you and i and they all do their own thing. >> there's a tree for everyone oh, my god, it's so cute loyal annual customers get so attached they start naming their

tree you found this guy has it grown since you've seen it last year >> you know, i'm actually not sure last year it must have been a bit bigger, actually >> this is franklin the fir. for sophie, the choice was easy. >> we just didn't want to cut down another tree. >> ted trees require less land, less fertilizer and they can last up to ten years urk all the while living their best lives. not all of these trees will get to spend another cozy christmas inside when some of these trees reach a certain height, they will be planted into the ground or put out to pasture to start decomposing. i'll send it back to you guys. molly, thank you >> like that lopsided tree just ahead, carson joins us for popstart, including mariah carey's new twist on her holiday classic. but first, your local news

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coated in delicious peanut butter-flavored yum. dog life's more fun with milk-bone dipped. a very good morning to you. it's 7:56 right now. i am laura garcia. happening now, a live look outside. we are in that microclimate weather alert. rain has been coming down pretty steady in parts of the bay area since last night. meteorologist, kari hall, is tracking the conditions. >> yeah, with the help of stormranger we can see where it's raining and where it's not because there are a few spots in the north bay taking a break right now. we see rain moving out of san francisco with lighter showers and also continuing for the east bay as well as the south bay. it's part of the weak atmospheric river and that will continue for the next several hours. it looks like we could see the activity tapering off by this afternoon into the evening. if you have plans or something

you need to do outside, this will be heavier in the overnight hours and then it will taper off tomorrow afternoon. into friday we will see another wave of rain. an active weather pattern here from christmas eve into christmas day. off and on showers through tuesday. we are talking about the possibility of getting an inch and a half to three inches of rain in the bay area, and the sierra will receive several feet of snow over the next week. >> we need it. we leave you with a live look outside. christmas in the park in san josé there. i'll be back in half an hour.

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it's 8:00 on today, coming up, omicron on the rise. >> if you're not fully vaccinated, you have good reason to be concerned. >> president biden delivers a stark warning to americans as testing sites are overwhelming just days before christmas. so what is being done to help ease testing needs? and support front line workers being overwhelmed yet again? a live report, just ahead. plus christmas miracle. >> we're thankful for the doctor. >> the incredible story of a baby who had heart surgery before he was born.

how doctors did it and what the parents are sharing about their gratitude this holiday season. and a very carey christmas. mariah and her children team up to belt out her holiday classic with a little help from their dogs, too. a look at how they're spreading the cheer today, wednesday, december 22nd, 2021. and welcome back to "today." so glad you are with us on this wednesday morning working from home. kristen welker there holding it down in studio 1a. just three days left, kristen. >> i cannot believe it, craig. are you ready? >> no. no, but i'm getting closer. >> there you go. it's so good to be with you while savannah and hoda enjoy a little time off. i'm getting ready, too. just a few more errands to run and i'll be all set. it is a busy morning so let's get right to your news at 8:00. president biden pledging more

federal resources, including the military to help fight the omicron variant and it comes as we're seeing testing shortages across the country. nbc's senior washington correspondent hallie jackson joins us with the very latest. good morning. >> the president is calling it an obligation to the country to get vaccinated. he also wants people who are already vaccinated to get boosted, as well, pointing out that former president biden has also, by the way, gotten his booster shot. he says that will give people the best protection over the holidays. but as the countdown to christmas gets shorter, lines across the country are getting longer for tests before people get together for the holidays from new york city to cleveland where one drive through site, the one you're looking at filled to capacity soon after opening on tuesday. why? this is all driven by the rapid rise of the omicron variant. so now facing growing pressure to fight the latest wave of infections, the president is announcing a number of moves that he will make along with the

white house. for example, starting next month, the administration is set to ship some 500 million at-home test kits for free to anyone who requests one even as he faces questions over whether that's too little too late. the president intends to send members of the military to places that need it most, to help with hospitals that are overwhelmed with doctors and nurses feeling almost desperate this morning. craig. >> our senior washington correspondent hallie jackson for us. hallie, thank you. covid and crowds are likely causing the most anxiety for holiday travelers, but there is another issue raising concerns about air travel, one that involves the latest cell phone technology. nbc's tom costello is at reagan national airport looking into all of it for us. tom, good morning to you. >> kristen, i have a lot of aviation information for you this morning. today is very busy in the nation's airports. tomorrow is going to be the busiest day and the lead up to

christmas. we're talking about 2 to 2.5 million people clogging airports right now. that is, of course, about double what we had last year. if you are taking to the roads, we have an awful lot of traffic on the roads starting today. they're looking at about a 34% increase in road traffic right now compared to a year ago. most americans are traveling by road over the course of the entire christmas and new year's holiday. as for the news kristen was mentioning on delta, delta's ceo is calling for the cdc to reduce the amount of time that people need to quarantine if they are vaxxed and get a case of omicron. delta is short staffed and in terms of passengers may be feeling like they have to isolate. delta says the evidence would suggest you can shorten that incubation period. the cdc has not weighed in now the 5g story we have airbus and boeing, the two biggest planemakers in the

world calling for the cell phone industry to postpone the rollout of the 5g technology that is supposed to come out in january. the big airplanemakers are concerned and so are the airlines and pilots concerned about interference on the spectrum that they share to essentially use altimeters to tell them precisely their exact location when they're coming in for a landing in bad weather already the faa issued an air worthiness directive saying next month pilots cannot use altimeters when they're coming in for bad weather landings and they're coming into an area with a 5g base station. because the concern is those base stations could interfere with the spectrum and the altimeters so a lot of headlines today, a lot of moving cases and it's only 8:05 in the morning kristen, back to you >> and you broke it all down for us, tom, great to see you.

craig. spacex has completed its final mission of the year. there was an overnight delivery to the international space station. >> dragon is resuming approach and is go for docking. >> the dragon resupply capsule dropped off more than 3 tons of cargo for scientific experiments and some day-to-day needs, things like laundry detergent. it carried a special christmas dinner for the seven astronauts who are currently aboard the international space station. the news is covered on this wednesday. no hoda, but we're still going to try and do her proud with the morning boost. here we go christmas excitement building. it seems like everyone has caught the holiday spirit. in fact, just look at these adorable babies in the neonatal intensive care unit at children's hospital colorado the volunteer committee and nurses created special holiday they transferred the babies into

hats and outfits they transformed the babies into reindeer, little santas, all kinds of winter characters the annual photo shoot helps families feel more at home while spending so much time in the hospital and it makes for wonderful memories once everyone goes home for real how cute is that >> such angels each and every one of them. makes a big difference for those families, i am sure. coming up next, the baby boy one family is calling their christmas miracle. how doctors saved him with a ground breaking surgery before he was even born kate snow sits down with his grateful parents that is right after this 't pay f. pay for clean. it's got to be tide. cheez-it snap'd! they're on a mission to save every sandwich from a boring bag of chips. noooo! sandwiches meet your cheesy, thin, crispy cheez-it snap'd savior. so cheesy!

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75% off storewide. now at old navy and oldnavy.com we are back now at 8:13 with a heart warming story out of the cleveland clinic in ohio >> a life saving surgery is making this christmas extra special for a family in pennsylvania nbc's senior national correspondent kate snow joins us with more. what a perfect story for christmas week >> this is going to get you guys going. good morning sam drenan was six months pregnant when she received some of the worst news an expecting mother could ever get. doctors saw a kind of a tumor growing on the heart of her fetus. not long ago, that would have been fatal but thanks to doctors with this story has a very christmassy happy ending

>> 5-month-old ryland drenan likes to lie under the christmas tree his parents sam and david consider him a christmas miracle. he's also a pioneer, an example of what modern medicine can do >> it wasn't until our second ultrasound and they said they were going on bring the doctor in to talk to me >> did you know in that moment >> usually when they say the doctor is coming in to talk to you, you know something is wrong. >> at 26 weeks, ryland had a malignant tumor blocking the function and development of his tiny growing heart for him to survive, doctors would have to get at the tumor and remove it. >> can i ask point-blank, did they say that if you didn't have surgery, he might die? >> yeah. >> i think it was like in two weeks he probably would have died >> oh, look at this. >> sam works in a surgical hospital herself, so she understood all too well when doctors at the cleveland clinic said they needed to perform

in route utero fetal heart surgery, something that had only been done once in the world before >> we're dealing with a situation that just doesn't present itself there's not tons of medical literature about this. it's a handful of cases. so we want to be sure that we're going to do the right thing. >> dr. darrel cass led a team that first had to operate on mom to be, sam, opening her abdomen, then her uterus in order to operate on little ryland they pulled his tiny arms forward to access his chest cavity dr. cass called on another surgeon to remove the dangerous tumor. >> my first response to him is that i've done these after birth and can you get me to that fetus. i can do this procedure, but you're going to have to get me to that fetus in the uterus so i can do something about it. >> when they said we might do in utero surgery, what did you think about that >> shocking. >> after hours of surgery, the tumor was out and ryland was

back in place in the best intensive care unit, the womb. >> we talked every day i would talk to him all the time i would tell him that everything was going on be okay, and i got you. we're going to get through this and you're going come out strong >> ryland spent ten more weeks growing and recovering inside mom. when sam went into labor, they were nervous about whether his heart would pump on his own. >> i was his bypass machine, like keeping him alive >> because he was attached to you and your heart was doing all the work >> yes >> so the minute he comes out and they cut the umbilical cord -- >> he's on his own >> what happened >> he screamed he took over he knew. he was, like, it's my time to shine. let's go >> ryland was healthy. things were so positive the cleveland clinic staff teased ryland's pittsburgh steeler fan parents. >> the doctors told me that they dressed him in cleveland browns gear >> yes, they did

>> they did. >> we gave them permission because they did save his life >> when he gets older, they look forward to telling him the incredible story behind that scar on his chest. >> what will you say, sam? >> that you went through so much, so little, before you even knew what life was and now you're helping the medical community in ways you never thought possible >> but in the meantime, they'r focussing on celebrating their first christmas with the best present they could ever ask for. it's a time of year when we think a lot about giving and appreciating family. >> absolutely. >> just wonder how you guys are feeling now. >> we're thankful for the doctors, the clinic that took care of him and saved his life >> okay. >> we're thankful for our family for helping take care of me and him. every time i see him, it's a feeling that you never thought

you would have knowing that he could have been gone and that i get to carry, hold him every day and just keep him as happy as i can. >> his doctors say ryland's heart seems to be functioning just fine. he will be getting surgery, guys, in february to fix the bones in his chest cavity, but the drenans are enormously grateful, as you can see, that he is thriving he's working on rolling over right now, guys. he's full of laughter. >> that baby ryland is -- he's going to have a remarkable story when he gets older kate snow, just amazing on so many levels. right, kristen >> such a beautiful story, kate, and interview. and i love how the dad said as soon as he was out, he screamed and took over. what a strong, incredible inspirational family kate snow, thank you so much for that we appreciate it we do want to get another check of the forecast from dave price. dave, that was the story we all needed on this wednesday before christmas.

>> just beautiful. and as we transition now, we're going to talk about christmas-like weather on the west coast strong area of low pressure in the pacific northwes a subtropical plume of moisture, all of this begins to come together and just continues to dump moisture up and down the west coast mountain snows continue and we have had quite a train of moisture so what has it done? well, watch this december 10th, as far as percentage of snow pack, which we should have, we were at significant deficit. 9% in the northern sierra, 27% in the southern sierra now watch, just 7 days of snow and all of a sudden, we're at plus 100 or close to it in the northern sierra. and keep in mind, there is more snow coming. we could see up to 8 feet in some areas right around lake tahoe, three feet as we head into sections of the olympics and cascades so a lot going on. that's a look at the national

. good morning, i'm meteorologist kari hall. a little christmas miracle with all that snow in the sierra, and it's still coming down there. all the bay area gets some light snow, and we'll continue to see some scattered showers in the forecast today. although you may have a break in the rain by this afternoon, so that may be your chance to get outside, get some things done before heavier rain comes in earlier tomorrow morning, and we'll continue to see tons of rain in the forecast through the weekend as well as early next week with highs in the lower 50s. >> and that's a look at your weather. back to both of you. >> we're ready for popstart. and look who else had the shortest of commutes this morning. carson daly. >> well, you guys have heard about the shipping shortage. that's big news. but we have a much worse graphics department shortage here on long island. >> where are they? >> the kids just don't want to work i don't know what it is. it's that time of the year, everything is just coming easy for them because the fat man is about to come down the chimney nobody wants to work with dad any more

so -- >> you can't blame them. >> you're right, kristen, i can't. but we're going to start popstart off with beyonce. it is a family affair on queen bey's latest project her children and nephew joining her to record the theme song for her mom. a new series on facebook watch the new preview for the show features beyonce's three kids joined by her sister solange's son, jules, and introducing their grandma. >> let's talk about it ♪ ♪ tell me how you feel we can talk about it ♪ >> well, there you go. talks with mama tina is set to feature some

pretty big guests, including tiffany haddish, sierra, starts streaming today on facebook watch. >> okay. >> next up, we have mariah carey. it is that time of year again when she tops all the radio charts it turns out that "all i want for christmas is you" is a big hit with humans and animals alike. check out what happens when mariah's two jack russell terriers hear her winding up for the chorus ♪ all i want for christmas is you ♪ >> i mean -- >> she's got to take them on the road with her, carson. >> seriously she sung that song so many times the animals can now sing along with her like she's snow white that's amazing very impressive. no surprise here, all i want for christmas recently made its way bill back to number one on the

billboard hot 100 char becoming the first song to ever lead three distinct runs in that top spot so good for mariah and the puppies. speaking of christmas hits, gwen stefani and blake shelton, the chart topping couple put on a special performance of their holiday track called "you make it feel like christmas" and a shoutout to probably orange county, her hometown, and a series on facebook, let's just say we would love to be inside whatever beautiful snow globe they're singing in take a look. ♪ ♪ i want to thank you, baby you make it feel like christmas ♪ >> i don't know much about orange groves, but i don't remember the last time it snowed in an orange grove and a shout out to todd stefani, who i believe directed and edited that because i was watching him edit that on a

laptop this weekend. but that's a story for another day. it came out great. condprats to them. finally, one more item, ellen pompeo, saying it might be time for her to hang up the stethoscope. the actress who played dr. meredith grey recently told insider she thinks it might be time for the story to just kind of wrap up ellen told the publication i've been trying to focus on convincing everybody that it should end i feel like i'm the super naive one who keeps saying, but what is the story going to be, or what story are we going to tell now? and everybody is like, who cares, ellen it makes a gazillion dollars pompeo has no idea how or when the emmy winning show will see a finale, but we'll be ready to have the kleenex ready when it does that's a good problem to have, i think. back to you. >> i have to be honest with you, i didn't know "grey's anatomy"

was still on tv. i thought it ended >> i couldn't believe she said it a lot of fans will be surprised and say we're not ready for it to end yet no way >> what's wrong with collecting the can check and wait for the show to get canceled like every other show >> exactly be traditional about it. a very good morning to you, it is 8:26 right now. i'm laura garcia. let's take ooh peek outside, oh look at the rain coming down. we're in this micro climate weather alert. meteorologist kari hall has been tracking it all for us. >> we see this widespread light rain moving through, but some spots already measuring over a half of an inch of rain. it is starting to lighten up for parts of the north bay as well as san francisco and down the peninsula. we're still looking at off and on showers through parts of the east bay and the south bay. this activity will begin to taper off as we go into the next

few hours into the afternoon. the heavier rain set to arrive early tomorrow morning and continue off and on throughout the day. on christmas eve we're also going to see some scattered showers as well as christmas day. in fact, we just have a chance of rain in the forecast, or at least tuesday, although it won't be raining the entire time. expect some of those showers to not let up. it's going to be moving in, moving out, some peeks of sunshine. laura, we just need to be prepared for it all, even as we go into the middle of next week. >> you can't say you didn't warn us. that's good. just got to dig the umbrella out. another local news update is coming up in about a half an hour. try to stay dry out there, and remember, we do need this rain.

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and my blood pressure and don't get me wrong, i still worry, just a little less. covered california. this way to health insurance. enroll by december 31st at coveredca.com ♪ rockin' around the christmas tree have a happy holiday ♪ >> back at 8:30 this wednesday morning. the middle of the week before christmas, the big day, of course, arriving on saturday this year. >> that's right, craig and you know what that means you only have three days left to shop and if there are kids left on your list, you are in luck

we're going to walking through some great toys and tips for snagging them during our visit with one of santa's favorite helpers, stephanie oppenheim also ahead, we're calling it a feel good piece from joe fryer. joe is going to take us inside the studio of a really talented sculptor who amazes with her creations, including her newest creation that's dedicated to old blue eyes himself, frank sinatra. then a holiday tradition on "today." we're rooking forward to our yearly visit from the ne york city children's chorus as they share a special and very festive performance. >> kristen, coming up in just a few minutes on the third hour of "today," we are going to take some time to introduce you to the father and daughter who are riding into the history books. and they're doing it on some pretty impressive bikes. >> and be sure to be back here tomorrow because the legendary chef, lydia bostiana will join us with the recipe for a simple by very impressive sheet pan

dish that's perfect for christmas dinner, craig. >> love a good sheet pan dish. meantime, before we move any further, kristen welker, we have to mention this is your first christmas as a mom >> oh. >> and adorable margo. is margo ready to celebrate? >> you surprised me with this picture. yes, she is ready. she loves looking at the christmas tree and, craig, people asking me what i want for christmas. it sounds cheesy, but she is the gift i literally want nothing how about your kids, are they ready? >> they were ready in october. they are more than ready you know, seven -- you'll discover this, 7 and 5, those are the peak santa years so yeah. >> where they wake up at 4:00 a.m. to open gifts >> exactly >> let's go, dad mr. price, how about another check of the forecast, good sir. >> no problem. i can do that. are you guys sending your gifts over here? how is that working? >> we're going to send them over

>> after the show. >> that's what you said last year let's take a check of the weather and see what's happening as we head into christmas eve. no snow for the northeast. it's going be on the mild side gorgeous as we head to florida mid section of the country mild, as well. record setting weather as far as high temperatures go to the areas to the east of texas and into the gulf states, strong storms roll through with lots of snow for the sierra nevada the bitterroot, the rockies and as we head into christmas day, we see all of that expand to the northern tier of the country and we see some morning snow showers well into northern new england, but we stay dry in the northeast and the west coast, of course, looking at some rain through sections of california good morning, i'm meteorologist kari hall. let's take a look at storm ranger, the rain is getting lighter, but still coming down in some spots, and we've seen this very steady rain for the

past several hours that will continue, but a little less widespread as we go into the rest of the late morning into the early afternoon. looks like we can see a break by this afternoon and into the evening, and then we'll see some heavier rain moving into during the overnight hours. >> and that's your latest look at the weather we'll send it back to both of you. when we come back, stephanie oppenheim has made her gift list and checked it twice her top picks for toys that brighten the season for any age. but first, this is "today" on c. nb nb someday you'll catch the perfect wave. with an average of $550 worth of benefits to enjoy during your stay at fine hotels & resorts properties, "someday" can be any day you want.

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advanced security helps keep your family protected online. pause wifi whenever for ultimate control with the xfinity app. and family-safe browsing gives parents one less thing to worry about. security, control and peace of mind. with xfinity xfi, it's all built in at no extra cost. we are back now with today's holiday handbook and we're in the home stretch, just three days to go until christmas if you're still shopping, you've come to the right place. get your phone ready and scan that qr code stephanie oppenheim, today show contributor and co-founder of

toy portfolio is ready with her list of creative last minute toys for kids, teens and frankly the whole family stephanie, it is great to be with you thanks for being with us this is your 26th year joining the "today" show >> i know it >> oh, my gosh congratulations. how does it feel we have a look back at some classics >> oh, my goodness i didn't know you were going to do that. yeah, well, you know, i started with my mom and my brother and it's a family tradition that we all love and at toy portfolio, this is our favorite time of the year we've been testing toys all year long to take the guesswork out for parents so that they know the perfect gift to bring home to their kids. >> well, we love having you here let's dive right in. let's start with this. i love this. the loopty loo bracelet maker. this takes me back to when i was a kid. i used to do this with my girlfriends. >> i know. and i was never very good at making friendship bracelets. this helped me a lot and i love having gifts that

kids with use right away because, you know, you quickly hear there's nothing to do so having some craft kits at the ready is a great way to spend some time together and make some memories you can do team colors, family colors, and really have a good time doing this together >> well, this one is another memorymaker because these are porcelain ornaments that kids can help make. tell me about this one, stephanie. >> this is beautiful this is paint your own porcelain ornaments. you get six in the box it comes with all the paint you need what's lovely about it, you then have a keepsake for your family tree and it's memorable. the kids can do the this together and add it to the tree for the holidays so a really nice gift from mindware >> and it's literally evergreen, you have it forever. tell me about this dinner play set. >> this is from eboo you'll quickly learn from margo she's going to want to play

pretend let me feed you, mommy it's their diner set it comes with everything you need there are menus, there are guest checks, play food and money so kids can take your order, something they can do with grandma and grandma, aunts and uncles having pretend sets are fun to have, also wonderful for developing their language skills, as well. >> margo would love something like that, no doubt. one day. >> now, we all grew up with the hess truck this year, they've outdone themselves it's a cargo plane, but it opens up to reveal an amazing jet inside you can open up, it has sound effects. i had this in mind for craig today, but it's a really super gift you can still order this one online i'm going to turn it off because it is pretty noisy but, again, classic christmas gift for the holidays for -- >> we'll make sure craig gets one. that's a new version of the hess that's incredible.

there's craig now, loving it he's cheering you on >> there's a harry potter fan in every single family. and in my family, it's my husband. tell me about this harry potter headbands. >> so this is a classic game called headbands for the 20th anniversary, i love the fact that there is a harry potter version so you put one on and then you have to ask questions to guess you don't look you have to ask questions to ask the character or the spell or the potion that's on your card so for really hard core harry potter fans, this is going to be a hit not just with kids, but with young adults. >> i know that one of the things that matters to you is finding toys that are actually teachable toys so tell me about this hands full this looks like a good one >> you have to listen to play this this is my favorite electronic game of the year this is from wowee

do you want to turn yours on? you can play this alone. you have to listen and follow the directions >> it's loud >> wrong color purple >> so you have to grab it. it's a wonderful blend between bop it and twister. and you can play it alone, but i love the fact that i play this with lots of family members and everyone has to hold on and listen together and sometimes you have to jump up and down, you have to grab it, you have to put it behind your back. so a really fun interactive game that works and i think this is going to become a classic going forward. it's such a fun game to play with your family and i love watching you hold it as well as the headbands you look awesome >> this is my world. >> talk to me about legos. this is a classic, but this is yet another updated version. >> you know, having a build set that you can do with your kids, the older kids will love to build on their own, but i love having a set that you can do with your child as a way of spending time that's off the screens. this is the movie theater set. but the idea is to pick a theme

that they like there are so many different lego sets that you can use. i like that one because there's a screening room and there's a popcorn stand. so i love that as a way to play, as well. >> last but not least, dominos always a favorite. >> okay. so this set has 1,000 dominos in it and it is so much fun to set up. and i like this because older kids who are into making videos and doing tiktoks, instagram, will love videotaping that this is something i did with our family and it was just so much fun. younger kids can enjoy knocking them down and rebuilding it. it comes with a thousand pieces and different accessories to work with, as well this can also become a family classic for your holiday time together >> i love all the colors in that domino set fantastic. >> i do, too >> really great. >> stephanie, thank you so much. it's great to see you. happy holidays >> thank you

>> and you can find more on these toys at today.com/shop we'll have even more last minute gift ideas for you tomorrow. up next, joe fryer goes behind the scenes with a world renowned sculptor to get a firsthand look at her latest masterpiece. but first, this is " i'm morgan, and there's more to me than hiv. more love, more adventure, more community. but with my hiv treatment, there's not more medicines in my pill. i talked to my doctor and switched to fewer medicines with dovato. dovato is for some adults who are starting hiv-1 treatment or replacing their current hiv-1 regimen. with just 2 medicines in 1 pill, dovato is as effective as a 3-drug regimen... to help you reach and stay undetectable. research shows people who take hiv treatment as prescribed and get to and stay undetectable

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we are back at 8:45 with something new we're calling feel good fryer nbc news ancho joe fryer is on the hunt for stories that make you smile. >> and this morning, he's found one. he's taking us inside the new jersey studio of an acclaimed sculptor who just unveiled her latest masterpiece joe, good morning. >> good morning. carolyn palmer says growing up she liked sculpting in the sand, but never dreamed of being a sculptor until she was given a chance to do a giant statue of thomas jefferson it was tough, but she proved she could do it and ever since she

hasn't stopped >> carolyn palmer might work solo, but she's never really alone. her studio is filled with presidents, popes and pop icons, works in progress that she gradually brings to life >> people need to feel something in the presence of the sculpture. i think it is the soul or the spirit that we all relate to >> that was goal when palmer was picked to make a statue of lucille ball after the hometown decided to replace their old statue that was made by another artist dubbed scary lucy. palmer's piece was less scary, more merry >> you can't please everyone >> some would say i don't know if she wore those heels exactly that way so i'm like, if that's all you're going to complain about, that's okay.

>> sculpting is a slow, meticulous process that molds the subject out of clay. >> i'm going to let you do an eyebrow. >> as i learned forging a single hair on a single eyebrow -- >> there >> yep >> press it in >> yep >> is surprisingly painstaking >> very good >> look at those eyebrows. tho >> you did wonderful >> unlike my work, hers is renowned around the world. as for her latest commission, you could say it flew her to the moon >> and here is frank >> there is frank. >> he's big. >> he is big he's big >> palmer was asked to sculpt frank sinatra for his hometown she did it her way surrounded by inspiration. so you're in here working on this, meanwhile, tv, movies

are playing, showing him your world was frank sinatra. >> totally ♪ and one more for the road ♪ >> how does that help you? >> it helps me get in the spirit you can hopefully get right in there and bring it to life >> her sinatra is in his 50s casually leaning against a lamp post >> i think it has his attitude and his lifting up of the spirit to the world so i feel this was an uplifting piece, hello, everyone, here i am >> do you get anxious when you wait for it to be revealed and everyone see it? >> anxious, yeah >> why is that >> the world loves frank it was the same as lucy. when they love someone, if you don't portray it in a way that they feel it should be, you hurt a lot of people. >> if they say they love it, what would that mean to you? >> i would be happy.

>> the moment comes on what would have been sinatra's 106th birthday the grand unveiling it's sinatra's daughter who offers carolyn a tip of the cap >> i'm going to commission a statue of you somewhere. we're going to put it where you want it. you are amazing. >> praise for the artist who immortalized old blue eyes in bronze >> if the piece lifts people up, my work has been done. >> that sinatra statue is more than six feet tall and now stands tall in sinatra park along the hudson river as for carolyn palmer's other sculptures, they appear in museums and other places known across the country including st. patrick's cathedral and the fdr presidential library and museum. her work has even appeared on tv back to you. >> she is extraordinarily talented feel good joe fryer, joe, thank you. >> good stuff. we're feeling good now

just ahead, a beloved holiday tradition here at "today."rink. before that drink turns to drinks, make a plan to get home safe. just call a friend, a cab, and get a rideshare. whatever you do, don't let drunk drive. go safely, california.

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a sober driver can cure that. don't let high drive. go safely, california. >> announcer: the citi music series on "today" is proudly presented to you by citi >> welcome back. it is time to kick the holiday spirit into high gear with a beloved "today" show tradition >> it is indeed. we look forward to this all year a special appearance by the new york city children's chorus. this morning, they're joining us live with a performance of "o christmas tree." so boys and girls, take it away.

♪ ♪♪ ♪ ♪ o christmas tree, o christmas tree how unchanging ♪ ♪ o christmas tree, o christmas♪ ♪ stay your boughs so green in summertime stay bravely green in

wintertime ♪ ♪ o tree how you remain unchanging ♪ ♪ stay your boughs so green in summertime stay bravely green in wintertime ♪ ♪ o christmas tree, o christmas tree how lovely are you unchanging ♪ ♪ o christmas tree, oh christma tree you fill our hearts with gladness ♪ ♪ o christmas tree, o christmas tree, you fill our hearts withts tree you fill our hearts with gladness ♪ ♪ o christmas tree, o christmas tree, you fill our hearts with gladness ♪ ♪♪ gladness ♪ ♪ o christmas tree o christmas tree you fill our hearts with gladness ♪ >> the new york city children's chorus, just beautiful just beautiful >> it really was, craig.

it gets you ready for christmas. >> yes, it does, my friend we're just getting started here, though, on a wednesday morning just ahead on our third hour, an entrepreneur who is empowering women and making waves in the hair industry at the same time and later on the fourth hour, a tour of a new york city neighborhood where the homes are all decked out for christmas but first, your local news

a very good morning to you. it is 8:56 right now, i'm laura garcia. happening now, let's take a live look outside. yep, the rain coming down across the bay area. we're in that micro climate weather alert right now. it's been coming down pretty steady in many parts of the bay

area since last night. meteorologist kari hall has been tracking it for us. >> it has been a nice beneficial storm bringing in much needed rain. it's also been very light not causing many problems. we'll see it tapering off over the next couple of hours and giving what we've already measured a chance to soak into the ground. we'll continue to see off and on rain with another round of heavier rain as this overall storm system continues across the region over the next seven days we'll still have more rain chances in the forecast.

the rain continues to pour in the bay area, meteorologist kari hall tracking the storms ahead of christmas. the elizabeth holmes fraud trial will be deliberating, the decision they need to reach if they don't have a verdict tomorrow morning 4:30 to 7:00.

♪ ♪ yeah, that's more like it.

this morning on the third hour of "today," a father and daughter who just peddled into the history books. plus, a trailblazing mom, nasa icon catherine johnson's daughters opening up about her remarkable life. and the entrepreneur empowering women by making waves in the hair business the third hour of "today" starts right now. >> from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza, this is the third hour of "today." >> good morning, everybody wednesday, december 22nd along with al,