we will be back at 7:25 with live local news updates. >> join us for nbc bay area news at 11:00, our midday show. the "today" show is next. >> don't forget, jeff ranieri on the "today" show. stick around. good morning stuck for the holidays across the country, thousands of flights delayed or canceled after christmas leave desperate travelers stranded >> we had no idea that the flight was canceled. >> as growing numbers of airline employees are out of commission because of covid >> they said the reason why the flight was canceled was becae of crew availability >> and it could take more than a week to get the chaos under control. wool have the very latest. breaking records, holiday travel and reunions have courthouse surging again,

hospitals stretched to the brink with unprecedented numbers of cases in several states while testing sites scramble to keep up with demand >> did you ever think on christmas you would be waiting in line for three hours? >> no, absolutely not. >> we have complete coverage as we head into another week of holiday get-togethers. wild weather, heavy snow out west, a wintry mix in the midwest while the rest of the country is waking up to unseasonably warm weather. remembering an icon. world leaders honoring arch bishop desmond tutu this morning who fought for justice in south africa and left a global legacy. this morning, the powerful tribute. many happy returns after christmas, it's time to get what you really want we'll take a close look at the new rules for exchanging or returning your gifts plus, what to do if you lose that receipt those stories, plus lotto

fever. no christmas day winner brings the powerball jackpot to nearly $420 million the jackpot still growing after the last big score in october. so will this be the night someone's holidays become even brighter today, monday, december 27th, 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." thank you so much for joining us on this monday morning i'm kristen welker along with my weekend today co-host, peter alexander. savannah and hoda are enjoying some well deserved time off. we should say we have been tested this morning. we're also socially distanced given everything that's going on >> i was going to say, how is it over there nice to see you. >> nice to see you

nice to see you. good to be with you near or far. and it is a very busy monday morning that we are here after christmas. let's begin with a look at today by the numbers starting with the travel nightmares unfolding across the country more than 6,000 flights around the world canceled or delayed over the peak holiday weekend as scores of airline employees are being exposed to covid >> it comes as cases are skyrocketing once again. the country now averaging 200,000 covid cases each day, driven by this highly contagious omicron variant. >> and, of course, with the christmas holiday now passed, all eyes are on new year's eve celebrations now just four days away and new questions about how people will safely celebrate after what is sure to be a major holiday surge. we've got it all covered for you this morning, including how the weather is affecting those travel delays. but we do start with nbc's kerry sanders at ft. lauderdale hollywood international airport. kerry, good morning to you >> well, good morning.

you know, travel experts are not mincing words. they're calling this a full blown meltdown the day after christmas, more than 1500 domestic flights were canceled and now this morning we're seeing already 700 plus canceled flights plus another 600 that are delayed experts say, look, if you're traveling by air today, do yourself a favor, call the airline before you get to the airport. then check again online. and once you get to the airport, if it looks like your flight is going to leave on the time, then prepare yourself anyway for some bad news >> this morning, airlines say they're up against it, trying to catch up with the heavy holiday hustle >> i'm like, oh, my god, we won't be able to get home. >> nationwide, airlines canceled thousands of flights over the weekend, stranding families all around the country with more bad news for customers expected today. major carriers, including delta and united blaming the massive flight cancellations on coronavirus after flight crews

and their ground support staff tested positive or were exposed to the virus >> they said that the reason why the flights were canceled was crew availability due to covid >> on sunday alone, around 5,000 delays and more than 1,000 canceled flights, leaving unaware passengers stranded and frustrated >> we had no idea that the night was canceled >> this morning, what may be unrealistic, a post christmas miracle. >> that's why it's good to have plan b, c, d, e, f >> under current airline guidance, vaccinated airline workers must test positive for three days >> we've got crews out sick all over the place i think you have to fasten your seat belt for new year's i think we're in store for more delays and more cancellations. >> the trouble in the skies compounded by extreme weather out west heavy snow and ice causing spinouts on the roads. >> we're trying to make it >> for those who raced to get covid tests before flying out

for christmas gatherings or family, now a new wrinkle. getting home these widespread delays come after airlines requested that the cdc cut the number of quarantine days for those with break through cases from 10 to a lower number, but the cdc has not commented on that. meantime, for airlines, the short-term solution for this growing backlog is to ask employees to work overtime >> headaches and frustrations all around kerry, thank you for that. now we want to say hello and good morning to nbc meteorologist jeff ranieri jeff, you heard kerry talk about that winter weather, those storms that are further complicating this holiday travel what can you tell us about it all? >> yeah. the west is getting hit so hard by so much rain and that heavy, heavy snow so we're going to start off with a travel delays map. we are going to see first off a few delays out wards new york, philadelphia, new york, but obviously, the largest delays

through the west salt lake city, las vegas, los angeles, san francisco, now 43 million people are being impacted by this winter weather. some snow in the upper midwest the rockies. but, of course, the heaviest snow right through california. also the cascades. let's get a look at our california radar you can see that rain through the san francisco bay area and heavy, heavy snow that has produced some road closures. here is the deal storm system moves off towards the south today. that's going to keep that heavy sierra snow in place with more potential road closures as these snow totals are off the charts look at this you can see another 1 to 3 feet here in the sierra even some very low snow over the mendocino mountains and right down towards the grapevine in southern california. we'll have another check off your weather coming up in a couple of minutes. >> jeff, thank you for that. of course all those travel challenges come as covid cases are multiplying, fueled by the omicron variant leaving many

americans facing difficult decisions about how to celebrate christmas and what to do about new year's, ultimately we talked to dr. ashish jha in just a few minutes, but first, nbc's sam brock has our report sam, good morning. >> reporter: peter, good morning. right now we should hours away from the county handing out free testing kits look around me these lines have been fully formed for some folks since 4:00 and 5:00 in the morning, similar to what we saw in new york city last we're miami dade trying to meet massive testing demand as hospitals are running out of staff at this point in time to care for patients. fresh off our second christmas over the shadow of covid, americans wondering whether family gatherings will affect the spike in cases fueled by the omicron variant. frustration also spiking as many

are struggling to get tested outrageous lines at drive through sights did you ever think on christmas you would be waiting in line for three hours? >> no, absolutely not. >> reporter: and chaos at testing centers. >> don't go there. you're not in line >> reporter: with tests sold out at many pharmacies >> we've obviously got to do better i mean, i think things will improve greatly as we get into january, but that doesn't help us today and tomorrow. >> reporter: there is hope for better health this year, but stark warnings about the stake of the nation's overwhelmed and exhausted hospitals. >> the staffing situation is absolutely atrocious it's hard to describe just how bad it is. >> reporter: health care front lines weakened by infection and attrition. the surge continuing in multiple states in new york state, hospitalizations for those 18 and under quadrupled in recent weeks. >> they're not seeing any cases of vaccinated children in the hospital right now so, you know, that just shows

how powerful vaccination is. >> reporter: the numbers only telling part of the tale on broadway "the music man" saw one of its star actors sidelined with covid and her understudy performed beautifully. hugh jackman paying tribute. >> found out at 12:00 noon today and at 1:00 she had her very first rehearsal as marian. >> reporter: two other shows ending their runs because of the virus. in college football, the military and fenway bowls canceled due to lack of healthy players. and overnight, the miami hurricanes pulling out of the g some 2020 flashbacks the carnival cruise line sun bowl, even cruises reliving some 2020 flashbacks a carnival cruise line that be parted miami saturday was denied access to several caribbean countries after passengers and crew members tested positive, the third outbreak tied to a south florida departure in over a week worst carnival says that that outbreak

is small and that they're following all covid protocols. meantime, the national hospitalization figures have been relatively stable that is not true for pediatric hospitalizations with cases up 30% in ten days, with texas, ohio some of the worst states. >> sam, thank you. dr. jha is the dean of the school of public health. good morning >> good morning. thanks for having me back. >> we're looking at alarming new numbers. we're on pace to hit a record over the next several days more than 200,000 people testing positive every day right now and that doesn't really include all the christmas cases that we're likely to see. so when will we see the impact from all those holiday gatherings and when should people really be getting tested? >> it's a great question

i expect that we're going to see a huge spike in cases right after the must year. that's what we saw last year it's probably in that first week, january 4th or 5th that's when all the states will be reporting, as well. so we're hitting record incomes without even all the states reporting. so i'm worried about what is coming in the next couple of weeks in terms of infections and people should get themselves tested as soon as -- certainly if they have symptoms, but also when they get back from travel >> dr. jha, one of the other alarming things that we are seeing is a spike in pediatric hospitalizations about 800 new cases per day over the past several days. and that includes children under the age of 5 children who cannot get vaccinated how concerned are you about

these figures? >> yeah. anytime we have kids getting hospitalized, it's very concerning we're going to have to pay very close attention to this. we are seeing a spike in cases and hospitalizations among kids. now, a couple of things. one is thankfully for a majority of kids this remains mild. again, that minority of kids where we're seeing that is very concerning second, as you suggested, pretty much all the kids getting hospitalized are unvaccinated. that should not be happening for kids over 5, by the way. i think every child should be vaccinated who is eligible we're going to have to pay close attention to this and see why it is we're seeing so many hospitalizations that we've seen in previous waves of infection >> one of the features of the omicron variant is how much faster it appears to be spreading and how dangerously contagious it appears to be right now. a lot of folks traveling are trying to figure out what they should be doing in terms of mask wearing. are the surgical masks enough? are cloth masks okay what's your recommendation for folks? >> i think people do have to reassess their decision. the cloth masks do very, very little maybe sort of on the margin. the surgical masks are a little bit better they tend to have a bit better filtration at this point, when you're out and about in indoor spaces, i think you should be wearing a high quality mask. there are a lot of them available wildly in major retailers like amazon, kf94s, n95 or kn95. i think that's what america should be switching to if they want to avoid getting infected >> looking ahead, obviously we are all anticipating new year's eve and the celebrations that will come with that. we have seen some major cities cancel or scale back their plans. what should individual households be doing? should they be canceled their plans to celebrate on new year's eve?

what should people be doing? >> it's a great question i think scaling back is certainly the approach that we're taking i think you can gather safely with family and friends. but i'd keep it smaller, make sure everybody is vaccinated or boosted. and then, you know, if you can get your hands on those antigen tests, those rapid tests, getting everybody to do a test makes an enormous difference otherwise, there's a risk people will get infected. i think if people take precautions, they can celebrate safely >> we always appreciate your time and expertise thank you so much. >> thank you >> now we would like to welcome nbc's jacob soboroff to the table. year pitching in this week >> good morning to you arch bishop guess monday tutu died at the age of 90. molly hunter has more. good morning to you. >> reporter: good morning to you. the world has lost an extraordinary advocate for justice, a cleric, a nobel peace prize winner, and though toss

who knew and interacted with him, a man with a grit sense of humor and a great laugh. rest thank you for all you have been to our family an this morning, bells ringing out for 10 minutes in cape town honoring arch bishop desmond tutu as powerful tributes come in from around the world for one of the fiercest points of apartheid. >> black and while together. >> reporter: from his daughter,

my dad is at rest. thank you, tshezi for all you have been to our family and to the world. >> president biden calling him a true servant to god and the people president obama, who awarded tutu the presidential medal of freedom in 2009 tweeting he was grounded in the struggle for in 1984, he won the nobel peace prize and by liberation and justice in his own country, but also concerned with injustice everywhere. the queen such high affection and esteem their son archie to africa two

years abdomen e ago writing he was be remembered for his clarity and joyful spirit. tutu was born in a small town in 1931 by 1975, he became the first black a anglican dean. >> also, to get under the skin of while supremacists. >> reporter: resistance was met with brutal violence hundreds of activists, including nelson mandela, spent decades in prison in 1984, he won the nobel peace prize and by 1986, he became south africa's first black arch bishop finally, the early 1990s saw the end of apartheid >> i think ever take away the glow of that first experience of walking tall >> reporter: tutu was diagnosed with prostate cancer in the late 1990s and retired from public life to spend more time with his family he died over the weekend in cape town, south africa he was 90 years old. and, of course, tributes are coming in from every corner of the globe. in south africa, a full event. friday, his body will lie in state for two days ahead of the funeral on saturday and you guys, huge crowds are expected i'll send it back to you, jacob. >> molly hunter, thank you so much his legacy transcend borders >> he was a man who wasn't just courageous, but compassionate, one of those few voices that resinated across the planet in the fight of injustice >> and you think about all the people he inspired and frankly helped >> extraordinary >> incredible legacy

we do want to take a turn now and go back to weather jeff ranieri has the rest of the country's forecast what have you got out there? >> we have got a lot of weather happening not only in the west coast, but throughout texas, also the southeast let's take a look at those maps. we go from that cold in the west to record setting highs. you'll see temperatures 20 to 30 degrees above average. it will put us as 79 in san antonio. 73 in little rock. out towards atlanta, 71. gets even warmer for tomorrow. unbelievable for december. 86 in corpus christi would be a new record 79 in shreveport also a new record, even 82 back towards zero beach we're going to get a check off your local forecast coming up in 30 seconds or same day if you need it sooner. but at a time like this, aren't you glad you can also just swing by to pick it up? and get your questions answered.

because peace of mind is something you just can't get in a cardboard box. that's healthier made easier. at cvs. it's 7:18. we have seen rain widespread out the morning and stormranger picking up light to moderate rain up through the north bay and down through the south bay with heavier pockets pushing through right now along the santa cruz mountain area. expect to see that rain sticking around for the first half of the morning, and turn into showers for the second half of the day. expect a cold tuesday with low snow levels tonight. >> and that is your national forecast peter and kristen, i have to say, it's been a long time the last time i worked with the both of you was 12 years ago when i was on "weekend today."

can you believe it 12 years >> hopefully 12 years from now we can all be in one room together >> yes >> time flies. jeff, it is good to be with you. >> you, too. >> thank you coming up, what queen elizabeth had to say with her first christmas without prince philip as she looked ahead to a happier milestone, getting preparations under way to celebrate 70 years on the throne in 2022. plus, it's easier than ever to return your unwanted holiday gifts, but if you want the maximum refund, we have the steps that you need to tak ahead of time.e

still ahead here on "today," over the weekend, nasa launched the most powerful space observatory ever built >> they all hope it's going to help us understand the possibility for life on other planets. more on that after your local news

aleve-x. it's fast, powerful long-lasting relief with a revolutionary, rollerball design. because with the right pain reliever... life opens up. aleve it... and see what's possible. look at these mighty quaker oats... small in size, epic in taste. heart-healthy. a good source of fiber. and provides lasting energy. there's no denying delicious quaker oats are the the grain of all time. quaker oats. a super-trusted superfood.

♪ ♪ when you shop at target, quaker oats are the the grain of all time. you leave with what you value most. like healthy foods and brands that lift our communities. at target, the things that matter are always within reach. what we value most, shouldn't cost more. [ music ends ] people everywhere living with type 2 diabetes are waking up to what's possible... with rybelsus®. the majority of people taking rybelsus® lowered their blood sugar and reached an a1c of less than 7. rybelsus® isn't for people with type 1 diabetes.

don't take rybelsus® if you or your family ever had medullary thyroid cancer or have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, or if allergic to it. stop rybelsus® and get medical help right away if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, severe stomach pain, or an allergic reaction. serious side effects may include pancreatitis. tell your provider about vision problems or changes. taking rybelsus® with a sulfonylurea or insulin increases low blood sugar risk. side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may lead to dehydration, which may worsen kidney problems. wake up to the possibility of lower a1c with rybelsus®. you may pay as little as $10 for up to a 3-month prescription. ask your healthcare provider about rybelsus® today. the snapshot app from progressive rewards you for driving safe and driving less. okay, what message did you hear this time? safe drivers can save using snapshot? -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 ] good morning. it's 7:26. i am kira klapper. here's a look at today's top stories including week two of jury deliberations beginning in the elizabeth holmes criminal fraud trial. >> i'm in san josé with the jury will continue deliberating in the elizabeth holmes fraud trial. before the holiday break the jury asked the judge if they could take homes before the break, and he said all

deliberations need to take place here at the courthouse. >> it has been rainy all morning long. expect that to be the focus for this afternoon, and right now it's 47 degrees in san francisco. take a look at satellite radar. it's coming down. when it comes to the snow and rain, it will continue. i will zoom this in closer, because it's looking like this. the problem on the peninsula, just really ripples out to the east bay as well.

san trans will hopefully provide a bus to sfo. >> i will be back with another local news update for you in half an hour. hope to see you then. for now we will send you back out to the "today" show.

when you have xfinity xfi, you have peace of mind built in at no extra cost. 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. any parent will tell you the second you have a kid, it's like your heart is living outside of your body, which means you never, ever stop worrying. that's why we got health insurance and for way less than we thought was possible. the kids' doctor and dental checkups are free and i get screenings for my cholesterol 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

we're back now at 7:30 on this monday morning, december 27th, 2021. savoring that gorgeous view of our tree for the final days while we can, lighting up rockefeller plaza in all of her festive glory. kristen welker and i are in today for our friends savannah and hoda as they enjoy some time off as well as jacob soboroff. everybody get hooked up for the holidays? >> very content. and you? >> my girls are content. that's all i care about. >> same thing, my kids were happy as can be.

7:30, an investigation is under way a after a 15-year-old boy weren't overboard and died during a caribbean cruise. it happened last week on the msc seashore. the cruise was on its way back to miami when a man overboard alarm sounded throughout the ship. police say they do not suspect foul play. if you had a powerball ticket in your stocking this christmas, unfortunately, you didn't win the big prize, but no one else did, either. that's the good news. the jackpot is still growing. it's unto an estimated $460 million. if someone wins, it will be the second largest powerball jackpot of the year. the next drawing is tonight been so go get your tickets. >> go right now and get those tickets. to sunday night football, the dallas cowboys punched the top spot in their division before their game against washington, but that didn't stop the cowboys from pouring it on. >> empty backfield. four-man rush. that intercepted.

demarcus lawrence, down the sideline he goes. look at that. into the end zone. >> demarcus lawrence with the 40 yard intercept return for a touchdown. that put dallas up 21-30 in the first quarter. the cowboys go on to win it, 56-14. it is the most point dallas has scored if a regular season game in 41 years. that is crazy. >> i have some depressed friends in the nation's capital. it was a holiday season unlike any others for people around the world, and that included britain's queen elizabeth sharing a deeply personal christmas day message including an emotional rib the utah to her husband, prince philip. kelly has a look at the milestone year coming up for the queen. kelly, good morning. >> reporter: guys, good morning. after a tough year, the queen already looking forward to 2022.

buckingham palace is planning parades, parties and lots of pageantry to mark the queen's astounding 70 years on the throne. squeeze elizabeth entering a new era this morning after celebrating the first christmas without her husband, prince philip, but keeping spirits high during her holiday message >> and as much as i and my family miss him, i know he would want us to enjoy christmas >> reporter: the queen's plans scaled down, missing the traditional family church service and staying at her

windsor residence when an intruder was arrested for breaching on to the castle grounds on christmas day a 19-year-old caught by police within minutes the queen and guests, undisturbed. the cambridges hosting a christmas carol with kate playing the piano. and in california, prince harry and meghan markle sharing a hi. candid holiday card with 2-year-old archie and 6-month-old lilibet diana, her first public photo the queen now looking forward to better times and a milestone moment months away, her platinum jubilee, a celebration of 70 years on the throne.

>> we are lucky enough to be able to witness and have a ringside seat to history in the making >> reporter: elizabeth is the longest searching monarch in british history. and at every jubilee, from silver in 77 to cold in 2002 and diamonds nearly ten years ago in 2012, prince philip was by her side the queen now facing this monumental milestone withouton, him. along with worries about her own health yet still determined to work hae

highlighting the upcoming celebrations in her christmas message. >> i hope there will be an opportunity for people everywhere to enjoy a sense of togetherness >> reporter: the preparations already under way. platinum jubilee director simon brooks ward sharing details of the main events next june. walking along the mall, obviously lots of traffic here right now. however, on the day -- >> there will be flags, there will be -- the queen will come out from buckingham palace behind and be escorted by the mounted regiment and this will be a huge great sort of flow of military music, dancing, culture, everything a real explosion of color. >> reporter: the crowning moment of every jubilee before, the whole family on the balcony of buckingham palace, waving to a see of cheering faces. with the queen's health now in focus, the question, will the jubilee celebrations bring the family together again? and that is the big question, whether harry and meghan will be back here in the uk to mark this incredibly historic year likely the last major milestone of his grandmother's reign guys >> kelly, thank you so much. and you consider the fact that baby lilibet has yet to meet the queen. >> hopefully they'll go home for the big celebrations but getting to see baby lilibet, that was the excitement of the weekend. and protect yourself from things like fire, theft, or in this case, water damage. now if i had to guess i'd say somewhere upstairs there's a broken pipe.

geico. save even more when you bundle home and car insurance at geico.com. right now at kohl's... it's time to ring in the savings... and spend your kohl's cash! get up to 60% off holiday decor... fleece for $19.99 and under... 40-60% off bedding... and find so many deals you just can't pass them up! kohl's. give your sensitive skin even more. new and improved cetaphil is specially formulated with our dermatologist-backed blend of ingredients to improve your skin's resilience. cetaphil. complete care for your sensitive skin. psoriatic arthritis, made my joints stiff,... ...swollen, painful. emerge tremfyant®. tremfya® is approved to help reduce joint symptoms in adults with active psoriatic arthritis. some patients even felt less fatigued. serious allergic reactions may occur. tremfya® may increase your risk of infections and lower your ability to fight them. tell your doctor if you have an infection or symptoms or if you had a vaccine or plan to. emerge tremfyant®

with tremfya®... ask you doctor about tremfya® today. i can get live tv and on demand anywhere. look, serena williams... matrix... serena... matrix... serena... matrix... ♪ ♪ ♪ get your tv together with the best of live and on demand. introducing directv stream.

♪ ♪ my name's caleb. what's yours? i'm grace! did you just move here? yeah! cool! (music)

right now, get 50% off did yyour purchasehere? at oldnavy.com [upbeat acoustic music throughout] did you know that even after you sanitize a surface, every touch can leave new bacteria behind? that means, you could be right back where you started. break the cycle with microban 24. just spray once and your surfaces are protected against bacteria all day. microban keeps killing 99.9% of bacteria touch after touch for up to 24 hours. these leading disinfectants do not. use the sanitizer 4 out of 5 doctors

would use in their own homes. microban 24. we are back this morning with in-depth today. what to do with santa just simply didn't bring what you had wanted >> that's right. we all know what that means, right? it's time to make a return or an exchange nbc news investigative and consumer correspondent vicky nguyen has more on how to get a new item or get your money back. vicky, good morning to you >> hi, good morning. most retailers have pretty relaxed return policies. but there are some steps you need to take ahead of time to make sure you get the maximum refund >> first, the rush to get presents under the tree and now the rush to return some of those gifts for cash or store credit

analysts predict 120 billion dollars worth of products will be returned this holiday season. up from the previous record of 115 billion last year. the increase, spurred by online shopping so maybe you get that gift that you're not so keen on. okay the first thing to do, make sure you don't remove it from the original packing, even though those stores are generous these days, they're more likely to give you a cash refund or credit if they can resell the item. yeah, this is going back also, make sure you don't accidentally throw away the gift receipt with your wrapping paper. no receipt might mean no refund. >> if you do lose the receipt, your options are to regift the item or have that awkward conversation with the person who gave you the gift to see if they have a receipt if not, you can bring it back to the store.

most will give you a store credit, but be prepared, some won't. for in-person returns with make sure you bring your id they're trying to cut down on people who abuse return policies when you're inside the store, make sure you're nice to the employees opinion oftentimes, they have discretion on whether or not to accept that return it's also the right thing to do. but what if you don't want to brave those crowds >> many retailers will cover the cost of the return, but you have to print out the label at home and make sure that you package up that item carefully and either schedule a pick up or take it directly to the shipper. perhaps even easier, you can take the item back to the physical storefront. no labels or boxes required. amazon accepts returns at amazon go, amazon books and whole foods. most other retailers will accept online in-person returns at their stores apple has a strict 14-day return policy, but holiday purchases can be returned through january 8th. amazon's 30-day policy is being replaced by a january 31st holiday return window. bed, bath & beyond, walmart, home depot and lows have 90 day return policies. kohl's 180 days and costco will let you return products at any time except for electronics, which is a 90-day return window.

if it's footwear or clothing, make sure you don't wear that item out until you know you want to keep it stores have the right to refuse a refund if the items look used or they're helpfully soiled. if a good rule of thumb, if it's in a state you wouldn't buy it in, your refund will probably be rejected however, if the product is damaged or defective, the retailer will almost always give you a refund or at least let you exchange it. it's easier than ever to return your unwanted gifts, especially if you're prepared with these simple tips. okay so i know regifting can be a social no-no, but consider it. especially if a store won't take back an item that's been opened. by one estimate, about 5 billion worth of returned items end up in landfall landfills.

so consider a donation or that good old regifting it is better for the environment. back to you. >> that makes regifting sound pretty good. so what do you guys think, are you big return people or regifters? >> that was useful no, i bought my wife a speaker from best buy. i didn't know the return policy. we're going to return it because i bought it in the wrong color i'm sorry, darling, i love you >> this one, the girls open up the gift and they're like, no, i'm going return this. and i'm like, you have to make that decision before you shred the barbie box >> how about you >> i'm not a big return person i tend to like the gifts i'm given. nine times out of ten, i'm just appreciative of the gift >> be nice to the folks returning items. >> that's right. time now for another check of the forecast with our friend, jeff ranieri jeff, a lot of folks now trying to get home for their holidays

it will be a challenge in many places >> it is and look for others. if you got a jacket for christmas, you might be able to start wearing it in the northeast where we haven't had a lot of active weather. snow here through the midwest and upper midwest. that's going to be moving into the northeast. especially pennsylvania with some wintry precipitation as we're tracking this storm system again, pushing through today it's not super severe, but, again, it could bring us some travel delays through the northeast and midwest today. tomorrow, we get another quick moving system moving in from the south. heavy rain in st. louis. cincinnati and more snow potential there in chicago as we get a look at the national map, we not only have the rain and snow in the northeast, record setting warmth down towards texas back into the southeast. and that heavy, heavy snow out here towards the west hey, we know jeff.

"today" show looks good on you. here in the bay area, satellite radar shows the north bay getting a bit of a break. in through millbrae valley, storm ranger still seeing pockets of rain pushing through that fremont area, the south bay as well as half moon bay. today highs will be in the 40s and 50s. a chance of seeing hail in the afternoon and also low snow levels. forecast you guys, it is like iced coffee weather in the southeast today 70s and 80s in december? >> wow >> grab those iced coffees >> i'm thinking road trip. jeff, thanks very much still ahead this morning, could the telescope actually give us a glimpse of life on other planets? we're going to take a closer look at the mission of nasa's telescope. plus, an emotional story of the mother and the daughter she

was she was separated from over 40 years ago our kate snow was there for the joyful reunion, but first, these messages inner voice (sneaker shop owner): i'm using hand gestures and pointing... ...so no one can tell i'm unsure about my business finances. inner voice (furniture maker): i'm constantly nodding... ...because i know everything about furniture... ...but with the business side... ...i'm feeling a little lost. quickbooks can help. an easy way to get paid, pay your staff and know where your business stands. new business? no problem. yeah. success starts with intuit quickbooks. ♪ ♪ when you shop at target, yeah. you leave with what you value most. like healthy foods and brands that lift our communities. at target, the things that matter are always within reach. what we value most, shouldn't cost more. [ music ends ] i recommend nature made vitamins, because i trust their quality. they were the first to be verified by usp, an independent organization that sets strict quality and purity standards. nature made.

the #1 pharmacist recommended vitamin and supplement brand. ♪ i long for yogurt with chunks of fruit that i can chew. ♪ ♪ forkable yogurt with fruit chunks and nice texture too. ♪ ♪ no i.... ♪ (vo) subaru and our retailers believe in giving back. that's why, in difficult times, we provided one hundred and fifty million meals to feeding america. and now through the subaru share the love event, we're helping even more. by the end of this year, subaru will have donated over two hundred and twenty five million dollars to charity. this is what it means to be more than a car company.

this is what it means to be subaru. gedoesn't care. means to be more than a car company. i grow all my own vegetables shingles doesn't care. we've still got the best moves you've ever seen good for you, but shingles doesn't care. because 1 in 3 people will get shingles, you need protection. but, no matter how healthy you feel, your immune system declines as you age increasing your risk for getting shingles. so, what can protect you? shingrix protects. you can protect yourself from shingles with a vaccine proven to be over 90% effective. shingrix is a vaccine used to prevent shingles in adults 50 years and older. shingrix does not protect everyone and is not for those with severe allergic reactions to its ingredients or to a previous dose. an increased risk of guillain-barré syndrome was observed after getting shingrix. fainting can also happen. the most common side effects are pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site, muscle pain, tiredness, headache, shivering, fever, and upset stomach. ask your pharmacist or doctor about shingrix. shingles doesn't care. but you should.

it's time for our lowest prices of the season on the sleep number 360 smart bed. what if i sleep hot? ...or cold? no problem, the sleep number 360 smart bed is temperature balancing so you both sleep just right. and it senses your movements and automatically adjusts to keep you both effortlessly comfortable. so, you can really promise better sleep? yes! you'll know exactly how well you slept, night after night. we take care of the science. all you have to do is sleep. save $200 on the sleep number 360 c2 smart bed queen, now only $899 plus 0% interest until january 2025 on all smart beds. ends january 3rd. ♪ ♪ when you shop at target, you leave with what you value most. like healthy foods and brands that lift our communities. at target, the things that matter are always within reach. what we value most, shouldn't cost more. [ music ends ] i brought in ensure max protein, with thirty grams of protein. those who tried me felt more energy in just two weeks! (sighs wearily) here i'll take that! (excited yell) woo-hoo! ensure max protein. with thirty grams of protein, one gram of sugar,

and nutrients to support immune health. welcome back jacob has our popstart this morning. >> it's good to be "the rock's" mom this season. wait until you see how his little girls helped him pull off an emotional surprise. stay tuned for this. it is an unbelievable treat. you are going to will have it. but coming up first, your local news l p after my dvt blood clot... i was uncertain... was another around the corner? or could things take a different turn? i wanted to help protect myself. my doctor recommended eliquis. eliquis is proven to treat and help prevent another dvt or pe blood clot.

almost 98 percent of patients on eliquis didn't experience another. ...and eliquis has significantly less major bleeding than the standard treatment. eliquis is fda-approved and has both. don't stop eliquis unless your doctor tells you to. eliquis can cause serious and in rare cases fatal bleeding. don't take eliquis if you have an artificial heart valve or abnormal bleeding. if you had a spinal injection while on eliquis call your doctor right away if you have tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness. while taking eliquis, you may bruise more easily... and it may take longer than usual for bleeding to stop. seek immediate medical care for sudden signs of bleeding, like unusual bruising. eliquis may increase your bleeding risk if you take certain medicines. tell your doctor about all planned medical or dental procedures. what's around the corner could be worth waiting for. ask your doctor about eliquis. (music) wright now, get 50% offr could your purchaseing for. at oldnavy.com

don't settle for products that give you a sort-of white smile. try crest whitening emulsions... ...for 100% whiter teeth. its highly active peroxide droplets... ...swipe on in seconds. better. faster. 100% whiter teeth. shop crestwhitesmile.com. superpowers from a spider bite? i could use some help showing the world how liberty mutual customizes their car insurance. ow! i'm ok! only pay for what you need. ♪ liberty. liberty. liberty. liberty. ♪ only in theaters december 17th.

within this hallowed bowl is the grain of all time. heart-healthy. no artificial flavors. and ready in minutes. it's epic apples and cinnamon by the spoonful. quaker oats. a super-trusted superfood. is sensitive skin keeping you from your radiance goals? try new cetaphil healthy radiance. our science-powered gentlebright complex... diminishes the appearance of dark spots and enhances glow in just one week. cetaphil. complete radiance for sensitive skin. right now at kohl's... it's time to ring in a the savings...w in just one week. and spend your kohl's cash! get up to 60% off holiday decor... fleece for $19.99 and under... 40-60% off bedding... and find so many deals you just can't pass them up! kohl's.

good morning. it's 7:56. i am kira klapper. here's what is happening now. it's week two of jury deliberations in the criminal fraud trial of elizabeth holmes. >> i am kris sanchez at the courthouse in san josé, where the jury will continue deliberating the elizabeth holmes fraud trial. if convicted she could spend up to 20 years in prison. they will pick up where they left off on thursday, and on thursday they were focused between a call between investors and holmes. vianey arana has a check of our forecast. >> yeah, we have been getting

rain all morning and the north bay is catching a bit of a break. let's get our storm ranger radar up and scanning. still moderate rainfall across the bay area, and the temperatures today will only be topping out in the 50s. our next round of potential low snow levels will move in tonight into tomorrow. it will be a cold couple days ahead. overnight lows down potentially to 40 degrees in san francisco. only topping out in the 40s here on wednesday. marcus washington will have another local news update for you in half an hour. hope to see you then. for now we will send you back to today sppz.

wanna help kids get their homework done? well, an internet connection's a good start. but kids also need computers. and sometimes the hardest thing about homework is finding a place to do it. so why not hook community centers up with wifi? for kids like us, and all the amazing things we're gonna learn. through projectup, comcast is committing $1 billion so millions more students can continue to get the tools they need to build a future of unlimited possibilities. i hope you're ready. 'cause we are.

it's 8:00. coming up on "today," surge season after a busy holiday weekend, omicron cases continue to soar as hospitals and testing sites face the overwhelming effect >> the staffing situation is just absolutely atrocious. i mean, it's hard to describe just how bad it is >> with millions gathering over christmas and new year's eve just days away, could there be more of a surge? we're live with the latest, including the major impact on holiday travel plus, the truth is out

there. after a successful launch, a nasa telescope is on its way to orbit millions of miles from earth. what's next for the complicated mission, including its search for life on other planets. then, remarkable reunion >> hi. >> how are you >> we'll share the emotional story of a mother and daughter separated at birth and how they were able to reconnect decades later. >> the first time i knew i was pregnant never stopped loving her >> just ahead, their incredible story. and "bridgerton" is almost back >> she would say >> the hit netflix show surprises fans with a release date for season two. when can you expect to revisit your favorite talk of the town today, december 27th, 2021 >> from pennsylvania >> savoring this lovely holiday time together. >> maybe second holiday with us. cheers >> up early from austin, texas

>> to celebrate lewis hopper's 75th birthday. >> we love you, lewis. how sweet it is. >> and welcome back to "today. we are so glad you are with us on this monday morning my weekend today co-host peter alexander is here along with jacob soboroff while savannah and hoda and craig take some well deserved time off i have to say, i love all those matching christmas pjs in the open >> you get one good day a year and put them away until 2022 >> i have a question if you guys are both here, is somebody at the white house? >> yes we have the would you say -- white house fully staffed. >> just want to make sure. coming he tomorrow on "today," in our series, medical breakthroughs, we focus on a new treatment that could help millions of americans see a bit

more clearly >> i'm excited about this. we'll tell you about a new eye drop that could potentially let people put away their reading glasses for good that is tomorrow on "today." but now we want to get to your news at 8:00. we begin with coronavirus cases which are skyrocketing all across the country hospitals are once again stretched to the brink and the surge is even having an impact on the airline industry. nbc's sam brock is in miami with the very latest. sam, good morning again to you >> kristen, good morning that's absolutely right. the omicron variant surging a massive jump in average cases. we're looking at a seven-day average of about 200,000 infections per day nationally. but one of the biggest stories continues to be the lines for testing and the inability to meet that demand i'm here in miami. it is mayhem right now we've been out here since 5:00 or 6:00 this morning where there were people waiting.

look at this line right now. on the right-hand side, that is to get tested this morning that snakes around one side of the building as it tails around, you'll see people going to the other side of the building. that's the people here for free testing kits 27 locations in miami they will be provided those today. it's not clear how many of those supplies they actually have. it's three per family. this continues to go all the way around that building, kristen. dr. anthony fauci says at some point to mid to late january we will be at a point where there's enough testing kits for everybody, but that certainly doesn't help us right now. health experts are saying you might want to use stronger masks given how highly contagious this variant is dr. jha on with peter earlier said this. >> i think people have to reassess their decisions the cloth masks do very well the surgical masks are a little better at this point when you're out and about in indoor spaces, i think you should be wearing a high quality mask. >> kristen, you also mentioned omicron's impact on travel, which has been massive, as well. over the weekend, more than 2,000 flights were canceled domestically so far this morning, we're at

750 and counting close to 1,000 flights already delayed. travel experts that we spoke with say you can expect this to intend into the week because unlike technical problems that resolve over a couple of days, this is largely due to omicron and weather right now, but really omicron and that continues to be a problem affecting the airline industry and just about everything else in the country peter and kristen. >> and those long lines behind you say it all sam brock, thank you turning now to what could be an unprecedented window into the cosmos, scientists are hoping the james webb space telescope that launched that launched on christmas will provide new insights into our universe >> the webb telescope is the most complex and ambitious space project in a generation, created by some of the brightest minds in the world and all of them will be watching at the edge of their seats for the next few weeks as the telescope assembles itself while heading to orbit a million miles away

>> liftoff >> james webb begins a voyage back to the birth of the universe >> this morning, the most powerful space observatory ever built is heading deeper into the galaxy following a successful launch on christmas morning, the james webb telescope is now on its mission to peer further into the universe and its origins than we ever imagined before >> webb is on scale kind of a cultural undertaking and not just something for astronomers >> reporter: one of its aims, to provide new insights into the existence of life on other planets.

>> help us understand the possibilities, maybe even the probability of potential life form, although we're not looking for life form itself we're looking for the environment that will allow life to thrive. >> reporter: to reach this point has taken more than two decades almost $10 billion and the combined brain power of thousands from 14 countries. but it's still just the beginning. >> james webb now has its array out. >> reporter: over the next few weeks, webb will continue deploying its antennas, sun shield and mirrors, each procedure a critical and complicated step to fully assemble the 7 ton telescope, a

process space fans will be able to follow in realtime. >> now taking its first steps in pursuit of cosmological discovery. >> reporter: much larger and 100 times more powerful than the hubble telescope, which launched in 1990, webb has the capability of seeing the infrared spectrum. >> it's a time machine it's going to take us back to the very beginnings of the universe >> reporter: nasa says the telescope will be able to zoom in on exo planets in distant galaxies, beam back those images across a million miles of space to scientists here on earth. >> i think after webb's images and discoveries start to come in, i think we will look at the sky will be different in the future than the way we look at it today >> reporter: a new era of space exploration with the potential to change how we see our place in the cosmos. >> and it's going to be another six months or so before the telescope is up and running. webb will be way too far away to reach if something goes wrong. you know that big mirror and all of its panels, they have to be perfectly aligned within 1/10,000 of a single hair for all of it to work like it's supposed to. so fingers crossed >> we know repairmen out there dealing with that. gadi schwartz, thank you so much acclaimed director and producer jean marc vallee has died he received multiple oscar nominations for "dallas buyer's club." he was called a fiercely dedicated filmmaker and a truly phenomenal talent. jean marc vallee was 58 years old. >> meghan markle got a mea culpa from a uk tabloid over the

weekend. the statement stopped short of an apology, but it did acknowledge markle's legal victory. in 2019, the tabloid published parts of a private letter that the duchess of sussex wrote to her estranged father shortly after marrying prince harry. the british court ruled in her favorite of infringement now how about a morning boost? >> i think we could use it on this monday. well, get this a woman in dallas got everything she could have ever wanted for christmas this year when her younger brother, who was supposed to be away at basic training, surprised her on christmas day. >> nobody had masks on >> yeah.

>> oh! >> what's going on >> what are you doing here >> what's going on >> brought her to tears and to her knees. elizabeth posted this individual yo on instagram thanking the army for letting recruits spend the holidays with their families saying we're extremely grateful and promise to take good care of them guys, i have to say, there is nothing better than seeing our service men and women coming home and surprising their families >> nice to see a good hug, an old fashioned hug these days >> somebody chopping onions in here again >> yeah. no, no, not onions coming up next, a heart warming reunion four decades in the making how a mother and the daughter who was taken from her finally found each other into we're back now this morning with a mother and union reunion 40 years in the making

n is your. so visit a cadillac showroom, and start celebrating today. ♪ ♪ so visit a cadillac showroom, and start celebrating today. aleve-x. it's fast, powerful long-lasting relief with a revolutionary, rollerball design. because with the right pain reliever... life opens up. aleve it... and see what's possible. ♪ ♪ when you shop at target, you leave with what you value most. like healthy foods and brands that lift our communities. at target, the things that matter are always within reach. what we value most, shouldn't cost more. [ music ends ]

our strength, our power, our purpose... starts within. so let's start there. with collagen that supports our body from the inside out. (sfx: playful cadence of full soundscape) ♪ ♪ my name's caleb. what's yours? i'm grace! did you just move here? yeah! cool! all the serums out there. this is the #1 in the world. did you just move here? revitalift hyaluronic acid serum from l'oréal. it seriously hydrates to visibly replump skin and reduces wrinkles. effective for all skin tones.

revitalift hyaluronic acid serum from l'oréal paris. (avo) command products organize any space with ease... ...and without damage. command. do. no harm. people everywhere living with type 2 diabetes are waking up to what's possible... with rybelsus®. the majority of people taking rybelsus® lowered their blood sugar and reached an a1c of less than 7. rybelsus® isn't for people with type 1 diabetes. don't take rybelsus® if you or your family ever had medullary thyroid cancer or have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, or if allergic to it. stop rybelsus® and get medical help right away if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, severe stomach pain, or an allergic reaction. serious side effects may include pancreatitis. tell your provider about vision problems or changes. taking rybelsus® with a sulfonylurea or insulin increases low blood sugar risk.

side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may lead to dehydration, which may worsen kidney problems. wake up to the possibility of lower a1c with rybelsus®. you may pay as little as $10 for up to a 3-month prescription. ask your healthcare provider about rybelsus® today. into we're back now this morning with a mother and union reunion 40 years in the making. we're back with a remarkable story. our senior national correspondent kate snow has the amazing story. kate, good morning >> good morning, guys. nancy was a teenager when she gave birth to her first born daughter, melanie, back in june 1979 but nancy was never allowed to hold melanie before her baby was taken and adopted by another family she searched for that daughter for years.

and then in 2018, everything changed with a dna test. >> i loved her from the first time i knew i was pregnant never stopped loving her >> nancy womack was just 16 years old and living at an orphanage in dalton, georgia, when she learned she was pregnant the orphanage director found out and sent nancy to the bethesda home for girls in mississippi. >> and it was a long, dirt road from the main road down to bethesda it just kept going and kept going. it was like a nightmare. >> bethesda was one of a network of children's homes founded by preacher lester roloff who advertised the home as a place where troubled kids would learn discipline through the word of god. but according to court filings, girls who lived there says the discipline was achieved through physical abuse and fear. >> you just learn after a while of being abused and slapped, i guess survival mode kicks in just let me get through this

day. >> after six months avenue bethesda, nancy was put on her first airplane to fly to tennessee to deliver her baby. >> i remember going into labor and they just give me a shot and put me out i don't remember having her. i don't remember them wheeling me into the delivery room. i don't remember nothing >> she was gone by the time i woke up. >> what nancy does remember is the love she always felt for her baby girl. >> she was my first born it's something that you never really get over. i remember thinking, well, she should be taking her first step now or she should have lost her first tooth or her first day of school should have started and every year on her birthday, i know it didn't make any sense, she would but i always baked her a cake. she would be 12 today. she would be 13 today. she would be 14 today. >> on the other side of the world, in south africa, a little

girl named melanie was growing up as a child of missionaries. >> my parents have always told me that i was adopted. they said it was important for my biological mother that i go into a good christian home i always had a lot of questions about her. i wanted to find her i wanted to know more about her. i think there was fear that it could be very hurtful if i dug more and found out that she didn't want me >> melanie eventually had two children of her own. >> i really started thinking about what will i tell them about where they're from and so i decided to do ancestry. the most interesting part was that it came up with a dna match. it had been almost 40 years. and i thought, you know, why

not? my name is melanie spencer and i was born in june of 1979 i was adopted as a baby from east ridge, tennessee. my adoption was closed, but i think my mother's birth name was nancy. >> nancy's sister received melanie's message. she said yes, i know the story >> she said she was looking for her adopted mother, that she was born in east ridge on june the 14th and i knew -- i knew who she was. >> so i connected with nancy through facebook >> hello, melanie. >> hi. >> how are you it's good to finally find you. >> i've wondered about you for a long time. it's a little overwhelming >> there's not a day goes by that i have not thought of you i want you tony that you are loved so much. i'll answer any question you have

>> after 42 years, melanie drove from her home in maryland to meet her biological mother for the first time >> oh, god, i'm so nervous >> how are you >> god, i'm so glad you're here. >> 42 years of questions >> it feels like coming home >> and she's just what i thought she would be she's beautiful. she's smart. >> these girls on the bethesda group, they talk about forgiveness and healing. they say let it go i can't let it go. yes, she's in my life, but so many things i've missed. maybe after this, it won't be so bad. she will know the truth. i'm happy that she will know that she was loved >> nbc news made numerous efforts to contact roloff holmes, the former operators of

the bethesda home for girls, but we received no response. bethesda online groups, there's been a wave of activism recently from people who call themselves bethesda survivors nancy has shared her story with other moms who still haven't connected with their babies. she's hoping she will be enable to inspire them, guys, to keep searching. >> kate snow, what a remarkable, beautiful story. that moment where the two of them meet for the first time it's unimaginable. more than 40 years >> 42 years in the making. her mom making a cake every birthday, even in her absence. and finally, that moment when the two of them meet >> crazy >> so powerful >> the hair on my arms stood up when she said in the message to her mother this is who i am and she goes, yes, i know the story. >> and she said it feels like coming home. those dna tests really changing

everything >> beautiful >> beautiful, indeed we want to take a turn and bring back meteorologist jeff ranieri who is in for al this morning. i know you are tracking weather home for a lot of folks is going go a headache. >> and it looks like winter is going to make a comeback here in the northeast, as well as we take a look at that map, we've got some wintry precip moving through pennsylvania, out in the west, that heavy snow in the sierra northeast and also the west is going to be the top two travel delay zones. let's go ahead and bring it into the other story and that is the temperatures you want it, we've got it. happening on this man. this is what our storm ranger is taking up in the bay area. break from the rain for the north bay and through san francisco but still a couple heavy pockets pushing down through the south bay and an update for you. there is a flash flood advisory in effect for the highlighted areas until 9:45 this morning

for morgan hill and the santa cruz mountains and until 9:00 for areas of the oakland area. showers into the afternoon. >> and that is your national forecast so, you guys, i packed a heavier jacket, you know, for the trip looks like i'm finally going to be able to use it, you know? >> put it on, jeff >> without that winter coat. all right. jeff, thank you so much. time now for popstart. jacob, we need you to put on your carson daly hat >> that is a tall task first up, "bridgerton" fans were treated to a nice surprise christmas day. they announced the release date of the highly anticipated second season watch this >> happy anniversary >> to our --

bridgerton returns -- >> march 25th. >> march 2 >> it is customary for a first anniversary to gift paper. dear readers >> i do hope you find this one informative. bridgerton returns -- >> march 25th. >> march 25th. >> march 25th. >> i actually didn't know that >> i didn't know that, either. >> is it march 25th? march 25th it is >> the big day the second season of bridgerton will focus on the family's eldest son, anthony, and introduces the sharma family to the cast we cannot wait to check that

out. are you going to tune in >> oh, yeah. i'm not sure who is more excited, me or my mom. >> i love the cast was reading, oh, march 25th >> calendars are circled >> do not forget coming up next, olivia munn and john mulaney over the weekend, the couple introduced to the world their brand new baby boy mom and dad each sharing a snap of the little guy on social media. john writing in the caption, meet malcolm hiep mulaney. he has his whole life ahead of him. mom, olivia vietnamese heritage represented in his middle name congratulations, you guys. >> so cute and coming up next, dwayne "the rock" johnson, should we just start calling him santa claus? in the last few months, he has given away everything from cars to meals, even his people's

champion award but you might want to grab the kleenex box for this one "the rock" revealing on instagram how he surprised his mom this christmas >> merry christmas >> girls >> merry christmas, grammy >> so those "the rock's" two younger daughters helping to surprise their grandma johnson writing in the caption, i am so grateful i can do this kind of stuff for my mom, who has had one hell of a life we love you. you deserve a lot more that's a nice car. >> that smile on her face is just priceless >> giving back to mom. that's what -- >> nothing better, yeah. >> and finally, you guys, this is crazy jared leto, the oscar winning actor celebrated a big birthday over the weekend do you want to guess how old he is >> 40. >> jared leto just celebrated his 50th the big 5-0.

he shared this on social media showing off a physique that sets the bar pretty high. he does not want to see this 38 bod at all >> giving 25-year-olds a run for their money. >> his transformation in his most recent on screen appearance in "house of gucci." we don't know how you do it, but happy birthday to you. >> all jacked up for the holidays good morning. it is 8:26. i'm marcus washington. the demand for covid-19 tests is high in the bay area amid the omicron surge. supply is low. there's hundreds of cases a day and just last two weeks. now the county rolling out free tests in several cities. it's has several tests sites this week open but they warn that weather could close them down. appointments are strongly encouraged. get a look at the forecast. talking about weather, the rain steady. >> you now finally starting to

see breaks in the rain for the san francisco area and also the north bay. palo alto with rain through here and the south bay getting some rain. i want to tell you about a flood advisory issued that we are looking at until 9:45 this morning for areas of the santa clara county, santa cruz county area and 9:00 a.m. through oakland because of the rain we have seen and could be the possibility of small streams really get a ton of water and low lying areas with showers into the afternoon why marcus? >> thank you. we'll have a look at the local news in 30 minutes. i'll meet you back here then.

(soft music) hey dad, i'm about to leave. don't forget your hat . good morning. how can i help? i need help connecting with my students. behind every last minute save, ok, that works. and holiday surprise, thank you! a customer service rep is working unseen, making it happen. and at genesys, we're proud to help them help you everyday.

back at 8:30 on a monday morning after plenty of folks enjoyed a long holiday weekend it seems like a lot of us went to the movies over the last few days the latest spider-man film as you've seen, is shattering records during the pandemic. >> getting a lot of buzz coming up, joe fryer takes a look at the new perks movie theaters are offering to get customers off the couch.

plus, more on those pesky holiday returns, including why it might be better to make your exchanges in person if possible. then bon appetite. more than 7 million views, the this morning, he's sharing a delicious recipe for a maple pork tenderloin that is perfect for your holiday table that sounds pretty good. >> that makes me hungry. ahead on the third hour of "today," the rising rapper who, get this, is also a scientist. that's right on most days, you can find her swapping her microphone for a white lab coat and coming up tomorrow on "today," as the calendar is about to turn to a new year, stephanie ruhle has everything you need to know to file your taxes in 2021. >> thanks for the debbie downer on that one. we want to check in with jeff ranieri for another look at

the forecast >> i don't even want to think about taxes right now. all right. let's go ahead and get you into that forecast. we're going to get you ready to go for the week. a lot happening. so as we head to "today," we've been talking about that heat through the southeast. record setting highs, 70s and 80s. 20 to 30 degrees above average some wintry precip here for the northeast and heavy snow in the rockies. as we hit wednesday's forecast, the focus is going to shift. we get severe storms we'll be tracking in the southeast, stays cold. more snow through the west let's take it into friday. take a look at storm ranger and see san francisco getting a bit of a break from the rain. a little bit of rain down through the fremont area. a break for mill valley but right now in milpitas down 680 san jose.

a flood advisory for the highlighted areas until 9:45 because of the potential for some small streams to be overflooded and blocked roadways. drive with caution. we have cold temperatures tonight. >> and that is your national forecast so 2022 just around the corner i don't know about you guys, but i'm ready to turn the page over to something new, right? >> i think we all are. i'm with you on that one, jeff >> let's turn that clock ahead as fast as we can. thanks so much back right here. a big comeback in the box office this holiday season, but can movie theaters keep it up as they compete with all those streamers? >> you might be surprised at some of the incentives to lure customers away from their home customers away from their home but first, this is "today" on

this holiday season, we want to enjoy the gift of being together. for peace of mind, take the first step in knowing. because it might just be a cold, but you want to be confident. the binaxnow covid-19 antigen self test has the same technology used by doctors and detects multiple variants. so in just 15 minutes, you can test, know, and go. available in stores and online. ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪

after two years of uncertainty for movie theaters during the pandemic, this morning, more americans are

heading back to the big screen thanks in part to a blowout holiday weekend for "spider-man. >> joe fryer joins us with that and a preview of what's coming good morning >> good morning to all of you. with omicron surging, despite that, it was a record breaking weekend at the time box office for spider-man and now with more superhero sequels and other big franchises coming out again, movie theaters are looking and hoping to make a big return this morning, signs the big screen is mounting a blockbuster comeback >> i love coming back to the theater. >> i'm going to keep my mask on the whole time, but i'm not really concerned >> the holiday weekend enjoyed a powerhouse showing with spider-man no way home enjoyed records. the first pandemic era film to

hit that mark. a heroic feat for an industry looking to bounce back >> i did see it, but i have to see it again ♪ this girl is on fire ♪ "sing 2" has brought in 41 million since its debut last week while "the matrix: resurrection" pulled in 22.5 million a recent survey found one in five u.s. adults would feel comfortable heading back to theaters within the next month marvel movies will likely continue to lure many movie goers into their universe with sequels to hit franchises like "dr. strange," "thor," and "black panther" slated for release. coming attractions include the highly anticipated debut of robert pattinson as batman and the return of tom cruise in "top gun maverick and "mission impossible 7." next year, disney plus will debut new exclusive titles like "hocus-pocus 2" and peacock which is owned by nbc universal will stream most universal films as early at 45 days after their theatrical release >> so this is the suicide squad. >> meanwhile, coming january, hbomax will no longer offer its

popular same day release plan, a move that may get more people back to the theaters >> in 2022, do you think we're going to see fewer movies released both in theaters and on streaming on the same day? >> i think we're going to go back to that theatrical first model heading forward. >> movie theaters were shuttered for many of the pandemic amc theaters, the country's largest movie theater chain posted a loss of $4.6 billion in 2020 now the company is looking for new ways to retain customers, investing in payment options like bitcoin and even selling popcorn outside the theater. as the industry looks to rebound

in the year ahead. >> the movie theater experience has with stood every challenge that's come its way. it's a resilient business. people love going out to the movies >> starting to come through and i can't stop them. >> according to one projection, global box office numbers for next year could increase nearly 60% from 2021, but it would still mean we have to wait until 2023 to see a full return to prepandemic numbers when those numbers are expected to total more than 40 billion bucks so heading in the right direction, but still a ways to go back to you all. >> no doubt variants permitting on all this. we have "sing 2" on our radar, but movies like spider-man you have to see in the theater it's a whole different experience >> have you gone yet >> no. >> i'm excited for spider-man and i'm excited for the tom cruise film. >> i can't wait. >> maverick returns. coming up, if you're feeling motivated on this monday to swap

those unwanted christmas gifts for something you might prefer, we have everything you need tony to get the most out of that return process but first, this is "today" on r. 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.

i didn't have health insurance, not because i didn't want it. i worried it was too expensive and i was having a hard time paying our other bills. but now, for the first time in our lives, i can do both. covered california makes health insurance easier in every way. with financial help for millions of us and free assistance to compare your options. covered california. this way to health insurance. enroll by december 31st at coveredca.com out. covered california. this way to health insurance. hair, done. fit, fantastic! marijuana. not so fast.

remember, marijuana and some meds don't mix. a sober driver can cure that. don't let high drive. go safely, california. this morning on today's this morning on today's holiday handbook, a more in-depth look at holiday returns. we know the spirit of the season, of course, is about giving and receiving, but what if you got a gift that just doesn't fit or simply was not right? >> we've got you covered, don't worry. amy brightfield is from better home and gardens amy, good morning to you great to see you let's dive right in. we've got a lot of ground to cover here let's say you finally get the motivation to get off of your couch and return that sweater that didn't fit quite right. what is the best way to get the return process started >> the best way is to know the deadline so know how long you have to return it. and take any information you

have with you. if you don't have a gift receipt, you can call customer service. if you know the person, the name of the person who sent you the gift, but definitely also bring your id. because people are expecting, stores are expecting you to come with maybe nothing but just bring your id. >> and amy, speaking of deadlines, a lot of retailers this time around are giving you a little bit of extra time which is the benefit what is the deal there >> usually they give you until the end of january lots of places are giving you to the end of january, to the middle of january. amazon is giving you until january 31st macy's is giving you until the 31st best buy is giving you only until the 16th tjmaxx, marshalls and homegoods is giving you june january 25th. sometimes it's 60 days and then before you know it, that's february so you want to make sure you calculate the extended time because it might not be as long as you think >> 180 days sounds like a good amount of time >> that's a long one >> so let's talk about something that you brought up initially,

which is the paperwork what if you don't have a gift receipt? what should you bring to the store? >> definitely bring your id. call customer service ahead of time if you know the name of the person who sent you the gift and they could possibly look it up for you. and just make sure if you have an email, notifying you that the present is coming, anything you have at all, but most of all, your id. >> what are the benefits to actually going in store to do this a lot of folks would rather do it remotely or drop it off at a u.p.s. store but going in store, why does that benefit you >> so we get to talk to a real person and especially if you don't have any documentation, you don't have a gift receipt or anything, it's always better to talk to a person a little charm goes a long way and also, you get the return immediately. and if you want to exchange it, you can browse if you don't feel comfortable going in the store, lots of places are offering curb side pick up. but the big benefit is that you get the refound immediately or you get to exchange it immediately and you get to talk to a person, which makes it all

more smooth. >> amy, let's say you're just the comfort of your couch. what are the upsides and down sides doing returns online >> so the upside is that it's all one stop so you're going to have to pack everything up. and bring it to the post office. so it's one stop and you just -- you don't need to go into -- you can only go into the post office some places, again, are providing curbside pick up so -- but online, it might be harder to get the return, especially if you don't have a receipt or any documentation of the present. so you want to -- if you don't have any documentation, you probably want to go in and it's easier to talk to someone in person, really. >> and amy, one of the biggest changes these days is this third option that i think a lot of folks are still not really family with, which is the ability to return in-person things that you purchased online >> right and that's a great -- that's a great option, especially like j. crew and taylor, lots of stores

can offer that and you get the refund right away. >> what if you feel uncomfortable about making returns, you just don't want to see it what are your other options, amy? >> so there's another option where you can -- certain stores are offering curb side pick up, so if you don't want to go in, you can mail it back you can do a gift exchange you can donate it, especially this time of year. if you've got coats or sweaters or clothes, donating them is a great option you can do a gift swap there's a trade group called buy nothing on social media. there's lots of things you can do with presents that you don't want to give back. you can regift them, but be careful. you don't want to end up giving back the same gift that someone gave you but donating them is really a great idea such great advice all around and i think you're right donations always appreciated this time of year. amy, great to see you. thank you so much for joining us really appreciate it and coming up next, chef brad leoni gets his inspiration and some of his ingredients directly from nature

he's cooking up a tasty meal dish with fresh maple syrup. yumm we learn about covid-19, the more questions we have. the biggest question now, what's next? what will covid bring in six months, a year?

if you're feeling anxious about the future, you're not alone. calhope offers free covid-19 emotional support. call 833-317-4673, or live chat at calhope.org today. - hi mommy! - hi honey! oh i missed you! you just want to video call the kids. ok. ♪ hush little baby...♪ ♪...don't say a word...♪ but if slow upload speeds turn your goodnight call into an accidental horror movie... can you hear me? shut it down. just remember. you're not a bad mom. you just need better internet. at&t fiber delivers faster upload speeds for more reliable video calls. get at&t fiber, plans starting at $35 a month for a year. limited availability in select areas. call 877.only.att.

now the good stuff we're back now with "today" food here this morning, chef brad leoni, feel notes from food adventure, from fishing to fire and even fermentation. brad shares recipes inspired by his outdoor adventuress. congratulations and welcome to you. >> yeah, thank you thanks for having me today we're going to be cooking from a book here, field notes and food adventures. it's the culinary adventure of the northeast. just encouraging people to cook more, get outside, forage, hunt, grow food. just cook for friends. you know, and just be you and express yourself through foods >> brad, we've all heard the cliff notes, don't tell my high

school english teachers, but was this what inspired people to read outside the box >> no. i want you to read the full book on this one. but no, totally. it's more just being able to capture an experience and the journey and being able to share in it with people. this book took about two years to make and, you know, it was a covid baby in a sense. so it had its challenges to go with that. but i'm super proud of it. and today we're going to be making a recipe out of the maple chapter. >> yeah, tell us what you have, brad what are you making for us today? >> so we have a pork tender loin i blame the 90s and late 2000s for giving it a bad reputation as the other meat. it shouldn't be. it has a nice, red pinkish hue to it. for this one, we're going to do it on a pork tenderloin, searing it off nice and doing it with some shall lots glazed with maple syrup and some butter, fresno hot chile it comes together super fast when it comes to meat, any type of meat, i always tell people, put salt on it a day ahead if you can. let it sick, wick off some of that moisture so you get a nice crust on there let that sodium penetrate all

the way through the meat so you get a seasoned juicy protein when you're cooking it >> brad, let me ask you a question you always hear people say you have to have that meat at room temporary before you get going is that the case here? >> yeah. i mean, that's a great tip that you brought up so, i mean, if that meat is ice cold in the middle and then you throw it in the hot pan, it's going to cook a little unevenly. so what i do is, yeah, i let it sit out for about an hour, two hours, room temperature. let it temper, as we like to call it and come up to a not so refrigerator temperature that will allow for a more even cook time so, yeah, good point that's a good tip. take it out, let it come to temperature for a couple of

hours. and then i have a nice cast iron with a little olive oil at a medium high heat i preheat that, as well. cast iron, it's going to take -- there's a lot of mass in there there's a lot of cold ire, right? let that get hot that's going to take a few minutes. so when you drop the meat, i don't know if you can hear, but it should be -- yeah, it should be sizzling already. get in there to a hot pan. and you let that cook. what is great about a pork tenderloin, it's not super thick. you can cook it in ten, 15 minutes, and keep turning it it's not like what i was taught when i was younger, you flip a steak or a piece of meat once. that's just not true any more. >> what's the best way to know when you're finished cooking that thing do you slice into it or how do you get a sense? >> yeah, this here, it should look something like this when you're done. brown on all sides

and the way i like to do this recipe is i'll cook it to where it's still -- it's a little medium, right? and pork can be eaten like that, especially nowadays. you don't have to cook it until it's completely well done any more so i cook it until it's about medium and then i let it rest for a little bit and then i'll slice it, return it back to the pan where i have some shallots cooking, shallots and fresno peppers >> i bet it smells real good in there. >> it does not smell bad a little bit of butter and garlic and fresno chiles and scallions that i added in there. at this point, you can add collared greens, mustard greens. >> looks awesome, brad >> brad, i have to say, pork is one of my favorite i cannot wait to try this recipe but you use maple syrup with it. why do you do that >> get the good stuff if you can. this comes from the road down my house.

there's a lot of maple out there, but it's not all that great. so if you can, and you have access to it, that's what the chapter of the book was about celebrating this wonderful candy from nature. so it's such a great -- you know, pancakes and breakfast, that's the obvious, right? but if you can add it to a sweet application instead of adding refined sugar or whatever, honey works well, too. but i like to add maple syrup and the butter and let it get in there and melt and get nice and saucy. while that does its thing there, i'll slice up the pork real quick. i add that to the shallots boom, toss it right on the plate. >> there's three of us set the table for four, brad we'll be right over. >> brad, we appreciate you thanks for whetting everybody's pallet on this monday morning. we appreciate it >> delicious

>> can't wait to try it. >> head over to today.com/food and be sure to pick up a copy of brad's cookbook, again, "field notes for food at venture" that is out right now >> i am ready for breakfast. my goodness. >> i know. jacob, we have birthdays >> celebrate some birthdays. let's spin the smucker's jars to see who is hitting a big birthday milestone this morning. first up, happy 100th birthday to donald dailey he walks a mile every single day. raleigh goodwin is from auburn, georgia. coming up next, he served in the air force for more than 30 and, the sir, we salute you for your service. happy 102nd birthday to doddnella gilbert. she's known as grand ma'am to everybody in the neighborhood. and how about sister marionette call of scranton, pennsylvania she retired at 85 years old.

and then there is edward conner sr. from detroit, michigan this former track and field star is the big 100 his friends nicknamed him rabbit because he's a very happy guy. and happy 76 anniversary to matthew and jeanette thomason. they say the secret to a long and happy marriage is to never go to bed angry, which, of course, none of us ever do if you have a milestone, let us know at today.com/celebrate. >> great advice. jacob, thank you for that. coming up in our third hour, what is being done to protect scot good morning. it is 8:56. i'm marcus washington. happening now, a live look outside where a micro climate alert is going on. rain is coming down all morning long. how's it looking now?

>> getting a break for san francisco and also up through parts of the north. here on the mobile doppler storm ranger, rain through the south san francisco stretch. aside from that, milpitas with a break. flood advisory until 9:45. >> thank you. another update in an hour. stick around. we'll be right back.

- musicians, composers, conductors, and dancers

make our world a more beautiful place. - that's what i always said, right? - support music education and help unlock the creator in all of us. the more you know. when you have xfinity, you have entertainment built in. which is kind of nice. ah, what is happening. binge-watching is in the bag, when you find all your apps, all in one place. find live sports faster just by using your voice... sports on now. touchdown irish! [cheering] that was awesome. and, the hits won't quit, with peacock premium included at no additional cost. all that entertainment built in. xfinity. a way better way to watch.

this morning on the third hour of "today," protecting scotland's legendary castles from a new tlet, climate change. and then later, it's she made it, the woman whose own struggles inspired her to create a booming skin care business and the camp where kids are creating memories and learning an important lesson about being themselves that's coming up today, monday, december 27th, 2021. and i from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza, this is the third hour of "today." >> good morning, everybody welcome to