through dublin, sunol. >> take it easy as you're taking the kids to work, to school. all the same. have a great day. be safe out there. we'll see you in h

and ina's holiday table. hostess extraordinaire here to help us throw an unforgettable party to parting gifts. rsvp? yes, as she gets us ready for the season today december 8, 2022. >> announcer: from nbc news, this is "today" with savannah guthrie and hoda kotb live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. >> good morning. good to see you.

it's a thursday morning. >> we want do get right to that breaking news. welcomed news. brittney griner released after a prison swap. >> andrea mitchell has the breaking details. good morning. >> good morning. good news. griner now on the way to a military hospital in san antonio after a prisoner swap on the tarmac in the united arab emirates today. at the hospital she will be reunited with her wife flying there from the white house after meeting with the president in the oval office this morning. the military doctors will evaluate the superstar after the long ordeal. >> reporter: after spending 294 days in russian captivity brittney griner is free. president biden announced the news with her wife. >> she is safe. she is on a plane. she is on the way home.

after months of being unjustly detained in russia held under intolerable circumstances. >> today is a happy day. i will smile right now. >> reporter: brittney griner's return part of a trade for victor boot. it comes one month after griner was transferred to a penal colony known for harsh conditions and inmates subjected to manual labor. the 32-year-old wnba superstar arrested at a moscow airport in february admitting to brings less than a gram of medicinal marijuana into the country. the plight sparked an outpouring. sentenced the nine years in prison, she appealed pleading for leniency from behind bars. >> this has been very traumatic experience waiting for this day. >> reporter: but she was deny jd the other american held by

russia will not be coming home. paul whelan is serving a 16-year prison sentence after being accuse ds of spying which the u.s. denies. his brother saying he is glad griner is on the way home and saying the family is devastated. i can't fathom how paul will feel when he learns. >> we'll keep negotiating in good faith for paul's release. i say that to the family. guarantee you. >> as mentioned paul whelan not included in the swap. many people wondering why is the griner swap have gone forward without paul whelan. what can you tell us about the decision and the negotiation and the situation that the administration actually was in? >> it was really tough. senior administration official says the russians adamant about

not releasing whelan unless the u.s. traded russian spies. they said they tried everything. the rurps told them one or none. if they held out for paul whelan griner would not be set free. as you know the whelan family, paul's brother david saying they are glad that brittney griner is free and personally devastated. a quick note. the moscow producer talked to paul whelan's russian attorney saying that he thinks this can be worked out in the next couple of months. but i have to tell you there's not that much optimism despite what the president said because they tried everything for months saying that russia just would not budge. they want a spy for the businessman. he's not -- they have no spies

to give up and say he was just a businessman in the wrong place at the wrong time. >> a bittersweet story. andrea, thank you very much. we move to the battle over the flu because the flu season started early. hospitalizations running at a decade high with 79% of hospital beds are occupied and one pharmacy is feeling the pinch, too. nbc's sam brock is covering it all for us in coral gables, florida. sam, good morning. >> savannah, good morning. many pharmacies it is common place to be low on antibiotics to anti-virals and kids over the counter medicines, some amox sillen they don't know how to get more. tylenol and advil or adults,

relatively well stocked. where the kids' medicine would be is empty. a couple advils left. the sharp onset of this year's flu season is creating a problem that's nothing to sneeze at. medicines in short supply from california. >> it's very hard to find medicine. >> target doesn't have it. i had to go to cvs and walgreen's. >> reporter: to south florida, where this mother of two is trying to track down treatments unsuccessfully. >> there's hardly anything to choose from. it's very bare compared to what it used to be. >> reporter: the national surge in flu cases creating a shrinking pool of treatments. pharmacists like natasha patel are shuffling around a sudden shortfall. >> my technician was trying to order amoxycillin because we are almost out of it and there's nothing available to order. >> reporter: and it's not only the antibiotics. >> show me the amoxycillin. how much do you have left?

>> this is all i have left. >> reporter: there's tamiflu that now costs patel three times the price to restock and empty shelving where kids' sized drugs used to be. >> kids right now, there's nothing available. you're talking tylenol, motrin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, mucinex, all out. >> reporter: all out? >> all out. whatever we've got on the shelf is all we've got. >> reporter: after several years of pandemic isolation, flu exposure have come roaring back. according to data from good rx, fills for tamiflu, the most popular antiviral to treat it are at their highest level in four years. it is one of 260 drugs in short supply according to the american society of health system pharmacists. the fda also flagging a shortage of amoxycillin, crucial for kids. >> why such a crunch on amoxycillin? >> we want to give them something that works but isn't going to cause a lot of side effects. because of that it's being used in abundance and that means a

shortage out there. >> reporter: for a smoother path to treatment, doctors suggest having your pediatricians having a pharmacy before writing your physician and asking a doctor about equally effective options. >> we heard from one of the makers of tamiflu. they said their antiviral medications are readily available for pharmacies to order nationwide and they have sufficient supply for demand but the reality for so many families is that's not what they see when they come to buy the drug. >> scary. thank you. the lights are back on in north carolina after shootings at two substations over the weekend and learning about other incidents and the country. blayne alexander is following the story for us live in moore county, north carolina. good morning. >> reporter: good morning to you. that's right certainly good news for people here. the last of the people impacted,

the outages restored around 6:00 last night. the full focus goes to trying to determine who was responsible fur what was called a deliberate and malicious act. officials are asking for any tips that can lead to an arrest. a law enforcement official says that there were multiple shell casings found at both damaged substations here but so far this morning no suspect and still working on a motive. as you said all comes as we learn of another attack last night in south carolina. it was about 150 miles from here. if i believes say it was outside of a hydro station. they are working with the fbi on this but comes three weeks after we saw a similar attack at a different substation in north carolina. that knocked out power to 12,000 late last month a similar situation in oregon and

officials call a deliberate attack. all told the department of energy says 70 such cases tovar riing degrees around the country and laying bare how vulnerable the facilities are. savannah? >> thank you. craig joins us with developments on ukraine. >> good morning. good morning to you, as well. russian president vladimir putin once again raised the prospect about a nuclear strike. this comes as both sides dig in for what could be a long and brutal winter. nbc's chief foreign correspondent richard engel is live in ukraine. good morning. >> good morning. vladimir putin is talking about the nuclear arsenal once again and no indications that russia's taken steps to mobilize the nuclear weapons. the big question is why. why is putin talking about the nuclear weapons? is this an escalation or just an attempt to get the world's and

the white house's attention? as ukrainian troops battle in the bitterly cold trenches in the far east like in world war i, the advances are slow and the casualties are high. every field, every yard is fought over in a grinding war of attrition and now president vladimir putin appearing to dash hopes of a diplomatic solution warns the war will be long and that the risk of a nuclear conflict is on the rise, but he quickly dialed back his language insisting russia would only use a nuclear weapon for self-defense, never first. it was more of a reminder than an overt threat. the risk is increasing, he said, adding we haven't gone mad. we understand what nuclear weapons are. we are not going to wave it like a razor blade around the world. but, of course, we must proceed from the fact that we have it. at the white house the message

was stay the course. >> the president has been very clear. it is important to stand with the ukrainian people as they're fighting for their lives, as they're fighting for their democracy and their freedom. >> reporter: president putin addressed the russian public's concerns about his unpopular draft. around 300,000 russians were pressed into service to fight in ukraine. thousands of young men fled the country. putin said there's absolutely no need for additional mobilization. ukraine's president zelenskyy who yesterday was named "time's" person of the year and this morning president zelenskyy said to get through this long winter while russia continues to dismantle this country's power grid, the country will need to be more determined and united than ever. craig? >> richard engel, thank you. now to a new plea from police in the murder investigation in idaho. they are asking the public for help now to find a car they say was near the crime scene that

morning when four college students were killed. steve patterson is in idaho for us with the latest. good morning. >> reporter: good morning. and this morning police say they want to speak to occupants of a white honda elantra saying it was near the area in the area of the home where the killings took place. savannah? >> reporter: for the first time police say they are locking for a specific vehicle. relowe'sing the two stock m ands of a white honda elantra 2011 to 2013. authorities say a car like it near the house the morning the murders were committed. in the nearly four years since the murders law enforcement revealed very few details including what led them to describe the crimes as targeted.

this video shows police returning to the crime scene to box up personal belongings requested by the victims' families. students on the university of idaho campus still living in fear. >> i have pepper spray on the key chain now. >> reporter: police are welcoming to piece together about a five-hour block when victims were reportedly seen leaving a frat party. despite being just down the road. experts say another key piece is dna evidence. >> all the forensics and digital evidence is started to be returned that was sought via subpoena or court order. you are getting the puzzle pieces in and starting to believe able to put together a picture. >> reporter: back to that vehicle. police say tips and leads that

got them to want to speak to the occupants. back to you. >> steve, thank you very much. quarter after the hour. a first check of the weather. dylan out and about on new york harbor this morning. hi, dylan. >> good morning. i'm on the "msc seascap e." the weather. out west. we have the next big storm system making the way on shore with rain to the coast and also with rain to the coast and also some snow up to the mountains to the e holidays a are here. and d dick's spoporting goods hahas all the best gifts for everyone on your list. the hottest footwear fromom jordan, n nike, and h . anand the coololest apparel from a all the best brands. plus must-have gifts from yeti, callaway, and the nonorth face. when you're running short on time, shop dicks.com, where one e hour pick k up is always s an option.n. and with our best p price guararantee, where one e hour pick k up is always s an option.n. if you find a lower price - we'll match it. this s season, give the g gift of spoport.

every holiday starts at dick's. good thursday morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. scattered showers moving in but mainly for the evening commute. and our temperatures today reach into the mid-50s inland. there will be a brief break tomorrow before heavier, more widespread rain moves in for the weekend. and our temperatures stay chilly. that rain will be winding down on monday. we may have another storm system coming in by the middle to end of next week, but we are in for more wet weather, especially later today, and especially as >> and that is your latest forecast back to you guys. >> all right, dylan. thanks. >> thank you just ahead, harry and meghan, the doc is here. the netflix series has been in the making for years and it dropped overnight and keir simmons has been binge watching and he is live in buckingham palace with all of the reaction so far hi, keir.

>> that's right, savannah. we've watched all three episodes so you don't have to we'll tell you what it says and what doesn't say and already there's controversy. that's coming up. >> we look forward to it, keir gifts that stand out from your own personal action figures to monograms galore. to monograms galore. we have so - life is uncertain.

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and passengers so far this year. according to the vision task force darkness was a factor in the majority of crashes. a third of people killed were crossing the road outside a crosswalk and in a quarter of crashes, speed was the factor. i'm ginger in san francisco where the first day in a legal battle for former twitter employees is expected to happen later today. three former twitter employees are expected in federal court because they have filed a federal class action suit against twitter in a manner they say the social media company terminated their employment. the suit says they were told they would be advised of their employment status via email but were already locked out before that happened. the hearing begins at 1:30 this afternoon. and we're driving in and out of the fog around the bay area. you can see the bank of fog in san rafael and the traffic starting to back up there but visibility near 0 in dublin

right now. as we go into today the rain moves in starting this afternoon into the evening. laura. >> all right, thank you. see you in half an hour for another date. up

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were a year ago. according to aaa the national average is $3.32, that two cents lower than last year the drop in prices is mostly due to a decline in worldwide energy demand it's welcome news for americans, of course, many traveling during the busy holiday season. former theranos executive sunny balwani was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison he was convicted on 12 counts of fraud and conspiracy connected to the company's bogus medical technology that duped investors and patients his former business partner elizabeth holmes was sentenced last month and got 11 years in prison. singer celine dion has revealed she is suffering from a rare neurological disease called stiff person's syndrome. that announcement coming in tearful instagram post earlier this morning. >> i've been dealing with

problems with my health for a long time, and it's been really difficult for me to face these challenges and to talk about everything that i've been going through. >> sps is a neurological disorder characterized by progressive muscle stiffness there is no cure, but the symptoms can be treated. celine says that she will have to postpone several live shows scheduled for next year. she says she has a great team of doctors working to help her get better and our thoughts and prayers are with her. >> it is so hard to see. you can see the anguish on her face and we're sending her our love. also this morning. if you are up early, part one of harry and meghan's netflix docuseries has dropped and the reaction is coming in fast especially overseas. nbc's chief international corresponden keir simmons joins us from buckingham palace with more. you watched it so i don't have to i love that. what's in it >> reporter: that's right, savannah

we were up early to watch all three episodes so you don't have to in part, it's a royal love story. in part a criticism of the way the royal system works and netflix paid an awful lot of money for this and already there is controversy right at the beginning the docuseries says that the royal palaces didn't want to comment a senior royal source tells nbc news, that neither buckingham palace, kensington palace are aware of any such approach for comment. >> this morning in three episodes over three hours, the most intimate picture ever of the duke and duchess of sussex and interwoven throughout, harry and meghan's story of the pressures and the challenges and the criticism. >> the level of hate that is being stirred up in the last three years especially against

my wife and my son >> the royal couple share new pictures and details they say they first met on instagram thanks to a mutual friend, this their first grainy picture together and for the first time, we hear their son archie whose privacy they have fiercely protected >> beautiful >> and in episode 2, we hear from meghan's mom. >> the last five years has been challenging. i'm ready to have my voice heard. that's for sure. >> prince harry talks movingly about his mother, too. princess diana. >> i don't have many early memories of my mom, but i always remember her laugh, her cheekyt royals laugh. >> reporter: he talks of the pressure royals to make marriage decisions with your head he used his heart, he said. >> i am my mother's son. >> reporter: this, the momen he went down on one knee to propose. >> so much of what meghan is and how she is so similar to my mom. she has the same compassion.

she has the same empathy >> reporter: but pressure from the press is ever present. for harry, a story that begins with his mom and continues with meghan they describe the cameras and the headlines, some with racial references, and they say they weren't allowed to talk. >> we weren't allowed to tell our story because they didn't want -- >> that's true that's the consistency. >> until now >> reporter: we watched all three episodes with broadcaster afia hogan and katie nichol. >> a lot of people will be saying, hang on a second you want your private lives and what has been slightly confused here is they wanted to quote, unquote, control the narrative they never said they wanted complete privacy >> reporter: in these first three episodes, there is relatively little comment about the royal family, but harry does criticize the way the palaces deal with the press. >> my wife had to go through that so why should your girlfriend be

treated any different? i said the difference here is the race element >> reporter: and he addresses his family's attitude to race. >> in this family sometimes a huge level of unconscious bias >> reporter: both he and meghan have sacrificed for their new family, he said. quote, sacrificed everything so far this morning no comment from the palaces, savannah as to whether there are members of the royal family have watched it when it comes to the prince and princess of wales, 8:00 a.m. they'll be getting their kids ready for school, but at some point they will take a look. >> all right thank you, keir. stand by there at buckingham palace and we will bring in correspondent katie nichol as we continue this conversation you actually watched a bit of it. >> i did get to see about 20 minutes of it, and it's interesting how the palace is stiff upper lip people and this is putting everything out there. and what is your takeaway from the parts that you've seen so

far? >> well, i think certainly the interview with ragland was a big coup we wanted to hear from him for a long time and hearing archie speak and just being let into their lives because this is a couple who understandably, particularly in harry's case, go out there purposely so ferociously. you go back to the diana narrative which is going to be a thread which runs throughout the tapestry of the show but as i said earlier, i think this stirs up real problems in terms of privacy how can we say we want private lives and they've gone through netflix? their private lives are in everyone's living room this morning. >> we have only three episodes and you watched them all is this expected to be a six-part indictment of the royal family how is the palace? i understand they're not giving a comment this morning, but what's the strategy behind the scenes on how to handle this onslaught?

>> well, keep calm and carry on is one of their strategies get on with business i suspect you may hear from the palace at some point, but you know, savannah, what i was struck by watching these three episodes is there are no headlines, i don't think, about what goes behind the walls of the palace harry knows so much and there are so many stories he could tell we heard the stories about his family we've heard the stories about her family, but so far and keep in mind, there are three more episodes to go no bombshell about the royals, i don't think. >> it's interesting. you wonder the why about why harry and meghan would want to do a netflix documentary, like we want people to hear our side and there's a financial part for them, too. which do you think it is more of >> the cynic in me is going to say dollars because there are a lot of dollars involved in this deal, $100 million

it is not a small fee. we know one of the reasons they left the royal family was so they could become financially independent. i think many people will b wondering when they have the unique royal spotlight when they become one of the most influential philanthropists in world why the first major tv production is a kardashian-style behind the scenes look at their lives. and yes, wanting to reclaim their narrative, again, that's problematic in itself and where are the other voices in their docuseries this is their story, through their lens in their words. >> we await harry's book which is supposed to come out in january. keir and katie, you guys weren't up all night five hour ahead. breakfast tv. >> we had a good time. coffee and croissants. >> that's lovely thank you so much. coming up next in our "consumer confidential," the latest in personalized

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nbc's kristen dahlgren she's putting santa to shame she's found some good ones and she's on our plaza and she has the tree behind her shining bright. >> we all have the person that's tough to buy the perfect goift for. right? what about a gift totally unique to them? big and small, they're helping you customize the holidays >> reporter: after two years of holiday shopping with a few impersonal clicks, one of the biggest trends this year may be a more personal touch. searches for custom gifts have more than doubled over the past decade top items this year include personalized stockings, recipe books and monogrammed robes and towels or something nobody else has like your own face on your favorite superhero's body. >> for me, this is dream fulfillment, and i think that's really what makes this product so special. >> reporter: all it takes is five selfies, uploaded to hasbro

to become a marvel avenger >> someone from a galaxy far, far away >> i'm luke skywalker. i'm here to rescue you >> or when someone says -- ♪ ghostbusters ♪ it could be you. i decided to channel my inner superhero. >> ready to scan. >> scanning my face for a black widow action figure. where did the selfie series come from >> well, we found that our fans wanted to be their favorite characters from their favorite stories, and we said we have to figure out how to do it. >> reporter: not all personalizations are high tech in new york city, shoppers can build gift boxes and even engrave candles. >> i really love that idea of one of a kind. it's not just off the shelf, but something that has been personalized in a thoughtful way. >> reporter: wooing customers is especially important for small businesses setting up shop in a post-pandemic economy. >> to compete for consumer

dollars this holiday season it goes back to the special product offerings and things you can't find other places. personalization is really a huge one. >> reporter: some think th trend is here to stay. >> i think personalization, customization is a key element of the future of this business i don't think it will ever be the totality we will do a lot more in this area in the future. >> reporter: if you're looking for a personal touch for your loved ones or even yourself, it's not too late. check out sites like etsy or mark and graham. consider something sentimental like photos or artwork and ask your favorite stores for monogramming options, putting the you in yule tide this holiday season. unfortunately it might be too late to get the personalized action figures, it takes about six weeks and i was able to rush some you should have them on set. >> we do. >> what do you think

>> so fun! amazing! >> wow >> where's yours, kristen? >> at least they got the body right and i've been told it looks like ellen degeneres >> it's good >> super cute. >> i like that we get to see the leather look, kristen. same outfit. >> cool. >> thank you, kristen. >> okay. let's get a check of the weather. dylan is aboard the "msc seascape" in new york harbor good morning >> good morning. yes. i am in new york harbor on the hudson we have a fun morning ahead with our host msc cruises first, i want to give you the forecast across the country because we do have heavier rain trying to move into the ohio and tennessee river valleys right now and that will continue to move eastward and fizzles out as it does so record high temperatures on the gulf coast and on the other side of that you head north and you have snow in the forecast in the northern plains and upper midwest. a couple of of inches of snow

possible and good thursday morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall of the right now we're dealing with dense fog. we're seeing low visibility, almost no visibility right now in morgan hill and novato. also for the tri-valley, it's just starting to ease up a little bit as far as the fog but the storm is still to the north of us and will be moving in for the evening commute across the bay area. off and on showers into tonight. tomorrow looks mostly cloudy and cool with another storm system arriving early on saturday morning. that rain will continue throughout the weekend. >> and that's your latest forecast back over to you guys. >> we love your coat. >> i know! >> you are bright and on fire! >> she's bringing the sunshine. >> it's my tropical winter chic. >> i love it >> winter cruising chic. still ahead, we have a new breast cancer study just released bringing hope to women who are hoping to start a family we'll be right back with what you need to know

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merry chriristmas, mrsrs. h. a very good thursday morning to you. 7:56 right now. i'm laura garcia. here's a look at what's happening now starting with tom jensen in walnut creek. >> reporter: it's been a triple threat of sicknesses this season with flu, rsv virus and covid. hospitalizations up across the country. 79% of beds are filled on average right now. doctors are encouraging everybody to get their flu vaccinations and their covid boosters as soon as possible. good morning, everyone. i'm scott mcgrew. the state of indiana suing tiktok saying that app spills too many users' secrets to the chinese and that it exposes young users to sexuality and other adult topics. tiktok is rated aged 12 and up, but anyone who uses it knows it gets a lot more adults.

and as we're getting started this morning, we are dry from now but we are getting ready for rain, especially for this evening commute. timing it out, we start to see the rain moving into the north bay around 1:00 to 3:00 in the afternoon and then spreading across much of the rest of the bay area, while becoming a lot more scattered. that first round moves through but we'll also have more rain through the weekend, especially on saturday morning, but it will be off and on throughout the weekend with much heavier rain moving in and potentially some thunderstorms for sunday. early next week that rain moves out but there will be more behind it for the middle to end of next week. laura. >> thank you very much, kari. thank you for joining us as well. i'll see you for midday news at :00 a.m.11

it's 8:00 on "today." coming up, breaking news. coming home. wnba brittney griner released from a russian prison. the prisoner swap behind the deal. we have everything you need to know. plus, breast cancer breakthroughs. just released study sparking hope for women treated for breast cancer who want to start a family. what the data shows about a safe path forward. and garten variety.

a full hour to spruce up the holiday table from a new spin on tasty treats to becoming a host with the most. plus a glimpse into some of our most treasured traditions. >> three, two -- yay! [ cheering ] >> we've got a fun-filled hour ahead with a few surprises along the way. today, thursday, december 8, 2022. ♪♪ ♪♪ >> from parkersburg, west virginia. >> from homeland, washington. >> and lindenwood, illinois. >> from hagerstown, maryland. >> celebrating our 25th anniversary. >> friends for 20 years. >> from el paso, texas. ♪♪ >> i'm here with my grandson. >> from virginia. >> hello from iowa! >> and cincinnati, ohio! >> celebrating vicky's birthday

from baton rouge. >> christmas in new york! from minnesota! ♪ >> welcome back. how do we say thank you for coming out every morning? this crowd is, like, six people thick. it's a big crowd. we cannot wait to get outside and visit with everyone in just a bit and what do you say we get to our news at 8:00. we want to get to the breaking news. wnba star brittney griner welcomed from a russian prison. >> such welcomed news. andrea mitchell has the late breaking details. good morning. >> good morning. after 294 days in russian captivity she is coming home. after the tarmac in the united arab emirates. at the hospital to be reunited with her wife flying there from the white house after meeting with the president in the oval

office. in the oval office by cherelle griner who you just heard from former marine detained four years ago. serving 16-year prison sentence after being accused of spying. the brother david saying that he is glad -- the family is glad that griner on the way home and devastated saying the family is devastated and cannot fathom how paul will feel learning about

the release. the 32-year-old superstar arrested in february admitting to bringing less than a gram of medicinal marijuana into the country. still russia sentenced her to nine years in prison. the appeal was denied. back to you. >> for the first time in four decades employees at "the new york times" are staging a large scale walkout. the 24-hour strike by more than a thousand members of the news guild of new york started just after midnight. the union says it lost patience with contract talks that have gone on for nearly two years. a spokesperson for "the times" denied they were at an impasse and said it was disappointing that the union had taken what she called an extreme action. a study found that women who have been treated for breast cancer may be able to pause their medications long enough to have a baby.

after treatment patients often take drugs to suppress their hormones for up to ten years, but those drugs can also make it hard to conceive. new research led by dr. ann partridge looked at how to balance the need for drug treatment with the desire to complete a family, and it found that within three years of pausing their medications, women had no greater risk of their cancers returning than those who stayed on the drugs and about two-thirds were able to conceive and have a child. well, grown-ups who can't recall third grade english lessons can probably still sing every word of the "schoolhouse rock" cartoon that aired in the '70s and '80s. george newell the man who helped create those classic tunes has passed away. ♪ conjunction junction what's your function ♪ ♪ looking up words and phrases and clauses ♪ >> we're just singing it right here. those cartoons taught a generation of kids about math, science, civics and grammar. newell was an advertising pro. he composed all of those songs

including "i'm just a bill on capitol hill," he got the idea when a colleague with children asked about putting multiplication tables to music. he was 88 years old. what a legacy! would you like a morning boost? >> yes! >> as you probably know, a white elephant party is when you get together with your friends and exchange silly gifts, so baylor university volleyball player lauren never imagined what she would unwrap at her white elephant party that her coach hosted for the team. >> hear ye, hear ye, due to unwavering execution of incredible skills, you have hereby earned a full scholarship. >> whoo! >> wow! >> she was a walk-on on the volleyball team.

that was a surprise scholarship. she said that she was eternally grateful. if you think you're getting a white elephant -- >> i know. it sure beats the fridge magnet or whatever. this is the next best thing to getting invited to ina garten's house. she is here, in our house and giving her secrets for throwing a memorable holiday party from the moment your guests walk through the door to a parting gift they'll never forget. ina, the hostess with the mostess. >> w we're back k after thisis. >> here e we go. go now!! okay, i'i'm an alienen. if youou're makingng a sci-fifi movie, okay, i'i'm an alienen. you u need to fifinish the e special efeffects. okay, i'i'm an alienen. does that t look good?d? and ifif you want t to se by bundlining home does that t look good?d? and car ininsurance, you need g geico. does that t look good?d? uh-o-oh. ♪♪ thisis holiday g get the same incrcredible feaeast fofor the sameme incrediblbe low w price as l last year.. from thohose tasty s side ds toto the most t deliciouss mamain courseses, you can n get it allll wiwithout spenending too m m.

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the number of car thefts so experts predicting 2022 will have the highest rate in more than a decade. >> what is behind the alarming increase? correspondent vicky nguyen has more. >> reporter: caught on camera. a joyride in a stolen car in milwaukee. these criminals in chicago with ten luxu ten luxury cars from a dealership in washington, d.c. this suspect captured on the car's dash cam and in glendale, wisconsin, leading police on a chase off road and then ending >> crash >> reporter: scenes like these coast to coast with thieves taking cars right from driveways. already in 2022, 745,000 cars stolen with experts predicting this year will see the most car

thefts in 14 years ice since 2008 we have not seen numbers like this. approaching 1.1 million cars stolen >> reporter: david is the president and ceo of national insurance crime bureau saying last year bakersfield, california had the highest rates of car thefts with kia and hyundai the most targeted by thieves. >> the prices are up astronomically the value is what's driving the criminal enterprises. >> reporter: to learn how to make it harder to steal your car i team up with a former nypd detective and president of squad security how are these thieves making off with the cars? >> leave the keys inside the to be inside always take it with you. even for a second. run back in the house.

remember, let's not make it easy for them. >> reporter: police warn luxury cars with folding mirrors are especially susceptible. >> by closing them what you do is telling the bad guys this car is locked and no to be in there and will walk away. >> reporter: if you have a granl put the car not the stuff in it. what's the first thing to do >> close the door. wait until you hear it go down and then return to the car and exit the vehicle. >> why >> nobody can ride in behind you and then if someone is behind they're taking everything. >> reporter: what is the advice for the code with the garage keypad >> be creative don't use the address. come up with something new and different. i like to pull in those first.

it takes longer to back it out. >> reporter: what about the gps tag? do you think you should put one in the car >> great idea. the police can crack this, not you personally >> reporter: security cameras can be a good way to keep the property safe so consider installing one and park the car in its field of view what if the only option is to work on the street >> park as close to the other vehicles and turn the wheel to the curb. >> reporter: towing cars away? >> without a doubt. >> reporter: thieves can strike while you're driving. >> a bump and rob. someone comes up and fake an accident you run into them. but the whole purpose is to get you out of the car to jump in and take your car.

>> reporter: steal your car? >> yeah. don't ever get out call 911 wait for the police to come. >> that was vi vicky nguyen fors >> they do recommend adding comprehensive coverage costing from $100 to $300 or more a year and will be reimbursed if that happens. >> all right let's get a check of the weather now. dylan is in new york harbor. >> good morning again. we have been moving around the ship this is the windier side but if you think about it temperatures are going to be above average across the country take a look at the maps. 10 to 20 degrees above average through tennessee, kentucky into the gulf coast to see near record high temperatures if not breaking records with highs

today in the lower 80s some warmer air to the east although it kind of gets stuck in that one little spot and tomorrow looking at upper 70s, lower 80s through l la, alabama, mississippi. going into the northeast you see by the time we get to the end of the week and the weekend we see temperatures slightly above average back up into the lower 50s for some areas and colder air in the great lakes and nothing too, too chilly this time of year rain expected through kentucky into tennessee and looking at the chance of up to two to three inches of rain the ground is already saturated. again the warmth continues along the gulf coast we have to watch out for light snow through the nor good thursday morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. well, right now we're starting out foggy and it's going to stay

cloudy throughout the day, but rain moves in through this afternoon into the evening, mostly affecting us later today. as we go into tomorrow, it's going to be mostly cloudy and cool, and then on saturday very early in the morning the rain begins and continues off and on throughout the day, then spotty showers, possibly some thunderstorms in sunday's forecast. >> and that's your latest forecast from here on the "msc seascape." right now we'll send it back inside to you guys >> dylan, thank you. well, back in studio 1a we holiday table. we are at her holiday table right now. we are all getting a special invite to her home as ina garten co-hosts this entire hour with us >> we are excited! >> amazing >> first of all, ina, how does it feel to be a co-anchor?

>> fun and scary >> you make everything simple. you will make our holiday season brighter and a little warmer without the fuss you have friends, but your key word you keep talking about is simple which is what we love the most >> so important. that's exactly right, hoda i am so excited to be here with all of you the holidays can be so stressful. what do you make how do you entertain it can feel totally overwhelming even for me and i am here to simplify it and enjoy the holidays how's that before we get to drinking the cranberry martini. let's hear how all of you like to celebrate the holidays. >> if you get an invite to the daly house, you will be transformed right into the true spirit of christmas. ♪ it's the most wonderful time of the year ♪ >> they have become a holiday decor person i admit it i'm buying cute little things

with my name on it and the kids' names. >> we have a beautiful christmas tree that we love. >> three, two -- yay [ cheering ] >> it's only got decorations on the bottom because that's where the kids could reach. >> i can't imagine the holidays without christmas music. i've been playing my favorites so my son's favorite is the donny hathaway classic ♪ >> i'm going to be totally honest i don't host or entertain that much if someone comes over i'll say i think we have cookies. are you okay with this >> i'm controversial with my christmas holiday hosting duties i'm a fan of eggnog and i feel like eggnog is getting a bad rap these days if you like eggnog, you are always welcome in my house. >> when my wife twists my arm i make a nice, big cocktail and it's my take on a hot toddy and she does everything else. >> nothing formal. come on by and everyone is in their cozy sweaters and everyone's happy it's just a beautiful time of

year >> savannah, you say you like to have a free-wheeling holiday party, people come and go. >> i do. >> you know, i like to have a surprise guest, someone that everyone adores and they'd love to see >> someone that everyone will like >> has to be someone that everyone will like so i have invited a surprise guest to our party and i think he's waiting in the wings willie geist >> willie! >> are you disappointed? >> i thought it was going to be beyonce. [ laughter ] >> hi, willie. >> good to see you >> so good to see you. >> i brought you coffee mugs and for some cranberry martinis. >> i nailed it >> why is willie your go-to guest? >> he's a funster. >> we've had some fun. >> really? >> yes, really that's really suggestive >> yes >> wow >> jeffrey was there and his wife christina

>> we had a really good time together i have so many questions to ask you about holiday. it's hard. it's really stressful and i try to keep it simple. willie, what do you like to do >> i like cocktails and a big tent wide open, and put drinks up and i want everyone to have fun and be relaxed >> one of the things i want when people arorive at the door, want all of your senses engaged. i want something delicious to eat, caramelized pecans and great music and you guys are talking about having great music and you know, just really -- >> are those your five senses, ina? like you kind of - >> smell something wonderful sometimes if i get an apple pie i'll put it in the oven. even though it's from the bakery so it smells like apple pie, doesn't it >> wow >> what are the other things that smell great

>> i love a candle and al bought us all the harlem candle company green candle and i've been lighting it all season >> when you walk in it smells cozy >> smells like a party >> if you have a fireplace, you can have a fire and it smells and the crackling. >> i love willie i think he's a great guest >> we can do better. >> no. but i think there's someone wh i think you adore. i think you've been trying to get together with her for a while and it hasn't been able to work out, but today it will. misty copeland >> no! oh, wow! [ applause ] >> oh, so happy to see you >> i'm so happy to be here >> hi, misty >> have a seat at ina's table! >> oh, my gosh >> are you shocked >> i'm shocked >> you wanted misty to be your guest. >> she is. we spent a day together at my house and we cooked together and

we talked about your unbelievable career. she's the most amazing just amazing >> we won't talk about her while she's here >> misty, do you like to host? is that something -- >> i do. we've talked about it, but i learned so much, moving to new york city when i was 17 years old and learning to host and to cook by watching ina. >> a thing we forget is the people it's not about the food. you want the food to be good and get apple cider and put it on the stove and have cookies you're always nervous about hosting. >> can i be honest you'll think i'm crazy i don't think i've ever hosted a party at my house. >> what? >> other than a birthday party for my kids or something. >> and you were born to party. >> i think -- you're a great guest at other parties and you probably make the rounds during the holidays >> i do that but i don't kno if i'm nervous or i don't know if it would be good. >> nobody bored at your house. [ laughter ]

>> i think for a lot of people they watch tv shows and they see all of this fancy stuff looks good and they say i don't have that stuff i don't have the special ingredients and figs and all that stuff how can someone just look in their pantry and make magic out of regular, everyday stuff they got at the market? >> the cheddar chipotle crackers. >> what are they >> the chipotle cheddar crackers and you make the dough or a week or a month before and you slice and bake them. they're good, aren't they? >> super yummy. >> so simple >> you were on a couple of weeks ago and you were saying -- i can't believe you cheat like this, but you said you might go to grocery store and display because when you're hosting you don't want to be stuck in the kitchen the whole time >> the other day i had friends over and i got an apple tart from trader joe's. i put it in the oven and it was absolutely delicious. >> trader joe's stock just

skyrocketed. >> i served it with vanilla ice cream and caramel that i warme up from the jar and there was nothing to do and it was personal >> this is important ina is about to do a tease >> you are about to throw -- >> are you ready >> it's all yours. coming up, i'm inviting two of my dearest friends, erin french and christina to offer up their advice on decorating and baking to take your holidays to another level. >> n nailed it, , ina! just gettiting started misty copeland, thank you for being here willie, you, too willie, you, too

a good morning to you. it is 8:26. i'm marcus washington. i want you to check out this recent big cat scare. this is for one north bay family. this happened monday near santa rosa. you can see right there the cat just sitting there watching the family from outside the patio glass door. the family says that same mountain lion killed two goats in their barn before dragging their dog outside. that's when one family member fired a gun, scaring the cat off, chping the dog in the process. the family says that state fish and wildlife responded and trapped and euthanized that cat.

take a look at the forecast for you. meteorologist kari hall has a look at that. >> we've been dealing with fog and gradually starting to clear in parts of the north bay. you may still run into some patches. we'll stay mostly cloudy today as the storm system approaches and brings rain for the afternoon to evening, covering the north bay as we go toward 3:00 to 4:00. the rain continues into the evening, and then we dry out for friday. there will be a bigger storm system arriving on saturday. that continues off and on throughout saturday as well as sunday and even early next week. take a look at these temperatures. it will be chilly and wet. marcus? >> thanks, kari.

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we are back. rockefeller center tree, the rink and down below, a wonderful crowd out there, and look they

have a toy drive going ina garten and misty copeland, collecting donations this morning and meet and greeting the great crowd we have out there. you can get in on the drive, and scan the qr code and go to today.com. you don't have to live here or be on the plaza to contribute, but we'd love to see you out there. >> those two are besties aren't they? look at them later on in the fourth hou ina will join us again and she brought talented friends for her hosting extravaganza our pal erin french is helping us set a stunning table with easy decorating ideas. >> kristin also hard at work o a festive surprise for ina, so you'll want to take a page out of her book for anyone you want to impress this holiday season and that's coming up coming up in the third hour, a "consumer confidence" and how to protect your pets from the holidays from decorations to food to plants and what to keep away from your furry friends to avoid a trip to the vet.

>> and coming up tomorrow on "today," the home edit will join us to talk about the new podcast called best friend energy. love the title and it makes sense because whenever they are in the studio they like to play. dylan, how is the weather looking? >> outside in new york city it's looking good and even better inside the "seascape," but we are going to see the chance of some rain, not so much here, but down through kentucky and tennessee today, where we do have heavier rain expected that could lead to a brief period of flooding and watch out for that. it's warm in the gulf coast and temperatures in the 80s. cold in the northern plains and teens and 20s with colder good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. we're getting ready for more rain mostly during the evening commute. it will be in and out of here and we get ready for more wide

sprain rain on saturday with potential of flooding and rising waterways. we'll be watching the sierra for heavy snow as it may close some of the roadways. we'll have more active weather in the next few weeks does especially for the weekend. as you know, i've been on a boat all morning long. i'm aboard the msc cruises newest ship the "msc seascape. sophia loren is the godmother of the cruise ship and she christened it with a bottle of champagne they break on the ship and it's a nautical tradition that's said to bring good luck to the boat's safe travels and

the passengers and matteo bocelli with his father classical musical legend andrea bocelli. how was your night how did it go? >> it was fantastic and it is the second time that i am here with the msc family and it is such a big honor to perform here and let's hope to have many more coming >> you've done the whole msc cruises with your father what's is like to travel the world with your dad? >> it is very special. also experienced this in 201 when i did the duet "follow me" with him, and i am happy to be with him on tour and my little sister >> it is a family affair it is so nice to have you here this morning >> it is a pleasure. >> a family album is here. we have a huge announcement and the whole reason why we're here on this boat you don't want to miss it so stick around for that. >> looking forward to it, dylan. thank you.

it is now time for our series, "ina's holiday table" and we're keeping it simple and we have easy ways to dress up your dining room table with items that you probably have around the house, right, co-anchor? >> here to show us how is one of my good friends erin french who i adore. she's the founder of the walsh kitchen in maine which might be the toughest reservation to get we've had wonderful dinners together and we've become good friends. what will you show us what to do >> i'm excited to show you this because it is very easy. you have a lot of these things at home. don't stress tablecloth made from simple drop cloth. >> you can get it from the hardware store less than $20. >> that's what you draped over the table. >> just take it in the sides or tuck it. you want to take candles it is all about candles. have simple things that feel like they were intentional and they were special, special touches.

so if you want to help you make candles. >> love to >> whatever ina wants. >> these are just wine bottles >> brilliant >> you don't even need candles. >> you can pick what you want. >> pop it in >> that smells so good you can use a little chopstick to push it down if you have a hard time with it. >> rosemary. >> you use a chopstick to push it in and that's going to be your candleholder? >> that's going to be your candleholder. and you can take your candle and take a vegetable peeler and get the things that you can make candles out of >> can i have a vegetable peeler you shave it usually, you're trying to jam it in there >> how clever is this? >> bring it on down. >> i'm very busy setting our

table, ina >> put it on >> you can never have enough candles. so oif a second candle so what i did is i just use vintage tea cups and a tea light and just take a little bit of moss ina, go for it hoda, if you would like to >> i love these little dishes. >> these are my grandmother's. they make you feel fabulous. you are going for a look like this >> i have a moss here. this is a crazy day. there's a lot of breaking news going on we will take a quick break and we will take a quick break and we'll be back with more, but ok, flfloor and dedecor, shshow me whatat you've gog. nonow this tilile says “spa day, a all day.” but this t tile says clasassic gone g glam. anand this mododern look?? itit's sleek.....yet chic..

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traditional desserts. she's one of our can we talk about food >> what are you showing us >> stop it you're the best! it is an honor to be here with you. we made the fun layer cakes and a favorite thing to do at the milk bar bakery is build a cake. so i thought today here's a ina garten holiday special. friend right? why not? >> kristina sent you a layered cake before. >> amazing o outrageous i know you love vanilla. >> you have to speak to someone's soul. >> that's a goiflt. >> that's it. >> we are starting with vanilla sponge cake. then you know a favorite pro tip

macking a layer cake to soak it first. >> i always do it now. i was making boston cream pie and kristina said if you do an orange soak with it, it tastes so much better moist and lots of flavor. >> how do you know >> there's too much or too little it will bring it back to life if you baked it too much. >> never. >> underbake it.t's i like to say seeing that milk crock out it's too much. this is a vanilla mint soak. taking vanilla flavors flavor it with anything. orange this is a little vanilla extract and mint soak. >> wow. >> i like to play with flavors and textures first layer is - >> nobody doesn't know milk bar

but the layered cakes and you can see the edge take this all covered with chocolate. >> that much more appealing and enticing. >> i can't with you. this is a liquid cheesecake. it is a little bit underbaked. >> no. >> then some pretzel crumbs. a little salty really -- salt brings out the sweet right? >> i like this. >> all of your deserts have old-fashioned personality. it is the cereal left in the bowl. >> next layer is mint chip layer. play with the vanilla notes and salty and sweet and mint chip. it is holidays >> is it like a frosting >> exactly butter based

take some chocolate shards and fold it in i do this layer once again to build this cake up to create this masterpiece over here. >> this is what it looks like built up. >> we take the cream off and then you can decorate it however you want i'm a flavor story person. the flavor story is mint and vanilla. mint is the flavor story right now at milk bar. we have this incredible cake and truffle like based from mintiness but that ice cream. >> yes. >> preponderancer mint bark snap and sugar sugar cookies. >> i mean -- >> how fabulous. >> and then decorate the top of the cake depending on what the flavor story is.

you can take a peppermint bisque. >> use to decorate >> give me another pretzel >> i know. >> such a fun way to engage people in the kitchen. >> yeah. >> you have everything lined up. >> people come over, how can i help in the kitchen? this is the task get in there start decorating. >> i love it thank you so much. learn about how to make a cake and don't have to be ina or kristina you can be savannah. >> get it from milk bar. >> ina, you should see the instagram page right now everyone wants to know what is your favorite part of the holidays >> we go to paris for dinner. >> what is the meal? >> roast pork. apples and potatoes which is

delicious and shaved brussel sprouts. >> all the secrets are coming out. keep asking on the instagram what's coming up coming up next -- this is a hard job coming up next, sharing some of the best hosting secrets like making the guests think you put making the guests think you put more work into it than you did. - [narrator] every day, our lives are filled with choices,

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thank goodness ina is in we are back now. ina's holiday table. how fun is that? >> so fun. less than 20 days until christmas so the holiday party you have been planning is coming up >> when i host i love to give guests a gift bag to have a treat when they leave. >> you have cactus.

>> so cute. >> arizona. >> yes >> you have baklava. >> we used to do these at the store. take the bag and open it up. >> pick them up and go -- i think i'll take these home for the kids. >> i go -- they won't make it home to the kids. >> exactly. >> put whatever you have and the key is fill it halfway >> cookies. >> can i ask a question about a pastry drop it right in >> yeah. >> who cares >> would you do one more i want to be generous. >> i'd do three. >> how about this. this is my mom's. >> leave it for us >> nothing says christmas like baklava? >> stand this up

you want to take the tie 12 inches long. >> present ribbon? >> exactly it's just a knot, it's not make even -- 's just a sure the top flares out. >> are you ever shocked how little we know and do? >> it's great. >> okay. wrap the top >> fantastic. >> make it so -- >> stand up like that. >> oh my gosh! >> that is so cute >> they can be like hershey's kisses they can be peanut butter cups. >> got the little tags. >> put them on the table >> we should >> one for kristina. >> i'll do one >> jeffrey's name.

>> you will have to share mine okay >> nothing like cookies to kristina here at the table >> perfect. >> tie this on. >> at the table next >> i think so. >> are we? >> did someone just tell me to go to the table? they did ina, this is like -- they'll put the man in your ear that tells you what to do. >> for jeffrey. >> take them all >> yes >> hi, ladies. >> share. >> cookies for you. >> oh my gosh! >> come on come on. >> you are our guest of honor. >> this is your throne. >> a quick ten seconds just to say to kristina and erin ina could have chose anyone and

she chose you two. >> you are like the holiday spirit with cocktails. you can do cranberry juice and sparkling water with a squeeze of lime. >> we'll make a toast to you

♪ we had so much fun i want to keep it going for maybe five hours of the "today" show. what have we learned >> you made me feel confident enough to have a party. >> i'm so glad. >> ina said invite fun people. you will have a fun party. do your thing. >> you don't have to control it. >> stop being in control. >> wow ina with therapy this morning. >> i would say the special

ingredient is you. we all kind of like fawn over you. you're so kind it's like you don't know that you're a legend but you are. >> does that mean we try to -- >> savannah, fabulous for -- >> we want to bond with you. >> how about you >> for me it is that there's no greater time spent than with someone that makes you feel like yourself that's the way i feel with ina. >> being with you like a hug being in your presence is the greatest hug. >> how great is this fabulous thank you. >> lovely. we have more teleprompter to do. >> i do? a big shoutout to anastasia with this table spreading simple but gorgeous. >> raise a glass >> to all of us for having fun cheers. >> by the way, keep the

questions coming ina is on the instagram page answering the questions. join her live right after the page see you tomorrow 8:00 a.m. >> we'll give you an easy one today. >> i thought i would get up at 4:00. >> thank you. >> thank you. >> so much fun. >> thank you >> happy holidays. >> we have derek jeter and all in the fourth hour. >> fist your local news. cheers i am pususs in bootsts.

the e legend wilill never di. ohh!h!!! you arare down too your lasast life. ohoh no. the lelegend tellsls of a w wishing statar. that s star will g get me m my lives baback. the e wishing ststar is in the darark forest.. 1,1, 2, after r you. waitit, what? dodog, still a alive? lelet's go finind out. good morning to you. it is 8:56. i'm marcus washington. police in san jose are investigating a deadly accident involving a pedestrian. this happened last night around 89 o'clock near little orchard street. this is near oakville cemetery. shortly after, people gathered

at the scene to grieve. the driver stayed at the scene and is cooperating with the police. this is the 31st deadly accident involving a pedestrian this year. that is the city's highest number on record. happening now, some say that area has been a hotspot for crashes. kris sanchez is speaking with city leaders not only about that but what's being done to boost safety. she'll have a live report midday.