thanks for joining us on this friday morning. the next news is at 11:00. the "today" show is up next. have a beautiful day and weekend. a live look at this beautiful shot here. good friday morning. she's home. >> wnba star brittney griner arriving back on u.s. soil moments ago. it is december 9. this is "today." >> homecoming. >> do you know where you are heading to? >> no. >> no? you're flying back home. >> brittney griner lands at a u.s. military base overnight after ten agonizing months in russian custody. inside the dramatic prisoner exchange that looked like a scene out of a spy thriller. and the renewed urgency this morning for the one left behind. veteran paul whelan still in a russian prison.

triple threat. flu, covid, and rsv cases all spiking and critical medicines getting harder to find. >> if the patient can't breathe, and we can't give them the drug it's a life or death scenario. >> how some hospitals are getting creative to handle the rush. chasing leads. idaho police say they have received thousands of tips in the case of four murdered college students now enlisting the fbi's help to handle the calls as the community gathers for a somber holiday memorial. we will go live to idaho with the new developments. winter is coming. a massive messy storm expected to bring several feet of snow in some areas and soaking rain to others. parts of the northeast gearing up for the first snowstorm of the season, and we're tracking alall of it. those stories, plus royal reacaction. the british press not holding back on harry anand meghan a af their highghly anticipipated nex

docuseries. >> i curtsy as though i was like -- >> the moments that have people talking, and is the palace watching? we'll go live to the uk. and thursday night thriller. >> mayfield to the end zone! jefferson! is that possible? touchdown. >> the rams storm back to beat the raiders on a last-second throw from a quarterback who just arrived in town. >> coming here ten minutes ago and help lead us to a victory. see you guys on monday! thank you! >> the epic comeback that nobody saw coming. today friday, december 9th, 2022. >> announcer: from nbc news, this is "today" with savannah guthrie and hoda kotb, from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. hi, everybody, good morning. welcome to "today." nice to have you along with us

on a friday morning. 7:00 a.m. on the west coast. >> it is. we're going to start this morning with brittney griner. she is back home. her plane arriving in san antonio, texas, just a couple hours ago. this comes after these images were released of griner on the plane overnight and then we have this video from russian media of the actual prisoner exchange showing griner with what appears to be a shaved head being swapped for a notorious arms dealer nicknamed the "merchant of death." >> but the happy homecoming is not without controversy. the white house under fire this morning over not securing the release of former marine paul whelan, an american security executive serving 16 years in russia on charges of spying, which the u.s. denies. there is a lot to cover this morning starting with kerry sanders in san antonio where brittney griner touched down just a short time ago. people are saying she is very happy to be there, kerry. >> reporter: good morning. she is indeed home after ten months.

brittney griner landed here in san antonio on kelly airfield, which is adjacent to the lackland air force base. her plane touching down 4:28 a.m. local time. as she emerged from the plane she strode with purpose to the hangar. her head shaved after spending that last month in a notorious russian penal colony 300 miles from moscow. from here she was taken to brooke army medical center, reunited with her wife cherelle. brittney griner, or b.g. as her friends and nba fans know her, at a medical center. not only for a health check, the last month again in that penal colony with notoriously difficult conditions. she will be provided psychological counselors here. brooke army medical center has provided care for other americans by similar releases by foreign governments. this morning after 21 1/2 hours from the time that we saw

her on the tarmac in abu dhabi that prisoner swap on the tarmac she is now here and getting the care she needs. guys? >> all right. kerry sanders leading us off, thank you. >> let's get more on the negotiations, exchange and calls to bring home another american who spent years in a russian prison. we'll bring in chief foreign affairs correspondent andrea mitchell, good morning. >> good morning. the white house is celebrating brittney griner's return today and pushing back against some criticism that they left behind paul whelan, the businessman and former marine who has already been in a russian jail for four years. >> reporter: this morning brittney griner is back home on american soil, freed after ten months of detention in russia. the beginning of her journey broadcast on russian state media. >> happy. >> do you know where you are heading to? >> no, i don't know where. i don't know. >> you are flying back home.

>> she is on her way home after months of being unjustly detained in russia. >> reporter: president biden alongside brittney's wife cherelle after they talked to brittney from the oval office. >> the most important emotion is sincere gratitude for president biden and his entire administration. arrest in march she said she never intended to break a law. she spent near lay month in a penal colony. showing griner working while in detention. she was exchanged on the tarmac in the united arab emirates for victor boot also seen on state video flying back to russia. he says they took me right out of my cell. widely known as the "merchant of death," he served 11 years of a 25-year sentence in the u.s. the white house coming under fire for the decision by some in congress. >> it made us weaker, putin stronger and americans more

vulnerable. >> reporter: another american, paul whelan, a businessman and former marine, remains in russian custody after being jailed already for four years of a 16-year sentence for spying, which he and the u.s. strongly deny. whelan speaking from prison to cnn. >> i don't understand why i am still sitting here. i am greatly disappointed that more has not been done to secure my release. >> reporter: president biden says the u.s. will keep working to bring whelen home. but that russia left the u.s. with no options. >> sadly for totally illegitimate reasons russia has treated paul's case different than brittney's. >> reporter: whelan's brother david said the president made the right call. >> it was absolutely the right decision to bring ms. griner back home. >> overnight the griner family said that paul whelan and his

family have been generous in their support for brittney, and they know this is a heartbreaking time for them. brittney's family pledging to keep working for the release of paul and all wrongfully detained americans. savannah? >> andrea mitchell, thank you very much. retired admiral john kirby, the national security council coordinator for strategic communications. good morning to you. >> good morning. >> what can you tell us about the condition of brittney griner right now and what are the next steps for her? >> our team that flew back with her and met on the ground tell us that she was in good spirits and appeared to be in good health. we want to make sure. which is why we'll get her over to that treatment facility and have all the access she needs to health care workers just to make sure that she is okay. >> it is great news for brittney griner. it raises a lot of questions. let's talk about the trade. she was exchanged for a convicted russian arms dealer known by some as the "merchant of death" accused of flooding weapons into terrorist

organizations, rogue regimes, enemies of the u.s. such as the taliban and al qaeda do you believe viktor bout will once again pose a threat to the united states and americans? >> that's up to mr. bout we are going to stay vigilant and defend our national security whether it's against folks that do his line of work or even him or anybody else that might threaten - >> are you concerned about it? >> we did an assessment before we made this trade, a national security assessment, which we normally do. that was done in this case we believe we will be able to continue to protect and defend national security interests whether it's from a man like mr. bout or anybody else that might threaten it. this is a decision for mr. bout to make. we are going to make sure we stay vigilant. >> as happy as the news is for brittney griner, it is devastating for paul whelan, a former marine held on espionage charges, a conviction in russia since 2016

his family called it a catastrophe for him while saying they were very happy brittney griner had been released was this the administration's best chance to get paul whelan home and now it's failed >> i would say that the deal we got yesterday was the only deal we could get at the time but that doesn't mean that there is not going to be options going forward to try to get paul whelan home. as you heard the president say yesterday, we are going to keep working at this very, very hard, including this day so we're going to keep at having active discussions with the russians to secure paul's release. that is not going to be -- that's not going to be forgotten, not something not top of mind. we're going to keep working at it >> it's interesting because david whelan, paul's brother, who was quite gracious in his statement, said it is clear that the u.s. government has no concessions that the russian government will take for paul whelan was viktor bout the leverage and he was spent on the release of

brittney griner? >> absolutely not. this was not a choice between paul or brittney the only deal we could secure was brittney for mr. bout. that was the only deal available to us. so the choice really was either we bring brittney home and get one american released or get none obviously, we chose to get brittney home. we will keep working for paul whelan but there was a not a choice of here you give us bout and you can decide which one you bring home, paul or brittney it was only bout for brittney griner and again we had to take that step to get at least one of the two home. >> there is a larger policy consideration here real concern about the message that this sends and the incentive something like this brings to rogue regimes or hostile regimes. take an american on trumped up charges and you can get one of your notorious prisoners or get something out of the u.s. government how do you guard against that?

how are you safeguarding against that, making it essentially more dangerous for americans abroad >> president biden put into place additional accountability measures to discourage exactly that action by bad actors overseas whether they are state or non-state actors. some are visa bans or sanctions, other restrictions in place. we also have started to put a designation on travel to countries for americans to go look to see what the detention risk is. if you travel overseas for pleasure or work, you know, go to the state department website at state.gov, look at that country, you will see whether there is a detention risk and what it might be before you travel so you can go fully informed and go knowing this, even if you do everything right and something happens to you and you are wrongfully detained this president and this administration will work hard to get you home that's an important signal that needs to be sent to americans, as well. this government is not going to forget you and we are going to keep working hard and if it

means making tough decisions like this one then that's what we'll do. >> admiral john kirby, nsc spokesperson, thank you for your time. appreciate it. >> you bet. >> let's move now to a histori vote in washington to protect same-sex marriage and interracial marriages. the respect for marriage act passed garrett haake has more good morning >> good morning. it was actually the supreme court's decision on abortion rights over the summer that created the sense of urgency first among democrats to protect same-sex marriages and interracial marriages from the possibility that a future court decision could weaken or take the rights away. so what this bill means, if your marriage is legal and valid in the state where it was performed, other states have recognize it no matter what. it was a major milestone for speaker pelosi, one the last bills she will send to any president as speaker capping off a career long including a focus on gay rights issues. >> yeah.

garrett, there was also something interesting that happened overnight, a shake-up for the democrats. i don't know if a lot of people saw it coming or not kyrsten sinema is registering as an independent that's going to have some repercussions. >> big repercussions since she says she is not joining the republican party, the big headline is this won't change the balance of power in that 51-50 senate we have. it likely means democratic leadership's job of finding 50 votes on any given issue a little bit more challenging. sinema has had an independent streak that has frustrated democrats. part of this decision is formalizing an already complicated relationship one the bigger effects may be on they are 2024 re-election. she is in a purple state where she is likely to get challenges from republicans and democrats. hoda >> thank you another big story this morning, the stress hospitals are facing because of the tripledemic.

it's here. a nasty 1-2-3 punch of the flu, covid, and rsv and to make matters worse, a lot of important medications are running low on store shelves our national correspondent gabe gutierrez is at mass general for children in boston for us this morning. gabe, good morning. >> reporter: good morning. hospitals across the country are having to get creative to keep up with the tripledemic. first it was finding extra beds for patients and now some are having to mix their own medications to deal with shortages. at boston's mass general for children, health care workers are compounding their own albuterol, medication helping young children with rsv breathe easier. >> it's definitely concerning. the shortage in the forefront of everybody's mind it's a totally different change in workflow for pharmacy and nursing. >> reporter: it takes four and a half hours to mix the ingredients to make just 15 syringes.

>> if the patient can't breathe and we can't give them the drug then it's a life-or-death scenario. >> reporter: across the country, many other medications are also running low amid a tripledemic of respiratory illnesses the flu, rsv, and covid. >> this is the worst flu season for my family ever i have had trouble getting liquid tamiflu as well as capsule. >> reporter: pharmacists say i your flu medicine is sold out try getting a medication that targets a symptom instead. >> our shelves at certain times have been completely empty of one product, and it comes back on and then empty of another product. >> reporter: while rsv may be leveling off in some places, the flu is soaring the cdc saying flu hospitalization are up to 78,000 over the past month mass general brigham system has seen flu cases jump by more than 1,100% how busy have the last few weeks been here? >> we've definitely seen an increase in patients coming into

the e.r. >> reporter: only a quarter of adults and 40% of children in the u.s. have received a flu shot this season juan potter did not. he has been here more than two days. >> loss of breath. that's the toughest part. >> reporter: georgia's 5-year-old son jack has a rare genetic disorder sick with covid, rsv and the flu within the past month >> all at once there is no break in between so his lungs honestly don't stand a chance. >> reporter: and thankfully jack is recovering right now. one other piece of positive news in the fight against the tripledemic, the fda just cleared updated doses of covid vaccines for kids under 5. savannah >> thank you. 7:17 it's a friday. looking towards the weekend. dylan dreyer, how is it looking? >> good morning. you guys ready for snow? >> what? >> >> ready for snow it could be the first for the northeast. mostly for the interior

northeast, not so much on the i-95 corridor. it's starting through the midwest. we have another storm system on the west coast we'll get to that one later. this is the one that that has produced 6, 7 inches of snow i nebraska into southern -- or into south dakota, as well now it's bringing snow into madison, wisconsin peoria, illinois, we are seeing rain and that's headed towards chicago. it's the northern side of this storm we have enough cold air to produce a little bit of light snow the eastern side of it through the day today we will see some pockets of rain through atlanta, then that falls apart. then a second one develops this one is going to bring more rain to kentucky, to tennessee where the ground is saturated. you have been dealing with a lot of rain lately this is the reason why we will see lighter snow across the interior northeast, upstate new york into western pennsylvania, sorry, western massachusetts and connecticut, also northwestern new jersey, too, where we could end up with 2, 3, 4 inches of snow for those areas that's what's going on around the country.

we'll get to y your local l fort in the next 30 seconds ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ good friday morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. we're starting out with a lot of clouds. we will see only temperatures reaching into the mid-50s today and it's our day to prepare for this incoming storm that will bring us high winds and heavy rain starting tomorrow morning and continuing off and on throughout the weekend. the rain tapers off on monday and we'll have several days of dry conditions, but it will be very chilly. our mornings start out near freezing with highs in the low 50s but all attention goes to

new tips pouring in as idaho that is your latest forecast. >> dylan, thank you so much. straight ahead, new tips pouring in as idaho police investigate the murders of four college students how the fbi is now helping and why the case has struck a chord with the community of internet detectives. and, hopefully, helping you save money during this expensive holiday season vicky nguyen will be along to tell us what we need to do before we go to the store. >> okay. >> first, this is "today" on nbc.

friday morning, harry and meghan pulling back the curtain. >> what the palace is saying about their netflix series andnd the headlines in in n britain you've got to see after r your local newsws

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good morning to you on this friday. it is 7:26. i'm marcus washington and here are today's top stories including a man tied to a suspected deadly street race is set to appear in court. >> reporter: good morning i'm thom jensen where 23-year-old kyle harrison is scheduled to appear in court today on a second-degree murder charge. harrison and a 17-year-old were charged in a deadly crash that killed a couple and injured the couple's twin daughters, two 7-year-olds, who are now left without parents. harrison is scheduled to appear in court on a second-degree murder charge and enter a plea.

>> reporter: i'm ginger conejero saab in mill valley where there is a break from the rain right now but not for too long. so use that time wisely. here are some tips to prepare for this weekend's upcoming storm. clearing your gutters. if you haven't done so already, secure outdoor furniture and tie down outdoor holiday decorations. there is a bay area wide wind advisory that starts at midnight tonight and runs until tomorrow afternoon with some gusts 30-50 miles an hour. time to get a look at the forecast for you. meteorologist kari hall checking that fog. >> it is very dense fog. visibility is zero. it is going to be mainly dry up until this evening when the rain moves in from north to south and spreads across the bay area. this comes along with heavy rain and gusty winds that will continue even into early monday morning so a lot of active weather here and our temperatures only reach into the mid to upper 50s. the big impacts come along with bay area rain and heavy sierra

snow. it does dry out next week, marcus. we'll have another local news update in 30 minutes. i'll meet you back here then.

♪ ♪ oh, we're back 7:30, friday morning isn't that pretty? rockefeller center the place to be, december morning, our plaza packed, a fantastic crowd, it's december 9 a couple more weeks until christmastime. and our crowd is ready. >> man, our holiday crowd, i got to see the tree last night with my kids. there is nothing like it all those guys are getting a great view. >> breathtaking. >> craig is off. sheinelle jones is here. nice to see you. we start with our 7:30 headlines. an oil spill in kansas shut down a major pipeline from canada to texas. canada-based tc energy says it cut off its keystone system

wednesday night. it says about 14,000 barrels of crude oil spilled into a creek in washington county that's about 150 miles northwest of kansas city the cause of that spill under investigation. environmental officials say there has been no impact on the drinking water. the search resumes for a woman apparently attacked by a shark while snorkeling off the coast of maui. the woman's husband told authorities they were able to fight off the shark, tried to swim to shore, but his wife never made it back a snorkel and mask were recovered. authorities closed the beach while the coast guard continues that search. to the incredible comeback on "thursday night football. baker mayfield, who joined the l.a. rams a couple of days ago, leading his new team on a 98-yard game-winning drive >> second and ten. mayfield to the end zone to jefferson is that possible touchdown.

>> i guess it's possible mayfield finds jefferson in the end zone to tie it up with ten seconds to go. the rams take the lead after the extra point. l.a. had been down by 13 points with just minutes earlier. they come all the way back to win it 17-16 baker mayfield had just one short practice with his new team before last night's game he was just picked up on waivers after the carolina panthers cut him. >> wow, what a good pickup. >> right >> not practice makes perfect in that case. now we will talk about this investigation in idaho we have been following police say their tipline has been flooded with calls about the murders of those four college students. >> nearly four weeks after the crime, still no suspect and the community is coming together to remember the victims steve patterson has the latest hey, steve. >> reporter: good morning to you. since police say they put out a call to the public to help them track down a car they say was in the area at the time of the crime they say they have been flooded, as you said, with so many calls and tips they had to

start forwarding them to the fbi tipline. they hope that this is a break in the case as this heartbroken community attempts to heal the town of moscow holding a christmas ceremony in remembering the four college students killed last month along with the university, this small town has been deeply impacted by the deaths cole dylan's family owns this coffee shop. >> we changed the schedule to make sure there were two people here at once. >> reporter: as the town prepares for christmas, the mood is somber. was there a sadness, too >> for sure. like just really sensitive around here of like what we talk about, like even jokes that we make being, like, that's not the joke to make right now. >> reporter: police asked for the public's help finding a white hyundai elantra. similar to this one. they believe it was around the house when the murders were committed. why is this vehicle of interest? >> thanks to these tips and leads, we know that vehicle was there. so the occupants or occupant naturally is someone we want to

talk to. >> reporter: since day one the brutal stabbings attracted the attention of self-styled internet sleuths #idahomurders on tiktok has around 300 million views >> this key component -- >> reporter: since she started posting about the case tiktoker london sherman gained 125,000 followers. >> we are viral and i just -- i think that everyone needs to be talking about this but when you talk about this it needs to be talked about factual. >> reporter: like the 2021 case of gabby petito, it has struck a chord with young people. >> a lot of people can relate to young lives that had the world at their feet, they were about to begin their lives and then it happened. >> reporter: london says she i careful not to repeat anything that hasn't been verified by police or professional reporters but many others aren't as cautious on reddit threads and facebook groups, some with 60,000 members, wild speculation can

spread rapidly forcing police to put up a rumor control page to try to debunk misinformation a frustrating waste of time and resources with a killer still at large. >> steve, there is still so many questions that need answering, including there was a long window, hours of time, from when the victims left that frat house and then they arrived home and those places are close by. police addressed that yet? >> reporter: this is a biggest question mark in this. police are describing a five-hour window for what amounts to a two-minute walk i walked it. i posed that question to the officer. unfortunately, the answer is that it is under investigation you can tell investigators hope it is one of these key pieces of the puzzle they are trying to fit together to move this forward. hoda >> five hours. that's a lot of time to track. all right. steve, thank you coming up this morning, we have a new twist in the shocking case of a fedex driver accused of kidnapping and kill a little girl what he told police and the girl's heartbroken mother is

speaking out now. up next, if you are cutting back on your holiday shopping or maybe you are rethinking your christmas menu because prices are so high at the grocery store, you are not by yourself vicky nguyen is here to help us out. >> good morning. between inflation and record holiday spending we are seeing some spot shortages of holiday staples. coming up, i will help you find what you need and save big that's next right here on "today." about their hearts. how's your heart? my heart's s pretty gooood. -you sure?e? how do y you know? you'u're dririving a cara, you haveve the check enengine lighth, but t the heart t doesn't hae a "heyey, check heheart" sig. with karardiamobile,e, the fdfda clead personalal ekg devic, you u can tae a medical-l-grade eg in j just 30 sececons fromom anywhere.e. kardrdiamobile i is proven to d detect atririal fibrillll, in j just 30 sececons fromom anywhere.e. onone of the l leading cacauses of ststroke. in j just 30 sececons fromom anywhere.e. fofor a limiteted time onlnly, kardiamobibile is justst $79. in j just 30 sececons fromom anywhere.e. don't wait.. order r today on a amazon oror kardiamobobile.com don't wait..

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are seeing here is a look at how to save money in the coming weeks. >> reporter: the holidays are here whether you're ready or not. celebrating might look a little different this year as inflation disrupts your holiday shopping on the menu, higher grocery costs. >> oh, man, they have raised a lot. >> i would say our bills would be maybe about, like, 20 or $30 higher than last year. >> reporter: inflation impacting almost every holiday table compared to last year, meats, poultry and fish up 8% butter and margarine up a whopping 33% and potatoes up 15%. although prices are still up overall, grocery stores are mostly stocked as climate change starts to impact supermarket shelves, extreme weather events wreaking havoc on farms affecting availability and prices on favorites like florida citrus, texas cattle and california almonds >> the best thing to do budgetwise is to take inventory before you put together your

shopping list. >> i got a coupon for that. >> reporter: with an economy recovering from supply chain issues, experts say while inventory at most stores is high -- >> the cost of labor, the cost of transportation has gone up, and, therefore, the prices are a lot higher. >> reporter: robert hanfield studied supply chains for decades and says advanced data is helping stores keep popular items in stock >> in the past, they had lots of inventory. it was the wrong stuff today what these new analytics are trying to do is have the right stuff that people are actually buying off the shelf. >> reporter: but if shipping snags do happen like they did to this shopper, y'all start your holiday shopping now these delays are serious you might be tempted to consider alternatives. >> this year it is going to be gift cards so i don't have to worry about them having something. >> reporter: avoid those last-minute scrambles and save by ditching the late trip to the

mall and grocery store, finish your holiday shopping early. buy food in bulk and freeze what you don't use and take advantage of seasonal sales. >> 40% of all of our foods are wasted so really make sure that what you are buying, you are going to consume. >> are people noticing fewer promotions and coupons at the grocery store? >> experts say part of the reason is because they don't know what kind of inventory they will have in the near future the way you combat that is always sign up for the apps for the stores you shop and apps that help you compare the nearby stores you can stay plugged in on what the specials are. >> i love your earrings. >> rubik's cubes. >> you know what this is a local woman-owne company and she makes them by hand by clay i put it on my instagram story they are great for christmas presents. >> they look like christmas presents >> thank you sorry. love it, love it, love it. >> we have a lot of lady energy this morning do we not, dylan

>> i was going to talk about your dress can't see the earrings >> it's big lady energy this morning. >> it is all right. we have a big storm system about to hit the west coast. i want to point this out this is going to be a major rain and snow maker through especially california. there is a little bit of light snow and rain falling across western washington state but it's this next storm system that's going to make its way onshore, bring us wind gusts up to 65 to 70 miles an hour and rain across california in the burn scar areas, the threat of flooding it washes away quickly because the ground can't absorb that water. as this moves to the eas it will bring some of that snow eastward, as well. on the heels of this next storm is second storm will bring more rain to the san francisco area 3 to 4 inches of rain, but it's the snow, especially across the sierra nevada mountain range, up to 2 to 4 feet, possibly up to 5 feet that's much needed for that part of the country and we are going to get it.

good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. right now we are waking up to sunshine in parts of the bay area. and it's also been foggy in other spots, but it will be a dry day up until tomorrow morning when the rain comes in ahead of that storm system we'll see gusty winds and the rain will be off and on throughout the day. in fact, getting heavier by late morning into the afternoon. there may be some breaks in between, but overall the weekend will be very soggy as that rain continues even into early monday. we >> that's your latest forecast. we can't wait, can we? our man, al roker, we have got some news we are excited to share about al we'll backck right aftfter this. . despite e treatment t it disrupts m my skin witith i. . itit disrupts s my skin withth rash. . but now, .

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morere dog. mimilk-bone. ♪ this is big. we're back with "today's" can't miss carson joins us. we have been waiting to say this we have great, great news about al to share on this friday morning, which is al is officially home from the hospital [ cheers and applause >> by the way, we are playing his song he loves the "a-team" theme. we are playing it for you this morning, al. he shared the announcement last night on instagram he said, i am grateful to family, friends, folks at the "today" show family and all of your thoughts and prayers. he is so happy to be home. debra, leila, courtney, nick, everybody, look at those cuties. it's been a long road. >> everybody has been asking about him, too i walked by his office here and i said -- i wrote a text, al, you've got to come back, this is turning into hoda's third

closet. >> he sent me that picture something like, my work wife is now taking over my closet. >> you've got to get back. >> you know who will be just as happy? every single person who has been waiting with al. >> we have so many signs we missed you, al. we feel the exact same. >> yes we want him to take time and feel good. we love him and he'll be back soon. coming up on "popstart," we have an exclusive look at one of the highly anticipated series. a "yelellowstone,"," "1923" wiwh haharrison forord and dameme hen mirren we will take you behind the scenes. and then we will hit the road our merriest main street series. a town that might seem familiar after your local news. ♪

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good morning to you. it is 7:56. i'm marcus washington. here's a look at what's happening now. good morning, everyone. i'm scott mcgrew. we just got the latest inflation indicator, showing inflation running hotter than expected. this is important because it's the last read on inflation until the fed meets to raise rates next week. nobody knows what the fed will do, but it's hoped they'll ease off, raise rates half a point instead of the three-quarters for the fifth straight time. they're trying to slow the economy and slow price hikes, but so far it's not working. time to get a look at the forecast for you, and that weekend storm is something to talk about, kari. today is the day to make preparations as heavier rain

comes in for the north bay. it continues to move in with gusty winds that could reach 30 to 50 miles an hour and the potential of flooding especially as the street drains get clogged and then with the saturated ground we could see swift moving creeks and rivers and quickly rising waters as well as heavy sierra snow that may close the roadways. the rain gets going early tomorrow and it's going to be off and on throughout the weekend. potentially a few isolated storms on sunday. the rain moving out early on monday, and then a few days to dry out. marcus? we'll have another local news update for you in 30 minutes.

♪ it's 8:00 on "today. coming up, homecoming. wnba superstar brittney griner back on american soil this morning. >> happy >> new details on how the trade went down. the controversy over who is still there and what griner's family is s saying thihis morni. then, let's talk about sussex reaction pours into harry and meghan's netflix documentary, all l the biggesest bombshelelld the intitimate glimpmpse at the family l life. >> i curtsied as though h i was like -- >> we've got the headlines,

including the rare interview with meghan markle's mom. and special election reese witherspoon reprising her role in a new "election" sequel. >> who put you up to this? >> everything we know about the all-new flick based on the 1999 cult classic today friday, december 9, 2022 ♪ >> this is a trip from south fulton, tennessee. >> sending love to my mom. >> watching in delaware. >> hello, portland, oregon >> i watch "today" every day. >> so we're here to check off mom's bucket list from miramonte, georgia >> today we're here to celebrate sarah's birthday >> and our first time in new york >> happy holidays "today." woo!

>> you know what plaza crowd, you are bringing it today. we like the hats we like the reindeer headbands your spirit. thank you for being with us. cheering our friday. so nice to have you along with us craig is off we've got sheinelle with us. hoda, you have an exclusive next week >> i will be sitting down with jay leno i'm very excited his first interview after the garage fire that left him burned the story is one of hope we look forward to visiting with jay. he's spoken a little bit about it we haven't heard the full story and how he doing. >> he has such an amazing spirit look forward to that. your news. american basketball star brittney griner is home again in the u.s. for the first time in nearly ten months. she was released yesterday from a russian penal colony in a dramatic prisoner exchange our coverage starts this morning with nbc's kerry sanders in san antonio where her plane touched down overnight kerry, good morning. >> reporter: good morning. yes, indeed. brittney griner is here in san antonio at the brooke army

medical center you can see a live picture of the hospital where she is right now. she landed here in san antonio on kelly field adjacent to the lackland air force base and she got off the plane she walked with purpose right into the hangar and then a van took her over about 20 minutes from here to the medical center. she is at that location because they have experience dealing with americans who have been held by foreign governments and also held captive. not only the medical needs she will need after ten months being held in captivity by the russian government, but also, the psychological aspects of just being detained like this it was, as we saw, that dramatic exchange there on the tarmac in abu dhabi. from that point to getting to here was 21 1/2 hours. so a very long ordeal, but of course, no doubt one that was a long time in coming for brittney

griner, who right now we believe has been reunited with her wife cherelle. >> kerry sanders in san antonio, thank you. >> brittney griner's release is drawing new attention to the plight of paul whelan an american held by russia for almost four years. many of his supporters, including members of congress, are angry that he was not a part of the prisoner exchange nbc's chief white house correspondent and co-anchor of "weekend today" kristen welker joins us now with that part of the story. good morning. >> reporter: good morning to you. that's right the white house is facing bipartisan criticism this morning after failing to secure the release, as you say, of paul whelan, that american businessman and former marine being detained in russia on charges of espionage he has been there since 2018, denies those allegations whelan says he was disappointed in a phone interview on thursday take a listen. >> i don't understand why i'm still sitting here. i am greatly disappointed more has not been done.

to secure my release. >> sadly for totally illegitimate reasons russia is treating paul's case different than brittney's. >> reporter: on capitol hill kevin mccarthy calling the deal to release brittney griner for a russian arms dealer known as the "merchant of death" a quote gift to vladimir putin that endangers american lives and democratic senator bob menendez calling the deal, quote, deeply disturbing. their argument is that america should have gotten more for such a high-profile and potentially dangerous russian prisoner. top biden officials are pushing back arguing the decision was to get brittney griner out or no one out at all and officials here insist they are still in vigorous talks with russia to bring paul whelan home. hoda? >> thank you. now to a new details about that disturbing crime in texas where a delivery driver is charged with kidnapping and killing a little girl. police say the driver has confessed and the girl's mother is now speaking out. nbc's priscilla thompson with more.

good morning. >> reporter: good morning. this is something that has many families on edge, particularly during this holiday season when people are getting more packages delivered than normal, and now the mother of that 7-year-old girl who was killed is speaking out as she seeks to honor her daughter's memory. >> athena was just pure and she was innocent and she was happy. >> reporter: memories of her daughter athena are all that maitlyn gandy has left. >> i just knew that something was wrong because athena wouldn't have stayed out in the dark by herself. >> reporter: the driver, 31-year-old tanner horner, charged with capital murder and aggravated kidnapping and could face the death penalty. this morning, stunning new details about his motive for the horrific crime. according to the arrest warrant obtained by nbc news, horner told police he was delivering a package to the home when he accidentally hit athena with the truck, but she was not seriously

injured. horner says he panicked, fearing athena would tell on him. he then kidnapped and killed her, dumping her body on a river bank at the time of her abduction athena was in the care of her stepmother who called police after looking for the child. a tip led investigators to horner, a contract driver for fedex, who police say confessed to the killing. athena's mother now offering this reminder to parents. >> hug them tight. >> reporter: as she prepares for one final good-bye before returning home to a christmas tree still full of gifts for athena. among them, what was in that fedex box. barbie dolls. athena's favorite toy. >> you do something out of love and to bring excitement and joy to your children's lives and you just don't think that the ending that i got would be an ending that any mother would get.

>> reporter: and authorities say it's important to teach your kids if they are approached by a stranger and something feels off, don't be afraid to scream because that may be enough to scare that person off. officials also say you may want to consider getting a doorbell camera, even if it's a dummy camera. that could be enough to deter someone from doing something bad on your doorstep. sheinelle? >> good advice. priscilla thompson, thank you. for the first time u.s. paper money is going to be carry the signature of a woman. treasury secretary janet yellen and she will have company. her name is engraved on metal plates that will be used to print the money. her signature will appear alongside that of the first native american to hold that job. both women signed ceremonial sheets of $1 and $5 bills which go into circulation next year. >> that's great. a boost? >> yes. so cute. every parent's going to love this one.

a children's dance class had finished its holiday recital and some of the kids started waiving to people in the audience. one little girl was concerned because she couldn't see her parents' faces but she spots her family and watch her face light up. wait, she is crying. oh, my god. oh, my god what is joy? what is joy? there is the definition. she gets emotional i think anyone who has ever had that feeling of being the child or being the parent. anyway. >> all the feelings, you know? where are they there they are oh, my gosh, there they are. >> probably just as enthusiastic >> so cutete. ahead,d, we will h have the reaction from acrossss the pondt the harry and meghanan netflix series, , including g the moment ththat a lot o of people a are dissecting we will have a live report from buckingham palace. later on, the merriest main street we will visit a town where the

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the numbmber one derermatolot prescribibed biologigic. lelearn how ababbvie couldld p yoyou save. the numbmber one derermatolot prescribibed biologigic. ♪ welcome back well, if you spent yesterday binge watching the first three episodes of "harry & meghan" you are not alone. >> one the most anticipated series of the year office a look at their lives and split from the royal family it's generating tons of reaction our chief international

corresponden keir simmons is right outside buckingham palace with more. hey, keir. >> reporter: hey, you're right tons of reaction the british press is screaming this morning and perhaps that's not surprising since they were the main target from harry and meghan's docuseries 24 hours ago. king charles, on the other hand, smiling and laughing as he meets with ryan reynolds, who owns a soccer club on this side of the pond the message from the senior royal seems to be keep calm and carry on this morning's british headlines unforgiving. slamming the duke and duchess of sussex for their new tell-all docuseries harry and meghan opening their lives and their home, sharing intimate never-before-seen images of their children, archie and lilly, as well as private photos and videos of their life together away from the spotlight. senior members of the royal family may be breathing a sigh

of relief. >> your majesty, have you watched the documentary? >> reporter: whether the king has watched his youngest son's multi-million dollar netflix series, he will know there were no bombshells. at least not yet prince william and princess catherine came in for what looked like to some subtle criticism. >> i think for so many people in the family, especially the men, there can be a temptation or urge to marry someone who would fit in the mold as opposed to somebody who you perhaps are destined to be with. >> reporter: was this a suggestion long suspected of a frosty relationship between meghan and catherine >> when will and kate came over and i met her for the first time, they came over for dinner, i remember i was in ripped jeans and barefoot like i was a hugger. always been a hugger i didn't realize that is really a jarring thing for a lot of brits. i guess i started to understand quickly that the formality on the outside carried through on the inside >> reporter: queen elizabeth was

the first royal meghan met. >> how do you explain that you bow to your grandmother and that you need to curtsy especially to an american. that's weird. >> i was like -- >> reporter: prince harry looking unsettled by his wife's depiction of seeing her. meghan's mom speaks out for the first time, too, sharing her view of the racial prejudice meghan faced. >> you may not want to hear it, but this is what's coming down the pike. >> reporter: there were no direct accusations against any individual royals, but this is only the beginning three more episodes and a book are coming. >> if they can get through this and not upset or offend or further that divide, perhaps, you know, the relationship can be on a more equal footing and actutually prepapared. actually r repaired. it dependsds what happppens nex > reporter:r: the traililer r next week,k, the end o of episo, didid not appepear to suggggest revelations. the proof will come in a week's time so the royals relatively

unscathed so far but the truth is that nobody inside those palace walls knows what's coming next guys? >> all right keir, thank you. well, as mentioned, there are a lot of opinions about this documentary, including a few moments that stood out joining us now i royal edititor for thehe sunday timemes, roya, g good mornining. >> gooood morning.g. >> o one of the e segments that seemed to jump out at a lot of people was when meghan was demonstrating what it was like to bow before the queen. and that's getting a lot of attention. will you kind of break that scene down for us? >> so, if was something that we'd heard from the couple actually before. it was a description of meghan going for lunch at royal lodge which is the home in windsor with harry and being told the queen was on her way and she would meet her majesty for the

first time meghan sort of said i wasn't sure what to do and harry said do you know how to curtsy? he thought she was joking she would have to curtsy to the queen. she did a very over the top medieval, as she called it, style curtsey that wept into a bow as she was sitting next to harry recounting this to the camera and it is fair to say i don't think anyone needs a body language expert. harry looks a little embarrassed at that point. it's interpreted here as slightly disrespectful to sort of roll protocol around the queen. that's how that scene went >> taking a step back here, how is it being received i mean, look, there are plenty of people who come in with precooked opinions about this situation. what's the most, i guess, neutral fair assessment that you have seen of whether or not this documentary helps, hurts, what impact it might have >> oh, you know, neutral is not

really a word that we're seeing much of in terms of opinion about this documentary if i'm being diplomatic there it has definitely -- look. they said they wanted to hear about their love story we definitely know more about their love story now some people would say almost too much there is a lot of incredibly private material in there that given this is a couple who are keen on their privacy, people will be surprised to see we are hearing first person about their own experiences. they were keen for, you know, authors and journalists not to say they know better for them to tell the story themselves. i don't think there is any sort of neutral reception over here about it it has fallen down sort of quite explosively. i think keir is right. i haven't seen the killer blow yet. but i suspect they are saving a few killer blows for the next three episodes next week. >> one of the people we never heard from before was meghan's mother who spoke out what kind of impact did her speaking out have?

what did she have to say >> i think it definitely, you know, hearing from doria was really interesting we have seen her sort of very serene figure, alone as the family member at the wedding, always keeping her counsel she's had enormously difficult time. she talked about that. quite a lot of frustration she's always kept her counsel. so i think to hear from doria was interesting. she talked about how surprised she was that thomas markle behaved the way he did and she was keen to say this is how difficult for my daughter but also for me. it was very interesting to hear from her for the first time given she kept her counsel for so long. >> that's just part one. we'll see what happens with part two. thank you very much for your time appreciate it. all right. let's get a check of the weather from miss dylan dreyer. who's outside with the crowd.

>> good morning. >> you would think there is a concert out here on the plaza. i mean, we have got people all around all to see you, savannah guthrie and hoda we are dealing with chilly temperatures in the northeast. it's breezy, too at least the sun is up that will help things a little bit. snowy through the upper midwest and a couple of inches of snow possible in that area, more rain in kentucky and tennessee today and a big old pacific storm will make its way on storm thm this weekend. good friday morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. if you're going to christmas in the park later today, it will be nice but chilly and the clouds will be rolling in. we're also getting ready for rain early in the morning. here we are at 5:00 tomorrow morning and the rain is pounding the north bay, it will be windy as well, and the rain will be off and on throughout the day tomorrow as well as sunday, although there may be a few more breaks on sunday. still, we're adding up on rainfall >> that's your latest forecast back to you guys. >> dylan, thank you. carson daly in his spot.

>> let's do it, guys lots to do "popstart. we will get outside. say hi to the folks. first, "1923" we have got an exclusive sneak peek of "yellowstone's" upcoming prequel series and the exclusive behind-the-scenes video teases what fans of the franchise can expect from the dutton's latest chapter and the star power bringing this story to life. >> with "1923" you are seeing another generation of the dutton family at a time of prohibition, at a time where the mountain west was truly becoming a playground for the elite from the east this show just looks like feature films because aside from the locations being fantastic and the cast being some of the world's greatest actors, this is the big sweeping saga. it's going to bring a whole new scale to the world of the dutton family. >> and you can check out the full video over at today.com or this sunday during the newest episode of "yellowstone" on the paramount network and mark your

calendars. savannah sits down with "1923" star harrison ford ahead of the premier. is he going to fly you in a cessna >> i wish. anything a covered wagon. i'll meet him wherever he is. >> that is going to be next. we look forward to that. trevor noah last night the daily show host signed off on his final show during an emotional good-bye he reflected on what it felt like to have a packed studio audience after seven years on the air. >> i remember when we started the show we couldn't get enough people to fill an audience, and i always think it's good that's how comedy is funny all my shows, there weren't tickets. empty seats. and then i look at this now. i don't take it for granted ever every seat that has ever been filled to watch something i'm doing i appreciate because i know the empty seat that sits behind it. >> he gave a shout out to his mom, grandmother and black women who helped shape his life. by the way, starting o

january 17th they will start to do a rotating cast of hosts. as you see there next up, reese witherspoon is preparing to revisit this iconic role. >> you see, i believe in the voters they understand that elections aren't just popularity contests. they know this country was built by people just like me who work very hard and don't have everything handed to them on a silver spoon >> you love that movie >> love that movie. >> love that movie. >> mtv films. >> really? >> shout out to marc platte. get ready to pick flick once again. "election" sequel in the works, reece witherspoon set to reprise her role 23 years following that original cult classic. alexander paine will return to direct it. it will be a project somebody called "tracy flick can't win," based on a book. same name. tracy is a high school assistant principal struggling to fight her way to the top no release date yet. it's set to stream on paramount

plus and that does it. >> that's going to be a good one. got my vote. carson, thank you. guys, time to go to our continuing search of the "merriest main street" in the country. if this next town looks eerily familiar, there is a within. woodstock, illinois, known more than just for holiday cheer. >> yeah, it's also the famed filming location of bill murray's hit movie "groundhog day. we are joined by our chicago station nbc 5. the mayor is with us, mike turner good morning y'all brought it, too. good morning >> wow ♪ >> guys, you can stop looking for the merriest main street, look how woodstock, illinois came out this morning. there is snow. all these folks are here there is a sign, get well, al. the groundhog is here. [ cheers ] >> oh my gosh! everyone out here loves this town so much it's about an hour northwest of downtown chicago

it is on a commuter rail line. and even though it's wintry and it looks like groundhog day here, we are all about christmas because, mayor mike turner, you say woodstock is the place to be why is it the merriest >> the environment, the iconic square, victorian in its look, plenty of shops, boutiques, restaurants all around and historic buildings one of them over 150 years old so this is a fantastic community and a great place to spend the holidays. >> and hoda and savannah, i haven't done any holiday shopping yet and i can do it all here on main street. there is only one chain store, a certain coffee chain everything else is a local business don't you love that? mayor, how do you support these business owners? >> we love that. our residents support it we get visitors to support it. and it's clothing stores, it's boutiques, it's gift shops, it's a train store and a chocolatier even. so fantastic >> now you're speaking my language

>> right down there, yes >> so, guys, there is one more thing that the people of woodstock want to tell you this morning. >> merry christmas woo! >> wow >> picture perfect i'm kris sanchez. anyone heading to tahoe over the weekend, chains are already required on interstate 80 and highway 50. over the weekend, travel to the sierra is highly discouraged according to the national weather service and our weather team too. last night near the summit there was heavy snowfall for the same storm that move through the bay area yesterday. early forecast estimates estimate up to 5 feet of snow will come from the storm. it's also going to bring in high winds and heavy rain for the bay area. today is our day to prepare as

we're getting a mix of sun and clouds, temperatures in the mid-50s. that rain starts early in the morning and we'll have wind wind advisories as our coastal areas and mountains hit 30 to 50-mile-per-hour wind gusts. some breaks in between. it will be tapering off early on monday morning. we'll have a chance to let that water soak into the ground. our temperatures stay very chilly, only reaching into the low 50s, and morning temperatures near freezing early next week. san francisco also watching out for heavy rain and the potential of storms. kris?

♪ we are back. it is 8:30 with a toy drive spectacular.

"white lotus" star haley lu richardson is doing the honors this morning she will be back in the "3rd hour" with the scoop on the hit show everybody is talking about, "the white lotus." fans getting theories ready. okay this is, wait. >> what a crowd. >> "white lotus" folks are going crazy. >> i'm flipping out. that's portia right there. she is collecting toys portia she has a real name. so exciting. if you want to get in on the toy drive you don't have to come here please do come here. you can scan the qr code or go to today.com. coming up, it's clea shearer and joanna teplin. from the home edit fans like us can't get enough of these two. they are continuing to build their empire they are here to share some exciting news. then we move into the kitchen. where e just happen to be perusing through checking out the football menu sunday, big game on the menu i saw pork bites, some bacon >> ooh

>> this is you. >> yum we'll take it. and look ahead to next week, we have huge names, kate hudson, janelle monae, rebel wilson, antonio banderas. >> what? >> this is an awesome lineup. >> jill is out here with the great crowd handing out, you're gonna love this, "today" show swag we'll tell you how you can sho your "today" show pride in a bit. it's like a sweat suit, loungewear. >> wait. dylan, before the weather, can we do the honors of something you always do? we want to go around the horn! i'm ready. all around are we ready let's go >> clear the deck! [ cheers ] >> ooh all the way! hey, guys.

everybody, all the way you made it! you made it! >> so fun! >> dylan, back to you. >> gosh, we made it. >> that's a long run, isn't it especially in heels. weatherwise across the country this weekend we are going to see a bit of a wintry mess across the northeast. it begins as rain on saturday down through missouri and into arkansas and parts of oklahoma where we could see som heavier rain a strong storm out west with a lot of mountain snow several inches of rain on the coast. on sunday for the interior northeast i'd say not so much the i-95 corridor, inland, the higher elevations 2 to 4 inches of snow out of that system it will finally dry out through the southern plains. the gulf coast will see a little bit of that rain and the heavy snow continues out west with 2 to 4 feet of snow possible in the higher elevations that's what's going on around the country. now here's a peek out your window.

good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. yes, cloudy in some spots, sunny in others, but overall it's chilly and dry today. the rain starts to come in early tomorrow morning, much-needed rain starting in the north bay and continuing in waves throughout the day. this storm will be a lot more windy so we need to make sure the patio furniture is covered. sunday night is "football night in america"! the miami dolphins headed to l.a. to take on the chargers of course, it's like an indoor/outdoor stadium the weather doesn't matter all that much. there will be rain, if you can believe it cooler, breezy, temperatures about 53 that's "sunday night football" night in america starting at 7:00 p.m. eastern. guys >> thanks for reporting on my

raiders collapse last night. >> exactly next, we have a lot to celebrate with these two, starting with the fact that clea is cancer free >> so happy for that >> i love that

♪ oh, two ladies we love, clea shearer, joanna teplin "the home edit" founders made that name tackling clutter and organizing other people's homes. including me and hoda. >> since then they have become stars in their own right of their own netflix show, created a magazine, written three books, launched a product. >> moguls! >> and now there is one thing they are adding to their list. they are now hosts of the best friend energy podcast. clea and joanna, hi! >> good morning, ladies. >> what a perfect venue for you guys i am sorry

y'all are so fun to sit with is your podcast like this? you two doing what you do? >> you got it. it's the kind of conversations only best friends can have and, you know, because we consider you guys in our inner circle. >> absolutely. >> and we bring on our friends we bring on friends that are prospective friends. >> no choice. >> we are friends? >> best friends already in your mind >> yes. >> okay. >> and we have a mutual goal every person who comes on the podcast if they are not our friend, they will leave as our friend. >> swapping texts and stuff? >> yeah. >> i love that. >> is it about friendship or is it about whatever anybody wants to talk about? >> it's conversations. candid conversations you can only have if you are friends it's about the energy that friends bring to everything. >> joanna, anything off limits >> not really. >> not really. >> if a guest has something off limits, we will stick to that. not for us. >> i am thinking about your cancer battle and there is something that i have always thought as a breast cancer

survivor, too, i am not sure if it's harder being the person who is fighting the cancer or the best friend of the person who is fighting the cancer. often i think it's the other role that is very difficult because you feel sort of helpless. >> you don't -- i mean, i don't want to speak for you, i often say it's my mom, my husband, it's joanna. these are the people who have had to go along this journey and i have like marching orders but they feel like they don't know what to do. >> we are so happy to see you. >> what do you think of seeing joanna like this >> could she look more beautiful? seriously. >> hair is coming in like my cockapoo >> it's amazing. i'm jealous of your hair >> it's curly in weird places. >> is she different than before? >> she has a new air about her in a way i think she is, like, i have this, i have got life attitude it's so inspiring. i am continually inspired by her every day. >> clea, you are cancer free. >> yes >> hooray for that

do you feel different? >> so i think that there is a weird -- hoda might have better insight on this. it's weird the second you are done you feel like you want a switch to flip and mentally, like you ring the bell, which is a great addition to anyone's cancer journey because there is a visceral, when you are done, you ring the bell, but then it's, like, you want to feel completely healed, mentally healed, and it's a longer road but i feel really good and i know that my mind is going to get there it's going to catch up. >> the amount of good you have done and the people you have helped i remember talking to you before you said the more people i help, the better you don't feel fatigue from the help >> not at all. >> sometimes that comes. >> for me it was never a choice to not talk about my journey and every single person i help, every single person i talk to, it makes me feel so purposeful i just, again, i think that

this -- this will be a hard time in my life, of course, but it's also like what is going to fill me with the most honor and joy. >> i was going to ask if you thought about like sometimes these things are gut checks and you slow down a little i know your plate is way full. it's overflowing and this is not that kind of call for you? >> no. you told me. a piece of advice hoda gave me, this is a sign to slow down. i looked her in the eye an i said, absolutely, hoda and then i didn't at all so sorry i slowed down a tiny bit but we are going, my family and i are going to hawaii to celebrate being cancer free. i will slow down for like seven days. >> that's good. >> does that count >> that does count >> right before the new year when everything kicks up again. >> you guys are -- i would say they are moguls. you are huge right now we feel like we -- maybe we didn't discover you, but we feel like we knew you when way back when you -- very first time they came on the "today" show and we are so happy for all of your

success. >> we grew up on the "today" show >> you have no choice but to be on our podcast. >> we want to be >> listen to best friend energy on all major podcast platforms. >> you have no choice but to organize our houses forever and forever. >> amen. >> we will be there always. coming up next, jill has a special holiday collection so we all have "today" show pride. now you can, too, and you can show it. ladies, you need this, okay?

♪ we're back with our friend jill martin brooks she has a very special "today" show themed holiday collection with her new company called shop the scene. scan the qr code and you can also text to shop 34318. jill, i'm a little scared. the minute we say this out loud, it's going to disappear. >> you know how jazzed i am.

i have been working at the "today" show for 13 years. it is my family. you know how proud i am. i started this company where we are making scripted tv shopable, all the number one shows i thought how can the "today" show not have a holiday collection? >> what are we doing >> limited edition pieces that you can buy. go right to today.com and let's start with the jean jacket >> okay. spin it. >> joy and june i have known for years. they have been our models since we started. >> turn around look what's happening here what's happening >> this is a very elevated, $79, a boxy fit just for reference i am in the medium because i like it a little bigger that's okay. don't worry. that happens what i love about the jean jacket is it's a nod on the front, very subtle look at that sparkle and then on the back it's like, hello! i am a "today" show sparkly fan. it's taking the logo and reinventing it

next item is just -- >> tees under? >> yes, we wake up every day and on the commercial we say wake up with "today" and you are in different moods. this is a really yummy - >> so good. >> prewash with extra softeners. to give you that lift and feel you can sleep in, wear it under a blazer chill today, grateful today, or happy today. so you get to pick. >> happy today. >> a nod to the classic logo. >> so cute oh, my god, the best sweats ever. >> these are comfy cozy. it's a cotton/poly fleece. i wanted you to wear the show pride but in a trendy way. so we have it in three colors. three generations of family here. >> for real? >> anna, dina, and emilie. they are mom, grandma, daughter. i love that. but they are all wearing it. we did it in the gray with the nod to the vintage feel. feel free to mix and match the navy also comes with matching sets and then the white with the color so we're --

>> so cute >> matching hat and -- >> what is going on with the tote >> the tote is like now eco friendly all of these available, extra extra small to extra large under $50 for each piece great gift. >> happy today. >> the pants are happy today you can mix and match. after working here 13 years, i am like go for it. happy today on the front and then spin to the back. >> oh, come on >> smiley face. >> come on. >> and then the matching tote. >> let's see the tote. >> stop. >> it's $20. >> is it sold out right now? >> i don't know. get busy >> what's going on here? >> the color and the hats. the rainbow goes with the outfit you should wear the matching - >> it will arrive at your doorstep in a "today" show box we collaborated and put the "today" show logo with this little edge. there is a bow on the top.

so, oh, look at you. >> i'm into it this is so cute. so you get -- so what comes in the box? >> whatever you order. there are smaller boxes for different sizes. i am so excited to bring this. >> jill, i'm totally into it did it sell out? shop this special holiday collection, scan the qr code head to today.com/shop we should mention that "today" and shop the scenes earn a commission on the purchases from this segment. carson daly, i love it >> thank you. >> looking good. chef, he is not messing around we have chargers, dolphins, big "sunday night football" game what is that >> we are doing pacific coast pork bites and some dolphin game day eggs, baby. >> that is on the way. >> that is on the way. first, this is "to

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quickly, a little "today's" plaza picks celebrating folks nice enough to hang us on the last day of the workweek savannah and hoda met inda celebrating her 60 meghan and her family visiting from oregon. dylan met the johnsons from north carolina they are celebrating an 18th birthday here in new york. thanks to those folks. if you are in the area, come visit us. now to today loves football. this morning joined by pit master erica she is an attorney, the creator of blue smoke blair on youtube a little busy entrepreneur helping us create the perfect menu for the dolphins/chargers let's start in los angeles chargers, what are we doing? >> let's get in. the first thing is pacific coast pork bites this is amazing. so the first thing you are going to do is get some pork belly if you don't have it, you can

use bacon. just cube it. >> where to you get pork belly >> from the butcher. >> is it readily out >> it's seasonal >> do you have to do a lot of trimming like a brisket? >> no. go right in. there will be a little bit of skin on there. just take that off but one of the beautiful things about this is you get to be creative get to do what you want. so the first thing we are going to do is cube a little bit up. no pressure over there. >> i got you. >> you got it. >> good enough >> perfect. >> a little bit bigger than dice >> yeah. the beautiful thing is it's going to retain its moisture that's something special you want because once you cook it you want to have that sponginess to it. >> what's your favor profile >> i am a pit master the first thing we do is put barbecue rub in there. whatever it is you like, do that that's going to give you a really good kind of smoky taste to it. and then because we are out there in california we are going

to use five spice. and this is really cool because it's going to give it a lot of exotic earthy sultry notes people won't know what it is but they will be like, wow, that tastes good. throw it in the oven or smoker whatever you want to do. just make sure you crisp it up and make sure it's caramelized that's why we are using the brown sugar. that's going to add that sweetness. so you are getting the full spectrum of the flavor profile in one bite. >> when i see the brown sugar i think is it going to burn? >> it won't. that's the cool thing it because they don't go in so long, you don't have to worry about it burning you are coating to is beautiful. put it on parchment paper. if you leave clumps in there, that's more flavor pockets. >> do you want to spread them out? >> spread them out you want the edges to have their own time in the sun. if you put them on the smoker, pick your wood. >> l.a., california. >> smoke in the sun.

perfect, guys. >> you've got to try it. >> how is it >> real good >> with the sauce. keep going, chef. >> after you take it out of the smoker or oven, they are crispy and then we are going to use a little teriyaki. put the teriyaki in there. >> its best bite of a rib 100 times. >> and your hands are clean. >> this is awesome. >> we are going to throw a little sesame in there right now. it's so good then take some scallions put them in from you just have to be ready for the game here you go. they are ready they are perfect. >> delicious. >> they are addicting. so people are in love. the next thing, we are coming to miami. we are going to be making dolphin game day eggs. get your eggs, put them in boiling water. one of the secrets for eggs, people get frustrated, after the water is boiling turn it down. you don't -- it will cook through the residual heat. >> is there a timeframe?

worms here >> you are opening up a can of worms here how to properly hard boil a egg. >> one i asked hoda. she is like do blah, blah, blah and all my dyed eggs were this color on the floor, yellow yolks. >> i go for nine minutes this is for people that don't have a griller or smoker if you put them in the oven, add liquid smoke. that will give you that earthy fire flavor. >> we have a minute. what's the secret? >> here is the secret. cut these open just like this. you see it's perfect now you are going to go, you are going to put it in there this is some mayo. blend this together. put whatever you want in there >> what's the dolphin sauce? >> it's amazing. it's just cilantro, mayo and lime. >> lime, that's what i love. >> guys, chargers, miami, i have to read the teleprompter head to today.com/food for these recipes and more and tune in

sunday to watch the dolphins taking on the l.a. chargers on nbc. chef, thank you so much. >> well done >> all right coming up on "hoda & jenna," hilarious -- >> delicious christmas. >> crazy. >> so good weighing in on your social dilemmas and holiday party makeup tips. on the "3rd hour," more football talalk. ststeve kornacacki is back at t bibig board afafter your local . good morning to you. it is 8:56. i'm kris sanchez. a man accused of a deadly street racing crash at the twin borrows is set to appear in court today for a hearing. the crash killed a couple and injured their two children.

police say 23-year-old kyle harrison and his 17-year-old son were racing together and got up to 80 miles an hour. that's when the juvenile lost control. it is not clear if that suspect will be tried as an adult, but officers say the parents and the officers say the parents and the adult. look what the cat dragged in.

trust meme. you u call that t cute? ooh!h! with the e paws? wiwith the hatat?

this morning on "3rd hour of today," brittney griner back on u.s. soil after 294 days in russian detention. we will talk with her former olympic coach who fought to keep griner's case in the spot liliechlt. plus, the growing firestorm after harry and meghan's royal reveal and what they didn't ay that has tabloids talking. she made it. unique jams for the perfect gift and decor at your doorstep. jill martin shares the stories of two female founded b business forr brur hol list. and th"t"the white