ro a last look at the forecast. cold and foggy. >> that does it for us on "today in the bay." have a great morning. see you back here at 7:25. >> have a great day. and a good monday morning to you. the holiday travel rush is here. off to a rough start. >> one jam-packed flight rocked by extreme turbulence while tens of millions brace for a powerful winter storm. it is december 19th. this is "today." breaking overnight, more than 30 passengers hurt after severe turbulence. a dozen hospitalized. >> my life flashed before my eyes. i was scared. >> we'll take you inside the mid-flight scare. bundle up. dangerously cold temperatures on the way for much of the country, just days before christmas, and

right behind them a massive winter storm set to slow travel from coast to coast. we'll have your full holiday week forecast. final report. the january 6th committee meeting for the last time today. expected to recommend criminal charges against former president donald trump. a live report from capitol hill just ahead. state of emergency. el paso, texas, taking drastic new measures to deal with a surge in border crossings. shelters there overwhelmeded. mimigrants nowow sleeping g on streets wiwith fears the end of key federal policy could make the situation even worse. we're live at the border. grand tour. an inside look at a new york city landmark's $11 billion underground expansion. >> certainly the temple of mass transit in the united states. we built a whole new railroad terminal underneath. >> we'll take you behind the scenes. those stories, plus "sunday night football" special.

>> got the ball out. scooped and scored! touchdown giants! >> the new york giants survive a late rally to defeat the commanders and boost their playoff chances, but the day's biggest drama unfolding at the world cup. >> messi scores! >> two of soccer's very best putting on a show with argentina finally winning in a dramatic shootout. >> scooorrrrre! argentina! >> the man behind that epic and emotional call, the great andres cantor joins us live as we celebrate what is being called the greatest final of all time. today monday, december 19, 2022. >> announcer: from nbc news, this is "today" with savannah

guthrie and hoda kotb, from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. well, welcome. good morning. so happy to see you. we are glad you are with us on a monday morning. savannah is off this morning. that match was epic. it was like one for the ages. >> hoda kotb, never seen anything like it. never seen anything like it. we got home from church. it was halftime. it was 2-0. we thought like everyone else. obviously, we know how it played out. andres cantor may have been the most excited person. >> we'll speak from him. he is from argentina. we have a lot to cover. we'll get to that in a second. we will begin with the holiday travel rush. it's underway. more than 113 million americans are expected to be on the move this week. >> it comes with extreme weather concerns and major winter storm ramping up the next few days along with a blast of frigid air that will send temperatures plummeting across much of the country. meantime, there was a major scare in the air overnight. a number of passengers were seriously hurt after a flight from phoenix to honolulu hit some severe turbulence. one of the people knocked

unconscious. we have got it all covered. we start with nbc's maggie vespa. good morning. >> reporter: good morning. very scary moments for everyone onboard. 36 people injured, 11 seriously. this as, as you said, as you can see, a potentially record-setting stretch of holiday travel with that backdrop of a threat of winter weather gets underway. >> everybody was panicked. there was panic. >> reporter: terrifying moments in the sky sunday after a hawaiian airlines flight headed from phoenix to honolulu hit severe turbulence, sending passengers and crew flying out of their seats causing significant but so far not life-threatening injuries. >> people were hitting their heads into the ceiling. i was grabbing the seat to hang on even though i had my seatbelt on. >> reporter: faa officials say

the airbus was carrying 278 passengers and 10 crew members. roughly 30 minutes before landing it hit an unstable and unexpected patch of air. passengers describing it as the most turbulent flight they'd ever taken. >> the plane shook and then it went into a sudden drop kind of like on a roller coaster. >> reporter: a mass casualty emergency sent dozen of firefighters and paramedics to the scene. the hospitalized patients, including a 14-month-old baby, suffered head injuries, cuts, bruises and nausea. the fasten seatbelt sign was on at the time of the incident and flying at 36,000 feet air pockets do happen but cases like this are rare. >> there was no warning of this particular patch of air at that altitude was in any way dangerous. caught everybody by surprise. >> reporter: the incident comes as nearly 113 million americans, or one-third of the entire u.s. population, will travel roughly an hour or more this week to celebrate the holidays with loved ones. a post-pandemic record.

over 7 million will fly. the vast majority of americans, over 100 million, hitting the roads. a travel rush in the midst of heavy winter weather with more on the way. and for those wondering, we talk about peak travel days. this holiday season there doesn't seem to be one. we asked around and different airlines tapped different days with delta naming december 22nd, 23rd and 27th as their anticipated peak travel day. united naming january 2nd as its likely peak day. so safe to say you are likely to see long lines and packed airports throughout the entire holiday stretch. hoda? >> we do a lot of live shots at 7:06 and they never look like the one behind you. it is definitely a packed house. thank you. our first look at your travel week forecast. that storm that we mentioned threatening to bring snow, rain, high winds to tens of millions. somara theodore from "weekend today" and wrc in washington in

for al this morning. >> the weather story, we are starting off with the frigid air. tomorrow morning in kansas city 19 degrees. billings 28 degrees below 0 on thursday. and it doesn't just stop there. this cold air surges to the east coast friday morning. if you are planning on doing last-minute shopping, bundle up. temperatures in dallas 10 degrees. let's talk about this storm system. it starts in the upper midwest. we get the snow moving in, through the rockies. this is wednesday night. keep that in mind. and then it digs deep south. we are talking a wintry mix as far south as memphis, tennessee by 7:00 p.m. on thursday. as far as the east coast, 7:00 p.m. on thursday it's starting as rain. look what happens into friday. the back end of this system we could see that snow make its way up the i-95 corridor into the northeast. we are looking at some major

travel impacts on thursday and friday. folks are traveling on the east coast on thursday and friday, i would recommend hitting the road wednesday, thursday morning. >> thank you. turning to the january 6th committee meeting publicly for the final time today, following an 18-month investigation nbc news learned the panel plans to recommend criminal prosecution of former president trump on several counts related to the attack on the capitol. nbc's senior capitol hill correspondent garrett haake with the latest. good morning. >> reporter: good morning. yeah, nearly two years after the attack on the capitol itself today will be the committee's final public opportunity to make their case about who they believe should be held responsible. the committee intends to tell the country and the department of justice that it is donald trump who they believe should be held accountable and they believe he should be criminally charged. the first ever such referral for a former president. the january 6th committee will vote today to recommend federal

criminal charges against former president donald trump for his role in inciting the attack on the capitol. the committee will make a final public presentation this afternoon where they will vote to adopt the report they spent 18 months compiling and announce referrals to the justice department for crimes including obstruction of an official proceeding, conspiracy to defraud the united states and inciting an insurrection. >> this is someone who tried to interfere with a joint session even inciting a mob to attack the capitol. if that's not criminal then i don't know what is. >> reporter: committee members huddling over the weekend to finalize their plans, including referring members of congress who defied subpoenas to the house ethics committee. >> we have been very, very careful in crafting these recommendations and tethering them to the facts that we've uncovered. >> reporter: the referrals to the department of justice where special counsel jack smith

oversees an ongoing investigation into mr. trump's conduct around the attack on the capitol will carry no legal weight but historical significance as the conclusion of the committee's work. since the formation a year and a half ago the committee of seven democrats and two republicans conducted more than 1,200 interviews, sifted through hundreds of thousands of the documents and issued more than 100 subpoenas, including one to the former president, who did not respond. the committee has long argued mr. trump's attempts to overturn the election results -- >> we fight like hell and if you don't fight like hell you're not going to have a country any more. >> reporter: -- and his directing of a mob of supporters at the capitol hill on january 6th amounted to an attempted coup. mr. trump on social media sunday attacking the committee as quote corrupt cowards who hate our country. >> garrett, trump's already well on the way with his race for 2024. any word on how this may impact his candidacy? >> reporter: it could have a major impact.

we expect to hear from the former president about these referrals later today. that's not all. a different house committee is set vote later this week to perhaps release donald trump's tax returns to the public. then this committee releases the full report on wednesday. it amounts to a blizzard of bad news for a campaign that has not yet held a public event since the announcement more than a month ago and seeing support slip among republicans in public polling. hoda? >> thank you. of course, nbc news will bring you special live coverage of today's hearing starting at 1:00 eastern on many of these stations and will be streaming on nbc news now. we turn now to the crisis at the southern border. with an ongoing surge in crossings and migrants sleeping on the streets amid freezing temperatures the mayor of el paso, texas, has declared a state of emergency there, and it comes as days before a federal order used to expel migrants during the pandemic is set to expire. guad venegas is across from el paso. good morning to you.

what's the scene like there? >> reporter: craig, good morning. this latest surge began last week when a large group of migrants arrived on buses, to more than 1,000. more arrived and were processed into the united states as you mentioned. we now know that local authorities in el paso are overwhelmed and they can't handle it any more. this morning major concerns over the new surge of illegal crossing at the u.s./mexico border days before the lifting of title 4 42. >> if the e courts donon't intee and put a a halt to the removalf title 42, it will bebe total chaos. >> repeporter: thehe covid erar public health policy, title 42, allows the federal government to quickly expel migrants and deny asylum at the ports of entry set to expire wednesday. friday a federal court blocking an effort by gop officials in 19 states to keep the policy in place. republicans expected to bring

the case to the supreme court. in el paso, texas, shelters are overwhelmed leaving migrants sleeping in the streets. >> we see a lot of families out here. we see that it's, the temperature is cold, and i guess it gets to the point they could become desperate. >> they spent the night here. he says it was really cold last night. and they are getting free food, water. >> reporter: overnight the city's international airport serving as a campsite for many. the governor declaring a state of emergency over the weekend. >> we know the influx on wednesday will be huge. >> reporter: senator joe manchin urging president biden to extend title 42 by executive order unless congress passes emergency legislation. >> we need an extension until we get a viable answer. this is unattainable. this is wrong. >> reporter: local juarez police officers told me it is so cold right now, about 31 degrees, a lot of migrants waiting to

line up and cross into the united states were forced to leave the area to escape the temperatures. we know that they plan to return and cross to the u.s. how many thousands more remain in mexico making the way to the border? craig? >> guad venegas in mexico. thank you. we got a lot more to get to, including this thrilling end to the world cup. many calling it the greatest final ever.er so argentina and superstar lionel messi emerging victorious overcoming a dramatic comeback by france. they needed extra time and the shootout this morning the party is still going strong in argentina. nbc's meagan fitzgerald was there in doha for us what a match, meghan >> reporter: hoda, i know. good morning to you. this has got to be the best game we have ever seen. argentina and lionel messi getting what they came to doha for, a world cup title, and the only thing missing from messi's

storied career. >> messi, alvarez -- >> reporter: it's called the greatest world cup final in history. argentina clinching the cup for the first time in 36 years after the team dominated the first half with two goals. the first a penalty kick by superstar lionel messi france seemingly out of the match until the second half. >> mbappe scores. >> reporter: their star player kylian mbappe keeping the dream alive with back-to-back goals. argentina answering back with a third goal in extra time but mbappe carrying the french on his shoulders with a hat-trick. >> yes >> reporter: it was enough to send the game to penalty kicks >> rolls it in saved! yes! >> reporter: in the end,

argentina pulling it off an emotional victory called by iconic announcer andres cantor >> score argentina! >> reporter: argentinian fans erupting with joy, filling the streets from buenos aries to the u.s. and here in doha. >> how are you feeling about this win [ cheers ] >> all our dreams come true. we can't believe it. >> i cried happy tears, sad tears, and then happy tears again. >> this is absolutely a win for messi because he is the g.o.a.t. >> reporter: messi, one the greatest to ever play the game, says it's his last cup his coach saying they will save a spot for him in 2026 just in case whatever happens, this was a win for the ages and a fairy tale ending for the great lionel

messi. now, the fans here in doha painted the city blue and white for argentina. there was a victory parade leaving the stadium last night ahead of argentina's flight back to argentina you can only imagine the excitement they are going to see when they step foot in argentina. back to you. >> there will be mobs waiting. that was great great reporting, too we will focus on that amazing call, that winning goal by telemundo's andres cantor. he is a native of buenos aires he could not hold back his emotions he declared argentina is the world champion take a look. >> score argentina! argentina! >> i challenged him not to cry

during that. we are so delighted. we have andres cantor with us now. that moment, the final goals were amazing watching you call it was the cherry on top. would you take us into what that was like for you >> thank you thank you all. thank you for having me again on your show. it was a roller coaster of emotion. it was the most dominant final in world cup history for 75 minutes and then argentina had two fantastic minutes. france had the two most brilliant minutes in world cup history and tied the match without merit. but this is soccer at the end. then argentina up 3-2 in overtime and france ties it up again and then they go into penalty kicks. it was just up and down, up and down anything could have happened i was just trying to be, you know, calm, cool and collected, but i was overwhelmed by emotions when the last pk

because, you know, me saying argentina champion of the world was 36 1/2 years in the waiting. >> 1986. andres, it was so cool seeing messi get that last jewel in his crown, as well what was also cool, your son was at that match with you your son on instagram posted "i cried three times today, once in the final whistle, when messi caressed and kissed the trophy and finally when i got to find my dad." there is the video of you and our son embracing. what is this like for the argentinian people >> well, my son was born in miami. he is a u.s. fan he works in the business he was pitchside working for my radio company football company and couldn't find me because i was in telemundo's presentation studio he told me before coming to

qatar that you have seen argentina win two times and i have seen them lose every time since 2006 i want to see them win this time i said, son, this might be it. so he came -- he came looking for me it was just a father and son moment and i get emotional. sorry about it >> oh, by the way, that's a beautiful moment to see you with your son, to see lionel messi with his children, to see the players. the most beautiful display of emotion we have seen andres, you're amazing thank you for sharing that with us today we are happy to see you. congratulations. >> thank you >> you know, here is the thing the world cup in general, there were so many epic matches, so many great story lines mbappe will be back. >> of course. >> moroccan team team usa >> i love watching the argentinian men openly crying. it was the most beautiful thing in the world

holding their sons, like this is what a man is right here, right now. i thought it was beautiful. >> and that is why we love sports we also love weather, as well. >> yeah, i love the weather today. in fact, it's still a good day to get the tree if you are anything like me there is time. the weather is not bad on the west coast sunny and cool southeast lots of sunshine up and down the i-95 corridor heavy rain in the gulf coast that's a look at the weather across thehe country we will get to your local forecast in the next 30 seconds. good monday morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall am

we take a live look outside in san francisco. it is a spare the air alert day where we have to limit time outside especially for sensitive groups that will have unhealthy air quality today in the north bay as well as santa clara valley, really all around the bay area, as our temperatures start out in the mid-30s and low 40s as you get ready to step out the door. we're dealing with dense fog. watch out for >> that's a look at the weather in your neighborhood back to you both i think i need to find a tree. i hope it's not too late. >>s if it is not too late. happy you are in the studio with us still ahead, mounting frustration for families of the four idaho college students mysteriously murdered six weeks ago. a lawyer questioning the investigation, saying it could be time for a change we will have the very latest. also the steps being taken by retailers to make it easier to return those unwanted holiday gifts. vicky nguyen says they can come

with hidden costs. everything you need to know.

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1717th centuryry sisters bubut here homome is alsoo whwhere the lalaughter iss and whatatever this s thing . i'm not an e evil cat, i'm not anan evil cat.t. here is whwhere you'll find alall of it. i'm not an e evil cat, i'm not anan evil cat.t. soso here it g goes. because ifif it feels s like e you mumust be watctching. because ifif it feels s like e good morning to you on this monday. it is 7:26. i'm marcus washington. here is today's top stories including east bay health leaders organizing a meeting over a recent incident at one refinery. >> reporter: i'm bob redell in martinez. tonight there will be a virtual town hall to address two recent troubling incidents at the martinez refinery in martinez, one of those took place thanksgiving eve when the refunry accidentally released 20 tons of spent catalyst that left cars covered in ash.

it experienced a larger than usual flaring event. the county is now investigating both incidents. >> reporter: i'm ginger conejero saab. there are six days until christmas and shoppers are out in full force. law enforcement continues their efforts to make shoppers and visitors feel safe. sharing some tips to keep them feeling safe this holiday season. this comes after bigger crowds at union square gather for the different holiday festivities including the menorah lighting at union square. this morning we've been watching out for dense fog in parts of the north bay and into the east bay. so in those areas that are foggy now you may not see much sunshine, and those temperatures stay cool but we will be on the warming trend as we go throughout the week. winter officially begins on

wednesday, and after that we may see a slight chance of showers. christmas is looking really nice, upper 60s with sunshine. marcus? we'll have another local news update in 30 minutes.

this is last night's lighting ceremony for the national menorah in washington, d.c. marking the first day, first night of hanukkah. we want to say happy hanukkah to everybody celebrating, including our very yosef. he came dressed for the moment. we have a beautiful shot. a t-shirt that looks like a suit. you are decked out. happy hanukkah. >> sometimes we wear the gifts that our mother gives us. well done. meanwhile, with savannah off, sheinelle jones, good

morning. our 7:30 headlines. after less than two months on the job, twitter's ceo elon musk may be calling it quits. he posted a poll on twitter yesterday asking users if he should step down as head of the company. 17 million people weighed in. more than 57% of respondents said yes. musk claimed he would abide by the results of the poll but it's unclear whether or not he will do that. to the nfl playoffs now. playoff spots on the line as the new york giants and washington commanders clash on "sunday night football." >> from the ten, second and 18. thibodaux bot there. got the ball out. scooped it and scored! touchdown giants! >> there you go, kayvon thibodeaux with the sack, fumble recovery and touchdown. the giants win 20-12. new york, according to the computer models, has an 87%

chance -- how do you feel about that, hoda? to make the playoffs with three regular season games to go. >> how about the commanders, do they have a chance? >> they have a chance. it became harder last night for sure. we are moving on to the search for answers six weeks after this shocking and still unsolved quadruple murder in idaho. >> their families are left wondering why there are still so few clues in the case. steve patterson joins us with the very latest. good morning. >> reporter: good morning to you. we spoke with the lawyer for one of the victims' families. they are far from satisfied with the job authorities are doing on this case. the family of kaylee goncalves met with lead investigators one week ago to voice their concerns. now their attorney is calling for a possible change in leadership. as the hunt for a killer stretches into the sixth week, frustration with the effort is only mounting for at least one

of the victim's families. >> i am not sure they are capable of handling a quadruple murder. >> reporter: a lawyer for the family of kaylee goncalves one of the four students killed in this home near the university of idaho campus questioning how police managed the investigation. >> if they >> if they are in over their heads, then acknowledge that and turn the investigation over to someone who more versed in handling types of matters. >> reporter: saying while the family supports law enforcement, the moscow police have done a poor job of communicating with the grieving goncalves family. a spokesperson for the moscow police department says they are dedicated to supporting and communicating with the families. victims. with the holidays approaching, police insisting they won't stop searching for clues in the murder of kaylee goncalves, madison mogen, ethan chapin and xana kernodle. >> we will continue to keep up this pace. >> reporter: kaylee goncalves's mother christie speaking to "today" last week urging investigation not to give up. >> don't let these kids just be

an unsolved murder you can't hardly breathe knowing that this person is out there. >> reporter: one lead investigators are pursue, a white hyundai elantra that was in the area of the home around the time of the murders. campus is largely emptied for winter break some who remain are haunted by the murders. corinne lived across the street from the victims and remembers the day everything changed >> once that happened, it just kind of became a ghost town. everybody is also really frustrated and mad there is no leads. >> reporter: the family's lawyer with a message for the stricken city of moscow. >> keep at it. the community i believe will be the ones that solve this case. >> we hope so. steve, as we head into the holidays now, what does this investigation look like this moscow >> police say the investigative down no matter what the campus population looks like. with what authorities describe as now a massive amount of

digital content to review and teams across the country digging through that meanwhile, the school says they will boost security when the students return from break back inin january. >> steve, thank you. all right. coming up,p, guys, a r rather surprising secret behind some of the new york giants success this season inside the game with the team with what's keeping them well fed. first, vicky nguyen with a can't-miss guide to the holiday returns. >> good morning. the times, they are a changing all that shopping means a lot of returns. some retailers are cracking down making it a little tougher, more costly to take back the unwanted items while others want to make it as easy as possible the in and outs on this coming up next t right herere on "toda" ♪ hehere we gogo, y'all.l. we're e going icice skatini. yoyou got itit chuck,, comeme on, comome on. ♪ c cheerful l holiday y mus♪ who's gogoing to b be first? okay.. [oveverlappingng chatterer and d laughingng] ♪ [l[laughing]g]

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lilike family.y. ♪ ♪ we're back 7:39 "today's smart shopper." >> the holiday shopping season got underway earlier than ever this year, and more buying can mean a lot more returns. >> nbc's vicky nguyen with everything you need to know. >> i'm grooving to the beat. i like it. all right. so we know that online shopping has changed the way we buy it's also changed the way we take back our purchases. nearly two-thirds of shoppers are more likely to buy from an online store that offers free returns, but those take-backs cost big bucks for retailers, especially when you factor in shipping, packaging, restocking fees and warehouse space this morning we will show you how you can save time and money dealing with unwanted items.

>> reporter: as long as we have been giving gifts, we have been returning them, too. the retail return merry-go-round at a fever pitch thanks to the ease of pointing, clicking and buying >> one thing i am passionate about, a good deal. >> reporter: last year consumers returned $158 billion of merchandise purchased just during the holidays. >> all these retailers are trying to find shortcuts, things to keep their costs down so that new costs are not passed to consumers. >> reporter: michael garfield specializes in technology and consumer lifestyles. he says retailers want to make it easy for you to buy and return so you'll come back. >> they have to make it hassle free loyalty turns into repeat business. >> reporter: but some retailers are trying to curb those costs and may charge a return fee for items sent back. it can get tricky. read the fine print.

the good news this year, you have more options than ever to send back any unwanted items for example, happy returns, owned by paypal, has more than 5,000 locations to do a return and they are partnering with 200 retailers, including all birds i got these in the wrong size. i will walk you through how the return works first request a return with your order number all right. here we go drop off at a happy returns location i will click this. a search tool helps you find a return bar near you. there it is. so i have my qr code it's been emailed to me. that's all i need when i show up at the store to return the shoes. so far the most difficult thing, new york city traffic. so this is ulta. they don't sell shoes but they will take my return because they are a happy returns partner. let's see how it works i have the qr code right here. perfect. thank you. she scans my phone, checks the shoes and bags them up >> for your receipt. it's in your email. >> reporter: the whole thing took two minutes wow. it confirmed i got the return and i also actually got a $3.50 off coupon for a $15 purchase at ulta.

>> shoppers want friction-free and free returns >> reporter: the vice president of happy returns by paypal and says avoiding boxes and printing labels is a gift to the environment. >> as you see, those are happy returns reusable shipping totes. not only are we reducing the amount of shipments we are eliminating cardboard. >> reporter: what does it look like >> almost 80% of shoppers report that they are less likely to shop again from that retailer if they have a bad return experience. >> reporter: the largest retailer, amazon, make returns easy with amazon returns, no packaging or label required. you just need the code sent to your phone just choose whole foods and amazon locker or a u.p.s. store to drop off your return. >> you can get your refund back as soon as it's dropped off. it's seamless, simple and convenient. >> reporter: walmart plus members can request at-home pickup walmart has expanded the se service. they come to you to grab the

return no matter who the retailer is, when it comes to returns, always keep your receipts, save your packaging until you are sure it's a keeper and avoid impulse buying. >> find retailers that make it easy and do your homework before you check out. >> return -- got it. dots are connected this is tough. try to avoid buying with the intent of returning. there is a term for when people buy several colors and sizes just to try them on at home, bracketing it's very easy and tempting to do with online shopping. resist the urge. the cost of those free returns comes back to all of us as consumers. the retailers build it into the cost of the item that they are going to sell. >> a lot of people -- and you have something for tomorrow already which is say good-bye to physical gifts >> you don't have to return this because it's an experience it's not a thing we will take you on a great travel experience, including one to amish country milk a cow. >> that's awesome. >> all right thanks. let's get another check of the weather at 7:43 from somara who is joining us.

>> you know, there is cold and then there is dangerous cold 8 million of our friends are waking up to wind alerts we could be looking at feels-like temperatures as low as 60 below zero in the rockies. upper midwest. rapid city, casper, denver, up into billings, make sure you are bundling up through your friday. that's a look at the weather across the count good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall as we get a look at what's going on now. a lot of clouds across the bay area. we're also starting out with a spare the air alert. no wood burning today. it will be unhealthy for sensitive groups especially in the north bay as well as santa clara county as the fog lingers. as far as temperatures today reaching into the mid-50s but we are on track for a warm-up this week. showers coming midwe your neighborhood. sheinelle, craig, hoda.

>> thank you, somara. still ahead, a "today" exclusive from the new york landmark tom costello is getting a sneak peek at the new grand central terminal hey, tom >> reporter: guys, good morning. i have got something so cool to show you you don't have to be a new yorker to recognize this iconic location it's been in every movie and television show for 100 years. but 100 feet underground they are dynamiting out a whole new termininal it is s super coolol wewe will takeke you insidide af that w when we comome back ththat's why i i swswitched to o dovat. dovato is s for some a adultso are stararting hiv-1 treatatt oror replacingng their cururt hiv-1 reregimen. dovato is s for some a adultso are stararting hiv-1 treatatt detetect this: no other c complete hiv v pill ususes fewer m medicins to h help keep y you undetetectable than d dovato. ususes fewer m medicins to h help keep y you detetect this: ususes fewer m medicins to h help keep y you mostst hiv pillsls contain ususes fewer m medicins to h help keep y you 3 or 4 m medicines.. dovavato is as effefective withth ju. 3 or 4 m medicines..

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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. a poll on twitter by elon musk asking if he should step down has ended and a majority of people said yes. it's easy to vote more than once and it's an unusual way to run a company, but musk has honored the results of his on polls in the past. the voice of the people is the voice of god, he has said. so if that's the case, elon musk will step down as ceo of twitter. he'll still own it, a company he said he wanted, then fought in courts for months not to buy is costing him a fortune. it's a cold and foggy start

in san rafael at 101 where we are seeing that fog moving around. visibility low in some spots and driving in and out of that as you make your way to work this morning in the north bay, the delta as well as the tri-valley. as we go into today there will be some clearing in spots. temperatures reaching into the mid-50s and winter begins on wednesday. of course after that is when temperatures will be warming up. on christmas day we're looking at highs in the upper 60s and a mix of sun and clouds. san francisco watching out for a chance of late-week showers. other than that it will be warming up. marcus? thank you. we'll have another local news we'll have another local news update coming up in 30 - [narrator] every day, our lives are filled with choices,

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♪ it's 8:00 on "today. coming up, severe turbulence. >> everybody was panicked. there was panic. >> dozens hurt onboard a flight to hawaii. passengers and crew thrown from their seat amid the chaos. the incident taking place as the busy travel week gets underway we are live with the latest. plus, holiday cruise tom cruise's special message to fans thousands of feet above the ground the unique way he sent seasons greetings just ahead.

and today for the holidays we are taking a look back through our scrapbooks to show off some of our favorite family photos. >> my favorite holiday photo is my tiny little children looking at the big beautiful rockefeller center christmas tree. >> we share the stories behind these memorable moments and why certain traditions still mean so much. >> you see so much behind the photo, the joy and happiness. >> today monday, december 19th, 2022 ♪ >> from winter park, florida. >> celebrating my 10th birthday. >> it's our first time in new york >> from san antonio, texas, today is my 18th birthday. >> from texas to celebrate my retirement >> three generations. >> on the plaza. >> from madison, wisconsin >> from atlanta, georgia today is our 30th anniversary.

woo! >> oh, welcome back, guys. welcome to "today. it's a monday morning. savannah is enjoying some time off. our crowd is raucous that last couple that you just saw there, first in line they were like we have been waiting out here, we wanted to make sure we got on. happy to see their smiling faces. >> happy anniversary. we'll get right to our news at 8:00. we begin with terrifying moments for passengers on a hawaiian airlines flight bound for honolulu dozens of passengers hurt after the plane hit severe turbulence. nbc's maggie vespa is in chicago with the latest. good morning >> reporter: good morning. as you said, very scary moments for everyone onboard of that phoenix to honolulu flight yesterday. 36 people injured. 11 of them seriously thankfully, none of those injuries were life-threatening the airline at this point saying they believe the plane hit at 36,000 feet an unexpected and clearly unstable pocket of air which at that height and altitude they say does happen

but it is rare passengers telling us this was the most turbulent flight of their lives. a woman telling us her life flashed before her eyes onboard that plane and all of this happened, the holiday travel rush is clearly off and running. aaa estimates the next couple of weeks 113 million americans will travel an hour or more to be with loved ones for the holiday. if that number comes to fruition it would be a post-pandemic record and given the insanity at o'hare this morning, it wouldn't be surprising back to you. >> maggie vespa, thanks. now to the arrest of an acclaimed international actress detained in iran for speaking out against the government nbc's chief international correspondent keir simmons in london with the details on this. good morning. >> reporter: good morning to you. taraneh alidoosti really is a huge deal in iran and around the world. the fact that she is another

woman arrested demonstrates how much pressure iran's hard-line leaders are truly under. she is the star of the oscar-winning foreign film "the salesman" about a woman attacked in her home. in may, taraneh alidoosti, one of iran's most famous actresses, attended the cannes film festival this morning she is thought to be in an iranian prison for supporting protests sweeping the country. those protests led by women for months have led to nearly 500 deaths and over 18,000 jailed. alidoosti posted a picture of herself without a hijab holding a slogan woman, life, freedom. and this month as iran began executing people from the demonstrations, the first to be hanged, mohsen shekari, wrote on instagram, every international organization who is watching this bloodshed and not taking action is a disgrace to humanity

iranian state media said she was arrested a week later on charges of spreading falsehoods about the protests the protests erupted in september after the death of 22-year-old mahsa amini. she had been arrested over an alleged violation of iran's strict dress code. now the protests have turned into a massive uprising against iran's islamic leadership despite a crackdown that's brutal and this morning one of the country's most celebrated actresses detained as iran's women refuse to give up. an update on that star iranian soccer player facing a possible death sentence there is another charge now. being a member of an armed group that killed security forces. i have to tell you, they are carrying out these death sentences, hangings, in public that's why people are using the word barbarity and why so many are so inspired by these protesters, many women, who are more determined than ever.

craig? >> chief international correspondent, keir simmons, thank you. all right. we have covered the news how about a boost? >> we could use one. this is cute watch what happens when a toddler sees clearly for the very first time after getting a new pair of glasses. >> look at mommy look at mommy. whoa [ laughter ] >> ooh >> can you see wow! >> look at me. >> wow so, in the beginning, this little child wanted nothing to do with the glasses. when she got a look at her mom and siblings, she was all in imagine seeing the world for the very first time like that. beautiful. >> that's a good one. still ahead, we are taking you to one of new york's most recognizable spots, grand central, our exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the groundbreaking new station that is being created far below it. plus, holiday memories old

and new. we're going to share some of our favorite photos from seasons past and the sweet stories behind thehem coming u up after this full platete. wawait, are yoyou my blindnd ? full platete. dancncing crew. . trip for t . nail thehe final intnterv. dancncing crew. . trip for t . bubuy or leasese? masterpiecece. inside j joke. artitichoke. inside j joke. game witith doug. inside j joke. branand new mug.g. come h here, kid.. gimmmme a hug. come h here, kid.. have y you gotten n your updad covid-19 b booster? come h here, kid.. ththey're desisigned toto help prototect against t recent omicroron variantsts. schedulele yours at vaccinenes.gov. against t recent omicroron variantsts. ♪♪ st. . jude has h helped incrce the overalall childhooood cr survrvival ratee fromom 20% to 8080%. for kidsds like diononisi, that's's a game chchanger. fromom 20% to 8080%. giveve thanks fofor the healalts in y your life fromom 20% to 8080%. and give a a gift thatat could d last a lififetime. fromom 20% to 8080%. at kohl's,s, the moree the memerrier... and give a a gift thatat could d last a lififetime. likeke more of t their favorite s styles... from t the brands s at the top of t their list.t... which meanans more great giftfts... and momore amazingng savivings...

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we are back. 8:10 the "today" exclusive, a behind-the-scenes look at the brand-new grand central terminal in new york. >> america's best known railway terminal and a must see for tourists who visit the area. officials are announcing a massive new underground station will open in a few weeks. >> tom costello got an exclusive tour tom, a lot of folks, even right here in manhattan, didn't know this would ever happen. >> reporter: didn't know it was happening because it was out of sight, out of mind, 100 feet

underground. now this brand-new grand central terminal is set to open in a few weeks. you don't have to be a new yorker to see how cool this is really going to be it is among the world's most visited tourist sites. 750,000 visitors a day opened in 1913, that four-faced opal clock makes grand central instantly recognizable now this iconic 20th century american landmark is jumping into the 21st century. >> certainly the temple in the united states, and we built a whole new railroad terminal underneath >> reporter: for 15 years crews have been dynamiting and boring under the existing grand central with a staggering price tag of $11 billion, it's the biggest expansion since 1910. >> in new york, transit is like air and water. it's the only way we can survive. >> reporter: mta ceo and chairman gauff us an exclusive

behind-the-scenes tour marble walls, mosaic artwork, more retail space, and new york-themed quotes from the likes of jerry seinfeld, jay-z and alicia keys. we are going deeper underground. >> yeah. this is all about getting into the bedrock. remember we did eight miles of tunnel boring just to create this thing. >> reporter: to understand why, this is a big deal for new yorkers, look at the map until now commuters on the railroad from long island have had to travel all the way to penn station on the west side of manhattan. then backtrack to work on the east side. now they will be getting off at grand central madison on the east side, cutting travel times by up to 40 minutes, and doubling capacity on the long island railroad. what a difference 100 years makes. the new grand central madison eight blocks long, 13 miles of new tunnels, 40 miles of new track and the biggest mass transit project in america ceo lieber took us 150 feet

below ground to see the dynamite fractures in the bedrock from the early 1900s. that is what grand central and manhattan were built on. >> constantly building on what we inherited from our forebearers. constantly using it. it was great construction. these people knew what they were doing. >> reporter: here you are 110 years later? >> and we are going to use it all. >> reporter: we were on one of the first test train rides through the tunnels with a new control monitoring every train. >> the dispatchers are monitoring the train movements. >> reporter: construction workers worked around the clock as covid devastated the city now the last-minute fixes. new york governor kathy hochul. >> we were hit so hard during the pandemic to have this new terminal open, the first major one in 67 years, this says that new york is exceptional. >> reporter: not just a facelift a new grand central for the next 100 years and beyond

all right. so if you travel through new york, you know that penn station has really been operating at max capacity in fact, three times the passenger volume that it was designed for so this new grand central underneath my feet will take the pressure off penn station and they are already in the middle of a major renovation and update at penn station, as well the new grand central coming in just a few weeks, guys back to you. >> that's great. >> to tom's point, i don't think most folks had any idea that was going on. >> we have been to grand central many times over the last ten years. >> that's huge, tom. >> thank you. >> that looks cool. >> real cool. let us go outside once again. we will check on somara in for al she is not outside she is at the big board. >> it's too cold don't send me out too early. let's take a look. good morning, kansas how is everyone. rain, a little bit of wintry mix. in texas, some heavy rain, as well but the big story this storm that could impact travel for

thursday and friday. it starts off in the upper midwest but they are getting started early with snow and some arctic cold. we have lots of sunshine on the west coast and plenty of sunshine on the east coast that's a look at the weather across the country. >> good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. we are seeing very dense fog in parts of the north bay and santa rosa to four-mile visibility and in the delta and parts of the east bay. watch out for that as we are going into the afternoon. some spots will be clearing out and head for the mid-50s. tomorrow we should see a lot more sunshine and also have some warmer mornings, not expecting much in the way of freezing >> and that's the weather in your neighborhood. back to you. >> thank you they say a picture is worth a thousand words and that couldn't ring more true than the holiday season. >> we take a ton of pictures to capture cherished family

memories this year we thought why not create a "today" holiday scrapbook? in our eyes, we think this is picture perfect. ♪ ♪ >> one the greatest things about becoming a mom is that i get to create my own new holiday traditions i chose this photo because this is one of the new traditions that we created which is matching holiday pajamas that photo is the very first year we had charlie and he was only two weeks old i like it because that's our family our family is complete that's our family of four. every year we have kept up with that tradition i love seeing how the kids have grown. we haven't grown, but they have. >> my favorite holiday photo is my tiny little children looking at the big beautiful rockefeller

center christmas tree. and i think it reminds me that the world is full of wonder. the things you walk by every single day and sometimes don't even notice, when you look at them through your kids' eyes you say, my gosh there is something that gives me chills and watching them look up at that tree, to them it looks like it goes all the way to the moon. how high is it, mom? it goes all the way. it goes all the way. >> i picked this one because it was from last year and every year the kids get a little older. my wife started this tradition of buying matching pajamas and taking the family picture right before we open our gifts in the morning. it has become a hallmark of christmas morning. so matching pajamas and daddy doing the selfie from the floor by the christmas tree. >> my favorite holiday photo is one of me in i think i am 13

years old, 1986. my sister sitting next to me on the couch. i open up a moose slipper, inside is a non-alcoholic beer i used to be so excited. ♪ >> i would describe my photo in one word as magical. >> i would describe that photo as joyous. a new mom, i had just given birth. you see so much behind the photo. you see the joy and happiness. you see the exhaustion and the excitement >> the picture you see, that's the fruit of a lot of labor. that's probably take 16 or 17. but it's also joyous >> i can describe that holiday photo in one word, elated. you see in my expression how it genuinely joyous and happy i was at that time my father passed when i was 5. so my mom remarried to this

great new man who i have accepted as not just my stepdad but my dad this picture sort of captures all of that happiness. >> i think christmas is all about celebrating and wrapping your arms around the people you love, whether it's your family or friends that become like family. >> about the people who jumped into your life and feel exactly like family and that's the way i feel about my "today" family ♪ >> hey, guys, let's take a "today" holiday family photo ♪ >> happy holidays! >> happy holidays. >> aw! >> merry christmas, happy holidays by the way, here it is here is our "today" family photo. this card, by the way, is going

to the one, the only, the one who is not in these pictures but should be in the center, al roker. we got have got our card we will put it in the mail for al he holds us together. >> why isn't it addressed on the envelope >> oh, yeah. we will write it on there. all right. we got to get to work. >> carson? >> let's start with the latest tom cruise, the action star thanking fans for going to the theaters to support "top gun: maverick." his message comes straight from the set of his next movi "mission: impossible." you will never believe where he sent the message from. >> are you coming? >> not on your life. good luck. >> okay. we'll see you down there whoa where was i? oh, yeah, thank you for supporting "top gun: maverick. i got to get back to work. we got to get this shot. you have a very safe and happy holiday.

>> my gosh. >> wow >> oh, my word. >> is that one of those deepfakes? >> i don't even care it's like magic. cool. next up, "e.t." has been 40 years since steven speilberg brought this guy down to earth >> e.t. phone home >> e.t. phone home >> well, now e.t. phoning a new home, the mechanical e.t. sold at a weekend auction for $2.5 million it was a part of julian's auctions, the hollywood sale considered an engineering masterpiece of its time, it stands 43 inches tall, the life-like movement and appearance known for helping create that connection and bond with the actors on the set of the movie. drew barrymore said she would talk to e.t. and bring it lunch.

>> so sweet. "saturday night live" is saying good-bye to another long-time cast member. after 11 seasons cecily strong is making her exit during this weekend's holiday show she gave a last performance of her wacky weekend update a touching send-off with "blue christmas" with a little help from austin butler ♪ have a blue christmas without you ♪ ♪ we'll be so blue just thinkin about you ♪ >> she was great. >> even though there may not have been a dry eye in the house for that number, no shortage of christmas cheer. chloe fineman brought out one of her best celebrity impressions for this holiday sketch. >> i'm jennifer coolidge

i love christmas oh, look at this a big sock full of gifts you know, the ultimate stocking stuffer is a foot. [ laughter ] >> are you watching "white lotus" >> oh, yeah. >> oh, yeah. nails that >> nails that. "snl" is going to be returning with the rest of their season 48 in the new year. next up, "book club the next chapter," a sequel on the way for the beloved 2018 movie we have an exclusive sneak peek. led by candice bergen, jane fonda, diane keaton, mary steenburgen. this time around the ladies are taking a little trip across the italian coast. >> you're engaged? >> when did this happen? >> last night. >> that means bachelorette the book says we can't reject our destiny and i think we should go to italy. >> italy ♪ ♪

>> i love this city. >> i love anything that's falling apart more than i am [ laughter ] >> rounding out that cast craig t. nelson, andy garcia and don johnson. they are reprising their roles from the first film. you can catc "book club the next chapter" from focus features in theaters on mother's day, may 12th. head to today.com for the full trailer. barbie, we have been hearing about this, the first teaser is out. gives audiences a quick peek at margot robbie in the highly anticipated role. >> since the first little girl ever existed there have been dolls. ♪ but the dolls were always and forever baby dolls until -- ♪

♪ >> wow >> okay. that scene where the little girls are playing with the dolls and see a giant, larger than life, they start smashing the dolls. issa rae, there are a few names in that cast, will ferrell, kate mckinnon, rhea perlman set to hit theaters in july. >> jam packed "popstart." something a lot of us could use, last-minute gift ideas for anyone that you might still be shopping for there is still time, folks first, your local news, weather and these messages ♪

good morning to you. it's 8:26. i'm kris sanchez. six weeks after the midterm election, a sunny dale council has a one-vote margin and the race is not over. today another recount is expected to begin, an estimated $12,000 per day. justin wang is one vote behind, triggering an automatic recount which came back with the same result. wang requested another recount so they have to foot the bill. kari, the fog is sticking

around. >> yes, it is. in some spots it doesn't clear up much today. looking at dublin, we can see that visibility is not too bad there, but we're also dealing with a spare-the-air alert day with more pollutants in the air. it will be unhealthy for sensitive groups, especially in the north bay as well as santa clara valley where the measure of those pollutants are a little higher. as go into the next couple days we'll see milder weather. winter officially begins on wednesday. we'll see temperatures warming up into the holidays. >> all right. i like that.

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♪♪ ♪ we're back it is 8:30 monday morning counting down the days to christmas.

six days to go y'all ready for christmas? by the way, check out who is playing the role of santa's helper the one and only harry smith >> wow, wow, wow pretty cool. >> yeah. >> a lot of folks out here good morning. >> yeah, a huge crowd. >> yeah. >> happy holidays. >> santa harry a shout out to kiwi co to donating 500 toys to the effort. you can scan the qr code or head to today.com for details we will see harry with a great story with the new york giants from our "inside the game" series. >> and adrianna brach is back. if you need a couple of last-minute holiday gifts she's got you covered. something you can order online for every age. you can still get it in time for christmas. >> and later on the "3rd hour," our holiday edition of asked and answered this morning our experts are taking your questions about

everything from travel to managing stress. >> all right before we do anything else, somara is in for al this morning. going to get a forecast. seems pretty cold? >> it is we thank you guys for standing out here i know it's freezing it's not just cold there it's cold across much of the country. here is your christmas week at a glance for your monday you are getting ready to pick up extra decorations, it looks good on the west coast, sunshine, tracking that rain in the gulf though and it is freezing as you head into the upper midwest. wednesday we are getting the last-minute gifts, lots of sunshine before that big storm moves in make sure you capitalize on that weather on the east coast. and then friday, if you have travel plans, thursday into friday, anywhere from the great lakes down into the southeast and up i-95 be prepared for rain, wind and the threat for snowfall coming in that way. honestly if you can, it may move proper a

good monday morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. it's starting out foggy around the bay area, and some spots will clear out, other areas dealing with the fog will stay cloudy today. tonight we're in the upper 30s and going into the rest of the week, winter officially begins on wednesday. of course after that, temperatures warm up. on christmas day, it will be 67 degrees with a mostly sunny sky. for san francisco, mid-60s to low 60s. >> and that's a look at your local forecast maybe if we get closer -- >> all right you know what? you know what's really cold? every single person out here you know what we are going to do we are going around the horn so everybody gets -- ready? everybody gets their time. >> here we go. happy birthday happy birthday >> here we go. >> happy anniversary

>> ooh yes! happy anniversary. >> we love you always represented happy 30th happy 16th school's out in kentucky three generations. let's go you are celebrating in new york city, girl we see you. >> yes >> it's your 13th birthday, baby who do we got? sweet 16 all i want for christmas is to be on "today." come on! we're all the way. all the way. all the way. yes! yes, yes >> all the way. >> yes [ cheers and applause >> that was impressive. >> i love that. >> best one yet. all right. >> man. >> roker made that look easy. >> that was great. when we come back, ever wonder what it takes to feed an entire nfl team? well, harry smith is going to take us "inside the game" and the kitchen as well with the hidden heroes of the new york

giants first, this is "today" on nbc! . is "to

we're back 8:37 our special series "inside the game." >> the new york giants held off the commanders for a sunday night win. boosting their hopes of reaching the playoffs. >> and ahead of the game, harry smith, got a behind-the-scenes look at how the giants teams of players, staff, how they get ready for the big game. >> very important game. >> absolutely. >> right all the way down to the wire. >> yeah. >> maybe one of the keys to victory was right here >> oh? ♪ >> reporter: new york giants football practice is all about finding the advantage. the repetition that makes the difference between success and failure.

everything matters in pro football, including what you eat. >> my rookie year, i go to practice, i had to ask the older guys what are you eating before practice because i feel slow, i don't have much energy. >> reporter: julian love is a team captain and leads the giants in tackles. >> julian love. >> then when they put me on game two, what a true pro was to eat. >> reporter: the giants kitchen opens at 5:00 a.m. every day it's like the diner of your dreams, except that most everything they prepare has real nutritional value. >> very rarely is nutrition going to be the number one reason why you win but it can become the reason why you lose. >> reporter: steve smith is the giants director of sports and performance nutrition. does every player have his own food game plan >> that's the goal the good part is that the best friend that i could possibly

ever have is our kitchen staff because they are basically creating the physical representation of what i'm recommending. >> reporter: men who played in the nfl describe the physical toll of a typical game as akin to being in a car wreck. maybe more than one. giants offensive lineman nick gates knows all about it he showed us scars of what many believed would have been a career-ending injury. >> a thursday night game october 16th and about 11 or 12 plays in, somebody fell on me and snapped my leg in half, broke my tibia and fibia. >> reporter: after the injury he lost 30 to 40 pounds he needed a lot of calories to get him back to his ideal weight of 312. >> eating the right things and eating healthy, not junk food to put the weight back on good weight. not bad weight. >> reporter: the head coach in the kitchen is angelo bacelone,

the giants executive chef. he leads the squad of nine talk about a cool job. >> long days, but they are fun days we go through a lot of food. >> reporter: a lot of food is a bit of an understatement 200 pounds of fish, 300 pounds of meat and 500 pounds of chicken a week you are not chick-fil-a. >> we are not chik-fil-a >> reporter: is there a meal that you have made that you think makes the difference between winning and losing >> as long as they come in here and they are eating and they are happy, that's the most important thing. i was once paid a compliment by a player that we made oxtails one day. he ate them. he said this reminds me of my grandmother. if you make that connection, something from home, i won. >> reporter: chef should have been flagged though for allowing your reporter into the game. what are we making today >> today what we do on travel days often is something quick they can grab, a bowl.

we are doing a chimichurri shrimp bowl. beautiful. >> reporter: it's not beautiful. it's a freaking mess ♪ awesome. >> thank you. >> reporter: absolutely awesome. take a look at that, will you? so you want to grow up to be an nfl player for the fine dining >> that looks yummy. >> no. >> i thought it would be boxed meals for all the dudes. >> it's saturday, you are getting on the plane to go, here is your -- >> wow. >> amazing kitchen in there. and gates, the big guy we were talking about, the guard, he was -- he said, you know, what's your jam he said. after the season i am in-n-out burger. all that stuff otherwise, my go-to is sushi. >> really? >> you're kidding? >> he loves being in new york. he says, i get across the river, i hit the sushi places, i come

out, that's my fuel. >> that's interesting. >> wow. >> to the victory last night >> makes sense. >> thank you, harry. >> thank you, harry. >> maybe not going to make you win, but it could make you lose. >> that was a good line, too. all right. straight ahead, adrianna brach is here with the last-minute gift ideas you can buy online gift ideas you can buy online and get under the tree before sosometimes a a cough isn't t just a couough so it's s better to o be prepar. keeping g binaxnow™™ handy so it's s better to o be prepar. makekes it easy y to test. so it's s better to o be prepar. and self t test kits so it's s better to o be prepar. mamay be reimbmbursable so it's s better to o be prepar. withth no copayy throrough your h health plan. withth binaxnoww™, throrough your h health plan. you'llll have reliliable resus in 1 15 minutess with the s self test in 1 15 minutess ththat featureres the samee tetechnology d doctors uses. and detetects multipiple varian, includuding omicroron ba.5. and detetects multipiple varian, so y you can alwlways be prerd

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welcome back this morning's "today's bestsellers" for all of the last-minute holiday shoppers adrianna brach is here with gift ideas for the people still on your list from kids to grown-ups and to shop along all you need to is get your smartphone, scan that qr code and you'll be in business okay so before we start, these things can make it by christmas >> they can. >> okay. >> so -- >> okay. >> scan the qr code. get on it because time's ticking. >> this is a perfect gift.

cozy easy for anybody. >> let's normalize practical gifts again. this is a set for $29.99, a pajama set, a long sleeve top, the matching pants and matching funny cozy socks >> this feels amazing. >> it's microfleece. it's so cozy >> i love it comes in a bunch of sizes, bunch of prints, perfect for the woman in your life. >> let's move to cozy footwear. >> so the clog is a big trend in 2022, believe it or not. it's like, what? this is perfect for home this is a great pairing for the pajamas. and these are great because they are faux fur lined, have arch support, super lightweight and have the adjustable buckle a cozy, comfy gift that anybody would love get. >> sneak outside, grab the mail, do everything in these they are awesome i have a backpack that needs an upgrade.

these are cute. >> this is awesome the "shop today" team found this one. we love it it has a feature that makes it perfect for the traveler in your life it's got the zipper on the back which gives it an anti-snap you know, you have your stuff easily accessible, passport, easy to grab if you are traveling, you don't want stuff falling out, people grabbing your stuff. it comes in a bunch of colors, under 40 bucks >> right size. >> it comes with a versatile strap so you can wear it over your shoulder, too. >> i love it. >> i am traveling with a toddler my week, so this is on my list it has a ton of space. >> electronics. >> this is a cool -- another travel friendly gift a beauty vanity on the go. it folds completely flat a travel mirror. this is amazing because it's a vanity on the go

it has three different light settings, 72 l.e.d.s you get like, you could do your whole beauty routine on the go. >> perfect for the hotel. >> great for the beauty lover in your life. >> love it. >> a perfect little gift under $25. >> this is always going to be a hit, practical. >> always a practical go-to, perfect for the guy, the young cool kid in your life, too it comes in bright, cool colors from carhartt, a number one bestseller with 138,000 reviews. people love it it comes in a bunch of colors. super warm super cozy from a trusted brand we know and love. >> you love bose anytime she's are cute. >> from beats. they are studio beats. these are great. they rarely go on sale they are on sale now for 40% off. they are usually about $149. right now they are on sale for $89.95 these are great for the techie in your life super small. easy to mail you can get them by this week. get them now we haven't seen the price this

low in a long time wrap it up with something fun for the kids to keep them entertained and engaged with a little bit of science. a terrarium kit under 13 bucks they build a little ecosystem. it keeps them busy. especially spending so much time indoors. >> by the way, it takes like days for it to start growing it doesn't take forever. >> it comes with stickers, they can decorate it. and it keeps the fun of science going, and they can use it over and over again. >> thank you so much to shop these products, scan the qr code or head to today.com/shop and remember "today" earns a commission on purchases made from this segment which solely features products available on amazon. next, guys, the inspiring story of a real life hero turning her health battle into a lifelong mission to help other lifelong mission to help other people

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sponsored by johnson & johnson, proudly supporting nurses for 125 years. we are back. it is 8:50 our special "heroes among us" series. >> this morning we are spotlighting one nurse whose story is full circle this holiday season savannah sellers with more on that good morning >> hey, guys, good morning all year we have been sharing the stories of nurses and front-line health care workers who go above and beyond with the help of our sponsor johnson & johnson. for molly pratt that sentiment could not be more true she was so inspired by the care she received from her nurses during her own battle with cancer she decided to make helping others her own life's mission. >> molly sue pratt [ cheers and applause >> reporter: for 24-year-old nursing student molly pratt college graduation was a moment that seemed nearly impossible four years ago.

>> i couldn't get out of bed without having help. i was too weak to even move. >> reporter: at just 16 years old, molly was diagnosed with hodgkins lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system that started a years-long battle. >> prior to hearing that diagnosis, what had you been thinking about >> hanging out with friends. a.c.t.s, what college i will go to, thinking ahead what my life was going to look like it completely changed with the cancer diagnosis i was really scared i was going to die. >> reporter: molly underwent six out patient chemotherapy treatments and five months later entered remission. >> every time you go through that scanner it is like you pray that it's not there. >> reporter: but in 2016, it was. not one, but two recurrences sent molly to the hospital her next round of treatments were more aggressive molly received a stem cell transplant and courses of chemotherapy left her weak. >> i was in a wheelchair for a

few months i used a cane, a walker. >> reporter: at beaumont royal oak hospital outside of detroit, molly found a silver lining, comfort in the care of the pediatric and adolescent nursing staff. >> they would always bring the fun to me so we would have nights, it took me out of the head space i was in the hospital and more like i was spending time with friends and family. >> reporter: the nurses didn't just become molly's family they became her inspiration. at what point did you start thinking about becoming a nurse yourself >> i was like, oh, what they do is really great. i want to be able to impact others the way they have impacted me. once i got into treatment i started thinking about being a nurse. >> reporter: karen macdonald, one of molly's nurses, saw her potential right away.

>> i had a inkling before molly knew she wanted to be a nurse. she would come in for her visits like when i was listening to her heart or listening to her lungs, she would ask questions. >> reporter: so molly turned her diagnosis into her calling, joining the nursing program at saginaw valley state university with one goal in mind. to become a pediatric nurse just like the ones that helped save her life. >> having cancer was one of the best things that ever happened to me because it showed me my true path and being a pediatric nurse. >> i am so happy you're a nurse. >> reporter: now molly is cancer free and her journey is coming full circle. next month she'll begin working in the very same pediatric unit at the hospital where she received treatment working alongside some of the women who carried her through her darkest days >> she saved my life and she changed it she made me realize that nursing was my true calling for life. >> reporter: how much does that mean to hear >> it touches my heart

it really does it makes me very, very proud. >> reporter: her teachers and mentors say the industry needs more nurses like molly. >> if we could take molly's heart and put her in the bodies of other people, it would solve our nursing crisis >> i see her really changing the face of nursing wherever she goes. >> reporter: molly, ready to use her own experience, to touch the lives of others. >> i am looking forward to just being that light in everyone's dark tunnel. i want to be that little ray of sunshine in their care be able to share kind of my experiences with them, too be just like the nurses that i had in my care >> really just heroes. of course, nursing is so important. molly and karen are two examples of the impact that they can make molly told me there is so much more to nursing. it's about caring for people and being by their bedside during their toughest times

so congratulations to molly and the other nursing graduates this season she graduated last week. >> big congratulations. >> beautiful how about that line? she saved my life and then changed it i was like, wow, beautiful. coming up, guys, on "hoda & jenna," a performance by the broadway cast of "six. >> all right first, on the "3rd hour," a holiday handbook with some great drininks to gift this season for you, brother. >> thank you. >> after your local news good morning to you. contra costa health is recommending an independent investigation after a recent incident at the martinez refining company facility on the day before thanksgiving. that's when an ash release left cars covered. the county says it violated

policies by not immediately sending notifications. in a separate incident december 9th, martinez experienced a larger than unusual flaring because of a malfunction. leaders will hold a virtual town hall today to address questions surrounding both incidents. head to our home page for more details. the january 6th house committee is getting ready to hold its final hearing starting at 10:00 our

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and your loved ones need when you need it the most. call our warm line at (833) 317-4673 or live chat at calhope.org today. this morning on the "third our of today" air scare. more than a dozen hospitalized when a flight bound from hawaii runs into extreme turbulence. >> the whole plane was just plain crazy and people hitting their heads on the ceiling. >> reporter: what passengers are saying this morning. plus, record rush. more people than ever planning a holiday trip one-third of the entire u.s. population expected to hit the roads. we're live with everything you need to know. then later -- don't arrive empty-handed. getting in the holiday spirit with gift idea