on the go. you can get access to our exclusive radar there as well. it's free. >> that's right. and we'll be back in about half an hour and every half hour after that. >> thanks for joining us this morning. the "today" show up next. good monday morning. it is the day after christmas and that means hitting the road or heading to the airport. >> we are getting a cold, hard dose of reality thanks to this winter weather that is not letting up. it is december 26th and this is "today." >> deep freeze. millions of americans waking up to bitter cold again as the death toll from this weekend's massive winter storm keeps rising, some new yorkers digging their way out after that historic blizzard. and there is more snow on the way. >> it is going to a war zone. >> we have complete coverage with everything you need to know

to stay safe and warm. home from the holidays. with christmas in the books, another mad rush begins, but airports are backed up this morning after thousands of canceled flights and it could add to another punishing day of travel. >> we have just been stuck for a good 18 hours now. >> we are live with the very latest on what to expect. breaking news. for the first time in years, north korea sending drones over south korea, going far enough to reach the capital in seoul. the south koreans suspending flights around airports and striking back. where things stand as tensions with kim jong-un escalate. missing the queen. it was a christmas filled with firsts for the royal family with king charles now leading the way. how they honored queen elizabeth finding comfort in tradition and making new memories to spread some holiday cheer. those stories, plus ready, set, return. it may be the thought that counts, but millions of shoppers

are getting ready to bring those unwanted gifts back to the store and retailers are making it harder to swap out your purchases. we will tell you the best strategy for getting the full refund and what to know about rules and fees at stores across the country. and back in action. a thrilling come-from-behind win in ovevertime for r tom brady y the tampmpa bay bucscs. >> andnd the buccacaneers witht christmas gift to their fans. >> plus, inside the buccaneers treasured game day tradition involvlving what m might just te ofof the most t exhilaratiting n the nfl. today monday, december 26th, 2022. >> announcer: from nbc news, this is "today" with savannah guthrie and hoda kotb, from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. good morning and welcome to

"today." it is 7:00 a.m. on if west the west coast. we thank you for joining us this morning. savannah and hoda are off for the holiday. >> hope you had a great holiday. >> we do want to start with the headline. it is the massive delt toll from the massive weekend holiday storm that keeps climbing. more than 40 people now dead. hardest hit, buffalo, new york, walloped by more than three feet of snow. emergency personnel just starting to reach some of the areas that got the brunt of it. >> across the country millions of americans experienced the coldest christmas in decades. cold weather that continues into this week. people trying to get home today dealing with headaches at the airports and on the roads since the severe weather outbreak began last week, airlines have canceled over 15,000 flights. >> we have it covered, including your forecast. we want to start with jesse kirsch on this rising death toll

from the weekend storm. jesse, the situation in buffalo has been bad and there's fears it will be this way for days ahead. >> reporter: yeah, peter and kristen, good morning. a tough morning for many especially in western new york. i could tell about the brutal cold, but look at the fountain here. it's frozen over. water still spurting out of it. see icicles dangling off the side. this weather has been a nuisance, causing headaches and, unfortunately, it has also proven to be deadly. the cold christmas storm bringing heavy snow, strong winds, and brutal temperatures. new england's deep freeze seeing the coldest christmas eve high temp since 1975. new jersey had its coldest day friday in nearly four years. central park's high just 15 degrees. and this morning buffalo still reeling from an historic blizzard.

>> it is devastating. it is going to a war zone. >> reporter: overnight western new york's death toll climbing. nationwide now at least 50 deaths blamed on the past week's weather. >> some found in cars and some on the street in snowbanks. >> reporter: new york's governor deploying 400 members of the national guard. state police have been involved with over 500 rescues, even helping deliver a baby. first responders also needing help. >> when we are supposed to be celebrating the joys of the holiday season, there are people that will be making arrangements for funerals for family members. >> reporter: but christmas in buffalo came with some unexpected holiday hope. alex and andrea say on friday a busful of korean tourists heading for niagara falls got stuck outside their buffalo area home. >> i said come on in because you are going to be here for a while. >> reporter: without hesitating they welcomed ten strangers in

for two nights sharing homemade korean food and the bills game with new friends. >> you might have saved those people's lives. what do you think of that? >> i feel very grateful that we were able to help them because it could have been a very terrible outcome. and i feel like we made ten extra family members. >> reporter: meanwhile, the bills posting about trouble digging out when they got back from chicago. now millions waking up to another frigid day as the northwest braces for more heavy rain, ice, and mountain snow. and officials still want people off the roads in buffalo. because they want to be sure that first responders can get to the people who need the rescuing who are stranded still. how about that amazing couple? bringing in ten strangers, feeding them and keeping them

safe and warm and say the first responders are the real heroes out there. peter? >> that family demonstrating a little bit of their own buffalo warmth. jesse kirsch, thanks. >> we salute our first responders this week. now to the travel chaos that has been unfolding as the massive storm collided with the busy holiday weekend. thousands of flights canceled the last few days and today many travelers will be dealing with the ripple effects. shaquille brewster is at chicago o'hare international airport this morning. with the very latest. already some big headaches for travelers. good morning to you. >> reporter: good morning. yes, unfortunately, those travel troubles are continuing into today, already this morning more than 1,400 cancellations. 800 delays at airports across the country. here at chicago's o'hare airport yesterday there were one in three flights were delayed as airports and airlines are trying to play catch-up as we close in on what is expected to be the

worst travel day of the year. christmas may be over, but this morning the travel chaos is still here. >> christmas nightmare. >> reporter: passengers stuck in limbo as that brutal winter storm puts travel plans on ice. >> we have been stuck for a good 18 hours now. >> reporter: on christmas day alone thousands of flights were canceled. that's on top of the nearly 3,500 scrapped christmas eve. all sending frustrations sky high across the country. >> i don't know what to do. the only flights are way too expensive and we're stuck. forget people trying to help us. >> reporter: from alaska airlines canceling all main flights out of portland saturday to a shutdown at buffalo international, now extended to tomorrow. the airports with the most delays on christmas day denver and chicago o'hare. both pushing back departure times on more than 500 flights combined. in atlanta alone an arctic blast

causing nearly 300 cancellations into and out of hartsfield-jackson international. the travel headaches leaving delayed passengers without much holiday cheer. >> i am very sad. by the time i reach home, it's going to be nighttime and christmas dinner will be over. >> reporter: some forced to abandon their travel plans together. >> i'm grateful we're fine. i don't get to see my grandparents. >> reporter: for those who made it to their holiday destinations, the focus is now on the return home as americans embark on one of the busiest travel weeks of the year, even for drivers. aaa expects heavy traffic on december 27th and 28th and on january 2nd. as millions who hit the roads and skies for christmas look to get back home before the new year. and, guys, we are told it will likely take days to recover from this travel nightmare as airlines and airports have to worry about the cancellations and the chain reactions that

that caused and keep the scheduled flights on time. we heard it before. the biggest tip is if you are flying by air the next up of days, show up early and be ready to wait. back to you. >> can't say that advice enough. shaq, thanks so much. appreciate it. dylan dreyer is tracking the storm and cold. she is here with more on where it's headed and what to expect. no rest for the weary for so many folks. >> not this morning. this week we will tap into some warmer temperatures and get to thaw out a bit. the lake-effect snow so far in watertown 34 inches of snow and we're still expecting another 4 to 8 inches. in buffalo 43 inches of snow. that lake-effect snow machine begins to turn off. we have the cold air to the gulf coast into florida with freeze watches and freeze warnings in effect. this morning we are beginning the day with temperatures in the teens, 11 degrees in cleveland, 22 in charleston. and as we go into tomorrow,

we are still going to see some colder air. chicago begins the day a at 8 degrees, minneapolis/st. paul 1 below, st. louis 14 degrees. watch what happens the next couple of mornings. these are low temperatures. chicago starts off friday morning with a temperature of 41 degrees, cincinnati's in the 40s, buffalo at 41 degrees. we will see those morning lows much warmer and also the afternoon high temperatures getting into the 50s. so where there is snow on the ground, we should start to see some melting as things thaw out. >> all right. thank you so much. now want to turn to our other top story, the ice of the world on north korea escalating tensions in the region after kim jong-un sent drones over south korea. the first time they have done so since 2017. but just the latest in a string of recent provocations. ali arouzi has the latest on the threat. good morning to you. >> reporter: good morning, kristen. that's right. another brazen act of provocation by the north koreans this morning. they launched five drones into south korea making it a very tense situation for the south

koreans. they ground flights at two airports this morning, and they were forced to scramble fighter jets and attack helicopters to try and bring down those drones that were launched in their territory. one of the five drones flew very close to the capital, to the northern parts of seoul. the other four were detected on the east coast. the south koreans fired something like 100 shots at the drones, but they weren't able to bring them down. they lost track of them. the south koreans even crashed one of their own aircraft in an attempt to bring down those drones. their pilots are said to be safe after that crash. and this morning the south koreans also launched their own reconnaissance missions of drones into north korea saying that it was a corresponding mission, which seems to suggest that the north korean drones were also on a surveillance mission in the south. kristen, this is the first time

they have launched drones into south korea since 2017 and the south koreans say that this was a very provocative act in their airspace. >> just incredibly discon terting and to put this into a broader context, tensions have already been rising in the region. what can you tell us about that? >> reporter: that's right. the north koreans have launched over 90 missile attacks into or tests into the south korean area. that's more than they have done in any other year so far. that's in defiance of a u.n. resolution banning ballistic missile tests and other nuclear devices. but the north just keeps ramping it up this year. you have a military parade, and these are signals and warnings not only to seoul, kristen, but also, to washington. we can expect more of this going into 2023. >> washington and the world watching this closely. thank you. at least 17,000 people in

washington state finally have their power back after 4 power substations there were burglarized and damaged christmas day. police say all the substations were attacked within a span of several hours on christmas morning. nothing appeared to have been stolen but in one case a substation was set on fire. police have no suspects. three weeks ago in north carolina gunfire was used to disable two substations causing a blackout that lasted for three days. to ukraine where the war did not pause for the holiday with a deadly russian attack hitting a key city on christmas eve. amidst the hardships, many ukrainians found ways to celebrate with loved ones, even if they had to do it by candlelight. remarkable scenes unfolding there. nbc's matt bradley is in kyiv for us this morning. matt, good morning to you. >> reporter: good morning. that's right. the fighting did not take a break for christmas. ukraine's military says russia launched attacks across the eastern and southern fronts

yesterday and russia's military said this morning that three of its soldiers were killed in a ukrainian drone attack on a base inside russia. in a state-run tv interview released sunday afternoon, russian pr russian president vladimir putin saying russia is ready for talks to end the war in ukraine. it's not the first time putin offered to negotiate and ukrainian officials have dismissed the offer as not serious. the offer comes as russia's attacks on ukraine continued on christmas day after airstrikes kherson on christmas eve, killing ten people and wounding 55 more ukraine's president urging his countrymen to keep the faith we will celebrate our holidays as always, smile and be happy, he said in a christmas eve message. this family is doing just that cooking over a gas camping stove. are you celebrating christmas in spite of putin >> i would say yes we know they want to destroy all

our holidays, so holidays for us, they could be -- for them. >> reporter: from the front lines to the home front christmas carries on russian bombs leveled this house outside kyiv last christmas at this time you were making christmas dinner here yes, we were decorating a christmas tree here with handmade toys, she said. now they live in a prefab modular home next door, their christmas tree smaller than they are used to. her grandson david let me decorate it with him they said david was distraught when his home was destroyed. it was tough for us to accept what happened, she told me much less to explain it to david. the boys in the front are always front of mind. one is deployed as a military cook, busy cooking christmas dinner for his comrades. are you guys in a good mood, he asks they are

even though they are not at home they are in a good mood a bit of christmas spirit even as this war rages on and, guys, christmas here was political. st. michael's cathedral for the first time ever held a christmas mass yesterday on december 25th as opposed to waiting to january 7th. that's when it's normally celebrate in russia. that's because more ukrainians want to celebrate christmas the way they do it in western europe kristen? >> another christmas day sign of their resilience matt bradley, thank you. tom brady and the tampa bay bucs have more losses than wins, but they are still keeping control of the nfc south with a thrilling overtime victory on nbc's "sunday night football." it was tied up when they started the fourth quarter the arizona cardinals built up a ten-point lead but brady and the bucs pulled it even, sent the game to overtime. the winning field goal >> operation perfect and the buccaneers with a christmas gift to their fans.

an overtime victory from down ten with ten minutes to go. >> tampa bay snapping a two-game losing streak. heading into a crucial home game against the carolina panthers next weekend they are 7-8 and they are leading their division right now. talk about backing into the playoffs. >> and that was a hard-fought win. it looked like the weather wasn't too bad there but chilly in a lot of parts let's check in with dylan for the rest of the forecast a lot of people are freezing. >> certainly are freezing across most of the country. we have light snow as a clipper system moves through the midwest into iowa and illinois and indiana, too, and it's going to be light, kind of coats the ground, an inch in some of the heavier pockets of snow. in the pacific northwest rain and mountain snow will be an issue in the sierra nevada mountain range will see quite a bit of snow in this next system warming up in the southwest, tempereratures shohould get upu the 70s.s. that's's a look atat the weather across the country we will l get to your local forecast in the next 30 seconds.

we should do something like thahat for dad?”" and shshe was like “you know what i think that would be actually really cool.” ♪ i figured this is a great holiday present since i won't be witith him for christmas. ♪ it was the best gift that i i ever receieived, in my y entire lifife. because it opened up my life. unwrap your family story, with ancesestrydna. ♪♪ and it is 7:19 right now. look at the fog at the golden gate bridge. we are going to see clouds really start to move in as this system is expected to bring widespread heavy downpours late tonight into early tuesday morning. daytime highs will be in the 50s and 60s. we're going to see the rain initially in the north bay before it becomes widespread. we'll monitor the gusty winds. a closer look at the storm impacts for the week.

>> and that's your latest forecast. >> thank you. and coming up, for the first time in seven decades, the royal family is celebrating these holidays without their matriarch. meagan fitzgerald is in london with the old and new traditions that are bringing them together. >> reporter: peter, good morning. it was the first christmas that the royal family and the united kingdom celebrated without her majesty the queen. but she was remembered her legacy honored, especially during the king's speech on christmas. we will tell you all about it coming up. >> look forward to that. plus, the rush is on to exchange those unwanted holiday gifts and with retailers expecting a record number of returns this year, we are going to tell you how to maximize your refunds. but first, this is "today"

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still ahead, the colors of christmas are lighting up notre dame in paris. three years after the devastating fire there. >> we got access as workers

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and d more smilele to your l , afaffordably.. new papatients wiwithout insusurance can get t a free cocomplete exaxam and d x-rays, and 20% ofoff treatmtment plans.s. 7:26 on your monday morning. i'm laura garcia. here are today's top stories including holiday travel woes. >> reporter: i'm ginger conejero saab at sfo where that severe winter storm in other parts of the country is impacting bay area travelers. take a look at the flight cancellation line which has not gotten any shorter this morning while we've been here. according to flight aware, as of this morning's latest numbers close to 50 flights out of sfo are canceled, around 40 delayed. in oakland and san jose airport around 30 flights have been canceled. if you do get past these lines,

security lines are running smoothly with under a ten-minute wait. >> reporter: good morning, i'm thom jensen. health officials across the bay area are preparing for post-holiday covid surges at hospitals. they're reminding people to stay safe and help take the stress off hospitals at the same time. remember to wear your mask especially when traveling by air, by ground, bus or train, and big holiday get-togethers indoors especially, and social distance when possible and also remember to test before you go back to work or back to school after the holidays. let's get a look at that forecast with vianey. >> we'll see a calm weather pattern right now, but then into tonight it's going to pick up with a lot of rain and wind. so daytime highs will be in the upper 50s, low 60s and then the rain starts to move in initially to the north bay first. we'll see the winds gusting up to 40-plus miles per hour for most areas around the coastline,

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♪ ♪ the weather outside is frightful ♪ 7:30 monday, december 26, 2022. jacob soboroff is here on this morning after christmas as we soak in that beautiful sight our tree still shining bright, getting ready for new year's eve. i hope you had a great christmas. hope you have ready for the next holiday. >> let's go. i am the holiday man i would love -- holidays nonstop, please. >> we have some left don't worry. we want to start by getting a check of your 7:30 headlines migrant aid groups are assisting about 140 men, women and children dropped off near the home of vice president kamala

harris' house on christmas eve advocates said the buses came from texas on the u.s./mexican border it appeared to be the latest efforts by governors in republican-led states to send migrants to cities with democratic leadership such as washington, new york, and philadelphia however, activists point out this time it was done just before the holiday in subfreezing temperatures. china's military staged a show of force aimed at washington dozens of chinese warplanes and ships crossed the unofficial boundary in the taiwan strait. china claims self-ruled taiwan as its own and resents any foreign interference. beijing said the weekend maneuvers were a response to taiwan-relate prod visions in the u.s. defense spending bill passed over the week if you didn't find exactly what you wanted under the tree, that's always mega millions. the jackpot for tuesday night's drawing will be at least 565 million bucks.

not that bad stocking stuffer. this is the sixth largest grand prize in mega millions' 20-year history. the last big jackpot was played in october when it was shared by two winning tickets sold in california and florida good luck. >> that's a great gift any time of year, right in great britain this morning the royal family is gathered for the holidays at their country estate north of london their first christmas without their beloved matriarch queen elizabeth ii nbc's megan fitzgerald has more on how things have changed wit charles as king while some traditions stay the same meghan, good morning to you. >> reporter: good morning to you. the rich christmas tradition continued here in the united kingdom but the queen's absence was absolutely felt. she was honored and her legacy to the world remembered throughout this holiday weekend. it was a royal christmas to remember and one filled with so many firsts as the royal family now led by king charles attended the traditional church service

in sandringham the prince and princess of wales there with their three children, including the youngest, prince louie. this walk, his first stopping to share a drawing of paddington bear with a little girl and the first christmas the family and the kingdom have celebrated without the queen. a tradition rich in history and one princess diana loved as she would to stop to greet the public but on sunday noticeably missing from the day, the duke and duchess of sussex, who were once there in happier times when they were a part of what many called the fab four recently, the couple released a controversial netflix documentary. in the series prince harry talks about his love for sandringham and the wonderful memories he had. >> sandringham i have such happy memories. that's where we spent every christmas. >> reporter: harry also due to lease a memoir in the new year. >> there is no doubt that the relationship between the sussexes and the royal family is

going to be incredibly difficult after these episodes i think that so much has been said, people will want to take time to understand the implications of it all. >> reporter: implications that could put even more strain on the two brothers and their relationship so many revelled in but sunday afternoon all eyes were on king charles and his first christmas address to the nation a speech recorded at st. george's chapel at windsor castle close to where his mother, the late queen, was laid to rest. he offered inspiration tha despite hardships, there will be better days ahead. >> we can find hope for the future let us, therefore, celebrate it together and cherish it always >> reporter: now, the king is expected to make his first international trip ahead of his coronation where he will be officially crowned on may 6th alongside the queen consort. guys, back to you. >> meagan fitzgerald, thank you so much for that

guys, it really took my breath away to see the address by king charles. it really hit you that there has been this change in the guard. >> and little louie getting a first go. >> couldn't look cuter. coming up, after that exciting win last night, the buccaneers set to return to their home stadium in tampa next weekend. that's where our sam brock got a behind-the-scenes tour of the team's famous pirate ship where a cannon fires every time they score. first, ready, set, return. how to make sure you get a full refund for unwanted holiday gifts and maybe a little advice how to ask loved ones for that receipipt after ththis

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vicky nguyen has more on what is behind the trend and how you can make the most out of those unwanted gifts vicky, good morning. >> yeah, the great news is most retailers have pretty relaxed return policies but not all of them i have everything you need to know to make sure you get the maximum refund first, the rush to get presents under the tree now the rush to return some of those gifts for cash or store credit analysts predict $135 billion worth of products will be returned this holiday season up from the previous record of 120 billion last year. in response, 60% of retailers have changed return policies this year citing rising costs with more charging return and restocking fees. zara and h&m joined a growing list of retailers that charge a return fee ranging from 4 to $8. but as i showed you last yea there are ways to maximize the value of your return so maybe you get that gift that you're not so keen on. okay

the first thing to do make sure you don't remove it from the original packaging, even though stores are generous with return policies these days, they are more likely to give a cash refund if they can resell the item yeah, this is going back avoid accidentally throwing away the gift receipt with your wrapping paper no receipt might mean no refund. if you lose the receipt, your options are to re-gift the item or have that awkward conversation with the person who gave you the gift to see if they have a receipt if not you can bring it back to the store. most stores will give you a credit some won't for in-person returns bring your i.d. most stores will ask for it. even if you didn't buy the item. they are trying to cut down on people who abuse return policies when you are inside the store, be nice to the employee. oftentimes they have discretion whether or not to accept that return amazon accepts returns amazon go, whole foods and kohl's locations. other retailers, including

walmart, target, best buy and apple will also accept online returns in person at their stores, but to avoid an in-store return print out the label at home and then make sure that you package up that item carefully and either schedule a pickup or take it directly to the shipper. despite stricter policies, many retailers have extended holiday return windows apple allows holiday purchases to be returned through january 8th. amazon's 30-day and walmart's 90-day policies replaced by a january 31st return window bed bath & beyond, home depot and lowe's 90 days kohl's 180 days. costco lets you return products at any time except for electronics which have a 90-day return window. if it's footwear or clothing make sure you don't wear that item out until you know you want to keep it stores have the right to refuse a refund if the items looked used or heavily soiled a good rule of thumb, if it's in a state you wouldn't buy it in, your refund will probably be

rejected however, if the product is damaged or defective the retailer will almost always let you exchange it. it's easy to return your unwanted gift, especially if you are prepared with these simple tips keep in mind, billions of pounds in returned items ends up this landfills because they can't be resold so consider re-gifting or donating your unwanted items and if you receive a gift card you won't use you can resell it online or donate it to a charity. back to you. >> a lot of good advice there. i like the be nice to the sales clerk because they have your fate in their hands. >> and i like the idea of donating whatever gifts you don't like what a great idea. >> dylan dreyer donated all her gifts to me, as a matter of fact. >> you're welcome. >> thank you. >> donate a good forecast for us in the future. >> not so much on the west coast, sorry, jacob, i know you flew in from l.a

that's where we're going to se the next big storm system, we are looking at winter weather advisories of course through the mountains. but we are expecting rain from seattle all the way down to san francisco today and then as we go into tomorrow it will continue through southern california, too. heavy, heavy rain is expected in lots of mountain snow, too tomorrow moving into the l.a. area and also down into san diego as well as this moves eastward we have the chance of seeing some flooding rains with 3 to 4 inches of rain possible in the burn scar areas, could lead to concerns, and in the mountains, especially the sierra nevada mountain range, up to two you heard dylan talking about that next storm system that will impact the bay area. we have fog around the golden gate bridge. here it is. that system is expected to move in around 7:00. here is a closer look at some of the impacts we can expect because in addition to today's storm we have a couple of other storm systems that will bring a

lot of wind, rain and sierra and that's your latest forecast. >> dylan, thank you. next, the lights are starting to return to notre dame cathedral. >> this is a great story three years after the devastating fire, we are getting a rare peek inside the reconstruction it is incredible and it's coming up rigight after t this. meet mixtiles! they stick and restick. choose from dozens of sizes, frames and styles. go to mixtiles.com, upload pictures, pick a fancy frame

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ask yoyour health h care provir about the e ozempic® tri-zone. yoyou may pay y as little e as. dealdash.com the fair and honest bidding site. this kitchenaid mixer sold for less than $26. this i-pad sold for less than $43. and this playstation 5 sold for less than a dollar. go to dealdash.com right now and see how much you can save. we are back now at 7:49 a.m. on the east coast with a rare look inside the reconstruction of a world famous place. >> this is pretty extraordinary. the notre dame cathedral in paris is being rebuilt after a devastating fire ripped through it more than three years ago our raf sanchez is there with a firsthand look at the progress being made restoring the historic landmark. good morning to you. >> reporter: guys, good morning. for most of the last three years much of this sacred place was covered in a layer of ash and dust

but this christmas light and color and life are starting to return to notre dame day by day, stone by stone, the work of restoring the 800-year-old notre dame our lady of paris goes on. >> now we are beginning to see the fruit of our work. >> reporter: more than three years ago a helpless world watched the famous cathedral consumed by flames craig was here for the aftermath. >> how much this cathedral means. >> reporter: now nbc news granted rare access to witness the reconstruction in progress okay suited, booted, ready to go. after years the delicate work to secure the church, restoration of the interior is finally underway there are 1,200 tons of scaffolding in here, 15 stories high, leading up to where the spire will eventually be rebuilt. but within what is now this vast construction site, flashes of quiet beauty are starting to

return in this row of painted chapels, saints and angels painstakingly returned to their former brilliance by teams of crafts people incredible how vivid these colors are and here a completed wing offers a glimpse of the future, what the rest of the cathedral will look like when finished. all of paris watched the moment notre dame's iconic spire fell this is the roof where the spire once stood now preparation underway to bring it back to life. this is the hole in the cathedral ceiling where the spire came crashing down these wooden hangars will be used to support new stone arches and from here the spire will rise once again. at the head of the effort to restore notre dame, a former army general. >> we will win our war against the time. >> reporter: telling nbc news he will meet the goal of reopening the cathedral for worship in 2024, five years after the fire. >> i am a soldier. my eyes, my brain is riveted on 2024.

>> reporter: a cathedral sacred to the world, inching closer to rebirth. and there is still so much work left to do, but both inside and outside the cathedral, but authorities here tell us 2023 is going to be a very big year, partly because we will start to see the spire rising up into the paris skyline once again guys, back to you. >> oh, man, that is going to be so cool. raf sanchez, thank you so much unbelievable, right? >> so great to see how quickly they are actually making progress there. >> for the world, as well. still ahead, from cher's diamond ring to rebel wilson's bundle of joy, how the folks in hollywood celebrated the holiday. as we wind down from christmas and hanukkah, time to look ahead a new year everything you need for a little inspiration to throw your own party, music themes, a l little quick k champagne e chilling h coururtesy --

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b isis for belieief that thee may bebe more you u can do. jujust remembeber that k k is for kididneys and d kerendia.. for adadults livining with cd in typype 2 diabetetes, kerendndia is provoven to rede the e risk of kikidney failul, whicich can leadad to diaialysis. kererendia is aa once-d-daily tablelet that treatats ckd difffferenty ththan type 22 diabetetes medicatations toto help slowow the progrgren ofof kidney dadamage anand reduce t the risk of cardidiovascular r events, such as s heart attatacks. dodo not take e kerendia if youou have proboblems withth your adrerenal glands or take cecertain medidicatios called c cyp3a4 inhihibitors. kererendia can cause hyhyperkalemiaia, which isis high potatassium levels in n your bloodod. ask yoyour doctor r before takg prododucts contataining potatas. kerendndia can alslso cause low blooood pressurere and low sosodium levelels. so n now that yoyou know your abcs,s, reremember, k k is for kididn, and d if you neeeed help slowing kikidney damagage, asask your dococtor abouout kerendiaia. anand now pleaease welcomee anana montoya.a.

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evenen cleans... the grilill! ththank you! the grilill! a very good monday morning to you. it is 7:56. i'm laura garcia. here is a look at what's happening now including holiday travel issues piling up. >> reporter: i'm ginger conejero saab at sfo where that severe winter storm in other parts of the country is impacting bay area travelers. the flight cancellation line has not gotten any shorter this morning while we've been here. according to flight aware as of this morning's latest numbers close to 50 flights out of sfo are now canceled, around 40 are delayed. over at oakland and san jose airport around 30 flights have been canceled. if you do get past these lines, security lines are running smoothly with under a ten-minute wait. let's get a look at that forecast. >> a live look at the golden gate bridge. early morning fog but the story

here especially into tonight, early tomorrow, the initial storm system, the atmospheric river on tuesday. also gusty winds. wind advisories will go into effect tonight into early tomorrow morning along with flash flood watch warnings as well in place especially for the mountain areas. expect localized flooding into the early morning commute. by the end of the week additional storms that could land us an additional 3 to 9 inches with lots of sierra snow also expected in the forecast. laura, i'll send it back to you. >> we certainly need it. thank you for joining us as well. well. i'll

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♪ ♪♪ it's 8:00 on "today." coming up, travel chaos. the weekend's brutal winter storm putting passengers' travel plans on ice. >> christmas nightmare. >> thousands of flights canceled on christmas day alone as travelers look ahead to their trips back home on what could be the worst travel day of the year. we are live with the latest. then inside the game. we're taking you inside the iconic ship at the end zone of the tampa bay bucs stadium. the inside scoop on those famous canons. >> what is the reaction of the crowd when the cannons explode? >> well, if it's their first

game, they jump. for the most part, they are begging for it. if they see a touchdown. plus, holiday shopping continues. today may be the day to score some of the best sales of the year. coming up, what to buy and where to find those deals. and starry night christmas. how some celebs celebrated the holiday from cher to rebel wilson and mariah carey breaking another record. today, monday, december 26, 2022. ♪♪ on the "today" show from dallas, texas. >> from beaufort, south carolina. >> today's my 16th birthday. >> what's up, virginia beach? >> akron, ohio. ♪♪ >> on a mother/daughter trip. >> hey, peter and kristen, we are on the plaza to celebrate my parents' 30th anniversary.

woo! ♪♪ >> welcome back to "today." we appreciate you being with us on this monday morning after christmas. kristen and i are in for savannah and hoda now. a big thanks to the crowd. single-digit windchill out on the plaza. >> they are dedicated. >> ultimate respect. it's freezing and the day after christmas. i salute you people. see you out there in a minute. >> we look forward to getting outside and saying hello to them. tomorrow on "today," how a city's public library came up with a creative way to share books with new fans and they are bringing new readers on tiktok. >> i went to milwaukee. they have historical library, 100 plus years old and nobody was using it during the pandemic. you probably saw this on social media, went very viral. young people working in the library are bringing in young readers online and there in the library. i can't wait to tell you about it tomorrow. >> looking forward to that. first, getting to your news at 8:00. the astonishing death toll from this weekend's blizzard in buffalo and beyond. it is likely to go even higher.

rescuers still trying to reach some of those trapped in cars or homes without heat. we also want to look at the chaotic post-holiday travel situation right now with so many set to try to fly today. we begin with jesse kirsch and the very latest on that storm. jesse, good morning. >> reporter: peter, good morning. you mentioned the death toll is expected to rise and it just has again. unfortunately, we can now report that at least 50 people nationwide have died, all of those deaths being blamed on the winter weather we have seen wreaking havoc across the country over the past week heading into and right through the holiday. we have seen some record-setting stuff across the country. we are looking at new england, the coldest christmas eve, high temps since 1975. new jersey the coldest day friday. in nearly four years. buffalo, new york, bearing the brunt of this winter system over the weekend through christmas and that is where we are looking to see the potential for more

deaths to be reported in the days ahead, unfortunately. new york's governor says that this storm will go down as the most devastating in the history of buffalo. remember, this is a community that is familiar with blizzards. so it is saying something that the people in buffalo are looking at a historic storm. nearly four feet of snow. wind gusts reported close to 80 miles per hour and new york's governor says there have been more than 500 rescues with help from state police. those officers even helping deliver a baby. just gives you an idea how dire the situation has been there and, unfortunately, this storm has also been quite deadly. peter? >> thanks. those rescuers with their work cut out for them in the days ahead. >> they sure do. the storm caught travelers on both ends of the holiday. in some cities you can't even drive across town. air travel is a huge challenge as well. shaquille brewster is at chicago o'hare international airport

with that part of the story. snarling travelers' plans throughout the holiday weekend. shaq, good morning to you. >> reporter: good morning. well, if you are heading to the airport this morning and have any holiday cheer left in you, hold on to it tight because we are seeing travel trouble already extending into this week. already this morning more than 1,500, approaching 1,500 cancellations, more than 1,300 delays at airports across the country. reports of long lines not just inside airports, but even on the roads as you are approaching many of these terminals after this massive winter storm over the weekend really knocked out flights by the thousands. listen to this number. through this christmas weekend, more than 6,000 flights delayed, about -- or 6,000 flights canceled, about 15,000 flights delayed. you have airlines and airports now playing catch-up as folks are looking to head home. look, it's not just in the air, but alsoeeon the road. you are expecting travel

trouble. folks, i know you are not wanting to leave your family early, but aaa and many travel experts saying if you are planning to drive home the next couple of days, today might be the best bet. they are calling tomorrow the worst travel day of the year. we are expecting a lot of congestion on wednesday, as well. so bottom line, whether you are on the road or if you are going to an airport and traveling in the sky, the big tip that you are hearing is go early and be ready to wait. it's going to be a tough travel season, guys. >> yeah, pack your patience, that is for sure. shaq, thank you. tensions that are rising again on the korean peninsula this morning. south korea says several north korean drones entered its airspace. one flew near the capital city of seoul. flights of two airports temporarily grounded there. south korea scrambled military jets and helicopters that fired warning shots. this is a confrontation two days after the north test-fired a pair of ballistic missiles. one of the greatest golfers

of all time has passed. kathy whitworth won 88 lpga victories. more than any player on any pro tour. that's six more than tiger woods and sam snead. she won her first title in '62, her last one 20 years later. winning never got old she said she was the first woman to earn $1 million in her golf career. she died on christmas eve while celebrating with family and friends. kathy whitworth was 83 years old. >> what an icon. that's the news. you ready for a boost? >> please. >> let's do it good things don't always come in small packages one mom got a gift wrapped christmas present that was so big, she was afraid to open it check it out >> i would just -- i would just open it. just open it right here. [ screaming >> oh, my god! >> now, that is a gift the present was her daughter

kelly, who she hadn't seen since the start of the pandemic, guys. more than two years ago. also a treat for kelly niece and nephew there to get the share of the hugs the screams say it all >> she was in the box for three weeks. just incredible. [ laughter ] >> very dangerous. you risk a cardiac arrest jumping out of the box well played. well played. coming up on "popstart," jingle all the way mariah carey bringing unforgettable christmas magic to her family as she sets another record. first, for our "inside the game" series, sam brock visited that famous pirate ship in the buccaneers end zone. why neararly everyonone in tampa wantnts the captptain's job b r after ththese messagages ♪♪ care totoo, and d when it dodoes, aspen dentntal is herere for y. this seasoson, and evevery sea, wewe offer thehe custom dedel trtreatments y you need, all under r one roof,, right t nearby. so, we c can bring m more lie to your r smile, and momore smile t to your li, affofordably. new patitients withthout insurarance

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♪ we are back now with our "inside the game" series, behind the scenes of the nfl. >> tom brady and the tampa bay buccaneers overcame a ten-point deficit in the fourth quarter against arizona sending the game in o.t. and the bucs kicked a game-winning field goal to top the cardinals. 19-16. >> the bucs looking for the playoffs ahead of that win, sam brock recently got an inside look at

an iconic part of the buccaneers stadium good morning. >> reporter: guys, good morning. all the experiences that drives fans out to the stadium, you are talking about the food, tailgating, cheering, sense of community. in tampa bay, let's say there is also a certain swashbuckling spirit and a pirate known and beloved by all who is clearly, guys, the captain of the ship. if you have ever been to a buccaneers home game, it's a spectacle you can't miss 100-foot long concrete vessel with 80 foot masts a time honored treasure that won't ever sail. landlocked at the end zone of the raymond james stadium. when you were conceiving the franchise, where did the ship factor into all of that? >> that ship is tampa. and with our pirate background and the gasparilla heritage and our fans love it when the flags rise and the sails get set and the cannons fire, it brings about a unity across the community

in the stadium and outside the stadium. >> reporter: the captain at the helm, cleave johnson, captain cleave as he is known, has manned the ship for every bucs game for the last 25 years he has never once missed a game. when you consider just like how cool it is to do this job? >> without a doubt you wouldn't believe how many times a game somebody asks, how do i get your job? >> reporter: his favorite part of the job, firing the cannons, naturally. for the bucs team introductions, the shot across the bow, a warning shot when the bucs get into the red zone and the celebration. one shot for every point scored. for the 99.9% of fans that will never be inside of that ship, can you just describe the enormity of it what does it feel like to stand in there and fire cannons? >> well, it's my responsibility. we can't fire the cannons unless we score we make sure there is not a flag on the field

or that he actually scored if you look at the other end zone, it could look it crossed the goal line. it could be close. we are always waiting. that's the pressure. once the cannon shot goes off, it goes off. >> reporter: this is a precision profession >> yes. >> reporter: four cannons shoot smoke that comes from liquid co2. being shot out two concussion cannons run on propane and oxygen ignited by a spark plug usually, the materials last half a season but since tom brady joined the bucs - >> it is caught for the touchdown! >> we have had to change it more often. we are glad to pay that bill. >> reporter: when the bucs score, the cannon fire echoes throughout the stadium if they are not ready for it, that thunderous boom can cause fans to jump also quarterbacks like cam newton during his first visit to raymond james stadium in 2013. what is the reaction of the crowd? when those cannons explode >> if it's their first game,

they jump. most part, they beg for it if they see a touchdown, they want us to fire the cannons. >> reporter: captain cleave showed me around the ship. a dangerous call maybe, even let me set off the canons. part one, they just scored a touchdown. [ explosions ] after 20 plus years of firing those cannons, how is your hearing doing? >> what? oh, sorry. just kidding i know it's coming so the ear i have toward the cannon, i hold my ears if you are up there, it will rock your world if you are not ready for it >> you may be wondering does captain cleave wake up and put on his pirates outfit every day and go to work he actually does have a day job, guys he is a special ops command government civilian during the day.

that's monday through friday on the weekend he calls this his fun job. as for the hardest part, he said, no, it's difficult to tell sometimes when there has been a score. a flag on the field sometimes, reviews. he may someone saying, fire the cannons, oh, wait, don't fire the cannons yet. it's up to him to show composure under pressure no doubt. he does it every single time back to you. >> you were trigger happy, by the way, sam brock, with that confetti cannon. >> i can imagine captain cleave's outfit. three pirate outfits. >> good stuff. i love how he says once a cannon is fired, a cannon is fired. a big, big job >> catch the next "sunday night football" game the steelers take on the baltimore ravens. that is sunday new year's day at 7:00 eastern on nbc and of course on peacock. >> don't miss that. all right. let's get a check of the forecast with dylan who is out with our dedicated fans on the plaza.

>> guys, in honor of al roker, we have to go around a small horn this morning because everybody has been out here this morning. it's about 8 degrees with the windchill. good morning, everybody! you guys are all crazy what are you doing out here? >> freezing. >> it hurts to smile it's so cold but let's take a look. we have another snowstorm, in quotes there, a quick clipper system through des moines, to the chicago area, kentucky and tennessee. a little bit of light snow it will move from west east quickly, light snow flurries expected and then tomorrow it will fizzle out before we watch the next storm system as it continues to move into northern wisconsin where we could see a little bit of icing that way. elsewhere across the country, warming up in the southwest. temperatures getting back to the 70s and more rain and snow in the pacific northwest. that's going to bring rain up and down the entire west c

coast. that's what's going on around the country. here's what's happening in your neck of the woods. >> we're preparing for rain with temperatures in the 60s. here's that atmospheric river. lit move in late overnight into early tuesday morning. also gusty winds are expected with heavy downpours at times, especially for the early morning commute on tuesday. this is a closer look at the wind advisory. that goes into effect at 10:00 p.m. tonight through 7:00 a.m. tuesday. and that's your latest forecast >> and that's your latest forecast back inside you to guys. >> come back in and warm up quickly. time for "popstart." he has covered for carson this morning. >> let's pop ladies and gentlemen, first up, chris rock the brooklyn-raised comedian taking his talents to baltimore in a first ever event. he will command the stage once again for his second netflix special. here is the twist. this time it's going to be live-streamed around the world

watch. >> chris, ready for you. ♪ ♪ >> and we're live. >> wow rock's comedy show happening nearly a year since the oscar slap controversy it's going to be historic for the streaming giants as it explores live entertainment for the first time chris rock selective outrage will take place on march the 4th. are you going to tune in live? >> absolutely. >> it's a big deal. >> and see what he has to say about the slap i think he will have some more comments. >> even better if live. >> yes. next, the box office "avatar: the way of water" drew in large crowds at the theater the long awaited sequel from james cameron took in over 600 million bucks internationally. that brings it over the $850 million mark globally that is the fifth highest, believe it or not, grossing

movie of the year. in its ten-day release, the cgi marvel took in over $250 million domestically, surpassing what the first film took in 2009. meanwhile, in second place, "puss in boots: the last wish" drew in over $11 million in its opening weekend and the whitney houston biopic, "i want to dance with somebody," third with 5.3 million bucks. have you seen any of them? >> i haven't but of all three of those, i think the whitney houston biopic is at the top of my list. >> the alexanders signed up for "puss in boots." >> you have small girls. coming up next, mariah carey, her christmas anthem gets us in the holiday spirit always. to show for it, it's broken another record the hit "all i want for christmas is you" has taken in the most single-day streams on

spotify's global chart ever. over 21 million streams on christmas eve alone. it's not her first time breaking this record. she has come out on top four different times reclaiming her throne and this year she bumped adele's "easy on me" which took in 19 million streams to prove she is the "queen of christmas," mariah surprised her twins, this is insane, with the ultimate gift santa's sleigh she posted this pic on instagram with santa himself somehow she got santa to show up and take this picture. he just goes in my chimney and leaves the caption, surprise midnight sleigh ride on christmas eve. >> she really is putting us all to shame. >> embarrassing, actually. >> that's not fair. >> mariah, stop. next up, cher, sent fans into a frenzy after revealing a sparkly christmas gift could cher be engaged, you guys?

the "moonstruck" actress shared a photo on twitter, a pear-shaped diamond ring with the caption "there are no words," leaving all of us wondering will there be a wedding anytime soon most of all, i don't know -- >> is it a question? >> it seems like confirmation. >> it's a little bit of a mystery. whose nails were in the picture? she tweeted again. she clarified the nails are that of her boyfriend's she wrote, i posted said nails are so cool. cher is cryptic. >> that's cooler than the nails. let's start with that. >> i am down for a mani-pedi. alexander, let me know next, rebel wilson this christmas a special one for the hilarious actress the first as a mother. the "pitch perfect" star posted pictures of baby royce bundled up in front of a christmas tree. alongside rebel cherishing that

moment as her girlfriend rebel writing in the caption, "first family christmas. congratulations to you guys. finally in your "popstart," mandy moore, who also celebrated a christmas of firsts with her new family of four "this is us" star sharing a glimpse of her family's festivities posting on instagram adorable pictures of her two boys, 1-year-old gus and newborn ozzie. whom she shares with husband taylor goldsmith all smiles for the family. while gus pulls at our heartstrings, giving his baby brother a kiss on his forehead as for the christmas gifts for the kiddos, his oldest had his eyes set on anything "toy story" themed anything with wheels she wrote in the caption she writes from our family to yours. merry christmas to them. >> a lot of joy. not a lot of sleep >> definitely not. ozzie. good job kissing the head. >> you like that >> everybody look -- >> i know. >> in my house, i'm like no germ spreading, guys. keep the kisses to a minimum >> exactly

thank you so ahead, forget black friday this monday the post-christmas sales are go kicking in. you won't believe how good the deals are. we will take you on a bargain hunt. plus, a brunch starts with keeping things cozy after a quick break. ♪

good morning to you. it is 8:26. i'm marcus washington. a tiktok video showing a customer making bigoted and rationist comments toward other customers at an east bay in-n-out burgers has gone viral. >> you're kim jong-un's boyfriend. that's some filipino. >> the two friends were building a tiktok about their orders. that's when they say another customer came up to them making homophobic and anti-asian comments. she says she's been in contact with police officers to try to track down that man.

we have reached out to ininform and-out but have not heard back. >> we're tracking an incoming storm, vianey. >> especially with how much rain we'll get in a short period of time. although it will be quick moving overnight into early tuesday, we are going to be seeing a lot of rain and gusty wind associated with it. it will happen right in the middle of your morning commute early tuesday, so please be mindful of that. take that extra time. wind xwuss 35 to 50 miles per hour. mountaintops could see that. more storms ahead this week.

♪ ♪ we are back at 8:30 on this monday morning, the day before christmas, and despite the frigid temperatures out here on

the plaza, our crowd is here they are small but mighty. you guys are great they are fired up because we have got so many great things coming up, including our friend -- they are crazy but dedicated and awesome. we love them our friend - >> brisk yeah >> tiktok sensation babs is back she is sharing her ideas for a fun new year's celebration she has a lot of great tips. >> pop it, babs, pop it! pop i >> there you go. also today might be a great day to break out those holiday gift cards that you got. december 26th is known for some of the best sales of the year and we have found some of the hottest deals in home goods, electronics and in fashion we will have you covered. and coming up after that, craig will introduce us to three guys from the bronx taking the cull another world by storm, on a mission that is as much about food as any -- well, more than food, as a matter of fact. >> looks good, yeah. >> all right. coming up on the "3rd hour,"

we will meet a woman blazing a trail into deep space by leading an historic nasa mission. >> looking forward to that. coming up tomorrow on "today," chef and best selling cookbook author judy jude with dinner ideas made with her signature korean twist. always love checking in with her. dylan, a check of the forecast >> it's cold >> it's cold >> that's the moral of the story here cold across much of the country. today, tomorrow morning the last of the real very cold temperatures the windchills down below freezing we have some flurries that are going to move through the midwest today. those will kind of fizzle out as they move to the east tomorrow then as we go through the middle of the week the rain in the pacific northwest is going to stretch down into the california before it moves in the southwest. snow showers and heavier pockets of snow through the mountain ranges out there that way. mild temperatures begin to work in the middle of the country friday, yes, it will be stormy, but we should get temperatures back into the 50s. it looks mild up and down the

east coast 50s and 60s, back near 80 across you heard dylan mention the rain on the west coast and here it is. satellite showing that atmospheric river lining up, expected to make its arrival around 7:00 p.m. tonight, becoming widespread overnight into early tuesday morning's commute. the mountaintops could see anywhere from 2 to 5 inches. wind gusts will be a big concern. 35 to 50 miles per hour. wind advisory goes into effect starting tonight >> and that's your latest forecast. >> thank you. coming up next, the tiktok star, a "brunch with babs" is in our studio showing us how to throw a laid back new year's eve party from decor to drinks even a good way to get the conversation started but first, this is "today" on

♪ we're back with "today's holiday handbook." this morning you may still be cleaning up some wrapping paper from christmas, but in less than a week we will be ringing in the new year. >> joining us now is barbara "babs" costello. her viral videos are filled with hacks, recipes and hosting tips and more. they have gained her a following of nearly 3 million on tiktok. this morning she has got ideas to help us celebrate new year's eve in style babs, merry christmas, happy new year all good things to you. >> same to you this is fabulous >> did you have any idea that your channels would blow up the way they have? >> not in a million years. but here we are. life is a surprise. >> what is your new year's like? >> i like to be in pajamas early, new year's eve. now, these are not what i usually sleep in but they are pajamas. >> festive. >> they are festive for the

occasion so my idea for new year's eve truly is to low key it have it stress free. invite people over, have a theme, have a pajama party they could come in fancy ones or they could come in flannels or sweats, whatever if you set the tone, people relax. it will be fun. >> one of the challenges, obviously, if you are hosting, the food and the celebration, but also, simply the playlist. to you have any strategies for that >> another fun thing, peter, is on the hour, let's say the party starts at six -- >> my party usually ends at nine so this is a good person to ask. >> at 6:00 you could play all your favorite tunes from the '60s 7:00 change it up. all the '70s tunes people re-live the memories, oh my gosh, i was in high school when they were playing that. >> exactly, that's good. >> you guys probably weren't born, but anyway. >> we were born in the '70s. a big part is the decor. how can you keep that relaxed

theme going? >> instead of buying lots of fancy things to jazz up your table, just take all of your new year's eve wearables and put them in vases and put can help themselves it's decorative and it's fun and there is a function for it as well. >> i need to change the prescription in this one. >> thank you i love it. >> change the prescription in this one my eyes have gotten worse since the last time we celebrated. walk us through the other ideas. ways to celebrate and good hacks to do that >> a self-serve bar cart it's new year's eve. so you will have champagne. >> love. >> with the champagne, you can have accoutrements like the macaroons, fresh fruits, chocolate-covered almonds. >> could we get started? >> yes cheers >> cheers. >> happy new year. >> great >> so the cart is a good idea. >> what about snacks >> again, on the cart you have

got some like sweets and all this, but also, you can have the cart set up when they arrive or wheel the cart out ready to go when -- a little bit before the ball drops everyone has their champagne and they are ready to toast. >> talk about the drinks for a second there is always good ways to go. when i was reading up for this conversation, in all the years that you forget as you are heading out the door, to chill the champagne, wine, something this is way to make it happen in minutes. >> fill the ice bucket with some -- the champagne in, ice around. >> the good stuff. >> yeah. and then ice and then pour some salt in. >> salt? >> a quarter cup. >> you wouldn't think of salt. >> that will lower the temperature of the ice and then fill it with water, you know, as far as you can and let it chill ten minutes you will have perfectly chilled champagne. >> in ten minutes you could make up for having forgotten to do that all day.

>> and not put ice in your champagne glass. >> you have this awesome trick. >> this is fabulous. it's so easy all you need is some large green grapes the night before, after you have cleaned them, put them in a bowl, cover with prosecco and two ounces of vodka. cover this in the refrigerator overnight. they are marinating. >> this is going to make an interesting end to the broadcast. >> one of these, you could be a little tipsy three, ready for a break >> roll them in sugar, on to skewers and a lovely appetizer to go with the champagne. >> it looks nice. >> tastes good with sugar, too some ideas as you get games going. sometimes the conversation starter, people will enjoy themselves nice to give them a little help. >> these are conversation starters some are funny some are more like contemplative. you know, makes you think and maybe like look back on the year that ended and then looking to the year ahead. >> i love this place you want to visit in 2023.

>> what is it? >> i am going with paris i visited it years ago it's back on my list what about you >> that's a good strategy. favorite memory from this last year my wife and i celebrated ten years together we took a nice trip. the first thing we had done without the kids in ten years. >> that's nice. >> congratulations. >> yeah. >> wonderful. >> love having you with us. >> cheers, babs. thank you. >> cheers. >> appreciate this. >> we should just hang out here in the commercial break. check out more of babs' advice on "brunch with babs." and ahead, who is ready to shop again if you didn't get everything on your list after christmas, a great time to find deals on kitchen items, home electronics, beauty and much, much more first, this is "today" on nbc.

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♪ ♪ this morning on "today's consumer" christmas might be

over, but it's not too late to treat your loved ones or yourself to something very special. the day after christmas is known for some of the best sales of the year and "shop all day" contributor makho ndlovu is here to let us in on a few of the hottest deals. good morning to you. >> good morning. >> thank you for being here. >> my pleasure. >> let's start off and talk about some home goods. it's cold outside. >> it is >> staying indoors under the sheets. >> let's start with sheets up to 27% off. this is a sheet set. the flat sheet, the fitted sheet and you get the pillowcases, as well, which is great they come in a bunch of different colors i don't think you can have too many sheets. to match the sheets we need a comforter set. macy's save up to $250 on a comforter set. it's reversible. put it in your room or the guest bedroom. stay on macy's for a second. up 75% off cookware.

what i love about this set is that you get the utensils, lids, as well. we just took a bunch of photos around the holidays. let's print them out up to 60% off, cvs, on the floating frames and wall tiles. which is so great. don't miss out on those. >> and appliances for the home, good deals on that >> could we talk about air-fryers do you use it? >> we just got one i don't know how to use it i will learn. >> i will give you the recipes up to 57% off. this one from amazon i love doing fries in my air fryer. i did chicken wings last night it gives you that golden crispiness on the outside, nice and juicy. food savers. it takes you a long time to marinate maybe the chicken or the vegetables this allows you to go to minutes. that is 40% off. also from macy's, waffle makers. >> love.

>> fun to do with the kids make recipes, make them in different colors or for yourself or the entire family 60% off, that is a great price point. >> good tech deals >> okay. let's get to it. let's talk tech. you got students going back to school, up to 60% on chromebooks. you do your homework, watch tv on them. of course the tvs, gearing u for the big games, red carpet season a new tv for a guest bedroom the basement 60% off. beats by dre up to $60 off those earbuds. when it comes to earbuds here is my thing the brand matters. you are getting amazing sound and quality. listening to podcasts. watching the "today" show. >> i found you can never have too many because sometimes you misplace them. >> right and i like that they come with the case you have a home for those. last but not least, projector. up to $100 off these projectors. if you have a wall, you can project.

you can watch all your favorite tv shows on that wall. >> a movie theater in your own home what about clothes my favorite topic. >> by the way, you look incredible. >> thank you. >> on jackets and coats up to $100 from kenneth cole, calvin klein, and t.j. maxx and marshals has up to 75% off for the entire family. one-stop shopping. talk about traveling, your favorite place, you want to go to paris, grab your suitcases, pajamas, your dresses, 75% in store and online, as well. >> major deals finally, cosmetics my second favorite topic. >> i am excited about this sale. sephora. top brands like rihanna's, urban decay, up to 50% off we don't switch out our makeup as often as we should,

concealers, foundation, powder you are getting up to 50% off at the top of the year, now is the time do it. >> stock up on it. >> stock up on it. >> absolutely. what about the fenty beauty rihanna? >> you can get the lipsticks, the foundations, the powders, as well the urban decay is one of the products that i don't play around with. to set your makeup, set it once you are done, so it doesn't evaporate during the course of the day. you get that urban decay there is tons of other products. if you are curious, check them out, try out a new brand, now is the time to do it. 50% off from sephora >> love those deals. makho ndlovu, thank you so much for being here great to see you happy holidays head to today.com/shop for even more post-christmas deals. next, craig brings us an inspiring story of three friends from the bronx who teamed up to spread their love of cooking and community. but first, this is "today" on but first, this is "today" on nbc.

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as you may be aware, it's not a secret we love to eat around here. this morning we have a story taking the culinary world by storm. three guys right here in new york city, they are turning their community cooking into a movement craig melvin caught up and chowed down with them. ♪ >> reporter: the bronx is alive. one of new york city's five boroughs, it has a personality all its own. hip hop music, the new york yankees, and home to a diverse amount of cultures and food. hoping to harness that cuisine, ghetto gastro. three friends who teamed up to spread their love of cooking and community. how do you describe it to strangers? what is this ghetto gastro >> we are a culinary collective from the bronx, the highest caliber chefs who worked around the world, michelin star restaurants. we use food as a tool to have bigger conversations.

>> we wanted to take the elements of hip hop, elements of the street and bring it with something people don't think about. >> reporter: they are the chefs. jon gray is the business guy master marketer. they started ghetto gastro ten years ago as a way to promote the diverse food from their bronx community. 75 of their recipes can be found in their cookbook "black power kitchen" which features artwork, interviews and essays. the food is eclectic by design take a dish they call the triple cs it's seared cornbread topped with crab salad and caviar, merging a long loved staple with a luxurious delicacy or the black power waffle, an homage to the black power movement a dairy-free dish made with cocoa powder and coconuts. behind each dish in the cookbook there is a thoughtful reference to what is happening beyond the

dinner table. >> we like to refer to it as our manifesto, a political declaration than just a cookbook. >> we wanted to get that diversity of thought in our interests in our community of artists, political folks, thinkers, like people that seek liberation all in it. >> reporter: so much of that influence comes from living among communities of color from around the world what is it about your borough that is so special >> the thing about the bronx, man, i feel like we are untapped and doing a lot of creating of the culture and it starts in the bronx and spreads out. the bronx is really my home and my heart >> i'm getting into the greens. >> reporter: you won't find ghetto gastro with their own brick and mortar restaurant. instead, they have been on a decade-long tour preaching the value of their cuisine through high-end catering events and they are making a lot of converts who are some of the clients? >> cartier, microsoft, apple,

nike. >> reporter: they collaborated with famed che wolfgang puck, "a"-listers on hollywood's biggest night, and found various partners to put out a line of air flyers, fry pans and waffle makers, as well as waffle mix, spices and syrups the ghetto gastro team gives 5% of their profit to charity during the pandemic they sent out more than 35,000 meals that kept local restaurants like la mirada, where we met the guys, in business. almost too pretty to eat i have to try some of their delicious, including the triple cs. >> you can just eat it if your hands. pick it up and take a bite >> reporter: that's decadent that black power waffle. >> brown rice, cocoa butter. we can't have ashy waffles you know. >> reporter: flavor and feeling. ghetto gastro adds a consciousness to what they are

cooking up >> that is so incredible think about how much that means to the people of the bronx, not to mention the food looks incredible. >> the artistry. >> that was so great by craig. appreciate it. well, coming up on "hoda & jenna," the author and poet with millions of followers, yung pueblo. >> but first on our "3rd hour" i am "cooking with cal" and making one of my family's appetizers, a bacon-wrapped water chestnut >> i'm in. >> very '70s little old school for you. we are back after your local news

good morning to you. it is 8:56. i'm marcus washington. health officials across the nation are seeing a big jump in covid-19 cases and are preparing for post holiday surges at hospitals. in the bay area, there were more than 1,400 daily cases this past

week and 42 died from covid. there was a lot of pressure on hospitals as they were dealt with the influx of rsv and flu patients in november and december. in san mateo county, 42 covid patients are hospitalized, 64 of the 68 icu beds are filled in that county. now they're really concerned about new covid variants and the surge in the new year. surge in the new year. tom jensen is live - life is uncertain.

it's okay to feel stressed, anxious, worried, or frustrated. calhope can help. access calhope's free and secure mental health resources today. call our warm line at 833-317-4673 or live chat at calhope.org.

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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 "3rd hour of today," our series grit. a space trail blazer making nasa history. how she is reaching new heights after launching her career late in life. the skin care company doing something beautiful, creating a farm that's giving animals a second chance. and it's "cooking with cal." we are making one of our family's favorite appetizers and we're using bacon. that's all ahead today monday, december 26, 2022. ♪ >> announcer: from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza this is the "3rd hour of today." and a good morning t