feel like carl the fog is just picking out pockets in the bay area. kari going on vacation on the south bay right now where visibility is very low. it's going to clear out today. highs in the mid 60s. and look at santa peeking in there. we will see some rain next week. he knows when you're awake over here. the south bay does see slowing as kari has been talking about. when the fog creeps around, it may be in patches watch. it may take away some of those references along the roadside, so just be aware of your surroundings. good to know. all right. well, that's what's happening in the bay today show starting now. good wednesday morning. a scary scene in hawaii. >> a plane crashing to the good wednesday morning. a scary scene in hawaii. >> a plane crashing to the ground. the cause still a mystery. it's december 18th. this is "today." deadly plunge. a plane crash in hawaii caught on camera, slamming into a building and bursting into

flames. the flight's final moments heard in a chilling call with the control tower. >> you're turning right, right? >> we are going out of control here. >> this morning the investigation underway and what the crew may have done at the last moment to save lives on the ground. indicted. the accused gunman in the ceo murder case now charged with an act of terrorism. >> this was a frightening, well-planned, targeted murder. >> how soon he could be exextraditedo new york. and the detailed new time line of the killing that's now emerging. breaking overnight. an arrest made in that assassination of a top russian general on the streets of moscow. the kremlin vowing to punish ukraine for the deadly bombing. in her honor.

maddie logan speaking out for the very first time. the inspiring way she's celebrating her daughter's life and legacy two years after the crime that shocked the nation, and she will be here live. all that, plus stuck in space. those astronauts already stranded six months longer than anticipated now being told they will be up there longer. just ahead an inside look behind the newest delay and when they now will head home. and mail call. with christmas just one week away, we have everything you need to know about the shipping deadlines you need to meet if you want those packages to arrive in time, including a major one, today, wednesday, december 18th, 2024. from nbc news, this is "today" with savannah guthrie and hoda kotb from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. hi, everybody. good morning.

welcome to "today." nice to have you with us on this wednesday morning. >> i call this a public service announcement. you call it a trigger warning. we begin with our holiday countdown. don't adjust your screen. the number is right. christmas and hanukkah one week away. that's just seven short days. >> so much to do. today brings a major deadline for shipping if you want to get it there in time for the holidays. vicky nguyen will break it all down in just a few. we have another holiday concern, of course, avel. just like at thanksgiving, airport officials are reporting record numbers for christmas, including one of the busiest days of the year coming sooner than you might think. but, first, breaking news to tell you about. a small plane conducting a training flight has crashed near a honolulu accident. the investigation underway in the early hours. tom costello covers aviation for us. tom, good morning.

>> reporter: yeah, good morning. the faa and ntsb both have investigators on the scene. two people were onboard this plane when it went down. it was a cargo flight. and just before it went down, not far from a very busy highway and honolulu international airport, the pilots reported difficulty controlling the plane. this morning, a horrific small plane crash caught on camera. >> you're turning right, right? >> we have a -- we're out of control here. >> reporter: the plane went down near honolulu international airport. >> two souls were on board. both perished. >> reporter: the aftermath, smoke billowing from a b buildi, which authorities say was abandoned, set to be demolished. the plane, a cessna 208, was conducting a training flight. the airline says the two onboard were pilots, adding, it is with

heavy hearts kamaka confirms the loss of two members of our kamak air family. this woman said she saw the plane fly past her office window on the seventh floor. >> i thought, he's really, really low. he started banking and turning back towards the airport and then i heard a loud bang. >> reporter: the faa and ntsb now investigating the crash which authorities say could have been much worse. it appears the pilots may have tried to minimize the damage on the ground. >> from what we understand, they avoided quite a bit of structures including our fuel farm. >> reporter: as the families mourn their loss, investigators looking for clues into what caused this horrific crash into paradise. >> the situation was limited to the two that was flying the plane, the pilot made a lot of adjustments to minimize what they hit. >> reporter: yeah. avoiding the fuel farm near the airport, that is critical. that could have set off a catastrophic series of explosions if the plane had

actually hit the fuel farm. again, this was a cessna 208, a single-engine plane used to fly cargo and freight. it comes as we're kicking off what could be a record-breaking holiday period. 40 million people expected through tsa checkpoints over the next coming weeks. >> thank you. also, there are new developments in this killing of a ceo on a manhattan street. the gunman indicted by a grand jury and expected to be brought back to new york as soon as tomorrow. stephanie gosk joins us tomorrow -- now with the details. hey, stef. good morning. >> reporter: good morning, hoda. it's been two weeks since the united healthcare ceo brian thompson was gunned down on the streets of manhattan. the most serious charge, murder in the first degree and furtherance of terrorism, the

d.a. describing it as a brazen targeted, premeditated murder. this morning luigi mangione, the 26-year-old accused of killing brian thompson has been formally indicted and charged with murder. >> this was a frightening, well-planned, targeted murder that was intended to cause shock and attention and intimidation. >> reporter: a grand jury charging mangione with 11 counts, one count of murder in the first degree and two counts of murder in the second degree, including one in furtherance of terrorism. >> this was a killing that was intended to evoke terror. >> reporter: the maximum penalty for two murder charges is life without parole. his lawyers indicated he will plead not guilty. prosecutors also revealing new details about the case, including mangione waited near the hotel for nearly an hour before allegedly shooting him when he arrived. the d.a. spoke with mangione's mother before his arrest.

and while she didn't indicate it was her son in the photograph, she did say it was something she could see him doing. according to police, mangione fled manhattan and was arrested at a mcdonald's in pennsylvania five days later. he's now in a prison there awaiting extradition to new york. a source familiar with the case telling nbc news he no longer plans to fight it. in the wake of the murder, some have celebrated thompson's death and been sympathetic to mangione's outrage towards the health care industry. >> there is no heroism in what he did. >> the city's police commissioner with a stern message for those people. >> we don't celebrate murders, and any attempt to rationalize offensive to our deeply held principles of justice. >> all right. so stef, what's next for mangione? >> reporter: there are two scheduled hearings tomorrow.

the second one is an extradition hearing. a source close to the case says that mangione plans to waive that hearing, which means he could be extradited and back in new york city as early as tomorrow. >> all right. stef, thank you. breaking overnight, russian officials announcing an arrest has been made in connection with the assassination of a top general in an explosion in nbc's chief international correspondent keir simmons joins us with details. keir, good morning. >> reporter: savannah, good morning to you. this is where the lieutenant general was assassinated just over 24 hours ago. you can see the bent metal and the broken bricks. the explosion on camera thought to be the most senior assassination of a military official on russian soil since the war. the russians now say they have a suspect. russian media naming him, a 29 years old, a citizen of uzbekistan.

there is a video said to show him confessing. although, of course, he is under arrest. we have no way of knowing whether that was really what he is saying. look at what a precision operation this was. a scooter laden with explosives was against the wall here as the general walked out. a car with a camera sent by russian officials to be feeding that video back to ukraine was just across the street there. russian officials are furious. president putin has not yet commented. but, savannah, this morning, the white house says it does not support or enable operations like this. savannah? >> keir, thank you very much. meantime, the victims of monday's mass shooting were remembered at the candle light vigil on the grounds of the state capitol overnight and investigators are learning more about the 15-year-old student

behind the rampage. nbc's shaw brewster has the latest. good morning. >> reporter: good morning. the department has now moved into the investigation phase of this tragedy as some big, outstanding questions remain about motive and access to that firearm, all while members of this heartbroken community do what they can to keep the focus on the victims. overnight, a community in mourning coming together in the wake of tragedy. >> we are heartbroken. >> reporter: it comes as investigators are learning more about the shooter, 15-year-old natalie rupnow who they say goes by samantha. they're trying to understand why the 15-year-old opened fire, killing a teacher and a teenage class mate and wounding six others before turning the gun on herself.

>> identifying a motive is our top priority. but at this time, it appears that the motive was a combination of factors. >> reporter: detectives now talking with students, trying to determine if bullying was one of those factors. police also addressing whether any individuals were targeted by the shooter. >> everyone was targeted in this incident, and everyone was put in equal danger. >> reporter: law enforcement focussing on how the 15-year-old accessed the handgun used in monday's shooting, spending hours interviewing her father and combing her social media footprint, with detectives scrambling to verify a document circulating online purported by from the shooter. amy says she's scared, too, and hesitant to send her 13-year-old daughter back to her madison public school nearby. >> the safest place should be

home and then her school, and it's not anymore. >> we know a lot of the people involved. >> she didn't say much, but she was at the reunification. >> reporter: families focussing on healing and helping their children cope with this tragedy. now, the police chief also clarifying a remark he made on monday night when he said at the time that the initial call to police came from a second grader. he said during a press conference yesterday, instead, it was a second grade teacher who made that call. he apologized for making that mistake. >> all right. shaq brewster, thank you. we have craig here this morning. >> savannah, hoda, good morning. good morning to you as well. major news tied to those astronauts who have been stuck in space since june. nasa just announcing they will be spending even more time on that international space station, pushing back their return home until late march at the earliest.

sam brock is here in the studio with what's the latest. >> how about ten months in space? nasa says it is simply a matter of safety. spacex needs more time to test the brand-new spacecraft that is going to retrieve them. the agency thought about using a different spacecraft and thought, no, this is the best option. now the stuck astronauts will be keeping that nickname a little longer. what was supposed to be a week long test flight as evolved into a months' long saga in space. these astronauts lifted off in back in june. nal space station >> and liftoff. >> but when the boeing starliner had a number of technical issues after docking from helium leaks to flty thrusters, their return home was delayed.

>> nasa has decided that butch and sonny will return with crew nine next february. >> now a new galactic speed bump in their return to earth. nasa saying in a statement tuesday, nasa is targeting no earlier than late march 2025, adding, the change gives nasa and spacex teams time to complete processing on a new dragon spacecraft complete processing. that spacecraft set to arrive at a florida facility in early january. can you think of other examples of astronauts that had a mission of one to two weeks and that turned into a year or longer? >> no. i can't think of one that went from two weeks into a year. they were testing a new vehicle. i think there was always a possibility they may end up extending their mission. >> reporter: this former astronaut knows butch and sonny. >> i think mentally they were prepared to do whatever was going to be required of them and they're doing that. >> reporter: how frequently is

the iss restocked? >> every few months. there is two supply ships that go up from the united states. >> reporter: back in november, concerns surfaced about the health and potential weight loss of the astronauts. >> i think there is some rumors around outside there that i'm losing weight and stuff. >> reporter: though they were quickly dismissed by the two space veterans. now the waiting continues. all right. so they're hanging in there. it is critical for astronauts to exercise six days a week to make up for the lack of physical stress on the body. guys, think about this. these astronauts were only supposed to be in space for a week. they will have been gone for ten months. there is also a handover period between crews. ten months could easily be 10 1/2 months, 11 months. it's a long time. >> it is. >> they are being amazing sports about that. >> space sports.

>> yeah. >> keep us posted, sam. all right. mr. roker, let's check with you for the forecast. >> how much do we whine when we to stay at work a little longer? so we have to stop that right now. that is above and beyond. we have dense fog advisories. 50 million people from corpus christi to raleigh down to daytona beach. houston, a half mile. again, they will be spacing those takeoffs and departures just a little bit more. now, we are looking at showers and thunderstorms from shreveport to cleveland bringing heavier rain. we're looking at anywhere from an inch to half an inch of rain. but as we go through tomorrow, could be up to eight inches of snow in minnesota and parts of new england. and if we're going to be looking at travel on friday, sunny and warm out west. our biggest problem will be the airports in the northeast. chicago, look for airport

delays. detroit, boston, new york city, philly and st. louis. on the roads, i-81, i-90, i-75 up through michigan and across pennsylvania and into ohio. we will get to your local forecast in the next 30 seconds. ) (♪♪) current owners and lessees of an eligible competitive luxu brand vehicle, get this low-mileage lease on this 2025 cadillac lyriq luxury one for around $519 per month. really hard to see in oakland right now as we take a live view of that camera. some of the fog

just above street level in some spots, like san jose, and it's clear in san rafael. we're monitoring the fog because there is a dense fog advisory in effect through 9:00 with visibility visibility down to a quarter mile or less. once that clears out, it's nice the and that's your latest weather. guys weather. guys? >> thank you. still ahead, guys, something that could be impacted by the weather, your holiday shipping. we have one week to do, seven days. you need to know important deadlines, including the one today. >> stop saying that. >> i can't help it. >> i know. also ahead this morning, the ongoing push for justice for families in the idaho college murders case more than two years later. this morning, one mom is breaking her silence and is

♪ still ahead, our take on a cherished tradition, the cookie swap. >> we're going to share our recipes and our stories with you after your local news.

in life, you have only one question. is it worst fighting for it or not? leave this to me. >> i'm doing this, no matter what it takes. two branches, one tree. ♪

"karate kid legends," exclusively in theaters may 30th. ask your doctor about farxiga. (vo) chex party mix. mix up delicious holiday memories with “snoopy” “charlie brown” and the rest of the gang. sharing that holiday feeling with chex never gets old! i need to get me a new phone. you need to trade-in that busted up phone and get you a brand new iphone 16 pro at t-mobile. it's on them. families save 20% every month.

what a deal! new and existing customers, trade in your busted old phone, and we'll give you a new iphone 16 pro with apple intelligence on us. sofia vergara: in this family, we don't fight over the bill. we just take care of it. families never receive a bill from st. jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food. join our st. jude family. we need you. please donate now. (♪♪) ahhhh. we're no one hit wonder. (♪♪) allow us to reintroduce ourselves...folgers. (♪♪) (worker) hi, bella... maybe today's your day. (vo) it hurts to see them passed over. (man) help! she's hurt! (vo) or in pain. (worker) heather! (vo) but every time you save one... or find a home for another... it makes it all worthwhile. (avo) every year the subaru share the love event donates millions of dollars to charities like the aspca.

(worker) good for you, bella. (avo) get 2.9% for 72 months and subaru and our retailers will make a minimum three hundred dollar donation to charity. my moderate to severe crohn's symptoms kept me out of the picture. with skyrizi, feel symptom relief at 4 weeks. many people were in remission at 12 weeks, at 1 year, and even at 2 years. don't use if allergic. serious allergic reactions, increased infections, or lower ability to fight them may occur. before treatment, get checked for infections and tb. tell your doctor about any flu-like symptoms or vaccines. liver problems leading to hospitalization may occur when treated for crohn's. ♪ control is everything to me. ♪ ask your gastroenterologist about skyrizi. at our top stories, including a vote to rse bridge tolls through the end of the decade. i'm bob redell. the dumbarton bridge toll plaza. later this

morning, the bay area toll authority will vote on more toll hikes for the seven state owned bridges here in our area. if approved, tolls would go from $8.50 in 2026 to eventually $10.50 in 2030. this is for people using fastrack. the money is needed to pay for upkeep and repairs. tolls are already set up, set to go from $7 to $8 on january 1st of 2025. this is after voters approved regional measure three back in 2018. in a late night decision, oakland leaders have agreed to painful cuts to help offset a massive budget deficit. those cuts include major cuts to police and fire departments. the city, now facing a $129 million shortfall. the cuts will roll out in two phases. phase one takes effect in a matter of days and will impact city staff and police overtime spending. along with postponing police academies and browning out two fire stations. the second phase includes browning out additional fire

engines and that starts at the end of january. let's get a look at your forecast now with meteorologist kari hall. it's been the fog. that's the main issue we're seeing for the commute this morning. this is a look at the golden gate bridge. heads up that you do need to slow down and allow some extra time to get there. although it's not foggy everywhere. we are clear in san rafael, but in fremont it is really hard to see and so we are seeing zero visibility in some spots. once that clears up, we're in for a nice day and high temperatures in the mid 60s. ginger. carl. the fog making his rounds. thanks a

wednesday morning. there she is. our beautiful norway spruce right here at rockefeller center in the heart of midtown manhattan. fair warning, guys. christmas and hanukkah one week away. >> get ready.

>> shining bright there. we have a lot to cover this half hour. we will start with a case we have been following for more than two years how. >> the murders of four university of idaho students. now the mother of madison mogen is coming forward for the first time to publicly honor her daughter's life. but, first, maddie's story. it was two years ago when the world came to know madison mogen's name, a 21-year-old senior known as maddie to her friends and family. she had an unforgettable smile and made everyone she met feel loved. her life taken too soon when they were murdered in an off campus house in november of 2022. a weeks long manhunt ended with

the arrest of the then-28-year-old kohberger, who now faces four counts of first-degree murder and the death penalty if convicted. the initial judge in the case entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. the trial now set for august. in the years since the tragedy, those who knew madison, caylee, xana and ethan worked to keep their memories alive. >> today we consecrate this ground as a place where all can reflect, honor their memories and heal. >> ethan's family established ethan's smile to carry on his legacy. his mom, stacy, talking about ethan last year on "today". >> we just warmed every room. he had a wonderful smile. >> now, three are being honore through the made with kindness foundation. the mission to partner with colleges and universities to provide scholarship funds, grief wellness seminars and comprehensive campus safety awareness. madison's mother is on the board.

she dedicated besties benches to her daughter and her friends, a place to reflect and celebrate three beautiful lives. well, karen is with me today, alongside angela, the co-founder of the made with kindness foundation that we want to talk about this morning in the way y? >> doing all right. it's been a long flight and some major travels, but i feel the love absolutely from you guys. >> well, we learned a lot abou you are both honoring kaylee and madison. good to be with you, and we know how much you have been through. how are you doing this morning? >> doing all right. it's been a long flight and some major travels, but i feel the love absolutely from you guys. >> well, we learned a lot about maddie. and i was just wondering like you must be -- you must talk to her often. i was imaging you doing that.

tell me what that's like? >> it is about memories i love. and sometimes i see her in dreams when she's like a toddler and those days when they still hug you. and sometimes i see her dreams when she's more of an adult. it is always about hugs and appreciation. and it is just beautiful. >> to have a dream about someone who you lost is so special because i always think they're perfectly preserved in your mind >> absolutely. >> and it's such a precious gift, you almost don't want to wake up from that dream. >> absolutely. it's hard because you have to say good-bye again. >> yes. but you and maddie had such a special relationship. it is kind of mom goals the way she grew up and was so beloved and this special connection that you had. can you tell me about her and tell me about that? >> one of the funny stories i was telling i think my aunt is that we never had slammed doors in our house. there was one string cheese fight one time when she was eight because she wouldn't eat dinner. she would snack, snack, snack.

i said, honey, no, you cannot have stringed cheese because i am making dinner, and she slammed it on the counter and marched to her room. my husband and i just looked at each other like what just happened there? that was so out of character. madison was a great baby. i'm not going to say "was." madison is absolutely amazing. always has been. didn't have terrible twos. she had some stubborn threes. but even as a teenager, she was such a joy. >> you describe her kindness as beyond. >> yeah. >> it's like everywhere she went she brought light. that was just how she led, right? >> it is. it is just surprising to me. so we were in seattle one time, and i'm watching her as an adult going shopping and being in these stores, and i am, like, you are so kind to everybody. did we really ingrain that in you? that's amazing.

one time she called my cousin on veterans' day and said thank you for your service. she just had that genuine love that it's just impossible to describe. >> do you wake up some mornings and wonder if it's all real? it's been two years. >> it's real. >> yeah. >> but i know where the girls are. and faith is really the basis of how you get up every morning when you have a loss this deep. >> i love how sentimental maddie seemed to be. i know you are wearing a ring that she surprised you with. will you tell -- it's so beautiful. and for a young girl like that to do something for her mom. >> so it is a two-piece ring. and my half, i think, says you are my sunshine and hers said, my only sunshine. >> you used to sing that to her. >> yes, all the time. >> and she made you a mother's

day book. i mean, it's just extraordinary to me this connection you had so clearly had with this beautiful girl. >> it was easy. she is amazing. >> she is amazing. and she lives on in this organization, too, that you and your friend, angela, have established. tell us about that, angela. >> yeah. so my daughter and i decided -- my daughter is ashlyn. her and maddie were best friends. they went to school together as well. we decided we wanted to start something to be able to remember and honor the girls and how they were, their optimism, empowerment, confidence. we just woke up one morning and said, hey, let's start a foundation in the girls' honor. and i grabbed some flowers and wrote a letter to karen and she wasn't home, so i stuck it on her door.

she got home from hawaii, and then here we are. >> and, i mean, karen, having a purpose to this pain is so important. >> it absolutely is. >> tell me what you are hoping to accomplish with the foundation. what is it about? because i know it is about giving back, which was in your heart and was in maddie's too. >> absolutely. it will be really fun to be a part of this scholarship committee and just watch kids, read what they have to say, what's in their hearts and be able to give back something. the economy is horrible. like everyone needs a helping hand. and i'm just really super excited to see. and we have a lot of platforms that we're working on, and every one of them is a positive. that just brings it back to your heart. like, you know, we're missing our kids. and to have something to put your heart on positively, it's -- therere are noords. >> we have been reporting on this upcoming trial.

and i feel like every time we talk about it, we say it's happening later. it's happening later. it's been two years. i think the trial is still another eight months away. what do you think about all this time that has passed from the time of the crime to the fact that we have not been to trial yet? >> i don't have a lot of comments on that. i would say that i feel like the legal system is not about the victims, and i'll leave it at that. >> yeah. it is such a difficult road for all of the families and the families grieve differently, of course. kaylee and madison had such a special relationship in particular. >> yes. >> they were like sisters. >> yes, they were. >> so, i mean, you are suffering that loss as well. >> yeah. >> you're missing kaylee. you are missing maddie. have you guys been able to support each other? >> absolutely. absolutely.

christine and steve are amazing. and healing together is such a huge thing because we both had -- both families had just this immediate loss of the girls. and, yes, they have been very, very supportive. and i just absolutely love them. >> well, we absolutely love you. we're so happy that you came on and you spoke to us about her beautiful spirit, maddie's spirit and this incredible foundation that you guys have established. so thank you for coming and sharing it with us. it means a lot. so thank you. >> absolutely. and thank you guys. >> thank you. all right. we have a lot more ahead. but, first, these messages. aphi, or ga. ga can be unpredictable—and progress rapidly—leading to irreversible vision loss. now there's something you can do to... ♪ ( slow. it. down.) ♪ ♪ ( get it goin' slower.)♪ ask your doctor about izervay.

♪ (i. zer. vay.) ♪ ♪ ( gets ga goin' slower.) ♪ izervay is an eye injection. don't take it if you have an infection or active swelling in or around your eye. izervay can cause eye infection, retinal detachment, or increased risk of wet amd. izervay may temporarily increase eye pressure. do not drive or use machinery until vision has recovered after an eye injection or exam. izervay is proven to slow ga progression, which may help preserve vision longer. ♪ ( i. zer. vay.) ♪ ♪ (gets ga goin' slower.) ♪ so shift gears and get going. don't delay. ask your doctor about izervay. ♪ despite last minute stress, ♪

♪ few were delivering except walmart express. ♪ ♪ stockings were hung by the fireplace with care, ♪ ♪ knowing in about an hour ♪ ♪ stuffers would soon be the. ♪ express delivery to y'all, and to all a good night! our floors don't stay clean very long. that's why i love my swiffer wet. i pop on a pad and get a mop-like clean floor in just one swipe. wow! and for hair, try swiffer dry cloths. the fluffy cloths pick up hair like a magnet. swiffer. you'll love it or your money back. (doughboy) oooooh (santa) ho ho! (doughboy) hoohoo! (santa) ho ho! (kid) hee-hee! (santa) ho ho! (doughboy) hoohoo! i give up my bespoke shaving subscription. and i'll stop ordering everything that's trending on instagram. and i will no longer dress the dog in cute little sweaters. you know, you don't have to make sacrifices now that you're saving money with the progressive home and auto bundle. you couldn't have said that like 6 seconds ago? this is a hero, walking his youngest down the aisle.

which, to his bladder, feels like a mile. yet he stands strong, dry, keeping the leaks only to his eyes. depend, the only thing stronger than us, is you. molly leaving was one thing. but then i thought mom's osteoporosis might keep us stuck on the couch. no way. ♪♪ if you have postmenopausal osteoporosis, and are at high risk for fracture, you can do more than just slow bone loss. you can build new bone in 12 months with evenity®. evenity® is proven to significantly reduce spine fracture risk. she said the evenity® she's taking builds new bone. builds new bone! evenity® can increase risk of heart attack, stroke, or death from a heart problem. tell your doctor if you have had a heart attack or stroke. do not take evenity® if you have low blood calcium or are allergic to it, as serious events have occurred with evenity®. signs include rash, hives, swelling of the face or throat, which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing, muscle spasms or cramps, numbness, or tingling. tell your doctor about severe jaw bone problems,

as they have been reported with evenity®. report hip, groin, or thigh pain. unusual thigh bone fractures have occurred with evenity®. building bone? we dig it. want stronger bones? ask your doctor about evenity ® . "today's holiday consumer". >> with just a week to go, if you still have packages to mail, today is an important one. >> yes, it is. sz rite here with everything you need to the tree, vicky nguyen, our favorite consumer elf. let's start with today. what are the deadlines today? >> today is the last day to use the u.s. postal service to mail packages and get there by christmas. it's also a day for ups, but this depends on your zip code and the destination zip code.

you want to go to that site there to figure out will it get there if i use it. you will save money that way. i also want to let people know about pirate ship and go shippo. these are two websites that work with the major carriers. as long as you know the dimensions or weight of your package, you print out the label at home. you can schedule a delivery, a pickup like people come and get it for you or drop it off at the normal places and you could save a lot of money that way. >> all right. now it is getting down to crunch time. tell us the expedited. if you wait to the very last minute, then you're going to pay. >> tomorrow prices start ticking up. you still have priority mail service. think about the flat rate box. they're small, medium, large. it fills up to 70 pounds. it doesn't matter how much it weighs. if you can squish it into something small, you will save that way. ups has tomorrow as a deadline. then we get to the 20th. the 21st, the postal service has

priority mail express. but, again, each of these days that goes by means the price of shipping will go up. i don't want to tell people about december 23rd, but we will. we will foster the procrastinators. december 23rd, one-day shipping. that means it is there by christmas. >> wait, what? >> but you end up paying more than the gift. >> you will pay probably $100 or more to ship a box. it will get into the hundreds of dollars on december 23rd. plus weather. so let's not wait that long. >> suddenly a week feels like a long time. >> it does. >> so any other shipping notes? >> in addition to pirate ship and shippo, remember to hold on to your receipts, your tracking numbers. if you are shipping a gift card, which, craig, you like to do. >> i do. >> the postal service says you need to wrap a couple of pieces of paper around it, like give it a buffer because it is more secure and goes through the machinery together. i'm not a fan of gift cards. either way, let the recipient

know i sent you a gift card and urge them to use it right away. >> an e-mail doesn't feel like it's very well thought out. >> people like gifts and things these days, like it comes out of the envelope. >> you just have to give the people what they want. >> they're like, please don't pick me anything. >> cash, cash. >> all right. before we race off to the post office today, let us check in with mr. roker. hey, al. >> bopus, buy it online and have people pick it up at the store. >> you totally could, al. that's an awesome hack. you can actually messenger gifts to people that way, too. that's another hack. >> that will cost you, too. >> i love it when a plan comes together. we have fire danger out west, gusts of 40 to 60 miles an hour. low humidity, malibu, santa clarita. we're going to be watching that. temperatures in the south east for today. atlanta 72 degrees. phoenix 81.

memphis 11 degrees warmer. memorandum -- memphis at 62. savannah, you will be warmer and the city as well. oklahoma city 58. but look at these temperatures going into the weekend. friday new york city 41. by sunday 27. st. louis 39. but the good news is, next week if you like warmer weather, active pacific storm track into the west, that is bringing mild pacific air literally across the country. the arctic air stays up in canada, so temperatures above average during christmas week. that's what's going on around the country. he here's what's happening in your it clears out. it's going to be a nice day. we're headed for the mid 60s for the inland valleys in spots like livermore as well as morgan hill, and then into the day tomorrow we once again

start out with fog. it becomes a nice day. rain comes back in the forecast on saturday and will also be tracking more storms into our christmas and that's your latest weather. guys? >> al, thank you. coming up, the beloved karate kid franchise is heading back to the big screen with its original star. a first look at that with "popstart," and we will have a very special morning boost just for you coming up after this. ? ohhh... just get something chic she can carry on. don't overthink it. give something beautiful. the best travel fragrance gift sets are only at sephora.

(vo) chex party mix. mix up delicious holiday memories with the best travel fragrance gift sets “snoopy” “charlie brown” and the rest of the gang. sharing that holiday feeling with chex never gets old! [coughing] hi susan, honey? yea. i respect that, but that cough looks pretty bad. try this robitussin honey. the real honey you love, plus the powerful cough relief you need. mind if i root through your trash? robitussin, with real honey & elderberry. ♪ (upbeat music) ♪

(shrieks out of bed) (♪♪) i think i'm supposed to give you this? (♪♪) i told myself i was ok with my moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis symptoms... ...with my psoriatic arthritis symptoms. but just ok isn't ok. and i was done settling. if you still have symptoms after trying a tnf blocker like humira or enbrel, rinvoq works differently. rinvoq is a once-daily pill that can rapidly relieve joint pain, stiffness, and swelling as fast as 2 weeks for some. and even at the 3-year mark, many people felt this relief. rinvoq can stop joint damage. and in psa, can leave skin clear or almost clear. rinvoq can lower ability to fight infections. before treatment, test for tb and do bloodwork. serious infections, blood clots, some fatal; ...cancers, including lymphoma and skin; serious allergiceactions; gi tears; death; heart attack; and stroke occurred. cv event risk increases in age 50 plus with a heart disease risk factor.

tell your doctor if you've had these events, infection, hep b or c, smoked, are pregnant or planning. don't take if allergic or have an infection. done settling? ask your rheumatologist for rinvoq. and take back what's yours. (♪♪) ♪ it's the most wonderful time of the year ♪ ♪ with the kids jingle belling and everyone telling you be of good cheer ♪ ♪ it's the most wonderful time of the year ♪ >> wow. they sound fabulous. that's the philadelphia boys choir. they're with us all morning long. beautiful. >> beautiful. we can't wait to hear more from them in our next hour. in the meantime, we love when sheinelle is here. it is time for a boost, guys. the holidays came early for the

miami dolphins this year. the linebacker decided to play santa. so how cool is this? he went out. he made replicas, custom made, of all of his teammates' high school jerseys. they came complete with the school name, the logo and the number they wore in high school. >> that's cool. >> how about that gift? that's nostalgic and brought smiles to their faces. faces. >> well >> well done. >> yeah! >> walker could be heard on the video saying i wanted to do something different this year. i wanted to give back to my guys. who is going to be able to top that? >> you can't. >> how about just spreading joy? that's so thoughtful. >> let me think of what i can get you guys from high school? your violin. still ahead, the new list of 2024's albums of the year. so did your favorites make it?

find out in "popstart." >> also the hilarious nate bargatze after your local news. is. you should check out inspire. ♪ no mask. no hose. just sleep. inspire. sleep apnea innovation. learn more and view important safety information at inspiresleep.com if you love to travel, capital one has a rewards credit card that's perfect for you. with venture x, earn unlimited double miles on everything you buy and get access to over 1300 airport lounges. open up a world of possibilities with capital one. what's in your wallet? hey, grab more delectables. you know, that lickable cat treat? de-lick-able delectables? yes, just hurry. hmm. it must be delicious. delectables lickable treat. for more than a decade farxiga has been trusted again and again, and again.

♪ far-xi-ga ♪ ♪ far-xi-ga ♪ ♪ far-xi-ga ♪ ♪ far-xi-ga ♪ ask your doctor about farxiga. (♪♪) ahhhh. we're no one hit wonder. (♪♪) allow us to reintroduce ourselves...folgers. (♪♪) ♪ what the world needs now ♪

♪ is love, sweet love ♪ ♪ it's the only thing ♪ ♪ that there's just too little of ♪ ♪ what the world needs now ♪ ♪ is love, sweet love ♪ good morning. it's 756. i'm ginger conejero saab. and i'm marcus washington. happening now. california voters approve. proposition 36. takes effect today. that's the plan to get tough on crime. it means authorities can add more charges and enhancements to a wide range of lower level crimes. it also adds more punishment for repeat offenders and in some cases,

removes the option of serving out sentences at county jails instead of state prisons. advocates fear that the change will put new stress on california's inmate population. today, scotts valley leaders will declare an emergcy in the aftermath of the tornado that touched down on saturday. this is in order to access state funding. the damage estimates are approaching $150,000. that includes the cost to repair or replace stoplights and parking lot lights. five people were injured and one of them is still in the hospital. let's get a look at that forecast for you today. meteorologist kari hall is tracking what we can see. looks nice and clear there in oakland now. yeah, it was so foggy earlier, and the fog has been drifting around already. starting to lift in a lot of spots, but we are still socked in with the fog in san jose creating a slower drive this morning. but we are clearing out in san rafael, and you may still run into some patchy fog as visibility in some spots has dropped to zero. be very careful and then once that clears out, it's going to be a nice day with

temperatures headed for the mid 60s. we'll do it all over again tomorrow with a cold and foggy start. a sunny day and rain will be back in the forecast on saturday, and it looks like we'll have a very active storm pattern into early next week. back to you. all right. thanks a lot, kari. make sure to watch our today in the bay live streaming newscast, starting in just minutes at eight. we'll hear from researchers about some recent breakthroughs in breast cancer treatment. what's being done to reduce the risk of relapse. you can w

coming up, caught on camera. the latest on that fatal plane crash in hawaii seen slamming into a building and bursting into flames. >> you're turning right, right?

>> we have a -- we're out of control here. >> this morning, new details on the investigation now underway. then, making the cut. the federal reserve expected to lower interest rates again today, but could it be the last one for a while? what it all means for you and your wallet. >> plus, how sweet it is. join us for our annual holiday cookie swap. >> i think we should. >> the traditions of our family. >> as we share some of our favorite family recipes. all that, plus maverick gets a medal. >> i have to admit, i wasn't expecting an invitation back. >> bluey gets a movie. >> and nate bargatze live in studio 1a. >> it is a crazy thing to be doing this show. i can't believe they're letting me. >> today, december 18th, 2024.

♪ ♪ >> hi to our kids back in trave >> mississippi. >> phoenix, arizona. >> louisiana. >> and wilmington, delaware. >> from parkersburg, houston. >> visiting new york city for 24 hours to see "the today show". >> from missouri, celebrating our 10th anniversary. ♪ good morning, everybody. let's just pause right here. i see an incredible crowd, rockefeller christmas tree lighting away this morning. so many fun folks out on the plaza. >> wow. >> look at that.

>> very cool. i know. we want it to go all the way. all right. good enough. coming up tomorrow, guys, the year that was. we're going to look back at all of the unforgettable moments we shared in 2024, the paris olympics, the stars in our studio, the macy's day parade, all the different things. you don't want to miss it. that will be tomorrow on "today". >> it is that time of year when i'm like, god, that happened this year? all that happened? let's get to your news at 8:00. we will start with that breaking news out of hawaii, a plane crash there. two people killed. happened during a training flight when the plane slammed into a building near the airport. nbc's tom costello covers aviation for us and he's at newark airport with the very latest. good morning. >> reporter: good morning. this was a cargo flight, a single-engine cessna 208 that had just taken off from the airport. quickly after taking off the pilots reported they were having difficulty controlling the plane, and when it went down it

came down very close -- as you will see on dashcam video, very close to a nearby highway, a busy highway, and then also very close to the airport. also, according to local authorities, it just missed, thankfully, the fuel farm. had it hit that fuel farm, that could have set off catastrophic fires and explosions. it hit an abandoned building instead. unfortunately, both the pilots onboard this plane were killed in the crash. nobody else was killed. thankfully, this was an abandoned building. the faa and ntsb now looking into the cause of this crash. some investigators on the scene suggesting the pilots may have tried to avoid some of those more critical pieces of infrastructure on the ground. we may never know the answer to that because, of course, it is very difficult to control a plane that is in the process of losing altitude and crashing. bottom line is it narrowly missed that busy highway and hit that abandoned building on the

ground. savannah, back to you. >> tom, thank you very much. the federal reserve is expected to announce today another cut to its key interest rate, part of the effort to boost a cooling economy. but are rate cuts about to come to a halt? christine romans is right here to explain. good morning. so what are we expecting from the fed today? >> we're expecting a trim to the interest rate. but what we're really expecting is the fed may signal it doesn't have to do anything else in the near term. they might try to wait here because the economy is strong. unemployment is still low. you don't want to be cutting the interest rate too much when you have a strong economy because that could spin off more inflation. remember, inflation is cooling, but not back to that 2% we like to see. >> it is a delicate tight rope. so this tiny trim, tiny tim -- i don't know. i just lost it. how will this affect the average person's wallet?

>> it should lower costs for auto loans, credit cards. credit card rates are so high, record high. they will still be pretty high. hopefully, it will cool that mortgage rate a little bit. the 30-year fixed rate mortgage had gone to 6.1% this fall. it was near 8%. now it starts to tick up again. why? because we're looking into next year with a lot of uncertainty. will there be mass deportations, tariffs, tax cuts? how will the president-elect's -- how will his platform affect, what is right now a very strong economy, so j just a loof unknowns there. so watching that 30-year fixed rate mortgage, which i think is higher than a yearar ago. >> folks watching and listening right now, what can they do to make sure they're getting the best rates for their savings october -- account or that loan perhaps. >> pay down high interest credit card debt right now. and shop around. instead of getting zero percent on your money that you are saving, that you have it in a

high-yield savings account. and you could open or lock in a cd, a certificate of deposit at a higher rate now. we are expecting next year rates will continue to drift down. again, a lot slower, these rate cuts that many people thought it would be at this point. >> christine, thank you. >> a teeny tiny trim. thank you. >> you're welcome. congressional leaders have unveiled a stopgap spending bill that will keep the federal government funded through march 14th. the measure would prevent a partial government shutdown set to start after midnight on friday. it will also provide more than $100 billion in emergency aid to help communities recover after natural disasters. passage of the measures is one of the final actions that lawmakers will consider this week before adjourning for the holidays. the milwaukee bucks are leaving las vegas with extra luggage taking home the nba cup

trophy after a blowout win last night over the oklahoma city thunder. >> you have the best offensive player in the league. >> oh! the alley-oop to giannis. >> giannis led milwaukee with 26 points as the bucks win it. 37-81. giannis named mvp. an annual in season tournament created last year, in addition to the cool trophy which is shiny. every player on the winning team gets a half million bucks. how about that? if you are still looking for a holiday gift, we g got you covered. how about a couple lottery tickets. let's check out the winning numbers. 56, 66, 67, 68, 69. >> that's not right. >> and the mega ball was 18. so the jackpot for friday night's drawing $825 million. that's the seventh largest mega millions of all time. for some lucky winner, that's a gift that keeps on giving.

once it's outside the calendar which are everybody's lucky numbers, 1 through 31, then you wonder. you figure no one is picking those numbers. >> four in a row? maybe you get it if you did the random or something. i don't know. all right. just ahead, if bluey is a big hit in your house, you will love the big news we're about to share in "popstart". but, first, a story you can really sink your teeth into this holiday season, our cookie swap. we can't wait to share our favorite family recipes and some touching memories they bring back, all on "today." don't use if allergic. serious allergic reactions, increased infections, or lowered ability to fight them may occur. before treatment, get checked for infections and tb. tell your doctor about any flu-like symptoms, or vaccines. with skyrizi, nothing on my skin means everything. ♪nothing is everything♪ ask your dermatologist about skyrizi today.

♪♪ over 600,000 usps employees working in sync to ensure everything sent on its holiday ride ends with a moment of joy. ♪♪

depend keeps you drier than ever... so you can say yes to more than ever. yes yes yes no. depend, the only thing stronger than us, is you. it's time to feed the dogs real food in the right amount. a healthy weight can help dogs live a longer and happier life. the farmer's dog makes weight management easy with fresh food pre-portioned for your dog's needs. it's an idea whose time has come. some people just know they could save hundreds on car insurance by checking allstate first. okay, let's get going. can everybody see that? like you know to check your desktop first, before sharing your screen. ahh..that is not. uhh, oh no. no no no. i don't know how that got in there. no. that, uhh. yeah, checking first is smart. okay, uhh. everybody get out. so check allstate first for a quote that could save you hundreds. you're in good hands wia mystery!e.

jessie loves playing detective. but the real mystery was her irritated skin. so, we switched to tide free & gentle. it cleans better, and doesn't leave behind irritating residues. and it's gentle on her skin. tide free and gentle liquid is epa safer choice certified. it's gotta be tide. [hold on, i'm comin' by sam & dave plays] tide free and gentle liquid is epa sakelsey: heycertified. aaron: hi elin: aaah maria! ♪♪ hold on, i'm comin... ♪♪ kimiko: thank you so much gar-ye: maurice!

big news for mahomes! i'm switching to iphone 16 pro at t-mobile! it's built for apple intelligence. that's like peanut butter on jelly... on gold. get four iphone 16 pro on us, plus four lines for $25 bucks. what a deal. ya'll giving it away too fast t-mobile, slow down. i'll be e honest. by the end of the day, my floors...yeesh. but who has the time to clean? that's why i love my swiffer wetjet. it's a quick and easy way to get my floors clean. wetjet absorbs and locks grime deep inside. look at that! swiffer wewetjet. (vo) chex party mix. mix up delicious holiday memories with look at that! “snoopy” “charlie brown” and the rest of the gang. sharing that holiday feeling with chex never gets old! ♪ despite last minute stress, ♪ ♪ few were delivering except walmart express. ♪ ♪ stockings were hung by the fireplace with care, ♪ ♪ knowing in about an hour ♪ ♪ stuffers would soon be there. ♪ express delivery to y'all, and to all a good night!

(worker) hi, bella... maybe today's your day. (vo) it hurts to see them passed over. be there. ♪ (man) he! she's hurt! (vo) or in pain. (worker) heather! (vo) but every time you save one... or find a home for another... it makes it all worthwhile. (avo) every year the subaru share the love event donates millions of dollars to charities like the aspca. (worker) good for you, bella. (avo) get 2.9% for 72 months and subaru and our retailers will make a minimum three hundred dollar donation to charity. ♪ (“it takes two” by rob base and dj e-z rock.) ♪ ♪ hit it! ♪ ♪♪ it takes two to feel the joy. earn unlimited 2% cash back. 1% when you buy, and 1% as you pay with the citi double cash® card. ♪ ♪ cookies ♪

♪ >> that's a great song. >> we're back at 8:14 with one of the sweetest parts of the holiday season. of course, we're talking about the cookies. >> whether it is a treasured family recipe or a beloved classic, one bite with bring a lot of memories. >> that's why the four of us decided to get together for a cookie swap for an afternoon that brought us a lot of joy. ♪ ♪ >> you guys, it's the holiday season. it is only one thing to do. >> what? >> cheers! >> cheers, you guys! celebrate. >> this is martha stewart eggnog. very, very strong. >> you know what that tastes like? it tastes like hoda's last christmas. i'm sorry. this is why it is really special. >> i'm going to savor and take it slow today.

these are some gorgeous cookies. who's got one? >> this is a sugar cookie. we put out a hole and put a lifesaver in the middle of it. >> how did you know about that? >> my mom read about it in a magazine and i just remember doing it. >> that's really good. >> when i was growing up, christmas was huge in our house. and my mother was christmas. this is called a snowball. then she would take a brown paper bag, like our lunch bag, put sugar in there and shake them up. that's how we would do that and help her out. >> that's the sound of christmas. >> that is the sound, the smell and the sight of christmas. >> mine is a little bit of a new christmas tradition for my girls. so this cute reindeer is like an oreo cookie truffle. you take an oreo, mush it up and make it into a ball and dunk it into chocolate. >> is this a no bake situation? >> it is no bake. i will make these for my girls this christmas. >> mr. roker?

>> well, truth be told, the kids are all out of the house. we used to make sugar cookies. the classics. put out the icing and frosting and the kids would decorate. now we're down to basically just a slice of cake. this is almost -- this is a throwback. >> and i have to say, when we do them in my house with my kids, it looks like a crime scene. >> that's the way they're supposed to look. >> exactly. >> when i was a kid, this is what we did, sugar cookie, frosting on top. when lindsey and i got married, they are rice krispies. she started making these. >> it is like a wreath. >> every holiday is a major celebration in the melvin house. >> you know what i learned being a new suburbanite? everybody decks their house out. i think this year i have been more into community. so i think this year i'm going to deck it out a little bit more. i want to be in it. >> the highlight in our house, lindsey has a wreath that her

grandfather used to put up. the wreath is at least 80 years old. >> holy moly. >> pulling out things from your childhood that you can remember. >> i remember you would get out the ornament box and it felt like 50 years since you had been a kid. then you see that one ornament that you love. >> like one you made in school. >> oh, yeah. we had plenty of those. in fact, we had some stained glass cookie decorations that we had for many decades. >> is that what we're eating? this is from 1983? >> we had this one little girl, she was a stuffie with yellow yarn hair, and my sister would have knock-down dragouts over who would get to hang her up. >> mr. roker got to do the angel hair.

it was a cottony kind of thing that looked like snow. >> we had the -- what is the one that goes around the silver one. yeah, that garland all around. it was just like everybody was thrown at it. my parents thought, the more the better. >> we have ornaments we made in school. we have ornaments from our family vacations over the years. i have one from mrs. delp's class in fourth grade. because when you sit and walk around your tree, it is like this time machine. i think about my life. when i was young i lost my dad and we moved into different houses. throughout my life, this is the one consistent thing, these snowballs. it is the every christmas in a world that changes too darn much, the snowball has never changed. it is the only thing that could take me back five decades. >> happy holidays and merry christmas! >> wow. >> wow! that -- >> that was amazing. >> that was so fun. you as a little girl, like i have seen some of your little girl pictures. i don't quite remember if i've seen -- wait a minute.

is that you being held? >> yeah, that's me. i know. i had a really large face all these years. it was so fun. >> and by the way, home movies, having actual videos of you as a little girl. >> it was so fun. i loved hearing about everybody's tradition. i can't believe about lindsey's grandfather's wreath. that's amazing. >> more than 80 years it's been hanging in our house. but it's cool when you have smaller kids especially. those traditions that you can continue. you know? dig in. >> i just ate one. >> well, you are making a new tradition. our delicious -- that's my new tradition. >> those are easy, easy, no bake. any time. >> by the way, first of all, shout-out to the producer who found that video. >> christine moran. >> crushed it. >> also shout-out to the civilian hotel for hosting us as well. if you would like these delicious cookie recipes, including the snowballs, which are not here, go to today.com/food.

>> you might want to miss my stain glassed. they are more just for fun. mr. roker, what do you got? >> let's show you what we have as far as your weather today. we are looking at afternoon rain. foggy trav to the southeast.el that's your latest weather. best time of the morning. >> hi! >> can't wait to dig into those cookies. first up, tom cruise. he's played one of the most iconic military characters of

all time. >> good morning, aviators. this is your captain speaking. welcome to basic fighting maneuvers. >> well, now maverick himself is being honored by the real u.s. navy. yesterday cruise received the distinguished public service award at a ceremony in london, the navy's highest honor for civilians. so congrats to mr. cruise. here's why. they say he's done so much to honor the military in his movies. sometimes you talk about art imitating life. i think people have -- you know. >> well, a major recruitment tool. >> 100%. and they acknowledge there. so there you go. next up, bluey, big news this morning. the healer family is on their way here. >> thanks. >> and a giant popcorn. >> and a small popcorn. >> $54, please. >> do i have to pay for the four-year-old? she's not really going to watch it. >> yeah, you still have to pay.

>> here's the thing. bluey is huge. so bluey is getting the movie treatment. disknee announced yesterday a big screen project is in the works, expected to arrive in 2027. >> 2027, okay. >> so you've got time. >> whoa, whoa, whoa. just pause. i told craig they're hard as a rock. >> is that your cookie? >> i'm like, hang it on the tree. don't eat it. >> were these from when you were a kid? literally? >> that's what they tasted like. i said of all these things, buddy, don't taste that. >> i'm sorry. >> but they look good. >> okay. sorry. back to "popstart". >> i warned you. >> the best albums of 2024. i think these e good. music experts at the hollywood reporter released their list. everybody has a list. let's take a look at their top five, starting with ariana grande. released back in march, "eternal sunshine" album. it included hits like "we can't be friends." and next it is sabrina

carpenter. her project earned the chart topper several songs in the summer including "expresso" and "please, please, please." moving on to usher, his ninth studio album "coming home" and headlining the super bowl halftime show. all the things in vegas, which were huge. he wraps up his 2024 on the third spot. and second, billie eilish. "hit me hard and soft." are you ready? >> can't imagine. who could it be? >> roll the tape! ♪ ♪ honey, honey ♪ ♪ i could be your bodyguard ♪ >> there you go. beyoncé's "cowboy carter." it's been a big year for the queen b. she was named billboard's greatest pop star of the 21st century. >> well done.

>> if you have some other thoughts, don't worry, there will be another list tomorrow. this week on "making space," hoda is joined by walker heys to talk about dad life, the inspiration behind his music and the fancy tiktok with his daughter that catapulted them to fame. >> with every song, you know, i was releasing, we did a tiktok. now, we might get a thousand views, hoda. but when we did that dance, i mean, a million that night. honestly, i was a little bit afraid. i had never had that many eyes on something that i had done. >> wednesday, yeah. >> you want to tell us that? >> he's just really cool. yeah, and we're working on a song together. >> he said that. walker hayes was here. hoda, we're still working on our song, and we're like, what? hoda gave him an idea for a song, which was a great idea. >> it's going to be great. it is called "wednesday." >> are you going to sing it with

him? >> no, i'm just like a co writer. >> i actually think that song will be good. >> it might do something. >> what it probably won't do is top that christmas song. >> it might. >> sheinelle has a good point. >> listen to episodes of "making space" wherever you get your podcasts. >> all right, kids. who could use a laugh? we have one of the funniest guys on the planet, nate bargatze, after your local news.

♪

♪♪ >> hey! >> wow! wow, wow, wow! ♪ >> hey! >> wow! wow, wow, wow! wow! >> well done. >> just look at you. >> thanks for being here. >> well done, well done. nice to see you guys. we are back right now. that, of course, was the philadelphia's boys choir and coral. you guys are amazing. we will be back a little bit later. you guys happy to be here? >> well, looking good, sounding good. thank you. >> meanwhile, look who is playing the elf role this morning for our toy drive spectacular. the one, the only sheinelle jones.

sheinelle jones, iyou would like to contribute, scan the qr code at the bottom of your screen for all the details. all right. we have a lot coming up. nate bargatze is here. he will chat about his highly anticipated new netflix special, his tour, his unforgettable turns on "snl" and more. >> he's hilarious. plus, if you are still trying to find presents, chassie post has your back with great ideas with last-minute gifts and stocking stuffers. they can still arrive by december 25th. but as vicky says, you have to get on it. >> get on it. >> as far as your weather is concerned, check it out. the weekend ahead, snow showers around the great lakes. mild out west. sunshine in the midsection of the country. we move into saturday. big cold blast coming. lots of sunny skies. although wet weather as you move sunday, sunday, a frigid day up and down the eastern sea board. look for lots of sunshine. for much of the country,a few

showers into centra good wednesday morning i'm meteorologist kari hall. the fog is clearing out. it's going to be a really nice day. and actually warmer in the south bay to the south county with mid to upper 60s. but we are looking at lower 60s for the tri-valley and upper 50s for the east bay into martinez. it will be 57 degrees tomorrow. we'll do it all over again with fog in the morning. a cold start and clearing out with a mild afternoon. rain comes and that is your latest weather. >> oh, mr. roker. can i just show you a little bit? take a look at this beautiful ornament. what is your name? >> alison. >> alison just made it. alison, so sweet. thank you, alison. coming up next, we're one-on-one with nate bargatze, chatting about his upcoming

standup special and we have an announcement about another big event featuring nate. but, first, this is "today" on nbc.

♪ welcome back. it is 8:35. get ready to crack up because we have nate bargatze here. he has sold out some of the biggest venues in the country with comedy that your whole family can enjoy and just in time for christmas. guess what? he's delivering a brand-new netflix comedy called "your friend nate bargatze". >> i went to career day for my daughter's school. and like i get what i do is very fun. but i was nervous because i'm there with real people, and they're smart. and so i was hoping to sit at a table alone. they put me at a table with a

surgeon, which i think they did it on purpose. almost to show the kids, here's the difference between reading. >> welcome, nate. good to see you. >> good to see you. >> i got to say, i was rolling into work this morning at 4:00 a.m. when we drive through times square. you know who we saw in time's square? a huge version of you on one of the billboards. i feel like this netflix special, snl, everything has kind of led you to this moment. what is it like to be you in this moment? >> it's crazy. yeah. i don't know. a lot is going on. it's all happening now. i feel like every time you turn, it is like something els undoing. i feel bad because i'm everywhere. i'm sorry if it's too much. like, it's a lot. i understand. yeah. we don't really know what to do. >> and your comedy is just nice. what we said in the intro is so true and what the publications say about you.

it is like comedy for the whole family. during your career, did anyone say to you, look, nate, to really make it in this business, you have to go down this road or go down that road? >> i don't know if they told me i should go down that. i just don't think they would have thought i would have gone where i'm at right now. when i first started, stuff was more biting and that kind of thing. so i just stayed doing what i was doing and waited for the time to come around to where we're at right now. >> well, i think what's cool is your dad intros you at a lot of your gigs. your dad was a clown and a magician. you grew up watching him do his thing. to have your dad intro you or open for you, describe what that's like for you? >> it's crazy. he always gets pretty emotional. so i have to go -- i have to

follow that. so, you know, because he's crying, everybody is crying and then i got to go up and try to get him back in the mood. so my big joke is i always go, that was not my y dad. and then that's a fun -- that gets some laughs and then we have fun. but it is special to get to share with him. >> well, you know, he must be -- i'm sure he tells you how proud he is of you. what does he say? because he's watched his son who has struggled. you were 15 at the grand ole opry and trying all these things and suddenly you are hitting now. what does he say to you? >> you know, i think it's just like, you know, the same thing. no one knows what to say. it is amazing that it's happening and we're grateful for it. and, so, it is just fun to get to share with him. my mom is there, too. >> uh-huh. now, you -- you sometimes use your family, your wife and stuff, in your comy business. is she all right with it? your daughter is okay with it all? >> my daughter i back off of as

she was getting older. usually i make everything about me. my wife is very great with it all. so you just try to -- if you show love and if people can show that and you're like, i'm just talking about my family and i love my family, then i think it can come off and be kind of funny. >> can you believe all this stuff? you were on "snl" twice. and jimmy fallon was one of your early champions. he helped pave the way for you. >> he saw me at a comedy club. then i did late night with fallon when he went to "the tonight show." so jimmy was just -- a real introduction when i was a standup comedian to the next level of what show business is. >> before you go, we have some exciting news. >> oh, really. >> do you know about this? more good things are happening. willie geist is here. he is going to reveal. i figure you two will be friends in real life.

>> what's up, nate? so we got some big news. so we do our sunday sitdowns on sunday today every week. we thought, let's bring this out to the people. let's get our viewers involved and do it live in front of a studio audience, and we had a wish list. who would be the perfect person to do it, and i said, if we could get nate, home run. he kno how to work a crowd. somehow he agreed to it. >> i tried to talk him out of it. i was like, you can do better. >> it's called "sunday sitdown live" in front of a full audience, live audience. there will be food, drinks and nate, and we have surprises planned. you can get tickets now. savannah? >> she says she wants to come. >> we'll give you a discount. >> oh, good. discount. >> yeah. >> so you can get tickets now at today.com or there is a qr code on the screen right now. go right now. limited tickets, but there are prices for everybody who wants to come. and we'll have our sitdown and there will be other fun stuff built around it, too. >> this is your first live event sit-down, willie? >> we hope it is the first of many.

i can't think of a better person. >> it's an honor. >> we're both vanderbilt university fans, which is a -- >> i did not go there. hoda. i could not get in like willie. >> it is an exclusive club and we're riding high right now. so we're so excited to have nate. >> this is going to be cool. love it. this is going to be big, willie. we'll get our tickets. thank you so much. nate, you will be back with us in the 4th hour. do not forget the netflix standup special on tuesday, christmas eve. perfect for the whole family. savannah, over to you. >> nate, it is plus money. thank you very much. coming up next, i'm bringing hoda. it is day two of gift giving extravaganza. great ideas including stocking stuffers, and we have to get on those mail shipping dates today. but, first, this is "today" on nbc.

♪ all right. we're back with another batch of holiday edition "today bestsellers." here to help with last-minute gifts chassie post. we have the qr code ready to rock. let's dive right in. we have a lot of things, stocking stuffers, something for everything on your list. >> yes, we do, and starting with the perfect beanie. not your average. it has a built-in rechargeable headlight. >> i love a headlight. >> who doesn't? >> dads and husbands love a headlight. >> it's so great. for home improvement projects and hands free light source. >> talk the dog out for a walk. >> yeah, exercising when it's dark. what i love about this is it's got three different brightnesses. you can recharge it. it lasts up to eight hours on a single charge. this is actually unisex, and it is around $13. >> i'll take two. >> this is the ultimate glove. this is real leather, savannah. >> wow! >> cck this out. they're fleece-lined so they're super, duper warm. here is my favorite part about it.

these are touch screen capable. but not just like one finger. all fingers and the entire glove. so your entire hand. >> oh, that's great. you have to find that one spot. >> exactly. and, so, they come in different sizes, too, extra small through large. i love these colors. i think a leather glove is elegant and chic. >> also, the wind can't get in. those knit gloves are really not that warm in the end. >> it's $29. i think this is such a beautiful necklace. this is a classic solitary. solitaire. this is one-and-a-half karats of cv crystal. rose gold, white gold and yellow gold. but it is $13, savannah. >> it's so pretty. really shiny. >> because it is so classic and simple, i think it makes it look so much more expensive. so i love that. >> okay. >> also, the perfect stocking stuffer to pamper anyone from head-to-toe.

burt's bees. >> do you have hand cream in here? >> i love burt's bees. yes, everything from feet and hands to face and lips. smell this. i love the way burt's bees smells. >> i love that smell because it has that almost mentholy -- take a really deep breath. >> they also have, you know, their classic lip balm, which is bees wax and $14. and this gift box will fit in any stocking stuffer. >> the old dry hands. you are doing dishes because it's the holidays. >> you sure are. >> my hands are liked cracked potato chips right now. >> that will help out. >> yeah. >> i think this is really cool. this is great for any holiday party. these are metallic washable wine glass markers. >> what? i need these. also for water classes. let's be honest. peoples' water glasses really stack up. >> it is so true. so like when you have a party,

you can have your guest names. i mean, cheers. we have savannah, your name on there. you can also put it on a plate, which i didn't know. now you are never going to use it. >> and it washes off? >> washes right off in the dishwasher. >> one question. why is that wine glass empty? it's 8:45 in the morning somewhere. >> you're not wrong. okay. a set of eight. and they're metallic for around $12. those are great. last but not least, have you met the shasibo? >> they're allegedly for my kids, but i love this. >> they're so great. one of the top-selling toys on amazon. this is a shape-shifting metallic box. >> it's challenging to solve it, and when you do, you are so happy and proud of yourself. >> they're magnetic, so you can connect multiple ones to make more elaborate. >> what? >> i think it is the clicking sound. >> it is a great fidget toy.

>> i will spend two hours on this. i'll hand it to my 8-year-old boy, and he's, like, what? >> don't you love all the colors? and this is great for travel. around $24, i think. >> okay. chassis, thank you so much. if you want to try any of these gifts, we have some winners here. scan the qr code below or go to today.com/shop. straight ahead, the philadelphia boys choir. oh, i thought i got it. first this is "today" on nbc. can i turn it in tomorrow?

it is inevitable. chloe! hey dad. they will grow up. [cheering] silly face, ready? discover who they are. [playing music] what they want from this world. and how they will make it better. and while parenting has changed, how much you care has not. that's why instagram is introducing teen accounts. automatic protections for who can contact them and the content they can see. ♪♪

"today" is proudly sponsored by citi. >> hey, everybody. welcome back. the philadelphia boys choir and coral are here on the plaza, kicking off our annual choir week. we should also shout-out the

choir parents who are here on the plaza. they are down there. hold on. jimmy is going to try to get him. hold on. this is very important. your parents are here. >> behind every amazing singer, there is a choir parent. yes, we see you. >> this grammy nominated and emmy winning group has been around for 60 years. they performed all over the world, led by a choir alum himself, jeffrey smith. all ye faithful."sing "o, come to sing "o, co all ye faithful." ♪♪ ♪♪ oh, come all ye faithful ♪♪ joyful and triumphant ♪♪ but, first, a check of your local news and weather. ♪ o come all ye faithful joyful and triumphant ♪

♪ o come ye o come ye to bethlehem ♪ ♪ come and behold him born the king of angels ♪ ♪ o come let us adore him o come let us adore him o come let us adore himlord ♪♪ christ the lord ♪ ♪ sing choirs of angels sing in exultation ♪ ♪ sing all ye citizens of heav'n above ♪ ♪ glory to god in the highest ♪

♪ o come let us adore him o come let us adore him o come let us adore himlord ♪ christ the lord ♪ ♪ yea lord we greet thee born this happy morning ♪ ♪ jesus to thee be glory giv'n ♪ ♪ word of the father now in flesh appearing ♪ ♪ o come let us adore him

o come let us adore him o come let us adore him♪ christ the lord ♪ ♪ o come let us adore him o come let us adore him o come let us adore him ♪♪ ♪♪ let us adore him ♪♪ christ the lord christ the lord ♪ >> yes! >> nice! >> yes! >> how beautiful. >> philadelphia boys choir.

thank you so much. >> wow, wow, wow. guys, that was pretty incredible. thank you, guys, so much. wow, beautiful. >> and the hats are a nice touch. >> sheinelle's brother was actually in this choir. >> back in the day, my younger brother. you guys are amazing, absolutely amazing. >> beautiful. thank you so much. we are back with more of "today," our 3rd and 4th hours just ahead. but, first, a check of your local news and weather. ♪ ♪ come and behold him born the king of angels ♪ ♪ o come let us adore him o come let us adore him >> i just want to say we have a lot of celebrate. hoda, you are irreplaceable in our hearts. we are so excited for you. craig melvin, the new anchor of the "today" show.

good morning. it is 856 on marcus washington, california's voter approved proposition 36 taking effect today. that's the plan to get tough on crime. so it means that authorities can add more charges and enhancements to a wide range of lower level crimes. it also adds more punishments for repeat offenders and in some cases, removes the option of serving out sentences at county jails instead of state prisons. advocates fear that the changes will put new stress on california's inmate population. well, this morning, the biden administration ordering automakers to comply with california's changing admissions policies. that plan right now is to phase out all gas fueled new cars by the year 2035, and president elect trump is already vowing to eliminate the mandate. today's move is viewed as a potential new obstacle ahead of the transition of power in january. happening now bay area

toll authority getting set to meet to, in all likelihood, greenlight a series of new yearly toll hikes for all bay area bridges other than the golden gate bridge. the hikes are independent of the increase of

this morning on the 3rd hour of "today," delayed again. two nasa astronauts stuck in space, now staying there even longer. why their two-week trip is turning into nearly