>> we all miss her. we all want her back. >> and her heartbroken family makes another desperate plea. all that, plus, connecting. "snl's" pete davidson finds a surprising source of support in the man he once offended. >> i think he appreciated hearing from me. dislike. did facebook give popular companies like netflix and spotify access to your private messages? and remembering a legend. tributes pour in overnight for penny marshall, the beloved actress and director behind some of hollywood's most iconic films. >> there's no crying in baseball. >> we'll honor the star who was truly in a league of her own. wednesday, december 19th, 2018. >> from nbc news, this is "today," with savannah guthrie and hoda kotb, live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. and good morning, everybody. welcome to "today." thank you for joining us on a wednesday morning. penny marshall. so many memories, i feel like everyone kind of faels like she belonged to them. >> no kidding. she was part of a generation. i remember you dressed up as her for halloween. and i was googling her song. i knew every word. so we're going to hear more about penny marshall's life. >> she was on this show a lot. we're going to look back with a lot of fondness in a few. we're going to get started with your holiday storm watch. >> oh, gosh. this is what everyone wants to talk about. the entire east coast is bracing for heavy rain from miami to maine and a lot of the west coast, too, facing stormy weather, as well. this is happening during the busiest travel days of the year. we'll start with the man of the morning, mr. roker. al, good morning. >> good morning. thank you for getting your first weather from us. you see the radar firing up in the gulf and into texas. this is part of a developing storm system. we have flood watches from florida into the northeast. this area is going to fill in over the next 24 hours because of heavy rain. low pressure starts to push out of the south. a few storms possible today. late today into tomorrow, this system revs up. heavy thunderstorms for atlanta. severe bl weather down in florida. possible tornados. thursday night, it's all the way into new york, boston, washington, philadelphia, back down to raleigh and on the backside of this, we have snowshowers for the midwest and the appalachians. so here are the storm impacts. first on of all, we have 15 million people at risk for the severe weather. a lot of folks going down to the southern tip of florida. large hail and damaging winds. and then, 5 inches of rain to parts of florida, to 3 to 5 inches of rain in parts of long island into new england. generally, the heaviest rain from florida to maine. saturated soil increases the flood threat and the winds will be a big problem. even after the system leaves, we're talking about wind gusts from the new england coast down to norfolk, 35 to 55 miles per hour. the strongest winds will be along the coast. as we get into saturday, those winds will start pick ing up back through the midwest. so the airport delays will continue to exist. big problems on the roads and in the airports, as well, guys. >> al, thank you. with the highways and the airports expected to be slowed by that rain, what are holiday travelers to do? tom costello is at reagan national airport. how is it looking, tom? >> reporter: we have clear skies here. but it probably will be the last good travel day. all of the d.c. airports are expected to be hit by this rain and that can affect travel. let's look at the airports we're watching on thursday and friday, as well. we're looking at everything to the south and then we'll go north. in florida, miami, orlando, tampa, in atlanta, up to charlotte, the d.c. airports, philly and new york will be affected on thursday. this is the misery map right now. the good news is, as it's a clear day right now, not a lot of misery. a lot of green, especially along the east coast airports. but watch those turn red over the course of the next two days as the delays and the cancellations are expected to mount. to the highway watch. as for the highways affected by heavy rain, we're going to look at most of the major interstates east of the mississippi. i-95. i-75. florida up to michigan. we could see snow and ice on i-95. rain on its way from new orleans to chicago, that could affect i-75, as well. i-40 in the carolinas. i-70 from maryland to st. louis. and out west, i-5, from northern california through washington state up to the canadian border. on friday, we'll add airports and roads. on friday, boston-logan airport, and then i-80, all the way west to chicago, where we're expecting chances of snow around the great lakes. keep in mind, it's not just the rain that we watch closely and the snow and the ice, although thankfully not a lot of that expected. it's also the winds and the cross winds that can make airport tarmacs and runways dangerous. the heavy crosswind can slow things down and bring things to a halt if it gets heavy in areas. guys, back to you. >> tom costello at reagan national. thank you. and now, to the looming government shutdown. with friday's deadline fast approaching, the white house signaling a compromise could be in the cards. we go to the white house and peter alexander. good morning. >> reporter: good morning. lawmakers may have a way to postpone this and take it to early next year. the democrats would not oppose a short-term spending deal until early february, that would give both sides more time to come up with a longer-term deal. but the white house hasn't said whether the president is onboard with that. this morning, washington is barreling towards the holidays with a shutdown looming. ahead of a friday night deadline, president trump remains noncommittal whether the government will shut its doors. >> we'll see what happens. too early to say. thank you. >> reporter: the white house is asking federal agencies to pony up parts of the $5 billion the president wants from congress for a boarder wall. >> we have other ways to get to that 5 billion that we will work with congress. >> reporter: it's an initial reprieve from the president's initial plan. >> we don't want to shut down the government. we want to shut down the border from illegal immigration. >> reporter: the senate's top republican expressing optimism. >> are you convinced that we will not shut down over christmas? >> yeah, i am. >> reporter: still unclear how that happened with democrats balking at a republican compromise offer. >> i called leader mcconnell and told him we would not accept his $1 billion slush fund. >> reporter: some republicans already warning about the fallout from failure. >> it would hurt the republican party palestinianly. with democrats set to take control of the house in over two weeks, this could be president trump's last best chance to fund a wall. after years of promising mexico would i pay for it. >> and who is going to pay for the wall? >> mexico. >> who?exico. >> reporter: if no deal is reached, the price tag could reach into the hundreds of billions of dollars and workers will be furloughed or forced to work without pay just for christmas. many are planning ahead. >> i'm saving money. i'm running up a balance on my credit card that i otherwise wouldn't have to. >> hope it doesn't happen. if it does, hoping to get back to work quickly. >> reporter: president trump overnight took to twitter to once again publicly push for his border wall writing that it won't be, quote, a concrete wall but one that is beautiful with, quote, artistically designed steel slats so you can easily see through it. hoda. >> another big story you out of washington. the senate passed a sweeping justice reform bill that had support from both the house and the senate. what is that bill going to do? >> reporter: it's a win for the white house. it's a win for jared kushner, who had largely been the man behind this effort. last night, the senate passed it. what is the most significant changes on this issue in decades. the bill would make thousands of inmates immediately eligible for reduced sentences and early release programs. it would give judges leeway on mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent drugging offenders. the bill followed a united push by conservatives, liberals, activists, as well. kim kardashian was among those who was heavily pushing for this. it's now in the house's hands. it's likely the house will pass this. and the president says he looks forward to signing it. >> a rare moment, republicans and democrats agreeing. now to some unexpected drama in court for president trump's former national security adviser. michael flynn's sentencing was postponed yesterday after a harsh tongue lashing from the judge. pete williams has the details. pete, i'll use a legal term. this was a shocker. here, the prosecutors come in, they have made this deal with michael flynn. he's cooperated with them. he pleaded guilty. he asked for probation. the prosecutor said, probation is fine with us, and the judge says, not so fast. >> reporter: right. this was a reminder that judges do the sentencing, not the prosecutors and the defense lawyers. but it was breath taking to hear judge sullivan express what he called disgust and disdain for what michael flynn pleaded guilty to doing. the judge even asked at one point if mueller's team was considering charging flynn with treason, which was a shock. judge sullivan was probably doing michael flynn a favor, suggesting that if he went ahead with the sentencing now, it would mean prison time. after the judge sent that signal, the defense took a hint and asked for a postponement. >> so what are we expecting next time, do you think michael flynn can avoid prison time? >> possible. the judge left that door open on saying if he cooperated with prosecutors, that could make things different at sentencing. general flynn has met with the mueller team 19 times. he pled guilty a year ago. mueller would see that is pretty much over with. it's not clear that flynn has enough to give that would overcome the judge's belief that he should b serve some time >> pete williams. behind bars, hoda. thank you. craig joins the table. another story developing overnight. >> more controversy for facebook. "the new york times" is reporting that the social network allowed partner companies, like microsoft, amazon and netflix, greater access to user data that it acknowledged. facebook admits that it allowed other companies to read users' private messages. but facebook denies it did so without consent. the company said in a statement tuesday that the partnerships were created so people can use facebook on devices they don't support. but it said, quote, facebook's partners don't get to ignore people's privacy settings. a lot more to get to this morning, including those overnight tributes to beloved actress and director penny marshall. natalie looks look at her life, her incredible career. natalie, good morning. >> reporter: good morning, savannah. such a huge loss. she was a groundbreaking pioneer in tv and film. penny marshall died at her hollywood hills home monday night due to collisions from diabetes. she was 75 years old. her family says they are heart broken, a sentiment shares by family and friends. ♪ shamil, schlimazel hasenpfeffer incorporated ♪ >> reporter: with a career filled with laughter, penny marshall made her dreams come true. >> would you just count it. >> reporter: born in the bronx as carol penny marshall, she got her first taste of fame in the 1950s dancing on programs like "the jackie gleason show on." she shot to fame on "laverne & shirley," a sitcom about two roommates working at a brewery, a show created by her brother. >> he said i'm not going to risk my career for yours, but i'll open the door, but you have to do it from then on in. >> reporter: after success on the small screen, she took her talents behind the camera. directing tom hanks in "big." becoming the first woman to ever direct a film that reached the $100 million mark at the box office. >> there's no crying in baseball. >> reporter: that trend continuing with "a league of their own." her life now being remembered by those who worked alongside her including tom ranks tweeting, good-bye, penny. man did we laugh a lot. love you. rosie o'donnell saying she was heartbroken. her "happy days" co-stars remembering marshall. ron howard tweeting, she made the transition from sitcom star to a-list movie director with ease. and had a major impact on both mediums. and henry winkler saying, she brought her own unique brand of humor who what was on the written page. marshall's friend and husband, actor/director rob reiner tweeting, i was very lucky to have lived with her and he funny bone. i will miss her. david lander played squiggy on "laverne & shirley." >> what amazed me was how intelligent she was. that's why she is a good director. >> everyone is asleep. >> reporter: marshall made history with "awakenings," becoming the second woman to direct a best picture oscar nominee. >> there's something about a script that makes me -- i can identify with. i feel if i can identify with it, other people can, hopefully. >> reporter: an entertainer who never forgot where she came from, saying later in life, i'll always be laverne. we're hearing from her co-star cindy williams this morning she released a statement saying what an extraordinary loss. my good friend penny marshall is gone. one in a million. utterly unique, a truly great talent. oh, what fun we had. i can't describe how i will miss her. a feeling shared by so many today. a feeling shared by so much this morning. >> absolutely, natalie. thank you so much. >> she came through so many times and did so many interviews. we're going to go back and look at those, too. >> i know. when you think of all of the movies she directed. oh, yeah, that was penny marshall. she made them so special. >> they always made you feel good. at the end of the day. >> just ahead, we're going to look back at the laughs and with wisdom that she shared with us right here on "today" over the years. mr. roker, you have a check of the weather? >> all right. let's show you what's going on. our friends in the west are getting a break. sunshine from southern get california into the southwest. but this storm system developing is going to be a big problem. a mild spell for our friends in the upper mississippi river valley and the great lakes. then things will be picking up, as well, this weekend. and today, it's literally the calm before the storm. sunshine from new england all the way down into northern florida. we'll get to your local forecast coming up in the next 30 seconds. good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. this is a problem headed out around the tri valley. this is a look at 580 in dublin. dense fog drifting by and fog in parts of the north bay. other than that, we are seeing some mostly clear conditions and we'll get some sunshine peeking out from behind the clouds later on today as our highs reach into the upper 50s and low 60s. unsettled weather moves in going into the start of the weekend. by friday, we're seeing some showers. saturday is looking dry, and then by sunday, another storm system brings us rain by christmas eve. weather. al, thank you. coming up, who had the latest what led investigateers to return to that missing mom's home in colorado. and the congressman who was offended by a pete davidson joke, is now lending the "snl" star an ear in his time of need. ♪ toyland, toyland ♪ little girl and boy land ♪ while you dwell within it ♪ you are ever happy there daddy, it's christmas! ♪ childhoods, joyland never let go of your dreams. the mercedes-benz winter event is back. lease the glc 300 for $459 a month at your local mercedes-benz dealer. mercedes-benz. the best or nothing. up to an extra 30% off across the store is really going to make for some great gifting. oh yeah... you're going to look sweet in those threads. plus, you get an extra 30% off all of it. ho, ho, ho - yeah! coming up, the remarkable story behind one of the most iconic photos ever taken, earth rise. we're going to hear from the astronaut who took that picture 50 years ago. plus, meghan markle opening up 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postal service makes more holiday deliveries to homes than anyone else in the country. ♪ with one notable exception. ♪ with the roomba robot vacuum. only roomba uses 2 multi-surface rubber brushes to clean all your floors. and with patented dirt detect technology, roomba finds dirt throughout your home. if it's not from irobot, it's not a roomba. ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ he eats a bowl of hammers at every meal ♪ ♪ he holds your house in the palm of his hand ♪ ♪ he's your home and auto man ♪ big jim, he's got you covered ♪ ♪ great big jim, there ain't no other ♪ -so, this is covered, right? -yes, ma'am. take care of it for you right now. giddyup! hi! this is jamie. we need some help. the mother from yemen who a very good morning to you. it is 7:26. i'm laura garcia. the mother from yemen who fought president trump's travel ban and received a visa waiver yesterday from the state department is expected to arrive in the bay area tonight. she is sadly coming to say good-bye to her terminally ill son at oakland hospital. her husband tells us she's crying tears of joy to see the child before he dies. 2-year-old abtoula hassan has a brain condition and is on life support. his father lives in the bay area but his mothers abeen stuck in yemen despite efforts to bring her to the u.s. doctors say abdullah may only have days to live. let's switch gears and look at the forecast. meteorologist kari hall. >> we are tracking some patchy fog in parts of the north bay, as well as the tri valley. this is a look live in san rafael, highway 101 looking southbound, and in san jose, it is all clear. we will start to see those clouds clearing out as well for a little while. i am tracking a storm system that will bring in some spotty showers, especially to the north bay by friday, and in the meantime, we're going to continue on with some dry weather. that rain may get here as early as late thursday night for the north bay, early friday morning, before it tapers off. saturday looking dry, but we'll also have some king tides that could cause some coastal flooding on saturday and sunday, and some more widespread rain heading in for christmas eve. i'll be tracking that. let's get an update on the commute from mike. >> a lot of our problems are revolving around highway westbound 84 close, niles canyon road, do not use either direction because it will be tough for hours this morning. there is a crash there. northbound 680 approaching 84 we have a crash there, still blocking one lane, a big distraction, counter commute unexpectedly slow and off of the dumbarton bridge 84 toward 880, we have an overturned rig that will affect your route getting toward northbound 880, prepare for slowing. back to you. >> thank you, another update in half an hour. see you then. ♪ hark how the bells sweet silver bells ♪ ♪ all seem to say throw cares away ♪ ♪ christmas is here bringing good cheer ♪ ♪ to young and the old weak and the bold ♪ ♪ ding dong ding dong that is the song ♪ ♪ with joyful ring all carolling ♪ ♪ one seems to hear words of good cheer ♪ ♪ from everywhere filling the air ♪ ♪ oh, how they pound raising a sound ♪ ♪ through hill and dale telling a tale ♪ ♪ gaily they ring while people hear ♪ ♪ songs of good cheer christmas is here ♪ ♪ merry, merry, merry merry christmas ♪ ♪ merry, merry, merry merry christmas ♪ ♪ on, on they send on without end ♪ ♪ their joyful tone to every home ♪ ♪ hark how the bells sweet silver bells ♪ ♪ all seem to say throw cares away ♪ >> can we run this for the entire rest of the show. i feel your mood being lifted at home. we're getting in the holiday spirit with music from the new york city's christmas chorus. they will be spreading cheer all morning long. >> i got chills, and it has nothing to do with the weather. that's beautiful. we'll hear more from them in a little bit. let's get to the headlines for us. the trump administration on tuesday banned bump stocks, a device that allows a rifle to shoot as an automatic weapon. the ban means owners must destroy or surrender their bump stocks by late march. a tornado touched down on tuesday, ripping roofs off of homes and toppling trees, as well. it happened close to seattle. there's no reports of injuries. tornadoes are considered extremeextreme ly rare in the pacific northwest. elon musk calls it the answer to soul-destroying traffic. he unveiled his transportation tunnel on tuesday. it runs beneath the streets of los angeles. the test tunnel, just a mile long. musk says the system is designed so cars can go 150 miles per hour. he thinks it will relieve traffic congestion in cities like l.a., new york and chicago. this morning, new developments in the mysterious disappearance of the colorado mother who disappeared nearly a month ago. police returning to the property of her fiance for a second time now. we go out to steve patterson. >> reporter: this is a mystery that is a missing person's case. no suspect has been named here. but police are paying a visit to the missing woman's fiance. this morning, a new focus on patrick frazee, where police were spotted leaving his ranch on tuesday. police calling it a routine follow-up. the visit comes after a two-day search at his prosecute over the weekend. 75 people scouring the acres, looking for any sign of kelsey berreth. police not revealing who they found and not naming frazee as a suspect. >> there's been questions whether patrick was a suspect or person of interest. at this point, we are considering every possibility. >> reporter: berreth was last season on november 22nd, spotted on surveillance video, shopping with her 1-year-old daughter. she was gone with cinnamon rolls in the stove. kelsey's mother reported her missing ten days after she was last seen and describes her relationship with frazee as loving. >> they have plans that haven't worked out as they would like. >> reporter: frazee told police he last saw berreth when he picked up their child on thanksgiving. but a post from berreth's aunt said, they were ending the relationship. she broke up with her ex on thanksgiving. she dropped off the baby and was heading to washington for a visit. her uncle says none of it makes sense. >> it's not normal. kelsey and her mom typically talk often. they were attached at the hips since they were little. bring her home. we miss her and want her back. >> reporter: police now offering a $25,000 reward for any information that leads to the location of berreth. meanwhile, the couple's 1-year-old daughter remains in the care and custody of frazee. >> steve patterson, thank you. mr. roker standing by with a look at the forecast. >> we're ready to play a little christmas game. a white christmas, an inch of snow on the ground. who has had a white christmas more recently? seattle or cleveland. >> i say seattle. >> seattle is correct. >> here's a chance for you to get back in. atlanta/new york. who had the latest? >> atlanta. >> new york. >> who said atlanta in. >> you win, hoda. here's the last one for you. who had the latest white christmas? dallas or washington, d.c.? >> dallas. >> you're both right. it's a tie. 2009. >> what do we win, al? >> nothing at all. however, let's look at your updated chances for a white christmas. likely yellowstone park. salt lake, boise, lake tahoe. our chances in the northeast, our chances have dropped for boston, new york, but possible in pittsburgh. detroit, chicago and minneapolis. unlikely, we know we'll get a white christmas in the sierra. we'll still see some partly cloudy skies for today and the patches of fog in the north bay and the tri valley gradually clearing. we're headed into the upper 50s and low 60s for our highs today and by tomorrow, a storm system will approach that will bring in a slight chance of rain for the north bay late tomorrow evening, and then again on friday morning. that clears out friday afternoon. saturday is looking dry, and then another system moves in to bring us some more widespread rain in time for sunday evening into christmas eve. >> that's your latest weather. we'll update the latest on the storm coming up in the next half hour. >> thank you, al. as we remember penny marshall this morning, a look at the laughs and life advice she shared here on "today." and meghan markle spreading holiday cheer overnight and making comments about her pregnancy. we'll hear from her. and a look at nasa's first flight to the moon 50 years later, from one of the straunl s astronauts who was there. harry smith will have that for us. an american journalist executed by isis four years ago. executed by isis four years ago. his family and friend ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ato be there... for the good. and not so good. for the mundane. the awe-inspiring. the heart racing. the heart breaking. that's what life is all about... showing up. unless migraine steals your chance to say "i am here." that's why, we created aimovig.. a preventive treatment for migraine in adults. one dose, once a month. aimovig is proven to reduce 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>> yes. >> reporter: he traveled to syria to confront the men who he says tortured him and the others. >> he liked to do it. >> reporter: you thought they were enjoying it? >> yes. you can see that. >> reporter: now, the men's fate may depend on president trump. in this interview obtained by nbc news, the wife of one of the accused says, two members of the fbi came to talk to me. the fbi told me my husband was in jail and that he will be taken to america. the families of the americans murdered would welcome that. but another option facing president trump is to make the men his first detainees at the guantanamo military detention center. >> the british families and american families are strongly against guantanamo because they used the image of guantanamo and the orange jumpsuits to mock us. >> reporter: two alleged isis members, accused of involvement in the killing of americans, still not brought to justice. >> if we don't stand up for justice, who are we? we're no gbetter than they are. it's very important to do the right thing. very important. yeah. very important. >> your heart just breaks for diana foley. in her mind's eye, what does she see justice as being? >> she's very clear about it. she would like to see these men put on trial, maybe in a u.s. federal court, maybe in an open court. she doesn't want to see the death penalty. she thinks that will turn the men into martyrs. britain washed its hands of these men. it revoked their citizenship. they're in limbo. all the families want after four years is to see justice done. >> they certainly deserve it. it's good to remember them. keir, thank you. ahead, what dan crenshaw is saying abo new theraflu powerpods. the cold and flu fighting machine. you put in your machine. press the button to brew up powerful relief. to defeat your toughest cold and flu symptoms fast. new theraflu powerpods. press. sip. relief. is time you make for yourself. aveeno® daily moisturizing lotion improves skin hydration in just 1 day. and for twice the moisture, try the body wash, too. aveeno® naturally beautiful results® the type of person who would never leagood hustle.nging... is the same type of person who will have your back throughout the entire car buying or selling experience, because helping people is what carmax people are all about. ♪ ♪ enhanced up to 48 hours. new unbelieva-brow longwear brow gel by l'oreal paris. no smudge. sweat resistant. waterproof. it's unbelievable. unbelieva-brow longwear brow gel. l'oreal paris. unbelieva-brow longwear brow gel. and just like you, the further into winter we go, the heavier i get. and while your pants struggle to support the heavier you, your roof struggles to support the heavier me. 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[♪ ] [♪ ] what they did to you... it hurts like hell. it's a hate crime. i was a hell of a good artist and now i can barely write my name. so, i created a world where i can heal. at your service mademoiselle. are all of the dolls people you know? yeah, everyone has a place here in marwen. there's caralala... you can't keep on running away. julie... you gotta love the pain. pain is our rocket fuel. roberta... back off! ...and nicol. i just moved in across the street. the only way you're going to get better, is if you face those jerks who beat you up. i'm not really sure how to do this. we got your back hogan. we always have your back. from the groundbreaking director of "forrest gump". bottoms up girls. to life, to love. [ gasp ] to the women of marwen. hell yeah. maybe the dolls should stay in the car. i never go anywhere without my back-up. we're back with a touching moment of support for "snl" star pete davidson in the wake of that troubling instagram post that had friends and fans concerned about his well-being. >> morgan radford is here this morning. >> reporter: pete davidson has talked about his struggles with mental wellness. he got a call from someone that just weeks before was on the receiving end of davidson's humor. words of encouragement from an unexpected source. pete davidson receiving a call of support from congressman-elect dan crenshaw, following the comedian's instagram post. crenshaw discussing the discussion with kprc. >> we don't go back far. he appreciated hearing from me. >> reporter: it's the latest wrinkle in the relationship between the comedian and soon-to-be congressman, that began with a joke that went over the line. >> i know he lost his eye or whatever. >> reporter: davidson made a controversial quip on "saturday night live" about the veteran-turned-politician, poking fun of crenshaw's appearance, specifically the eye he lost in afghanistan. >> you may be surprised to hear he's a congressional candidakac from texas and not a hit man in a porno movie. >> reporter: the 25-year-old apologized to the former navy s.e.a.l., who made a surprise cameo on "snl" the next week. >> looks like a troll doll with a tapeworm. >> reporter: davidson struggles with addiction and borderline personality disorder are well-documented, causing many to think the worst after his instagram post on saturday, which read in part, i don't want to be on this earth anymore. i'm doing my best to stay here for you but i don't know how much longer i can last. >> you don't want to see somebody in that position, to the point where they're actually putting on a cry for help on social media. >> reporter: that cry for help prompted the nypd to conduct a wellness check, as words of encouragement poured in, including from his ex-fianfan-f ariana grande. while davidson did make a brief appearance -- >> once again, miley cyrus. >> reporter: he was a matter of concern for friends and confidants. >> everybody has a purpose in this world. but it's your job to find that purpose. >> reporter: crenshaw's full conversation is sed to air on knbc. we didn't get a statement from pete davidson or crenshaw. when i heard he made this phone call, it was not surprising. that's the kind of guy he is. >> congressman-elect crenshaw, as classy as funny. >> reporter: he's funny. very deadpan. >> thank you, morgan. still to come, jimmy fall fallon's big surprise with help from michelle obama for fans at 30 rock. and we're if you have psoriasis, little things can be a big deal. that's why there's otezla. otezla is not a cream. it's a pill that treats moderate to severe plaque psoriasis differently. with otezla,75% clearer skin is achievable. don't use if you're allergic to otezla. it may cause severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. otezla is associated with an increased risk of depression. tell your doctor if you have a history of depression or suicidal thoughts, or if these feelings develop. some people taking otezla reported weight loss. your doctor should monitor your weight and may stop treatment. upper respiratory tract infection and headache may occur. tell your doctor about your medicines and if you're pregnant or planning to be. otezla. show more of you. give joy,at kohl's!... and get kohl's cash for you! give joy with fine fragrances a new keurig or, a fitbit versa - and you'll get kohl's cash! 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(avo) get zero percent during the subaru share the love event. happening now... a mother whose 2 year old son is good morning. right now it's 7:56. we're seeing low clouds and patchy fog. this is a live look outside san francisco where we'll see low clouds rolling by. clear visibility in the south bay, although we are getting mostly cloudy skies now. we are going to get peeks of sunshine today, highs reaching the low 60s. 61 degrees in concord today, and 59 in napa. our temperatures will reach into the low 60s today, and then by tomorrow, we're seeing more of the same temperatures, but some clouds moving in as a chance of showers develops by late tomorrow night into early friday morning. saturday will be dry, but then another more widespread system moves in that could also bring in some rain continuing into christmas eve. also be watching out for king tides along the coast for saturday, as well as sunday. san francisco looking good, but upper 50s all throughout the forecast. let's get an update on the commute from mike. >> we have two traffic alerts brewing eastbound 84 and the very end of that dumbarton bridge approaching 880, we still have that overturned trailer, tractor trailer there. problem, but you can exit at thornton and get on to surface streets to get around that problem. there may be a closure as the crew arrives to right that truck. there is a closure for 84 through niles canyon. avoid that. northbound 680 we also have a crash at andrade, which looks like it just cleared. back to you. >> thank you very much. happening now, a mother whose 2-year-old son is on life support is now making her way to the bay area. she was stuck in her native yemen until she got a waiver that allowed her to travel here, despite the tra president's travel ban. her son may only have days to live. we have more on our home page. president trump declaring isis has been defeated in syria, this is a report surfaced the u.s. may pull a large number of troops out of syria. head to nbc bay area's twitter feed to link to the new nbc report. another local news update for you in about half an hour. have a great day. the overnight we inch closer to possible government shutdown. the stakes for us here in the bay area. plus: holiday shoppers face a tough choice: buying new or refurbished? our consumer team breaks down your best option. tomorrow from 4:30 to 7. rush to work, grab a drink, hurry home. - [cell phone beeps] - stop! don't be on your phone. let someone else take the wheel. make a little eye contact. make a plan. it's a busy world out there. we're all in it together. go safely, california. you hurry to work, so you can take it slow. - [cell phone beeps] - stop! let's stop looking at pedestrians as a nuisance, and carless objects, and start looking out for each other again. it's a busy world out there. we're all in it together. go safely, california. ♪ ♪ it's 8:00 on "today." coming up, holiday road. with millions bracing for stormy weather ahead of the holiday weekend. new details on what it could mean for your christmas commute. al has the forecast. plus, royal family matters? while meghan markle is out spreading holiday cheer. >> how are you? >> very good. >> new questions about how she'll spend her physician christmfirst christmas as a royal. and how is her relationship with her father after he spoke out on british tv. >> she sees it as a betrayal. then, penny and her thoughts. >> the reaction -- [ bleep ] sorry. >> it's too late. >> we'll take a look back at some of penny marshall's most memorable moments here on "today." >> it's too early in the morning, maria. how do you do this? >> how she always kept us laughing. today, wednesday, december 19th, 2018. ♪ >> shoutout to summeralls high school! >> hi to those back home in st. louis! >> we just graduated from nursing school and we're celebrating today! yay! ♪ >> from sac city, iowa. hi, grandma and grandpa! >> hi to our family in baton rouge! >> hi to texas! >> now that's how you start a show. >> nice. >> back to "today" and more music from the new york city's children's chorus. as far as i'm concerned, a bunch of angels. more music from them, just ahead. >> we will talk to them, as well. let's get to your news at 8:00. messy winter storms closing in on holiday travelers as they get ready to hit the roads. al is tracking where the worst trouble spots will be. >> we're seeing showers and thunderstorms in texas. flash flood watches from florida all the way up into new england. we'll see that fill in as the day wears on today on into tomorrow. here's the storm developing in the south for today. showers, thunderstorms tomorrow. severe weather developing down in florida. heavy thunderstorms in atlanta for airport delays, making its way late tomorrow night into the northeast and then continues with a secondary low developing, and that will mean friday is going to be a mess with heavy rain. rainfall amounts upwards of 5 inches in parts of florida. 3 to 5 inches new york on into new england. excessive rainfall, flood risks, as well. airport delays for tomorrow. atlanta, charlotte, all the way back to nashville. chicago, possible, as well. down into miami and orlando. on the roads, i-75, atlanta to miami. atlanta to raleigh on i-85. then on friday, look at airport delays from atlanta all the way up to boston, back to detroit and chicago. on the road, you're going to have problems in charlotte and cleveland. chicago to new york, along i-80. and i-95, raleigh up to boston. it's going to be a mess. and back on saturday, guys, when the system pulls away, strong winds will be moving inland, and that will cause airport delays into the midwest, as well. back to you. >> yeah, it's going to be a wind story for sure, al. thank you. congress and the president have just about two days now to prevent a partial government shutdown. nbc white house correspondent peter alexander has the latest on where the negotiations stand at this hour. peter, good morning. >> reporter: savannah, good morning to you. breaking news on this front. within the last hour, mitch mcconnell announcing plans to introduce a short-term spending bill that would fund the government until february 8th. democrats have indicated they would not oppose a deal like this. they would basically give all parties here more time to make a longer-term deal early in the new year. and i was just up in the west wing here. what's important is the white house still hasn't said whether the president is on board with this plan, even as it signals a retreat from president trump's demand for $5 billion from congress for a border wall. the deadline, of course, for a deal, was friday night. if none was reached, hundreds of thousands of federal workers would have been furloughed or forced to work without pay, just in time for christmas. also this morning, the white house is touting a rare bipartisan bill on criminal justice that the senate passed overwhelmingly last night. the bill would make thousands of inmates immediately eligible for reduced sentences and early release programs. the house is expected to be on board with it. the president said he looks forward to signing it. savannah, back to you. >> all right. peter, thank you. several run-away zebras have been returned to a christmas circus after putting on quite the unexpected show. check this out. the zebras bolted from a circus tent and trouted around the german city of dresden. police rounded them up with help from circus handlers. one officer bass was hurt. he was kicked. but is expected to be okay. let's move on to our boost. there are so many of our best christmas memories stored in our heart. but we decided to compile a bunch of beautiful, special surprise moments on camera. i think you'll enjoy these. >> let's go see the christmas genie. >> ooh! >> ah! [ laughter ] >> that was mommy's christmas present too. taking a nap. sweet! >> a greet boost. just ahead, royal baby watch. what meghan markle just shared about her pregnancy while spreading some holiday cheer. plus, we're going to pay tribute to penny marshall through the words and wisdom and laughs she shared with us on "today" over the years. but first, these messages. ♪ but one blows them all out of the water. hydro boost from neutrogena®. with hyaluronic acid to plump skin cells so it bounces back. neutrogena® so it bounces back. our because of smoking.ital. but we still had to have a cigarette. had to. but then, we were like. what are we doing? the nicodermcq patch helps prevent your urge to smoke all day. nicodermcq. you know why, we know how. hebut i'm kindai want t"ehhhhhhhhhhhh" about buying one. you're "ehhhhhhhhhhhh?" well, it's more like a "aaaiiiiiihhh." well, good news. carmax will buy your car even if you don't buy one from them. ahhh-haaaaaa. mmmmm-hmmm. oooh. ahhh. ahahaha. mmmm. [♪] ♪ one, two, three, four [♪] [♪] [♪] [♪] [♪] ♪ ♪ we're back. 8:10 with more on the life and legacy of the great penny marshall. >> she was a real original. from her sitcom days, she was a legend. she was here on "today" frequently. always making us laugh and dishing out words of wisdom. >> i'm fine. i've been fine. i go once a year, as i dodged a big bullet. >> a couple of them. >> all these people who are saying, no, they called, the rags and stuff [ bleep ]. ooh, sorry. >> it's too late. >> yeah. you got the memo from carrie fisher, haven't you? what a mouth. >> we talk that way. what else is there to do. >> the box office receipts. i once heard $80 million. what is your most recent figure? >> somewhere around there. >> is that unprecedented for a woman director? >> i hear that, too. i think the movie is a good movie. but it's shocki ining that it g this big. now that you make a hit, the pressure is higher. >> high fast ball, can't hit them and can't lay off them. >> i read where you keep a sentence or two in your head while you shoot. is that accurate? >> yeah. it used to keep me in check. >> let me start with "big." what sentence was running through your head? >> that was, be careful what you wish for or the grass is always greener. >> how about "awakening"? >> don't throw your life away being neurotic. there's people with real problems. >> some of them are going home. >> is sentiment going to be your signature? >> i don't know. sentiment. i don't know. i'm sentmentaimental. i like to go to a movie and laugh and get involved in the story and the people in it. >> mom, pop. >> yeah. >> i'm pregnant. >> my daughter's a tramp. >> i know you were a mother when you were a teenager. did you bring your own personal experiences to this film? >> i understood what it was like being a teenage mom. you're a kid. you're a kid raising a kid. parents should take their kids. i think parents will understand it if they've had children. well, they wouldn't be parents if they didn't have children. it's too early in the morning, maria. >> yeah, but you look good. you look good. >> you guys have to have a favorite episode or certain moments that happened on the show that stay with you. >> the murphy bed show, whatever one that was. i don't know what the title of it was. >> we called it something. >> we fought with the murphy bed. ♪ shamil, schlimazel >> yes. schlemiel, schlimazel are people that don't do very well. >> a schlemiel is someone that trips over nothing. and a schlimazel comes along and trips over the schlemiel. ♪ for me and you >> the question is, what's the line after "schlemiel, schlimazel, hasenpfeffer incorporated." >> what was the name of the beer company? it was schott's. >> their favorite drink was the milk and pepsi. so, we raise a glass to penny. >> cheers, penny. >> i always wanted my mom to let me have this. >> wow. >> it's interesting. >> like the bottom of a float. have you ever made a float? >> the last two sips. >> i don't know where you're going with the bottom of a something. >> all right. sheinelle has "pop start" for us today. >> keir is back, because we're starting with a royal roundup. meghan markle and her first christmas as a duchess and speaking about her pregnancy. keir? >> she is beautifully pregnant. she is amazing. she's out spreading holiday cheer and dealing with criticism from her dad and from anonymous sources that at times seems pretty unfair. meghan sheelf-assured, with headlines saying there's tension at the palace, and her baby bump visible. the duchess visited a nursing home. holding hands with one resident. reports say she's pledged to keep working until close to the birth. >> how are you? >> very good. >> yes. >> i know all about that. i read the papers. >> reporter: but since her fairy tale wedding, meghan has become the target of anonymous attacks, accused of breaking royal protoc protocol, like holding hands with harry on official duties. and criticized for cradling her bump at a fashion show. other reports, her drive to get things done seen as too demanding by some royal staff. and some divisions between meghan and kate. meghan's dad on "good morning britain." >> i would appreciate anything she could do. i would think that she would want to resolve family problems. all families, royal or otherwise. >> reporter: the palace, not commenting. >> there's been a sense from the kensington palace side, that the more he gives interviews, the more she will double down and not want to see him because she sees it as a betrayal. >> reporter: as christmas approaches, questions whether meghan's mom will visit for the holidays. all hoping for a happy new year with the royal birth of a baby and maybe the first trip to the u.s. for meghan's royal family. i don't know how her dad thinks appearing on television is going to help them, you know, heal those wounds. and, look, i've never been pregnant. but i think -- >> seriously? >> i know, right? >> you think she's handling it well? >> her first pregnancy, that's a lot to handle. >> with the traveling. >> what's behind the criticism, keir? >> i think it's snobbery. i think it's tough to join the royal family. there's prejudice. i think, you know, frankly, she is doing pretty well. >> i think she's handling it beautifully. >> i just wish we would stop putting the father on. >> yeah. >> enough. >> yeah. >> we're rooting for her. >> thank you, keir. fantastic job as a "pop start" correspondent. such a future. up next, the digital series "six minute marathon" with savannah. it features quick-fire rounds of questions with your favorite folks. there's an episode out today, with jenna bush hager and her sister, barbara. >> it was a tough booking. >> what is your favorite family tradition? >> mexican food on christmas eve. >> and waking up early on christmas morning. >> have you social media stocked anyone? >> lin-manuel miranda. >> you have stocked lin-manuel. i've seen it. >> so have you. >> barbara, how about you? >> yes. they will remain nameless. >> ooh, ex-boyfriends. >> savannah is like, this isn't about me, it's about you. to watch the full episode -- >> i literally said, i'm asking the questions here. >> not about me. head to today.com to see all of that glory. and finally, former first lady michelle obama. she stopped by the didntn "the show" to surprise some guests on an nbc tour. >> happy holidays. >> that was the best. mind if i get on? you know what? we'll take the next one. we'll take the next one. >> i thought we were going up. >> we'll take the next one. you want to see a magic trick? that's it. >> this is everything. talk about the ride of their lives. you can watch that full video at today.com. >> that's so mean they let the door shut. >> like, wait, keep the door open. >> oh, my god. >> michelle obama jump roping. >> i'm surprised that people don't throw themselves out of the envelolevator. >> you're in shock. i'm sure the weather will be just as exciting. >> not so much. i would like to say yes, but not really. we like a little dull weather before what's coming, especially on the east coast. lots of nisunshine will be mild. a mild spell in the upper ohio river valleys. good morning i i'm meteorologist kari hall. here's a live look outside in dublin. still mostly cloudy. we will get peeks of sunshine with our temperatures very much the same as we've seen over the past few days. with upper 50s and lower 60s for tomorrow we'll start to see some more clouds moving in. and a chance of showers starting in the north bay late tomorrow evening into early friday morning. by saturday, we're all dry, but there will be another storm system moving in. so bring us rain in time for christmas eve. . a mother from yemen who fought president trump's travel ban is expected to arrive in the bay area tonight. she received a visa waiver yesterday from the state department. the mother is coming to say good-bye to her terminally ill son at an oakland hospital. her husband tells us she's been crying tears of joy to see her child before he die, 3-year-old abdullah hassan has a brain condition. his father lives in the bay area, but his mother has been stuck in egypt despite efforts to bring her to the u.s. doctors say abdullah may only have days to live. the morning commute with mike inouye. >> a little bit lighter, we approaching christmas. next week will be light for the morning commute. we're still looking at a problem of getting off the dumbarton bridge. 84 eastbound jammed at 880. southbound the connector may be closed because of an accident. use thornton to get around it. 84 thornton itself jammed up. folks scrambling around city streets through the area. over here, 84 still closed, it may be reopening for some traffic flow. there's a crash involving a dump truck there. bay bridge, a smooth drive, up in the north bay it doesn't look like it because of the fog index, but look at the live shot, still low clouds, back to you. >> we'll have more local news in 30 minutes. ♪ whoa! the mercedes-benz winter event is back, and you won't want to stop for anything else. lease the gla 250 for $359 a month at your local mercedes-benz dealer. mercedes-benz. the best or nothing. i am a techie dad.n. i believe the best technology should feel effortless. like magic. at comcast, it's my job to develop, apps and tools that simplify your experience. my name is mike, i'm in product development at comcast. we're working to make things simple, easy and awesome. ♪ ♪ just hear those sleigh bells jingling ♪ ♪ ring-ting-tingling too ♪ come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride ♪ ♪ together with you ♪ outside, the snow is falling and friends are ♪ ♪ calling "yoo-hoo" ♪ come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride ♪ ♪ together with you ♪ giddy-yap giddy-yap giddy-yap let's go ♪ ♪ let's look at the show we're riding in ♪ ♪ a wonderland of snow giddy-yap giddy-yap ♪ ♪ giddy-yap it's grand just holding your hand ♪ ♪ we're riding along with the song ♪ ♪ of a wintery fairy land ♪ our cheeks are nice and rosy and comfy cozy are we ♪ ♪ we're snuggled up together like two birds ♪ ♪ of a feather would be ♪ let's take the road before us and sing ♪ ♪ a chorus or two ♪ come on, it's lovely weather for ♪ ♪ a sleigh ride together with you ♪ ♪ a sleigh ride with you wow. wow. >> wow is right. >> big finish. >> way to go, guys. by far the best part of our program happening right now. 8:30, with more holiday music from the new york children's chorus. a beautiful rendition of "sleigh ride." >> it sounds so beautiful. it's cold out here and they sing so pretty. >> the parent s over there, so proud. we're going to hear more from them. there are three days left in our annual toy drive. playing the role of help, george lynd lynd lyndonberg jr., one of the stars of the new "bumblebee" movie. >> i want to show you some of my friends that we're just about to meet. hi, shanna, savannah. hi, matt. where are you from? >> st. louis, missouri. >> why did you want to come to the plaza? >> i love the show. i love you guys. thank you for making me smile every day. >> thank you for being here. i like how you just looked right at her, because i'm here because she said. >> as they say, happy wife, happy life. >> you're a smart man. where is the baby? >> he's at home with the grandmas. hi, grandma. hi, grandpa. >> have a great holiday. thank you for watching us. we appreciate it. see? our new best friends. >> how cute is that little m.j.? the cutest. >> we mentioned "bumblebee." you're going to hear justin's voice in it. and ruth bader ginsburg. and one of the most sought-after chefs, reinhardy. and he is putting a new twist on family burger night. on the third hour of "today," maria shriver sitting down with one of the breakthrough women of 2018, aquafina. let's look at what we have today. the storm is developing through the gulf. that's going to cause problems for the eastern half of the country. strong storms and winds making their way through the western plains. look for sunshine in the northeast. and look at the eastern third of the country. just a mess. severe storms, flood threats. rainy weather moves back into the pacific good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. still foggy in parts of the north bay. san rafael as drivers make their way to the city. highs in the upper 50s today after the fog starts to lift. it will stay partly to mostly cloudy today. highs in low 60s for the south bay. by tomorrow we'll see an increase and chance of rain, especially for the north bay late tomorrow evening. into early friday morning. but much of the bay area stays dry. it continues on saturday and then another storm system approaching on sunday. ♪ o come all ye faithful joyful and triumphant ♪ >> a little bonus. ♪ o come ye o come ye to bethlehem ♪ >> now, back inside. >> thank you, mr. roker. let's swing over to sheinelle, in the orange room talking about someone's lack of a green thumb. >> everyone, meet savannah's ficus plant. isn't it beautiful? you took to social media for answers. why is my fichus dying? i've only had it for four months. you go on to say, i talk to it and greet it and treat it like a member of the family. where did i go wrong? #saveficus. you're not the only ones struggling with this. andy cohen writes, i've been through three. if you find out, let me know. and jill kargman posts, i'm a serial killer of trees #brownthumb. you got hundreds of suggestions, but a lot of advice conflicting. we called an expert to diagnose your ficus. here's what he had to say. >> it feels moist. >> it is moist. you'll see down here, it is sitting in a lot of water. >> my husband is mad because i kind of ruined the floor. >> i noticed the damage was occurring in an irregular way. it was not affecting all of the leaves at one time. when that's the case, it's usually a fungus or a bacteria. >> although your ficus has a fungus, the good news is, it can be saved. you need to snap off the infected pieces to stop the fungus from spreading and it will grow around the plant. he says, you should feel deep into the soil to see when it gets watered. rotate it so it grows evenly. for full tips, or to see savannah's trip to the expert, go to today.com. >> anybody with plant s that struggles with them, will learn from our expert. and he says a lot of plants that are sold might have the fungus already. you have to check it out. >> can we get a ficus cam? >> my husband has been telling me, your ficus is dying. i'm like, it's not dying. >> don't you talk to it, too? >> i do talk to it. that's why i don't know why it's not thriving. >> make sure you call andy cohen. >> he needs to know this. coming up, the busy justin theroux and his roles in two highly anticipated movies. first, this is "to da thero theroux, who stars in the ruth bader ginsburg bio-pic. >> he plays a leader at the aclu who isn't confident that ruth can argue a case on her own. >> you took half of the argument away from you. >> nobody took anything away from you. i gave you this opportunity. >> you think you gave this to me. >> i did. and keep your emotions in check. >> you first. >> well, well, well. >> we have to get to kuma, your beloved dog. does kuma come around with you when you go on interviews? >> she comes with me pretty much everywhere. new york is pretty dog-friendly. >> she is hiding. our camera is trying to get a shot. i'm out. >> dogs are your thing, i guess? >> yeah, they are. >> i love her collar. very blingy. >> how long have you had her? >> for eight months or so. >> she's really mellow. >> chilled out. >> it's early for her. >> time change, jet lag. >> let's talk about the movie. felicity and everybody glowing from meeting ruth bader ginsburg. you did, too. i love your caption -- new couple alert. >> i wish. >> we met her and it was one of those moments. you're rarely star-struck by anyone these days. she is one of these people that is shrouded behind oak doors. >> what did you talk about? >> i was nervous about making small talk. you can't go and be like, hey, what do you think of my mapants. >> and 14th amendment. >> you don't think she's going to outrun you on that. you go in and you kind of be polite and respectful. you know, she's obviously incredibly intelligent. we started talking. she started talking about the movie, which she liked very much. she started to talk about case law. and was taking about case law, based on other case law. and within two minutes, she's off in the distance intellectually and you can't keep up. >> you do so much, justin. you act in this movie. you're a writer. and i got to thinking, i wonder what justin was like as a kid. i wonder if he devoured books and was one of the bookworms. >> i was not a book devourer at all. >> what were you like? >> i was hyperactive and fridge ity. th fidgety. i didn't do well in school. >> did it surprise you that since you weren't a reader that you became a write center. >> i guess so. if anything, an ear for dialogue sometimes. i don't think i can write a novel or anything like that, or, you know, a real book. >> maybe you could. maybe it's in you still. >> yeah. >> did you always know you wanted to be an actor? >> no. by degrees, i knew i would be in the arts. i was never going to be doing any job that required math. i didn't think, spelling for that matter. it's one of those things that you sort of -- i was passionate about it. i wanted to do it from an early age. i didn't have plans. >> you have a couple of passions. you like what you do. you love your dog. and you like motorcycles. what is that feeling like for you? what got you hooked when you ride across country? >> the same thing when you're 16 and you get your driver's license and you realize you can go anywhere. and there's something about just being on top of the vehicle as opposed to inside it that feels fantastic. the bike sort of disappears when you're on it. >> wind in your hair, but you should be wearing a helmet, right? >> yeah. >> can you get a side car? >> that would be great. >> what do you think, kuma? >> she travels well. >> and you have a couple projects. "bumblebee." >> that's coming out christmas. fantastic movie. really fantastic transformers movie. >> getting great reviews. >> we just had haley. >> everybody has been by. >> we're glad you came to see us, justin." "on the basis of section" hits theaters nationwide on january 11th. coming up next, the recipe for a burger to end all burgers from the head chef of some of new york's hottest restaurants. first, this is "today" on nbc. we're back with another holiday edition of "today food." this morning, a meal that your family will adore. >> we're excited about this. ryan hardy, he is firing up the grill for a burger recipe from his latest hot spot. good to see you. how is this different from your other restaurants? >> it's upstairs from legacy records. it's a cocktail bar focus, a place that's music-driven for us. we try to put together small plates that i think are delicious. >> all right. we got to get to the burger. everybody has their own favorite recipe. do you have a secret ingredient that makes yours different? >> it's the holiday season. we have to spice it up. >> what do you do? >> we have a few things. we're going to talk about black truffles. they're more affordable than you think. this is ground beef, of course. we do a dry age beef there. we're going to talk about parmesan, some mozzarella, hot pepper and brown butter. this is a modeled version of a northern italian classic. >> you browned the butter. >> the butter going here. we're going to fry some herbs into that butter. >> frying the herbs. >> it gets crispy and foamy. >> rosemary, sage, what else? >> just rosemary and sage and the butter gets browned. we're going to put everything together. we have chopped black truffle. you can buy this canned. this is fresh black truffle. we're going to put all of that in there together. >> if you don't want to spend the money on the black truffles, is there a swap? >> you can do it without it. it's $10 for a can of the black truffles. >> where do you get it? any store? >> you can buy them at fancy food stores. >> like whole foods or something? >> whole foods has it. we're going to mix that together, and make some burger patties. from that, once you get that mixed in. >> do you have a secret about making the perfect patty? >> i like to do smaller patties. i like a four-ounce burger. i think it cooks a little better. thank you. >> you're welcome. >> and allows you to feed your family faster. >> this is cast iron. is that what you like? >> i do. this is an important thing. you don't have to cook outside on the barbecue. you can cook inside. everybody thinks about burgers in the summertime. it's cold outside. we want to cook inside. i cook them on a cast iron pan. just a cast iron pan is nice. cook those up. and i put a little butter here. >> you like the potato bun. >> i'm a fan of the potato bun. we make the buns at the restaurant. we have a bakery there. that's our secret thing there. i do. i'm a potato bun fan. >> talk about the side dish you have cooking. >> you can't just have a burger. you have to have something on the side. people love french fries. this is a healthier version of it. this is what i love to eat, roasted vegetables. >> pardon my reach there. >> acorn squash that has been roasted. we've done a little salsa with the nuts or the seeds from that. and it's done with olive oil, and fresh baratta. >> you have to put a little on the burger and the salad. >> are you into it? >> really good. and i like the tomato thing on the burger. >> when we finish this, we have mozzarella on the side. and then, we have salted chilies here. one of the cooks in my kitchen, chelsea, this is some salted and fermented chilies. put on your favorite hot sauce. that's it. it's simple and so good. >> thank you. thank you. >> we appreciate it. >> if you want to try out this recipe, as well, today.com/food. up next -- i'll finish crewing. and a festive performance from the new york city children's chorus. first, this is "today" on nbc. this little home of mine, ♪ i'm gonna let it shine. ♪ it's energy saving time, ♪ i'm gonna reduce mine. ♪ californians all align ♪ to let our great state shine. ♪ let it shine, ♪ the power's ours to let it shine! ♪ the citi concert series on "today" is proudly presented to you by citi. >> welcome back, everybody. we are back with the new york city children's chorus. they've been entertaining us all morning long. has this not been the best morning with these guys? >> honestly, i wish you could be here every day. i'm so glad you're here, and it's cold out here. this is their seventh season as a chorus. they perform all across new york and the world. we couldn't leave without one more song. we want to introduce you to them. mary huff is the director. and timmy and derga are senior members of the chorus. good morning, guys. >> good morning. >> what do you love about singing in the chorus? >> i love the family we've created here and the friendships. >> i love the experiences we get to have because of miss huff. it's one in a lifetime. >> is it hard to sing in the cold like this? >> when you have your friends around, it's not that cold. >> oh, my gosh. you've done something great with these kids. it must be difficult to become a member here. is it? >> we audition all over new york. we have kids from ages 4 to 18 and they show up and work hard every week. i'm very proud of them. >> you've done an amazing job. these are great talents. we have to hear one more song, don't we? >> yes. >> okay. we're going to get out of the way. ♪ dashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh ♪ ♪ o'er the fields we go laughing all the way ♪ ♪ bells on bob-tail ring making spirits bright ♪ ♪ what fun it is to ride and sing ♪ ♪ a sleighing song tonight ♪ oh, jingle bells jingle bells ♪ ♪ jingle all the way! ♪ oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh! ♪ ♪ jingle bells jingle bells ♪ jingle all the way! ♪ oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh! ♪ ♪ a day or two ago i thought i'd take a ride ♪ ♪ and soon miss fanny bright was seated by my side ♪ ♪ the horse was lean and lank misfortune seemed his lot ♪ ♪ he got into a drifted bank and we, we got upsot ♪ ♪ oh, jingle bells jingle bells ♪ ♪ jingle all the way! ♪ oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh! ♪ ♪ jingle bells jingle bells ♪ jingle all the way! ♪ oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh! ♪ ♪ now the ground is white go it while you're young ♪ ♪ take the girls tonight and sing this sleighing song ♪ ♪ just get a bob-tailed nag two-forty for his speed ♪ ♪ then hitch him to an open sleigh, and crack ♪ ♪ you'll take the lead ♪ oh, jingle bells jingle bells ♪ ♪ jingle all the way! ♪ oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh! ♪ ♪ jingle bells jingle bells ♪ jingle all the way! ♪ oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh! ♪ ♪ in a one-horse open sleigh >> oh, wow. wow, wow. you guys are amazing. we want to point out other amazing people out here, too. your moms and dads are all standing over there. can we get a wave for the parents who are in the crowd, all the way up to here. congratulations, guys. that was awesome. >> great accompaniment, too, from our pianist. if you want to see great moments and stories like this, go to today.com/allday. more music coming up in the third hour. we'll see you in a little bit. i facebook users this morning - giving a big thumbs down to the good morning, at 8:56, i'm marcus washington. facebook users given a big thumb's down to the company's new admission of allowing other big tech companies to read users' private messages. but facebook denied it did so without consent. facebook gave netflix and bing and others the ability to read private messages. accord together report. the deal helped facebook bring in more users. spotify and netflix said they were unaware of access to facebook that was granted. is it time to ditch facebook? our scott mcgrew is looking closer and will have a full report in our midday newscast. also midday, one lawmaker raising new questions about how b.a.r.t. presented a $1 billion bond measure to voters. why he believes the penalties that b.a.r.t. now faces did not go far enough. and a mother is making her way to the bay area to see her son on life support. she's a yemen native, but lives in egypt. she was stuck there, not being allowed to travel here, despite the president's travel ban. more news in an hour. the overni we inch closer to possible government shutdown. the stakes for us here in the bay area. plus: holiday shoppers face a tough choice: buying new or refurbished? our consumer team breaks down your best option. tomorrow from 4:30 to 7. ♪ whoa! the mercedes-benz winter event is back, and you won't want to stop for anything else. lease the gla 250 for $359 a month at your local mercedes-benz dealer. mercedes-benz. the best or nothing. live from studio 6a, this is "today." >> good morning, everybody. welcome. i'm al. we got jenna, sheinelle, craig, and jacob soboroff. sobo is in the house. >> sobo. >> good to see you. >> i like it. >> one thing we don't like, just some sad news out of hollywood. of course, we've been talking all morning about penny marshall. everybody remembers her as laverne from "laverne & shirley." passing away at the age of 75. went from that sitcom to a groundbreaking female director

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