>> okay. thank you. be safe out there. >> thank you for starting your morning right here with us on "today in the bay." have a great morning. good morning. good morning. breaking overnight, trump folds. after battling with house speaker nancy pelosi, the president agrees to postpone his state of the union address until the shutdown is over. the senate ready to vote today on competing bills aimed at reopening the government, but does either really stand a chance? what is the president's next move? we're live at the white house. terror in florida. the suspected gunman behind a mass shooting inside a florida bank set to be in court today. >> we've suffered significant loss at the hands of a senseless criminal doing a senseless crime. >> this morning, what we are learning about the five victims. the suspect's own call to 911, and the dramatic end to an hours long stand-off.

high alert. police investigating hundreds of threats against kentucky high school students involved in that now infamous encounter. after the 16-year-old at the center of that stare down told savannah he did nothing wrong -- >> i can't say i'm sorry for listening to him and standing there. >> -- this morning, the man on the other side of the face-off joins us to share his reaction. those stories, plus, fear makes us crazy. pope francis weighs in on the president's border wall, delivering a strong message as he arrives in central america. let it rain. a powerful storm targeting nearly 50 million people from north carolina to new england today. al has the forecast. and j.lo, she didn't. >> i am challenging hoda. hoda, i know you're up for a good challenge. >> what superstar jennifer lopez is asking us to do, and why it will not be easy. today, thursday, january 24th, 2019.

>> announcer: from nbc news, this is "today" with savannah guthrie and hoda kotb, live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. welcome to "today" on this thursday morning. thank you for joining us. not every day, jennifer lopez calls us out and wants us to challenge her to something. >> well, first of all, it is a very difficult challenge. she didn't challenge us. she challenged you. why are you dragging us into it? >> we're all in this together. are you with me? >> we'll see. i need more information. >> all right. >> we'll tell you about that in a moment. first, our top story. here we go again. the bitter battle over the government shutdown. following a back and forth of house speaker nancy pelosi overnight, the president announced he will wait until the shutdown is over to give his state of the union address. >> the senate is holding the first votes today on duelling plans to reopen the government. >> with 800,000 american workers missing a second paycheck, protests are growing. federal workers voicing their frustrations in a massive demonstration on capitol hill.

>> we have this all covered this morning. we'll start at the white house with peter alexander. hey, peter. >> reporter: good morning to you. for president trump, this is a rare retreat, conceding in a showdown with the house speaker nancy pelosi, who blocked him from delivering his state of the union address until after the government reopens. the president, in a tweet sent just before midnight, acknowledging pelosi's power here in washington. it is a symbolic win for democrats, even as the stalemate over the shutdown drags on. overnight, president trump blinking in his state of the union stare down with nancy pelosi. the president writing in a tweet, i'll do the speech when the shutdown is over. i'm not looking for a new venue because there is no venue that can compete with the history, tradition, and importance of the house chamber. pelosi responding with a measured tweet, encouraging the

president to end the shutdown and reopen the government. earlier in the day, president trump in a letter to pelosi, dismissing her request to delay the address, saying he'd give the speech on time, on schedule, and very importantly, on location. pelosi telling the president, she wouldn't authorize his address in the house chamber as originally planned. the president, appearing to be caught off guard by the news delivered by nbc. >> your response to the house speaker? >> i'm not surprised. it is really a shame, what's happening with the democrats. they've become radicalized. >> reporter: president trump later lashing out at the speaker. >> the state of the union speech has been cancelled by nancy pelosi because she doesn't want to hear the truth. she's afraid of the truth. i think that is a great blotch on the incredible country that we all love. >> reporter: for the president, backlash is building. his approval rating dropping to 34%, its lowest level in more than a year, with most americans

blaming him for the shutdown. unpaid federal workers converging on the capitol. protesters arrested outside mitch mcconnell's office. five former heads of the department of homeland security, including the president's former chief of staff, john kelly, writing a letter to the president and to congress, urging them to fund the department to ensure our homeland remains safe. the letter following a new report that details the firsthand accounts of fbi agents, warning the shutdown is undermining criminal counterterrorism and counterintelligence operations. this morning, the white house is bracing for this shutdown to stretch into february, even into march. officials here asking agency leaders to give them a list of programs that could be impacted if this shutdown lasts for weeks more. savannah and hoda? >> peter, there are a couple votes today planned. i mean, do they have any chance at all? is this just posturing? what is this about? >> reporter: you're right, the senate is set, as you know, to vote on these duelling bills.

both are expected to fail. there are small signs here, i think, of progress. the question is, will it be enough? house democrats right now are preparing a new offer, funding what they describe as a smart wall with at least $5.7 billion for border security. remember, that's the number the president is asking for. here, it would come in the form of more technology, border agents, and judges. no new wall. is it enough? we'll have to wait and see. >> peter alexander, thank you so much. other big news out of washington, the president's former attorney, michael cohen, has postponed his plans to testify on capitol hill. he cited concerns about his family's safety. nbc white house correspondent kristen welker is on this story. good morning. >> reporter: good morning to you. michael cohen is telling friends he's concerned about his family's safety after what he has described as verbal attacks from president trump and his attorney, rudy giuliani. top lawmakers say, while understanding, not testifying is

not an option. pulling the plug. the president's former fixer, michael cohen, says he won't testify before the house oversight committee as planned next month. cohen's lawyer writing, due the ongoing threats against his family from president trump, mr. cohen's appearance will be postponed to a later date. adding, this is a time where mr. >> reporter: a source close to cohen says, he's particularly concerned about the safety of his father-in-law and wife, after tweets and comments like this from the president. >> his father-in-law is a very rich guy, i hear. he should give information maybe on his father-in-law, because that's the one that people want to look at. did he keep -- make a deal to keep his wife out of trouble? >> reporter: cohen's attorney also citing comments made by the president's personal attorney, rudy giuliani. >> his father-in-law has -- >> it's not a crime. >> of course not. it comes from the ukraine. the reason that is important, he may have ties to organized crime. >> reporter: this msnbc

contributor is a friend of cohen's. >> he was panicked. is he going after my father-in of-law? children next? >> reporter: cohen was accused of lying about a project in moscow. while he may not want to testify, it is not clear congress will let him off the hook. the democratic-led house oversight and intelligence committees said in a statement, efforts to intimidate witnesses is something we condemn, but not appearing before congress is not an option. >> i have not decided exactly how we will go about it, but i promise you, we will hear from him. >> reporter: lawmakers are looking into the possibility of subpoenaing cohen, who heads to prison in march. congress can secure his testimony, even after he's behind bars. savannah and hoda? >> kristen welker, thank you. also this morning, the suspected gunman behind a deadly mass shooting inside a florida bank is appearing in court. investigators are trying to

piece together why he allegedly took the lives of five innocent people. kerry sanders has the very latest on this story. kerry, good morning. >> reporter: hoda, we're learning this morning more about the five victims in this horrible shooting. sources tell nbc news four of them were employees here at the bank, all of them women, one hired just weeks ago, a mother of two small children. the fifth victim, a bank customer. overnight, investigators scouring the home of the suspect, searching for clues into the horrific crime that has shaken this tight-knit central florida city to its core. >> we've suffered significant loss at the hands of a senseless criminal doing a senseless crime. >> reporter: opening fire in sebring's bank, killing five people. the suspect, 21-year-old zephen xaver, lives minutes from

the bank, and authorities say he was the one who called 911, telling them he entered the bank and began shooting. >> our units and units in the sheriff's office responded, established a secure scene. >> reporter: a team of officers negotiated with the suspect, who was barricaded inside. bystander video shows a s.w.a.t. team vehicle ramming the bank. the suspect eventually surrendering, led away in handcuffs. >> this is a very dynamic and ongoing investigation. >> reporter: the florida department of connections telling nbc news that xaver was a trainee at avon park correctional institution in november, before resigning a few weeks ago. they say he had no disciplinary issues during his stint. in his mug shot, xaver appears to be wearing a shirt depicting the four horsemen of the apocalypse. his next door neighbor knee him as quiet and well-mannered. >> i never would have thought anything like this ever, ever would have happened.

>> reporter: overnight, family members and co-workers of the victims talking to grief counselors at a local hotel. a community trying to come to grips with a devastating tragedy, as law enforcement digs for answers. >> obviously, this is an individual that needs to face very swift and exacting justice. >> reporter: the suspect is scheduled for an arraignment here later this morning. so far, it's unclear if he has answered investigators' questions. >> the big question, i guess, is why? why would a guy allegedly walk into the bank and shoot people? are investigators closer to a motive, kerry? >> reporter: well, we expect during the arraignment, we find out a little bit more. the authorities have not said what the motive was here. conspicuously absent, they didn't talk about a bank robbery. we'll find out, likely, from the state attorney or the police later this morning, and then around 11:00 this morning, we may actually have a news conference with more details. >> kerry sanders, thank you so much.

venezuelan president maduro says his government is cutting off relations with the united states and ordering all u.s. diplomats to leave the country. the secretary of state mike pompeo says the u.s. will not comply with that order. on wednesday, the president formally recognized opposition leader juan guaido as the interim leader of venezuela. most countries in latin america, as well as canada, have done the same. hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets across venezuela to demand maduro step aside. also this morning, pope francis is beginning the first full day of his central american tour. while there is excitement surrounding why he is there, the leader of the catholic church is making headlines by weighing in on the border wall battle. anne thompson is in panama city with the latest here. hey, anne. >> reporter: hey, hoda. pope francis is here in panama city to energize the world's catholic youth. we're all waiting to see if he says anything about the clergy sex abuse crisis that is engulfing the global church.

on the papal plane here, pope francis made news when he was asked about president trump's proposed border wall. his response? it is the fear that makes us crazy. francis himself is the son of immigrants, and throughout his time, he's helped migrants. he urged the world to build bridges, not walls. he said, anyone who builds walls to keep people out is not christian. given that panama itself is a land bridge between the north and south american continents, pope francis is expected to say more on the issue of immigration throughout his -- the rest of his four-day visit. hoda? >> anne, thank you so much. craig joins the table with another story we're covering. >> good morning to you. new details are emerging this morning about the kidnapping ordeal faced by a young woman in boston, and the dramatic manhunt that led police to both her and her alleged abductor. this after the suspect's first court appearance. kristen dahlgren is in boston

with more on that. good morning. >> reporter: good morning, craig. yeah, this morning, we are learning more about the alleged kidnapper. on his facebook page, victor pena describes himself as very romantic. he invites young women to reach out to him. in court yesterday, a psychiatrist said he was sucking his thumb, and he said he heard voices in his head. the state trying to determine if that is exaggerated, now that he's facing trial. >> what do you want to say about the charges? >> reporter: pena, accused of kidnapping olivia ambrose, led into a courtroom, a crush of cameras surrounding him. once inside, weeping uncontrollably. a doctor telling the court pena didn't appear to know why he was there. >> his behavior appeared to be somewhat psychotic. >> reporter: the judge ordering him to a state mental hospital for further evaluation. >> back up, folks.

>> reporter: the 38-year-old accused of holding the 23-year-old hostage for almost three days. ambrose arrived home late tuesday, wrapped in a blanket. her family thrilled to have her safe. >> she's very strong, and she's doing okay. you know, it's going to be a process. she's okay. >> reporter: ambrose went missing saturday after a night of dancing at this bar with friends and her twin sister. after she left alone, police say surveillance video shows pena approaching her. >> the suspect was twice seen engaging ms. ambrose and guiding her, actually clutching her, guiding her along. >> reporter: this photo obtained by daily mail.com appearing to show pena physically maneuvering the young woman out of a subway station. court documents show police traced her cell phone location to pena's apartment, where they found the victim standing next to pena, crying with a horrified look on her face. ambrose telling them, her phone was taken by pena, and he refused to let her leave. after the hearing, pena's attorney had little to say. >> i'm happy that ms. ambrose is back home with her family.

thank you. >> reporter: neighbors claiming they've had their own problems with pena. >> last week, my daughter went to the trash, and he was following her. >> reporter: a community captivated by the desperate search. >> it could have been us. >> any one of us. any one of our friends. >> reporter: now relieved ambrose made it home alive. a lot of people around here saying they're using this as a good reminder to stay in groups when out at night. pena will be back in court on february 11th, after that psychiatric evaluation. >> so good she's back home with her family. kristen dahlgren, thank you. 7:16. let's say hello to mr. roker and get our first check of the weather. >> hello. hello. >> hello. >> we have a lot of wet weather stretching from the east coast down into virginia. we've also got winter storm watches, winter weather advisories from the u.p. of michigan and upstate new york. airport delays probably for miami, tampa, charlotte, d.c., north carolina, and boston. here we go.

it is a very vigorous storm system that pushes up and through the east. the heaviest rain will be through the first half of the day. behind it, we have winds coming across the warmer waters of the great lakes. it'll set up lake-effect snow with rates up to 2 inches per hour. the u.p. of michigan may see up to half a foot of snow, into parts of western michigan. the heaviest parts will be in the tug hill plateau. 2 feet of snow. rainfall amounts stretching from new england all the way to cape hatteras of 1 to 2 inches. we could see rainfall rates up to 0.5 inch per hour. there could be urban and small stream flooding. going to get to your forecast coming up in the next 30 seconds. (clapping) every day, visionaries are creating the future. ( ♪ ) so, every day, we put our latest technology and vast expertise to work. ( ♪ ) the united states postal service makes more e-commerce deliveries to homes

than anyone else in the country, affordably and on-time. (ringing) ( ♪ ) the future only happens with people who really know how to deliver it. good morning, i'm meteorologist kari hall. we wake up to another clear sunrise and also some cool temperatures around the bay area. we are going to warm up quickly for the afternoon with highs reaching into the lows to mid-60s. north bay temperatures up to 65 in napa and also morgan hill. we're going to go from mid-60s today to the upper 60s for the weekend. we continue on with dry weather over the next few days, even into next wednesday we'll see sunshine. morning temperatures mostly in the low 40s. >> thank you so much. ol student at the center of the encounter at the lincoln memorial broke his silence yesterday. this morning, reaction from the man on the other side of that face-off. and big changes happening today inside cvs' new natural

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with unitedhealthcare medicare advantage plans, including the only plans with the aarp name, there's so much to take advantage of. from scheduling appointments to finding specialists, it's easier to get the care you need when you need it. a very good morning to you. it is 7:26. i'm laura garcia. authorities investigating a deadly hit-and-run in the south bay, happened about midnight in san jose. on north 10th street at east santa clara. investigators say the driver of a white van plowed into a woman as she was walking through the crosswalk. the woman has not been identified. police are now hoping someone might have seen something and will give them a call. miss say this is the city's third deadly pedestrian accident in san jose this year. in the other two cases the drivers stayed at the scene. switching gears, want to check the forecast with kari, a cold start but sunny finish. >> yeah, we're going to get a lot more sunshine today. a live look outside in san jose.

as you get ready to head out the door, you may need to crank up the heater a bit. later in the day, nice to let the windows down and enjoy sunshine. our temperatures will be very comfortable at least for the afternoon over the next few days and mostly sunny skies. there will be a few more clouds in the mix for the weekend but still no rain in the forecast through early next week. san francisco stays in the 60s but more cool mornings and very nice afternoons. we'll see that trend continuing through at least wednesday of next week. i'll have more updates on that. let's head over to mike for an update on the commute. >> the sun coming up and speeds coming down a little bit. in oakland, flashing brake lights past the coliseum. nothing dramatic. we have bay bridge build there and same for lafayette area, westbound 24, southbound 680. most of the bay a typical pattern. smooth drive past 101 in san jose. this continue to be the big issue. eastbound 580. you cannot access 205 because of a deadly crash involving a big

rig. jammed up out of livermore and in towards tracy. head down 580 to mountain house. back to you. >> thanks. another update in half an hour. see you then.

7:30 now, thursday morning, 24th of january, 2019. it is a rainy one up and down the east coast. it felt good outside. down right warm compared to what we had. >> i left the puffy coat at home, baby. it was that day. >> we'll take it. a kentucky community is on high alert after being thrust into the national spotlight. police say students at covington catholic high school received death threats in the wake of this infamous encounter at a rally in washington, d.c. >> we talked to the student at the center of it yesterday. in a moment, we'll get reaction from nathan phillips, the man on the other side of the encounter. first, gabe gutierrez with the latest.

>> reporter: this morning, police are investigating suspicious packages sent to the diocese of covington. students now back in class after authorities say the school got a number of death threats. >> my position is that i was not disrespectful to mr. phillips. >> reporter: savannah sitting down with sandmann, a junior at covington high, now the face of this lincoln memorial confrontation, with native american elder nathan phillips. >> what do you wish you could do differently? >> i wish we could have walked away before the first set of protesters talked to us. >> reporter: sandmann and dozens of his classmates had just attended an anti-abortion rally, when he says a group of self-proclaimed hebrew israel e israelites started taunting them. >> this is a bunch of future school shooters. >> reporter: this is a group said to be growing more militant. sandmann said his chaperone gave

the students permission to shout school chants. phillips condition seen walking between the students and the protesters. >> did you feel he was being aggressive by being so close to you and having that drum right there? >> i think he certainly could have stood another foot back and still looked at me and hit the drum. i don't understand why he got so close. i felt like he was trying to intimidate me by getting as close as he could. >> reporter: phillips says he was trying to diffuse the situation, but the students crowded around him. >> i felt threatened. when we were there and in front of them, they surrounded us. >> reporter: a tense encounter that sparked a politically charged debate around the country, and has put this tight-knit community on alert. gabe gutierrez, nbc news, covington, kentucky. >> nathan phillips is with us now. mr. phillips, good morning to you. >> good morning. >> first of all, first question,

how are you doing? this has been a whirlwind few days for you. you find yourself on the front page of every newspaper. how are you doing, and how are you feeling? >> well, i woke up strong this morning, with a very positive attitude. i had an opportunity to go to a traditional prayer ceremony. that was the other night. yesterday, i woke up with all kinds of good feelings in my heart. for all those who have been mean to me, want to forgive them. >> i believe you've had a chance to see the interview that the student at the center of this gave. what was your reaction? what did you think of what he had to say about this encounter? >> i was upset i was made to sit down and watch it. >> why is that?

>> i read his statement. when i got into the first -- well, somebody tried to show it to me before i went to my prayer ceremony. i got into about the first 30 seconds, 40 seconds of it, and i said, well, that's all i needed to hear. >> what was your reaction to it? how did it make you feel? what did you think about his words and his explanation and his version of this encounter? >> coached and written up for him, insincerity, lack of responsibility. you know, those are the words that i came up with. but then i went to go pray about it, and i woke up with this

forgiving heart. so i forgive him. >> he said, when i asked directly, that he didn't think he owed an apology, but he does wish that he had walked away. was that enough for you, or do you think he should have apologized? >> well, an apology, there'd be an apology for his own behavior to a lot of other people besides me. i'd be, like, way down on the list of people he needs to apologize to. because of the tomahawk chop, the mocking, those things. one of his statements, he did say that he was the leader of that. he got permission from his schoolteachers. you know, there's -- there's a lot of times he could have walked away. >> did you hear anyone say, build that wall? it isn't audible on the video clips, i think, that are out there, but did you hear that? >> you know, i did hear that.

i have seen some out there on the -- on the internet, where -- you can hear "build that wall." >> how did you feel in that moment? did you, yourself, feel threatened? >> well, all that anger was directed at those four individuals, the black israelites and the youth there. it was getting really explosive. so when we were -- when i started praying i asked, creator god, protect me, to stand with me. i was just to witness what was happening. i put myself in prayer and used that drum to -- to reach to god.

that mass of young men surrounded me, and the folks that were with me. it was a moment to -- when i was in prayer, it wasn't that i felt like i could stop anything or do anythi anything, but i felt like i was spirituality moved into that center, into that center of that whirlwind, as you were saying. >> i asked the young man this question. i'll ask you the same thing. do you think, in that confrontation, that encounter that went on and on, should you have walked away? he said, yes, he thinks now he should have walked away. do you think, sir, you should have walked away? >> that's what i was trying to do. i was trying to walk away. there was a spot, a place where i could take my people. we were surrounded. we couldn't go right.

we couldn't go left, back, you know. then i was still in prayer, still singing, then i was looking past the crowd. i took that first step, and that crowd pabacked up. i took a second step, and the crowd started scattering or breaking apart there. i took a third, and i actually seen a clear space. i said, that's the space. we started going that way. from somewhere, from a clear space, a person was there. >> you feel you were blocked? >> oh, i was blocked. >> there has also been some question about the nature of your military service, and this is a good chance to clear it up. you were a veteran. you served in the marine corps. some have said that you were a vietnam veteran. i don't believe you have said that. what exactly is the nature of your service? >> i went to boot camp.

i stayed there. that marine corps was a reservist guy. i stayed in the reserves for a couple years. that was during the time of the american-indian movement, the trials. there were a lot of things going on during those years. the vietnam war was still going on. >> so, to be clear, you served in the marines at the time that vietnam was going on, but you did not serve overseas? >> what i've always said is i've never stepped foot in south vietnam. that's -- i don't know how clear -- how much clearer can that be, you know? ever since i got out -- when i got out -- when i was discharged may 5th, 1976, i was told when i got out, don't wear your uniform. don't say you're a veteran. people don't like you out there.

>> finally, i wonder what you feel now. what do you hope happens now? would you want to meet with these students? what are you hoping comes of this moment in our culture? >> i find myself having to, even though i'm angry, i still have that forgiveness in my heart for those students. that forgiveness even goes to those chaperones and those teachers, who should have -- who should have just said, you students, this isn't the place. to talk with them now, the statement, and i did hear the statement that he wrote, the video statement he put out. what i'm led -- what it says is he has a pr firm. those aren't even his words, if he has a pr firm.

you know? some sincerity, some sense of responsibility for his actions. you know, these are some of the things that, if we ever did meet, it would be those adults i would like to ask, why didn't -- the school administrators there, ask them, why didn't they say no? >> have you feared for your safety since all of this has happened? the students have received death threats. have you feared for your own safety? >> you know, i didn't have any problems until the students started saying they were getting death threats. as soon as that happened, it started happening with me. >> mr. phillips, you certainly have been through a lot in these last few days. thank you, mr. phillips, for spending this time with us and sharing your story. it's much appreciated.

>> yup. >> interesting, to have both perspectives now. look at the video and hear what the individuals involved have to say, and make up their own minds. >> it is true. people look at 7 seconds of video and think they know the whole story. >> of course. >> then you lay out both intervi interviews, and you get to make a decision on what you think. we have more ahead, including celebrating imperfections. we'll get kerry washington's take on a change you'll find in the beauty aisle of a major drugstore today. something new from the woman behind the "50 shades" trilogy. e l reveals it to us. oprah revealing the deepest, greatest joy in her life. you can't put a price on love, but you can get amazing bargains on valentine's gifts. eucrisa is an fda approved prescription ointment for mild-to-moderate eczema. and it's 100% steroid free. eligible patients may pay as little as $10 per prescription.

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>> i think this j.lo challenge is going to be trouble. >> nobody knows it. >> for hoda. >> we are all doing it. >> no, no. >> yes. we'll get to it. >> i'd rather do keto. >> i'd rather eat doritos. >> i'd rather do the weather. >> all right. >> come on in here. we're looking at the next big chill. we have one warm day today up and down the eastern seaboard. temperatures will be anywhere from 15 to 21 degrees above average. cold air coming in. it is 4 today in minneapolis. it is 32 in st. louis. wichita, 31. tomorrow morning, wind chill of 22, new york city. 2 in buffalo. minus 23 in chicago. minus 25 in des moines. air temperature of minus 10. same for minneapolis. as we head into the weekend, 31 degrees in new york city on saturday. 46 in raleigh on sunday. look at chicago, 4 degrees on friday morning. that's going to leave a mark. 4 degrees.

all right. we can't complain about the cool morning we have to start around the bay area. here is a live look outside in san francisco with some sunshine. as we go throughout the forecast, we are going to continue to see those temperatures warming up, especially during the middle of the day with our highs reaching up to 68 degrees on sunday. for our inland valleys, slightly cooler going into the beginning and middle of next week. san francisco stays in the 60s all throughout the forecast. >> that's your latest weather. there's always room for j.lo. i'm glad you brought j.lo up. listen up, hoda, to this. >> yes? >> i am challenging hoda. hoda, i know you're up for a good challenge, baby. >> hoda. >> hoda is. >> we are. >> a good challenge, a tough challenge. we'll tell you what jennifer wants hoda to give up, and it is not going to be easy for hoda. >> we're going to miss you. >> no, we're all doing it together

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good thursday morning. right now 7:56. it's a sunny start across the bay area. it's hazy as we get a live look outside in dublin right now. look at 580. our temperatures are starting out in the upper 30s and low 40s but it will warm up pretty fast today with all of that sun heading up to the low 60s for the inland valleys. even some upper 60s in the forecast going into the weekend. our stretch of dry weather continues even into the middle of next week. san francisco also going to feel some slightly above normal temperatures. by saturday we're seeing highs up to 64. it will still be cool during early hours, not only for the city but also for inland valleys. it looks like we will still not see any rain through at least wednesday, possibly tracking some rain by next weekend. so we'll have more updates on that. let's head over to mike for an update on the commute.

>> kari, we're looking at a typical pattern for most of the bay. we show you here the big traffic alert continues eastbound 580. your access to eastbound 205 is cut off because of the deadly crash investigation that continues. out of livermore and into tracy. we'll continue to follow that scene. the south bay, south 101 cleared mountain view. recovery out of palo alto. 880 both directions right around 87 or 101. it looks like they are slowing because of an earlier crash. back to you. >> thank you very much. happening now san jose police investigating a deadly hit-and-run. it happened midnight on 10th street and santa clara. investigators say the driver blew through the crosswalk may have been in the white van. if you details on the home page. they plan to ask the district to save their schools. as a raucous meeting they debated closures. on the facebook page, the full story. senate lawmakers expected to hold two votes on two separate plans to end the shutdown. chances are slim president trump

will sign either one. another local news update in a half an hour. also join us for our midday newscast. a local man books four airline tickets, but ends up with dozens of them by mistake! what happened after our consumer team got involved! and kari has her exclusive forecast for all of bay areas big events this weekend! tomorrow morning from 4:30 to 7.

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you have to go. floor & decor. now open in burlingame, 101 & broadway in the old gokart racer building. it's 8:00 on "today." coming up, backing down. after a heated back and forth with nancy pelosi, president trump overnight says he will not deliver his state of the union address until the government reopens. as the senate prepares to vote on competing bills today to end the shutdown. what made his change his mind? we're live with the latest. plus, keeping it real. the major makeover coming to cvs pharmacies that will change the way you look at things in the beauty aisle. >> i know what it is like to wake up and look at my own face on the cover of a magazine and say, wow, somebody at a computer changed the shape of my face because they weren't happy with what i look like.

and grey heir. >> this is one place where i can get away and scribble my thoughts down. >> keir simmons catches up with e l james, "50 shades" author. she has exciting news about her brand-new project. >> there is something on the desk. >> yes. >> today, thursday, january 24th, 2019. ♪ if it's meant to be, it'll be ♪ >> shoutout to my family in spokane, washington. >> from georgia. >> celebrating my 18th birthday at the "today" show. ♪ ride with me, ride with me, see where this thing goes ♪ >> sending love home to detroit. good morning, dad. >> good morning. i'm jack. this is reed. >> today, we are celebrating our 10th birthday in houston, texas. >> celebrating 50 years of marriage. ♪ come on, ride with me >> happy anniversary. welcome back to "today" on this thursday morning. we love you've come here. nice day.

little rain but it's warm. >> you know how to avoid the rain? >> how? >> you could go to your computer, pick up the smartphone, and my "today" plaza, the hashtag. we're getting good ones. >> love seeing it. we have a lot going on. it is day 34 of the government shutdown, and the stakes are getting higher. president trump now postponing his state of the union address until the standoff is over. nbc white house correspondent peter alexander has the very latest from d.c. hey, peter. good morning. >> reporter: hoda, good morning. good to see you. for the president, this is a rare retreat, backing down in his state of the union standoff with house speaker nancy pelosi, who disinvited him from delivering his address in the house chamber until after the government is reopened. the president in a late-night tweet saying it is pelosi's prerogative that he will give the state of the union when the

shutdown is over. this marks a symbolic win for the democrats, but the stalemate itself drags on. the president's job approval rating is taking a hit, now dropping to its lowest level in more than a year. importantly today, the senate will vote on duelling bills, but both are expected to fail. some signs of progress. house democrats are preparing a new offer, funding what they call a smart wall, with over $5 billion for border security, but no money for any new wall. >> peter alexander, thank you. the suspect accused in a deadly mass shooting inside a florida bank wednesday will face a judge today. police say 21-year-old zephen xaver shot and killed five people. it was four bank employees and one customer. xaver called 911 and told them he entered the bank and started shooting. he surrendered, police say, after barricading himself inside. the state department of corrections said xaver was hired as a corrections officer trainee

but resigned a few weeks ago. senator ernst says she was raped in college. her attacker was a man she was dating. she called the school's hotline but never filed a police report because she was embarrassed. days ago, ernst said she suffered domestic abuse during her marriage. her divorce was finalized this month. an uber driver is sharing a terrifying encounter with a passenger. a passenger attempts to grab the steering wheel while they were driving on a busy highway. the driver, albert castro, manages to fight him off while maintaining control of the car. castro pulled over, initiated a panic button. the passenger was intoxicated and later arrested. the actor, alec baldwin, agreed to take an anger management class after pleading guilty to harassment in a new york city parking space dispute. he was fined $120 on a court appearance wednesday. baldwin was arrested in november after police said he got into a

shoving match with another driver. he denied reports he punched the man in the face, and prosecutors dropped an attempted assault charge after reviewing surveillance video and speaking to witnesses, as well as the alleged victim. all right. we have the news covered. i got a boost for you. it is a cute one. sometimes it's the simple things that bring the most joy in life. take a look at what happens when a dog owner places an orange on the kitchen floor. >> look. [ laughter ] >> roxy didn't know what to do. was it a food? was it a ball? what do i do? it was pure entertainment, went on and on. a lot of fun for anybody watching. you know what, sometimes we take too much time to try to make fun. it is as simple as that. >> cute. every day, craig and hoda have an orange at 8:00. it is a little like that. >> we get excited. we do. >> you love your citrus. >> i do. still to come, a groundbreaking change in beauty. why starting today, the makeup aisle at one of the nation's

largest retailers will look a lot different, and why that is so important. first, e l james smashed records with her "50 shades of grey" series. she's sharing an exciting announcement with us coming up right after this. i'm a little bit country. and i'm a little bit rock 'n' roll. i'm a little bit of memphis and nashville. with a little bit of motown in my soul. i don't know if it's good or bad. but i know i love it so. with a little bit of country. and a little bit of rock 'n' roll. the all new chevy silverado. it's a little bit country, and it's a little bit rock 'n' roll. ♪

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our irrigation system, the rain. [splash] our light source, the sun... ...soaks the leaves with 4,000 hours of sunshine. and when we pick them at the peak of freshness, we put that sunshine into your cup of lipton tea for that smooth, refreshing taste and aroma. ♪ this morning on "today"'s talker, one of the most successful writers in the world. e l james, the woman behind the "50 shades" series. >> selling 150 million copies. the movie is based on and brought in more than $1 billion at the box office. >> well, e l james has been teasing fans for some time that she's working on a new project. now, we can reveal exclusively, she does have a brand-new book coming out. nbc's keir simmons went straight

to the source for all the details. what is it, a dictionary? glossary? medical textbook? >> reporter: you said it right there. she has a new book. e l james has a new book coming out. good morning, guys. i can't tell you the number of people on instagram and twitter who have been begging for us to give them more details. we have all the details coming up, and there's more. e l james never get the cameras into her writing room, but that was the setting for our exclusive interview. it's the first time a tv crew has been allowed into this inner area. you immediately know whose office it is. look at this fencing equipment. and this little mr. grey, complete with mask. of course, it's e l james. what's that over there?

i'm not allowed to look inside. it was manuscripts like these, the "50 shades" trilogy and the movies that followed, that made british author e l james into a worldwide phenomenon. the author rarely invites the cameras into her home. we even got to meet -- oh, hello -- a member of her family. who is this? >> max. hello, max. >> hello. >> reporter: great to meet you. >> great to meet you, too. >> reporter: this is an honor, to be in this room. >> i've written here. my latest novel. it is another thing about this room, it is a sanctuary, as well. this is my place where i can get away and scribble my thoughts down. >> reporter: e l james writes for her fans, and her fans respond in their millions. >> i've had so many extraordinary e-mails from people. in here are people's, you know,

reactions to the books. just want to say a big thank you for writing the "50 shades" trilogy. they saved me. >> reporter: they saved me? >> yes. >> reporter: when someone says, writes to you and say, what you wrote saved me, it is amazing, that you are so moved by -- >> we could -- we need to stop talking about it because i'll sit here and cry. >> reporter: a close bond with her fans, who are about to get something new. there is something over there on the desk. >> yes. >> reporter: that is, to millions of people -- >> i hope so. >> reporter: t-- the literary equivalent of a gold bar on the desk over there. >> hopefully, it is just another inspiring love story with two completely new characters, doing their thing. shenanigans ensuing, boy meets girl, you know. >> reporter: exclusive reveal.

details of her dramatic, new book. >> it is about an aristocratic englishman who meets a young woman. it's 21st century cinderella. >> reporter: names of the characters? >> we have maxim and alessia. >> reporter: great names. i don't know how to ask this really, but is there -- >> yes, lots. >> reporter: really? >> there, that subject. >> reporter: i don't have to ask it. >> the i don't know how to ask this gives it away. it is a passionate, erotic love story. >> reporter: erotic is the word i was looking for. >> erotic is the word you were looking for. >> reporter: is "50 shades" erotic? >> it's not 50 shades. it is a completely different story. >> reporter: wow. can i take this for a while? >> ah, no. >> reporter: just for a day or two? >> no. keir, you're really not the demographic for this. >> reporter: is that right?

i wouldn't be so sure. >> i write for women, i think. to think men reading this stuff just makes me embarrassed. >> reporter: can you tell us what it is called? >> it's called "the mister." >> reporter: "the mister"? >> yes. >> reporter: okay. >> she freezes. he's here, the mister, tangled in his duvet but naked, very naked. the edge of the amattress. his eyelids reveal brilliant green eyes. he settles down and goes back to sleep. >> reporter: wow. >> that was it. >> reporter: my pulse rate is -- i may have to go and sit down for a moment. >> i think i need to go sit down for a moment, too, frankly. >> reporter: good fun. i love the way she tears up when she talks about her fans, guys. savannah, i think there's just one detail missing.

>> what's that? >> reporter: what could it be? >> well, i don't know. i'm missing it. >> you're asking a question and not answering it. >> reporter: i thought you knew. >> i'm on a ten-second delay today. what? the book cover? >> reporter: i think you may have the cover. >> oh, let's reveal. >> there it is! "the mister." >> that's what i use on my plants. >> it is a book about botany, that's right. keir, looks like you had a good time. >> really good time. >> too good a time. >> did you read it? >> reporter: it was really fun. i'm not allowed to read it. i have to wait for everybody else. >> you kept caressing the manuscript. >> reporter: it is pretty steamy. from what she read, it is steamy. >> i thought people think she might go the other way. jim carkacarrey does comedies, there was a drama.

i think -- >> i think she knows the audience. >> remember how crazy, "50 shades," when it came out in 2011? >> it was surprising. women were into reading it, reading it in zrsecret, and everybody was like, i read it. >> i read one. >> i don't think we thought it'd hit a nerve. oh, it was interesting reading. i remember friends saying it was a phenomenon. you're right, people on the subway secretly like -- >> it wasn't just the sex. it was a scandal, too. >> yes. >> i guess. >> people reading the books would take off the cover and put on another book cover. >> "the economist." >> is that how you read it? >> no, asking for a friend. >> we have an excerpt on today.com. >> of "the mister." carrie underwood and her husband welcomed their second child, sharing these sweet photos of their newborn son, jacob. big brother isaiah seems to be

nailing his role already. underwood said -- there's isaiah there. the quote was, our hearts are full, our eyes are tired, and our lives are forever changed. life is good. we send our congratulations to carrie and their family. good for them. cute. oprah winfrey in "people" opened up about her leadership add academy in africa. she discussed manifesting motherhood through the girls and the school. here's a look. >> i feel they are my daughters. they're the daughters i did not have. this is how having children was supposed to manifest for me. i never thought that that mothering instinct was something for me. i like babies, but i like them like, hi, baby, now go over there. i like children when they can actually speak to me and tell me what the problem is. so 12 years old is really good for that. getting them about 12 years old was actually perfect for me.

>> interesting to hear oprah will so candid on the topic. you can watch the "people" tv special "oprah's daughters," screaming on people tv.com. jennifer lopez took to instagram to announce she and a-rod are taking part in the ten-day challenge. what does it involve in fun things like eating no sugar or carbs for a ten-day period. they want others to join in. let's take a look, hoda. >> walking in from the gym. in the middle of the ten-day challenge, and it is lonely. let's challenge people. no sugar, no carbs, ten days. leah remini. i'm challenging elaine thomas. and hoda. you're up for a good challenge. >> all right. are you up for a good challenge, hoda? >> i don't think this is fair. first of all, i'm excited and i want to do it. if y'all are my friends -- >> oh, don't drag us down. >> -- which i think you are, we should all do this together. savannah had a good idea.

once with edo e do it, we will e someone else. >> you have to avoid bread, potatoes, pasta, sugar, bananas, apples, grapes. blackberries, strawberries are accepted. no caffeine, milk, or yogurt. >> no caffeine is a no-go from me. >> can we tell jennifer, can we not do caffeine? >> will you do it with me? >> i'll do it. >> really? >> yeah, i would do it. i need to carve out the caffeine. >> half a cup coffee, black, no cream. >> we'll talk to jennifer. >> what about tequila? i need more information. >> no carbs in that. >> or vodka or gin. >> let's not go crazy. i was in. now i'm out. >> i'm already doing it with the keto. >> we're in. >> okay. time for a click? >> sure. >> everybody in the audience at the "price is right," when you're there, you're waiting to hear those magical words, come

on down! >> yeah. >> tara armstrong seemed to have a different priority. >> tara armstrong, come on down! you're the next contestant on "the price is right." tara armstrong, come on down! she's in the bathroom. tara. >> that's how bad she had to go to the bathroom. look how excited she is. >> that's hilarious. >> she made it. she started with the bidding. >> thought you'd never get here. so glad you could make it. >> that was cool. great moment. >> don't you love this show looks the exact same way as when we were kids? and the music gets me excited. >> i love that it hasn't changed. >> drew carre car ey still usin

mike tro phone. >> thanks, carson. check of the weather, mr. roker? >> quick look. we have flash flood watches coming. we have some weather delays stretching from boston all the way down to miami with this front. there's going to be a lot of heavy rain with it. here's what's happening in your neck of the woods. >> all right, we have some sunshine around the bay area. here's a live look outside in san jose at 101. our temperatures will warm up quickly. we're heading into the low 60s today. and we'll have some upper 60s in the forecast going into the weekend. just a few more clouds in the mix. as we go into next week, slightly cooler but it's still going to be nice and sunny. san francisco, staying in the 60s. you should make some plans to get outside. it will still be cool during those early morning hours but nice with highs in the 60s. >> why are you singing the carpenters? >> carson started it. >> because of the weezer? >> wow. >> the cover album is out.

>> dropped a cover album. >> they don't cover the carpenters. it was stuck in my head. >> that's my head. ♪ every time you are near >> what's going on? ♪ just like me >> are we on tv? >> we are. out of the local now. ♪ close to you >> al, thank you. ♪ oh to a major change in the beauty aisle. starting today, when you go into cvs pharmacies, you're going to see models, imperfections and all. kristen dahlgren is covering this story in boston. good morning. >> reporter: good morning, guys. yeah, this is the type of image we're used to seeing. katy perry probably has pores like the rest of us, but they've been air brushed away. from now on, we'll see more like this. this model has pores. she has some freckles. we're also going to see this. this mark that says it's been unaltered, kind of a reality check for all of us. this morning, cvs is getting a makeover. introducing the beauty mark. a symbol to show just what we're looking at in the makeup aisle.

identifying pictures like this one, that have been digitally altered, and those like this, with no retouch. for now, about 70% of photos will be labeled. most of those won't have any air brushing. their goal, to have 100% labeled by 2020. >> for years, we've been sold this vision of beauty as perfection. was it hard to get the companies on board? >> well, what's inspiring is because customers were already talking about their desire for authenticity and transparency, this was a movement that was happening. ourselves at cvs helped, and our brand partners, listened to customers. >> reporter: makeup companies like covergirl, neutrogena, and revlon pledged to ease the air brushing, instead, offering authentic photos to sell products. >> the results will blow you away. >> reporter: neutrogena creator

consultant kerry washington applauded the decision. >> someone on a computer changed the shape of my face because they weren't happy with what i look like. >> reporter: she knows authentic photos may mean changes. >> i may need to get a really good night's sleep. we're not saying i woke up like this. >> reporter: experts say that's important. in a society where air brushed photos can create unrealistic goals. >> it is impossible to hold yourself up to those standards, so seeing these images can be detrimental to body image and result in a negative impact on self-esteem and self-image. >> reporter: the models won't be makeup free, but the message is a trip to the beauty aisle shouldn't make you feel bad. >> it's really about saying, we should stand behind the power and quality of our products to do what they do. we don't need digital transformations to disrepres mi our products. spokespeople are proud. we can be out there in the

world, celebrating our beauty, using the products to put our best face forward without the help of computers. >> reporter: cvs is also making its beauty influencers sign a contract that they won't use social media filters. they're hitting this from all angles. i want to show you the side-by-side question toe phot. the air brushing, they take off freckles and moles. they added eyelashes to this model. a lot is done. they calmed her fly aways. a lot done to make her look perfect. from now on, we'll see the models looking like the rest of us out here. >> i prefer the freckles. >> yeah. >> i do, too. >> i think her natural look is prettier. >> it is. >> thank you, kristen. ahead, new steals and deals. get ready for your valentine's day. >> what do you have, jill? giada has a one-pan simple recipe your family will love. >> we have to start the ten-day

authorities are are investigating a deadly hit good morn, 8:26, i'm marcus washington. authorities are investigating the deadly hit and run in the south bay. this happened around midnight in san jose on north tenth street in east santa clara. investigators say the driver of the white van plowed into a woman. she was walking through a crosswalk. and that woman has not yet been identified. police are now hoping someone might have seen something that will give them a call. this is the city's third deadly pedestrian accident in san jose this year. and in the other two cases, drifthe drivers stayed at the clean. right now, we want a look at your community. >> we have better news as far as the traffic flow. there was a deadly crash eastbound 580 right at the 205

split. just got word they've reopened all lanes, almost exactly 90 minutes after we made that call for the expected duration. there will be recovery out of livermore and heading to tracy and 205. expect that to take a few minutes. that will also benefit the westbound commute. no more distraction from all the flares and activity there. south bay shows a build moving to the north bay. oakland, 580, highway 13, all exploding through oakland. and then moving much better through the maze. metering lights still on on the bay bridge. crash on the shoulder right around the way. >> another local news update in 30 minutes.

8:30 now. thursday morning, 24th of january, 2019. kind of good news/bad news situation in new york. it is a lot warmer. >> yes. >> but it is raining. >> yeah. >> we have this idea, what if the crowd came inside, and here they are. good morning. >> awesome. >> you know what? we thought we should do a crowd moment. >> of course. >> thank you for coming. i'm looking for, where are felicia and keri? come on down. they're from midway, georgia. >> yes. >> y'all are fans of the show? >> yes, i am. i watch every day. >> you do? >> yes. >> you, not so much? >> keri is like --

>> not available to watch it. >> one of the things you wanted to do coming to new york was stop by here? >> drop by the "today" show. it was my dream to be here. this is what he gave me for christmas, a trip to new york. >> sweet one. >> you want to do a picture? >> yes. >> we'll do it after. >> you come to the "today" show, and you're on the show now. >> smile for nate, right here. >> felicia, you should go to savannah and hoda's dressing rooms and take dresses. >> i know, right? >> pick out whatever you want. >> thank you for coming. >> thank you. >> we appreciate it. thank you for stopping by. thanks, everybody, for coming. we appreciate it. >> happy anniversary, too. >> bye, felicia. i couldn't resist. >> talking about a good christmas present, valentine's is really upon us. what are you going to do? jill has a special steals and deals. great gifts for your sweetheart at deep, deep discounts. what is better than a delicious home cooked meal?

how about one that only dirties one pan? giada is here with quick and easy recipes that will cut down your time in the kitchen. on the third hour of "today," we'll take you behind the scenes of "glow," and hop into the wrestling ring with the stunt woman behind -- >> gee. >> i did not do that. someone else did. >> wow. >> we'll introduce you to a mother/daughter team, trying to change the world with soup. first, valentine's day is around the corner, and we want you to warm our hearts, and everybody else's, with your love stories. head to today.com to share the love today. yeah. >> yeah. >> we'll pass on our favorites with a special share the love today series. >> that's right. keep it clean. >> i'll use that voice. >> i'm going to do it all day. >> great. >> today all day. >> are you doing the forecast in that voice? >> please don't. >> we're begging. >> that's right. >> where are you going? let's show you what we have.

looking ahead to the weekend outlook. lake-effect snow starting, especially around the great lakes. southern chill into the lower mississippi river valley. clipper storm across the plains. mild and dry out west on saturday. rain returns down to southern texas. showers in southern florida. lake effect show starting to taper off in the great lakes. sunday, sunday, we're looking at another clipper coming across, bringing snow to the upper mississippi and ohio river valleys. arctic express coming into the plains. warm in the rockies. that's what's going on around the country. here's what's happening in your neck of the woods. >> good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. it's been chilly to start out this morning. we're going to gradually warm it up as we go throughout the day. reaching into the low 60s for the inland valleys. as we head towards the weekend, it's going to get warmer with highs up to 68 degrees by sunday. notice, there is no rain in this forecast, even through next wednesday. we're going to stay dry. although there will be an increasing cloud cover.

especially as we go into the weekend. san francisco reaching 64 on saturday. >> that's your latest weather. carson? yes, thank you. we'll put this on, for sure. up next, get ready to blast off. we're going to take you on a one of a kind journey to space. we're going to do it here from studio 1a with eliza. it'll be awesome. looking forward to this. stick around. first, this is "today" on nbc. will this fit my big head? >> i think so.

what if i told you space exploration would be possible from right here in studio 1a? that's exactly what savannah, hoda, and craig are doing right now thanks to the award-winning virtual reality experience. they're outfitted with vr headsets to explore the cosmos. we're joined by the director of spheres, eliza. what are they seeing, and how

did you come up with this? >> whoa. >> i don't understand what's happening. >> about to fall into a black hole. >> he is. >> we can see what they're seeing behind them. >> exactly. right now, he's being pulled into the force of a black hole. hoda over there is in the solar system. she'll start hitting the planets, and she'll be able to hear the songs of each planet. >> craig, what is it like? how is the experience? >> i've never experienced anything like it. >> you really feel like you're in the cosmos? >> i've always lost my sense of where i am physically. >> who are the big names you recruited to narrate this? >> jessica chastain and patti smith, all the voices of the universe. >> did you choose specific parts for them to narrate? >> absolutely. i wanted the piece to represent three generations of women who speak about the universe and teach us about the cosmos. >> it is not just visual. what is the audio? >> the audio, we have music by

kyle dixon and michael stein, who did the score for "stranger things." space is not silent, it is full of sounds. >> what is it about the virtual experience for space, opposed to, i was watching one this weekend and it was a movie, rock climbing thing. what is special about space in the virtual form? >> it is someone we hope to go. even astronauts can't go to the darkest edges of the cosmos, inside of black holes. >> not to interrupt. i'm move mig aring my arms. >> you're being spaghettifie delawa d. you're being shredded. >> oh. >> it was at the film festival. was it a first in this category? >> first time ever. we were the winners at the venice festival. >> what's been the reaction? >> phenomenal, more than i could have dreamed of.

i have an incredible team. >> whole other level. >> thank you. >> did you win an oscar one day for this? >> we hope one day, virtual reality will, and it has before. we hope to see that as one of the main categories in the future. >> how does the average person experience this? >> what is savannah doing? >> mine isn't working. >> put your -- >> should i do quit app? >> go in here, and you can -- >> i just have a reset, view. >> clear history. >> what do i hit? >> does this make my butt look fat? >> hoda, take your hand here. >> it is not doing anything. >> over here. you can walk into the planets. >> is this "bird box"? >> i see a screen that says spheres. >> i have anxiety, and i was worried about getting lost in this world, but it really puts you into places. you think of the limitless possibilities of where the

virtual experience can put people in the world who can't experience or travel to things. this is a whole other level. >> thank you so much. >> thank you. >> we're going to call it there. like it, hoda? >> i like it. i feel like i'm in space. >> you can experience spheres at rockefeller center. coming up next, we have jill's valentine's edition of steals and deals. first, this is "today" on nbc. we need you back on glad you're back how you feeling?

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we are we are back, 8:42. just in time for valentine's day, we are a special luxe for less edition of steals and deals. >> always love steals and deals. we have extra special gifts for your someone special. today contributor jill martin joins with us the bar gaines. i got you ladies flowers. >> you are so sweet. >> this is one of those holidays that sneaks up on you and if

you're in a relationship for a long time it's like do we just do cards? i thought let's make it easy, everything will ship in time for valentine's day. let's start with the marquee by waterford crystal vases, the retail is $129. it doesn't come with the flowers. you can pick those up locally and it comes with this maximilian vase. it's 12 1/2 inches, it could be used as a center piece. it retals $129. >> beautiful, beautiful.ils $12 >> beautiful, beautiful. >> jewelry, you can't go wrong with jewelry. >> this is the kate and chloe jewelry. retail 150 to 170. 18 carat gold plated. so you choose from earrings or a bracelet and they're really shiny. i'm wearing one right now. it looks -- >> are they dress-up or everyday? >> i feel like you could dress it up with jeans and a t-shirt or fancy dress, this is traditional tennis bracelet that you can bring back and it's

clear on today.com, it's either or. the retail $150 to $170. the deal $19.99. 88% off. >> this is a nice gift for the fellow in your life. >> these are unisex. i like to wear an oversized watch so if you want to get one for yourself or that one for your friend, the invicta watches. select fans include gabrielle union and eva longoria. the deal is 91% off. comes in a gift box so you can just add a bow and there's all different ones. stainless steel. >> and you're right about unisex. you wear the big chunky watch and it looks cool. >> i like that. i like that. >> i have one of these in my closet at the house and it is perfect for -- >> for what? >> catches everything, keys, your wallet. >> a catch all and what i like about that is there's thought in

it because there's an initial ther there. jewelry, keys, a great organizer and, again, unisex. i feel like anyone can use this. the retail $78. the deal $35. that's 55% off. >> i always like a cozy little sweater. what you what you got? >> this is the barrel cashmere sweater coat. this is basically, like, an indoor outdoor cozying up in front of the fire you want to throw something on. it's longer which a lot of people like. >> also unisex. >> um -- only if you would like to wear it but this is just for the ladies. has that slouchy twist. the retail $548, the deal $99. 82% off and one size fits most. there's no sizing. it's supposed to be the slouchy relaxed chill look. >> and pockets which is always a

pluls. >> you have to love a pocket. you have no carbs or sugar to put in. j. lo is a fan. >> the products again, by the way, vases from marquee by waterford, jewelry from kate and chloe, watches from invicta. up next, jana is cooking up easy dinners you can make with just a single pan or pot. but first, this is "today" on nbc. nbc. >> it's peect. rf

>> announcer: "today" food is brought to you by lipton. picked at the peak of freshness. naturally smooth taste. and this morning on "today" food, easy and delicious, one-pan weeknight dinners. all the words you want in a recipe. who better than to cook up a lovely meal for your family than our "today" contributor and host

of the food network's "winner kick all," guiana de laurentiis. you have three restaurants. how is jade? what are your dogs names, bella? >> bella is a cat. >> bella is a cat. my dog bruno. they're my children. >> how are the children? >> fantastic. i don't know what they're doing at this moment, but they are fantastic. look at that. >> do you cook dinners we weeknights, with your schedule as busy as it is? >> i do, but i prep in advance. i do stuff in the morning. i use a lot of slow cookers these days. >> do you ever order domino's? >> yes, but it is not domino's. >> pizza though, you eat normal pizza? >> what? >> i just assume this is what your kitchen looks like every single night. i want to know you're human. >> by ordering domino's, it makes you human? >> absolutely, it does. >> does it? i do order pizza from time to time. jade keeps me grounded. >> i like it. what are we making today? >> we have some chicken.

want to hold the chicken? >> no. twitter goes nuts. >> olive oil. we're making a marinade for the sheet pan chicken. i'm all about cooking everything in the oven. >> why does it look so little? >> i was looking at the legs al was eating, and they're scrawny. >> recipe calls for a roaster chicken, right? >> usually, you can buy pieces of chicken, or do all breasts or thighs, whautever you want. olive oil, garlic. can you guess what these are? >> spices of some sort. dried spices? >> yes. what's this? >> i would never be able to guess. >> you would if you stuck your finger in it. >> taste it. your wife cooks. come on. >> oregano. >> bravo. >> what is this? >> colliander, is that a thing? >> it is not. what is it? >> fenal. >> how did you know that? >> how did i know that? oh, my god, my wife is changing me. >> yes. >> that's right. >> i don't want to know these

things. >> you're feeling feelings. >> who plays third base for the yankees, does she know? >> this is paprika. >> smoked. >> bravo. >> this is amazing. >> garlic and salt. >> that's not garlic. >> okay. >> taste it again. >> bloody mary. it's good. >> onion powder. this is good in a bloody mary, too. >> tomato paste, tomato juice. >> tomato vegetable juice. put it all in here. >> it is like a glam shoame sho. what did i win, giada? >> a delicious meal. >> this is the marinade for the chicken. >> here it is. try it before i put it on raw chicken? >> no. >> why? it is not poisoniooupoisonous. >> my mouth is on fire. >> one clove. four hours, minminimum. i like to massage the chicken, to make sure the marinade goes

all over. leave it in a bowl like this, in a bag, in the fridge. >> no citrus in the chicken? >> bravo, al. >> my brother-in-law makes the best chicken, and i'm convinced he marinades it in an orange or lemon, it and it is moist. >> if you use the citrus, don't leave it too long because it cooks the chicken. don't leave it too long, otherwise, the meat becomes rubbery. >> cool. >> no citrus. good to go. >> you bake this? >> they'd like for us to put it in the oven. open it like vanna white. you'll put this in. >> 400 for 30 minutes. >> okay. >> very close. >> bye, chicken. that's 30 minutes. okay. you want to cut bread? earlier, you were eating the bread. >> i was eating the bread. >> the challenge j.lo did, it is just hoda. >> we're doing it. we haven't started yet. >> i'm on the all carb challenge. >> watch yourcroutons, right? >> i love a lot of olive oil.

cube the bread. a couple up of parmesan. >> if you have stale bread, you can make croutons with it. >> put it in the food processor and make bread crumbs. after 30 minutes, this is what the chicken looks like. >> yup. >> you keep cutting. >> i am. chicken is done, now you're adding this. >> not quite done. >> i'm sorry. this is partially cooked, and you brought it out to do this, then put it back? >> bingo. >> bravo. you put the bread all around, put it back in the oven, 400 degrees for another 15, 20 minutes. >> wow. >> here's your salad that goes with the bread. it is like a bread salad. >> beautiful. >> we have one cup of tomatoes, a cup of parmesan cheese, and basel, and simply -- >> olive oil. >> and simply? >> lemon. >> i was saying if -- i asked if giada has a fragrancfragrance, she did, it should be olive oil.

>> and lemon. >> spray it on yourself and the food. >> the smell of southern italy. >> marinade yourself. >> look how simple. >> take the bread. take the leftover juices from the pan from the chicken. >> smart. >> oh. >> then you toss it all together. go ahead. i'm putting you to work. >> it's good. >> if you can do it, carson. >> anybody can do it! >> look how pretty that is. >> so good. >> gorgeous. >> we have to go. >> chicken. there's your skillet lalasagna. >> is this a bonus? >> yes. >> making it at the same time. >> today.com/food. savannah? thank you, giada. >> looked good. thank you. after you check out the recipes, head over to today.com/all day for more stories that you'll love. if you need a pick me up today, we have inspirational quotes to give your mood a boost from our one small thing instagram account. then, why a classic valentine's day treat, the sweetheart candies with the cute messages on them, may be in

short supply this year. we have all that and more at today.com/all day. meanwhile, third hour of "today," marsha gaye harden will stop down. on the fourth hour of "today," we have your ambush makeover. it is thursday. >> then on the 11th hour of "today" -- no. beale have a lot more just ahead. first, a check of your local news, weather, and thesei )m -

a live look right now .. inside the good morning. 8:56. i'm marcus washington. a live look now inside senate chambers on capitol hill. that's where lawmakers are currently debating the proposed spending bill. house lawmakers are also in session. in theory this may be the last day of the federal shutdown but more likely this is just another day in what's now become a 34-day stalemate with no end in sight.

lawmakers are supposed to vote on two separate plans to reopen the federal government. one is a gop-led plan. the other authored by democrats. neither is expected to receive the minimum number of votes and the white house is now said to be preparing for a shutdown lasting through march or even early april. happening now, our scott mcgrew is following events closely. scott will have an update in our midday newscast. on our homepage now, the shutdown battle and its impact on the upcoming state of the union address. san jose police are investigating a deadly hit and run. this happened around midnight on tenth street in santa clara. investigators say the driver blew through a crosswalk and may have been in a white van. details on our homepage. and oakland students plan to ask the district to save their school. at a tense meeting last night, board members debated planned closures. more news on our facebook page. for tile, wood, and stone,

come to the nationwide low-price leader. floor and decor. the prices are the lowest you will find. it's affordable no matter what your budget. i saved a lot of money at floor and decor. why wouldn't you want to save money and make your house look great? visit floor and decor. airline tickets, but ends up with dozens of them by mistake! what happened after our consumer team got involved! and kari has her exclusive forecast for all of bay areas big events this weekend! tomorrow morning from 4:30 to 7.

>> announcer: from nbc news, this is "today," live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. good thursday morning, everyone. craig melvin alongside al roker, dylan dreyer. our friend, willie geist is here with us. >> welcome. >> that is a handsome mug. >> this is not a handsome mug. this, on the other hand, is the official "sunday today." it is a goblet, so big. >> where can you get that? >> thanks for asking, al roker. nbc store online, available now. people have been asking for three years. >> we have an nbc store online? >> all kinds of "today" show stuff. >> really? >> i have mug