>> all right, thanks so much. that's going to do for us this morning. >> take a look at this, beautiful sunrise in san jose. ahh, just makes me want to go out and drink some tea. the "today" show is coming up. have a great morning. we'll see you back here at 7:25. . good morning, weighing the risks, the pause on johnson & johnson's vaccine to remain in place for at least another week. a seventh woman now developing rare but serious blood clots after getting the shot the cdc's director trying to prevent panic. >> for people who received the vaccine more than a month ago the risk of a blood clot is exceptionally low. >> all this as covid cases continue to rise at an alarming rate across much of the country. just ahead, everything you need to know. breaking overnight, released, the officer who

fatally shot daunte right now charged with second degree manslaughter out on bail, even while more chaos erupts outside of the police department why protesters say that charge is not enough. expanding the supreme court? democrats set to unveil a highly controversial bill today that would add four more justices republicans already lining up in opposition saying it's purely an attempt to pack the bench with liberal justices inside an already heated battle growing even more intense this morning. desperate search, the around the clock mission to find 12 crew members still missing after their ship capsized in a storm off the louisiana coast. the wait agonizing for their families. >> please let them get them out. >> we're live with the very latest on the search. all that, plus it's real the pentagon now confirming and

investigating this video of a ufo captured by navy ships in california the big questions now, what exactly is that stmysterious object and where did it come from as millions wait to see if the truth is really out there, today, thursday, april 15th, 2021 >> announcer: from nbc news, this is "today" with savannah guthrie and hoda kotb from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza hey, everything, welcome to "today." so happy that you are joining us on this thursday morning good morning, savannah. >> i was going to say cue the twilight zone music. that last story's got ne a little bit freaked. >> we have a lot to get to this morning, a lot of the news is centered on a nation waiting military families waiting for loefd ones serving in afghanistan to finally come home after president biden announced a full troop withdrawal, it will begin on may 1st kristen welker is live at the

white house with more on that story. also this morning, families in louisiana are waiting for any word on the crew members still unaccounted for after that ship capsized we've got sam brock live on the scene with the latest on the rescue effort. and millions of americans are waiting for answers as scientists from the cdc and the fda continue to investigate health concerns that have led to that pause with the johnson & johnson vaccine, and that's where we start this morning with nbc's tom costello hey, tom, good morning. >> reporter: hi, hoda, good morning. the cdc advisory panel says it needs more time to assess the data and the risks from the j&j vaccine after a seventh woman developed these very rare blood clots, seven women out of 7 million shots. the cdc advisory panel says it needs a week to ten days to look at all of this information, and so for now the j&j vaccine remains on pause at vaccine distribution sites like this drive-up clinic in pittsburgh, staffers are now swapping their johnson & johnson

doses for pfizer and moderna shots as the head of the cdc seeks to reassure the public those vaccines which use a different technology than j&j are safe. >> these types of reactions, blood clots in combination with low platelets are not being seen with the authorized vaccines from pfizer and moderna. >> this is all the johnson & johnson that i can't use >> reporter: the chief scientific officer at johnson & johnson in a statement says the safety and well-being of the people who use our products is our number one priority, adding we continue to believe in the positive benefit/risk profile of our vaccine. even in the unlikely event that the j&j pause becomes permanent, the white house says there's enough supply of the other vaccines to inoculate 300 million americans by the end of july >> we can't afford to slow down now. >> reporter: but doctors who work with underserved communities say it will now be harder to convince those who are already nervous to trust the experts. >> it will set us back because

we've already had some patients who are already a little skeptical use this as a reason to say, look, why trust this vaccine if i can't trust another vaccine. >> reporter: the setback comes as new cases and hospitalizations are climbing in much of the nation in 13 states and puerto rico, new infections have shot up by at least 25% over the last two weeks. in hard hit michigan, cases are up by more than 62%. >> two dozen hospitals are at 90% capacity or higher we have a tough couple of weeks ahead of us as more infectious b.1.1.7 covid variants are spreading. >> governor whitmer saying getting vaccinated is the most important things michiganers can do to flatten the curve. for now without one of their crucial vaccines. >> let's go back to those rare blood clots. i know j&j paused their vaccine, but is it possible we may see

some more cases emerging? >> reporter: yeah, it's possible because it takes about up to two weeks for these symptoms, these strange blood clot symptoms to show up. well, they've tested, rather they've vaccinated 3.8 million people over the last two weeks, so it's possible over the next two weeks there's a lag time, you could have more people show up with these rare blood clots >> all right, tom costello for us, thank you. we turn now to that ongoing tension in minnesota, inflamed by the police shooting of daunte wright demonstrators once again descending on the brooklyn center police headquarters overnight, and the veteran officer who resigned after firing that fatal shot has now been charged criminally with second degree manslaughter nbc's morgan chesky joins us with the latest. morgan, good morning to you. >> reporter: yeah, savannah, good morning, that charge could bring prison time for former officer kim potter who for 26 years served right here at brooklyn center's police department, and this was the

site last night of yet another massive protest where hundreds of people refused to be silenced >> taser, taser, taser. >> reporter: this morning the former police officer who fired the fatal shot now officially charged in the death of 20-year-old daunte wright. kim potter turning herself into authorities wednesday where she was booked and charged with second degree manslaughter she was released just hours later after posting $100,000 bail but that arrest not enough to prevent frustrated protesters from gathering for a fourth straight night to call for change and justice >> it's our duty to fight for our freedom. >> reporter: police have declared this an unlawful assembly as you can see right now, these hundreds of people aren't going anywhere potter's arrest coming less than 48 hours after authorities released this graphic body camera footage >> i'll tase you >> instead of her taser, potter fired a single shot from her gun.

>> i just shot him. >> reporter: prosecutors say potter caused wright's quote, unl unlawful. >> the district attorney made the decision we will charge this officer and the family of daunte wright will get to have their day in court. >> reporter: former police chief tim gannon said potter mistook her own gun for a taser. investigators say her side arm was hol sterd on the right side of her belt, her yellow taser on the left potter served on the force for 26 years, starting out as a center p.d. at just 26 years old. she was president of the local police union and trained other officers in the field, which is what she was doing during sunday's traffic stop. wright's family says second degree manslaughter isn't enough for what they call an intentional and deliberate act. >> i love my brother so much, and this is unbelievable. this is unreal. >> reporter: and this morning potter's attorney declined to comment. we do know that the former

police officer is expected to appear in court at some time later today. the maximum sentence for second degree manslaughter is ten years. savannah. >> all right, morgan chesky, thank you very much. also this morning, a hot button issue during the presidential campaign is front and center in washington today. a group of congressional democrats is ready to unveil legislation seeking to expand the number of justices on the supreme court. nbc's capitol hill correspondent kasie hunt joins us now with details. hey, kasie, good morning. >> reporter: hoda, good morning to you. the supreme court, of course, has the power to decide cases touching all aspects of american life and congress does have the power to change the number of justices. the push from progressives to do it now is an effort to dilute a conservative majority that could shape the law for generations. this morning congressional democrats taking a first step into a political firestorm over the supreme court, planning to introduce a bill to expand the

court are from nine justices to 13, something conservatives fiercely oppose as political court packing. progressive fury over the court has been growing after former president trump appointed three conservative justices, including one in an election year after republicans blocked president obama from naming merrick garland to the court in 2016. there have been nine seats on the supreme court since the 1800s, and the bill to permanently add justices is unlikely to pass a divided congress, but it puts pressure on president biden. during the campaign, biden said he was, quote, not a fan of expanding the court, but last week following through on a promise to form a commission to study the issue. >> i will ask them to over 180 days come back to me with recommendations as to how to reform the court system because it's getting out of whack. presidents come and go, supreme court justices stay for generations. >> reporter: president biden likely won't be able to avoid this fight now because democrats currently control the house, senate, and the white house,

activists see this as a very rare opportunity to act. hoda. >> all right, kasie hunt for us there at the capitol. thank you. >> we'll stay in washington for a moment saying it is time to end america's longest war, the president has formally announced a withdrawal of all u.s. troops from afghanistan with a deadline of 9/11, the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, and it's being met with concerns from members of the military and some lawmakers on capitol hill. nbc's chief white house correspondent kristen welker joins us with more on this. good morning. >> reporter: hi, savannah, good morning to you. secretary of state tony blinken making news this morning. he has made a surprise stop in afghanistan just hours after president biden announced those plans to draw down troops and take a look at your screen. we have some video of the secretary getting off of the plane earlier today. secretary blinken meeting with the president of afghanistan and thanking troops for their service and sacrifice all as

america's longest war winds down. this morning, new fallout after president biden announced he's bringing all of the remaining troops home from afghanistan by september 11th, the date symbolic marking 20 years since the 9/11 terror attacks which led to the war that has claimed more than 2,000 u.s. service members. >> it's time to end america's longest war. it's time for american troops to come home. >> reporter: biden, the fourth president to grapple with afghanistan. >> i will not pass this responsibility on to a fifth. >> reporter: spoke from the treaty room where former president bush first announced he was launching air strikes in afghanistan 20 years ago. mr. biden saying the u.s. has achieved its goals. >> bin laden is dead, and al qaeda is degraded in afghanistan, and it's time to end the forever war. >> reporter: army sergeant david weissman served two tours in afghanistan.

>> what was it like for you to hear president biden say he's bringing the troops home? >> i felt closure. i felt we won the war. >> reporter: but president biden's own cia director noting withdrawing brings a, quote, significant risk. >> the u.s. government's ability to collect and act on threats will diminish. that's simply a fact. >> reporter: while some lawmakers are applauding the decision, there is also bipartisan concern are from those who believe without a peace deal, afghanistan could descend into chaos. >> we've got to make sure that we continue to be able to monitor any upsurge of potential terrorist threat. >> you may be tired of fighting radical islam, they're not tired of fighting you. >> reporter: biden whose late son beau served in iraq and died of cancer in 2016 visited arlington national cemetery where he was asked if it was a hard decision. >> no, it wasn't. to me it was absolutely clear. >> reporter: the president said he called former presidents obama and bush to inform them of

his decision, a small military and intelligence presence will remain in the region. savannah. >> kristen, there's another big piece of foreign policy news, new sanctions the u.s. is planning to announce on russia. what more do you know about that? >> well, that's right. the biden administration has now announced new sanctions against russia. this morning imposing consequences for a range of reasons from russian interference in the 2020 election to a major cyber attack. the sanctions include the expulsion of ten russian officials from the u.s., and savannah, this is really a new inflection point in what is already a tense relationship between the u.s. and russia, and so we'll continue to watch it quite closely. savannah. >> all right, kristen, thank you very much. let's move now to the latest on that massive search and rescue operation off the coast of louisiana that we first told you about yesterday. sheinelle is in for craig this week, and you have an update. hey, sheinelle.

>> hoda, savannah, good morning. the coast guard is scouring the gulf of mexico for any sign of the 12 crew members still unaccounted for after their ship capsize instead a storm. the body of one person recovered, six others rescued. nbc's sam brock joins us now with more. sam, good morning. >> reporter: sheinelle, good morning. i spoke with the u.s. coast guard, which said there has been no material developments overnight, but right now there are cutters in boats about eight miles off the coast from where i'm standing in the gulf of mexico searching for survivors, and i am told it is possible there could be pockets of air where they are right now in that partially submerged ship. with 12 people still missing this morning, coast guard rescuers are in a race against time to find survivors as families on the nearby bayous brace for possible heartbreak.

>> oh, god, god, please let him be one of the ones. please let them get him out. >> dara morales says her son chaz is the ship's crane operator. she's praying her three grandchildren will get to see their dad again. >> what kind of a father is chaz? >> unreal. he loves his babies. >> reporter: u.s. coast guard responders along with the helping hand from good samaritans managed to rescue six people tuesday, but the coast guard revealing the discovery of a body on the gulf's surface wednesday, although no one is giving up on the others still missing. >> you can't do this work if you're not optimistic, if you're not hopeful when you do it. >> reporter: the capsized ship is a lift vessel with three 250 foot long legs that plunge into the sea floor and raise the ship up to perform offshore work. it's now partially submerged 55 feet underwater. according to the port's manager, it encountered weather tuesday

resembling a hurricane. these toppled boats and power lines, proof of the storm's power. >> no one could have predicted 110 miles per hour winds coming our way when there's not a hurricane in the gulf. >> reporter: port fourchon's executive director describes the bond. >> you saw the offshore vessels responding to these may day calls. they understand it could be them at any given time. >> reporter: morales hopes that brotherhood is able to find her boy. >> they need their daddy to come home. i want him to come home. >> reporter: dara morales tells me her son was supposed to return on tuesday, but went back out into the gulf to try to earn more money for his family. as for the u.s. coast guard they wouldn't give me a time line for how long this mission will go on, only that their crew is working around the clock. back to you. >> my goodness, our hearts are with those families. thank you.

let us get our first check of the weather, and for that we say good morning to al. it's going to be a rainy one around a lot of the country today. >> yeah and unfortunately down in the gulf it has been rough weather over the last several days, and it's going to continue at least for another 24 hours. in fact, we have flood watches and flood warnings down now through southern louisiana into parts of mississippi and alabama, even on into the panhandle of florida, and what we're going to be watching with this system, we've also got severe thunderstorms possible, hail, damaging winds, we've got a risk of severe weather from texas right into the gulf. rainfall rates one to two inches per hour. flooding is going to be an issue over the next 24 hours. in the northeast, it is hard to believe, but we've got winter weather advisories, winter storm watches and warnings up for parts of the northeast and new england. heavy rain moves into the northeast today, snow starts to develop in parts of new england, and then as high pressure east

of new england slows this storm down, take a look at what happens, more snow. and in fact, rain through friday, we're talking about a quarter of an inch in new york city and back into western new york, but one to three inches of rain into the northeast in new england and, bang, snow, possible power outages due to the weight of these trees. we're talking some places in the green mountains, the white mountains, the berkshires upwards of a foot of snow before this is all over. i may be all over before this is ll over before this is over we're going to get to your local forecast coming up in the next 30 seconds you woke up early. no one cares. yes. so, i was using something called homequote explorer from progressive to easily compare home insurance rates. was i hashtagging? progressive can't help you from becoming your parents, but we can help you compare rates on home insurance with homequote explorer. guess what. the waiter doesn't need to know your name.

good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. let's get you out the door in the east bay, we're checking out antioch and your drive to work. we'll start out with some sunshine and that continues today. temperatures in the low 50s right now, and we'll head up to about 70 degrees today. it's going to be another beautiful day with a light wind and we'll do it all over again tomorrow, but we will start to heat up this weekend in spots like concord, we'll see our inland temperatures reaching into the mid 80s. cooling off next week with a slight chance of rain next tuesday and wednesday. and that s . and that is your latest weather, guys. >> all right, al, thank you, coming up, what is that? you're looking at something hovering above a navy warship off the coast of california, and the pentagon just confirmed the video is authentic but what is it really, what happened? we're going in search of answers. >> that's so weird for real.

an nbc news exclusive, cynthia mcfadden's trip to africa for a firsthand look at the global race to stop the spread of the coronavirus, the challenges they need to overcome

coming up, the adorable never before seen photo of prince philip with seven of the grandchildren as the military rehearses ahead of saturday's funeral. >> we'll have much from windsor castle but first a check of your local news, weather and these messages feeling sluggish or weighed down? it could be a sign that your never before seen photo of prince philip with his wife the queen and seven of their great grandchildren as the military reverses ahead of saturday's funeral. >> we'll have much more in a live report from windsor castle. first on a wednesday morning a check of your local news and weather and these messages to promote healthy blood sugar levels. so you can feel lighter and more energetic metamucil. support your daily digestive health. and try metamucil fiber thins. a great tasting and easy way to start your day.

no one likes living with a broken phone. (vo) you broke your phone. so verizon broke the rules. for the first time ever, new and current customers can trade in their old and damaged phones for up to $1,000 off our best 5g phones. because at verizon, the network is just the beginning. ♪ ♪ everyday it's a-getting closer ♪ ♪ going faster than a rollercoaster ♪ ♪ love like yours will surely come my way ♪ ♪ a-hey, a-hey-hey ♪ ♪ ♪ love like yours will surely come my way ♪

lactaid is 100% real milk, just without the lactose. so you can enjoy it even if you're sensitive to dairy like me. delicious. so anyone who says lactaid isn't real milk is also saying mabel here isn't a real cow. and she really hates that. anything else? she also hates small talk. but not as much as people saying she doesn't make real milk. now that's as real as it gets. michael: my tip is, the worst lies are the lies you tell yourself, like smoking isn't that dangerous. announcer: you can quit. for free help, call 1-800-quit now. they say to bring only what you can carry. and it looks like you can carry a couple bikes and helmets and a first aid kit

and everything you need out here. some stuff to get you to the top and stuff to jump off the top with. the all-new bronco sport. built wild. good morning. 7:26. i'm marcus washington. of course the big story this morning, covid vaccine eligibility widening everywhere. >> i'm bob redell. today anyone in california 16 years of age and up is eligible to receive the covid-19 vaccine. you will want to logon to the my turn california website. we will tell you this morning we have been checking, appointments are very limited. so far the best bet we have found is if you live in eastern alameda or eastern contra costa county you can find appointments at the stockton arena. i'm cierra johnson in burlingame and i'm on the search

to find vaccines now that eligibility has been expanded. i'm following the advice of co-administrators of one of the vaccine help facebook pages. their biggest piece of advice is to cast a wide net so that's what i'm doing. i have several pharmacy web pages open and i'm refreshing and expanding my search to be beyond my area code to see if i can land a vaccine. now time to get a look at the forecast for you, meteorologist kari hall is tracking the temperatures. a nice sunny day. >> yes, and it's back to school for some kids in alum rock so they're excited about a beautiful day and our temperatures start out cool for drop-off in the mid-40s. pickup in the low 60s, that sunshine continues in the forecast with highs reaching into the 70s in the inland valleys in spots like concord this weekend, will go from the low 70s today to the mid 80s by this weekend, and we will cool off by the beginning of next week with a slight chance of rain. marcus? >> thanks, kari.

we'll have another local news update in 30 minutes. i'll meet you back here then. oh, you think this is just a community center? no. it's way more than that. cause when you hook our community up with the internet... boom! look at ariana, crushing virtual class. jamol, chasing that college dream. michael, doing something crazy. this is the place where we can show the world what we can do. comcast is partnering with 1000 community centers

to create wifi-enabled lift zones, so students from low-income families can get the tools they need to be ready for anything. oh we're ready. ♪ ♪

to first . rodon, to first, carlos rodon has thrown a no-hitter >> how about that, 7:30 now. that's baseball history x a no- cleveland. he's actually two outs from a perfect game, but who's counting. >> and by the way, the stands aren't full, but you feel it. >> are you kidding oh, my gosh, all the fellow players out there. they're feeling it too

by the way, we have another hilarious baseball moment. you don't have to wait too long. let's get a check of the headlines. a house committee has advanced a bill to make washington, d.c., the 51st state the democratic majority kmeet voted along party lines paving the way for approval by the full house. it would face a hurdle in the u.s. senate, it would need 60 votes to advance. as more americans begin to make summer travel plans, there is news this morning on airplanes and covid. a cdc study shows keep middle seats open on aircrafts could reduce exposure to the coronavirus by more than half, that's even if the passengers are not wearing masks. however, most airlines have already lifted pandemic capacity limits. back to baseball, one fan at dodgers stadium got a somewhat cheesy surprise last night dodgers star dustin turner at the plate, he belts one to left center, it's going towards the home run seat. you know what happens, a fan's

going to catch that ball let's see what happens okay, the guy apparently had a plate of nachos. >> oh, no. >> he got it on his hoodie, his pants, all covered in cheese turner actually saw the replay, so you know what he did? >> what? >> he sent the guy a new thing of nachos. turner, by the way, they gave him a new nick named called nacho man. >> that's funny. >> actually it should be the guy who caught the ball's. >> that's so funny >> that was so good. now on to a story of an unidentified variety this morning we have new information on a series of mysterious sightings >> that video shows a strange object hovering over the deck of one of those ships, and now the pentagon is confirming that it was taken by the navy. nbc's gadi schwartz has more on this weird one >> reporter: good morning, guys, yeah, this is baffling a mysterious upside down triangle buzzing navy ships and disappearing into the night, another flying object that

seemed to just disappear into the water, didn't resurface. all of it is posing a huge national security question have we been totally leapfrogged by a technology from another country or is there something else out there that we just can't understand in night vision video from a navy destroyer, a mysterious flying triangle above the deck of a ship. the pentagon confirming the images obtained by a documentary filmmaker were taken by navy personnel expected to be part of a report on unidentified aerial phenomenon to be presented to congress this summer already online, some skeptics say the images are caused by cameras trying to focus, but some of the objects go beyond just flying in the sky one shows a spherical object dipping into the ocean similar to an incident in puerto rico where an object was tracked buzzing an airport, and then flying into the water popping back out before appearing to split into two ask disappearing. over the last several weeks, some of the nation's top

intelligence officials have been raising eyebrows. >> look at that thing! >> it's rotating. >> reporter: former cia director r. james woolsey says he knew of a case where a plane was paused in midair. >> a friend of mine was able to have his aircraft stop at 40,000 feet or so and not continue operating as a normal aircraft what was going on? >> reporter: in december, ex-cia director john brennan said it was arrogant to believe there are no other forms of life other than the ones on earth and former intelligence chief john ratcliffe said officials have been tracking technology beyond our capabilities >> we're talking about objects picked up by satellite imagery that are difficult to explain. >> reporter: like another incident off the coast of california in 2004 when a fighter squadron encountered an object that seemed to defy gravity. >> what do you think it is >> i honestly don't know i don't think that we have developed that technology. i don't think we developed it on

this planet. >> reporter: video from that encounter and two other incidents were officially released by the pentagon last year now new signs that the pentagon could declassify more sightings of what they can't explain and guys, now, here's the thing about those last three f-18 videos i recently asked the former director of the advanced aerial threat identification program at the pentagon point-blank, are those the only videos that the government has he said no, those were probably the least compelling videos and in some videos you see an object about 50 feet away from the cockpit. >> ooh okay, that's crazy. >> you know, i don't want to say i don't believe because i don't want them to come prove me wrong. >> exactly >> i'm with you. >> and by the way, think about every person who thinks they've seen something up in the sky these are just the military confirmed ones. >> i don't like it i'd like to go back just like thinking this isn't real moving on. i'd like to be happy in my

ignorance. >> all right, gadi, thank you. coming up next, a long journey, a ticking clock and an urgent mission. cynthia mcfadden heading to east africa for a rare look at the obstacles and the importance of getting covid vaccines delivered around the world why it matters to you, but first these messages (vo) the subaru outback. dog tested. dog approved. colgate optic white renewal removes ten years of yellow stains. that's like back to 2011. what about natalie? or, chloe? camilla? isabella? emma? madison! remove ten years of yellow stains with colgate optic white renewal no laundry, no errands, no chores.

nothing but snuggle time. and... cannonball time. when you're ready, we'll be here. to new memories. hilton. welcome! it's time to see which chew is best in show for long-lasting flea and tick protection. we may be here for weeks, or even months! holy smokes, a rejection in protection at week 5! but bravecto just won't quit! let's hear from our veterinarian expert. bravecto's our clear winner. 12 weeks of powerful protection, nearly 3 times longer than any other chew. now that's what i'm talking about! bravo, bravecto! bravo! do lotion and jeans go together? a nivea breathable experiment. now they do. moisturizes deeply with no sticky feel. the game changing nivea breathable. this is kansas.

and this is country crock. we start with farm-grown ingredients, slow-churned in the middle of the country. we've also been at the middle of tables for generations. no matter where your table is, bring the country in. i recommend nature made vitamins, because i trust their quality. no matter where your table is, they were the first to be verified by usp, an independent organization that sets strict quality and purity standards. nature made. the #1 pharmacist-recommended vitamin and supplement brand. ♪ keep it together 'til this work call wraps ♪ ♪ sip that smooth roast and try your best not to snap ♪ ♪ the best part of wakin' up is folgers in your cup ♪ ♪♪ a little sunshine & big appetites walmart helps you bring it to the table for less bring the spring ♪♪

♪♪ bring the spring ♪ when the road feels endless ♪ ♪ don't know where your strength is ♪ ♪ it's been so long ♪ ♪ you get a call from a friend to remind you ♪ ♪ that you're not alone ♪ ♪ then you know deep down inside ♪ ♪ it's gonna be all right ♪ ♪ all right ♪♪ with visible, you get unlimited data for as little as $25 a month. but when you bring a friend, you get a month for $5. so i'm bringing everyone within 12 degrees of me. bam, 12 months of $5 wireless. visible. wireless that gets better with friends. (vo) the chase is on! now your family can find three pokémon trading card game cards in participating big g cereals. while supplies last. my nunormal? fewer asthma attacks with nucala.

a once-monthly add-on injection nucala reduces eosinophils, a key cause of severe asthma. nucala is not for sudden breathing problems. allergic reactions can occur. get help right away for swelling of face, mouth, tongue or trouble breathing. infections that can cause shingles have occurred. don't stop steroids unless told by your doctor. tell your doctor if you have a parasitic infection. may cause headache, injection site reactions, back pain, and fatigue. ask your doctor about nucala. find your nunormal with nucala. . we're back it is 7:40 with in depth today, while nearly 80 million americans are now fully vaccinated, dozens of poor countries have yet to administer a single dose, and that is a problem not just for them but for all of us. >> covax, the coalition of global health players including the world health organization and unicef is pushing vaccines out as quickly as it can, but

getting enough vaccine has been ago agonizingly slow. >> nbc's senior investigative correspondent hia mcfadden traveled to uganda for a rare and exclusive look at what it takes to deliver these doses around the world and how important it is to all of usood. >> well, good morning, and welcome to this urgent race against you know, if there's one thing that the world's top epidemiologists agree on, it's that until everyone is vaccinated, no one is completely safe so it's important to go to uganda to take a look at how this is all working in the developing world the spread of variants, the spread of the virus is going to continue until this vaccine becomes widely available, and that's not easy as we've seen. >> reporter: we arrive at this remote jetty on the shores of lake victoria, up to two international flights and a three-hour drive through dense rain forest to finally reach the beginning of the last mile for a

small batch of covid-19 vaccines we've joined a race against the clock. each dose critical, not just for the people here but also to help stop the worldwide spread of the virus and its variants. >> unicef is the lead agency for the distribution of the vaccines here, so you've been sleeping, breathing the vaccine. >> we are traveling with d dr. eva, unicef's lead immunization specialist. >> walking almost 24 hours, no sleep. >> reporter: the assignment, vaccinate the country's health care workers, many not easy to reach, a first step in what they hope will ultimately become a much more extensive program. >> we're in the middle of lake victoria, here in uganda we're headed out to the islands where the vaccine is going to be distributed. >> reporter: the babvuma islands a chain of 52 isolated islands reachable only by ferry.

last mile requires one last boat >> getting the vaccine this far has not been easy, but precious cargo. now? how do you feel right now? >> very good, at least there will be some protection. >> it's wonderful to have this, and yet it's a much smaller amount than you hoped. >> reporter: so far covax has sent uganda enough vaccine to inoculate just under 1% of their population this strenuous journey to deliver only 40 precious doses. >> for over 100,000 people, there are about 200 health care workers on these islands so is that enough? >> it's not enough of course. >> reporter: after a very wet ride. >> here we are >> reporter: we carry the vaccine coolers to the clinic. the race continues the next day as we head to an equally remotet

and equally important location the refugee settlement, uganda's home to more refugees than anywhere else in africa. >> you're making sure no one gets through. >> we have security. we want to be sure that nothing happens to the vaccine. >> reporter: the arrival of the vaccines enough for about 5,000 people is taken very seriously. >> you treat this like gold? >> yes, this is gold to us >> may i see >> yeah, yeah, very important. >> oh, wow >> so far it's only health care workers who will be vaccinated the country's refugees are also scheduled to get future doses. the brutal civil war in south sudan drove hundreds of thousands across the border, like these young men orphaned as teenagers, they walk for weeks to get here. now, health care workers about to be vaccinated joseph mcquarry dreams of being

a doctor >> do you feel you're being treated equally? >> wee see firsthand getting the vaccine to even these extremely remote areas is not the problem. the problem is not having enough vaccines something made clear to us here at a secure location in the country's capital. this is the nation's vaccine stockpile. as of a couple weeks ago, the only covid vaccine not yet distributed. >> this is all that's left >> reporter: and even covax concedes more doses will be slow in coming here and elsewhere dozens of countries still haven't administered a single dose, in part because many wealthy countries are hoarding according to the world health o, 87% of vaccines have been administered in high income countries. that is deeply concerning to

uganda's minister of health. >> many wealthy countries have procured not only enough vaccines to vaccinate their entire populations but to vaccinate their entire populations many times over. >> that is painful, very painful. every human life matters, and we have to hold hands together if we are going to win this war there must be equity in distribution. >> dr. eva, we have covered a lot of territory. >> yes >> you said something to me as we were soaked, drenched on the boat, water splashing in your face and mine, you said we're delivering hope. >> yes, it is some hope. >> reporter: hope delivered one single dose at a time. well, it was a really moving experience to be in that boat with my elbow resting on those 40 precious doses, and you know, just when you think there can't

be any more challenges, we've spoken to dr. eva since our return she tells us in the last couple of weeks since we left, they have only been able to distribute another 50 doses in the bavuma islands, why? because they don't have enough money for the boat fuel. now, if you want to help, you can go to our website. a $10 contribution to unicef will mean that three people can get two doses of the vaccine the unicef link is on our today.com website. hoda. >> as simple as boat fuel. wow, that hit hard, so let's talk about the pandemic, since ya cynthia in uganda, how hard has that country been hit? >> the predictions had been that you b uganda and other countries would be hit hard. they have been mostly spared uganda has about 40,000 cases and about 300 deaths

now, any death is too many, but it's extraordinary that it's that allow when i talked to the health minister about it, she said this remember, in the population of ug uganda, 50% of the people are under the age of 18, and also, they have a very vibrant public health program they had a lockdown for two months at the beginning, so they think that that has made an enormous different but you know, it is vital, to repeat until everybody is vaccinated around the world, none of us are really completely safe >> and it's so easy to help. cynthia, thank you so much as simple as this, right >> exactly and you know, you want to make sure you're ahead of the game, ahead of the curve, you know, and get people vaccinated before you have a really bad situation. >> and there are so many people who want to help they just didn't realize this was such a big issue, so now we've been able to shoine a ligh on it. >> let's get over to al and give you a check of the weather. we're going to show you where it's been a really bad beach day, in the southern coast of england in dorsett, they call

it the jurassic coast. there we go. they had a 400 ton beach drop. i mean, a cliff slide that was just due to a lot of rain and a lot of beach erosion and more on the way. so that's a rough beach day. let me tell you. we've had a pretty good fall in the northeast or i should say spring because the leaves have come out up to three weeks early. you look across the mid-atlantic states all the way into the rockies. we're talking about late leaves coming out because of the record february cold, up to three weeks late but early in the midwest, the northeast, due to that unseasonably warm march we've had. as far as our temperatures are concerned, out west again, those cold temperatures continuing below average in denver, san an angelo, des moines, little rock, cincinnati and mobile. even here in the northeast we're looking at temperatures below average and continuing again right on into tomorrow warmer out on the west coast, and by the weekend, portland's going to see record temperatures

up into the 80s. we're talking about cooler temperatures, though, through good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. it's about time to get in that morning workout in cupertino, still a cool morning and we have temperatures in the upper 40s in the next hour. if you wait until later it will be nice and comfortable, temperatures today headed into the upper 60s. low 70s for our inland valleys and spots like gilroy as well as santa rosa. we'll see some mid-70s for tomorrow as well, but then heating up this weekend before it cools back down early next week. . >> and that is your latest weather. guys >> thank you, al coming up, savannah, you're going one on one with gwyneth paltrow. >> yes, we had a very let's just say interesting conversation she's got a new goop line, skin caroline she's teaming up with her beautiful daughter apple and her company's best selling product that, honestly, might make you blush.

but first, these messages. there are many reasons for waiting to visit your doctor right now. but if you're experiencing irregular heartbeat, heart racing, chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue or light-headedness, don't wait to contact your doctor. because these symptoms could be signs of a serious condition like atrial fibrillation. which could make you about five times more likely to have a stroke. your symptoms could mean something serious, so this is no time to wait. talk to a doctor, by phone, online, or in-person. hey rodgers! look, i'm you!

jake from state farm, you couldn't find a stand-in that looked anything like me? have you seen mine? like looking in a mirror, right? now that one makes sense. look guys, i don't even have a stand-in. of course, you do. hold on, is that drake?? that's right. drake from state farm. (in unison) like a good neighbor (in unison again) like a good neighbor hey, stand-ins don't have lines. oh, okay. like a good neighbor, state farm is there dear ms, from day one you've tried to define me. but i never invited you in. it's my life and this is my journey. i've found a way to do things differently with ocrevus, an infusion treatment that's 2-times-a-year. for adults with relapsing or primary progressive forms of multiple sclerosis, ocrevus is proven effective in reducing relapses in rms and slowing disability progression in rms and ppms. don't take ocrevus if you've had a life-threatening allergic reaction to it, or have hepatitis b. tell your doctor about vaccinations or if you've had hep b, as it could come back.

a common side effect of ocrevus is infusion reactions, and some may require hospitalization. it can increase your risk of infections, which can be serious, and may decrease certain types of immunoglobulins. while pml was not reported in clinical trials, it could happen. an increased risk of cancer, including breast cancer, may exist. sorry, ms. you don't get to control every part of me. ms can't own us. ask your doctor about two-times-a-year ocrevus. coming up, you need more reasons to be excited for the olympics. >> carson gives us a taste of the new michael phelps doc series right after your local news ams of protein, one-gram of sugar, and nutrients to support immune health! ( abbot sonic ) hey! it's me! your dry skin! i'm craving something we're missing. and nutrients to support immune health! the ceramides in cerave. they help restore my natural barrier,

we've got to have each other's backs... cerave. now the #1 dermatologist recommended skincare brand. my plaque psoriasis... ...the itching ...the burning. the stinging. my skin was no longer mine. my psoriatic arthritis, made my joints stiff, swollen... painful. emerge tremfyant™ with tremfya®, adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis... ...can uncover clearer skin and improve symptoms at 16 weeks. tremfya® is also approved for adults with active psoriatic arthritis. serious allergic reactions may occur. tremfya® may increase your risk of infections and lower your ability to fight them. tell your doctor if you have an infection or symptoms or if you had a vaccine or plan to. tremfya®. emerge tremfyant™ or if you had a vaccine or plan to. no one likes living with a broken phone. (vo) you broke your phone. so verizon broke the rules. for the first time ever, new and current customers can trade in their old and damaged phones for up to $1,000

off our best 5g phones. because at verizon, the network is just the beginning. boy: i wish i could wake up and say hi to a giraffe. ride a train in the sky... and visit far away galaxies. narrator: stay in the magic at a disney resort hotel. so close to the parks, you can make all your disney wishes come true. and now, you can save up to 30% on rooms at select disney resort hotels. imagine the magic of staying here. at select disney resort hotels. ♪ ♪ ♪ life's more fun with a dog. and doglife is more fun with milk-bone. ♪ ♪ ♪ did you know you can go to libertymutual.com to customizes your car insurance so you only pay for what you need? really? i didn't-- aah! ok. i'm on vibrate. aaah!

only pay for what you need. ♪ liberty. liberty. liberty. liberty. ♪ good morning. it's 56. i'm marcus washington. here's what's happening now. >> reporter: good morning i'm bob redell. you want to logon to the my turn california website for vaccines and we have been checking, appointments are very limited. so far the best bet we have found is if you live in eastern alameda or eastern contra costa county, you can find appointments at the stockton arena. good morning, everyone. i'm scott mcgrew. stock market hitting new records as retail sales jump. people are spending those stimulus checks, also really good news on first-time jobless claims, 576,000 americans applying for unemployment for the first time last week, that's the lowest number since the

pandemic began. let's get a check of the forecast for you today. meteorologist kari hall has a look at the numbers. looking good out there, kari. >> yes, it's going to be another beautiful day. more sunshine and keeping it cool with the nice, cool ocean breeze that's been picking up for us and we'll see our temperatures reaching into the low 70s today for our inland spots like livermore and walnut creek, and then as we go into the weekend, some of the same spots will reach into the mid 80s. it's going to feel like summer, but before you break out the pool cleaner, it does cool off and we'll see our temperatures back in the 70s with more clouds, even a slight chance of rain by the middle of next week, in san francisco we have some mid-50s today, but then that trend goes up to 70 degrees by sunday, with sunshine and next week, we'll be cooling off here as well. marcus? >> thanks, kari. we'll have another local news update coming up in half on hour. until then, i'll meet you back

here then. see you then.

this unplugged device is protecting

our beautiful coastlines and more. put off chores and use less energy from 4 to 9 pm to help keep our state golden. . it's 8:00 on "today. coming up, the waiting game, the johnson & johnson vaccine on pause for at least another week as a seventh woman developed serious blood clots after getting the shot this morning the cdc working to reassure the public. >> we believe these events to be extremely rare >> we're live with the latest. then, all in the royal family, the never before seen photo just released showing the queen and prince philip with seven of their ten great grandkids. how they're remembering him as

funeral preparations get underway we're live in london plus, sharing their story, big news from jennifer lopez and alex rodriguez, what one of the world's most famous couples is revealing about their relationship we'll have that exclusive announcement straight ahead. ♪ and gwyneth paltrow unplugged, savannah goes one on one with the star about her popular lifestyle brand goop >> when you work so hard at something for so many years and it feels like it's almost growing in increments that you can barely notice. >> how her daughter is getting involved in the business and their candid conversation about the products that are flying off the shelves. >> you do have some products that keep selling out. >> mm-hmm. >> and are you surprised >> today, thursday, april 15th, 2021 ♪

hello "today" show, i'm 85 >> i'm 92. >> and we're celebrating with you. >> this is my amazing mother pamela. >> this is my lovely daughter candice. >> and we love starting our mornings watching hoda's morning boost. >> it's my sweet 16. >> and my brother's officially a teenager, happy birthday >> most kids ask to watch cartoon in the morning. >> our 18-month-old timothy, he loves his favorite weatherman, al roker. >> don't we all. al has so many fans in the toddler set. >> no kidding. >> he talked about about that this morning my kids love him, they're like sunday, sunday, sunday yes. >> welcome back, guys, it's a fun thursday morning craig's got the week off we're happy to have sheinelle jones join the table set your dvrs because often people miss the beginning of our program. why would you? nobody knows. >> we don't judge here

we just tell you to set the dvr and then you can watch it on rewind. >> let's get to your news at 8:00 top u.s. health officials want more time to investigate potential safety issues with the johnson & johnson vaccine, but with new covid cases surging, they are urging americans to get one of the other approved vaccines nbc's tom costello has more on this hey, tom, good morning. >> reporter: good morning to you. so the outside cdc advisory panel says it needs seven to ten days to look at all the data and to really analyze why there are now seven cases of blood clots involving these seven women, seven cases out of 7 million doses so far, though with that, the j&j vaccine is still on pause the company says it really believes the benefits far outweigh the risks, but it is going along with the pause as you expect the cdc also reassuring the public that this is not a problem with the pfizer or the moderna vaccines it is specific to the johnson & johnson vaccine and very rare at that meanwhile, 13 states, as you mentioned, now reporting cases

are surging up 25% at least in 13 states, michigan has reports of cases up 62%. some hospitals there are maxed out or near capacity, and one other note, that is that stanford medical school is now working with pfizer to test that vaccine in children under the age of 5 guys, back to you. >> tom costello for us there, thanks. now to the murder trial of former minneapolis police officer derek chauvin. the defense could rest its case as early as today after testimony from a medical expert who suggested, among other things, that carbon monoxide poisoning could have played a role in george floyd's death n nbc's gabe gutierrez joins us from the courthouse. gabe, good morning >> reporter: savannah, good morning, the defense is expected to call another expert later this morning, but the biggest question right now is whether derek chauvin himself will testify. while many legal analysts say it's unlikely, if it does happen, it's possible that he could take the stand as early as today.

this morning derek chauvin's defense is in full swing, disputing george floyd's cause of death dr. david fowler, a forensic pathologist testified floyd did not die from a lack of oxygen. >> how did the heart and drugs contribute to the cause of death? >> they were significant -- they contributed to mr. floyd having a sudden cardiac arrest. >> is it your opinion that mr. chauvin's knee in any way impacted the structures of mr. floyd's neck >> no, it did not. >> fowler who did not examine floyd's body recently retired as the chief medical examiner of maryland after 17 years. fowler testified that he would have classified floyd's manner of death as undetermined because he believes there were many potential causes, including floyd's enlarged heart and poor health his drug use, and this. >> there is exposure to a

vehicle exhaust, potentially carbon monoxide poisoning. >> during a tense cross examination, the prosecution pushed back hard i'd like to say i have a few questions for you, but i have more than a few. you should do your homework p before you arrive at your opinions, fair enough? >> yes. >> you shouldn't cherry pick facts? >> no. >> you shouldn't try to confuse the jury >> correct >> you haven't seen any data or test results that showed mr. floyd had a single injury from carbon monoxide, is that true? >> that is correct >> fowler also conceded this key point. >> do you feel that mr. floyd should have been given immediate emergency attention to try to reverse the cardiac arrest >> as a physician, i would agree. >> are you critical of the fact that he wasn't given immediate emergency care when he went into cardiac arrest

>> as a physician, i would agree. >> reporter: when the defense rests, the prosecution could call rebuttal witnesses before closing arguments, which are expected on monday, savannah. >> all right, gabe gutierrez at the courthouse, thank you. lrkts that's the news. it's time now for a boost, hoda. >> i got you all covered gordon and mary davis, they're both 89 years old, and finally they are back together again so mary moved into an assisted living facility a few months ago, but gordon, he got sick and he could not join her. but after finishing his medical treatment, gordon got the go ahead to move in with his wife, so he decided the reunion, well, it should be a surprise. . >> we can all only hope. >> mary said it was so wonderful to finally see him again

she cried as she said -- make yourself cry while you're reading. >> oh, my gosh >> that was sweet. >> okay, still ahead the re rehearsals now being held for prince philip's funeral as the royal family shares touching never before seen photos of the duke and queen with their great grand children. >> the sweet stories behind those new images live from windsor castle right after this. ♪ ♪ love like yours will surely come my way ♪ well, well, well. look at you. you mastered the master bath. you created your own style. and you - yes, you! turned a sourdough starter. into a sourdough finisher.

so when you learn your chronic dry eye is actually caused by reduced tear production due to inflammation ...you take it on by talking to your eyecare professional about restasis®... ...which may help you make more of your own tears with continued use twice a day, every day. restasis® helps increase your eye's natural ability to produce tears, which may be reduced by inflammation due to chronic dry eye. restasis® did not increase tear production in patients using anti-inflammatory eye drops or tear duct plugs. to help avoid eye injury and contamination, do not touch bottle tip to your eye or other surfaces. wait 15 minutes after use before inserting contact lenses. the most common side effect is a temporary burning sensation. ask your eye care professional about restasis®. now to trick out these lights. visit restasis.com to learn more. [sfx: thunder rumbles] [sfx: rainstorm] ♪♪ comfort in the extreme. ♪♪

the lincoln family of luxury suvs. (vo) she's driven by a primal desire for meat. ♪♪ a lynx in the wild and your cat. for a lynx this need is satisfied by what the wild provides, for your cat it's meat-rich blue wilderness. because your cat is wild inside. just tell me what i need to know. (hands hit desk) where is it? it's on the beach. ocean views. it was supposed to be a surprise. (hands hit desk) she doesn't like surprises dave. thanks, captain obvious. booking a trip can feel dramatic, but with free cancellation you can't go wrong with hotels.com. with visible, you get unlimited data for as little as $25 a month. but when you bring a friend, you get a month for $5. so i'm bringing everyone within 12 degrees of me. bam, 12 months of $5 wireless. visible. wireless that gets better with friends. to the people who reach into... a carton of warm, crispy, golden, perfectly salted... mcdonald's world famous fries... and return with just one who are you?

and how do you do that? ba da ba ba ba can you be free of hair breakage worries? we invited mahault to see for herself that new dove breakage remedy gives damaged hair the strength it needs. even with repeated combing hair treated with dove shows 97% less breakage. strong hair with new dove breakage remedy. (anncr vo) look closely at a wolf. you've seen him before.. he's your dog. wolves and dogs share many traits. like a desire for meat. that's why there's blue wilderness, made with... ...the protein-rich meat your dog loves.

feed your dog's inner wolf with blue wilderness. hi sabrina! >>hi jen! so this aveeno® moisturizer goes beyond just soothing sensitive skin? exactly jen! calm + restore oat gel is formulated with prebiotic oat. and strengthens skin's moisture barrier. uh! i love it! aveeno® healthy. it's our nature.™ home... it's not just a place. home is a feeling you live in and when your home is happier,

you feel happier. which means, you can celebrate happier or organize happier, or just be happier. every room, every moment, everything you need to home, happier. bed, bath & beyond. lately, it's been hard to think about the future. but thinking about the future, is human nature. at edward jones, our 19,000 financial advisors create personalized investment strategies to help you get back to your future. edward jones. open talenti and raise the jar. to gelato made from scratch. raise the jar to all five layers. raise the jar to the best gelato... you've ever tasted. talenti. raise the jar. (christine) what you're doing is not just hurting you. if you can't make up your mind to quit for yourself, do it for those who love you.

(announcer) for free help, call 1-800-quit now. this is kansas. and this is country crock. we start with farm-grown ingredients, slow-churned in the middle of the country. we've also been at the middle of tables for generations. no matter where your table is, bring the country in. truthfully, it's frustrating to see how fast dust reappears. but dusting with a cloth is a pain. no matter where your table is, and dealing with a bulky vacuum.. . is such a hassle. uchhh!!! so now we use our swiffer sweeper and dusters. the fluffy fibers? they pick up dust easily. grabbing it in all those hard-to-reach places. gotcha!!! and for our floors, sweeper's textured cloths lock all kinds of dirt, dust and pet hair. unlike my vacuum, it sneaks under and around places. look at that!! dust free and hassle free. stop cleaning and start swiffering. . we're back, 8:14 with carson we're going to get to "pop

start" in just a couple of minutes, but first we've got some news about one of the country's most famous couples. >> we do after months of rumors about their relationship, jennifer lopez and alex rodriguez are making it official this morning telling "today" exclusively they have called off their engagement and are going their separate ways for more than four years, they were the toast of the town, global superstar jennifer lopez and former baseball slugger alex rodriguez quickly became one of they stepped out together for the first time at the 2017 met gala. >> when alex came into my life, it was like, oh, i found a partner who can really hang with me and he also wants to grow and evolve. >> mm-hmm. >> so we're kind of pushing each other through our own second acts. >> back then a-rod telling hoda why they were such a good fit. >> we're both from new york, both come from latino

backgrounds, both have two kids. we've really been through a lot and can really appreciate each other, the good and challenges. >> a few years later fans celebrated when the dynamic duo announced their engagement on instagram, a-rod popping the question with a huge diamond during a bahamas vacation. >> he's brought something to my life which i've never had before, which is kind of an unconditional support and love and kind of a matching of like twin souls >> reporter: they planned two weddings, both originally scheduled for 2020, but the pandemic delayed those plans and ultimately ended them. last month, reports were swirling that the couple had called it quits. at the time, they denied it saying all the reports are inaccurate we are working through some things but this morning, j.lo and a-rod telling "today" exclusively we have realized we are better as friends and look forward to remaining so we will continue to work together and support each other on our shared businesses and projects

we wish the best for each other and one another's children out of respect for them, the only other comment we have to say is thank you to everyone who has sent kind words and support. >> and i think that's the key here, there are children involved and so they can -- we can only hope that this is wrapped in grace if you will. >> absolutely. >> i think it is and you have to think about it, it's really difficult for two people who have so much going on to make a relationship like that work they are parting as friends, that we're hearing and that's good to know, and i think they just want to kind of take a pause, take a breath, and you know, they had -- they learned a lot together >> smart to do it here this way where it's exclusive and you know it's true if you google j.lo this morning, ten articles come up, five say they're back on, the other fie say they're done i see it with blake and gwen firsthand. i think it was smart for them to come here and say this is where they're at this is the truth and then the media will do what they're going to do. >> we wish both of them --

>> we certainly do. >> weather with al frlgts let's take quick look at what's going on around the country today, heavy rain down through the gulf coast, severe storms back through texas. new storm developing on the northeast that will bring snow late tonight on into tomorrow for parts of new england snowy conditions in the northern rockies. good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. our inland temperatures today will reach into the mid-70s. another beautiful day. and we will continue on with the sunshine but it's about the warmup for the weekend. reaching into the low 80s on saturday in the valleys and 86 sunday. that will be the warmest day. from there we head back down to spring as our temperatures reach into the low 70s and maybe slight chance of rain with san francisco in the upper 50s today. we will top out at 70 on sunday. . don't forget, check us out on sirius xm channel 108

"today" at 1:00 p.m., confidential with matt, the lip ster and breen >> i like that, the breenarator. now we move to the new tributes and the life and legacy of britain's prince philip. it's a really loving remembrance over there. >> the palace is sharing a sweet image of him with the next generation of royals as final preparations are made for saturday's funeral service. >> nbc's kelly cobiella is at windsor castle with more hey, kelly. >> reporter: hi, good morning to you guys all there in new york yeah, the royals really opening the family album to the public sharing that touching picture of the great grandchildren taken by kate, the duchess of cambridge, while the family nails down those final details of the funeral. this morning rehearsals for a historic funeral the military doing a run-through for prince philip's official sendoff on saturday, while prince charles and camilla look over the thousands of flowers and messages from the public prince philip married to the

queen for more than 73 years lived long enough to see his grandchildren grow up and have children of their own. the palace releasing this touching, never seen before picture of the queen and duke with seven of their ten great grandkids. for the grandchildren, like william and harry, philip was just grandpa, an extraordinary man who was always there. >> he was somebody who incredibly upon them as he was all the time, nonetheless, made sure that his grandchildren understood the traditions as well as the ups and downs of the monarchy. >> reporter: over the years, whether in private or at many royal events, he shared with them his ideas and interests and always with a warm smile the duke was at every adult gran grandchild's wedding, even at 99 years old in the middle of a pandemic in an itv documentary for the queen's 90th birthday, princess

beatrice speaking fondly about her grand dad. >> there are lots of moments where i've been able to share some quite magical times with my grandfather. >> her sister princess eugenie who named her baby son after philip poesting these pictures and moving memories. i remember learning how to cook, how to paint, what to read i remember your hands and your laugh and your favorite beer prince william remembered the man who took his children on carriage rides and was by his side rain or shine i feel lucky to have not just had his example to guide me but his enduring presence well into my own adult life. prince harry said philly was my grandpa, master of the barbecue, legend of banter and cheeky right until the end. he was an influence and inspiration, a source of strength for two young boys who had lost their mother. >> prince harry and prince william spent a lot of time with prince philip. they had a lot of outdoor

pursuits in common he loved them, and he was a very good and loving grandfather. >> reporter: it was philip who gave the brothers the strength all those years ago to walk behind their mother prin scess diana's coffin now his grandchildren could walk with him one last time that's just one of the details we're still waiting to hear, just who will be in that eight-minute long funeral procession here on saturday. and today, the british press are widely reporting that none of the senior royals will wear military uniforms on saturday so that non-working royal prince harry won't be the only one wearing a suit now, the palace isn't commenting on this, guys, but we do hope to hear more about all of those details later today. >> all right, kelly cobiella, thank you. >> everything is under a microscope, every little detail. it's crazy. >> and a reminder, nbc news will bring you live coverage of prince philip's funeral. hoda and i are going to be with you saturday morning, we'll get

started about 9:30 eastern time on many of these nbc stations. let's turn the page and go to "pop start," what you got >> we're going to start with michael phelps yesterday we celebrated 100 days until the olympic games and this morning we're keeping the excitement going with a look at phelps, medals, memories and more the three-part docuseries gives an in-depth look at the greatest olympian of all time and how phelps became the swimming legend he is today. >> we are revisiting every single one of michael phelps' olympic finals, 30 in all. >> i remember sharing that medal with her through a chain link fence. >> he said, mom, look what i did. >> i wanted to do something that no one else had ever done before now there was some amazing parts and sad parts. i wouldn't change anything >> all the food you can eat. he ate like 18,000 calories. sort of hate him for that, but he is the most amazing person of all time

all three episodes of michael phelps medals, memories and more, they're available now on peacock. the streaming service from our parent company universal that's going to be a good watch. next up, al roker caught up with musician and late show band leader john baa tees for a special performance of his song "i need you. it turns out that tune so catchy, uncle al couldn't not stop dancing the rest of the day, and stephen colbert shouting out your moves, uncle al, on the late show. >> al roker, have you seen the footage of al roker dancing? >> al was getting it >> yeah, he was going off. i loved it i loved how he was moving. >> he does have the moves. >> yeah, yeah, al can move, and he can sing, you know, too, talented guy. >> he should sing report sometime. >> there you go. you're getting called out. >> that's all thanks to deborah. deborah shot that video and posted it. >> take a look at how you roped

dylan and sheinelle here, a little quick dance party during their sirius xm program off the rail. >> the song is infectious. >> if you haven't down loaded it, "i need you. you cannot not -- >> you will go off the rails in your work or home environment. >> absolutely. u.s. olympic skateboarder, our graphicings department booking bigger and bigger gigs these days jackson daily recently landed an interview with skateboarding champ nijah houston for the latest episode of nightly news kids edition he opened up about his upcoming debut in the olympic games skateboarding champ competition and revealed the hard work he's been putting in leading up to this historic event. you can catch the full interview on the greatest news program you'll find with our own lester holt who's here in studio 1a right now. >> lester holt, ladies and gentlemen, lester holt. >> i love that mention >> yes. >> your kid is awesome. >> he's doing good work. >> we're having so much fun on

that show and he's a big part of it. >> he absolutely loves it. >> you said nightly news kids edition. >> lester. >> we have a little engine that could. we've been on the air for a year, online, now we're on a lot of saturday mornings. >> it's a great station. >> i don't mean to interrupt, i'm sorry. >> yes, you did. be. good morning. it's 8:26. i'm marcus mark. police are surrounding a south bay home in connection with a nearby shooting they just confirmed was fatal. surrounding homes are evacuated. the deadly shooting happened yesterday, not far from the scene at the current standoff between north 4th and east heading street near the middle school. north 4th street remain closed at that area. get a look at the forecast. kari hall is looking at that for us. kari? >> hey, we're starting out with

sunshine. we're going to see a lot more of that sun in the forecast for today. our temperatures back to where they were yesterday, with upper 60s and low 70s for the inland area. staying in the 50s near the coastline and in san francisco. as we go through the forecast spots like concord and livermore and low-to-mid-70s. this weekend we will see temperatures heating up. in napa, highs reaching up to 86 and it cools down for the beginning of next week and slight rain chances by next tuesday and wednesday. marcus?

we're back, it's 8:30, thursday morning ♪ the way you hold me, hold me ♪ >> lester holt we can't quit you. >> the truth is i need to work >> you're here not just to hang out with us, but you've got a special announcement the nbc universal news group is creating a new franchise inspiring america, just to do that, inspire. >> and the three of us are kicking it off with something that will become an annual prime time event honoring people who are having a positive impact in the world around them. >> yep, and on the first list of

honorees we've got nascar driver bubba wallace, becca hammond, the first woman to lead an nba team as the acting head coach, lin-manuel miranda. >> in the heights, a film adaptation of the muse cam coming up. we really wanted to talk about all the charitable causes, all the things that he does, as he said part of his childhood about giving back. >> so cool. >> i just never feel cool enough in his presence. >> until you get like a man bun. >> that ain't going to happen. [ laughter ] >> you inspiring -- you've inspired us because this is becoming a network wide initiative, but inspiring america is like the heartbeat of "nightly news. >> we've been doing this for years on "nightly news," even before the pandemic. a lot of news days are heavy you guys know what it's like to come out here and like, wow, these stories lift us up they remind us that no matter what else is going on in the world, there are still a lot of good people in this country. >> absolutely. >> and they're looking out for other people and finding ways to

give back and to be able to extend this now across the platforms of nbc is gratifying. >> best part about your show we're excited about this because, again, this begins with inspiring america, 2021. the inspiration list on saturday, may 1st. that's at 8:00 eastern and pacific right here on nbc, and telemundo. we've got a special, it's pretty cool. >> we'll tell you more about it in the days to come. you can also catch it the following day on msnbc, cnbc, it's streaming on nbc news now and peacock. l laster, we can't wait to see the man bun. i think you could rock it. >> it's going to be a bunette. >> is that a thing you'll start a new trend >> all right, well, meantime, we including a can't miss conversation between our own savannah and gwyneth paltrow on her goop empire really at this point. her family and more. >> and then chassis post is going to help you find big bargains on the spring's best selling fashions, plus the

recipe for a homemade hot sauce. and then on the third hour of "today" al will introduce us to a college freshman who already hasna is nasa on her r. al is a busy man he dances. he does the weather. he interviews important celebrities and change makers. >> and i've also been on the beach with lester and seen the bun. >> oh, boy. >> it's pretty good. anyway -- >> am i trending news? is my bun trending >> it will be. >> oh, you bet ya. >> anyway, let's show you what we've got as far as your weekend outlook. start off with tomorrow, rain, mountain snow, we're looking at some sunshine along the coast. strong storms continue in the gulf, spring snow in the rockies, sunshine from the southwest into the northwest, and then saturday a few record highs in the pacif nice and warm in the upper midwest, strong storms continue in the southeast, sunshine in the northeast, and then sunday sunday, beautiful day from new mid-atlantic, heavy rain down in florida.

cooling down in the midwest, but good morning, i'm meteorologist kari hall. taking a look at our temperatures again today, it's going to be another beautiful day. highs in the low-to-mid-70s for today and tomorrow. then it starts to heat up this weekend. by saturday some of our inland valleys like livermore and pleasanton and napa will reach up to the high 70s. we will see the warmth for a little while and go back to cooler weather with a slight chance of rain by the middle of next week. weather. guys. all right, al, thank you just ahead we're going to catch up with oscar winner and goop founder, gwyneth paltrow. >> i've been trying actually to stop and take stock a little bit more and appreciate a little bit more lately what we've been able to build >> our eye opening chat about her brand. it's more taboo items shall we say that are selling out all

over the place, and everything keeping gwyneth busy in the keeping gwyneth busy in the pandemic mom needs help but, she doesn't want to move. we're mostly concerned about her safety. she's already had a couple of falls. we had this joke, 'oh, that's a senior moment, right?' but it wasn't. home care with an entire support team. she could live independently and do her own thing. and get really good, specialized care. and i could just be her daughter again. this is a no-nonsense message from three. small business insurance usually doesn't cover

it covers your entire business in just one policy. because small business owners have enough on their hands. so go with three and leave those old policies in the dust. sawdust. technically. don't interrupt the spokesperson. this commercial is now over. logo. three. no nonsense. just common sense. majestic mountains... this commercial is now over. scenic coastal highways... fertile farmlands... there's lots to love about california. so put off those chores and use less energy from 4 to 9 pm when less clean energy is available. because that's power down time.

we're back, 8:36, with someone we always love to catch up with, gwyneth paltrow. >> even during a pandemic, the oscar winner and goop founder does not stop. now she's teaming up with a very special person for her latest launch. >> i got a chance to talk to gwyneth last night about her family and all things goopy. no matter what role she takes on, gwyneth paltrow is sure to glow after a decades' long career in hollywood that earned her an oscar. >> she's goopier than i am. >> the actress now prefers her role as founder and ceo of goop. >> hello >> reporter: a lifestyle empire valued at $250 million >> goop is just going great. you continue to be a mogul, are you ever still surprised that this has just taken off the way it has

>> yeah, you know, it's so funny because when you work so hard at something for so many years and it feels like it's almost growing in increments that you can barely notice, i've been trying, actually, to stop and take stock a little bit more and appreciate a little bit more lately what we've been able to build. >> reporter: now her daughter apple, who's 16, is getting in on all of it helping launch goop's latest glow lotion. >> good morning, goop. >> how did that come about >> she was sort of part of the product development process, and so that when it came out, i was like, oh, my gosh, should i let her be in the picture or not because she wanted to be in the picture. so we decided to let her >> well, i love her tiktok video. she's basically trolling you >> prances around the bathroom putting on her millions of goop glow products. >> that's what she does all the time that's what i was telling you. constantly >> do you think she'll go into the family business? at this point, what is the family business? >> which one >> yeah, exactly.

>> which one i don't know i think both of my kids are sort of like we don't want to think about what we want to do we just kind of want to see what unfolds. >> reporter: not everything goop sells is family friendly the wellness brand works to shatter taboos including selling a certain device once found at the back of an adult bookstore >> you do have some products that keep selling out. >> mm-hmm. >> and are you surprised >> you know, no, in a way i'm not surprised. look, i think that our sexuality is such an important part of who we are, and you know, even the fact like if you think about it, we're on morning television so we can't talk about female pleasure >> i just bleeped that out i just bleeped it out. >> but you know, it sort of gives you an insight into how culturally we're still -- it's still taboo, and one of the things we really believe in at goop is really kind of

eliminating shame from these topics >> is your mother ever like, gwen, i can't believe -- >> always. always >> because she's very elegant and very proper it seems it to me >> she is, but you know, even proper ladies have sexuality, too. >> this is part of your legacy now, you know. >> good. >> really, so the first paragraph of your obituary, gwyneth paltrow, oscar winner and, you know. >> exactly hopefully it will all be, i'll be an amalgam of many things, as all women are. >> while gwyneth has been keeping busy recently, last year she became one of the 31 million americans who contracted covid-19 >> you actually had covid early on >> yeah. >> how do you feel now i know you had some long-haul

symptoms, are you feeling better >> yeah, sometimes they come back a little bit, but i think i'm better and better. it's been pretty crazy, though it's been pretty wild. i'm not going to lie >> you and your hubby got married but didn't move in together right away. then you moved in together and the pandemic struck. how was that >> it was amazing. i married the right dude, like, he is the best, and i -- there is like nobody better to be stuck with >> how has it been home with your kids? he's got two teenagers, you've got two teenagers. >> it's been the best. there are some really significant profound silver linings from this crazy 12 months, and that time with the kids has been definitely on the top of the list. >> beautiful family. >> boy, there were some parts of that interview i couldn't even air. i know look at me

i'm so repressed i was like oh, my gosh. >> you were tiptoeing right around the edges here. >> i was sweating just watching. >> trying to figure out what you were talking about. >> well, if you know, you know okay let's put it that way. a lot of people want to know if gwyneth's going to be acting again. she was in politician on netflix, which her husband produces but you know, she is more into being a ceo. >> content. >> than she is acting. it's not that she'll never do it again, but she's a businesswoman ask that's where it's at and the business is doing well. >> it's fun to see her kids. >> i know. you've got to watch apple's whole video making fun of her mom. she's like trolling her. all the things. >> as every kid should. >> it's really funny >> and also, you can see the goop lab, which is a reality show and she's in that. they always go on some adventures >> coming up next, some product >> coming up next, some product best fashions.

attention, california. new federal funding of $3 billion is available to help more people pay for health insurance — no matter what your income. how much is yours? julie and bob are paying $700 less, every month. dee got comprehensive coverage for only $1 a month. and the navarros are paying less than $100 a month. check coveredca.com to see your new, lower price. the sooner you sign up the more you save. only at covered california. this way to health insurance.

. "today" best sellers is created by "today" and promoted by amazon. back now at 8:44 with "today" best sellers this morning fun finds that have online shoppers buzzing. >> contributing editor chassie post joins us with some of the season's highest rated items in fashion and beauty all boasting thousands of online reviews. >> if you want to get in on the action, the qr code is at the bottom of your screen. you can shop long with us. you always find good stuff, and -- >> good morning. >> hi, and at the top of your list, a floral bohemian midi dress which just -- i think jenna bush hager is ordering it right now. that's like so her vibe. talk about it. >> guys, i have serious fomo, and when i found out that thousands and thousands of shoppers were obsessed with this dress, i had to get in on it 5,700 reviews, and here is why people love it

this dress is the new yoga pant. >> yes >> but it's even more comfortable. it's that nightgown dress trend that everybody is loving, which means it's as comfy as a nightgown, but you can go out in public and look totally pulled together and look, it's got 42 fabulous prints. >> wow >> and it's sizes extra small through 2xl, and i've seen versions of this for over $200 it's just 24.99. >> wow >> i'm obsessed. that's like i'll wear the sweatpants and dresses all summer long. >> i always wonder why my mom held onto her bell bottoms in the '70s, i realized because eventually they became cool again in the '90s. you have a brand that is also back, i guess. >> yes, and that is lee, the denim brand lee. their denim jackets, carson, people are passionate about this denim jacket over 13,000 reviews, and you're

going to see brands like jordache and levi's classic denim brand from the '80s and '90s having a moment they have lots of different washes i think my favorite thing about this jacket is it's coming into a white denim. i am not squeezing into my white jeans just yet, guys, so this might be my new spring staple, and it starts at just $29.98 >> wear it with the dress. i think it's the perfect fit >> yes >> let's go down to our toes you got some slides that people are going to want. >> oh, my gosh, hoda, it turns out that i'm not the only one obsessed with a sparkle slip-on, 2,400 people have reviewed these little slides, and they are just happy feet i mean, they are so comfy. they're sparkly. but if sparkles aren't your thing, they've got a neutral, and they're just 1$19.99 >> let's try to squeeze in some more some of us carry those big old

heavy tote bags, are we moving on from that >> sheinelle, no need. you guys got to get on this, don't be tardy to the party with this great little wallet wristlet, oh, my gosh. what people love is you can fit all your credit cards, wallet stuff, and even your phone and a lipstick, and then you zip it up it's like a wallet and a clutch all in one all sorts of fun spring colors 38,000 people have written reviews on this, and it's just $16.99. >> good deal. >> not bad. >> okay. and the next trend, we all love this the layering of the necklaces. >> oh. love >> yeah. >> okay, guys, you won't believe this, so we are talking about the look for less, and when i say less, it's under $10 6,700 people have written reviews about this awesome large initial necklace, and you guys know how expensive crystalized jewelry can be plus, this can get to you in two

days >> wow, do you have a c like a big manly gold chain for my friend carson here >> yeah. >> a rope. >> exactly >> he's mad he can't wear the moo moo. we need something here let's talk about beauty. now here's something we could all use, especially those of us deep into middle age a vanity light like mirror with a vanity light >> i feel you, savannah, and guess what, 24,000 shoppers do as well. i mean, they took the time to write 24,000 reviews on this vanity mirror with lights, and check it out you turn on a little light so you can actually see what you're doing, and it has up to three times magnification. i'm up to 2.75 on my readers so this comes in handy. and it folds down to the size of a little ipad. >> cool. >> last but not least, i got to tell you guys about this modern miracle.

so we're putting makeup on to take it off. you guys have to try out the makeup eraser. okay, 8,600 shoppers have tried this out, and they're obsessed all you do is you take this little cloth, you add water, and it removes even the most stubborn makeup. >> really? >> even water proof mascara. >> what is on there? >> it is a proprietary fabric. >> oh. >> you put water on it, and it goes away. >> vanishes. >> oh, my gosh, it just goes away. >> how do you wash it? is it a big pain you got to wash it every day >> no, it is not a big pain. i just used it last night to get my war paint off my face, and i got to say it was fresh for this morning, and it comes in really cute colors, and check it out. it comes -- >> really quickly, how much is it >> it's like a little eraser $20 and 8,600 reviews. >> buy one for my car. >> face wipe >> good stuff this morning, thank you. >> yeah. >> thanks, guys.

>> we want to remind you that amazon has an affiliate relationship with "today," so when you buy an amazon product through our site, amazon pays "today" a small commission to shop these best sellers, scan that qr code or head to today.com/shop >> that little clutch wallet for 16 bucks. >> i want the moo moo, i want the vanity mirror for 2.75 magnification. >> going to buy five. up next, when a top chef judge shares a recipe, it's going to be good, you know that, the homemade sauce that he says you are going to want to put on everything but rst, this is "today" ofin

. this morning on "today" food, a pepper sauce from one of our favorite chefs that's great with almost anything >> mm-hmm. >> that's right. kwame onwuachi is making a comeback on bravo's "top chef," the hit show that launched him to stardom, but this time the james beard award winner is back in a different role, judge >> let's do this over here.

this is not a competition between me and gregory, but we better [ bleep ] win, all right? >> oh, yeah. we also want to mention that kwame's just come out with the young adult adaptation of his memoir, notes from a young black chef kwame, good morning. >> good morning, good morning. thank you so much for having me today. >> i am such a fan of top chef i think i've watched every season how did it feel like when you were a contestant, did you just dream of the day you could come back, you'd be big enough to be a judge? and here you are. >> i think, yeah, i think that's every contestant's dream is to not run around and try to make a taco in 15 minutes ever again. you know, you want to come back and you want to be able to make a change and make impact, and i think as a judge, as a judge i'm judging from a place of empathy and understanding which is a little bit different >> they were real tough on you. >> they were >> when you were a contestant. do you have a softer touch >> i would say absolutely not, no i'm not letting up at all.

all right? >> good. >> that's what -- that's what makes a great chef, you know, really giving them feedback that they can then internalize and then just become better. so you don't want to be too soft on them. >> fair enough, before we get to what you're cooking, let's talk about your book, notes from a young black chef i think this is so good. you have a young adult adaptation now that is being released >> yeah, yeah, i think first of all, thank you i think it's important to show kids that, you know, life is not a linear path. there are ups and downs, you know, and it makes life more rich and it makes you appreciate those sunnier days when you do go through a little bit of rain. >> and kwame, your book is now getting the hollywood treatment, la keefe stanfield is playing you, which is pretty cool. how exciting is this i mean, you are going to b the big screen for gosh sake. >> it is surf real, i don't thi it's really going to hit me until like i'm eating popcorn

and seeing someone say the same things that i said, you know. >> you're so big now that we only have 30 seconds left literally. tell us really quick about that pepper sauce. >> this is my grandfather's pepper sauce from trinidad there's scotch bonnet, garlic, like a ginger pickling liquid in here you can put it on anything, all right? and i have this beautiful salt fish salad bu shoal that he used to make for me whenever i used to visit him put a little bit of that hot sauce on, and that is the jam. that's it. >> put that on everything. >> kwame, thank you, appreciate it

it is day one of vaccine expansion across california. we will be on the lookout for appointments for open

eligibility expands. and vaccination getting under way in the north bay.

good morning and welcome to the third hour of "today" on this thursday, april 15th. i'm dylan here with al and sheinelle. craig is off. i have to say, watching you dance and seeing you were on stephen colbert with dancing and song. it just put me in a good mood. the song putios new a good mood. >> yeah. >> you can talk about world peace and everything else and then show al dancing.

>> the one thing