next. we're going to be back at 7:25 for a live update on all that's happening across the bay area and the country. >> have a great day. good morning, breaking overnight. not afraid. ukraine's president zelenskyy sending a defiant message to vladimir putin from his own office in kyiv, doubling down on his pledge to lead his nation's resistance against the russian invasion. this morning the humanitarian crisis worsening with the number of refugees now set to reach 2 million. and new desperation setting in for those struggling to get out. we'll have complete coverage from the front lines. shocking surge. gas prices now the most

expensive in u.s. history. soaring to an average of $4.17 a gallon overnight. tens of millions of drivers being forced to rethink their daily routine. this morning the race for a solution. the ripple effect being felt on wall street. and the fears the entire u.s. economy is now facing increased risk of recession. in the dark overnight. strong storms and high winds knocking out power to hundreds of thousands of customers across the northeast. and al's already tracking the next round of heavy rain. his full forecast straight ahead. school showdown. the intense debate and protests surrounding that controversial "don't say gay" bill in florida to restrict what young children are taught in the classroom. ahead the key vote set for today and other states now considering similar laws. those stories plus new twists. sherri papini, the california woman accused of faking her own

kidnapping, then profiting from it set to face a judge today. what police are now saying about her mysterious disappearance nearly six years ago and the clues that led to her arrest. and dolly's world. >> viva las vegas! >> the queen of country music shining as co-host of the acm awards, back and bigger than ever. we've got the highlights, the winners and the show-stopping performances. ♪ i will always love you ♪ today, tuesday march 8, 2022. ♪♪ >> from nbc news, this is "today" with savannah guthrie and hoda kotb, from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. hi, everybody. good morning. welcome to "today" on a tuesday

morning. glad you are with us. that song, not many people can sing it. but kelly clarkson does it justice. >> dolly parton was spectacular last night too. >> it was nice to have a little levity in the face of so much bad news. and that's where we start. the crisis in ukraine, lots to get to, including that powerful message from president volodymyr zelenskyy speaking from kyiv. he stressed he is not in hiding and he looked to galvanize his nation. >> this as the humanitarian crisis deepens. ten os thousands without food or water, power or heat. the mayor of lviv saying more than 200,000 refugees are now living in that city. >> in the meantime gas an all-time high. this morning's national average, $4.17. that is up 10% in just a week.

and $1.40 higher than the average one year ago. nbc's richard engel in kyiv this morning. good morning. >> reporter: good morning, savannah. ukrainians are feeling increasingly confident. i'm right now on the edge of kyiv. and down this road is the suburb of irpin. russian forces are in irpin, fighting with ukrainian troops. the russians are hoping to take over the neighborhood and use it so they can enter the capital. but so far ukrainian troops are holding them off, preventing this russian advance from moving even closer into the heart of the city. as ukraine's president is ukrai increasingly bold in his s increasingly bold in his defiance defense. in a new video >> in a new video overnight, o president zelenskyy almost president zelenskyy almost dares the russians to come after the russians to come after him. revealing his location, in kyiv, revealing his location. at the in kyiv, at the presidential pe "i'm here and i'm no office.t afraid," he said. it's not the first tim i'm here and i'm not afraid, he

said.e the president, who s it's not the first time the ayss russia's number one president who says he's russia' showed his whereabouts number one target showed his uk whereabouts.rainian officials ca has tried to a ukrainian officials claim russie zelenskyy using units of chechens none o has tried to assassinate f the s appears to hav zelenskyy using units of e gotte u.s. military official chechnyans.s continue to be surprise none of the attempts appear to s fighting spirit and ukrainia have gotten close.n resistance ukraine still has control of ukraine still has control of much of the much of the country's air spacee and this and this ukrainians say is a , a russian jet they russian jet they shot down. sho of more than one of more than 30. 30. also surprising, the apparent ineptitude of parts of russia's also surprising, the appar offensive.ent ineptitude of russia'sside of offensive. the massiv kyiv remains stalled. without gas and armored traffici jam.v remains stalled, russia's increasingly relying n u.s. military official said on long-range systems, artillery, mortars and missiles because russian troops aren't advancing quickly. in kyiv russian forces have reached the edge of the city and

are trying to break in. so the largest children's hospital took the difficult decision to evacuate patients and parents. children unable to walk were lifted on to buses. valentina said goodbye to her husband who is remaining to fight. then the children were loaded on to a train. blur your eyes and it almost looks like world war ii. but this is what ukraine has been reduced to now. a train full of sick kids, spirited out of the country to escape a russian assault. valentina tries to keep her baby mark calm. how are you feeling right now? bad, she says, i don't want to leave, but i have to. we have to be patient for your children. i hope this will not last long and will be back soon. as the train set off for the west, for safer territory. residents of irpin are fleeing that neighborhood because of intense fighting between

ukrainian troops, ukrainian volunteers, and russian soldiers. and there have been two more attempts today to create so-called humanitarian corridors. one according to ukrainian officials has already broken down. they allege that russia fired on civilians as they were trying to evacuate. >> images are heartbreaking. thank you, richard. >> more on the dire humanitarian crisis with the number of ukrainian refugee who is fled the country now approaching 2 million. and the european union's top diplomat expects some 3 million more to join them in the days and weeks ahead. 5 million refugees. nbc's senior national correspondent tom llamas is covering this for us. >> reporter: hey, savannah. good morning to you. with so many refugees, shelters are literally popping up everywhere and this is one of the more surreal ones. this is a popular fitness center in lviv but it is now a place that dozens of families are calling home. this is one section. this is a squash court.

and people are living inside of this. and even though this may appear incredibly sad and it is very sad, when you speak to the refugees in there, they are grateful because of what they just escaped. ahead of advancing russian troops, a desperate race to escape. families fleeing on foot, suitcases and small children in their arms. one child breaking down while following his mother on the painful journey. and it is traumatic for so many. this 25-year-old says she and her family had to escape at night, driving slowly outside of kyiv near russian troops. her entire family praying inside of the car. >> what's the hardest part so far? >> to understand that we're now safe here and our friends and family are not safe. >> reporefter:ug rees from the southern city of odesa crossing over to romania by ferry.

>> it is very painful for me because i left almost all of my family there. >> reporter: this hotel ballroom now a makesht ifelshter for more than 2,000 people, each with a unique story of loss. this young woman fearing for her partner, the father of her 6-year-old son. >> we live together six years. and he -- he promised me when the war is end -- i'm sorry. when the war is end, he marriage me. >> reporter: and now the u.n. telling nbc news the wave of refugees will be much higher than first expected. do you think the number will be much higher than 4 million? >> it now looks like it was a conservative estimation. now it looks like there are going to be much more people fleeing the war than we first estimated. >> reporter: while those remaining hunkered down in basements like this, helping the

moulstnerable as best they can. >> we are bombed every day, every night nonstop. sometimes we have an hour or two of quiet time. sorry. it's bombing. >> reporter: as bombs continue to fall, this woman with a message for the world. >> enjoy what you have. enjoy peace. it is really valuable. don't take for granted what you have now because it's so vulnerable. >> that perspective, tom. you know these shelters across western ukraine, they must be filled to the brim. are they able to keep taking in refugees? what are you hearing from them? >> reporter: yeah, savannah, i asked the owners of this fitness center that exact question. they own three gyms in lviv. all have been converted to shelters. behind me is a dance studio, it is filled with several families. when i was speaking to the owner a big guy. former veteran himself. he had tears his eyes.

they are going keep helping as long as they can. they are going to do this until the war is over. savannah? >> tom llamas. thank you again. and a quick programming note. former u.s. ambassador to ukraine, marie yovanovitch, will join us for an exclusive live interview tomorrow on "today." impacting your bottom line, gas prices have now started the highest average in history. $4.17 a gallon but the pinch for americans goes beyond the pump. nbc's sam brock joins us for more. good morning. >> reporter: right now we're following developing news with the biden administration expected to announce sanctions in the next hour. that announcement would be banning all russian imports of oil and facing heavy pressure from lawmakers. but still, from miami to los angeles to new york, to chicago, this is going to put even more

pressure on gas prices. >> this morning, gas prices soaring to the highest average ever recorded. $4.17. >> i just filled up and it cost my $50 versus normally 30. >> reporter: up ten cents in one day and 55 cents since last week. eclipsing the previous record of $4.10 set 14 years ago. >> i haven't seen prices to this increase level. >> reporter: though they were already climbing before the war in ukraine, they are now spiking because of worries of global oil supply. russia whose economy is heavily dependent on energy exports, accounts for a tenth of the available oil in the market. the price surge causing worries on wall street. the s&p 500 shed 3% monday, its sharpest daily drop since october 2020. investors were spooked by bans on russian oil and gas, and today that's about to become a reality. president biden set to announce

that ban this morning. when stocks drop and gas prices rise, everybody feels the pinch. >> the price of oil and gas going up has an inflationary impact unlike anything else in the american economy. >> reporter: even affecting travel with spring and summer vacations around the corner. airfares are way up with demand soaring as jet fuel costs continue to rise, and the prices hitting businesses already hurting from record inflation. >> when you talk about the food truck industry, food and gasoline, is that a double whammy? >> 100%. everything is going crazy high right now. >> reporter: this as the rise in gas could just be getting started. these sanctions are expected to last months, not weeks. how is the u.s. going to make up for the lost oil? we sent a secret delegation to venezuela over the weekend which is already under oil sanctions. >> we're going to have more on those gas price and is what if anything you can do to ease their impact.

vicky nguyen will be along with out. savannah, tips that will help out. >> good morning to sheinelle.hod covering another story. morning. lawmakers in >> good morning. florida are mo forward with what's been nickname lawmakers in florida are moving forward with what's been nick d bill named the "don't say gay" bill. if passed it would prohibi teachers from discussing sexual schoolteachers from discussing sexual orientation with their young orientation with students.studes opponents fear i opponents fear it could turn t n back the clock on back the clock on lgbtq rights.t kerry sanders is in fort q righs nbc's kerry sanders is in fort lauderdale for us this morning. good morning. lauderdale for us, kerry, good >> good morning, sheinelle. morning. >> teachers say the very rare rep, sheinelle. conversations they have with tee conversations they have with young students about sexual orientation coul orientation could soon be d soo against the law. against the law. as early as today, as early as today, florida's fs majority republica majority republican senate could vote on the so-called "don't say gay" bill. >> reporter: from school walkouts, to protests, to rallies, opponents say if the "don't say gay" bill becomes

law, it will reverse decades of progress >> the message we are sending out is so hateful and so mean. this is about creating a safe space so children can feel comfortable in their own skin. >> the bill was introduced by republican state representative joe harding. it says in part, classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade 3. >> we're going to make sure that parents are able to send their kid to kindergarten without having some of this stuff injected into their school curriculum. >> reporter: but critics say it would create problems even for children who have yet to understand sexual identity. >> tell us about your hero. >> i have two heros. my two moms. >> denise, gay, and a teacher

for 34 years. >> we do not introduce the topic of sexuality to young children >> if a child is going through some questions about their sexuality and they're afraid to talk to their mom and dad, is that where then you can answer questions? >> i could answer questions for them. >> if this law passes? >> if this law passes, i would not be able to answer any questions for them. >> and the problem with that >> the child would feel that there is something wrong with them >> reporter: president biden tweeting that this is a hateful bill florida could be the first to pass a law like this, but eight other states are considering similar laws sheinelle. >> kerry, thank you. 16 after the hour. let's get our first check of the weather. hi, al, too early to talk about the weekend? >> tuesday. >> getting there but right now we're looking all eyes on the gulf, watching showers and thunderstorms starting to develop. we're going to be watching this system coming out of gulf,

sliding into the southeast, bringing heavy rain from texas to north carolina for today as we move into tomorrow, strong storms from the gulf into the carolinas. a bit of wet snow possible for parts of the northeast, especially as you get north of new england. but we are looking at some heavier rain some places picking up to 3 inches of rain that's good news for the those wild fires going on now. so they could get a little relief from that to the north, we are looking at light snow higher elevations may see a a little snow on the grassy surfaces no big problems. some places upstate and parts of new jersey could see 2 to 3 inches your local forecast in the next 30 seconds it's made them fiercely determined and more innovative.

just because they can navigate the obstacles doesn't mean they should have to. citi is committed to investing in opportunities for 10 million women globally by 2025. ♪ ♪ . good tuesday morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. a cold start and we have sunshine and warmer temperatures for this afternoon. tomorrow we're still looking at a sunny sky, but the winds will increase during the afternoon. slightly cooler temperatures by the end of the week on thursday, as the gusty winds continue. friday is looking nice with a high of 71. the weekend will be comfortable with highs in the low 70s, as we set our clocks forward one hour on sunday morning. we'll see temperatures in the 60s in san francisco. that is your latest that is your latest weather. guys >> thanks, al. still ahead.

sherri papini, the california mother now accused of faking her own abduction will head before a judge today. live with the latest including what police and her family are now revealing about the case. >> and plus the reason i stayed up late last night the country music awards dolly parton's hosting duties. dolly parton's hosting duties. the great performances, oh, wow, barbara corcoran! good morning. sorry, we don't need any business help now. we're gigillionaires. what? we're gigillionaires now. i don't get it we have at&t business fiber with hyper-gig speeds. but i just... so thanks, but, we're doing great. i'm so happy for you! but i'm just here for my order. oh. entre-pin-eurs? yeah, my bowling team. i like it there's money in puns. do business like a gigillionaire at&t business fiber, now with speeds up to 5-gigs. limited availability

coming up a truly remarkable story. we're going meet the american couple who escaped ukraine with their newborn baby there she is and wait until you hear what they did for another family who couldn't make the trip. >> are they in our green room? this after your local news i'm hard of hearing. ♪♪ oh hey, don't forget about the tense music too. would you say tense? i'd say suspenseful. aren't they the same thing? can we move on guys, please?

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feel the clarity - and make today the most wonderful time of the year. live claritin clear. . good morning. it is 7:26. i'm marcus washington. gas prices are already sitting at record highs, and now it looks like the u.s. may be ready to man all russian oil imports in the wake of the ukraine invasion. now, that's what two nbc sources are saying. we may get more of a clear answer in the next hour or so. the president is expected to address the nation. now, as soon as that happens, nbc will cut in for a special report. here's a look at the other top stories this morning. good morning. i'm cierra johnson in san francisco. we've seen the parklets before and in some communities these

are here to stay. that includes oakland, which voted to extend the parklet program, as well as streamline the application. san jose made a similar move, even waiving the permit fees for all al fresco dining. just to give you an idea of how much the pandemic impacted dining, more than 100,000 restaurants and bars closed the first year either temporarily or permanently. >> time to get a look at the forecast. meteorologist kari hall is tracking that. >> bundle up for the start of the day but then be ready for warmer temperatures this afternoon. take a look at the trend in san jose. we're in the upper 40s at 8:00, 59 degrees at 10:00. we're headed for the low 70s this afternoon and it will cool down quickly this evening. tomorrow the winds will start to increase during the afternoon. gusty winds continue through thursday as we see a lot of dry weather here, and that dry weather continues into the weekend as we spring forward early on sunday morning. marcus? >> thanks, kari.

and we'll have another local news update in 30 minutes. we'll see you back here then.

♪ 7:30 now it is tuesday morning, not just any morning. march 8, 2022. international women's day. you think we're ready? >> ready. >> inspiring morning ahead a lot of women out there, and a lot of great stories to tell we're excited about that >> they packed the joint >> it was wrapped around the building >> let's get to your headlines teachers in the minneapolis school district say they are planning to go on strike today after failing to reach an agreement on a new contract.

it will idle some 29,000 students in one of minnesota's largest school districts teachers are fighting for smaller class size, mental health support and better pais meanwhile teachers in st. paul reached a deal late yesterday to avert their own strike. the head of the cdc says the coronavirus is likely here to stay dr. rochelle walensky says covid is probably going to become a seasonal virus, like the flu, that spreads during winter months cdc officials believe the virus will circulate for years to come experts say it's unclear whether people will need additional covid booster shots over the next year. now to college basketball. the chattanooga team punched their ticket to the ncaa tournament in dramatic fashion last night one of the wildest finishes all year take a look at the final ten seconds of this game >> got it, 1.3 left.

>> they gonna let 'em play. >> gene baptiste with one. heaves it for the win. chattanooga with a game-winning shot in overtime and a shot he will never forget. >> can you believe it? there were seconds left. >> seconds it was a buzzer beater >> the first one was a buzzer beater >> they're headed to the big dance. if that's a preview for march madness, we're going to have a good time this season. >> they go, and he shoots, seconds left he was like, it really happened! >> let's move to new developments in the bizarre sherri papini case the california wife and mother accused of faking her own kidnapping in 2016. >> authorities say not only did she make up the story but collected tens of thousands of

dollars in donations after her homecoming nbc national correspondent miguel almaguer in los angeles has the latest on it good morning >> reporter: later today sherri papini will be back in front of a judge for a detention hearing after her arrest on thursday she was denied a request to be released on her own recog distance when prosecutors argued she would be a flight risk she faces serious times behind barr barrings. >> reporter: sherri papini who said she was kidnapped and beaten in 2016 is fighting for her freedom. set to face a judge today, papini could get up to 25 years in prison for making false statements to a federal law enforcement officer and engaging in mail fraud. papini's disappearance made headlines six years ago when she

vanished near her home in redding, california. the search came to an end when papini was found along a highway on thanksgiving, 146 miles from home, badly bruised and branded. her husband after their reunion. >> the bruises were just intense. >> reporter: but investigators believe the abduction was staged papini's former boyfriend who says he thought she was escaping an abusive relationship admitted he picked her up and housed her as she inflicted bruising and burns on her own body. the criminal complaint says papini told her ex-lover to go to the hobby lobby, by a wood burning tool and brand her, which he did. that there is >> it made me sick that there is people out there that could do something like this. >> reporter: after papini says her abductor set her free, she

described them as two hispanic females who played music during the ordeal on gofundme, papini's family raised over $49,000. collecting another 30,000 from a victim's compensation board. her family says they're appalled by the ambush arrest in front of her children, adding she's barely eating in jail because of food allergies this morning, the woman who said she was tortured and imprisoned, spending another day behind bars >> so she's set to see a judge today. but this is a legal battle that's going to go on. how might this play out in the end? >> reporter: her attorneys will fight for her release today. we're awaiting a grand jury indictment in the case and the sheriff says the charge yesterday that he wouldn't be surprised if additional people were charged in this case. if this case does go to trial, we may not have a conclusion for months >> all right, thank you so much. we appreciate it. coming up next, we're going

to talk about the sticker shock being felt by a lot of drivers coast to coast already the average price of gas soaring to an all-time high overnight. vicky nguyen is going to show you how you can save and make your gas last longer right after this excess sugar can damage blood vessels, causing vision loss or even blindness. so, remember this: now is the time to get your eyes checked. eye care is important to your long-term diabetes management. see a path forward with actions and treatments from a retina specialist that may help protect against vision loss. visit noweyesee.com and take charge of your sight. this is antonelli's cheese shop, and we're the antonellis! we chose our spark cash plus card from capital one because we earn unlimited two percent cash back on every purchase. and with no preset spending limit, our purchasing power adapts to our business needs. what's in your wallet? ♪♪ ♪ (upbeat music) ♪ lots of vitamins a and c what's in your wallet? and only 45 calories a serving.

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ways to save >> we have some good tip this is morning. the skyrocketing gas prices have hit an all-time high it has a lot of us pumping the brakes but if you do have to hit the road we have tips for you to get a lot more mileage from your gas money. the pain at the pump hitting americans in the pocketbook. >> it is stressful, you know >> reporter: gas prices reaching a record high, average of $4.17 a gallon some tips to keep your wallet from hitting "e," starting with the way you drive. aaa says try to group your trips together, accelerate gradually, anticipate your stops, when approaching a red light, let your foot off the gas as early as possible. on the interstate, experts recommend reducing your speed. >> i drove back from tampa to chicago. i went 68 miles per hour i got 32 miles per hour. when i bumped it up, it went down to 29 miles a gallon.

>> try not to leave your car idling if you are parked somewhere more than ten second, considering turning your engine off. idling can cost you up to half a gallon of gas per hour and don't forget to clean out your car carrying extra cargo adds weight to your ride and really cuts down on fuel efficiency. regular maintenance can also help your dollar go extra mile and make sure you keep your tires properly inflated. low tire pressure can reduce fuel efficiency and make your tires wear out quicker and if your car's check engine light turns on take to it a repair shop this could cause to you burn around 25% more fuel than normal why is it so important to maintain your car? >> cars are basically computers. computers control how much fuel you are burning. if things go wrong with the sensors, the computer goes into protective mode where it is burning more gasoline to make sure nothing bad happens. >> reporter: shift your savings into gear by using apps like gas

buddy and waze don't wait until your tank is almost empty and be forced to fill up at the closest stations. and avoid those just off a highway exit or middle of a major city consider joining a fuel rewards program offered by chains like walmart plus, safeway and kroger, or wholesale clubs like costco, bj's and sam's club. and take advantage when stations offer a discount for cash. >> is there a best day of the week to fill up? >> during normal times early in the week tends to be better right now with prices actively going up, it is sooner rather than later is the best time to fill up. >> reporter: ways to navigate the extra costs until higher prices are in the rear view. the average cost of diesel is also an the rise predicted to reach $5 a gallon that means consumer goods prices likely the to go up as well. all that stuff is transported by truck. by the way, as the warm weather arrives, you want to make sure

you use your air-conditioning instead of driving with your windows open air-conditioners create less drag on the engine one more tip for the heat, try to drive during the cooler parts of the day it can boost the power and mileage on your car. >> i learned something new today. it was always the rule, you turned off your ac and rolled down the windows when you had ten cents of gas left in the tank >> physics disagrees with that with the newer cars. >> this is '90s information. >> thank you let's get a check of the weather. mr. roker has his forecast. >> back in the '70s during the oil embargo, you had to have a hose and you would siphon off gas from people's cars we're not recommending that. i did have a guy steal gas from me i am old we've got these temperatures from yesterday big area of high pressure pumping up that warmer air and so we had record-setting temperatures from new york city,

atlantic city, baltimore, sterling, down in washington, d.c., temperatures just way above average. but the front moved through last night, knocking down trees, causing power outages and look at today 26 degrees cooler today from new york city. 48 for a high. philadelphia dropping 27 degrees. pittsburgh 21. as we get into the weekend, we're going to be looking at temperatures that are a little more moderate, a little more seasonal but cooler than what we've been seeing as we look over the next 6 to 10 days, going to be cooler from the great lakes all the way down to the gulf coast. normal in the northeast and the mid-atlantic states. warmer than average out west good tuesday morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. it's a cold start, but take a look at our afternoon high temperatures for our inland areas. we'll reach into the low 70s. winds increase tomorrow and we'll have gusty winds with us

for thursday as well, as we keep the very nice, at least afternoon temperatures. it's going to be cold in the mornings. looking at the weekend, we do continue on with the dry conditions, as we spring forward, setting our clock forward one hour. san francisco will continue to see highs in the low to mid-60s. >> and that is your latest weather. >> up next the legendary dolly parton hosting a star-studded night of country music in vegas. the highlights, winners and show-stealing performances from the acm awards right after this. she needed a bigger fridge asap if she was going to fulfill her orders. so she used her american express business platinum card® to earn more points on the big-ticket purchase. she got the new fridge, fulfilled the orders, and with her extra points, she got new equipment that allowed her to expand her business by rolling out a new product. get the card built for business. by american express.

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all right. we're back the excitement of last night's academy of country music awards. >> show returned in front of a packed crowd, featuring the industry's biggest stars and including the undisputed queen of country, dolly parton. >> she served as co-host for the

first time in 22 years on the night that featured moving tributes and show-stopping performances >> reporter: it was a dazzling night of celebration for country's biggest stars for the 57th acm awards. >> viva las vegas. >> the show hosted by the one and only dolly parton. alongside jimmy allen and gabby barrett. dolly opening the show with a message to those in ukraine. >> i want us to send our love and hope to our brothers and sisters in ukraine >> reporter: the country legend also performing big dreams and faded jeans with kelsea ballerini. >> big dreams and faded jeans. >> reporter: co-host jimmy allen also took center stage with his emotional new single "down home" a letter to his late father james. carrie underwood and jason

aldean taking home single of the year for their hit "if i didn't love you." ♪ >> dangerous, the double album morgan wallen. >> reporter: morgan wallen took home album of the year the singer back after being caught on camera using a racial slur and banned from the show last year. chris stapleton and carly pearce winning male and female artist of the year. brothers osborne nabbing duo of the year >> and the winner is miranda lambert. >> reporter: and the top award, entertainer of the year, going to miranda lambert. >> this one goes out to all is singer-songwriter girls out there. >> reporter: and kelly clarkson brought down the house with her rendition of "i will always love you. a special tribute to dolly's legendary career

♪ i will always love you ♪ >> you want to close your eyes and let that wash all over you >> i want to listen to it. i want to get online and listen to the whole thing >> dolly parton was incredible i was struck by how she gives the glory to everybody around the place. but she brought down the house it's international women's day. we're ready to honor very special women. we have a great live event on your plaza >> the new head of unicef has made her way here after traveling to ukraine we'll talk to her after your local news otezla. it's a choice you can make. otezla is not a cream. it's a pill that treats plaque psoriasis differently. with otezla, 75% clearer skin is achievable. don't use if you're allergic to otezla. it may cause severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. otezla is associated with an increased risk of depression. tell your doctor if you have a history of depression

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♪ ♪ good morning. it is 7:56. here is a look at what's happening now. >> good morning. i'm cierra johnson in san francisco. we've seen the parklets before and some communities, these parklets are here to stay. that includes oakland which voted to extend the program, as well as streamline the application. san jose made a similar move, even waiving permit fees for all al fresco dining. more than 100,000 bars and restaurants closed the first year permanently or temporarily. >> it's time to get a look at the forecast. meteorologist kari hall has been tracking that. >> we're starting out with cold temperatures but it's going to be a really nice day. high temperatures head for the low 70s.

it's going to be windy tomorrow. and those winds continue into thursday as the sunshine and dry conditions continue into the weekend. we're going to see a steady weather pattern as we spring forward to setting our clock forward one hour on sunday morning. we're also going to see temperatures in san francisco in the mid-60s. some of those gusts may reach 40 to 50 miles per hour. so it's going to really be windy over these next couple of days. >> be mindful of that. thank you. we're going to have another local news update coming up in 30 minutes. we'll see you back here then.

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international women's day on "today" is sponsored by citi citi is taking action to advance gender equity within their walls and in communities across the globe. it's 8:00 on "today. this morning a celebration of the remarkable women who have risen up, blazed a trail and inspired us all. >> here we go. here i am. >> a family returns home with their newborn after a dramatic rescue from ukraine. >> made it, just perfect. >> now the mother speaks out to

help other babies left behind. and when the world's children are in need, this woman, unicef's executive director is charged with protecting them. plus a nod to one trailblazer who refuses to play by the rules. >> i could die tomorrow and know that i helped to open doors. >> 50 years after she fought for girls in little league we met the former pitcher who leveled the playing field. then taking command. >> every day i'm privileged enough to set foot on the ship i'm just in awe. >> the first female commander of old iron side. from sea to space, four women leading nasa's charge back to the moon. >> it will be the next giant leap for humankind. >> women everywhere, forging a

new path and we are ready to honor them today international women's day, tuesday, march 8, 2022 ♪ >> today we celebrate breaking barriers. >> coming together >> -- and perseverance >> lifting our voices and being heard! >> happy international women's day! >> welcome back to "today. thanks for joining us. it is special. it's a tuesday morning it's international women's day i like how she said we're celebrating being heard. we hear you today. that is awesome. >> being heard, being seen we're going to be out there with a great crowd on our plaza, fired up >> we're ready for them. we'll be out in a bit. right to the news at 8:00 first. this morning efforts intensifying to help more civilians escape the fighting in

ukraine. and a new and defiant message last night, ukraine's president vowed to continue the fight against russian invaders lester joins us from lviv, ukraine. good morning. >> reporter: good morning to you. in the capital, ukraine's president says he will stay as long as it takes to win this war, but russia is trying to ramp up its military pressure and the humanitarian crisis on the ground here is growing overnight, more signs of war across ukraine, a massive fire engulfing an oil depot in the sedomia region ukrainian officials blaming russian air strikes. president zelenskyy posting from his office in the capital city of kyiv, saying he's refusing to hide, but russia is trying to dial up the pressure in the hard-hit city of irpin nearly 2,000 people fled monday,

some climbing through the rubble with just a single suitcase. others carrying their children out. a senior u.s. defense official says nearly all of the troops russia had positioned around ukraine's borders are now inside the country. still ukraine is fighting back with growing efforts to get civilians out. the u.n. says more than 1.7 million ukrainians have crossed the border so far. and unicef estimates nearly a million of them are children >> that trauma sticks with kids and it will affect ukraine beyond this conflict. >> reporter: lviv a stop for so many on the race to escape hope waits at the end of this line at the train station. a shot at a new life beyond the devastation for children like alexander. he introduces us to his teddy bear and his big sister. >> this is my sister.

>> reporter: they're heading to poland with their parents. but others like baby anna and her mother are staying in ukraine for now. born six weeks premature, she's in the hospital getting medical care >> what will you someday tell anna about the world that she was born into? >> of course she's a child of war >> she'll be okay, right >> yes >> reporter: in fact, her mom says she's getting better and getting stronger this morning the u.n. announced the number of people that have fled ukraine is now 2 million. ukraine's president set to address the uk house of commons in a virtual speech later today, hoda. >> lester, thanks. he'll have the latest tonight on nbc "nightly news" and lester is hosting an inside ukraine special. that's tonight at 9:00 eastern on nbc news now.

in other news, one teenager was killed and two others wounded after a shooting yesterday happened outside a high school in des moines, iowa. officials say the 15-year-old boy who died did not attend the school but the wounded girls are students there several people were held for questioning, but no arrests have been made yet. the florida highway patrol has released dash cam video of a trooper risking her life to prevent what could have been a catastrophe. there was an alleged drunk driver trying to turn onto a bridge where thousands of people were running a 10k charity race on sunday. realizing that she was the last line of defense, the trooper used her patrol car to block the speeding car, resulting in a head-on crash. she knew it would happen she's recovering this morning at home after spending some time in the hospital >> wow

that is astonishing. >> it really is. let's get a little morning boost for you. the young lady you're about to see was excited because she was going on a birthday road trip with her friends what happened? she got in the car there was one person inside who she was not expecting. >> atlantic city >> hi! >> aaahhhhh! >> ah! >> that's [ laughter ] >> that's sweet. that was her longtime best friend, secretly flew in for the birthday trip. i wonder how long it's been since they've seen each other. they've missed each other. that's for sure. that's awesome going to atlantic city >> she was already there she didn't need any more hyped up that was really cute. >> we're going to celebrate international women's day.

we'll start with a fierce woman and her husband who braved the fighting in ukraine to not only bring home their baby girl, but also another family's newborn who couldn't make that trip. they have a remarkable story we'll talk to them right after this can provide relief, and is the first approved medication to reduce inflammation on and below the surface of the intestine in uc. you, getting on that flight? back off, uc! stelara® may increase your risk of infections, some serious, and cancer. before treatment, get tested for tb. tell your doctor if you have an infection, flu-like symptoms, sores, new skin growths, have had cancer, or if you need a vaccine. pres, a rare, potentially fatal brain condition, may be possible. some serious allergic reactions and lung inflammation can occur. lasting remission can start with stelara®. janssen can help you explore cost support options. (host) more and more cat parents are feeding tastefuls from blue buffalo because it's tasty and healthy.

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for 10 million women globally by 2025. ♪ ♪ we are back on our plaza we are celebrating international women's day. an incredible story of hope is about to be revealed. >> we are starting off the right way. we want to introduce you to amy and michael. they have been counting down the moments until their daughter'sr. they flew from florida to kyiv, but days later, war broke out and everything changed. >> we're happy to say that amy and michael made it. they're back in the u.s. safely. they're here with baby charlotte and we're going to meet them all in just a moment first, a peek at their

remarkable journey >> reporter: her miraculous arrival came under the most devastating circumstances. a surrogate carrying michael and amy's baby went into labor in a kyiv hospital under fire just days earlier, michael and amy arrived in ukraine from florida to be there for her birth. >> nobody locally was even very concerned about it >> reporter: but then -- the first missile was launched ukraine was under attack michael and amy jumped in a taxi to be with their surrogate an 18-mile drive through kyiv took four hours. >> t re blocked. some of them had been damaged. >> reporter: two days later on february 26th, mom and dad got to meet their little girl, charlotte arrived weighing 7 pounds, 2 ounces >> here we go. here i am. >> reporter: thank you seemed not nearly big enough, but they said good-bye to their surrogate

as they were forced to flee. the family and their translator made it to a train station with not just charlotte, but another new american baby whose parents were not able to get to ukraine in time. >> the question, if we were going to go home never crossed our minds. of course, we were we just had to figure out. >> reporter: traveling with two newborns, michael and amy were guided to safety by the kindness of strangers >> the train station, the community poured out -- they brought formula, clothes, blankets every single point, somebody put their safety and well-being at risk to help us move safely. >> reporter: michael and amy safely crossed the border and delivered the other newborn in their care to their waiting american parents and with an emergency passport in hand, baby charlotte finally made her way home.

>> and you're home here! baby charlotte is here along with her mom and dad, amy and michael. what a journey if you had to pinpoint why this journey was made possible, how would you describe it? >> definitely we would just say, the blind kindness of others faith in humanity and god's grace at every single turn it's amazing the way everything worked out and the people who are still there, you know, doing the hard work on the ground, we wouldn't have been able to do it without them. >> on this journey, you have that grace of god, blessings, and help of others just in the nick of time, time and time again. >> yes >> i thought it was pretty incredible how you said a taxi driver drove you four hours. you gave him everything you had in your pockets. you had no money and you just went with two babies, no money how did you feed and care for the children along the way

>> again, blind faith there. we did have -- he -- we had formula from the hospital. it was enough for one baby for a few days we ended up having a couple babies for a few more days the agency was awesome and they made sure -- they helped and then we had random kindness of strangers. brought us formula and clothes. >> not only did you have your new baby, you decided to carry another newborn baby for an american couple. you're carrying two newborns with not a dollar in your pocket i kind of can't even fathom it how were the people there? i mean, how -- what would you want americans to know about what you saw >> i would just say that these guys are some of the bravest, selfless people that i think i've ever met. when they could have very much

been letting us go, they gave from themselves in spite of the risks that they were taking for us >> she sounds like she was a force of nature. >> she came across with us she's now -- both of them. just being able to get -- let people know who we were and we had the babies it was great. >> amy and michael, we have a professional photographer. do you mind if he takes a n picture of your family i think we might want to have -- >> a couple more people. >> a family photo. >> why don't they get? these are your daughters >> oh, my gosh >> this is the -- your daughters are here

>> your grown daughters. this is your new baby sister let's get that picture, shall we photo nate, you're on. >> i can't believe it. >> look right here for me. >> michael, what does it mean to have your whole family together? >> a lot >> we have more, though. this isn't our whole family. these are our girls. >> what does it feel like seeing your baby sister for the first time >> amazing amazing, yes >> wow >> what an incredible journey. what courage you have. you are ready for the world, my friend you've got it all going on >> you want to hold her? >> yes >> you go first, i'll go second. >> we did want to tell our grandson happy birthday. >> by the way, we're here to

love you. >> she's perfect >> you guys, thank you for sharing your family with us. that was awesome what a beautiful moment. all right. we got more stories to share mr. roker has a check of the weather. >> that is beautiful all right. let's show you what we've got going on for today, we are watching heavy rain down through the lower mississippi river valley, cooling off, great lakes into the northeast. snow developing through the northern plains. sunshine out west. and, of course, everybody international women's day, the coll >> there you go. it's all coming together. 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. a cold morning but it's going to be a really nice day. our temperatures reach into the low 70s this afternoon and we'll do it all over again tomorrow

with a chilly start and then seeing our highs head for 70 degrees. but it will be different tomorrow afternoon because the winds start to pick up and the gusty winds will continue into thursday where we could see high winds up to 45, maybe even 50 miles per hour. and we'll see the winds calming down for the weekend as our temperatures continue. . weather. guys >> we're so happy! that was beautiful >> international women's day is just getting started joining us now is the newly named executive director of unicef, catherine russell. >> she leads a team on the front lines of the biggest natural disasters and conflicts. she just returned from ukraine >> first, a closer look at her new role and unicef's mission to better the lives of children everywhere >> reporter: meet the

pennsylvania native leading a 20,000-person strong team across the globe. catherine russell is unicef's executive director, protecting the world's children since taking the job last month, she's been on the road she traveled to the ukraine border supporting refugees and their families as they crossed into safety in romania and to afghanistan, meeting with taliban officials, pushing them to commit to reopening schools for all girls this month she also met with students at a unicef-sponsored school in kandahar and mothers at a hospital where their children are fighting starvation she's no stranger to tough jobs. she served as ambassador at large for global women's issues for the state department and now she's ready to take on the fight for kids at a time when there are more conflicts and natural disasters than at any time in

unicef's 75-year history catherine russell will play a critical role in the future of all the world's children joining us now, catherine russell, the new director of unicef we are celebrating women today we want to celebrate you have a seat. >> thank you. >> gosh, if there ever were a time when people can recognize the mission of unicef and how important it is, we just saw that little baby and held her in our arms there are so many stories like that in ukraine. what did you see >> there are a lot of stories like that, unfortunately i was at the border in romania, and there were so many women and children coming across the border, almost no men, of course, except a few very old men. but the women and children were just bewildered and tired. when you think about what it would take to force you to leave your home, nobody ever wants to do that. but they came because they had no options unicef was there, along with a lot of other people, greeting them, trying to help them figure

out where to go. we were registering them, making sure they had the services they needed but, honestly, they were just devastated by what happened to their country. >> yeah, i mean, you think what do they need the most? and i feel like the list must be so long. they need everything. >> they need everything, for sure you see it on the news, right? the children have a little backpack and the women are dragging a suitcase. >> the men are not permitted to leave. they're there to fight >> between 18 and 60 are not allowed to leave the country you see these stories on the news of husband and is fathers say good-bye to their children it's heartbreaking to see it >> it's unthinkable. and it's, of course, not the only place where unicef is needed afghanistan is another you have been there as well. as you just started this work and the plight of women and girls there in particular. >> afghanistan was a heartbreaking place to be, honestly we see -- i had been there before my work at the state department.

but now the country is -- the interesting thing is, there's no conflict, right? i was able to travel around the country which is interesting but it's so desperately poor right now. people can't get money so on the one hand, you drive around and you see food stands, right? fruits and vegetables. but it's like up to 95% of the population has -- is below the poverty line and people are severely malnourished it's devastating >> you were advocating that the tali . this is an nbc news special report. here is savannah guthrie. >> good morning. as we come on the air we've got breaking news from the white house. the president about to address the nation. we expect he will announce a ban on russian oil imports into the u.s. lawmakers from both parties have been pressuring the administration in recent days to

take that very step. as a new way to punish vladimir putin and russia over the war in ukraine. of course a lot of americans will recognize right away that this will impact gas prices which are already skyrocketing. the nat gas average hit an all-time dollar high overnight. $4.17 a gallon. gas prices already on the rise and that is only going in one direction. kristen welker, the president clearly under pressure not just from ukrainian officials but lawmakers in both parties. and we're also hearing this morning that the uk and the eu are also taking some steps. >> they are, savannah. that's right. to that last point first. that uk and eu announcing they are going to phase out russian oil over time. what president biden is announcing is a ban on russian oil. these are some of the most punitive measures that we will have seen from the united states and from its european allies to

date. because this really is going hit at the heart of russia's economy. but it does come against the back drop savannah that you mentioned. mounting pressure from republicans. and also democrats, including house speaker nancy pelosi who said it is time to ban russian oil. we know there is legislation pending in congress as well but in this instance the president is going take this step unilaterally without the support of congress. what will the impact be on americans. >> today i'm announcing the united states is targeting the main artery of russia's economy. we're banning all imports of russian oil and gas and energy. that means russian oil will no longer be acceptable at u.s. ports and the american people will deal another powerful blow to putin's war machine. this is a move that has strong bipartisan support in congress and i believe in the country. americans have rallied to support their ukrainian people and made it clear we will not be part of subsidying putin's war.

we made this decision in close consultation with allies and partners around the world, particularly in europe. because a united response to putin's aggression has been my over riding focus to keep all nato and all of eu and our allies totally united. we're moving forward with this ban understanding that many of our european allies and partners may not be in a position to join us. the united states produces far more oil domestically than all the european countries combined. in fact we are a net exporter of energy. so we can take this step when others cannot. but we're working closely with europe and our partners to develop a long-term strategy to reduce their dependence on russian energy as well. our teams are actively discussing how to make this happen. and today we remain united, remain united in our purpose to keep pressure mounting on putin

and a his war machine. that is step we're taking to inflict further pain on putin. but there will be costs here as well in the united states. i said i would level with the american people from the beginning and when i first spoke to this i said defending freedom is going to cost. cost us as well in the united states. republicans and democrats alike understand that. republicans and democrats alike have been clear that we must do this. over the last week i've spoken with president zelenskyy several times, to hear from him about the situation on the ground and to consult and continue to consult with our european allies and about u.s. support for ukraine and ukrainian people. thus far we've provided more than $1 billion in security assistance to ukraine. shipments of defensive weapons are arriving in ukraine every day from the united states. and we the united states are the ones coordinating the delivery of our allies and partners of similar weapons. from german to finland to the

netherlands. we're working that out. we're also providing humanitarian support for the ukrainian people. both those still in ukraine and those who have fled safely to a neighboring country. we're working with humanitarian organizations to surge tens of thousands of tons of food, water and medical supplies into ukraine. and with more on the way. over the weekend i sent secretary blinken to visit our border between -- the border between poland and ukraine and to moldova to see what the situation was first hand and report back. general milly, chairman of joint chiefs of staff, our defense department was also in europe meeting with his counterparts and allies on nato's eastern flank to reassure them those countries bordering russia, neighboring countries that we will keep our nato commitment. sacred commitment of article 5. vice president harris is going to be traveling to meet with

allies in poland and romania later this week as well. i've made it clear the united states will share in the responsibility of caring for the refugees so the costs do not fall entirely on the european countries bordering ukraine. and yesterday, i spoke with my counterparts in france, germany and the united kingdom about russia's escalating violence against ukraine and the steps that we're going take together with our allies and partners around the world to respond to this aggression. we are enforcing the most significant package of economic sanctions in history. and it is causing significant damage to russia's economy. it has caused the russian economy to, frankly, crater. the russian ruble is now down by 50% since putin announced his war. one ruble is now worth less than one american penny. one ruble is less than one american penny. and preventing russia's central bank from propping up the ruble and to keep its value up.

they are not going to be able to do that now. we cut russia's largest banks from the international financial system and has crippled their ability to do business with the rest of the world. in addition, we're choking off russia's access to technology, like semi conductors that are -- and sap its economic strength and weaken its military for years to come. major companies are pulling out of russia entirely. over the weekend, visa, master card, american express, they all e suspended their services in russia. all of them. joining a growing list of american and global countries from ford to nike to apple. they have suspended their operations in russia. the u.s. stock exchange has halted trading of many russian securities. and the private sector is united against russia's vicious war of choice. under the circumstances department of justice has assembled a dedicated task force to go after the crimes of russian oligarchs, and we're

joining with european allies to find and seize their yachts, their luxury apartments, their private jets and all their ill begotten gains to make sure they share in the pain of putin's war. these by the way are giant yachts. you put them some of them in the presses. i think i read one was over 400 feet long. worth hundred of millions of dollars. the decision today is not without costs here at home. putin's war is already hurting american families at the gas pump. since putin began his military build up on ukrainian borders. just since then the price in the gas at the pump went up 75 cents and with this action is going to go up further. i'm going to do everything i can to minimize putin's price hike here at home. we've already announced we're releasing 60 million barrels of oil from our joint reserves. half of that, 30 billion is coming from the united states. and we're taking steps to ensure

the reliable supply of global energy. we're also going to keep working with every tool at our disposal to protect american families and businesses. let me say this. to the oil and gas companies, and to the finance firms that back them, we understand putin's war against the people of ukraine is causing prices to rise. we get that. that's self evident. but, but, but, but. it is no excuse to exercise excessive price increases or padding profits or any kind of effort to exploit this situation or american consumers. russia's aggression is costing us all. and it is no time for profiteering or price gouging. i want to be clear about what we will not total. but i also want to acknowledge those firms and oil and gas industries that are pulling out off russia and joining other businesses that are leading by example. this is a time when we have to do our part. and make sure we're not taking

advantage. lack, let me be clear about two other points. first, it is simply not true that my administration or policies are holding back domestic energy production. that is simply not true. even amid the pandemic, companies in the united states pumped more oil during my first year in office than they did during my predecessor's first year. we're approaching record levels of oil and gas production in the united states and we're on track to set record oil production next year. in the united states, 90% of on shore oil production takes place onland hasn't owned by the federal government. and of the remaining 10% that occurs on federal land, the oil and gas industry has millions of acres leased. they have 9,000 permits to drill now. they could be drilling right now, yesterday, last week, last year. they have 9,000, to drill on

shore, that are already approved. so let me be clear. let me be clear. they are not using them for production now. that is their decision. these are the facts. we should be honest about the facts. second, this crisis is a stark reminder to protect our economy over the long-term we need to become energy independent. i've had numerous conversations over the last three months with our european friends of how they have to wean themselves off of russian oil. it is just not tenable. it should motivate us to accelerate a transition to clean energy. this is a prospengtive as our european allies share and a future where together we can achieve greater independence. loosening environmental regulations are pull -- will not lower energy prices for families. but transforming our economy to run on electric vehicles powered by clean energy, with tax credits to help american families winterize homes and use

less energy. that will help. and if we can, if we do what we can, it will mean that no one has to worry about price at the gas pump in the future. that will mean tyrants like putin won't be able to use fossil fuels as weapons against other nations. and it will make america a world leader, manufacturing and exporting clean energy technology of the future to countries all around the world. this is the goal we should be racing towards. over the last two weeks, ukrainian people have inspired the world. and i mean that in a literal sense. they have inspired the world with their bravery, patriotism, their defiant determination to live free. putin's war, putin's war has caused enormous suffering and needless loss of life on women, children and everyone in ukraine. both ukraine and i might add russians. ukrainian leaders you can as well as leaders around the world have repeatedly called for a cease fire. for humanitarian relief.

for real diplomacy. but putin seems determined to continue on his murderous path no matter the cost. putin is now targeting cities and has been targeting cities of civilian schools, hospitals, apartment buildings. last week he attacked the largest nuclear power plant in europe with apparent disregard for potential to triggering a nuclear meltdown. he's already turned two ukrainians into the refugees. russia may continue to grind out its advance at a horrible price. but this much is already clear. ukraine will never be a victory for putin. putin may be able to take a city. but he'll never be able to hold the country. and if we do not respond to putin's assault on global peace and stability today, the cost of freedom and to the american people will be even greater tomorrow. so we're going to continue to support the brave ukrainian people as they fight for their country. and i call on congress to pass

the $12 billion ukrainian assistance package that i've asked them for of late. ukrainian people are demonstrating by their physical courage they are not about to just let putin take what he wants. that is clear. they will defend their freedom, their democracy, their lives. and we're going to keep providing security assistance, economic assistance and humanitarian assistance. we're going support them against tyranny, oppression, violent acts of subjugation, people everywhere. and i think maybe surprised even some of you all, people everywhere are speaking up for freedom. and when the history of this war is written, putin's war on ukraine will have left russia weaker and the rest of the world stronger. may god bless all these in ukraine. and now i'm off to texas. thank you very much. i know there -- i know there's a lot of questions. but there is a lot more that has

to be made clear and i'm going hold on that until we get more information. thank you. appreciate it. president biden in the roosevelt room at the white house announcing the immediate ban on russian oil imports into the united states. currently russia imports account for about 8% of our consumption here in this country. 600,000 barrels plus every day. that is stopping. and the president warned that defending freedom is going cost. that gas prices which have already been soaring in light of the war in ukraine will continue to do so. but he said, ads for america, "we won't subsidize putin's war." and stephanie, the practical effect of. this oil imports of russia account for a smaller portion of our consumption in the country but it will pack a punch and now we're seeing the uk and eu

taking some steps, although not quite as dramatic. >> absolutely. savannah. and the president hit all the marks he needed to on this speech. well, we're not going to have a supply issue here. we make an ample amount here in the u.s. as he said. we just use a small portion of oil and gas. as opposed to europe who uses a lot more. but the price is set globally and we're already seeing prices go up. we don't expect that to change and the president said it. this is the current price of war. and hitting russia, cutting off their big economic artery is the hope that it is going to cause real pain over there. he also reminded us that this is a time when our big oil and natural gas producers here, those big companies, they cannot be price gouging. expect him to use his bully pulpit to push them. that those businesses, of course they need to make profits but this is not a time for price gouging and he reminded the american people this is going to

be difficult. we are going to be paying more. but remember we don't have our soldiers on the line costing their lives, and this is something we're going to be living with for the foreseeable future. it is going to be expensive for the american people. >> a shot across the bow from the president. off the make a profit. you don't have to pad your profit so clear sign from the white house there. also interesting messaging the president called it putin's price hike. of course laying the blame squarely on the person who started this war, vladimir putin. stephanie, thank you. i want to tirn to nbc's richard engel on the ground for us in ukraine's capital city of kyiv. this is something many cranance have been asking for. about the military action they are hoping more. but it is striking at the heart of russia's economy. how duke it will go over? there. >> reporter: it is going over very well. i can tell you that because this move was anticipated and ukrainian officials were already

thanking the united states for taking this move. already saying they fully endorse it. and as you were saying, they want more. and specifically want more weapons. every soldier we speak to, every politician said that ukrainian forces are doing well holding back the russian advance on the ground. so far the russian offensive has been fairly inept. they have not been able to take any major cities. but what they want now in addition to these economic sanction is a no-fly zone or weapons systems to protect from aircraft and incoming missiles. >> nato made clear the no-fly zone is not going to be forthcoming so we'll continue to watch that as we see the russians take more and more brutal steps to try and get control of ukraine. richard thank you very much. and again with the news just out the president has announced a ban on russian oil imports into the united states. up until now, the united states was buying about 637,000 barrels

of oil from ush every day, even during this war. that stops today. the uk announced steps. the eu has announced steps. we'll continue to watch it. the president laying blame squarely on putin calling it a vicious war of choice. more for you on. a storied piece of american history. the u.s.s. constitution is the navy's oldest commissioned ship still at sea. this iconic warship is navigating unchartered waters. >> constitution story is still being written. >> by making history with the first ever woman commander. >> i had to pinch myself a few times to say, is this really happening? and how lucky i am to be the 77th commander. >> reporter: she was a young girl when she saw a naval academy graduation on tv and knew this was what she had to do. >> did you think, this is something i can do, i'm a woman,

i can go into the navy. >> i saw that there were women in the class it wasn't a matter of if i could do it, it was a matter of when. >> she worked her way up to this 224-year-old deck. where she's paving a way for others, including women serving under her command. >> very empowering, as a woman, to see that representation in a leadership position. >> docked in boston's charlestown navy yard, they william more than 350,000 visitors a year. >> there are little girls who walk onto this ship and see you as a commander. >> i had little girls come up and ask to give me a hug it's very humbling. >> the constitution is known as old iron side because of the way cannonballs bounced off her during the war of 1812. >> i'm just in awe of the story that she has and the stories of

our country and how it all ties together. >> keeping that history alive, one of her cannons is still fired twice a day. >> does it feel like a dream come true? >> every day every day when i come here and step on this ship and just feel the history that is here it really is an awe-inspiring to be here. >> okay. and now let's welcome commander billy farrell to the stage ♪ ♪ >> commander farrell we are so happy you're here. >> thank you so much for having me >> it's an honor when you were that little girl

watching the tv, did you think, like, i am going to break that glass ceiling? >> there's no way. there's no way i would have ever imagined that, you know, after 224 years, i would be the person that was afforded the opportunity to be the first woman commander of u.s. constitution. >> i want to know what it feels like when you put on this jacket. >> it's awesome. i go to work and i get to put this on. it's a wonderful feeling to show the heritage of the navy. >> you talked about what it felt like when little girls came up to you and wanted to hug you give us a little bit more on what that felt like in your position. >> it's unbelievable to -- especially in the navy usually we're very in the background, to be recognized and to have the little girls come up and say, thank you for what you do. >> a vessel with such history. and now you're a part of that history. commander, thank you so much can we say behalf on all of your daughters, thank you so much what an inspiration. >> wow >> still ahead, we're in the

presence of even more greatness. little league's first female player she made history 50 years ago. we're going to talk to her about her role as a trailblazer for girls in sports everywhere her fight is the reason your little girls are taking the field today. first, ts is "today" on nbc. hi

♪ welcome back 50 years ago, title 9 was passed prohibiting gender discrimination in education or athletic activities. that same year, 1972, a brave 11-year-old girl from new jersey was busy waging her own battle, one that would change the playing field of little league baseball >> when somebody would ask me what i wanted to be when i grew up, i would answer that i wanted

to be a yankee. >> reporter: maria first started playing baseball to make friends. >> we all had nicknames. i was pepe no one knew my first name. >> reporter: but soon her name would be one they would remember in the summer of 1972, 11-year-old maria came to this but little league baseball banned girls from playing in 1951. and world got around mariah was on the team. after her third game her coach showed up to their apartment.

>> i think it was hard when he came to the home and he wanted the uniform back. that was very hard. i got to keep my cap. >> heartbroken, maria's family, along with the national organization for women took little league baseball to court for gender discrimination. more than two years later, the very field -- more than two years later, they won in a landmark decision which would open little league to all girls. but by then, maria was too old to play. >> yes, there was a -- a heartbreak at a young age. but i do get to play forever to all the girls who came after me and so that's a blessing >> reporter: that next season, 50 girls tried out for the team and since that time, it's estimated more than 5 million

girls have played little league baseball >> these girls, i tell you today, i'm so proud of them. that makes me happy, i could die tomorrow and know that i helped open doors. >> reporter: that cap she got to keep, now hangs in the basketball hall of fame. and as for that pitching arm >> i can still throw a ball. >> reporter: and here they are, we have maria here, along with 12 members of the new york wonders. let's give them a round of applause come on down [ applause ] >> thank you so much thank you so much. >> we love you oh, my goodness. amazing. maria, here you are. 50 years later and you have literally opened the door -- come here my friend.

you have literally opened the door now here we are, 50 years later. for not only all of these girls behind us, but for millions of girls all over this country. how does that feel >> it feels amazing. i'm honored today. it's hard to not be emotional because i was so young when i was discriminated against because of my gender and so i encourage the girls to believe in themselves and to never accept anyone saying you can't do something just because you're a girl. i'm quite honored. i get to play forever through all of these girls that came after me that's the best gift that anybody could ask for. >> that's your legacy, maria it must have been hard to take on that fight as a little girl in 1972. >> it was hard because it wasn't about just baseball. it was about what girls should and shouldn't do in life and so there was a barrier that was seen -- it was very difficult to breakthrough. i always believed i had the lord

on my side and, yeah, i feel very blessed today. >> is that -- some people in your situation might have quit they might have said, the wall is too high. i can't climb it. >> i had a shield around me. i just knew i needed to continue and carry this i really loved baseball. so i was not going to give up somebody that i loved doing. >> wow we're so happy a petite powerhouse. the new york wonders >> thank you, guys, too. >> thank you so much. we're going to be back in a moment we have a little bit more. but first, this is "today" on nbc. nbc. ♪

and now most admired alum! get up there. this is so embarrassing. there's no way it's me. you know her.... you love her.... ruh roh. what are you doing here? it's anna gomez! who? our first gigillionaire! with at&t fiber, anna's got the fastest internet with hyper-gig speeds. i didn't know you went to this school. we have a lot in common. live like a gigillionaire with at&t fiber. now with speeds up to 5-gigs. limited availability.

♪ that is all the time we have >> i don't want it to be over. turn it up

we've got so much to thank for this morning the u.s. navy band helping us out playing so well. our international women's day celebration. by the way, it's rolling on. >> it is on the fourth hour, we have tips to help women level the playing field. ask for the raise you deserve. >> first, on the third hour, a special she made it >> look at all of these wonderful people >> thanks for being here love you all. good morning. i'm kris sanchez. new impacts here at home from the russian invasion of ukraine. president biden just announced a new ban on all russian oil imports. that move is sure to impact gas prices which are already at record highs.

in many parts of the bay area, the cost of regular unleaded is now approaching $6 a gallon. they reached record highs shooting past the old record set in 2008. cierra johnson will have a live report in our midday news. link to more on our home page as well. and the number of ukrainian refugees has passed the 2 million mark.

♪♪ this morning on the third hour of "today," we are celebrating greatness, on t international women's the moon. then later in "she made it" the ceos of cookie dough. how they chipped in to create their own baking empire. but before dessert comes the appetizer. in "today food" we're sharing a recipe for spinach artichoke dip your friends will beg you you to share. today tuesday march 8, 2022.