fruitvale has good thursday morning. that massive winter storm on the move. >> and it is causing a ton of problems from coast to coast. good morning, everybody. it's february 23rd, and this is "today." ♪♪ >> slammed. tens of millions across more than half the country being impacted by snow, ice, and bitter cold. hundreds of thousands waking up without power this morning. flight cancellations causing chaos at airports. and in the south, another day of record heat on tap. al is tracking it all. breaking overnight, deadly rampage. at least three people killed, two others wounded by a gunman in orlando, including a television news crew covering

the shooting. >> tragically, one of the news 13 employees has passed. >> just ahead, the emotional tributes to the victims and what we're learning about the suspect now in custody. new tensions. president biden arrives home from europe overnight to more saber rattling from vladimir putin, vowing in a new speech to strengthen russia's nuclear forces. a live report straight ahead. on the stand, inside a pivotal day at the alex murdaugh trial. the defense now considering calling him to testify. what that could mean for the case and the jury. we're live at the courthouse. all that plus, diner's club. some of your favorite restaurant chains taking a page from the netflix playbook. what you need to know about the newest subscription services. and don't have a cow. why the fda is now stepping in to decide what and can't be called milk in your grocery store. today, thursday, february 23rd, 2023.

♪♪ >> announcer: from nbc news, this is "today" with savannah guthrie and hoda kotb, from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. hi, everybody. good morning. welcome to "today." nice to have you with us. thursday morning. 7:00 a.m. on the west coast. we have sheinelle in for hoda. and the top story this winter weather. it stretches from coast to coast. >> it is a big story today. nearly 30 million people are under alerts this morning. we have a rare storm warning forl.a. are the next big storm on the way. >> al is standing by with the full forecast but let's start with nbc national news correspondent gabe gutierrez live for us. >> reporter: good morning. it is really coming down.

road conditions have been deteriorating. this is less snow than initially forecast in the week but clearly significant. across the midwest, ice is a major ice and hundreds of thousands of people are without power. this morning, a massive winter storm sweeping across the country causing cars to slide off freeways in minnesota. the treacherous conditions extending from utah, to south dakota, to wisconsin, keeping 911 dispatchers on high alert. >> we have the influx of winter-related calls. >> reporter: in arizona, nearly 300 miles of i-40 closed. state police in wyoming warning of dangerous conditions like this. newly released video showing a trooper narrowly escaping an out-of-control 18-wheeler. travel snarled from coast to coast, both on the roads and in the air. more than 1,600 u.s. flights canceled wednesday and thousands more delayed. crews rushing to treat the

runway in minneapolis, st. paul. >> my flight got rescheduled for tomorrow. we don't know if tomorrow is going to be any better. >> reporter: a separate storm system now prompting a rare blizzard warning for the mountains near l.a. a major ski resort in the same area bracing for up to 4 feet of snow. 47 million people across 25 states are under winter weather alerts. back in the midwest, residents in hard-hit wisconsin and mimajor power outages. >> we're working around the clock to get power out as fast as we can. >> reporter: as drivers are extra careful on icy roads. >> about ten miles under the speed limit and just trying to keep traction and prevent from sliding. >> reporter: across the country, hundreds of flights have already been canceled and that number is expected to grow throughout the day. here in minneapolis, we're expecting more snow to continue through the morning, savannah. >> all right. gabe, thank you very much. >> of course, all of this wild weather means another busy morning for al. good morning to you. >> good morning, guys. as you can see, we still have

blizzard warnings in effect for the dakotas and much of minnesota. winter storm warnings, as well. we're going to be looking at some more ice here in the northeast, especially up into new england. power outages, difficult travel, that's going to be a problem. and snowfall amounts, northern new england anywhere from 4 to 6 inches of snow and a little more snow, another 2 to maybe 4 inches of snow for minneapolis ow to marquette. now, our attention shifts out west where we've got winter storm watches, warnings, even blizzard warnings just to the north of los angeles. normally, these systems come in from the pacific, but this one dropping down out of canada. it's going to be bringing in record-low temperatures and low snow levels, as it plunges to the south. today, it affects northern california with low-elevation snow. san francisco could see some snowflakes today. tomorrow heavy rain moves into southern california and lowering snow levels. california will see snow levels as low as 500 feet. san francisco, as we said, you

could be looking at some of bray area hills, up to 8 inches of snow. southern california, widespread road closures, delays over the mountains, just to the north. the first blizzard warnings down there in southern california since 1989 and heavy rain, significant flooding possible with some high rainfall totals, guys, up to 10 inches of rain. >> wow. all right. al, thank you. also this morning, police in orlando are right to make sense of an unusual and disturbing mass shooting. a suspect accused of killing a young woman and then hours later he apparently went back to the crime scene and opened fire on more victims, including a child and a television news crew. nbc's guad venegas joins us with more on this. guad, good morning. >> reporter: savannah, good morning. in total three people are dead and two are being treated at this orlando hospital. police say a 19-year-old is suspect is behind bars as they try to answer questions. investigators try to determine why the suspect returned to the

scene of the original shooting to cause even more damage. twice in one day, the same orlando neighborhood, the scene of murder and mayhem. >> be advised we have gunshot wounds. >> reporter: authorities say a gunman opened fire at the same location just hours apart killing at least three people and leaving two others in critical condition. authorities arrested 19-year-old keith melvin moses, a teen they say had a troubled past. >> he has a lengthy criminal history, to include gun charges, aggravated battery and assault with a deadly weapon, burglary, and grand theft charges.mong th, dylan lions, a 24-year-old journalist for spectrum news 13 in orlando. in a gofundme page, his sister writing, he was a happy soul and wonderful person, adding, he loved his fiancee and was a devoted son to his mother and father. our orlando nbc station's coverage emotional. >> there are people here who knew that reporter, who his fiancee and i were just

embracing. this is every reporter's absolutely worst nightmare. >> reporter: the reporter and a photographer were in pine hills covering a deadly shooting that happened earlier that day, involving a 20-year-old woman who was shot and killed in a vehicle. >> he was an acquaintance of the woman. >> reporter: just hours later, investigators say the suspect returned to the crime scene and opened fire at the news crew, killing one and critically injuring the other, jesse walden, who has been able to speak with investigators and colleagues, according to spectrum news 13 anchor, greg angel. other members of the media jumping in to provide first aid on at least one victim before emergency crews arrived. deputies say the suspect then went into a nearby home, killing a 9-year-old girl and shooting her mother. >> had no connection to the reporters and no connection to

the mother and a 9-year-old. >> reporter: spectrum news releasing a statement reading in part, our thoughts are with our employee's family, friends, and coworkers during this very difficult time. and local authorities here say they are not sure why the suspected entered that home of the woman and the 9-year-old girl or why the suspect would have attacked that news crew. the sheriff did say that the vehicle that was being used by the news crew was unmarked and he wasn't completely sure if the he suspect knew he was shooting at a news crew. of course, these are questions that will have to be answered as this investigation continues. savannah? >> too many questions. guad venegas, thank you very much. meantime, president biden returned to the white house overnight following his surprise trip to ukraine ahead of tomorrow's one-year anniversary of russia's invasion. and this morning, the eyes of the world are on vladimir putin to see what he'll do next. nbc's chief international correspondent keir simmons is in moscow. keir? >> reporter: sheinelle, good morning to you. this morning, here in moscow, president putin has been out

laying flowers for those killed in war and announcing more russian resources for the russian military. but in the past 24 hours, we've seen more evidence that a weakened russia is increasingly reliant on china. this morning, more saber rattling from russia. president putin saying in a televised speech, we will pay increased attention to strengthening nuclear capabilities. it comes after he announced russia will suspend participation in the last remaining arms control treaty with the u.s. president biden condemning russia's withdrawal from the agreement, telling abc news -- >> it's a big mistake to do that. not very responsible. >> reporter: the president's back home this morning after an historic three-day trip to poland and ukraine. russia says china's leader is expected to travel to moscow in the coming months to hold a summit with putin, signaling strengthening ties.

putin meeting with china's top diplomat, wang yi, telling the russian leader there are opportunities in a crisis. it comes amid growing worries about china's potential role in the war and as the u.s. says beijing is considering giving russia lethal aid. >> there are various kinds of lethal assistance they are at least contemplating providing, including weapons. >> reporter: china has pushed back against those allegations, but the biden administration is considering releasing intelligence it believes shows that china is considering sending weapons. according to u.s. officials who spoke to the "wall street journal." putin rallying thousands of flag-waving supporters at a concert. but 12 months after russia invaded ukraine, the conflict is changing the country. elena is an actress and theater director. after a year of conflict, how do you feel? >> every day is dark and black, and it's hell. it's my hell on my soul. >> reporter: thousands of russians have died on the battle

field. >> no one, men -- must die. >> no one should die? >> no. no one should die. >> reporter: the u.n., sheinelle, estimates that 8 million russians have fled the country. it's not just ordinary russians. allies of president biden have been criticizing the war effort. the president of russia is still strong, but there are people here asking questions, sheinelle. >> keir, thank you. breaking overnight, escalating violence in the middle east. israeli fighter jets launching air strikes in gaza this morning, hitting a hamas military compound. israeli officials say those strikes come in response to rockets that were launched into southern israel, though the rocket attacks were not immediately claimed by palestinian militant groups. and it all comes just hours after at least 11 people were killed in a rare indictment arrest operation by israeli troops and a gun battle that followed. we have a lot more to get to, including the newest round

of frustrations and concerns from residents near the site of that toxic train derailment in ohio. they voiced them directly to the head of the train company last night, and today, transportation secretary pete buttigieg heads to east palestine. nbc's jesse kirsch has the details. jesse, good morning. >> reporter: sheinelle, good morning. the ntsb releasing the preliminary report. investigators are focusing on the potential of a wheel bearing in overheat and the report shows that across three temperature checks and 30 miles leading up to the derailment that temperature kept climbing. overnight, emotions running high in east palestine. >> you burned me. we were going to sell our house. our value went, poof. it's norfolk's disaster, not a train derailment. >> reporter: residents grilling the ceo of norfolk southern on a cnn town hall. >> i don't feel safe in this town now.

you took it away from me. >> what i can do and what i will do is make it right. we're going to get the cleanup right. >> reporter: even with officials promising the municipal tap water and air in east palestine are safe, questions are still piling up. residents like local business owner mike fear for their livly hoods. he is building a storage facility in the community. >> already losing business. >> the cdc said it is on the ground looking into lingering health concerns. >> officials say the air is safe. >> do you buy it? >> same plastic sound. >> reporter: with the railroad and government responses under intense scrutiny, this small community is also quickly becoming a big political football. >> the people that are here, they'll get a nice free meal, all right? >> reporter: former president donald trump visiting wednesday, taking swipes at the biden administration. >> your goodness and perseverance, you were met with indifference and betrayal in some cases. they were intending to do absolutely nothing for you.

>> reporter: the epa has ordered the railroad to perform a cleanup and cover all expenses. the biden white house blaming mr. trump and other republicans for loosening rail safety measures and environmental protections during his time in office. later today, transportation secretary pete buttigieg is expected to meet with community members, but some residents here worry they could be facing adversity for generations. >> you can't dump that much stuff in soil and get away with it. >> reporter: secretary buttigieg already touring the derailment area this morning and stressing once again concerns about rail safety. officials in texas say they are aware of a company contracted to dispose of waste water coming from the ohio derailment here. stressing that there are communities beyond ohio and pennsylvania that are worried about the aftermath of this derailment here in ohio.

sheinelle? >> all right. jesse, thank you. one other item, we're at that chinese spy balloon shot down off the coast of south carolina earlier this month. this is the photo taken from a u2 spy plane as an air force pilot tracked the balloon over the central u.s. the spy balloon flew over the country before it was shot down and the debris later recovered by the military. now let's get the rest of the forecast from al >> hey, guys so one story we're going to be tracking, especially in the next half hour, these numerous record highs in the southeast down into the gulf snow, northern new england, of course, across the plains. record cold coming to the plains we're going to look at that coming up. snowy conditions through the southwest and that new storm pushing into the pacific northwest that's going to cause a lot of misery for the west coast over the next 48 hours we're going to get to your local forecast in the next 30 seconds. . see cousin jimmy over there? his girlfriend just caught the bouquet so... he might need a little more help saving. for that engagement ring... the groom's parents. you think they're looking at photos of their handsome boy? they're not!

she just saw how much they spent on ballroom dance classes... won't be needing those anymore. digital tools so impressive, you just can't stop banking. we are under a microclimate weather alert as we are seeing spotty rain and snow showers. we are seeing snow very close to 280 as you move just to the west of saratoga as well. we are seeing a lot of snow coming down over the santa cruz mountains. it changes over to rain for the south bay. off and on rain and snow showers expected throughout the day. we will see >> and that's your latest weather. guys >> thank you, al just ahead, the big question at the double murder trial of alex murdaugh this morning will the defendant himself take the witness stand? we are live at the courthouse with the very latest and we all know about streaming subscriptions, but what about restaurant

subscriptions? what some popular chains are now offering to attract more business and how to figure out if those deals are right for you. but first, this is "today" on nbc. ht for

still ahead, twins times two. >> thanks to back-to-back double bundles of joy, this couple became a family of six in record time, and they'll all be with us live here in studio as we share their remarkable story two sets of identical twins born 13 months apart. and yet there's lots of smiles but first, your local and news and weather. >> that's a lot of pampers >> yeah, a lot of everything

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♪♪ ♪uber one can save you on rides and eats♪ ♪yeah, it's kinda sweet♪ ♪you save on rides to the westside♪ that's catchy as fudge. ♪uber one can save you♪ a very good morning to you. it's 7:26 right now. i am laura garcia. we are in the microclimate weather alert with some neighbors this morning seeing snow in the bay area. today in the bay's kris sanchez is live this morning along highway 17 up near the summit this morning. how's it looking right now? i bet it's cold out there. >> reporter: it is cold out here. behind me it looks like tahoe, i think, although snow is not coming down at this point. earlier we saw a different kind of snowflake, heavy snow, light snow, little snow, and this is what it looked like at the

summit at 2:30 this morning. there was enough snow that caltrans plows were out making sure the roadways were clear. up at the observatory, there was a lot more snow, a definite accumulation there and a lot of folks heading out to take pictures. if you are going to do that today be careful because of the driving conditions are, as you might expect, a little sloppy. on the summit, kris sanchez. we're going to kari. kari, more snow? >> yeah, we will see another round headed your way as we are tracking it coming through in waves. we are also seeing in other parts of the bay area some rain. there's a possibility we could see this off and on, not only today but tomorrow as well as the snow comes down to about 1500 feet. there may also be small hail possible and thunderstorms today. our temperatures only reach in the 40s and 50s, and freezing temperatures in our forecast. a lot of types of precipitation in our forecast for the next few days, and our highs only

reaching in the upper 40s. mornings start out near freezing. >> try to stay warm out. we will be back with another local update inalf an hour. h

and i've got big news for you, big brother. i'm drinking milk. and in the next few years, it's going to give a lot of what i need for strong bones, beautiful skin, and a healthy body. before you know it, i'll be turning the heads of your friends. and when i do, if you're the same little creep in a big body. >> i won't even acknowledge you're my brother. >> milk, it does a body good. >> we are od'ing on nostalgia this morning. >> the ad campaign for milk, it does a body good. tom llamas are with us. why are we talking about this? >> i almost thought that we had

the milk memo. you both have white -- >> we're milking the story. >> we're going heavy into milk. plant-based options like soy, oat, and almond have become widely popular, but also a source of confusion at grocery stores. the fda is now weighing in, proposing that while it's fine to call them milk, any non-dairy option should clearly point out its source. and they like to see voluntary labels comparing the nutritional differences with regular milk so there's a real milk war going on. >> it's important so you're informed when you shop. we'll start this half hour with the trial of alex murdaugh nearing the end. and this could be its most pivotal day. >> the big question looming over this case, will murdaugh himself take the stand in his own defense. catie beck covering the trial for us, outside the courthouse. good morning. >> reporter: good morning, guys. just moments ago murdaugh telling the judge he wants to testify and doesn't need more time to discuss the decisions

with his attorneys. this is a rare and risky move to put a defendant in a murder trial on the stand especially in this case to open the door to other evidence. it's a big gamble alex murdaugh and his legal team told the judge they're carefully considering, whether to put the disgraced former attorney on the witness stand in his own defense. his testimony could open the door to questions about the dozens of financial crimes murdaugh is facing separately. charges prosecutors say are at the heart of his alleged motive. the defense asking the judge to limit what prosecutors can ask about that on cross-examination, if he does testify. >> i am not going to issue an order in advance limiting the scope of cross-examination. >> reporter: among the questions murdaugh could be asked about, video that prosecutors say places murdaugh at the crime scene just minutes before maggie and paul's murders. despite telling investigators multiple times that he wasn't there.

on the stand wednesday, mark ball, a former law colleague who's known murdaugh more than three decades. the defense using his testimony to suggest investigators made mistakes at the crime scene. >> there was a piece of paul's skull about the size of a baseball laying there. >> did that upset you? >> it did, very much. i mean, it just really infuriated me. >> reporter: on cross-examination, the state focusing on money that murdaugh is accused of stealing from his firm. >> what you know about this man had been your partner and friend for 34 years causes you to question everything you thought you knew about him. isn't that right? >> it does. >> reporter: all of it as the drama surrounding the murdaugh family has become a spectacle beyond the courtroom, including a new netflix docuseries that focuses on a series of other deaths and alleged misdeeds around the high-profile family. paul murdaugh's former girlfriend describing a sometimes turbulent and violent

relationship. >> i started crying and that's when paul got in my face and just started screaming. that's when paul slapped me. >> reporter: murdaugh's defense team says they could rest their case as soon as tomorrow, which means after five weeks of testimony, this very complex trial could soon be in the hands of a jury. savannah? >> all right. catie, thank you. let's bring in nbc's senior legal correspondent, laura jarrett. good morning. let's do it this way. let's do the pros. if you're the defense, you're sitting there today, should we call our guy to the stand? what are the positives that could come out of that? >> the pros could possibly be that the jury has watched him for weeks now, and they may be really curious about what he has to say, and perhaps he can s of humanize himself, perhaps he can convince them that he's actually devastated about this, when they've heard so much witness testimony that he was

distracted, he wasn't focused on finding the killers. maybe he can actually convince the jury, this was the worst thing that ever happened to me, of course i didn't do it. >> and maybe he can explain why most witnesses have asked, it was him on that tape, the video that places him at the murder scene moments before the killings. that's also the reason not to call him to the stand, the cross-examination. >> the cross-examination would be brutal, and i think it's why they're going to end up not doing it. the risk is too high here that not only are they going to press him about, what were you doing at the scene of the crime just minutes before everyone agrees that these murders took place? what were you doing when you told everyone you weren't there. and had an alibi that appears to have collapsed? the other thing is these financial crimes. they'll hammer him lie after lie about those. the judge has now essentially ruled that those can come in. so the prosecution could just have a field day with him. and the defense may just not get enough out of it. >> it's definitely safer not to call him to the stand, but it is ultimately the client's decision.

and here's a lawyer who may think, hey, i think i can, i don't know, convince the jury. >> absolutely. it's his call. and if he chooses not to testify, we should be clear, he has no obligation to testify. he can choose to stay silent as much as a jury wants to hear from him, he can sit there and say nothing, and the judge will instruct the jury, you do not get to make an adverse inference about the fact that he has decided to remain silent. that's his right. it's the prosecution's burden. >> and let's talk about this witness that the defense called a former law partner, a former good friend of alex murdaugh. and this one cut both ways because there were key moments for the defense, but the prosecution scored some points, too. >> it was really a double-edged sword. i think the defense thought they had a great witness there to talk about all of the messy events that were about the crime scene and that person had actually been to the crime scene that night and noticed that everyone's traipsing around. they're not wearing booties. there's water falling down on the actual bodies -- >> it was a sloppy investigation. >> everybody agrees about that. and the idea there is that it

was so sloppy that they didn't pay attention enough and perhaps someone else could have done it. all they need is one juror to buy into that. the problem is he also admitted, i don't know this man. this is someone who lied to me, so he was a double-edged sword for both sides. >> and he also said he was 100% sure it was alex murdaugh's video on that video. >> he has to explain that. >> one way or the other. laura, thank you, we shall see. got much more ahead including an opener this morning on sleep. brand-new research out just this morning, a huge study and it reveals five factors tied to your nightly habits that could add years to your life but first, kaylee hartung looking at a new way to save money at some of your favorite restaurants. >> reporter: hey, savannah how would you like to skip the wait list for a table at your favorite restaurant? or get dinner delivered without additional fees? if you are loyal to some big-name restaurant chains, they may have some enticing offers for you. coming up, we'll tell you about the win-win for some restaurants and their customers facing the stress of inflation. stay with us he's posting about l that ancient roman coinage?

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high, restaurants like this one are looking to turn the tables on that high cost of living by giving their diners different options. from chicken to beef to eggs, the price you pay for food at the grocery store remains high and restaurants big and small are feeling that same sting from inflation. >> food is getting outrageous. >> reporter: many businesses have been forced to pass on those costs to consumers, making the price you pay for dine-in and takeout meals more expensive. 8% more than you paid for the same meals last year that ballooning bill, the main reason over 60% of americans say they're choosing to eat out less often. >> i feel like i'm paying more money for either not very much food or not very good food >> reporter: now, restaurants are trying to turn down the heat on inflation, while still cooking up deals for their customers. some restaurants are even

offering subscription plans. at asian food chain pf chang's, patrons can now pay $6.99 month for exclusive loyalty perks, including double reward points, jumping to the front of the wait list for a table, and free delivery industry insiders say that new revenue stream will help relieve some of the inflation stress on businesses >> have you all had to adjust your prices to reflect inflation costs? >> there's no secret that prices have to be adjusted. not only at our restaurant, but really everywhere, right >> reporter: at this location in los angeles, employees say they're firing up more meals for pf chang's subscribers every day. >> do you feel that people are really saving money by paying a subscription fee >> i believe so. if you're a loyal customer and this is the place that you go to all the time, it's definitely worth it >> reporter: at paneraad t you into its unlimited sip club, where drinks and deliveries are available without any additional fees. some smaller chains and local

restaurants are thinking outside the box, offering inflation-conscious menus with options that are cheaper than a full priced plate. >> restaurant operators are becoming pretty innovative in terms of how they operate in this extremely high-cost environment. >> reporter: if you're looking to dine out, without breaking the bank, look for daily specials, which often offer a side and a drink for less. opt for a late lunch, instead of a more expensive dinner portion. and if you plan to carry out, see if you can order directly online or through the restaurant's app to help avoid extra delivery fees. >> kaylee, back to those restaurant subscription plans. how do you know if one's right for you? >> reporter: yeah, so, sheinelle, the best way to know if it's a win-win situation is to do the math it's all about your loyalty. so if there are restaurants that you're ordering from often, visiting often, these subscription models and the perks that come with them, like that free delivery we mentioned, the additional drinks and any discounts, those can truly be worth it but like any good deal, you have

to read the fine print check the cancellation policies. you don't want to be stuck in a subscription that you're not using. >> i think i would use a subscription at chipotle i would use that >> a lot of bang for your buck >> waffle house. >> that would be good, too >> oh, yeah. waffles. anyway, let's show you what we've got going on right now take a look at these temperatures through the southeast and mid-atlantic states washington, d.c., we will probably see a record there, 81 degrees. cherry blossoms getting ready to bloom. we've got buds on the trees here in new york city charlotte, may tie a record at 78 tallahassee, 82. new orleans, the big easy, 83 could break a record today now, here comes the cold air watertown, new york. 17 degrees below average with a high of 17 tomorrow. 20 in green bay. witchta falls, 50. still warm, though, down in atlanta. new orleans, daytona beach, and

wilmington and then into next week, temperatures start to warm up. saturday, cleveland, you're at 39 you're up to 57 on monday. washington, d.c., 43 on saturday, 57 by sunday and you warm up all the way down in nashville, 75 degrees by monday, but out west, we are looking at record low temperatures morning lows, portland, you're in the teens friday and saturday billings, minus 17 for your low tomorrow morning los angeles, look at these low temperatures, into the low 40s and snowflakes may be flying we'll keep an eye on that as well we are seeing the snowflakes fly in the santa cruz mountains just as you get past los gatos. it's snowing heavy in some of the areas. we are seeing spotty rain in the valleys, but other areas are waking up to dry conditions. it's just going to be hit or miss as we go throughout the day. i do expect the activity to pick up later this evening, and possibly thunderstorms moving

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welcome back, welcome back jacob soboroff joins us now. >> good morning, guys. let's get the boost. a woman who thought she was getting something nice to wear, her birthday present, was in for a surprise that almost had her in shock eleanor started opening the gift bag from her daughter, kim she soon learned that she was about to become a grandmother, twice over >> what is this? ahh! oh, my god really oh, my god >> wait, wait! >> cute. >> i love it everybody screams! the surprise is even bigger because she didn't even know her daughter was trying to start a family >> there's always the risk of a heart attack speaking of twins. >> can you imagine having that feeling twice in 13 months that's exactly what happened to

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a very good morning to you. it's 7:56 right now. i am laura garcia. happening now, we are in the microclimate weather alert with some neighborhoods this morning seeing snow. today in the bay's kris sanchez along highway 17 in the summit. the snow has been coming down there this morning, kris. >> reporter: yeah, i mean, it's not coming down as hard as it was in the early morning hours, but it's still snowing right now and it's drawing a lot of people up to the summit looking to take pictures and to take a look around. i want to show you what it looked like about 2:30 this morning when there was an accumulation of snow. we saw snow plows up and down highway 17 making sure things were safe. mount hamilton also got snow,

and the observatory definitely got accumulation as people are up there taking pictures as well. be careful if you are headed to work or out to take pictures, because the roads, as you can imagine, are a little sloppy. back to you. it has been so spotty, kris, where we are seeing the rain and snow. right where you are it's about to get heavier there. it's pretty light right now. we are seeing some spots in the santa cruz mountains with heavy snow. elsewhere, it's partly to mostly cloudy. this is the type of activity we will see as we go into today, and i think we will have more snow on the hills. thank youor joini fng

coming up, on alert. that massive winter storm continuing to sweep across the country. more than 48 million americans waking up to winter weather alerts this morning. >> about ten miles under the speed limit and trying to keep traction and prevent from sliding. >> the treacherous conditions affecting travel coast-to-coast and causing widespread power outages. al's got the full forecast ♪ i should probably go to bed ♪ then, getting enough sleep. it's something we all ask ourselves. we'll take a look at a new study on sleep health. what researchers say are the keys to getting a good night's rest and how it can add years to

your life. plus, quadruple the love jenna is sharing this sweet story of an alabama couple who faced incredible odds and are now parents to not one, but two sets of identical twins born just 13 months apart >> our whole lives are just changed. flipped upside down but in a good way >> the entire family is here to tell us all about life with their little ones. and mariska hargitay in studio 1a. one of our favorites will be joining us live. the "law & order: svu" star here to give us all the details on the new season, today, february 23rd, 2023 ♪ >> what's up, new orleans? >> shout-out to trinity university go tigers! >> tyson's corner, virginia. >> celebrating our birthday. >> on a daddy/daughter trip -- >> from houston. >> from salinas, california. >> san antonio, texas.

>> from dallas >> oregon! ♪ >> celebrating 60. >> sisters celebrating 60 -- >> and 65! >> in sheinelle's neck of the woods, witchta, kansas ♪ >> sheinelle your people! jumping up and down. >> yes, okay >> i'll be there in a second lots to celebrate. wherever you are, glad you're along with us. we have sheinelle and tom filling in for hoda and craig today. we have a lot to get to. winter has really upped its game more than half the country waking up to ice, snow, or windchills makes it feel like it's below zero in some places dangerous driving conditions stretching from arizona to the midwest, cars sliding off roads or highways shut down altogether and in wyoming, a state trooper checking in on a truck accident was nearly hit, look at that, by an out-of-control tractor-trailer. wind and snow are having a serious impact on air travel, too.

and utility crews working to get the power back on for hundreds of thousands of customers. that sets the table up nicely and easily for you, mr. roker. >> yeah, guys. it's starting to wind down, but we still have to worry about, in fact, for parts of wisconsin and minnesota, snowfall rates, 1 inch per hour. we're watching that. currently, 32 million people are under some sort of winter weather advisory, watch, or warning. we're going to see a little more ice throughout the northeast into new england, power outages, difficult travel is going to be a problem. snowfall amounts fairly heavy, 4 to 6 in northern maine, but we also have some heavier snowfall still continuing throughout the great lakes, the u.p. of michigan could see upwards of 8 inches more snow and then our attention turns out west, where you have 14 million people under winter weather warnings and why it's going to be so cold and snowy, typically, these storms come in off the pacific this one diving down from canada, bringing in that cold air. what's going to happen as it pushes out into the pacific, it will start to push moisture in

here the storm impacts northern california with snow and thunderstorms. heavy rain tomorrow for southern california with falling snow levels low elevation snow in northern california, snow levels at 500 feet the bay area hills could see upwards of 8 inches of snow. then you get to southern california, this is the first blizzard warning that they have, which is just to the north and west of los angeles. we're talking the first blizzard warning since 1989 and heavy rain with significant roadway flooding in southern california, upwards of 10 inches, guys the next 48 hours, especially out west, will be a big problem, still. >> all right al, thanks for that. we want to turn now to orlando, where a shooting spree has left at least three people dead, including a journalist and a little girl. police say 19-year-old keith moses fatally shot a 20-year-old woman yesterday morning. they say he returned to the scene hours later and opened fire on a television news crew, killing 24-year-old reporter dylan lions and wounding his photographer

deputies say the suspect then went into a nearby house where he killed a 9-year-old girl and wounded her mother the suspect has a long criminal record, including arrests on burglary and assault charges a new study just released minutes ago is revealing that getting good sleep can add years to your life researchers say the key here is the quality of your sleep. here's the good news. apparently, it's never too late to start here is what we need to do with dr. carol ash, sleep expert. dr. ash, good morning to you >> good morning! >> this is something that certainly grabbed our attention. >> me, too >> let's dig in here with this study. let's talk about the sleep quality factors that help people live longer. >> this is really fascinating. this was a study done by top researchers at harvard that created this five-factor score using survey data from the cdc, national health statistics and

death registry they linked these five factors to mortality and said you're 30% less likely to die of any cause if you answer these questions. >> sleep is so important but there was a difference between men and women when it came to life expectancy. do we know why >> normally, tom, we say women will live longer than men, but this study showed if you have all five of these factors that men can have a longer life span, two times more than women, the outcome showed really, really amazing sleep can have a big impact on your health. >> and what kind of health benefits might you get from sleep? >> well, most significantly, this studio showed, and we've known for a long time, cardiovascular health. you can also see a reduction in cancer, you know, problems with the immune system. so really profound but the impact on cardiovascular health was really significant. and one of the reasons we think that may be true is when you don't get good sleep, it increases inflammation and actually may alter the metabolism for lipids, which we all know can cause cardiovascular disease >> there were five tips there,

but not everyone can do those big five, right? what if you can only do a couple is that still helpful? >> they actually show if you did a few of them, there was a lowering of the risks. there was a step-wise benefit from doing one or two. and you know, naps, on the weekends, you know, we all have very, very busy lives and it's hard to do all of these things naps are good, but you want to keep it no more than 40 minutes. so that's the key. >> we're like, oh! >> there are a lot of people who will do four hours and two, and think, i got six hours total today? >> correct the nature of sleep is you want to do it -- >> consecutive >> yes, exactly. keep a consistent schedule and obviously, we're all busy. so when you don't do that, you offset it with the naps. and good habits, exercise, diet all help >> thank you so much and thanks for rolling with the mic problem. >> can you do a song from your new album? drop the mic exactly. thank you. the winner of that $1.3 billion mega millions jackpot has come forward to claim their prize. the winning ticket was bought last month at a gas station in

lebanon, maine, but we may never know who it was because the winner has chosen to remain anonymous. this person claimed the prize through an llc, chose the cash payment, $723 million, according to a spokesperson. considering the best uses of the life-changing prize. >> there you go. >> i think a lot of people would stay anonymous would you? >> me, yeah! would you? >> i would >> nobody would be happy if we won the lottery. it would be like the least popular thing ever >> i would throw a huge party, and if people ask questions, i would say, i felt generous just ahead on pop start, tom brady and gisele we've got news on what they've been up to in the wake of their high-profile split but first, jenna is standing by with one of our most adorable "today" exclusives ever. >> i've never been happier these back-to-back sets of identical twins just 13 months apart are keeping the albas here pretty busy. but we can't wait to bring you their remarkable story right after this

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we are back. 8:11 jenna is here for a very sweet "today" exclusive. >> i sure am brittany and franky alba are members of a very exclusive club, having not one, but two sets of identical twins, the younger born just 13 months after the older. we're so happy to have them all with us, but before we chat, a little more about the rare and remarkable family. it's quadruple the love for the albas of tuscaloosa, alabama identical twins levi and luka are 18 months. they're big brothers t 4-month-old sisters, identical twins, linley and lydia. the big, beautiful family began with a high school love story. >> we met in high school at a church camp, just two kids, you know, miles and miles apart, for us, fst forward, we have four babies now it's a miracle >> and they always say, god only

gives you as much as you can handle >> brittany and frankie first miscarried before welcoming the boys in 2021 >> what was life like in the first couple of months of their life >> our whole lives were just changed, flipped upside down, but in a good way. but it didn't last long. >> didn't last long becaus what happened, brittany? >> six months later, we're pregnant again >> reporter: brittany could never have predicted the news from her routine ultrasound. >> what? you are kidding me you are kidding me?! >> he's not going to believe it. >> you are kidding -- >> the girls faced incredible odds they are momo twins, one of the rarest forms, because they share the same placenta and amniotic sack due to the risk, the hospital admitted brittany at 25 weeks. frankie held down the fort with the boys, while the girls were monitored 24/7 for 60 days >> they would listen to the heartbeats several times a day i would literally hold my breath until i heard those heartbeats >> what was it like to get to bring them home? >> it was surreal.

we couldn't believe it >> riding in the car for the first time together. >> reporter: the alba's new normal only works with their village of family and friends. brittany returned to teaching fourth grade last week while frankie works as a firefighter, pulling 24-hour shifts on workdays, one set of the twins goes to frankie's parents and the other to brittany's parents. >> tons and tons of bottles. the dishwasher is always going, the laundry is always going, toys everywhere. >> hi, luka! hi, levi oh, hi, lydia. hi, linley double the love, right >> that's right. >> y'all amaze me. i also have to tell you the luckiest thing that ever happened to me was that i had a twin sister -- now i want to cry, that i got to -- get to walk through life with it's the best gift >> they bond, they get excited, they turn to each other. they want to turn everything even if one starts to cry, the other will cry because his brother's crying it's a beautiful thing

>> oh, i know! the water works are going. we've got a twin here, right here with jenna. look at these sweet babes. we've got the alba family here. mom, brittany, 4-month-old girls, lydia and linley. sweet little angels, and luka and levi, the best-behaved 18-month-olds i think i've ever seen however, we have grandparents off-camera, ready to race in we have a little play area for them, if you need to do it okay so, wow, how's it going? i can't believe you went back to teaching last week >> it's -- it's going. so it's good to be back at work because while this is my favorite job, i also did have kiddos at school that i needed to get back to so it's nice to be back. >> y'all told me the sweetest story about the boys sleeping together for the first time. >> he can get down >> he can play >> they may be running everywhere tell us about -- they wouldn't sleep until what >> okay. well, actually, it was right

after brittany came out of the hospital we were trying to get any sleep that we could, and they didn't sleep actually until they were a year old and slept together for the first time we made them a bed and they slept all night. >> they slept together >> and so how are you doing? i just remember, i have twins. and i remember, when everybody left, when the village left, i was by myself, and i was like, oh my, this is so much how are you doing? how are you feeling? both of you. >> a lot of times, there's definitely that, snap moment like, oh, my god, i'm by myse wy the grace of god, we're doing great. >> wow take us back to that moment when you realized, oh, my gosh, we have another set of twins coming i mean, it's shocking! where you going? >> come here >> it was definitely shocking, but also, for us, it was round two. so we were like, well, we've never had just one baby, so let's do it again. let's do more. >> brittany, you told me the

sweetest thing about your colleague, your fellow teachers and how they helped you have a maternity leave which you wouldn't have had. >> i wouldn't have had a paid maternity leave. >> sheinelle's on twin duty. >> it's not sheinelle's first rodeo. >> tell us about that. >> i wouldn't have had a paid maternity leave, and honestly, i only had two sick days, so my school system does this really cool thing where the teachers in the state of alabama can donate their own sick days, and that's a sacrifice for them, so that i had enough to be able to work and still pay for our insurance and everything >> same thing here, i actually -- i work for tsc, and those guys there, i want to give a shout-out to them because they also donated hours to me >> the fire department >> we could not have done it without our community. >> we can see, your whole village is out here. we have the grandmothers, sisters, cousins, everybody's like, wrangling, including sheinelle. sheinelle is now an official

babysitter how come they all have l-names >> honestly, once we named them with two ls, we were like, we've got to keep it going we really loved the name lydia we were in church one day and we heard the name lydia and we were like, we love that name. so then we had to come up with another "l" name and i have a friend so we named linley after her >> y'all's faith is so inspiring, talking with you and knowing your love story. they met at church camp! i love that. it's really beautiful. and i feel like your marriage has stayed very strong through this all >> absolutely. >> absolutely. i will say, if you know our family, you know two things. you know that one, we've got a lot of children, and two, we love jesus so just all in honor to the lord >> so many blessings >> we want to give you a little tiny blessing from us because so many of us heard about y'all, we adore you. so, bugaboo is giving you -- come on out, boys. here's al roker. bugaboo is giving you not one

but two donkey 5 strollers >> i have a donkey 5 for my two kids, this is great! the double strollers >> and also hello bello, the company by dax and kristen shepard, they wanted to give you a year worth of diapers. sheinelle, you take the rest of the morning off. >> this is amazing >> imagine doing that, all day long, with two >> i know. >> you guys are set with diapers! >> we hope that takes a little bit of the stress off. >> it does >> y'all are heroes to us. you really are >> thank y'all so much thank you for sharing your story and your sweet kids. they are precious! >> they are so cute. >> and by the way, we love how they're running around i had a partner in crime, quite literally. so good luck >> we'll need it >> all right mr. roker, he was on diaper duty, now he's on weather duty >> we have not babyproofed the studio the good thing is, there are no sharp edges. anyway, let's show you what

we've got. we're looking at heavy snow still continuing from minnesota on into wisconsin, great lakes, some showers down through the southeast. heavier rain now starting to develop down through southern california where there's going to be record cold, though, we have a new storm coming into the pacific northwest. going to be talking about that numerous record highs through the southeast, mid-atlantic states, as well. snow in upstate new york and that snow continues through the eastern plains that's what's going on around ' good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. we're seeing rain, snow and lots of it coming down in the mountains. in the south valley it has really picked up and just to the north of los gatos. we are going to continue to see waves of this as we go throughout the day and cold temperatures will continue. don't forget

if you're walking out the door, check us out, sirius xm, "today" show confidential at 1:00 p.m. best time of the morning right now, jacob in -- >> the kids left the toys. >> all right >> don't make sheinelle chase after you. ladies and gentlemen, first up, lizzo. the grammy winner is known for breaking out her favorite instrument on stage which sh has affectionately known sasha flute, but she traded it in for cookie flute performing with some of our very favorite muppets. watch this >> i have played a lot of instruments, but i have never played a cookie before may i? >> go for it ♪ >> boy, can me try >> of course i didn't know you played the flute, cookie monster? >> me don't. >> huh >> should have seen it coming. >> me don't.

>> sweetest performance ever thank you very much. coming up next, gisele bundchen and tom brady, it's been a very busy week for the former couple. yesterday, "vogue" italia released a peek at the model's transformation for its latest issue check it out looking almost unrecognizable on the cover. the first since they got divorced and inside the issue, more images showed gisele's red 'do very awesome look. it's all a part of the magazine's dedicated to th magazine's fashion becoming art. meanwhile, back here in the states, tom brady has been making his own transformation, trading in his shoulder pads for snow pants the nfl superstar sharing this very sweet snap straight from the slopes, captioning it daddy/daughter date. we did this in my family as well my daughter didn't want to ski, so i had to pick her up -- >> he's carrying her down the slopes >> don't try this at home. coming up next, sebastian monoscalco the trailer is out for the comedian's upcoming movie that he co-wrote called "about my father."

in the film, he stars as himself alongside the one and only robert de niro playing dear old dad. on social media, he said it's based on the true story of whe his italian immigrant family met his wife's parents for the first time take a look. >> wow this is amazing! >> it's called love and affection, unlike you when you met me in the delivery room, you chose to shake my hand >> what else was i supposed to do we just met? ♪ >> i don't know how you're going to fit in. don't these people have jobs >> they got their money in the stock market not mayonnaise jars buried in their backyard >> "about my father" hits theaters in may. what a legend. finally, "the voice," guys season 23. so crazy right around the corner. in a new promo, first-time coach niall horan isn't hanging back, breaking out his first best

southern twang for a blake shelton impression making you wonder who's the real oaky >> blake shelton, this is my last season on "the voice" and i would be honored if you were to be on the last ever team blake >> oh, [ bleep ] >> great >> that's pretty good. >> by the way, next week, we'll check in with all four coaches ahead of the big season 23 premier returning march 6th. >> that's where carson is right now. coming up, we'll sit down with mariska hargitay to talk about the 24th season of -- >> there she is! >> hello, hello, hello >> nice to see you, how are you? >> nice to see you, too. hi >> making history on the show. we're so delighted to have you with us. we'll get a check of your local news, weather, and these messages of

good morning. it is 8:26. i'm marcus washington. winter scenes are playing out in some bay area neighborhoods this morning. this is snowfall near the summit of highway 17. and people in the south bay posted this video atop mt. hamilton. meteorologist kari hall is tracking the conditions. >> snow is going to be off and on today. i'm seeing snow just above the evergreen area in san jose but

we've also seen it in the santa cruz mountains. i'm watching the oakland hills, berkeley hills for a wintery mix and snow flurries as well. it's been very spotty. looks like we could see more activity in terms of rain and snow and hail as we go into this evening and accumulating a lot more on the hills between tonight and tomorrow as cold temperatures move back in. this will accumulate, causing travel issues over the next couple of days.

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good morning, everybody! it's 8:30 on a thursday morning, the 23rd of february oh, my gosh. we've got a lot of early risers out here on this plaza this little boy says -- you see this that's so cute i got up way too early to be here what time did you wake up this morning? >> five-something. >> when did you wake up? >> earlier earlier. >> it's nice to have you with us people get here nice and early it's cold outside. happy birthday >> sister birthdays. lots to celebrate.

guys, we all need to be on our best behavior, because captain olivia benson is here. we love when "law & order: svu" star mariska hargitay stops by and she has brought a sneak peek at tonight's new episode >> love it and jill stops by with "steals & deals" with products to give you the shiniest hair, lashes, and more >> and we'll get things cooking with one of our favorite chefs, he's in the kitchen. that means we're in for a treat this morning one of his favorite din-din dishes a legend and later this the third hour, everything you need to know ahead of the spring real estate season, if you're considering buying or selling, do not miss this "consumer confidential." >> and for renting, too. we look forward to that. tomorrow on "today," harry smith sits down with an icon, sally field, for a conversation about her legendary career, her latest hit, and receiving a lifetime achievement award at this weekend's s.a.g. awards.

we can't way for that. >> let's get a check of the weather, and i love the beret! >> thank you, mon ami. let's see what we've got for you. pacific storm moves in, bringing rain and cold out west sunshine through the ohio river valley saturday, turning mild through the plains rain and snow through the southwest. snow through the northeast on saturday then, sunday, sunday, some light snow through the northeast some showers, mid-section of the country and that northwest storm really gets ramping up, bringing snow from the northwest all the way into the rockies that's what's going on around we're dealing with a little bit of everything, passing rain showers and snow showers across the area, other spots seeing sunshine. we will see quickly changing weather today and we see more rain and snow starting to pick

up at 7:30 p.m., possibly even some hail. cold temperatures will continue. >> that's your latest weather. also want to mention, guess what you can now stream your local nbc station. you can get your local news, if on peacock, w your local weather, all four hours of "today. in fact, if you stream on peacock, we'll give you a bonus fifth hour, live on peacock. for details, head to peacocktv.com/local. >> okay! >> awesome guys, coming up next, captain olivia benson herself. one on one with "law & order: svu" star, mariska hargitay. but first, this is "today" on nbc.

are you going to be here for the long haul? >> yeah, i want to see what life throws at me i'm so happy to be here.

i trust the process. who knows where i'll be in three years? >> where will she be in three years? how about 22 years that was mariska hargitay, chatting with al about "law & order: svu" back in 2001 >> i meant 23 years! not three! >> can you believe it? you know what i read this morning? that you are the -- olivia benson is the longest-running character in television history. that's incredible! >> it's crazy. i'm still downloading all of it. >> i mean, why do you think it has such staying power people love this show. >> i think that it is a smart show, a respectful show. it deals with such tender issues that so many people deal with and it deals with them respectfully and honoring, and everyone wants to be seen. and i think the culture is ready to look at something and deal with something that they historically haven't been ready to deal with and i think the set-up of the show with olivia being the

maternal figure and eliot being, you know, the paternal figure -- i say maternal and paternal figure, i think was sort of the perfect archetype in that victims could come forward and feel safe and seen and fought for. >> yeah, absolutely. we -- in addition to being the longest-running character, you're also an executive producer of the series and a director of the series and we have a sneak peek of tonight's new episode. let's roll a clip. >> mr. humphreys, how you doing? i'm captain benson >> i never forget a gorgeous face or an hourglass figure >> well, the cafeteria downstairs may have just added a few extra minutes to it. >> you direct this episode and it's an unusual one. you took some kind of artistic risks with some flashbacks didn't you i don't want to give too much away, but --

>> yeah, the first thing i'll say is that our show runner, david graziano and julie martin wrote one of the most beautiful episodes i think i've really ever read. and it's a bit of a departure from what we usually do. and there are a whole lot of surprises in it. and i was so deeply honored because -- that they trusted me with this material and people will see why tonight. >> it is different >> it is different and i have to say, i was so excited and, you know, every time you direct, i have such reverence and respect for the role of directing, and i'm always terrified and yet this time, since i hadn't directed in three years, it was so fun to see what i had learned, just from being on set for that long. then i got the good, good fortune and the blessing and the

privilege and just the honor to work with bradley whitford who is one of the greatest actors i've ever worked with. and also nancy travis came and, and my co-stars came to play in such a beautiful way and oktavio, one of the new characters is so brilliant in this, as is ice-t. and the new kids, and there's such an effortlessness and it was one of the most joyous, creative highlights of my time at "svu," truly. >> you bring so much to it now, having played the character, but now bringing that other side behind the scenes. you mention ice-t., or should we say icy, as we've learned you call him because you spoke at his hollywood star ceremony, what is that called? >> the hollywood walk of fame. >> thank you >> and it's so funny because i

wasn't planning. i had written this beautiful speech, i was like, how am i going to honor him, this titan in the business. and that just came up because my relationship with him is so cozy >> what you said about him was beautiful. it was a beautiful speech, but icy is a very cute nickname. what does he call you, marishky >> you're not going to tell me, are you? >> no, i'm not i'm the only one that's allowed to call him icy. >> i'm glad you told me that, if i tried it -- >> don't, don't. he's actually the sweetest man alive and the kindest and the most gentle. >> and you know richard belzer passed and you wrote a lovely tribute to him and he was just -- what a heart and soul part of the show for a long, long time. >> yeah, what a heart and soul he was family and taught me so much about taking risks and creativity and trust and he brought so much joy to the set and boy, did this man love

children he was this acerbic, quick-witted, brilliant mind yet he would melt in the sight of a child he was such a beautiful and complex and it was such a privilege to know him. >> you are just so well-spoken please speak at my funeral would you? is that too morbid >> no, i would be honored! >> you're like, this has taken a weird turn before i let you go -- >> you know what i say about you? >> what? >> i'm just going to say it. badass >> oh! thank you! >> i think you are such a badass and i have so respect for you, and i want to say that >> oh, my gosh >> and you know when and why i think that, but so do a lot of people and the way you are and the way you carry yourself, i want to say that >> you're so kind and thank you! >> that's true >> now i don't know -- >> what? >> yeah, that's right.

my queen all right. i was going to ask you about ben stapler -- tell us real quick, do they do it or not >> oh, okay, i'll just tell you right now. >> she's not going to tell me. ♪ >> all you need to know is benson and stabler love each other deeply hello. >> how deeply? >> she just said that -- >> there, it's right there it's so deep >> i know. and we love it and we just love wondering and -- >> the show is probably only going to go another 23 years, so i think we should just wait and see. >> exactly you've got to keep the suspense. keep it alive. mariska, what a pleasure an unexpected -- you're such a sweetheart thank you so much. >> i mean it >> thank you for being here. and being -- you're a sister, i know that. and you can catch this new episode of "law & order: svu" tonight at 9:00/8:00 central here on nbc. it streams tomorrow on peacock sorry, it's a lovefest it's a lovefest. >> here, jill, do you want to hug, too i think you're badass, too that means a lot coming from

her. up next, jill is here to make us smile with the new bchat in las vegas, the most popular food is broccoli. yeah, that's the only food. they have broccoli smoothies, and broccoli pancakes, and broccoli ice cream, and broccoli hotdogs, and of course, they have raw unseasoned broccoli..... with stems. -daddy, i don't want to go to las vegas with you and mommy tomorrow. oh, are you sure? are you sure you don't want to go, it will be so much fun!

we are back with "steals & deals. we all know a little pick me up can boost your mood. with that in mind, jilian is here with big bargains good morning to you. >> good morning. i know after that little boost we got with mariska and savannah, everyone needs a little boost these are small investments that can make a big difference because you never know what someone's going through. just something little, a little bit of kindness can change someone's day. the first thing is setting the mood, giving yourself a little peace. this is the homesick two-piece candle set this brand is trending right now. really fun names they come, five bundles, two pieces in it, 30 to 35 hours of burn time. the retail is $38. look at these. >> i love these!

>> the deal is 19 for 2 pieces that's 50% off check today.com. >> and they smell great! >> when you have a good blowout, feeling good about yourself, it's a great pick me up. this is a great hair routine if you've been looking to get in on the color out chris appleton's glossy hair trend. the retail is $97. you get three items that you have seen every celebrity used. >> i have used that. it keeps the frizz down. >> the dream coat, the supernatural spray, which is designed to help frizz and the money mask meant to hydrate and the color security shampoo this trio is great for frizz-free healthy hair. now's your chance to get in on the trend. retail $97 the retail is $43.50 that's 55% off that's a great way to try a new brand. this is just serendipitous that your eyelash -- >> i've had a week with lashes >> we have a video to show, this is actually a very hard thing to do on your own but it actually does change your whole look -- >> yeah. >> so the mademoiselle day lash

bundle and night lash bundle the retail price, $56 to $72 the day bundle includes two pairs of lashes from the natural collection with the adhesive liners and shows you what to do on the video it's easy to apply and comes with the tools and then you get the night bundle, which is a little more dramatic >> a little va-va-voom >> just a little drama it's fun and so you could really learn how to do it at home so they don't fall off >> and you know what, the good thing about these, you can reuse them you don't have to one and done and throw it away. >> and they show you exactly how to do it which i think is the biggest trick. the retail price, $56 to $72 68% off. >> we all love body butters and soaps. >> just like a good routine. the wish beauty body butter and body oil duo this is exclusive to the "today" show, this bundle. it's our biggest deal of the day. delicious scents, moisturizes, softens, soothes, great for baths, great for a new pick-me-up routine the deal price, $25.

that's 85% off you can split that up. >> oh, i love these! >> first, i want to introduce you to the alicea adams wrap what's great about these, i love a good scarf, but you can use it as a pashmina, a blanket, just to throw on. they come in these beautiful colors the retail price is $285 it's a silk blend, 20 colors these sell out quick check today.com for all the colors the deal price, $49. that's 83% off >> okay. the sound on these, so good! >> loud, really gets the room going. and who doesn't like a good dance party? the vista shop rainbow l.e.d. bluetooth speakers, retail, $99.95 they're bluetooth. there's a wristlet, and the sound is really powerful and there's a microphone on it so you can take calls. $99.95 is the retail $35 is the deal price, 65% off i don't know if you want to sit

and take -- >> of course, i'll sit >> you can't take your shoes off. >> i have tights on. >> let's pretend, the kim clark design cozy toesies footwear for everyone go back to work -- >> oh, it's warm >> you can plug it in to keep it warm or keep cozy under your desk or great if you're binge watching mariska hargitay. the retail is $62. the deal is $29. that's 53% off i hope i gave everyone a little pick me up >> you always have good stuff. >> thanks. >> no question about it. if you want to shop some of these items and more exclusives, scan the qr code or head to today.com/deals. oh, al >> we've got a deal for you with marcus samuelson here. look at this oh yeah, a little roasted pork and a lettuce wrap finger foods finger foods it's all coming up for dinner

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we are back with a special "today" food for our discover black heritage we are joined by mr. mark samuelson. he is the chef and owner behind several of new york's hottest restaurants, including a new one. it's a communal-style spot that celebrates african roots in modern black cuisine this morning, chef marcus is whipping up one of his favorite dishes, lettuce wraps with tamarin ginger-roasted pork and coconut-spiced rice. >> can i just tell you how excited i am to cook with you? black history month. but i'm also just so excited that we're cooking together. it's been a while! >> my friend, we first met in 1990 >> was that child labor back then what i don't know what you're talking about. i don't know what you're talking about. like, not with the seniors here! >> do you know that i played soccer with her husband?

>> uche. >> was he wearing his wakanda -- >> hush, al. >> oh, yeah. >> so tell me about this restaurant it's a swedish word that means ocean and mar means honey. so sweet water a lot of focus on seafood, delicious food but today, i was thinking about going back to your bohemian roots. >> well, thank you >> this is a dish that really has caribbean influences so we'll do slow-roasted pork, in the oven with tamarin glaze >> what's tamarin? >> tamarin is a super, super sort of, it has sour notes >> like umame? >> yes, put tamarin in here, then ginger, and a little bit of garlic, a little bit of shallots we'll let that simmer. and here comes the kicker. shrimp powder. shrimp powder. >> i've never heard of that. >> that's where the umame comes

from some honey and habanero. do not touch it. this is spicy.en and then we're going to rub all of that on top of the pork we're just going to pour it all on top of the pork >> it will be on the pork. and put it in the oven >> yeah. >> how long? >> all day the lower you cook it, the better it's going to taste so now we're going to make the coconut rice >> again, caribbean notes. that's the beauty with black history month. you can be inspired by things from africa, from the caribbean. >> coconut milk. >> of course, of course! a little turmeric. you know that savannah and i used to cook together, too, but she ditched me >> i don't know what you're talking about! you are my idol! >> she said, i also cook with bobby flay, i was like, what?! >> i was never with bobby flay >> savannah will do you like that >> no, no, no. marcus is the one that canceled

my show. i was caught burning myself all the time it delicious slow-roasted. look at this you can slice it, of course. you can just rip it like a fork, just like that or look how moist it is. >> so you'll shred some of that. >> shred that right there. >> look at that. >> al, try this. >> so sheinelle and i had this plan which was supposed to be surprised, but we have a table for you and your wife at havmar and we'll celebrate you, al. >> i can't wait. >> you deserve to be celebrated. i was very emotional today cooking, knowing i cook with you, and we're just excited. >> you take the rice -- >> the coconut rice. >> layers of flavor. >> it really is. >> so good >> when your daughter comes back from paris, your dad can have a new recipe and show her, look what i made! just a little pork with tamarin. this is what i have been up to >> and you like to garnish it

with a little parsley. >> a little bit of shallots. we are fancy >> guys, what do you think >> i want more >> i don't have any left you know what i think? i think marcus samuelson is the most lovely, talented, and charming person -- >> you get a table and you get a table and you get a table. >> all is forgiven, savannah >> marcus, it is so good to see you, my friend >> thank you >> so good >> check out this recipe a today.com/food coming up on "hoda & jenna," whitney cummings, and coming up on our third hour, genius products for the whole home. kitchen to closet. afte

we are expecting activity to ramp up this evening, when we'll also have the possibility of thunderstorms, small hail as well as some snow that will continue to cap our bay area hills. we could see some pretty decent accumulation and snow on the hills. we'll have more updates throughout the day.

with reliable covid-19 results in just 15 minutes, everyone is making room for binaxnow in their medicine cabinet. do we still need these pregnancy tests? (kids yell and giggle, a dog barks and a vase breaks) yeah, no.

out with the old, in with the #1 covid-19 self test in the us. with the same technology doctors use to test for covid-19. binaxnow this morning on the third hour of "today," winter whiteout. a massive storm dumping snow across half the country. thousands of flights canceled or delays. highways shut down and we're not done yet. and we're tracking all of it. and later in our "consumer confidential," whether you're buying, selling, or renting, how to get a jump on the busy spring real estate market right now. and in food for thought, dishes that look like works of art created in a special place. >> what's the deal with the secret dish? >> it's a kitchen within a kitchen. >> the incredible story behind one family's culinary em