district faces cuts amounting to nearly $100 million. pink slips are required to go out by march 15th. all right. let's look at that forecast. and a beautiful sunrise. yeah, it's been really nice out there. it's going to be a comfortable day. highs in the upper 70s and also more of the same tomorrow. just a touch lower with more clouds and rain this weekend. this is not nic as crash continues with a fuel spill. let me clarify. a fish and game is asking if the fuel spill has gotten into the waterways. this could complicate thgs. jammed out of san francisco to south central, right? something we'll continue to follow. also joining us for our streaming newscast that's at 8:00 at nbcbayarea.com. all right. thanks for joining us. stick breaking news rocking hollywood overnight. >> the legendary gene hackman has died. it's february 27th. this is "today." >> stunning loss.

>> superman, thank god. i mean, get him. >> two-time oscar winner gene hackman and his wife found dead in their new mexico home. police now investigating as tributes pour in, celebrating one of the greatest actors of all-time. >> i don't care what the scoreboard says. at the end of game, in my book, we're going to be winners. >> a look back at his remarkable career. deadly outbreak. measles cases on the rise in several states. now, an unvaccinated child in texas, the first adolescent death from the highly contagious virus in decades. >> when you have individuals that aren't immune, that gives the virus opportunity to spread really rapidly. >> just ahead, the new alarm being sounded by doctors. braking overnight, a key decision from the supreme court on president trump's move to freeze foreign aid. why the justices are allowing it to continue. this, as elon musk takes center stage at president trump's first

cabinet meeting, defending widespread layoffs of federal workers, and promising more to come. >> if we don't do this, america will go bankrupt. >> a live report from the white house, straight ahead. new twist, california's governor now weighing in on the me mendes brother's push for freedom. >> the question for the board is a rather simple one, do erik and lyle menendez pose an unreasonable risk to public safety. >> the investigation ahead of a crucial court hearing in the case. all that, plus, hatching a plan. the federal government revealing a new way to get the soaring egg prices under control. how long will it take? we'll have everything you need to know. and long shots. michigan state grabbing a big win with a dramatic buzzer-beater.

>> looks at the clock. half court for the win. oh -- oh my goodness! >> and we're still not over this full-court winner. >> and it's in. >> he celebrated with nfl star patrick mahomes. and now, he is bringing his putter to our plaza. we'll see if lightning can strike twice. today, thursday, february 27th, 2025. ♪♪ >> announcer: from nbc news, this is "today" with savannah guthrie and craig melvin. from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. >> and good thursday morning to you. welcome to "today." thank you so much for joining us. i mean, that buzzer-beater. two top 20 teams. michigan state/maryland and it comes down to that. >> i see your buzzer-beater and i raise you the putt seen around the world. remember this one? texas tech putter, blake porter, just there winning a contest. he's not even a good golfer. could have fooled me. hes here. and we decided to see if

lightning strikes twice. that's a 94-foot green. >> it is. >> and we're going to put him to the test in a little bit. >> we're going to spend some time with blake. but first our top story this morning, hollywood mourning. an icon, two-time academy award winner gene hackman. >> he was in so many films. "the french connection," "superman," "unforgiven." he was found dead in his home alongside with his wife, betsy, and their dog. >> authorities are investigating the cause this morning but at this point say no foul play is suspected. nbc's stephanie gosk is here with the very latest. steph, good morning. >> good morning to you guys. this is such sad news. and there's a lot of questions. hackman was 95 and had been living with his wife in santa fe for years. police have not given a cause of death but there is an investigation. >> reporter: this morning, authorities investigating the death of a hollywood legend. gene hackman found dead wednesday, alongside his wife, classical pianist, betsy arakawa, in their home in santa

fe. the couple, married in 1991, were found with their dog, after a neighbor called to do a welfare check. authorities say there is no immediate indication of foul play in the deaths, but they did not provide a cause of death or say when the couple might have died. the two-time oscar winner always showing grit, intellect and intensity on the screen. hackman had the uncanny ability, to vanish into any role. >> and the problem is -- rfr from popeye doyle "the french connection" which earned him his first oscar. to lex luther, opposite christopher reeve in "superman." >> mind over muscle. >> reporter: and after that, iconic roles in dozens of films. winning over audiences in "hoosiers," and "crimson tide." >> get to your position. >> reporter: and critics with a second oscar win with "unforgiven." >> he has one barrel left. >> reporter: he kept working

after heart surgery in 1990, turning to mostly comedic roles. until his retirement in the early 2000s. hackman and his wife moving to santa fe. he continued to work as a novelist, publishing his fifth book in 2013. the two were occasionally spotted together, hackman largely preferred to stay out of the public eye in recent years. audiences remember him through a remarkable on-screen career. now, police investigating the screen legend's death. >> i mean, steph, it's early, i know. there's so many questions outstanding. any idea how police move forward to try and figure out what happened? >> well, there are a few things. one is going to be the timing of their deaths. they discovered the bodies in the afternoon. but it's not clear exactly when they died. and also, the local paper is reporting that the sheriff is that will happen, as well, guys. >> all right. by the way, we'll have much more in our next half hour looking

back on gene hackman's remarkable career. also this morning, following an alarming turn in a growing health crisis, that measles outbreak in texas. it's the state's largest in nearly three decades, with cases of the highly contagious disease continuing to rise. and now, being blamed for the death of a child. nbc's priscilla thompson joins us from lubbock with the latest. priscilla, good morning. >> reporter: savannah, good morning. overnight, kentucky reported its first case of the measles from an adult that traveled internationally. it comes after the child here in texas has died. according to the cdc, this is this is the first death from measles in the u.s. of a child in more than two decades. today officials on the ground are urging individual lens and vaccination. this morning, an unvaccinated child has died from measles, officials say. amid a worsening outbreak in texas. >> this virus can have severe and deadly consequences. >> reporter: state health department officials have

confirmed 124 cases, 18 of them resulting in hospitalizations. >> the patients who have been hospitalized, they've all been unvaccinated. >> reporter: now, fears the highly contagious disease is spreading. a case was just reported in an adult near dallas. and texas health officials said a person unknowingly traveled to san marcos and san antonio, exposing people at two major universities and half a dozen restaurants and stores. >> we worry about measles because it's one of the most transmissible pathogens that we know of. >> reporter: in a cabinet meeting, robert f. kennedy jr., a vaccine skeptic, appearing to downplay the current outbreak. >> it's not unusual. we have measles outbreaks every year. >> reporter: kennedy saying hospitalizations were done mainly for quarantine, though healthcare providers on the front lines say that's not true. >> we don't hospitalize patients for quarantine purposes. >> reporter: health experts

also arguing comes amid a decline in childhood vaccination rates is different. >> when you have individuals that aren't immune that gives the virus the opportunity to spread really rapidly. >> reporter: cases have now been reported in nine states. officials have not said they're connected. pediatricians like anna in lubbock, emphasizing the importance of being vaccinated. >> with one dose of the vaccine, your protection is anywhere from 90% to 93%. after the second dose, the protection rate goes from 97% to 100%. if you can buy two lottery tickets and be guaranteed a 97% chance of winning the lottery, would you do it? >> reporter: here in lubbock, the state health department has set up a vaccine clinic. officials on the ground are urging patients who have children under 12 months to consider talking to their doctor about getting that first dose of the measles vaccine earlier than the one-year mark when it's

typically administered. and adults here who may be concerned or unsure of their vaccine status can also see their doctor about a blood test to determine if they might need a booster. savannah? >> priscilla, thank you very much. new developments overnight tied to president trump's push to shrink the federal government the supreme court intervening in a legal fight over cuts to foreign aid. meanwhile, growing reaction to elon musk's major role at the first cabinet meeting. nbc's chief white house correspondent peter alexander covering all that for us. peter, good morning. >> reporter: craig, good morning to you. the pause on foreign aid can remain for now. this is the latest in a fierce legal back and forth, over president trump's day one order with his allies, dismantling usaid, the government agency that delivers $40 billion to support humanitarian work in countries around the world. the supreme court is now expected to fully review the case before deciding what happens next.

overnight, the supreme court wading into president trump's battle over government spending ahead of a midnight deadline. john roberts blocking a judge's order that the administration release $2 billion in frozen foreign aid funds. aid groups sued the administration after president trump froze the money in january. the administration said it needed more time to review the payments. roberts, not resolving the underlying issues but asking both sides to respond by friday. meanwhile, elon musk, the headliner at president trump's first cabinet meeting. musk, touting his department of government efficiency's sweeping efforts to slash the federal workforce, with the biggest round of layoffs yet to come. >> if we don't do this, america will go bankrupt. >> reporter: in a memo obtained by nbc news, the white house budget director ordering agency heads to submit plans for large-scale reduction in force in two weeks. it follows musk's directive that all federal workers e-mail a list of five things they accomplished in the last week or face termination.

the move catching agency heads off-guard. some instructing their employees not to respond. >> i think the email perhaps was best interpreted as a performance review but it was a pulse check review. >> reporter: the president interjecting if musk was asked if members of the cabinet were unhappy with him. >> let the cabinet speak just for a second. anybody unhappy with elon? if you are, we'll throw him out of here. >> reporter: the president warning federal workers who have not yet replied to musk's e-mail, can still be fired. >> it's possible that a lot of the people will be actually fired. and if that happened, that's okay. >> reporter: for now, many federal workers, like jonathan curry, who was just fired from what he calls his dream job at the irs, are worried about what comes next. >> i have a wife, three kids and a fourth on the way. we're a single-income family. so, for our income to go from whatt was to nothing, abruptly, with no severance, it

can be frightening. >> reporter: during the rolling news conference of a marathon cabinet meeting, musk admitted his team will make mistakes and promises they will fix them quickly. acknowledging they accidentally cancelled ebola prevention efforts before he said they immediately restored them. but "the washington post" reports current and former usaid officials musk is wrong, the ebola efforts have been largely halted adding that the teams of contractors that would be deployed to fight an ebola outbreak have been dismantled. craig and savannah? >> our chief white house correspondent peter alexander, peter thank you. let's go on the soaring consumer prices, especially at the grocery store. for weeks, the cost of eggs has dominated the conversation. they're predicted to increase 41% this year. the usda is blaming the bird flu. now, it has a new plan to fight the epidemic and lower prices. hopefully. nbc senior business correspondent christine romans here with a closer look. we talk a lot about egg.

what's the plan? what's in it? >> eggs, number one at the breakfast table. now, from the trump administration what it plans to do. a five-point plan, it says. a $1 billion to boost bio security, they call it, at these places. these production places. $100 million for vaccines and therapeutics. a pilot program already under way from the biden administration, that will continue. they want to cut regulations and consider importing eggs from abroad. and the new secretary of usda saying they will be able to begin to stabilize things the hope is three to six months from now. >> okay. answer this for me, christine. we have talking about the soaring cost of eggs, but chicken prices remain fairly stable. how can that be? or should we expect at some point chicken prices to go up, too? >> it's such a good question. >> it's such a good question. chicken prices going up, but not what you see. here is why, you guys. these are two different industries. the broilers, the production for meat, that's a separate industry. mostly the southeast of the united states. and the egg-laying chickens, that are largely in iowa and

ohio. two different industries with different regulations. and those broilers only have a two-month life span. so, experts tell us, they have less of a chance of contracting the bird flu because the turnover is so quick. the layers are much older. the way they are produced are different. if there's a little bit of a cut in the fence or something, and a wild bird can get into the outside free-range flocks, layer, that's how you spread the bird flu from the migratory rds. it's just completely different production. >> wow. interesting, right? >> deep dive here, yeah. poultry industry. >> you have become an expert on all things poultry. >> i'm an expert, craig. >> thank you, christine. appreciate it. let's turn to college basketball for a moment now. there's an exciting finish last night, as the eighth-ranked michigan state spartans took on number 16 maryland. game tied at 55-55. three seconds on the clock. maryland has the ball. what hap

>> here's what happened next. gillespie for three! no. holman looks at the clock, half court for the win, oh! >> michigan state's trey holloman there, half-court buzzer. beyond half-court, actually. the 55-foot shot quiets the hometown maryland crowd. it set off a srtan celebration there. that win putting michigan state atop the big ten. >> march madness getting a friendly start. >> yes, that's right. three weeks away from that. speaking of march, we're geing kind of march temperatures. warming up a bit. >> that's right. looks like maybe march comes in like a lamb. we'll see. right now, i'm not lying, we have warm temperatures. wichita, 64 degrees. 13 degrees above average. atlanta, almost 70. boston, 50 degrees, 11 warmer than usual. tomorrow, more of the same. columbus, 55. phoenix, at 83. you're ten degrees warmer. and in fact, we're looking at a cooldown next week. syracuse, by saturday, you're 39. 19 on sunday.

boston, 53, saturday. 32 on monday. indianapolis, you will actually warm up by the time you get to monday temperatures in the 40s. out west, we got wind advisories, for southern california, gusty santa ana winds. low humidity. but the good news is, with all of the wind gusts, because of the heavy rain they had recently, that will limit the rainfall threat. look at the temperatures out west. l.a., near 90 degrees. we could be looking at santa ana winds pushing the temperatures near 90 in escondido, palm springs and san bernadino all in the 80s. we're going to get to your local forecast in the next 30 seconds. . 10 times. no more. no less. this is the story of coffee. and company. the starbucks you love is ready.

hello again. it's going to be another warm, warm one well above normal into the upper 70s for the inland valleys, and pretty nice tomorrow as well. but then we go back to winter on saturday as our high temperatures make it into the low 60s. even a chance of rain, late. scattered showers in sunday's forecast, and we'll continue to see rain and cool temperatures through the middle of next >> and that's your latest weather. guys? >> all right, buddy. the key step taken in the menendez brother case. the parole board by the governor being ordered to start a risk assessments. what that means and what it could mean for the push for freedom. a remarkable story in heart health month. a groundbreaking procedure that began with a single donation and

helped save the lives of three, young girls. we were there as the families came together for the very first time. first, this is "today" on nbc.

much more on the life and career of the legendary gene hackman through his many iconic roles. >> his two oscar wins, just part of that incredible story. first, your local news. oh, a car?! are you sure you can afford this? let me see... alright. that's a big purchase! relax! i got pre-qualified and shopped by my monthly budget so i know it's a good decision. unlike jenny's new piercing... [gasps] get pre-qualified. shop within your budget. carmax. when you really need to sleep. you reach for the really good stuff. shop within your budget. zzzquil ultra helps you sleep better

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in morgan hill, where police arrested two men suspected of stealing copper wire from street lights. this happened on tuesday, but there was another incident over the weekend that left parts of morgan hill in the dark. police are asking people to be suspicious and to report activity like early morning maintenance or late night maintenance, especially around light poles or power supplies. they say that these are trying to look legit with proper work trucks, equipment, and uniforms. if you don't see a city of morgan hill logo or one for calle west, which is the city's contractor, you should call police. let's get a look at the forecast for this thursday morning with meteorologist kari hall. and it does look like another great spring day. temperatures in the upper 70s and low 80s, up to 81 in san jose. as we go through the rest of the forecast, it will get cooler by the weekend. laura, you know, kari, i'll take this because we do have the alert folks. so that's why you're having a traffic break in now as well. we continue with two alerts south 101 at sierra point parkway. the crash and fuel spill continue to be in lanes

and a distraction for the northbound side coming up to south san francisco and south out of the city. you're jammed solid from 280, which is also jammed up for the morning commute in the east bay. 80th may be seeing more traffic flow because of some folks taking the dublin grade out of the area of southbound 680, which is jammed because of another alert. south 680 at andrade road. back to you. thank you very much. don't forget to join us for today in the bay live streaming newscast at 8:00. two missions, one launch and one shared goal to better understand our universe. we'll talk with one of the mission leaders joining us on roku, amazon fire tv, xumo and nbcbayarea.com. have a great th

♪ they are having fun. we're putting. and you know, putting on a basketball court, it's not so easy. it goes past bobby. hang on. and it's in. the place goes bananas.

what do you do? you go and celebrate with patrick mahomes. >> what a putt. we could watch that all day long. or bring blake porter here to the plaza to have him try to re-create the magic. by the way, you all like to golf. here he is. >> craig and i will be jumping like that. blake has been practicing. when i came into the show an hour ago, he was out with a small bucket of balls, working on that rd right to left putt that ours does on the plaza. i have good money for him to make one. >> mine was breaking hard right. lightning in a bottle. >> cobblestones out there. >> i hope we have a good prize if he does it twice. we have something good? one hour to do it. we have a busy half hour. we're going to start with the breaking news that we told you a few moments ago rocking hollywood. >> it really is. oscar-winning actor, gene hackman, his wife, and the family pet found dead in their

new mexico home. authorities saying no foul is suspected but they are investigating. but they are investigating. >> hackman, an icon in hollywood with decades of unforgettable roles. joe fryer is here with a look at his legendary career. >> reporter: gene hackman stepped away from acting a few decades ago. but when he was working, he was one of the busiest performers in the industry. sometimes starring in three or four movies in a single year. played good guys and bad guys and the complex stuff between. earning five oscar nominations with two wins. is morning, hollywood is remembering one of the greats -- >> popeye is here. get your hands on your heads, get off the bar and get on the wall. >> reporter: gene hackman never fit the mold of a typical star but blazed his own path into movie history. often called an everyman, hackman played every type of character. from a cop to a convict, a senator to a spy. lex luther to the president. as a young man, hackman lied about his age to join the

marines. and took a shot at fame, working odd jobs to finance auditions. >> every day was like a new challenge. it was going out and trying to get th job. and doing the auditions. and i loved it. >> reporter: it wasn't until he appeared in "bonnie and clyde" at age 36, that hollywood took notice. but the true breakout moment came with a car chase for the ages. hackman earned his first oscar for his role as popeye doyle in "the french connection." then, came the action, from "the poseidon adventure" to "superman" with hackman's lex luther. >> mind over muscle. >> reporter: in between, he worked on comedies and critically-acclaimed films. even the sports drama "hoosiers." he gained an oscar nomination for "mississippi burning" and his second win for his role as a sheriff in 1992's "unforgiven." >> i have to serve this. >> reporter: following it up opposite tom cruise in "the

firm" and a run of hits. he kept working through the early 2000s, winning over new audiences with "the royal tenenbaums." in 2004, he reflected on his prolific career with al around the release of "welcome to mooseport." >> and now here we are, the new millennium and you're still working as much as ever. >> yeah. it's a very seductive. it's narcotic, you know, in a way, because it's -- you come to work and there's 90 people standing around waiting for you to do something. you know? that's attractive. i think i can give it up now. last movie.: that would be his in a career that delighted audiences for decades. one of hackman's most critically acclaimed performances in 1974's "the conversation" which was corrected by francis ford coppola. the legendary director fifilmmaker,riting, gene hackman was a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity. i mourn his loss and celebrate

his existence. and contribution. when you consider the incredible list of actors who worked with gene hackman, we'll see all kinds of tributes today. >> was that your favorite? >> i loved him. he was just -- he could do anything and work against anybody. and hold his own. and in the same year he did "the conversation," which is considered one of his best, he had a cameo in "young frankenstein," in 1974. and played the same character in "the conversation" up against will smith in "enemy of the state." >> it's interesting because he was so prolific, worked so much and then didn't. that was one of the last interviews on the last project. >> he never made a bad movie. almost 90 movies. none of them are bad. and think of the best actor you can think of, and gene hackman was as good. >> and by the way, wrote five books. >> five novels. >> joe, thank you. still ahead on a thursday morning, monica lewinsky, sharing new and candid thoughts

on the scandal that changed the course of her life. first, following new details on the key step taken in the menendez brothers' push for freedom. liz kreutz is on the story. hi, liz. >> hey, guys, good morning. yeah, the governor of california gavin newsom is weighing in, ordering a risk assessment of the brothers to help determine if they should, in fact, be released. we'll explain what this means and what comes next in this notorious case right after this. let's get started. bill, where's your mask? i really tried sleeping with it, everybody. now i sleep with inspire.

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right back to 7:39. back with a major development in right back to 7:39. back with a major development in the menendez brothers push for freedom. >> ahead of their assessment hearing, the governor is calling for a risk assessment. we'll talk it over with laura jarrett, our legal correspondent, in just a moment. but first liz kreutz with the details. good morning to you. >> reporter: good morning to you. one of the three ways that the menendez brothers could get out of prison is by governor gavin newsom granting them clemency. he has taken a hand - off approach. he's taken a significant next step. he's ordering the california board of parole to launch an investigation into the brothers, to see what, if any risk, they pose to the public if released. it's the latest step in the menendez brothers' step for

freedom. california governor, gavin newsom is calling for the state parole board to launch a risk assessment into erik and lyle menendez, the brothers whether or not have been pushing to get out of prison, arguing they're rehabilitated men after spending 35 years behind bars for murdering their parents, jose and kitty in their home. >> the question for the board is a simple one -- do erik and lyle menendez pose a current or unreasonable risk to public safety. >> reporter: the move outlined in letters to the brothers' attorney, is part of the appeal to the governor for clemency, one of three legal paths they are taking in an attempt to reduce the life sentences. >> there's no guarantee of outcome here. my office conducts dozens and dozens of reviews on a continual basis. >> reporter: stale still family members backing the brothers, celebrating in the announcement. >> i'm thrilled that the

governor is engaged. and, you know, here we go. >> did you cry? >> yes. >> reporter: for years, the brothers have argued they acted in self-defense after years of abuse from their father, something lyle spoke about on the two angry men podcast. >> i was the first to testify in front of a national audience about male sexual abuse. i received ridicule in the '90s about it. also, a lot of support. >> reporter: last week, the los angeles district attorney took a critical view, casting doubt on new evidence, they say backs up claims of abuse. >> is this credible evidence? in many ways it is not credible evidence. >> reporter: but the d.a. has to weigh in soon on resentencing, their third path, which will take a broader view of the case. what is the most important thing to look at when you consider resentencing? >> we will look at everything. we'll look at trial evidence. we'll look at the rehabilitation. >> reporter: now, the d.a. says that will include weighing the

abuse allegations. as for the risk assessment, the governor wants the parole board to complete that in the next 90 days. the findings will be sent to the current d.a. and the judge that is overseeing the resentencing effort. savannah? >> all right, liz, thank you. want to turn to laura jarrett. nbc's legal correspondent. there's a lot between the lines here. for the governor to order this risk assessment, suggests that, perhaps, he's leaning towards granting clemency. this is a precursor step. >> he's at least open to it. he wants to show that he wants to go through a process, right? he doesn't want to just do it hastily. he wants to show he's going to get them to weigh in, at least from the parole board perspective. >> do you have to do a risk assessment to grant clemency? >> no. but i think he wants to show he's taking it into account. and what's really interesting, guys, is whether the judge wants to see the risk assessment. we have a hearing coming up in march on resentencing, which is different. but the judge might want to see what the parole has to say about the risk. >> it's interesting, risk

assessment. you think of that worried about recidivism, somebody committing another crime. >> yeah. and i think he wants to show, they have been -- the lawyer, mark geragos, wants to look at what they have been rehabilitated. and for resentencing, rehabilitation is the key inquiry and the acceptance of responsibility. >> you talked in the last few weeks and months of the different paths to freedom for the menendez brothers. what's the easiest path for them? >> the simplest is for the governor to decide. he has the unilateral power. he can also, obviously, wait to see what the d.a. says. and he wants to hear out what the d.a. says. if the d.a. doesn't agree with it, that path could be foreclosed. if the judge doesn't agree. that path can be foreclosed. so that's why, if i'm the menendez brothers and the attorneys, i might be look to the governor as my best hope. >> if you're a betting attorney, do you think they will get off? >> eventually, yes? given how long they've been behind bars.

and given the immense public interest and pressure in this case, i think eventually one way or another through any of the paths they will be free. >> thank you. guys, let's shift gears and get another check of the weather. uncle al? >> who is ready for a planetary parade? you'll see something unusual. four, five, six planets aligned. but friday night, we are going to have seven planets aligned, so that you will be able to see them. you'll probably need a good periscope -- periscope. binoculars or telescope. mars, jupiter, neptune, venus, saturn, mercury and everybody's favorite uranus. look at the south and east and stay away from light pollution and you may be able to see this parade. what about cloud cover? the best places to view the planetary parade, starry night throughout the west coast. mostly clear through the south. some clouds in the northeast.

so, there's going to be some great viewing for seven planets. the next time we see something like this, april 10th. there will be four planets in a row. but not much else. we have showers and snowmaking its way across the northeast. the great lakes. this system will be pushing out. a brief period of rain in the i-95 corridor. and another clipper brings more snow around the great lakes, up to interior sections of new york state and new england. when all is said and done on saturday, we're looking at about 6 to 12 inches of snow upstate new york and the u.p. of michigan. that's what's going on around the country. nice sunshine and it will be another warm day. take a look at our high temperatures up to 75 in concord, dublin, as well as livermore, but 81 in san jose. and we are going to see some more warm weather tomorrow. but things change this weekend, with

a drop in temperatures on saturday and rain moving in lat >> and that's your latest weather. >> al, in april, when there's only four planets visible, will uranus be one of them? >> turn 12 anytime. we have a sneak peek here of "pop start." the countdown is on to hollywood's biggest night. it's oscar weekend. and yesterday, our host conan o'brien, hit the theater in l.a. for the rolling out of the red carpet. he took his role as seriously as you might expect. >> get down low, okay? all set? i want to make sure you guys aren't crushed by the carpet. >> just roll slow. >> weighs over 6,000 pounds. here we go. go. okay. slowly. let's not kill anybody. and look like the joy you would have on rolling a carpet. >> he's going to be so good. >> he's going to be great.

i love his trajectory. he was on late night so long. successful podcast. now, back on the tv. a big photo op. they did the 2025 oscar nominees. this was this year's class photo. really cool picture. you zoom in and see cynthia and ari front and center for "wicked." they join the ten best picture nominees. "a complete unknown," "the brutalist," i'm still there." "conclave," and "wicked," all there. the oscars on sunday. and the two in the front will be singing. >> do you have an outside favorite for best picture? >> i don't. >> talking about "conclave" coming on strong. >> i saw "conclave" it was pretty good. >> i want "wicked." i'm not predicting. just hoping. >> your heart says -- >> as good as it gets. coming up in "pop start," the full size, getting you ready for another big event this weekend. it's the return of "snl" after the 50th anniversary. and jenna is here with a

"morning boost." we'll have that here. first these messages. ♪ are you having any laughs? ♪ ♪ are you getting any loving? ♪ ♪ if other people do, why can't you? ♪ ♪ have a little fun ♪ ♪ and have ♪ ♪ have a little fun ♪ still have moderate to severe ulcerative colitis... ...or crohn's disease symptoms after taking... ...a medication like humira or remicade? put em in check with rinvoq, a once-daily pill. when symptoms tried to take control, i got rapid relief with rinvoq. check. when flares tried to slow me down,... ...i got lasting remission with rinvoq. check. and many were in remission... ...even at nearly 2 years. and rinvoq... ...helped visibly reduce damage of the intestinal lining. check. rapid symptom relief. lasting remission.

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empower. the freestyle libre 3 plus sensor tracks your glucose in real time, and over time it can help lower your a1c. ♪♪ this is progress. learn more and try for free at freestylelibre.us ♪♪ all right. that time of the morning when jenna boosts us. >> we have a double "boost" this moing, shining a light on educators that work hard every day. first, let me introduce you to principal michael glen, he posted this video showing a special moment with a student skipping down the hallway. and captioning it, the biggest thing i've learned since becoming a school principal, be intentional with every interaction. you don't get to choose what they remember. and first of all, try to skip and not be in a good mood. >> you have to. >> and don't you think that's such good advice, even for parents. >> yes. >> you don't get to choose what

they remember. >> meet them where they are. >> yeah, exactly. >> that's a good one. here's one that you may relate to. a teacher messaged parents asking if they're kindergartner would be staying home sick. check out the reply she got from that account. i love you. i love you. i love you so much. and i love you, too. i know that i am the best dude ever. the best. i'm proud to be me. i know you sent out a message looking for me, but i am sick. i just sneezed. >> oh, my gosh. >> amanda tells today.com, her daughter hit the mic button, turned on talk to text, and obviously, the parents reached out. can you imagine? >> hilarious. >> if your kids every texted from your cell? >> oh, yes. >> i thought if a kindergartner -- if a 5-year-old wrote all that, they need to go to secongrade. >> genius. >> call in sick the rest. >> i'm the best dude. >> that shows how much kids love their teachers. i love you. i love you. i love you. >> were you a teacher?

>> i was a teacher. just ahead, the special way "the sound of music" is celebrating the 60th anniversary. that and a much more coming up after your local news. ♪ the hills are alive ♪ well, a little like this. ♪♪ and like this. ♪♪ it takes two to feel the joy. [card reader beeps] earn unlimited 2% cash back. 1% when you buy, and 1% as you pay with the citi double cash® card. ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪ hit it! ♪ ♪♪ with 12 grams of protein in every serving. quaker protein instant oatmeal is there for active mornings...

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but a treatment can be. keytruda is known to treat cancer. fda-approved for 18 types of cancer, including certain early-stage and advanced cancers. one of those cancers is a kind of bladder and urinary tract cancer called advanced urothelial cancer. keytruda may be used with the medicine enfortumab vedotin in adults when your bladder or urinary tract cancer has spread or cannot be removed by surgery. keytruda can cause your immune system to attack healthy parts of your body during or after treatment. this may be severe and lead to death. see your doctor right away if you have cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, diarrhea, severe stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting, headache, light sensitivity, eye problems, irregular heartbeat, extreme tiredness, constipation, dizziness or fainting, changes in appetite, thirst, or urine, confusion, memory problems, persistent or severe muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, fever, rash, itching, or flushing. there may be other sidede effects tell your doctor about all medical conditions, including immune or nervous system problems, such as crohn's, ulcerative colitis, lupus, or myasthenia gravis or guillain-barré syndrome,

an organ, tissue, or stem cell transplant, or received chest radiation. keytruda can harm your unborn baby. keytruda is an immunotherapy and is also being studied in hundreds of clinical trials exploring ways to treat even more types of cancer. it's tru. keytruda. see all the types of cancer keytruda is known for at keytruda.com, and ask your doctor if keytruda could be right for you. a very good thursday morning to you. thanks so much for joining us. it is 756 right now i am laura garcia. happening now, the second day of a three day uc strike. i'm ginger conejero saab in san francisco. if you are a patient at ucsf or other uc medical campuses across the state, this is what you may see today. workers striking for a

second day. there are two unions striking for what they call the growing affordability and staff vacancy crisis that is plaguing frontline university employees, the university of california has said negotiations continue for one of the unions. the strike ends at midnight. the other will continue for a third day tomorrow. let's get a look at our forecast for this thursday morning. kari is a nice weather. continue. it does. it's still been so nice out there and it will continue today. but by this weekend temperatures tumble on saturday and we're watching out for rain late on saturday as we take a look at our high temperatures today, it may be even a little bit warmer than yesterday in some spots, like san jose, headed to 81 degrees, while in the mid0s for the inland east bay as well as the north bay san francisco, we'll see a high of 73 degrees. mike, you've been watching that breaking traffic. and we continue with two alerts, much worse traffic as we get our look out on the peninsula south 101 at sierra parkway. a crash and a fuel leak complicate things that

distract the northbound side of 101 heading into san francisco, jammed in both directions. 280 this as more traffic flow, blending in with the traffic out of daly city. so things are really jammed north of 380. other side of the bay 880 sees more traffic as folks take the dublin grade away from 680 southbound, where we continue with this crash, leaving only two lanes open, two big rigs and a lot of metal debris. southbound 680 toward andrade road. back to you. thanks so much. make sure to join us for today in the bay live streaming newscast. in just m

coming up -- breaking overnight, two-time oscar winner, gene hackman and his wife, found dead in their new mexico home. police searching for answers as tributes pour in for a hollywood legend.

>> i don't care what the scoreboard says. at the end of the game, in my book, we're going to be winners. >> we'll have the very latest. then, heart-to-heart. how one organ donation saved the lives of three, young girls. >> that piece of her heart probably saved your life. >> it probably did. >> that's what my daddy said. he said this heart surgery will save my life. >> their now life-long bond and remarkable story straight ahead. and "pop start" unlocked. "the sound of music," marking a major milestone -- ♪ the hills are alive with the sound of music ♪ kate hudson talks rom-com.r. >> i love >> i love birds. it's dead. and kelce's swift shoutout. >> i just listen to taylor's music. >> coming up.

long shot inside a texas tech's student full-court putt that still has the internet going wild. >> hang on. fluorescent golf ball is in. >> he will tell us all about it and try that epic shot again right here on our plaza, today, thursday, february 27th, 2025. ♪ >> girls' trip from parker, colorado. >> my dream come true to be here. >> hello to our friends -- >> back in boca raton, florida. >> shoutout to fairmont, west virginia. >> good morning to our daughter. >> we love you, pageant. >> with my girls on a trip to the city. >> from green witch, new jersey. >> and today, from baltimore -- >> to celebrate my 87th birthday on the "today" show. ♪ >> welcome back to "today" on this thursday morning. so happy you're starting your morning with us. so happy to have so many smiling faces out there on the plaza.

we'll get outside and hang out in just a bit. >> we have a 94-foot putting green out there. we'll try our luck out there in a little bit. >> we will. it's a busy thursday morning. we'll get right to your news at 8. we're going to start with breaking news overnight. legendary actor gene hackman has died. the two-time oscar winner found dead in his new mexico home, alongside his wife, betsy, and their dog. police say no foul play is suspected. stephanie gosk is here with what we do know at this hour. steph, good morning. >> reporter: craig, good morning. this sad news comes with a lot of unanswered questions. hackman was 95 and had been living with his wife in santa fe for years. police did not give a cause of death and are still investigating. this morning, authorities investigating the death of a hollywood legend. gene hackman found dead wednesday, alongside his wife, classical pianist betsy arakawa, in their home in santa fe. police say the couple who married in 1991 were found with their dog after a neighbor

called police to do a welfare check. authorities say there is no immediate indication of foul play in the death but they did not provide a cause of death or say when the couple may have died. the two-time oscar winner showing grit, intellect and intensity on the screen. hackman had the uncanny ability to vanish in any role. from popeye doyle in "the french connection," that earned him his first oscar. to lex luther, opposite christopher reeve in "superman." >> mind over muscle. >> after that a remarkable run of iconic roles in dozens of films winning over audiences in movies like "hoosiers" and "crimeson and tide". >> i'm captain of this boat. >> reporter: and critics with a second oscar win with "unforgiven." >> he has one barrel left. >> he kept working even after heart surgery in 1990, turning to mostly comedic roles. until his retirement in the

early 2000s. hackman and his wife moving to santa fe. he continued to work as a novelist, publishing his fifth book in 2013. though the two for occasionally spotted together, hackman largely preferred to stay out of the public eye in recent years. while audiences remember him through a remarkable on-screen career. now, police investigating the screen legend's death. police are looking into the timing of all this, noting that the welfare check happened in the afternoon. it's unclear how much time elapsed before their bodies were discovered. and the investigation is on going, guys. >> to your point, so many questions. steph, thank you. >> thank you, stephanie. another loss rocking hollywood this morning. actress michelle trachtenberg found dead in her new york apartment yesterday, just 39 years old. police are investigating the cause of her death. she helped shape pop culture with starring roles in several hit shows in the '90s an early 2000s. the breakout role in "harriet the spy," to the younger sister in "buffy the vampire slayer" and "gossip

girls." most famous villain. now to new insight and reflection on the political scandal that rocked this nation 27 years ago. monica lewinsky, opening up on a podcast how differently she thinks things could and should have been handled, when news broke of her affair with then president bill clinton. hallie jackson joins us with a closer look at the revealing exchange. hallie, good morning. >> reporter: craig, good morning to you. monica lewinsky has several jobs now. anti-bullying advocates. she's a podcaster with her series "reclaiming." but it's time as an intern she is now revisiting in this new sitdown with alex cooper suggesting former president bill clinton should have considered leaving office after their affair became public. >> reporter: nearly 30 years after an affair with the president, forced a then 24--year-old woman into a spotlight of speculation and ridicule -- >> monica lewinsky, welcome.

>> reporter: monica lewinsky, working to reclaim her narrative and reflect back on the scandal that forever changed her life. >> i was lucky enough to hold on to a strand of my true self. >> yeah. >> but i lost my future. >> reporter: speaking with call her daddy host "alex cooper," lewinsky says the relationship she had with then-president bill clinton had, in her words, a level of consensualty. when the news broke, she faced scrutiny and criticism. >> how aware were you of this power imbalance? >> i don't think that was something we talked about. you know, very much, back then, in the same way that we didn't have words like slut shaming and fat shaming. >> reporter: lewinsky says, while she did make mistakes and at the time never wanted clinton to lose his job, she now lieves the former president, who initially denied the affair in remarks to the nation -- >> i did not have sexual relations with that woman, miss lewinsky. >> reporter: -- should have done

things differently. >> i think that the right way to handle a situation like that, would have been to probably say it was, you know, nobody's business. >> yeah. >> and to resign. >> reporter: lewinsky also saying, while she no longer feels like she needs a direct apology, she's never received one from clinton. something craig asked the former president about in 2018. >> do you offer her an apology? >> no. i never talked to her. but i did say publicly on more than one occasion that i was sorry. >> reporter: now, at 51, lewinsky is a prominent anti-bullying advocate and the host of her own podcast, telling savannah last week, she believes her past has been part of what helps put guests at ease. >> it lets people know i'm not going to judge them. >> reporter: as she charts a new path forward -- >> i will always be defined in some way by my history. i am also defined by my present.

>> reporter: she talks about her history. lewinsky says at one point, she considered changing her name altogether. but she ultimately came to feel very strongly, he says, that she didn't want to. nbc news did reach out to the former president about lewinsky's latest comments but did not receive a response. craig? >> hallie jackson, thank you. there's encouraging news for dog owners this morning. soon, you might be able to extend life of your furry friend. a san francisco bio techch compy says it has developed an anti-aging pill for dogs. it can be prescribed for canines 10 years or older that weigh more than 14 pounds. the fda certified the pill. it will likely be available at the end of the year. >> that's the best news of the morning. >> the simple question -- can they make it for humans? >> that's true. that's true. >> right? >> great news for pets. great news for miles. great news for bucky. >> think of the people who have taken a bite of a dog biscuit,

just to see what it's like. i'm just saying. there will be a few people that will try that. coming up, talking to kate hudson. a big conversation she's sparking around that typical rom-com. what is the rom-com's place in hollywood? she has a lot to say about it. >> oh, we're still talking about that dog biscuit thing. you ever do it? >> no desire to do it. we have a story that's inspiring. it's remarkable. it's about a heart donation that kicked off an incredible and life-saving chain of events for three young girls. kate snow will share that with us right after this . baby: liberty! biberty: biberty! baby: liberty! biberty: biberty! baby: liberty! biberty: bi-be-rty! baby: biberty! biberty: and now she's mocking me. very mature. mom: hey, that's enough you two! biberty: hey, i'm not the one acting like a total baby. mom: she's two. only pay for what you need ♪ liberty. . liberty.iberty. ♪ baby: liberty.

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a sleep number® smart bed is perfect for couples. it helps reduce snoring with a tap so you both get your best night's sleep. and now, save 40% on the new sleep number special edition smart bed. shop a sleep number store near you. [monologue] ♪♪ i got somebody for that! you guys got somebody for peyronie's disease? ♪♪ find a urology specialist who treats pd at gogetsomebody.com welcome back, on this thursday morning. february, as you know, is heart health month. and this morning, we are highlighting -- highlighting a unique, new kind of surgery that saved the lives of not just one young patient, but three. >> it alstarted with a generous generosity of one donor's family. and kate snow is here with more.

good morning. >> guys, this is a really incredible story. it's actually a follow-up to a story we brought you here on "today" three years ago. when doctors at duke university figured out how to do a partial heart transplant on an infant. now, they've gotten so good at that procedure, one heart can save multiple lives. these three girls have a lifelong bond. it all started last fall, when 11-year-old journi kelly felt tired. >> it was hard to breathe. >> reporter: it was her heart. >> she was in severe heart failure. >> reporter: at 11 years old? >> 11 years of age. >> reporter: earlier this year, the kellys got a life-saving call. a donor heart became available. and duke pediatric heart surgeons went to journi's parents with an idea. journi would get that new heart. but although her old heart muscle wasn't working, the valves could still be used to help other patients. >> we call it a domino transplant. one person gets a new heart. and the heart that comes out has

good valves in it. we can split that heart into multiple recipients at that point. >> reporter: those recipients, margaret and kensley. how did you feel about helping these two, too? >> i'm happy that i did. >> reporter: that piece of her heart probably saved your life. >> probably did. >> that's what my daddy said. he said this heart surgery would save my life. >> reporter: 9-year-old kensley was born with a heart deflect and had her first operation at 2 weeks old. one of journi's valves would replace kensley's valve. 14-year-old margaret, a cross country runner thought she had a stomach bug but ended up in the e.r. >> i had a staph infection and had enndo carditis. it's when the staff gets into your heart. >> she needed a new mitral valve. it looks like a parachute

attachched to mule by pieces that resemble cords. >> it's a more difficult valve to access. >> reporter: doctors had never transplanted a living mitrol valve in anyone. >> you think about the thousands of children this could held. help in the future. >> reporter: over three days the doctors orchestrated three demanding and complex surgeries, all successful. the families, returning to duke to talk with us. some had never met. margaret's mom, elizabeth, joining kensley's dad, keenan and journi's mom, rachel. >> really grateful. really grateful. >> reporter: one donor heart, three lives saved. >> it's more than extraordinary. >> helping two other families, it couldn't be more perfect. >> it makes me want people to be donors. >> reporter: people may not realize the impact they can have. >> that's right. >> reporter: in the hospital, margaret wrote a card to journi. dear, journi. hi. i'm margaret. and you gave me a part of your old heart. guess what you are? amazing. that's what you are. >> reporter: all three girls feeling better. >> now after my surgery, i can

breathe much, much better. >> i'm really excited to get back trunning because it's honestly one of my favorite things to do. >> reporter: journi wants to go shopping and visit hawaii. kensley is looking forward to riding her dirt bike again. she turned 9 in the hospital. and says the best birthday present she got was the new heart valve. >> it's really important, my heart. >> reporter: you guys are probably going to know each other for the rest of your lives. i'll bet your families will keep in touch a little bit. >> there's no way i can forget her. she is inside of me. >> reporter: so, margaret and kensley were able to go to school last week, go back to school. they got living valves that will grow with them. they won't have to take as much medication like blood thinners. journi has a longer recovery because she got a whole new heart. all of the parents told me, guys, they want to see this replicated over the world. if duke can do it, other hospitals can do it. >> incredible innovation of physicians. courageous parents.

>> reporter: yes. especially margaret's parents. first time doing that procedure. and they said yes. >> and so generous. kate, thank you so much for that story. >> the heart that binds. >> we should mention, you can learn about the surgery on our website, today.com. >> good story, kate. thank you for that. mr. roker is standing by for a check of the weather. what are we looking at, buddy? >> showers and snow in northern new england. sunshine through the gulf coast. beautifully warm conditions, springlike weather, in the central plains. windy and warm out west. stretching from texas all the way to the pacific northwest. that's what's going on arod the country.un

>> and that's your latest weather. best time of the morning. >> jump right in on "pop start." we're going to start with "sound of music." this cinematic masterpiece is turning 60. >> doe, a deer a female deer ♪ ♪ rae, a drop of golden sun ♪ ♪ mi, a name i call myself ♪ ♪ fa, a long, long way to run ♪ >> why did we do this? these three. not one chair is turning, by the way. not one red chair is turning around. ♪ bring me back to -- ♪ >> not john legends, no chairs. >> tell me more about this story. >> even al -- >> the celebration of the musical anniversary. "people" magazine got a peek of rare behind-the-scenes photos. let's go through a couple of

them. christopher plummer rehearsing with julie andrews there. the kids on screen brothers, nicholas hammond and duane chase. they are hanging out with cool skateboards. thvan trapp crew. in costumes eating some burgers it looks like. and one dame julie andrews. >> what is she doing there? >> she's juggling. what can't that woman do? happy 60th to "the sound of music." i think of the sound of griswolds, chevy chase. kate hudson, the queen of the rom-com. in the early 2000s. who can forget moments like this? ♪ and other girls dreamed they'd be ben's partner ♪ ♪ they'd be ben's partner ♪ >> what you got in the box? >> he met my best friend, darcie. >> an iconic "how to lose a guy in ten days" they were cult classics. they weren't always hits with critics. now, the critic has changed. meaning the world is a critic

now. if i set out to make "brides wars" or something to be an oscar-campaign-worthy film, it would be a different movie. the rom-com is what it is. >> i love a rom-com. >> they never went away. >> there should be a rom-com channel. that's all they play. >> 100%. >> i think the point if it came out today, it would get panned than a great fun. >> rom-coms are still around. >> too many of them around. >> i agree with that. next up, travis kelce following kansas city's defeat of the super bowl. the chiefs' tight end opening up how he is handling that loss on brother, jason. heights with his >> do you listen to sad music or happy music when you're depressed. >> jason, the only way you can find yourself in the light is to find yourself in the dark first. >> right. >> i listen to music that is

very telling of my mood, yes. >> i go to sad country songs. >> i listen to taylor's music. she has something for everything. >> that's fair. that's a good point. >> good answer. >> good answer, and true. she does have a diverse catalog. >> "shake it off." >> that's a good one. >> want to sing it? >> "shake it off." >> i would do my tear's ricochet. go, birds. next up is "law & order: organized crime." elliot stabler is back in a fifth season. here's the peek. >> the pain. the things i've seen. all in the pursuit of one thing -- justice. this fight has only just bun. >> i like when there's new rules. the new season of "law & order: organized crime" premieres april 17th on peacock. i like that. next up, "saturday night live," great new promos out for this weekend. maybe the cast is rerecovering from the epic 50th anniversary show. this weekend is going to be

shane gillis. your host. and here he is, trying to rally the "snl" troops. >> how are you feeling? are you excited to host? >> i'm excited. i'm worried that everyone will be hungover from the 50th. >> what makes you say that? >> that, for one thing. also, mikey's wearing sara's clothes. >> what? i always dress like this. >> look at the boys. they don't know who they are. >> i feel like i'm ben. >> ben is the cute one. i'm ben. >> have you considered we're all ben. >> you know a good tattoo removal guy? i think i made a mistake. i thought he would like it. >> he's not going to like that. he will fire you. >> craig, you should give him your tattoo removal guys from your savannah tattoo. what a great follow-up to the 50th. shane gillis is hilarious. and tate mcrae, probably going to have the number one album in country next week. that will be a big one. that's this weekend, enjoy that. "usa today," in celebration of women's history month, that kicks off on saturday.

this morning, we reveal "usa today's" 2025 women of the year, guys. the national honorees, including our "today" show veteran, hoda. congrats. she is featured in an incredible wnba star jones. president and ceo of fannie mae, pris priscilla. and astronaut, kellie gerardi. olympic rugby star, ilona maher, and 54 other honorees. from across the country. congratulations to our friend hoda and all you incredible women out there. very nice. >> cool. just ahead, guys, we have been talking about this all week. this student is incredible full-court putt at a college basketball game. well, we're going to see if lightning can strike twice. he's here to take on our own challenge, 94 feet on the plaza. we have some golfers here. they're going to take a crack at it, too. first, your local news.

8:30 now on thursday morning. got a great crowd out here. a little misty, but warm. boy, do we have an internet sensation with us this morning. he is looking good on that

putting green. >> he is. >> lightning may strike twice. >> that's the guy -- for those of you that haven't been keeping up, it's been all over the internet. this is the guy that drained a full court 94-foot putt out of texas tech earlier this week and then hoe celebrated with patrick mahomes. so the question is morning, can he do it again, carson? >> and can he do it live? he has done it a couple times during commercial break. >> he is tiger woods when we're off the air. >> he's made it a couple times this morning. >> yes, he has. he has to do it when it counts. we have the chef from emilio's ballato, serving up a pasta dish. he is serving it up in florida. we got it here. penne pasta with tomato cream sauce. we'll keep it rolling with heather mcmahon. she did the splits on television. she's incredible and hilarious. and actress brenda song stops by to tell us about her netflix "running point" which by the way is a rom-com.

like this. >> could be on rom-com channel. what's up on the weather? >> you know what's up? we have billy here, who turned 87. >> oh. >> what's your name? >> lynn. >> lynn? >> i'm with billy. >> you're with billy. friends of billy over here. billy, what's the secret? what's the secret? >> have a good time all the time. >> a good time all the time. he looks like a good-time guy. >> by the way, look at her sign. i'm with billy and i'm younger. >> all right. let's show you what we have ahead, looking forward to billy's weekend. you'll see on friday, sunny in the south. sunshine up and down the east coast. clipper out on the great lakes.. qut out west. on saturday, ample sunshine in the west. west coast much cooler around the great lakes. some snow in northern new england. and then, sunday, sunday, winter is back. temperatures in the 20s and 30s. west coast system comes onshore. look for more sunshine along the northern plains. sunny skies down through the gulf. that's what's going on around the country. here's what's happening in your

good. thursday morning, i'm meteorologist kari hall. today it's going to be another warm one. and enjoy, because we are going to see big changes this weekend. we're going from 70 today and tomorrow to low 60s on saturday. and there will be more clouds coming in. rain showers developing late and continuing off and on on sunday with a high temperature of 60 degrees and the rain continues in waves as we go throughout next week, and it will guys? all right, al. march is almost here. it's time to announce the book i'm going to be reading next march. along with you all of you, the "read with jenna" pick. >> i'm excited to share your march selection. will y'all count down with me. three, two, one.

>> it is the "dream hotel." i love this look so much. picture a world where the government does not just watch your every move. it monitors your dreams. >> ugh. >> the protagonist h been arrested at l.a.x., she has been flagged for a dream that suggests she may commit a crime. she joins a sisterhood of women being held there, all trying to prove their innocence. and find a way out. i started this book. i read it in a weekend. i could not put it down. it is really relevant. it's a meditation on free will, sisterhood, the power of love and the power of hope. it's so good. i promise you, it's not your typical read, but will you try this with me? >> i will try it. >> "the dream hotel" is in stores next tuesday. scan the q.r. code. you can use the code to join the club, by signing up for our newsletter. why not? you can get the latest book news. and you can read with us. >> okay. i'm into it because it's an original premise. i don't think i heard anything like that before. >> it's amazg.

>> we're in. thank you. wait's almost over. he is from texas. the question, can blake -- can he re-create his putting magic on our plaza in we're about to find out. first, this is "today." are you feeling good? >> i'm feeling good. >> first, this is "today" on nbc.

we're having fun. we're putting. putting on a basketball court, not so easy. it's going past bobby. hang on. the golf ball is in. the place goes bananas. what do you do? you go and celebrate with patrick mahomes. >> what a moment. >> we're back. that was our favorite moment of the week. texas tech student blake porter, remember that name. nailing a 94-foot full-court putt, during halftime at a red raiders' basketball game. that's not all. >> that's a golf ball going

>> that's a golf ball going through a mouse trap way over there. best part of all, he celebrated with nfl superstar, former text texas tech superstar patrick mahomes. who was arguably more excited than you are. >> we decided to ask blake to join us on the plaza, to tell us about the epic evening. as you can see, we have our putters ready as well. we'll try to recreate it as well. first of all, take us back to that moment. you said you almost didn't get into the game. >> barely. i was kind of late. got there at 5:00. a line out the door. people camping out. two days beforehand. >> and selected you to do that. >> i got lucky. > did youave practice shots at it? >> not even one. >> you say you are a terrible golfer. >> i'm not great, double bogey at best. >> not once. >> you are an athlete. >> you play break or blind? >> it was old guys, it goes left-to-right. they know what they're doing. >> did you know mahomes was there? did you seek him out in that

moment? what happened? >> i was, like -- i want to celebrate. i like to chest bump people. there's patrick mahomes. >> you can't tell him. i didn't think about it. it was one of those things. >> you're a pure athlete. that's what it is. we're golfers. >> us golfers. >> what was the prize? >> initially, i got some apple headphones, which was -- i was grateful. >> the glory. >> eternal glory. >> right, eternal glory. they gave me an ipad, a cooler and i'm kited out. i'm here. >> instant fame, too. did your phone blow up? >> i went to bed monday night. i woke up with 2,000 text messages. >> your mom and your girlfriend are over there, as well. >> yeah. >> you were at that time, with your best friend. >> yep. for sure. >> how did you celebrate after that? there's the mom and girlfriend. >> i was in shock. i went to my seat and i looked to the left. and joey maguire, the head football coach was there. i took some pictures with him. i got a lot of high-fives. >> instant star. >> did you to buy a drink yet?

>> not in a while. >> you're an influencer. have to turn this into nil money and get an opportunity to get out there. come on. >> it's nuts. all glory to god. i like it. >> carson is a very good golfer. are you going to try this? >> i feel like we should see it. >> i'll give it a shot. >> have you sized up the putt? >> this is 94 feet. right? >> yeah. 94 feet. >> i understood that it's a little right-to-left. it's a little wet out. we'll play it outright and pray. >> 94 feet. carson daly live. >> looking good. >> oh, break. >> oh. >> and you want to try it, craig? >> he's going to go again. real quick. >> a mulligan. >> as the rain continues. >> you know, i don't golf. >> that was awful. >> the first thing you have to do, is address the ball.

hello, ball. a little laurel and hardy there. >> i'll do it righty. there. >> i'll do it >> go ahead. >> watch her drop it in. that would be the best. >> okay. >> i don't like -- >> give her some room. >> that's a good line. that's a good line. >> come on. >> oh, good putt so far. >> pretty good. >> i'm happy with that. >> all right, craigers. >> you want to give me guidance here? >> i like it two feet outright. barely keep it on the grass. hit it harder than you think. not bad. >> okay. >> come left. turn left. >> oh. come on. >> my god. >> come here. >> oh. oh. >> go home. >> oh.

>> all right. >> that's golf. >> so close. >> oh, man. >> come on. >> craig, by the way, mark that. we want to see it. >> no eternal glory. >> oh, my god. all right. all right. blake, let's go. blake, clean this up. >> five for four. >> that's pretty good. >> that's pretty good. >> okay, buddy. that putt was amazing. >> i'll use this one. it's my lucky club. >> all right. >> the actual course. >> this is incredible. craig, wow. >> man. all right. we'll see what happens. >> all right. >> got his lucky club. >> come on, blake. >> all right. >> all right. you're on the clock. the shot clock. >> let's go, buddy. >> go, bro. >> we believe in you.

>> do it for texas tech. >> that's good speed. oh, that's solid, everybody. that is solid. that is solid. oh. man. >> come on. >> can he do another one? do it again. >> one more. >> one more shot. >> i can't believe it. do it again, buddy. take your time. deep breath. >> what are we cancelling for the rest of the show? >> it doesn't matter. >> we'll run into the 9:00. >> do what you just did. same thing, it will go in. that was bad luck. >> you're right about the rain, too. >> concentration. >> yeah. >> come on. >> that's pretty good, too. >> that just stays there. stay there. now go. oh. >> what's happening? >> we have a present for you. >> golf is a difficult sport. >> oh, my gosh. >> you were so close. we have a present for you. >> yes, we do. >> okay.

>> the ride of your life has been happening blake. it comes to a close. someone wanted to send you a special message. pay attention to this. >> what's up, blake? what an awesome moment it was the other night. i was so excited to be a small part of it. i know you think you know what you won. but what you don't know, is that texas tech athletics is going to be paying your tuition next fall. and on top of that, adidas and i will make you an honorary member of team mahomes. we'll be sending a nice care package your way to support your golf game. congrats again and enjoy your time on "today" show. >> oh my gosh. oh my gosh. >> thanks, guys. thank you. >> oh my goodness. >> his mom is the happiest. >> his mom is the happiest. no tuition next fall. >> mom, what do you think about that? you can use my microphone. >> i'm speechless. >> you have done right by him,

by the way. you've done right by him. >> come on in. all right. we're so happy. >> grad school next year? >> yes, sir. >> well done. >> appreciate it. come back any time. >> i'll be here. >> you got to be the luckiest guy in all of loveland. >> lucky to have her. >> lucky and talented, man. remember this name. thank you so much for being here. >> thank you, all. >> so glad to have you, buddy. >> come in and eat with us. we have an incredible meal coming up. it's a sausage pasta. we have a big celebrity following for this meal and our chef, called penne antonio. we'll make it inside. we'll bring blake and the crew in. and we'll do that. but first this is "today" on nbc. >> well done, blake. ♪

i don't ever see anyone coming out to maintenance anything, so it's very scary for me because i have everything i love in this home. so, we've now implemented drone technology. how is that safe for me? it enhances the inspection, so it allows us to see things faster. your safety is the most important, and if you're feeling unsafe, that's not okay. it doesn't feel like that in our hearts. i mean, it's worrisome. [dog barks] [dog barks]

man. man. worked up on appetite after missing all those golf putts out there. we're back. blake is with us at the table, joining us with "today" food.

we have anthony vitolo, and chef of the emilio's ballato. legend care spot. first come, first serve. everybody stops by there. your buddy taylor swift i have seen in there and others. now you can have this delicious experience as the family expanded to ft. lauderdale where they opened up vitolo, chef. great to see you, man. >> before we start, we have to start with the cheers. >> i love it. >> i love it. let's cheers. cheers to your beautiful baby. i don't know if we have a shot of it. >> yes. >> i just met your beautiful -- >> my 4-month-old is here. what is the baby's name? >> baby francesca. she is 4 months. >> tell me about the new spot. >> we opened 15 months ago. it's relatively new. same menu. good, hearty italian food in the conrad hotel. >> yum. >> ever in florida -- >> the family legacy in new york. they're in florida all the time. >> we have a snowbird.

>> what's this particular dish? >> this is a dish i call penne antonio, named after me. this is some crumbled sausage, sweet. if you want, you can use some hot sauce ang as sausage as well. i have the chilies here. i like putting into a bowl to break it apart. >> got you. yeah. >> in this pan right here, we have the sausage cooked. it's nice and brown. >> if you have sausage, you take it out of the casing? >> yes. you cut the -- you know, the -- >> casing. >> yes, exactly. and you take it out. and you put it in the pan like that. >> break it up. you get that. >> we have minced shallots. >> what is down here? >> that's butter. you want to brown -- you can brown the sausage here. and if you want to get spicy, you have the chilies that come whole, as well. you can have it in the jar or whole. this is nice and chopped. you want to get the oil,l, if y

want spicy. you want to coat the whole pasta dish. >> it's spicy but not too spicy. >> it's a little bit. i didn't do it too spicy for you. >> blake, how is the italian cuisine. >> i'm loving it. >> at texas tech -- >> not even close. >> microwave, and mac and cheese. >> got to do something. >> you got free tuition. now, you're good. >> i'm a high roller. italian garden. >> you can fly to ft. lauderdale and go to vitolo's. >> and white wine. >> do a chardonnay. do a pino grigio. the hardest part of this dish is cooking the pasta. >> really? i thought you put pasta in water. >> the longest part. the moms and dads, cooking for the family. reduce thahat. >> one would think. >> and you put some heavy cream.

>> okay. >> that's it. >> valve buster. >> it's good. and you have marinara sauce, that you can make just onions, tomatoes, whatever you can get in the supermarket. i suggest san marsanos because they're the sweetest. >> how long does it take? get from this to this where it's ready to go? w. each reduction takes two to three minutes. you do the white wine, the cream and the sauce is last. here, we have it nice and thick, right? >> delicious. >> if it gets too thick, always reserve starch water. nice and salty starch water. that's the water you cook your pasta in. >> thickening agent? >> yes. the starch brings everything together. i pull my pasta two minutes early. and you cook it directly in the sauce. >> people forget, there's a cooking action happening here, too. if you pull it off, al dente. >> two minutes early. cook it the rest of the way. >> is there a reason you like penne pasta versus a different pasta? >> penne goes well and you want to stick the sausage. you can throw peas in here, too. that goes really well.

like sweet peas. i like using penne. for this dish, rigatoni. i wouldn't recommend -- you can do facilely, as well. >> sauce hides in the nooks and crannies. how is your golf game? can you make that putt? >> i can drive but not anything else. >> ask blake. >> i can give you tips. >> anything you need. >> blake, trying to say, i'm terrible at golf. i'm like, no, you're not. >> this is parmesan. >> do that at the end? >> yes. it gives it more saltiness, and creaminess. >> didn't go light on the cheese, either. >> this anoints the whole dish. it brings everything together. you can see here, we have the finished product here. what do you guys think? >> what is the heat? the heat is the oil? >> the chilies. >> it's just there. a warm blanket. you have to put it in the oil when you cook the sausage or it's too overpowering. if you top it off, one bite of

spicy. >> it's reduced into the whole thing here. >> exactly. >> and the -- >> francesca, come over. >> tell america, chef. >> this is the baby. >> you have to grate your cheese, right? >> come here, francesca. look at this baby. >> and are you mom? >> yes. that's my wife. >> congratulations. >> sorry. >> she's taken over the business, i think next. >> she is. >> congratulations on the new spot. chef, great to see you. great recipes. try it yourself. it's fantastic. so delicious. today.com/food. that's where you got to go. the family is growing and beautiful. thank you, chef. we're back with "today" on

my gosh. what a show we had. >> you know what? blake, amazing. baby francesca.

chef. also, you were so close. i'm so proud of you putt. >> you really tried. and i'm here for that. >> thank you. i like you. you should come back and do this more afternoon. >> bring me back. i'll be here. >> he's ready to host the third hour, rankly. >> congrats again. patrick mahomes and texas tech. it's awesome. thank you. adidas. what a show. this is delicious. "jenna and friends" coming up next. >> third hour is next. >> denise richards is stopping by. first, local news. and the third hour comes before the fourth hour. every day.

good morning. it is 856 a marcus washington. today marks day two of the strike impacting uc campuses statewide. health care, research and technical workers are promising to continue their strike through tomorrow. now this is a look at the picket lines this morning over at ucsf's mission bay campus. nearly 60,000 workers from two separate unions are demanding better wages and working conditions. uc says that it continues to work with both unions to reach a deal. two suspected copper thieves are in custody, accused of leaving an entire section, many of them of the south bay, without power. police yesterday arrested the pair in connection with the theft of copper wiring from a light pole box in morgan hill that damage estimated at $20,000. but investigators believe that their work may be more widespread. this is just the latest in a string of

similar thefts, with the most recent happening over the weekend. and in many cases, police say that those thieves are wearing outfits and gear that make them look pretty legitimate. happening now, police credit an alert utility worker for the tip that led officers to

this morning on the third hour of "today," food for thought. a restaurant that's feeding the soul of a special community, serving meals in a unique place with a long history. later, inside hallmark