good morning and welcome to new york. >> ted cruz gets a chilling reception at his first new york city event and donald trump tries to make cruz's past words content. >> talking about new york values with hatred of new york. >> on the democratic side things take a nasty turn. >> i don't believe she is qualified skblmpt it the battle for new york is on. reported tornadoes rip across the south. at least two people injured, homes destroyed as crews struggled to contain wild fires. >> over the

a 12-year-old girl body slammed by a police officer at a school in texas. and the outlaw hero. the tributes are pouring in for country legend merle haggard, the mark he left on music during his complicated life. "today" april 7, 2016. >> this is "today" with matt lauer and savannah guthrie. >> welcome to "today" on a thursday morning. when you say country legend you have to think merle haggard. >> one of the originals and there aren't that many of them left. we will talk more about merle haggard's life and career. >> the presidential candidates

the next big battle ground in the race and are ratcheting up the rhetoric. let's start with democrats. andrea mitchell has her eye on the race. >> with both democrats needing to win the new york primary on april 19th verbal sparring has escalated. the angriest exchanges of this year long campaign. bernie sanders unleashing a blistering attack against hillary clinton. he said she started it. >> she has been saying lately that she thinks that i am quote, unquote, not qualified to be president. well, let me just say in response to secretary clinton. i don't believe that she is qualified. i don't think that you are qualified if you get $15 million from wall street through your super

i don't think you are qualified if you have voted for the disastrous war in iraq. >> reporter: clinton has seized on a damming daily news front page slamming sanders for saying sandy hook families shouldn't be able to sue the gun manufacturer. when pressed on "morning joe" about whether sanders is ready to be president clinton replied -- >> i don't think he has done his homework and has been talking about doing things that he obviously hasn't really studied or understood and that does raise a lot of questions. >> do you think he is qualified? >> let me put it this way, i think what he has been saying about the core issue in his

be rooted in an understanding of either the law or the practical ways you get something done. >> reporter: she said she would leave it to the voters to decide whether sanders is qualified. later this remark. >> if i'm asking you to vote for me you should know what i want to do and not just lots of arm waving and hot rhetoric. i think you should know what i want to do. >> clinton's spokesman called sanders inturperation of her remarks absurd. he has shown no reluctance to say she is the one not qualified to the highest office in the land. >> this continued into the night. the clinton spokesperson saying there should be a retraction from bernie sanders. take back your words about hillary clinton. >> right. >> and the response was to issue a press release doubl

deal that was supported by the president and she as the secretary of state, a panama trade deal which he claims was partly responsible for helping rich people evade taxes. he is just slamming her and doing it again after being told to take it all back. this is going on. >> welcome to new york. thank you so much. we should mention hillary clinton and bernie sanders will be our guests tomorrow on "today." let's take a look at the republican side. donald trump and ted cruz held events in new york. they had really different feels. peter alexander has more on that. >> good morning. after showing signs of weakness in wisconsin, donald trump is now enjoying the home court advantage here. looking to rebound with a raucous rally trump seems reenergized by what was an overwhelming reception. ke

garden donald trump basking in the new york spot light. >> it is great to be home. >> reporter: in front of 10,000 supporters the republican front rner interrupted more often by cheering fans than protesters. taunting his rival. >> lying ted cruz came today. he couldn't draw 100 people. you remember during the debate when he started lecturing me on new york values like we are no good. >> reporter: earlier ted cruz trying to clarify those comments. >> the people of new york know exactly what those values are, the values of liberal democratic politicians like andrew cuomo, anthony weiner. >> reporter: firing back for accusing cruz of trying to steal the nomination.

on to take the high road. >> reporter: bronx protester told cruz to hit the road at a campaign stop. >> get out of the bronx. >> reporter: despite his wisconsin loss the empire state is embracing trump. 52% of republicans behind him. trump's path to the nomination is hardly a sure thing. to reach the magic number of delegates needed trump must win 58% of 822 remaining delegates. the billionaire getting a boost from his most dependable advocate. >> i will tell you it was not easy to leave him for so much as a minute to be here. it

did. >> quite a night. a bruising next 12 days as the candidates get the new york tabloid treatment. the pulse of the city right out of the gates from this morning's daily news takes the train as you can see colorfully. >> and a hit with our crew. the goal right now for ted cruz and john kasich, if you will, is not about winning states but holding the delegate count down for donald trump. >> it is tougher for donald trump today than before wisconsin but two weeks from now after new york it could get a whole lot easier. in a single night trump could win almost two and a half times as much as cruz. they don't have to beat trump, they just have to keep him below 50% to start picking away delegates. >> thank you.

severe storms causing major problems. in montgomery county, alaska a possible tornado left a path of destruction. no injuries were reported. another possible tornado reported to touchdown in georgia. a state of emergency being expanded for parts of oklahoma affected by the devastating wild fires. tens of thousands of acres have been burned. hundreds of people forced to evacuate miguel almaguer is there. >> reporter: the largest wildfire burning here in oklahoma. at 20% contained crews say it is on the move. at first light these teams will roll out hoping to slow the fire's progress before the day heats up. >> we have a lot of cedar trees. >> reporter: the wild fires burning in oklahoma and kansas are fuelled by powerfu w

drought. >> the winds have been troublesome. >> reporter: the condition so explosive here more than 50,000 acres are up in smoke. >> seems like they get one spot down and another spot flairs up. i want to cry but i know that our firefighters know what they are doing. >> reporter: near freedom, oklahoma, a state of emergency. crews racing to stay ahead of this blaze having tallied the damage left behind. >> it is really the boots on the ground that are putting these fires out. being able to get closer to the fire, that is what is reducing that smoke. >> reporter: with 50 miles per hour fanning the flames this week storm chasers rescued a man trapped on a tractor. >> hurry up. >> reporter: with no time to spare their car is hit by a wall of flames. a breath taking escape. in neighboring kansas the governor declaring a

this building damaged but an entire neighborhood is safe. the start of a mean fire season just weeks after winter. this morning there is better news in both kansas and here in oklahoma. those fires have laid down overnight. crews continue to make steady progress. the next 24 hours will be critical. >> thank you. now to an exploding air bag claiming yet another life. officials confirming that a 17-year-old girl was killed near houston, texas last week when a driver side air bag inflater ruptured. it is the tenth known death in the u.s. from a takata inflater. honda says it mailed multiple recall notice to the owner but the repairs were never made. onit

nation's airport. deadly attacks on everyone's minds. the agency is highly focussed on securing and protecting our transportation systems. he said the tsa has tightened the vetting process and established ongoing background checks of airport workers who could pose insider threats. now to an alarming incident. this happened in texas. cell phone video showing a sixth grade girl being slammed to the ground by a school police officer. tamron is here with more. >> good morning. that incident happened last week. it is now under investigation. the officer involved is on paid leave and the student is speaking out. >> it happened in an instant. a 12-year-old girl body slammed to the ground by a school police officer in san antonio. you ca

janissa valdez's body hit the concrete and then she lay there motionless. friends concerned and others nervously laughing. what could have led up to such a response by the officer. >> i couldn't believe it happened. >> reporter: talk on campus brewing. >> i was going to say let's go somewhere else to talk. >> reporter: the cell phone video going viral. >> you can hear when she hits the ground. >> reporter: after her mom went to a local blogger. she gave today these photos showing they show her eye bruised and scratched. in a statement the san antonio independent school district telling "today" the video is very disturbing and we have launched a formal investigation being conducted by district police and administration. >> excessive force will not

tolerated. >> the officer, joshua kehm has been placed on paid leave. he did not respond to repeated requests for comment. >> i wasn't going to do anything. >> i don't want that done to another student. >> valdez was checked out by doctors and a bump to the head. we are told she is okay. cell phone video showed a limo driver grabbing what appeared to be a tire iron, walk to the car behind him and take a swing at the window. police say both drivers are blaming the other for a minor crash that happened moments before. the world's bestol

off today in the first major of the year as the masters get underway at augusta national. wednesday biggest names had fun participating in the par 3 contest, a favorite tradition at augusta. there were nine holes in one includinghis one from gary player on the seventh hole. the kids stole the show. check out the putt and the happy gilmore like celebration. another youngster who would rather be on a soccer field than the golf greens. so first we have march madness. now we have the masters. life is good. >> this is awesome. so cute. we have mr. roker on the road at the white house specifically at the kitchen garden. >> reporter: we are going to be

lady. but we are going to be talking with the first lady about gardening and all of those healthy initiatives. we want to talk about this severe weather going on. we are watching the same storm system that brought tornadoes down to alabama. that is pushing its way east. you can see heavy showers and thunderstorms ahead of this front. we look for gusty winds, strong down bursts and behind it, look for light snow as colder air gets dragged in through the great lakes, we see a few inches of snow there. heavy rain from new york city north to new england. we could look for flash flooding, we have flood watches in effect through thursday into saturday with more heavy rain possible the next 24 hours. to your local forecast coming up in the next 30 seconds.

good morning. meteorologist chuck bell. rain moving into much of the area with pockets of very heavy rain in culpeper coming towards the metro. be ready for a very heavy rain during the morning commute. temperatures are in the low to mid 50s now. the haven't of the rain should be ending by about lunchtime or before. a risk of a few more passing showers >> that's your latest weather. next half hour we are talking awfully

weekend here in the east. out west a totally different story. now to another huge loss in the world of music. >> merle haggard died of pneumonia. >> merle haggard's career spanned more than six decades. he recorded his first song in 1962. he became known as country music's outlaw hero. ♪ and i'm proud >> he was called the poet of the common man. merle haggard's lyrics reflecting a rebellious life that included three years at san quinton where haggard said a johnny cash concert changed the course of his life. >> i saw him capture that entire audience and gave me a lesson that i will never

went on to have 38 hits on the country music chart. haggard told jenna bush haguer that despite numerous health issues he would never stop making music. >> when a man quits work he never gives up on anything. >> reporter: his long time friend willie nelson posted a simple black and white photo calling him, quote, my brother, my friend. dolly parton said his heart was as tender as his love ballad. lu luke -- >> justin timberlake tweeted out this picture. timberlake said his grand father was also a huge fan and haggard took the audience to church during that show. he kept

a friend called him two weeks before he passed and he said buddy, i got another song. up until the end he was writing. >> you said something. you hear from young country stars mourning the death of merle haggard, country music stars really get their history. >> if you look at the list, carrie underwood, they are all tweeting. they know from where they came. >> thank you. still ahead on a thursday morning, the parents who bought a massive billboard to try to reach out to their kids who are members of the church of scientology. they are going to share their story. would you be less likely to eat certain foods if you anyhow how long to exercise to burn the calories? the new push to change food labels.

only one candidate has been endorsed by the washington post: kathleen matthews. as a journalist and progressive leader at marriott, she has a broad and deep facility with policy. emily's list praises matthews as pro-choice and the post says on gun control, clean energy, education and health research kathleen matthews "has greater potential, following the van hollen model, to move the ball forward." kathleen: i'm kathleen matthews and i approve this message.

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with intuitive all-wheel drive. take on the unexpected. this is a "news4 today" news break. >> good morning, everybody. april 7th. 2016. >> in case you haven't heard. it's national's home opener. a front row seat for preparat n preparations on the way. >> on over to her. >> good morning. it's very exciting. game time still hours away. it is starting to rain. there is a plan in place. be sure to check the nationals website to make sure there is no game postponed as well. they want to have the game. you will have to go through security and mag no trom teres. here is a list of things you cannot bring to the ballpark if

afternoon. no bag larger than 16 by 16 by 8, a tote bag, everything has to fit in there. if your umbrella does not collapse you can't bring it and has to fit in that bag and no glass. we want to get to breaking news on the roads. >> breaking news on the roads. an 8 mile backup all the way from the 70 on 270 to river road. this is a major problem here this morning. you will want to avoid this if thiis your major route. with the rain it is very slow an adding to d

time magazine called chris van hollen "a hero to environmentalists, education groups, and gun control advocates" for his accomplishments as a young legislator. now a respected leader in congress and key ally of president obama, protecting planned parenthood and social security... chris van hollen is the only candidate who fought the wall street banks and the nra...and won. that's why he's endorsed by the post as the "talented successor" to senator mikulski who will "deliver results." i'm chris van hollen, and i approve this message. good morning. it's raining hard out there across much of northern virginia now and steady heavy rain into

the metro right now and will be here the next couple of hours. and goes to about lunchtime and then passing showers yvette: i was running for my life. he was flicking matches on me... my ex-husband's intentions were to murder me. glenn: i made sure yvette's abuser went away for good, and put in place tougher sentences, because domestic violence can never be tolerated. yvette: mr. ivey showed compassion. i felt like i could trust him. narrator: glenn ivey. as state's attorney, a proven leader. in congress, he'll combat domestic violence, and protect president obama's legacy. glenn: i'm glenn ivey and i approve this message, because i'm on your side.

♪ 7:30 on a thursday morning, the 7th of april, 2016. giving a little face time to people braving chilly temperatures here in new york. >> let's get a check of headlines. powerful storms across the south. tornadoes reported in alabama, georgia damaging several homes there. no major injuries reported. donald trump held his first campaign rally in new york last night with his home state primary about two weeks away. >> you remember during the debate when he started

me on new york values like we are no good. >> for his part ted cruz was also in new york on wednesday and received a mix reaction from voters in the bronx. and the attacks are heating up on the democratic race with hillary clinton challenging bernie sanders' preparedness to be president. sanders firing back with a list of reasons he thinks clinton is not qualified. a giant billboard in los angeles aimed at the church of scientology. there is an emotional personal story behind it. >> good morning. this family has tried nearly everything just to reach their son and daughter in the church of scientology. they called on the phone for years and turned away when tried to visit their work. they are hoping this billboard will help them

in the church of scientologies teachings describe the family as the building block of any society. the last time they spoke with their son michael was two years ago. >> said i never want to talk to you again. that's what they do. it's a cruel and vindictive organization. >> reporter: the jones who were members of the church say they are now victims of disconnecting, cut off from their children after being labelled suppressive people. >> scientology is not allowing me to be a mom. >> reporter: they rented a billboard on a busy street of los angeles appealing to my loved one in scientolog

the billboard was promoting anti-religious hate and bigotry adding two people desperate for publicity. they say they are working on a documentary and wouldn't be the first time the church has been shown in an unflattering light. form eer describe dissecconnect >> she said i have to disconnect from you. i was concentrating on smelling her hair, touching her skin. >> reporter: the jones family planned to put up their billboard near scientology sites in hollywood but say contracts with two different advertisers were cancelled. >> i'm

scientology -- >> reporter: they found this site with another company. other parents came out for the unveiling. >> i hope that eventually this toxic practice of disconnecting families ends cht. >> reporter: the family hoping the children see these words and hear their plea. >> we love you guys so much and miss you so much. >> and we won't stop fighting for you ever, ever. >> we love you. >> reporter: on this church of scientology website the church says there is no policy that requires church members to disconnect. the jones have said up their own website for other families to share their stories of being disconnected. >> thank you very much. in los angeles the police department just opened a criminal investigation against

allegations. >> reporter: this morning police in los angeles confirm charlie sheen is under criminal investigation. his exfiance claiming he threatened her life. reports of an explosive secret audio recording. the national enquirer published what they say are quotes from the recording. sheen allegedly says she needs to be buried. now the l.a.p.d. has a search warrant. telling police she is in fear for her life. the parent company of the enquirer and radar online says the warrant is illegal and they have no intention of complying. >> he is not being truthful and honest with the public and at the same time he is sounding like a very dangerous man.

revealed on "today" that he is hiv positive. >> have you told everyone of your sexual partners before you had a sexual encounter that you were hiv positive? >> yes, i have. >> no exception? >> no exception. >> reporter: in the audio conversation the unidentified woman seems to contradict sheen. last year scotty ross filed a civil suit against sheen alleging he was violent. sheen's manager tells nbc news i look forward to the l.a.p.d. looking into the audio tape and once and for all exonerating charlie sheen. charlie has suffered enough he says. hopefully we will see him back on tv making people laugh which

let us get a check of the weather on al who's spending his day at the white house. >> reporter: first lady in 2009 unveiled her garden. first, let's talk about the big changes in weather. this for today the best in the east. near seasonable temperatures. temperatures fairly close to average, in fact, a little above average to the south. as you get to the weekend we have a cold blast coming in. temperatures 10 to 20 degrees below average. doesn't warm up to monday. out west a completely different story, stays warm north to northwest and cool showers in southern california. record breaking temperatures today in the northwest. it stays warm through the weekend. as you get down to southern ca

arizona and parts of the southwest, temperatures drop a bit, still not too bad. that's what's going on around the country. here's what's happening in your neck of the woods. >> good morning. i'm storm team 4, meteorologist, chuck bell. moderate rain to the west of the corridor. prepare for a slosh of rain here and the heavy rain could be out by lunchtime and a few passing showers this afternoon. currently in the low to mid 50s and rise to low 60s for a high today and you get a little bit of sunshine to about noon or >> after we finish up here we will be getting on a plane looking at other schools around the country that are doing gardens. then we will sit down with her to talk about her let's move initiative and life after the white house. we will have that interview tomorrow right here on "today" with first lady

>> thanks. tweeting at you, al. >> she is happy you have an umbrella. >> that's nice to know that she is watching. >> peeking out the window at you. coming up your first look at the gilmore girls reboot. the new push to have food labels include the exercise needed to burn off the calories wrely on the us postal service? because when they ship with us, their business becomes our business. that's why we make more e-commerce deliveries to homes than anyone else in the country. here, there, everywhere. united states postal service priority: you

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we are back with the new call to change the way our favorite foods are labelled. >> craig melvin has more on this. >> great britain's royal society is pushing for this. instead of reading calorie counts people can see how much they need to exercise to burn off the calories. the idea is designed to target obesity and has some people wondering how much you would exercise if this was the case. one can of soda, 26 minutes of walking. a chocolate bar, try biking for 49 minutes. how about a cinnamon roll? you might be on the treadmill for 40 minutes to burn off that one. hearing those numbers may make

that is what some health experts are hoping for. >> people are very shocked when they look at the calories and what it means. >> reporter: listing the activity equivalent is a better way to fight obesity than just the calorie count alone according to a new paper just published. >> what we want to prompt people to do is to think differently. >> reporter: based on a survey of 2,000 adults it proposes labelling foods sold in grocery stores. it would be one big step beyond current nutrition fact. >> the simpler we can make it, the more it actually ends up doing good and impacting what people choose. >> reporter: do labels help americans lose weight. one study found starbucks customers consumed 6% fewer calories when

researchers in new york found less than 10% of customers changed their orders when they saw calories on the menu. are consumers influenced by the numbers long term? >> they become used to them and ignore them. >> reporter: with two of three americans overweight everyone agrees changes need to be made label or not. we should point out this is a recommendation based on research and not yet an official proposal. not only could this deter people from eating junk food. people were three times more likely to do some sort of physical activity. >> i'm all for exercise. wouldn't it take different people different amounts of times to burn off the same amount of calories? >> yes. >> you eat a bag of doritos and it is like walk 25 minutes and for me it is like run the boston marathon.

difference. >> you pointed out the idea that some of this seems to be based on folks who are completely sedentary. >> just waking up you burn calories. >> some people it would work more than others. >> i should not have shown up today. >> a conversation. it doesn't happen all that often. >> and we love you. coming up, simon, garfunkel and affleck. and a warning this one might not be so family

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>> announced the plan to rename the law school in honor of scalia school of law. >> you have this one for the school of law. andy writing in. brett writing in, what degrees are they awarding? after realizing the mistake george mason university released a statement. the law school is a logical substitute. the naming will be active pending approval. it was just too law.

think the kids who attend the law school have another name in mind. back to you. >> wow. ryan seacrest, why he says it could i love to take pictures that engage people and to connect us with the wonderment of nature. with the tiger image, the saliva coming off and you got this turning. that's why i need this kind of resolution and computing power. being able to use a pen like this on the screen directly with the image, it just gives me a different relationship to it and i can't do that on my mac. this is brilliant for me.

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good morning, everyone. it's 7:56. i'm erika gonzalez. we want to check in with melissa who has breaking news on the roads. >> 270 southbound because of a crash that just happened. we are very slow on 270 this morning. part of this playing into it, the rain. look at that green, that is rain falling across our major metro roadways this morning. delays only running between huntington l'enfant and mt. vernosquare.n

good morning, everybody. lots of rain across the i-81 and 95 corridors and will taper off by mid-morning to occasional showers in the afternoon. temperatures in the low to mid 50s, a lot milder than yesterday. most of the rain here done before lunchtime. i can't guarantee there won't be a few more showers. if you're game bound, br

it's 8:00 on "today." fighting back. >> i'm not going to let someone tell me i'm obese. >> refuses the bmi test. plus the end of an era. >> it would be impossible for me to not get emotional at the finale. >> as "american idol" comes to a close ryan seacrest opens up about what he will miss most. and the doctor is in. we will talk with the

only mindy kaling. ♪ ♪ too legit to quit >> first time in new york city! >> all the way from jersey city to the "today" show. >> it's 8:00 on today. it is thursday, april 7, 2016. pretty day out on our plaza. starting to warm up just a little bit. little breezy and that's the weather report. can you hear the music? that is

>> great choice. >> it reminds me of our aerobics class, the one you used to teach. >> in the '90s. >> that's another story. we are spread out all over the place this morning. al is at the white house spending time at the garden with the first lady. natalie is at universal studios for the wizarding world of harry potter. >> so much excitement here. right behind me you see hogwart's express. it will be huge here for the park with a little bit of magic you never know who will appear. you know, yesterday there were

park starting at noon. for the first time at universal's history they had to stop selling tickets online. it is a sold out event here today but it will be huge and we have it all covered for you coming up in just a little bit. >> as you are waving that wand around you have been busy. you also sat down with ryan seacrest. let's go in to tamron with a look at the morning's headlines. >> the battle for new york is off to a spirited start as the presidential candidates vie for votes in the next big primary. donald trump played to a crowd of 10,000 on long island and said ted cruz couldn't draw 100 supporters here. >> you remember that during the debate when he started lecturing me on new york vue

are no good. >> people of new york know what the values are, values of liberal democratic politicians like andrew cuomo, anthony weiner, elliot spitzer. >> despite trying to down play his new york value he says he supports american values shared by police officers, firefighters and others. democrat bernie sanders and hillary clinton are unleashing angriest attacks so far. clinton accused sanders of not doing his homework and talking about things he doesn't understand. sanders fired back that it is clinton who is not qualified to be president. he said through her superpack and criticized her for voting for the war in iraq. a recall of scarves sold

saying the rayon scarves made in china don't meet standards. she said immediate action is being taken to resolve the issue. a child in china survived a frightening accident. the youngster falls from the back of a minivan as it speeds up through an intersection and then a car runs over that child. once they realize what is happening people get out of the van to try to rescue the van. the child appeared to be okay. police say no one even reported the accident and only learned about it while scanning through surveillance video. what is crazy about a month ago we had a similar story in china where a child fell out of the back of a van.

>> need to tighten up some laws. we move on now to a 14-year-old girl from indiana whose hand written essay challenging a school assignment is going viral. >> hoda has the story. >> body image issues are not uncommon. when they received an assignment she felt would do more harm than good she decided to take matters into her own hands. her response is sparking conversation in schools across the country. >> star eighth grade softball player is swinging for fences on and off the field. >> i am just beginning to love my body like i should and i'm not going to let some outdated calculator and middle school gym teacher tell me i'm obese because i'm not. >> she slammed a homework assignment asking her to calculate her bmi as measure of he

>> the response from an eighth grade girl has now gone viral. >> reporter: tessa hit a nerve as supporters cheered her on saying i wish i had her confidence and bravo. >> some girls in my class had been labelled obese and overweight when they really weren't including me. and i knew i wasn't obese. i just felt like she shouldn't be letting us feel that way about ourselves when it is totally inaccurate. >> reporter: tessa argued that body mass index doesn't distinguish between muscle, fat and bone so athletes could be labelled obese. health experts say she has a point. >> bmi is one small imperfect factor that you use when you assess someone's current health status and risk for disease. it can be wrong in either direction when calculating someone's obesity. however, it is good that bmi is being talked about by the school

to health and wellness. >> reporter: in a statement to nbc news the school says all of our students are taught healthy habits in an effort to provide a foundation for a healthy lifestyle. and that the question regarding bmi was part of a larger assignment. the school praised tessa for starting a positive conversation. like some teenage girls tessa is outspoken about her struggle with body image. >> i am really proud of her. >> i could stand to lose a couple pounds but i'm not necessarily obese. i make very healthy choices. shouldn't necessarily let one number define you. >> totally agree. tessa and her mom say her doctor deemed her perfectly healthy and she can pat herself on the back for launch ag conversation that could have an important impact. those numbers effect you. i remember clearly in sixth grade they had us lineup to stand on a scale and

i was the only kid who was 101. at 51 years old i remember like you are over 100. i still remember how that made me feel. >> never mind you are a tall girl and the rest of it. >> thought provoking. coming up, man's best friend is on his worst behavior. ryan seacrest talks about his personal plans for the future. >> and special ♪ ♪ ♪ stand out. by design. ♪ that feeling recaptured.

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8:50. >> you ever said these words to a baby science explains it that that instinct to nibble your children is completely natural. researchers say the smell of infants triggers the same response we have when presented with a delicious meal. we don't actually eat them but have a burning sensation to get as close as possible. >> i always feel that sensation with other

>> you ever grit your teeth? i'm like they are so cute all day long. >> absolutely. >> you know what cures you? when they turn 14 and you go to soccer practice. one family shocked at the state of their home when they returned from the movies. this is the family's pet dog looking like he is in a heap of trouble. look at the rest of the house. it is a mess. the dog got into the owner's calligraphy ink set and decided to walk around the entire house with ink stained paws. the series of photos have been viewed by over 400,000 people. there was one room that the dog did not trash. any guesses? >> his room. >> the

one single paw print. the dog said i will really get in trouble. >> how much ink did they have? let's get a first look at the gilmore girls reboot and kids take on the musical hamilton. >> this week's entertainment weekly the first look at the reboot of gilmore girls. inside you find new photos. netflix will release four 90 minute episodes. we are here until may 10. she can drive up, run in and shoot it. no release date from netflix. entertainment weekly does hit

news stands this friday. we brought you sad ben affleck. the song of silence was played over it. it boosted the popularity of the song. that song has climbed to number 36 on youtube's global top 100. it is beating florida and the queen taylor swift. good for them. and the gala allows stars to take a stab at other musical numbers. three young boys performed a musical number. it was no challenge for these guys. have a look. ♪ ♪ daddy

♪ you're free to go ♪ look around, look around >> haven't had the good fortune to get tickets to see that show like many of you. al and his green thumb are at the white house in the kitchen garden with the umbrella still out. good morning again. >> they need about a good garde size, about 1500 square feet. needs about an inch of rain per week. we're on our way. that's the good news. let's show you what we have going on today. a lot of wet weather in the east and southern california over the next 24 hours. heavier rain and legislatiake e sn snow, i should say clipper

temperatures moderate in the east finally. nice and toasty in the gulf coast to the southwest. pacific northwest highs today and the rest of the country we are looking for that wet weather to be pretty much concentrated in the northeast mid-atlantic states and heavy rain in northern new england. that's what's going on around the country. here's what's happening in your neck of the woods. >> good slug of moderate rain extends from the pennsylvania border to west of fredericksburg and pockets of heavy rain where the brighter yellows are coming into the immediate metro area. it's not cold, one good thing. low to mid 50s across the area and will get to mid 60s. most of the rain is before lunchtime, a passing shower in the afternoon and could have >> that's it from here. i'm about to hop on a plane with first lady michelle obama to look at greatoo

initiative and have that interview with michelle obama tomorrow morning on "today." guys, back to you. >> looking forward to it, al. tonight the 15th and final american id"american idol" will. >> the show launched careers of music stars like kelly clarkson and carrie underwood. caught up with someone who has been there for all of it, host ryan seacrest. >> good morning. it is going to be an emotional night for ryan seacrest. he has been there from the start. the show that made him a star and so many others. and it helped him launch a media empire. from the radio -- >> i'm focussed on having fun with you. >> reporter: to the red carpet to that famous opening line. >> this is

>> reporter: 41-year-old ryan seacrest has become a pop culture icon. >> this is "american idol" for the last time. >> reporter: we sat down with him on the idol stage days before the final episode ever. >> this has been my home for 15 years. it will be impossible for me to not get emotional at that finale. >> the race to our finale continues. >> reporter: his famous co-stars say he is the show's secret stop. >> i thought he is in charge around him. without him this does not run. >> reporter: you as the host, you are sort of the glue that holds it all together. do you think you have been given enough credit? >> i think i have been given plenty of credit. i realize and i remember when i had none of it. >> reporter: this is

suburban atlanta obsessed with music and radio. he dropped out of college to move to l.a. what do you think was the key to your success into getting this? >> i was scared to death of failing. i remember saying to my parents i'm going to put myself in my honda and i'm going to drive out to l.a. and i'm going to try to make it in broadcasting somehow. so when i got here i thought i am not going back there and saying that i failed. i'm going to do exactly what they thought i would do. >> reporter: today he runs an empire, radio, tv shows and a clothing line earning him a reported $60 million last year. >> do you worry he is pushing too hard. >> reporter: his parents say success hasn't changed their son. he still vacations with them. >> my family and i are very close. my mother is still my mother. she says

dinner. >> reporter: this fall he will be man of honor at his sister's wedding. his family still hoping he will find the one. >> he is a busy guy and mind is always going and needs someone to calm him. >> reporter: these days ryan's calm is hiking in the hollywood hills with his black lab. >> this is the woman in my life. she does everything i ask. >> reporter: seriously, how is a guy like you so single? >> i have several flaws. i'm a short guy. i'm not that athletic. i work a little bit. if i don't shift my priorities a little bit i will die before i fall in love and get married. i do want kids. >> reporter: how many? >> let's start with one. >> reporter: ryan's love of kids led to his seacrest

it builds state-of-the-art radio studios at children's hospitals across the country. we were there as ryan and taylor swift opened his studio at vanderbilt children's hospital in nashville. >> these kids are young bright talented people. the studio gives them a chance to show that off. >> reporter: this summer ryan will be showing off at the rio olympics hosting the late night coverage live. >> what are you doing to prepare? >> i have a binder sent to me from nbc. >> reporter: one thing for sure, the end of idol will bring new beginnings. >> nothing will replace this but i'm looking forward to the possibility of what might be next. >> reporter: ryan says he doesn't know what his next tv venture will be after the summer olympics but he is always keeping busy.

are bringing back every winner from the past 15 seasons. you can be sure to see some familiar faces in the judges, as well. >> you are doing the ultimate multi tasking. you have the profile of ryan seacrest and in the wizarding world of harry potter, as well. >> reporter: what is it without the stars. i have butter beer. i have evana lynch here. here is to new beginnings, books and movies may be over. we have this opening up. it is exciting. >> absolutely. a new home. exciting now home of this. >> reporter: we talked about how much this has launched careers for you guys, as well. >> absolutely. lucky and fortu

we will have a lot more from here coming up. here is some butterpotter. carson, back to you. here's some butter beer for you. >> we will chat about all kinds of stuff. this is a "news4 today" news break. >> good morning, it's 8:26 on this thursday april 7th. i'm aaron gilchrist. today is nats home opener all eyes on the weather. let's check on your forecast. >> good thing it is not an early morning first pitch. it is raining hard across all western sides of the d.c. metro. these pockets of heavy rain pushing into the downtown reg n regions the next little bit. plan on a galoshes ready kind of morning. the back end of the rain starting to reach towards winchester and la ray ay and charlottesville and we should be able to get a break or two of suhine after ns

narrator: all that political mail mlet's simplify.lming. only one candidate has been endorsed by the washington post: kathleen matthews. as a journalist and progressive leader at marriott, she has a broad and deep facility with policy. emily's list praises matthews as pro-choice and the post says on gun control, clean energy, education and health research kathleen matthews "has greater potential, following the van hollen model, to move the ball forward." kathleen: i'm kathleen matthews and i approve this message. on the roads,

because of an earlier crash. we have an 8 mile backup not letting up at montrose

it is 8:30 now on a thursday morning. it is the 7th of april, 2016. we are greeting a crowd on the plaza helping to celebrate the opening of the wizarding world of harry potter. >> everybody stepped out in their harry potter. wear

studios for a special sweepstakes. the prize includes round trip air fare. runs through april 13th. go to today.com to enter. i have mindy kaling in the house celebrating mid season return of the mindy project. she looks amazing. >> we'll see you in a minute. fettucini alfredo may sound like the diet destroyer but not in the hands of this chef. we will get a little dessert in there, too. >> dylan has moved in for a little weather for al. >> al stepped out. i got the word, i have for a little weather for al. >> al stepped out, i just got the word i have a little weather for al. >> we could see some

accumulating snow with temperatures in 30s and 40s. rain moves to the southwest which will help with the fire danger threat out that way. stays damp on saturday. in the northeast, temperatures will be bitter cold in the 30s and 40s and could see a wintery mix with accumulating snow in higher elevations in pennsylvania and snow in hartford, too, across long island and sunday we lose that wintery mix, temperatures in se 40s, and chicago and st. louis and more rain in california and through nevada and through the rockies as well. that's a look at the weather across the country, now, a peek out your window. >> good morning. raining hard in downtown washington and frederick, maryland, leesburg, manassas, fredericksburg, stafford, and the rain moving into the metro area. have your goulashes ready to go. one upside, not a cold rain, temperatures in the mid 50s n

this afternoon, should be able to get the game in although i >> and that's your latest forecast. >> i am here with one of my all-time favorite guests mindy kaling keeping busy. her show expected to return next week on hulu. you see mindy dealing with changes in her relationship after she and her boyfriend have a baby. >> i don't want to have another baby. >> i don't like when you say things like that. >> he is a baby. >> when i was 7 i was speaking full sentences. >> i cannot get into another big fight with you before the wedding. i want to wait until we are married and then i will bring it up. >> good morning to you. a cliff hanger because at the end of where we left mindy was

is it all wrapped up in a bow? >> we will get some answers but it won't be me. that's not my style. >> that's not the mindy we know. >> there is going to be like -- she loves drama. i think she is one of the people who thinks she doesn't like it but secretly does. it is super funny. seth myers is in our premiere. >> he just tweeted and said i'm coming on as a completely different character. he was in the first season playing a role. >> he played an architect eating frozen yogurt. >> he is playing himself. when i think of the show it is all about mindy being a single girl in new york and has an interesting hot mess ofat

life. did you have trepidation of take ag different turn and now she is a mom? is this going to make the series better? am i going into dangerous territory here? >> i think we sometimes are a little unfair about the way we portray mothers that they can't have sexy and fun lives when my friends who have kids their lives have gotten funnier and more interesting. so many moms, single moms who have interesting funny dating lives. tv viewers want to see that and often are not presented with it. i thought it would be fun to explore it. it made the show funnier. >> i go to bed at 8:00 and wake up at 3:00 a.m. i want to put up a cover. you and betty white together. how cool was that? >> she is so funny and cool. it was such an honor to be able to hang out with her. >> the article

everyone's bfr. what does that mean? >> bfr? i hope it is not insulting. >> i think it is nice. don't you speak millennial? >> you are making me feel ancient. >> i don't know what it is. >> it sounded good. >> i hope it is something pleasant. >> i'm sure the internet will tell us. you put up a very cute picture of you and b.j. novak who we know you guys from your office days. you are like 25 in that picture right? >> i look like i was just born and he looks exactly the same. he hasn't aged at all. >> it is fun to look at the pictures. when you look at that and think i was just starting out in this business now and now you are a show runner. >> i'm still in

how did i manage to do that? >> a couple of seconds so i want to talk about the elephant in the room. everyone knows that you have a big crush on willie geist. >> i would like to think it is reciprocated. >> you discussed having love for carson. just a couple of paddles here. there they are. >> look at them. >> who would you rather be stuck on an overcrowded island with? >> i think carson because he has really good stories. >> who would you cast as your love interest on the mindy project? >> willie is eight feet tall and makes me feel tiny. >> who would win a physical fight for your affection? >> come on. >> that is so true. you have given birth. >> who do you think is a better

dancer? >> got to say -- >> and finally who would you rather receive a half hearted two minute shoulder rub from? >> carson. >> willie, you got some work to do. >> guys, come over. >> he's out. >> no, willie! >> thank you so much. back with kathie lee and hoda. and the mindy project premieres next tuesday on hulu. >> turn the cameras off. >> zoom in. coming up next your inside look at the wizarding world of harry potter. first this is "today" on nbc.

wall street. the nra. they're powerful. they usually get their way. but not with democrat donna edwards. she won't take cash from wall street banks. and when washington insiders wrote a loophole to let the nra spend dark money to kill gun safety laws, donna edwards said 'no' she's fighting to ban assault weapons and putting the safety of our communities first. because to democrat donna edwards, the special interests aren't special. we are. working for us pac is responsible for the content of this advertising.

harry potter fans, a lot to celebrate with the grand opening of the wizarding world of harry potter. >> crowds will soon raise butter beers to toast. >> good morning. >> good morning to you guys. the harry potter books have sold over 400 million copies. the movies grossed nearly $8 billion. the enchanter world comes to life once again right here at the wizarding world of harry potter. al and i got to check it out. >> are you ready to become wizards? >> let's go, kids. >> welcome. makers of fine wands since 382 b.c. what is your name?

>> no two wands are the same. a wand of oak 16 1/2 inches long. it is dark in here. would you brighten things up by illuminating the tip of the wand. >> what did you do, al? >> i blew another forecast. >> it is the wand that chooses the wizard. what is not always so clear is why. i wonder. and your name? lana. >> a wand of willow. >> wow. >> oh, my goodness. >> perfect fit. off you go. >> i use that wand to ask for more allowance. >> reporter: she wasn't the only e.

>> reporter: after wizarding and magical chocolate. >> who doesn't want butter beer? time for a ride. a little roller coaster. make sure it is -- >> they're never coming back. >> that was fun. >> reporter: then into the labyrinth. >> to become a real wizard you must go to hogwarts castle. watch out for the dementors. al, you are going to leave us? >> i'm going to meet you on the other end. >> glasses on. >> we made it. >> what do you say we

honey dukes? >> ear wax, vomit. >> what did you get? i think he got vomit. >> it was a bit of candmonium. >> we had such a great time we have to let everybody know. >> let's send them back home. >> delivered by owl. >> we came, we saw, we wizarded. >> it's all here at the wizarding world of harry potter hollywood. let's go. >> magical. >> so i hear the owl post is a little bit like the snail mail. you apparently didn't get the letters we sent from here. they are on their way. what is on its way in just a couple of minutes hoopening the doors to the crowds here wizarding world of harry potter. you see lots of

people excited for the occasion. i have to tell you it is like being on a hollywood set appropriately enough. >> it looks like fun. >> bring back some butter beer. >> bring back some beer. >> it's a sugar rush. >> bring two. coming up next we will help you put your best face forward with home

we are back at 8:47. winter months can wreak havoc on our skin. the worst of winter is just about over. deborah wattenburg is here with cool home remedies. i like when we can create products with stuff hanging around the kitchen. >> we have a

what you want to do is add in something that will exfoliate. here is grape fruit juice and sour cream. >> just stuff you buy at the store. >> and egg whites. if you mix this up nicely you can then create a mask that you can apply to the skin. the purpose of this mask would be to lightly exfoliate off the skin. >> you want it a little slippery. the sour cream will make it stick on. you can see it will start to harden on her face because there are acids in the sour cream which will lightly exfoliate. leave this on for about five minutes and wash it off with warm water and apply a moisturizer and you will be in great shape. >> time to get the feet ou

>> this is strawberries. it will allow the skin to exfoliate and peel away dry dead skin. you can apply it to the feet. i'm going to come over here. >> you blend strawberries. you can apply this to the top of the feet, sides of the feet. leave it on for ten minutes and then rinse it off. this will help soften calluses. >> might want to put a towel down for that one. allergy season. >> tea bags are my favorite. you can put them in warm water to soften them and allow active

dip it in cold water. ring it out which creates the tea and allows the bag to take the active ingredient and apply it to the eye. leave it soaking there. it will help with inflammation. the caffeine constricts the blood vessels. cucumbers after the tea bags or instead of. this has vitamins. it is cooling. >> then you can make a salad. last but not least. >> here is just some great antisun burn products. if you get a bad sun burn mix milk-and-water. 50/50 and compress it. if you get a bad sun burn trying to get rid of red you can mix oatmeal with

antiseptic. a little olive oil for moisture and apply it to the skin. this is very soothing. there are lots of oatmeal products on the market. this is inexpensive way. leave it on until the sensation stops, wash it off and you are set. >> if this segment made you hungry up next fettucini alfredo.

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8:52. vegan restaurant here in new york last summer. rave reviews, long lines and celebrities like miley cyrus stopping in for a bite. chloe is here to share a favorite recipe. you are going to other cities and things like that. >> we have a lot going on. >> i hope you are hungry. we are making beet fettucini alfredo. normally you have to ride a bike four hours after. this is different. >> our flavors are garlic, olive oil. first we start on our sauce. i roasted beets with a little olive

instead of heavy cream we are using cashews. if you want to add water that will make a silky cream sauce. i will add caramelized onions. we will hit it with onion juice, salt, add roasted beets which is our secret ingredient. blend it for two minutes. we have it here. >> we have our tasters down stairs joined by mindy kaling. what happened? >> misinformation. let's get going. >> we are going to make -- you're not going to taste the tofu. >> it is your own. >> this is great because with traditional you feel tired after because it is heavy. this is light and

processor -- >> we will pulse it for texture. you want texture. it will come out like this and we will add our chives. this gives it a little bit of crunch. i like to fold those in giving it extra flavor. >> how is this going down stairs? >> it's so good. >> mindy, what do you think? >> it's delicious. >> generally speaking vegan recipes you go yum. >> i really like this. >> you are mixing the sauce in with the fettucini. >> just a fun way to make healthy pasta. you can serve this to kids. what we will do is serve some up. i will let you try them. >> this is going to be --

have to go for it. let me top you off with cheese and fresh basil. no dairy, no cream, no cheese. super light. >> we have coconut truffles. everyone loves them. >> this is really good. really good, chloe, recipes online. this is a "news4 today" news break. >> good morning, everybody. it's 8:56 on this thursday april 7th. i'm erika gonzalez. today is the nats home opener and all eyes are on the weather. let's check in with chuck. >> hey, erika. luckily the heavy rain we're dealing with this morning will be gone before the game starts. there still could be a passing shower after 4:00 when

this line of heavy rain extends from 17 towards stafford and fredericksburg reaches i 95 and cross to southern maryland. heavy rain between now and noon and passing showers and game time temperatures in the 60s today. >> thank you, chuck. a check of the roa comingds

but jamie raskin is the only abdemocrat for congress who led the fight for tougher gun laws.

to ban military-style assault weapons. raskin: i'm jamie raskin, and i approve this message. breaking news on the roads, 270 south, 8 mile backup as you hit the spur right now. very slow this morning. the center of the road is blocked with a crash,

this morning alyssa milano is here. we are live in hollywood for opening day of the wizarding world of harry potter. cheap trick is here singing "i want you to want me" coming up next. from nbc news this is today's take. live from studio 1 a in rockefeller plaza. >> it's april 7, 2016. another big crowd out on the plaza. we love all the people who turn out. there is a reason perhaps so many people are here

al on assignment. we are going to talk to natalie in a minute. our house band today is cheap trick. they will perform live in just a bit. >> you love them. >> i love this song. this makes you want to hop around and sing along. i absolutely love this song. >> sold more than 20 million albums, performed more than 5,000 shows over the years and have a new album out called bang zoom crazy hello. they are going to do another show with kathie lee and hoda. >> all of that success led to the moment to be our house band. they have been working hard for this. speaking of music, after 15 seasons tonight is the last eve

"american idol." series finale. it is over. in honor of throwback thursday we thought it would be cool to look back at early auditions from biggest winners who have gone on to be huge stars. season one winner kelly clarkson singing "at last". ♪ my love has come along ♪ my lonely days are over ♪ and life is like a song ♪ at last >> you know right away. >> to think she started there and then just sky rocketed. >> she is from burleson, texas, which is where my family lives. >> the pride of burleson. since that win kelly has released seven albums, over $17 million in album

>> carrie underwood has a cute baby. she sang in 2005 "i can't make you love me" ♪ i can't make you love me if you don't ♪ ♪ you can't make your heart feel something that it won't ♪ ♪ here in the dark these final hours ♪ >> great song. she was in town last week and i missed both shows. >> i ran into her in our building in makeup. and she said hi tamron. i had a complete physical reaction. >> huge. >> she didn't know my name at the grammy's. >> both of our stories are better than his. he missed here. >> we

she has won seven grammys. 12 academy of country music awards. original three judges. the final three judges tonight comes down to a couple of contestants both from mississippi. big performances from former winners. big names coming together. let's not forget ryan seacrest there from day one. you look at the growth of artists and then ryan with frosted tips. >> you think about jennifer hudson who lost idol but went on to become an oscar winner. fantasia, clay aiken who ran for office. you think about what this -- >> amazing. >> big

>> earlier craig melvin was on talking about the new idea, food labels. basically -- >> there is a reason i have a coca-cola. >> a coke and a smile. >> on the label we are drinking this coke. you get it in a bottle. rather than just the traditional calorie count it would have the amount of exercise you would need to do to burn off that soda. so if this were in a can on the can it would say run 15 minutes. it wouldn't say it, you read it. run for 15 minutes. you have to bike for 23 minutes or swim for 13 minutes. and the question is, would that change your diet decision? >> i have a strong opinion on this. i think there are a certain number of calories that you need to live. it's not like if i

have to run. if i only drink this today then i would probably not gain weight by the end of the day because of calories i burn by living. >> i used to say that in my 30s and then i said who stole my body. >> i probably wouldn't eat much else the rest of the day. >> most of us you wouldn't forego other meals. ideally you say i'm going to eat healthy. you have the big mac. for dinner you end up splurging. i now log my meals. i'm stunned how much i eat that i forget. i have this app my fitness pal. every time i look at my diary for the day i can't remember half of it. almost all things i can't remember are fatty things. >> your mind tuned them out.

food. i don't know what they mean. is that bad? i love a good old fashioned american coca-cola. >> and you know what goes good with coke, butter beer? >> especially out in hollywood. are you guys harry potter fans? >> we hung out at the park. >> it's incredible. >> they sold more than 400 million copies world wide. harry potter is huge. guess who is out there. natalie morales. celebrating all things harry potter. how is it going out there? >> it is amazing. exciting new chapter here opening day for the wizarding world of harry potter at universal studios hollywood. the muggles are swarming. they are ready to come in. i have real life wizards

has to be exciting every time you see the love and how much people flock to you guys and to see this opening up once again here, tell me about that. >> it is exciting. thousands of ravenous muggles. very exciting. >> the best part seeing the new fans come into it who haven't experienced it. it is more familiar to us. when you see people who are brand new to it that is pretty fun. >> new generations. my kids have grown up with the books and movies. so many generations will continue to enjoy that with the opening day here. they have a chance to have it come to life. you are a super fan. you have read all the books and wrote letters. is that right? you had to convince your parents to let you audition for the part? >> that is kind

just loved it. just really felt -- i like that they were weirdoes. they have this magical world where they belong. >> empowering message. people come up to you and think that you are evil. >> most people read between the lines. >> you are such a nice guy. >> came in and gave me a big hug. >> i think he is hesitant. >> as long as you have the cape on you are good. >> it's exciting. i know you have a busy day helping us open the gates here. it is going to happen all very soon. i'll send it back to you. >> we will check back with you in a few minutes. >> i was at universal orlando and we did diagon alley. it is the

there. >> the dragon there that blows out the fire is crazy. >> they have the whole world out there, too. what is happening ragon the out the fire is crazy. >> let's look at a peek out your window. >> good morning, meteorologist chuck bell, moderate rain moving into the city on top of the capitol beltway. this is a heavy line of rain stafford valley, towards quantico and prince william and moves to prince george in 30 to 60 minutes. be ready for a heavy push of heavy rain in the next hour or two tapered by occasional and that is your latest forecast. >> a chip and a coca-cola. coming up next double duty as host and judge on project run way all stars. we will talk toer

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she is an actress, producer, entrepreneur and author working in hollywood for more than 30 years. >> showing off her style as host and judge of project run way all stars. this week the designers are challenged to create a sporty look and alyssa holds no punches. >> tell us. >>

athleisure can go high fashion. i decide today make a super feminine dress. >> if i showed up to a game in this dress i would be ridiculed top to bottom. >> this girl loves that dress. >> thank you. >> so much fun. >> i feel like i'm meeting my best friend. >> that is so lovely. >> thank you so much. >> it's like you have been a part of the fabric of our lives for such a long time and now this new side of you. >> i'm like the eternal cousin. which i like. i like that because i think it has enabled me to have a super normal life even though i have been in the public eye for such a lung tiong time. it is not uncomfortable going outside. >> you are

because this is your wheelhouse. you do fashion. i was joking with you that sports fans, women around the world thank you for giving them something to wear with the partnerships with the leagues. is this a blast for you? >> tonight's episode is super special because it is the touch challenge. the winning design goes into my fall collection. it's very exciting to be on the show and then to have a challenge based around your clothing line. it's great. it's like a dream come true. >> i love fashion. >> this show, my mom and grand mother were designers. my grand mother was a milliner which is a dying art form. so i was always around fashion and my mom was always cutting patterns in the garage. i just love clothes. i try to judge the show like

because isaac and georgeena are amazing at that. i want to represent that person at home like i would never wear that. >> this designer believes what they presented is hot and you have to tell them not so much. >> it is definitely hard. the good thing about all stars is that they have been through it before with regular project run way. they know the competition is hard. they know it will be rough. so that takes a little bit of the pressure off of us. and i think it allows the designer to forget about the game aspect of the show and really design beautiful clothes. >> you do have such a great eye for fashion. we felt we would take you on a trip down memory lane. >> i can't promise anything. let's take a look at our first one here. >> there it is. >>

>> it's all just -- it looks like i have on football shoulder pads under that jacket. >> do you remember your hair like that? >> yeah, i guess because there are so many pictures of it. i don't remember actually ever doing it. it must have been a production doing that hair. >> that is very cute. >> but come on. who tucks in a sweater? >> this is people were surprised when you took your hair short. i have been doing that for a lot of years. i grew up in the '80s on camera. it's like the most embarrassing fashion era ever and i had to do it in front of millions of people. >> look at you now. >> thank you. >> thank you so much. so fun having you on. >> thank you for having me. >> brand new

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potter. the conductor just arriving and pretty soon he will be welcoming the crowds into the gates of universal studios newest attraction here, the wizarding world of harry potter. >> please welcome the president of universal studios hollywood. >> wow. it's incredible to see all of you here at universal studios hollywood this very early morning. thank you for joining us as we make history. you look great. we have been prepare frg this moment for the past five years and it is pretty clear to see how everyone's very hard work has paid off. two nights ago the uncomparable

john williams and l.a. fill armonic orchestra were here to help us illuminate hogwarts castle in the most spectacular way. this morning we are here to officiate the grand opening of the wizarding world of harry potter at universal studios hollywood. [ applause ] i would like to thank the extraordinary behind the scenes leadership team who have made this incredible experience come to life. it has been a remarkable journey together. let's give it up for tom williams universal parks and resorts and kevin, chairman and ceo of warner brothers. once again, thank you all for being with us this morning as we make history. today is truly a magical day. >> with three seconds to

impressive. almost forgot extra treat we have asked very special guests to join us in welcoming you all. if you wouldn't mind lighting the way. >> very well done, sir. >> ladies and gentlemen, please we welcome ivana lynch. >> here you have some of the stars of the wizarding world of harry potter having a chance to

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good morning. it's 9:26 on this thursday april 7th. i'm aaron gilchrist. today this is home opener for the nats first pitch against marlins at 4:05 if the weather holds out. it will be a packed house. you should plan ahead if you're going to the game. all the construction at the ballpark will make it harder to drive. you can use metro and take the dc circulator from navy station to and we will have

there' a line of very heavy rain coming into fairfax county and i-95 near quantico and fredericksburg it will move to southern maryland over the next one to two hours.

now and 11:00 or noontime and passing showers later this

taking a look at the headlines, honda says it is working diligently to fix a processing glitch. customers complained that recent car payments deducted from their accounts twice with some customers charged overdraft fees. honda services says it will issue refunds. subway says it will post calorie counts on boards by next monday. the move follows repeated delays by fda in enforcing its own rules. fda says it will start enforcing the rules one year after it issues final guidance for restaurant chains. a big insurance company is

to eat healthy foods. john hancock is offering discounts if they buy fruits, veggies and other healthy food items. those customers get dollars off premiums or cash back on groceries. hopes the idea will be good for policy holders and good for the company. a new study finds that millennials would be willing to take a pay cut of about $7,600 if they could improve their quality of life at work. 58% said quality of work life is more important than financial benefits when considering a job offer. almost half of all working millennials are looking for another job or are open to some new opportunities. and if you are headed to the gym this morning or maybe you are already there you will want to hear this one. gym equipment is loaded with

large chains and found a treadmill has 79 times more bacteria than a water faucet. and free weights have 362 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth until you can hit the shower or just bring some of those little towel ets and clean it off. i hate delivering news like that. >> onenews like that. >> one more reason i hate the gym. one more reason to check off not going today. >> looking at news at southern california, a few days of rain showers not all that heavy but we are still looking at a decent amount of rain and onshore winds. we look at that rin to move through phoenix and nevada and las vegas spotty showers as well. it will be very unsettled as we continue through today into tomorrow. saay

picking up 1 1/2 to 2 inches of rain much needed rain. looking at the weather across the country, a peek out your window. >> good morning. moderate to heavy rain now in the metro area. a line of heavy rain moving to the eastside of manassas, five minutes from getting into the woodbridge area coming into the metro the next 60 to 90 minutes. be ready for a round of heavy rain between now and noon tapering back to occasional showers and get a few breaks of sunshine 2:00 or 3:00 this afternoon and no more than the citi concert series on today is proudly presented to you by citi. >> cheap trick, cheap trick sold more than $20 million. now more than 40 years after they first got together the guys

album called bang, zoom, crazy. >> all here, good morning. >> i am upset i don't have a single guitar. >> i need your help with this one. >> rick was giving me these guitar picks. >> how do you begin to play this? >> tomorrow you guys are being conducted into the rock and roll hall of fame. >> pretty cool. >> a lot is because all of those people over there. >> so many fans. >> willie said he voted for us, too. >> they didn't record the vote. >> you guys, we are going to be back on tour this summer. got the new album. what can your fans expect to hear? >> a lot of our new material, four or five new songs. and just going to be a great show. we're going

it has been a fantastic year. >> thank you for voting for us. >> rock and roll hall of famers cheap trick take it away. ♪ ♪ ♪ i want you to want me ♪ i need you to need me ♪ i love you to love me ♪ i'm begging you to beg me ♪ i want you to want me ♪ i need you to need me ♪ i love you

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completely. this was like 20 foot. >> pulled him back on the boat. took three of them about 20 minutes to get off him. this is a little more friendly. >> is there anything to be worried about? what makes him so special? >> this is a mini octopus. >> it can change colors. they can mimic fish. they can mimic sea snakes. >> so much darker. >> it looks better in the water. >> how large will it grow? >> this is about as big as they grow. >> one i was after is about 18 to 20 foot across. >> we have jellyfish. these are venomous but like bee sting. the box jellyfish in australia will kill you in

minutes. this one won't. >> it can sting you. >> this one can but it is relatively friendly. sfwl what is it equivalent to? >> like a bee sting. >> i'm not going to feel that. >> this i'm not going to touch because this is a stone fish. it completely blends into everything. >> it looks so prehistoric. >> if something comes close it opens its mouth and creates suction. they have these spikes on the back. i could possibly pick that up but if it goes wrong it goes very wrong. i would start convulsing and die on set. >> this particular one is about -- the one i picked up is about like that. it looked like a rump of rock. you can easily step on it. >> anything where you

can't go in there? >> with this thing it was close. its got spikes on the back. they are fairly docile. all i do is stick one of those. >> happy you are there for the job. thank you. the new season of river monsters premieres tonight on animal planet. up next new role on

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best known for playing detective on the series "the wire". in more than 30 films and dozens more tv shows over his three decade career. one of my favorite dance moves ever. >> he played embattled judge in the middle of ugly fight for confirmation to the supreme court. >> good to see you. >> this is my "today" show debut. >> we hung out many other times outside the show. >> for me this is new. >> how many times do you get called bunk? >> every day of my life. >> someone says bunk. it is okay with me. it will be the first line of my obituary. >> we canpe

talking about the wire but we will talk about confirmation. you play justice thomas. i love what you said that you found similarities with yourself to him in real life. what did you find? >> that was the epiphany, it is how much we have in common. our politics may not be the same but five generations african-american family in the south, putting a premium on education. h that is what his family was about. my grand father said can't. don't tell me can't do anything. that sense of urgency when it comes to education and the resiliency. >> the phenomenon with o.j. series people believe they know

though we were glued to our television. >> we know the justice as a public figure. we don't know him as a personal figure. the door that openned it up for me is a line where he said i deny these allegations but if there is something that i said or did that professor hill found offensive i am truly sorry. that meant to me he was going through some personal reflection. so really this is a moment in a man's life at the pinnacle of his career where he is about to rise to the highest seat in his profession where there is a challenge. he is about to lose something that he worked his whole life for. that is a personal conflict that has nothing to do with politics. you want to teach something to your son about character and integrity and you fight with all you have. >> it is such a fascinating story that is now being

and people are reexamining the way they felt about it. it sounds like you reexamined the way you felt about the character. premiere s

narrator: all that political mail mlet's simplify.lming. only one candidate has been endorsed by the washington post: kathleen matthews. as a journalist and progressive leader at marriott, she has a broad and deep facility with policy. emily's list praises matthews as pro-choice and the post says on gun control, clean energy, education and health research kathleen matthews "has greater potential, following the van hollen model, to move the ball forward." kathleen: i'm kathleen matthews and i approve this message.

before we talk about -- we have to say good bye to our pal. love you, honey. did she hear us? >> i can hear you. everybody was talking at once. here we are, wizarding world of harry potter. huge success if you can judge by the line. this place is spectacular. thousands of people a here treo

time magazine called chris van hollen "a hero to environmentalists, education groups, and gun control advocates" for his accomplishments as a young legislator. now a respected leader in congress and key ally of president obama, protecting planned parenthood and social security... chris van hollen is the only candidate who fought the wall street banks and the nra...and won. that's why he's endorsed by the post as the "talented successor" to senator mikulski who will "deliver results." i'm chris van hollen, and i approve this message. i'm chris van hollen, but jamie raskin is the only democrat for congress who's authored landmark progressive laws --

ryland act, assault weapons ban, and more. raskin: i'm jamie raskin, and i approve this message. good morning, everyone. it's 9:57, thursday april 7th. today, we expect dive teams to search for this missing 8-year-old and police picked up the search for relisha rudd yesterday. she was last seen with a janitor who worked at the d.c. shelter where she lived and later

dead in kettle worth park. now, a check of your forecast with chuck. >> we have a line of very heavy rain right on top of tyson's corner and to springfield and woodbridge and parts of central charles county and heading for waldorf and more heavy rain h d headed to st. mary's county. more heavy rain the next hour, hour and a half quickly coming to an end and back to scattered showers in the afternoon. making it to the 60s and one or two breaks of su

♪ >> announcer: from nbc news, this is "today" with kathie lee gifford and hoda kotb. live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. >> there better not! hey, everybod ♪ it's thirsty thursday. it's april 7th and we're celebrating a very big day around here. we celebrate something all of the time. >> this is extra big. >> what day is it, hodi? >> it is our eighth anniversary. eight years to the day, we started this show. [ cheers and applause ] that was mercy. >> that was just a mercy clap!