good good morning. breaking overnight. aides to president trump had repeat contacts with russian intelligence officials during the election. the communications revealed during an ongoing fbi investigation. their content, unclear. but do they show team trump was closer to russia than they've let on? fluid situation. residents here that troubled dam in california being allowed to return home. the mandatory evacuation lifted for now. but with a new storm approaching, is the danger far from over? murder mystery. a woman arrested overnight in connection with the killing of north korean leader

jong-un's half brother. what was the motivation? and rumor has it, a five-year-old german shepherd named for one of adele's biggest hits crowned top dog. the story behind her unlikely best in show title. today wednesday, february 15th, 2017. good morning, everyone, welcome to today on a wednesday morning. i'm matt lauer in for sheinelle jones. >> it's been such a busy week. every morning we're waking up to new developments. >> we have one this morning, it's our top story. the stunning new report that members of president trump's campaign team and other associates were communicating with senior russian officials during the election. we have the latest on that

jackson. what can you tell us? >> reporter: good morning to you, this morning we're learning a bit more about the timeline of who knew what when in this crisis over the national security advisor that has consumed the white house. critics here on capitol hill say they still don't know nearly enough. they want michael flynn to face questions. as new questions come up now about the trump campaign's interactions with russia. new this morning on capitol hill, a growing chorus of questions about the trump team and its connections to moscow. overnight, "the new york times" citing current and former u.s. officials reporting trump campaign aides and senior russia intelligence officials were in contact during the campaign. something the administration has previously denied. the times suggesting the communications were uncovered at the same time accusations that russia was meddling in the presidential

surface. at the white house, new revelations vice president mike pence didn't know mike flynn may have misled him about a call with the russian ambassador for two full weeks after the president was notified about potential inconsistencies. >> this was an act of trust, whether or not he misled the vice president was the issue. that's ultimately what led to the president asking for and accepting the resignation of general flynn. >> reporter: nbc news was the first to report that the vice president was in the dark until this past thursday. t that call made, on december 29th. the same day the obama administration announced those sanctions against russia. the next day vladmir putin said he wouldn't retaliate. president trump praising putin tweeting great move i always knew he was ve

two weeks later vice president pence denied the call between flynn and the ambassador was about sanctions. >> it was coincidental that they had a conversation. >> reporter: two weeks after that the white house says the president's team was told by the justice department flynn may not have told the truth about the discussions. the president spent the next three weeks evaluating whether he could trust flynn. three weeks in which flynn sat in on meeting after meeting even delivering a stern warning to iran. >> we are officially putting iran on notice. >> reporter: as concerns grew, a senior administration official tells nbc news the white house started distancing itself from flynn by bringing in other top advisors to handle key duties. top staffers talking about who might replace flynn last week. now democrats are demanding to know more. >> the president learned weeks ago that his national security advisor, not a low level federal employee, had

people. you know what? they were okay with that. >> reporter: as if it were not busy enough here in washington, the hill is set to get a visit from israeli prime minister benjamin netanyahu. after the prime minister meets with president trump over at the white house. peace talks certain to be on that agenda with the white house now appearing to back off the need for a two state solution. a senior administration official saying a two state solution without peace is not a goal anyone wants to achieve. expect iran to also come up in these discussions between the two leaders. by the way, both of them set to face reporters at president trump's second press conference in the last three days. matt. >> hallie jackson, thanks so much. michael flynn was interviewed by the fbi about his phone call with russia's ambassador. lawmakers from both sides of the aisle want it to be investigated. pete williams is nbc's

correspondent. when exactly did the fbi talk to general flynn? what kinds of questions did they ask him? >> reporter: senior officials say it was within just a few days after he became the national security advisor just after the inauguration. they wanted to talk to him about his conversations with russia's ambassador to the u.s. these officials say they were not investigating flynn, that they were investigating russia's meddling in the election. >> we know that michael flynn lost his job in the administration because he wasn't completely honest over that phone call. if it's determined he wasn't completely honest with the fbi, what could the consequences be? >> reporter: well, if they determine that he was lying to the agents, that's a crime. but the senior officials that we've talked to, two of them, say it did not appear that flynn was trying to mislead them. they say it's partly a matter of incomplete memory and so

do not believe he'll be charged with a crime, either for that interview with the fbi or for talking to the russian ambassador before the inauguration. >> pete williams for us on this story, thank you very much. i want to turn to steve kornacki. let's start with "the new york times" reporting. during the election and in the transition trump officials and advisors were in contact with russian officials. this is something the team trump has denied in the past. how can they explain this now? >> it's important to say, one up front they say in the article there's no direct evidence that's emerged between them and russia. how do republicans react to this? with a few exceptions, you've had a john mccain, lindsey graham, they have been raising issues about trump the administration and russia. the question is does this snowball.

provoked that other republicans who have not previously been critical and say this is bigger. >> why did the president wait two full weeks to ask for his resignation? this is after being warned by the justice department, he's vulnerable. was he trying to ride this out? >> if were to come to the conclusion that the trump administration thought this would go away, the timeline gives you plenty of supporting evidence for that. including the fact he did not tell and no one told the vice president. >> he was in the dark. >> the fact it came out in the washington post, there were reports there was a conversation there about russia, about the sanctions and only then was mike pence who had been sent out on national television to vouch for mike flynn. only then was he informed of this. that creates a lot of suspicion this

>> go back to the day that then president obama imposes those sanctions on russia. we know that's the same day that michael flynn called the russian ambassador. we have to remember that after those new sanctions were imposed. russia's leader, putin and others, said we will retaliate. and after that phone call with michael flynn, no retaliation. the vice president says it's a coincidence. are we supposed to believe it was a coincidence? >> four events in a 24 hour period at the end of december -- trump is not yet president. you have the announcement of sanctions from obama, you have the phone call between flynn and the ambassador. and putin said no retaliation. then donald trump tweeted and said great move by putin, i've always thought he was a wise man. >> would the russians have gone against retaliating if they michael flynn was free lancing in that call? that he wasn't being

administration. >> that's the other thing that makes it suspicious to people. if he was delivering a message like that would be delivering a message that was discordant with anything trump said. >> just real quickly, the administration backing off the two state solution in terms of settling the violence in the middle east. >> benjamin netanyahu is one of trump's biggest support. he's saying something they want to hear. >> steve kornacki, thank you very much. also new this morning, crews in northern california are still working to shore up the emergency spillway at the nation's tallest dam before more rain pounds the region. officials are lifting a mass evacuation order for nearly 200,000 nearby residents. miguel almanguer has the

clock construction work seems to be having an impact. the massive bags of boulders behind me. later on we'll head over to the emergency spillway to kind of shore it up. it's been a beehive of activity over the last 48 hours. hundreds of construction teams have been working around the clock to shore up the spillway. the big concern was if it collapsed, a 30 foot wall of water would cascade into the communities below. meantime, the mass water release continues today. the water level here at the reservoir has dropped 20 feet and counting. they'll continue to release water to make way for incoming storms. those mass evacuations, nearly 200,000 people, the mandatory evacuations have been lifted overnight. hundreds of people have been streaming back towards their homes. repopulating this area. but the threat simply is not gone. over the next several days we'll see

the area. that's why they're releasing all of that water. the concern is will the spillway hold, so far the officials believe yes. >> thank you. >> more rain, two words people out there do not want to hear. >> two big storms getting ready to hit that area. the atmospheric river stretches from japan all the way across the pacific ocean. past hawaii all the way to the west coast. we're talking more than 6,000 miles. almost twice the length of the united states. here we go, we're going to be watching the rain. first storm comes in over the next 24 hours. second storm brings another couple of inches. around the oroville area we could see three to five inches of rain. the second storm brings heavy rain into southern california. flash flooding, four to eight inches of rain for the south facing mountains. this time yesterday we were telling you about

thunderstorms. in the houston area, take a look at the video we've got. at least six unconfirmed tornados touching down. that severe weather continues to move east. in fact, it's along the southeastern atlantic coast bringing strong storms to the southeast from charleston to f jacksonville. one more storm is making its way across the northern tier of new england. seven million people under some winter weather advisory. rounds of heavy snow. another eight to 16 inches of snow, guys for northern new england. parts of maine. they've really got to worry about the weight of snow on roofs throughout much of maine. we're talking tons of snow across that area. >> all right. keep our eye on that. al, thank you very much. now to a story that's been in the news for nearly four decades. pedro hernandez a former convenience store clerk was convincedn

a 6-year-old. hernandez's first trial ended 21 months ago with a hung jury. after the verdict, the victim's father says we've found a measure of justice for our little boy. in the meantime, the faa is investigating a serious incident involving harrison ford. on monday, the actor was flying his private plane coming in for a landing in california. instead of landing on the runway, he mistakenly landed on a taxiway and flew right over the top of an american airlines jet. nbc's tom costello covers aviation for us. good morning. >> reporter: the passenger plane was a 737 preparing for departure when ford's plane flew over the top of it. what some are calling a close call with american airlines taking a formal step of notifying both the faa and the ntsb. in aviation circles, harrison ford is celebrated as much for being

a star. american airlines has notified the faa and ntsb. it happened in orange county, county, california, on monday. ford had been cleared to land on the shot runway, runway 2-0 left. he lined up and landed on the parallel taxiway, charlie where planes taxi. he flew over the top of an american airline 737 that was holding at the end of the taxiway before preparing for departure. flight 1456 was loaded with 110 passengers and six crew members for a flight to dallas. once on the ground, mr. ford radioed air traffic control, was that airliner meant to be underneath me? the controller told ford he landed on taxiway c. to which ford replied. i landed on c. landing on a taxiway is a clear

so how did it happen? >> operating in and out of this airport, it's a small airport. there's a lot of traffic going in and out of it. it's complex bit of air space that requires a lot of concentration. >> reporter: it was just two years ago that ford was injured when his vintage plane crash landed on a santa monica golf course. investigators later blamed that crash on an engine failure. ford joked about it on the ellen show. >> you crashed a plane. and it was a -- >> the plane crashed. i was aboard the plane and it crashed. i didn't. >> reporter: thankfully on monday what may have been a close call, but no injuries. ford is not commenting on the incident. the faa will investigate and likely interview him. experts say it's possible he could have his pilot's license suspended. if he cooperation with investigators we're told it's not likely. it's more likely he'd receive a written reprimand or warning. >> t c

texas. emergency crews are at the scene of a pipe line explosion. the blast so strong it could be seen up to 30 miles away. the flames lighting up the night sky. some residents who live an hour away say they felt their homes shake. the explosion happened southeast of san antonio. officials say no one was injured and the fire has been put out. a fast thinking police officer is getting credit this morning for saving a fast food restaurant near dallas from catching fire. this was all caught on camera. the officer was called to a jack in the box where he found a truck in the drive thru engulfed in flames. he jumped the curb and used his patrol car to push the truck forward away from the building. no one was injured in that incident. >> wow, quick thinking. al? >> let's take a quick look, show you what we have around the rest of the country today. we're looking for heavy rain moving into the pacific northwest. unseasonably mild through the plain states. look for the developing storm in the northeast. in between the coasts,

looks awfully nice. we're quogoing to get to your ll forecast coming up in the next 30 seconds. good morning, we have a lot of clouds outside this morning. even some areas of light rain across southern maryland towards fredricksburg. that's where the rain chances will be focused. a cold front could wring out rain or a snowshower in just about any part of the news 4 nation. temperatures right now are in the 30s and 40s. all the clouds around today will stay in the 40s.

tomorrow blustery and colder. that doesn't stick around. it will be mild for the weekend. >> that's your latest weather. thanks very much. coming up an overnight arrest in the bizarre murder of the half brother of north korea's kim jong-un. were female assassins ordered to kill him? are you sure your smoke alarms really work? we're going door to door to keep your family safe. first this is today on nbc. .

coming up, stu studio 1a overflowing with stars. from kate upton to christi brinkley and her daughters. if that's not enough, gwen stefani and tracy morgan are (thomas) so sorry, excuse me. let me just get through here, sorry. oh wow, quite a turn out. tami. marcus.

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, we'll keep on going, too. scott 1000. america's longest lasting roll. 7:26 is your time now on this wednesday, february 15th, 2017. good morning i'm eun yang. >> i'm aaron gilchrist. in the news this morning, we're working to find out what led to a deadly shooting. prince georges police say they found the man dead last night. they're calling it a homicide but they didn't identify the suspect or victim. protesters are getting in the middle of traffic in fairfax right now. they say they're there for natasha mckenna. she died after a struggle with sheriff's deputies at a detention center last year. her death was ruled an accident. protesters say they'll be

with melissa mollet and your first 4 traffic. >> 395 inbound at seminary road, do have a crash here. doesn't look so bad on the camera. looks worse when you look on the map. eastbound 50 near kennel north avenue. crash reported there. northbound north capital street. beltway is recovering, no major problems on 270. >> we'll take a quick break and check your forecast next.

good wednesday morning. a lot of clouds outside this morning. most of the raindrops are south of washington. and for the most part that's where they'll stay today. rain chance is at 60%. there's a chance of a shower or two around the washington metro area this afternoon as a cold front comes by. staying in the 30s tomorrow with quite a best of a northwest breeze around.

again as we head into the long president's day weekend. high on sunday near 65. another local news update in 25 minutes. >> now back to "the today show" after this short break.

♪ i feel it coming 7:30 on a wednesday morning. it is the 15th of february, 2017. day after valentine's day. nice people out on the plaza. we'll have to say hi to them. inside studio 1 a, here's the headlines. aides and associates of president trump made repeat contact with members of russian intelligence community during the campaign. that's something the trump campaign has previously denied. there is no evidence so far that the trump campaign work woued w the russians. president trump is reacting on twitter calling the sor

information is being illegally given to the failing "new york times" and washington post by the intelligence community. he says nsa and fbi, just like russia. the mandatory evacuation order for nearly 200,000 people around the damaged oroville dam in northern california has been lifted. but residents are being warned a new one could be issued. crews are racing to repair erosion scars to the dam's emergency spillway before more storms roll in. residents in southeast texas are cleaning up after a powerful storm tore through the region, spawning at least six tornados. 27 miles outside of houston another twister destroyed four homes. i want to tell you about an overnight arrest in connection with the bizarre murder of north korean leader kim jong-un's half brother. it happened at malaysian airport with reports he was targeted by assassi assassin

korea with that story. good morning to you. >> reporter: good morning. evening here in asia where it feels like we're getting just a glimpse into secret killers. two women allegedly carried out an assassination. kim jong-un's estranged half brother kim jung tam. two women struck at the malaysian airport assaulting him with a toxic liquid. he alleged murder like a scene from jason bourne. many asking, what this an execution by spies for the north korean government. that country's supreme leader, kim jong-un had his own uncle tried and executed. his brother, who at one time was the country's heirap

been critical of the brutal regime. >> i think more tension with north korea. >> reporter: we travelled to the north korean border. across this border described as the most dangerous in the world, north korea has fired radio waves to take out south korea's gps. >> people say it's the one place that the cold war never ended. >> reporter: just this weekend, north korea tested a medium range missile. its likely aim to provoke donald trump. in 2014, its spies were accused of hacking sony. north korea denied the cyberattack. in turn, u.s. intelligence keeps a sharp eye on north korea monitoring its nuclear capability. no small task for a country that is mostly off the grid. >> you can't launch a cyberattack on north

nuclear program because it's not plugged into the internet. north korea one of a number of countries around the world with a foreign intelligence agency operating a secret license to kill. perhaps exposed again by the strange death of a brutal dictator's brother. kim jong-un is said to have ordered 340 executions since he came to power in 2011. this one, guys, was in the full view of passengers at an airport. there are only a few governments that allow their agents to kill. but mostly they want it to be done in a way that can't be traced. >> brazen to say the least. thank you very much. let's get another check of the weather from al. >> we're going to move the calendar forward, as far as the temperatures are concerned. a little time travel. we have the expanding warmth in the plains and midsection of the country. so today, billings you're going to be 58 for your high. that's the average temperature in april. denver, april, 64.

as we move into tomorrow, you'll see those temperatures moving east. st. louis, your average temperature, 65. that's what your reach tomorrow. memphis 62. by the time we get to friday, you can see april and march across the map. getting into saturday, washington, d.c., a high of 67 degrees. that's mid to late april's average high. louisville 63. sunday, new york city's going to see a temperature of 62. that feels good. that's what's going on around the country, here's what's happening in your neck of the woods. >> we currently have rain mostly south of the district. more near fredricksburg and off to the east. this is where a majority of this is going to stay. it's moving from west to east. the district and areas north and to the west, expect to stay dry. can't rule out an isolated shower. temperature wise, 41 in the district, 36 in lorton. frederick, 28

tomorrow we're tocolder, 20s in the morning. warmer by the weekend. get the weather anytime you need it. check our friends on the weather channel. just ahead american girl making history with its newest doll. we have it with us on trending. but first, an important new rossen reports. i'm jeff rossen coming up more of our special series, winter fire dangers and the three common mistakes most of us are making. we're going house to house to show you what they are. plus, the simple tips you can do right now inside your home to keep your family safe. next. an be. mom: oh no... tech: this mom didn't have time to worry about a cracked windshield. so she scheduled at safelite.com and with safelite's exclusive "on my way text" she knew exactly when i'd be there, so she didn't miss a single shot. i replaced her windshield giving her more time for what matters most. tech: how'd ya do? player: we won! tech: nice! that's another safelite advantage. mom: thank you so much! (team sing) safelite repair, safelite replace.

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big problem, many don't even work. nar firefighters say so many of us have been doing it wrong. hitting the test button on it waiting for it to chirp. it turns that that isn't enough to know the entire thing works. it may still not when you need it most. what should you do? this morning i'm about to show you. i'm going door to door. hi there. spot checking. you were sitting here thinking you had a working smoke alarm and you didn't. it's a dangerous threat, more common than you think. in fact, three out of three out of every five people killed in a house fire didn't have a working smoke alarm. is your home prepared? to find out the orlando fire department is out in force. checking homes for safety risks. hi. jeff rossen from "the today show," how are you? >> good. >> we're here with the fire

alarms to make sure you're safe. can we come in? >> sure. >> right away the problem. >> the first thing we want to do, we're going to push the button just to test the battery in the audible portion of the alarm. >> not working. >> this detector does not work. >> the one in your bedroom isn't working, what's that like to see? >> it's upsetting because that's the first place we're going to hear it if it's going to go off. >> we're not just finding problems, firefighters are fixing them. installing brand-new alarms for free. >> i'm glad we came. >> i'm glad you guys came, too. >> next door, we mead pet peggy. hers isn't working later. >> i don't do ladders anymore because i'm afraid of falling. >> i always forget when people are here to get it to check it for me. >> here we are in the kitchen which the source o

fires, and no smoke detector. >> none here. >> no smoke detectors. >> the fire department installing two new alarms for peggy. we check house after house finding problems in nearly all of them. >> there's no battery in here at all. >> probably used it on something else. >> the biggest tip of the day, one i've never heard before. inside this man's house. he thinks this detector works fine because when he tests it it beeps. >> what that alarm sounds, it tells me your battery is good and your alarm works. >> it doesn't test the sensor. >> your detector was manufactured in 2002. >> it can no longer see smoke. >> you wouldn't know it. he says there's an easy way to test the sensor. the candle test.

place your alarm over the smoke and it should go off. it's not going off. >> this sensor has probably got dust built up on the sensor. >> this blows your mind a little. >> i just put a battery in it a couple days ago when it started chirping. >> sounding the alarm so your family stays safe. >> thank you so much. >> happy to help. by the way, you should be changing your batteries twice a year if you're like me you're worried about forgetting to change them. by lithium batteries. they cost around $5 to $10. they work for about ten years. you want to test your alarm in. >> note to severlf, we'll be checking that out. last night's big winner at the westminster dog show. carson explains the connection between this year's best in show and one of the most popular stars in the world. right after this. the world. right hi, th f

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7:48. carson's in the orange room with an incredible rumor to tell you about. >> i see what you did there. nice work. over the course of several days nearly 3,000 dogs competed in westminster's dog show. unfortunately only one can walk away with the title of best in show. that owner went to a 5-year-old german shepherd named rumor. this is the second time a german shepherd has won best in show in the competition's 141 year history. pretty cool. rumor, yes, named after adele's hit song rumor has it. not only does she have great taste in music, she has quite the come back story. last year rumor fell short. rumor impressed more than just judges. she won the hearts of people watching from home.

rumor's fans are not limited to just humans. social media, we found pictures here. here is jessica's pup, captivated by the action. check out chance's poodle. that's a standing ovation right there, ladies and gentlemen. this was rumor's last major show as she settles into retirement. so maybe next year. charlie, we're going to have to work on your energy. >> he's saving himself. >> it could be your year, my friend. contain that excitement. back to you. that's good. >> thank you very much. every wanted to go see a concert by your favorite band and couldn't get in? wait until you hear what one fan did to pull off entry to a concert. a celebration of the sports illustrated swimsuit issue. kate upton is here along with christie brinkley and her daughters. >> are they bringing those ribbons? >> yes. them. >> yes. >> first, your local news and weather.

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7:56 is your time now on this wednesday, february 15th, 2017. good morning i'm eun yang. i want to get right to melissa mollet and your first 4 traffic for a look at your commute. >> good morning, inner loop near st. barnabas road, a new crash. eastbound looks like things are getting better. yellow line no longer single tracking, but we have delays and canal road inbound, a bad stop, right lane the only thing blocked in that crash. >> thank you, we'll take a quick break and check your forecast next, stay with us.

good wednesday morning. temperatures are in the low 40s now. things are starting to go up a little bit. 42 degrees in the district. the rain mostly pretty far south of the district, even south of fredricksburg, can't rule out a sprinkle later on today. 48 for the high. it will be getting breezy and colder tomorrow. 60s return for the weekend. >> another local news update for you in 25 minutes: plus, enjoy thirty-six month, no interest financing.

it's 8:00 on today. coming up, russian connection. a new reports claims aides to donald trump made contact with russian intelligence officials during the campaign. something the trump team has consistently denied. new questions this morning about that and the growing fallout from the resignation of national security advisor michael flynn. we're live at the white house. plus cover girl. kate upton swings by the studio to talk about her brand-new sports illustrated swimsuit covers. we'll talk to christie brinkley about making her big return to the issue, alongside her two daughters. and team gwen. >> i'm so grateful to be here right now.

image. >> you can be on team gwen and i can teach you how to sell everything. >> we'll catch up with gwen stefani about her return to the voice and going head to head with blake. today, wednesday, february 15th a , 2017. >> we just got by from iceland, we're on "the today show," hi, mom. >> good morning to our daughters, we love you. >> we'll be back soon. ♪ >> it's my birthday and i brought you a present. >> celebrating the big one-one with "the today show." >> good morning to our boys in buffalo and philadelphia. >> hi, mom! >> we're back now, 8:00 on this wednesday. it's the 15th day of february, 2017. and we're without the coats

>> it is. >> al, thanks. >> we love this. we really like this. by the way, got sheinelle jones in with us while savannah continues on maternity leave. >> got a big show today. >> we have a lot of stars in the studio today. kate upton inside. just revealed she's the cover model for the 2017 sports illustrated swimsuit issue. we'll talk to her about that and some other models from inside the pages of that magazine. all right. a lot to get to. let's start with the news at 8:00. >> i'm peter alexander at the white house where this morning president trump is firing back at new questions about the trump campaign's interactions with moscow. the president tweeting this morning, this russian connection nonsense. it's merely an attempt to cover up the many mistakes made in hillary clinton's losing campaign. then he added in a separate tweet, information is being illegally given to the failing "new york times" and washington post by the intelligence

nsa and fbi, just like russia. >> this morning new scrutiny over members of donald trump's campaign and russia. "the new york times" reporting overnight. citing current and former u.s. officials that trump campaign aides and senior russian intelligence officials had repeat contacts during the campaign. something the trump administration has previously denied. the times reports that intelligence was obtained by hacking the dnc. meanwhile, the shock waves are still reverberating after the president abruptly asked michael flynn to resign. >> there needs to be an independent investigation. >> democrats taking aim. republicans urging restraint. >> we don't need to set up a special committee but we will look at russian involvement in the elen.

acknowledging new details about the timeline. it was on january 26th when president trump and his top aides were first informed flynn had misled vice president pence and others about his calls with russia's ambassador. they were warned that flynn could be vulnerable to blackmail. 15 days passed before the white house notified the vice president and only then because a new report was being published. the white house is defending the president's decision to stand by flynn until monday night. >> the question wasn't did he do anything impraoper. the trust or the erosion of that trust was frankly the issue. >> in an interview with a conservative website hours before his reg signation, flynn said he crossed no lines. instead blaming leaks. officials now confirm the fbi interviewed flynn shortly after he took office about his contacts with the russian ambassador.

tells nbc news his concerns about grew, white house aides tried to reduce his influence on the president's. inviting mike pompeo and keith kellogg to take part. nbc news has learned a navy vice admiral is the front runner to replace flynn. he met the president on monday night. so far no decision has been made. today, president trump is hosting israeli prime minister benjamin netanyahu here at the white house. it's their first face to face meeting since mr. trump took office. last night, senior administration official says the path to peace does not have to include a two state solution. that's a significant break of decades of u.s. policy. mr. trump and netanyahu will take questions in a news conference, president trump's third in the last six days. matt? >> all right. peter alexander,

president trump has also approved the use of federal funds to help with emergency repairs on the nation's tallest dam out in northern california. on tuesday, officials lifted a mandatory evacuation order for nearly 200,000 people who live near that oroville dam. however they're warning residents to stay vigilant in case approaching storms put additional strain on damaged spillways. engineers have been releasing water from the lake behind the dam to ease the pressure on that structure. police in los angeles now confirm that $2 million worth of jewelry and other valuables have been stolen from the home of aalanis morsette. there are no suspects at this time. something new in the american doll collection that might surprise you. >> we'll

brinkley and her daughters about gracing the pages of the swimsuit edition. returning coach on the voice, gwen stefani stops by. first these messages. hey! i've made plans for later in case this date doesn't go well. likewise! but, funny story. on top of that? my mom is my best friend. uh oh. yeah. oop! there's the rescue text from my roommate saying she needs me. wouldn't it be great if everyone said what they meant? the citi double cash card does. it lets you earn double cash back: the citi double cash card. wecage-free eggs.ng and we care about amazing taste. because at hellmann's, we're on the side of food.

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it is now 8:09. we're back and it's a great time for trending. we're joined by a special guest who is a big trending topic. kate upton is here. she's the cover model for the 2017 sports illustrated edition. going on sale today with a bunch of different covers. we're going to talk about that in a second. congratulations. >> thank you so much. >> you can weigh in on trending, are you ready? >> i'm ready. >> here's your first topic we're all familiar with american girl dolls like, stand by, this one. but for the first time ever, the company is releasing a baby boy doll. >> wow. >> it's not a baby, but you know. this is logan everett part of a new series of dolls. a boy doll has been a top request for many years. logan comes with a president trump se-- drum set. hi

singer. the company says that logan is meant for boys and girls. noting that parents have been asking for more diverse selections. >> do you have a doll growing up? >> i was a huge american doll fan. >> were you really? >> which ones did you have, do you remember? >> i had -- >> sorry didn't mean to put you on the spot. >> kirsten i think. was that her name? >> my daughter has patty. >> if it comes -- >> you dress like them, it's special. >> it's a whole thing. >> it's a thing. >> it's a big deal. have you ever been down the block? it's crazy. >> logan, you should enjoy it, you're the only one. i have a feeling, carson, you're right. >> it's a new vertical for business american boy. >> what do you mean vertical for business? >> ever had a rock group you loved and couldn't get seats at the concert. how far wou

go? >> i stood in the alley once trying to get into stevie nicks. i waited for her limo to pull up and almost got arrested to get in. she let me in i was 15 years old. >> she let you in? >> because you looked like a nice guy? >> were you aggressive? >> no. >> okay, i'm letting you in. >> you've known him for five minutes. >> how about this? this one guy decided all it takes is a smartphone and quick thinking. the guy's name is adam boyd. he was unhappy with his bad seats to see the band the su sherlocks. he goes and edits their wikipedia page to read their first single was influenced by main vocalist kieren cook's cousin adam boyd. he goes back to the door and convinces the guards that he was in wikipedia for the band and gets in. >>

>> i agree. >> you think he's aggressive? that's really aggressive. >> inventive. >> i know, but you have to be careful about that. i mean, that could be used in a a lot of bad ways. >> someone changed my wikipedia page once to read that i went to indiana and i was in the school band or something. and i went to an interview after and they're like, so we hear you were in the school band. i'm like i don't play an instrument. at least they're not sneaking in. >> raised by wolves. >> wait. >> carson, pop start. >> let's get to it. kate hudson doesn't sing often, but when she does it's worth a listen. here's a look. ♪ don't stop loving me ♪ don't quick loving me ♪ oh, baby

>> she's got a great voice. pay no attention to her son slinking across the couch. jamie lynn spears sharing good news on her daughter, maddy. she posted this picture to instagram. jamie lynn writing they're thankful to celebrate valentine's day after everything that happened. maddy was in critical condition in the hospital after flipping her atv earlier this month. olivia wilde shared family photos on valentine's day. one of them was unintentionally hilariou hilarious. the actress doing the same for this photo of her and her two-year-old son and finally she posted this picture of her and her three month old daisy. for this caption she added giant baby hand because at first glance it looks like her hand belongs. e'

word you were saying. >> every word. >> congratulations again. this is your third cover, is that right? >> that's right. >> first was when you were 18 years old. do you remember the excitement of that morning where you woke up and saw your first s.i. cover? >> it was crazy. my first cover i found out in the green room at david letterman. >> well now. >> and this year, they gave me a phone call before i went on jimmy kimmel. so i was happy for a little heads up. >> but does it feel different this time around or just as sweet? >> it always feels great to be a part of sports illustrated, but especially this year of what the issue is all about, having women of every shape and size and beauty in every way, every age of beauty. and it just felt really special when they asked me to come back for this issue. >> and you ended up -- you've got three different covers this time. >> yes, i got -- >> thank

tim the amount of money. >> the s.i. has a storied history with all the great women that have been on the covers. 1985, paulina porescova. not that i remember. >> you're a big part of history. >> it's incredible. and growing up in such a sports oriented family, sports illustrated always meant so much to me. seeing the amazing women who were confident and loved their bodies. i feel honored to be a part of the issue. >> the more years you do it, the more seniority you get it. last year you were in a antarctica. this year you were in fiji. we're going to talk

she doesn't mind us saying, she's 63 years old and she's back in this magazine. what kind of message does that send, do you think? >> it's so inspiring to see christie back in the issue. and looking incredible. and it just, really shows you that no matter your age you always have your youth and your spirit with you. >> i love that. >> last time i saw kate she was campai complaining her shoe and feet were killing her. she's in a much better mood today. >> it was the beginning night which is never good. my feet are hurting. >> congratulations. >> congratulations. >> it's great. >> thank you so much, you guys thank you. >> all right. mr. roker, check of the weather? >> i'm on the cover of popular mechanics this month. kind of nice, thank you very much. we've got that atmospheric river we've been talking about, more rain already into seattle. mountain snows and more heavy rain is going to be moving into northern california today into

and continues on into thursday. causing big problems, then thursday into friday, rounds and rounds of rain coming into southern california. this could be very difficult situation for both the northern section of california, upwards to five to six inches around the oroville area by the time we get into sunday. and also, friday to saturday, down through southern california, four to eight inches of rain possible for the south facing mountain slopes. we'll be watching that very closely as those storms move through. rest of the country developing storms coming across parts of northern new england bringing more snow. some places in maine could see another eight to 12 inches of snow. severe storms along the southeastern coast. unseasonably mild conditions through the plains that stretch all the way down into the gulf. thankfully things drying out for our friends down around the houston area where they had six unconfirmed tornados there yesterday. that's what's going on around the country, here's what's happening in your neck ohe

woods. good morning, i'm storm team 4 meteorologist chuck bell. a little light rain across southern maryland right now. the band of snowshowers coming through southern pennsylvania, that's the confident which will be coming through here this afternoon. it may wring out a little rain/snow combination during the late afternoon hours. take your umbrellas with you. you'll need them across parts of southern maryland and you could get a brief shower later this afternoon, even in the d.c. metro area. windy and colder for tomorrow. >> that's your latest weather. thank you. christie brinkley is a modeling icon. gracing the covers of more than 500 magazines in her career. a list that includes three state sports illustrated swimsuit editions in 1979, 1980 and 1981. >> at the age of 63, christie is returning to the pages of s.i. this time with her daughters alexa rachel and sailor brinkley cook by her side. they're with us this morning.

it's great to see you. >> good morning. >> my goodness, so be honest with me, raise your hand when you first found this out, if you were nervous. just a little nervous. >> i was completely freaked out. >> three hands? nervous or excited? >> definitely more excited. i have wanted this my entire life. >> christie, were you nervous? >> well, i mean, i kind of thought hmm i like the challenge and with these two gorgeous girls next to me, who's going to be looking at me anyway. >> oh, please. >> i figured -- >> everybody. >> you know, i couldn't ask for better conditions. >> what was the shoot like? did you kind of say, mom, take it away, tell us what to do? did you say girls do what you want to do. how did you work that? >> it was a mixture of all of our personalities and like, all of who we are and how we act behind the camera. >> we all have -- >> it looks fun. >> she takes over. >> i'

i had the skin care mask. if you ever in a pinch i had the bug spray, all organic. i was really prepared for everything. >> i'm a mover and she doesn't like me to move. >> she's a mover and shaker. mom, can you -- >> no, i don't hold still. i have to move. >> i'm looking at the pictures and videos, but the thing is when you're in a bikini, there's no where to hide. there's only so much you can do. >> no, you have to work with what you've got and work the angles, right? >> that was the story, the very first time i ever did sports illustrated. i immediately was like, oh, my gosh, what do i do with my hands, i don't know where to put my hands so i was squirming like this. julie campbell looked at the photographer and said oh, my god her moves. my brain was going, i don't know

could -- >> you're definitely always thinking ahead. sailor knew what to do. she was very calm. she was the sporty one. so she was like, ready to get in the water and going and doing her -- i was trying to stay still and focus because i'm new at this, i'm a musician. it's different. >> it's not just about the photos. by the fact you guys are in here, you've opened up a discussion about other topics. and interesting, sheinelle said there's no where to hide in a biki bikini. there's no where to hide when you're growing up as a daughter of extremely famous parents and a supermodel. and i know you both now talked about some of the issues you faced as young ladies. you're still very young ladies. with body image and self-esteem. can you explain that a little bit? >> i think growing up just as a girl, just as any young girl, you deal with body image issues and you deal with seeing people on bill boards that have tiny bodies and these perfect air brushed

you look at yourself and you're growing up and go through awkward phases. you don't feel good enough. and that -- i definitely didn't. then i went through everything. i went through every phase. i went from too skinny, too fat. i don't like using those words. i went through everything and then you get to an age and time and you say this is my body. i go to school, i work out every day. i like -- i can do so much who cares if i don't look a certain way people are telling me tolic. >> the one thing that's hard growing up in the public eye is when you happen to catch the criticism at about nine years old for a girl, it's crucial. you know, that's the age where they're separating from their parents. they're getting their -- gaining their own identity. to suddenly see a newspaper that calls you a name that puts you down. >> i went through that. >> you

retreat for a while. you went and didn't want to be out. >> yeah, well, i, not to rehash, you know, too much. i don't want any pity, i have a great life and i'm very privileged to be where i am. but no, i certainly went through it. in a different way that sailor. i didn't have so much issues with my body. but they did used to like, call me bow-wow face. so i went through it. i grew into myself later in life. this one is just grown up and blossomed beautifully. much earlier than me. >> as a mom, when you know your daughters are struggling with things like that, how do you deal with it? >> it was excruciating as a mom i could cry now. but there's nothing -- >> she cries at the drop of a hat. >> there's nothing worse. if i could urge one thing the media, is to lay off the kids.

it's like, we're celebrities, we're fair game. say what you want, you know. but lay off the kids. you know, let them have their moments to grow up and become who they're going to be. when they decide to step out, then they're fair game. >> exactly. when you're doing normal average things like when i was moving out of my home and going to college, i got all these comments about how my college is for trust fund babies and all of that. i never asked for anyone's opinion. that's the worst part. >> this magazine layout is a powerful statement about self-confidence and self-esteem. congratulations. will i get blamed for making christie brinkley cry? >> every time, matt. >> great to see you. it really is. all right. sports illustrated swimsuit issue is on sale now. carson? check it

business. we're going to chat the voice and all sorts of stuff with them right after your local news and weather. good morning, 8:26 on this wednesday, february 15th, i'm aaron gilchrist. let's get a check on the morning commute with melissa mollet. >> good morning, i have a couple new problems right now. inner loop after 50. a crash along the right side of the roadway. inbound canal road, the ramp to whitehurst freeway, causing slow downs into tonight. northbound gw parkway near memorial bridge, a crash with a single lane getting way. southbound bw before the the parkway. a crash blocking the left lane. >> we'll get a check on the forecast when we come back.

good morning, it's cloudy and chilly outside this morning. temperatures mostly in the 30s to around 40 at this point in time. light rain across southern maryland. a little burst of snowshowers across south western pennsylvania. that's a cold

tomorrow, down right chilly. highs in the 30s. it will be much milder by the weekend. how about a 65 degree on sunday? >> i like it. the latest news and weather available anytime in the nbc washington app.

♪ 8:30 on a wednesday morning. it's the 15th day of february, 2017. weather here in new york city, not bad when you consider we're in the middle of february. it's pretty mild and we'll take it. that's a cute one right there. >> uh-huh. >> coming up. >> lots of stars. >> yes. we're going to talk to gwen stefani about her return to the voice and why she said she woke up in the last year. >> where are they now talk show titan series, there is jerry springer. there's going to be a fight that bra breaks out during the interview. just kidding. >> great to see our friend tracy morgan who is here to tell us about his new

he is set to return to the big screen. it's a perfect thing for him. we're looking forward to talking to tracy. >> mr. roker a check of the weather? >> let's see what we've got. start ing with today, we're looking at strong storms along the southeastern atlantic coast. heavy rain moves into the pacific northwest. unseasonably mild from the plains into the gulf. continues tomorrow. windy conditions in the northeast. we're looking at rain, heavy rain and mountain snow moving into central california, northern california where we're worried about that oroville dam. unseasonably mild from the gulf into the plains. that's what's going on around the country, here's what's happening in your neck of the woods. well, this morning, some areas colder than others. the coldest spot on the map, frederick, 30. 42 in the district. 39 quantico. 43 in fredricksburg. moist of the area in the mid to upper 30s. rain is to our south, we have a small area developing to our north. for the most part the rain will stay to the

shower or sprinkle later today. otherwise, 48. late day clearing and we'll see the winds picking up. windy and cold. the weekend, 60s. >> don't forget, get the weather anytime you need it. go to the weather channel on cable. who is that? >> dallas. >> they've got good weather, too. back to you guys. thank you very much. now to the voice on today. emmy award winning vocal competition, that show gets ready to return for season 12. >> such a great show. we're happy to have gwen stefani returning as a coach. we'll talk to gwen in a moment. first a sneak peek at season 12. >> i'm 13. >> wow! >> 13? never had someone 13. >> so i was listening. this is overwhelming being back. i'm so grateful to be here right now. >> i'm ecstatic you're

>> i'm so grateful. you taught me how to build my image. >> there you go. listen to me. you can be on team gwen and i can teach you how to sell everything. >> you use all the tricks in the book. >> can you imagine? >> good morning. can we do something, you should be there. >> no. >> it's your show, go ahead. >> not at all. i'm glad you showed this clip. this is the first time we lowered the audition age to 13. you saw that young man. they're such great young talent. gwen has a son who is like, 10. and watching you with these younger group, what was that like? >> well, it's surreal because they're so talented. it's hard to remember they're that age and the pressure they're under and the ease that they take it with. it's like, i had some -- i'm not going to say because i can't say who is on my team yet. it's unbelievable the talent and at such a young age. just that they're so calm. that's what blows me a

>> you feel like this time around you have more to offer your team. what do you mean by that? >> i had an extraordinary year last year. i got to make a record and do new music and go back on tour after seven years i hadn't toured. that whole kind of exchange of love that i had and that whole experience to bring that now. it's fresh. you know, the first season i literally had given birth, which is a whole different vibe, right? and then second season i was in like, this crazy transitional place. this time, i did music. so to be around all that music and have that new music come out. it was a different place, you know. three seasons, you get comfortable. you know. and also, the chemistry between the coaches, i mean, alicia keys is just so magical. adam and i we've known each other for a while. and of course blake who i think is the greatest guy ever. it's so fun and easy

>> it's obviously well-documented you and blake. i was curious when we were shooting the blind auditions what that chemistry would be like? >> i was nervous at first. wait, this will be awkward. how am i -- >> how do you feel it played out? >> it's natural. and i feel like sometimes it is a little bit like, okay, we're driving home. do you think i should put them together? then i'm like, wait a minute i'm not going to talk to you. i don't know if you're the enemy. it's confusing. >> there was natural jokes that were built in. if there was a steal, there would be that natural joke of like, you didn't really leave teams, because you went from one to the other. >> true. and i think that we actually do help each other. you know what i mean? i learned a lot about country music through just in the last year through him. and so it is interesting. >> what did that cowboy do for you for valentine's day? >> what did he do -- i thought you said cowboyup

i hadn't heard that one. we weren't together. i was here and he's in oklahoma. >> did he call you, did he remember? >> he forgot. just kidding. i got some beautiful flowers and lots of texts. it was fun. i mean, you know. i'm in new york and he's in oklahoma. >> you can't -- you said another interview, i'm reading a lot of interviews about you. >> you are. >> yeah, you said you woke up in 2000. or were woken up i think the way you put it. you referred to that a second ago, what an amazing year you had. how do you even try to top that? >> i'm not going to try. i think that i'm going to continue to just be on that kind of -- i feel like i woke up spiritually, do you know what i mean? when you do that, everything is in color and you're sort of seeing things with new eyes and you just sort of -- you just see everything through gratitude, do you know what i mean? you check everything all the time. i don't know. that's kind of what i've been doing. it saved me. that's what i mean b

going, wow, even right now. i think about this guy and like, trl and how am i sitting here. >> it's so weird for both of us. >> we're tripping out. >> your album came out in '96 and are i was a deejay in la. playing her band's music. and now we're on the voice together. >> we have all these babies. >> we have ten kids between the two of us. but it's so fun to watch you on the voice. you have so much like, optimism to offer. last year was a crazy year for you. you came out on the other side. you make a choice when life is tough. you chose the brighter path. >> i feel like it. music is just so healing. to be able to tap into that. to be able to have the outlet was just a life saver. like i said to be able to share it and share that experience. music is just universal. it's just such a gift. >> you're dating blake shelton which is so weird for me. what do you see in that guy? >> what are you

>> he's a good kid. >> you love him. >> i love him. >> he loves you. >> thanks we'll have more with her in our next hour. check out the season premier of the voice on monday, february 27th. coming up next, the talk show titan known for pushing the boundaries, we're catch up with jerry springer. first this is today on nbc. where in the world is matt lauer?

back at 8:40 with more of our special series, where are they now, talk show titans. this morning, one of the biggest names from the 1990s who never left the limelight. jerry springer. >> reporter: outrageous and provocativ b

that way. >> this is our first show. >> reporter: a tame start in 1991. by the third season, the jerry stringer show was like nothing else on day time tv. sex, lies and lots of feuds. salacious topics were ratings goals for springer. at one point, the show had more viewers than oprah. by the late '90s, some of his competitors were revamping their own shows to keep up. >> it is only the grown-ups, such as you, that teach our children to not like that person because of the color of their skin. >> reporter: a former mayor of cincinnati and local news anchor, day time talk was a departure for stringer but was a lasting career. the sprawls continued 26 seasons later. >> everything i've done for you! >> good morning for you. >> i'd like to apologize for that. i've ruined the culture. >> don't apologize now. >> i've ruined the culture. >> let's begin with a quote. you said this on your 2

anyone can do what i do. you said, which is basically three things. you did what? come on out. >> and we'll be right back. that's all you have to do to be -- >> clearly, there is more than that. why has this show lasted for 26 years? >> well, probably -- well, first, it's stupid. you know, it's got a niche. and no one else kind of goes in that niche. so i think that's one of the seasons it lasts. the personality of the guests. no one is watching because of me. they're watching because the stories are crazy. and the people are outoutrageou. you ca >> you called your show chewing gum. it won't hurt you. you had little people wrestling in slime, women pretending to be men, fights. is there a line you won't cross? >> the show is no censorship. we'll bleep

and cover up the nudity or whatever. >> but nothing where you'd say, no. >> when our show started, the executive producer, by the way, was the one that kind of found me and said, do a talk show. when it started, we were a serious show. but then all of a sudden, it started going crazy. when universal brought us, they said, from now on, only crazy. there is no censorship. look, we've had on our sho sho show neosenate zeeshow ne show neo-nazis. my family was exterminated by the nazis. if i let them go on, what am i going to say no to? >> why do people come on your show? >> i don't know. i always say, my closing prayer for everyone, may you never be on my show. >> oh, no. >> yeah. i think if i had to guess -- >> okay. >> -- it is for so many of our guests, no

question. they live their lives -- they don't have kids who ask them their opinion. they don't have parents who ask their opinion. they're not in a job where their opinion is valued. it is like, for one day in their life, people are really paying attention. they're talking about something that is important to them. we take it for granted. every day of your life, someone asks, what do you think? nice job. so many of these people, no. they don't come on to be famous. they don't use their names. >> jerry, they come out and sometimes you can't get a word out before somebody is knocking you in the head with a chair. i'm no expert but it isn't the way to solve a problem. >> i'm not allowed to know what the show is about. they hand me a card with the names of the guests. i'm supposed to ask questions you'd ask sitting at home and make jokes. that's all. i'm never allowed to know the subject matter. but when they come on, they're not coming on to be famous. they don't use their real names in most cases. they wear disguises, though the wigs come off, which by

is why we don't have trump. he doesn't want his hair pulled. >> oh, my goodness. >> sorry, i didn't mean to go in that direction. of course i did. >> jerry, jerry, jerry. >> yes. this is about dating. we don't deal with serious issues. truthfully, we don't do pregnancy tests or anything like that. they're angry, legitimate. the next day, they're dating someone else. it is not a life-changing issue. >> final thoughts? where did it come from, the take care of eayourself and each oth. >> i anchored the cincinnati news and i ended every broadcast like that. we shouldn't just take care of ourselves but each other, as well. the whole show is crazy. everyone is doing crazy stuff, throwing food and everything. at the end of the show, i wanted to do something, hey, you watched all this. this is my opinion of how it ought to be dealt with. that's all. >> i have to end here. you're 73 years old. you have your grandson, your podcast, your "price is right live."

or maybe jumping into politics in. >> i am today announcing my candidacy. you know, if i ran against trump -- >> you have four seconds. >> you'd have a wall built -- >> okay. bye, jerry. >> you need one to keep americans from getting out. >> jerry springer, take care of yourself. >> and each other. >> i've always wanted to say that. we should note the "jerry springer show" is produced by nbc universal. tomorrow, another talk show titan not slowing down. maury povich will be here. ahead, we'll talk to tracy morgan about his much-anticipated big screen comeback. first, this is "today" on nbc.

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we are back now. 8:48. one of our favorite guests around here, tracy morgan. the new movie "fistfight," he plays a high school coach

take on another teacher in an after-school fight. >> he'll be aiming for the target in the center of your skull, which will scramble the gray and white matter in your brain that controls logic, personality, social and sexual behavior. so at 110%, oh, he most definitely is going to knock all the sex out of you. >> oh, jesus. >> maybe you duck and he misses. >> if he does, i'll just run. >> no. i never said nothing about no running. who is you, sea biscuit? >> tracy, welcome back. good to see you. >> you, too, matt. >> the last couple years have been a series of small steps for you. this is the first time you got back on a movie set after the accident we've talked about here so much on the show. what was it like? >> well, it was kind of scary. because i hadn't been in front of a camera. i didn't know. i didn't know if the timing was going to be there, if the instin instincts, the comedic instinct would

i didn't know. you have to understand, a lot of studios don't -- won't mess with a person who just came out of a coma. >> they won't take a chance. >> no. >> but my boy, richie, i love you, richie, young director, put it on the line for me and gave it a shot. when i got in front of the camera, we did one, two, three takes, and then i had to have a moemt moment. he gave me the moment. i stepped back and let it all out because i was here. i let it all out. then we went to work. my cast, ice cube, charlie day, they gave me a lot of love and support. ri richie gave me the room to be myself. he said, i don't want nothing else. i want tracy morgan. when he said that, i knew i could have fun. >> the premise of the movie is funny. it brought back memories, i'm sure for you, too. >> matt, if you were in high school and heard two teachers were going to fight, wouldn't you be there? >> absote

>> let's reverse it. how many times were you in school and because you were a little bit of a wise you know what, you probably got in a few fights yourself, right? >> i got into a couple of fights. i remember one time, i liked this girl named mertis. i didn't know how to express it. i punched her arm and she whooped my behind. she has the big sonny liston hands. shot the jab. my fights were epic. i had a cut man. i had a corner man. there was contract disputes. >> do you remember that -- >> lots of promotion. >> do you remember the feeling during the school day when someone called you out after school and time stood still, knew you were going to get beaten up after school? >> i had one guy named harold. terrorized me, man. he would come -- every period, he'd come to my class and go -- and it was on. i'd

it was grade card day. nervous. >> if you picked your record of high school fights, how did you do? >> in my mind, i was 4-0 but i was actually 0-4 though. >> i know the reality of it, i was 0-3. then the sense of humor kicked in. i started losing the fighting, i made them laugh, the bullies. keep them off my behind. i make them laugh and take them upstairs and cook them hot dogs. especially on the 1st and the 15th. when my mother got her welfare check. >> coach -- >> true story. >> coach trcrawford, did you pattern him after anybody? >> my defensive line coach in high school. that was him. >> really? >> he had a chipped tooth. chipped tooth. he had a gut. he talked like al green. he had those

the gym shorts with the hernia balls. >> what? yeah. >> just like my grand dad. >> you paint a really nice picture. >> he had the vince lombardi cleats. so i patterned him after ben wright. i love ben wright. everything was, hit the track. he didn't just tell you to do a lap. he'd say something personal. i don't care if your uncle fixed my transmission. hit the track. it was always, your aunt didn't text me back. hit the track. he took everything personal. >> i mentioned it's been a series of small steps. my friend, you made giant steps and we're happy to have you back. >> thank you. >> we are. >> thank you. >> "fistfight" opens nationwide on friday. we're back in a moment. this is "today" on nbc. talk to me about the

barely made it through tracy morgan. >> big show at 9:00. jamie alexander will be our co-host from "blind spot." give sheinelle a tattoo. >> tattoo, yes. >> the plane, the plane. and we've got james spader coming. >> and the harlem globetrotters. >> great. >> of course, your girl gwen

stefa stefani. >> perfect. >> tattoo. >> the tattoo. >> fi 8:56 is your time on this wednesday, february 15th, 2017. good morning i'm eun yang. i want to check on your commute right now with melissa mollet and your first 4 traffic. >> right now inner loop after clara barton parkway, activity in the right lane. we are seeing slow downs in the inner and outer loop. canal round, had a

that's cleared out of the way. fairfax there a crash along the right side slowing inbound 66. >> thank you. we'll take a quick break and check your forecast when we come back. stay with us.

good morning, temperature in the district now up to 43. the clouds are still locked in and rain is down to our south. as we go through the day, we have a chance of a sprinkle. most of this rain will stay to our south. we're watching a smaller area up to our north. we'll see late date clearing and it will be breezy tomorrow. it gets colder. look what happens going into the weekend. we have 60s on the map. 65 on sunday. >> thank you, get the latest news and weather anytime in the nbc washington app.

this this morning on today's take, jamie alexander in full view as our celebrity co-host. gwen stefani dishing on her valentine's day with blake. the black list, james spader, sports illustrated cover girl, kate upton coming up right now. from nbc news, this is today's take. live from studio 1 a. >> it's wednesday morning, february 15 february 15, 2017. we have -- we're thrilled to have as our guest co-host blind spot leading lady jamie alexander. yes, jamie! >> thanks for having me. >> so great having you. >> i'm so excited. we called each other so

match. >> we got it going. is it fair to say you're a girl crush of mine. >> what? >> yes. >> good thing there's somebody between us. >> that works out for me. >> listen here, can i explain? >> please. >> you exude girl power. >> thank you. >> i just -- from the top of the show. >> thank you very much. >> you can give her a cheers. >> thank you very much. >> you're included. >> let's dig into your life, shall we? >> wow that wasn't too awkward. >> ice breaker, all right. ice breaker. >> strong character. you just exude strength. >> thank you. thank you. >> there we go. we're going to play a game with you. >> okay. >> it's called jamie on the spot. are you ready? we recently red fun facts about you and we want to know the story behind them. >> okay. here we go. >> go ahead. >> is it true that you do a great chewbacca imitation? >> ding ding ding, yes, that's true. >> we're ready.

>> i should apologize to the sound department, sorry. >> that's impressive. >> very nice. how did you discover you could do that. >> i got a lot of time on my hands between sets. i like to make people laugh. i just constantly do dumb stuff all the time. and one day i just kind of let out this weird growl. i was like that sounds like chewy. i perfected it over the years >> why did you randomly let out a growl? >> that's the more interesting story. i'm sure it was something between a burp and a growl and it happened. >> could have been worse. >> a lot worse, oh, yeah. >> is it true you have -- you do have the letters es tattooed on your wrist. does it stand for elephant shoe? >> yes, like you're saying i love you. >> no. >> it's just -- >> there we go. >> you got a lot of cameras in here. so if you mouth it, it looks like you're saying i

i'll start with you. i don't know, right. >> you can try this one at home. that's the only thing i do you can try at home. >> that's why? >> yeah, i have all my brothers on this arm, which is brady, david chance and matt. i should hi to them and hi mom because she'll kill me if i don't. i have a lot of letters. i have an a.m. over here, which is a good friend of mine. >> this is natural you'd be in a show where your whole body is tattooed and provides clues to something that's going on. >> it's insane. i love a lot of tattoos on my own. lucky for my mom i would be sleeved if i could. this is me getting to live out what i want and my mom gets to see me. >> you do a lot of physical stuff. so i would have to think this is true. you are on your high school wrestling team? >> yes. >> really? >> really? >> yes. >> watch yourself. >> so were you the only girl on the team? >> no, there were a couple other girls. a

>> we started the girls' division. i just wanted to like -- i was a mis misfit growing up. i wanted to give my fellow misfits a place to learn self-defense and discipline. i was always into sports. we did that and we competed and a lot of us did really well. it was a lot of fun. my little brother followed in the foot steps and ended up going to nationals and wrestling for ou. >> could you show sheinelle a couple moves? >> how about -- >> i think -- >> it's 9:00 a.m. >> it would be -- put her in a half nelson. >> we'll do that during the break. >> that was my pin move. i would sprawl and do the half and nobody could reach my ankles. i never did fancy take downs, in my weight class i was the tallest one. >> i don't know what that is. >> it's a guy named nelson, he's cut in half, he hits the floor and you tattoo nelson righ

left foot six times and you've broken your back? >> yes. i've broken a lot of things. i broke my nose in august or september. i broke this finger, i had to learn how to shoot level handft >> is this all in the course of the show? some of it? >> most of it. i haven't broken my back on the show. that was something else different. i do so many fights. you're moving so fast. >> look at the video of some of the fights, it's crazy. i'm not surprised you with. >> look at that. this one was rough. it was a rough one. >> what happened? i have to kick him into a wall but i forgot i'm connected to him in a way. when he hits the wall hard, i'm going to hit it hard. >> reaction. >> yeah. that was a rough one, too >> is it choreography and you remember the order? do you know what i mean? i do like a one little section at the time. a lot of times i don't have times to rehearse. tht'

i'll get enthere, here's the fight and i watch a previd and we'll do the first five beats, move on. and i alternate with my stunt girl, heidi. she's a beast. >> you've kissed an alligator on the mouth? >> listen, it was a one time thing. yes. please, okay. sometimes i do things for shock value. and i was at arnold schwarzenegger's christmas party a few years ago. >> of course. right. >> why not? he has an alligator in his house. he had a tiger and a camel and a penguin. it was weird. >> get to the zoo! >> get to the zoo. what happened was, you know, i just -- i don't know. i kiss him and what i'm trying to say is i'm a cheap date. >> okay. >> but he didn't have a strap on his mouth and i didn't realize that until i backed up and i'm like i can't feel my legs. i was the ballsy one. >> did you see the teeth? >> he was smiling it. he was enjoyin

he's like, i'm going to eat your face. but he didn't. thank god. >> that's impressive. >> i had to pose for a picture. that was a three second situation i closed my eyes because i didn't want to look death in the face, you know? >> what's next? >> i know. like what haven't i done? >> so we've been interrogating you. i think we've got a -- this new episode of the blind somewhat. we have a clip of you interrogating someone. >> i'm actually pretty busy trying to investigate the spiritual plane and reclaim my tattered soul. >> we have questions. >> true answers come from within, jane. >> cooperate and we can make a castration far more comfortable. >> what can you offer the man who wants for nothing? >> the rest of your time in prison, becoming a living hell if you don't cooperate. >> every home is a prison, every prison is home. i have no home. >> your religion and fortune cook? >> it's easier to

>> tell us what this is. >> how did you get this? >> oh. >> good. >> simple. >> it was my more -- that was like a more delicate interrogation scene compared to what i'm used to. he's great. he's everybody favorite hacker. he's so funny we have to keep having him back on the show. i wish we could segue into a comedy. that airs tonight. great. >> blind spot airs tonight 8:00, 7:00 central. >> another one of our favorite segments is car pool karaoke. >> i've heard of this. >> there is going to be a car pool karaoke series. ♪ i keep on falling in and out ♪ of love with you ♪

♪ >> it's not that hard. ♪ this is a story all about how ♪ ♪ my life got flipped upside down ♪ >> we need a bigger car. >> i think we can make it work. >> this the next level. ♪ i believe i can fly ♪ i believe i can touch the sky ♪ ♪ i think about it every night and day ♪ >> wow. >> wow. >> that's genius. >> that is -- that's pretty amazing. >> would you like to car pool karaoke. >> yeah, but, like, i can lip sync. i can yodel. >> you can yodel? >> man, i did it again. >> wait for it. >> we got to hear a little. >> i have a voice of a

puberty. i can sort of yodel. >> we're ready. >> okay. i have to block my mouth. okay. >> i get the puberty thing. >> you should get -- >> you get ten points for trying that. >> impressive. >> clearly i'll do anything. >> guys, bring out the crocodile. just ahead, we have supermodel kate upton. we're going to catch up with her and reveal her unusual connection to jane. plus grammy winning superstar gwen stefani on the new season of the voice and her fellow jud sweetie, blake shelton.

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spot"'s jamie alexander. i'm thinking of the "blacklist." >> that's coming up. >> kate upton revealed as the cover model for the "sports illustrated" swim suit issue. jimmy kimmel having fun making the announcement. >> the cover of the "sports illustrated" swim suit issue for 2017. wow, kate. what do you think? is that the one you figured they would use? >> very sexy. >> wait a minute. maybe that's not the right one. the cover of "sports illustrated" -- wait a minute. >> sexier. >> i think we've got the -- this is the cover. no. let's go live to new york city, to the empire state building, where we are going to reveal the cover of the "sports illustrated" -- >> wow. >> nice. >> that's impressive. and we've got kate upton with us right now. she's downstairs. kate, how are you? >> hi, kate.

>> this is terrific. now, i didn't realize this, but there is a bond between you and jamie. >> yeah. kind of. so ben bruno. >> yes. >> he's the best. >> trainer. >> all he does is talk about how strong you are. it is making me feel inadequate. >> no. after watching "blind spot," i don't think i'm anywhere near you. >> wow. >> i don't know. but i've seen -- we've talked about similar workouts. does he send you with the travel workouts, too? >> of course. it's the best. >> i do the same workout as kate upton. >> there you go. >> how awesome is that? >> yes. >> cool. >> kate will be with us in the next half hour to talk about her big announcement. congratulations. >> thank you so much. >> i share a trainer with betty white. same kind of intense workout. >> what do you say to that? >> she's a beast. >> she is. i'll tell ya. anyway, another great video to show you. this is really great. harlem globetrotters surprising a new york city teacher with the chanceo

day. teacher is a trick artist himself. check out the big surprise. >> we heard you got game. we've seen your trick shots. pretty awesome. >> okay. >> so the harlem globetrotters, we'd like to invite you to play with us in madison square garden. >> what? >> no! are you serious? >> yes, yup. >> that's right. [ cheers and applause ] >> boom! >> that is impressive. >> how cool is that? >> that gave me chills. that's amazing. >> one of those things where, he's probably been doing the shot all these years. you get a chance, that one moment in front of the harlem globetrotters, to nail it and he did it. >> incredible. >> you know what i mean? >> he is definitely the coolest teacher at that school. >> christopher debaranski is his name. >> i would be

generals. >> forgot about them, yes. >> i think the washington generals actually won one game -- >> did they win a game? >> one game. >> yeah, okay. >> all the years. >> the globetrotters are here today. we're going to learn some tricks from them coming up in a bit. >> can you spin the ball on your finger? >> i can't. >> can you, jamie? >> with cgi, i can. definitely not. >> so cool. like an >> let's show you what's going on weather wise. we're looking at a big storm coming into the pacific northwest. not great news for the dams under siege there. strong storms firing up along the midatlantic coast. the warm continues down through the southeast. got chilly conditions up through the northern plains. rest of the country just about either at or above average. then as we look ahead toward developing storm coming across the northeast to new england. unseasonably mild through the plains. that's what's going on around the country. here's what happening in

neck of the woods. >> good morning i'm storm team 4 meteorologist chuck bell. a chilly day outside. temperatures in the upper 30s and low 40s. the rain is well down to our south. a cold front coming through may generate a quick little passing shot of rain showers or even some snowshowers by late morning into the early parts of afternoon. not expecting any snow accumulations because temperatures will be above freezing. don't be surprised to see a raindrop or snow flake later on this morning. there is future weather bringing the showers into the metro around 1:00. this is your latest weather. up next, four big time ballers, the one and only harlem globetrotters teach us a few moves. supermodel kate upton. that's pretty cool. wish i could do that. it's still going. it's still going. that's a big ball. ♪ ♪

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they've been putting on shows in front of millions of fans in over 100 countries. >> they are going to teach us some moves in a minute. take a look. they show off their magic circles. ♪ ♪ >> yes! whoa! >> wait for it. whoa. >> yeah! >> he sticks the landing. good to see you. >> that was awesome. good morning, good morning, good morning. good morning. >> hey there. >> that's it. so you got a big tour coming up? >> right now we're currently on

we have 250 shows in between here and canada. up until april this weekend we'll be in la at the staples center. madison square garden as well as seattle. we have three teams touring. harlemglobetrotte harlemglobetrotters.com. what's your message? there are so many girls watching who want to be you. >> it's an amazing experience to be able to travel with these guys. it's my family away from home. and we just created that bond. and you can really tell that on the game floor when we play our games at madison square garden. the energy we bring to the game. these guys, i love it. >> what can you show us? some rookies here. >> let me put it on. >> kate, kate, supermodel, yes. >> let me move out of the way. >> yeah. yeah. come on, kate. >> oh!

>> i love it. >> booty shot. >> all right. here we go. >> all right. >> around the back, between the legs, all right. fake that thing like this. >> i'm ready. and pop it. >> pop. >> oh! >> your turn, baby. >> oh, my god. she kissed an alligator. >> looky, alligator. >> really hard. >> if you want to learn this kind of stuff, check out our youtube voeideos. >> she's on the cover of sports illustrat illustrated. >> i don't need to face anymore. >> the last sports illustrated. >> not going well. >> harlem globetrotters, thank you guys so much. all the best. catch them on tour through april. coming up, she's back in the hot seat on the voice, gwen stefani after your local news. see me.

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good morning, it's 9:26 on this wednesday, february 15th. i'm aaron gilchrist. in our headlines, we're learning nine people have been arrested in connection with the murder of a 15-year-old girl in fairfax county. one of those arrested was a 17-year-old girl who had just returned home after being missing for a month. our cameras were there to capture the emotional reunion last night. police have not said what charges the 17-year-old is facing. we'll have a look at your forecast when we come back. stay with us.

kind of cold and cloudy outside right now. 43 in washington. 38 in lorton, virginia. 36 in leesburg. you'll need a coat on. have your umbrella handy as well. watching light rain across parts of southern maryland. this batch of light rain and snowshowers across southern pennsylvania that's coming our way. have the umbrella ready to go. temperatures today will be staying in the low to mid40s. across most of the area. for tomorroot

day. plenty of shoiunshine. it will be blustery and cold. highs in the 30s with a northwest wind near 30. that will keep wind chills in the 30's all day.

if there's one person who has proven women can have it all, it's gwen stefani. she's a three time grammy winner, song writer, fashion designer and mom of three. >> she's returning as a coach on season 12 of the voice. >> on monday's season premier you'll see her battling it out against adam blake and alicia. here's a sneak peek. >> i can't imagine how you must feel right now. >> you know, i can actually image how you feel because i'm actually a girl. i can relate to you. >> with a surprising move, gwen stefani takes the lead again. >> well, you know what, gwen knows nothing about girls from the south. >> southern california,

>> that was good. that was good. i am willing to get myself in bad trouble here because i believe in you so much. >> maybe sleeping on the couch tonight. >> welcome. >> great. >> thank you. >> i am getting sucked in. i want to watch it. it's so fun. >> you were there, so that's high praise, indeed. >> crazy watching it back. like, i don't remember. it's all like, you know, very condensed. >> how does it feel being back? >> it's incredible. i mean, that show is -- if you love music, right, which i do, i love music. it's just saturated. whether you're looking for a song for your team or you're performing a song or watching somebody perform or talking about a song. it's music and it's so much fun. it's so inspiring being around such talent everywhere you look. whether it's the coaches -- i'm sitting next to alicia keys. how many

have? she has a spiritual aura about her. all the coaches, we have great chemistry this time. it's incredible. >> is it competitive? it's fun, but then i think you really want to win. the female coach aguilera. >> yeah, she won. i feel like -- i'm not a super competitive person. i don't do sports, i don't -- do you know what i mean? i'm getting there with the show. i am. i'm learning how to do it. i'm surrounded by, you know, adam who actually is the most competitive person i've ever met in my entire life. i didn't know it was possible. it's unbelievable. he's such a sweetheart. blake as well. so, i mean, alicia and i we're getting there. she's actually -- she learned a lot last season i think. being around those boys, you don't have a choice. >> that's true. >> now, adam and blake tend to bicker a bit. do you try to stay out of it or do you take sides? >> i take sides. it just depends.

get. >> you've learned to play the game. >> i'm learning to play the game. >> we know yesterday was valentine's day obviously. he gave you a big present, shall we take a look? >> okay. >> all right. >> gwen. >> okay. >> i got this to show you how much i care about you. yes, it is. uh-huh. mmm. >> oh, that took a disturbing turn. >> wow. he's a dork. >> it's so funny. >> you guys do anything special for valentine's day? >> i was here and he was in oklahoma. >> yeah. >> but i got some flowers and some texts. you know. >> when you guys realize, okay, this is really happening. i like you, i kind of like you too. did it feel different afterwards? >> hello. >> it did, right? >> it's so natural at first but you stayed the same. it wasn't like all of a sudden people are like, it seems like you've been friends forever. >>

we really haven't. but it's been -- you know, certain people you come across in your lifetime and it's like an instant, chemistry friendship. and so he's da-- i don't think there's anybody that doesn't meet blake that doesn't fall in love with him. he's an incredible person and funny and such a good person. >> you are fun to watch, the whole crew. >> my mom met him innard more oklahoma. and he took a picture with her. can you tweet this to him? >> your fashion sense, everybody's just so always watching what you're going to wear. >> any excuse. >> i'm like, come on. the perfect thing for me. because i actually like being in the makeup chair. i spend a lot of time in that chair and i love it. and so just the idea of like, okay, what are we going to do today? what am i going to wear? it's creative and fun. i love bringing it.

everybody. i can watch it with the kids and we're genuinely entertained, the music the fashion. >> it's hard to not get sucked into people's stories and their talent. like, they're working so hard. you root for them, you know? >> people get a chance, coming up we really appreciate you being here and don't miss the voice's season premier next monday. february 27th at 8:00, 7:00 here on nbc. coming up, the stars continue. we've got the blacklist. who we'd never have a blacklist here. that's right, emmy award winner james spader is with us right after this. scott 1000 knows there's no stopping america's families. so we made america's longest lasting roll. with 1000 sheets -- more than any other national brand -- to keep on going just like you. so keep on hugging... keep on playing... keep on smiling... keep on awesoming.

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ut methotrexate, and is also available in a once-daily pill. ask about xeljanz xr. on television as in real life, nobody rock as fedora like raymond red reddington on the blacklist. >> we're talking about james spader. this season, the career criminal is facing a new set of challenges, let's take a look. >> reddington? >> oh, my goodness, this is tedious. i'd give almost everything to have a scractch.

squeeze them other than scratch them. >> why is he painting your portrait? >> you give me the name of the depositor that has declared war. once i properly introduced myself, the little fellow lit right up. >> james spader, good morning. >> good morning. >> i feel like i should bow down to you. that dialogue, it is just -- you would know. >> not really. i just stand around with tattoos on. and sometimes i hit somebody. >> i wish somebody could be a fly on the wall to hear their commercial. what are you doing after the show? >> fight seen. >> i'm going to a prison. >> in staten island, which makes perfect sense. >> when i was doing the preinterview for this appearance today. she said the woman i was speaking to me is there you would like to say what the upcoming episode is about? i have no clue what the

episode is. i have three in my head and none of them relate at all to the episode that's about to air. they reminded me -- i realized, you know, the writers and i were talking about trying to see if we could get you for this episode, al. >> that would have been a dream come true. >> we were on the phone, talking about it. and the character you would have played yourself. but, if you had been willing, but as it turns out that we didn't go with that in the episode. but we -- we're worried that that wasn't going to quite -- in that context, and also as i brought up, i said, you know, the only person who has a more heldaceous and difficult schedule to contend with than us is al probably. and we certainly don't want to have to accommodate him. he would have to accommodate us. >> more -- i would be more than willing, believe me. i would drop everything. drop

>> please. in watching this season. red is in a place where we've not seen him. vulnerable and trying to figure out who is responsible for this seize attempt. >> it's firm footing, this season yet. which, you know, i think he -- you know, he's got the right temperment for that. but things are certainly at loose ends. i mean, he's having to sort of look in every direction. i think the thing he has always felt and been comfortable with, the notion that the end could really arrive at any second, i think he can really sort of smell or taste that right now. whether he's going to be proven right or wrong, who knows, you know. but i think he's wary. >> some people you meet and you know their role.

for you. i mean, i can't even imagine, seriously. do you love it so much? it feels like no one else could play it but you. >> i rather love it than hate it. >> really? >> you know, another -- there's lots of very good actors out there then they would have made it their thing. >> fair enough. >> that just happened. it's part of the job description. they would just make it their thing. and then you wouldn't imagine anybody else in the role. but i'm lucky. it's a really -- it's fun, you know, and there's -- as -- its intensity is balanced well by irreverence and fun, silliness, you know. they always say when i come to do "the today show," they say well we have to look for a clip that's going to be appropriate for a morning show. which i'm not entirely sure what that means. does that mean you're lying in bed when you're watching it or

what? >> james spader, thank you so much for coming in. the blacklist airs tomorrow night at 10:00 eastern. >> i have to go -- the role could be that of a killer weatherman. who just -- angry about a blown forecast. and then has to go and -- >> auditioning. >> always, always. you never know. as we look, you can see we've got severe storms today along the southeastern atlantic coast. a little bit of a clipper developing storm for northern new england. mild through the plains. heavy rain move s into the pacific northwest. tomorrow, makes its way into central and northern california. again, those dams that are under siege going to have more problems. warm weather continues in the midsection of the country. on the windy side as we head into the northeast. that's what's going on around the country. here's what's happening in your neck of the woods. >> good morning, everybody. cloudy and cold outside right now. we will have a chance for a passing rain shower or snow

colder tomorrow and windy, too. winds out of the northwest at 20-30 miles per hour. afternoon highs tomorrow mid to upper 30s. next couple of days after that. warming up again. 40s on friday and back into the 60s in time for your long president's day weekend. this, my friends. it doesn't get any better than this. james, thanks so much. appreciate it. coming up we've got supermodel kate upton gracing the cover of three sports illustrated swimsuit covers after these messages. illustrated" swim sui listerine® kills 99% of bad breath germs. illustrated" swim sui this is 100% useful for a 100% fresh mouth. just ask listerine® users. the very people we studied in the study of bold. people who are statistically more likely to stand up to a bully. do a yoga handstand. and be in a magician's act. listerine® kills 99% of bad breath germs so you can feel 100% in life. bring out the bold™. also try listerine® pocketpaks

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windex that you don't even know it's there? so clear by sfx: slide show smudge it! with the new smudge stick even clear glass gets visibly smudged in a snap. sfx: smudge sounds against glass get it now and say no to spotless clear windex glass. the "sports illustrated" swim suit edition made kate upton a breakout star in 2011 12k3w4r t. >> the following two years in a row, kate cemented her status as one of the country's top supermodels. >> overnight, just announced, she's back on the cover for a third time. kate, congratulations. >> congratulations. >> thank you so much. >> high-five moment. >> thank you. >> you're tied for second most covers ever. does that -- what does that mean for you? >> i mean, i honestly -- it hasn't set in yet. it is an honor. to be a poort art o

loving yourself is and confidence and loving yourself no matter what you look like, what shape or size, is just really an honor to be on the cover. >> there was so much positivity the first time around. people started talking about body image and you can have curves and it is okay. going in the third time, did you go in with a different perspective? >> i really think that in my life, not even just for the magazine, i went in with a different perspective because working out with -- we share a trainer -- ben bruno -- >> hi, ben. >> hi, ben. i started working out for, you know, myself, my myself to feel strong, to get through the day. it was less about fitting into a dress size and more about me feeling good. and me feeling strong. and it changed my perspective completely. >> what is the message now? because, you know, it seems now, more than ever, body diversity, body type, color, everything is on the table now. it is like, you know, everybody is good. >>

of perfect. the only type of perfect you can be is your own. and so it is really important for you to find who you are and that can define you and what makes you different from everyone else. otherwise, we're all going to start looking the same, and that would be a bore. >> i agree with that. can i ask, you're planning your wedding right now. is that true? >> well, yes. trying. >> justin verlander, right? >> yes. >> you posted a fun picture. do we have the picture? to instagram of your wedding plans. fun, party, tequila and food. first, when can we expect an invite? secondly, what can you tell us about the big day? looking for something traditional, casual? when you're a supermodel, i feel the world is your oyster. i don't know. >> we were talking about it, like what does the other person want in a wedding. both of us were like, we really want a party. so that's as

let's definitely have some tequila. what kind of food should we have? >> pigs in a blanket. >> clearly, we were planning before dinner. it's like going to the grocery store when you are hungry. it was bad. >> when you look at this, they're going to -- there are going to be a lot of young women who see this magazine and think, you know, i want to be her. what is your advice? what do you say to the young women who come up to you now? >> that say that they -- >> they would like to be on that cover or they would like to achieve what you've achieved. >> well, i think that that's such an honor because i worked very hard to be on the cover. i'm very proud of it. but the only way for someone to be able to achieve what i've achieved is to be themselves. >> yeah. >> good advice. >> jamie, you said the same thing, didn't you? >> excellent advice. we're all different and, you know, it would be boring if we were all the same. >> we like that advice. >> i concur. >>e

kate, thank you so much. we'll be back in a moment.

awaiting the arrival of jennifer nettles. >> any moment. >> i heard you came in today after a 17-hour day yesterday. >> i did. i'm just now waking up. i don't know what just happened. no, yeah. >> it is impossible that anybody can look like that. >> jamie, you were fantastic this morning. >> thank you for coming.

9:57 is your time now on this wednesday, february 15th, 2017. good morning, i'm eun yang. today, it is out with the old at metro. you're taking a look at the first 4,000 series rail car to be retired. it's being loaded on to a truck at the metro rail yard this morning. back in november, metro pulled those cars for being used in lead positions in trains because of safety concerns. the 4,000 series dates back to the 1990s. let check

chuck bell. >> good morning a cold day outside. it's in the upper 30s and low 40s across the area. there's a 60% chance you'll need the umbrella between now and 3:00 this afternoon. a cold front comes through. cold and windy tomorrow. as we get into the weekend. much colder for saturday, sunday and monday. >> yeah, thank you chuck. coming up on news 4 midday we'll have the latest on nine people arrested in fairfax county in connection with a teenager's death. we'll see you at 11:00.

from nbc news. this is today. with kathie lee gifford and hoda kotb. live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. >> hello, everybody. it is wines day wednesday. it's february 15th. hoda is on a well-deserved vacation so jennifer nettles is my co-host today. this is her newest single. let's hear it a little bit. ♪ what goes around is coming back around ♪ >> off her latest album, playing with fire. she's been dabbling in acting too on tv and broadway. i'm