coming up, a baltimore city school receives a generous gift from the ellen degeneres show. >> titles are very important, but we know that beyond titles go the work for the church. >> the cardinal agreed the catholic committee after his nomination from the pope. hitting the road. fresh off the state of the union address, were the nett obama took his message today. saying goodbye -- gabrielle giffords says goodbye to were colleagues in congress. >> doppler shows a mixture of rain, sleet, and snow moving back into the mid-atlantic. [ male announcer ] we have more than 3,000 daily flights on southwest airlines. and that gives you thousands of options to fly where you want, when you want. announcing new nonstop service from bwi airport to atlanta starting february 12th. book all of our destinations only at southwest.com. >> a baltimore city school received a $100,000 grant banks to the ellen degeneres school. they got the great news today. the special needs school was one of 50 schools nationwide to receive a grant. they submitted a story this hour -- this her -- explaining why they deser

we are eternally grateful to target corporation and to ellen degeneres. >> the money will be used to renovate the schools bathrooms. the grants were made possible by $5 million donation from target. >> now traffic pulse 11 and insta-weather plus together. >> good morning. sarah caldwell checking on your morning commute. kind of busy in aberdeen. route 22 is closed because of an accident. medevac is on the scene. they will reopen that intersection. it may take awhile to clear that accident. 56 on southbound 95. problem free on 83 at padonia road. starting to pick up some delays around security down to edmondson. the j.f.x. in pretty good shape. no problems on 70 in towards the beltway. moving well off the ramps from southbound 795. volume picks up in that area. looking pretty good on 95 out of white marsh. that is the latest on traffic pulse 11. ava marie joins us again from the timonium fairgrounds. what fun we have been having watching your live shots. we need to teach tony some of those tricks. >> tony is the one dog i don't think you can teach tricks to. these dogs are enjoying al

. >> what is a big deal -- a baltimore city school has $100,000 in its budget thanks to ellen degeneres. the william s. baer school was one of 50 schools to receive the grants. touches ourt -- it heart that we're one of 50 schools they thought could use this money. we are eternally grateful to target and to ellen degeneres. >> the money is expected to be used to renovate the schools bathrooms. there was a $5 million donation from target. >> a recall issue in an effort to prevent infant injuries. 25,000 rattles are being recalled because of a potential choking hazard. there were sold at various mexican craft stores nationwide. contact lee carter company for a full refund or visit their web site. a recall of nearly to wonder 50,000 insulated lunch boxes -- 250,000 lunchboxes. they could leak a gel. there were sold at costco. 55,000 traveling chef expansible food carriers are also being recalled. those products were sold at walmart. jcpenney does away with sales and plans to reduce prices. it will mark down all of its merchandise by at least 40%. shoppers will no longer have to wait for a

of baltimore city school is getting our renovation banks to a generous gift from "the ellen degeneres show." it serves students with special needs like cerebral palsy and spina bifida. they received a grant from ellen and her campaign toward needy schools. >> it touches our heart that out of all whole country, we are one of the city's schools that they thought could use the money -- one of the 50 schools that they thought it could use the money. >> we are told that the money will be used to renovate the schools bathrooms. the grants were made possible by a $5 million donation from a target. still to come, details on a recall involving baby rattles. foreclosure sales are down, but it may not be good news. first, a suspected thief shoots himself in the foot, literally. dr. patrick allen from falls road animal hospital is here to answer your pet questions. email petquestions@wbaltv. >> former nhl player was skating with a youth hockey team in a newly built ring over the weekend in slovakia. a number of youngsters were skating when suddenly the children, coaches heard a frightening sound

and ellen degeneres turns 54.ll day long stay on top of the latest developments in those stories and others as they break on msnbc. and tonight be sure to watch brian williams with "nbc nightly news." >>> and finally, here's a look at what's coming up later on the "today" show. a look into the cause of demi moore's hospitalization earlier this week and her road to recovery. and actress michelle williams talks about her recent oscar nomination and what it is like to play marilyn monroe on the big screen. >>> now keep it on this channel for continuing local news, weather, sports and more. i'm lynn berry. thanks for watching "early today," just your first stop of the day today on your nbc station. have a good one.

last week, an appearance on the "ellen degeneres" show. >> they are going to give you a $50,000 scholarship. >> that was like someone pulling out your dream and giving it to you. this is your dream. have it. >> reporter: tuesday, samantha was invited by her congressman. >> mr. speaker, the president of the united states. >> reporter: to attend the state of the union address in washington. >> he actually signed it for you? >> yes. >> reporter: then appeared on the "today" show. >> this is the lab where you spend a lot of time. samantha didn't make it to the final round of the science competition. as she waits to hear from colleges, she is convinced now more than ever education will change her life. >> i had all these amazing opportunities. just the fact i was able to apply to this competition, had other people acknowledge my research and see what i've done is winning in itself. >> reporter: one talented young woman's story of turmoil turning into triumph. rehema ellis, nbc news, new york. >> great story to end on for a thursday night. thank you for being here with us. i'm brian williams. of

she will appear on the tonight show with jay leno next tuesday she will be on the ellen degeneres show and next thursday. >>> well he played the wife cracking jew puerto rican high school on the sitcom welcome back carter. this morning, hollywood is mourning his death. richard died yesterday at the age of 60 after being taken to a hospital. doctors say he was in full cardiac arrest. his character always wrote phoney notes to be excused from class and signed them epstein's mother. >>> a group of psychics and mediums are planning a trip to poe's grave site. what they expect from the dead author. >>> plus, over 60 million dollars of lottery money is on the line in iowa. when consider the-- >>> a murderer will learn her fate. i am linda so with sentencing day in the yogurt shop murder. >>> now "good morning maryland. >>> it's sentencing day for the woman who killed a coworker at a bethesda yoga store. linda so is here with why prosecutors say she should never be let out of jail. >> reporter: a judge will listen to the arguments before sentencing brittany norwood. prosecutors say she would

ellen degeneres called me up onstage. she surprised me.. >> and i wanted to meet you. >> yeah. >> [squeals] [laughter] and then she sent me to the american music awards to interview celebrities. >> well, let me tell you something that nobody knows about allie. she has never been kissed. >> are you trying to break that right now, tonight, today? all right, come here. >> [laughs] >> your first kiss was usher? >> well, technically, my first kiss was mike posner. [screams] >> let's, uh, let's go for three and four. here. he has soft lips. just kiss him. >> [laughs] >> aw, come on. this one's just a little wild. good luck. >> i really didn't sing in front of anyone until, like, a year ago. [laughs] so, uh, this is kind of new. ellen inspired me and made me think that anything was possible, so i was like, "why not try out for american idol?" [squeals] >> aah-oow! >> hi. >> come on. >> what's your name? >> i'm alexis shields. >> why are you so happy? >> um, because i really like you. >> [laughs] [whispers] she really likes you. >> who? >> steven

they hope they can interview ellen degeneres next. >> decision 2012. a new poll showing tonight that mitt romney has a double-digit lead over newt gingrich heading into tomorrow's florida primary. romney is expanding the lead to 42% compared to gingrich's 27%. rick santorum is 30 with 16% followed by ron paul. romney's latest campaign ad is angering more than opponents. here's steph handelsman in tampa. >> reporter: he had his grandson sum up the jubilation. >> for looks like papa's going to win. >> papalooked relieved. >> i am beginning to think we may win. >> here altered tactics after losing south carolina. >> we were getting wailed on. >> he went after gingrich in florida debates and on tv. >> newt has a ton of baggage. >> in moxie's coffee shop in tampa, floridians said the ad steered them away from gingrich. >> i see them on both sides, bashing each other and i don't know which way. i'm very undecided. >> newt gingrich said he decided not to quit. >> we are going to go all the way to the convention and win in tampa. >> appears with herman cain. >

the students say they are hoping they can interview ellen degeneres next week. >> of all of the people. then a research trip become as hostage situation in so malyaxt a prominent california writer kidnapped by pirates. >> it could be a close race in florida. why the latest polls show newt gingrich may be gaining ground on mitt romney. >> looking for a job, a tiny island getaway is hiring if you have the right skills. >> for all of your news, weather, and traffic, check us out on facebook. se ♪ [ male announcer ] little owen wanted to play, but his nose was raw and sore. achoo! [ male announcer ] and common tissue made it burn even more. ♪ puffs plus lotion is more soothing than common tissue, and it delivers our most soothing lotion for every nose issue. a nose in need deserves puffs plus lotion indeed. to give your cold a comforting scent, try puffs plus lotion with the scent of vicks. >> good tuesday morning to you. a live look outside from the south bay. at the shark tank. all quiet right now. a look at the full forecast coming up. >> a former bay area journalist researching pirates

the ellen degeneres show is donating $100,000 to a school nationwide. in the school here in baltimore was the recipient. >> to save the school is special is an understatement. it opened its doors in 1933. >> you walk the hallways of the bear school, you know right away this is a special place. everywhere there are wheelchairs' and walkers planning to walls. many of these students have significant disabilities. >> our whole crew mission is to make their life better. >> it is because of those significant disabilities that jennifer dakota decided to enter a contest and a reward that gives any schools money across the country. today they have $100,000. giving you $100,000. [applause] >> it was really awesome to tell the kids this morning in the staff. it was hard to keep a lid on it overnight. it really was. very exciting. these kids deserve it. just cannot wait to get started on the construction. >> the money will be used to renovate back rooms in the school that have not been touched since the 1950's. the school changes diapers for over 200 students per d

ellen degeneres called me up onstage. she surprised me.-huh. >> and i wanted to meet you. >> yeah. >> [squeals] [laughter] and then she sent me to the american music awards to interview celebrities. >> well, let me tell you something that nobody knows about allie. she has never been kissed. >> are you trying to break that right now, tonight, today? all right, come here. >> [laughs] >> your first kiss was usher? >> well, technically, my first kiss was mike posner. [screams] >> let's, uh, let's go for three and four. here. he has soft lips. just kiss him. >> [laughs] >> aw, come on. this one's just a little wild. good luck. >> i really didn't sing in front of anyone until, like, a year ago. [laughs] so, uh, this is kind of new. ellen inspired me and made me think that anything was possible, so i was like, "why not try out for american idol?" [squeals] >> aah-oow! >> hi. >> come on. >> what's your name? >> i'm alexis shields. >> why are you so happy? >> um, because i really like you. >> [laughs] [whispers] she really likes you. >> who? >> ste

. >> ellen degeneres is planning to help a school. >> as rob roblin tells us, they had to give ellenpelling reason why they deserved it. >> to say the bear school here in west baltimore is special is an understatement. it opened its doors in 1933. when you walk the hallways of the bear school, you know right away, this is a special place. everywhere there are wheelchairs and walkers lining the walls. many of the students here have significant disabilities. >> these children have cerebral poll and spina bifida. >> it is because of those significant disabilities that jennifer decota decided to enter a contest sponsored by the ellen degeneres show that targets needy schools across america. today they found out they have won $100,000. >> $100,000! >> [cheers and applause] >> it was wonderful to tell the kids this morning. it was hard to keep a lid on it overnight. it really was. very, very exciting. these kids deserve it. staff deserves it. we want to get started on the construction. >> the money will be used to renovate bathrooms in the schools. bathrooms that have not been touched sinc

. >> reporter: in early november ellen degeneres asked brand directly if they had split. >> what?!eporter: but the cracks started to show. >> they never are in the same place at the same time. and usually that's the first sign. ♪ you can travel the world -- >> reporter: katy perry kicked off her wildly successful "california dream" tour. >> good morning, arthur. >> hi there. >> reporter: brand who starred in the remake of "arthur" had his own demanding shoot schedule. when they had a chance to take a break this christmas, they spent the holiday thousands of miles apart. brand was back home in england with friends. perry took time off in hawaii, neither one was wearing their wedding ring. hollywood watchers spent the holidays speculating on what finally broke them apart. >> it's the age-old problem in the world of celebrity, one is more successful than the other. russell did ride on katy's coattails when he hit hollywood. ♪ last friday night >> reporter: the two came from vastly different backgrounds, perry raised in california by strict evangelical christians, brand had a troubled

first lady heads to california, makes fundraising stops and is appearing on the tonight show and ellen degeneresonservative next. and makes tooth enamel two times stronger. get dual-action listerine® whitening rinse. building whiter, stronger teeth. [ roger ] tell me you have good insurance. yup, i've got... [ dennis ] ...allstate. really? i was afraid you'd have some cut-rate policy. [ kyle ] nope, i've got... [ dennis ] ...the allstate value plan. it's their most affordable car insurance -- and you still get an allstate agent. i too have... [ dennis ] ...allstate. [ roger ] same agent and everything. [ kyle ] it's like we're connected. no we're not. yeah, we are. no...we're not. ♪ the allstate value plan. dollar for dollar, nobody protects you like allstate. >>> you know, the power of the super pac has been making campaigns nervous by take the message away from the candidates and giving it to special interests with the deepest pockets. and when you hear what happens after midnight tomorrow, it could change the way you look at politics. we have that inside info coming up. >>> first, we want to

emmy winning talk show host ellen degeneres is 54. hockey great wayne gretzky turns 51 today.it is your birthday, happy birthday. we'll be right back! >>> welcome back. it is 5:42. i'm monika samtani with your timesaver traffic. and we're looking good all around town. no problems to report on the beltway. just a bit of volume now forming on your major thoroughfares trying to get to the beltway including on i-66 where you've got it basically out in manassas to centreville and bunching up at the beltway. we're going to take a live look outside right now. if you're planning to head over on the northbound side of i-95, here's what it looks like it. will slow down from newington right into springfield. just a lot of brake lights but no incidents to report as we head for the belt way. and now we'll go a little further north on to 395 and looking live at duke street, traffic still moving well both in the main and the hov lanes heading for the 14th street bridge. let's go back to the maps this time on the north side of town. no problems to report right now with the exception of the sl

other winners included harry potter and the deathly hallows, ellen degeneres, and johnny depp. >>> madonna"w.e." in london. says she's proud of the film. madonna will be performing at halftime during this year's super bowl. and now kelly clarkson, the latest celebrity to get her shot at the national anthem. the first american idol winner will open the game february 5th on nbc. >>> more proof america loves tim tebow. an espn poll shows the denver broncos quarterback is our favorite athlete. he beat out kobe bryant, aaron rodgers and tom brady. >>> and this is one big kitty looking for a good home. and a bag of low calorie food for his new family. >>> she swore she'd never get married again, but halle berry is engaged. berry's been married twice before, she has a 3-year-old daughter with her ex. and that wraps up this hour of jansing and company. i was getting all choked up. >>> i'll see you back here tomorrow. thrilled. wait. we can have shakes? and boston cream pie. did you say pie? pie. she said pie. pie. [ male announcer ] get back on track with low prices on everything you need. backed

ellen degeneres, morgan freeman, some of the stars who honored white. you can see the betty white birthday special tonight at 8:00 here on nbc bay area. following the broadcast you'll get a special sneak peek into white's new hidden camera comedy series. >> 90 years old, she looks great. by the way, yeah, funny and very sexy. miss white. if you are looking for love in 2012 you may be in one of the best places to do it. that according to the daily beast. san francisco ranking number 8 in the country as cities to find a date in 2012. san jose, checked in at 25th. the site looked at a percentage of single men and women over 15 and the percentage of the total population that is single. also looked at the average salary of singles. and checked the gallup well-being index for residents' physical and mental health. cities ranked in the top five, there you go, atlanta, georgia, gainesville, florida, lincoln, nebraska. i'm from lincoln. hey. >> what does that say? >> not sure, really. austin, texas, and minneapolis, minnesota. when i was back there when i was yo

best daytime tv host, ellen degeneres. >> the only daytime -- >> best comedic actor, adam sandler.big winners from that night? >> yes, there are some other big winners. neil patrick harris, who could take over for regis. who knows? our favorite tv actor. >> many rumors out there. >> there's a whole lot of rumors floating out there. but these are the type of awards that make me feel old because i really don't recognize about 50% of the kids. honestly. >> best drama movie went to "water for elephants." lady gaga took home some awards. >> favorite r&b artist, rihanna. >> faith hill. so it was a good night for the stars. >> and look at her. is she not gorgeous? betty white is gorgeous. that's who i was talking about. >> and guess what? betty white turns 90 years old next month. 17th of the month. betty looking good. and certainly everyone loves her. big night at the people's choice awards. but let's get to some kardashian dirt. i know you all get sick of them but listen to this story. this is a bit different than the other stuff we've been talking about. apparently robert kardashian, t

. >> he talked to ellen degeneres and tavis smiley.urious what he had to say. >>> we'll get to the trial of n the love triangle of the former nfl player and his girlfriend and a wealthy man. >>> and the garth brooks dispute. he seems to be changing his story just a little bit. >>> first, george, the decision one chicago dad made to turn in his own son. after seeing this horrifying video on youtube of his child front and center bullying and beating another kid. abc's linsey davis has more. >> reporter: this is an interesting one. a real-life instance of what would you do. you're the parent of a teenager caught on video, ganging up on and beating up another child. would you turn your own child in to police? michael palomino did. his son is now facing the consequences. as painful as the video is to watch, the father of this teen, ray mond r raymond palomino says it was especially gut-wrenching for him because of the decision he was forced to make. >> i had to call 911. >> reporter: that's right. he called the police on his own 17-year-old

. >> reporter: a call from the ellen degeneres show resulted in more good news. >> a $50,000 scholarship it. i have never seen that many zeroes in my life. >> reporter: then an invitation from her local congressman to attend the president's state of the union address. >> she has not only inspired her peers, but she has inspired her community and the nation at large. >> my parents said, keep your head up. if you look down and mope, nothing will come out of it. i always took that to heart. i just kept a positive mentality. >> reporter: samantha garvey is keeping that positive outlook as she waits to hear from colleges. this is a kid who told me she figured out early on that education is her ticket to a better life. she's truly a remarkable kid and it's a great story, ann? >> it is, rehema ellis. thank you so much. samantha garvey now joins us. good morning. >> good morning. >> you have in your hand still a copy of the president's speech. >> yes. >> he's signed it for you? is that right? >> yes. >> want to show us the signature? >> yes. >> a speech from the state of the union address. you c

he sat down with ellen degeneres and talked about what happened to his marriage with heidi klum.> you go into these things with the greatest intentions, you know, when you say "i do," "until death do us part" those vows hold value, they're not just words. you just grow apart after a while. i mean, you try and you work through it and the thing that you quickly realize, is when you're married and you become a parent, is you do the best that you can. >> yeah. kyra, i think a lot of people relating with what seal is saying this morning about growing apart. it does, after all, happen. i can't remember a split in recent history in hollywood where so many people took it so personally and feel so sad about it because these guys were the lovey-dovey couple of hollywood. we thought they were one that was going to last through it all. >> it's a shame. thanks so much. bit of a downer there. >>> if you want all information on everything breaking in the entertainment world a.j. has it every night on hln, 11:00 eastern. >>> big hit, broken dreams. >> my little brother, not moving, he needs help