Causing on the waterways from the great lakes to the east coast. And aww, the puppies that will have their day in tomorrows other super bowl. Good evening, his state is about to host the super bowl but it is a sport of bare knuckles new jersey politics that has governor Chris Christie on the ropes tonight, facing a new allegation that he did indeed know all about a politically engineered traffic snarl on the George Washington bridge, something he has strongly denied. The charge is being made by a lawyer representing a key figure in the controversy. So far it has not been backed up by any evidence. But with christie standing as a likely president ial contender the claim has quickly gained traction, and tonight christie is fighting back hard. Nbcs Kelly Odonnell has covered it from the start and joins us from fort lee, new jersey. Reporter good evening, lester, this is a real balancing act for the governor with the public duties of hin the big game here while his team is more sharply pushing back tonight against those new allegations, trying to undercut them, send the word out to christie supporters about what happened here, saying these new claims come without evidence. Despite being the host governor, today new jerseys Chris Christie did not appear to get the home field advantage. Good afternoon, everybody. Reporter a mix of boos and cheers from the crowd in new york citys times square. We look forward to hosting everybody in this group that has got a ticket over in new jersey tomorrow. Reporter in what is supposed to be a celebrityfilled Football Party weekend . Christie finds himself playing defense again. After a former christie ally, David Wildstein who supervised the lane closures last fall and then took the fifth in january showed hints that christie may know more about the traffic scandal. Let me tell you everybody i was blind sided yesterday. Reporter while wildstein wrote evidence exists that he knew about the period during when the lanes were closed. The claim was made in a letter specifically demanding that wildsteins former employer, the port authority, pay his legal bills and while wildstein may look for a deal. If he gets what he is seeking here, that would be a very clear signal that the u. S. Attorney believes there is something he has to offer. Reporter Christies Office responded that while his lawyer backed up the claim he had no prior knowledge of the traffic mess and furthermore, denies while steins other assertions. It makes the claims intriguing. He claims that what is left exists, but what is left is the kind of evidence, who has that evidence and does it say anything about whether or not christie knew the motivation behind the lane closures. Reporter late today, they obtained a Christie Office memo being sent to supporters that it aggressively pushes back both against the New York Times which reported the allegations, and then takes on wildsteins personal character, saying that David Wildstein will do anything to save David Wildstein. And while it uses personal anecdotes regarding his character, we tried to reach him but were unsuccessful. And also the number of people to produce subpoenas by mondays deadline have been given an extension by new jersey lawmaker, meaning it will take more time before we get to know about what may be in the evidence that could support either the allegations by wildstein or the story that the governor maintains that he knew nothing about this. Lester . All right, kelly, thank you, and as we noted super bowl xlviii is being played tomorrow in new jersey just across the river from us in new york city. Businesses on both sides of the river are finding the big game is not turning out to be the big payday they counted on, nbcs ron mott has more from super bowl central. Reporter hey, lester, good evening, there is talk that the super bowl could bring half a billion dollars or more to new york city and new jersey, but tonight, reality has businesses questioning just how super the game is for the bottom line. The rutherfords traveled across country to root for their beloved seahawkss. And theyre paying a pretty penny. Do you have like a budget . Well spend more than ten grand, that includes super bowl tickets, which is a big chunk. Reporter a big chunk indeed, but as much monrey as the famil and others spend here, Research Suggests it will be far less than the 600 million generated for the region, historically generated between 120 million for host cities. Those studies are very good at doing adding and multipling, but they dont do well at subtracking. Reporter the digit prices are flat, hotel rooms can still be had, with many still available. Many are finding it tough to close a deal despite the crowds. It is not as lucrative as i thought it may have been. Reporter here at the hotel chandler, theyre dressed for the occasion. Well have exactly the same people as last year. Reporter across the river where the game will be played, super bowl buzz has been the feed here at the restaurant. I dont want it to hurt me, that other people dont come in because theyre afraid. Reporter afraid of overcrowding, the turnout could be affected because of fears on the cold, it is the first outdoor venue, with Hotel Restrictions and high fares. Nonetheless, this family is sparing no expense for their super bowl expense, a 7,000 adventure. This is a once in a lifetime experience for my son and i, and were looking forward to just spending it and paying for it later. Reporter tonight, super security is in place for the super bowl. Law enforcement is not saying just what theyre spending but it will be sure to have an impact on the bottom line. All right, thank you, ron, and in the middle of the country theyre getting hit with another snowstorm. Hundreds of flights have been cancelled already and there are two more flights behind this one. Weather channels meteorologist mike seidel has more. Reporter hi there, from the navy pier here in chicago, and the snow is flying, so far they have had more this season, more than they shovelled in chicago the past two winters combined. And cold morning, 15 so far sub zero has led to ice on the waterways and in michigan. In detroit, a record, last month 39 inches, more fell today leading to crashes on area highways in the motor city. Another storm on sunday brings more snow and ice in the dallas ft. Worth area, and from the d. C. Area, one to three inches in philly and new york, then more storms in the midwest, a swath of storms from chicago, to kc, and there will be mostly rains for the big city on wednesday, then more cold weather. And as we heard a moment ago, outdoor, first cold super bowl. What will it be like at kickoff in new jersey . Reporter lester, after all the worries of maybe a blizzard and icy cold weather, it will be warm, 50 for a high, kickoff temperature 41. So right now, super bowl 6 in new orleans, that will remain the coldest at 39. Mike seidel, thank you very much. And state officials in california say the historic western drought is not a coming crisis, its a Current Crisis and the impact is already being felt at farms and local businesses. And unless the weather shifts dramatically, it will only get worse, nbc, mike taibbe has more. Reporter here, the drum beat of bad news, the quickly shrinking reservoirs, spelling disaster for more on this growing season. The industries as a whole will be affected, at least three years because of this situation that were in right now today. Reporter he has been relying on county water for irrigation and has not been shut off yet. And has even cut off older, more thirsty less productive trees to save additional water. But all the elements of the drought are at historic extremes. January rain days, usually californias wettest month, zero, january wildfires, last january there were none, this year . 406. Snowpack amount, a mere 12 of normal. Nobody can remember anything like this being nothing like this has happened in over 100 years. Reporter and it is not just farmland that is at risk. Unless there is a dramatic and unanticipated weather turn around, several counties say they will run out of Drinking Water in two months, in marin county north of San Francisco . We have asked customers to conserve. Reporter voluntary now, but that will change if the weather does not. The impact is spreading, a 25 price jump for locally grown food at some markets, a bait and tackle shop relying on water, hanging on for dear life. Were doing our rain dance and praying for rain. Reporter there have been rain and snow dances, catholic bishops have asked the faithful to pray for rain, and are trying to inspire extra rain or snow with the clouds. But the skies, for too long, in what is supposed to be the rainy season, have been a beautiful blue. This is the wrong time of year to be beautiful. Reporter with no relief on the horizon, mike taibbe, california. And in indonesia, a volcano erupted today with deadly results, Officials Say at least 14 people were killed when Mount Sinabung erupted. It came a day after authorities allowed thousands of nearby villagers who had had been evacuated to return home. Saying the volcanos activity was decreasing. It is now just five days until the competition begins a at the Winter Olympics in sochi, russia, amid concerns the athletes including the American Team have been arriving and practicing at the venues where they will compete. Just how ready are things . We get more from our chief foreign correspondent, Richard Engel in sochi. Reporter the mountains are ready, jagged, wild, and covered with snow, and watched by troops looking for any suspicious tracks. Despite threats from terrorists, members of the American Team today said they feel safe and are ready to compete. I feel safe, knock on wood, but it seems great. The mountains are amazing, the facilities are great, everybody is really friendly, looking forward to the next month. Reporter down off the mountain, team usa short track speed skater j. R. Selski was testing the ice. Feeling really good about this, and loving the atmosphere and energy and strength. Reporter this has been a monumental project for sochi, recently, this olympic park was just swampy farmland, 2010, a mere outline, since then it has gone up quickly. But everything is not quite done, far from it. Workmen have less than a week, some hotels just today were loading in furniture. And security, russia denies there is any threat. But you have to go through airportstyle checks to board a train in sochi. The main olympic park is not actually in sochi, but in the town of adler about 40 minutes up the black sea coast. And the view is probably not what you would expect at a winter olympic. The train better be nice, the olympic rails, tunnel and roads cost more than 9 billi 9 billio. The final tab for sochi will ring in 50 billion. So far, the athletes and tourists have been able to ignore the controversies. I feel so safe, just loving it. Reporter and getting excited for the Winter Olympics, split between the mountains and the sea. Richard engel, nbc news, sochi. And a reminder the competition in sochi begins next thursday, february 6th. And so does olympic coverage right here on nbc. And when nbc nightly news continues this saturday, new fears about whether or not the water in West Virginia is really safe to drink following the Chemical Spill several weeks ago. And later, what has become an irresistible alternative to and later, what has become an irresistible alternative to watching the my dad has aor afib. Brillation, he has the most common kind. Its not caused by a heart valve problem. Dad, it says your afib puts you at 5 times greater risk of a stroke. Thats why i take my warfarin every day. But it looks like maybe we should ask your doctor about pradaxa. In a clinical trial, pradaxa® Dabigatran Etexilate mesylate . Was proven superior to warfarin at reducing the risk of stroke. And unlike warfarin, with no regular blood tests or dietary restrictions. Hey thanks for calling my doctor. Sure. Pradaxa is not for people with artificial heart valves. Dont stop taking pradaxa without talking to your doctor. Stopping increases your risk oftr ask your doctor if you need to stop pradaxa before surgery or a medical or dental procedure. Pradaxa can cause serious, sometimes fatal, bleeding. Dont take pradaxa if you have abnormal bleeding or have had a heart valve replaced. Seek immediate medical care for unexpected signs of bleeding, like unusual bruising. Pradaxa may increase your bleeding risk if youre 75 or older, have a bleeding condition or stomach ulcer, take aspirin, nsaids, or blood thinners. Or if you have kidney problems, especially if you take certain medicines. Tell your doctors about all medicines you take. Pradaxa side effects include indigestion, stomach pain, upset, or burning. If you or someone you love has afib not caused by a heart valve problem. Ask your doctor about reducing the risk of stroke with pradaxa. [ coughing ] [ crying ] sorry. [ male announcer ] new robitussin dm max nighttime. Fast, powerful cough relief that helps you sleep like a baby. Robitussin nighttime. Dont suffer the coughequences. There are new concerns tonight that the water declared safe in West Virginia following a Chemical Spill may not be. Officials yet again are handing out bottled water to the residents. Nbcs Kristen Welker has more. Reporter lester, good evening, i spent the day in charleston yesterday. And many people told me their lives have been fundamentally changed. The state says the water in West Virginia is safe but that is being questioned and creating a lot of confusion and fear. Life has not been the safe in the goldman house since the chemical mchm leaked into the Virginia Water supply from a tank at Freedom Industries three weeks ago. What is frustrating, there is no end in sight. Reporter for weeks, this family says the tap water smells like licorice, associated with the chemical. We have a new normal now, we have new ways of cooking and washing hands. Reporter the goldmans say they have been using bottled water and will continue to especially when tests found the levels of the chemical higher than standard, including at their oldest daughters school. My big concern will be the health of my kids maybe in ten years. Reporter restaurants say they have lost business and many of them are now touting the fact they cook with bottled water. On the other side . Reporter reporter the state had stopped giving out bottled water but started again on friday. The doctor here is the commissioner for Public Health and she insists the water is safe. I am drinking it and cooking with it and bathing in it. My family is, as well. Reporter why are you passing out water if the water is safe to drink . Were doing it because were listening to our constituents. Okay . They just dont have confidence and so we are trying to tell them we hear you. We have confidence but we understand you dont yet. Reporter tierney also says the hcsm found at the schools is neglig negligible and they will work to flush out the supplies. They say they need to do a better job of informing the public. The state says were like elaborates in the sense that this is the first time this chemical has been exposed to humans at a large scale. Reporter pregnant women in particular have been told to refrain from drinking the water. For jennifer, who is due at any moment . It is pretty stressful. Reporter it is just another piece of conflicting information adding to her fears. But to think about bringing this one day, two dayold baby home and not knowing well, what are the real Health Effects . Because there is just so much uncertainty, still. Reporter now, the state is aiming to have the schools water at safe standards by monday. Part of the broader problem is that very little is known about mchm, or a second chemical that leaked into the water supply. We reached out to Freedom Industries several times but got for response. All right, thank you. And when we return, one of the big problems caused by the frigid january i have the flu, i took medicine but i still have symptoms. [ sneeze ] [ male announcer ] truth is not all flu products treat all your symptoms. What . [ male announcer ] alkaseltzer plus severe cold and flu speeds relief to these eight symptoms. [ breath of relief ] thanks. [ male announcer ] youre welcome. Ready . Go. As a police officer, ive helped many people in the last 23 years, but i needed help in quitting smoking. [ male announcer ] along with support, Chantix Varenicline is proven to help people quit smoking. Chantix reduced the urge for me to smoke. It actually caught me by surprise. [ male announcer ] some people had changes in behavior, thinking, or mood, hostility, agitation, depressed mood, and suicidal thoughts or actions while taking or after stopping chantix. If you notice any of these, stop chantix and call your doctor right away. Tell your doctor about any history of mentalhealth problems, which could get worse while taking chantix. Dont take chantix if youve had a serious allergic or skin reaction to it. If you develop these, stop chantix and see your doctor right away, as some can be lifethreatening. Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart or bloodvessel problems or if you develop new or worse symptoms. Get medical help right away if you have symptoms of a heart attack or stroke. Use caution when driving or operating machinery. Common side effects include nausea, trouble sleeping, and unusual dreams. I did not know what it was like to be a nonsmoker, but i do now. [ male announcer ] ask your doctor if chantix is right for you. From the great lakes to the Atlantic Shores and all the water ways in between, it is an effect of one of the coldest januarys on record, ice jams, that make for some spectacular winter scenery, but as our Kristen Dahlgren reports they are causing some Serious Problems on the water ways in the world. Reporter on this coast guard cutter, this is one objective. We want to keep this channel clear so that maritime traffic can get through. Reporter these are not the icy waters of antarctica, these are the icy waters of philadelphia. It has been at least 20 years since we saw it this bad. Reporter so every day, the coast guard ice breakers are out, fighting to make sure the vital lanes stay open. It is necessary for the heating oil and groceries, all coming through the maritime channels, so if the river froze through, obviously, that affects thousands of people. Reporter this year, the extreme cold left hundreds of waterways iced over. In the hudson river it is almost a constant battle. Overhead, reconnaissance scouts for ice jams, while down below crews attempt to cut through. People dont realize if were not out here these areas will not flow through new york, it just wont happen. Reporter on the great lakes, ice breakers are running day and night to keep things moving. When temperatures are at their coldest, the lakes freeze over as soon as the boats pass. Meanwhile, back on the delaware, a dead end. This is about as far as we can go today. The ice here simply is too thick to get through. So their best bet is to break up the ice south of here so once it does freeze it will have someplace else to go. If it jams up there is a risk of flooding along the banks of the river up there. Reporter critical work. Were trying to make a dent in it and doing the best we can. Reporter to keep the waters flowing during an extraordinary winter that is far from over. Kristen dahlgren, nbc news, philadelphia. And allow us now to show you the latest adorable animal video gone viral, featuring a 12weekold polar bear playing in snow for the first time. He seemed to be nervous at first but then warmed up. Zoo Officials Say these animalss play is not only important for play but for development. Those Little Things still get you. Cialis tadalafil for daily use helps you be Ready Anytime the moment is right. Cialis is also the only daily ed tablet approved to treat symptoms of bph, like needing to go frequently. Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and medicines, and ask if your heart is healthy enough for sex. Do not take cialis if you take nitrates for chest pain, as it may cause an unsafe drop in blood pressure. Do not drink alcohol in excess. Side effects may include headache, upset stomach, delayed backache or muscle ache. To avoid longterm injury, get medical help right away for an erection lasting more than four hours. 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Oh, ohoh, oh, oh hey, its me [ whistles ] and theres my dog [gasps] theres my steps i should stop talking. Perfectly paired savings. Now, thats progressive. Taibbi tai on this super bowl eve, we would like to briefly share something from our friends at late night with jimmy fallon, the super bowl edition of the pup py predictors. The broncos got the lead there, theyre going back, looks like a clear win there, the denver broncos, on to win the super bowl how good are the puppy predictors, they correctly predicted the Baltimore Ravens to win last year and also correctly predicted the Boston Red Sox to win the world series. And if you have not had your fill of cute animals, the puppy bowl, our Jill Rappaport has more. Reporter super bowl sunday, the seahawks versus the broncos versus the puppies . Even if your team did not make the big game you can still root for these furry fierce competitors. At this stage in manhattan, the puppies are primping for their play. And getting time. It is really more than just a mental massage. It is puppy porn, can i say that . You just did. Reporter and that translates into some numbers, a record 12. 4 Million Viewers watched the puppy bowl last year, with more expected to tune in tomorrow. We have had people tweeting that puppies are cuter than football players. Oh, did i wake you up . These pups are mvps for more reasons than one, not only are they incredible eye candy but the fact they are all from shelters raises awareness from animals in need. Puppy from the beginning is all about adoption. They were left to die and this gives the opportunities in front of millions. Reporter this couple came all the way from new orleans to adopt their puppy bowl superstar. When you get a puppy, when you rescue a dog it really changes the whole environment of your home. She is the aggressor. She really kicked some butt in the field, huh . Yeah, she really did. Reporter so after the accolades and touchdowns, these puppies really score by finding a new home. Jill rappaport. Now, how do you top that . You dont, that is nbc for this saturday evening, im lester holt reporting today, ill see you tomorrow on today and we hope to see you right back here monday night. Have a great evening, everybody. The pain started up the back of my head and wrapped around to the front. I couldnt play my bassoon because of the pressure that i felt throughout my whole head. The blistering and the rash was moving down towards my eye. The doctors at the emergency room recommended that i have it checked out by an eye doctor. There was concern about my eyesight. When i had shingles the music stopped. Paid advertisement for cold plasma subd by perricone md. How old does your neck make you look . Would you like to take years off your appearance and help remove some of the signs of aging on your neck for a look that is firmer, tighter, and more youthful . 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