Emilie Ikeda, Stephanie Gosk, Jesse Kirsch

The already-saturated Southern Plains are facing more wet weather with millions under new flood alerts after days of heavy rain. NBC's Erin McLaughlin reports and TODAY's Al Roker tracks the latest forecast. Kenneth Smith, who was convicted in the 1998 murder-for-hire killing of Elizabeth Sennett, became the first person ever in the United States to be executed by nitrogen gas. State officials have testified in court that this method is "painless and humane," but it remains controversial. NBC's Emilie Ikeda reports for TODAY. The Detroit Lions are on the brink of the team heading to the Super Bowl for the first time ever — and their legion of fans are soaking in the excitement. NBC's Stephanie Gosk reports for TODAY. Bryan Kohberger, the suspected murderer of four University of Idaho students, is expected back in court Friday where there is growing anticipation on when the judge will set the trial date. NBC's Liz Kreutz reports for TODAY and senior legal correspondent Laura Jarrett provides analysis. The trial for Jennifer Crumbley, the Michigan mother accused of involuntary manslaughter after her son opened fire in a school, will resume Friday as the proceedings test the limits on who is responsible for a mass shooting. NBC's Jesse Kirsch reports for TODAY.