hamilton cast. no big deal. >> no big deal. >> just casual. >> it's what we do. good morning, america. overnight, the dixie fire tears through a california town as nearly 100 wildfires burn in the country. wildfire crisis. >> we lost greenville tonight. there's just not words. >> burning almost every building in sight. california's eighth largest wildfire ever burning more than 270,000 acres. residents forced to flee their homes. we're live on the ground and ginger with the heat threat ahead. the delta variant now responsible for 93% of all new covid cases in the u.s. healthcare workers pushed to their limits. louisiana faces its highest number of hospitalizations since the pandemic began. dr. fauci warns we could hit 200,000 cases a day again. he joins us today.

only on "gma." defiant. calls intensifying for new york governor andrew cuomo to resign as four separate prosecutors across the state launch criminal probes after that blistering report finding he sexually harassed 11 women. one of them now planning legal action. as new york state lawmakers weigh impeachment. new overnight. bill gates breaks his silence speaking about his divorce from his wife melinda and what he's saying about his relationship with jeffrey epstein. caught on camera. the terrifying moment police break down a family door, guns drawn and the family now suing, saying officers tried to cover up their mistake. travel chaos. spirit airlines canceling hundreds of flights for the fourth day in a row blaming weather, system outages and staffing shortages. stranding thousands of passengers. the latest this morning. ♪ how you like me now ♪ and as we come on the air, victory for team usa. the women's soccer team defeating australia and going

home with the bronze medal. we do say good morning, america. thanks for being with us on this thursday. great to be here with george and t.j. what a win for the u.s. women's soccer team coming home with the bronze. we're going to have much more on that ahead. good for them. we also have the latest on the pandemic. the delta variant is spreading far and fast. hospitals on the brink in hot spots around the country and dr. fauci is warning we could hit 200,000 cases a day again. we'll speak with him in just a moment. also, we'll take you live to the new york state capital, albany, where new york governor cuomo with increasing calls for his resignation under investigation by four state prosecutors. after that blistering report. first, we begin with the wildfire crisis in the west with at least 100 blazes burning in california, the dixie fire exploding overnight engulfing the entire town of greenville. will car is on the ground there in california, has the latest. will.

>> reporter: good morning, robin. two fires exploded here in california overnight, destroying dozens of homes and forcing thousands of people to flee. right now, firefighters are going door to door to make sure everyone made it out safely. this fire started as a spark then ballooned up in a matter of minutes. overnight, the town of greenville, california, ravaged by the dixie fire. >> we lost greenville tonight and there's just not words for how us and the government haven't been able to get the job done. >> reporter: turning the town into a terrifying hellscape. firefighters battling the blaze forced to retreat. >> a couple minutes later we would have died there. everything was on fire. another minute our escape route would have been gone. >> reporter: that eerie orange glow standing out against the pitch black sky. the fire scorching trees, melting these cars, this gas station reduced to ashes.

the fire spreading so quickly and burning so hot residents barely making it to safety. >> our town's going, going, gone. >> reporter: the dixie fire burning itself into california history as the state's eighth largest wildfire ever, scorching a whopping 278,000 acres and now 35% contained. >> we're all evacuating. everyone's driving home as fast as they can. >> reporter: in north sacramento, plumes of orange smoke billowing into the sky forcing thousands of more residents to flee. the river fire quickly scorching over 1,400 acres burning, dozens of structures is currently zero percent contained. fire crews here on the front lines have been working around the clock, and veteran firefighters say they have extreme conditions and it's a red flag warning day. robin. >> that is such bad news. thanks. now to the pandemic. the cdc reports that the delta variant now accounts for 93% of all covid cases in the country.

just two months ago that was at 3%. we're going to speak with dr. fauci in a moment, but first, to marcus moore is in louisiana where doctors and nurses are being pushed to their limit. >> reporter: we saw how the strain on the system is enough to move some nurses and doctors here to tears. the highly contagious delta variant now responsible for 93% of all new cases in the u.s. dr. anthony fauci warning we could hit 200,000 cases a day. in louisiana, healthcare workers are struggling to keep up as the state faces its highest number of hospitalizations since the pandemic began. 90% of those hospitalized patients are unvaccinated. >> we're just exploding, we're bursting at the seams. >> reporter: 75-year-old curtis is one of them, he's been in the hospital since july 23rd. >> there are a lot of people out there who are reluctant to get vaccinated and they don't believe it will help them.

what would you tell those people? >> i tell them they need to get vaccinated because this isn't fun. >> reporter: the influx of covid patients is taking its toll on the staff here at willis knighton medical center. >> to be honest, i probably cry most days at work and when i go home. >> and why? >> i'm tired. i've been doing this for a year and a half and it just -- it feels like there's never going to be an end and if you're not going to get the vaccine at least wear a mask, try to be part of the solution. >> reporter: more than 58,000 patients are now hospitalized across the country with covid-19. 18-year-old to 49-year-olds accounting for 41% of them and concern growing about the most vulnerable, children. pediatric hospitalizations are 3 1/2 times higher than they were a month ago. in memphis, where two children died from covid over the

weekend, a doctor telling our affiliate the delta variant is to blame. >> it really has changed, we started seeing an increase in the number of kids being admitted with acute covid. >> reporter: while young children are not eligible for the vaccine adults who are but chose not to get it is sharing their regret this morning like travis hospitalized in tennessee. >> i have a day or two left. i don't want to waste my time. i want to help as many people as i can to let them see the real truth that it's real and it's only getting stronger and faster. >> reporter: back here in louisiana, a doctor here at the hospital said that in many ways they're back to square one with no clear end in sight and, george, a charge nurse told me she believes anyone who's not

getting vaccinated is gambling with their lives. >> thanks. let's bring in dr. anthony fauci to president biden. let's start with covid and kids in this delta variant. is this delta variant more likely to make kids sicker than the previous variants? >> well, the evidence of make -- of this particular virus transmitting more readily is unquestionable about that. what is less clear is whether or not it actually makes individuals more seriously ill. there have been a number of studies that have not been overwhelmingly impressive in the data, but they are suggestive that, for example, a study from canada looked at the increase in hospitalizations among people in general, including children, and it seemed to suggest that it was a bit more serious, but the data on that, george, isn't as really firm as the data on how much more transmissible it is. >> now we're starting to hear

about the delta plus variant as well. what is the difference between that and the delta variant and how concerned are you about it? >> well, it's just an additional mutation that occurs at the point of the virus that binds to the receptor in your nasopharynx and lungs which might make it more likely to bind but that's soft, george. it doesn't really give you a lot of firm evidence that this is any worse or any better. the thing that's important is that the delta variant that we're dealing with is so capable of pushing out other variants, that we're not expecting that to take over. having said that, we follow it very closely. >> but are we facing this continuous cycle where we just see new variants always popping up that evade the vaccines? >> that will happen, george, if we don't get good control over the community spread, which is the reason why i and my colleagues keep saying over and over again, it is very important to get as many people vaccinated

as we possibly can, people who say i don't want to get vaccinated because it's me and i'll worry about me. i'm not having any impact on anybody else. that's just not the case because when people don't get vaccinated it allows the virus to circulate through the community and when it does, even if it doesn't make a particular individual ill, they may be asymptomatic, that person is still a vehicle for the spread to other people and as long as the virus continues to spread, you give it ample opportunity to mutate. and when you give it ample opportunity to mutate you may sooner or later get another variant and it is possible that that variant might be in some respects worse than the already very difficult variant we're dealing with now which is a major reason why you want to completely suppress the circulation of the virus in the community. >> finally, sir, what do you

make of the new study that shows people who receive a flu shot may be less likely to get covid? >> i think we should better be careful and take a look at that. it could be the specific nonjuicing up of the immune system, one of the things you always think about when you give a vaccine that's not directly related to the disease you're trying to suppress. you may get this broad, nonspecific enhancement. but i'd be careful about that. the data on that are not strong. >> dr. fauci, thanks for your time and information. >> good to be with you. thank you for having me. the overall message is always so consistent and so clear, if you want to stop this, more people have to get vaccinated. >> that has been very clear from the outset. you're right about that, george. let's turn to new york governor andrew cuomo under investigation by four state prosecutors after that blistering report found he sexually harassed 11 women as pressure now grows for him to resign. erielle reshef from albany, new

york has the very latest. erielle, good morning to you. >> reporter: good morning to you, t.j. legislators are now weighing impeachment as the governor is in the fight of his political life. now we know he is facing criminal investigations as well as an impending lawsuit from one of his earliest accusers. this morning, calls intensifying for new york governor andrew cuomo to resign, as the lawmakers weigh impeachment. now four separate prosecutors across the state launching criminal probes after that blistering report found he sexually harassed 11 women. the albany district attorney released a statement encouraging other victims to come forward. the prosecutors requesting evidence from the new york attorney general as they examine potential crimes. investigators interviewed 179 people over 5 months including cuomo himself. >> they reviewed more than 74,000 pieces of evidence including documents, emails, texts, audiofiles and pictures. >> reporter: one piece of evidence, this selfie reportedly

taken at the governor's request moments after he allegedly groped an executive assistant. >> the governor hugged her number one and reached under her blouse to grab her breast and several occasions in which the governor grabbed her butt. >> reporter: detailing new allegations from a state trooper who described creepy encounters. >> she was standing, holding the door open for the governor. as he passed he took his open hand and ran it across her stomach from her belly button to the hip where she keeps her gun. >> reporter: the trooper testified that although the conduct made her uncomfortable she did not feel she could safely rebut or report the conduct because she feared retaliation. the report concluding cuomo personally requested the trooper be assigned to his protective security unit after meeting her at an event even though she didn't have the required three years of state police service and cuomo has maintained his innocence throughout.

>> i never touched anyone inappropriately or made inappropriate sexual advances. that is just not who i am, and that's not who i have ever been. >> reporter: lindsey boylan, one of the first women to come forward accusing cuomo of harassing her, is now planning to file a lawsuit. >> when people are brave enough to come forward it is not okay to try and destroy them. what's the lindsey's goal is right now. to send that message as clearly as she can. >> the assembly judiciary committee will meet here monday to discuss impeachment. it would take 76 votes in order to impeach governor cuomo. as of today at least 82 members say they would vote yes if he is impeached, he would have to step down until the trial is over. t.j. >> all right, erielle, thank you so much this morning. robin? now we turn to the olympics. a big night for team usa, and this morning, victory for the u.s. women's soccer team defeating australia and taking home a bronze medal. amy joins us live from japan

with so much more. good morning, amy. >> reporter: yes, very exciting, good morning to you, robin. team usa gave a stunning performance earlier this morning with carli lloyd now earning more olympic goals than any other player in u.s. women's national team history. this morning, the u.s. women's soccer team taking home bronze after defeating australia on the pitch, 4-3. megan rapinoe and carli lloyd scoring two goals apiece with the team capturing its sixth olympic medal. this bronze medal win capping off a big day for team usa. in track and field, defending shot put champ ryan crouser breaking his own record. three times, winning his second straight gold. donning a cowboy hat and draped in the american flag, he sent this touching message to his grandfather who passed away the day before he left for tokyo writing, grandpa, we did it.n m medals on the track after some nail-biting finishes.

team usa's kenny bednarik and noah lyles racing to the finish line in the men's 200 meters final taking home silver and bronze, and courtney freriches got one in the steeplechase with the highest placing title for any american in that event. over in skateboarding, more history being made. 22-year-old cory juneau taking home the bronze for team usa in the skateboarding competition. while on the court, men's basketball now one step away from their fourth straight gold medal after beating australia in the semifinals. and as these games enter the final stretch, we're seeing the women of team usa going for gold in beach volleyball, of course, we're talking about april ross and alix klineman. they are set to face off against australia in the gold medal game that happens later tonight.

on the track, superstar allyson felix has qualified for the 400-meter final tomorrow. if she medals she would tie carl lewis for the most medals in history by a u.s. track and field athlete. pretty remarkable. so much history being made at these olympics. >> so much action still left to go. all right, amy, thank you. we have a lot more coming up on "gma," including spirit airlines have canceled more flights stranding thousands. we'll tell you what's behind the travel chaos. also, bill gates is speaking about his divorce. also, what he's saying about his friendship with jeffrey epstein that may have played a part in ending the marriage. but first, let's say hello again to ginger. hey, there. t.j., robin, george. remember yesterday we were talking about those winds. that was the problem in the fire, the dixie fire, more than 20,000 acres in just 24 hours and this is what it looks like from space. more than a dozen fires burning from chico up to the oregon state line. that's a pretty small area to have that dense of this action going on.

you can see all the smoke coming from the southern cascades over the northern sierra. wind is going to be an issue again because we have another cold front approaching. what happens is yes, you can get gusts up to 40 miles per hour even in the valleys. but when you squeeze it between the canyons right into the fires, you can have gusts from 40 to 60 miles per hour. it converges there. we also have heat building especially from northern california, redding will see 100 going into the weekend and heat advisories and red flag warnings all over the map. your local weather in 30 seconds. first the rainy cities sponsored by dick's sporting goods.

good morning. i am abc7 news meteorologist mike nicco . it is a damp morning with drizzle and it will lock in the coolest afternoon into 7-day forecast. we are watching the smoke from the north and it could get unhealthy for tomorrow. tomorrow will be warmer than today. today, 60s and 70s, and 70s and 80s mn. tonight back to the 50s this is like candy before your broccoli but a sunset from portsmouth, new hampshire. a little time lapse. remember, we had one of the top three wettest julys and there's more rain coming. >> we didn't hear anything after candy. >> candy before the broccoli. we'll "rise & shine" from ohio. we have the best of what the buckeye state has to offer. coming up. we'll be back. this is not just innovation. this is smarter innovation. with appliances that let you check it here,

start it there, control it anywhere. this is no spills autofill. ( ♪ ) and a way to let them know, (phone dings) ...dinner's good to go. this is just the beginning. this is ge profile.

this is what freedom sounds like. and this. this is what freedom smells like. this is just the beginning. ahhh, enjoy 30 days of open-road freshness. febreze car. la, la, la, la, la with less moderate-to-severe eczema why hide your skin if you can help heal your skin from within. with dupixent adults saw long-lasting, clearer skin and significantly less itch. don't use if you're allergic to dupixent. serious allergic reactions can occur including anaphylaxis, which is severe. tell your doctor about new or worsening eye problems, such as eye pain or vision changes, or a parasitic infection. if you take asthma medicines don't change or stop them without talking to your doctor. talk to your doctor about dupixent. ♪ ♪ without talking to your doctor.

♪ ♪ can't believe that "daniel deal" you got me on my insurance. daniel, state farm offers surprisingly great rates to everyone. sure you do... you wanna meet the queen? ahhh i'm not dressed for that. when you want the real deal... like a good neighbor, state farm is there. no one likes to choose between safe or sporty. modern or reliable. we want both - we want a hybrid. so do banks. that's why they're going hybrid with ibm. a hybrid cloud approach helps them personalize experiences with watson ai while helping keep data secure. ♪ ♪ ♪ from banking to manufacturing, businesses are going with a smarter hybrid cloud, using the tools, platform and expertise of ibm. ♪ ♪ ♪ come in for sweats,

leave as a squad. what we value most, shouldn't cost more. building a better bay area. moving forward. finding solutions. this is abc7 news. good morning. i am reggie agui. the family of philip kreycik plans to speak publicly. the body of what was believed to be the missing runner was found on tuesday. investigators are working to trace movements what using that smart watch he was using. we are waiting for the report to confirm that it is him. now to a look at the traffic. >> good morning. we will start to look at the sensors on the richmond san rafael bridge. bridge work is underway 580 at the mid span. the right shoulder closed until

2:00 p.m. slow for the westbound two meters on the san mateo bridge. this is a live look. wrapping up with a live pitcher wrapping up with a live pitcher from the bay bridge toll plaza. [baby crying] i got it. i got it. ♪ ♪ getting some help with the little one, from her biggest fan. some real face time. just an amtrak away. this unplugged device is protecting our beautiful coastlines some and more. time. put off chores and use less energy from 4 to 9 pm to help keep our state golden. it's a new day. and it's coming at you fast. it could be the day your workforce doubles... or the day your visitors quadruple. with comcast business you'll be ready... with the flexibility to control multiple wifi networks from anywhere. all on the network that can deliver gig speeds to the most businesses. every day in business is a big day.

we'll keep you ready for what's next. get started with powerful internet and voice solution for just $64.99 a month from comcast business. call or go online today to learn more. i was injured in a car crash. i had no idea how much my case was worth. i called the barnes firm. when a truck hit my son, i had so many questions about his case. i called the barnes firm. it was the best call i could've made. your case is often worth more than insurance offers. call the barnes firm to find out what your case could be worth.

we will help get you the best result possible. ♪ the barnes firm, injury attorneys ♪ ♪ call one eight hundred, eight million ♪ good morning. measurable drizzle has been an issue. we have due to the smoke in the north. look at the near surface smoke forecast and how it increases in the orange and red and purple. that will become dangerous. look at this. you won't see this tomorrow. northwesterly wind flows and. we will watch this. temperatures today because of the drizzle, the coolest day. friday is the hottest. cleaner air and cooler conditions this weekend. coming up on gma, travel

chaos. spirit airlines california, did you know our homes share power? but when we try to stay cool in a heat wave our supply is pushed to the limit. but you have the power to keep us up and running! “i do?” yup, we all do! with flex alerts. they notify us when to shift our energy use if our power supply is stretched. so from pre-cooling our homes, to using less energy from 4-9pm, together, let's flex our power to save our power. sign up for flex alerts today.

...what is that? it's a boban bag. gimme some. no. you get tobi bag. it's adorable. just like you. tobi bag? go for the handful! [music plays.] ♪ start your day with crest 3d white ♪ and from mochaccinos to merlot, ♪ your smile will always be brilliant. crest 3d white brilliance. 100% stain removal, 24 hour stain resistance to lock in your whitest smile. crest. the #1 toothpaste brand in america. chromebooks are seriously easy to set up right out of the box. just sign in with your gmail and bam!

all your files are right there. now get after it. cause you're good to go. switch to setting up the easy way. switch to chromebook ♪ you make me feel like a teenage dream ♪ a little throwback thursday for you. katy perry, 2015 super bowl performance with the one and only left shark and that shark is actually now a resident of ohio. we're going to tell you all about it as we "rise & shine." >> that was the biggest loop de loop i've ever seen. >> we do what we can. >> we brought it home. we brought it home. >> and any time you can show left shark. who knew? we have a lot of headlines we're following right now, including the wildfire crisis in the west. overnight, the dixie fire tore through a california town burned

more than 270,000 acres. nearly 100 wildfires are burning in the country right now. and the latest on the . with the delta spreading throughout the country there is new hope as moderna reports its vaccine is 93% effective, four to six months after the second dose. we'll hear from the head of moderna in the next hour. also right now, calls are intensifying for new york governor andrew cuomo to resign. four criminal probes that report from the attorney general found he sexually harassed 11 women. new york city lawmakers are weighing impeachment. victory for the u.s. women's soccer team at the olympics. they did beat australia and they will be bringing home a bronze medal and carli lloyd, there she is, she has now earned more or scored more goals than any other player in u.s. women's national team history. congratulations to them. congratulations to her. it's always fun to root them on no matter where they're playing. it could be a friendly. >> that's true. we got a whole lot more ahead here on "gma," including that airline chaos. what is happening at spirit airlines canceling hundreds of flights for the fifth day now.

we'll get into that coming up. but first, bill gates is speaking out for the first time since his divorce commenting on his relationship with jeffrey epstein, calling it a huge mistake and rebecca jarvis has the details. good morning, rebecca. >> reporter: good morning, george. the microsoft founder now says he regrets those interactions including dinners with jeffrey epstein, bill gates speaking out for the first time since his divorce. overnight, bill gates breaking his silence about the fallout from his divorce with melinda. >> definitely a very sad milestone. >> reporter: gates telling cnn the couple who announced the end of their 27-year marriage in may will take a trial run of working together at their foundation. >> we are communicating and working at the foundation and so that partnership we're going to try and continue. >> reporter: according to a statement from the bill and melinda gates foundation, if after two years if either decides they cannot continue to work together as co-chairs,

melinda will resign her position as co-chair. the couple finalized the divorce in court earlier this week. records show neither will receive spousal support, but they are keeping private the details of their agreement to split their fortune, reportedly worth more than $130 billion, which including homes in california, washington and florida. according to "the wall street journal," it was bill's relationship with convicted sex offender jeffrey epstein that may have first pushed melinda to hire divorce attorneys. >> melinda gates and divorce lawyers were having multiple calls right around the time that "the new york times" published an article detailing the extent of gates' relationship with jeffrey epstein. we knew it was a source of concern. >> reporter: overnight, bill gates downplaying that relationship calling it a huge mistake. >> you know, i had several dinners with him, you know, hoping that what he said about

getting billions of philanthropy for global health through contacts that he had might emerge. when it looked like that wasn't the real thing, that relationship ended. >> reporter: in the weeks following the divorce announcement gates faced allegations of improper relationships with employees after "the wall street journal" reported that a year's long affair with a former microsoft engineer may have led to the founder parting ways with the company's board in 2020. his representatives acknowledged the affair saying it ended amicably, but that bill's decision to transition off the board was in no way related to this matter. gates was asked if he has any regrets. >> well, certainly i think everyone does. but, you know, it's a time of reflection and at this point i need to go forward, you know, my

work is very important to me. >> reporter: and that work includes giving away the majority of their wealth, both bill and melinda have pledged through the giving pledge to give away most of their means, just last week melinda french gates teamed up with mackenzie scott, the ex-wife of amazon's jeff bezos to give $40 million to various projects that support gender equality. george. >> rebecca jarvis, thanks. now to that alleged wrongful raid that was caught on camera. a chicago family says police officers broke down their door directing firearms at two small children. they're now suing the department. we do want to warn you that some of this footage is difficult to watch so let's bring in alex perez in chicago with the story, good morning to you, alex. >> reporter: hey, good morning, t.j. two years later the family says they are still traumatized and they believe the police department should be held responsible for their mistake. >> open the door. open the door.

>> reporter: this morning, a family in chicago is suing the city over this mistaken police raid. the terrifying moments back in 2019 caught on officers' bodycam video released by the family attorney. the police burst into the apartment of steve winters and regina evans guns drawn. according to the lawsuit, police told the family they were responding to calls about suspects nearby who were possibly armed and fled into their building, but those suspects were not in the apartment. >> just started to hear a loud bang and then my husband got up and went to the door and was like trying, what's going on? who is it? we never understood who was at the door and our door got kicked in by the police and then they threw my husband to the ground put a gun in the back of his head. >> reporter: officers can be seen searching room by room and pointing their guns in the

direction of evan's father who is in bed and in the direction of their two young daughters, 5 and 9 years old who according to the lawsuit were sleeping. a frustrated and horrified evans calling 911 as the cops went through her home. >> they just put a gun in my face. >> reporter: the family says they're all still traumatized. >> shila is still having nightmares, still can't sleep. she's screaming in her sleep. >> reporter: in the videos you can hear officers at one point apologize and offer to repair the damage. >> that's why it was damaged. to document it. get your door fixed. >> reporter: chicago police in a statement before the lawsuit was filed saying the department is committed to treating all individuals with dignity and respect. this incident occurred three months prior to the implementation of the department's firearm pointing incidence directive and because of the pending lawsuit, the

chicago police department declined to further comment on this story. a recent inspector general story found that, the report found that the number of police raids here in this city is actually down the last few years, t.j. >> all right, alex, thank you so much. my goodness, those kids. can you imagine those kids? coming up, we have that airline meltdown. spirit airlines canceling more than 100 flights for the fifth day in a row leaving thousands of passengers stranded. what's behind the travel chaos? we'll talk about it next. chaos? chaos? we'll talk about it next. depression makes it hard for me to follow through with my plans. my antidepressant helps, but there are times i still feel depressed and make excuses not to go out. is it just me? no, many people taking antidepressants still have some symptoms. when taken with an antidepressant, rexulti was proven to reduce depression symptoms an extra 62% compared to the antidepressant alone. so you can stay on your current treatment and help build on your progress. rexulti can cause serious side effects. elderly dementia patients have increased risk

of death or stroke. antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts and worsen depression in those under 25. call your doctor about fever, stiff muscles, and confusion, which could be life-threatening, or uncontrollable muscle movements, which may be permanent. increased cholesterol; weight gain; high blood sugar; decreased white blood cells; unusual urges; dizziness on standing; seizures; trouble swallowing may occur. when depression sets you back, keep moving forward. make an appointment to talk to your doctor about adding rexulti to your antidepressant. ♪ can i get ten large fries please? i'm gonna need like ten egg mcmuffin sandwich things? night, or the next morning, you've been loyal. mymcdonald's rewards is for you. now, every order earns points redeemable for free mcdonald's. dear stranger. you may know us. but you don't know our whole story. when everything we sweat for... sacrificed for... worked for... was put on hold. masks closures. the world is rocked by the global pandemic.

global lockdown. but dear stranger, you were there... where you at peloton? i'm right here with you team. making sure we never stopped. keep working baby. ok everyone, our mission is to provide complete, balanced nutrition for strength and energy. whoo hoo! ensure, with 27 vitamins and minerals, now introducing ensure complete! with 30 grams of protein. what makes febreze air effects different? while cheaper aerosols rely on artificial propellants... ensure complete! febreze uses a 100% natural propellant. check it out! pressure created by what's in your air makes the bottle spray. which means freshness everyone will love. (roosevelt) i always thought that cigarette

smoking just messed up your lungs. i never thought that at only 45 it would give me a heart attack. my tip is; do your heart a favor, and quit now. (announcer) you can quit. for free help, call 1-800-quit-now. ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ hey google, turn up the heat. ♪ ♪ ♪ receive a chargepoint home flex charger or a public charging credit. see your volvo retailer for details.

we're back with all that air travel chaos. spirit airlines canceling hundreds of flights for the fifth day, stranding passengers due to bad weather and worker shortages. victor oquendo has the latest for us. good morning, victor. >> reporter: good morning, robin. tough to believe we are already five days into this mess for spirit airlines and so far this morning they have already canceled more than 300 scheduled flights for the day. this morning, passengers are fed up after another day of travel chaos. >> flight gets cancelled. >> rebooked and rebooked. >> reporter: spirit airlines canceling more than 100 flights in the fourth day in a row, over 40% of scheduled departureo randed like pam t camp out at the airport for two days. >> it's horrible, the floors are

hard a uncomfortable, not knowing when you are going to make it home or you're going to get home. >> reporter: the mattias family traveling with their 2-year-old daughter who has a heart condition and needed a checkup in orlando. they flew south to ft. lauderdale but their connection home to st. croix, canceled. >> plus this, it's very scary. >> reporter: spirit saying the cancellations are due to several overlapping issues of weather, system outages and staffing shortages, now offering double pay to flight attendants who pick up extra shifts. >> we've had fuel shortages, we've had weather. we've had diversions, all those sorts of things add up. when they snowball you got to stop everything, move airplanes around and start again. it'll be a process for the next two or three days. >> reporter: but spirit isn't alone. american airlines and southwest also seeing a major uptick in canceled flights because of weather and staffing issues. >> we have had some extraordinary events here, fuel

supply problems at airports all across the west. >> reporter: spirit telling abc news the number of cancellations should start dropping today, but they off to a rough start once again wth nearly 50% of all scheduled flights today already canceled. >> like you said, victor, already over 300 flights canceled again today, wow. well, coming up, jennifer aniston, the actress revealing she has cut ties with people who won't get the covid vaccine. as the delta variant spreads. tips for tackling tough conversations when talking about the shot. and coming up next, a heartbreak at the olympics. it is our "play of the day." a heartbreak at the olympics. it is our "play of the day."

your mission: stand up to moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. and take. it. on... ...with rinvoq. rinvoq a once-daily pill can dramatically improve symptoms... rinvoq helps tame pain, stiffness, swelling. and for some rinvoq can even significantly reduce ra fatigue. withoe mune system attacks your joints. rinvoq regulates it to help stop the attack. rinvoq can lower your ability to fight infections, including tuberculosis. serious infections and blood clots, sometimes fatal, have occurred... ...as have certain cancers, including lymphoma, and tears in the stomach or intestines, and changes in lab results. your doctor should monitor your bloodwork. tell your doctor about any infections...and if you are or may become pregnant while taking rinvoq. take on ra. talk to your rheumatologist about rinvoq relief. rinvoq. make it your mission.

if you can't afford your medicine, abbvie may be able to help. ♪ ♪ color snap color id from sherwin - williams. color pallets curated just for you. for the power of a deep clean in minutes try mr. clean clean freak unlike bleach sprays, clean freak begins deep cleaning on contact with 3x the cleaning power to break down tough messes in seconds so, it's perfect for stovetops, tough bathroom soap scum, and even stainless steel. mr. clean clean freak hey, it's me...your skin. some cleansers get us clean - but take my moisture. cerave cleansers help me maintain my moisture balance with hyaluronic acid, plus 3 essential ceramides to help restore my natural barrier. so we're cerave clean. cerave hydrating cleanser. no matter what sometimes keeps you up, nature made helps you win the night. our extended release melatonin helps you fall asleep and stay asleep. nature made.

the #1 pharmacist recommended vitamin and supplement brand. to run a growing business, is to be on a journey. and along the ride, you'll have many questions. challenges. and a few surprises. but wherever you are on your journey. your dell technologies advisor is here for you - with the right tech solutions. so you can stop at nothing for your customers.

♪ yeah. okay, this, you'll like this. robin, our "play of the day" is heartbreaking and inspirational. i want you to take a look at this race. this is going on at the olympics. you see the young lady pull up there. there she is, she goes down, she's a world champion. katarina johnson-thompson is her the medical staff comes out to try to help her. watch what she does. they bring out a wheelchair. she pushes everybody away, gets up in pain. she has a calf injury that as now knocked her out but was determined to finish this race, the 200-meter and she finishes.

now, the part that she has been fighting through, she ruptured her achilles and started this year in a wheelchair injured and she was not going to end her olympics in a wheelchair, but her olympics are now over, but this young lady, a miracle she even made it to the starting line for this olympic games and it ends that way and one of her colleagues says her heart was crushed on that track, but she got up. we've seen this before. these athletes, they refuse to stay down. i'm going to finish this race no matter what. so the spirit of the olympics right there. >> thank you for sharing that, t.j. coming up we have "rise & shine" from ohio. how the buckeye state is bouncing back. we are there, l-i-v-e, live this morning. come on back. people everywhere living with type 2 diabetes are waking up to what's possible with rybelsus®. ♪ you are my sunshine ♪ ♪ my only sunshine... ♪ rybelsus® works differently than any other diabetes pill to lower blood sugar in all 3 of these ways... increases insulin when you need it... decreases sugar...

and slows food. the majority of people taking rybelsus® lowered their blood sugar and reached an a1c of less than 7. people taking rybelsus® lost up to 8 pounds. rybelsus® isn't for peopl with type 1 diabetes. don't take rybelsus® if you or your family ever had medullary thyroid cancer, or have multiple endocrin neoplasia syndrome type 2 or if allergic to it. stop rybelsus® and get medical help right away if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, severe stomach pain, or an allergic reaction. serious side effects may include pancreatitis. tell your provider about vision problems or changes taking rybelsus® with a sulfonylurea or insulin increases low blood sugar risk. side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may lead to dehydration, which may worsen kidney problems. wake up to what's possibl with rybelsus®. ♪ please don't take my sunshine away ♪

you may pay as little as $10 per prescription. ask your healthcare provider about rybelsus® today. it's dry. there's no dry time. makes us wonder why we booked fifteen second ad slots. there's no dry time. for bathroom odors that linger try febreze small spaces. just press firmly and it continuously eliminates odors

in the air and on soft surfaces. for 45 days. (dog vo) mmmm, this beneful grain free... ... is so healthy. aahh - farm raised chicken! it's good chicken. mmm, here come the accents, blueberries and pumpkin, wow. and spinach! that was my favorite bite so far. (vo) try beneful grain free... and our other beneful recipes. healthful. flavorful. beneful. well, geico's 85 years isn't just about time, you know. it means experience. i mean, put it this way. if i told you i'd been jarring raspberry preserves for 85 years, what would you think? (humming) well, at first you'd be like, "that has gotta be some scrumptious jam!" (humming) and then you'd think, "he looks fantastic! i must know his skin care routine." geico. saving people money for 85 years. beg your pardon. welcome back to "gma."

we spent so much time with the dixie fire, deservedly so, but we also have to check in on one of the other ones, the monument fire, now more than 17,600 acres burned. no containment on this. they're trying to with the water drops and fire retardant drops to get it contained. we talked about the wind they'll th onldrutg and nold bacin exponentially, especially in the 100 numbers, like redding, 105. put that in concert with the wind, yougot trouble. coming up, arkansas governor undo his state's ban on mask mandates as his kids go back to school. he's going to join us live. and tory johnson here, everything 20 bucks and under. also, cameron mathison and jason, did you know geico could save you hundreds on car insurance and a whole lot more? cool. so what are you waiting for? mckayla maroney to get your frisbee off the roof? i'll get it. ♪ (upbeat music) ♪ ♪ ♪

whoa. here you go. (in unison) thank you mckayla! dude, get it. i'm not getting it, you get it. you threw it. it's your frisbee. geico. switch today and see all the ways you could save. [baby crying] i got it. i got it. ♪ ♪ give grandma kisses. mwah. ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ getting some help with the little one, from her biggest fan. some real face time. just an amtrak away. >> announcer: "gma" tomorrow, get ready, america, because nelly is about to ex-site your weekend.

♪ it's nelly with special guests performing for you tomorrow on "good morning america" sponsored by caesars rewards. "good morning america" is sponsored by geico. 15 minutes could saveou

this unplugged device is protecting our beautiful coastlines and more. put off chores and use less energy from 4 to 9 pm to help keep our state golden.

good morning, america. it's 8:00 a.m. wildfire crisis. the dixie fire explodes in the west engulfing an entire california town. >> we lost greenville tonight. there's just no words. >> residents forced to flee their homes. the latest at this hour. the delta variant now responsible for 93% of all new covid cases in the u.s. healthcare workers pushed to their limits. this morning, is new hope ahead? we hear from the head of moderna and the governor of arkansas joins us live. his regrets over signing a law banning mask mandates and what to expect as kids head back to the classroom. also this morning, jennifer aniston reveals she's

cut ties with people who aren't getting the shot. how to ask about the vaccine and tips for tackling tough conversations about covid. ♪ise & shine" and good morning from ohio, the buckeye state is ready to rock from the music -- ♪ -- to the signature cincinnati chili. we're live, counting down to kickoff at the pro football hall of fame, and we're saying -- [ crowd chanting "good morning, america" ] that's a great greeting from ohio. >> it is. >> good morning, america. hope you're doing well this thursday morning. we are in ohio. time to "rise & shine" this morning. ashan singh is there for us live and look at this. the pro football hall of fame are getting ready for a big preseason game tonight, and look forward to checking in. you both have deep roots in ohio. >> akron, yeah. >> i'm from arkansas, sorry. >> well, we have the governor

from arkansas on. >> yes, yes, all covered. >> we are all covered. but we got a lot of news right now starting with the ground.there on th the west.gul. good mni >> reporter: good morning, robin. we had two fires explode here in california overnight, destroying dozens of homes just like this one and forcing thousands of people to flee, as we're talking fire crews are going door to door trying to make sure that everybody made it safely. both being fueled by mother nature's triple threat, the megadrought and strong winds veteran firefighters say these are extreme circumstances and they're worried today could be even worse. this fire started as a spark and within a pa matter of minutes it ballooned up and sent thousands of people racing for their lives. hoping they can get back in with

something they can call home. >> thank you, will. t.j. we turn back to the pandemic now. delta variant spreads as you know, and now new vaccine results are coming in from moderna just this morning, released just a short time ago, and i spoke with the president, dr. stephen hoge earlier. take a look. thank you so much for being here. the headline, the new information in terms of efficacy when it comes to the vaccine that you have? >> we're happy to share good news about the vaccine, which is that through six months in our clinical trials we're seeing durable protection against covid-19, which is actually really welcome given everything we're facing. there is an important caveat to that which is we haven't seen the impact of the delta variant on those numbers. so we need to remain vigilant. >> you'll keep an eye on this up to six months but could give some protection even further. >> correct. we'll continue to update this over time but the durability of that protection through six months is really encouraging. >> it's encouraging but, the cdc is telling us at least 90%, 93% of the cases we're seeing now of

covid are the delta variant, so the new information you have, what does that tell us? does it tell us anything at all about how the vaccine holds up against delta that is ripping through the country right now? >> that's right. we do know the vaccine has efficacy and protection against delta variant right after you receive it. but knowing whether or not that will hold up, for instance, through the winter is not something we have information on right now, and certainly given what we're seeing with delta, the way it's ripping through the country and our communities, we need to be vigilant. >> bottom line, how is this vaccine, do you think, holding up against delta? >> really well. and so right after vaccination there is some real world evidence coming out from public health officials showing that our vaccine does protect against delta. that's the good news, but again the concern is how long does that last? really the winter season when everyone comes indoors will be the biggest test which is why we

need to be vigilant and careful. >> tell me where you stand on boosters. there's been controversy and confusion. we have some places doing it on their own giving boosters and the cdc, fda telling us one thing, pfizer saying we'll need a booster. what is you all's opinion down the road folks needing to get a booster shot? >> the decision is for public officials not us as a company but we'll prepare options and we're preparing options because we think they're needed. >> of course, of interest to a lot of parents, what is the timing, now, do you think for possibly getting vaccines ready for children younger than 12? >> our goal is to provide that data to the agency by the fall. by the middle of the fall so that hopefully by the end of the year we can vaccinate the under 12 populations. >> you do have trials and information that you've submitted for vaccines for kids between the ages of 12 and 17, but you're waiting to get the okay. when could that come? >> i hope any day now. we have been authorized in europe and in several other countries and we're working with the fda to hopefully achieve

that authorization in this country as well. >> all right, stephen hoge, thank you always for your time here with us and we will certainly check in with you again. thanks so much. >> thank you. >> good to see some encouraging news right there. >> promising. coming up, we'll talk to the governor of arkansas. he's lifting the ban on mask mandates. trying to do that. live this morning. cameron mathison, alison sweeney, they are reuniting and will join us live to tell us about their new tv movie. plus, it is time to "rise & shine" live in ohio. the pro football hall of fame. we're going to talk about it with one of this year's inductees, charles woodson, we'll be right back.

[truck horn blares] (vo) the subaru forester. dog tested. dog approved. [music plays.] ♪ ♪ with voltaren arthritis pain gel ♪ ♪ my husband's got his moves back. ♪ ♪ an alternative to pain pills voltaren is the first full prescription strength gel for powerful arthritis pain relief... voltaren the joy of movement don't settle for products that give you a sort of white smile. try new crest whitening emulsions for 100% whiter teeth. its highly active peroxide droplets swipe on in seconds. better. faster. 100% whiter teeth. crestwhitesmile.com

come in for superfoods, leave feeling mighty. what we value most, shouldn't cost more. verizon launched the first 5g network and now we want verizon launched the first 5g network and now we want to be the first to give everyone the joy of 5g, by giving every cu bthto gie everyone the joy of 5g, to be the first to giver everyone the joy of 5g, by giving every customer a new 5g phone. old customers. new customers. old customers. new customers. families. businesses. families. businesses. families. businesses. every customer. every customer. from these bakers to these bakers. from these bakers to these bakers. from these bakers to these bakers. hello! new 5g phones when you trade in your old ones. new 5g phones when you trade in your old ones. cracked, busted, sticky buttons and all thank you. new 5g phones when you trade in your old ones. cracked, busted, sticky buttons and all thank you. cracked, busted, sticky buttons and all thank you. upgrade your phone. upgrade your network. (laughter) (laughter) (laughter) (denise) my husband has lung cancer from smoking. today, he's being tested to see if his cancer has spread. he may be the one getting the test, but we both live with the results. [announcer] you can quit. for free help, call 1-800-quit now.

todd! wait! how are you still so unsure of this steven? what am i supposed to do? leave my family? -yes! -stop overthinking it steven! book the bachelor party in vegas! thanks, captain obvious. booking a trip can feel dramatic, but with free cancellation you can't go wrong with hotels.com. why hide your skin if dupixent has your moderate-to-severe eczema or atopic dermatitis under control? hide my skin? not me. by hitting eczema where it counts, dupixent helps heal your skin from within, keeping you one step ahead of eczema. and that means long-lasting clearer skin... and fast itch relief for adults. hide my skin? not me. by helping to control eczema with dupixent, you can show more with less eczema. don't use if you're allergic to dupixent. serious allergic reactions can occur including anaphylaxis, which is severe. tell your doctor about new or worsening eye problems, such as eye pain or vision changes, or a parasitic infection. if you take asthma medicines don't change

or stop them without talking to your doctor. when you help heal your skin from within, you can change how your skin looks and feels. and that's the kind of change you notice. talk to your eczema specialist about dupixent, a breakthrough eczema treatment. talk to your eczema specialist about dupixent, this is the silence volvo never wants you to hear. so we're as committed to protecting you in an accident, as we are in preventing them. this is volvo on call. is everyone okay? making us one of the safest cars in the us. and this year, iihs has awarded a top safety pick+ to all 2021 volvo models.

♪ i'm on top of the world hey ♪ ♪ i'm on top of the world hey ♪ welcome back to "gma" on this thankful thursday. happy friday eve, and tomorrow on "gma," amy and our tokyo team taking us to the top of mt. fuji. i hear they just got back down. >> yes. >> they're going to share that with us tomorrow. >> she's quite the hiker. >> there they are. >> there they are right there. that's coming up. our cover story. as the delta variant spreads the big debate over masks in schools and how to keep kids safe. one of the hardest hit states is arkansas, where the governor reversed course and lifted the ban that he signed into law a few months ago and governor asa hutchinson joins us now. thank you for joining us. we were talking last month and you said no masks in schools. what changed? >> well, good morning, george, and first of all, the delta

variant hit us hard and my position is still the same, that we don't need masks in school whenever they have access to the vaccine, but those under 12 are who we're particularly concerned about. they can't get a vaccination and so the school should have the option in order to protect those children, local schools can make the decision as to whether there should be masks in schools for those under 12, so it's about local decisions but also about being practical. schools should be the safe place to go. there's two ways to do it. get vaccinated. we're really pushing that in arkansas for our high school kids, and those above 12, but those under are very vulnerable. the delta variant is a concern to us in reference to that, young populations, so the school district should have that option of asking the general assembly to re-address that. >> are you confident it's safe for kids in your state to go to school right now. one district is reporting more than 700 students and staff having to quarantine.

>> well, it's going to be challenging and that was marion school district and it reflected the fact that we had cases there but then we had a large amount quarantined because we didn't have a high enough vaccination rate so that's really going to be a point of concentration. absolutely, we're going to have school. it's going to be effective this year but it is going to be met with many challenges so in the time from now till school we're really pushing out the vaccine efforts with our high school students, with making sure the faculty is vaccinated to give it as safe an environment as possible. george, our emphasis should be on the vaccines and not get sidetracked in a minutia debate on masks even though that is important for the 12 and under flexibility we're talking about. >> you've been pushing the vaccines hard but only 46% of the adults in your state have actually been vaccinated. why so much resistance in arkansas? >> well, it's partly a simple lack of confidence in

government. secondly, it is the fact that we don't have fda final approval, which needs to be done, and thirdly there is a lot of misinformation out there. i'm having town hall meetings where we have community people talking with each other. that's been very beneficial. our vaccinations have gone up 40% since we started these conversations and we're going to continue those, but it's about truth, it's about straightforwardness, it's about listening to trusted advisers in your community, but there's been a lot of distrust and we hope to overcome that because medical science says vaccines work. i believe it. we need to get those out because that's the way out of this. >> what's your hope from a month from now? what's your biggest fear? >> a month from now i expect and hope that the cases are going down. and that we have got a much higher rate of vaccination. my concerns would be that we

don't get the vaccinations in the school environment and we're really going to struggle there and we've lost -- not lost a year because we had school last year in arkansas, but we were challenged and we had lost learning and we don't want to repeat that this year. we really have to be focused to kids to have a great year and vaccinations is the way to help get it done. >> governor hutchinson, thanks for your time this morning. >> thank you, george. >> let's go to ginger. if you remember we were hot and heavy with atlantic hurricane season when it all went off early this season, the most active in recorded history up until july 5th and then nothing. and we had one of the quietest periods since 2008. that's what it looks like so far but noaa just put out their new forecast. and they actually bumped it up. we have some activity coming from just west of

good morning. i am abc7 news meteorologist mike nicco . it is a damp morning with drizzle and it will lock in the coolest afternoon into 7-day forecast. we are watching the smoke from the north and it could get unhealthy for tomorrow. tomorrow will be warmer than today. today, 60s and 70s, and 70s and 80s mn. tonight back to the 50s now to jennifer aniston, who is revealing she's cut people out of her life because they are unvaccinated. kaylee hartung has the story and tips for managing those tough conversations about the covid vaccine. >> we were on a break! >> reporter: that's what "friends" star jennifer aniston is doing. she's taking a break and cutting ties with people in her life who are unvaccinated. >> there's still such a large group of people that are afraid of the vaccination or the

anti-vaxxers or they really just don't listen to the actual facts. it's a real shame and i've lost a few people recently in my daily, my weekly routine who sort of have refused and also did not disclose and it was unfortunate. >> reporter: aniston who has been a vocal advocate for masks and social distancing telling instyle's podcast "ladies first" she feels a moral and professional obligation to disclose vaccination status. >> it is tricky. it's a tricky thing. everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but there's a lot of opinions that don't feel to be based in anything except for fear, propaganda for whatever. >> reporter: what's the best way to tackle the touchy topic if you know someone who hasn't gotten the shot? >> you have to have that honest conversation so they understand your feeling about being around people who have not been vaccinated and the risks associated with that. >> reporter: have an informed conversation about the risks of not getting vaccinated.

>> this is the subject that is based upon the risk of life or death. >> reporter: and like aniston, you can rethink your relationships. >> they are not in your daily routine or a very close family member that's actually living in the home with you, then you might want to avoid asking that question. >> reporter: and pete has been fired from his band for refusing to get vaccinated. even though this is a doctor's order because of his medical history. just another reminder to really listen when talking to people in your life. robin. >> all right, kaylee, thank you very much. it's like the governor, have an informed conversation. all right, let's turn to ohio. excited about that, right? "rise & shine." we're headed to the heart of the country, ohio, they're making some beautiful music and incredible food and ashan singh is there in kent in particular. good morning, sir. >> reporter: good morning, t.j. from canton, ohio, we've had an incredible couple of days.

they call this state the heart of the country. why is that? if my body is the united states, ohio is where the heart is. let us show you what makes this state so great. buckeystst the heartland the ohio river and in between, there are three cs of ohio, cincinnati, cleveland and columbus. just north of canton is one of the best high school bands in the country, the centerville jazz band. ♪ the director says they've been waiting since spring 2019 to perform in the macy's thanksgiving day parade. >> last year they decided to not invite bands for the 2020 parade so all of the 2020 bands were deterred to 2021. >> reporter: despite the setback, the band marched on. >> grateful we have a season, something to look forward to everle day.

♪ >> reporter: here at this winery the owner says they import grapes from all over the world. they make their own wine. >> we make wine about 30 times a year, grapes coming in here and make it downstairs in this building. >> reporter: when the pandemic shut down their brick and mortar he decided to do something new. >> we kegged the wine, then canned it for one of the local soccer teams here. >> reporter: native ohioan drew carey said it best in his sitcom -- ♪ cleveland rocks ♪ >> reporter: quite literally, this city is home to the rock & roll hall of fame which welcomed 600,000 visitors a year before the pandemic. now its doors are back open. exhibits like the biggest show on turf highlighting super bowl halftime memorabilia, including katy perry's left shark. ♪ here at the world-famous columbus zoo there's a new kid in town. this baby elephant doesn't have

a name yet, but he's making himself right at home. he's less than two months old and he's already over 400 pounds as if that sweetness overload isn't enough, check out the anthony thomas candy factory. they make 100,000 pieces of candy every shift. that's almost 6 million sweets a year including a mouthwatering take on the buckeye nut. >> they are our special blend of chocolate and a really good blend of peanut butter. who doesn't love chocolate and peanut butter? >> what were some things that helped you get through the pandemic? >> the community has been so loyal and they really like to support family-owned businesses. they love to shop local. >> reporter: no trip to ohio is complete without a taste of their cincinnati style chili. here at village coney father and son owners brad and nick martinson have served their homemade recipe for 20 years. cincinnati-style chili. what is it? >> we do the spaghetti underneath and put the chili in.

this chili is my wife's recipe then put onions or cheese. >> reporter: their loyal customer base keeping them afloat. >> our phone just kept ringing. you know, people calling in orders. >> reporter: there's something special around every corner of ohio and it's the people here who make it shine bright. >> "rise & shine," america. [ crowd chanting "rise and shine, america" ] >> reporter: guys, we have some buckeyes fresh from the buckeye state for you to try, but i got to warn you if you have more than one you might need a glass of water or milk because that peanut butter is no joke. enjoy, please. >> you know it firsthand. thank you. thank you for ending it our way. >> we see he didn't bring us any chili, though. didn't want to do that. >> always goes back to food when we do these "rise & shines." let's say hello to lara spencer with her hands full

this morning. >> good morning, good morning. so happy to see you all today and we have a lot to share with you. we're going to begin with two musical powerhouses reuniting, one last time. lady gaga and the wonderful tony bennett announcing they have a new album together, seven years after their first collaboration called "cheek to cheek," the pair revealed on tuesday bennett's 95th birthday releasing a cole porter tribute album called "love for sale." here's a little bit of their debut single, the classic "i get a kick out of you." ♪ i get a kick you give me a whirl ♪ ♪ i get a kick out of you ♪ ♪ get my kicks out of you ♪ >> so good, the album recorded by the two superstars over the course of two years, it's being billed as bennett's last album after news broke earlier this year that he has been battling

alzheimer's disease since 2016. bennett's wife telling aarp his doctor has encouraged him to keep singing as long as he wants to and can and tonight they'll do just that. lady gaga and tony bennett taking the stage f two of their blockbuster show at di york cit "ve for sale." the album will be released october 1st. a very, very happy 95th birthday to the amazing tony bennett. also in the news this morning, legendary director, producer, writer, actor mel brooks is ready to share his life story with us. the 95-year-old egot winner announcing his memoir called "all about me: my remarkable life in show business" released this fall. according to the publisher, his memoir will cover his childhood in brooklyn, his service in world war ii, his amazing show business sense working alongside sid caesar, neil simon, carl reiner and include never before

told stories from the makings of classics like "young frankenstein" and "blazing saddles," and personal stories from his life including his decades' long love story with anne bancroft. "all about me" hits bookshelves november 30th. audio book version read by mel brooks himself released on that same day. looking forward to that. "saturday night live" alum leslie jones has nabbed another great role. this lady is on a roll. the blockbuster star reportedly will have a recurring character on the new comedy series called "our flag means death." the pirate-themed series is set in the 18th century and will follow a wealthy land owner who gives up the good life to sail the seas as a pirate with mixed results. waititi will write the show. that will air on hbo max. finally, in these dog days of summer, thor who you're about to see loves nothing more than getting in the water, any water.

so his mom did the best she could. there you have it. no pool, no problem. that's "pop news." i'll send it back to you in the studio. >> that's great. can't believe that. > cominge're live at the football hall of fame as we "rise & shine" in ohio. we'll be right back. "rise & shine" in ohio. we'll be right back.

good morning, everyone. i'm kumasi aaron from abc7 mornings. sonoma county health officials have expanded a california health order. by september 1st, all fire, law enforcement, emergency medical workers and staff at disaster shelters have to be fully vaccinated or submit to weekly covid testing. good morning, everyone. checking in on traffic here. i'm following a sig alert in oakland that is causing a pretty big backup. this is going to be eastbound 580 at fruitvale avenue. speeds are down to 8 miles per hour. at least three lanes are blocked right now. so a heads up if that's of your commute.

things have really improved at the

check out all this drizzle. kumasi says it's serious. she was just outside and saw this. and it's measurable. but it's mixing in some smoke, and that's why we have an air advisory out there. in fact, look at the latest reu casee th afrnn, it ts prettinto the moderate to high category. tomorrow, we're in the high to

very high category, and we've got red flag warning throughout the state. we'll have another abc7 news update in ♪ a lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day ♪ welcome back to "gma." as we "rise & shine" in hoi, ashan singh is in canton the birthplace of football, home to the pro football hall of fame. ashan, it is a big week there. >> reporter: it is, george. good morning again. you know, roger goodell, nfl commissioner says he's focused on having stadiums filled with fans as we head into the fall but concerns over the delta variant have people wondering how the league will protect its fans, staff and players but starts with the hall of fame game here at the hall of fame village. with the cowboys and steelers just hours away from preseason kickoff, the nfl says it's tackling the spread of covid-19

tonight and in the season ahead, a strongly encouraging fe b cendlso and other staff members are vaccinateded. >> reporter: while some say they need to go a step further the nfl is speaking directly with players who are hesitant. >> we've conducted a lot of education around the benefits of being vaccinated because that gives us the best chance to remain safe. >> reporter: as fans descend upon dan abrams canton the pro football hall of fame says it took months of planning. >> the stadium itself undergoes a rigorous cleaning and power washing of the seats and after the game and in between other events. >> reporter: sidelined by the pandemic last year. the hall of fame now playing catch-up inducting botham its 2020 and 2021 classes. wait, i think i know that guy. he lookallery of bronze

busts. but former steeler safety troy polamalu may have to sit it out after testing positive we've be with him and if these last 48 hours or so go smytoothly he pls to travel saturday morning to canton. >> reporter: behind the walls, 101 years of america's game. hall of fame president david baker calls it the most inspiring place on earth. what makes this place so special? because i feel it in the air. >> i think it's a bucket list item for everybody. yeah, they want to see the pro football hall of fame before they die but a lot of it is how we experience the game with our family at home watching tv. and every game you see resurrection, redemption, he see victory. snapped from the jaws of defeat and i think there's hope in everything that happens here. >> reporter: and, guy, i mean, you can really feel it in the air. people are excited about football and ew

hall of fame classes. i have theovexci guys. >> they're not going to let you try it on? has to stay on the mannequin. >> i think it's a little too fancy for me. i got to earn that, right? >> looking good, my man. thank you. out to the feel and speak with a 2021 hall of fame inductee ohio native charles woodson. he will have that blazer on. yes, congratulations. >> oh, yeah. >> you grew up about 100 miles from the hall of fame. can you just share with us your emotions on such a high honor? >> yeah, this is an incredible moment for myself and my family as well. you mentioned that i grew up not too far from here so pretty cool to me that this amazing place was right here just a stone's throw from where i grew up at and also amazing that i played in the nfl 18 years and my first time going to the hall of fame

museum was just last year so this is a special moment because now, not only will i get to visit the hall of fame but live there forever. a special moment for myself. >> back in high school in ohio you were mr. football, the top award in the state. you never made it to the hall of fame even for a peek? >> i didn't -- not even for a peek, not until last year, you know, but like i say it's pretty cool that right here my homestate is -- it's an amazing place that we're -- where the greats of the game are all in one place and right here in ohio where i grew up. >> at some point they tell stories about early on in your career you were a young hot head. you would get it done on the field but at the same tie you went hard off the field as well. reflect on that journey as that young girl you were in michigan or at oakland when you joined the raiders to now being this wise guy with the nice gray and the goatee, just an older, wiser

guy now. >> yeah, i think, man, i'm like a lot of guys, man. i was just a typical young man who gets drafted into the nfl. i was a high pick and i was a guy who came into a lot of money very early on and so not only were you focused on going out there on sundays and during the week and trying to become the best player, you also wanted to live as the young guy who now all of a sudden has money in his pocket and like a lot of us, you have to go through some of the bumps and bruises early on and got to bump your head a few times before you actually get it. i always like to tell guys i hope you can get to the other side. i was able to get to the other side of that, grow up a little bit, you know, start a family, have kid, get married and that sort of thing. a lot of guys don't leave that because they're out of the league, have injuries and maybe that fast living, you know, a little bit of what i did catches up with them too early so i'm fortunate i was able to get

through that part of my life, grow up, really understand, you know, what i had and just embrace it and then play 18 years, so, you know, i feel like i've had two years wrapped up into one. >> it has come full circle. well deserving of going into the hall. congratulations again. you and your family have a wonderful time. have a wonderful time. thank you. >> thanks for having me on. >> what a week for him. it's great. coming up hooshgs summer "deals & steals" all from small businesses.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ hey google, turn up the heat. ♪ ♪ ♪ receive a chargepoint home flex charger or a public charging credit. see your volvo retailer for details.

i was hit by a car and needed help. i called the barnes firm. that was the best call i could've made. i'm rich barnes. it's hard for people to know how much their accident case is let our injury attorneys know he how much their accident cget the best result possible.

♪ back now with "deals & steals." tory johnson is here with two sizzling summer savings. every one comes from a small business. point your camera at the code on your screen and go right to the deals so let's get right it. this is a different boogie board. >> it is. this is a reusable writing and creative board for at home or on the go. what's great about these, for young kids they can have that in ofcreenti.eativeo ithout homework smany dnt for lists, reminders, brainstorming and the coolest part is that it's an instant erase. at the push of a button

everything erases and so there's no hassle cleanup with these boards and a really good deal today because we've got them for 10 to $17.50. this is a big deal here. sock it to us. sock it to us. >> oh, i like that. pudus. they have three different styles. no show, ankle and quarter crew and they've got so many built-in features from seamless toe, arch support and they have a little nonslip sill koeng grip so they won't slide away and have a very gracious giveback for every pair they sell. two packs range from 13 to $15. >> wasn't this one of oprah's favorite things? >> you got it. you got it, baby. this is k. carroll's harper cross body. but it has a new upgrade to it t you can see your phone, access

messages without removing it so that's great convenience for on the go. rfid protected card slots. removable strap. 14 colors and patterns this, is an unbeatable deal at $12.50. >> you heard it, unbeatable. what about this mix and match jewelry. >> sterling forever. one of the biggest trends right now are little pearl pieces. they make such great -- just an easy elevation for everyday especially because all of these are so accessibly priced. layering is a big trend and everyone likes to throw on stuff to mix and match, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, ring. huge assortment with all new pieces just in time for august. every single item in this deal, 10 to $20 is there this will help us get organized. >> i love this. this is denise alp bright making her "deals & steals" debut to ma productive, happy,

accomplished. whether you're trying to arc straight a busy family schedule or manage evolving projects or budgets, meal planning, kind of you name it. there is a specific binders, journal just for you. my favorite is the gratitude journal. its for kids and adults, there's so many different patterns plus she's got lots of stickers and school signs, a lot of fun with this. everything is bright and meticulously designed. this deal, $3 to $15. >> these adorable animals, you hear that. they're good for the environment. >> i hear a seagull. i wouldn't miss that. that is a seagull. shore buddies made entirely from recycled plastic bottles. they all come with a message for kids about how to help save marine life. how to help the ocean, the environment, all make an awe tentative sound, big assortment. $12.50 for each set. >> we appreciate it and

partnered with these companies. i'll move over to get more of their audience. all of these companies and get them on our website plus tory has 15 exclusive deals to shop this ginger. >> thanks, robin.wainoutart rs out g them out the window, fe and could kick up to eight feet because of the storm riding along the coast. more rain too for everybody good morning. i am abc7 news meteorologist mike nicco. it is a damp morning with widespread drizzle that will lock in a cool afternoon. 60s, 70s and 80s. well, it is time now for a reunion between alison sweeney and cameron mathison. you know them, you love them. reuniting after four years in

the movie "sweet revenge." it brings back their favorite characters. why, alison, you started giggling. what is going on? >> cameron makes me laugh. he had to remind me he doesn't trust me yet. don't forget to look up. >> stop looking at the monitor. yeah, there he is. >> this is why this works, guys. you started these characters six years ago. >> yeah. >> and you've got all these movies. what is it about these characters? it seems like you two work and the fans have responded. >> it really is. alison and i have known each other for years and years. >> just years. let's not get specific. >> decades. and honestly just coming back and working together. we get along so well. we trust each other so much. these characters are so fun. that was my first day on set all psyched to come to work and work with ■alison sweeney. i didn't really know her that well at the time then i saw her

neck deep in a dumpster. >> this is going to work out. >> i was like, is she going to be a diva? but i was like, nope. >> the fans have let us know how much they like these characters, how much they want to see more of it and so, you know, here we are giving them what they want. more hannah swensen. >> you can help them with his wardrobe malfunctions he has on set. >> that's the level of connection. >> that sounds scary but explain what type of wardrobe malfunction he had that had you to recruit a whole army to help him with. >> we needed an army. so cameron plays a detective in "sweet revenge" so he to wear a shoulder holster for -- he loves the story but the point is he wasn't exactly sure, maybe it was a different kind of holster. >> it was the same one. >> he had it on wrong. it looked more like women's support garments. >> it was like crossed and -- >> i don't think that's right.

i called my husband who is a detective and asked him what's going wrong and dave kind of had the stoney face like i don't know what you're talking about. i'll need to see it. we turned on the facetime and turned it around. >> poor dave. all i want to say is poor dave. >> 11:30 at night and dave is explaining to cameron -- >> how did you not get a photo. >> you didn't want a photo. >> we'll give people an idea. let's roll a quick clip and bring you back on the other side. >> do you do this often, involve yourself in his criminal investigations? >> i wouldn't say often. >> no. >> just what is your area of expertise? >> i'm a baker. >> a baker. having the cookies on set became a little bit of a problem for you but in the time i have i'm told i have to get it in. you all, we got to know you and love you on soap operas. this is hallmark. different situation. i'm told there is a big

difference between the kissing on soap operas and on a hallmark movie. >> truth. you want to take it? >> the bottom line is thankfully cameron had experience on hallmark before i started doing it so cameron was my first hallmark kiss. >> yeah. >> it's a little different than on "days of our lives." >> you got to kind of basically hallmark is a little more sensitive. you know, no tongue. it's pretty respectful. this is not happening in hallmark. you know what i mean. >> since we both came from soap, right before they were about to film, i looked at him with deer eyes, i don't know how to do this. >> we worked it out. >> you got to do it. you got to have that pregame conference. >> yeah, that's exactly right. >> when i see you again i promise we won't talk wardrobe malfunctions and kissing but kick back but it's good to see you both. always such a joy, congrats on the film and good to see you two back together, all right?

>> thank you. >> good to see you too. "sweet revenge: a hannah swensen mystery" on sunday. a great surprise for teachers as they get ready to get back to the classroom.

we're back andschool time i. f for a lot of teachers it means spending a lot of their own money. adopt a classroom will provide support to teach evers and students across this nation. take a look. this year, for many back to school means back to the classroom and for teachers like sofia, a welcoming environment is key. >> when students walk into my classroom it's so important they feel like it is just as much their classroom as it is my classroom. >> reporter: but it comes at a cost. >> our teachers are educators are traditionally individuals who go into their pockets every

year to make sure that their classroom environments are special. >> as teachers, we really struggle to provide everything to students that they need. >> reporter: it's a burden for families too. a survey from adopt a classroom found 92% of classrooms have students whose family cannot afford school supplies. >> want the kids to have all the supplies they need so they can get their education off to a good start. >> reporter: through it's subaru loves learning initiative subaru and retailers are partnering with adopt a classroom to help 4700 classrooms across the country starting in camden, new jersey. >> good morning, camden schoolteachers. [ cheers and applause ] >> reporter: gathering together teachers and principals to share the good news. >> we are going to be supporting all k through 5 elementary schools in the city of camden. [ cheers and applause ] here comes some of the books.

>> over 114,000 students are going to be receiving aid under our program and it's going to be providing the basic needs, things like pencils and paper and cray combrons and calculators, things so necessary for them to be able to succeed in school. >> the gift from subaru is such a relief and it really helps our students know that the community cares about them and wants them to be successful. >> this specific donation will lift the spirits of our teachers who are our unsung heroes. we are a city of people who care deeply about the next generation of students. it takes a village to raise a child and takes a village to do so effectively. >> love to see that. we want to clear all the lists and get this, this was shocking to me. according to one survey teachers spend an average of $750 out of their own pockets on supplies. so this initiative is going to help a lot of teachers and

students nationwide get what they really need. we'll be right back. stay with us. "gma's" helping hands is sponsored by subaru. more than a car company. you know when you're at ross and find just what you need... to make any space your space? (sighs) yes! that's yes for less. get the best bargains ever for every room and every budget. at ross. yes for less. i get it, maybe you can see just fine. but as a vsp® premier program doctor, let me tell you, everyone needs an annual comprehensive eye exam- like a vsp wellvision exam®. i see things you wouldn't expect to see in an eye exam, like the early signs of serious health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. it's about more than seeing well, it's about being well. schedule your comprehensive eye exam with a vsp premier program doctor.

yeah, i mean the thing is, people like geico because it's just easy.

bundling for example. you've got car insurance here. and home insurance here. why not... schuuuuzp.. put them together. save even more. some things are just better together, aren't they? like tea and crumpets. but you wouldn't bundle just anything. like, say... a porcupine in a balloon factory. no. that'd be a mess. i mean for starters, porcupines are famously no good in a team setting. geico. save even more when bundle home and car insurance. babe? ooh... oh! ooh! ooh... yeah? oh, yeah! there are many ways to say it... sí. yes. ...but when you find the best bargains ever at ross, you'll say yes for less! >> announcer: now as the country re-opens with hope for a brighter summer, it's time to -- >> "rise & shine.." >> announcer: we're celebrating traveling to all 50 states. >> "rise & shine." >> "rise & shine."

>> announcer: celebrate this summer with abc's "good morning america's" "rise & shine" tour. and thanks to our great "rise & shine" crew there in ohio this morning. >> have a great day, everyone. ♪ lovely day, lovely day, lovely day ♪

majestic mountains... scenic coastal highways... fertile farmlands... there's lots to love about california. so put off those chores and use less energy from 4 to 9 pm when less clean energy is available. because that's power down time.

california! all of our homes share power. but heat waves can stretch our supply to its limits. flex alerts remind us when to use less energy from 4-9pm. so we can all stay up and running. sign up today.

good morning, everyone, i'm kumasi aaron from abc7 mornings. jobina joining us now looking at the roadways. >> we have two big issues to touch on right now. we're going to start in oakland with the sig alert that is still underway because of a hazard in the roadway at eastbound 580 at fruitville avenue. three lanes are still blocked. we have a crash also in el cerrito on eastbound 80. we have widespread drizzle that will eventual pull off to the coast. temperatures well above average. 60s 70s and 80s. smoke is going to be on the increase today, even more so tomorrow and it could get

unhealthy. coolest today, hottest tomorrow. >> thank you, mike. now it's time for live with kelly and ryan. kelly and ryan. we'll be back at 11:0 it's live with kelly and ryan. today, film, television and broadway star, daveed diggs. plus, exclusively for our viewers, bargains to upgrade your life. also timber sports champion martha king gives us a lesson in chopping and sawing. and actress katie lowes returns for another day as ryan's co-host. all next on live. and now here are ryan seacrest and katie lowes. hi, good morning! hi, katie. welcome. good to see you again. that was perfect. thank you-- we sat perfectly. it's thursday, we've made it to thursday. we're almost there, obviously. we're almost there. back again, filling in for kelly ripa is katie lowes. lucky me, lucky me. hi, everybody. you're a member of the family around here.