have a great day. "today" is up next. test. test. test test ♪ . good morning. inside job. who wrote that blistering op ed laying bear a president on the edge. a senior official inside the administration calling the president a moral, ill-informed and erratic. the finger pointing, paranoia and suspicion erupting at the white use. the president's reaction reportedly volcanic. >> so an anonymous editorial, can you believe it? you mean anonymous or gutless. was it an act of courage or betrayal? supreme showdown. >> i don't live in a bubble.

i understand -- i live in the real world. brett kavanaugh's contentious confirmation hearings dragging on late in the night of the has he already done enough to secure his seat on the high court. double trouble. tropical storm gordon now soaking the south and midwest raising new flood fears while in the atlantic a new massive storm brewing. florence suddenly a category three hurricane. why the entire east coast needs to keep a close eye on its path? those stories plus breaking overnight, a deadly earthquake rocks japan triggering landslides, blackouts and a frantic search for survivors. wall of flames. >> look at that -- we cannot stay right here. the dramatic moment a wildfire explodes in california, trapping drivers on a busy highway. and doubling down. nike unveils a new commercial featuring colin kaepernick.

>> believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything. the kneeling controversy entering its third season which kicks off tonight. the defending super bowl champion eagles hosting the atlanta falcons. today, thursday, september 6th, 2018. announcer: from nbc news this is "today" live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. and welcome to "today" on this thursday morning. thank you for joining us and we begin with major shockwaves and a guessing game over the source of that scathing anonymous op ed aimed squarely at president trump. >> this is an earthquake, one of those unprecedented moments in political history, a blistering essay written by one of president trump's own senior officials and even as we speak, just this morning, members of his cabinet are having to come forward saying it wasn't me that

wrote it. the reaction, the guessing game that's consumed the white house, what "the new york times" is saying about the author. we will get to all of it. first we'll take a moment and hear what this person actually says, quote, the dilemma which the president does not fully grasp is that many of the senior officials in his own administration are working diligently from within to frustrate parts of his jand and his worst inclinations. i would know, i am one of them. to be clear ours is not the popular resistance of the left. we want the administration to succeed and think that many of its policies have already made america safer and more prosperous. the writer goes on to say, that is why many trump appointees have vowed to do what we can to preserve our democratic institutions while thwarting mr. trump's more misguided impulses until he is out of office. the root of the problem is the president's amorality. anyone who works with him knows he's not -- meetings with him

veer off topics and off the rails. he engages in representative rants and his impulsiveness is reckless. it may be cold comfort in this chaotic era but americans should know there are adults in the room. we fully recognize what is happening and we're trying to do what's right even when donald trump won't. >> we will have complete coverage including reaction from former cia director and trump critic john brennan. let us start with nbc national correspondent peter alexander who is joining us from the white house. peter, good morning to you. >> reporter: good morning to you. president trump we are told erupting after learning about the shocking op ed that savannah just read in part. volcanic is how multiple allies and aides familiar with his thinking describe the president's mood. the writer details a quiet resistance of appointees who

work for the president. president trump pushing back overnight tweeting, i'm draining the swamp and the swamp is trying to fight back. don't worry. we will win. this morning a warning rattling the white house from within, president trump lashing out after "the new york times" published an unprecedented, anonymous essay from a source described as a senior official inside his own administration. >> i am part of the resistance inside the trump administration. >> when you tell me about some anonymous source within the administration, probably who's failing and probably here for all the wrong reasons, if the failing "the new york times" has an anonymous editorial, can you believe it? anonymous, meaning gutless, a gutless editorial, we're doing -- >> reporter: later in a series of tweets asking simply treason before challenging the author's existence, demanding if the person does indeed exist. the "times" must turn him or her

over to government at once. that explosive op ed detailing a secret group of top aides working diligently from within to frustrate parts of his agenda and his worst inclinations. you would know the author writes. i am one of them. the bombshell triggering an intense guessing game inside the west wing and across the nation's capitol explaining its decision the writer's job would be jeopardize if their identity was revealed. the official praising some of the president's successes in the op ed, they come despite, not because of, the president's leadership style. the group's mission, to quote, do what we can to ensure our democratic institution while thwarting his most misguided impulses. one stunning allegation, he describes early whispers within the cabinet of invoking the 25th amendment to remove the president but no one wanted to precipitate a constitutional

crisis. americans should know that there are adults in the room, this person adds. we fully recognize what is happening and we're trying to do what's right even when donald trump won't. all of it punctuating another dramatic day. the president already fixated on fear, bob woodward's new book that portrays the white house in the midst of a nervous breakdown. >> the book means nothing, a work of fiction. if you look back at his past, he had the same problem with other presidents. >> reporter: woodward telling nbc news he stands by his reporting. the white house was clearly stunned by this op ed. take you to behind the scenes after it was published. i wanted to get the white house's reaction, i went into the west wing, handed a printed copy of the op ed to bill shine, he said it was the first that he had heard of it. sarah huckabee sanders, the press secretary, later posted a statement that said in part, this coward should do the right

thing and resign. savannah? >> thank you. what is "the new york times" saying about who this might be or what kind of vetting they did and what about the guessing game? i can imagine the finger pointing is on at the white house. >> reporter: this morning, first of all, we're hearing from "the new york times" opinion editor saying they felt 100% confident that this senior official was who they say they were, that they it background checks and the like. they also indicated the opinion editor did that "the new york times" will at no point reveal this person's identity. as for that guessing game, it is fierce this morning. twitter immediately latched on to the writer's use of the word lode star. so was it vice president pence? his office this morning definitively denies it was him. keep in mind to disguise their anonymous, they routinely use language to sound like someone else.

mike pompeo says he didn't do it. the bottom line, inside the west wing, there is this intensifying sense of betrayal. white house staffers don't know who they can trust. the president doesn't know who's loyal to him and who is out to get him. >> thank you. let's turn to former john brennan. he served under multiple presidents, republicans and democrats. mr. brennan, good morning. >> good morning. >> you're certainly a trump critic and the president notoriously took your security clearances w that i ask you, when you read this article, got any suspects? you worked in government a long time. >> i have no idea who wrote it. >> let's set aside the substance of what this author says, what about the daring of it? what's your reaction to the idea that somebody who's going to wake up and report to work at the white house or in the administration wrote this piece about a sitting president? >> i think there are two major takeaways, one is what the author wrote is wholly consistent with all the reports

we have seen over the last year, the reports within bob woodward's books and other things about just how unfit, reckless, irresponsible donald trump is. secondly, it shows the depth of concern within the administration, within the senior ranks of the administration about what is happening and the extraordinary steps that individuals are willing to take such as this op ed to prevent disasters and its active insubordination. it is, but its insubordination born out of loyalty to the country not to tt. this is not sustainable to have an executive branch where individuals are not following the orders of the chief executive. >> to point a fine point on that, it probably took somebody some courage to write this but would you see this as a courageous act or if you had to describe it, would you describe it as more of a betrayal? >> i guess its all in the eye of the beholder, certainly the administration sees it as a betrayal. its courageous, risky.

it is so unusual as to raise questions about -- so abnormal these times that people are doing abnormal things. people have criticized me for speaking out, but i see all the warning signs of looming disaster as does this person. >> do you think that this may just be counterproductive? you put all this in writing and president trump tweeted overnight he's going to drain the swamp. do you think that this will actually add to the problems? >> its going to have an impact in terms of cumulative effect, the memorial service for john mccain and very eloquent statements about the american values not being followed by donald trump. secondly, the bob woodward book and the exposes there. you'll see a continual increase in the concern, the extraordinary measures people are taking. i do think things will get worse before they get better. i don't know how donald trump is going to react to this. a wounded lion is a very dangerous animal and i think

donald trump is wounded. we still haven't heard from the mueller team in terms of what else might be out there. >> can i ask you one another thing, your former official, i'm sure you've had your moments where you're not loving the press or the questions you get but mike pompeo our secretary of state said it shouldn't surprise anyone that "the new york times," a liberal newspaper that is attacked this administration relentlessly chose to print such a piece and he goes on to say, i have to tell you the media's efforts in this regard to undermine this administration incredibly disturbing. he's pointing the finger at the purveyor as opposed to the person that wrote the article. >> this is consistent with what donald trump has done. he's try to delegitimate the free and open press because the press is exposing the problems of this administration. mike pompeo is following that line. the press has done a very good job, now there is press both on the right and left that you think has been rather hyperbolic but i think "the new york times"

and the mainstream print newspapers as well as the networks need to make sure that they're not going to go too far and overreach on this, but clearly things are reaching a boiling point and what happens in the days, weeks and months ahead is going to determine just how much damage will be done to this country. >> former cia director, john brennan. thank you very much. >> thank you. now to the fireworks on capitol hill where the contentious confirmation hearings of supreme court nominee brett kavanaugh are entering day three. chief white house correspondent hallie jackson is covering them all week. good morning. >> reporter: good morning to you. those hearings that day three has started already. you're taking a live look inside the room right now. you can see judge kavanaugh there. right now there is some debate again today over documents by the senators, what can be released publicly and what cannot. right now that is what they're working to figure out. kavanaugh has fielded support kwif questions from republicans, combative questions from democrats.

on a couple of key issues related to presidential power and related to things that might come up, its what kavanaugh didn't say that's making the most headlines. after nearly 20 hours facing fire from democrats, more of it today for supreme court nominee brett kavanaugh. >> that's not the question. >> reporter: his opponents zeroing in on presidential power and its limits under the law. >> can a sitting president be required to respond to a subpoena? >> i can't give you an answer on that hypothetical question. >> on that clear reference to the special counsel who may try to force president trump to answer questions, a deflection from kavanaugh and not the only one. >> the president trump claims he has an absolute right to pardon himself, does he? >> the question of self-pardons is something i've never analyzed. >> i hope for the sake of the country that remains a hypothetical question. >> reporter: republican senator jeff flake asked about the

president's tweet this week slamming his own department of justice. >> maintaining that strict independence of the judiciary requires me, i think, to avoid commenting on any current events. >> reporter: the judge did say not even a president is above the law promising to be independent from the man who nominated him. he told senators no one, including the president, extracted any promises about a key abortion rights ruling, roe v. wade, something kavanaugh called settled law. the judge says he gets what's at stake. >> i don't live in a bubble. i understand -- i live in the real world. i understand the importance of the issue. >> reporter: at the white house, praise from the president. >> as i watched today for a little while i saw some incredible answers to very complex questions. he's an outstanding interlect. he's an outstanding judge. he was born for the position. >> reporter: but protesters at

the capital don't think so. with a record number of interruptions, police even clearing the public seating section at one point. a natural question now might be is kavanaugh's performance helping or hurting his chances at confirmation. it depends on who you talk to and you can't count the votes before the votes actually happen but many observers and republicans in particular say he has avoided major missteps at least so far, hoda. >> hallie, thank you. we turn to craig now, another big story happening on capitol hill. >> there was, in fact, yesterday another showdown wednesday. top executives at facebook and twitter were braced for the worst when they went before a facebook coo sheryl sandberg and twitter ceo jack dorsey faced questions on how their platforms will stop foreign meddling in the upcoming midterm elections. in a surprising shift away from harsh criticism, senate democrats and republicans praised them both for their efforts, both dorsey and sandberg admitted it took too

long to recognize the problem and lawmakers agreed that the government should help shoulder the responsibility for eliminating hostile foreign agents on social media. far right conspiracy theorists alex jones was also there. he was protesting the tech companies. when senator marco rubio stepped outside the hearing, alex jones confronted him. >> that's why the platform didn't work. >> here's the question -- >> don't touch me, again man. i'm asking you not to touch me. >> i'm just patting you nicely. >> i don't know who you are. you're not going to get arrested. i'll take care of it myself. >> oh, he'll beat me up. >> i didn't say that. we turn to northern california now where wildfires burning out of control there it has forced evacuations and shut down a major interstate. >> we can't stay right here. look at that side just caught on fire. we cannot stay right here.

>> the delta fire is burning in the shafta trinity national forest. more than a dozen semi-trailer trucks were abandoned on i-5. it was later closed in both directions. so far the fires burned more than 5,000 acres. hundreds of firefighters working to knock down those flames. major weather concerns. flooding from remnants of gordon and the track of a new storm florence. its the season's first major hurricane. alis keeping an i on both things. he's in philly. >> so first of all, we've got gordon to deal with, so gordon is still tropical depression, a low pressure system that is basically going to be bringing big problems, 115 miles northwest of jackson, mississippi, 25-mile-per-hour winds. it slowed up a little bit. its going to interact with this cold front that stalls over the mississippi river valley today and tomorrow. flooding rain from this slow moving low. saturday and sunday the low

merges with the front. look at the rainfall amounts. in parts of the mississippi valley, six inches of rain could be ten inches or more in some spots and then that rain moves over to the east as well. we're talking locally three to four inches of rain possible. and we're watching hurricane florence, a category three storm right now, it is currently 170 miles east/southeast of bermuda, 115-mile-per-hour winds. and so its a slow track but sometime around tuesday we have to worry about that around 3:00 a.m., 125-mile-per-hour winds, does it effect the east coast? still too early to tell. we'll be dealing with that early on next week. we'll get to your local forecast coming up in the next 30 seconds.

good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. it's going to be a nice day. a little warmer for some of our valleys. reaching into the upper 80s for the afternoon. tomorrow, it's going to be even hotter. up to 94 degrees. then still pretty hot on saturday, with some sunshine and then cooling it down as we go into early next week. check out next wednesday, we'll only see highs up to 79. big difference from the start of the weekend. san francisco looking at some 60s throughout much of the forecast. and that is your latest weather. we're here at the plaza. got to vince lombardi trophy. a big football game tonight. the eagles taking on the

falcons. we have more coming up. >> they're so rowdy. >> got one right here. all right, coach. we'll see you in a little bit. coming up, a lot more from philly and the collin kaepernick ad that has everybody talking. >> and monica lewinsky's moment. what she's about to reveal in a new documentary about her affair with president bill clinton. first, this is "today" on nbc. there comes a point when you realize the bathroom you used to love needs a makeover. let a professional rebath design consultant help craft the look you want with quality products in today's styles. all presented in a way that makes decisions easy. out with the old in with the new from design, to done!

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♪ ♪ ♪♪ firefighters say mild overnight a very good morning to you. 7:26. i'm laura garcia. firefighters say mild overnight conditions helped keep a small grass fire from spreading in sunol east of interstate 680. it started about midnight. burned about seven acres along sheridan road. >> you have been to the dmv at all recently, you may have endured what people have said are nearly unbearable wait times. that's due to real i.d. technology issues, but there's good news to share. the agency says the average waits are down at dmvs across the state. wait times in some northern california dmvs down nearly an hour from july to august. >> maybe that will be a good hour you can head outside. >> you'll want to spend extra

time outside. it will be nice. a few clouds outside in san jose with our temperature reaching up to 82 degrees. we'll get clearing by late morning. inland areas are going to be hotter today than yesterday, with antioch reaching 90 degrees and 83 in napa. santa rose oz, 79. and san francisco, keep it cool, 64. oakland, 70 degrees. our inland valleys, some spots reaching the 80s. tomorrow, quick spike in temperatures up to 94. 92 on saturday, and cooling down early next week with a lot more sunshine. now mike, when you told me there was a crash inside the caldecott tunnel, i thought this is going to be a mess. >> i thought so, too. overall getting to the bay bridge, not so bad, but that's because traffic is held up here. the latest word is just outside between the two boors. it's causing some distraction. a bigger problem is over here. southbound 680 tying up traffic just before 24. holding up some folks before they can even get into lafayette, so both of those

issues affecting contra costa county. zooming out, the rest of the bay with a smooth drive. >> i'll be back with another update in half an hour. see you then.

♪ 7:30 now, thursday morning. it is the 6th of september, 2018. we've got some eagles cheerleaders, fans galore and al and chanel in philly this morning. the stage is set. kickoff tonight for the nfl cease job. reigning champion eagles. >> oh, look at you. >> yes. >> so excited when this time of year comes. by the way, it is a special homecoming for ms. sheinelle jones. she was born in philly, she worked there. coming up, she will introduce us to some of her favorite spots in the city of brotherly love. we will have more on tonight's game from those two in moments.

we can't wait. >> before we get there, a check of the headlines. president trump demanding the anonymous person who wrote "the new york times" op-ed criticizing him being identified, quote, for national security purposes. it was written by a senior administration official who claims to be part of the resistance to trump. the author says many trump appointees vowed to do what we can to preserve our democratic institutions while thwarting mr. trump's more misguided impulses until he is out of office. white house press secretary sarah sanders says the official was a coward who should resign. breaking overnight, rescuers are scrambling to reach survivors buried by landslides after a powerful earthquake hit japan. the magnitude 6.6 quake instruct the northern island earlier this morning. it knocked homes off foundations and caused entire hillsides to collapse. officials say at least nine have been killed, nearly 300 injured and dozens more missing. nearly 3 million households were

left without power. at least ten were hospitalized wednesday after a flight from dubai to new york city. the flight was quarantined for several hours at jfk after more than 100 passengers felt sick. most were cleared and released. the cause of the outbreak has not been confirmed, but multiple passengers experienced headaches, sore throats, fevers and coughs. health officials speculate it was probably influenza. back to do night's kickoff of the new nfl sizon. millions of fans excited for their favorite teams to return to the field. also back in the spotlight though, the debate over player protest during the national anthem and that new colin kaepernick ad that has a lot of folks talking this morning. nbc's ron mott has made his way to philly. ron, good morning. >> hey, craig. good morning to you. as you saw, this is a sports-crazed town. they love their eagles here. everyone pumped about the big game tonight between the eagles and falcons. the nfl is still catching heat for players kneeling during the

national anthem. here comes nike, the shoe and apparel giant, adding what many say is few el to the fire. former nfl quarterback colin kaepernick, the face of athletes protesting police brutality and racial inequality is out of the league, but a new nike ad camp pain is putting him front and center again. >> believe in something -- even if it means sacrificing everything. >> the first commercial in nike's new 30th anniversary "just do it "campaign set to air during tonight's football game. >> don't ask if your dreams are crazy. ask if you're crazy enough. >> the new ad, which kaepernick narrates, encourages people to chase their dreams. it also includes other nike athletes like serena williams and lebron james, who showed his support last night in new york as he accepted an award for philanthropy and fashion. >> i stand for anybody that believe in change and i stand with nike every day, all day. love you guys.

>> as the country stands for freedom, liberty and justice for all and it is not happening for all right now. >> reporter: since nike announced it was using kaepernick in the campaign, it has been threatened with boycotts, some protesters burning their shoes on social media. the president voicing his continued opposition wednesday, tweeting, i just find it hard to watch an always will until they stand for the flag. philadelphia eagles safety malcolm jenkins says he believes taking a knee is patriotic. >> at the end of the day i'm fighting for people, i'm fighting for americans and citizens that have been disenfranchised, that have been systemically oppressed for centuries. >> the nfl releasing a statement that reads, we embrace the role and responsibility of everyone involved with this game to promote meaningful, positive change in our communities. the social justice issues that council and other professional athletes have raised deserve our attention and action. nfl owners tried addressing this

issue back in the spring. they gave players essentially two choices. one, stay in the locker room during the national anthem or, two, stand on the field during the national anthem. the players union objected so both sides are back at the bargaining table. in the meantime, colin kaepernick's complaint against the nfl for collusion moves forward in arbitration. back to you. >> ron mott for us there in philadelphia. thank you. we want to take a closer look at the biggest story lines heading into the new season, and for that we turn to a man who knows the story lines better than just about anyone else, nbc sportsman mike tirico, also in philadelphia for the season opener. good to see you. >> good morning, craig. good morning, ladies. how you doing? >> hi, mike. >> let's start with the protest. do you suspect we will see more of those this season? why after three season has the league not been able to get a handle on this? >> craig, i don't think we will see more. i think we may see some here or there, presidential tweets might

put a different magnifying glass on what happens on the field. the reality is there's been a pretty healthy conversation between the players and the league. i think the players' messaging about social justice has gotten out. i do think the league has put money where the conversation has been regarding social justice perhaps. so beyond the headline of a player might kneel or protest, there has been actually some good work done here. the problem on the league's side, they didn't get this solved in the off-season. they had a chance to. you have 32 different owners, 32 different teams, and often 32 sets of opinions so it has been hard to come up with one real answer here. >> hey, mike. let's talk football. a lot has been happening in the off-seasons. there are new coaches, some big, huge, new deals. odell beckham jr. just signed one. give us some things we can look for in the coming season. >> well, hoda, without question you go to the quarterbacks. the teams with the great quarterbacks seem to be the ones everyone respond to, so tom brady and aaron rodgers in new england and green bay, those

teams gain immediate attention. for the fans at home, if there's a strength it is in the nfc, the conference where the eagles and falcons are. we will see them tonight. the nfc might have five of the six best teams in the national football league. i think as we say every year, there's parity. a lot of times have great opportunities to get there, but the superbowl in atlanta could see very well the patriots return to that game again. >> wow. >> they're a notch above everybody else in the afc. >> will we see a lot of patriot jerseys around this studio, but let's talk about the reigning champions eagles. they face the falcons tonight. tirico, you want to venture any guesses? >> the birds will wins, either falcons or eagles. how about that? >> you should run for office. >> philadelphia's carson wentz who was on his way to being mvp last year, not back from an injury. nick foles. they are lucky they have a great backup quarterback to hold the fort until went comes back.

atlanta was this close to beating the patriots in the superbowl and then beating the eagles last year. this atlanta team is very good. the home team usually gets the night where they put up the championship banner. >> somebody is happy at this table if you're right. >> thanks, tirico. we will see you tonight for the season opener. again, coverage at 7:30 eastern with football night in america right here on nbc. >> that's one of the best theme songs. >> it is. i get so excited. it feels like, okay, fall is here, philadelphia getting ready for the big game. mr. al roquer, how is it looking? are we going to have nice autumn temps? >> it doesn't feel anything like fall. it will be a hot game tonight and there could be some thunderstorms. we're here. we have not only the cheerleaders here for the eagles but we have got the vince lombardi trophy. that's right. so, of course, as they continue to spell -- that's very good -- we are looking at this beautiful photography made by tiffany's. they're making a replica that

will actually go at the stadium. this one goes at the practice facility. very, very cool, the envy of every other nfl team this year because, of course, they've got it. but let's show you what we've got weather wise. it will be a scorcher up and down the i-95 corridor. we are talking 39 million people at risk. heat index value is 95 to 103 degrees. look at these temperatures today. it will feel like 100 degrees in new york city, all the way up into boston it will feel like 100. 102 in baltimore. it will feel like 99 in raleigh. philly will feel like 100. but then this front pushes through and nice, cooling air comes in. look at the temperatures, into the 70s as we get into the weekend from chicago, down to greensboro and back up into new york city and into boston. that's what is going on around the country. here is what is happening in your neck of the woods.

that's your latest weather. hey, swoop has the super bowl ring. it looks so much bigger in person. it is amazing. look at that. >> it is so shiny. >> oh, man. >> talk about some bling. >> i was going to say a lot of cubic zirconia there. love it, al. >> wonder if they're real diamonds? >> we will see al with a lot coming from fuly. still ahead this morning, a "today" exclusive and now she is a first-time mom. she proudly introduces us to her baby girl, the one she recently

adopted. >> catching up with the unstoppable cher. she will show us why she is better than ever. yes, she is 72 years old. plus, a pop star. the epic moment that brought the bohemian rhapsody cast together with band members from queens. up next, monica lewinsky set to open up about her affair with bill clinton like never before. we have the details coming up right after this. let's go. bye, mom. thanks for breakfast, mom. love you, honey. with quality ingredients like roasted hazelnuts and cocoa, nutella is sure to bring a smile to breakfast time. nutella. spread the happy. your to-do list is crazy. which is why the online finance application at carmax.com is so convenient. get some of that finance stuff done from wherever you are, like at the doctor, karate or...

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documentary series that claims to reveal new information about the affair between bill clinton and the white house intern monica lewinsky. >> kate snow joins us with the story looking into this. kate, good morning. >> good morning. it's interesting. a and e says the series will premier in november with exclusive new interviews examining one of the biggest political scandals in modern history. this morning hmonica lewinsky i appearing in a new documentary series. >> i did not have sexual relations with that woman. >> the series purporting to expose new details about the oval office affair that gripped the country. >> she's now a middle-aged woman of 45. it's clear that she wants to find her voice and introduce herself to people who maybe have a cartoon image of her in their minds. >> reporter: they say monica liewinsky sat with them for hous and they spoke to other clinton

accusers. clinton has denied allegations. in an episode viewed by the hollywood reporter monica speaks frankly about being in love with clinton and the now famous dress she wore during a tryst with him. >> i don't think there's that much we're going to learn about the logistics but i think there's things to learn about how people experienced it and reflect it. >> reporter: lewinsky wrote an essay for "vanity fair" about the #metoo movement. >> to you expect the personal apology? >> i'm so sorry. i'm not going to be able to do this. >> reporter: just this week we drew attention for abruptly ending a q and a after being asked whether she expected an apology by bill clinton. that raised in an interview with the president. >> do you feel you owe her an apology? >> i do not.

i did say publicly on more than one occasion i was sorry. >> reporter: separately this morning details about an upco upcoming book that also centered on clinton's impeachment from the man who led the charge. according to the associated prez, ken star writes in his upcoming book the country would not have been dragged through an eight-month ordeal if monica lewinsky cooperated from the beginning. star writing she was the most visible casualty of the clinton's contempt. in a statement president clinton's attorney tells "today" the american people saw through star's obsessive pursuit of president clinton 20 years ago and will see through it now. >> monica lewinsky had nothing to add about the serious and no comment on the star book. >> what about the clintons? i guess they're probably not in the documentary? >> a source says they did contact the clintons.

they know about the project but declined to participate. >> all right. >> thank you, kate. still ahead, we'll meet the mayor of washington d.c.'s brand new baby girl as she underwear is so light, you won't even notice you're wearing it. now, are you really not going to notice the underwear you're wearing? no. no, you are not... excuse me, do have anymore of those pistachio scones? because it's made from incredibly light material. and no panty lines, so no one else will notice either. and going unnoticed can sometimes be quite nice. guys, i need someone to work the weekend. - karen, see you saturday. - what... unnoticeably light everlight from fruit of the loom. i think lucky the leprechaun found his unicorn on a

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at kohl's. good thursday morning. right now at 7:56, the bay area covered with clouds once again. that keeps it cool for the early hours. air quality still remains an issue so we will have drifts of smoke today. kind of a hazy sunshine going into the afternoon all across the bay area. our high temperatures are going to be anywhere from the low 60s for the coast to the low 90s inland. and we'll be up to 64 today in san francisco with the south bay, san jose reaching 82 degrees. and 89 today in concord. as we go through the forecast, it's going to be heating up. our temperatures spike tomorrow and on saturday. and then we'll see those temperatures coming back down. but then look at wenlsz of next week, only up to 79 degrees. so heading into some fall-like weather, but we do still have some summer to get through. that means more fog in san francisco. let's get an update on the commute from mike.

>> top left, the flashing lights. tow truck looks like it's left over there. an earlier stall has tied things up. that just improved, but still slow by golden gate field and 580 and west 80 through san pablo. now this is the bigger problem. we still have one boor blocked in caldecott tunnel. you're jammed out of lafayette from west 24. another crash or disabled vehicle in walnut creek. back to you. >> thank you very much. happening now, fire that got incredibly frightening for drivers last night also closed a large chunk of interstate 5 in shasta county. it forces some big rig drivers to just abandon their trucks. the fire tripled in size to over 15,000 acres. link to details and images on r our twitter feed. >> oakland airport is rolling out a new ct scanner.

airport leaders will offer a demo on how it all works wrrg another local news update in half an hour. woman forced to st her own kitchen. what our consumer investigator did to turn up the )heat ) on a local store. plus, how some people are )getting in ) on auditions to dance for the warriors. tomorrow from 4:30 to 7. california phones offers free specialized phones... like cordless phones, - (phone ringing) - big button, and volume-enhanced phones. get details on this state program. call or visit

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call or visit it is 8:00 on "today." coming up, inside job. new fallout this morning from that explosive "the new york times" op ed. an anonymous senior administration official making troubling claims about president trump. the president firing back. >> can you believe it? anonymous, meaning gutless. a gutless editorial? >> we are live at the white house. plus, mayor and mother. she's yours. >> she's my baby. >> we'll catch up with the mayor of washington, d.c., the first single mother to run the nation's capitol. all about her emotional adoption story. did you just know it was just a matter of time? >> i did feel like that part of me was missing. and i knew that i had a lot of

love to pour into a child. >> as she introduces her baby girl to the world. ♪ if i could turn back time and time to cher! >> i still look good. >> the music icon opens up about her brand-new album, legendary career, and why she's better than ever at age 72. >> if you would have asked me, will you be singing at 72, i would have said, i won't even be here. >> today, thursday, september 6th, 2018. on our way to my 45th high school reunion! >> from big sky country to the big apple. >> good morning, nbc montana! >> proud to support our veterans around the world. ♪ >> we're the friend family from -- >> cleveland, ohio! >> celebrating my parents' 25th anniversary! >> my birthday. >> turning 63! >> my 49th birthday today! [ cheers and applause ]

♪ and welcome back to "today." we love that you're here with us on this thursday morning. a lot of birthdays out there. >> do we have the cutest plaza? i think we do. >> bar none. >> a number of folks wearing their t-shirts and jerseys supporting their favorite nfl teams. >> season kickoff tonight. >> tonight. all right, let's get to the news at 8:00, starting in washington. the search is on for the senior administration official who wrote that blistering "the new york times" op ed. it is rattling the white house and the finger pointing is on. nbc national correspondent peter alexander with the very latest right now. peter, good morning. >> reporter: savannah, good morning to you. president trump, we are told, erupting after learning of this shocking op ed. volcanic is how multiple allies and aides familiar with his thinking describe the president's mood. the article details a quiet resistance of appointees who work for the president. president trump pushing back overnight, tweeting "i'm draining the swamp and the swamp is trying to fight back. don't worry, we will win!"

this morning, the white house reeling from what president trump is calling a treasonist display of disloyalty within his own administration. the president blasting the anonymous senior administration official behind a stunning "the new york times" op ed, tweeting, "if the gutless anonymous person does indeed exist, the times must, for national security purposes, turn him or her over to government at once." the writer says they are part of a secret group of senior trump appointees, quote, working diligently from within to frustrate parts of his agenda and his worst inclinations." the author noting that while the administration has had successes, they've come despite, not because of the president's leadership style, describing half-baked, ill-informed, and occasionally, reckless decisions that have to be walked back. the official even revealing that there were early whispers within the cabinet of invoking the 25th amendment to remove the president, but that they feared a constitutional crisis.

>> reporter: there's an anonymous op ed from "the new york times" that says "i am part of the resistance within the trump administration." >> if the failing "the new york times" has an anonymous editorial -- can you believe it, anonymous, meaning gut blaless editorial? >> reporter: coming after a bombshell book from veteran journalist bob woodward that portrays the white house in the midst of a, quote, nervous breakdown. >> the work means nothing. it's a work of fiction. >> reporter: other members of the administration trying to shift the focus to presidential priorities. ivanka trump and jared kushner hosting reality star kim kardashian to discuss improving the prison clemency process. and on capitol hill, supreme court nominee brett kavanaugh heading into a third day of hearings after deflecting tough questions concerning the president. >> can a sitting president be required to respond to a subpoena? >> i can't give you an answer on that hypothetical question. >> reporter: now back to that anonymous op ed. the press secretary here, sarah sanders, responded in a statement, writing, "this coward

should do the right thing and resign." wild speculation today who may be behind it. it's intensifying, certainly intensifying that sense of distrust inside the white house. the vice president's office this morning taking the remarkable step of publicly denying that vice president pence wrote the op ed. twitter had had pounced on the writer's use of the word loadstar, a word that pence has used in speeches from time to time. also this morning, in india, secretary of state mike pompeo said it wasn't him, so the guessing game grows. savannah, hoda, craig, back to you. >> a lot of senior officials saying, not it. peter, thank you very much. meanwhile, north korean leader kim jong-un says he wants to denuclearize the korean peninsula by the end of president trump's first term. it is the first time he's put a timeline on that goal. kim and south korea's president agreed today to hold a third summit meeting later this month, though work on practical steps toward reducing nuclear tensions. meanwhile, just this morning, president trump tweeting this as well -- "kim jong-un proclaims

unwavering faith in president trump. thank you to chairman kim. we will get it done together." all right, we've got your news covered. y'all want a little "boost"? >> please boost us. >> do we ever. >> here we go. most of us take happy birthday greetings for granted, but 4-year-old octavius mitchell and his parents were stunned when two waitresses helped him celebrate with sign language. >> happy birthday to you. >> oh, my goodness! >> the cute thing about this is the waitress didn't even know sign language, but when they noticed the boy's mother signing to him, they went on youtube. they quickly learned one phrase -- >> wow. >> and then they sang happy birthday. come on! >> oh, that is so awesome! they better have gotten a real good tip, you know? i love that. >> thanks for that boost. >> yeah. just ahead, guys, an american icon. >> you know the cockroaches story? when the world comes to an end, there will only be cockroaches and cher. >> i mean, we are here for it.

the superstar herself getting candid about just, you know, being cher. an unforgettable interview with her coming up. first, a "today" exclusive. the mayor of washington, d.c., introduces us and the world to the adorable baby girl she just adopted, coming up right after this. dates, almonds and cherries. just 3 real ingredients. the delicious cherry pie larabar. larabar food made from food.

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♪ (camera clicks) ♪ (humming along) (music crescendo) this morning on "today's talker," an exclusive interview, and it's something really close to your heart, hoda. >> we are talking about adoption. washington, d.c., mayor muriel bowser, she's had a long and successful career in politics. well, now she's added another important title to her resume. she adopted a baby. she's a mom! she adopted a baby girl back in may. she hasn't talked to anybody about it, but this week she did invite us to meet her brand-new daughter. >> come in, hoda! >> oh, my god. i don't know who to hug first, the mayor -- >> you look beautiful. thanks for coming. >> hi, little one! >> this is my baby, miranda. >> hi, little girl!

>> she's looking forward to meeting you. >> at only 14 weeks old, miranda elizabeth bowser is already shaking up washington. she's yours. >> she's my baby. >> and giving mom, mayor muriel bowser, her most important job yet. you are running for re-election. >> yes. >> you're running a major city. >> yes. >> you have a new baby. >> i do. >> like, how are you handling this avalanche of goodness? >> well, it couldn't be more perfect, i have to tell you. >> mayor bowser started the adoption process late last year, keeping it private from most family and friends. and then in may, she broke the news. she was a mom. did you always kind of picture yourself as a mom? did you see yourself that way when you were younger? >> i never thought i wouldn't be a mom. >> yeah. >> and i had got into politics and running for office, and i get to have the best job in the world. i wanted to focus on how i could also have a perfect little baby. >> i always felt like something was missing, but i pushed it away because i felt like, i have

enough blessings in my life, stop being selfish. >> right. >> did you ever feel like, let me push that away, or did you just know it was just a matter of time? >> i did feel like that part of me was missing, and i knew that i had a lot of love to pour into a child and i didn't know how long the process would take. when you're a person like me and you run a city and you have a big team, you're not used to kind of giving in to a process. >> yeah, you want it when you want it. >> you want it. the adoption process is not predictable. >> and there's a moment where that child is put in your arms. >> i think the moments that really sticks out to me was literally looking down at miranda and just those eyes looking back at me and knowing that i was her entire world. >> do you have any conversations with her? >> i do. i read to her a lot. i say a prayer with her to just say how thankful we are. i pray for kids like her, that they find peace. i pray for her birth family,

that they have peace. and i pray for our future. >> with baby miranda's arrival, mayor bowser is now the first single mother to run the nation's capital. now, single mom's a term that some people will just kind of shy away from. >> mm-hmm. >> you have gone in head first and embraced it. >> the message i hope to send is that families are made in all kinds of ways, and they're all special. and we should celebrate family in whatever way that children are loved. >> how are you different since she stepped into your life? >> it helps me not sweat the little stuff as much. it's just a whole other perspective that i have on what parents experience in our city. >> if you have young, or women who are looking at you right now and considering doing what you did -- >> yep. >> -- you know, maybe i should, maybe i should try. >> yep. >> what advice would you give? >> women who are just like me, who are trying to decide what they want to do, they feel good

about somebody in my position, who has a challenging job, that they can -- that they know that they have a choice about how they can make their families. i literally sat up on the edge of my bed watching the "today" show when you shared your experience. >> oh. >> and i was like, she has a lot of my vital statistics, so let me listen here. >> i had no idea about that, by the way. >> oh, absolutely. >> thank you! because i had the same thing, too, when i watched sandra bullock do it. and i said, wow, if she can do it, why couldn't i? i didn't know how much my heart could feel. >> yes. >> like in a million ways. >> right. >> look at your life. >> i have a great life. no complaints here. >> and it's getting better. >> it's getting better. >> she was made for motherhood. >> oh, my gosh. >> she really was. >> i have so many thoughts. first of all, i have a complaint. why is miranda not here right now? that baby is adorable! >> she is. she's the sweetest. she took to motherhood just like that. and you never really know how it's going to work. >> i love when you said sandra bullock inspired you.

she said you inspired her. who knows who was inspired this morning who's watching and saying, you know what, it could be me. >> great message of adoption, but also a message that family just looks different these days. >> yeah. >> you come into family in different paths. isn't that a wonderful thing? >> celebrate them all. >> and next week she's hosting the district's first maternal and health summit, providing all moms and babies with the care they need. >> and we are available to baby sit baby miranda, because she's precious. >> good morning. good morning, miranda. >> let's get a check of the weather. al's in philly having fun. hi, al. >> well, i sect that emotion, having adopted siblings and an adopted daughter. it brings you family, and that's all that matters. we are in comcast center right now. [ cheers and applause ] and i don't know if you guys know, you know who this is? this is affectionately known here as billy penn. there is a larger version of this that sits on top of city hall. and for years, there had been a gentleman's agreement that there would be no building built taller than billy penn. then in the late '80s, they did

it, and then all of a sudden there was a drought for any kind of championships. finally, they put one up on the top of the comcast center here, and the phillies win the world series! in 2008. >> the eagles. >> well, no, the phillies. and then -- >> oh, the phillies. >> and then they put another one on the top of the new comcast center and the eagles win the super bowl! >> oh, that's too cool. >> okay. put it on top of your head, al! >> what's that, billy? that's right, billy just asked to go up here. so i'm going to be doing that now, from now on. >> i love it. >> let's show you what's going on as far as your weather is concerned. we are -- no, we're not! yes, we are. we're going to take a look, tropical depression gordon, 115 miles north-northwest of jackson, mississippi. it's going to get caught up in this cold front and bring a ton of rain from texas into the midwest and into the east. 6 to 10 inches of rain possible in the midwest and along the coast could be 3 to 5 inches

that's what's going on around the country. here's what's happening around billy penn. >> good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. inland areas are going to be a little bit warmer today, but still not too bad. those temperatures will get even hotter before tomorrow. to 94 degrees. that will be the top of our temperatures. we start to come back down heading into the end of the weekend and early next week. look at wednesday, 79 degrees for inland valleys. san francisco, still a pretty steep marine layer but we'll see less of that and some sunshine for saturday. more clouds and cooler temperatures next week. >> and that's your latest weather. guys, back to you. >> all right, thank you, billy! thank you, al. >> amazing. when it comes to superstars, they don't get much bigger than cher. >> that's right. cher's got a brand-new album and nbc's harry smith scored the very first interview with her to talk about it. >> harry. >> harry and cher. >> we do what we can. do what we can.

>> i know! >> all right, for the millions of people who love cher, cher is the answer. a superstar with ageless energy and that magic something that makes you feel good whenever you hear her or see her. she's been back in the recording studio, and you shouldn't be surprised, she sounds great. really great to see you again. >> thank you. how long has it been? >> at least ten years. >> okay. >> yeah. >> i still look good. >> she sure does. in yet another of a lifetime of only cher moments -- ♪ she took to the silver screen this summer in "mamma mia: here we go again." ♪ you are the dancing queen >> inspired by abba's pop style, she recorded a tribute album to the swedish group titled "dancing queen." >> i thought, you know what, this could be fun, and i liked the songs. ♪ darling, can't you hear me, sos ♪ >> as i listened, i kept thinking, i'm not sure if you've

ever sounded better. what do you think? >> well, i think this is what my doctor told me. i went in because i was raspy and nervous, and he said, you know what, you have the vocal cords of a 28-year-old girl. i mean, if you would have asked me, will you be singing at 72, i would have said, i won't even be here. >> cher, cher! >> cher is red carpet royalty. but in real life, cher claims she's like the rest of us. >> i go around at home like, just raggedy. >> shrubby? >> yeah. clean, but slubby. my favorite shirt is 30 years old. >> do you wear it in public ever? >> absolutely. in fact, people have pictures chronicling this shirt for a million years and i don't care and i don't care how many times i wear it. >> right. what is your secret? >> it's lots of makeup. >> lots? >> oh, yeah. >> like --

>> just trowelling. you're just trowelling. [ laughter ] >> from her unique beauty to her undeniable ferocity, cher's always been revered by the lbgt community. she played herself in a classic episode of "will & grace," where jack mistakes her for a drag queen. >> i do a better cher than you. >> you think so? >> actually, it's, you think so, oh! >> he just -- he's so funny. >> one of our very best friends, she and her gay partner live happily ever after together, and she wrote me this note because she said, i hear you're interviewing cher. and she says, you can't measure her impact on the gay community, the lives she has saved. you can tell her thank you from me and all of us who are different and not accepted.

>> i understand that completely. i understand it completely because i, no matter what, i have always felt like an outsider. my friend told me about a boy that she knows. he's a grown man now, but he had a cher poster on his wall, and his dad ripped it up, and he got another one. he said, at the time, i was the only thing that was keeping him thinking, i have a future, i'm going to be somebody, it doesn't make any difference. ♪ i'm stronger, strong enough to rise above ♪ >> and if you're wondering just how strong -- >> i can't believe i'm doing this! >> reporter: -- i challenged cher to a plank-off. are you shaking a little bit? >> no. >> i am. >> okay. >> two minutes in, cher was steadfast -- >> she's really seriously tough. >> i was spent. this oscar, emmy, golden globe, and grammy-winner does not know the meaning of the word quit. >> you know the cockroaches story? when the world comes to an end,

there will only be cockroaches and cher. >> oh, my gosh. >> album comes out september 28th. don't want to miss it. >> awesome. >> and "cher," the broadway show, "the cher show" comes in december. >> by the way, you two really clicked. >> you have a thing. >> a thing. >> it's awesome. >> may i confess, for a couple days afterwards, i had a cher hangover. >> we're going to have more of that interview on today.com. >> i want to hear more about that. >> turning to carson and "pop start." carson and pop start. >> pop start is sponsored by pepsi. the official soft drink of the nfl. >> all right, guys. first up carrie underwood is the voice behind the nfl opener and has a new theme song to kick off the season. here's a taste of what you can expect in a behind the scenes video of carrie making the video. ♪

>> craig melvin liked the old song. this is good too. it's called "game on". nbc sunday night football starting at 7:00 a.m. eastern. you can see more of carrie underwood right here on the plaza for our live concert next friday, september 14th. a lot to look forward to. yesterday marked what would have been freddie mercury's birthday. to celebrate bohemian rhapsody, queen members got together to celebrate. queen and adam lambert got together to perform. we have a clip of usa's mr. robot star. here he is performing. ♪

>> bohemian rhapsody comes out in theaters november 2nd. straight ahead the best philly has to offer as wei )m . firefighters say mild overnight good morning. 8:26. i'm marcus washington. firefighters say mild overnight conditions helped keep a small grass fire from spreading into the knoll east of interstate east 80. that fire start around midnight burning around seven acres along is h sheradon road. if you've been to the dmv, unbearable wait times. the agency says average wait times are down across the state. wait times in northern california dmvs, some of them anyway, are nearly one hour. that's down one hour from july to august. and some better news for the people, mike? >> yes, but they still have some wait time.

west 24 now. the good news, both are now clear. the earlier crash is cleared. recovery creeping back through. look how far back the wait is, all the way back to walnut greek interchange. still very full, concord, heading to the bay bridge. they're late for their commute definitely. over on the peninsula side, we have a smoking vehicle, a car fire. it's highway 92 at 35. the park and ride is slow. and especially folks coming eastbound on 92, away from half-moon bay, towards 280. 280 itself was very smooth. so is the rest of the bay. north 87, a crash is clearing. back to you. >> all right, thanks, meeike. we'll have another local update in 30 minutes.

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♪ >> 8:30 this morning. it is thursday, sixth of september, 2018. strike up the band. because the odds of the sports world are on philadelphia tonight, home of the nfl champs. eagles' homeowner. al and sheinelle already there gearing up for an epic battle of birds. eagles versus falcons. >> they have a great plaza. we have a pretty awesome plaza

here as well. we are going to start this half hour back in philly. back to you guys. guys, thanks so much. we're here in comcast center plaza. this is the start of the count down to the kickoff. >> in the city of brotherly love. right? >> that's right. tonight during the national anthem challenger will be flying overhead just like now. >> just like that. you know what? it's a refreshing breeze. >> that was very nice. very cool. challenger, good to see you. why don't you step off, challenger, and nice challenger lady because we don't want any trouble. let's bring in another bird of a different kind. mr. jim kramer. philadelphia native. >> thank you so much. i had to be a little more conservative than i like to be. sorry. left out the tie. tonight it will be on display. >> let me guess, you're an eagles fan. >> i cried like a baby when we won. it's everything. and you know what? we won and they're not going to

take that away from us. that's a big thing. never taken away from this fabulous city. >> tell me about this chair. >> our organization is. this is the chair my dad sat in. he passed away two years before we could see it. that doesn't matter because he sees it. we all know that. he sees it. he's proud. we're proud. mad money on tonight obviously from our fabulous city, but we know what's more important. we know what happens tonight, and it is a must-watch game. people seem to forget the whole -- in the complex of what's going on, we will have to beat atlanta tonight. >> it's going to happen. right? >> oh, it's happening, sweet heart. this is terrific. doing mad money this evening here? >> yes. and you guys are fantastic. thank you for coming down. 60 minutes changed the city. that seems hard to believe but seven months ago this city changed. we went from people thinking maybe we're just not that great to people who know we're on top of the earth. >> there you go. jim, thank you so much. let's take a look and show you

what's happening as far as your weather is concerned. today we're going to see strong storms moving into the northeast. may effect the game. sunny and dry weather out west. they could use rain because of heat that's what's going on around the country. here's what's happening in your neck of the woods. >> good morning, i'm meteorologist kari hall. iland areas will warm up into the upper 80s today and even hotter tomorrow. with some hazy sunshine. 94 degrees. and then our temperatures start to come down as we go through the rest of the forecast. by the middle of this next week, we're only reaching into the upper 70s inn land. san francisco still has the clouds and fog. we'll see the fog kind of retreating by the end of the week into saturday, mostly sunny skies, and then some cooler temperatures and more fog by monday and tuesday. of course that's time to start that music, baby. it's what i live for. i love it. and you love it too.

it's not sunday night. it's thursday night. and it is a kickoff night right here on nbc. here's the forecast. we got two birds of prey. we got a falcon. we've got an eagle. between the two showers, storms, temperature of 84 degrees. doesn't matter the weather. it's going to be a barn burner, baby. it's thursday night football night in america. >> beat the eagles. >> a lot of you folks, what you don't know, this young lady here was born in philadelphia. >> yes. >> she still has family in philadelphia. her three children were born in philadelphia. >> yes, same hospital where i was born. >> and that's why you came here early to show us your favorite parts of philadelphia. >> i hosted here for about ten years in the morning show. when they asked me to come back to philly, i jumped at the chance. take a look.

♪ >> i'm back. i'm back. and so is football. >> last time i was in this exact spot, it was packed with eagles fans at the super bowl parade. everybody needs a spot where they can get away. for me it was here along an area we call boat house row. i would find a bench, sit by the water and just -- there have been a lot of changes since i left. a revitallization is underway in the city of brotherly love. just ask philly's mayor. >> the million question, i know why i love the city of philadelphia. what is it for you? >> i love the diversity of the city. i think it's one of the most important strengths a city can have. people are decent and care about each other and friendly toward

each other. when it comes to sports, we get a little crazy. >> a diverse city that bleeds green for the eagles. an artist is painting the official victory mural for the reigning champs. >> it's supposed to sway. >> i wasn't nervous until now. and took us up for a closer look. megapainted another mural that went viral before the super bowl, and now she has the big job. tell me what it's like for you to bring that trophy home as a life-long resident. >> you know, i still can't believe it. right? you know. you know. >> reporter: i know. >> how excited we all were, and then to have the honor of actually painting a permanent version of this mural on a historic building for our historic win, it's just -- it's a great feeling. >> reporter: she let me be a part of history too. now, this is really cool. i'm not an artist, but i got to

add a new brush strokes to the championship mural. okay, i've officially painted part of the championship mural for philadelphia. i think i deserve a cheese steak. there are a lot of cheese steak places in the city, but this is one of my favorites. >> welcome to philadelphia. >> reporter: thank you. let's see what i want today. okay. this may take us a while, but we're champions. we can do it. >> so cool. >> can you tell i'm in my happy place? you guys are just food for my soul. >> there are so many great fans here. where's kareem samuel? >> i'm here. >> how are you? >> a big eagles fan? >> die hard. >> you drive a truck? >> yes for a furniture company. >> i feel like i remember seeing you at the parade. >> yeah. you took a picture with me. >> you did. >> you watching the game tonight? >> yeah, i'm going to tailgate

after this. >> no, you're not. i'm sorry. >> all day. >> no, you're not. >> you know why? >> why? >> we have two tickets for you to go tonight. >> oh, my god. you have a great time. >> oh, my god. thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. you have a great time. >> oh, my god. >> i'm about to cry. >> oh. >> have you been to a game? >> you're going tonight. >> all right. guys, just ahead from here we have the ultimate philly tailgate. not as good as kareem is going to be going to, but back to you guys. >> all right al, thank you. here i am with dr. jill biden and wounded miles. a thousand mile trek that's going to end reegt here on our plaza with help from dr. biden and these incredible warriors. first,his is "today" on nbc. t

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we are marking a milestone this morning. six veterans, these six veterans three from america, three from britain have just completed a three month 1,000 mile walk of america. >> they have visited 86 towns, seven military bases all to raise money and awareness for wounded warriors and their mental health needs. prince harry is a patron of the walk of america and the sponsoring organization walking with the wounded. he helped launch this walk back in the spring. >> that's right. let's introduce you to these veterans. kef car, adele war. frankie perez and larry winkl, and dr. jill biden who is one of their biggest cheer leaders. good morning, everybody. you feeling good from the walk? >> feeling strong. >> you're american, you're british. i love that our countries are teaming up. we fight together.

we should heal together. what is this effort all about? >> this is about mental health. these amazing wounded warriors walked across america to tell their stories, to create awareness. one in five americans deals with mental health. and so they're bringing their stories to light to bring depression out of the darkness into the light. >> talk to us about this. it must have been impactful walking from city to city and meeting people. take us inside that journey a little bit. >> it was amazing. when you start off at the beginning in l.a. and everyone was cheering us on and letting us know we had full support of the country behind us, and then meeting veterans from vietnam to today's current that were thankingtha thanking us for being out there. it made an impact on all of us. >> kef, what was the best moment for you? >> personally it was meeting the vietnam veterans.

one in particular at mount rushmore. we thanked them for their service, and he broke down. and that's when it really hit home just how much it means to people, like, you know? these guys need to hear it. they built the legacy for us to follow. >> yes. >> and dr. biden, you talked about bringing issues to the spotlight. many wounds are visible and many wounds are not. >> exactly. there are so many invisible wounds, and all of these wounded warriors have that experienced that. to hear their stories, they're just so inspiring, and just like our wounded warriors all across america. >> indeed. well, it's so great to have you. congratulations. the walk is over. i said go out to breakfast and eat whatever you want. >> they can rest. >> they still have two more miles. >> two more miles.

all right. >> and everybody can join. >> that's a great idea. >> come walk with us. >> when i left london and l.a., i was like that. two weeks in texas and bbq. >> welcome to america. >> just ahead, we'll head back to philly with good eats for the big game.

all right. we're back with today food loves football. fill live ain't just a sports town. >> the city's food scene has exploded downtown is bustling with new places to eat and drink and here at the comcast campus two award winning chefs are finding their homes for new restaurants. next year popular chef gregg burdenic will open a restaurant.

>> everybody loves -- >> it's okay. >> his friends call him jean. >> joining us now, three other big names from the philly food scene. >> we have the executive chef of the fitler club. jennifer the co-executive chef of the spice finch restaurant. another philly native long-time eagles fan, mr. brian duffy. >> good morning. >> kevin is a rock star chef in philadelphia. >> first, we have crispy grilled wings. we're going to do fish tacos. one of my favorites featured at the club. >> these are easy? . >> very easy. >> hot fish. fried and then red chile glaze.

avocado to cool it down. cilantro and slaw. we're going to finish it with cilantro. >> easy enough. >> easy. it can be done at home. it can be prepped ahead of time. i like a squeeze of lime juice. that's it. >> can i eat it? >> please do. >> my pleasure. jennifer? >> today i made cheese steak croquets. this is if you don't want to commit so you have room to eat everything. >> oh, my gosh, that's amazing. >> this is a play on tasty cakes can candy cakes. a trick to keep your keep your cake moist is to brush it with

orange glaze and sugar water. >> look at hers. look at mine. >> yours looks great. >> okay. >> and then come on. we need a little bit of green sugar. >> got to add the green. >> for the eagles. >> we have some green mir rang. >> i'm ready to try it. >> try it up. >> oh, my gosh. seriously. >> and if you're allergic to peanuts, switch it out. >> good idea. >> al? >> joining me i have not only our new ticket winner who will be tailgating and then going to the game, kareem samuels, we also have any nemesis, mr. duffy. what do you have? >> i did a grilled smoked brisk. jersey corn in a slaw and beautiful tomatoes with cheddar. >> everybody says they're from philly, but they're from south jersey. we're cool with that.

i'm making a hoagie spring roll. red peppers, julienne then. red onions, same thing. >> that's not a sharp knife, is it? >> no sharpness. >> then i have a cherry pepper ketchup. this is a spring roll with a cherry pepper ketchup. >> and ebl you brought something? >> we have dessert. this is from federal donuts. these eagle donuts were only available after they won the super bowl, but today only they are back. so federal donuts, the dessert, after this great meal. >> guys , thank you so much. back to you guys in new york. no. i'm sorry. that's right. for more of the recipes go to today.com/food. again, don't for the you can catch the nfl season kickoff between the eagles and the

falcons tonight right here on nbc. coverage starts at 7:30 eastern on football night in america. i was so excited about the donuts. >> give it to me. thank you. we are back in a moment. first, this is "today" on nbc. ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪

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chase, make more of what's yours. all right. we all know what an ear worm is. like a song that's in your head. carson is in the orange room. he has an ear worm. >> sorry, drake, this one is a little cooler. let me play you a sample of a song that's taken over the internet. if you're a parent, this may sound familiar. ♪ baby shark ♪ baby shark >> this viral sensation known as baby shark, do you know it? there's several versions.

this clip has been viewed more than 1.6 billion times on youtube. 1.6 billion. that's up with other songs. it claimed internet fame. years before that it was a nursery rhyme. but the catchy beat has even infiltrated the homes of some famous faces. here's chance the rapper who wrote have you heard the baby shark song yesterday in cardi b, there's a sample of some of the lyrics there. >> jimmy fallon responded saying welcome to parenthood. hoda joined in. >> i had to. >> singing proud down there. people are doing just that. the baby shark challenge has been around for a while. it took on a similar vibe as the drake song. people are dancing next to moving cars.

>> isn't that amazing? >> is that safe? >> no. >> but it's fun. >> now, whether baby shark has you dancing or cringing, it will be stuck with you. there's a version called monkey banana. same song. same beat. >> like monkey banana? >> yes. you know who introduced me to that song? you and carson. boom. >> it's been in your head ever since. but i do like the kind of nightclub beat they put to it. >> it's a banger now. >> it's a banger. >> i know. >> what's coming up next hour? >> so much good stuff? >> so much good stuff. we'll check back in in philly. >> yeah, and the big game is tonight. >> yeah. >> who you rooting for? >> your husband will be watching the eagles? >> of course. >> and fantasy football.

>> over to megyn kelly. they're coming up straight ahead. thursday morning, let's get a check of local news, weather an oakland airport is good morning. 8:56. i'm marcus washington. okayla oakland airport is one of the latest to roll out the latest in security. it can provide 3-d images of your carry-on bags. the machine is far more advanced in screening for explosives. three airports, phoenix, boston and new york's jfk, have all started testing the units within the past year.

and one of 15 more airports receiving the scanners. happening now, our bob riddell is at the airport and will have a full report for the midday newscast. fire that got incredibly scary for some drivers last night had to close a large chunk of interstate 5 in shasta county. the delta fire even forced some to abandon their trucks. it tripled in side to more than 50,000 acres. you can link to those detailed images on our twitter feed. a sweet treat. the new pop-up museum opens in san francisco called candy topia. check out the art display made of candy pieces or dive into a pool filled with marshmallows. and visitors can hear and get a chance to sample some of these things. you can check this out on our instagram page. i'm marcus washington. >> nbc bay area news, winner of an edward r. murrow award in social media. woman forced to st

her own kitchen. what our consumer investigator did to turn up the )heat ) on a local store. plus, how some people are )getting in ) on auditions to dance for the warriors. tomorrow from 4:30 to 7.

♪ good morning, everyone, and welcome to the show. i'm megyn kelly. we have a lot making the rounds today. some amazing stories, including some breaking news hitting moments ago about that couple accused of stealing $400,000 from a homeless veteran, johnny bobbitt. wait until you hear what just happened this morning. we're going to update you in a minute, but you've got to wait for it, because -- i know, forgive me, but we have to begin. by the way, joining us to discuss the headlines are "today's" craig melvin, nbc's jacob soboroff, and also, the co-host of