/s it's horrible. i can guarantee you within the next few years, the psychological effect that it will take on these children is -- you can't even explain >> heart breaking new images from the kids caught in the cross fire of the border battle as outra grows over the dire conditions at the migrant detention centers. remembering the hefty lefty, friends and fans mourn the loss of the new york giants's beloved back up quarterback and kentucky legend jaredp promising a 4th of july celebration to remember. critics say it's the price tagga established by dorothy rose blanch and sophia, why a growing

number of older americans are looking to the golden girls for a new way of life. "early today" starts right now and good morning on this independence day in washington, d.c., the white house is putting the finishing touches on its 4th of july extravaganza complete with fireworks, fighter jets and tanks. but all that fire power comes at a price and now president trump is facing backlash for the extra millions in taxpayer dollars going toward that event. nbc's hallie jackson has more. >> reporter: the scene now set, ready for rehearsal. with militarthugh the city's lae prep that comes with a cost. >> usa >> if there are demonstrations anprotests, those are additional police costs as well. so we don't know what our total costs are yet. >> reporter: according to the "washington post," the national park service is diverting 2 1/2 million dollars from entry fees to help pay for the president's plan to beef up the july 4th

festivities. with fly-overs, the army band, and those tanks in a show of military muscle and that's only part of the total bill, one the president is downplaying he's tweeting cost of our salute to america would be very little compared to what it's worth. on the mall, a mixed reaction. >> we have military capabilities in america and i think he shouldn't be ashamed of showing that >> i think it's unfair for the military to have to be here, to be politicized like this >> reporter: the big keystone part of that salute to america, of course, the president'swill partisan, but critics will be watching closely >> hallie jackson, thank you for that report. it appears there is still no consensus on theensus. inside the trump administration, the president claiming the justice and commerce department are not giving up the fight to add the controversial question on citizenship, calling reports otherwise fake, and tweeting we are absolutely moving forward. nbc's craig boswell has more

from d.c craig, good morning. where does the administration go from here? >> reporter: phillip, good morning. good morning, everyone that is a great question the census said it had to print the materials by june 30th that printing has started without the citizenship question then there was the supreme court ruling last week that went against the administration, a ruling against adding that citizenship question to the 2020 census now, the department of justice attorney saying that the agency is now looking for a legally viable path to add the question. let's look at the statement. we at the department of justice have been instructed to examine whether there is a path forward consistent with the supreme court's decision that would allow to include the citizenship question on the census we think there may be a legally available path under the supreme court's decision that is a complete reversal of the government's position. the attorney says a complete reversal because of president trump's tweet. now, keep in mind the supreme court's decision did kind of

call into question the reasoning, the argument the administration wanted to add that, saying that the argument for adding the question was contrived. they wanted the administration to kind of say a better explanation of why they wanted to add that. i think, phillip, we're going to be hearing more about this and hopefully actually clear up some of the confusion on what that legally viable path may be back to you. >> we are in desperate need of clarity when it comes to that. craig boswell joining us from d.c. this morning. craig, thank you there is growing outrage over conditions at migrant detention facilities along the southern border. we've seen images from inside the centers, and now heart breaking drawings from the children themselves. nbc's dan scheneman has more >> reporter: a child's view of the unfolding humanitarian crisis at the border drawings given to nbc news by the incoming president of the american academy of pediatrics who says they were created by children recently released from cbp custody. another vivid and sobering glimpse of the situation called

a ticking time bomb. in a report from the department of homeland security's office of inspector general investigators for the government watch dog group touring several border patrol facilities in texas in june quote, concern for crowding and detention represent immediate health and risk of safety to officers and to those detained in photos, 80 men were crammed into a room with a capacity of half that. the report says that these facilities, children had limited access to a change of clothes and two facilities had not provided children access to hot meals. >> you shouldn't hold anybody there for any length of time, let alone children >> reporter: meanwhile, following the bombshell report by propublica, the private border patrol facebook group demeaning mocking of congress, d.h.s. promising a swift investigation tweeting, quote, any employee compromised the

public's trust in our law enforcement mission will be held accountable. a growing scrutiny and sense of urgency felt all along the border dan scheneman, nbc news. >> navy s.e.a.l. edward gallagher is a freeman this morning. the veteran was acquitted after being accused of killing an iraqi citizen. gallagher was sentenced to four months confinement because of time served, though, he has now returned home the navy s.e.a.l. chief is also being demoted in rank, but his lawyers vowed to fight the demotion in a statement the gallagher family says, in part, that edward will spen 4th of july with his family, celebrating not only our nation's freedom, but also his own.e bued out of an mexican prison but his attempt to bust out of u.s. conviction has failed. a new york judge rejected his request forte new trial. his lawyers filed a motion saying the jury was tainted. the judge denied that request

based on the overwhelming evidence leading to his conviction his sentencing is set for later this month he was found guilty of charges that include murder, conspiracy and drug trafficking one of the most unique quarterbacks to ever play the game of football, jared lorenzen died wednesday at the age of 38. he had been battling kidney and heart issues playing at 300 pounds, the kentucky legend was much larger than the average quarterback earning him the nickname hefty lefty. he backed up eli manning zurg the 2007 superbowl victory and he holds a bunch of kentucky wild cat records including most career passing records now to wimbledon, and another stunning victoryd, an a phenom, her name is coco gauff and she advanced to the third round just days after beating her idol venus nbc's blayne alexand >> reporter: she's done it again. [ cheers and applause

>> reporter: 15 years, and now two winning wimbledon matches under her belt, coco gauff has served up another stunning victory, beating slovenia and barrelling ahead to round three. >> the composure i mean, she looked like she was locked in. >> reporter: around wimbledon, it seems everyone has coco fever. >> i think she's the future of america. >> there is a large connection somewhere along the line >> we're going to claim her anyway >> exactly >> reporter: and coco herself. >> i'm still shocked i'm even here >> reporter: and after this week who can blame her. the young he felt qualifier in wimbledon history defeating venus williams, praised by serena >> there she is. how is everything? >> thank you >> reporter: advice from roger federer, play well mission accomplish pd. >> i think i can beat anyone who is across the court. if i don't think i can win the match i won't be on the court.

>> reporter: now showing the world what she's got blayne alexander, nbc news, london >> coco gauff, remember that name amazing. >> i mean, the confidence is strong, right? >> i can't believe she's 15 years old. >> 15. >> running through people like it's not her first time ever >> can you imagine her at 25 >> that's supposed to be her prime. >> exactly can't wait to see that let's check the weather map. we have a slight risk of weather developing across colorado this afternoon. a few storms that are sparking up across the upper midwest and i don't think these showers or storms will disrupt. festivities tonight. unfortunately, it is going to be a nuisance across minneapolis and chicago. you can really count on the heat continuing to build across the south an 90s from

texas all the way into the southeast. so if you have 4th of july plans, a little bit of rain. it shouldn't damper us going to coney island eating those hot dogs >> you claim 40. that is incredible all right. thank you, janessa netflix is quitting cigarettes, but not quite cold turkey. a new report out shows tobacco use in showsaty kir times highe last year. the anti-smoking group found stranger things is one of the worst offenders. netflix said it is going to get rid of smoking rated under 14 unless it is essential for creative vision or historical accuracy just ahead, the powerful tribute to 9/11 first responder luis alvarez we'll be right back. ♪

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i'm looking at that truck! wow! that's awesome! this 4th of july, celebrate in a new chevrolet. oh wow! they're all really cool cars. woo, i love it! i like those lights. look how beautiful this is! i can't stop staring at it. spectacular deals are on display now at your local chevy dealer. wow! it's time to upgrade! now during the fourth of july sales event, current gm owners can get over fifty six hundred dollars below msrp on this equinox. the 4th of july sales event ends july 8th. below msrp on this equinox. a lot will happen in your life. wrinkles just won't. neutrogena® rapid wrine neutrogena® just outside new york city, at least 12 people were injured when a truck overturned near the lincolnn, creating a traffic nightmare for commuters and 4th of july travelers.

it happened wednesday in union city, new jersey police say a garbage truck lost control and rammed into several cars before shooting off an overpass the accident closed the busy highway in both directions leading the news, a sea of blue lining the streets in new york city as thousands paid a powerful tribute to the 9/11 first responder luis alvarez who spent his dying days fighting for others like him. nbc's stephanie gosk has more on the hero who was laid to rest. >> reporter: in queens they celebrated a life of service ho served, defended, protected till his last dying day. >> reporter: n.y.p.d. veteran louis alvarez used his final days, his last remaining energies to make sure those suffering from 9/11 related illnesses would get the support they needed. from hospice he sent a handwritten note to the senate majority leader. days after his moving testimony on capitol hill.

>> never forget to take care of the 9/11 responders. >> reporter: david alvarez spoke of his dad's courage and commitment >> before he became an american hero, he was mine. >> reporter: alvarez joined the u.s. marines at the age of 18. >> the camaraderie, the guy sitting next to you is your brother, and you'll give your life for him, he'll give his life for you >> reporter: it's that kind of camaraderie he said he felt during his 20 years with the n.y.p.d. he and his fellow officers worked for months shoulder to shoulder at ground zero. the night before he died, the 53-year-old couldn't sleep, exhausted, he said, from walking in his dreams. a nurse asked him where he was going. >> my brother responded, i was walking to find first responders to make sure they get help >> reporter: the service ending with a son's promise >> i promise to be the man you inspired me to be.

>> reporter: his father's bravery and selflessness have inspired us all. stephanie gosk, nbc news, new york >> sure has. just ahead, spiderman swings to a new box office record. plus phil golden why more older americans are videgis r the goln rlfo adce you're watching "early today." finally, an eggo thick and fluffy waffle all to myself, whoa. karen, karen you've got to try this. breakfast in bed? major. husband. points.

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you are coming with us >> this all seems like big time, superhero kind of stuff, and i'm just a friendly neighborhood spiderman, sir >> spiderman far from home it launched with a heroic start this week, earning over $39 million on its opening day ask setting a new record for tuesday ticket sales it's a new trend that some are calling the real-life golden girls. older americans, especially women, are choosing to live together later in life to ease financial pressures and fight loneliness nbc's jeffg tr bd. the nengers until a year agor and say they've become good friends, both seeking the same thing. >> i found myself to bin situation after a long marriage and divorced, and place, but ie concerned about moving and isolating myself and being alone.

>> i am very busy and i have lots of friends, but i was finding that i was lonely at home >> reporter: ilene is 74 she rents a room in her home to jean who is 55 >> hey -- >> reporter: they're part of a growing trend of baby boomers choosing to live together in their later years for companionship and to cut costs the number of americans over 50 who live with a friend or unmarrier jump 75% in nearly a decade, for good reason home sharing can broaden social circles at ages when people might otherwise feel isolated and many older americans are looking for cheaper alternatives to living alone. since financial security is harder to come by. >> today currently we have 50 million people over the age of 50 who have less than $50,000 saved for retirement >> reporter: wendy burkhart is the co-founder and c.e.o. of silver nest, the online roommate matching service that ilene and jean used to find one another. >> i can see the amenities that

she has here >> reporter: wendy started silver nest after her father died five years ago, unexpectedly leaving her mother on her own >> while she was in transition, she actually had a roommate which was super helpful because she'd never lived on her own in her adult life so having someone in the space with her was really beneficial for her and for me >> reporter: silver nest says it conducts comprehensive background checks, and has successfully matched more than 60,000 house mates still, jean and ilene say they were hesitant at first >> i was a little nervous because i have been independent for so long. and to have somebody in my house, i wasn't quite sure >> reporter: but both quickly realized the built-in benefits >> having another person who is interested in my life, but also i'm not burdening my kids or leaning too heavily on my other

friends. >> reporter: so you're really sharing more than just your home you're sharing your life >> yes, it is. >> reporter: it's the silver lining to the home sharing trend. >> we're not being sidelined in our life-styles as we age, and we are able to share with each other and help each other through some of the rough spots in life. >> it's a brilliant idea thanks to jeff bennett for that report still ahead here on "early today," we go behindhe t scenes on the most spectacular july 4th celebration of them all. hairs" "oh i love it. it's a great razor. it has that 'fence' in the middle. it gives a nice smooth shave. razor. just stopping that irritation.... that burn that i get. i wouldn't use anything else" ♪

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and add elegance to your home. but quilted northern is not a robe. it's just really nice toilet paper. finally, an eggo thick and fluffy waffle all to myself, whoa. karen, karen you've got to try this. breakfast in bed? major. husband. points. would you l'eggo your eggo?

happy 4th of july, everyone. we're tracking some storms here unfortunately for the plains they're going to be in and out fairly quickly, but some of those could be strong across northern colorado here daytime highs still very warm and steamy for the southeast daytime highs are going to be in the lower 90s across florida and that's the way it's been all weekend long we're tracking strong storms across the midwest stormy activity here, i don't think it will be torrential rain, so festivities will go on. >> that's good to hear that's what we like to hear. janessa, thank you when we come back on "early today," we're all gearing up for the main event of course what we're talking about, nathan's hot dog eang ntt.ti can you actually love we neutrogena® ultra sheer. no other sunscreen aging and skin cancer works bettertoelp preven all with a clean light feel. founbeatable protection.

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celebration, going behind the scenes of a spectacular fireworks display. here's nbc's gadi schwartz >> we're going to begin the show >> reporter: deep in the california desert, a lucky few watch a secret preview of the largest display of fireworks from 3-year-old gabriel's face, this will be one to remember his mom is susan tesaro, executive producer over 100 people planning for ths extravae can't wait to see skyrockets over the brooklyn bridge >>t'everybody is going to really love and recognize >> the colors, the duration. >> reporter: gary and n arge of row pyro spectacular they're featuring hollywood's greatest hits. >> it looks like an inter galactic battle. >> they get in the air and start swirling this is called a swimming star

shell. >> reporter: all those fireworks have finally made their way to new york city and now it's just a matter of placing them all over this bridge the show promising an astounding 3 shells a minute, and placement alone is a feat in itself. >> there's over 70,000 area shells in effect that have over 150 different firing locations >> reporter: now the count down begins to a show bigger than last year's, secelebrating our nation's independence. about that view, it doesn't matter in you're in manhattan or across the river as long as you have a full view of the brooklyn bridge, you will be treated to 25 minutes o sound track that will give you goosebumps of course, if you're not here to watch it in person, you can always watch it on nbc >> wise words from gadi schwartz it all starts tonight, 8:00, 7:00 central on nbc. time honored tradition is kicking off today in coney island we're talking about nathan's annual hot dog eating contest.

18 contestants weighing in ready to battle it out for this year's mustard belt last year's record was 74 hot dogs set by the reigning champ, he won 7 times in the last 12 years. the goal is to see who can eat the most hot dogs in ten minutes. >> i can do 40 >> that's incredible, janessa webb says she can do 40. >> not letting the team down >> do 40 and roller coaster at 6 flags great america illinois, breaking multiple records. secos that'shompressed i

good thursday morning to you, july fourth. happy fourth of july to everybody out there.

a live picture for you. we're looking at san francisco, the golden gate bridge. there it is. thank you so much for starting your morning here with us. i am marcus washington. >> i am in for look at the fore it's super critical. >> the fog is the big question people will have, and we will stay clear in the inland areas. south bay looking good. we