utter. it's that jif'ing good, you'd brave the apocalypse for it. by the way, likewise, china should start an investigation into the bidens. >> and i'll put my integrity of my whole career of public service to this nation up against his long record of lying, cheating and stealing >> war of words escalates as president trump calls on the chinese to investigate joe biden and his son. this political power move just a week before key u.s. and china trade talks are set to begin >> breaking news on the growing toll from vaping illnesses surge to over a thousand, and new details on why so many people are getting sick. >> two years after the worst mass shooting in u.s. history

left 58 people dead and hundreds injured, an $800 million settlement has been reached. we've got the inside details >> then to the brave bank teller who fought off an armed bank robber >> and playoff baseball is in full swing we've got your highlights and the best of thursday night football >> it's crazy in the middle of being investigated for asking foreign countries for -- asking foreign countries for election help that's like chugging a beer while taking a breathalizer test >> "early today" starts right now. good to be with you on this friday morning i'm frances rivera >> and i'm phillip mena. defiant and in the face of an impeachment inquiry, president trump is adding fuel to his own political firestorm by publicly calling on china to launch an investigation into his political rival joe biden. the same action with ukraine is what set the house's inquiry into motion. when democrats seized on the moment, mr. trump tripled down on twitter claiming he has the

absolute right to investigate corruption and that includes asking other countries to help out. for his part biden shrugged off the latest baseless sless accusations at a palo alto fund-raiser last night he said trump said my son made n't know where the hell it is nbc's alice barr has more. >> reporter: president trump defiant urging another foreign government to investigate political rival joe biden. >> china should start an investigation into the bidens because what happened to china is just about as bad as what happened with, um, with ukraine. >> reporter: the president has accused jop his son hunter who was on the board of a ukrainian energy company and started a chinese private equity firm while biden was serving as vice-president there has been no evidence of wrongdoing by the bidens >> i'm not going to be distracted by his lies, his conspiracies, distortion and name calling >> reporter: this as house committee members heard the

first closed door deposition of impeachment inquiry of kurt volker special envoy to ukraine resigned friday shortly after he was called to testify. >> not one thing he has said comports with any of the democrats' impeachment narrative. >> reporter: kevin mccarthy in a letter asking speaker nancy pelosi to suspend the impeachment inquiry calling the pace reckless and saying she hasn't laid out clear procedures but house democrats are digging in >> it's sad for our country that we would have a president who would put us in this situation but no one is above the law and the president will be held accountable. >> reporter: the intelligence committee chair calling president trump's comments that china should investigate the bidens a new breach of his oath of office. >> it endangers our elections and endangers or national security >> reporter: this all comes as the u.s. and china are locked in a trade dispute. president trump speaking to the next steptz. >> ifthey don't do what we want, we have tremendous>> repo with china are set next week

here in washington alice barr, nbc news >> overnight, house lawmakers shed light on that testimony from former ukraine envoy kurt volker the committee's released dozens of texts ben biden. nbc's tracie potts joins us now with more from d.c tracie, what do those messages >> reporter: there was a big thing overnight, frances, about 20 pages of text messages between state department officials, diplomats, president trump's attorney rudy giuliani and at one point an advisor to the leader of ukraine. these text messages provided to the committees that are investigating during the closed door testimony of former envoy kurt volker. what do they reveal? well, they reveal that after president trump's phone call with ukraine where he is accus investigation into biden, there were conversations, for example, between the ambassador to the european union and volker where they discussed drafting a statement to help the ukrainians announce that they were

launching this investigation at least one top diplomat expressed concern, threatening to quit, saying that it was crazy to hold aid from ukraine for what he considered at that point a political purpose. and then the e.u. ambassador encouraged him to stop texting about that the same day. the inspectorgeneral informed congress about this complaint and a couple of days later that money was released now, that intelligence community inspector general is going to be testifying here behind closed doors today. so more on this inquiry as we head into the weekend. frances? >> layer after layer in this investigation. tracie potts for us, thank you >> we have another one for you there is another bombshell report this morning about a second government whistle-blower, this time at the irs. nbc's hallie jackson has more. >> reporter: this new whistle-blower complaint is from an irs official who says he was told that a treasury department appointee reportedly tried to interfere with the annual audit

of the president or vice-president's tax returns this is according to the "washington post "washington post," citing multiple people familiar with the matter nbc has not confirmed that, but it is circulating on capitol hill alarming some congressional democrats. trump administration officials are dismissing the complaint as hearsay and politically motivated. remember the backdrop to all this, house democrats have been in a fight with the treasury department over the release of president trump's tax returns, which he so far has refused to share publicly >> our thanks to hallie jackson for that report. >> reporter: north korea is claiming that its recent under water missile launch was a success. their state media released these images describing this as a type of missile capable of being launched from a submarine. this would pose a threat to the u.s. and its allies because these types of launches are harder to detect early the pentagon says there is no indication this missile did launch from a submarine, but instead from a barge or floating platform

>> this week marks two years since the las vegas massacre that killed more than 50 people. and this morning there is a major settlement agreement between mgm and the victims. nbc's jay gray has the details >> reporter: the deadliest mass shooting in modern u.s. history left thousands of lives torn apart. >> it's just -- it's something that's never -- you'll never, ever be able to repair and be the same emotionally ever. >> reporter: as their emotional and physical struggles continue, mgm agreed to pay as much as $800 million to the victims and families of the las vegas attack >> this is a step in the right direction to try to put that behind us. >> reporter: the settlement comes two years after the massacre along the vegas se on c festival from his suite on the 32nd floor of the mandalay bay hotel. the 64-year-old retired accountant and high stakes gambler killed himself as police closed in.

investigators found 23 assault-style weapons and a cache of ammunition in his room. a discovery that prompted hundreds of lawsuits from families of the victims claiming mgm which owns mandalay bay failed to prevent paddock from bringing the guns and ammo into the hotel. in a written statement, the company says, our goal has always been to resolve these matters so our community and the victims and their families can move forward in the healing process. >> mgm has stepped up and done the right thing. >> reporter: an independent auditor will distribute the funds, a process expected to take a year or more. jay gray, nbc news >> now to the first vaping related death that has been reported in connecticut. the patient was in 30s vaping-related lung injury that brings the national death toll to at least 19. the cdc says more than 1,000 confirmed cases of illness related to vaping have been reported in 48 states.

in new york an appeals court knocked steam out of a ban of flavored e-cigs that was supposed to go into effect today. it will now go on hold until at least october 18 >> the new jersey man accused of masterminding the now infamous gofundme scam has been hit with federal charges. officials say 40-year-old mark d'amico has been charged with conspiring to commit wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering d'amico is one of three people accused of duping thousands of donors out of $400,000 after he and his then girlfriend kate mcclure claimed that a homeless man, johnny bobbitt, gave them his last $20 for gas the scam was exposed after the three fought over the money. if found guilty on both charges d'amico faces 30 years in prison and nearlyd a second drug to prevent hi scald descovf truveda. both can lower the person's risk

of getting the disease if taken daily. it was first approved by the fda in 2016. it's a smaller and safer pill with less side effects according to the centers for disease control and prevention, nearly 40,000 people were diagnosed with hiv in 2017 >> all right, we are heading into the first weekend of october. let's see if it's going to feel like that, bill karins >> pumpkin time. >> yes, good morning >> we're going to have a weekend still feature hot conditions but not as bad as it's been this last week. some areas are going to be down right cool and chilly. especially the northeast in the early morning.s on the move from new mexico to the middle of the cousins tri. still record heat especially in back in a moment bam through georgia. still hot on saturday but not as many records will be broken. rainy day, possible thunderstorms from kansas city north wards up into wisconsin. keep that r me of the co on sunday we'll watch that rain and cold front trying to push into the south and that will bring they was 102 degreesn

montgomery 100 in lraleigh, 100 in columbia south carolina it will be cooler in arkansas and tennessee as you finally get your relief. we'll take a look at the expected record highs today coming up. >> all right l bill, thanks. a group of climate change activists didn't go so well. the protesters use treasury building to draw attention to what they said was the government's failure to prevent a cataclysm. the stunt didn't get off to a good start they lost control of the hose causing it to spray everywhere policeon suspicion of criminal damage >> at least they're smiling an waving there in the police > ile. >>stl ahead, postseason is

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baseball fans got an explosive start to the nl division series. the dodgers snapped the mets nine game winning streak in decisive fashion bottom of the 7th, bases loaded. max munsey smacks a single to the right and two-run score. they went on to shut out washington 6-zip now to the cardinals and braves, they packed enough action into the 9th inning for an entire game the cards scored four to take the lead, but the braves came roaring back the two-run homer and then a solo that rally was cut short and the cardinals win it 7-6 >> another reason to stay up late, the rams and seahawks. it was a good one. an early contender for catch of the year here at the end of the first quarter, russellr of t zone. slow-mo repeat

inbounds they would find their rhythm in the second half. todd gurley punches it in to give l.a. the lead russell wilson, primetime, you know what he does. escapes the pressure and finds chris carson wide open in the end zone for the go-ahead touched to retake the lead for good the highlighters win it 30-29. the biggest game of the weekend in college football is going to be between two top ten teams. number 7 auburn will try to drain the swamp down in gainesville. they face number 10 florida. both the gators and the tigers are undefeated this season kickoff is at 3:30 eastern and saturday evening number 25 michigan state travels to ohio state to take on the number 4 ranked buck eyes, and then the pros get after it on sunday afternoon. this is going to be a great game two legendary franchises here meet up in dallas. the packers aning things off ots colts in kansaas aays, you can h me right here on nbc >> still ahead, to wrap up a deal for national cota day and who are you going to call? chrissy tiegen turns to the

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hi, i'm phoebe and i'm hosting saturday night live this week with musical guest taylor swift. >> it's going to be mental in it, like a randy -- did you write it's too british, isn't it he adjust a little bit, yeah >> tomorrow night snl is live

coast to coast with host flea bag creator phoebe waller bridge and musical guest taylor swift going to be another great one. don't want to miss that. >> too british i didn't get what taylor was trying to say. this week taco deals are on friday today is national taco day we have free and discounted taco deals for you. national taco day gift set includes four tacos for 5 bucks. del taco is giving a free taco when you download their app. el pollo oklahoma owe is buy one feed many promotion. they will donate one taco to the homeless, which is perfect because today is also national do something nice day. so when you combine them both, that's a perfect friday right there. >> i think so, exactly if you can g just doa od one good on any day of the week. all right. doritos are bringing the heat this fall. the screaming sriracha flavor, the famous hot sauce kick.

do doritos describes this as a punch and spice for snackers be sure to keep an eye out they will only be available for a limited time you like sriracha? >> it's something i'm going to try. i'll give it a shot. >> it's close. >> breakouts are the worse we know that when they happen on your face. even when you're a supermodel, too. chrissy tiegen, you can see it on her chin. she's been battling that for a while. she asked for the same us dr. pimple popper's help finally after days of begging -- >> pray for her. >> san ddra lee dr. pimple popp, finally responded. if you've seen her show on tlc, she's used to tackling skin issues there is a tiger movement before the show launched on youtube of

the whole popping pimples, people are -- it's savoring, people said. it's disgusting. >> yeah, to each his o, wni guess. just ahead, we'll show you why one texas bank employee deserves to get a bonus this year you're watching "early today." ♪ hereitesnake song? my--- i do. if you ride, you get it. geico motorcycle. 15 minutes could save you 15% or more. upbeat music♪ no cover-up spray here. cheaper aerosols can cover up odors in a flowery fog. but febreze air effects eliminates odors. with a 100% natural propellent. it leaves behind a pleasant scent you'll love. [ deep inhale] freshen up. don't cover up. febreze. male voice: grrr, feed me. come on! she won't mind! she won't mind at a...

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and fought back protecting both her and her coworker you saw the suspect eventually walking off without taking a single thing >> i did not see that one coming all right. let's hand it over to bill karins here. >> record highs once again today. the red dots show you where they're going to be. we're pushing to the south as we go through theafternoon, some of the hottest spots are going to be in areas of alabama. look at montgomery, record 97. atlanta should break their record high alonwi augtag thus, macon, georgia should do it today. record highs will be pushed further to the south, not quite as warm. little bit of good news. we'll be right back. stay tuned refresher febreze finds odors trapped in fabrics (bubbles popping) and cleans them away as it dries. use febreze every time you tidy up to keep your whole house smelling fresh air clean. fabric refresher even works for clothes you want to wear another day. make febreze part of your clean routine for whole home freshness. ♪la la la la la.

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"sunday today. good morning, willie >> good morning, guys. good to see you. this week on "sunday today," my guest is wrestling superstar actor and author, yes, author, john sena. we got together to talk about the latest installment of his best selling series of children's books how his legions of young fans have responded to his message of perseverance and following the path blazed from dewayne johnson, from the ring to hollywood stardom. our sunday sit down with john cena plus the latest news and politics on "sunday today. you can catch us in the morning or set the dvr and watch us any time you like. for now i'll send it back to you, frances and phillip, and we'll see you sunday morning >> sounds good see you sunday >> now to a boy of a military family with a toy that is defying stereo types here's gadi schwartz >> reporter: at 4 years old he knows all about baseball, tanks, dirt bikes, but his real love

are his babies his mom ashley said it started with a trip to pick out a toy to help her son cope with his father's deployment to the mooes. >> he walked over to the doll section and looked up to the shelf. he pointed at the baby and said, i want that baby >> reporter: jensen named her 3 and soon was taking her fishing, strapping her to the bike and showering her with hugs. one day his mother a photographer decided to snap some pictures. >> he thought they were bootiful that's what he said. so i posted them >> reporter: and like lightning her images started racking up the shares and the likes then came the prejudice and hate >> they thought because he's a boy and not only a boy with a babydoll, but a boy with a doll that is not the same skin color as him, and i think that people just couldn't grasp the concept. >> reporter: for jensen, it's all pretty simple. >> the girl should be able to play with what they choose and boys should be allow todayplay with what they choose. one day these little boys are

going to need to know how to nurture and care and love. >> i think it's incredible what he learned from us and applied it to the babies >> reporter: a lesson jensen is happy to teach piling on dolls and dresses and reminding us all how to play. gadi schwartz, nbc news, shelby ville, indiana >> love it those days of boy toys and girl toys are long gone >> yeah, and seriously who cares what someone else's kid plays with >> yeah. you know he's got a big smile on his face, happy, healthy kid >> sure is clean your own house, everyone that kid is cool >> thanks for waking up with us. i'm frances rivera >> i'm phillip mena. coming up on the third hour coming up on the third hour actor james spader will talk coming up on the third hour actor james spader will talk look! a door to another dimen...

oh, no, just a bag. train insane, or remain the same. phew! we'll never totally figure them out. but we do know what makes them happy. meow mix. forty years and still the only one cats ask for by name. good morning to you. it is friday. it is october 4th. that means it's 10-4 little buddy. everything is going to be okay.

looking live at the bay bridge this morning. thank you for joining us. >> i'm marcus washington. happy to be on a friday. >> i had a s but it's almost worse. >> yeah. >> right. >> whatever. first world problems. take another look outside this morning. a cold