alarming surge good morning. alarming surge. the coronavirus spiking across 21 states. cases now topping 2 million nationwide. hospitals from coast to coast being overwhelmed once again. >> i think people have let their guard down. >> the new warning from a harvard scientist predicting another 100,000 deaths by the end of summer. he'll join us live. breaking overnight, toppled protesters tearing down confederate statues in virginia. lawmakers calling for their removal inside the capitol. >> the individuals who would be honored by those statues, in effect, fought to keep people

enslaved. i don't think that's something we ought to honor in america. >> president trump stands firm, refusing to rename certain u.s. military bases, as he gets set to return to the campaign trail once again. we'll have the very latest. new era. nascar bans the confederate flag from all events, as bubba wallace, the sport's only black driver, debuts his black lives matter car in a race overnight. >> man, our car was so good. our black lives matter chevrolet. that's good to say right there. >> we'll talk to bubba live. calling for change. >> he said he couldn't breathe. nobody cared. >> george floyd's brother urges congress to take action to reform police before joining a march through washington. as the chief in minneapolis speaks out to nbc news on the events that triggered a nationwide movement. >> over the last two weeks, what's your biggest regret?

>> that humanity was not there for mr. floyd when it should have been. >> just ahead, his message to the officer charged with murder in the case. wild weather. severe storms in the midwest knock out power to more than 600,000 people. the threat moving east today. 50 million in the path. while out west, a record-breaking heat wave rolls on. al's got your forecast. those stories, plus the future of flying. as a major u.s. airline reveals a new way for passengers to board safely. we'll take you inside what it is really like to take to the skies. today, thursday, june 11th, 2020. >> announcer: from nbc news, this is "today" with savannah guthrie and hoda kotb, from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. >> hey, everybody. welcome to "today." we're so happy you're joining us on this thursday morning. good morning, savannah. >> hoda, good morning.

we have so much breaking news to get to, including powerful images overnight. protesters taking matters into their own hands, pulling down statues to confederate leaders. and then in nascar, a powerful image there, as well. bubba wallace, the lone black driver in the sport, racing in a black lives matter car. nascar, of course, banning confederate images now. bubba wallace is going to be our guest. he'll join us live later in the show. >> we look forward to that. our top story, the coronavirus pandemic, and new concerns about a large spike in cases since the unofficial start of summer. some hospitals now fearful of a potential shortage of beds for patients. in a moment, we're going to talk to a doctor who says drastic action is needed right now. first, nbc's erin mclaughlin is in the country's hot spot in phoenix, arizona. good morning, erin. >> reporter: good morning, hoda. nationwide, the numbers are staggering. more than 2 million confirmed

cases. over 113,000 deaths. here in arizona, the number of cases skyrocketing. so much so, that public health officials are warning hospitals such as this one to prepare for a crisis situation. this morning, across the country, growing alarm over new spikes in virus cases. two weeks after memorial day weekend, when many ventured out in crowds. 21 states now seeing an increase in cases in the last week. in florida and new mexico, cases up over 40%. in arkansas and utah, which never had statewide stay at home orders, cases up over 60%. on wednesday, former utah governor jon huntsman, who is running for re-election, announced he's tested positive. >> the symptoms that i've been feeling for the last couple of days are, in fact, what i suspected they were. >> reporter: since memorial day, there have been spikes in hospitalizations, too, from the carolinas to arizona, where last week, cases surged an alarming

93%. arizona health officials now urging hospitals to activate their emergency plans. dr. bessel runs the largest hospital group in arizona, and says if numbers continue to rise, they'll reach icu capacity. is arizona a cautionary tale for the rest of the country right now? >> our current trend is a cautionary tale. if you're not physically distancing, doing the activities we've been talking about, there is a price to pay. >> reporter: arizona began ing in may. the governor is often seen without a mask. he says the state has enough hospital capacity and attributes the spike in cases to increased testing. >> you'll see an increase in cases as you see increased testing. >> reporter: some officials disagree, pointing to people's behavior. an audio of a white house task force call with governors on monday obtained by the "daily beast" and confirmed by a person familiar with the call, vice president pence and deborah birx

worried about a spike in cases two weeks from now after the recent protests nationwide. >> having already instability and then the level of protests. the close packness of the protestees, and the fact that not all of them wore masks. >> reporter: birx warned states need to prepare for a new surge as they continue to reopen. task force also says it's concerned about the number of testing centers destroyed nationwide. at least 70, they say. they continue to warn the public, as states reopen, wear max and social distance. savannah? >> all right. erin, thank you. we are joined by the director of the harvard global health institute. dr. jha, you heard the report and have seen the numbers. how concerning is this spike in cases, and what do you attribute

it to? >> good morning. thanks for having me on. so the numbers are concerning, particularly in states like arizona, north and south carolina, florida, texas, places where we're seeing consistent increases. you know, it is about two weeks after memorial day that we're seeing this, and this is what we were worried about. i had hoped that the fact that people were spending more time outside, that it is summer, we would not see such a big increase so fast. but it's more concerning than i had hoped we would, you know -- well, we would get at this point. >> and then that just raises the question, obviously, we've seen thousands of people out on the streets night after night. some trying to practice social distancing and wearing masks. but, yet, we've seen the images. many of them packed together. do you worry about a further surge because of that? >> i do. i think protests are also going to fuel more cases. the key is here that people do

need to be wearing masks, and i've seen some protests where most people are wearing masks, others where they are not. it is critical people wear a mask. we think, as the data is coming in, that that can really help a lot. >> let's talk about the surge of cases because many people say, "well, aren't we testing more? doesn't that explain the numbers?" i wonder if you could put that into perspective, and what are the numbers you look at to determine, okay, what is suggesting an outbreak, and what is just a function of, "hey, we're testing more. you'll get more cases"? >> yes, so testing does help identify cases, of course. so we have been so behind in our testing approach for months, that we were missing most of the cases out there. so as testing has gotten better, we've identified more cases. that helps. testing is not going to explain the increases in hospitalizations, right? that is coming from just more people getting sick and needing hospital care. so i think testing is a part of the story. it certainly doesn't explain the whole thing. i look at testing. i look at cases,

hospitalizations, and deaths, and really try to look at case numbers and ask how much can be explained by testing. some of what we're seeing can be, but not all of it by any means. >> you have a very dire prediction about the number of deaths we're going to see in this country by the end of summer, by september, 200,000. i believe that's a rather conservative scenario. can you explain how you arrived at that number, and what can be done about it? >> yeah. so this is, obviously, very concerning. we, right now, have between 800 and 1,000 americans dying every day from coronavirus. when you put all the models out there together, and you look at, really, the consensus, if we just stay flat, if we don't have any more spikes all summer and just stay flat, we'll continue to have from 800 to 1,000 people dying every day. that's about 25,000 to 30,000 a month. over the next three months, we

will cross the 200,000 mark. we're at about 113,000 now. sometime in september, we're going to cross 200,000. we still won't be done. right? this pandemic is going to be with us until next spring or summer, when we have a vaccine. so this is not fated, by the way. we don't have to live with hundreds of thousands of americans dying. we do have to get people to wear masks. we do have to do as much social distancing as possible. while we've gotten better on testing, we're nowhere near where we need to be. we need the federal government to step up and decide that it doesn't want to have hundreds of thousands of americans dying and help states ramp up testing and tracing. that's the other piece of this that's still missing. >> so you're not suggesting another nationwide lockdown like we had, that was obviously so devastating to the economy, but you think there's something short of that that would make an impact, so we don't have 200,000 deaths by september?

to avoid the lockdown. we basically ignored the virus for all of february and a good chunk of march, and then we had to shut down. my point is, let's not do that again. let's do everything in our power to get the virus under control, so we don't have to go to another lockdown in order to avoid all these deaths. i think we can. we absolutely can. i don't want a lockdown. nobody does. if we just act like the virus isn't there, or somehow it's magically gone away, we're going to be confronting a much uglier reality. i don't want to do that. i want to be proactive on this virus. >> dr. jha, it's good to get your perspective this morning. thank you very much for joining us. we appreciate it. hoda, i'll send it to you. now to breaking news overnight. protesters in several states, including virginia, vandalizing and, in some cases, tearing down statues of confederate leaders.

this morning, president trump is weighing in. while also scheduling his return to the campaign trail. we have two reports from the white house, starting with nbc's peter alexander. peter, good morning. >> reporter: hoda, good morning. it's been more than 100 days since president trump last hosted a campaign rally. the mega events packed with his fiercest supporters. now, the president is ready to restart the rallies, and the where and when is stirring controversy. the president is dismissing an idea under consideration by the pentagon of renaming bases that honor confederate officers. overnight, protesters in richmond, virginia, toppled this statue of confederate leader jefferson davis. >> it is a really huge moment for a lot of people here. but it needed to come down. >> reporter: one of several incidents of confederate monuments destroyed or vandalized over the last few days. >> it's time for us to remove it. it's time for us to move the city beyond this. >> reporter: meantime, president trump is ruling out renaming any

u.s. military bases named after confederate generals, including north carolina's ft. bragg, and georgia's fort benning. the president tweeting, these monumental and very powerful bases have become a great american heritage. our history is the greatest nation in the world and will not be tampered with. just days earlier, top pentagon officials said they were open to that discussion. while over at the capitol, house speaker nancy pelosi is calling for nearly a dozen confederate statues to be removed from that building. saying they pay homage to hate. >> do we have a great time at a trump rally. >> reporter: the president is getting back on the campaign trail. >> wow, how great is this for republicans in tulsa? >> reporter: it is the date and that location raising questions. next friday, june 19th, is juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery in the u.s., and celebrated as african-american's independence day. in the wake of george floyd's death, protests and marches are planned in many states to mark

the occasion. as for tulsa, 99 years ago in 1921 this month, the city witnessed the tulsa race massacre, one of the nation's worst outbreaks of racial violence. recently portrayed in hbo's "watchmen." white mobs destroying businesses and homes in a predominantly black neighborhood, killing hundreds of african-americans. >> it's a slap in the face. i think it is a total insult to the black community and the city of tulsa, for him to choose juneteenth to come and kick off his campaign. >> reporter: the white house declining comment, but the trump campaign told nbc news, as the party of lincoln, republicans are proud of the history. it is a red state for the president, now in phase three of reopening in the wake of the

coronavirus pandemic. the trump campaign has not detailed exactly where the rally next friday will be held, indoors or outdoors, and what, if any, social distancing measures or masks will be required. meantime, vice president mike pence posted this tweet from his visit to the trump campaign's headquarters just yesterday. you see no masks. clearly no social distancing. the vice president later deleted the tweet. hoda? >> peter alexander, thank you so much. craig joins us now with another big issue that protesters are thinking about. >> that's right, hoda. the nationwide push for police reform. george floyd's brother made an urgent plea on capitol hill wednesday. today, president trump plans to address the issue during a roundtable in dallas, texas. nbc's white house correspondent kristen welker has that part of the story. good morning to you. >> reporter: craig, good morning to you. president trump will meet with law enforcement officials and african-american leaders when he travels to dallas, texas, later on today. we has grappled with how to respond to the crisis in the wake of george floyd's death. on wednesday, an emotional and powerful message from floyd's brother, stop the pain. george floyd's younger brother,

philonise, joined leaders for a march for black lives matter, capping off a day of emotional testimony about his brother's death, delivering an impassioned plea to members of congress. >> he pleaded for his life. he said he couldn't breathe. nobody cared. justice has to be served. >> reporter: floyd describing the agony he felt as he watched the video of an officer kneeling on his older brother's neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds. >> felt like eight hours and 46 minutes. hurt, seeing my brother plead for his life. watching that officer just put his knee on his neck. >> reporter: now, challenging lawmakers to take action to prevent others from dying like his brother. >> teach them what it means to treat people with empathy and respect. teach them that force should be used only when life is at risk.

>> reporter: president trump touting his record with black voters at the white house wednesday. >> when you look at how well the black community has been doing under this administration, nobody has done anything like we've done. >> reporter: the president is expected to discuss policing when he sits down with law enforcement and african-american faith leaders in dallas later today. a senior administration official tells nbc news, the president might announce measures that could be accomplished by executive order, with a broader package of policies unveiled by next week. among the reforms being discussed, limiting chokeholds, creating a national registry for police officers involved in misconduct, and curbing no knock warrants. house democrats unveiled their own, sweeping police reform proposal. as for philonise floyd, he wants one thing, justice for his brother. >> he didn't deserve to die over $20. i'm asking you, is that what a black man is worth?

$20? >> reporter: that somber day still resonating all across the country. meanwhile, overnight, the presumptive democratic nominee, joe biden, making headlines by issuing a blunt warning about president trump and the november election during an interview on the "daily show." take a listen. >> it is my greatest concern, my single greatest concern. this president is going to try to steal this election. >> reporter: now, biden also saying if president trump loses and refuses, the military would escort him. so far, the white house has not responded. some of biden's sharpest comments, underscoring this is a campaign season that is heating up. craig? >> kristen welker from the white house. thank you.

1.5 million filed for unemployment. more businesses reopen. more than 44 million americans filed for unemployment insurance. meantime, lawmakers are at odds over an extension of the enhanced unemployment benefits. congressional democrats want to continue the extra $600 in jobless payments that began in march, but republicans are digging in their heels, calling enhanced benefits disincentive to work. let's check the weather. alice tracking powerful storms overnight. and what's headed our way today. al, good morning to you. >> hey, good morning, guys. >> hey, good morning, guys. let's take a look. first of all, these systems making their way east. yesterday, we had 300 reports of severe weather. take a look. this is indiana, where torrential downpours just causing major problems. and we had trees knocked down in parts of nebraska. just a complete mess. and we are going to be looking for this same kind of activity making its way to the east. we can see already on the radar

a line of showers and thunderstorms moving into the northeast, parts of new england, all the way down to the mid-atlantic states. as this pushes through, we've got over 55 million people at risk for severe weather, from the carolinas up into new england. we're not looking for tornadoes or hail, but damaging winds, winds of over 60 miles per hour will be a big problem. this cold front will push to the east. strong storms stretching from vermont all the way down to georgia. as that moves to the east, behind it, we'll get some clearing skies. but that front is going to stall down to the south, and that's going to cause storms from florida all the way up to virginia. rainfall amounts will be heaviest down through the southeast and mid-atlantic states. locally, up to 5 inches of rain. we're going to get to your local forecast coming up in the next 30 seconds.

into one low monthly payment. they make you feel like it's an honor for them to help you out. i went from sleepless nights to getting my money right. so thank you. ♪ good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. live look in san francisco and we're seeing right now some fog rolling across the bay over the golden gate bridge while most of san francisco is all clear. we're going to see that cooling us off especially from the coast to the inner bay. but the inland valleys will still have a hot day as we reach to the upper 80s and low 90s. by tomorrow more clouds move in and highs in the 70s. significant cooling continues on saturday and then we start to warm up on sunday. guys, it's raining pretty good outside, so i actually moved inside the garage. if you need me to do an oil change, i'm good. >> i love that, al.

thank you so much. coming up, two unprecedented moves in nascar. both happening overnight. nascar bans the confederate flag, and the debut of a black lives matter car in the sports only black driver behind the wheel. we'll have the story, and bubba wallace will join us live. first, this is "today" on nbc. z3wvnz z1s6z

y3wvny y1s6y

coming up next, what will your next flight look like? tom costello shows us firsthand from the ticket counter to the landing. first, your local news.

at cancer treatment centers of america, treating cancer isn't just what we do, it's all we do. and now, we're able to treat more patients because we're in-network with even more major insurance plans. so, if you've been turned down before, call us now. your bank can be virtually any place you are. with even more major insurance plans. you can deposit checks from here. and you can see your transactions and check your balance from here. and pay bills from here. because your bank isn't just one place. it's virtually any place you are. just download and use the chase mobile app. visit chase.com/mobile.

hey allergy muddlers... achoo! ...do your sneezes turn heads? try zyrtec... ...it starts working hard at hour one... and works twice as hard when you take it again the next day. good morning, it's 7:26. i'm marcus washington. >> i'm laura garcia. a look at our top stories today. authorities in paso robles continue their search for a suspect. a gunman wanted for shooting a deputy in the face. overnight officers could be heard setting off flash bang grenades in an apartment complex. officers did that. they're also searching in nearby creek beds. our bob redell, federal agents are investigating whether the suspect in this paso robles attack is connected to two shooting deaths of law enforcement officers here in the bear ye bay area.

a sheriff was killed in ben lomond and steven carrillo. officials believe carrillo is part of a domestic terrorist cell who killed in oakland just over two weeks ago. i'm jackie ward in oakland. the sunvalley shopping center will allow in-person shopping but not every store is ready for that. check out the nordstrom rack still completely boarded up. they're doing more disinfecting and spaced out furniture in the common areas and they want to keep everyone safe. good morning, everyone. i'm scott mcgrew. 1.5 million americans filed for first-time jobless claims last woke acco week according to new data. stock market is getting hit hard as investors realize what doctors have been telling us all along. that is if we reopen the economy, the potential for a second wave of the pandemic is there and, indeed, we are seeing those numbers start to spike.

right now let's get a look at that forecast before you step out the door this morning. kari hall tracking that cooler day for us today. >> cooler as we start to get a sea breeze picking up and in dublin in our inland spots. if you are going to be going out for a run especially in the inland east bay this morning as we check out martinez we'll start out in the 60s and quickly see it warm up to the mid 80s as we go into the afternoon. and then we'll see some significant cooling for tomorrow with highs only in the mid 70s for the inland areas. on saturday we're in the upper 70s as a storm system passes to our north and we warm up again early next week. mike, how is it looking for the commute, mike? >> little blip here and there and the two i'll call out for the bridges. the toll plaza metering lights are on and mild slowing out of oakland and just a little above

it the richmond bridge and a good amount of traffic coming through the area and no major wave but you have to pause a bit and low clouds and fog around the area there. maybe the bay bridge and definitely the golden gate. back to you.

7:30 now. thursday morning. this is reopening day at sea world orlando. just ahead -- the dolphins are ready -- a live report on the changes being made there and other popular theme parks to keep visitors safe and coming through the doors. good morning, everyone. good to have you on a thursday morning. it is thursday, right? i had that moment. >> allegedly, it is. >> friday eve. >> that's even better. guys, we'll get started. >> yes. >> with our 7:30 headlines. there is new concern this morning about a spike in coronavirus cases in certain parts of the country. 21 states now seeing an increase

in the last week. in florida and new mexico, cases up over 40%. in arkansas and utah, which never had statewide stay at home orders, cases are up more than 60%. arizona health officials now are urging hospitals to activate their emergency plans amid growing concerns that they may run out of icu beds. hoda, related to that, bad news for two of the country's most popular music festivals. coachella and stagecoach have been canceled this year because of the coronavirus concerns. the events are held outside of palm springs. they usually happen in april, but they were postponed until october. now, though, health officials have canceled this year's festivals all together over a concern about a second wave of cases in the fall. meanwhile, this morning, amazon says it will ban police use of its facial recognition technology for a year to give congress some time to come up

with ways to regulate the technology. amazon did not explain its decision, but the announcement comes amid growing concerns that the technology may lead to unfair treatment of african-americans. on monday, ibm said it would be getting out of the facial recognition business all together. now to an historic day in more ways than one for one of the country's most popular sports. fficially banned the confederate flag from all events after a request from bubba wallace, the sport's lone black driver just hours later, he took to the track in a black lives matter car. nbc's sam brock joins us with details on this. sam, good morning. >> reporter: hoda, good morning. bubba wallace, of course, calling for a ban on the confederate flag within two days, nascar issuing a statement, that the flag runs contrary to the inclusive and welcoming environment that they're trying to foster here. now, how that ban is actually going to be enforced, that has not been detailed. when fans finally return here on sunday, they'll find a different nascar >> he's going to lay the bumper to jimmie johnson.

>> reporter: for the first time in its 72-year history, nascar saw something new at the martinsville speedway. a stock car bearing the hashtag black lives matter, driven by 43 bubba wallace. >> it's not that we're saying no other lives matter we're trying to say that black lives matter, too. >> reporter: wallace, the cup series' only full-time black driver, igniting a conversation and then a sea change. >> it starts with confederate flags. get them out of here there's no place for them. >> reporter: the confederate flag, a fixture in nascar for decades, no longer permitted a spot in the sport. nascar announcing the flag runs contrary to our commitment of providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans, and is now prohibited from all nascar events and properties, effective immediately. on a racetrack where drivers chase the checkered flag, nascar has dealt with a checkered past. less than two months ago, driver kyle larson was fired by his racing team for using a racial slur >> that one hit home because it

was inside of our sport. and that one didn't directly target me, but indirectly pulled me in. i'm right there. >> reporter: wallace crediting that episode and the killing of ahmaud arbery with springing him into action. >> george floyd. >> breonna taylor. >> ahmaud arbery >> it is heartbreaking and can no longer be ignored. >> reporter: joined by drivers' recognizable names, from dale earnhardt to jimmie johnson, calling for change. >> i've been in this sport a long time, and i believe it is full of really good people i don't know a driver out there that doesn't want to treat people the way they want to be treated. >> our country must be doing >> reporter: nascar president steve phelps offering these words and 30 seconds of silence sunday and now, on the hood of wallace's repainted car, this image, with the words "compassion, love, and hopes wie

far beneath the surface. >> understanding" below it. a message he hopes will resonate far beneath the surface. >> sam, while it is historic what's going on at nascar, the question also is, has there been any backlash within nascar to this >> reporter: hoda, speaking with former driver jeff burton, he says the vast, vast majority of drivers want to listen and they want people to feel comfortable. there has been one part-time truck series driver, ciccarelli, who posted because of the chang exception, not the rule. in policy for the flag and permission to kneel during the national anthem, he is done at the end of the season. that appears to be the exception, not the rule. hoda >> sam, thank you so much. which makes us look forward to your interview coming up, craig. >> we'll talk to bubba wallace in 30 minutes. for folks who followed nascar for years, it's difficult to understate the significance of what they've done, and the speed with which they've done it,

savannah >> absolutely. how do you think it'll affect it how do you think it'll be received, craig? >> i think this will probably help nascar mainstream the sport, something they've been trying to do for a number of years. it is difficult to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable going to a nascar race when you walk into the track and see the confederate flag flying everywhere this goes a long way >> yeah. wow, so many changes it's breathtaking. coming up next, we'll talk about how things have been different now with flying. getting on an airplane >> a lot of people there at the gate were not really keeping 6 feet distance. >> tom costello with the firsthand look at the changes you're going to see on your next flight what's working and, yes, what's not working. right after this take something that can wipe you out? or don't, and fight through every second. new quick-dissolve nurtec™ can bring you back when migraines attack. just one dose can work fast and last

so you can keep going. don't take if allergic to nurtec. the most common side effect was nausea. nurtec one migraine. one dose. onederful™ one mwhen this crisis is don'going to be over and we don't know exactly when the stock market will reach its bottom, we've got to be prepared for this to last a long time. if you assume that you're out of work for nine months but you end up only being out of work for... so as you head back out on the road, we'll be doing what we do best. providing some calm in your day. with virtual, real-time tours of our vehicles as well as remote purchasing. now when you buy or lease a new lincoln, we'll make up to 3 payments on your behalf. to sleepy smudges...

to shower-skipping. these days call for a quick clean. luckily, help is still one wipe away. my skin gets so tired. this new olay serum feels so life.y, and hydrated...xtraoostf it's full of energy. it finally matches me. i'm denise bidot, and my skin is powerful. and i can face anything with my olay. every glass of tropicana watermelon... has a million little sips of sunshine... turning a moment of summer refreshment... into a moment... of summer amazement. tropicana sip your sunshine. ♪owe stick together,.♪ for worse or for better ♪ (yeah) ♪ through any kind of weather, ♪ (yo) ♪ you're my friend in need. ♪ (come on, come on) ♪ we stick... ♪ around here, nobody ever does it. i didn't do it. so when i heard they added ultra oxi

to the cleaning power of tide, it was just what we needed. dad? i didn't do it. #1 stain and odor fighter, #1 trusted. it's got to be tide.

w welcome back coming up on 7:40 with the new normal this morning. flying in the wake of the coronavirus. savannah >> yeah, it's not the way it used to be the airline industry has been devastated by the pandemic, of course, but with summer season here, the airlines are slowly trying to make a comeback. several are beefing up their schedules for july and beyond. what would your next flight actually look like if you went for it tom costello covers aviation for us and joins us to share his recent experience doing that very thing hi, tom. how was it >> reporter: it was all right. let me just tell you, we are starting to see an uptick in passenger travel at its worst of the pandemic, only 87,000 people traveled nationally

we're now up to 330,000. that's still down 2 million from a year ago when i flew from baltimore down to orlando, most people, i found, were following the precautions, but not everybody was keeping their distance for any frequent flier, you'll notice as soon as you arrive at the terminal, this is not the air travel experience you've come to know at normally bustling bwi marshall, a hub for southwest. pretty quiet at the ticket counter at southwest outside of baltimore. almost everybody you do see is wearing a mask no holdups at the security checkpoints. regular or pre-check and that is the fastest i've ever been through a tsa checkpoint once inside, scarce crowds in the halls and eateries the airport also installing hand sanitizer stations bella middleton was among those wearing a mask. >> you wonder about other people, what they're doing >> reporter: i, myself, had a heavy face mask along with

gloves after dr. joseph fair shared his experience o possibly contracting the virus through his eyes i wore goggles and glasses prior to getting on -- a lot of people at the gate were not really keeping 6 feet distance even with airlines taking extra steps to disinfect planes, i wasn't the only one sanitizing my area with wipes with the flight about two-thirds full, a vast majority of the middle seats were left open. along with trying to spread people out, airlines are trying to figure out how to screen passengers united now the first major carrier to give travelers a self-health assessment before check-in asking them to confirm they haven't been diagnosed with covid, had any symptoms, like a fever or a cough, or come into contact with someone who has been diagnosed in the previous two weeks. something you may notice missing on your next flight, snacks and drinks southwest is suspending snack and beverage service for flights less than 250 miles.

jetblue limiting food and replacing glassware with single use cups back in florida, it's time for my return flight in orlando, fewer masks in the terminal >> most of the flight i put on a mask >> reporter: otherwise, no >> yeah, not really. >> reporter: you don't have a mask. >> i have one in my bag. i just took it off i'm sweating i couldn't breathe i have bad anxiety i started hyperventilating i had to take it off a moment. >> reporter: does this add to anxiety? >> yes. >> reporter: like my flight down to orlando, the return flight was about two-thirds full, with everyone wearing a mask on board. but upon landing, all the efforts to social distance suddenly went out the door passengers jumping up, packing the aisle to be first to de-plane >> some things never change. >> reporter: as it relates to your tsa experience, things are also changing there, you guys. let me walk through how things are going to be changing at the tsa checkpoint when you show up. to begin with, there's going to be a plexiglass right in front

of you when you show up, you can have now 12 ounces of hand sanitizer in a plastic bag now, you may recall, originally, it is a 3 ounce limit. it is up to 12 ounces. you can, in fact, go ahead and you can have your boarding pass. you must scan that yourself. there must be plastic shielding between you and the tsa agent. it is a plexiglass to protect them, as well. you can also bring your own food that has to be in a plastic bag. tsa says it won't touch the bag. then if you've had a recently expired driver's license, in other words, since march 1st, they will still allow that to be carried on and used at the tsa checkpoint up until now, you had to have an active and real driver's license. now, if it is expired since march 1st, you can go ahead and use it back to you. >> okay. so, by the way, tom, if you show up and the flight is really full, and you're not comfortable, do you have any options at that point?

>> reporter: yeah. all the airlines have said that if you're not comfortable, you can go ahead and request a different flight you can try to fly later in the day. keep in mind, there are fewer flights today than there were back in january or february. so you may really have to wait quite a while. also, keep in mind, because there are fewer flights, more and more of them are kind of like the flight i was on, two-thirds full. you're not going to find an empty flight anymore. >> yeah. all right, tom, thank you. by the way, and i think everyone agrees, that the goggles, the mask, the glasses, you wear it well. >> yeah. >> you look like a superhero i think you look good. craig and hoda, do you agree >> reporter: i know. i was -- you know what, some of this was also my wife saying, if you're getting on that plane, you better be really careful i took all the precautions.

>> you do wear it well, mr. costello. >> you do. >> thank you, tom. mr. roker, why don't you join us for the weather. hey, al. >> i would tell tom, i would keep my snacks and stuff out of the front pocket that is a breeding ground in there for all sorts of stuff keep the snacks on your person anyway, we're talking about some warmer weather as we get into summer, and that warm weather is going to continue. summer is getting hotter thank the climate change greatest summer warming in the last 50 years. east coast, texas, the rockies, and out west in fact, speaking of out west, look at these temperature changes over the last 50 years 2.5 degrees warmer from portland 3.5 for phoenix. denver, almost 2.5 inches -- 2.5 degrees warmer the last 50 years, 94% of u.s. cities recorded warmer summer temperatures now, as we look at today, out west, we've got a higher than usual fire danger. potential for rapid fire spread. that continues again tomorrow. a much higher area at 25 to 55 miles per hour gusts. a critical risk, southerly winds at 25 to 55 miles per hour gusts.

we already know our summers have been hotter. we're going to have one more hot day before it cools off. we are starting to see that fog along the coastline. as we look at our temperatures wide ranging across the bay area from the mid 60s in san francisco up to 90 in antioch today and 86 will be the high today in napa. tomorrow is when it starts to come back closer to normal as we reach into the mid 70s and upper 70s for saturday and then heating up again on sunday. >> and that's your latest weather. guys? >> all right. mr. roker. kerry weather. guys >> all right mr. roker. kerry sanders is standing by in his element at sea world. what's up, buddy >> reporter: well, guys, believe it or not, the theme parks are reopening. sea world opens today. the dolphins, well, we'll tell you a little bit about what they're going to be doing with people coming up

my nunormal: fewer asthma attacks. my nunormal: less oral steroids. nucala is a once-monthly add-on injection for severe eosinophilic asthma. it targets and reduces eosinophils, a key cause of severe asthma. nucala is proven to help prevent severe asthma attacks and reduce the need for oral steroids. nucala is not for sudden breathing problems. allergic reactions can occur. get help right away if you have swelling of your face, mouth, tongue, or trouble breathing. infections that can cause shingles have occurred. don't stop your corticosteroid medications unless told by your doctor. tell your doctor if you have a parasitic infection. common side effects include headache, injection site reactions, back pain, and fatigue. ask your doctor about taking nucala at home. find your nunormal with nucala.

do i look like a child to you? taking nucala at home. (man) cheerios. (buzz) honey nut cheerios are heart healthy and can help lower cholesterol! (man) mmmmmm. (buzz) did you just "mmmmmm."? (man) no. (buzz) i'm pretty sure i heard an "mmmm." who has the highest percentage of its vehiclesto longevity, still on the road today? subaru. when it comes to best overall value, who does intellichoice rank number one? subaru. and when it comes to safety, who has more 2020 iihs top safety pick+ winning vehicles? more than toyota, honda, and hyundai-combined? subaru.

it's easy to love a car you can trust. it's easy to love a subaru. get 0% apr financing for 63 months on select subaru models now through june 30th. i'm an associate here at amazon. come on christian, step onto the blue line. good! stay safe, man. this device is giving us an accurate temperature check. you're good to go. have a good day. the safety of amazon community is very important. you're good to go, sir. thank you! if i can take care of everyone who is sick out there, i would do it in a heartbeat. step onto the blue line, sir. i have to take care of my coworkers. that's how i am. this is my passion. have a good day. i have a son who is 10 years old. i say, "you know, mommy loves to help people." and he said, "wow, one day i'm gonna be like you too. i'm gonna be a doctor."

he make me cry. have a good day out there, okay? this moment right now... this is our commencement. no, we'll not get a diploma or a degree of any kind. but we are entering a new chapter in our lives. our confidence is shaken; our hearts cracked. the kind of a crack that comes from the loss of a job; from life plans falling apart. we didn't ask for it... but we are rising to meet it. and how far we've come isn't even close to how far we can go. we just have to remember how patient we were... how strong we can be. (how strong you can be.) and remember this; there's a crack in everything for a reason.

how else can the light get in? ♪ tomorrow starts today. just ahead, craig, you're speaking with just ahead, craig, you're speaking with nascar's bubba wallace. >> he called last night's race the most important of his career, getting behind the wheel of the black lives matter car. we'll talk to him about that, and nascar's decision to ban the confederate flag first, your local news that's why your chevy clean dealers commit to using enhanced vehicle cleaning measures with cdc-approved cleansers. if you need a new equinox, get 0% apr for 72 months or, four thousand five hundred dollars cash allowance on most models. you may even shop online and take delivery at home where available. so you can find new roads with confidence.

yes. neutrogena® ultra sheer. superior protection helps prevent early skin aging and skin cancer with a clean feel. it's the one. the best for your skin. ultra sheer. neutrogena®. balanced nutrition for strength and energy. whoo-hoo! great tasting ensure with 9 grams of protein, 27 vitamins and minerals, and nutrients to support immune health. and nutrients to your bank can be virtually any place you are. you can deposit checks from here. and you can see your transactions and check your balance from here. and pay bills from here. because your bank isn't just one place. it's virtually any place you are. just download and use the chase mobile app. visit chase.com/mobile. her skin could actually soak up wetness that her diaper doesn't. that's why i use pampers pampers traps and locks wetness away keeping baby's skin drier and healthier the health of your baby's skin starts with the pampers they're in.

she's driven by a primal desire for meat. a lynx in the wild and your cat. for a lynx this need is satisfied by what the wild provides. for your cat it's meat rich blue wilderness. because your cat is wild inside. at walgreens, we know summer may look different this year. luckily, we are right around the corner with safer ways to shop so you can enjoy the moments you do make. like making sure you have pool toys the whole family can try out. ♪ and never running out of sunscreen before playing in the yard. and if you do spend the day indoors, always have enough snacks. this summer, walgreens is making shopping safer, with touchless pay and drive thru pick up, so you can keep your summer going. walgreens experience the delicious intensity of lindt excellence shop now at lindt.com ♪

shop now at lindt.com stand up to moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. and take. it. on... ...with rinvoq. rinvoq a once-daily pill... ...can dramatically improve symptoms... rinvoq helps tame pain, stiffness, swelling. and for some-rinvoq can even significantly reduce ra fatigue. that's rinvoq relief. with ra, your overactive immune system... ...attacks your joints. rinvoq regulates it to help stop the attack. rinvoq can lower your ability to fight infections, including tuberculosis. serious infections and blood clots, sometimes fatal, have occurred... ...as have certain cancers, including lymphoma, tears in the stomach or intestines, and changes in lab results. your doctor should monitor your bloodwork. tell your doctor about any infections...and if you are or may become pregnant while taking rinvoq. take on ra talk to your rheumatologist about rinvoq relief. rinvoq. make it your mission. if you can't afford your medicine, abbvie may be able to help.

good morning. it's 7:56. i'm laura garcia. >> i'm marcus washington. happening now authorities in paso robles a man wanted for shooting a deputy in the face overnight. police were heard shooting ouf flash grenades at a complex. i'm bob redell, our investigative unit has learned our federal agents whether they're connected to this most recent attack in paso robles. you'll recall on saturday a santa cruz sheriff sergeant was killed ben lomond and steven carrillo and multiple sources with knowledge of the ic terror ion believe carrillo

cell and shot and killed a federal officer in oakland just over two weeks ago. sunvalley shopping center starting today more than 160 stores here are allowed to offer in-person shopping. not every store is ready for that and people in contra costa county may not be ready to shop here. just this week coronavirus cases started rising back up in the county. all right. time to get a look at the forecast for today. we're expecting a nice one ahead, right, kari? >> yes. it's going to be a little bit cooler and we'll continue that cooling trend into the weekend. as we get a live look outsideea busy start to this thursday morning. and we're getting ready for highs here to reach into the upper 80s and even see a few spots reaching 90 degrees and highs in the mid 80s for the south bay and coming back to the 70s in time for the start of the

weekend, laura and marcus. >> looks really nice. another local news update in half an hour. >> we'll see you then.

it's 8:00 on "today." coming up, on the rise. new concerns over the coronavirus, as cases in the u.s. top 2 million. a spike in 21 states, while hospitals from coast to coast worry if they'll run out of beds. >> i think that our current trend is a cautionary tale. >> we're live with the latest. plus, race and racing. overnight, nascar announcing it will ban confederate flags.on c

driver called for action. we'll talk to bubba wallace in a live interview just ahead. and raising our caps. we'll celebrate the class of 2020 with virtual words of wisdom from the best of the best. >> congratulations to you chosen ones. >> today, thursday, june 11th, 2020. ♪ the best day of my life >> from battlecreek, michigan, celebrating my parents' 19th anniversary and my sister's 15th birthday. >> happy birthday! ♪ on my sunday best, yeah >> sending a birthday shoutout to my son, austin cooley, in arlington, virginia. >> i'm celebrating my 29th birthday with my family and the "today" show station all the way here in germany. >> oh, good morning from germany. welcome back to "today." cute little babe there. thursday morning. a special shoutout to you. i know you're just getting up, having your first cup with us. people get up a little later, and we're glad you're here. savannah and craig are here, and

we have our enthusiastic live "today" crowd. we have a lot of celebrations there. >> we want to tell you about a special interview we'll have tomorrow here on "today." seven women of color whose siblings have died by police or in police custody, they're going to tell us about really coming together as sisters of the movement to push for change in this country. their efforts and their thoughts on the current mood of our country. that's tomorrow only on "today." >> look forward to that. let's get started this half hour with your news at 8:00. the alarming increase in coronavirus cases has experts warning the new wave of infections could once again flood hospitals in this country. nbc's erin mclaughlin is in hard-hit arizona this morning. she has three things to watch. hi, erin. good morning. >> reporter: good morning, savannah. nationwide, the numbers are truly shocking. more than 2 million confirmed

cases. over 113,000 deaths. we're seeing surges across a number of states. public health officials say tied to, in part, memorial day events. we're seeing increases in the following states, in florida and new mexico, cases up over 40%. in arkansas and utah, cases up 60%. here in arizona, cases up a staggering 93%. public health officials warning hospitals such as the one behind me to prepare for a crisis situation. this as the white house task force is warning that there could be a potential next surge in two weeks' time tied to the protests we've seen nationwide. take a listen to dr. deborah birx. >> having already instability and then the level of protests. the close-packedness of the protesters, and not all of them

wore masks. >> reporter: now, as states continue to reopen, the advice remains the same. if you go out, wear a mask and practice safe social distancing. hoda? >> erin, thank you. also this morning, the police chief in minneapolis is speaking out for the first time since the majority of the city council agreed to dismantle the department we're also learning that the officer at the center of the george floyd case was negotiating a plea deal before his arrest nbc's gabe gutierrez has the latest gabe, good morning >> reporter: hoda, good morning. i sat down with the police chief who is now at the center of a national fire storm. it is a delicate balancing act, trying to reassure both his community and the officers in his department, with the future of policing in his city at this morning, minneapolis police chief arradondo is calling for change

>> if we don't evolve, we will not exist anymore. >> reporter: he says powerful police unions make it hard to fire bad cops, so he's cutting off contract negotiations with the one in minneapolis, and promising to look more closely at officer performance data to identify early signs of misconduct. >> race is inextricably a part of the american policing system. we will never evolve in this profession if we do not address it head on >> reporter: the majority of the city council here has pledged to dismantle the police department. the mayor won't go that far. >> if you're talking about having a full culture shift in the minneapolis police department, i'm on board if you're talking about abolishing the police department, no, i am not. >> reporter: fired officer derek chauvin is charged with second degree murder and manslaughter after prosecutors say he knelt on george floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes. nbc news learned chauvin was in early plea negotiations before his arrest, but the talks fell through. >> if you could look and be in the same room with derek

chauvin, what would you say to him? >> i would not be in the same room with him. and i refuse to mention his name. >> reporter: both chauvin and floyd worked security at a local club, though it appeared the two did not know each other well the club's former owner, santa maria, said chauvin was sometimes aggressive on the job, deploying pepper spray quickly, and appeared anxious around black customers. >> the african-american crowd, he was intimidated by. >> reporter: thomas lane has been released on bail. arradondo grew up here he's the city's first black police chief two weeks ago, he watched part of it burn >> it's been tough i mean, this is a city that i love this is a city that has taken me in >> reporter: over the last two weeks, what is your biggest regret >> that humanity was not there for mr. floyd when it should have been.

>> reporter: chauvin's attorney declined to comment. in a statement overnight, the police union called mr. floyd's death senseless, but questioned whether the police chief and the mayor could be violating state law by pulling out of contract negotiations the union says it is willing to collaborate. craig? >> fascinating conversation there. gabe gutierrez in minneapolis for us thank you. let's turn to a new era in nascar now as we mentioned earlier, the sport is taking a stand, banning the display of confederate flags at all events. that flag had been a bit of a fixture in nascar's southern culture for decades. last night, bubba wallace, the only full-time african-american driver, and the one who called for that change, took to the track at martinsville speedway in a stock car emblazoned with the hashtag "black lives matter." before the race, bubba talked about the big moment. >> probably the biggest race of my career right here i'm excited about it i'm ready for it

i haven't really slept much, thinking about this race, just everything that is going into it, going on around the world. trying to race to change the world here >> bubba wallace joins us this morning. good to see you, bubba thanks for your time >> absolutely. good morning >> you called for the flag to be banned on monday nascar bans the flag on wednesday. were you surprised at all by the speed with which nascar moved? what does it say to you about the moment we're in, that they did it so fast >> i wouldn't say surprised. we had started having those conversations starting last week, talking to steve phelps, the president of nascar, being very vocal with him. he is a great friend of mine i told him, we're friends here i'm going to cross the line, and if i do, we have to work together to get through it, but we have got to get rid of this flag i've seen too many comments and too many stories from first-time fans that come to a race in years past, and the first thinge confederate flag flying and made

them feel uncomfortable. it is, like, we shouldn't have anybody feeling uncomfortable. we should all -- you know, it is not a race thing it is about walking into an event and feeling uncomfortable. that's it. if you felt uncomfortable, you'd want change. i'm speaking up for the people that show up to the racetrack that feel that type of way so it's a lot of kudos to nascar hats off to everybody involved, for making this happen and pushing the envelope, pushing the message across we want change it starts with us. we have to start from basically the roots. go from ground up and really implement what we're trying to say in our message. >> for folks not familiar with the sport, it is a sport that is steeped in southern cult got its start because guys were running liquor, and had to outfit their cars to make them faster, to get away from the cops the flag, the races i've been to, as a fan and as a journalist, that flag is

everywhere it is on shirts. it's in the infield. how is the sport going to enforce this ban are you at all concerned that it is going to be a ban in name only >> no. i'm pretty sure that we'll take really strict measures to not allow this to happen if it doesn't, then there will be another conversation that i will have. so i'm not sure exactly what nascar is planning on this i know fans are starting to be allowed to come back here in a couple weeks it'll be interesting to see. there's a lot of things unfolding for our sport and for our nation, really, for the world. we're all kind of piecing it together, day by day we'll just continue to push on and fight for what's right. ite lion's share of your fellow drivers seem to be on board with this there is the part-time truck series driver that came out overnight, said he is going to retire at the end of the season because of nascar's decision

what would you say to him, if he is watching or listening what would you say to other folks who have said, for years now, that the flag is about no? >> yeah. i've seen that comment. i was kind of baffled by it, honestly. i think you just solidify his career, no longer being a part of nascar. i would heritage, not hate >> yeah. i've seen that comment i was kind of baffled by it, honestly i think you just solidify his career, no longer being a part of nascar. i would encourage nascar to step up and look at that, if he tries to reinstate yeah, i've seen a comment where, to most, it's a sign of heritage, but to a large group of people, it's a sign of hate and oppression and just a lot of negative and bad things that come to mind and we're not saying you can't ever fly it at your house. you can do whatever you want when it comes to a sporting event, where we want all races, everybody to be included, inclusion is what we're trying to accomplish here

we're trying for unity bring everybody together, enjoy a sporting event cheer on their favorite driver not be shy and introverted about -- or because they see a confederate flag flying. they should be able to live life to the fullest with nothing holding them back. if the flag is holding them back, then let's just take it down for the sporting event. we're not saying get rid of it from your life completely. >> bubba, you probably picked up a whole new slew of fans yesterday. you realize that, right? >> absolutely. i told everybody, we had a lot of first-time watchers last night, which was super incredible a lot from the african-american community that would never give nascar a chance. there's so many comments i read. they were all saying how nascar's approach to everything has opened their eyes. people asking -- i think my favorite one was alvin kamara, former tennessee vols, plays for the saints, asking when the next race was he was tuning in he was given a lap-by-lap

update incredible everybody was tuned in last night. it was a big watching party. hopefully that's for the future, as well. we encourage all backgrounds, all races to come in and enjoy our crazy sport. it is action-packed from the drop of the green flag to the drop of the checkered flag. >> bubba wallace, trail blazer in nascar. good to see you, buddy thank you. >> thank you, brother. have a good day. >> what a delightful guy. we have our news covered how about a morning boost? we got a young woman named melinda oliver she got a double dose of good news and couldn't wait to share it watch her mom's reaction when she finds out melinda has been accepted to depaul university law school >> oh! >> did you see this part >> in addition -- oh, my gosh! >> okay.

here's the secret to the last part she was pointing to melinda also awarded a $40,000 a year scholarship life hadn't always been easy her mom adopted melinda as a single mom melinda worked full-time, studying for the law school and. proud daughter there. >> man. she nailed it. really nailed it. that's awesome. shoul this exam. this is that moment. proud daughter there >> man she nailed it. really nailed it that's awesome should we keep the joy going this morning >> let's do it. >> i want to show you guys what happened when two 9-year-old friends were reunited after three months apart because of the lockdownscreaming ] >> oh. >> how cute are these two? that little scream broke the sound barrier. they've >> what are you doing? [ screaming ] >> oh. >> how cute are these two? that little scream broke the sound barrier.

they've been best friends since kindergarten you can see in their faces how much they missed each other. now, that is a hug like, a full-on, koala, wrap your arms around twice call a h. >> oh, gosh. >> took those hugs for granted, didn't we? up next, we'll head to sea bor world down in orlando. it is reopening day there. what it and other theme parks are doing this mor that's what i call a hug >> oh, gosh. >> took those hugs for granted, didn't we? up next, we'll head to sea world down in orlando. it is reopening day there. what it and other theme parks are doing this morning to ensure the safety of visitors right after this ♪ ♪

♪ ask sherwin-williams. we're offering curbside pickup. call your local store or order online and pick up color chips, paint, and supplies without leaving your car. there's nothing you and almonds can't do.in, everybody gather around now one of a kind. come in to bid at five dollars, ten, going a twice, and sold! twenty, make it thirty, make it thirty five, sold! going a once, going a twice and sold!!!! *crunchá puberty means personal space. so sports clothes sit around growing odors. that's why we graduated to tide pods sport. finally something more powerful than the funk. tide sport removes even week-old sweat odor. it's got to be tide. and it's bigger than selling cars. we're here to build for the people who build and shape this country. who work hard. who do right by others. who never give in. there's always some new challenge trying to take us out.

to shake our resolve. and if you're out there fighting through it, we know 260,000 people who have your back. with moderate to severe treplaque psoriasists and if you're out there fighting through it, uncover clearer skin that can last. in fact, tremfya® was proven superior to humira® in providing significa tremfya® may increase your risk of infections and lower your ability to fight them. tell your doctor if you have an infection or symptoms or if you had a vaccine or plan to. serious allergic reactions may occur. tremfya®. uncover clearer skin that can last. janssen can help you explore cost support options. when this crisis is don'going to be over and we don't know exactly when the stock market will reach its bottom, we've got to be prepared for this to last a long time. if you assume that you're out of work for nine months but you end up only being out of work for...

♪ nall dogs descend from wolves, or the age, and for thousands of years they've shared a love for meat. blue wilderness is made to satisfy that desire. feed the wolf that lives inside your dog with blue wilderness. threedon't settleients for less.cream new revitalift triple power with pro-retinol plus hyaluronic acid and vitamin c. it visibly reduces wrinkles. firms. and brightens. now that's triple power. revitalift triple power moisturizer from l'oreal. for years, i thought i was lactose intolerant. turns out i was just sensitive to a protein commonly found in milk. now, with a2 milk® i can finally enjoy cereal again. it's delicious like real milk. because, it is real milk! a2 milk® is real milk from real cows that produce only the a2 protein. i'm so happy i found this.

♪ i know just one thing is true ♪ ♪ life is better with you ♪ we stick together, ♪ for worse or for better ♪ (yeah) ♪ through any kind of weather, ♪ (yo) ♪ you're my friend in need. ♪ (come on, come on) ♪ we stick... ♪

we're back. 8:19 on a busy thursday morning. how about we we're back 8:19 on a busy thursday morning. how about we pause and take a check of the weather from mr. roker. hey, al. >> hey, guys good morning as we show you the satellite radar composite, we've got wet weather, stronger storms moving through the northeast. also unsettled weather in the pacific northwest. temperature wise, we're looking at more heat making its way through the southwest. in the meantime, storm hazards today stretching from new england all the way down to georgia. damaging winds, 60-mile-per-hour winds or more. hail and tornado threat is low, but we'll be watching that very closely. the heaviest rain is going to be from northern florida into the mid-atlantic states. locally, we could be looking at 5 inches of rain or more the rest of the country, fire risk out to the west severe thunderstorms across the great lakes as a cold front drops down these strong storms making their way across the mid-atlantic and on into the southeast. that's what's going on around >> good morning.

i'm meteorologist kari hall. we're seeing that cooling fall right over the bay and hovering over the golden gate bridge right now as we take a live look outside over the city. that's going to keep it cool along the coastline. inland areas will still have a hot day, one more day, where we reach into the upper 80s, low 90s. as we go through the forecast, we'll have a significant cooldown by tomorrow with highs in the mid-70s. upper 70s on saturday, and we start to warm up again early next week. >> that's your latest weather. guys? >> all right, al. one-by-one, theme parks >> that's your latest weather. guys >> all right, al one-by-one, theme parks nationwide are coming back people are starting to come back they're not going to be exactly like they were before though, hoda. >> indeed. sea world orlando is actually opening today, and that's where we find nbc's kerry sanders. hey, kerry good morning >> reporter: good morning, guys. yup, sea world is opening today.

other theme parks opened or soon to open. as you noted, it will be a different experience for visitors when they come. for instance, it used to be before coronavirus that visitors could come here and feed the dolphins and touch the dolphins. now, because of coronavirus, at least for the time being, no feeding, no touching the whales have been waiting, and so have the flocks of flamingos. sea world orlando reopening today. for nearly three months, the only visitors these orcas have had are these trainers. >> we're excited to get open and welcome back so many guests, and our employees back. >> reporter: it will look a lot different than it did before coronavirus. so you come into the park, and then i'm hit with one of these temperature checks what happens if it turns out, on a day like today, where it's been 91 degrees, i have elevated temperature? >> if you don't pass the first time, we'll move you into a tent where you can cool down. then we'll take your temperature again. hopefully you pass >> reporter: i get another chance >> exactly another chance to get into the

park. >> reporter: so you're doing it this way because coronavirus could survive on a piece of paper? >> yes we'll scan your ticket through the plexiglass no touching. >> reporter: masks and social distancing will be required for everyone throughout the park, newly added sanitation stations. universal orlando resort reopened last week the park, part of our parent company, nbc universal, letting in a reduced amount of visitors, meaning socially distanced lines are short. >> there's not as many people. >> reporter: but -- >> the masks are an inconvenience. with the heat. >> reporter: i can see you sweating there are now areas where you can take off your mask and take a breather legoland has also reopened disney world is hoping to get the magic back at four of its orlando parks next month california's disneyland just got the go-ahead to reopen its park in july, as well and universal's citywalk in hollywood, california, is wide

open but at all the parks, precautions go hand-in-hand with the fun. the goal get the industry started slowly to avoid any stumbles. since january, theme parks have collectively lost an estimated $10 billion due to the pandemic. sea world and other parks hoping to make a big splash, as americans venture back out. >> we just want people to come here and have a good time. take the necessary precautions we're going to do our best to keep you safe while you're here, and just have a good time. >> reporter: so when you go to a park and they have presentations, like the dolphins doing some of their habitual, kind of -- there we go, swimming around, doing some turns, you usually sit in a compact area. not only are they limiting the number of people who can come in, but they're spacing people out. every other row in the stands. families sit together, but there is a big space between you and

strangers nearby the idea is to be cautious but, at the same time, let people get back out america, in many ways, is trying to get back out and live life, as we well know. >> sure. all right, kerry kerry sanders, thank you coming up next, some of our favorite words of wisdom from this year's virtual speeches for the class of 2020. carson daly will join us in a few moments for pop start, as well some new sneak-peeks at some of the year's biggest movies, including "top gun" and "bill and ted," after your local news.

good morning. 8:26. i'm marcus washington. a live look at the bay bridge toll plaza. you can see you might want to get used to all the electronic cashless fast track toll lanes because it may be here to stay. governor newsom suddenly pulled toll takers from the seven state-owned bridges on march 10th because of the pandemic. now the chronicle is reporting that there may be no turning back at this point on that decision. the toll authority says the plan was already in the works but the ultimate decision may rest on how long the pandemic continues. a look at the forecast for you today. meteorologist kari hall has been monitoring that. a little cooler for a lot of us

today. >> right. and we're still going to have the sunshine for the inland areas as we take a live look outside in the south bay. this is where we'll feel the difference compared to yesterday as we reach up to 84 degrees today. there will still be hot spots in the inland east bay and north bay. upper 80s, low 90s. but our inland forecast continues to cool off, especially tomorrow into saturday. we're looking at highs in the upper 70s and then mid-80s on sunday. next week, we're back in the low 90s to start out the new workweek, marcus. >> can't get away from the high temperatures. thanks, kari. we'll have another local news update coming up for you in 30 minutes.

it's 8:30 now. it's thursday morning. it's the 11th of june, 2020. this will be a fun half hour on the show it is a great day. carson is going to get things started for us with pop start, including, and i am really nerdily excited about this, a sneak peek at the new "top gun maverick." behind the scenes scoop. carson has it. the new fab five our guy, harry smith -- there's harry right there -- harry caught up with four of the guys from "queer eye" to talk about changing lives on their hit show, and why it's never felt more important. >> they also said that harry is

sexy his bald head is sexy. i heard that, too. >> oh. >> people won't argue that coming up, also, the best graduation celebrations, celebrating the class of 2020, in a way no one could have expected, as we adjust to the new normal first, we have a special graduate to celebrate. i'd love to introduce you to baby gia she graduated after 106 days in the nicu she was born early, now doing great at home. we know gia because she's the daughter of jen suazo, the executive producer of nbc nightly news with lester holt. congratulations to jen, her husband, joe, to baby gia, who became known in the nicu as the feisty one she's a real fighter >> what a surprise >> go, gia, go. >> that was beautiful. >> so happy. >> beautiful, savannah. >> welcome, gia. now to one of our favorite moments of the morning we get to say hello to my "today" plaza.

hi, guys how are you? y'all look so good i'm looking for the thompson family the thompson family from atlanta, georgia where are you? the thompsons are in the house mom, dad, two kids, morgan and knox i want to show you a throwback picture. the thompsons were on the plaza in 2012 with a poster announcing that luisa was pregnant. baby knox, by the way, just turned 7 morgan graduated from texas a&m. you have a lot to celebrate, don't you? >> we do >> yes, yes, we do celebrating the anniversary, a birthday, and a graduation >> and who is the artist who drew the great picture of al >> this guy right here >> oh, yes the plaza when we open back up, okay

>> i love it. >> thank you >> you guys, congratulatios mom two kids kasha and trevor good morning >> good morning! two kids kasha and trevor good morning >> good morning! >> it is a big day in the house. who is graduating from fifth grade? >> i'm graduating! >> that guy. >> who is celebrating their 13th birthday >> me! >> right here. >> how about it? congratulations. happy birthday >> thank you >> how are you going to celebrate? >> i'm having a movie night in the backyard with my friends and my family. >> for my graduation, there's going to be a car drive. >> i love the drive-by graduations. congratulations. that's awesome >> happy birthday. >> thank you >> we love y'all let's show the big board

you guys look so good, and we want to hang on this shot for a second the higgs, the decks, we see everybody. the hampton, virginia, folks thank you for hanging with us. if you'd like to join us on our plaza, go to today.com/mytodayplaza sign up. we want to see you on the tube thanks, guys now to one of our other favorite parts of the morning, where we check in on the forecast mr. roker? >> you know what's given me life, is seeing hoda, casual hoda, at work. that long shot when you're at the plaza. >> i know. >> sometimes you have to do what you do bye, al. >> casual al has been going for three months all right. let's show you what we have happening as far as your weekend. it's not too soon to look ahead to that.

tomorrow, less humid, sunshine in the northeast, mid-atlantic ohio river valley. hot and humid through texas. wet weather in the pacific north west to northern california. as we move into saturday, we're expecting cooler weather around the great lakes. mississippi and ohio river valleys. sunshine in the northeast. strong storms moving into the part of the western plains sunday, more wet weather developing in the mid-atlantic, northeast, and south a heat wave develops in the mid central plains desert heat continuing in the southwest. mountain snows in the sawtooth and bitterroot out west. that's what's going on around the country. here's what's happening in your >> good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. we check out our high temperatures today. we'll reach into the low 60s in half moon bay. cooler along the coast as the fog lingers this afternoon. we're still looking at a hot day for the inland areas as we reach into the upper 80s. even low 90s. we're going temperatures staying nice and

warm today, but cooling down tomorrow. much more comfortable for your friday. saturday, also looking nice but we start to warm up once again as we head toward sunday into next week. now to the graphics >> that is your latest weather now to the graphics department, jack daly, and that other guy. >> pretty much what it feels like around here thank you, uncle al. graphics up early this morning we're ready for pop start. we got a good one coming up straight ahead, including, cue the music. ♪ all night long >> big news about that guy lionel richie, the movie >> what? >> the lionel richie movie >> what? >> the feel-good piece of pop >> the feel-good piece of pop start news we need after three

z3wvnz z1s6z y3wvny y1s6y in an unprecedented crisis... a more than $10 billion cut to public education couldn't be worse for our schools and kids. laying off 57,000 educators, making class sizes bigger? c'mon. schools must reopen safely

with resources for protective equipment, sanitizing classrooms, and ensuring social distancing. tell lawmakers and governor newsom don't cut our students' future. pass a state budget that protects our public schools. thanks for sharing your savage moves, and especially your awkward ones. thanks for sharing your cute kids. and your adorable pets. now it's our turn to share... with the geico giveback. a 15% credit on car and motorcycle policies for both current and new customers. and because we're committed for the long haul, the credit lasts your full policy term. so thanks again. one good share deserves another. all right. back at 8:38 time for pop start carson daly, we want to hear more about lionel richie >> well, let's get right into it all right. back at 8:38 time for pop start carson daly, we want to hear more about lionel richie

>> well, let's get right into it then, craig. we have a lot today. we'll start with lenny kravitz we all know how talented lenny is as a musician last night on the "tonight show," lenny showed us exactly how talented he is he performed the awesome song, his 1993 hit, "believe." he played at least four instruments and did the vocals undeniably cool video. here's a little bit. ♪ a mystery ♪ if you want it you've got to believe ♪ ♪ who are we who we are >> the only thing that is undeniably stood the test of time more than the song is lenny himself. the guy literally is not aging at all he remains the coolest human on earth. next up, another musician we love here we go lionel richie. recent years, music biopics and

be coming to the big screen. tentatively titled, you guessed it, "all night long. musicals have seen a resurgence. looks like a musical based on the songs of lionel richie will be coming to the big screen. tentatively titled, you guessed it, "all night long. some of his biggest hits will be brought to life in a live-action film probably similar to how "mama mia" used the abba music library. richie teasing the project on twitter, writing, "big things in the works. i think that's a movie everybody can get on board with. >> oh, my gosh, yes, yes, yes. >> as cool as lenny kravitz is, equally so, lionel richie is one of the nicest men you'll ever meet pulling for lionel next up, this is crazy, "bill and ted. third film in the cult sci-fi series finally it'll be real. there is a trailer seems there has been countless false starts

30 years after bill and ted's first excellent adventure, reeves and alex winter are back. it's called "bill and ted face the music. we see the two rock stars struggling to write the greatest song the world has ever seen what do they do? what else? they use the time machine from the first movie. >> we've spent our whole life trying to write this song that will reunite the world why can't we go to the future when we have written it? >> whoa, take it from ourselves. >> isn't that stealing >> how is that stealing if we're stealing it from ourselves, dude ♪ >> i mean, that's just fun to look at. 30 years after the first "bill and ted. "face the music" hits theaters august 21st. al, i know you're excited about that. >> oh, that'll be great. >> makes me laugh to look at it. carson, thank you. we'll get the "top gun" tomorrow, right, carson?

>> yes. up next, harry smith's interview with the guys from "queer eye." why the message of their hit show rings true more than ever, perhaps, and what the guys are saying about harry's beautiful head

look here, it's your very own all-in-one entertainment experience, xfinity x1. it's the easiest way to watch live tv and all your favorite streaming apps. and now x1 also comes with peacock. ooh la la. this rare bird lets you stream tons of movies, shows, news, sports and more. with x1, it's all at your beck and call. show me "parks and rec." see? the best really did get better! magnificent. xfinity x1 just got even better with peacock premium included for no additional cost. no strings attached.

♪ it's coming down ♪ it's coming down on me welcome back since the original first aired 17 years ago, "queer eye" brought together people of all backgrounds, savannah. >> absolutely. in season five on the netflix show, the guys are lifting hearts and spirits once again. harry smith joins us i know you talked with four members of the fab five, which makes you temporarily, what, the fifth? you're in the fab five, too. >> you might have to talk to bobby berk, who was excused, had an excused absence the day we chatted. but a lot of people are tv'd out about now.

this is a show y it is "queer eye." ♪ philadelphia freedom >> reporter: season five sets sail in philadelphia >> we've shot the majority in the south, so to get a different vibe, you get a different feeling from everyone. >> tan, how did you find philadelphia >> the food was amazing. >> did you eat the philly cheesesteak? >> i did not have a philly cheesesteak. i don't know why i didn't think of having that. >> reporter: at a glance, "queer eye" is part makeover and part home-improvement show. in order to make the outside shine, often, it's the inside that needs reconstruction. >> i can say that i'm not the same person i was just a few days ago >> it's not truly normal for five strangers to come into your life and you divulge everything to them, then say, "will you help me? >> reporter: it is often a tear-drenched, deep dive for many of the people they feature. and not so easy on the men

themselves >> he really wants to feel needed and feel loved. >> it definitely takes a toll. it's something that i think about when we have our emotionally packed good-byes >> i keep running a negative script about myself. >> reporter: this season's premiere episode focuses on a gay pastor whose life is in serious need of a revival. >> would you ever tell that kid in your congregation they didn't come out soon enough >> no. >> why do you tell yourself that >> i needed to hear that >> it's like a slingshot you might have been pulled back all the way, but with all that resistance, you're going to soar once you let go of it all. >> reporter: something the show has been about, going back to the original almost 20 years ago. >> i can't believe that we've all been able to positively impact people. that truly feels like such a gift. >> many of us think we live in our own silo we're not so sure that there may be someone right next door who

could even be our best friend. >> reporter: this season, shot before covid and george floyd, but the cast well aware that the time for change has come >> what people will get from this moment is that it's never too late to step up and live your true self it is never too late to reach out and support others >> as we're talking about it, being more up front about it, i. >> issues like race? hope we can advance equality >> issues like race? >> yes >> especially now. >> reporter: "queer eye," the beguiling combination of the serious and the silly. there's a lot of levity in the i'm curious to know what it wasr eye" guys. >> i've never felt so stupid in my entire life >> i second that >> i third that. for those two.

>> oh, my gosh is that the rv >> nice. >> reporter: if there were to be a sixth person, that person were me, how do you think i'd fit in? >> i would say you're very good at interviewing and asking meaningful questions we all get distracted. maybe you'd be a nice, new, fresh one on board. >> i would think you'd want to change my haircut and -- >> no, bald is sexy. >> take away my button-down shirts. >> we love a button-down. >> we do especially tan >> uh-huh. >> talks about it all the time whether we like it or not. >> reporter: yeah, all about the bald and all about the button-down here big news from the cast tan put up on instagram he has become a united states citizen he said he's been working on this for 20 years. so excited to be able to call

himself an american. >> thank you. >> bald is sexy, harry. >> you wear it well, honey just ahead, we've got a dose of inspiration our favorite speeches from graduation season.

♪ feeling good ♪ like i should we're back with "toda we're back with "today" celebrates the class of 2020 a group that's triumphed over the usual challenges of school, and so much more. ♪ ♪ hoping you take that jump don't feel the fall ♪ >> congratulations.

congratulations to you, chosen ones. ♪ >> inspiring figures have given them words of wisdom during virtual ceremonies we're going to share some of our favorites. ♪ ♪ hoping you take that jump don't feel the fall ♪ >> congratulations congratulations to you, chosen ones ♪ open the water >> must be very strange, doing this in these trying times. >> you worked so hard and for so long, and you expected it to culminate in some pomp and circumstance, dammit. >> i hope you wear it with a badge of honor. ation you wanted, but you are graduating. >> you are missing what was supposed to be your medal ceremony, but the ceremony doesn't change a thing you've will ever won. >> i see your devotion, your commitment, your passion i see your exhaustion. i see your pride and i see your accomplishment. >> you guys are our future like, you're everything. we are counting on you >> the world is yours now, and i can't wait to see what you make of it. >> to the class of 2020, i'm proud of you i hope you use your gifts to create a better world. ♪ i give it all

♪ i did it all ♪ i owned every second that thi world could give ♪ ♪ so many places the things tha i did ♪ >> congratulations, liv. >> you have greatness inside you. every single one of you who is listening, you have greatness inside of you. your job is to find out what your gift is, dig it out, and give it to the world >> it's time to chase every dream, accept every challenge, strive for greatness, honor every promise, recommit to your community. >> let this moment confer your generation immunity from crippling fear, and know the mantra can still stand for something. we are in this together. ♪ i did it all >> real change has started with you.

this new generation of high school and college graduates, who we celebrate today, thank you. for using your collective voice >> if you hold strong with the same faith that carried all those giants before you toward real, measurable progress, you will change the course of history. >> thank you from the bottom of my heart for inspiring the world to see our collective humanity >> this is your moment your generation's world to shape. taking on this responsibility, i hope you are bold. >> even though there may not be pomp because of our circumstances, never has a graduating class been called to

step into the future with more purpose, vision, passion, and energy and hope. ♪ i did it all >> the future is always uncertain, but we will celebrate what you have done we celebrate all of your achievements we are certain of one thing on this day, you will not let us down ♪ whoa, whoa ♪ oh, oh, oh >> okay. first of all, that was so beautiful. also reminds me just how much i love the beginnings. like, you can see all these kids they're on the starting line, right? they're starting their lives there's something that just -- oh, that's exactly what we needed at 8:55, wasn't it? >> that was special. >> want to go run a mile let's go do something. >> carson daly, the class of 2020 is going to be a truly special one. >> all those great, brilliant minds and amazing pieces of

advice perhaps the one that rings through the loudest and the truest comes from one arthur fonzarelli, reminding you to find your greatness, dig it up, as he said, and give it to the world. that was amazing. >> love it. >> third hour of "today" coming up in a few minutes. we'll catch up with allyson felix. i'll be with jenna a little later. see you a bit later. bye-bye. good morning. 8:56. i'm marcus washington. another sign of things slowly returning to normal here in the bay area. sunvalley mall in concord reopens today. not all the stores are going to open right away. instead it will be a gradual roll-out. the mall spokesman says the 160 or so mall tenants will return over time to normal operations. some businesses are already offering curbside pick-up. when it comes to reopening their

doors, stores will have to follow new safety protocols. also, new disinfecting procedures are in place and shoppers are being asked to wear those masks and social distance. happening now, all of this comes amidst a new surge in coronavirus cases in contra costa county. we have a crew following the developments. we'll have a live report on the mall's reopening during our midday newscast. also link to more on the reopening news on our home page. stocks this morning are taking a huge hit. the dow at times has been down nearly 4%. it comes amidst new job losses. they may turn into a longer term problem, and new concerns about a surge in coronavirus cases. and you can now stroll again through one of the largest parks in san jose. but there's limited parking, drinking fountains are closed. no barbecues.

live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza, this is the third hour of "today." >> good morning to you welcome to the third hour of "today." craig melvin in studio 1a. al, sheinelle, dillylan continu to work from home. we have a lot of ground to cover, starting with new warnings, guys, about the coronavirus. one harvard health expert now predicts that another 100,000 people could die by september. that's before any possible resurgence in the fall that warning coming as the number of cases in the united states now tops 2 million. dylan, there's also some news on the economic impact,