surprise oh, now that's a photo shoot that hug went on and on and on even though his wife was in on the surprise good morning breaking news. hurricane laura dramatically that was the first time she had seen her husband since february. good morning she said it was real tough to breaking news. keep her emotions in check but why would she? hurricane laura dramatically intensifies overnight expected what a beautiful, beautiful moment to become a powerful category 4 >> good boost. coming up, that simple storm set to make landfall later saliva test could be a major step forward to keeping students today. in school this fall. more than a half million people along the gulf coast now under evacuation orders. officials telling residents to get out now or else. >> don't dial 911. no one's going to answer okaythvery it's already helping professional athletes stay safe and stay in the game we're going to try it out. right after these messages latest storm trasithis morning at least two killed during confrontations on a third night and it's rolling out in cities around the country. with massive capacity, of unrest. the national guard called in to it's like an eight lane highway help in the wake of the shooting of jacob blake compared to a two lane dirt road.

25x faster than today's 4g networks. in fact, it's the fastest 5g in the world. his parents pleading for peace from the network more people rely on. this is 5g built right. >> i know there's a lot of damage that doesn't reflect my only on verizon. son or my family >> our live report from the ground on the breaking news this morning. melania's moment the first lady takes center stage during the second night of the republican national you li ...to soccer practices... >> whether you like it or not, ...and new adventures. you always know what you hope the more you give the less they'll miss. convention >> honesty is what the citizens deserve from our president whether you like it or not, you always know what he's thinking >> the president seizing the but even if your teen was vaccinated against meningitis power of the office to win re-election from a surprise pardon and immigration ceremony to a white house backdrop. we're live with what to expect tonight. in the past... too close for covid? they may be missing vaccination for meningitis b. new guidance this morning showing that keeping six feet apart may not be enough to stop let's help protect them together. the spread of the virus. because missing menb vaccination could mean missing out on a whole lot more. ask your doctor if your teen what you need to know about social distancing now. is missing meningitis b vaccination. breaking her silence jerry falwell jr.'s wife talks about the scandal for the first

time why she is saying she and her husband are in love more than and eating the small bits of cheese stuck to a mcdonald's wrapper... ever is the right way... and no runs, no hits, no to start-a-morning. ♪ ba da ba ba ba "t fans lucas giolito throws the first no-hitter of the season and the crowd goes wild from home. "today," august 26th, 2020 >> announcer: from nbc news, this is "today" with savannah made to amaze. to start-a-morning. let philips sonicare give its care a raise. guthrie and hoda kotb from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. get healthier gums in 2 weeks* guaranteed. hi, everybody. next level clean. next level care. there's always a way to make life better. welcome to "today." philips sonicare. it's good to have you with us. it's a wednesday morning. glad to have you along. subscribe now. a lot to get to this morning. several fronts moving this morning. i'm a delivery operations manager in san diego, california. we were one of the first stations to pilot breaking news out of wisconsin. a fleet of electric vehicles. those protests turned deadly overnight. we're going to get to that in just a moment. and we are looking ahead to we're striving to deliver a package the third night of the republican national convention. with zero emissions into the air. i feel really proud of the impact

mike pence, he is set to speak. but first let's turn to the that has on the environment. breaking news of the powerful storm this morning. residents along the gulf coast we have two daughters and i want to do everything are bracing for potential i can to protect the environment so hopefully they can have a great future. devastation. hurricane laura gets set to make landfall tonight. i can to protect the environment ♪ everyday it's a-getting closer ♪ ramping up to become a massive category 4 hurricane. we've got complete coverage, but ♪ going faster than a rollercoaster ♪ let's begin with the man who's ♪ love like yours will surely come my way ♪ been covering it all night long. good morning, al. what do the maps show? >> well, right now, guys, this ♪ a-hey, a-hey-hey is unfortunately coming to fruition the way we thought it ♪ (music playing) would. category 2 right now. you can already see the feeder bands now pushing to the south of louisiana. ♪ love like yours will surely come my way ♪ 110 mile-per-hour winds moving northwest at 15. category 4 storm this afternoon by around 1:00. winds and rain increase during the day from corpus christi all the way to new orleans. dangerous rain, wind gusts, storm surge as this comes on shore thursday morning around 1:00 a.m. again, category 3, but don't in our "search for solutions" this morning, a look at a new test that could help as the school year gets underway. >> that's right. it is a simple saliva test now being used by professional sports leagues like the nba and the pga. vicky nguyen is here to explain.

hey, vicky, good morning >> good morning. worry about whether it's a 3 or this test could be a major step a 4, it's going to cause major impacts. forward in how we keep students on campus. catastrophic storm surge will make it up to 30 miles inland. 10 to 15 foot storm surge into central louisiana. 30-mile storm surge. that's almost to i-10. that's the water that gets piled it comes as more universities up on top of the tide. shut down because of growing at 3 feet that is considered life threatening. by 6 feet those crashing waves push out the back walls of homes, breaking through doors and windows. 9 feet, this is where that surge can push further inland, entire covid-19 clusters. even k-12 schools are turning to neighborhoods can be wiped out. this new test to screen students and staff in case of an exposure to the virus this morning i'm taking the test plus those destructive winds to show you how it works and why some say it's much easier than damaging rain could knock out the swab test. across the country, schools reversing their decision to hold power for days, guys. in-person classes after covid-19 we're talking power outages. outbreaks. at at unc chapel hill, classes abruptly halted just days after move in. you can see this goes up into student there is not tested pu the midwest as this system makes its way and of course the rain locally could be 15 inches of rain widespread flash flooding, indiana, an urban flooding, moderate to before coming back but at purdue university in major river flooding as well. indiana, an unprecedented undertaking. before all 40,000 students start classes this month, they're ve the closest we could compare this to is hurricane rita in

2005. important and will be a key element of protecting our college campus. the surge went in 20 to 30 miles. >> reporter: but required to take a covid test. this could go in 50 miles. >> testing will be very, very important and will be a key element of protecting our college campus >> reporter: but unlike most covid testing that involves a large, often uncomfortable swab, to get a sample from the back of this is a very dangerous storm. we're going to continue to watch the nose, purdue student wills it. just spit into this tiny tube. but don't pay attention to the categories. something they can do with this pay attention to the impacts. guys? >> and what officials are telling you. kit. al, thank you very much. >> the convenience kit. >> the convenience of that and we move now to the mass so i think particularly for this evacuations along the gulf generation of students, there's a good one that allowed us to coast. sam brock has moved west to beaumont, texas, where people have been warned to get out of harm's way. are they listening? >> hoda, let's hope so. reach them where they were >> reporter: purdue is onewi wa health, formerly a men's health company now offering this at-home covid saliva test developed by rutgers university. good morning. right now people along the texas and louisiana coastlines holding is it a game changer >> it is a game changer. their collective breaths with first of all, it's a much easier test to administer you're spitting into a tube more than 500,000-plus mandatory which everybody can do, even evacuations that includes in port arthur where i am right now. this area is potentially going to be taking a direct hit of 120 mile-per-hour winds and storm surge higher than a basketball kids and you're just giving enough spit to be able to tell if there's virus in there hoop. this morning the coastal cities >> reporter: i ordered a kit and it arrived in two days of texas on edge. who do i do? i set up a video chat with a as hurricane laura looms just clinician who made sure i did hours from making landfall.

the test directly. i made sure not to eat or drink for 30 minutes. >> all you need to do is spit. >> reporter: this is going to take awhile. >> i think the record was about 30 seconds >> reporter: i was not so speedy how many times a day do you have to watch people do this? >> enough. >> reporter: two minutes later -- any tricks to this? >> yeah. smelling pickles in a jar. >> there will be a lot of devastation in texas as the storm sweeps through. >> reporter: governor greg abbott warned to pras for a category 4 hurricane increasing smelling citrus. the counties under a disaster declaration to nearly 60. >> reporter: you should have >> don't know where we're going, told me to bring out pickles sooner i have nothing but we going to get away. >> reporter: laura's wind speeds let me think about mouth watering foods expected to top triple digits it's working it took some type to work up a which could fuel a life spoon full of saliva a mix with a preservative to keep my sample fresh, then i put threatening storm surge. the warning to residents, don't waste time. get out now. >> some people may choose to stay at home. and i think that kind of scares knit a preaddressed bag to be overnighted to the rutgers lab me because we don't ever know what these storms could possibly bring. three days a big advantage over swab tests >> reporter: most are listening. >> we boarded the house now that have seen delays up to 14 completely and now we're just starting to haul away things that we want to make sure days the test is one of two strictly survive. saliva tests given emergency >> reporter: some choosing to stay despite the threat of a authorization by the fda yale university created the other one but it's not an at-home test how is this better than the major hurricane.

swabs? >> we know there's going to be an aftermath and there's going >> the false negative rate is to be a lot of cleanup to do afterwards. we think it's important to stay what we're concerned with. around if we feel safe where telling somebody that they're we're at. >> reporter: officials negative when actually they are cautioning first responders can't save you. >> don't dial 911. no one's going to answer. sick is very dangerous so the saliva test has less than okay? and you are on your own. 1% false negative rate >> reporter: beaumont's mayor >> reporter: but scientists caution there's not enough data yet to know how much virus is in has led her city through many disruptive hurricanes. wednesday night into thursday when this really ratchets up, what's keeping you up at night the most? saliva. >> loss of life is the biggest >> they're generally very accurate concern that i would ever have when it comes to something like they're probably a little bit this. >> reporter: and there are less sensitive than the nasal swab which is the term used to fears, of course, of widespread mean if people have very, very small amounts of virus, it's power outages for days. governor abbott summoning some possible that the nasal swab 9,000 utility workers with would detect that whereas the saliva wouldn't. >> reporter: the test is also pricey $150 if you order it directly from the company right now vault is running about 80,000 tests a day as that number goes up, the cos another 6,000 requested. and you can expect them to be very busy over the coming days and potentially weeks. hoda, back to you. >> all right. sam, thank you. clara terry who wil we turn now to that third will come down night of violeha for students like 18-year-old clara terry who will be a freshman at purdue, spitting in the tube was easy. >> i've heard with the nose one, it hurts

>> reporter: now, even though this test is done at home, a key part of vault's this was not painful at all. >> reporter: now, even though this test is done at home, a key wisconsin, last night. part of vault's test is you have to do it live over a video call with a clinician to ensure tensions are only growing in the you're doing it correctly and wake of the police shooting of a black man in front of his children. gabe gutierrez is there for us. gabe, what was the night like? >> reporter: good morning. it's your saliva take a look at this burnt out i got the results of my test two days later. car. there was a shooting that happened just down the street. negative the pga and nba are among the two people dead, one person sports leagues using these injured. no arrests so far, but investigators right now are looking for a man armed with a tests. they're easier and less long gun. this violence is not what jacob blake's family had been pleading for. overnight protests in kenosha, invasive. >> no wonder the kids want them but there's a question of cost >> it's $150 but it is open to anyone so you just have to go on vault's website and do that. >> that means you don't have to be a professional athlete or a student. you can just clickety-clack and get the test >> yes you're looking at 40,000 wisconsin, turning deadly. >> we have shots fired. we don't want you out here. move. >> reporter: authorities clearing the streets after reports of gunshots. police say at least two people are dead, one person injured. mobilized more national guard students at purdue alone they say it's a worthwhile investment to try to protect their students and staff. >> is there a certain time frame like these students need a test for a certain time >> for the purdue students, they members. some protesters ignored a want them to take it within two weeks of going onto campus but you could take the test, be negative, and a few days later

curfew. be positive. authorities deploying tear gas. this is the third straight night so there are limitations >> okay. all right. of violence protest here. a good breakthrough. all right. the community is on edge. >> this is pathetic to happen in thank you so much. our country and in the state of vicky's going to be back again in the third hour with everything you need to know about getting a flu shot this wisconsin. it's just anarchists taking advantage of the situation. fall. time now for another check >> reporter: the chaos came despite jacob blake's family fall time now for another check of the weather from mr. roker. hey, al. >> hey, guys let's show you what we have going on pleading for peaceful protests. >> they shot my son. for today we're looking at some seven times. severe storms making their way through the plains record highs in the upper mississippi river valley heavy rain down through the seven times. like he didn't matter. but my son matters. >> reporter: his family is now gulf some dry thunderstorms in the demanding the officers involved pacific northwest. the heat returns to the in sunday's shooting captured on this cell phone video be fired and the one who shot blake in n good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. as we take a live look outside in san jose, clear air quality as we start out this morning with fog near the coast. recovered a weapon. our air quality will go back to >> he was not treated like a human that day. he was treated like some foreign being unhealthy as we go into object that didn't belong. >> reporter: blake's family now late morning and the afternoon as temperatures reach into the mid 80s. says the 29-year-old's spinal cord is severed and he's nice and a little bit cooler for

paralyzed from the waist down. some spots. as we go into the rest of the his mother last spoke to him sunday morning as he prepared to week, some of our warmest inland celebrate his son's 8th temperatures will reach into the low 90s but then come up a few degrees on friday. >> well, since it's national dog day, pepper demanded that she come in. birthday. the boy was in the back seat when his father was shot. >> look at pepper. when you first walked into that hospital room and you saw your son, what went through your head? >> oh. >> been a while. >> oh, al. sweetest dog >> she has a ryder in her contract i always appear on national dog day. that's right, pepper >> so many things. u t yours. just so elated being able to see him and he's alive. >> nighty night, pepper. >> reporter: the u.s. department sheinelle is here now in for of justice is now assisting state authorities with the cts of tiger king are coming to the nbc family investigation. wisconsin's department of justice says the officers are on administrative leave and are fully cooperating. kenosha police officers do not wear body cameras, but the blake family wants any dash cam footage or any other video of a new series now simply called "joe exotic" is set to stream on nbc and peacock. it will be hard to miss the new show while there are a few tiger king the incident released. based projects in the works, this one will feature kate blake's family now plans to file mckinnon in the lead role of carol baskin as she learns about

a civil lawsuit. over the last three days, the the big cat zoo and sets out to kenosha police department has shut him down. not commented, only to say that its officers were responding to a domestic incident. but again, two people dead. one person injured following no word yet on who will be playing joe exotic, but we know another night of unrest here, rob lowe has thrown his hat into savannah. >> all right. the ring in the past for another project. even nicolas cage is attached to gabe gutierrez on a devastating night there. a tiger king show. thank you. and craig joins us now with a look at the second night of the republican national so we'll see who lands the job next up, meghan markle finally settled in los angeles the duchess of sussex is wasting convention. no time in working for causes hey, craig. good morning. close to her >> that's right, hoda. tuesday night struck a decidedly different tone. we heard calls of unity from within the first family including melania trump in her longest speech yet. peter alexander has more on all of that. good morning. >> reporter: good morning to you. with parts of the broadcast from the white house, the convention didn't just blur the line between governing and politics, it seemed to erase it all gelady speaking she sits down with gloria steinem to talk about the importance of voting and her and harry's two dogs also make an appearance >> people forget how hard women like you and so many others before you fought so hard to be sympathetically as the death where we are right now >> it's just -- when you -- if toll from coronavirus nears you don't vote, you don't exist. >> yeah. >> you know, it is the only place where we're all equal, the voting booth >> hi, buddy 180,000. >> wants to be on camera first lady melania trump solo in the spotlight with a strikingly different tone than her husband >> the full conversation between

meghan and gloria debuts today next up, "the west wing" is the next show getting a big offering condolences for those reunion. affected by the coronavirus pandemic. the show which is hailed as one of the greatest of all time won and acknowledging how difficult it's been for millions of 26 emmys over its run and gave americans. >> i know many people are us the peek into a presidential anxious and some feel helpless. i want you to know you're not alone. administration now the cast is getting together donald will not rest until he for the hbo max reunion to get out the vote has done all he can to take care of everyone impacted by this one of the stars bradley whitford talked about it in the third hour and explained why now is the time to get back and wo terrible pandemic. >> reporter: speaking from the newly renovated white house rose garden, the first lady sharing her personal story. >> as an immigrant and a very experience that together >> i think we feel like we had independent woman, i understand such a unique and wonderful experience that we don't want to what a privilege it is to live go back and have a lesser here and to enjoy the freedoms version of it. this was a way to use us getting back together to make a statement about getting people out to vote. >> guys, he made a good point. everybody wants these big reunions, but quite often and opportunities that we have. >> reporter: and years after endorsing her husband's birther claims about barack obama reflecting on the nation's racial unrest. >> i urge people to come they're worried they'll mess up a good thing

>> yeah. more often than not. >> craig well, for "the west wing" together in a civil manner. reunion, you get a bit of it i also ask people to stop the this fall. and happy birthday to sean connery. violence and looting being done in the name of justice. and never make assumptions based on the color of a person's skin. >> reporter: the first lady who's be best campaign addresses he turned 92 on wednesday. he's known best as james bond and "the untouchables. and action flick "the rock." pierce brosnan wrote on how mean social media can be while noting president trump's instagram, happy 90th birthday you are my bond inspiration. and there was a bond throwback unvarnished opinions. >> total honesty is what we citizens deserve from our montage look at this >> bond. james bond president. whether you like it or not, you always know what he's thinking. >> reporter: the president putting the powers of his office to work for his re-election. from the white house grounds for >> now, for "snl" fans sean connery brings to mind things his wife's convention speech to secretary of state mike pompeo shattering a long standing tradition that american diplomats do not participa political conventions speaking >> i'll take swords for 400. from celebrity jeopardy. >> i'll take swords for 400. >> it's actually not swords, sir. >> well played, sheinelle. >> had to get that in. ip to jerusalem. >> president trump has put his america first vision into action. it may not made him popular in

every foreign capital, but it's worked. >> reporter: the state department insists the partisan speech highlighting the president's policies was you brought us celebrity delivered in his personal capacity. president trump also showcasing his pardon power granting clemency. to a convicted robber that founded a program that helps former inmates. >> i grant john a full pardon. >> reporter: and hosting the recorded naturalization ceremony for the prime time audience. jeopardy well done, my friend >> who would have thought he was and helping celebrate their father, two of the president's 90 >> i know. children. >> thank you, sheinelle. good to have you in studio, by the way. straight ahead, we are live >> as a recent graduate, i can for the 100th anniversary of women getting the right to vote. relate to so many of you who morgan radford is going on a walk through history in central park with the exclusive reveal of its first-ever statue of real women. also jill martin joining us might be looking for a job. with steals and deals to help you organize the house, set the my father built a thriving table, and best of all treat economy once, and believe me, he will do it again. yourself that's all coming up after your local news >> i'd like to speak directly to my father. i miss working alongside you every single day, but i'm damn proud to be on the front lines

of this fight. >> reporter: eric trump's message to his father last night. the first lady's speech also drawing attention for the lack of social distancing in the rose garden and very limited mask wearing. at least some of those there were tested for the virus before attending, but the setup really seemed to minimize the threat of the pandemic. the president's top economic adviser earlier in the night even referring to it in the past tense. >> peter, we've had two nights down, two more to go. we're going to hear from the vice president tonight. but you can really tell a lot by watching the speakers who the campaign is trying to reach, where they think there's some fertile ground for their re-election strategy. what have you learned? >> reporter: you're right. i think these two nights have been the back and forth between the fiery speeches and trying to sell that softer version of the president, granting that pardon, hosting a naturalization ceremony for new citizens all people of color. his kids speaking as well. the first lady's empathetic remarks. the goal here to both energize the base, to bring back those republicans who may have been turned off by president trump and torlwomen who

have flocked to joe biden. tonight as you know, we're going to hear from the vice president mike pence, and one of the president's fiercest defenders kellyanne conway just days before her departure from the white house. >> thank you. we'll have more on the first lady's message in our next half hour. nbc's live coverage of the republican national convention continues tonight. we get started at 10:00 eastern. and now new analysis from experts who say we may need to rethink how much room we need to social distance. while the rule of thumb has been six feet, a new report warns that is based on outdated science. miguel almaguer has the latest on this. miguel, good morning. >> reporter: savannah, good morning. when many of us return to work, our offices may not look the same. most of us are used to sitting in cubicles or workstations like this. but they've been reengineered to separate employees six feet or at every other desk. many of us will also have to

wear these masks. but a new study says not all indoor spaces are equal. it's long been said maintain six feet of social distance. but on some circumstances, that may not be far enough. that's according to new research published in the british medical journal finding covid-19 particles can travel up to 26 feet. >> the viral particle concentrations can build up and infect somebody beyond that magical six-foot ring we've been talking about the past couple months. >> reporter: when you talk, cough, breathe, or sneeze two types of particles come out. respiratory droplets fall quickly to the ground. most traveling no further than six feet but aerosol particles can travel further distances. it's useful to think of another aerosol. cigarette smoke. >> and then it does different things depending on your setting. >> reporter: masks that fit well

enough to filter out smoke may be more important than washing hands. researchers say aerosol good morning to you. transmission explains why so few 8:26. superspreader events have been i'm marcus washington. breaking news for you. firefighters are making more progress, battling the three massive bay area fire systems traced to outdoor gatherings. >> one of the biggest risk factors we have for this virus, this morning, teams updated us the time spent indoors. on the czu fires burning in nearly all of the outbreaks of three or more people occurred santa cruz mountains. the number of structures destroyed there jumped overnight indoors. >> reporter: that's why air circulation in planes, offices, and schools may be a critical to 538 while containment stayed factor. about the same at 19%. a government watch dog agency recently found over one-third of public schools in the u.s. need in the north bay, more evacuees improvements to their are getting the green light to return home. lnu fires are burned more than 50,000 acres. ventilation systems. some are investing in new ontainment jumped overnight to filters, but outdoor classrooms could be a simpler and safer solution. >> what i am shocked is we don't headway, fighting the scu fires llsetting up open tents on all the schools around the burning in alameda and santa clara counties, containment at 25%, up from 20% yesterday. good news there on the fire front this morning. let get a look at that forecast

country. you know, so that all the classes can be done outdoors. >> reporter: while in many for you. circumstances like being in a grocery store or restaurant or k kari hall is tracking that for us. >> it will still be smoky for the inland areas. something to help out the bay and the coast, some fog this morning, as we look at our even an airplane or an office space, there's only so much you temperatures. it's going to stay cooler there can do to social distance. but experts say people should always avoid talking loudly and with some of our inland valleys, always wear a properly fitting reaching into the upper 80s and mask wherever possible. a few spots reaching 90, marcus. >> thanks, kari. another local news update in 30 minutes. want restaurants to open? hoda? >> all right. savannah's going to take that one, miguel. >> it's early out there. miguel, thank you. let's check in with al who's been watching this storm. he's got the rest of the forecast. >> good morning. and as we look for today, severe storms in the upper midwest. we're watching that. record highs in the upper mississippi river valley. heavy rain developing because of laura. out west some dry lightning could cause some more wildfires out there. the sunshine and the heat continue through the southwest. we're going to get to your local forecast coming up in the next

30 second. good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. we take a look at our sunrise over the south bay. this time we can see some improvements in our air quality thanks to some fog rolling in near the coast giving us fresh ocean breeze. now we're going to see temperatures in the mid-80s. and once that fog clears out, and schools? our air quality will go back to want the economy to get back on track? being unhealthy with more drifts of smoke coming in. as we go through the forecast you're not alone. some of our warm e temperatures and you can help make it happen. in the inland areas stay in the 90s. stay 6 feet apart. wash your hands.

wear a mask every time you leave your home. choose to join the fight against covid-19. moves inland. this thing is going to impact do your part. from the midwest, the mississippi river valley, the mid-atlantic and the northeast before getting back out and slow the spread. reintensifying. >> we'll be looking forward to that, al. thank you. coming up, breaking her silence. becki falwell finally addresses the allegations surrounding her and her family. what she is saying about her marriage and her husband to jerry falwell jr. plus melania trump in the spot. she steps out of her comfort zone to try and help her husband secure another four years in fice. fice. but offi

welcome back. welcome back it's 8:30. it's a wednesday morning it is august the 26th, 2020. happy you're joining us on a wednesday. >> summer's over i haven't said that all summer. >> by the way, nancy guthrie says that on july 4th. >> she does. we've got a lot coming up this half hour includg oil, sunglas and other fun items. plus 100 years ago today women won the right to vote. we are celebrating that in a big way. we have a special live event that we told you about yesterday it's not going away. covid-19. more than ever, california needs rapid coronavirus testing. tied to the statues in central park and continuing on the theme women's equality day, the robust contact tracing. talented brittany howard sat

down with us for "women who rock." you can see the full interview support for community health clinics. masks and ppe for those saving lives... at today.com we're going to have more with brittany on friday she's going to join us for a for teachers and school personnel educating students. live concert >> that'll be great. then we have an extra special my "today" plaza this morning. it's in honor of national dog these heroes are doing their jobs. now government must do theirs. keep working through a special session to combat this crisis right now and provide the revenues day, ladies and gentlemen. to solve the problems we know are coming. we're looking forward to it. those are some loud dogs we'll hang out with them in a few minutes. then just a few more minutes in the third hour, it's the marvelous cast of mrs. maisel. they're going to chat about the show's 20 emmy nominations and we'll see if we can get a bit of a scoop on season four as s still ahead, a first hand look at the coronavirus test that could be the key to keeping well all right. students in school it's 8:31. why don't we get a check of the but first your local news. ♪ an audio issue there >> i like al any way we get al. >> we can read that map. >> hold on i'm back i'm back i'm back hello? >> we missed you. >> we can't lose you now there's a hurricane approaching. >> i know.

introducing dove advanced care. its new formula with natural oil... is effective and kind to skin... i know anyway, so looking ahead to the leaving underarms... weekend, friday we got severe storms in the upper midwest. feeling healthy and protected. laura bringing a lot of rain to the mississippi and ohio river valleys. and you, more confident and carefree. abnormally hot out west on i'm a sustainability science researcher at amazon. climate change is the fight of our generation. saturday strong storms move into the northeast. a flood threat in the mid-atlantic states. the biggest obstacle right now lots of warm sunshine for the western two-thirds of the country. and on sunday sunday temperatures and sunshine is that we're running out of time. finally drying things out in the northeast in new england amazon now has a goal to be net zero carbon by 2040. we don't really know exactly how we are going to get there. it's going to be pretty hard. cooler air arr but one way or another we're going to reduce our carbon footprint to net zero. i want my son to know that i tried my hardest good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. to make things better for his generation. we take a look at high temperatures for today, they'll be slightly cooler compared to what we've seen recently with and eating the small bits of cheese stuck to high temperatures in san jose, reaching 84. a mcdonald's wrapper... 86 will be the high in napa. is the right way... to start-a-morning. ♪ ba da ba ba ba 60s for san francisco. to start-a-morning.

♪ everyday it's a-getting closer ♪ couple of days in lower ♪ going faster than a rollercoaster ♪ temperatures. san francisco will stay in the 60s over the next few days. ♪ love like yours will surely come my way ♪ >> and that is your latest weather. guys? >> >> and that is your latest ♪ a-hey, a-hey-hey weather. guys >> all right, mr. roker. glad you got the mic fixed just ahead, extra bang for your buck on this morning's ♪ (music playing) steals and deals >> hi there. i'm jill martin from my home kitchen. coming up, big bargains on ♪ love like yours will surely come my way ♪ bundles. we'll see you soon with steals and deals. i'm a verizon engineer, and i'm part of the team building the most powerful 5g experience for america. it's 5g ultra wideband, and it's already available in parts of select cities. like los angeles and in new york city. and it's rolling out in cities around the country. with massive capacity,

it's like an eight lane highway compared to a two lane dirt road. 25x faster than today's 4g networks. in fact, it's the fastest 5g in the world. from the network more people rely on. this is 5g built right. only on verizon. a very good morning to you. it is 7:26. i'm laura garcia. breaking news we continue to follow, firefighters actually making some headway on the bay area fires. >> reporter: i'm kris sanchez and here is the latest on the czu lightning complex fire. we know a 63-year-old woman was found in her felton home. it is believed she died of natural causes and not a victim of the fire. they are also searching for six missing people including one boulder creek man who told friends he was re-entering the burn zone to check on his property. today cal fire says weather conditions are favorable for a burnout, which is where they're going to burn fuels in the felton area. they're counting on a ridge in

the davenport area to hold the fire line. >> reporter: i'm bob redell in livermore. firefighters have laid down more fire breaks around the scu fire. containment is at 10%, a 5% increase from yesterday and almost 360,000 acres burned. the irs is now extending the tax filing deadline to december 15th of 2020 for those affected by the fires. the firefighters as well, kari, says the weather is back now. helping them, cooler temperatures, some clearing so back now 8:35 with "steals and deals" they can do the walter drops. this morning focusing on bundled items that make great gifts or maybe a little something for now we're seeing the fog coming in to san francisco which also provides some higher humidity and keeps those fires from spreading so rapidly. yourself jill martin joins us from her home with some big bargains on big bundles. as we get more containment, hey, jill. morning. well, we are going to see improvements in our air quality but it will still be unhealthy today especially for the east bay and the south bay looking a little bit better along the >> hi there and good morning from my kitchen. today we've rounded up some big

coastline and we are expecting bargains on bundles from sunglasses to self-care to the air quality to improve as we setting the table. these special sets make great head to the weekend. gifts or, of course, you can just treat yourself. all right. let's start with the deals first up the tahari organizer still people with breathing set. the retail is $50. problems may want to limit time outside, laura. very much so. good advice. they're known for their luxury we'll be back with another local news update. products they're offering this three piece organizer set in a variety of fun colors and patterns leopard, animal print, mix and match prints, butterflies. some have handles, some are round. we have all the options on today.com. they can also be sanitized and completely wiped off insidanoap. the retail $50 the deal $17 for the set that's 66% off all right. next up, a brand i've been using a lot. the organic to green liquid coco oil. it's a lifestyle company founded in l.a. and originally launched

at fred segal. the oils are a favorite of hollywood celebs you get the rose, lemon, and ch. i even use a little in my hair for s vanilla chamomile. i even use a little in my hair for split ends or frizziness just use a tiny amount the retail $75 the sale $29 this is super cool the lip gloss pack retail $90. all right. it lights up the founder launched the brand in 2014 after a full year of 20 making lip gloss. she made the making lip gloss she made the decision to quit her job and devote her full focus to it. each comes with this lighted wand and the mirror on the side so you can get the perfect lip all the time they're hand made and paraben free the nude option i'm wearing 16 candles right now. you get five in that set and there's bold nights. that's two lighter shades you .

we always love a can see on today.com the retail is $29. that's 65% off we always love a good sunglass steel. retail $129. three sunglasses for women they're calling it the love box. 100% uv protection it comes in this beautiful box, instantly giftable retail $129. the deal $34.99 for the set. back now 7:30 on a wednesday morning, august 26th, 2020 gulf coast residents bracing for the worst this morning you are looking at lake charles, louisiana, in anticipation of . 73% off. all right. these place mat and napkin sets, the retail $101. these are great for those socially distant barbecues they're offering their best selling sets they come together so the colors coordinate see them on today.com. great for indoor and outdoor use. al, of course, is tracking that storm as it intensifies. you can just wipe them off app lot of folks i'm sure laura bearing down expected to be upgraded to a cat 4 al, of course, is tracking that storm as it intensifies. app lot of folks i'm sure are nervous this morning a lot packing up their bags. >> literally the calm before the storm there. we start with our 7:30 headlines on this wednesday morning. we begin in kenosha, wisconsin, where at least two people were easy care. killed during a third night of the set includes four place mats with four matching napkins the deal is $37. that is 63% off. all right. let's wrap up the products one more time. protests in the city and it comes amid growing anger the organizers, the cocoa oil sets, the lip gloss set, the over sunday's police shooting of sunglass style box, and the

29-yeaziold more national guard place mat and napkin set troops the chaos despite blake's family "today" may make a small share pleading for peaceful protests the family demanding that the officers involved in the shooting be fired and the one that shot blake in the back in front of his children be of revenue from your purchases well, i hope these little bundles of joy bring some happiness into your home and that will do it from my happy home back to you. >> all right jill martin, thank you and to shop these bundled up bargains, head to arrested firefighters in california are making progress on massive wildfires burning across the state thanks to cooler weather about two dozen major fires hav0 today.com/deals. coming up next, a big day for women and girls. morgan radford has the exclusive reveal of a ground breaking already burned an area bigger statue in central park. than the state of delaware at least 1400 homes and other >> reporter: so we're here this structures have been destroyed morning. and you were part of the group meantime, a helicopter pilot was killed while fighting a wildfire that helped raise money for this in oregon. the white fire river incredible event how are you feeling this monday the pilot was performing bucket drops on the white fire river morning? >> i'm really, really excited to monday when the chopper went see the monument i think it's a really important down in the mt. hood national forest and history was made in day for all of us. >> reporter: are you ready for chicago last night with white the big reveal >> yes >> reporter: so are we we'll have it in just a moment. >> looking forward to it but first this is "today" on nbc. sox pitcher lucas giolito pitching the first no-hitter of

the season >> a no-hitter noise? >> they >> crank it. >> they should 26 years old he gave up no hits, just one walk in nine innings of play struck out 13 batters. the white sox topped the pittsburgh pirates 4-0 he didn't get his moment with the fans going wild. we're giving him the moment right now. >> yeah. that and a lot more. all right, guys. also this morning we are hearing from jerry falwell jr.'s wife and the former miami pool boy turned business partner at the center of a sex partner that has falwell stepping down after more than a decade as president of liberty university stephanie gosk has more on this. hey, steph good morning >> reporter: hoda, good morning. the man at the center of that scandal, giancarlo granda, he

said he had a long running affair with jerry falwell jr.'s wife becki they say he tried to use that affair to blackmail them this morning granda is hitting back and he's got a new allegation this morning giancarlo granda is speaking out in a statement to nbc news, granda says the falwells would have you believe that i seduced becki into an affair without jerry's knowledge and spent the intervening seven years trying to extort them the truth is they approached me. she invited me to their hotel room granda adding that as recently as last year they participated in video calls where mrs. falwell was naked and jerry was watching granda also calling jerry falwell jr. a predator alleging falwell sent him an image of a liberty university student exposing herself at their farm calling it inappropriate conduct for someone overseeing students. according to reuters the couple met granda when he was 20 years old working as a pool attendant at a miami hotel just days after the story went public, jerry falwell jr. is out as president and chancellor of liberty university the institution his father

started in the 1970s falwell acknowledged his wife's affair with granda to the washington examiner calling it a all right. fatal attraction type situation now for more of our special that led to extortion but said he was not involved in the inappropriate personal series "women's vote today." it's the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment when women relationship granda denies blackmailing the falwells in her first comments about the scandal, becki falwell tells the associated press she and her won the right to vote. husband are more in love than >> central park here in new york is about to unveil a statue of ever adding jerry is the most forgiving person i've ever met three suffrage pioneers. elizabeth cady stanton, in the same interview, jerry sorjourner truth, and susan b. falwell claims he never broke a single rule that applied to anthony. today we have the exclusive staff members at liberty saying that's the only reason i resigned because i don't want something my wife did to harm the school i reveal nbc's morgan radford is right there in central park. morning, morgan. spent my whole life building falwell had been on a leave of >> reporter: hoda, good morning. absence since early august since you can feel the energy and the posting this now deleted photo on social media. additional matters came to light that made it clear it would not be in the best interest of the university for him to return

excitement here on this centennial because history is being made central park is 167 years old. while there are plenty of statues of men here, this is the first time we're seeing the history and the contribution of from leave on tuesday the university said real life women being honored. it had accepted falwell's resignation effective i want to introduce you to brenda burkeman. immediately while offering heart felt prayers to the falwells who you are part of monumental women, the organization that are now dealing with a very made this possible this idea has been seven years public fall from grace jerry falwell jr. has not been in the making. reachable on this latest allegation as for granda, he also tells us he has not profited and doesn't and now on this day you've got these barrier breaking women intend to profit from telling this story like secretary clinton speaking right now. you're here. what does this mean for you? hoda >> all right stephanie gosk for us on this. >> monumental women is over the top ecstatic that in the midst of a pandemic we've been able to put the first statue of real women in central park in its 167 thank you. coming up next this morning, first lady melania trump's big moment why we may see more of her as the campaign heats up. that's after these messages. year history and it was not an easy journey for an all-volunteer nonprofit, small, to raise a million and a beautiful work of art and creating an education program and half dollars and to carry out

the sculptor crafting this beautiful work of art and creating an education program and a challenge to municipalities to honor more women and people of color in ♪ however you go back walmart's got your back. ♪ their public spaces. for monumental women to have accomplished that today is just a dream come true. >> reporter: and it's an accomplishment i think it's important for our jake from state farm, i can't thank you enough audience to know that even with for getting me those "serena savings" on my insurance. sorjourner truth being here, that's the first time a black person is honored in a statue inside the park. what do you hope the people take away when they walk past this can i get you 10 free minutes in the broth bath? (whispering) serena, with state farm, monument monument everyone's offered surprisingly >> so we really hope that people learn the history of women and great rates. (whispering) especially the women suffragisth yeah sure, how about a complimentary wet moss wrap? (whispering) here's the deal, these savings are for everyone. (at full volume) seriously? shhhh! (whispering) she's just jealous. like a good neighbor, state farm is there.® times. we can't even imagine what they that are portrayed for my mouth to aim at. and you see the three of them working together and they never -- they had tough times. oh, hiding, huh? we can't even imagine what they went through in order to accomplish what they did they started a movement that was the largest, peaceful the new grilled buffalo chicken papadia - enfranchisement of people in tangy buffalo sauce, grilled chicken, history. and melty cheese for just six bucks.

papa john's. and to be able to take and melty cheese for just six bucks. if your mouth is made to amaze. inspiration from them, particularly in this time that let philips soget healthies we cannot lose hope. in 2 weeks* guaranteed. that working together in community each bringing our own special skills of organizing and next level clean. next level care. there's always a way to make life better. philips sonicare. speaking and writing -- subscribe now. >> reporter: a message for today. because these are three new york ((vo)n) iat tidy cats, litterventionst acome naturally! women who worked together. >> and these three women themselves never got the naturally strong unscented with activated charcoal. or, new scented clean lemongrass, opportunity to legally vote. >> reporter: well, today is the with plant extracts. day that we get to honor them. 100% natural, 100% powerful. today is the day we get to honor their contribution, the way they there's a tidy cats for that! work together and change all of is now a good time enough, crohn's. for adults with moderate to severe crohn's or ulcerative colitis, stelara® can provide relief, and is the only approved medication to reduce inflammation our lives. on and below the surface of the intestine in uc. so will you do us the honor? will you lead us off in the big reveal >> i will in a minute or two because we're just finishing up you, getting on that flight? the speech by secretary clinton. >> reporter: okay. and then once you actually -- once secretary clinton finishes, back off, uc. then we're going to be able to stelara® may increase your risk of infections, show you guys this incredible statue with these three women as some serious, and cancer. before treatment, get tested for tb. tell your doctor if you have an infection, flu-like symptoms, sores, new skin growths,

have had cancer, or if you need a vaccine. rpls, a rare, potentially fatal brain condition, may be possible. some serious allergic reactions and lung inflammation can occur. you mentioned. lasting remission can start with stelara®. elizabeth cady stanton sorjourner truth and susan b. anthony. the women that paved the way for us to have the rights. >> hang tight there. we'll come back to you if you've been financially let's keep commemorating women's impacted by covid-19, equality day here is renee elise goldsberry known as angelica from the original "hamilton" cast reciting words of the suffrage janssen may be able to help. movement >> well, children, where there i'm a verizon engineer, and i'm part of the team building the most powerful 5g experience for america. it's 5g ultra wideband, and it's already available in parts of select cities. is so much react there must be -- racket, there must be like los angeles and in new york city. something out of kilter. i think that the negroes of the south and the women at the north and it's rolling out in cities around the country. all talking about rights, the with massive capacity, white man will be in a fix it's like an eight lane highway compared to a two lane dirt road. pretty soon. 25x faster than today's 4g networks. but what's all this here talking about? what means this vote for women ? in fact, it's the fastest 5g in the world. from the network more people rely on. this is 5g built right. just this. only on verizon. the time h just this. the time has come when they may voice with free men concerns of land and home. then snap the ancient tether

enthralling us too long and stoutly pull together to right a sprinting past every leak in our softest, smoothest fabric. grievous wrong she's confident, protected, her strength respected. what's more awakes the spirit of the just and a worldwide flame is kindled from the dust depend. the only thing stronger than us, is you. women for the right we know, for the duty that we owe, for all souls now here and coming, vote we must. let us stand together, women, hard and fast. let us vow to keep the faith until the last by the trust the world has learned, by the falsehood it has burnedl te and rise above the banished past. then sisters of our nation put forth your mightiest nerve remember with elation. the glorious cause you serve and

list your best endeavor, whatever that may be, with votes for women ever press onto victory. we're back with decision 2020 and a closer look at melania trump's big night at the ♪ we the people ♪ all the people o how republican national convention >> the first lady breaking from transition by choosing the white ♪ how o how it sings house rose garden to deliver the ♪ sisters working for the light ♪ first major speech to a live ♪ brothers striving for the right ♪ audience kristen welker has details on ♪ we the people that ♪ all the people ♪ how o how it sings >> wow >> standing o. campaign against bullying. her speech here tuesday her she deserves a standing o. on m. biggest moment since the president took office my gosh. let's go back to morgan. kristen, good morning. >> reporter: hi. we're trying to get the statue good morning to all of you first lady melania trump has been a powerful force inside the revealed trump white house defending him in key moments and pushing a what's the latest? campaign against bullying. her speech here tuesday her >> that's right, savannah. biggest moment since the now is the big moment we've all been waiting for. president took office was really an inflection point in her tenure here. first lady melania trump making her most personal appeal yet for her husband. that bronze ceiling being >> i'm here because we need my broken brenda, will you lead us off in husband to be our president and the countdown? >> i want everyone to start

commander in chief for four more years. >> reporter: looking to court a counting constituency president trump has struggled with suburban women >> we must make sure that women are heard and the american dream continues to thrive. >> reporter: for the first lady who spoke for more than 20 minutes, the speech was her >> fivou longest to date and perhaps her most consequential during the 2016 convention, she was charged with lifting parts of michelle obama's speech this year the first lady's [ cheers and applause >> reporter: elizabeth cady advisers says she was heavily stanton, susan b. anthony, sorjourner truth they're sitting around the table working together these three women who shared the stage. they went to the same conferences and now their contribution to history is being made and all these people are here today to see it and to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the involved in writing the remarks. ratification of the 19th amendment which gave women the >> from the day i met him, he has only wanted to make this country the best it can be right to vote. >> reporter: in her nearly four years at the white house, she savannah, hoda, craig? has picked her moments to speak >> what a moment 100 years in the making. >> beautiful. out carefully. >> no kidding. her largest initiative came in 2018 when she had her be best and i just keep picturing little campaign >> let's teach our children the girls walking by that statue and difference between right and wrong and encourage them to be best in their individual paths going, wait, who is that who is that? finally statues of women in central park pretty cool. that was really awesome.

thank you, morgan. wow. >> thank you we're going to be back in a moment on this history making >> reporter: the move gained day. nt this is "today" on praise, but the first lady also faced questions about her in life. >> reporter: the move gained praise, but the first s. >> i don't agree always what he posts. but his action is hiac him that. >> reporter: one of her loudest statements was not spoken at and i tell him that. >> reporter: one of her loudest statements was not spoken at all but rather these words written on the back of her jacket. i really don't care. do you later explaining -- >> it was for the people and for the left wing media who are criticizing me and i want to show them that i don't care. >> reporter: melania trump is often at her husband's side for critical moments on the world so you're a small business, or a big one. you were thriving, but then... oh. stage and at home. but she's also spoken out on her own. in 2018 saying she was blind ah. sided by the zero tolerance okay. plan, pivot. policy which led to family separations at the border. how do you bounce back? and more recently tweeting out you don't, you bounce forward, an image of herself wearing a mask weeks before her husband

started wearing one in public. a slovenian native and former with serious and reliable internet. model, she did not immediately move into the white house when her husband won the 2016 powered by the largest gig speed network in america. but is it secure? sure it's secure. and even if the power goes down, election. instead staying at trump tower your connection doesn't. in new york city to election instead staying at trump tower in new york city to focus on her so how do i do this? son barron but according to former first you don't do this. we do this, together. lady laura bush's chief of bounce forward, with comcast business. staff, once she arrived in washington, she assumed quiet but powerful presence. >> she's chose ton use her platform very strategically. when she feels she can make a contribution without having to be the loudest voice in the room every day. >> kristen, she really picks and chooses her moments. what do you expect her to do the rest of the campaign do you expect her to be high profile on the trail in. >> reporter: i think to some extent before the coronavirus hit, she was expected to play a larger role than she did in 2016 she was for the most part out of sight mrs. trump was expected to headline several fund raisers this spring that got canceled

because of the virus still you can expect to see her engage in virtual campaign events, savannah for president trump, she's really a key asset she helps to humanize the president and she's also defended him after some of his most controversial moments celebrates national dog day is created by "today" with our sponsor milkbone life's more fun with a dog and dog life's more fun with >> all right. kristen we'll be watching closely. >> all right kristen welker with a closer look from the white house. 7:44 now time for another check of the weather. mr. roker, hey, al >> hey, guys and so we're talking about laura and it making landfall around milkbone the show's gone to the dogs. we're back with a special 1:00 a.m. thursday morning but it's going to have a bit of edition of my "today" plaza. sheinelle? a travel schedule here >> i love this okay so since today is national dog by friday, the heavy rain continues, isolated tornadoes. day, we've invited families and it moves up into the mid-mississippi river valley then saturday it weakens moving eastward but still gusty winds saturday morning right through nashville into the ohio river valley their four legged friends to help us celebrate. let's take a look at everybody good morning to everybody! now is the time where we call on somebody so normally as you guys know, it would be a person. but today we are looking for cooper the great dane. cooper then sunday off the mid-atlantic coast bringing more rain, gusty winds to the northeast and new england giving way to sunny skies. look at this thursday we've got a severe threat from the dakotas all the

oh, cooper oh, my goodness. way into the northeast for 81 million people. so cooper is in indianapolis, indiana. then on friday that risk is for you must be elizabeth. >> i am. 34 million people from iowa into i'm the proud mother of this handsome boy >> the proud mother. elizabeth you wrote that cooper parts of ohio. we're looking at chicago, is the "today" show's biggest davenport, columbus, cleveland rainfall amounts anywhere from 3 canine fan is that right? >> 110%. to 5 inches stretching from minneapolis to upstate new york. he watches you from 7:00 a.m. all the way through until lester all part of the effects of puts him to bed. >> here's the thing. i'm 4'11." shaq are just right p good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. as we take a look at our high temperature for today, we continue to cool off in some areas especially the south bay as san jose reaches 84 degrees. we are still looking at some i have a feeling cooper is taller than me how tall is he on his hind legs? upper 80s in a few spots >> 6'3" on his hind legs actually, he is laying down reaching 90 in the valleys. right now. he's 184 pounds. the coastal areas will be in the >> he and shaq are just right up there. 60s and 70s. >> and he sleeps in the middle of our bed >> my goodness i think it seems fitting we talk some 90s in the forecast as we to you on national dog day i think people should know this. you're clearly a dog person. so much so that cooper walked continue a break from the high you down the aisle at your wedding. is that right? >> he did. yes. heat we've had. but temperatures will go up just and that was actually two years ago yesterday was our anniversary. slightly on friday and come back down a little bit for the weekend. and by the way, my husband is >> coming up at 8:00, we'll have holding the treats the update from the national hurricane center

i wouldn't be surprised if laura's up to a category 3 by >> happy anniversary then we'll have to wait and see thanks to our sponsor milkbone >> all right al roker, thank you. coming up, forget those you are getting a custom box of painful nasal swabs. there's a different coronavirus test that could be a game dog treats with cooper's photo changer when it comes to keeping how about this how cute is that kids in school. we will g kids in school in fact, milkbone is sending we will get a first-hand look at how it works but first these messages each family in today's croofbor their pup. for everybody at home, your dog can be the star too. can we see everybody and all their doggies? we have the lopez family pups t-mobile is america's largest 5g network. addie and dora we have millie the singletons with marley and milo with more 5g coverage than verizon and at&t combined. that's cute. and the sueles we have snickers and eggs. experience it now with our best deal ever. unlimited for $25 dollars a line for four lines yummy. thanks all for joining us this with 5g access included. it's time to join t-mobile. morning. happy dog day. >> that was cute real sweet >> super cute. >> that great dane is going to eat that box in like one swallow. >> but don't eat the custom one. >> exactly coming up later on on hoda and

jenna, we're going to talk to joe manganiello about "the did you know liberty mutual customizes your car insurance ta-da! sleepover. also dr. natalie azar will be so you only pay for what you need? here i should get a quote. >> first on the third hour, do it. three sisters with a passion for only pay for what you need. dance. ♪ liberty. liberty. liberty. liberty. ♪ the dutch group let it happen. they're going to teach us how to bust a move. ♪ cheerios can help to feed the good inside of you. ♪ well, they're going to teach someone how to bust a move probably not me. ♪ in the morning if you think your whole day's a flop, ♪ >> probably sheinelle. >> she knows >> sheinelle could teach them. ♪ feed the good inside of you 'cause it never stops. ♪ >> first your local news and weather. ♪ mmm cheerios happy dog day. if you're gonna be an entrepreneur, it'll be the hardest thing you've ever done in your life. we are six locations, about to be seven locations and 250 team members. covid changed a lot of things. test test test. test test test. god willing, we're gonna come out on the other side stronger as a company. but, it is not for the faint of heart. test it's been a hell of a year. ♪

test test. test test (peter walsh) people came and they met and they felt comfortable. it's been a hell of a year. it's what we did with coogan's. good morning. you felt safe and, if you were safe, you could be joyful. 8:56. i'm marcus washington. firefighters are making more progress, battling the three everybody has a coogan's. and almost half those small businesses, massive bay area fires. teams updated us on the czu they could close if people don't do something. fires in the santa cruz mountains. number of structureshe same, 19. that's how w♪ get through th in the north bay, more evacuees are getting the green light to return home. lnu fires have burned more than and eating the small bits of cheese stuck to 50,000 acres. a mcdonald's wrapper... containment there overnight just to 33%. is the right way... firefighters made new head way

to start-a-morning. fighting the scu fires in santa ♪ ba da ba ba ba clara and alameda county, containment up 20% from proof i can fight moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. yesterday. we're monitoring all three fire systems and meteorologist kari proof i can fight psoriatic arthritis... hall is tracking the improvements we're seeing and ...with humira. we'll have live team coverage proof of less joint pain... for you during our midday ...and clearer skin in psa. newscast. you can check your home page any time for the link on the latest humira targets and blocks a source of inflammation evacuations. that contributes to joint pain and irreversible damage. hurricane laura is intensifying as it turns through the gulf. humira can lower your ability to fight infections. a category 4 storm that should serious and sometimes fatal infections, make land fall some time after midnight tonight. including tuberculosis, that storm is likely to be centered somewhere along the and cancers, including lymphoma, have happened, as have blood, liver, texas/louisiana border. head over to our home page for a and nervous system problems, serious allergic reactions, link to those full details. >> ao and new or worsening heart failure. tell your doctor if you've been to areas where certain fungal infections are common and if you've had tb, hepatitis b, are prone to infections, or have flu-like symptoms or sores. don't start humira if you have an infection. humira is proven to help stop further joint damage. want more proof? ask your rheumatologist about humira citrate-free.

if you can't afford your medicine, abbvie may be able to help. if you can't afford your medicine, feel the coolpowerful 24-hour, cool mint cnon-drowsy, allergy relief plus an immediate cooling sensation for your throat. live claritin clear. for one week only, save up to $34 on select claritin products. check this sunday's newspaper for details. it'can it help with snoring?le of the year on the sleep number 360 smart bed. i've never heard snoring. exactly. no problem. ...and done and now, all beds are on sale. save 50% on the sleep number 360 limited edition smart bed. only for a limited time.

straight ahead, we are celebrating women's equality day. i got straight ahead, we are celebrating women's equality day. i got a sneak peek at a new statue in central park honoring three leaders of the women's right movement today we get an exclusive. we're going to reveal it on the 100th anniversary of women getting the right to vote. also ahead, the tiger king is back. where you can watch the upcoming mini series. but first your local news. i lovr ingredients. like what? cat chow is pretty similar i think. ok, but blue's more expensive. i did the math. blue's less than 15 cents more a day. we're switching to blue bubbles!

1-a in rockefeller plaza, this is the third hour of "today." good morning, everybody. welcome to the third hour of "today." i'm al roker still at home. dylan, craig, sheinelle, in studio 1-a and we have one jam-packed program for you today starting with our consumer confidential dr. natalie azar and vicky will be here to tell us everything we need to know to get, adjust that camera, it's okay, getting all ♪ set up, but they're going to be here to tell us everybody we ♪ need to know a however you go back walmart's got your back. ♪ however you go back walmart's got your back. it's so hon, out here!u guys. are we on yet? oh... i thought we were doing a zoom thing.

no. because i trust their quality. vitamins, they were the first to be verified by usp, an independent organization that sets strict quality and purity standards. nature made. the #1 pharmacist-recommended vitamin and supplement brand. (burke) just an app. (neighbor) whatcha working on... it's called signal from farmers, and it could save you up to fifteen percent on your auto insurance. simply sign up, drive and save. ♪ we are farmers. bum-pa-dum, bum-bum-bum-bum ♪ i'm a verizon engineer, and i'm part of the team building the most powerful 5g experience for america. it's 5g ultra wideband, and it's already available in parts of select cities. like los angeles and in new york city. and it's rolling out in cities around the country. with massive capacity, it's like an eight lane highway compared to a two lane dirt road. 25x faster than today's 4g networks. in fact, it's the fastest 5g in the world. from the network more people rely on.

this is 5g built right. only on verizon. to give you the protein you need with less of the sugar you don't. [grunting noise] i'll take that. woohoo! 30 grams of protein and 1 gram of sugar. ensure max protein. with nutrients to support immune health. till carmax changed all that. now, the pool is a carmax. a carmax. because when you can buy a car from anywhere, everywhere becomes a carmax. but if you're more of an in-person person, carmax is still a carmax, too. offering curbside pickup, or home delivery, and a seven-day money-back guarantee. the way it should be. carmax. i'm making pizza on king's hawaiian mini subs.

yum! king's hawaiian. when your underarmso your are cared for? ♪ it shows! ♪ introducing dove advanced care. its new formula with natural oil... is effective and kind to skin... leaving underarms... feeling healthy and protected. and you, more confident and carefree.

a very good morning to you. it is 7:56. i'm laura garcia. here is a look at what's happening now. >> reporter: i'm cierra johnson. it's been about a week since folks in the north bay received evacuation warnings and orders. it appears cal fire has a better hold of this blaze. right now that fire has burned 356,000 acres. the good news cal fire says the fire is at 27% containment. it's been burning for eight days, and this fire has left five people dead. good morning, i'm scott mcgrew. american airlines says it may have tout c as many as 40,000 jobs as fewer of us think it's safe to fly anytime soon. 19,000 of those would come through actual layoffs, the rest through retirement and early buyouts as well. american says it needs more help

from the federal government in the form of coronavirus aid as well. kari has a look at our forecast for today. a little foggy in some parts. yeah, and that's helping to increase the humidity and slow the spread of the fires. really good news, it's also helping to improve our air quality. once the fog rolls out, the smoke rolls in once again and our temperatures for the inland areas will be in the upper 80s up to about 90 degrees in the south county. some low 90s in parts of the north bay while along the coast we're in the mid to upper 60s and some low 70s for the bay. as we go through the seven-day forecast expect temperatures to continue to give us a break with highs up to about 90 degrees. but getting warmer by the end of the week and as we go into next week we're still looking at warm weather. this steady weather pattern is what we need right now with we will see the fog developing each and every morning over the next several days. laura?

all right. hopefully those cooler temperatures helping out the firefight as well. another update in half an hour.

it's 8:00 on "today." coming up, breaking it's 8:00 on "today. coming up, breaking overnight. strengthening. hurricane laura expected to intensify into a category 4 storm. residents in texas and louisiana bracing for the worst. >> we boarded the house now completely >> so when will the storm hit? al is tracking its path. plus, search for solution. a look at how college campuses are working to control the spread of covid-19 with a simple saliva test. >> you're giving up enough spit to tell if there's a virus in . and hey all you cool cats and there. >> we'll show you how it works and hey all you cool cats and kittens, kate mckinnon snags

a major role on a series based on the life of joe exotic. but who will play the tiger king "today," august 26th, 2020 ♪ >> good morning from new orleans and happy national dog day >> good morning from richmond, virginia >> wake up with millie on "today"! ♪ >> good morning from ohio. ♪ good morning, everybody. we've got a theme going. it's national dog day. any reason to play "who let the "today" plaza crowd. there they are. dogs out" am i right >> yeah. >> in keeping with that theme, check out our very special my "today" plaza crowd. there they are all of our four legged friends and families we'll check in with them in our next half hour >> going to be fun all right. coming up, tomorrow on "today" we are going to introduce you to

a remarkable mom of three. she lost 100 pounds in just over a year and she has a really inspiring message for others who are on her journey that'll be good. can't wait to hear from her. let's get to the news at 8:00 all eyes on the gulf coast at this hour. hurricane laura is gaining strength as it barrels toward texas and louisiana. al is tracking the storm i know you just got an update right about now. al, what you got >> well, guys. as we expected, laura is now a category 3 storm it's 200 miles south/southeast of louisiana you can see the feeder bands just approaching the louisiana/texas border moving northwest at 15 it will continue to intensify. we expect some time this afternoon to bome s a strong

category 3, a weak 4. it doesn't matter. and that storm surge is really potent. we're talking from galveston about 6 feet as you get into louisiana it's 10 to 15 feet. that's on top of high tides. this surge will make it 30 miles during the day landfall some time early thursday morning as a strong category 3, a weak 4 it doesn't matter. and that storm surge is really potent we're talking from galveston about 6 feet as you get into louisiana it's 10 to 15 feet that's on top of high tides. this surge will make it 30 miles inland 9 feet of storm surge will literally move homes off their foundations and destroy whole neighborhoods. so you can see this wide area of red, that's 9 feet of storm surge. destructive winds will be a big impact damaging to extreme winds with knock out power for days and the potential map shows you all the way into arkansas and up into the midwest we have the threat for outages with downed trees and power lines. of course heavy rain, widespread urban flooding gulf coast into the mississippi river valley locally there could be upwards of 15 inches of rain with this thing, guys.

so we are going to be tracking this starting tonight. and we will track laura as it makes its way into the gulf. >> thank you now protests in kenosha, wisconsin, over the shooting of a black man continued overnight. >> reporter: good morning. this car is still smoldering just down the street there was a shooting two dead, at least one injured no arrests so far but authorities right now are looking for a man with a long gun. now, this is the third straight night of violence protes hghtead to try and control the crowds

here and this is exactly what jacob blake's family did not want. they are encouraging peaceful protests this happened after the shooting on sunday where jacob blake was shot multiple times. his family says he's in and out of surgery and was -- has not commented only to say that its officers had been responding to a domestic incident. the u.s. department of justice is now assisting state authorities with this investigation and the family plans to file a civil lawsuit. but again, hoda, the latest is overnight protests turned deadly two people dead, one person injured. authorities are still investigating. >> all right thank you. melania trump cast her husband as the best hope for the american future on night two of the republican national convention peter alexander is back with three things to watch in politics >> reporter: good morning. the second night an effort to try to soften the president's image. capped off by the first lady

with a strikingly different tone than her husband expressing sympathy for the millions of americans impacted by the not referring to it did he say par ajingly as the china virus >> i know many people are anxious and some feel helpless i want you to know you're not alone. donald will not rest until he has done all he can to take care of everyone impacted by this terrible pandemic. >> reporter: president trump putting the powers of office to work for his re-election designed to draw a clear line between politics and governing granting a pardon, hosting a naturalization ceremony for his political benefit. critics are also taking aim at the first lady's speech being held in the rose garden. and mike pompeo flouting the rule that american diplomats do

not participate in political conventions deliveri his >> peter, thank you. the centers for disease control and prevention has changed some of its guidance on covid testing which could result in fewer people being tested the guidance now states that healthy people who have been exposed to coronavirus do not necessarily need a test according to the guidance as long as they don't have symptoms that is a reversal from previous advice that recommended testing for all close contacts of infected individuals regardless of whether they were showing symptoms that's the news. let's get a boost. >> here we go. a soldier came up with the picture perfect way to surprise his kids when he returned from his deployment in the middle east lieutenant colonel simon mckenzie had been in qatar since february to make his homecoming special, they arranged for a photo shoot. while mom and kids were posing for pictures he snuck up behind them and pulled off the ultimate