area. overlooking the beautiful iconic golden gate bridge. the "today" show is coming up next. we'll be back with a local news update for new half an hour. see you then and have a great wednesday. good morning breaking n we're live with the latest overnight. shots for all? president biden with a surprise announcement, now saying there will be enough vaccine for every american by the end of may, months earlier than expected. >> that's progress, important progress.

>> after two pharmaceutical rivals, johnson & johnson and production. but texas not waiting. the governor there rolling back restrictions and lifting the mask mandate. >> all businesses of any type are allowed to open 100%. >> mississippi the next state to follow. what that means for the pandemic straight ahead. domestic terrorism. >> that attack, that siege was criminal behavior. plain and simple. >> the head of the fbi comes before congress to defend his agency's actions before the assault, saying the fbi did share intelligence with law enforcement, including the capitol police, before the attack. getting ugly. the bombshell allegations against meghan markle this morning splashed across the british press. the duchess accused of bullying her palace staff, causing two people to quit. how she's responding on the eve of the royal couple's big

tell-all with oprah. not fit for print. six dr. seuss books pulled from publication for hurtful, racist imagery. the reaction pours in. >> i think it's a step in the right direction. >> everyone's very sensitive, and it's a problem in society today. >> just ahead, what the late author's own family is saying about that decision. those stories, plus, dose of her own medicine. >> got it? >> i got it. >> okay. >> dolly parton receives the covid vaccine she helped to fund. ♪ vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vaccine ♪ >> does it with her own unique song in dose today, wednesday, march 3rd, 2021. >> announcer: from nbc news, this is "today" with savannah guthrie and hoda kotb, from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. >> good morning, everybody. welcome to "today." it is a wednesday, and we're

happy to have you with us this morning. >> hearing dolly parton sing "vaccine, vaccine" was pretty cool. we have a lot happening, including the progress on the vaccine rollout. enough doses expected for every adult in the u.s. by the end of may. that's welcome news. of course, when will you actually get your shot? that's one of the things we'll be talking to dr. jha about in a minute. first, we have this breaking news overseas, the rocket attacks on u.s. forces in iraq overnight. chief global correspondent bill neely joins us with this breaking news. good morning. what can you tell us? >> reporter: good morning, savannah. good morning, everyone. another attack, another provocation almost certainly by iranian-backed militias. the base that was hit is home to hundreds of u.s. troops. it was visited by president trump and president bush. today's attack is another big challenge for president biden. this morning's target was this

u.s. coalition military base in western iraq, which has been hit before. this video released by the pentagon monday is of 16 missile strikes on the base last year. they injured dozens of u.s. troops. today's attack also using multiple missiles is not believed to have killed or injured u.s. personnel. a coalition spokesman tweeting, ten rockets hit the al asad base. around 7:20 this morning iraqi time. iraq's shiite militias backed by iran have stepped up attacks on the u.s.-led coalition recently. firing missiles at an airport base in iraq last month, that killed a contractor and injured a u.s. soldier. in retaliation for that attack, president biden ordered his first air strikes against the militias and issued this warning to iran. >> you can't act with impunity. be careful. >> reporter: for the iranian-backed militias, this is the man they seek to avenge.

soleimani, leader of iran's elite kuds force killed in an air strike last year ordered by president trump. he took action after militias launched repeated attacks on u.s. troops. today, iran may be testing the resolve of president biden, provoking him, even after he signaled he'll talk to iran about a nuclear deal. and this morning's attack comes just two days before pope francis is due to become the first pope to visit iraq. he asked people this morning to pray for the success of a visit to areas once controlled by isis that is fraught with danger. a threat that for u.s. troops in iraq is daily and deadly. well, we've just heard the white house is now aware of the situation and is monitoring it. the choice for president biden is, does he retaliate again or bide his time? the militias are clearly trying to escalate this, and they get their orders, as well as their

weapons, from iran. the middle east already proving to be a tough and early challenge for joe biden. savannah? >> indeed. bill neely laying it out for us. thank you very much. this morning, we're also following a number of surprise and significant developments tied to the battle against the coronavirus. president biden now expects the u.s. will have enough vaccine doses for all adults by the end of may. that's two months earlier than expected. this as two states begin lifting restrictions despite warnings from the cdc. nbc's morgan chesky is in one of them, in texas, where the governor just canceled its statewide mask mandate. morgan, good morning. >> reporter: hoda, good morning. the texas governor making it clear, this state will soon be 100% fully reopened. now, for some of these businesses, it can't come soon enough, but others are still saying it's politically motivated. especially if it comes with a slight uptick in covid numbers

following weeks of steady decline. this morning, hope may be closer on the horizon with a dramatic vaccine announcement. president biden declaring there will be enough vaccines for every adult by may. two months earlier than initially predicted. >> that's progress, important progress. >> reporter: the administration invoking the defense production act, announcing an unusual partnership between two pharmaceutical giants, merck and johnson & johnson. the two rival companies will work to manufacture j&j's vaccine, boosting supply for the whole country. while officials are still urging caution -- >> i am really worried about reports that states are rolling back the exact public health measures we have recommended to protect people from covid-19. >> reporter: -- some states rushing ahead this morning. >> it is now time to open texas 100%. >> reporter: this morning, an executive order marking a turning point in texas. governor greg abbott loosening covid restrictions, lifting statewide mask mandates and allowing businesse at full capacity.

>> it is clear from the recoveries, from the vaccinations, from the reduced hospitalizations, and from the safe practices that texans are using, that state mandates are no longer needed. >> reporter: soon after, mississippi governor tate reeves making a similar announcement via twitter, writing, "it is time." the university of alabama announcing it will return to full capacity this fall, both in the classroom and its massive football stadium, opening its doors to 100,000 crimson tide fans. back in texas, not everyone is on board, with multiple pro teams announcing they're not changing anything. local restaurant owners torn on which way to go. >> we want to run this business to its full capacity. we just feel that it's unsafe. >> reporter: some doctors worry it's too much, too soon. >> we've seen how quickly this virus can accelerate. and when things go bad, things

go bad really quickly. >> reporter: this morning, we've learned the biden administration plans to release guidelines on thursday showing how to go forward if you've been fully vaccinated saying small indoor gatherings are okay, and no masks are needed. savannah? >> morgan, thank you very much. we're joined now by dr. ashish jha, dean of the brown university school of health. dr. jha, good morning to you. >> good morning. thanks for having me here. >> this was something of a surprise announcement. suddenly, the timeline being moved up dramatically. president biden saying there will be enough vaccine for every u.s. adult by the end of may. this could be a game-changer. what does it mean to you in terms of achieving that ultimate goal of herd immunity? >> yeah. so this is obviously very good news. i think many of us had been thinking we'd have a lot of vaccines once we get into april and may. it is real president come out and say that. i think it'll give us a lot of

assurance now. the big challenge is going to be making sure that people are able to get those vaccines into arms. we have to really build up our distribution. of course, there is also the challenge of making sure people feel confident about taking the vaccine. all of that may take more months, but for anybody who wants a vaccine, certainly may will be a month by which time they'll be able to get it. >> it seemed quite extraordinary, to hear that johnson & johnson and merck have come to this agreement. these are two competitors, two rivals, and now in this extraordinary moment, merck is agreeing to manufacture the j&j vaccine. as somebody who works in this space, how did that strike you? >> yeah, it was great. it was terrific. they are competitors. merck is a terrific vaccine company. it's got a lot of experience. they tried to make their own vaccine, and it didn't work. so i think it was great to see this tying up of two great companies that usually would be make more vaccines. >> on the other hand, we see a situation developing in other states, texas most notably, with

governor abbott announcing all restrictions are lifted, the statewide mask mandate is now lifted. how concerned are you about that? >> yeah, you know, savannah, since we're so close to a point where we're going to have vaccines for all high-risk people, this feels just a little too premature. right now, texas still has a lot of infections happening. their positivity rate is still quite high. i would really plead with governor abbott to wait several more weeks, probably more like a month or month and a half. my sense is local officials are going to step up and probably try to implement some of these public health policies anyway, but it is a little too early to do this. >> dr. ashish jha, thank you for your time. appreciate it. >> thank you. meantime, the january 6th riot at the u.s. capitol is the focus of more intense hearings on capitol hill. the commanding general of the d.c. national guard being called before congress today to explain why it took so long to respond to the chaos. this after the director of the

fbi defended his agency's handling of intelligence ahead of the siege. nbc's justice correspondent pete williams has details on this. hey, pete. good morning. >> reporter: hoda, the fbi will face more questions today about what investigators knew before the capitol riot. the fbi director says his agents did share information they had about the potential for violence. congress will seek more answers today about the riots from the fbi, national guard, and homeland security. the fbi director said tuesday that just after receiving an unverified intelligence report january 5th, that extremists were talking about attacking the capitol the very next day, word of it was immediately relayed to local police through in-person briefings and emails >> that information was quickly, as in within an hour, disseminated and communicated with our partners, including the u.s. capitol police. >> reporter: that explanation didn't satisfy some senators

>> what i don't understand is why this chatter, raw intelligence, didn't prompt a stronger warning >> reporter: wray said it was part of a series of warnings for months that there could be violence surrounding all aspects of the election, through the inauguration as for who stormed the capitol, wray discounted claims in some conservative circles that the riot was led by antifa or people pretending to be pro-trump. >> we have not seen evidence of that at this stage, certainly. >> reporter: he said the riot was led by militia, violent extremists, including white supremacists, and said the fbi is working harder on the extremist threat he revealed it has a surprising 2,000 investigations open nationwide that's twice as many as six months ago. >> we are focused very, very hard on how can we get better sources, better information, better analysis. >> reporter: wray said the fbi investigates potential crimes, not ideologies, even extremist

ones, leading some to ask if the u.s. should have a domestic terrorism law. >> i don't know if we should have one or not, but i think it's time to think about it. >> reporter: fbi officials have also been watching extremist chatter about march 4th. some conspiracy followers believe it's the true inauguration, when trump will come back. capitol police say the talk is fading, and they're not expecting violence, but they will impose extra security just in case. hoda >> pete williams at the capitol, thank you. we move to the fire storm surrounding new york's governor, andrew cuomo craig is on the story. good morning. >> good morning. good morning to you, as well pressure is continuing to grow for governor cuomo to step down. this as he faces two scandals. one, one investigation into allegations of sexual harassment another into his administration's handling of nursing homes during the pandemic both of those now threatening his long-time position of power. nbc's anne thompson joins us with details on all of it.

good morning to you. >> reporter: good morning, craig. there is agreement among new york's legislative leaders this morning. repeal governor cuomo's emergency pandemic powers in response to the nursing home crisis but there is no agreement about what the governor should do regarding accusations of inappropriate behavior with younger women, ranging from unwanted comments to uncomfortable touching to an unsolicited kiss as his powers chipped away at the capitol, silence from beleaguered u.s. governor andrew cuomo. calls for his removal picking up momentum democratic state senator salazar of brooklyn wants cuomo out. >> i think he is too compromised to continue in his position. >> reporter: is impeachment the best remedy? >> i think that we have to use

every remedy and every mechanism at our disposal. >> reporter: salazar and five other senators calling for impeachment proceedings to start, pointing not only to the sexual harassment allegations brought by three women, including two former employees, but his administration's alleged withholding of the number of covid-19 deaths in new york nursing homes. after his controversial policy of sending infected, hospitalized residents back to homes early in the pandemic. >> i think it is very clear to the public that he has deliberately abused his power, both his expanded executive powers in the state of emergency, but also, his power over his employees >> reporter: new york's ag has yet to appoint an investigator to look into the harassment claims cuomo has denied former aide lindsey boylan's accusations of pervasive harassment, including an uninvited kiss on the lips, calling them quite simply false. he has apologized for interactions he called insensitive or too personal, saying he never intended to make

anyone feel uncomfortable. that apology was in response to claims made by former aide charlotte bennett, that cuomo asked her uncomfortable details about her personal life. as for the repeal of the emergency powers, the soonest that could happen is friday and then the governor would have to sign it. craig? >> anne thompson, thank you. 17 minutes past the hour what do you say we check in with mr. roker? get a check of the weather hey, al. >> if you're feeling like spring, you're in the midwest or the plains that's because temperatures are way above normal pierre, south dakota, 27 degrees above normal 64 degrees amarillo, 73, 13 degrees warmer than usual st. louis. 66, 15 degrees above average. chicago looking at warmer than average temperatures stretching into tomorrow. minneapolis, almost 50 degrees at 46. 68 in little rock.

amarillo, texas, 68. if you're in the northeast, mid-atlantic, not so fast. not so springlike. look at this temperatures in the 30s. buffalo right through sunday new york city, we only get to 41 on sunday. boston, you stay in the 30s. that's eight to ten degrees below average for boston single digit dips for parts of western new york buffalo looking chilly, as well. washington, d.c., seven to four degrees below average through sunday we'll get to your local forecast coming up in the next 30 seconds. oh yeah. i think i might get a quote. not again! aah, come on rice. do your thing. only pay for what you need. ♪ liberty. liberty. liberty. liberty. ♪

good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. let's take a look at our high temperatures for today. even though we're starting out with some clouds and the clouds will linger for a while, we're still going to have a very nice and mild day, reaching into the mid to upper 60s but it will be slightly cooler, compared to yesterday, because of the cloud cover. we'll see more sunshine in the forecast tomorrow. we'll be back up into the upper 60s and more of the same on friday with some rain moving in for the weekend, especially early on saturday morning. our lt weather. hoda >> al, thank you. still ahead, a new royal controversy erupts, with meghan markle being accused of bullying her royal staff. this morning, she's firing back. keir simmons has the very latest from buckingham palace. plus, another story that has a lot of people talking. several dr. seuss books no longer will be published because of racially insensitive images inside this decision made by the company that preserves the author's legacy.

the reaction is pouring in

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good wednesday morning to you. 7:26. i'm laura garcia. three bay area counties are easing covid-19 restrictions. >> reporter: i'm cierra johnson in san francisco. after months of waiting we have switched from the purple tier to the less restrictive tier that's happening in three counties, san francisco, napa and santa clara counties now officially in that red tier. what does that mean for businesses? gyms and fitness centers can resume their indoor operations at 10% capacity and as for restaurants and movie theaters, 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer.

good morning everyone. i'm scott mcgrew. this morning we got the private payroll data for the month and it was weaker than we were expecting. that could portend bad news come friday when we get the major labor department jobs report and unemployment rate. all right, i think there's good news in the weather department. let's check in with meteorologist kari hall. >> we are going to have another nice day, even though we're starting out with some clouds and we'll get some sunshine later today. this is a live look outside in dublin. so you don't yet need the sunglasses because of a storm system that's moving just to the south of the bay area, across southern california, but you can see all the clouds extending up from that and once it moves on, we will see our sky clearing out later today. more sunshine tomorrow, temperatures just a touch warmer and friday is looking pretty nice. we'll be awaiting some much needed rain coming in early on saturday morning. the rest of the weekend is dry and then we'll see a couple more

storm systems by early next week and temperatures much cooler, only reaching into the mid to upper 50s by next tuesday. laura? >> all right. we'll enjoy the week. thanks so much. we will be back with another update in half an hour. see you then. california phones offers free specialized phones... like cordless phones. - ( phone ringing ) - big button, and volume-enhanced phones. get details on this state program. visit right now or call during business hours.

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by the way, this is a perfect time to remind you about planyourvaccine.com. together with our parent company comcast nbc universal, it is a one-stop shop about all questions, when, where, how to get your shot when your number is called. all you have to do is head to the website, or use your smartphone, right under me, and scan the qr code on your screen. >> that'll get more useful the more shots they open up. keep an eye on that. let's get to the headlines at 7:30. the president is dealing with his first cabinet defeat this morning. the white house had to withdraw the nomination of neera tanden, biden's controversial choice to lead the office of management and budget she faced opposition from republicans and some democrats because of her history of partisan attacks on twitter, including one tweet saying, quote, russia did a lot to help bernie sanders' campaign critics say those attacks ran counter to biden's calls for unity. investigators are back at the scene today of the horrific crash in southern california

near the u.s./mexico border. a semi truck slammed into an suv that was packed with 25 a vehicle designed to hold only seven or eight passengers. 13 people were killed, another 12 were hurt overnight, an i.c.e. official confirmed the agency opened a human smuggling investigation. at this point, it is still not clear where the vehicle came from or where it was going. mandatory evacuations are under way in parts of eastern kentucky this morning due to historic flooding. heavy rains pounded the region sunday and monday, sending rivers over their banks. it led to water rescues, mud slides, and road closures. kentucky's governor declared a state of emergency, and the national guard is on hand to help with the evacuations. this morning, there's new drama inside the royal family, as detailed accusations of bullying made against meghan markle have now surfaced they've surfaced just days before that big interview with oprah. >> so how is meghan responding

this morning let's go to "today" senior keir, good morning. >> reporter: hey, savannah hey, craig good morning to you. the timing of this report alleging bullying is, as you say, interesting the alleged bullying happened back in 2018 the allegations come out just days before that interview with oprah winfrey. another thing to perhaps raise eyebrows is this is exactly what harry and meghan have been complaining about, briefings by anonymous royal sources. overnight, a report in the "british times" news quotes unnamed palace sources accusing meghan of bullying staff while living at kensington palace. a spokesperson for meghan, the duchess of sussex, branding the story a calculated smear, ahead of her and harry's explosive interview with oprah winfrey. >> i just want to make it clear to everybody, there is no subject off limits. >> reporter: the oprah interview

expected to reveal more of the pressure meghan was under. >> almost unsurvivable sounds like there was a breaking point. >> reporter: but today's newspaper report claims to quote an email from harry and meghan's former communications secretary, which allegedly was sent to a senior royal official. nbc news has not seen the email, but according to the "london times" newspaper, it reads, in part, i am very concerned that the duchess was able to bully two p.a.s out of the household in the past year the email from 2018 is also said to read, "the duchess seems intent on always having someone in her sights. the former communications secretary still works for prince william and was a key figure in meghan's successful legal action against another british newspaper, "the mail on sunday," for printing a private letter to her father this morning, meghan's spokesperson saying the report is based on misleading and harmful misinformation

adding, "we are disappointed to see this defamatory portrayal of the duchess of sussex, giving credibility by a media outlet. the duchess is saddened by the latest attack on her character, particularly as someone who has been the target of bullying herself. in an interview with james corden last week, prince harry said to james corden the british press was a reason for stepping back from royal life. >> it was a difficult environment, as i think a lot of people saw we all know what the british press can be like. it was destroying my mental health. >> reporter: now, there has been, perhaps, an unusual turnover of staff, guys. remember, harry and meghan's lives have been changing, and we now know about that deep tension behind the scenes between harry and william. guys, the famous british constitutionalist once said about the royals, don't let daylight in on the magic well, right now, there is a lot of daylight getting in on the inner workings of that palace, and it is not exactly looking magical, guys. >> not at all. keir, thank you very much. all right.

coming up next, six dr. seuss books shelved, deemed not fit to print for hurtful depiction. >> the very wide-ranging reaction to that decision, right after this the ecg app lets me take an ecg without needing an appointment or a fancy machine or even needing to move a muscle because if i want to take an electrocardiogram ♪ i'm going to take an electrocardiogram right here right now ♪ ♪ life... doesn't stop for diabetes. be ready for every moment, with glucerna. it's the number one doctor recommended brand that is scientifically designed to help manage your blood sugar. live every moment. glucerna. brushing only reachesesigned to help manage your blood sugar. 25% of your mouth. listerine® cleans virtually 100%.

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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. we're back 7:40 with "in-depth today. this morning, the reaction pouring in from all sides on a decision about the fate of several of dr. seuss' books. >> the late writer is the most widely published children's author of the 20th century now, dr. seuss' own publishing company says it will no longer publish six of his books because they contain racist images. >> nbc's rehema ellis has the story for us good morning >> reporter: good morning, craig. these titles are some of dr. seuss' early works, and just a small portion of his 60 books. the move to cease their publication represents a broader shift in cultural awareness. for the better part of a

century, dr. seuss' books have inspired millions with lyrical rhymes and fantastical characters. >> technically, i'm a cat in the hat. >> reporter: recently, the works have come under fire for what some said to be harmful depictions of certain groups "to think i saw it on mulberry street," a character described as chinese has two lines for eyes, carries chopsticks and a bowl of rice in "if i ran the zoo," people from africa are shown shirtless, shoeless and wearing grass skirts dr. seuss enterprises announced tuesday it'd cease publication and licensing of six titles, saying, in part, these books portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong. >> i think it's a step in the right direction. >> reporter: this stay at home mom is a former teacher. >> we're acknowledging there ar that he wrote, and we're doing

what we need to do to move in the right direction and embracing all types of literature. >> reporter: reaction has been varied. >> everyone is very sensitive, and it's a problem in society today. >> reporter: on social media, as sad as it makes me to see books by one of our favorite authors taken from us, i get it. what does this say about what's happening in our society right now? >> this nation is at a point of reckoning with our past. we are recognizing the fact that in times past there were wrongs and harms done against certain populations. >> reporter: within the last year alone, multiple iconic brands and institutions have been renamed quaker removed the offensive mami in aunt jemima titl from its pancake mix and syrup products uncle ben's became ben's original disney plus adding content warnings on "the muppet show" over negative stereotypes. the washington football team changed from an indian slu

to the washington football team. it's all part of a broader trend becoming a lightning rod, some calling it cancel culture going too far. others saying it is a necessary movement toward cultural sensitivity. cancelling dr. seuss i think it is about making different types of choices. >> reporter: dr. seuss enterprises choosing a plan that supports all communities and families a recent study found only 2% of dr. seuss' human characters were people of color, and they were often represented in negative stereotypes. they also found that white characters all had speaking roles, but the characters of color remained silent. guys, back to you. >> rehema ellis for us this morning. thank you. it is a complicated one. >> it's one that goes all the way back to the 1940s. a lot of animated cartoons in the '40s had racist depictions of blacks, japanese. they pulled the cartoons from

distribution i remember seeing them as a kid, but you can't find them anywhere i think, can we go a little too far? maybe. but i think it is better to err on the side of correctness. than less. >> cancelling decades old books over symbolism is one over symbolism is one thing. perpetuating racist stereotypes is one thing i think it is another thing to address systemic, structural racism in this country i hope folks don't conflate the two. anyway >> all right the discussion with continue al, let's get a check of the weather. >> all righty. if there has been one silver lining to the pandemic, in the heart of it, it was that we saw a real drop in global emissions. the largest drop since world war ii 10%. ine transportation industry, 40% drop in global emissions power industry, 20% drop as we've come out of this, back in december, we started to come out, our emissions started going 2% higher than before the

pandemic we're worried, really, about 2021, this according to the international energy agency. today, rain long the southeastern coast showers through southern florida. welcomed rain in southern california mild weather through the plains. that's what's going on around the country. here's what's happening in your good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. high temperatures today will reach back into the mid to upper 60s, but we are starting out cloudy and it will be slow to clear today but we will get some sunshine and definitely a lot more in the forecast for tomorrow and friday, is looking pretty good, too, as we come into saturday, some much needed rainfall arrives very early in the morning. it clears out for the rest of the weekend, with more showers >> that's your latest weather. savannah >> all right, al thank you. up next, women changing the world. we're revealing "people's" newest issue with vanessa bryant

on the cover. >> how she has become an example of strength and grace after the loss of her husband, kobe, and their daughter, gianna, and what she is sharing about her family life now coming up right after this y joi, swollen, painful. tremfya® is approved to help reduce joint symptoms in adults with active psoriatic arthritis. some patients even felt less fatigued. serious allergic reactions may occur. 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. tremfya®. emerge tremfyant™. janssen can help you explore cost support options. tremfya®. emerge tremfyant™. visible is wireless that doesn't play games. it's powered by verizon for as little as $25 a month. but it gets crazier. bring a friend every month and get every month for $5. boom! 12 months of $5 wireless. visible, wireless that gets better with friends. (kid 1) we're coming for you, lucky! (lucky) this st. patrick's day, me clover charms turn milk green.

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so you can finally give john some attention. trusted experts. guaranteed accurate books. intuit quickbooks live. everyone says i should fight my cravings. no. you know what i do? i snack on blue diamond almonds. oh, come on! sriracha? woo! don't fight your cravings. eat 'em. all the flavors you crave in a superfood. blue diamond almonds. crave victoriously. i have been suffering with migraine for years. nurtec odt has worked wonders for me. don't take if allergic to nurtec. the most common side effect was nausea. for more information, go to nurtec.com welcome back welcome back guys, carson joins us right now. it is 7:48 highlighting "people" magazine's new women changing the world issue. we start with the remarkable woman on the cover, we're speaking about vanessa bryant. >> yeah. well, she's really been the

embodiment of courage since the tragic deaths of her husband, basketball legend kobe bryant, and their teenage daughter, gianna. >> now, vanessa is opening up to "people" magazine exclusively about how she and her family are working through their grief together sheinelle is here with more on all this good morning. >> good morning. vanessa's powerful words are striking a chord, serving as a source of inspiration, as she remembers her beloved husband and daughter >> reporter: vanessa bryant opening up in "people" magazine's powerful "women changing the world" issue, speaking out on loss, grief, and finding the courage to carry on following the tragic deaths of her husband, nba legend kobe bryant, and their 13-year-old gianna quote, i can't say that i'm strong every day i can't say that there aren't days when i feel like i can't survive to the next. my girls help me smile through the pain they give me strength. she calls the pain of their loss

unimaginable and says she still has hard days. but adds, "lying in bed crying isn't going to change the fact that my family will never be the same again but getting out of bed and pushing forward is going to make the day better for my girls and for me, so that's what i do. >> kobe was known as a fierce competitor on the basketball court. >> reporter: last year, just weeks after their passing, vanessa touched hearts around the world when she spoke at kobe and gianna's memorial service. >> he was my sweet husband and the beautiful father of our children he was my everything >> reporter: while remembering how gianna, whom she called her baby girl, would make sure to kiss her mom every day >> she knew how much her morning and evening kisses meant to me, and she was so thoughtful to remember to kiss me every day. she was daddy's girl, but i know she loved her mama >> reporter: together for more

than two decades, the couple had four daughters natalia, gianna, bianca, and capri. >> vanessa, you holding down the family the way you have, i can't -- there is no way i can thank you enough for that. >> reporter: remembering the man she met when she was a teenager, bryant telling "people," "we fell in love at such a young age, and we endured highs and lows together. those challenges and peaks of happiness brought us closer together." adding, "kobe is and forever will be my soulmate. vanessa shared some of her family's journey on social media, with sweet snapshots of natalia, bianca, and capri, and heartfelt memories of kobe and gianna even as she seeks legal recourse for events related to the fatal helicopter crash vanessa speaks with such strength and courage what does that say, in your opinion, about who she is and what she's been able to overcome >> she's had such grace and fortitude over these last nearly 14 months.

it is pretty astounding of just what a role model she's been, just through her own actions >> reporter: bryant tells "people" she had to step in as president of kobe incorporated, taking charge of a number of creative projects left unfinished at gravity studios, the late star's multi-media company she now helms. in tribute to her lost loved ones, she relaunched kobe's charitable non-profit as the mamba and mambacita sports foundation, which is dedicated to creating equal opportunities for underserved athletes and young women in sports. highlighting the outpouring of support her family has received, bryant says that the messages and prayers mean everything. and she has found her reason to persevere in her daughters "my girls are my reason," bryant says adding, "making sure that they know that they are loved, supported, and important is what motivates me."

>> vanessa says the foundation's goal is to provide girls with a chance to showcase their talents and feel just as important as boys do. it's so special that she was able to relaunch that in his honor. >> we have a little more, right? >> yes, we have more from the "people's" women changing the world issue ahead on the third hour, including more from vanessa and other women they're honoring in the issue. >> thank you, sheinelle. >> we're back after a check of your local news and weather. . otezla is not an injection or a cream... ...it's a pill that treats differently. for psoriasis, 75% clearer skin is achievable... ...with reduced redness, thickness, and scaliness of plaques. for psoriatic arthritis, ...otezla is proven.... to reduce joint swelling, tenderness, and pain. and the otezla prescribing information has no requirement for routine lab monitoring. don't use if you're allergic to otezla.

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good wednesday morning. 7:56 right now. i'm laura garcia. here's a look at what's happening now including tens of thousands of vac seen appointments now canceled. >> i'm bob redell, a major bay area health care provider says it is running out of vaccine doses for covid-19, we're talking about sutter health. it's saying it will be canceling 40,000 vaccine appointments across its system over the next week, it may have to cancel 50,000 more it says due to inconsistent supply from the state. all those appointments by the way for the second round of shots for patients. we did speak with one patient who said that sutter health told him he'd be rescheduled in seven to ten days. i'm kris sanchez. california slowly easing some counties into less restrictive tiers, five counties in the bay area now in the red tier, a

contrast to what texas and three other states did yesterday, eliminating restrictions on indoor dining bars and other businesses and even eliminating the mask mandate. the cdc though says we are very far away from herd immunity and although we've seen steep declines in cases, that leveling out has started to uptick just a bit. let's get a look at the forecast for this wednesday morning midweek, with meteorologist kari hall. >> good morning. we are starting out with some clouds that's going to gradually clear up today but then as we look at our high temperatures, still very nice and mild and highs reaching into the mid to upper 60s today. more sunshine tomorrow and also staying comfortable but then going into the weekend, some rain will be coming in. we'll be watching out for scattered showers on saturday, then again on monday and tuesday and it looks like it could bring in some much needed rain, some decent amounts going into next week. so we'll be tracking that with

the timeline and how much, keep checking in for updates. laura? >> of course. we'll be here. thanks so much. another update is coming up in half an hour. enjoy your wednesday morning.

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so did mine. [80's music] what? i was an 80's kid. it only gets better when you switch and save with geico. it's 8:00 on "today. coming up, air base attack rockets fired at u.s. forces in iraq less than a week after u.s. air strikes in syria as tensions with iran rise, what is next? we're live with the latest copper mine controversy. >> this is a holy and sacred site where our deities reside. >> we bring you a fierce fight in arizona where proposed copper mines are receiving pushback from locals including th generations. >> we're asking for justice on

our religion >> a report straight ahead. plus, breaking barriers. >> did you ever second guess yourself because you were a woman? >> no, ma'am i just put forth double or quadruple the effort of my male counterparts. >> male and females training together at boot camp. the first female cadets allowed in dad, no! >> and trophy toss >> was there any bit of you thinking, what do i do if this goes in the water? >> okay. first of all, i was not thinking at that moment >> tom brady revealing the details and what is still foggy from that now infamous super bowl party today, wednesday, march 3rd, 2021 our baby girl is turning 1. >> celebrating in style.e're "t,

and we recently celebrated a birthday. >> happy birthday! >> happy birthday! ♪ >> it is adoption day! >> welcome to the family, gabe >> i love that. >> good morning. welcome back to "today" on a wednesday morning. that family is getting one baby bigger >> i love that >> welcome to the family. >> don't forget, set those dvrs, 7:00 you won't miss one second of this fascinating show. >> you don't want to miss it rewind and watch it again if you're super crazy let's get to your news at 8:00 a big story overseas, u.s. troops coming under attack overnight. it happened at a military base in iraq. this latest escalation of tensions is coming just days before a scheduled visit to iraq by the pope. let's get the latest on all of this nbc's chief global correspondent bill neely on the story this morning. bill, good morning. >> reporter: good morning, savannah

good morning, everyone around 7:20 this morning, iraq time, the al asad base in western iraq was hit by around ten missiles no u.s. casualties reported. now, it has been the target of an attack before in fact, the pentagon just released this video monday of an attack last year in which 16 missiles were fired and dozens of u.s. soldiers were injured. the white house this morning saying it is aware of the latest attack, and it is monitoring the situation. now, the base is home to hundreds of u.s. troops. it was visited by president trump, by president bush, and it is now, this attack, a new challenge for president biden. because he warned iran and its militias in iraq just at the weekend that it can't act with impunity "be careful," he said. he said that after he retaliated

after another attack the challenge for the president this morning is what does he do? retaliate again or simply bide his time because almost certainly, these iranian-backed militias, probably responsible for this morning's attack, are trying to provoke the u.s. all of this, as you say, comes just two days before pope francis makes a historic first visit to iraq. he prayed this morning for the success of that visit. it is a visit fraught with danger the pope leaving for that visit. the danger today continues for u.s. troops, and, today, a choice and a challenge for president biden. savannah >> all right complex issues for sure. bill neely on the breaking news this morning thank you, bill. president biden moved up his timeline for obtaining enough covid vaccines for every adult in the u.s more states have decided to roll back their pandemic restrictions

nbc's morgan chesky is in one of those states, in texas, with details. hey, morgan. good morning >> reporter: hey, hoda, good morning to you a major announcement from president biden, who says that every american will have vaccines by the month of may that is two months earlier than initially anticipated. the president saying that he was able to accomplish that by invoking the defense production act, and having two competitors, johnson & johnson and merck, joining forces to speed up supply to make sure every american is covered by the month of may meantime, here in texas, texas governor greg abbott making a major announcement yesterday by revoking the -- or withdrawing, rather, the state's mask mandate, and saying every business can reopen to 100% capacity starting next wednesday. of course, there are some businesses that reopening can't come fast enough others still feel this is too much, too soon with texas numbers seeing a slight uptick in covid cases following weeks of steady

decline. texas governor greg abbott quick to point out within the next few days, about 7 million texans should be vaccinated, about a quarter percent of the state's population hoda >> morgan chesky in texas, thanks. tributes are pouring in this morning for vernon jordan, the civil rights activist and political titan. he died monday at the age of 85. nbc's chief washington correspondent andrea mitchell has a look back at his remarkable life. >> reporter: vernon jordan was a friend and informal adviser to presidents of both parties, and a kingmaker in corporate america. with the tall, elegant power broker's roots were in the civil rights movement and his youth in a public housing project in atlanta. >> my mother attitude, that's not good enough for this boy he's going to do things, and he's going to go places. >> reporter: he did go places. the only black student in his class at depaul university in indiana, then howard university law, inspired by thurgood

marshall escorting hunter and other students to desegregate the university of georgia 60 years ago. still in his 30s, head of the national urban league. his first appearance before the supreme court. >> thurgood marshall, from the bench of the supreme court, winked his eye at me >> reporter: in 1980, he nearly died in a racially motivated shooting and was visited in the hospital by both then president jimmy carter and candidate ronald reagan. telling tom brokaw on "today" -- >> i feel like the same old jordan, despite 98 days in the hospital and 5 operations. but i feel terrific. >> reporter: later rising to the pinnacle of washington power while continuing to mentor all who sought his help. former president clinton admiring his close adviser as a wonderful friend to his family we worked and played, laughed and cried, won and lost together we loved him very much and always will.

and president biden saying jordan knew the soul of america. in all of its goodness and all of its unfulfilled promise jordan's lifelong message of hope and commitment to racial equality >> we do not sing, "we shall endure." we sing, "we shall overcome. >> reporter: andrea mitchell, nbc news, washington >> had the opportunity to meet and interview mr. jordan several years ago. he was just a phenomenal guy at one point, the '90s, served on ten corporate boards, by the way. >> wow. >> just legendary. >> yeah. >> such a figure, you know, yeah really, he'll be missed, absolutely that's the news. let's get a boost, hoda. >> you got it. here we go a toddler in georgia really misses her big brother since he started kindergarten here's what she does every single day when he comes home from school, 2-year-old anna martin waits outside her house for the school bus to pull up then she greets her brother john with a big hug her mom says anna gets excited when she sees the big yellow bus coming around the corner

can you imagine? her brother is probably getting a kick out of it, too, knowing a hug is waiting for him how sweet. >> i'm going to go home and ground my children that never happens at my house yours? >> never. >> all right. >> certainly not day after day. coming up next, billions of dollars at stake in a fight over sacred land in arizona. >> cynthia mcfadden is talking to apache families who say they won't budge, and the mining companies claiming a compromise can be found that's right after this. pain hits fast. so get relief fast.

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we're back. 8:14 a battle that has pitted an ancient culture against a mining industry. >> one of the world's largest untapped deposits of copper is in arizona it also happens to be right in the middle of the most sacred land to the apache people. >> nbc's senior investigative correspondent cynthia mcfadden has been looking into this for us good morning. >> reporter: good morning. well, this is a story at the intersection of tough choices. protect the apache faith or mine for precious copper. it starts in congress in 2014, when senators john mccain and slate slipped into a must-pass defense bill a resolution that would turn land over to two of the world's largest mining companies. well, billions of dollars are at stake, as well as the apacheit d why, for generations, the apache people have considered this land

sacred cradled inside the tanto national forest in arizona, 50 miles from phoenix a cathedral of the wild. >> this is the holy and sacred site where our deities reside. >> reporter: dr. wensler noice says he will lay down his own life if it will stop a proposed copper mine. >> sad but sometimes it even takes death for people to understand what's wrong in this world. but we cannot be afraid. >> reporter: he says mining here will extinguish rituals like this sunrise ceremony. rarely seen by outsiders it marks the coming of age for apache girls four days and four nights of dance and prayer dr. nosi has been camped out at oak flat for more than a year, often with his daughte

and granddaughters beneath this beautiful place lies a fortune one of the largest copper deposits in the world. 1.5 billion tons, which the company has already spent $2 billion exploring. it's hard to imagine, if someone found copper underneath st. patrick's cathedral that anyone would think it'd be okay to blow up the cathedral in order to get to the copper. >> yeah. you know, i mean, that's what really bothers me. how is our religion any different than anybody else's? you know, it's not >> reporter: the mining company, resolution copper, owned by two foreign mining titans, respects the concerns, says the engineer, vicky pece is there any way to protect what is sacred and mine the copper at the same time? >> that's some of the things that we have been doing so far >> reporter: she points to a tribal monitor program put in place to facilitate dialogue. >> we have avoided many, many

sacred sites and areas >> reporter: including apache leap, where warriors jumped to their deaths in the 1870s to avoid capture by the u.s. calvary. this land rich in sorrow, too. despite reassurances, there is reason for concern last year in australia, rio tinto destroyed caves sacred to two aboriginal groups. the destruction was so severe that the ceo of the company actually resigned. how can you be so sure this is a company that will respect this area in the way that you're suggesting it will >> well, i think that you can look through at the record so far. we respect that tribes have interest outside of reservation boundaries we'll also be highly regulated under federal law. >> reporter: i would just point out, rio tinto also promised they wouldn't destroy the aboriginal caves, and yet, they did.

that is not comforting. >> we have no authorization to mine here. >> reporter: if they get permission, the company projects extracting 40 billion pounds of copper over 40 years 25% of u.s. demand and creating more than 1,000 jobs the arizona economy could rake in $1 billion every year for decades with billions also generated in federal taxes but there is a problem cave-blocked mining means that, over time, the ground will simply collapse, leaving a massive pit nearly 2 miles wide and 1,000 feet deep. deep enough to hold the eiffel tower, replacing this majestic landscape. dr. nosi says the pit will shallow up these. 1,600-year-old petroglyphs >> this is our book, the book of life because we're natives, it's not important to them. >> reporter: vanessa nosi says she's worried this land will no longer be here when her daughter

comes of age >> we're asking for the united states to recognize us we're asking for justice on our religion we're asking them to protect a holy site. >> reporter: two days ago, they got what may be good news. everything is coming to a halt for at least a couple of months, as the u.s. forest service abruptly withdrew the environmental impact statement required for the land transfer we've had extensive conversations with the nosi family i don't know if you've had the opportunity to meet them yet. >> i have not had the opportunity to meet mr. nosi, but we would love to. >> reporter: that, says dr. nosi, is news to him he told us if she wants to talk, she knows where to find him. at oak flat until the very end you're not going anywhere?nywhe. >> reporter: one of dr. nosi's lawyers told us yesterday that they still consider oak flat on death row, despite the forest

service action earlier this week they said they're just changing the execution date by the way, an update on the aboriginal caves destroyed in australia that we mentioned in the piece. the parliament of australia said that rio tinto, quote, knew the value of what they were destroying but blew it up. yesterday, in light of this, late yesterday, the chairman of the board of rio tinto, and another board member, stepped down in light of what they called the tragic event. oh, and by the way, the price of copper soared last week. back to you guys. >> cynthia mcfadden for us thank you. >> thank you we're going to turn and get a check of the weather from, who else, mr. roker. >> guys, let's show you what we have for today wet weather, good news finally, they'll get some rain in los angeles they've had a long time where they haven't had any a system coming off the southeastern atlantic coast. as far as temperatures are concerned, we are looking at cool conditions. 30s as you make your way from the great lakes to northern new

england. 70s and 80s in southern florida. texas on into the southwest. for the country today, fairly quiet. again, rain in the southeast for the morning hours. mild in the plains that welcome rain coming in through california sunshine into the pacific north and pacific northwest and the interior west. that's what's going on around the coun good morning, i'm meteorologist kari hall. let's look at our seven-day forecast. it will be mostly cloudy to start today because of the rain they're seeing to our south but we are still in for a nice and dry day. that dry weather continues into the rest of the workweek, and then this weekend we will have a chance of showers moving in very early on saturday morning. the rest of the weekend we'll have a chance to let that rain soak in with being more showers in the forecast by early next week. weather. tick-tock, what time is it

>> "pop start. >> oh baby >> we can't be more excited than you are. >> me? >> excited >> this is the face of excitement. >> all right hit it >> tom brady is up first as we all know, it's been well documented, the super bowl champ enjoyed much-deserved celebrating at the buccaneers super bowl boat parade, having a drink or ten infamously caught on camera throwing the lombardi trophy from one boat to another it was a heart stopping for everybody watching and last night on "the late late show with james corden, he described what was going through his mind, launching the trophy off the boat. >> was any bit of you thinking, what do i do if this goes in the water? >> okay. first of all, i was not thinking at that moment there was not a thought. then i found out later that, had that been an incomplete pass, that would have went down, like, 80 feet. it!"

>> that's my 8-year-old daughter, "daddy, no!" who could imagine an 8-year-old girl would have the most sense of anybody in that whole area at the time >> i have an 8-year-old girl she has the most sense in my family >> all the time. >> by far. >> all the time. next up, serena williams the tennis star is front and center in a new fashion campaign for stewart weisman. but she is not alone 3-year-old daughter olympia is right there with her photos from the campaign feature the mother/daughter duo in matching outfits, with serena opening up about motherhood. >> the best part about being a mom for me is having responsibility of someone that really relies on me. it is waking up every day to see her so happy to see me it's a feeling i never thought i would experience >> all right definitely the cutest commercial of the year. >> ever. >> olympia. finally, reggae legend bunny wailer passed at the age of 73

he was the last surviving member of the wailers founding the great with bob marley and peter tosh. bringing reggae music from jamaica to the rest of world bunny went on to win three grammy awards for best al bum. two were bob marley tributes i'm a huge reggae fan. i read that news and wanted to get it in "pop start." i look at the pandemic starting march 12th that's when the nba called the game that'll be a year next week. >> right. >> i've listened to bob marley and the wailers every single day of this pandemic it's been something that's kept me and my household right, in a position where we can start the day. >> i broke out the vinyl all pandemic, playing bob marley and the wailers. >> me, too. >> so good. >> it is good for the soul. >> bob was 36, died of cancer in '81. peter tosh died, was killed in '87. bunny has been holding it down for the wailers for years. shoutout to his family and the reggae fans everywhere >> maybe break out the vinyl for

him today. coming up, an inside look at the groundbreaking boot camp where female marine recruits are training alongside male counterparts for the first time. first, your local news, your weather, and these messages. first, your local news, your good morning. 8:26. i'm marcus washington. santa clara county lifting its mandatory travel quarantine effective today. now people who live and work in the county can travel anywhere in the state and they won't have to stay home for ten days. san francisco did the same last week. however, state guidelines still recommend quarantining if you do travel. looking at the forecast if you're traveling around the bay area today, nice, sunny cloudy start out with clouds across the bay area as we have seen some rain across southern california but gradually we will start to

see sunshine later today and our temperatures reaching in the mid-to-upper 60s so it will be a touch cooler compared to yesterday. we will get all bright sunshine tomorrow back in the forecast and friday a few more clouds moving in with rain developing friday night for the north bay. the rest of the bay area seeing it early on saturday morning. we'll have a chance to let that rain soak in before more showers come back into the forecast for early next week. by monday and tuesday, we are seeing possibly heavier rain moving in, while san francisco will see high temperatures in the upper 50s and near 60 for the next several days. marcus? >> thanks, kari. another local news update in 30 minutes. see you here then.

8:30 it's a wednesday morning, third day of march, 2021 just ahead, we are giving you a look at the future of the marines. >> yeah. the future is bright we're talking about men and women training together. we're going to take you to the boot camp where that is happening for the very first time they say it's certainly not the last time. >> wow, tough for everybody. plus, it's not every day

that a carpet cleaner goes viral. that's just one of the "today" best sellers we're about to tell you about that could change your cleaning routine forever. >> it's hot on the heels of those sleep solutions. remember the comforter >> yes. >> weighted blanket. then we're going to introduce you to a sisterhood of restaurant owners who found support in each other. that is making all the difference during their pandemic struggles. vicky nguyen has the story from chicago, where the nationwide movement was born. coming up later on the "3rd hour of today," michelle obama's long-time stylist sharing how she's using fashion to actually enact change and takes us back to the former first lady's most iconic looks. coming up tomorrow on "today," speaking of hair, how do you part your hair? in the middle? >> yeah. >> on the side well, they say, apparently, the answer could reveal your age this is a big thing for women generationally there is a divide. you go middle part.

>> i guess. >> yes >> let me see yours. >> nobody knows, a side part i don't know. >> have you seen this on the internet i didn't get into it, didn't know it was a thing. but apparently side part versu middle part is dividing the nation. >> you're like a side middle. >> i'm a side. >> as i said to my comb, we'll never part again anyway, let's show you what we have as far as your weather is concerned we are looking ahead toward the weekend. pretty nice one through the southeast, mid-atlantic on friday snow showers in northern new england. western coast storm comes in friday, as well. on saturday, a little on the chilly side in the northeast very mild in the plains. all the way down into the gulf coast. mountain snows out west. sunday, sunday, still chilly here in the east a mild stretch from the plains to the gulf. snow showers in the interior pacific northwest. that's what's going on around the country. good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall.

we're starting out with some clouds because of some rain moving into southern california. we're going to miss out on that rain, but we do have some in the forecast for the weekend. so we do still have today, tomorrow and friday with some dry weather and mild temperatures. by early saturday morning, we will see some light rain moving in for the most part and then some more measurable rain going into early next week, especially monday and tuesday, with much cooler temperatures. >> and that's your latest weather. hoda >> al, thank you. just ahead, we were there when they reported, and now we're checking in on the female marine recruits making history they're training alongside men they're training alongside men we'll be back. like, seeing my mom. it's unthinkable to me that i can't see her and i can't hug her. not being able to hug is just like

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ub 8:35 we're back it's 8:35 with our special series "women's history month, women are essential. >> in san diego this morning, it is another grueling day of boot camp for the first class of female marine recruits there, going through basic training alongside their male counterparts.

>> yeah. nbc's meagan fitzgerald is covering this history-making moment for us. hi, meagan good morning. >> reporter: good morning. that's right we spent the day with these women as they went through the notoriously challenging marine boot camp. it's a first for women to train with men here in southern california, but a priority for the marine corps, one they believe will give them the advantage on the battlefield they're the few, the proud, the female marine recruits, supporting one another as they're pushed to the limits physically >> say something >> reporter: and emotionally this boot camp is history in the together in san diego. >> the question has been asked before, why did it take so long? why is it happening now after 100 years?

well, i think the conditions are exactly right for it right now. >> reporter: 18-year-old ania allen, determined to prove she belongs. did you ever second guess yourself because you're a woman? >> no, ma'am i just put forth double or quadruple the amount of effort that i see in my male counterparts, bringing it to the table. ever since then, i've been rewarded for my hard work. >> reporter: drill sergeant amber soracic did her training in south carolina at parris island, separately from her male peers. she never thought this day would come >> this is an opportunity for me, sure, but this is an opportunity for the future generation of marines. not just females but also males. the marine corps in general. it opens up a lot of doors >> reporter: there is a misconception even among some in the marine corps that women go through different training than men. not true, say these young women. the standards have always been the same

>> the males are going to know, hey, the females, our sisters that we train alongside, they do the same things we do. they earned the title. it is not male or female it's marine. >> reporter: senior officers say including women from day one benefits all marines what is the advantage? >> speed, speed of decision. in that the quicker our younger leaders are capable of developing the solution, the better it's going to be in terms of tactical advantage against the enemy. >> reporter: the goal is to fully integrate marine basic training across the country by 2028 there is no quota. today, women make up just around 9% of the marine corps >> scream. >> reporter: a force known for toughness and tradition that each new group must carry on. >> i hope to come out a stronger person, have more pride in every step i take, walk straighter,

talk louder. smile more and being confident in the person i've become. >> reporter: you're a part of history. >> yes, i am >> reporter: how do you feel about that >> i feel great about it, ma'am. i finally get to give my family something to be proud of >> reporter: of the 4,000 recruits training in san diego, only 60 are women. while they are making history, they're also carrying on a long legacy back in world war ii, the marine corps recruited women to serve in non-combat roles to free up the men so they could fight. guys, it is pretty incredible to see how far things have come. >> no kidding. watching the young lady saying her family has something to be proud of, my word. >> yes, ma'am. >> indeed. guys, up next, it is way past time to clean out the filthy coffee maker in your kitchen. how about the crumbs in your laptop >> what about that >> we have unique products that our teams found to tackle those tricky spots and a whole lot tricky spots and a whole lot more

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"today" best sellers is created by "today" and promoted by amazon. >> we're back with "today" best sellers. this morning, we're tackling those hard-to-clean areas in the house. >> like the whole house. spring is around the corner, so it is the perfect time to freshen it up. shop today editorial director adriana brock joining us with useful products we all need to know about. >> we've made it easy for you to shop the picks just pull out your smartphone, and you can scan the qr code on the screen adriana, good morning. let's start with your magical scrubber. >> hey, guys good morning spring is right around the corner, and it's time to think about spring cleaning. we've got some gadgets to make it super easy to get all your chores done. starting with this scrubber. carson, it is incredible everyone hates cleaning the bathroom this scrubber can make it easy

scrubbing is the worst part, if you ask me it is going to cut the scrubbing time in half, and it does all the work for you it has four brush head attachments and an extender to make it easy to reach the hard areas and corners. it is a game-changer you guys, you can also use it beyond the bathroom. use it on windows, your floors, even a sink. it is amazing. >> okay. looks cool. >> great. >> carson just did the qr code. >> i did. >> you got one sale right there. let's talk carpet cleaners this one is going viral on social media what's the big deal? >> yeah, guys, believe it or not, this bissell is called the little green it is an incredible machine going viral on tiktok. people loved bissell for years and years, but this is having a resurgence it is an incredible, compact machine. really powerful. it has strong suction. you can use it on carpets, upholstered fabric. >> what is she pouring in there? >> super easy.

all you pour in is some wate and a tiny bit of concentrated cleaner. it is so easy to use, you guys incredible. >> tell us about your magical pink paste that people are raving over. >> yeah. you guys, i love a multi-tasker, and this pink stuff is it. i am almost embarrassed to show you this before and after of my sink it is incredible basically, it has over 29,000 reviews. online shoppers love it. it works in a few minutes. it is super gentle on every surface you put it on, but it gets the job done. i've used it on pots and pans. you can see here, my sink, i'm so embarrassed sorry, mom. >> you should see my sink. >> what is in it that makes it work so well >> a magical cleaning paste. it has a little grit that will really scrub in there for you.i >> what about the nooks and crannies what do you have for my nooks and crannies >> excuse me >> craig, i have your car

covered. this is a blue goo and it is incredible it is great for getting into all the crevices in your car, like the cup holder of your air vent, even your dash >> what is that? >> doesn't feel sticky. >> it is a blue goo. >> it is a blue goo. >> wow. >> i use it in the cup holder, the dash. >> you reuse that? >> yeah. you can actually wash it and reuse it. >> wow. >> use it inside the home. remotes, in your drawers it's awesome. >> it just gets the dirt, and it sticks to it >> exactly what it does. it's not going to make your hands feel sticky. that's what i was scared of. i'm holding it right now >> very cool adriana, what about we all eat around our computer. there's crumbs what do you got for that >> yes i've got you covered, al, with this tiny 2-in-1 gadget. brush on one side, and it has a in addition to sanitizing all devices with wipes, you'll want to keep the crumbs away, the

dust away with this tiny little gadget it is only $10 from a brand oxo that has been around for ages. >> love it. >> i promise, everyone in the house is going to want to use this one it is a great, versatile tool. >> so many kids are using their parents' laptops mine is a trash can. >> nothing is ever charged >> no. >> none of my stuff is theirs always is. >> there's that. let's finish with the coffee maker. they are notoriously filthy. >> they are probably filthier than you think when was the last time you cleaned your coffee machine? >> never. >> probably been a while exactly. these tablets are amazing. fill up your coffee pot with water, coffee maker. you can use this on a multi-cup brewer or a single-cup brewer. take one tablet, water, hit the brew cycle it'll get rid of the mineral build-up and residue without using the vinegar, smelly

solution. >> how often are you supposed to clean the coffee maker >> probably monthly. you can probably get away with bimonthly. this is an easy way to take the work out of it. >> annually, got it. adriana, thank you very much >> thanks. reminder, amazon has an affiliate relationship with "today." when you buy an amazon product through our site, amazon pays "today" a small commission on the sale to shop these best sellers, scan the qr code, or we made it easy, today.com/shop guys, coming up next, vicky nguyen will be with us fro chicago, where a group of female restaurant owners started a movement that spread nationwide, to face the challenges of the to face the challenges of the pandemic together.

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we are back with restaurant week on "today." >> consider this, according to a

recent survey, half, half of all americans say a restaurant they love has gone out of business in the past year. >> yeah. this morning, we're going to introduce you to a woman who is leading the charge to make sure female-owned eateries stay open during this really hard time. >> nbc's investigative and consumer correspondent vicky nguyen joins us from chicago we miss you here, but you have a big story there. >> reporter: hey, good morning, guys i'm here in vermilion, a restaurant in downtown chicago they specialize in latin and indian food. i'm going to tell you about all these mouth-watering dishes in a minute first, i want to introduce you to a group of four women restauranteurs, who formed a sisterhood they're helping hundreds of women across the country, keeping their women-owned restaurants open plus, we're going to talk about a way that you can help some of these restaurants in your own cities, as well. in one word, what does it take to be a woman restauranteur? >> guts. >> i think a sense of humor. >> resilience. >> flexibility >> reporter: for these four women, the covid crisis crippled

their livelihoods. they struggled to keep their dining rooms open as restaurants shut down in cities across the country. >> seven of the ten restaurants on my block are closed >> reporter: rohimi day, mother of two and owner of vermilion restaurant in chicago, thought covid might shatter 18 years of work she put into a restaurant >> four months was a complete industry, given the safety issues, given the trauma to our staff, all laid off. trying our best to support them. >> reporter: but she took action, creating let's talk. what is let's talk >> let's talk is an action-led movement of women business owners who own restaurants our goal is to help each other survive this crisis and to grow in the long term >> reporter: what started as a small group of women restaurant owners in the windy city now includes more than 350 female restaurant owners nationwide. >> i'm just blown away at what we've done in this small, little

time >> reporter: i spoke with rohimi and let's talk members in boston, atlanta, and oakland how many of you at any point thought you might lose your restaurants? everybody? >> it's just i never thought this could happen, where we would be in this type of position >> to be honest, i still am not out of the woods i just keep moving forward and hoping for the best. >> reporter: during the pandemic, an estimated 110,000 restaurants closed for good. that's 17% of the nation's eateries according to the national restaurant association, some 2.4 million restaurant employees are still out of work. >> i had no idea if it was going to reopen again. >> reporter: madge german and her husband, nelson, opened a new restaurant in oakland days before the pandemic hit. >> hitting the one-year anniversary, but our dining room has only been open for 14 days we were really thrilled to join let's talk. >> reporter: for these women, let's talk serves as a resource and a sisterhood to share ideas for how to keep going.

>> learning from each other is a cool part of let's talk. every call we have, we walk away with 10 to 15 different ideas. >> we tried everything under the sun. sold meal kits, did virtual cooking demos and cocktail classes. >> reporter: how important is it to have other people you can lean on? >> the restaurant industry, for years, has been male dominated so to be, you know, a woman in this industry, you're already coming in knowing that you're going to be fighting an uphill battle the camaraderie we have together has only helped to position us and make us stronger. >> reporter: for women like deborah and jen, this organization has been a lifeline. >> it was a new village for me, and a village surrounded around women restauranteurs, which i have never had. >> we have crossed color lines diversity is everywhere. cultures from all over the world are in existence

going to make sure each of us gets out of this okay. >> reporter: guys, you can help women-owned restaurants all across the country by purchasing a meal through let's talk. you'll have it on internationa women's day is monday, march 8th. find out the details on today.com. i want to bring in rohimi day, the founder of let's talk and the owner of this restaurant phones are ringing already i love it. tell us about the food where does it come from, and how do people get a taste of it? >> vicky, lovely to be here. this is just an example of what we're doing in chicago for our international women's day dinner anything from my indian latin to mexican to vietnamese to ethiopian, the gamut can you imagine a surprise, multi-racial tasting menu led by women restauranteurs in eight -- in nine different cities? and in conversation with us on power and positive collaboration. >> reporter: when do people buy

by give us an idea of what's the menu starting price. >> it ranges per city, $55 for a course of four a surprise dinner. to anywhere a course of ten for $150 this is going to be an extravagant way to support your women restauranteurs and feast >> reporter: i love it they'll get the meal on monday before i let you go, there is one more thing if you don't mind, could you take the lid off this little silver dish here, and then read what's on the card for me, please? >> absolutely. i did want to remind viewers to please order by tomorrow >> reporter: tomorrow, get the orders in. >> this is something that has been served by "today," to us so i have no idea i'll just read it. >> reporter: yes, please >> uber eats was so inspired by your work, they decided to make an initial $10,000 contribution to the national restaurant association educational and women-owned restaurants like yours. unbelievable thank you so much.

that's the kind of tangible contribution we need we urge all your viewers to back us find us. support us thank you so much for showcasing us. >> reporter: you are so welcome. it's been a pleasure i know how hard the restaurant industry has been hit. as we talked ab, half of peopl know a restaurant they love has shut down during this pandemic order takeout and catering support. especially for women-owned restaurants. thank you so much. guys, we'll send it back to you. >> we love that phone ringing there, too >> yes. >> reservations are coming in. thanks, vicky. appreciate it. >> third hour straight ahead steph ruhle is going to shore up your savings. a lot coming up on "hoda and jenna. good morning. 8:56. i'm marcus washington. the long wait finally over for three bay area counties. san francisco, santa clara and napa counties are waking up under the red reopening tier. this is a huge relief for those restaurants, who can now begin serving inside at 25% capacity.

under the red tier, movie can t 10% capacity as well as gyms bu capacity to 50%. happening now, sutter health canceling tens of thousands of covid vaccine appointments. a live report at midday on the holdup and cancellation message for those still waiting to be vaccinated. plus, the race is on for an effective vaccine for teens. you can find out more about how the trial is under way for both pfizer and moderna. and more money for grocery store workers. on our home page, the latest bay area city to approve hazard pay and what they will get. we'll have the weather updates as well as always on at nbcbayarea.com.

live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza, this is the "3rd hour of today." >> good wednesday. welcome to the "3rd hour of today." >> what day is it? >> it's hump day. >> hump day! >> it's a hump day. >> the hump day? >> one of my favorite commercials. >> mike, mike, mike. what day is it, mike? >> wow. our audio department. >> really impressive. >> i can hear it again? what was it? >> you don't know it? >> mike, mike, mike. what day is it, mike? >> that's really impressive. jeff in audio. >> greatest geico commercial ever. >> al roker there. craig melvin here. sheinelle jones