earlier crash at mckee. >> that's going to do it for us this wednesday morning. >> want to leave you a live look this morning out on there we go, san francisco, beautiful sunrise, get out and enjoy the day. the "today" show is next. good morning. breaking news. 100% effective. the stunning results from pfizer overnight on its vaccine trials on children as young as 12. a potential game-changer for the return to school. but health officials increasingly sounding the alarm about a new coast-to-coast covid surge. >> lifting all these restrictions, telling people not to wear a mask, that's the equivalent of playing with fire. >> we'll have the very latest just ahead. eyewitnesss. day two of testimony at the trial of former minneapolis police officer derek chauvin, from the people who were there. including a 9-year-old girl, the

teenager who took the now infamous video, and an emt who said police would not let her render aid. >> i would have been able to provide medical attention to the best of my abilities, and this human was denied that right. >> straight ahead, the courtroom clash over that emotional testimony. under fire. republican congressman matt gaetz part of a reported sex trafficking investigation, probing his alleged relationship with a 17-year-old girl. a case launched by the trump administration. overnight, the congressman on offense. >> it is a horrible allegation, and it is a lie. >> claiming he is the victim of a multi-million dollar extortion plot. in an interview, fox news host tucker charlson called it one of the weirdest he has ever done. controversial and colorful. g. gordon liddy of the watergate

break-in passes away. a look back at his role in the scandal that brought down a president. those stories, plus, major issue. the second biting incident at the white house that's landing the presidential pet major back in the doghouse. and cinderella story. >> off the glass, no! >> 11 seed ucla stuns top seeded michigan. >> from the first four to the final four. >> as the final four matchups are set for both the men's and the women's brackets today, wednesday, march 31st, 2021. >> announcer: from nbc news, this is "today" with savannah guthrie and hoda kotb, from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. >> hi, everybody. good morning. welcome to "today." it is a wednesday morning. we're glad to have you with us. i heard the yelling from your house. >> you know what? >> joel loves ucla. >> i know exactly what time the game ended.

at 12:15, or somewhere around there, i hear this scream. i mean, this is so unlikely and joel is so pumped about it. i'm sure a ton of ucla fans are. the cinderella story lives on. we'll see what happens next. >> the final fours are set. >> yup. >> we'll have a lot of coverage of the games and the brackets. let's get to this breaking news this morning. encouraging results just released from pfizer overnight, and it has to do with vaccinating children against the coronavirus. >> it comes as the nation faces rising cases, many in young people. take a look. just ten days ago, 34,000 were recorded nationwide. that's the lowest in six months. just yesterday, more than double that number at 71,000. >> nbc national correspondent miguel almaguer is covering it all for us. good morning. >> reporter: savannah, good morning. the numbers are trending in the wrong direction. 30 states are recording a rise in new cases. meantime, there is breaking news this morning from pfizer. new trial results show a promising efficacy rate in their

vaccine in children. this morning, growing fears the nation is seeing more signs of a fourth surge. the u.s. now recording some 63,000 daily new cases, many of them in younger americans. the troubling trend coming even as the vaccine rollout continues to expand. opening up to older teenagers in states like west virginia. >> i was excited for myself to be vaccinated, but then as my children have had the opportunities, it just is light at the end of the tunnel. >> reporter: amid growing concern over the young, today, pfizer says in an early trial with children 12 to 15 years old, its vaccine shows 100% efficacy. it plans to soon submit data to the fda. roughly 90% of american adults will become eligible for a vaccine in three weeks, says the white house. vaccine hesitancy is dropping, according to polls, especially in the south and among

african-americans. >> we still have to just be very careful, as if this just started. >> reporter: more than 19 states are now reporting a rise in hospitalizations, prompting the cdc to call on governors to keep or reinstate covid restrictions. >> i encouraged all governors to include a mask mandate in their states. i would ask citizens to mask regardless of the mandate. >> reporter: in florida, where new cases are rising, spring break scenes like this followed the wide spread rollback of covid restrictions. governor ron desantis is vowing to blo screening customers based on their vaccination status, a so-called vaccine passport to entrance. >> we're not going to support any idea of a vaccine passport in florida. that's something that is not acceptable. >> reporter: this morning, the brewing battle over how to protect americans, as more become vaccinated and more test

positive for the virus. >> so, miguel, at the top you mentioned pfizer found its vaccine was 100% effective for children between the ages of 12 and 15. a lot of folks are going to be asking, when can teens start getting the shot? >> reporter: savannah, we know pfizer still needs to submit their data to the fda, and then after they do that, it'd need to be reviewed. potentially, down the road, that vaccine could be approved. we could be looking as early as the fall, perhaps a little later than that. savannah? >> miguel almaguer on the breaking news this morning, thank you. now to minneapolis, where the closely watched trial of former police officer derek chauvin is entering day three. yesterday's testimony both grip lg and emotional as a series of witnesses offered their accounts from the scene of george floyd's death. nbc's gabe gutierrez is at the courthouse for us. gabe, good morning. >> reporter: hoda, good morning. the testimony here has been emotional and compelling.

we are learning new details from we are learning new details from traumatized bystanders who witnessed george floyd's final moments. >> do you swear or affirm under penalty of perjury. >> reporter: this morning, genevieve hansen, a firefighter, is expected back on the stand, after providing dramatic testimony tuesday telling jurors she was stopped from giving medical assistance to george floyd when she first arrived at the scene off duty. >> when you couldn't do that, how did that make you feel? >> totally distressed. >> were you frustrated? >> yes. >> reporter: hansen, an emt, said she was rebuffed by the officers, as derek chauvin knelt on floyd's neck. >> there was a man being killed. i would have been able to provide medical attention to the best of my abilities. and this human was denied that right. >> reporter: but during cross-examination, hansen

clashed with chauvin's defense attorney who tried to point out inconsistencies. the judge rebuked you. >> you will not argue with the court. you will not argue with counsel. >> reporter: her testimony came after bystander, williams, a mixed martial arts fighter, held back tears as he listened to the 911 call. >> i did call the police on the police. >> all right. and why did you do that? >> because i believe i witnessed a murder. >> chauvin's defense team is arguing floyd died from underlying health conditions and drugs in his system. they've also tried to portray bystanders as an angry mob that diverted officers' attention. on tuesday four witnesses testified off camera because they were minors at the time. darnella frazier, now 18 shot the viral video of floyd's death that launched a national reckoning with social justice. >> it was like he knew, like he

knew it was over for him. he was terrified. he was suffering. >> frazier pushed back on the defense's account of the crowd saying she only raised her voice because she felt she had to. >> i have social anxiety, so it's really out of my comfort zone to really be that out person. >> for her, the trauma also cuts deep. >> when i look at george floyd, i look at -- i look at my dad. i look at my brothers. i look at my cousins, my uncles because they are all black. it's been nights i stayed up apologizing -- and apologizing to george floyd for not doing more and not physically interacting and not saving his

life. >> her testimony was gut wrenching to listen to, and it was not lost on many observers that george floyd likely wouldn't be a household name if not for that lengthy video she recorded. again, testimony is set to resume this morning with more from that minneapolis firefighter, hoda. >> all right, dave gutierrez for us there at the courthouse. thank you, gabe. now to troubling allegations that have florida republican congressman matt gaetz facing a federal investigation for sexual misconduct. nbc's sam brock has more on this story. sam, good morning. >> reporter: savannah, good morning. congressman gaetz represents parts of the florida panhandle. he's been in office for a number of years, elected in 2016. in d.c. he's known as a bit of a fire brand for frequent appearances on cable tv, criticizing democrats. according to the "new york times," this investigation was opened during the final months of the trump administration under then attorney general bill

barr. >> it is a horrible allegation, and it is a lie. >> reporter: this morning florida gop congressman matt gaetz on the defensive answering questions he was being investigated by the justice department over whether he had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old and paid for her to travel with him according to three people briefed on the matter. the "new york times," the times reporting that investigators are examining whether the 38-year-old congressman elected in 2017 violated federal sex trafficking laws which make it illegal to induce someone over 18 to travel across state lines in exchange for money or something of value. gaetz accusing others of plotting against him. >> what is happening is extortion of me and my family. a person demanded $25 million in exchange for making horrible sex trafficking allegations against me go away. you and i went to dinner about two years ago, your wife was there and i brought a friend of mine.

you'll remember her. and she was actually threatened by the fbi. >> i don't remember the woman you're speaking of or the context at all. >> reporter: but gaetz says that plot started last month while the actual investigation under him was opened by president trump. he said he was a subject in that investigation, not a target. >> this investigation began at the end of last summer, and it's been going on for more than six months. this is a serious investigation. >> reporter: the conservative congressman was an ally of mr. trump. attacking democrats, before the times story was released gaetz had reportedly considered leaving capitol hill for a tv pundit role. he released a statement denying the allegations saying in part no part of the allegations against me are true, and the targets of the ongoing extortion investigation. he told the times he has a suspicion that someone is trying to recategorize my generosity

towards ex-girlfriend as something untoward. >> tucker carlson called that interview one of the weirdest he has ever done. as for congressman gaetz he said the 17-year-old cite instead that investigation does not exist and he had no such relationship. that's the very latest, savannah, back to you. >> thank you very much. craig joins us now with another major story from washington. hoda, savannah, good morning. >> president biden will travel to pittsburgh today and he'll be unveiling a sweeping $2 trillion plan that's aimed at repairing and improving the nation's infrastructure, and with the white house signaling higher taxes for corporations and the wealthy to fund it, there's already pushback from both sides of the aisle. nbc's chief white house correspondent kristen welker has this one. >> good morning to you. president biden heads to pittsburgh today, he will tout that massive infrastructure plan you just talked about. the white house arguing it will strengthen the economy in the long run, but many republicans

and even some moderate democrats say the increased spending could hurt the recovery. president biden will make his pitch in pittsburgh today for a massive $2.25 trillion plan focused on infrastructure and jobs. according to a senior administration official, the plan would include could $650 billion to rebuild the country's roads, bridges an ports, hundreds of billions more to bolster the nation's manufacturing sector, electric grid and aging water systems, plus another 400 billion for seniors and those with disabilities. the president previewing his case last week. >> that used to be a great republican goal and initiative. i still think the majority of the american people don't like the fact that we are now ranked, what, 85th in the world in infrastructure? >> reporter: to pay for it, in part the president is proposing increasing the corporate tax rate from 21 to 28%.

top republicans say while they favor a narrow infrastructure package focused on rebuilding roads and bridges, they're ruling out higher taxes to pay for it. >> i'd love to do an infrastructure bill. i'm not interested in raising taxes across the board on america. i think it will send our economy in the wrong direction. >> reporter: but the white house says the increased revenue from taxes will actually promote economic growth. still adding to the partisan divisions, this new push is coming on the heels of a sweeping $1.9 trillion covid relief package that democrats passed without any republican support. the nation's deficit, which is projected to reach over $2 trillion this year is one of the highest since the 1940s. >> the motto of the biden administration is we can't spend too much, and at the rate they're going, we're going run out. >> we pressed the white house. could that jeopardize the economy in the long run? >> this is a moment to make

these investments to help families get back on their feet and to make generational investments in strengthening the middle class and reducing poverty in this country. >> reporter: now, this plan is also getting some pushback from progressive democrats who say it's not big enough. it will be an uphill fight to win over the ten senate republicans needed to pass this in the senate, which means that this could be yet another piece of legislation that breaks along party lines and only passes with democratic support if it passes at all. craig. >> chief white house correspondent kristen welker, thank you. time to switch gears, a lot more to get to including another thrilling night in college basketball. >> oh, yes. >> both the men's and the women's brackets now set after four more games added to what has been a stellar tournament. the night highlighted by an improbable run from one of the last teams to make the field on the men's side, the ucla bruins. hoda's pumping her fists there. here's nbc's kerry sanders this morning.

>> there's the catch, the shot, off the glass! no, it's over! >> reporter: overnight, a massive upset in the men's elite eight, 11 seed ucla stunning number 1 michigan. the bruins jumping for joy after a thrilling win led by star sophomore johnny juzang, the storied program back in the final four for the first time in over a decade. >> unbelievable heart, toughness, nobody picked us, nobody believed in us. >> reporter: earlier, gonzaga of the tournament's top seed moving one step closer to an undefeated season, blowing out usc. behind the strong play of sophomore drew timmy. >> you've got to be careful, kevin, something happened to one of the referees. >> early on, a scary scene, referee burt smith collapsing on the court, medical personnel rushing to help. smith was taken out on a

stretcher but thankfully did not need to be hospitalized. back on the floor, gonzaga's incredible chemistry, securing their spot in the final four. meanwhile, in the women's elite eight, taking center stage in the lone star state, number 1 south carolina, dominating texas. >> goes to the flip up and in! the gamecocks building a big lead and never looking back. >> drops it off for henderson. >> closing out the night, a slug fest between stanford and louisville. louisville was rolling early. >> smith lines it up and knocks down another 3. >> but top seeded stanford found their groove late. >> williams launches in a bomb! >> i'm just so happy we get to stay here and hopefully play two more games. i want two more games for the team. >> reporter: a fitting finale with all eyes now only final four. for "today," kerry sanders, nbc news. >> i mean, how -- wait a minute,

just look closely at the boxes and see if you see a ucla theme, savannah. >> there is a theme. >> unintentional. unintentional but -- >> unintentional? >> we have no idea. >> it could be a sign. >> or did we? >> first check of the weather, dylan, what do you got? >> you got your throwing arm ready? >> yes, i do. >> we've got winter weather, winter weather advisories along with the flood warnings and the flood watches, so yeah, the cold weather is coming although it is going to mostly -- that was a much better throw. >> thank you. >> it is going to stay across upstate new york. let's talk about the rain first. areas across tennessee do have to deal with a lot more rain, perhaps another couple to up to five inches of rain possible when all is said and done. we also have the chance of stronger storms, the slight risk area that includes parts of mississippi through north carolina where we could see winds up to 60 miles per hour, large hail and isolated tornados. it's all along this cold front. the heavier rain will make its way to the east coast later on today, and then tonight the cold air on the back side will change the rain over to some snow and

then it gets really cold thursday night into friday morning. we could see, again, about one to three inches of rain. wait for it because the snow forecast is coming. here it is, we are going to see perhaps up to eight to ten inches of snow. look, it's all -- it's all across -- we're good. >> stop throwing your script. >> that's a look at the weather across the country, we'll get to your local forecast in the next 30 seconds. good wednesday morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. beautiful sunrise over the south

bay on what will be a warm afternoon, at least it's cool now and get in those outdoor activities early in the day before we hit 83 degrees. we'll see a high of 84 in morgan hill and 85 in concord. for the north bay, we'll also reach into the low 80s and up to 82 today in san francisco. through the forecast, a couple of days of summer-like temperatures and then cooling down by the end of the week into the weekend. >> dylan, thank you. just ahead, new trouble for major biden. the first dog involved in a second biting incident what the white house is now saying about major's rough start in washington. >> hardy-har-har. plus, we're going to look back at the colorful life of g. gordon liddy, the mastermind behind the infamous watergate

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and medications including botulinum toxins as these may increase the risk of serious side effects. so, give that just saw a puppy look. and whatever that look is. look like you... with fewer lines. see results at botoxcosmetic.com good morning. i'm 7:26. i'm laura garcia. here is today's top stories including a massive vaccination expansion in the east bay. >> reporter: i'm bob redell in concord. today contra costa county the first bay area county offering vaccinations for anyone 16 years of age and up, regardless of your underlying condition or what your occupation is. behind me, later this morning you can see the city of concord along with the county health department and kaiser will be opening up a mass vaccination site, the hurricane harbor six flags, by appointment only and again, supply is clearly not an issue here in contra costa

county, whereas in other counties who have not been able to open up the eligibility like they're doing here today. >> reporter: i'm kris sanchez in san jose, where the al fresco program will continue through the end of theyear. the city council voted to extend that outdoor dining even allowing more than 100 businesses to continue using city-owned property for free. indoor dining is ramping up in all orange tier counties which now include alameda. wine tasting rooms, bowling alleys can open at 25% capacity. indoor capacity increases for dining and movie theaters and places of worship. napa is still on hold in the red. good day to head outside. kari has a look at our forecast. >> yes, starting out nice and cool, but it will be warming up and quickly today, in fact some of us will be near some record highs. as we get a look at concord, the forecast is 85 degrees but the record is 82, and san francisco we may tie the record high temperature with oakland

reaching 80, the record is 81 and san jose today's forecast 83 degrees. we will gradually cool off as we head into the weekend. laura? >> we'll look forward to that. thanks, kari. thank you for joining us as well. another update in half an hour.

we're back at 7:30 with the queen's return to in-person royal duties. she stepped out this morning to honor the royal australian air force. a rare public engagement in the pandemic. it is her first, by the way, in a while since harry and meghan's bombshell interview. it's nice to see her. she looks great, as always. >> yes. >> dressed for spring. >> indeed. let's get started this half hour with your headlines this morning. we're getting our first look inside the overcrowded border detention facility in donna, texas, where over 3,000 unaccompanied migrant children are being held. the biden administration allowing journalists inside for

the first time. video shows the children lying opt floor with a thin foil blankets in some cases. no covid tests are given unless a child shows symptoms. the children are supposed to be processed and sent to shelters within 72 hours, but dozens have been there for at least 15 days because the shelters have no space. new satellite pictures taken just yesterday, raising concerns about north korea's nuclear program. the pictures show smoke rising from the country's main nuclear plant. experts say it appears kim jong-un's regime is about to make more nuclear bombs, or already has. this all comes just days after north korea tested two short-range ballistic missiles. president biden said at the time the u.s. would respond if pyongyang chose to escalate. turning to football and big news from the nfl. the league announcing on tuesday the team owners have approved a plan to expand the regular season to 17 games. the nfl played a 16-game schedule since 1978.

one other change to note, teams will play three preseason games instead of four. that new schedule will start this fall. >> more is better. >> yeah. >> we're on the side of that. a lot of people are interested in this new trouble at the white house for the president's dog, major. >> just out of the doghouse for nipping a secret service agent, he's been involved in a second biting incident. nbc's white house correspondent kelly o'donnell joins us with more on this one. kelly's on the beat. hey, kelly. >> reporter: morning to all of you. you've got to think the treat jar is off limits at the moment. the official word here is these two incidents did not cause injury or break the skin, and both involve people working here at the white house. a bone of contention around the white house. a second biting incident. all seemed fine monday when the president's 3-year-old german shepherd, major, was out for a walk on the south lawn. major got in minor trouble again.

major is adjusting to his new surroundings, and he nipped someone while on a walk. the office of the first lady added out of an abundance of caution, the individual was seen by the white house medical unit and then returned to work without injury. the first dog's transition here has been in the spotlight. >> i've been obsessed with getting our dogs settled because we have an old dog and we have a very young dog. getting everybody settled and calm. >> reporter: earlier this month, major nipped a secret service agent's hand. the president quick to defend his pal. >> major did not bite someone and penetrate the skin, and the dogs are being trained now our trainer is at home in delaware >> reporter: back in december, major's roughhousing ways were part of a video christmas card he was also collared for a tripping incident. >> i was joking, running after him to grab his tail

>> reporter: that left mr. biden with a broken foot in a boot >> our pets have been such a source of joy and comfort. >> reporter: major and 12-year-old champ are beloved members of the first family. with walk-in privileges to the oval office. the white house would not say if more training is due, but last week, said the dogs would be on the move >> dogs will come and go, and it will not be uncommon for them to head back to delaware on occasion, as the president and first lady often do, as well >> reporter: i've checked, and major is here at the white house this morning living here has been a big change people familiar with major and champ say that back home in delaware, the family house is far more quiet, with fewer people around. here, there are many new faces, and lots of people who pop up in the dog's space. for now, it seems, major needs his own press aides. we'll be staying on top of it.

>> he has a lot of air time. he does need his own press person >> crisis communicator right now. >> major doesn't want to live at the white house. he wants to live in delaware. >> he wants to be free, is that what you think >> let him go back to delaware. >> it is washington. the cat is probably out to get him. >> yeah. >> exactly. >> a lot happening. coming up next, speaking of washington, andrea mitchell is going to look back at the life of one of the most notorious figures in the history of american politics, g. gordon liddy, the architect of the watergate burglarly. but first these messages allergic reactions can occur. get help right away for swelling of face, mouth, tongue, or trouble breathing. infections that can cause shingles have occurred. don't stop steroids unless told by your doctor. tell your doctor if you have a parasitic infection. may cause headache, injection-site reactions, back pain, and fatigue. ask your doctor about nucala. find your nunormal with nucala. if it looks like an f-150, tows like an f-150, hauls like an f-150, thinks like an f-150

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we are back 7:39 now with the death of an infamous figure in american politics >> g. gordon liddy, the mastermind behind the watergate burglary, leading to president nixon's resignation, has died at 90 andrea mitchell has a look back at his life. andrea, good morning. >> reporter: good morning to you. g. gordon liddy was the colorful, famously unrepentant head of richard nixon's cloak and dagger operations. he planned that bungled watergate burglary that eventually led to nixon's ouster he was richard nixon's leading dirty trickster, and proud of it g. gordon liddy was the main architect of the burglary that led to the 37th president's downfall an army veteran and former fbi agent, liddy headed up a group of nixon operatives known as the plumbers, targeting the president's political opponents. in june 1972, he supervised the bungled break-in at the

democratic national committee headquarters at the watergate office complex >> five men were arrested early saturday morning while trying to install eavesdropping equipment at the democratic national committee. >> reporter: liddy, monitoring the burglary from across the street, evaded police. later recalling his return home. >> my wife woke up when i went into the bedroom, and i said, something like things didn't go well today i think i'm going to have to go to jail. went to bed and fell asleep. >> reporter: watergate led to investigations, indictments, and ultimately richard nixon's resignation from office. liddy, the only one of the conspirators who refused to cooperate with investigators, was convicted of conspiracy, burglary, and wiretapping, serving more than 4 1/2 years in prison, longer than any other watergate figure he later reinvented himself as an author, publishing a memoir and reflecting on his notoriety with john palmer here on "today".

>> you've cashed in on watergate, haven't you >> on the abilities that watergate enabled me to exploit. >> reporter: even trying his hand as an actor, guest-starring on "miami vice." >> you can't stop the inevitable >> reporter: decades later, diving into reality tv on "celebrity fear factor." >> didn't you burn your hand with a candle to prove you could endure pain? >> actually, it was a cigarette lighter. >> reporter: 1992, he began a two-decade run as a fire brand talk radio show host >> the liberals enjoyed this monopoly on public opinion >> reporter: to the end, he was unrepentant, telling katie couric i with the prosecution at all? >> absolutely not. one does not do that, period >> reporter: overnight, liddy's son told nbc news that his family is just grateful that his father lived a long and interesting life, and that he is at peace now, reunited with his

wife in heaven savannah >> all right andrea mitchell, thank you very much. it is 7:42 how about a check of the weather? >> let's look at the temperatures we are going to see. it is going to get awfully chilly behind this cold front. it is still going to hang on to the 60s and 70s on the east coast. look how chilly it is in chicago. 43 degrees for a high today. 53 in cincinnati this cold air is going to move eastward, especially as we get toward friday. morning, we'll likely break low temperature records. in the afternoon we're only going to top out in the mid to upper 30s for most detroit, 39. up to 48 on friday new york city, it's the flip side friday is colder, so we'll be at 43 degrees for a high temperature. we just have to get through friday things will take a turn going into the weekend look at this, chicago is up into the 70s by the time we get to easter sunday. cincinnati, 71 buffalo, 62 on monday. a round of applause, yes hartford, 64 degrees. >> kudos, too, girl. >> yay

good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. taking a look at our high temperatures today, it's going to feel more like summer across the bay area. we'll reach into the mid 80s for the inland valleys and even warmer tomorrow, but then after that, we start to cool down from friday into the weekend, it's going to be a nice spring-like weekend for easter sunday, reaching 69 degrees, and a chance of showers in the forecast by early next week, as we cool down to the mid-60s in san francisco, will go back to the 50s. >> and that's your late forecast. >> dylan, thank you. coming up next, a pending invasion that's been looming underground for 17 years >> yes, because we don't have enough to worry about. tom costello has everything you need to know about the billions of noisy cicadas that are about to emerge across more than a dozen states that's right it's happening, right after this can dramatically improve symptoms...

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welcome back sheinelle is here, as we turn our attention to a once in a generation event. >> another one. >> half a generation >> cicadas, billions of them, are getting ready to make their presence felt. they've been hidden for more than a decade, but they will not be making a quiet entry. >> nbc's tom costello with a closer look at what we can expect oh, tom. >> reporter: yeah, love this stuff. listen, if you live in the midwest or mid-atlantic, here they come. we are talking about a horror movie of bugs. we're just waiting for the ground to warm up to 64 degrees. when that happens, they're going to start climbing up out of the soil, sowing their wild oats, and singing their song it sounds like an alien invasion rather than advancing from above, this one is brewing just beneath the surface. preparing to reach a climactic pitch in the coming weeks. cicadas set to emerge after spending years in their own

underground quarantine >> this is just four of the billions, maybe trillions of cicadas that will be up and out of the ground in just about a month. >> reporter: university of maryland professor michael ralph, better known as the bug guy, says this particular group is special known as brood-x, these periodical insects put on their show throughout much of the mid-atlantic and the midwest, just once every 17 years >> they're going to be loud. remember, hey, these are teenagers. it's going to be a big boy band in the treetop. >> reporter: but with this boy band, the screaming sound comes from the male performers, and this is a cay -- cicada pa loo sa will be noisy similar to a jet aircraft going overhead a lot has changed since brood-x's parent appeared in 2004 four different presidents, three different spider men, and much like these real bugs, smartphones and social media

were just in their infancy >> we want people to go out and enjoy the cicadas. this is a once in a generation thing. >> reporter: gene krinsky worked with students to develop an app to track the mysterious creatures. >> this is a way to help scientists figure out where cicadas are and maybe protect them from the future >> reporter: joe and melanie are tying the knot in may, planning a small ceremony and, because of covid, an outdoor backyard reception. now, considering what to do about potential unexpected guests. >> don't want them to land all over me when we're getting married. >> reporter: whether you focus on the ick or the x-factor, prepare for a spectacular show. >> it's going to have birth. it's going to have death it's going to have romance in the tree tops. it's going to be better than an episode of "game of thrones" when it comes along. >> reporter: i love this guy great interview every time we do

this story listen, they'll start popping up in mid to late may and stick around until mid to late june. then what happens after they mate is that the females lay the eggs the adults die, and then all those eggs go underground. i'm going to be back here in 2038 doing the same bloody story about the cicadas coming out of the ground again, guys back to you. >> tom costello. >> i thought it was a longer period of time. >> me too. >> only one month. >> we love the bug guy, too. we only hear from him only every 17 years. >> what's next, frogs? a plague locusts are coming >> my favorite line is boy band in the trees coming up on "pop start," we are your excl at "people's" beautiful issue. first, your local news ncing.

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kohl's. good morning. it's 7:56. i'm laura garcia. here is a look at what's happening now. >> good morning everyone. i'm scott mcgrew. president biden will be in pittsburgh to talk about his new infrastructure plan. this is more expensive than the coronavirus stimulus plan and would build bridges and roads and schools and all kinds of things, both parties agree on, but republicans worry about how to pay for it all. i'm bob redell in concord. today contra costa county the first bay area county offering vaccinations for anyone 16 years of age and up, regardless of your underlying condition or what your occupation is. behind me later this morning, you can see the city of concord along with the county health department and kaiser will be opening up a mass vaccination

site, this is near hurricane harbor six flags, this is by appointment only and supply is clearly not an issue here in contra costa county, where it is in other counties who have not been able to open up the eligibility like we're doing here today. good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. as we take a look at our temperatures today, across the bay area, really ramping up and we'll see those highs reaching into the low to mid 80s today, with a light wind and a lot of sunshine. some of us may set some records and we'll do it all over again tomorrow, but cooler weather's in the forecast headed into the weekend and possibility sop showers early next week. laura? >> all right, another update in half an hour. hope to see you then.

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it's 8:00 on "today. coming up, dose of hope. breaking overnight, pfizer reveals its vaccine appears to be 100% effective on kids as young as 12. the promising news as officials race to get americans vaccinated and fight off a possible fourth wave >> we cannot let our guards down >> we're live with the latest. then, best kept secret we'll introduce you to an incredible group of catholic sisters, risking their lives to save vulnerable women and girls around the world. >> human trafficking is everywhere if you live in small town iowa,

and there is a highway going through town, it's everywhere. airports, train depots, bus depots, take your pick. >> just ahead, they'll give us a rare look inside their battle. plus, thank you, next. ariana grande announces she'll be joining "the voice" as a new coach. who is she replacing we have the details. ♪ and i'll rise up ♪ just around the corner from long-awaited hugs. >> you get a hug you get a hug. everybody gets a hug >> to sporting events. ♪ i'll rise up ♪ >> cardboard cut-out. >> and travel. >> we're ready to roll. >> we asked what you're most looking forward to we'll reveal the wish list that's giving us all a great amount of hope today, wednesday, march 31st, 2021 ♪ i need you to hold on ♪ >> hi, savannah and hoda it is a special day in saratoga springs, new york. it is sophie's first birthday. >> happy birthday, sophie. >> hi, dad. >> hello. >> congratulations on your retirement.

>> love you. >> whoo! ♪ everything you need to say ♪ >> this spring we're celebrating. >> 15 years of marriage. >> a high school graduation. >> and it's my birthday. >> oh, yeah. >> lots to celebrate. >> a party there welcome back to "today" and wednesday, we're glad to have you with us. >> sure are. >> lots to get to this morning, too. it is a busy one the news at 8:00 we're going to start with the covid pandemic and the race between vaccinations and a possible fourth surge. 30 states are recording a rise in new cases the white house is urging states to maintain or reinstate mask mandates and other covid restrictions in the meantime, pfizer announced overnight promising, new data in adolescent vaccine trials in children 12 to 15 yea its vaccine shows 100% efficacy, according to the company pfizer plans to submit data to the fda as soon as possible. the biden administration is announcing new action aimed at

combating the troubling wave of anti-asian violence nationwide it comes on the heels of another disturbing attack caught on camera here in new york. nbc's jo ling kent joins us with more jo, good morning. >> reporter: hoda, good morning. it's been called a hate crime assault, causing more pain in our asian-american community that awful video showing a woman being brutally beaten, while others stood by and did nothing. overnight, some relief police announcing a new arrest in the case. i want to warn you, the video you're about to see is disturbing overnight, police in new york city arresting the man they say was caught on surveillance video, brutally attacking a 65-year-old asian woman in midtown manhattan. the suspect identified as 38-year-old brandon elliott, now charged with felony hate crime he's accused of violently kicking the woman to the ground and stomping on her head, all while shouting anti-asian statements, according to police. the attacker then seen walking

away, as security guards at a nearby building stand and watch. >> the most painful part of that video was watching that man don't do the same thing. >> reporter: the biden administration now launching new efforts to curb the growing violence, committing $50 million to help aapi survivors of violence and assault, and $33 million more for studying violence and xenophobia. garland saying the justice department will conduct an expedited 30-day review. the disturbing wave of anti-asian violence in all corners of the country has law enforcement experts concerned about copycat incidents. >> there are those who are out there doing it because they're seeing others do it, because it

is getting the attention that it's been getting, and that is contributing to the numbers of crimes that we're seeing >> reporter: on the ground, young leaders and local communities are speaking out, fueling new hope. >> i learned that we can make a difference >> reporter: like 12-year-old korean-american fidore, who organized a rally here in california bringing more than a thousand people together to demonstrate against anti-asian hate >> it is unfair it is happening and, yeah, it makes me very sad and upset about this yeah, i just wanted to do something. >> reporter: what's your goal, what's your hope >> raising awareness also raising youth voices, for them not to be afraid to stand up for themselves and other people >> reporter: now, in all of this hate, mina was so inspiring to talk to. she told me she first started organizing last year after a family member of hers was coughed on in public she wanted to do something to make a difference. meanwhile, in new york, the management of that apartment building where the attack

occurred, they say the staffers who witnessed it and stood by and did nothing have now been suspended, pending an investigation. guys >> back to mina, go, mina, go. great interview. jo, thank you. to colorado now. the emotional, final farewell to police officer eric talley, the officer killed in the line of duty trying to stop the mass shooting at a boulder grocery store. nbc's erin mclaughlin has more ♪ >> reporter: it was a farewell fit for a fallen hero, a somber procession of more than 500 first responders here to remember the life of eric talley and reflect on aove. [ gunshots ] >> reporter: as gunfire rang out, talley rushed into the store. the first officer to go in, and the last victim to be killed >> officer eric talley answered a call for help, in which he knew people were dying he saved lives >> reporter: his father, homer,

says he wasn't surprised when he heard of talley's bravery, because that's just who he was >> he grew into a man that a father could only hope to have all the hype and things you hear about, it's not embellished. it's absolutely true >> reporter: talley was also a "star wars" fan who appreciated a good board game. a devoted husband and father, his family says he was called to serve. ten years ago, he left a lucrative job in i.t. to join the boulder police force talley made local headlines for saving a flock of ducklings. to his seven children, he was an unsung hero. christmas 2019, they wrote him a poem, reading in part, dad, our unsung hero, may the angels watch over you and guard you on your way may god bless and protect you and bring you home each day. talley won't be returning home, and he's no longer their unsung

hero, but the country's, now celebrated for his selfless sacrifice. erin mclaughlin, nbc news, lafayette, colorado. >> our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the talley family by the way, he was so enthusiastic about his job, apparently, he used to call his supervisors, you know, like 20 times a day. the supervisor finally said, officer talley, ten times max. you can call me ten times max. >> the poem by the children was touching and beautiful. >> i know. we want to take a moment and tell you about a prestigious honor given to our own lester holt lester was presented last night with the edward r. murrow lifetime chaeachievement award m washington state university. it is individuals whose career exemplifies that of murrow in his acceptance speech, lester offered advice to young, aspiring journalists

>> our duty is to be fair to the truth. holding those in power accountable is at the core of our function and responsibility. we need to hear our leaders' views, their policies, and reasoning. it is really important we have to stand ready to push back and call out falsehoods >> lester was originally scheduled to receive the award actually last march, but the event was postponed due to the pandemic now, there will be no living with lester in the halls of nbc news. >> that's right. you got it. >> mr. holt, sir. >> well deserved. >> proud of him. >> would you all like a boost? >> yes, please. >> a woman was celebrating her 89th birthday, right her daughter took her out for a nice italian dinner. what she did not know was that the waiter serving them was her son dressed up in disguise the two hadn't seen each other in more than two years watch what happens when her daughter presents her brother, toby, calling to wish mom a happy birthday take a listen. >> toby wants to say hi to ya. >> hi, son >> hi, mom

>> hi. >> ah! >> happy birthday, mom >> can you take it >> no. >> that's a good one. >> needless to say, she was surprised. i mean, what a moment. what a moment. >> i could watch that on repeat. look at them >> that's a good one. >> beautiful. >> that was a good one. >> yes. >> man, that goes in the boost hall of fame doing the boosties this year that's the first nominee. coming up next, "keeping the faith" from this holy week of easter the catholic sisters hitting the streets, fighting to save the world's most vulnerable women and girls. cynthia mcfadden shares their cynthia mcfadden shares their eye-opening stories, right after once daily sunosi improves wakefulness in adults with excessive daytime sleepiness due to obstructive sleep apnea.

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we are back. 8:15 our "keeping the faith" series, our special series as the world celebrates the holy week of easter >> this morning, an astonishing story involving tens of thousands of catholic sisters. they've given their lives to god, and many are now risking their lives to fight a crime that preys on the most vulnerabilities. >> cynthia mcfadden has the story of the sisters working mostly in the shadows, until now. good morning. >> reporter: good morning, everyone it is a painful topic, human trafficking. the estimates are 40 million

people around the world bought and sold, made worse this past year because of the pandemic and the enormous increase in worldwide poverty. now, it is an enormous problem, but this group of catholic sisters is determined to bring an end to it they often put their own lives at risk to do this work, and this morning, they give us a rare look at their front lines >> every day, we had to have a quota, how much money we have to make if we don't, we'll stay out there until we get it. >> reporter: leslie king knows this stretch of grand rapids, michigan, well. >> i used to stand on this corner >> reporter: she worked here nearly 20 years. >> every time i got into one of them cars, it was a 50/50 chancs me i tell people to look at my eyes there's nothing there. they're empty. i'm slowly sliding into darkness >> reporter: a slide that began when she was just a child.

abused by a cousin, tricked into prostitution by an older man when she was only 15 >> told me if i run, if i tell the police, they were going to kill my mother i tried to commit suicide. i didn't know any other way out. there was no hope. there was no hope whatsoever >> reporter: how she made it out alive is nothing short of a miracle. some might say one of the catholic church's best kept secrets. >> very invisible work >> reporter: since before the pandemic, we've been on a journey in grand rapids, michigan, to the slums of india, all the way to the vatican to lift a ventilator on a little known group of tens of thousands of religious sisters in 92 countries who have dedicated themselves to ending human trafficking and other forms of

modern day slavery >> human trafficking is buying and selling of human beings. usually women and young girls, sometimes children >> looks a bit seedy >> reporter: we're the first journalists the sisters have allowed to document their work >> human trafficking is everywhere if you live in small town iowa, there's a highway going through town, it's everywhere. airports, train depots, bus depots, take your pick >> reporter: this is a mighty grubby business you and the other sisters are involved in. it's not something that i think you think right away that nuns are going to be involved in the fight against sex trafficking. >> i think people are surprised. if you want people to understand the urgency of the problem, you can't be tiptoeing around it >> reporter: sister jean christensen in kansas city, missouri, has been a sister of mercy for nearly 60 years. >> locomotives wrapped in velvet. >> reporter: 60,000 sisters

involved >> it's amazing. you look at them, and you know you are one with them. >> reporter: their work takes many forms a train station in northern india just before the pandemic, sister rose and her team are racing to help a young girl she fears is about to fall for an old trick. >> they just follow somebody who invites them with a promise of a job. in the process, they may be sold to someone else. if you get into trouble, they just met on the way. >> reporter: sister rose warns the man, but he scoffs at her. >> i know i'm a simple nun, a small one. i can do very little, not even a drop in the ocean. >> reporter: but her efforts and those of the other sisters are being noticed at the highest levels of the vatican. before the pandemic, we were invited to join hundreds of sisters for a meeting with pope francis himself, who urged these

women to keep fighting [ speaking foreign language >> reporter: the work can be dangerous. sister marquez takes us through some of her neighborhood's old bro brothels, which the sisters helped shutter a few years ago, this was home to a booming sex trade >> we were assaulted by a man over there >> reporter: she shows us where a man threw her to the ground. >> were you dressed like this? >> yeah. >> he assaulted you? >> yes he fold me like this >> reporter: just then, she sees the man again. he's listening from only a few feet away. >> i don't get frightened. >> reporter: she went over to him. >> hi, alex, how are you >> reporter: asked how he was, and whether she'd see him in church on sunday >> and i love you, you're my

brother. >> that is a woman of faith. faith and courage and forgiveness. tough, really, really tough. >> oh, yeah, they're very tough. >> reporter: which brings us back to leslie king. 20 years ago, she was rescued from these streets by a group of sisters. >> they were willing to die for somebody if they had to. they weren't afraid. i mean, you got pimps from every city out there, and they didn't care okay, here we go >> reporter: she's trying to pay it forward back on these same streets with her own organization, assisting other women looking for a way out. >> when you get tired, call me >> okay. >> so i can come get you. >> reporter: inspired by the sisters who saved her and tens of thousands of others around the world. >> they didn't give up on me, no matter what i did.

they're a very brave bunch >> reporter: locomotives wrapped in velvet indeed human trafficking is, of course, a very profitable business the estimates are up to $150 billion a year much of that money goes to terrorist groups, armed groups, and organized crime. you know, the pope, as you saw, is very enthusiastically supporting the sisters' efforts. he has made human trafficking and modern day slavery one of his top priorities you know, we certainly hope this is just the beginning of our journeys with these sisters. they've invited us to countries around the world to witness their work, both in the sex trade and also children who are forced into working free and in various sweatshops around the world. final note, since it is faith week, maybe you wonder what thes well, it is from the book of mark

in aramaic, it means, "maiden, i say unto you, arise. >> wow. >> the bravery and courage, watching that nun face that man a second time was just amazing to be fearless with it, wow. >> cynthia, that was wonderful faith and works. >> they're extraordinary >> thanks, cynthia let us get a check of the weather from dylan good morning >> good morning again. and it is going to be a bit stormy across the southeast today, isolated strong storms, gusty winz and an isolated tornado or two possible. that rain makes its way to the rest of the east coast later on this afternoon into this evening, and then it good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. a live look outside in san francisc a very warm day. we'll reach into the low 80s in the mission district and downtown, but as we head into the east bay we will also see very warm temperatures for this time of year. a little bit of a touch of summer for today and tomorrow

and then we go back to spring by friday, into the weekend we'll see more seasonable weather and a chance of rain early next week. >> and that's your latest forecast >> all right, thank you so much. sheinelle has "pop start," but first -- >> we have a lot. >> you have exciting news. >> we have a special announcement about a member of our own family my buddy, dylan. she wrote a book >> yay >> i'll give you the set-up, then i'll toss you the ball. "misty the cloud, it is a very stormy day," will be the first in a series of emotional learning picture books for children dylan, want to talk about it >> i am exploding. this has been something that's ten years in the making. brian and i came up with the idea, and it's finally here. misty is a cloud she and her friends are going through all the things our kids are going through. when misty has a really bad day, her day turns into a giant thunderstorm in fact, everyone around here, including folks on the ground

like claire, whose baseball game just got rained out, so now claire is as grumpy as misty up in the sky it is a sweet story about kids understanding emotions, learning to deal with their emotions, how it impacts those around them because it is set to the backdrop of weather, of course, the back few pages, perfect for teachers in the classroom. it is all about the weather, what causes a thunderstorm, experiments you can do at home and in classrooms. >> so clever and brilliant, what a wonderful idea. >> thank you. >> so excited. >> it is the perfect metaphor, and you were the messenger for it >> thank you doesn't come out until september 14th you can preorder now. >> when i first met dylan seven, eight years ago, she said, i'm kicking around this idea that was almost seven, eight years ago. >> yeah. it's been a long time coming i'm just so proud it is final ly here. >> we're proud of you. >> thank you. >> "misty the cloud," heard it here first. >> dream come true. sheinelle, "pop start" >> i'm telling you it's a busy morning. >> everyone thought what britney spears thought about the documentary exploring her life she's talking about it we'll have it.

reason for hope. the touching messages you sent us after we asked what you were looking forward to after the pandemic first, your local news good morning. 8:26. i'm marcus washington. san francisco leaders today plan to cheer up some of the confusion about what can and cannot be open in the orange tier. a webinar scheduled for this afternoon will clarify the rules for large and indoor gatherings. bars in the city are still only allowed to operate outdoors. and if you have to operate outdoors today. it's not a bad day to do it. meteorologist kari hall is here with a look at the forecast. >> lunch is going to be very nice and comfortable, but dinner may be a little warm outside as our temperatures ramp up

quickly. we're seeing a lot of sunshine right now in san jose and take a look at these highs that may set some new records reaching up to 83 degrees there and we may set a new record in concord, reaching 85 degrees and san francisco in the low 80s today. as we go through the forecast we will have some warm weather tomorrow as well and then it does cool off for friday into the weekend and we'll see some highs coming back into springlike weather and we may be watching out for a chance of rain early next week while san francisco will go from the 50s to the 60s. mark us? >> thanks, kari. we'll have another news update coming up in 30 minutes. i'll see you back here then.

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go, go, go, go ♪ >> oh, my gosh >> oh! >> nana. >> yeah. >> doesn't it make you feel good

>> yes. >> just a little sample of the #backtogethertoday videos you've been sending to us, sharing those first embraces and hugs, celebrations mostly after vaccination we want to show them #backtogethertoday. >> we love it. >> if you haven't gotten your hug yet, doesn't it make you feel like it is right there? >> always hearing that, you imagine your hugs coming hopefully one day. >> sheinelle is like -- >> i'm seriously crying. >> you have to do "pop start." >> by the way, this is a tear-jerker, too besides the hugs and kisses, we asked you to share what you're looking forward to the most when it is safe to gather again with friends and family we got so many responses some were sweet, some were silly. we're going to share some favorites ahead. >> so good lace up and get moving, we have women's health put together hundreds of different items to the test we'll reveal the top kicks for 2021 >> they're also available for men, too.

all those shoes are available for men. >> yup, we'll get to that. by the way, we have a special guest with us who we cannot wait to chat with on the third hour in a few minutes. there he is, christopher maloney, up early. he is going to tell us about that long-awaited return as the detective on "law and order suv," and his spin-off, as well. good to see him up so early. we're excited for an interview wech co we have cominp tomorrow idris elba is going to join us live to talk about his new urban western drama called "concrete cowboy." it is a heartwarming tale of a father and son. >> that's tomorrow on "today." right now, a last check of the weather for this hour. >> yes it will get better as soon as we get through the end of the week for the east coast we do, though, have tomorrow morning, freeze warnings and freeze watches for 30 million people tonight into tomorrow morning, we are looking at this mainly impacting the plants that started growing and blooming with the recent warmer weather those could be in jeopardy for tomorrow morning as temps drop below freezing kansas city, 29. st. louis, 30. we are just going to see even colder wind chills, too, when you factor in some of the, i'd

say, breezier conditions we'll see tomorrow morning today, we do have severe storms possible across the southeast. isolated tornadoes a possibility. really, it's more of the wind gusts over 60 miles per hour the rain hits the east coast later this afternoon much colder behind that front. we're also looking at very dry conditions with santa ana winds out in the southwest bumping up temperatures quite a bit ou . good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. so we are in for some very warm weather today. it will feel more like summer as we reach into the mid-80s and the same tomorrow in our inland valleys up to 87 degrees and then we cool down heading into the weekend. easter will feel more like spring with highs near 70 degrees and right behind that we'll see a chance of rain in the forecast with highs in the lower 60s. san francisco reaching 80 today and then 50s for next week.

all right. welcome back on this wednesday morning. sheinelle is here. carson is off. that means "pop start. >> a thick packet. first up, "people" magazine, a first look inside "people's" beautiful issue. this special edition highlights more than 100 women, showcasing different types of beauty. here's the big reveal. on the cover this year is chrissy teigen you see her there with her daughter, luna, son, myles inside the issue, she opens up about her marriage with john legend, raising their children, and where she finds her shoutout this morning to another honoree in the beautiful issue, our very own jenna bush hager. >> oh, i'm sorry. >> posing in a oscar de la renta

coat she wore, listen to this, 16 years ago to her father's presidential inauguration. jenna said it doesn't fit the same, but that's beautiful i've had three babies that fill me up more than a size 4 jacket ever could >> oh. >> so great. >> congratulations to all of the women being honored. you can pick up the newest issue of "people" magazine on newsstands this friday. >> jenna is so humble, nobody here knew that >> no idea. >> incredible. >> no one knew. >> goodness gracious kansas coming out. next up, britney spears. the pop icon is breaking her silence on that eye-opening docu-series. "the new york times" presents "framing britney." it gives a look at the meteoric rise of her fame and treatment by the paparazzi and her controversial con ver tor -- conservatorship. on instagram, she wrote, my life has been speculated and judged i didn't watch the documentary, but from what i did see from it, i was embarrassed by the light they put me in she goes on to say, i cried for two weeks and, well, still cry

sometimes. i'm not here to be perfect perfect is boring. i'm here to pass on kindness these comments mark her first public reaction to the documentary that has really reignited the conversation surrounding conservatorship that she's been under since 2008. some fans speculating in the comments that britney may not have been the one to write the post the singer is currently in the process of trying to remove her father, jamie spears, from the conservatorship order. the next hearing is april 27th praying for her. tough time. now to ariana grande, she made an announcement yesterday she is joining "the voice as a coach for the next season. she'll be taking over for nick jonas in season 21, writing on twitter, i am beyond thrilled, honored, excited to be joining kelly clarkson, john legend, and blake shelton next season. nick jonas, we will miss you although this will be grande's first time in the coach's chair,

she is no stranger to "the voice" stage fans might remember this knockout performance from the season ten finale, alongside former coach christina aguilera. listen to this ♪♪ ♪ ♪ makes you feel like a dangerous woman ♪ >> the woman has talent. get ready for team ariana. >> she can sing. >> can't she finally, "game of thrones. guess what the fantasy book series turned hbo mega-hit is headed for the stage. >> what? >> the "hollywood reporter" announcing yesterday that author george r.r. martin is developind an event in the "game of thrones" universe 16 years before the first book. without giving any specific details away, the play's description notes many of the most iconic characters will be featured in the new production that is set to hit broadway, the

west end, and australia. this news comes weeks after, of of thrones" spin-off series. it is a pretty good time to be a "game of thrones" fan. "game of thrones" on broadway. >> let's get broadway back. >> good shot in the arm for broadway straight ahead, the editor in chief of "women's health" is walking us through picks for the spring's hottest sneakers. must-haves for women and men want to save hundreds on your wireless bill? with xfinity mobile, you can. how about saving hundreds on the new samsung galaxy s21 ultra 5g? you can do that too. all on the most reliable network? sure thing! and with fast, nationwide 5g included - at no extra cost?

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we are back with today's style. with nicer weather around the corner, right, dylan, one thing we know will be hot this year is sneakers. >> yeah. "women's health" took dozens of options out for a test drive they came back with a list of >> close enough.

>> is here to walk us through the winners. >> all right, and check out the corner of the screen we have our trusty qr code so you can shop right along with us liz, good morning to you >> good morning. it's great to be here. this is, like, my favorite time of year, and it is not just because of the awesome weather that's coming, dylan it is also because we announce all of the winners for our annual sneaker awards. so we have been testing hundreds of pairs, the editors of "women's health" overed past year we went to our favorite trainers and had them road test dozens of pairs. the results of all of that is a list of 50 of the best of the best across all different categories i am happy to report these are available for both women as well as men today, we're going to talk about three categories that i know everyone is looking forward to doing more and more as the days get sunnier and warmer, which is walking, cross-training, and running. >> let's start with the walking shoe folks are ready to get out. >> absolutely.

two of the favorites amongst our staff are the allbirds tree runners, as well as the skechers sport glide. these are both awesome shoes i'll start off by talking about this pair from allbirds. i basically consider these slippers with a super supportive, cushy sole i wear them around my apartment. they've been my go-to shoe in the pandemic if you have a step goal, this will help you achieve it so comfy they are made of sustainable material just an all around awesome shoe. next, i want to talk about the skechers they look so cool. i don't know if you can see, you can, great, this triangular, geometric shape in the sole. it looks cool, yes, but also serves a technic inject a little momentum into walking.ngle step you take >> let's move on to the shoes you can wear all day, the trainersthat category >> we have two awesome cross-trainers to talk about today. the first is from hoka, called the cavu 3 i'm also going to share a little

about the metcon 3 from nike so let's start with this pair from hoka one one. it looks like a "one" on your screen, but that's how they pronounce their brand name they also make cross trainers. these are super supportive and stable for strength and weight training workouts. what my favorite feature is is how incredibly lightweight they are. i wish you could feel these at home they weigh less than 7 ounces. feels like a feather in my hand. they give you tons of support. >> great. >> next up is the nike metcon 3. when we went out to trainers to ask for their favorites and thoughts and feelings on all different shoes, time and time again, we heard the metcon 3 was a winner the great thing about these is really in its sole in the forefoot, you have this really flexible material that allows you to take quick, fast steps if you're doing agility drills or plyometrics. in the base of the foot, you've

got a wider area, and you have lots of traction to give you extra stability, whether you're doing dead lifts, any sort of activity it is great for that. >> how about running shoes which ones go the miles? >> i'm excited, it is that time of year we can think about 5ks, 10ks, and training for a half marathon the asics has an avoride and then soloman has one let's start with the asics shoe. if you're a runner, you know there are plenty of shoes that keep your foot in a flexed position, that can leave your shins achy or the bottom of your feet this shoe from asics is that it really moves with your natural gait it's super comfortable it will help you run further and faster and then solomon, which is well-known for hiking shoes as well as its trail shoes. this is a great running sneaker

for actually just pounding the pavement you can do it on all terrain it feels literally like a sock melted over your foot, which sounds a little weird but it is the most comfortable, cushy ride our editors were completely obsessed with this sneaker. >> well, you're selling them. >> yeah, all right thank you so much, liz. >> thanks for having me. >> absolutely. if you want to snag any of these sneakers, you can scan that qr code or head to today.com/shop >> i didn't see an aerobics shoe on that list is that because nobody but me does aerobics anymore? >> it's not 1992. >> leg warmers. >> where's the jane fonda category just ahead from hugs to dinners to honeymoons, what you've told us you're looking you've told us you're looking forward to the most when it's this is a no-nonsense message from three. everything you need. it's long on pages. short on coverage. that's why three was created. it covers your entire business in just one policy.

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about for months, almost a year now. what are you most looking forward to when we move away from this lockdown of a life >> nbc's joe fryer is here he has some answers. hey, joe. >> yeah, this is a big question. we actually put that question to our loyal viewers. many responded, and then we asked some to shoot videos they offered a wide array of answers, documenting the giant hole that defined this last year, and the reasons we now have for hope. ♪ >> reporter: it's a wish list we wish we never had to make. >> i can't wait to hug my kids. >> being around my friends. >> being able to go on our honeymoon. >> i'll be able to get -- >> reporter: what do you miss,bh hugging. >> you get a hug you get a hug. everybody gets a hug >> reporter: looking forward to getting together with my family and singing. ♪ >> reporter: sterling burk is part of his family's a cappella

gospel singing group joyful sounds were silenced by the pandemic. >> there have been different members who have been in tears just simply saying, we miss singing. >> reporter: as more of his family gets vaccinated, they're hopeful the music will return. what do you think the moment will be like, when you're all back together? >> we will be giddy. we will be, like, little kids. >> reporter: speaking of kids. >> the thing i most look forward to in 2021 is introducing this cutie to his extended family >> reporter: we heard a lot about children. >> i am missing their bright, smiling faces. >> reporter: especially grandchildren. >> i got it. >> i got it. >> what i'm most looking forward to is hugging our two grandsons. >> making up for all the hugs we've missed in the longest year ever >> reporter: and big kids can't wait to see their parents. >> my mother turning 95 with me by her side. >> i'm most excited about finally getting to give my

mother a hug >> reporter: courtney campbell rich lost her father right before the pandemic and hasn't seen her mom in ten months now, fully vaccinated, courtney will travel from california to her mom in florida on april 10th hug day. >> it'll mean so much to me, but i know it'll also mean so much to her >> reporter: we also can't wait to embrace fun >> in 2020, i only attended games vicariously through my cardboard cut-out. peace out, cardboard cut-out i'm back. >> reporter: from baseball to curling. >> i cannot wait to get back out there on the ice for now, good curling. >> reporter: from tasting beer to tasting -- >> wine! >> we set a goal to visit every winery in virginia we are ready to get back on the wine trail >> reporter: so many trails. >> traveling, cruising, exploring the world. >> reporter: to be traveled upon

>> i've got my shades on and my big bubba is filled and ready to go. >> we just got our second vaccine shot, so we're ready to roll >> reporter: for cathy miller, travel is especially meaningful. >> i am really excited about showing my children the beauty in the united states >> reporter: in february, she was diagnosed with non-hodgkin's lymphoma. >> it will be nice when we are free, both hopefully of the cancer and of the threat of the coronavirus, to travel and see some things. >> reporter: like disney world and california's towering sequoias, reasons for optimism. >> sights set on what are we going to do when mom beats this, when i can say it with a smile on my face, that i'm cancer free >> reporter: not a wishing well in the world could hold the hopes we've been storing away this past year finally, those pent-up dreams are starting to come true. >> we also heard from a teacher

who can't wait to take her kids on actual field trips, not virtual ones a 21-year-old who hasn't been able to fully celebrate the milestone. and from one person eager to continue a family tradition, thanksgiving in paris. >> what about you? >> parents and hugs. thanksgiving 2019 was the last time i saw my parents. >> wow. >> by the way, you did a great job. you had the perfect touch on that >> we loved the wide answers from everyone. >> fun to dream about what used to seem normal, maybe we took it for granted. not anymore pe won't can't wait to get everybody back in this studio. >> let's go already. come on. >> concerts and all the crew back. >> it's coming. >> food, stylists. >> picture the plaza >> all of it >> the food segments that's what i'm most lookingenoh joe, thank you for letting us daydream for a moment. you can use #backtogethertoday if you want to share your reunion videos which we love to

show and play. we got a little time, how about we celebrate some birthday >> these folks are going to be celebrating with their loved ones soon enough let's spin around those smucker's jars wish a very happy 100th birthday first to shirley littleton of kingston, pennsylvania she says the secret to longevity is clean living. >> john lam ber is from canby, indiana, this world war ii veteran is celebrating his 104th birthday john was the founding father of the brown township fire department thank you for your service, sir. theodore moore is 100 years old from l.a. he was married to the love of his life for more than 60 years ruth dewire of alpena, michigan, is 100 years old she's a dedicated greeting card giver, never misses a moment to s celebrate. vincent of massachusetts is 100 years old. he iseor olympics. and last but certainly not least, happy 105th birthday to inez fink of florida

her secret to longevity, staying active happy birthday to all of them. >> all right, thank you, guys. coming up a little later, 12-time grammy winner, cici. >> we're going to talk to issa rae about her journey to fame and helping others tell her story. >> do you know who's hosting today? >> they surprised you yesterday, right? >> christie brinkley i had no idea. >> okay. we'll see who it is after your local -- good morning. 8:56. i'm marcus washington. contra costa is the first to offer covid vaccines to everyone 16 and over provided they work and live in the county. all others are limited to 50 and older startingoco county say a g

boost in the amount of federally provided vaccines is allowing them to widen that access. to help with the expansion, a new drive-through vaccination site is opening today in concord. this is at six flags hurricane harbor and it's by appointment only. next week, walk-in clinics will be open in richmond and bay point. happening now our bob ridell at hurricane harbor. he will have more on the newscast. more online right now.

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live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza, this is the "3rd hour of today." >> we have al's voice, but it's just the two of us holding it down this morning. >> craig left. >> welcome to the "3rd hour of today." it is wednesday, march 31st. i'm sheinelle along with dylan. al is on an islandsomewhere. craig just ran off to be on assignment. >> i feel we're representing the cold weather that's coming. >> exactly. >> so bundled up, and i'm trying to bring some spring. >> a friend of my texted me. i was like, okay, i'll wear a bright color today. we have a great show. >> we do. tax time is here. if you still have plenty of questions, you're not