this portion of contra costa county and highway 4 through concord. the bay bridge we'll be quiet and show you the light friday drive there. >> all right, that will do it for us. hope you have a great weekend, folks. >> see you back here. have a good one. good morning "today" exclusive. as president biden hits the road today to sell his sweeping plans to sell the nation's economy and infrastructure, he goes one-on-one with craig and defends those massive spending proposals. >> these are things that only government can really do. >> and sends a new message on the border crisis. >> don't send your kids. that's the message. >> do not send your kids, period. >> plus, what the president reveals about the push to reopen all schools in the fall. ready to roll? >> we can see that light at the end of the tunnel. >> plans under way to fully

reopen new york on july 1st. disneyland reopening to visitors today. straight ahead, the encouraging signs of progress in the pandemic, even as new hot spots emerge breaking overnight, deadly stampede dozens killed. more than 150 people hospitalized during a religious festival in israel what witnesses are saying went wrong that led to the fatal disaster hazing tragedy eight people indicted in connection with the alcohol-fueled death of a college student in ohio. his heartbroken parents there for the announcement and prosecutors warning more arrests could be coming. >> i want to say this to the people who were at the event, if you do not even attempt to be part of the solution, you may well be identified as part of the problem. >> just ahead, the latest on this still unfolding investigation. those stories, plus, come aboard the new rules clearing the waters for u.s. cruise ships to set sail once again, just in time for summer.

and feeling the draft. >> trevor lawrence, quarterback, clemson. >> one of the nfl's most beloved events back in a big way with on-stage hugs and unforgettable moments.oday" wit today, friday, april 30th, 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 friday morning feels good to say. hoda is on assignment this morning. you were on assignment yesterday. we'll get to yours in a minute. >> yes, fri-yay. it is a busy friday morning, as well many of the headlines providing a glimpse of what things could look like this summer, starting with the opening to the nfl draft in cleveland thousands of fans in attendance to watch players live out their lifelong dreams. we'll have more on that big event just ahead.

meanwhile, here in new york, the mayor saying the city will be back in business july 1st roughly the same time cruise ships could be allowed to set sail from u.s. ports for the first time in more than a year we're live with the latest on that. >> and president biden is focusing on the future, as well. holding a rally in atlanta on thursday to start selling that multi-trillion dollar economic plan to voters. >> before he made the trip, you sat down with him at the white house yesterday. >> we talked about government spending we talked about racism in america, the rudy giuliani raid and the situation at the southern border as well, which the president still refuses to call a crisis. but the tough sell facing president biden for the price tag of his ideas is where we started our conversation >> reporter: in your first 100 days, you proposed $6 trillion in new spending, and you plan to pay for it by raising taxes on people, on businesses, on investments.

why tax and spend so much when the economy is still recovering as a result of the pandemic? >> that's the reason why it's recovering, because we're investing. look how rapidly it's recovered since we passed the last piece of legislation that legislation was $1.9 trillion if we don't invest in this country, we're going to actually start to -- we're going to fall behind even further. >> reporter: democrats and republicans for generations have been, shall we say, skelt skeptical about the ability of big government to do big things. what makes you so confident that skepticism has changed >> well, first of all, the facts don't reflect that i don't have an inordinate amount of faith in the government, but there's things only the government can do we rank eighth in the world in terms of infrastructure, for god's sake is the private sector going to build billions of dollars worth of highways, ports, airports, bridges? are they going to do that? and so these are things that only government can really do.

>> reporter: i watched the speech last night, watched the address, and then i watched the rebuttal from the junior senator of south carolina last night, tim scott. he said, among other things, america isn't racist is it? >> no, i don't think the american people are racist but i think after 400 years, african-americans have been left in a position where they are so far behind the eight ball, in terms of education, health, in terms of opportunity i don't think america is racist, but i think the overhang from all of the jim crow and before that, slavery, have had a cost, and we have to deal with it. >> reporter: let's talk about the pandemic >> yup. >> reporter: it has defined your first 100 days there's a recent poll that came out that showed 40% of marines said they're not going to get vaccinated once the fda gives final approval for the vaccinations,

not emergency use authorization but final approval, will you covid vaccine? >> i don't know. i'm going to leave that to the military. >> reporter: well, why not >> i'm not saying i won't. i think you're going to see more and more of them getting it. and i think it is going to be a tough call, as to whether or not they should be required to have to get it in the military, because you're such close proximity with other military personnel, whether you're in quarters where you're all sleeping or whether you're out in maneuvers >> reporter: kids in k through 12 schools, obviously, are not going to be able to get the vaccine by the fall. should all schools in this country be open this fall for five day a week, in-person learning, regardless >> based on the science and the cdc, they should probably all be open there's not overwhelming evidence that there is much of a transmission among young people. >> reporter: cdc guidance this week about outdoor mask wearing. a lot of folks excited they can

now shed these masks if they've been double vaccinated are you going to be one of these folks now? are we no longer going to see the president of the united states outside with the mask on? >> sure, sure. i mean, what i'm going to do, though, because the likelihood of my being able to be outside and people not coming up to me is not very high it's like, look, you and i took our masks off when i came in look at the distance we are. but if we were, in fact, sitting there talking to one another close, i'd have my mask on and you'd have a mask on, even though we've both been vaccinated it is a small precaution to take that has a profound impact it is a patriotic responsibility, for god sake it is making sure your wife, your children, if, in fact, they haven't been vaccinated, making sure they're not going to get sick. >> reporter: before you took office in january, you laid out four crises that demanded urgent action the pandemic was one of them

the economic fallout as a result of the pandemic was one of them. climate change racial inequality. immigration was not one of the crises that demanded urgent action in january. does it demand urgent action now? is what's happening at the southern border, is it a crisis? >> it is getting urgent action now, for example, a month ago, we had thousands of young kids in custody in places they shouldn't be, controlled by the border patrol. we have now cut that down dramatically hey, look, here's what happened, craig. the failure to have a real transition, the two departments didn't give us access to virtually anything, were the immigration and defense department, so we didn't find of people, that thuey were 175,000 people, migrants, apprehended at the border. it's a 20-year record. there are 22,000 unaccompanied

children in our country right now. that's a record. that sounds, to most folks, like a crisis. >> well, look, it is way down now. we've now gotten control for example, we have -- they didn't plan for, which it comes every year, this flow, whether it is 22,000 or 10,000, they didn't have the beds that were available. they didn't plan for the overflow they didn't plan for the department of health and human services to have places to take the kids from the border patrol and put them in beds where there were security and people who could take care of them. so there is a significant change right now, significant change in >> reporter: during the campaign, you pledged to reunite hundreds of children who had been separated from their parents by the previous administration according to our reporting, and your first 100 days, not one child has been reunited.

>> i don't think that -- >> reporter: how is that >> i don't think that's true that could be. what we have done is we have united children with their families as they've come across the border but one of the things is, we don't know yet where those kids are. we're trying like hell to figure out what happened. it's almost like being a sleuth, and we're still continuing to try like hell to find out where they are. >> reporter: you've said to migrants, don't come you said, don't come you're very clear. would you tell parents in central america and mexico, don't send your kids >> absolutely. look, here's the deal -- >> reporter: so don't send your kids, that's the message >> do not send your kids, period they're in jeopardy making the 1,000 mile trek. so what we are doing now, we're going back to those countries in question, where most are coming from, and saying, "look, you can apply from your country. you don't have to make this trek." >> reporter: federal investigators searched the home

and the office of rudy giuliani as part of an investigation into his time as president trump's attorney, his dealings with ukraine. were you aware of that raid before it happened >> i give you my word, i was not. i made a pledge, i would not interfere in any way, order, or try to stop any investigation the justice department has under way. i learned about that last night when the rest of the world learned about it. >> reporter: have you been briefed on any other investigation -- >> no. >> reporter: -- involving -- >> and i'm not asking to be briefed. i'm not asking to be briefed that's the justice department's independent judgment this last administration politicized the justice department so badly, so many of them quit. the justice department is the people's lawyer, not theould no giuliani respo president biden knew or not, he is being unfairly targeted, as well >> all right good conversation. i know you'll have more of it a little later. >> we will we'll have more of it, including some breaking news regarding major the dog.

>> oh. >> and the new addition to the first family, as well. dr. jill biden is going to join us coming up on the third hour the first lady is sharing her take as an educator herself on the reopening of schools and more. >> look forward to that. now, the issue that has dominated the president's first 100 days and will continue to be a major focus. of course, the pandemic. this morning, a pledge from new york city's mayor to fully reopen july 1st, bringing hope and some debate, too nbc's kathy park in times square for us with more on that hi, kathy. good morning >> reporter: savannah, good morning to you it is welcome news for a city that came to a halt more than a year ago but with fewer infections and more vaccinations, the mayor says new yorkers have earned this reopening >> this is going to be the summer of new york city. >> reporter: this morning, new york city eyeing a rebound july 1st. lifting restrictions and planning to fully reopen for the first time in more than a year

>> we are ready for stores to open, for businesses to open, offices, theaters, full strength. >> reporter: with fewer infections and now more than 6 million vaccinations, the one-time epicenter of the pandemic is keeping covid under control. >> now, we can see that light at the end of the tunnel. >> reporter: governor andrew cuomo said, while making projections was irresponsible, he is optimistic. >> i think if we do what we have to do, we can be reopened earlier. >> reporter: in california, which has recovered from a deadly surge just months disneyland will reopen to visitors today after an unprecedented 13-month closure. the world-famous theme park will operate at a limited capacity and allow only in-state visitors. in michigan, reopening the state depends on what the governor called a back to normal challenge. tied to meeting vaccination goals. >> eventually, we'll get over that finish line. >> reporter: but oregon is still deep in its fourth surge.

hospitalizations have nearly doubled in the last two weeks, and 15 counties are moving back to extreme risk, meaning no indoor dining and other restrictions. >> business was picking up, and just like last time, then we get shut down. it takes the wind out of the sails. >> reporter: and back here in new york, when it comes to that july 1st target date, it's still unclear what types of covid protocols will still be in effect, like wearing masks indoors. we do know that broadway is set to reopen in september. savannah. >> we look forward to that. thank you very much. breaking news overnight, israeli prime minister benjamin netanyahu says sunday will be a day of national mourning after a stampede at a religious festival in northern israel left at least 44 people dead. more than 150 others were hurt. an estimated 100,000 people were in attendance at the festival. the gathering was held after israel relaxed nearly all of its pandemic restrictions following a successful national vaccination campaign. the cause of the stampede was

not immediately clear. >> we have more to get to this morning. mounting tensions between ukraine and russia, after russian military activity at the border. it is serving as a policy challenge for the biden administration. nbc's chief foreign correspondent richard engel traveled to the front lines there in ukraine to get a look. richard, good morning. >> reporter: good morning, savannah. it is one of the president's major foreign policy challenges, and it is playing out right here in ukraine. the ukrainian government worries that russia could invade this country, seize more territory, and impose a naval blockade on this u.s. ally. this u.s. ally. on the northern sea between russia and ukraine, ukraine doesn't have much of a navy or coast guard left. russia seized most of its floating force seven years ago when vladimir putin annexed crimea from ukraine and took the naval bases that were there. the ships ukraine has left are

now looking out for russian forces approaching again. on land, high al we joined the ukrainian army to see its defenses. so this is the front line up wt showed us the trenches. they run for miles, like a world war i battlefield. at the end is a lookout post. in the distance, they say a russian and russian-backed ukrainian troop. they're in the tree line by the windmills. earlier this month, vladimir putin deployed 120,000 troops near here. russia said it was a military exercise ukrainian officials believe putin may be preparing an invasion and wanted to test if president biden would tolerate it but president biden pushed back. >> i strongly urged him to refrain from any military action. withdrew most of its forces.

ukrainian officials warn russian troops could return without warning, so they're at the ready on eight-month deployments down in the trenches. hoping president biden can deter putin from attacking russia took crimea from ukraine while biden was vice president, and it seems now the biden administration is signaling to russia that it will not accept more moves on this country secretary of state blinken is due to arrive in ukraine next week yet another sign of u.s. support. savannah >> tough times there, richard. thank you very much. let's switch gears on this friday weekend coming, and everyone wants to know what the weather is looking like. who better than mr. roker to tell us? >> well, there's nobody here except me, so i guess i'll have to do. all right. by the way, very nice job interviewing the president >> thank you, al. >> we're looking at very heavy thunderstorms down through texas. lufkin, texas, already picking up four inches of rain since midnight

today, possible strong storms. rainfall rates up to 3 inches per hour as the system moves to the north and the east bringing more heavy rain tomorrow, a slow-moving front. rainfall amounts stwoings i inch -- one to six inches, there million impacted by high wind watches, warnings, and outages winds stretching all the way from the carolinas into the northeast and new england. wind gusts of 50 miles per hour in boston. 39 in albany 48 state college, columbus, ohio, wind gusts of up to almost 30 miles per hour. rest of the country today, we are looking at plenty of sunshine here in the east. we will have at least a really nice day around here that's what's going on around the country. we're going to get to your local forecast coming up in the next 30 seconds we're delivering for the earth. by investing in more electric vehicles,

reusable packaging, and carbon capture research. making earth our priority. thought i'd seen it all. ♪ good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. temperatures for our inland area, the tri-valley and napa valley upper 70s today and more clouds in the mix. tomorrow it's going to be windy and a little bit cooler but we start to warm up headed toward the end of the weekend into early next week, then we look at a spike in temperatures by next wednesday, reaching 86 degrees inland, for san francisco expect highs in the 60s and just a little bit warmer by sunday. savannah? >> that's your latest weather. savannah >> mr. roker, thank you so much. coming up, hazing on college campuses back in the spotlight, unfortunately. eight students are charged in connection with a young man's death in ohio. we're going to have the very latest.

also ahead this morning, the cdc almost ready to allow the cruise industry to relaunch from u.s. ports a firsthand look at the just announced plan, and what you need to know before planning your summer vacation

just ahead, new details on the ambush attack on lady gaga's dog walker police making five arrests in that case. >> we'll have more on that in a moment first, your local news and some weather.

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♪♪♪ when it comes to celebrating all the moms in your life... you can't go wrong with a gift from the heart. get 20% off mother's day gifts she'll love and kohl's cash. kohls. good morning. it's 7:26. i'm kris sanchez. here's a look at today's top stories including a car that plowed into a south bay home. >> i'm bob redell in san jose. remarkably the family who lives in this home on the 1400 block of willow street was not hurt when a hit-and-run driver crashed into the month of of their home. the other tells us it's devastating, they remodeled the home about 18 months ago. the crash happened around 12:45 this morning. the family was asleep inside the house. they awoke to find a car inside their front home. the driver already gone. i'm cierra johnson, a man in

oakland was attacked eighth and broadway downtown, president of the oakland chinatown chamber of commerce. he was pushed to the ground, punched, hit in the head. he then turned to the attacker and snapped a photo. he says that photo helped police locate that suspect. right now we're not sure of any charges filed. we'll work to gather that information. taking a look at your weekend forecast as it is upon us. good morning, kari. >> good morning. and we're waking up to a nice start to our friday morning. it's going to be a little bit cooler today. san francisco seeing some clouds and the clouds will stick around today, our temperatures reaching 62 degrees and it's going to be windy throughout the weekend, going up to 63 tomorrow, and 67 on sunday. next week just a little bit warmer, we're going to see a bigger warmup for our inland valleys in spots like antioch and morgan hill. expect a high of 78 degrees, some low 70s tomorrow, once again the winds gusting at times. 77 on sunday and it will be in

the mid 80s by the middle of next week. kris? >> oh, boy, we'll brace for it. we have more local news coming up for new just a half hour. hope you're having a fantastic morning. hope to see you soon. this couple is working hard

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make the pick for the cowboys. >> oh, there we go. >> there we go. that's just one of the many special moments during round one of the nfl draft. penn state linebacker micah parsons celebrating there with family and friends after he was drafted by the cowboys. he hit the stage, capped it off by jumping into the arms of commissioner roger goodell. >> i love it. hugs are back big at the draft. i love that. we'll have more on that in a little bit. let's get to your headlines at 7:30. the food and drug

administration taking steps to ban menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars within the next year. anti-smoking advocates say man thol masks the true taste of cigarettes making it easier to start smoking and harder to quit. the fda says it'll improve the health of the groups most likely to smoke the products, children and african-americans. that decision is expected, though, to face strong pushback from the tobacco industry. breaking overnight, the search is over this morning for a murder suspect that escaped from police custody at atlanta's hartsfield jackson airport. police were trying to transport the suspect from georgia back to arizona, but strover broke free after deputies removed his leg restraints to get down the stairs. that set off an all day multijurisdiction manhunt. but strover captured again overnight after being spotted by a local tv reporter. america's love affair with chicken is leading to shortages across the country. much of it fueled by the chicken sandwich craze at fast food chains. restaurants like kfc and

bojangles say they're having a hard time keeping up with the soaring demand. it is not just chicken sandwiches. chicken wings flying off the shelves. get it? thank you, al. experts say february's massive winter storm in texas contributed to gaps in the supply chain. i can always count on roker to like those puns. >> he was waiting for it. >> he was. new developments in a case that's put the issue of fraternity hazing back in the spotlight. spotlight. eight people have been charged in connection to a young man's death at bowling green state university in ohio >> the charges range from involuntary manslaughter to evidence tampering gabe gutierrez is on the story for us hi, gabe good morning >> reporter: savannah, good morning. prosecutors say 20-year-old stone foltz died with a blood alcohol level of more than four times the state's legal driving limit. ohio's governor is pushing a bill to reform hazing laws in the state. >> this is the beginning of the

criminal process for these men >> reporter: parents holding hands in silence as charges are announced against eight young men in connection to their son's death. >> we believe and allege that hazing was an integral part of this event. >> reporter: the event, an off-campus gathering in early march, hosted by bowling green state university's pi kappa alpha fraternity. prosecutors say stone foltz was forced to drink nearly 20 shots of hard liquor as part of a pledge initiation. according to prosecutors, foltz was taken home by some fraternity members and left alone in his apartment foltz's roommate found him, called for help from friends, then called 911. the 20-year-old died three days later. >> i want to see this to the people who were at the event if you do not even attempt to be part of the solution, you may well be identified as part of the problem. >> reporter: the eight men charged range in age from 19 to 23 six have been charged with manslaughter, while other charges include reckless homicide, hazing, and tampering with evidence.

a lawyer for the foltz family says the indictments are just the first step. >> kids are dying on college campuses, and if we don't >> reporter: bowling green is temporarily suspending the chapter saying in part the university is appreciative of the hard work and diligence done by the prosecutor and a grand jury to seek justice the national fraternity writing in a statement, the actions of any individuals found responsible are unacceptable and do not align with our values for years similar incidents have left parents sounding the alarm, like jim and evelyn piazza, whose son timothy died after a night of drinking at penn state university >> do the right thing. if you're ever in a situation where somebody needs help, help them. >> reporter: four years later,

another family is now grieving >> i want this to be the only and last time that this type of case is prosecuted in wood county >> reporter: a lawyer for one of the men charged, 23-year-old troy henriksen, say the facts of the case will exonerate his client a representative for the seven others did not respond for a request for comment. >> unfortunately, we've seen this so often. there have been crackdowns on hazing just how common do you get the sense that this is still across college campuses >> reporter: well, last year, savannah, it was the first time in 60 years that there was no known hazing death in the u.s. because many schools went virtual. one study, savannah, finds that 55% of college students involved in teams, clubs, or organizations experience some sort of hazing, although much of it goes unreported >> gabe gutierrez, thank you very much. up next on a friday morning, new cruise ship rules for traveling safely, as the industry aims to set sail again this summer.

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lighting the way. ♪ we're back 7:40 in-depth today this morning, something to potentially look forward to when it comes to summer travel. >> after a year-long covid shutdown, cruise ships could set sail once again from u.s. ports by mid-july. nbc's kerry sanders is in the cruise capital of the world, miami. hey, kerry. >> reporter: good morning. when they launch a ship, they take a bottle of champagne and crack it there on the bow to christen her well, this morning, the cruise ship industry has bottles of campaign on ice, getting ready to celebrate the launch, again, the return to business of cruise ships from u.s. ports as early as ten weeks from now. after more than a year of turbulent waters, the cruise

ship industry is ready for some smooth sailing ahead >> this is the first glimmer of light we've seen, to allow us to move forward and work out the final steps to be able to set sail >> reporter: since last march, the cdc banning voyages from u.s. ports because of covid. now, in a letter to industry executives, the cdc is setting new standards that may allow ships to sail again as early as mid-july >> it's been 14 months that this industry has been shut down. 14 million passengers, american passengers, per year have not had a chance to sail the economic impact is massive >> reporter: most of the major cruise lines have been sailing, but from europe, asia, and the caribbean. it was not like that before the pandemic >> nearly 60% of all cruising originates from u.s. ports, and nearly half of the people who are cruising are american. >> reporter: for months, the cruise line industry has been

working on its own safety protocols, many of which align with the cdc's blueprint the cdc now advising cruise lines they can skip simulated test cruises if 98% of crew and 95% of passengers are vaccinated >> we're really very pleased and very excited because it really does set forth a pathway we think is achievable, practical, and safe yeah, we're feeling pretty good. >> i, myself, couldn't be happier. >> reporter: michelle allen is an avid cruiser who, after 30 years as a travel agent, has booked tens of thousands of vacations at sea. >> people love to cruise i think, you know, hopefully a year from now, we will, you know, be looking back and we'll be full steam ahead. >> kerry, how much of an economic impact has this long shutdown had on the cruise ship industry what do we know about that >> reporter: you have to

remember that the cruise ships are not flagged in the united states, so when that federal relief money was given to businesses, the cruise ship industry did not get any to give you an idea, royal caribbean just in its first quarter reported a $1.1 billion loss then, of course, you have portside losses, as well for instance, here in miami, the busiest cruise port in the nation, it's been about a 10 to $12 million loss so a lot of business folks are very excited about the return as well as, of course, some of the vacationers who are looking forward to getting back out on the water as well, guys. >> love the hat, kerry kerry sanders there in miami >> he's ready. >> oh, yeah. >> good cruising weather there how about everywhere else, al >> out west, they have great cruising weather unfortunately, it is too dry take a look, drought evolution one year ago, 34% of the west was in drought, 2% extreme drought. well, look at it now we are talking about 84% of the west is in drought, 43% in extreme drought.

this is climate related. warmer winters decreasing that snow pack. they need hotter summers that cause more evaporation, they go from feast or famine this is a google time lapse. in the last 37 years, the great salt lake, look at how it's shrunk water levels are down 11 feet in ten years, plus, they've lost half of the volume since 1847. take a look at lake mead in nevada, 1984, you can see how it just shrinks down. 39% of capacity down ten feet from last year last time this thing was full, 1983 the rest of the country today, cruise weather, well, great along the eastern seaboard windy here in the northeast with some snow in northern new england. before it's all over that flood threat continues down to the south of texas spring warmth continues, and out west, as we said, lots of sunshi

we wouldn't mind a lot of rain right now. we're going to see our temperatures in san francisco reaching into the low 60s. we're starting out with some clouds and it's going to be windy and dry weekend with upper 60s by sunday into next week. our inland valleys from the tri-valley to napa valley as well as santa clara valley expect some upper 70s for today. a little bit cooler tomorrow but also breezy. we start to warm up on sunday and that warming trend continues into next week. wednesday we peak at 86 degrees. >> and that's your latest weather. forgot to ask, mr. melvin, did you get those presidential m&ms for the kids >> you know what -- i did not. >> for the kids? i thought for us. >> well, asking for a friend. >> president biden has switched to the kisses from pennsylvania. >> okay. did you get the presidential kisses >> i got the kisses. >> okay. >> and >> i haven't given them to the kids yet. >> okay. >> well, it's a long story i'll tell you after. >> all right. >> i got some for you, too. >> thank you great, great love chocolate just ahead, an evening of dreams come true >> the excitement surrounding

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i got you. ♪ all by yourself. ♪ ♪ don't have to be all by yourself anymore. ♪ ♪ all by yourself. ♪ you look a little lost. i can't find my hotel. oh. oh! this is not normal. no. ♪♪ so??? like a great companion, expedia has your back throughout your journey. it matters who you travel with. ♪♪ we are back with an exciting event for football fans, but also it's an event that's marked a bit of a turning point in the pandemic, the nfl draft. >> it got under way last night in cleveland, in front of a live, energetic audience one of the biggest outdoor

events since the start of the pandemic to make it happen, everybody from the commissioner to fans close to the stage all were vaccinated that's why you see so many hugs. nbc's sam brock joins us with more a lot of bro hugs there, sam >> reporter: countless number, savannah, craig, good morning. considering the fact that last year's event was held in roger goodell's basement, this was a pretty big morale boost for sports fans. teams like the jets and jags have new franchise quarterbacks. here in miami, they snagged one of the top playmakers. with people and applause and booze and cheers, it felt a lot like normal. >> there you go. come on. >> reporter: the boos raining down on roger goodell in cleveland's stadium, may be the surest sign this year's nfl draft was back in business and back to normal >> the jacksonville jaguars select trevor lawrence, quarterback, clemson. >> reporter: the top pick, trevor lawrence, hugging his family members from home

the family pooch partly staring the spotlight. then in the first hug on stage, a cherished draft tradition, a fully vaccinated goodell embracing new jets quarterback zach wilson. >> i wouldn't believe it until the day it happened, but this is exactly what i was hoping for. >> reporter: the night's biggest mystery, who the san francisco 49ers would select, prompting tears to flow from north dakota state quarterback trey lance, who wasn't courted by any major college program and started just 17 games for the bisons. >> the national football league draft, where the improbable becomes possible >> really emotional. like i say, super thankful. >> reporter: this marks the third time ever that three quarterbacks were selected with the top three picks, as dreams turned into reality all night. >> i've been waiting for that call my whole life when i seen my phone ring, it was just -- i felt my heart drop >> reporter: hope and healing to a sports world still co-existing with covid

all of the fans in attendance anywhere close to the stage also vaccinated, with everyone in the green room tested for the virus. this as hope was renewed for one of the nfl's proudest franchises, the chicago bears, who traded up to grab ohio state quarterback justin fields after he returned to the couch, then an epic bear hug one pick later with micah parsons the pandemic unable to rob the night of human connection and emotion. >> it was a dream come true. >> reporter: even though moments earlier, jaylen waddle appearing to leave his friends and family hanging after his name was called the only reminder from last year's bare boned event, this leather chair from goodell's basement comfortably hosting fans lucky enough to see the action live from cleveland one of the biggest story lines of the night actually had nothing to do with the nfl draft. last year's mvp, aaron rodgers of the green bay packers, reportedly not wanting to return to green bay, which means his time with the pack could be in jeopardy

guys, back to you. >> crazy. >> did you catch what sam just did there? >> in jeopardy. >> we're going to take that. aaron rodgers did a guest-hosting stint on "jeopardy. >> and he said that hosting "jeopardy!" would be his dream job. >> sam, we are picking up what you're putting down. well done. >> very strong. >> huh. >> we'll have to see what happens there. when we come back on a friday morning, country superstar thomas rhett with us live a fun friday performance coming up first, your local news and some weather. ♪ it's where i'm at ♪ flavors that set a new course and a hundred shades of beautiful. we believe in good we can all afford.

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good morning. it is 7:56. i'm kris sanchez and here's what's happening now. >> reporter: i'm bob redell in san jose. remarkably the family who lives in this home on the 100 block of willow creek was not hurt when a hit-and-run driver crashed into the front of their home. the mother who lived here tells us that it's devastating, given that they had just remodeled the home about 18 months ago. the crash happened around 12:45 this morning. the family was asleep inside the house and awoke to find the car inside the front of their home, the driver already gone. good morning everyone. i'm scott mcgrew. today is the 101st day for the biden presidency. he will celebrate it by celebrating the birthday of amtrak. it's been 50 years, biden used to be an amtrak user, now he flies air force one, he'll fly

that to delaware, like president trump, he's spending almost every weekend away from the white house. >> all right, we know kari at home will be watching the kentucky derby this weekend and also watching your forecast. >> yes, it's going to be a really nice weekend, as we check out our forecast for san francisco, we have some low 60s today. there will be some more clouds in the mix than we normally see but it does clear out as the winds pick up this weekend. going to be gusty tomorrow as well as sunday, as we reach into the upper 60s by the end of the weekend, and we see more sunshine in next week's forecast, before the inland valleys. we're going to see those temperatures really starting to heat up, so enjoy the mild weekend once again still pretty gusty tomorrow but check out the middle of next week, we'll reach into the mid 80s, up to 86 degrees on wednesday, but then it does look windy as the temperatures start to come down by thursday. we're watching all of that and of course a drought and we'll have more updates throughout the day. kris? >> we'll see you then. thank you, kari.

we have more local news coming up for you in a half hour. hope you are enjoying your morning.

it's 8:00 on "today." coming up, it's 8:00 on "today" coming up, one-on-one. we'll break down all the details from craig's exclusive interview with president joe biden, including a closer look at kids getting back to school by fall >> based on science and the cdc, they should probably all be open. >> just ahead, a full report on the president's first 100 days in office. under arrest five suspects charged after ambushing lady gaga's dog walker and stealing two of her beloved pets straight ahead, the surprising detail police say was not part of their plan.

hold your horses >> they're off in the kentucky derby. >> we've got a full preview of this year's kentucky derby, including what organizers are doing to keep everyone safe during the pandemic. and we'll take some country again. ♪ man, it feels good to be country again ♪ >> we're sitting down with country music sensation thomas rhett, and kicking off the weekend right with a very special performance today. friday, april 30th, 2021 ♪ >> celebrating national college headed to james madison, university >> i'm going to baylor university in the fall i'm excited to be a bear. >> playing basketball this fall. >> i'm going to become an elementary schoolteacher go wildcats. >> i'll be majoring in

journalism at hampton university >> happy birthday, "today" show. >> love the reaction good morning, everybody, it's friday morning good to have you along with us tomorrow is college decision day, actually, so we're sending our congrats and crossed fingers to those students. >> hoda is on assignment today, so you're stuck with me. she's going to be back next week as we kick off our special series "celebrating service. >> people going above and beyond in a year like no other. they've nurtured and inspired us, and now we're going to celebrate them with special, live events all next week. let's get to your news at 8:00 the president heads to philadelphia today to promote his vision for investing in america's infrastructure, its families, and its recovery from the covid crisis. >> on thursday, i sat down with the president for an exclusive one-on-one interview, and i asked him about the effort to get kids back in the classroom full time, and about the latest guidance on wearing masks outdoors >> reporter: kids in k through 12 schools, obviously, are not going to be able to get the

vaccine by the fall. should all schools in this country be open this fall for five day a week, in-person learning, regardless >> based on the science and the cdc, they should probably all be open there is not overwhelming evidence there is much of a transmission among these young people. >> reporter: cdc guidance this week about outdoor mask wearing. a lot of folks excited that they can now shed these masks if they've been double vaccinated are you going to be one of these folks now? are we no longer going to see the president of the united states outside with a mask on on >> sure, sure. i mean, what i'm going to do, though, because the likelihood of my being able to be outside not very high. so it's like, look, you and i took our masks off when i came in, because look at the distance we are but if we were in fact sitting there talking to one another close, i'd have my mask on and you'd have a mask on even though we've both been vaccinated it's just a small precaution to take that has a profound impact.

it is a patriotic responsibility, for god sake it is making sure that your wife, your children, your -- if, in fact, they haven't been vaccinated, making sure they're not going to get sick. >> we'll have much more with the president and first lady dr. jill biden will join us in the conversation in the third hour we'll share her take on reopening schools and some other news tied to the administration on first dog major, and a new member of the first family. cdc is warning the number of lyme disease cases in the u.s. more than doubled in just over a decade there's been a surprising discovery, too, about where those ticks that carry the disease can be found for years, we've been told to cover up and check for ticks any time you go into the woods researchers found just as many infected ticks near california beaches. they weren't in the sand, but on the shrubs and grass leading up to the shore while the experts say you can protect yourself by staying on the trails and sand, using tick repellent, showering right after the beach and, of course, doing body checks, especially on the

little ones. police in los angeles say five people have been arrested and charged in the shooting of lady gaga's long-time dog walker, and the theft of the singer's two french bulldogs in february nbc's steve patterson has all the new details in that case >> reporter: this morning, police announcing they've collared a ring of violent dog nappers. five people have been arrested and charged for the february ambush shooting of lady gaga's dog walker and the abduction of her two french bulldogs. the suspects range in age from 18 to 50 police say four of the five are known gang members >> i've been shot, oh, my gosh >> reporter: the horrifying hollywood ambush caught on a home surveillance camera three of the suspects have been charged with attempted murder for their direct involvement in the attack the remaining two charged with

accessory to attempted murder. including a woman who police say returned the dogs days later in an attempt to cash in on the pop star's $500,000 reward thursday, all five suspects pled not guilty, with bail ranging from $10,000 to $3 million in a statement, detectives say the suspects likely didn't know the dog's famous owner, saying evidence suggests the suspects knew the great value of the breed of dogs and was the motivation for the robbery gaga's dog walker, 30-year-old ryan fisher, is expected to fully recover after neighbors jumped in to help. >> calling 911 for you. >> reporter: lady gaga has yet to speak out on the arrest but posted on social media before the dogs were found. writing about her long-time friend i continue to love you, ryan fisher you risked your life to fight for our family you're forever a hero. this morning, the district attorney calling for justice, saying this was a brazen street crime that left a man seriously wounded. we have alleged very serious charges in this case, and have faith that justice will be

appropriately served as this case unfolds in court. for "today," steve patterson, nbc news, los angeles. we have the news covered on a friday morning, but the boost, man, we have to get to it. a little girl who has a baby brother on the way is already teaching him good manners. watch what she does when she feels the baby kick inside her mom's belly. >> oh. >> i see it very hard. >> yeah, he is hurting mommy now. it hurts >> you're hurting mommy. >> oh, it's okay he doesn't know that he is hurting me it's okay. >> he doesn't know >> oh, sweetie mom is 34 weeks pregnant shouldn't be long before big sister meets her little brother in person. judging from experience, boss him around, right? >> no doubt. that never stops. when we come back on this friday morning, wondering whether it is safe to go to the

movies yet vicky nguyen is going to show us one way to find out. >> good morning, i'm vicky nguyen, and this is a device commonly used to test air flow in indoor spaces we're trying it out at all sorts of places, including this movie theater. come along as i show you what it looks like in other indoor spaces that's next. ...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. it may cause severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. otezla is associated with an... increased risk of depression. tell your doctor if you have a history of depression or suicidal thoughts.... ...or if these feelings develop. some people taking otezla reported weight loss. your doctor should monitor your weight and may stop treatment.

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we're back at 8:12 we have our reopening america series rolling on. more businesses like restaurants and theaters are doing that very thing, reopening. >> how much of a risk are we taking inside? nbc's investigative and consumer correspondent vicky nguyen is here with what we all need to know you went to the movies, huh? >> i went all overed place one thing we learned over the past year is being outside greatly reduces our risk for covid-19 that's because the virus is transmitted through someone's breath when you're outdoors, the air circulation helps dilute those particles. as the indoor spaces reopen, are you ready to go inside i went into popular public spaces to show you how well the air is flowing >> reporter: americans are getting back to work, dining, and shopping again, but experts warn these indoor activities can make it easy for the virus to spread researchers at the university of oxford found covid-19 transmission is nearly 19 times more likely to happen indoors

than outdoors. scientists agree, if you're going to be inside, the better the air flow, the lower the risk to determine air flow, experts use this ventilation smoke device all you do is crack these two parts, and then squeeze out a puff of smoke. that simulates what happens when a person exhales if the smoke doesn't move too much, like this, it could be a problem. watch what happens when i have an open window nearby. the smoke dissipates quickly so i head out to see how the air is flowing inside common public spaces, by tracking the flow of this harmless smoke. we're at the grocery store let's give it a try. take off the cap one puff all right. looks like it is breaking up fairly quickly, actually all right. we're going to try a different spot in the grocery store, more interior with the aisles there goes the smoke it's not really moving away from me like it did before. with the driver's permission, i try it inside a rideshare.

you can see it's not so great, which is why rideshare companies ask people to put their windows down that really helps with the air flow watch this gone let's give it a try in the hardware store the smoke didn't seem to move at all. i can definitely still see wisps of smoke let's compare what happened inside compared to what happened outside. it is gone within seconds. what about returning to work, where many people use elevators? doesn't look like it circulates well what about a department store, as we all get ready to shop again? i can still see it, but it is dissipating pretty quickly and moving away from me. america has to eat what about restaurants the smoke quickly drifts to the vent above me. watch what happens inside an empty movie theatre. it is moving, but the cloud isn't dissipating.

we showed our videos to a professor of george mason university, who uses the smoke tube in his studies. he worked with us last summer to show us what happens inside a classroom with poor circulation. >> what did you think about what we found >> it shows very clearly that there are certain areas that are problematic, that are prone to pathogen transmission. >> reporter: he said where the smoke didn't move much could be a higher risk of covid-19 because the viral particles could linger in the air. >> the most concerning to me was the hardware store, and there's barely any flow. if you have another person coming in, even a minute afterwards, you would still have particling lingering in there that were exhaled by the person that was there before. the other scenario that i found very concerning was the one in the cinema this was a very horizontal flow that was slowly rising, so anybody that was exhaling or

sneezing in the front, all of those particles were being inhaled by all the rows behind. >> reporter: what would you say to people who want to go see a movie right now? >> wear a mask if possible, wear two masks. the second thing is, only go to a cinema once you're vaccinated. >> reporter: he said the department store and restaurant hvac systems worked perfectly, sucking the smoke away and into the intake event he also warned. >> perhaps if you measured another location, it would not have been as good. atways bad to be in a crowded environment. >> reporter: for now, masks and being outdoors are still vital to preventing the spread of co19 >> now, ultimately, it is up to you to make your own risk assessment when going inside while a good hvac system can do a lot to prevent transmission, the professor says there is no substitute for opening the windows, which we'll probably see more of as businesses enter the summer and it is nice out. >> of course, not everybody has your handy device there. how can you tell or assess any place's air flow

>> use your senses if the air feels hot or stuffy or humid or if it just smells stale, those are all warning signs there is poor ventilation in that space. your best defense, beyond a vaccination and a mask, is to limit your exposure. try to get out of the space as quickly as you can if you're going to a restaurant, ask to be seated outdoors or next to a window, if possible. >> fascinating >> yeah. your thing about holding the breath in the elevator, it was smart. that was your instinct, spot on. >> hold your breath in the elevator unless you're in a skyscraper. >> there you go. you might have other problems. >> exactly. >> vicky, thank you. let's do the weather. >> maybe it's time to stick to the drive-in theater, which is fun. >> could be. >> let's show what we have going on today, the kentucky oaks down there in churchill downs coverage beginning today at noon post time, 5:51. sunny and mild gusty winds, 68. then the kentucky derby, coverage on nbc at 2:30. post time, 6:57. mostly sunny and 73 degrees.

great day for the derby. now let's show you what we've got going on for today we have a lot of wet weather making its way down through texas. some places will pick up to 15 inches of rain. some wet weather in the pacific northwest. toasty through the southwest into central california. 90s down in florida. for later today, we are looking for windy conditions in the northeast. a lot of sunshine out west, but the flood threat continues down through texas. that's wha good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. take a look at our temperatures for today. we will reach into the low 80s, up into some of our inland valleys. but as you make your way across the bay, we will see hopefully 70s san francisco will be in the low 60s and in palo alto, look for a high of 70 degrees. we will enjoy nice weather in the forecast until the next several days as our sunshine continues. we will see more dry weather into next week.

>> that's your latest weather. time for the best time of the morning. >> no question about that. even if it is via remote, it is still the best time of the morning. >> yes. >> carson, good morning. happy friday. >> oh, graphics is up. >> happy friday, guys. let's get to "pop start" on a friday morning we're going to start with the royals yesterday the world oohed and ahed as we relived the royal's 2011 wedding to mark william and kate's tenth anniversary now, there is a new video to celebrate the event. the happy couple with their children, george, charlotte, and louis, spending time outdoors on a family outing. here is a look♪ ♪ >> nice video there. happy anniversary to the duke and duchess. next up, tom brady

earlier this week, the nfl champ shared a throwback photo to celebrate his girlfriend's 50th birthday, writing, happy birthday bridget moynahan. hopey pictured beside his mom. they split back in 2006, but have proven to be great co-parents brady telling howard stern late last year that they've made the best out of the situation for their son. back in february, moynihan shared a post to celebrate brady's super bowl win it is very nice to see exes supporting each other in this way, and we are wishing bridget a very happy birthday. next up, our buddy adam levine for years, we watched the pop singer develop a playful bromance with fellow "the voice" coach blake shelton. yesterday on the "ellen degeneres" show, they talked about his wedding to gwen stefani, and levine talked about how he really feels about the couple's relationship.

>> what are you going to do, sing at the wedding? >> i don't support their marriage >> you're going to be standing up, "i am the one. >> i'm the guy, yeah anybody object well she's so cool. >> yeah. >> and he is not >> he's not cool but he is very funny and very smart. >> he's vaguely charming >> safe to say adam probably won't be giving a toast whenever that wedding happens i miss their playful bromance, actually. >> me, too next up, on a busy friday, dwayne johnson, the rock he sat down with our buddy willie geist for this weekend's edition of "sunday today." the actor and athlete opened up about his decision to walk away from an opportunity with the canadian football league to pursue a career in pro wrestling, following in his father's footsteps. >> i felt in my gut, willie, that i had something to offer in the world of pro wrestling i had just gotten a call from the coach, my coach, at the cfl, to come back and try out for the

team, the next season. i said, i appreciate it, coach, thank you very much, but i'm going to close this chapter of my life. hung up the phone. my dad asked, who was that we had the biggest fight his thought was, i love you as my son, and look around. we're in a little apartment that i can barely pay for i want more for you. but, eventually, he agreed to train me through a lot of hard work, and a little bit of a blood and a lot of sweat, the rest the history. >> rocky johnson was his dad in the '70s and '80s. wrestlers weren't making as much money as they do now, hence his concern for dwayne to enter the ring at all. luckily, as we know, it all worked out for the rock. you can catch his full interview, which i'm sure is awesome, as they usually are on "weekend today sunday" with our buddy willie geist. and finally, ladies and gentlemen, mila kunis. last night, the actress sat with stephen colbert and revealed some shocking

investment advice, that she gave her then boyfriend ashton kuchar spotify, warby parker. mila hasn't always been on board with the companies he wanted to be a part of, particularly when he tried to pitch her the idea of uber. but he'll bring me companies here's a company, kind of like a cab company but anybody can drive the cab. i was like, that's the worst idea ever. he was like, let me get you this, it is uber i'll order this for you, and you can test it out. i was like, you're going to put me in a car with a stranger? what is wrong with you i was furious at him that was first >> kunis -- guys, ten years ago, i think that still sounds crazy today. she says another investment that he made and she gave bad advice on was bitcoin obviously it turns out those

risks have paid off. >> sorry, i'm distracted because london has joined the fray >> sorry, carson it is the london show. let her sit on your lap for a second she has it going on. >> eta, lovely job of the graphics. lolo is a star not to be left out >> fun job for her >> bring eta in, too >> her hair, she said she didn't do her hair, so she's nervous. >> bad hair day. >> love it, girls. that was fun lolo is my spirit animal. we're going to get them all to school now >> good luck >> carson, thank you. just ahead, start mixing the mint juleps, it is kentucky derby weekend, and we're going to check in the man himself, mike torico. >> tirico. also, country star thomas rhett is with us, up early he is going to share a special performance to jump start our weekend. we'll do that after your local news ♪ party like we're on vacation ♪

good morning, 8:26. i'm marcus washington. chp looking for a gun driver who noirjt drive and struck i big rick last night in pittsburg. he kept driving only to crash into the side of the truck, as you see there. that driver is expected to be okay. this is being called california's third driest season on record. new this morning, state lawmakers are trying to take action. they're proposing $3.5 billion in new spending to combat the drought, more than the state actually spent during the last decade's entire five-year drought. let's get a look at the forecast. we are dealing with the drought.

kari, what will the conditions be like for us? >> still going to be dry this weekend. we will see more of the high winds picking up, which dry things out even more. as we take a look at san francisco, we're reaching the low 60s. there will be clouds mixing in with the sun and more sunshine for the weekend but once again it's going to be gusty at times as we check out our inland temperatures for the weekend. upper 70s, napa valley down to santa clara. sunday it's starting to warm up just a bit but that warming trend continues into next week as we reach up to 86 by wednesday and gusty on thursday, marcus. >> thanks, kari. we'll have another local news update in 30 minutes. i'll meet you back here then.

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she gave her then boyfriend ashton kuchar a decade ago it is not easy to upstage carson daly, but london daly, i believe you have done it, my friend. >> lolo. >> carson, did you have a feeling there was a dancing queen behind you >> remember when i cut my hair the beginning of the pandemic outside, then put up the

picture? in that segment, lolo was going crazy. she was dancing in the background that's the last time i've seen that though. don't you get embarrassed? >> no. >> she's made for tv. >> she's your daughter. >> i like dancing. >> you like dancing? >> yeah. >> i love the hair. >> amazing. >> show them >> wow. >> yeah, london. >> love this taking us into the weekend >> cancel the rest of the half hour it is going to be a london dance-a-thon tell her we think it is awesome. >> on command. >> she's so shy. >> have london stick around for thomas rhett coming up in a few minutes here on a friday morning. the country star with us live. >> yeah, i'm sure he sees some star quality in london daly. he has star quality chock-full, and his many fans are waking up to a real treat. new album out today, lolo is still going.wait to dance with thomas, and hear you perform and chat, as well.

kentucky derby tomorrow. and my nemesis, tirico, already excited. he is down at churchill downs. mike getting us all ready for the race the fastest two minutes in sports then on the third hour, we're going to break down the field even further with the man, the myth, the legend, mr. steve kornacki at the sports big board. >> if you're occasionally one to bet on a horse, you'll want to tune into the third hour, steve kornacki. >> but only for educational purposes. >> yeah, yeah, of course >> exactly next week, by the way, on "today," hoda sitting down with two comedy superstars.inup for y movie, billy crystal and tiffany haddish. looks great. >> looks incredible. al, let's get a check of the weather. >> let's check out your weekend, see what we've got tomorrow, saturday, we're looking at a lot of sunshine up and down the east coast. it is going to be cool and windy in the northeast

heavy rain down through texas, very warm out west then as we move into sunday, sunday, it is going to be gorgeous stretching from the northeast, mid-atlantic states, more showers and storms through the mid-mississippi river valley, some wet weather back in good morning, i'm meteorologist kari hall. looking at our san francisco forecast today, we will reach 62 degrees. now it's going to be at times cloudy and breezy but really windy this weekend, even with more sunshine. we do start to warm up on sunday and next week, expect highs in the upper 60s. the warming will be much more significant for our inland valleys as we start out with low 70s today for the start of the weekend. we will see mid-80s by the middle of next week. >> we've decide >> we've decide we all need the lolo solo. >> the lolo solo needs to be a main event here. >> absolutely. >> recurring segment. >> every friday. >> exactly. >> we're one day from the

special inspiring america event in primetime we've been telling you about it this week. it is our way of shining a light on people who have gone above and beyond to help their communities. craig, your turn you caught up with one of the nice honorees. >> i caught up with nascar's bubba wallace. he, of course, is the only black driver on the sport's cup level. we shared a candid conversation about the headlines he made when he called for the removal of the confederate flag at racetracks, and his fight for social justice in the racing world and beyond safe to say, nascar is a fairly white sport, drivers, crew and fans how has that been for a guy like you? >> it's been okay. i don't think about it it's never affected me i didn't need representation to become a part of the spothe nex moving up the rank and you're here, at the cup level you know, the whole black/white deal, i've never seen it i still don't. it's just drivers, you know? >> reporter: there was never a point where you looked around, coming up through the ranks, and

you were like, huh, i'm the only one that kind of looks like me. >> never did that in racing or outside of racing. i grew up in a neighborhood where, you know, i had a couple black friends, majority white. we're all friends. >> it was fascinating to hear how bubba talks about, reluctantly, sort of becoming this ambassador for social justice in the sport and beyond. but he was sort of thrust into the spotlight. didn't choose it. >> yeah. making a big impact. >> he is >> the full interview is going to air, and the rest of the honorees we'll introduce you to, as well, on "inspiring america," the 2021 inspiration list. tomorrow, 8:00, 7:00 central it'll be good. hope you tune in >> that's going to be in prime time tomorrow, but before that, the kentucky derby, mike tirico standing by. he's join us live from chuhillrc

welcome back, tomorrow is a day many sports fans -- >> that's the revelry you were doing. >> we can't all be london daly, i did my best. it's the 147th running of the kentucky derby >> we'll get to dylan's hat in just a moment. in just a moment we'll also chat with mike tirico, he's live from churchill downs. dylan and her hat are here. >> i thought the plan was we were all going to wear a hat. >> that looks great on you. >> it's fun to wear, thank you christine moore for my hat this year and every year. it is the run for the roses. it's an annual tradition, this year it's back in its signature spot on the calendar, the first saturday in may, and as the energy around the most exciting two minutes in sports is ramping up on the storied grounds of the churchill downs this morning,

the excitement is building as preparations for tomorrow's 147th run for the roses. >> reporter: it's a highly kentucky derby race full speed ahead. the field is set for the 147th run for the roses. >> it's a highly anticipated return after last year's derby was postponed because of the pandemic >> they're off in the kentucky derby. >> reporter: held in september with no ticketed spectators in the stands this weekend the fans in louisville are back. reserved seating will be capped at 50%, and overall attendance is expected to be around 50,000, far fewer than the typical derby crowd of more than 150,000 at churchill downs. health and safety remain the priority there will be temperature checks at the entrance and masks will be required inside, except when eating or drinking while hand washing and sanitizing stations as well as social distancing will be encouraged

three new quarantined barns and a medical facility are ready to go. >> in the event an injury does occur, we have this facility so that we can provide the best care p >> reporter: all around louisville, the city is buzzing and local businesses are eager to welcome back fans. >> this is the time of year where everybody comes together from everywhere. >> reporter: everyone clamoring to catch a glimpse of the stable of stars, essential quality is the favorite, but don't count out contenders like rock your world or hot rod charlie another colt to watch, burbonic, his jockey the first black jockey in the derby since 2013. >> just very blessed that i'm part of it, you know we're here to make history. >> reporter: history on a track where greatness could be just around the corner. >> and as your resident gamblers, i'm usually the one to bet on the horses. this year i'm going with medina spirit, it's a bob baffert horse, 15 to 1 odds, payout's

pretty good. >> i'm sorry, dylan, are you mike tirico? you're dropping serious kentucky knowledge dirt there bob baffert. it will be so good to see everybody in the stands again. their try up -- triumphant return to churchill downs, the aforementioned mike tirico. >> always good to have you, sir. you know what, this year it's going to be extra special, fans in the stands as this country starts to get back to normal, mike bring us up to speed on the excitement there at church hill downs. >> i don't want to step on dylan's turf here, but i will -- >> it's all you, mike. take it away >> i'll dip into the weather in a minute we may have the biggest crowd that we've had for a sporting event really post-pandemic, 45, 50,000 as dylan said, all the requirements now, all the protocols that are being followed, masks, you can take it off when you drink or eat. that does happen a lot here at the derby.

i think they've taken off the precautions. this is 147 acre facility, it's also the 147th derby it won't be the normal 150,000 plus, but it's the new normal that we kept talking about this may be one of the first examples of it in a big scale. >> hey, mike, how is the weather going to affect the race it looks like it's going to be pretty good. past years, i mean, the track's been pretty muddy, a real mess i don't think so this year. >> no, we had a lot of rain a couple of days ago if is perfect today for the kentucky yolks, and it's perfect tomorrow for the derby sunny and 73 when dylan was here a couple of years ago we had the rainiest kentucky derby ever. since then the weather's been fine i'm not going to say it's you dyl. the repuweather's going to be g. >> i like to walk around with an umbrella over my head. >> mike, let's get to it here are all the horses. number 14, essential quality is

the front runner. >> yes >> why do you like him >> well, essential quality has the essential qualities of a derby favorite the 2-year-old champ, five races, five wins, trainer is brad cox it's a great story brad cox grew up truly a couple of blocks from here on evelyn avenue in louisville if he wins he'll be the first trainer born in louisville to win this race. there's a lot around that house. it's one of four, five, or six horses that the experts say if they won it wouldn't be a surprise i think we have an open field and a lot of horses you can pick to win this derby. >> i mentioned i'd be going bob baffert for medina's spirit. if he wins, what kind of history would he make? >> he would be the all time trainer in terms of wins he's tide with the late bob jones for sixth. i talked to bob baffert about the history he has a chance to make when i was with baffert, we zoomed in belichick and had a conversation with the two six-time champs.

it was so much fun i'll give you a little hint, belichick is hysterical in the piece. you have to join us at the derby. >> belichick laughs? >> cracking jokes and laughing. >> it will be great. >> that looks good it looks like a little mutual admiration society we'll see you tomorrow for coverage of the 147th running of the kentucky derby right here on nbc. go burbonic. >> a big weekend, the derby, the prime time special, and thomas res rhett is going to talk about returning to his country roots then he's going to pum er

>> announcer: the citi music the citi music series on "today" is proudly presented to you by citi. and we are back on this

friday morning with one of our favorites, the reigning acm male artist of the year, ladies and gentlemen, thomas rhett. >> that's right. thes out with a new album today, country again side a and his single what's your country song recently reaching the top of the charts it's only his 17th number one, jeez. >> i love that >> thomas, you are amazing happy album release day. how are you feeling putting this out into the universe? >> thank you all so much no, it's been incredible sorry, my house is chaos right now. the dogs are barking little guy lost his second tooth last night, the tooth fairy came a lot's happening this morning it feels so good, we've been working on this since mid-2019 every time i put a record out, it feels like you have a wedding ring in your pocket, and it's just sitting there waiting to propose to somebody, and then it comes out and all the weight is off your shoulders all the good vibes this morning. >> thank you all for having me.

>> thomas, why was now the right time for this particular album >> i wrote country again the song, it was the first song i wrote on a virtual co-write in 2020 when i wrote the song, it kind of took me back to the lessons identifi i've learned over the last couple of years. i kind of sort of made this switch a little bit in mid-2019 where i started to slow down in my brain and my heart and 2020 kind of furthered that i got a whole year to pour into my family, pour into my kids, pour into my wife, and i've felt more creative than i've ever been i never imagined in a million years that would happen. we recorded like 26 songs in the studio and decided we loved them all, and wanted to put them all out, but not at the same time. really excited for it to be out there. >> it sounds like a cassette, kicking it old school. i like that. >> the one song you've got,

thomas, to the guys who date my girls. i got a daughter who's about to get married, another one who's dating and you've got three beautiful girls. how did this song come about >> u.nyou know, i was riding arn with a buddy of mine in nashville, he's got a 15-year-old daughter and i've got three. and we were having this conversation of what kind of dads we're going to be like when our kids start to date i think i would like to say i'll be the tough dad i'll probably be a softy come in, have some coffee, tell me about your life >> it's a polygraph exam >> yeah, exactly a lie detector test. kind of this juxtaposition, my dating age seems so far away and yolike it just comes just like that. it's kind of a little bit of a rough draft letter to those people that come to my house. >> trust me, it does >> it's so sweet everyone says blink and you'll miss it. we don't want to miss your performance. you were so kind, you performed country again for us, let's roll

it and we'll see you on the other side >> awesome ♪ i quit hunting with my daddy ♪ ♪ guess i didn't make the time ♪ ♪ and it's been a year since i've seen a deer, had a smallmouth on the line ♪ ♪ the other day i hooked a monster, and as i reeled him in ♪ ♪ i thought, man, it feels good to be country again ♪ ♪ i spent way less time in nashville and more time in l.a. ♪ ♪ my back home buddies, they quit calling, thought i had too much on my plate ♪ric ♪ but last night we cracked som

cold beers, and cranked eric church to ten ♪ ♪ thought man, it feels good to be country again ♪ ♪ yeah, i love me some california, but it sure ain't tennessee ♪ ♪ and my roots down there in georgia ♪ ♪ yeah, they started missing me ♪ ♪ and i wouldn't change the things i've done or the places that i've been ♪ ♪ but man, it feels good to be ♪ i traded in my country again ♪ ♪ i traded in my silverado, didn't need no four by four ♪ ♪ tucked my boots in the back o the closet, they didn't feel like me no more ♪ ♪ but i dug them out and jerusalemed them on, they've been on my feet since then ♪ ♪ man, it feels good to be

countrysed them on, they've been on my feet since then ♪ ♪ man, it feels good to be couled them on, they've been on my feet since then ♪ ♪ man, it feels good to be couied them on, they've been on my feet since then ♪ ♪ man, it feels good to be couped them on, they've been on my feet since then ♪ ♪ man, it feels good to be cou slippeed slipped them on, they've been on my feet since then ♪ ♪ man, it feels good to be country again ♪ ♪ yeah, i love me some california, but it sure ain't tennessee ♪ ♪ had my roots down there in georgia, yeah, they started missing me ♪ ♪ and i wouldn't change the things i've done or the places that i've been ♪ ♪ man it feels good to be country again ♪ ♪ i traded sunsets with my wife for hours on my phone ♪ ♪ and even when i was right beside her, i still wasn't really home ♪ ♪ but last night we built a fire, watched the moonlight kiss her skin ♪ ♪ i thought man it feels good t

be country again ♪ ♪ man it feels good to be ♪ country again ♪ >> thank you so much "today" show for having us we appreciate you. >> oh, we appreciate you >> his 18th number one, you watch it you watch it. >> thomas, congratulations. >> thank you all so much for having me. this has been a blast. >> we really love it say hi to the girls and your sweet, sweet wife, and the dog, too. video album is out now, and thomas is going to do a special live stream concert tonight, so be sure to check it out. >> also, we have more music coming from thomas rhett on hoda

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hour, it is superfood friday joy bauer cooking up something she calls rocky mountain -- no, cowboy caviar. >> we're not doing that, right >> no, it is cowboy caviar. also, more of my exclusive conversation with president biden and the first lady dr. jill biden on the push to reopen schools and the first pets >> major update? >> major update over a minor issue. thomas rhett will be back with more music on "hoda and jenna. have a great friday, everyone. here is your local news. good morning, it's 8:56. i'm marcus washington. san jose police this morning looking for the driver who plowed straight into this home. this happened early this morning on willow street near meridian avenue in willow glen. all family members were fast asleep before suddenly waking up moments after the impact.

no one was hurt signed the home but by the time they got down to the car, that driver was nowhere to be found. the homeowner said the garage sustained the worst of the damage. adding to the pain, the last few months they completed a major remodel. happening now, our bob redell is speaking to police about the search for the driver and will have a full report on our midday news. and oakland's china town is leading the effort to halt the height of asian crimes and he's been the victim he decided to quickly snap pictures of the attack, which police say helped lead to an arrest. the story on our home page. bay area counties are facing a new vaccine problem. the surplus supply. on our home page, how young people can help fill that void. we'll have a weather update coming up for you in an hour.

this guy here is busy working on our state's recovery. you see he lives in california and by vacationing in california he's supporting our businesses and communities. which means every fruity skewer is like another sweet nail in the rebuilding of our economy.

hammer away craftsman. calling all californians. keep your vacation here and help our state get back to work. and please travel responsibly. live from studio 1-a in rockefeller plaza, this is the third hour of "today." >> good morning, everybody welcome to the third hour of "today" on a friyay, baby. april 30th you believe april is done? >> last day of april >> crazy i'm al, along with craig and dylan, sheinelle on assignment we have a pretty, pretty, pretty good friday show for you >> three pretties. >> steve kornacki, that's right, the way you have never seen him before he is live from famed churchill downs. breaking down the kentucky derby. i think you have a fresh