this weekend. >> look across the bay area this morning, enjoy it and have a good time. be safe out there. we'll see you next week. the "today" show starts in a few seconds. >> buenos días, el país sin america unmasked. >> i think it's a great milestone, a great day >> the nation reaches a turning point in the pandemic. health officials declaring the fully vaccinated no longer need to wear masks or social distance in most places inside and out. >> you can start doing the things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic. >> a breath of fresh air for tens of millions of americans. >> woo-hoo that's great. >> but the sudden change catching some states and businesses by surprise this morning, we're one-on-one

with the director of the cdc breaking overnight, major escalation israeli ground forces now hitting targets inside gaza, while more rockets rain down on israel millions being forced into bomb shelters richard engel live in the region with the very latest power play this morning, house republicans voting on who will fill liz cheney's leadership position after a last-minute surprise an unexpected challenger throwing his hat into the ring a live report from capitol hill, straight ahead waiting game the gas shortage still impacting hundreds of stations and millions of drivers across the south, as the nation's largest pipeline slowly restarts just ahead, what we're learning about the massive ransom paid to the hackers, and the new warning our country is not prepared for more cyber attacks. all that, plus, ready to race with all eyes on the controversial kentucky derby

winner medina spirit passes his first drug test for tomorrow's triple crown race. and the one where they get back together. the first look at the long-awaited "friends" reunion, and could we be any more excited about it today, friday, may 14th, 2021. >> announcer: from nbc news, this is "today" with savannah guthrie and hoda kotb, from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza good morning, everybody. welcome to "today" on a friday morning. how long have we been waiting for this moment? >> okay. we're doing it we are doing it. we used to sit on these separate edges. >> 6 feet apart for about 15 months. >> your breath smells minty fresh. >> i started using breath mints again and put on lipstick because we don't need the mask anymore. >> feels good. it was a big annou >> i think a lot of people were caught by surprise, here

we all remember the very start of the pandemic. mandates on wearing masks. in fact, the surgeon general at the time urged the public to stop buying them, particularly the n95 ones to make sure there were enough for health care workers. >> two months later, health officials urged all americans to wear masks at almost all times, and that was the new norm for the next year. >> fast forward to february of this year, yet another new recommendation, double masking to secure a better fit amidst fears over new and more contagious variants of the virus. >> then yesterday, the cdc's guidance saying fully vaccinated americans can go without masks and social distancing in most places, indoors and outdoors >> and that's how we got together today people still have. but first, nsteph, good morningu >> reporter: i can report the sun is shining brighter in times

square in the build-up to this announcement, the cdc had been criticized for acting too conservatively now, this abrupt, dramatic shift, health officials say the data in the last two weeks has been impressive. cases have fallen, and new research shows just how well these vaccines are protecting people and helping to prevent transmission it's finally time to be face-to-face again >> so i can take this off. >> now i can actually shave. it doesn't get hidden anymore. >> hallelujah. >> reporter: cdc announcing people fully vaccinated don't need to wear masks or socially distance outdoors or indoors with only a few exceptions >> we have all longed for this moment, when we can get back to some sense of normalcy >> reporter: the cdc says masks should still be worn in doctor's offices, hospitals and on public

transportation, including airplanes. after more than a year of being told these masks were saving lives, some are still sticking to their own timeline. >> you know, i just want to make sure that -- i've been doing this for how many months now why would i start now, until i'm 100% sure? >> reporter: the guidance on masks has been a flash point since the start of the pandemic. >> for anyone harassing me to wear a mask -- >> reporter: now, this abrupt shift in guidance putting business owners in a tough spot. there is no easy way to prove who is vaccinated. >> i do think that without more guidance these guidelines will cause more confusion >> reporter: it is still a milestone in the pandemic, and it follows the science, showing vaccinated people are safe to mingle unmasked in most situations officials hope it is another incentive to get the vaccine daily vaccinations have dropped drastically since peaking a month ago. today nearly 120 million americans are fully vaccinated even the president dropping his usual mask in the rose garden. >> i guess we can take them off,

right? that's great. >> reporter: some hope and freedom for vaccinated americans, and a major turning point toward recovery. some state and local officials have reacted very quickly to this news, including the governor of minnesota, who said he was going to sign an executive order this morning, rolling back the mask mandate. other states are moving forward more cautiously, including here in new york. governor cuomo says they're going to take their time to look at the new guidance. but you can expect some changes coming soon. hoda >> steph, thank you. joining us now is the director of the cdc, dr. rachelle walensky dr. walensky, good morning i hear a lot of people yelling hallelujah, a lot of people are happy to have those masks going. so i guess the question this morning, and some people feel this way, is it over >> good morning. i am cautiously optimistic that we are seeing this great, great end point in sight, but i think

we really do have to be humble and say that this virus, this pandemic has given us twists and turns, so we can't get our eye off the ball we do have to continue to monitor really carefully. >> i think it may be confusing for people waking up this morning. they heard the cdc yesterday saying, great, if you're fully vaccinated, you don't need your mask but if you live in new york, new jersey, north carolina, virginia, among other states, they say they're taking that under advisement, and they will have their decision later. so i guess who rules is it the cdc or the state >> yeah, i think that this is really important we needed to take this first step to say, if you are vaccinated, individuals themselves are really safe to be able to take their mask off. but we really do need to understand that this country is not uniform. there are places in this country that still have higher rates of disease. there are places in this country that still have lower rates of vaccination. so really, people need to look into their local environment ultimately, we know that this

virus is an opportunist. where there are low rates of vaccination, it will emerge again. we really need to make sure that we get people vaccinated, and we still continue to take precautions if people are not vaccinated. >> yeah. there actually is no way to know who is or who isn't va there's just sort of the honor system so if, frior instance, i am who fully vaccinated walked into a restaurant and there was a guy next to me who is not vaccinated, who is hacking and coughing, what kind of a risk does that person pose to me? >> right so really, what we've done is we've empowered the american people to make their own decisions about their own health what i can tell you is, certainly, if somebody is hacking at a restaurant, i'd like them to put on a mask and more importantly i might encourage them to get vaccinated if they weren't, but what i would say is if you are near that person and you are vaccinated, your risk is really quite low. what about planes and trains i thought that was interesting they were basically saying you can go to a high school

basketball game indoors but can't get on a plane or train without your mask. >> what we need to do now at cdc and across the nation is take this guidance and revise our guidance across a wide range of settings and areas we need to look at our travel guidance we need to look at our school guidance, child care guidance, camp guidance. now, we need to do the work, one at a time, of revising that guidance, and travel will be high among them. we also need to recognize in our travel guidance, we also have a travel policy, a national travel policy we need to have an interagency discussion about how that policy is going to be revised in the context of the new guidance. >> you know, yesterday, dr. walensky, i was at the central park zoo with my daughter, who is 4 years old i heard about the news and i was so happy i was going to rip off my mask i saw my 4-year-old, and i was like, actually, no, i can't. i'm trying to model good behavior i'm wondering if all these people now going without maskts will have an impact on the

little ones who can't yet get their vaccine. >> right you know, we should celebrate some good news this week as this week, we were able to make vaccine available for 12 to 15-year-olds, the pfizer vaccine. you're right, we still have all the children between the ages of 0 and 12 who aren't yet eligible for vaccine. we're working on it, but they're not yet eligible for vaccine we will still ask them to wear a mask because they are not vaccinated, and to protect themselves and protect others. in fact, yes, parents, and perhaps even teachers, may want to continue wearing masks to model behavior for them. i should also say that people may want to continue wearing masks because we've been wearing masks for 15 months. it is going to be hard to let go of them. we should be able to do that in our own due time. >> just lastly and quickly, the head of the teachers union said yesterday that she thinks all schools should reopen five days a we >> we've been saying that at cdc

for several weeks to months now. i believe that with the vaccine, with the mitigation strategies we have in place, with the testing strategy that we have in place thanks to the american rescue plan, that we really should all be back to school full time, five days a week. teachers, children, educators alike. yes, i'm all for that plan >> i also predict that lipstick sales are going to go high sky in the coming weeks. dr. walensky, thank you so much. in other news now, breaking overnight, this major escalation in the worsening conflict between israeli forces and palestinians air and ground attacks on gaza chief foreign correspondent richard engel is in tel-aviv on the ground this morning. good morning to you. >> reporter: good morning, savannah overnight the israeli military was targeting a network of hamas tunnels in gaza.

these are tunnels, the israeli army calls them the metro that hamas uses to move weapons, move men around, but there are risks for israel carrying on its offensive and pushing it too far. the ground shook overnight as the israeli military carried out at least 150 powerful air strikes against the gaza strip israeli tanks fired into gaza too, but didn't enter. thousands of israeli troops remain deployed around the edges of gaza for a possible invasion. israel is trying to stop this. gaza is run by islamic hard-liners from hamas who have fired nearly 2,000 rockets at israel this week israel is mostly protected by its state of the art iron dome missile defense system but hamas has been testing its limits, firing in clusters hoping a few rockets wil and they have killing israeli civilians. while millions in israel have

been rushing to shel >> when you hear a siren, you get up immediately usually it's been in the middle of the night lately, so we get out of bed we go down to the bomb shelter >> reporter: this is what sparked this latest round of an old and still very bitter conflict on monday, as palestinians were praying in jerusalem during the final days of ramadan israeli troops moved in to disperse them with force israel says it was responding to rock throwing. palestinians say it was part of a pattern of intensified harassment in the disputed holy city but this escalation has something new that has israels prime minister benjamin netanyahu scared palestinian israeli citizens, 20% of the population, have started to express their anger, too. some even siding with hamas.

vigilante violence has broken out. jews ambushing arabs, arabs beating jews. in mixed towns now, israelis are keeping watch for fellow citizens and this has the potential to be far more dangerous to israel than even rockets fired from afar. so far at least eight israelis have been killed in this latest round of violence and far more palestinians. nearly 120 because in gaza they don't have the benefits of an iron dome missile defense system or bomb shelters. >> richard as you well know, as you covered it seven years ago in the gaza war, this time it happened so much more quickly? >> reporter: a lot of it is because of the advantages in social media that particular incident at the mosque quickly spread and people got angry. but there's also a changed dynamic. the palestinians felt for the last four years under president trump that their case was

ignored, that their rights and situation actually got worse, and now it seems they want to reassert themselves, make sure the world has not forgotten about them, and they see this as an opportunity to change that balance a little bit. now that there's also a new administration and things have been getting very, very tough for the palestinians. now we'll see how the israelis respond to these rockets. >> our foreign correspondent richard engel in tel aviv for us this morning. thank you, richard. now to today's key vote on the direction of the republican party. craig joins us with more on that. >> good morning. with liz cheney officially ousted as third in command, this morning house republicans are deciding who will replace her. nbc's capitol hill correspondent kasie hunt has the very latest. kasie, good morning to you. >> reporter: good morning. republicans just finished what they started earlier this week when they ousted congresswoman liz cheney after she repeatedly pushed back on former president trump's false claims about the

election. and just a few moments ago they replaced her with a trump loyalist all but cementing the party's direction going forward. this morning house republicans once again declaring themselves the party of donald trump with new york congresswoman elise stefanik, a trump loyalist becoming the number three house republican leader after liz cheney was voted out following her criticism of the former president over the january 6th riots and his falsehoods about the 2020 election. >> we cannot convince people that they should put their trust in us if we are building our party on a foundation of lies. >> reporter: cheney telling savannah in an exclusive interview her top priority now is making sure donald trump is never president again. >> how far are you willing to take this? >> i think that it is the most important issue that we are facing right now as a country. he must not ever again be anywhere close to the oval office. >> reporter: stefanik has embraced trump, even though her voting record is more moderate than cheneys ask she faces a

last minute challenge from chip roy who used to work for senator ted cruz, but stefanik already has the backing of the former president as some gop lawmakers keep trying to rewrite the history of the deadly pro-trump insurrection. congressman andrew clyde facing blowback for these comments dug a hearing. >> if you didn't know the footage was a video from january the 6th you would actually think it was a normal tourist visit. clyde claiming thursday he was taken out of context, democrats accusing him of ignoring the obvious reality of the day. >> it was beyond denial. it fell into the ranks of sick. e chamber when the mob descended. >> it's devolved to a point where if somebody says the sky is red and i say the sky is blue, well, that doesn't mean there's a 50/50 chance that the sky is red. it means somebody's nuts. >> and underscoring the importance of telling the truth about january 6th, new body cam

video obtained by cnn this week shows another chilling scene from the riots as the mob overtakes officer michael fenone, and we have to warn you, this is very disturbing. >> fenone can at one point be pleading that he has children, and another voice in the crowd saying, come on, we're better than this. craig. >> kasie hunt for us there at the capitol. thank you. it's 7:18 now, and look at us all together. mr. roker, you're even more handsome in person. >> wait, what are you doing >> this is so heady. craig, why aren't you here? >> it's a long story. we'll explain later. >> it is really good to be -- can we just do a little -- is that allowed? >> i think so. i think so. >> craig's in the time-out box. >> oh. poor craig. >> not for long. >> not for long.

>> all right, let's show you what we've got going on for today. we've currently got a risk of severe weather today stretching for this afternoon and this evening all the way down from texas on into colorado. damaging winds, 75 miles per hour or more, and then as we look into saturday afternoon and evening, again, more storm hazards stretching from denver down to midland out to oklahoma city and wichita as well. we're watching this system that's going to be pushing to the east. heavy rain, strong storms for today as saturday the rain will move into the midwest. storms form late across the plains. this will continue right on into sunday, and we look at those strong storms from colorado to texas, more widespread areas of heavy rain making their way. we're looking from dallas all the way up to kansas city, oklahoma, st. louis. one to three inches, but locally could be up to five inches of rain before it's all over. we're going to get to your local forecast coming up in the next 30 seconds. ing us.

it's verizon...vs verizon. and who wins? you. and good friday morning to you. making up to slow clouds around san jose and drizzle in parts of the bay area, friday morning. 52 degrees. cool afternoon, 72 in san jose, near 60 in san francisco. 66 in oakland, and low to mid-70s around the tri-valley. tomorrow we'll have a slight chance of showers, late in the day as some of the moisture drifts to the west from the sierra, cool and breezy finish to the weekend and inland highs in the low 70s. and that's your latest weather.

>> have we mentioned how handsome you are up close like this >> thank you ♪ we united and it feels so good ♪ >> almost, craig >> you're coming soon. >> two days. >> you are so close. still ahead, guys, we're going to talk about gas prices the ongoing pain at the pump despite that pipeline now flowing again. also, the eye popping ransom paid to end the cyber attack, the even larger security concerns now being raised. what happens if the next target is a hospital, a power grid or a water supply tom costello will take an in-depth look. plus, a weight off their shoulders and their faces, after a long year how vaccinated americans are celebrating that long awaited news about masks long awaited news about masks and social distancing.

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[sfx: thunder rumbles] [sfx: rainstorm] ♪♪ comfort in the extreme. ♪♪ the lincoln family of luxury suvs. good morning. it's 7:26. i'm marcus washington. here are today's top stories including the new cdc mask guidance and where bay area counties are in response. >> i'm bob redell in pleasanton. fully vaccinated americans don't have to socially distance and wear a mask indoors or outdoors, when will the state of california adopt those guidelines? it's not clear. the california department of public health however did issue this statement saying the state is reviewing the new guidance on masking requirements with over 33 million vaccines administered and one of lowest case rates in the country, california continues to encourage all eligible californians to get

vaccinated as the state looks to fully reopen on june 15th. i'm cierra johnson in san francisco. today is a big day for high school seniors and the san francisco unified school district because today the seniors are able to return to school. that instruction may only happen for about three days before the last day of school, june 2nd. instruction will be different, getting assistance with projects and online learning as opposed to that traditional face-to-face instruction. about 500 students are expected to return. >> now it's time to get a look at the forecast for you. rob mayeda in for kari this morning. >> a lot of low clouds around the bay area. 49 degrees in san francisco. a little bit of drizzle underneath those low clouds, also cool and windy into walnut creek, 53 right now. inland areas by the way only in the low 70s today. san jose 72. 60 in san francisco, mid-60s for oakland, tomorrow a slight chance of some scattered showers, a cool, breezy finish to the weekend with some

clearing skies heading into the early half of next week. back to you. >> we'll have another local news update in 30 minutes. california's choice beauty? pretty boy. or a beast? john cox grew up with nothing; made himself a remarkable success. california's falling off a cliff. high taxes, unaffordable costs! even elon musk left! gavin's mismanagement of california is inexcusable.

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real quickly, could there be broader implications? real quickly, could there be broader implications could 3 feet be okay for the rest of us i'd like to sit 3 feet closer to hoda >> it might be, savannah hang on. >> okay. >> we'll let you know. >> keep me posted. yeah, i'll be the first to know, right, doctor? thank you very much. appreciate you. >> you bet. >> appreciate your time. ♪ forever, forever ♪e we taken ? are we a little too excited? >> i think it's doable, we are two vaccinated people. >> two vaccinated people. >> does the cdc say anything about me sitting on your lap >> let's get rid of this big desk. >> hope you've been doing the squats

that's not a light load for you. we're so happy to be together. we want to mention, craig, you are not in trouble you are not in the penalty box but you are fully vaccinated on monday >> on monday >> we're both going to sit on your lap. >> al, too. >> we've lost our masks and minds at the "today" show. >> roker is fully vaccinated craig, it'll be a little bit. >> on monday this is back in my elementary school days. all i'm missing is the dunce cap. >> we love ya. >> i can't remember how we sat this close. >> how crazy is it in this moment >> it's strange. >> a good strange. >> i think that's a feeling a lot of americans will be like, really, i can go out without this mask? >> when you look outside the window, usually, everybody is masked up. looking around now, it's different. >> mask down, yes. >> that's right. it's happening. >> it's happening. that, of course, was the top story at 7:00. let's get to a few more headlines at 7:30. beginning with breaking news, overnight two contractors trapped in an oklahoma dam after an explosion have died

it happened at the kerr dam east of tulsa rescuers worked through the night trying to reach them three contractors were about 80 feet down from the top doing some drilling when that explosion happened one worker did manage to escape. people living near a missouri propane plant were forced to evacuate thursday as the facility went up in flames officials say as many as 10,000 propane tanks caught fire, causing many to explode. it happened in the city of marshfield thick, black smoke could be seen for miles. thankfully, no one was hurt. the cause of the fire is still under investigation. kentucky derby winner medina spirit has passed the first of three drug tests needed to run tomorrow's preakness stakes. the second leg of the triple crown, of course results from tests two and three will be released later today earlier this month, medina spirit failed a post-race drug test after winning the kentucky derby. trainer bob baffert said the

horse had been treated with an anti-inflammatory steroid. now, the latest on the gas shortages up and down the east coast after the pipeline cyberattack and the new warning that has exposed critical infrastructure vulnerabilities here in the u.s. >> nbc's tom costello remains on the story th tom, this morning, we now know that colonial pipeline actually paid to unfreeze their computers. they paid the ransom, huh? >> reporter: yeah, that's right, now colonial is not confirming this, but senior government sources tell nbc news that, n., they did pay the attackers to free up their computers because this is the price for not acting, right? you've got gas stations up and down the east coast with no fuel, but what if these had been banks, hospitals, the power grid, water systems. because of that threat, you've got the government and pressure to protect and defend a week after the cyber attack

against the colonialpipeline, panic buying, long lines and no gas at 17,000 stations. >> i pulled right up here at the light and said thank you, god. >> reporter: colonial says the pipeline is open again, fuel is flowing very slowly, three to five miles per hour. it will take several days to replenish the tank farms, fuel trucks and gas stations that have run dry despite months of government warnings for companies to prepare for exactly this kind of malware attack, homeland security can only urge private companies to harden their defenses >> i cannot dictate that the private companies do certain things relative to cyber security. >> reporter: critical infrastructure includes everything from fuel depots to power and nuclear plants, water systems, railroads, banks, hospitals, telecom centers the list is endless. 85% of it privately owned and often reluctant to sharea,

the acting director before congress this week. o you thinka problem? >> i think that there is benefit when sisa's brought in quickly. >> reporter: as we saw during the election, sisa is constantly working to identify and block hack attempts. >> our critical infrastructures and other important business systems are no longer subject to the threat only of being spied on by others, but actually being attacked by others. >> so far this year, ransomware losses have already exceeded $350 million that's a 300 % increase over last year. companies face a dilemma, refuse to give in to the criminal's demands or do what colonial did, pay the $5 million ransom in bitcoin to regain access to their computers. >> if you're calling -- the cosf

the lost operation that you have could easily make $5 million look like a drop in the bucket. >> this week president biden issued an executive order to strengthen infrastructure cyber security at businesses and federal agencies >> there are techniques, security techniques that can be used to defend against the vast majority of these attacks. everybody's going to have a bad day, and you need to make sure you can get through it. >> tom, again, this highlights how vulnerable we are. but for all the businesses, all the local governments who may be worried about a similar cyber attack, what are some of the things that they can do right now to protect themselves? >> at this point, medium and big businesses, you have got to have a cyber team if you go cheap on cyber security say the experts, you're going to save money in the short-term you're going to pay for it in the long-term, if you end up getting hacked if you are -- regardless of protect them in the event that

security patches remember the equifax act from a number of years ago. equifax had failed to put in a very simple software patch that had been pushed through and recommended. they just didn't get around to it, and as a result you know how many millions and millions of people were affected by the equifax hack a lot of minor steps, big steps, but you've got to do it if you're going to keep your data secure. >> tom, thank you buddy. coming up next, americans greeting the news from the cdc with an unmasked sigh of relief. >> and hopefully a breath mint how people and businesses are celebrating and adjusting to the rule change and this return to normalcy right after this.

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long term consequences. now as you're thinking about all the vaccines your teen might need make sure you ask your doctor if your teen is missing meningitis b vaccination. we're back. we're back 7:41 with in depth today. this morning, a moment more than a year in the making. >> yeah, and three more days for you.

then we'll all be sitting together we are already seeing those big changes across the country with the new cdc guidance on masks and social distancing, and it's really changing the way vaccinated americans can go about their daily lives. >> indeed, like sitting closer together nbc's sam brock is at a gym in miami with a sight many of us have not seen in a while hey, sam. >> reporter: hoda, good morning, savannah, craig, and how about working out close together it's been more than a year since i've been inside of a gym with no mask on in the state of florida. they dropped coronavirus restrictions a couple of weeks ago, but the cdc has now approved this. people indoors exercising on treadmills, on benches without masks, without social distancing this is gyms have spent months abiding by the rules finally, a weight off their shoulders. >> reporter: on this memorable morning. >> whoo hoo, that's great. >> reporter: long awaited breaths of fresh air >> do you feel excited

>> yes, because we are tired of wearing masks. >> reporter: the cdc's announcement lifting most indoor and outdoor mask mandates for fully vaccinated americans being greeted with open arms. >> i'm just excited to get out, breathe some fresh air, get some sun on our skin. >> so things are finally coming back to normal. >> reporter: a paradigm shift on protocol coming after a year that brought us some tense moments from brawls breaking out in south florida over mask compliance to countless customers airing their grievances about covering up. >> if i had a health condition, no, you can't. >> everybody -- >> i will report you. >> reporter: restrictions remaining tight through the winter and early spring. in chicago, activities frozen under stay-at-home orders as tight limits on capacity in southern california put small businesses in a bind >> we're a little nervous. we're not sure what customers are going to come back. >> reporter: in february, dr. anthony fauci even telling savannah, americans should not get together to celebrate the nation's biggest sporting event. >> as much fun as it is to get together at a big super bowl

party, now is not the time to do that. >> reporter: but right around the time tom brady won yet another super bowl, cases began falling. vaccination rates shot up. now a new playing field prompting some rejoicing. >> i guess we can take them off, right? that's great. >> reporter: even as some people proceed cautiously like ambika sue who's focused on keeping everyone around her protected. >> just to make sure those who are unvaccinated are still safe. you never know. >> reporter: this didn't feel like a rip your mask off moment of liberation for you. >> no, because the coronavirus is still very real. >> reporter: others are pleased with what they call a common sense balance. >> it shows progress in the nation and the city as well, and we're just growing over time it's about time. >> reporter: the rules such a dramatic shift first lady jill biden appearing a bit caught off guard. >> we just learned it as we got off the plane, and here i had gone out to buy one that was coordinated with my outfit. >> reporter: dr. biden in west

virginia visiting a high school turned vaccine center, where she held the hand of a woman receiving her dose vaccines creating new building blocks for businesses like anatomy in miami. at this time last april, co-owner mark's empty facility was preparing to welcome back a limited crowd complete with strict safety protocols. >> in a typical day when you start to get to the afternoon hours, how many of these treadmills are usually filled up >> on a typical day they'll all be in use every day. >> reporter: a year later and a total transformation >> this feels like a fresh start right now. >> yeah, yeah, yeah. >> it's an exciting start, and we're here to support. we're here to add value to people's lives and to get back to business and what we do business helping people get healthy. >> reporter: now a healthy dose of optimism breaking through across the country. >> i'm thrilled. t thrilled it's great it's time to move on and put this in the rearview mirror. >> and the cdc guidance just

that guidance, whether it's a gym where we are right now or a restaurant or even the apartment that you live in those businesses still have the discretion to implement masks or not, and that could be going on for weeks or months. guys, back to you. >> all right, thank you, sam >> thank you looks like a leg week there at the gym. >> yeah, wow. >> that's sam's gym, actually. >> oh, it is >> he's going to finish up and do some reps. >> bench press. >> by the way, given the new rules, the perfect tame to remind you to roll up your sleeves and actually get vaccinated you can find all the information that you need oall in one place planyourvaccine.com. the website's right there. >> you got a check of the weather? >> i do. >> we can't get over it. speaking of websites, the epa website is being updated for major climate change indicators for the first time since 2016. u.s. climate imp happening with more frequency. in fact, weather and our

climate, we're looking at heat waves that occur three times more often than they did in the 1960s. our oceans, we are expecting u.s. coastal flooding occurring five times more frequently than in the 1950s when it comes to snow and ice even that has been changing. 2020, second smallest amount of arctic sea ice that was ever recorded, and as far as our ecosystems are concerned, the area burned by wildfires each year has increased since the 1980s. you can go on their website and find out how our climate has been changing. for today, a nice change, plenty of sunshine the eastern third of the country. temperatures are seasonal or a little bit above normal. strong storms, though, are >> a cloudy start to the morning and missy skies in a few areas, tri-valley, livermore 354

degrees and thanks to the all-day sea breeze temperatures run willing mild for your friday afternoon, if not slightly chilly. closer to the bay. high of only 60 today in san francisco, mid-70s for livermore. 72 in san jose and we could see an isolated shower or two tomorrow as storms move away, drifting westward from the sierra during the day. cool temperatures continue to ramp up the weekend into early next week. >> and that is your latest weather. >> all right, al, thank you. coming up, millions of americans who stutter are now finding hope in president biden's story. >> kate snow is talking to some kids about what that visibility has meant to them and why it's so important to bust certain myths about the condition. but first, these messages.

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♪ ♪ good morning. 7:56. i'm marcus washington. here's what's happening now. >> good morning everyone. i'm scott mcgrew. as you know, the cdc has said vaccinated people do not need to wear masks indoors though local rules will apply and in the house chambers, they still have to wear masks, speaker pelosi says masks stay on, many members of congress object. i'm cierra johnson in san francisco. today is a big day for high school seniors in the san francisco unified school district because today seniors are able to return to school, that instruction may only happen for about three days before the last day of school, june 2nd. instruction is different. they'll be getting assistance with projects in online learning as opposed to the traditional face-to-face instruction. about 500 students are expected

to return.n has the umbrella up. rob, rain in sight for us? >> drizzle there in san francisco and you heard the wind, too, a strong sea breeze pushing in low clouds in san jose. 52 degrees, and wind coming out of the southeast and santa clara valley this morning and a cool afternoon for the tri-valley. temperatures mid-70s inland. 72 in san jose. just 60 today in san francisco, and 66 in oakland. for tomorrow, more morning drizzle but we could see some isolated showers, these will be drifting in from the west, from the sierra drifting west as we head through the afternoon with cool and breezy conditions to wrap up the weekend. we'll have more local news and an update coming in 30 minutes. see you then.

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it's 8:00 on "today. coming up, face value. health officials now say fully vaccinated americans do not need to wear a mask in most situations the cdc director speaking out to hoda this morning. >> i am cautiously optimistic that we are seeing this great, great end point in sight >> so how will this change your day to day life? we're live with the latest. then raising awareness we'll hear from a group of teens living with a stutter who have been inspired by the president's personal struggle. >> not a lot of people really kind of know how it feels to

stutter. >> how these teens are using their voices to create change in the world. the moment he knew he wanted a life away from the crown. >> early 20s, i was a case of i don't want this job. >> just ahead, the reaction pouring in from around the globe. and hello, cleveland we'll introduce you to an incredible family filled with more than a dozen front line heros. how they supported one another each step of the way, today, friday, may 14th, 2021 >> surprise, mom and dad happy anniversary to our parents. >> bill and renee who are celebrating 50 years of love sending birthday wishes from denver happy 21st birthday, lauren. >> we're the farmers from

morgan, tennessee. after two years of praying, we're expecting our blessing in september. >> good morning. doesn't friday feel just so good so glad to have you with us. if you're just waking up and thinking, what did craig do? why is he in trouble he's not his vaccination will be done and complete on monday >> can't wait to hug you sit on your lap. >> yeah. this is how close we used to sit. after 15 months of not being this close together. >> it's weird. >> i'm digging it, man. >> i know. >> craig, you'll love it. >> i'm excited >> the weekend is almost here, but we're already thinking about next week, and that's because we have two huge music stars joining us we've pink and then we've got a little blake shelton coming too. >> can you contain yourself? >> you know how that goes. never goes well. >> it'll be good. at 8:00, millions of americans who have been wearing masks during the pandemic are adjusting to a new and welcome change the cdc now says you can skip the mask in most cases if you are fully vaccinated nbc's stephanie gosk is in time square maskless with the details.

hi, steph. good morning. >> reporter: hey, savannah, good morning. you know, the message from the cdc is pretty straight forward if you got the shot, you can ditch the mask i mean, there are some exceptions like going to the doctor's office or taking public transportation, including airplanes. but really this marks a dramatic shift in the guidelines. here's what the cdc director had to say earlier this morning. >> i am cautiously optimistic that we are seeing this great, great end point in sight i think we really do have to be humble and say that this virus, this pandemic has given us twists and turns so we can't get our eye off the ball and we do have to continue to monitor really carefully >> reporter: health officials say one of the things that pushed their hand toward the changing guidelines was the data over the last couple of weeks. that includes a significant drop in cases, but also new research that shows just how much people are protected by that vaccine

and how it helps prevent transmission an important distinction savannah >> stephanie gosk, good to see your face this morning. let's move to the middle east, where israel intensified its air and ground attacks on palestinian militants overnight. the fighting has also triggered civil unrest in israeli cities nbc's chief foreign correspondent richard engel joins us now from tel aviv with the very latest. hey, richard, good morning >> reporter: good morning, hoda. last night was the most intense night so far it wasn't just israeli air strikes, and there were more than 150 of those against the gaza strip, but there were also israeli tanks and artillery firing into gaza they were targeting a tunnel network, according to the military, that hamas uses to move men, to move fighters around, and to help fire rockets. hamas has been firing not just a few rockets but dozens and dozens of rockets at a time, as it tries to beat theg to do is

overwhelm the missile defense system, hoping that some of the rockets will fall through, and some of the rockets have been falling through. there have been some israeli casualties, at least eight killed so far since this conflict many more palestinians, around 120. >> richard engel for us there in tel aviv, richard, thank you meanwhile, back here, lottery officials in california are investigating whether a ticket worth $26 million went down the drain the deadline for claiming the november jackpot was thursday. on wednesday, a woman goes into a convenient store near los angeles and says that she had the ticket but left it in her pocket, and it got destroyed in the washing machine. the store's manager said surveillance video does show a woman buying the winning ticket. he sent a copy to lottery headquarters so they can look into it. can you imagine? >> check your pockets before you throw your stuff in the washer >> oh, my word. >> i cannot.

that's both lucky and unlucky a the same time. hoda, you got a boost? >> here we do. 15-year-old beau loves sports, and his parents make sure his rare genetic condition does not keep him out of action here's what happened in beau's very first track meet in cedar falls, iowa. >> come on, beau go, go, go >> here's what happened. beau's teammate reaches out to guide his friend through the 50 meter race the other runners clap and encourage him. beau's mom, amanda, posted this video. she wanted everyone to know how important it is to help every child feel the way beau did when he crossed the finish line. >> i love it he did not cross alone >> sure didn't. >> that's sweet. coming up next, kids who stutter say they're finding hope in a pretty high place. >> kate snow shining a light on their stories, and why it is so important to raise awareness of a condition that affects millions of people right after this

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welcome back this is national stuttering awareness week, and it is bringing attention to a condition that affects millions of americans >> among them, of course, our president. senior national correspondent kate snow joins us with more on this kate, good morning. >> hoda, good morning. good morning we have all heard of people who stutter, and maybe we felt the urge to jump in and complete their sentence but the teenagers you're about to meet say, please don't do that they really want people to understand what living with a stutter is like, and what they're most hopeful about >> reporter: for seventh grader jolie dichman, stuttering is a daily reality. >> when i talk to my friends in school, they know i stutter. they really are patient with me. >> reporter: for oliver berez, starting high school last fall meant introducing his reality to hundreds of new classmates.

>> i found elementary school be really challenging, and it pretty hard because the kids, they didn't really understand. i just feel that school for me now, i feel has gotten a lot better because i'm a lot more confident. >> reporter: they're just two of the more than 3 million americans who stutter, a speaking disorder that can take several forms and is very often misunderstood. do you think people understand what stuttering is >> most people just think that like we're nervous. not a lot of people really kind of know how it feels to like stutter. >> repor it's not because you're nervous. >> control. >> the person who stutters knows exactly what they want to say. they will just say it

differently. it doesn't mean they're not prepared for class or not prepared for the job interview it's just a different way of speaking >> reporter: stuttering drew new attention when joe biden was campaigning for president. he's been open about his lifelong stutter and released a campaign video with a teenage supporter who shared the condition. >> we're always going to be rooting for you, and we're here for you. >> reporter: he later invited braiden harrington to speak at the democratic convention. >> i'm just a regular kid, and in a short amount of time, joe biden made me feel more confident about something that's bothered me my whole life. >> reporter: for people who stutter, the president's story brought welcome visibility. >> once i found out that so many other people stuttered, including joe biden, it just made me feel like comforted, in a way. like, i'm not alone. >> reporter: advocates hope the

president's personal experience will lead to policy changes in schools and the workplace. >> diversity, equity, and inclusion also includes including the person who stutters. >> reporter: short says reading proficiency tests for kids shouldn't require oral responses. she's pushing for expanded coverage under health insurance plans. >> big insurance carriers see stuttering as something that has an end, an expiration date they may give you ten sessions, that's it. stuttering doesn't have a cure just because you do ten sessions in first grade doesn't mean that you don't need ten more. >> reporter: what oliver and jolie want most is understanding. >> one of my biggest pet peeves is when people finish my sentences. less then. because i know what i'm going to say, and i understand that people are because it makes me feel less than because i know what i'm

going to say, and i understand that people are trying to help me but it's not really helping me it's kind of making it worse >> reporter: it's probably annoying >> y aggravating. isn't in public, i think it will make people feel more comfortable to actually stutter in public. they can feel free to be themselves >> as christine short said, there is no cure for stuttering, but of the children who it affects, about four in five do grow out of it advocates think better access to speech therapy and getting insurance coverage can improve the odds even more, guys >> wow you know, couple years ago, dell developed quite the stutter. so much so, we took him to a speech therapist after six, seven sessions, he did outgrow it before that, i did not know how prevalent and common it was, especially in kids. >> we have to work on that with nick, we don't finish his sentences. it's gotten better >> that was a good insight

you're not helping, and the stutterer knows exactly what he or she wants to say. >> thank you, kate. mr. roker, how about another check of the forecast, sir >> all right, let's show you what we have for your weekend. we're going to do that next half hour, but right now we're looking at some heavy rain down in florida, wet weather also making its way through the northern plains. the temperature's a little cool there, 50s and 60s on into the western parts of the state of new york lots of sunshine through the gulf, temperatures in the hundreds as you get into the southwest. strong storms making their way into the midwest, heavy rain for today down through florida sunny and warm out and not so sunny right now around san francisco. drizzle storm under way. low clouds, misty skies, 49, but also cool into walnut creek right now. notice the winds south 54 miles an hour. we will see inland temperatures

low-to-mid-70s, an concord and just 60 and chilly around san francisco. mid-60s for oakland. and staying cool and breezy into next week. >> that's your latest weather. >> all right now to our favorite part of the morning. >> i don't know my camera. all the cameras are so close together all of a sudden. >> look at you. >> look how close we are it feels weird where's my mask? all right. >> you really want your mask back >> maybe we all woke up this morning and it's over? >> it's over >> just sit on each other's laps all day at work. it's fine. >> we did that. >> i don't need it >> you're vaccinated, friend. >> tell our governor thank you. >> yeah. first up, prince harry -- both, new jersey, new york, tell them all royals making news for the candid interview he did for the armchair expert podcast, opening up about his royal upbringing. he talks about his mental health and that infamous las vegas trip the reaction across the pond, as

you can imagine, mixed gadi schwartz has more >> reporter: this morning, a candid conversation between prince harry and actor dax shepherd about mental health making headlines around the globe. in great britain, headlines reflecting everything from praise to outrage and disgust. one even taking issue with harry's use of the word highway calling it american slang, but the biggest reaction is centered around the prince comparing his royal upbringing to a cross between "the truman show" and a zoo. >> early 20s, i was a case of, like, i just don't want this job. >> yeah. >> i don't want to be here i don't want to be doing this. look what it did to my mom how am i ever going to settle down, have a wife and a family, when i know that it is going to happen again >> reporter: harry also sharing more on his strained relationship with his father, prince charles. >> if i've experienced some form of pain or suffering because of the pain or suffering that perhaps my father or my parents had suffered, i'm going to make sure that i break that cycle he is treating me the way he was treated. >> reporter: the armchair expert

podcast is known for exploring mental health issues the prince opening up about going to therapy. >> it was like a bubble was burst. i plucked my head out of the sand, gave a good shake-off, and i was like, okay, you're in this position of privilege. stop complaining or stop thinking as though you want something different. how are you going to do this differently? how are you going to make your mom proud? how are you going to use this platform to really effect change >> reporter: he says part has been through listening to others and sharing their stories, teaming up with oprah in an upcoming series called "the me you can't see. prince harry also opening up about the infamous trip he took to party in las vegas in 2012 before deploying to afghanistan. >> constantly looking for other people to balance out your own behavior, right? >> reporter: he went incognito to meet meghan at a london grocery store. >> baseball cap, looking at the floor. >> reporter: as for his life in california after stepping away from royal duties. >> living here now, i can actually like lift my head and actually i feel different.

my shoulders have dropped, so has hers. >> i can't imagine. >> you walk around feeling free. i get to take archie on the back of my bicycle. >> reporter: after a tumultuous year, prince harry feeling more free to reflect on his past. for "today," gadi schwartz, nbc news. >> thanks, gadi. next, up, al, you ready? "friends." the most highly anticipated story we've been covering on "pop start" for 15 months. it's finally happening, everybody! that's right hbo max has released the first look at the long-awaited special, "friends, the reunion," and lower your expectations. here it is ♪ >> that's it. >> that's the season >> no. >> i'm not sure any of those people are the "friends" cast. >> could be anybody. >> i could be jennifer aniston.

>> there was an ad for a guy who looks like matthew schwimer from behind. >> david schwimmer >> i think hbo produced that, hoping jen for -- for jen aniston to see it and be like, i it's happening without me. i got to do it, and they all fall in line. >> what is this supposed to be for charity, for a show? >> it's a legend. >> it's like the yeti? >> i don't know. big guests are said to be parts of it, celebrities cindy crawford, lady gaga, mindy kaling bts, lots. also coming back a handful of actors who appeared on the original show. tom s tom selleck is allegedly going to be there, ross and monica's father and of course reese witherspoon, she was rachel e's sister jill a lot to look forward to when this never happens "friends, the reunion. >> there is a date. >> a deadline. >> a suggestion.

>> yeah. next up, oprah winfrey stopped by the ellen degeneres show yesterday following ellen's announcement she is going to be ending her talk show next spring winfrey had words of wisdom, on what it was like to say good-bye to the oprah winfrey show after 25 years on the air oprah also revealing the thing that she misses the most about her old talk show and the one thing that was very easy to say good-bye to. >> what i miss the most was the audience i don't mean just oh, audience applause but i always felt like i was a surrogate viewer, and i was there representing the audience. i'll tell you what i didn't miss, and i knew, when i started to feel like it's time for me to end is i was doing a makeover show we did a lot of makeovers over the years, and i just thought, there's not another way i can ask somebody what mascara are you wearing. there is not another way i can say, what color is that eye shadow

>> hard to believe the oprah winfrey show wrapped up almost ten years ago. >> crazy. isn't that crazy >> still can't get enough of her. >> for sure. finally, "saturday night live," two more episodes left in season 46 of "snl. in a promo for this weekend's show, kate mckinnon is making some lofty promises for this week's host, keegan-michael key. >> hi, i'm keegan-michael key, and i'm hosting "snl" with olivia rodrigo. you've got to watch because keegan promised the show is going to be the best in 46 years. >> well, i didn't promise. i'd say it'd be nice. >> no, you said it you promised it's out there good luck. >> wow >> "snl" airs coast to coast this saturday night at 11:30 p.m. here on nbc >> my money is on keegan-michael key. it might be the best of all time >> he'll be funny in everything. >> yup. when we come back on this friday morning, screen time and your kid >> carson put his mask back on. >> masking up again? >> yeah. go ahead. >> okay. >> not sure yet.

>> we're going to talk about kids and screen time, after your local news. >> take it off

good morning, 8:26, i'm marcus washington. governor newsom today delivers his final budget proposals to state lawmakers. among the highlights, he's expected to lay out his final plan to provide state stimulus to most californians and asking lawmakers to sign off on $1.5 billion to help struggling small businesses. so the budget must be approved by the end of june. get a look at the forecast for you this friday. rob is here with that. >> we are seeing a lot of drizzle around the coast and east bay hills. clouds now in san jose, where

it's 52 and wind coming up through the santa clara valley through the southeast at 11 miles an hour. with an all-day sea breeze, temperatures will be finish rg the work week on mild to chilly note along the coast. 57 in half moon bay, 60 in san francisco, san jose 72 and even inland areas like inland east bay seeing highs in the low-to-mid-70s today. may see a little more morning drizzle tomorrow but what's more interesting is the slight chance we can see isolated showers. we will take a closer look today at 11:00 on our midday newscast. back to you. >> thanks, rob. we'll have another local news update for you coming up in 30 minutes.

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♪ cleveland ♪ cleveland rocks ♪ 8:30 friday morning 14th day of may, 2021. look at this you guys, these are all members of one incredible family from cleveland, ohio. >> wow. >> 14 of them front line heros. >> wow. >> some of them working to save lives right now. cleveland rocks, al. >> you know, i got to tell you, i love this city the folks in it have grit but they're nice, and they take you in that is the way to wrap up our

"reopening in america" in cleveland. >> can't believe they're all from one family, insane. >> like the brady bunch. >> cleveland rok, you have the tower. highlight our friends there. >> friends at channel 3, boom. 3 news, baby. >> where it all started for mr. roker. coming up, we're going to have ooh new look at the effect of all that time kids have been spending on screens during the pandemic, plus the surprising things parents should not do as more schools and camps open up in person. >> that's right. plus, sheinelle introduces us to the inspiring woman making history at "harper's bazaar. the first woman of color to run that iconic magazine join us and talk about his hallmark series "good witch" and then joy bauer is going to turn the corn dog into a mini muffin for super food friday. >> corn dog salad. >> i love joy bauer. mr. roker, check of the weather? >> but first. >> announcer: today's weather is brought to you by unilever join unilever for their second

annual day of service. unileverdoesgood.com. >> first time in a year, joy is live with us. >> oh, exciting. >> where >> not in studio but from her kitchen. >> thought we were eating corn dogs. >> you have to have live corn dogs. let's show you what we've got for your weekend pleasant out east on saturday. severe storms from the gulf all the way up into the rockies. warm and sunny in the pacific northwest, and on saturday, the preakness stakes stakes, coverage begins at 5:00 p.m. on nbc. mostly sunny and isolated thunderstorm possible, 73. sunday, sunday, staying mild in the east, but wet weather moves into the mid-atlantic states heavy rain through texas, oklahoma starting to see a little sunshine there in walnut creek. in the the winds south at 18 miles an hour. very gusty winds across the east bay hills this morning. over into the delta, the strong

sea breeze bringing in the low clouds and ensuring today will be a cool day across the coast and inner bay and mild temperatures inland. only mid-70s inland today. 50s san francisco, 72 in san jose. cool weekend ahead, where we may see some isolated showers drifting into the east off the sierra for saturday, staying mild into next week as well. all right, al, thank you just ahead, jake ward, he has an eye opening look at how much screen time during the pandemic has impacted kids and why the impact cou last a lot longer ld

this unplugged device is protecting our beautiful coastlines and more. put off chores and use less energy from 4 to 9 pm to help keep our state golden. we're back 8:35 on this friday morning with more of our special series "the social challenge." >> all week, we've been taking a look at the impact of social media on all our lives of course, in light of the pandemic, a lot of kids are getting introduced to it at a very young age. >> online learning, facetime, zooms with family, virtual play dates, it all adds up to a lot more screen time. >> nbc's technology correspondent jake ward has a look at new research now on the

long-term effects. jake, good morning >> good morning, savannah. good morning, you guys you know, we were already in the midst of a national reckoning about kids and technology. then, you know, the pandemic blew up whatever rules we may have had in our homes. in my home, we were a no screens at all family before the pandemic today, we have four, maybe even six of these kinds of devices working at any given time. experts say it is time to start watching for the effects of all this screen time and social isolation. we looked at what science says we should expect, and what we as parents should be prepared for next ♪ >> reporter: in a year under lockdown, kids have been stuck at home and online their screen time is now twice what it was before the pandemic. think about it this way. kids who used to use screens between 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. now log on from 10:00 a.m. to

10:00 p.m. child development experts say the effects will go on and on. >> for children, this pandemic is going to have a very, very long tale. it's not a light switch, the way it may be for you and me it's not going to be the case for 3, 4, 5, 6-year-olds, 8-year-olds, 12-year-old we're seeing the effects of it already. >> reporter: maloney started seventh grade online and says soon after lockdown, she could feel her brain changing. >> it was really depressing and lonely it was probably three weeks in, i was laying in my bed watching something on my phone, and i just realized, like, it's probably going to affect us for a really long time. >> reporter: even as kids head back to school, expert says the pandemic made screens permanent in their lives >> there's no longer going to be as cut and dry of an online and offline world. it is all together you know, it is the rife life of a child. >> reporter: kids of all ages and their parents were already reckoning with screen time

before the coronavirus just before the pandemic, we spent time with maggie, whose mom, katie, told us she was pretty hooked on screens >> throws tantrums it disappeared >> elmo? more elm >> i know. >> reporter: maggie was part of a new study by seattle children's research institute of screen use by kids >> give it to me thank you so much. >> reporter: then the pandemic hit. katie says she needed screens to occupy maggie while she worked full time. >> i said, okay, mommy is done let's go play. she woke up the next morning and said, oh, you can go work now. because i want to watch dora or clifford the red dog i said, i want to play with you. i'm trying, and you don't even want to do it. that was my low point. >> reporter: katie took four months off from work, something she knows many families couldn't afford to do >> we took the financial hit

because it wasn't worth going back to her not wanting to do anything except watch screen time. >> reporter: what should a parent coming out of this pandemic do to compensate for the time they have spent under lockdown >> it's really important that you cannot just withdraw the screen >> all right want to do chalk or read a book? >> a book. >> reporter: you have to be prepared to replace it with something else we need to start now, if you will, the process of weaning children off overreliance on screens and back into normal life >> you guys, for parents struggling with this issue, some tips here are to start, first of all, gradually setting limits. you should ramp up offline activities things like going to the zoo, playgrounds, play dates, and you should even try and do those things with a real-life social pod, somebody from another household. now, another good idea is to find out what social media and gaming your kid is doing

ask them, you know, what problems are you encountering while you're on there? your kid's online life is, in many ways, their real life that's the way to think about it the last thing here, guys, check in with your teachers daily on your child's progress. they are some of the best people to know how your kids are doing. >> wow >> wow >> real wake-up call thank you. >> we just took etta, my daughter is 8 to the eye doctor. just to get her checked, nothing is wrong the doctor gave a great tip. for every 20 minutes a kid is on the screen, they said, pause the video, they don't even have to get up, have them focus on something in the distance, like on a building or the house across the street or something, just so the eyes aren't, you know, constantly this close. just every 20 minutes, it was a helpful tip. coming up next, guys, a fashion first. the first woman of color to run "harper's bazaar." sheinelle shares a great conversation with her about finding success and inspiring finding success and inspiring thi'm morgan, and there's more to me than hiv.

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"women are essential" series sh sheinelle is joining us she is also at a safe distance >> yeah. sheinelle, this morning, you have a great story well-known fashion magazine is making history. >> yes "harper's bazaar" is a front runner in the world of fashion now, the century and a half year old publication wants to be a leader in diversity, too their newest editor in chief, samira nasr, is the first woman of color at the helm, and she's determined to make a difference in its future. >> reporter: "harper's bazaar," known for being first in fashion, with a history spanning over 154 years, is being recognized for another first the magazine's first black editor in chief. samira nasr. >> welcome to "harper's bazaar." >> reporter: it's all on this floor? >> this is the edit side

i grew up in the suburbs of montreal, and for as long as i can remember, i've always been in love with fashion magazines >> reporter: what was it about it for you that you loved? >> the fantasy, the escape, the possibility, the dream i grew up in a very loving community, but no one really looked like me my father is lebanese. my mother is from trinidad they're both immigrants, and my parents were divorced when i was very young, and so magazines were just a place where i could be transported to another world. >> reporter: that world would soon know her name but her path to the top was far from typical you went to nyu. >> yes >> what did you think you were going to do? >> undergrad in philosophy i thought i'm going to go into biomedical ethics. yes, i said it >> reporter: her journey took a turn an internship at mirabella magazine opened her eyes to a new world. did you have a moment where you were enlightened and thought, you know what, this is where i

belong >> i remember as an intern being asked to be on set at mirabella. but to just see how everyone on set worked to create these images and the creative energy, it was exhilarating and thrilling, and something that i wanted to lean into and follow >> reporter: that's exactly what she did. landing jobs at american "vogue," "allure, "elle," "instyle," "vanity fair," and then a phone call that changed her life when did you know for sure you'd be the next editor in chief? >> we were in lockdown i was in prospect park with my son. i got the call my son was like, mama, get off the phone. i was like, i need a minute. >> reporter: the journey in the fashion industry probably wasn't necessarily easy. >> no. >> reporter: did you ever feel like a fish out of water did you ever feel out of place, or did you -- >> all the time. >> reporter: yes >> i love this industry.

this industry has afforded me a beautiful life, and i've traveled and i've grown and i've learned so much. but at the same time, there weren't a lot of people who looked like me when i was coming up >> reporter: now determined to use her experience and create space for others >> we are at the intersection of high fashion and culture, but still there's so many stories to be told. there's a level of humanity that we can bring to those stories. to be able to create a space and to share our platform and our pages with individuals, for them to tell their stories, and to be seen in the pages, much like i wanted to be seen when i was little, kind of goes back to that ideal. >> reporter: have you ever thought about the girl who is like you, all these years later, who she picked up your magazine, and it's her escape, it's her time to dream? >> you're going to make me cry i do i think about not just little girls. i think about little boys. i think about people

i think about individuals. and i hope they can lean into their dreams >> you did that. thank you. that's all i got have a great day, everyone >> i hope i can inspire people to dream big >> so great. like so many women, samira stays busy as a single mom years ago, she made the decision to adopt a beautiful boy you heard her talk about that moment and how it was a surreal moment, when she got the call about this big, new job. while she was at the park playing with her little boy. all those years later, they celebrated together. it was like in that moment everything kind of fell into place. >> wow >> isn't she wonderful >> really inspiring. >> my goodness >> "harper's" picked right. >> i should say, by the way, samira really does mean business when it comes to inclusivity this month, five covers. she's like, you know what? i'm going to do it she's featuring a different diverse model. if you see "harper's bazaar," she said, we're doing five this month.

>> trailblazer. >> sheinelle, great interview. when we come back on this friday morning, we're reopening america. we're going to wrap it up in cleveland with a remarkable family, count them, 14, front line heros all in cleveland. it's beauty, - [macaw vo] pretty boy. - or the beast. - the beauty, - [macaw vo] pretty boy. has failed. the beast, john cox, will shake up sacramento, cut taxes. learn about california's nicest, smartest beast at johncox.com

attention, california. new federal funding of $3 billion is available no matter what your income. how much is yours? julie and bob are paying $700 less, every month. dee got comprehensive coverage for only $1 a month. and the navarros are paying less than $100 a month. check coveredca.com to see your new, lower price. the sooner you sign up the more you save. only at covered california. this way to health insurance.

it's beauty, - [macaw vo] pretty boy. - or the beast. the sooner you sign up the more you save. - the beauty, - [macaw vo] pretty boy. has failed. the beast, john cox, will open schools, get our economy roaring. learn about california's nicest, smartest beast at johncox.com we're back with a very special "my today plaza" in honor of our reopening america series. >> yeah. i have to tell you, we've had a blast highlighting everything that makes cleveland such a special place. i think we may have actually saved the very best for last check out the big board. >> what? >> what's up, cleveland? >> from siblings and cousins from the longville family. a family with 14 front line heros. >> man. >> kids, we're talking nurses, firefighters, we're talking pharmacists and more eight of them are with us now. good morning, family >> morning. >> we want to know --

>> wow. >> look at this crew. just look at this crew, my word. >> god bless you all. >> where is debbie debbie, raise your hand so we can find you hey, girl. >> morning. >> debbie is an occupational therapist. all five of your kids are front line workers >> yes. >> what is in the water at your house? we need to know. >> a lot of >> tell us how that came to be did they just follow in your foot steps >> actually, i'm from a very big family, and my mom and dad taught us and instilled in us to take care of one another i think we just kind of spread that out to helping and taking care of people that we don't even know. >> wow. >> yeah, well, that's i guess love and kindness in the dna do we have mckayla put the big board up one more time michaela, you are a pediatric icu nurse. how do you all support each other? >> i think we all just try and keep in touch with each other and we can all lean on each

other when we have tough times we know we can all relate to the experiences we have. we try and plan family zooms and game nights and stuff like that. >> is this the most beautiful family you've ever seen? >> we're looking at you because you're on a giant screen, but the rest of us don't look that good on the giant screen. >> the cover of an album. >> this is a gorgeous and good-hearted family. >> what alt rock band is that? i have to check them out. >> we have a surprise for all of you. if you take a look right now, we're going to show you progressive field, and check out what's on the jumbotron. >> what? >> that's right. cleveland wants to give each of you, all of the front line heroes in your family, a pair of tickets to a home game this season >> nice. >> that's cool. >> yay >> way to go all right. >> yes >> that's right, guys. a whole bunch of fans there. i hear they may be changing the team's name to the cleveland spiders. >> i think i did hear that >> that was in the works, a

discussion a while ago. >> all right whatever they're called, you're going to a home game >> whoo! >> thank you so much how exciting go tribe >> thank you so much for all that you do. >> thank you, guys. >> and family members who are working right now, the rest of them we have eight here, but 14 in total. you guys are really impressive thank you. >> thank you so much. >> thank you, guys. >> enjoy the game. >> making cleveland proud. >> get a beer, hang out. >> all right yeah, i know, right? "weekend today" co-host kristen welker joins us. of course, we are still beaming over the news that she is expanding her family her little baby girl is coming in june. kristen, you were so courageous to share your journey with infertility and the surrogate carrying your baby right now i know you're on that topic tomorrow, as well. >> i am. hi, so good to see you and everyone as we talked about, one in eight families struggle with infertility. finances can be a major roadblock.

so i spoke with three families, one single father who saved for over a decade to pursue surrogacy. even that wasn't enough. i also spoke to a couple in denver who struggled so much with ivf, they've now started their own business to help others and a third family in michigan who adopted these two beautiful girls after grappling with infertility for five long years. thomas and katie berlin say they want to share their story to help raise awareness about the costs and the challenges >> we wouldn't trade our girls for anything it does come with a cost, and there needs to be light shed on some of these organizations that can provide financial help >> don't give up hope. you know, no matter how your family forms, it will happen for you. >> those squeals you hear in the background are their two little girls. now, the good news is all three of our families were successful at becoming parents, and now they have tips for other families for how to get the financial help you might need, including finding the right grants and loans, and we're

going to have all of that on "weekend today" as well as speaking to an expert who helps couples take the stress out of fertility financing. back to you. >> awesome >> so glad you're spearheading that conversation. it's so important. >> the financial piece is a big part of it by my calendar, baby girl is coming in about three weeks. >> tick tock, we're getting ready. we have the nursery all set. >> get some sleep while you can. >> exactly >> i'm trying. those final winks. >> all right, thank you, kristen. >> thank you. coming up on hoda and jenna from hacks, we've got three-tima really cool mystery destination. first though, in the third hour, savannah sellers is going to take a look at the dark side of social media and the lingo that could be red flags for parents but first, your local news, some weather, have a great weekend. >> okay. >> we'll be backment.

>> we'll be together . >> we'll be together . >> we'll be together . >> we'll be together . >> we'll be together good morning, 8:56. i'm marcus washington. look, don't throw away your masks just yet. while the cdc now says fully vaccinated americans in most cases no longer have to wear their masks, the area counties tell us they're still awaiting state guidance. california's only statements so far encourages people to get vaccinated and restates the

state plan to fully reopen one month from now. as wearing your mask mandates are lifted, you may still be required to wear them in any business that requires it. that's because private entities are allowed to make their own rules on private property. happening now, we're monitoring the reaction in both sacramento and washington, and we're asking people on one bay area main street whether they're ready for that change. add midday, we'll have the latest. you can also head to our home page right now to get more details. scenic coastal highways... fertile farmlands... there's lots to love about california. so put off those chores and use less energy from 4 to 9 pm when less clean energy is available. because that's power down time.

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live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza, this is the "3rd hour of today." >> good morning and welcome to the "3rd hour of today" on a fri-yay. >> yeah. >> may 14th. happy birthday to my oldest girl, courtney roker. >> aw. >> that's right. >> last birthday as a single woman. >> oh, that's right. >> wedding? >> got a wedding coming up. and it is fri-yay because dylan and i are finally allowed to sit closer together. >> looks like y'all are going to prom. >> it is so supple. so smooth.