unexpected slow drive from freemont into sunol. >> thank you for joining us. >> we'll see you back here tomorrow morning starting at 4:30. take a look at this. a shot of the iconic golden gate bridge. a little bit the fog lingering around. beautiful shot to start your wednesday morning. have a great one. the "today" show is next. a potent threat as the white house acknowledges it won't meet the president's july 4th vaccination goal. >> the reality, many younger americans have felt like covid-19 is not something that impacts them. >> just head how the variant is targeting the vulnerable, young children. our one-on-one live with dr. anthony fauci next.

anthony fauci, next. crime wave, president biden set to address the alarming rise nationwide in shootings and other gun related violence. this morning, what's behind the surge. calling it quits, a record number of americans choosing to walk away from their jobs. >> i was being severely exploited and, you know, i was definitely underappreciated. >> straight ahead, why millions are saying enough is enough and the big incentives major companies are offering to lure them back. those stories, plus full-court press. britney spears set to testify today to reclaim authority over her finances and her life. and for the first time, a look deep inside court documents revealing just how long she's been fighting against her father's control. a live report from the courthouse, just ahead. and phoenix rising. >> crowder throws it, alley-oop, oh! puts it down. he puts it down.

>> a dramatic dunk in the final second lifts the suns over the clippers moving them one game closer to the nba finals today, wednesday, june 23rd, 2021. >> announcer: from nbc news, this is "today" with savannah guthrie and hoda kotb live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. and good morning, everybody. welcome to "today" on a wednesday morning. we're glad to have you with us in the middle of the week. >> we sure are. on a wednesday, we begin with new bumps in the road in america's recovery from the pandemic. the white house now acknowledging it will not meet that 70% vaccine mark by the fourth of july. >> as it stands, more than 77 million americans have received at least one dose, that news coming at 38 states experienced a decrease in cases. >> but areas where numbers are not going down are showing an increase in that contagious delta variant. dr. fauci calling it, quote, the greatest threat to eliminating

covid. >> we'll talk about that to him and more in a moment. but first, tom costello taking a look at the new concerns. tom, good morning. >> yeah, good morning. so right now 150 million americans are fully vaccinated. the country is in a far better place than a few months ago. but ten days away from the 4th of july weekend, the summer still ahead of us, and then the fall. there's real concern this morning with that delta variant spreading fast and what that could mean for kids in the fall. this morning, the white house is acknowledging a setback. expecting now to fall short of president biden's goal of vaccinating 70% of adults with at least one shot by july 4th. 18 to 26-year-olds particularly lagging behind. >> the reality is many younger americans have felt like covid-19 is not something that impacts them. and they've been less eager to get the shot.

>> vaccination efforts are now centers to local outreach. and giveaways to reach hesitant young adults. >> i don't feel like that vaccine is necessary, to me. >> it is not fully fda approved. until i have more information, i think i'll be more open to get it, as well. >> nationwide, the number of new shots into arms has been trending down recently. so far, nearly two-thirds of american adults have received at least one dose. 20 states and d.c. are beating that national rate. but west virginia, which once led in vaccinations, is now falling to the back of the pack. four states, mississippi, louisiana, wyoming and alabama have yet to hit 50% vaccination rates. those unvaccinated americans, particularly vulnerable to the highly contagious delta variant which now accounts for 20% of all new cases, doubling in just one week. >> the delta variant is the u.s. to our attempt to

eliminate covid-19. >> reporter: with children under 12 still not eligible for the vaccine, there's growing concern that more kids will catch and spread the mutated virus as states continue to drop covid restrictions. >> i think the reality is that kids are becoming more likely to be vectors of these new variants. >> reporter: while it's too soon to tell if the delta variant will be worse for children than other versions of the virus, some parents now worry schools will not be taking the extra precautions in the fall. >> i see everything reopening and a lot of people sort of acting like it's over and i keep remembering my kid is under the age of 12 and therefore not vaccinated so for hi, it's not over yet. moderna, fizers, and johnson & johnson are in clinical trials to see how well their vaccines are handled by kids 12 and under and hopefully getting kids vaccinated. >> tom, thank you.

joining us now as promised, dr. anthony fauci. doctor, good morning to you. >> good morning. >> i do want to talk about this delta variant. we do know that it is more contagious, potentially more severe. it has doubled in just the last week, and according to research quoted in the "wall street journal," it is spreading so rapidly, it could become the dominant strain in two to three weeks. we knew it was fast. did you know it was this fast? >> well, we know that from our experience that our colleagues in the uk have gone. because it just exploded in the uk. it went from a minor variant to now more than 90% of the isolates in the uk. so given the doubling time of approximately two weeks, right now it's at 20%, savannah, of our isolates. so you would expect just the doubling time in several weeks to a month or so, it's going to be quite dominant. that's the sobering news. the news that is so important, savannah, is that the vaccines that we have now that we're distributing, that we've done so

well in distributing, you heard the numbers from your own reporter, that, you know, over 65% of the adult population has received at least one dose, particularly the elderly individuals where 85% of them have received it. so we're doing very well with the vaccine that is -- that does quite well against this problematic variant. it's the unvaccinated people that we're concerned about. you gave the numbers. there are some states that are less than 50%. you've got to get younger people -- >> how do you explain that? >> -- particularly 18 to 26. well, you know, it's very difficult. we're beyond, savannah, the larger mass vaccination program. right now, it's got to be in the trenches, getting people -- like, for example, i was on a conference of mayors yesterday talking about going door to door, like i did with mayor bowser just this weekend in the district of columbia, getting people out, answering their questions. many people just need more

information. they've let it go, they haven't paid attention to it. they have to start paying attention to it now because if they are unvaccinated, they are at risk, whereas those who are vaccinated can have a great 4th of july. i mean, you can do all the things you want to do on the 4th of july if, in fact, you're vaccinated. >> you don't want to overstate it, but a world health official said the dell tra strain is faster, fitter, and will move through communities more efficiently and pick off the unvaccinated. we just talked about those who are unvaccinated for whatever reason, you know, convenience, fear, politics, who knows. i think about the unvaccinated and i think about a whole group of little kids under 12 who have no choice. they're unvaccinated. and now this more virulent strain is moving through communities. as a parent, what do you advise? >> certainly, if a child is unvaccinated, which it might be merely on the basis of their

age, you've got to be careful and abide by the public health recommendations. which means when children are interacting with others outside of the family setting, wear a if the family members are vaccinated, no problem, but if you go out, wear a mask. but if you think about it, the best way to protect the children is to bring the level of virus circulation in the community down. the best way to do that is that those, i.e., adults eligible for vaccination to get vaccinated. so you're not only protecting yourself, but by bringing the level of virus down in the community, you're indirectly protecting the children who can't yet get vaccinated. that's one of the most important ways to do that. >> we were talking about the goal of at least 70% of americans with at least one shot by july 4th. the white house says we're not going to reach that goal. we'll be close but won't reach it. have you asked yourselves, those who came up with that goal and

thought it was doable, what went wrong? why wasn't it reached? >> i don't think something actually went wrong. that was always an aspirational goal. it was never the goal line or the end game. we wanted to and will go well beyond that as we get past the 4th of july into the summer. so i think we better be careful. we shouldn't say, well, you didn't reach this number on this date, therefore, it's failed. not at all. we were going to go beyond the 4th of july, anyway. all we need to do now is put a full-court press on, get to the local people, get the people who have been recalcitrant vaccinated. so i don't really feel that badly about not particularly reaching a specific number. we wanted to go well beyond that number, anyway. >> in the few seconds we have left, just a word about how the more they're out there, it seems to me they get better, they get stronger, they get more efficient, they get faster, they get more contagious.

so the more they're circulating around and more mutations happen, potentially, do we have the possibility of a variant developing that is impervious to our vaccines that could defeat our vaccines? >> you said it, you're absolutely correct. another important reason why we need to get vaccinated. viruses don't mutate if they don't replicate. if you give them the opportunity to replicate by allowing them to spread from person to person, you're giving them a perfect opportunity to mutate even more and perhaps evade the vaccine. yet again, another powerful reason why we should be getting vaccinated. >> all right. dr. fauci, as always, thank you for your time. appreciate it. >> thank you. good to be with you. another major issue on president biden's agenda, the dramatic surge in gun violence in major cities all across the country. today, the white house is announcing a new strategy to

address the problems. nbc's garrett haake joins us now with details on this. good morning. >> reporter: hey, hoda, good morning. the white house is hoping a surge of money, much of it originally meant to respond to the covid crisis, can now be used to help communities struggling with the crisis of gun violence. this morning, president biden set to announce new strategies to respond to growing gun violence across the country according to white house officials. in a speech later today, the president will unveil a plan that includes stemming the flow of firearms, providing law enforcement with more resources, investing in community violence interventions, expanding employment opportunities, and helping incarcerated people re-entry communities. the new plan will also allow communities experiencing surges in violence to use the $350 billion in state and local funding including in the

american rescue plan to fund community policing strategies. in april, president biden addressed the violence in a speech announcing executive actions on gun access after weeks of high profile mass shootings. >> this is an epidemic, for god's sake. and it has to stop. >> major cities have seen a surge in gun violence post pandemic. some republicans have been quick to paint the president as soft on the issue. >> from coast to coast, american families are facing an explosion of violent crime on their streets and in their neighborhoods. >> some democrats have also pushed the white house on the topic and have called on the president to make police reform a bigger legislative priority. and the white house also wants to make more federal resources available to law enforcement, things like fbi agents and high tech tools. the president is expected to announce more details of this plan alongside the attorney general this afternoon. and more news out of capitol hill last night, senator republicans dealt a major block to democrats. they blocked the voting rights bill. tell us more about that.

>> reporter: yeah. pretty dramatic vote. the for the people act would have overhauled basically everything about how we run elections in this country. democrats said it would make it easier to get registered and to vote in most elections, and they said it was necessary because of more restrictive state laws being passed around the country. but republicans opposed it as a federal takeover of elections and they were able to block it on a 50/50 party line vote. >> all right. garrett, thank you. while we are talking about politics, we want to tell you about an nbc news exclusive. it's the first on first interview with doug emhoff, he'll open up about his wife as vice president, and how he sees his role in washington. get a look at that conversation tonight on "nbc nightly news" and we'll have more tomorrow morning on "today." in the meantime, thomas llamas is up you with us. good morning. >> all eyes here on the mayoral race this morning. the votes are still being counted. former police captain eric adams has jumped out to an early lead

in the crowded democratic primary. still, it could be weeks before a winner is declared in the decide's first major contest to use rank choice voicing. meantime, andrew yang conceded the mayoral race last night after early results showed him running in fourth place. and a founder of the anti-crime group won the republican mayoral primary. and we want to turn to sports now. the nba playoffs and the moment fans couldn't believe a dramatic finish in last night's suns/clippers game. phoenix was down by one with under a second to play. let's roll that clip. >> crowder looking, throws it, alley-oop! oh, and he puts it down! he puts it down! >> absolutely incredible. deandre ayton with the alley-oop that puts phoenix up by one with 0.7 seconds on the clock. ra few moments later, the clippers unable to score at the buzzer. if you have two minutes today,

watch the final two minutes of this game that ended in that perfection, that alley-oop. i saw that play and i thought to myself, that reminds me of the guthrie to roker toss for the weather slam every morning. >> behind the back. >> yeah. it's all that. >> i wasn't sure where you were going there, but i like it. >> we were a little nervous. we weren't sure. >> and if you don't have two minutes, watch the 0.7 seconds. >> right after you watch "today" at 30. >> i'm tossing it to you. thank you. coming down here, we have a slam dunk of heavy weather coming over the next several days, especially for our friends down in florida. they're going to be looking at heavy rain. some rainfall amounts, we're talking 1 to 3 inches of rain. where we're really concerned, we are looking at severe storms, in the central plains, damaging winds, hail, isolated tornados possible and the risk gets even worse. tomorrow, we have 12 million people at risk for damaging

winds, hail, isolated tornados possible, and this is going to be a long duration event of heavy rain. a storm system arrives in the midwest tomorrow. it just kind of meanders with this front for the weekend. multiple rounds of torrential rain going right on into sunday and look, we go into monday, tuesday, wednesday, the rain continues in the midwest. wet weather, flooding potential, we're talking some areas could pick up 7 inches of rain by the time we get into next week look at this detroit, you could see 5 plus inches -- or five plus days consecutively of rain. six plus in chicago. five plus in st. louis rainfall amounts in detroit, you could be looking at 3 to 5 inches of rain, 4 to 6 inches of rain in chicago. st. louis, 2 to 4 inches going into next week so flooding is going to be a big problem in the midwest starting this weekend and going into early next week. we're going to get to your local forecast coming up in the next 30 seconds

and rule your day. you work hard. that's why metro makes switching easy. right, there's zero fees to switch. get our lowest price on unlimited. just twenty-five bucks a line for four lines. plus four free galaxy phones. all on the t-mobile network. that's metro—empowering you to rule your day. good wednesday morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. live look outside in san jose. we're starting out with some clouds and it's going to help keep our temperatures cool as we get our wind coming from the west. that brings in an ocean breeze so our temperatures near the coast will stay in the low to mid 60s while you head across the bay to oakland looking at some upper 60s, upper 70s for palo alto and upper 70s for the south bay as well as the east bay with our temperatures remaining more of the same into the end of the week. >> and that's your latest weather.

savannah >> thank you, al just ahead, all eyes on britney spears this morning as she prepares to face her father in court we're there with the new twist and her ongoing baths for control over her own life. and we will take an in-depth look at why americans are quitting their jobs in record numbers and the incentives that numbers and the incentives that so ♪start spreading the news♪ ♪i'm leaving today♪ ♪i want to be a part of it♪ ♪new york, new york♪ ♪it's up to you♪ ♪new york, new york♪

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coming one we're going to talk love and loss >> yeah. late last year, bobbie lost her husband way too young. she is keeping his memory alive for herself and their son, miles, and the beautiful thing is that bobbie somehow found in her grief that she was lucky, she said, but first, your local news vid-19 vaccine. (both) thank you for getting past our walls.

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if you're riding the ferry wear your mask. i'm bob redell in san ramon. california has hit a vaccination milestone that most of the rest of the country has failed to achieve. over 70% of adults in the golden state have now received at least one dose of the covid vaccine. you will recall president biden set that 70% goal for all americans by july 4th, but announced yesterday that the united states would miss that goal by independence day. let's get a look at the forecast with meteorologist kari hall. >> good morning. we're going to see some clouds to start out our wednesday, but then clear out as we go into the rest of today. our temperatures reaching into the upper 70s, the low 80s through the end of the week, for some of our warmest spots inland. then for the weekend, we are going to be heating up, reaching into the low to mid 90 and the heat continues through next week for monday and tuesday while san francisco will see temperatures

here in the upper 60s, reaching into the low 70s by the end of the weekend. you can see those clouds, laura. >> i'll be back with another local news update in a half hour. hope to see you then.

carl nassib became the first active player to come out, less than two days later the jersey number 94 happens to be the league's top selling jersey. get your number pretty quick. >> a check of your headlines at 7:30. vanessa bryant, wife of kobe

bryant has agreed to settle a lawsuit against the pilot and owners of the helicopter that crashed last year killing the former lakers star, their daughter and seven other people. terms were not disclosed. the chopper flying in fog crashed into the hills north of los angeles heading to a basketball tournament. crashed into the hills in los angeles while heading to a youth basketball tournament. federal investigators blamed pilot error. royal caribbean of the sales cruise ship returned to miami after a simulated voyage. hundreds of fully vaccinated employees served as volunteer guests. royal caribbean was testing covid-19 safety measures more than a year after the pandemic brought the cruise industry to a halt. company officials say the test did go well. "freedom of the seas" is set to resume paid cruises happening july 2nd. los angeles area restaurants have seen their share of police chases over the years but none like this. nearly three dozen cows broke

through from a meat packingpede neighborhood. it took a couple hours. with the help of police and good samaritans, all the cows were rounded up into trailers. >> they were trying to break free. >> from a meat packing plant. >> we get it. also this morning, we are following the ongoing battle with pop star britney spears and her father over control of her life and her finances. >> today both are expected to appear remotely and we're get ago first look at court documents tied to the case that show just how long it's been going on. >> and how much she's been fighting her father to get back control. nbc's erin mclaughlin is at the courthouse in l.a. for us. a big morning. good morning to you. >> reporter: good morning, guys. this is where britney spears will testify later today. this is the first time we expect to hear from spears in her own words about the topic of her conservatorship.

legal experts say the hearing could be full of drama. >> will i ever take the stage again? i have no idea. i'm having fun right now. i'm in transition in my life. >> reporter: this morning, britney spears is expected to push for that transition in court. speaking out for the first time against her father and his control of her life. for 13 years, jamie spears has been at the helm of a court ordered conservatorship for his daughter and her $60 million fortune. britney wants him out, claiming the relationship is toxic. her lawyer telling the court the pop star refuses to perform as long as her dad serves as her conservator. in court documents from 2016 leaked to the "new york times" but not reviewed by nbc news, they say the conservatorship has become an oppressive and controlling tool against her and it restricted everything from whom she dated to the color of her kitchen cabinets. last year, the attorney told the judge britney was afraid of her father. the records provide a glimpse into part of the court case. legal experts say at today's hearing, britney is expected to

openly air her grievances and could face cross-examination from her dad's lawyer. >> how difficult will it be for her to persuade the court? >> i don't think it's going to be very difficult at all. there has been a clear breakdown for over two years in this relationship. >> reporter: court ordered the conservatorship back in 2008 after the star was placed in two involuntary psychiatric holds following a public breakdown. legally, the singer can't make any significant decisions about her career, finances, or personal life without the oversight of her conservatorship. >> what do we want? >> free britney! >> earlier this year, the documentary "framing britney spears" re-ignited a movement to free her, fans believe she sends them cryptic messages through her instagram videos. reps for britney and jamie spears declined to comment. earlier this year, his attorney told us jamie spears has diligently and professionally carried out his duties for her

some believe britney is laying the groundwork to end all outside control of her life. >> britney, who can still work, a few years ago was making millions and millions of dollars in las vegas. it is extremely unusual for a conservatorship of something of this length to involve something like britney spears. >> reporter: legal experts say a judge could rule to remove jamie spears as britney's conservator within days leaving a third party in charge of her affairs. it's important to note up until this point a court has kept jayme mifmy spears in place as conservator. >> one of the issues is the question of whether jamie, the father, benefits personally in any way from this current arrangement. >> reporter: yeah. well, he does. according to court documents, he

received $16,000 a month for his work as her conservator. according to media reports he receives a percentage of her overall business earnings. many experts say that could amount to a conflict of interest. savannah. >> erin, we'll see what happens in court today. thank you. >> and worth noting, she's 39 years old. >> and the issue in the court case isn't about whether there should be a conservator, but whether the father should be the conservator. but it sounded like what erin was saying is there's going to be a conservator, at least for the moment. up next, the record number of americans quitting their jobs saying they are overworked and underpaid. >> the ripple effect that's having on businesses all across the country trying to keep workers happy and the hiring opportunities being created if you are looking for work, coming up right after this. . that's a lot of living. so, it helps to have a wise friend and fierce defender in your corner. a friend like aarp. so, your health lives longer. this is just slow-mo karate? just slow-mo karate.

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reopening america series we're taking a closer look at why millions of workers are calling it quits

>> stunning new government data shows a record number of americans are voluntarily quitting their jobs leave manager workplaces seriously understaffed >> and as nbc's sam brock found out, it is forcing some businesses to get creative when it comes to hanging on to employees. sam, good morning. >> reporter: hoda, savannah, tom, good morning. they are calling this the great resignation. a massive exit of workers from all kinds of industries, from coffee shops to clothing stores, plus the pandemic is prompting some workers to reassess their options. this morning, help wanted is becoming an urgent plea almost everywhere a growing number of workers are seeking better hours, higher pay and safer environments with some hourly wages barely breaking double digits. >> $10 or $11 is a joke. >> kevin tamaya was a 26-year-old restaurant server in a new job for six months he makes just enough to get by, but not enough to afford a car he says the pandemic changed his

perspective. >> being inside all day can take a toll on you, but it kind of opened my eyes to the fact that i was being severely exploited and i was underappreciated >> reporter: the latest data shows nearly 4 million americans abandonned their jobs in april, the most since the government started tracking the stat 20 years ago. industries suffering some of the highest losses, leisure and hospitality with more than w 740,000 workers, accommodation and food services, 680,000, and retail with nearly 650,000 it's likely a combination of factors driving folks to quit, but near the top of the list, a competitive hiring market and fatigue. >> our employees were telling us they're burnt out. they can't keep working six, seven days a week. we sat down with them and said >> reporter: part of the solution at sergio's here in miami, robots not meant to

replace the work staff, but minimize their exhausting grind. owner carlos gonzatua is offering full benefits including 401(k)s while hiring is still a challenge. >> we increased rates of pay, 401(k)s, health care plans, but yet people were just not applying to the point where volume started to pick up, but we still had the same labor force. >> reporter: big retailers like amazon, costco and target are trying to lure workers with $15 wages to start office workers get some perks, too. the popular dating app bumble closing its offices this week to give employees a break kick starter says it's gearing up to start a four-day workweek next year. >> i don't see it as a binary.e those in motion with each other in a way that brings more value into all parts of your life. >> reporter: do you feel like workers at kick starter are burned out right now

>> i think everybody around the world, it doesn't matter how you're working, where you're working, whether that's at home, whether that's in an office are feeling it >> yeah. and, sam, if you quit your job, you still need to pay your bills. so you wonder how people are quitting their jobs. i know some are getting unemployment, but do we know why people are leaving their jobs and how they intend to pay their bills? >> reporter: unemployment benefits certainly have helped here there's a whole confluence of reasons as to why they're leaving. but there's a split opinion on whether those benefits are making a difference. the university of chicago recently surveyed asking economists, 50% said yes, it makes a difference, 50% said it does not of the states that ended up employment benefits early, so far, no indication they're seeing more job search activity, but it is early. back to you. >> sam, thank you. >> interesting issue help wanted in the weather

al, can you help us out? >> yeah, we need some help, especially breaking our heat for our friends in the west. maybe breaking the drought but no relief in sight in fact, we have fire weather watches, isolated lightning strikes that are probably setting off more fires out there. high heat, jet stream way up to the north. look the a these temperatures. salt lake, 95. that's 8 degrees above average but in the east, temperatures below average where the jet stream takes a dip to the south. now, we're going to see that warmth make its way into the mid plains and midwest as we move into tomorrow. but look at this heat that's going to be striking the pacific northwest. portland will see triple digits going into the weekend near 100 for seattle into the weekend. 102 in boise, idaho, records are likely going to be set and, in fact, this is going to last right into next week for the pacific northwest. and they've got drought almost 90% of the west, drought conditions

half of the west is in extreme drought. we're going to see an update tomorrow, and this is expected to go up over the next several days that's what's going on aro >> good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. look at our seven-day forecast for the inland areas. expect those highs in the upper 70s for the warmest spots today and then some low 80s for the end of the week. now we get some real warming this weekend. we're talking about highs in the low to mid 90s and that will continue into next week. a span of several days of those 90 degree temperatures while san francisco will see highs here in the upper 60s, but more like to mid 70s for the start of the new week. weather. coming up, we're getting our groove on and shining a light on a remarkable organization that uses dance and a lot more to change the lives of girls. one of my favorite organizations. but first, these messages. with a vegan menu... that serves dinner at 4:30.

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a very good morning to you. it is 7:56. i'm laura garcia. here's a look at what's happening now. >> i'm kris sanchez. today president biden will present a gun violence reform plan that could mean more money for our local communities. the president wants to allow communities to use $350 illion in federal funds from the federal rescue plan. that could mean hiring more police officers, social workers and crack down on licensed weapons dealers who break the law. in san jose the council is considering a 10 point gun reform plan that includes requiring every gun owner to have liability insurance. let's get a look at that forecast with meteorologist kari hall. >> good morning. we're starting out with some clouds over the east bay.

checking out walnut creek, after the clouds clear out over the next couple of hours, we'll see some very comfortable temperatures reaching into the upper 70s in the east bay but it will be as warm as the upper 80s in ukiah and clearlake today while san francisco stays in the upper 60s, expect a high of 77 today in san jose. our inland temperatures will gradually warm up, especially this weekend. saturday and sunday will see a spike in our high temperatures reaching into the mid 90s and that will continue into next week. while san francisco will go from the upper 60s to mid 70s to warming up a little bit more there by monday. laura? >> a little something for everyone. thank you. thank you for joining us as well. we'll be back with another local news update in about a half hour. have a great morning.

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♪ it's coming up, long shot, the u.s. is now saying the u.s. won't reach president biden's vaccination goal ahead of july 4th as new concerns emerge over the delta variant. >> we're doing very well with the vaccine that does quite well against this problematic variant. it's the unvaccinated people that we're concerned about and this morning, controversy over the mass exit at a houston hospital where more than 150 nurses and staff have resigned or been fired of a

vaccine mandate. we'll have the latest. plus, sharing her story, our friend and editor bobbie thomas opens up about losing her husband. >> i don't need to be told there was a silver lining or a bigger reason there isn't. and that is okay for me to feel. >> just ahead, what she's learning about grief and gratitude. and star studded morning, we'll catch up with john cena as he gets ready to take the wheel for the first time in the "fast and furious" franchise and then martha stewart joins us live to talk about rolling up her sleeves in her new show today wednesday, june 23rd, 2021 >> david and robin from white water, wisconsin >> and we're celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary on the

"today" show >> just finished my 20th year teaching, and guess what i still love it. >> here in sandy utah raylene has been teaching us cardio for the last eight years >> during the pandemic we worked out in rain and snow >> we love raylene and the "today" show >> feel the burn, raylene. i love it, a little cardio bar good morning welcome back to "today." this will get your blood pumping, wednesday morning on the "today" show >> we have tom llamas joining us craig is on assignment good to have you here. the biden administration says its will not reach its july 4th vaccination goal in the meantime, the number of new cases caused by the highly contagious delta variant is rising sharply this morning, i asked dr. anthony fauci about protecting children who are too young to get a vaccine. >> the best way to protect the children is to bring the level

of virus circulation in the community down the best way to do that is that those, i.e., adults, who are eligible for vaccination to get vaccinated >> despite the vaccination slowdown, hospitalizations and deaths are continuing their downward trend now to texas, where a houston hospital system has fired or accepted the resignations of more than 150 nurses and other staff members who refused mandatory covid vaccinations nbc's morgan chesky has been following this story since it broke. good morning, morgan >> reporter: good morning. this vaccine mandate, which was recently upheld in court, is about as black and white as it gets the hospital said if you want to come back to work, you have to be vaccinated or face a two-week suspension or termination. this week, neither side budged this morning, a pandemic policy sending more than 150 texas nurses and hospital staff packing for refusing mandatory vaccinations

houston methodist confirming the news, writing 153 employees either resigned in the two-week suspension period or were terminated back on april 1st, the hospital announced staffers needed to be vaccinated to keep their jobs more than 24,000 wor just that. on june 7th, those who hadn't were suspended and given an additional two weeks to prove they were vaccinated 25 holdouts got the shot 153 more now figuring out what is next. >> i don't trust the safety of this i do not believe that it has been tested adequately by any means. >> reporter: last week, nbc's kate snow spoke to a group of nurses who stood by their decision >> you're all health care workers, how can you not listen to the authorities, the cdc and the fda? >> we've been taught from the beginning to follow our own autonomy if we followed every order that was given to us, people would

honestly die >> reporter: jennifer bridges took her fight to federal court where her suit comparing the vaccine policy to holocaust medical experimentation was dismissed. the attorney representing the nurses telling nbc news "employment should not be conditional upon whether you'll agree to serve as a human guinea pig," adding "this legal baths has only just begun. now important to note, houston methodist is not the only hospital group with this vaccine mandate. other large health care employers, including john hopkins, has vaccine rules in place and in some cases, we have invent vise -- incentivizing vaccinations, some hospitals offer bonuses. hoda >> morgan chesky for us there, thank you. in our news, the latest pandemic related shortage is one most people are only starting to notice fireworks. anyone shopping for 4th of july fireworks will find a smaller selection, much higher prices and even some empty shelves. overall, supplies are down 30% most fireworks sold in the u.s. come from china and a backup in global shipping has snarled

supply chains. this is actually good news for our family we literally started a dumpster fire last 4th of july. it was caught on a ring cam. a neighbor told my brother-in-law, it was funny, we can laugh about it now, but it wasn't that night. >> fireworks shortage working for you. and for dogs >> that's the news let's get a boost. a woman whose great-grandfather was celebrating his 100th birthday made sure that her camera was rolling when the best present of the day showed up. >> that's jean, my sister. >> it's your sister. >> that birthday boy's little sister, only 98. >> oh. >> because of covid, they hadn't seen each other in more than a year >> little sister couldn't ask for a better present than that. >> wow >> good genes in that family >> right coming up next, hoda, you

have an emotional conversation bobbie thomas, a member of our "today" family, remembering her late husband >> the little time he had he gave to me so really, really lucky. >> yeah. she's lucky. bobbie is coping with her pain and we're going to find out where she's finding gratitude as she builds a new life with her young son, miles, coming up after this p after this or atopic dermatitis under control? hide our skin? not us. because dupixent targets a root cause of eczema, it helps heal your skin from within, keeping you one step ahead of it. and for kids ages 6 and up, that means clearer skin, and noticeably less itch. hide my skin? not me. by helping to control eczema with dupixent, you can change how their skin looks and feels. and that's the kind of change you notice. hide my skin? not me. don't use if you're allergic to dupixent. serious allergic reactions can occur, including anaphylaxis, which is severe.

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if you've been financially impacted by covid-19, janssen may be able to help. welcom welcome back it's been just over six months since our dear friend, bobbie thomas, "today's" style editor lost her husband, michael. >> everybody that knew bobbie knows she wears her heart squarely on her sleeve when bobbie realized that opening up about her own journey could possibly help someone else, she knew right away it was the right time to share, not just her grief, but her courage and gratitude. >> i don't need to be told there was a silver lining or a bigger reason there isn't. and that is okay for me to feel. at the same time, i'm also holding gratitude. >> and what do you have gratitude for, bobbie? >> my son. and i have gratitude for being

loved. >> a love that was sealed on a glorious summer day when bobbie got married at kathie lee's house. >> i remember it so vividly. it was one of the most beautiful days >> i was so scared, and i remember kathie lee saying this is happening we're walking. michael was just so happy. >> i promise to always support you and love you unconditionally and to take care of you as long as we both shall live. >> he would just look across the room and say, hey, we've got a really good thing, right i'd say yeah we were so deeply bound. >> that was bond carried michael and bobbie through the good times and the challenging ones shortly after their fairytale wedding in 2013, bobbie and michael publicly shared their very personal journey to parenthood >> it takes a village to raise children, but to make them, too. >> we celebrated alongside them when they revealed they were expecting. >> say that again. bobbie is pregnant >> she is pregnant

>> thank god >> thank god >> and when they welcomed little miles into their lives but four years later at just 40, michael would suffer a stroke while on a business trip remarkably, he recovered then in the fall of 2020, michael developed a bacterial infection that led to complications he could not overcome >> when we heard the news that michael had passed, it was so devastating and shocking was it something that you expected >> it was five weeks in the icu and it was just one thing after the other, like a domino effect. it was multiple organ failure. i knew he had been diagnosed with something rare before we got married. it had to do with his immune system chronic and manageable not be holding hands at 80, 90 >> but bobbie cherishes the time

she did have with michael. >> when michael and i were going through some of the hardest times, it was so simple. that simplicity was magic. you woke up, you worried about what mattered, and you were so grateful for what you had. >> so weird to think about little conversations, oh, my husband did this, my husband did that >> it's okay my friends still call me and, you know, we'll do the -- oh, this happened. and you feel ashamed for being in pain, but you still want people to share things with you and make you feel connected. but it is wild to experience the clarity. >> what does that mean >> in the middle of a conversation, to want to support your friend and her perspective of what's happening, but to deeply feel the clarity of it doesn't matter who cares that he didn't do the laundry. i'm sorry it's annoying, but he's here. and i wake up trying to find

some t-shirts that still smell like michael which ones weren't washed, you know >> subways are trains that travel underground >> and at just 5, their son, miles, is looking for ways to cope >> that's the most painful because i'm his mom. one night at bedtime, he asked me who invented it and why and i thought, he's going to ask me about a truck or something. and he said "this life." i was stunned. and he's like, i just don't understand why we all can't be angels and he was still trying to figure out how we could all be together oh, my god >> what do you think michael would be thinking right now of you and miles and where you are in this moment >> he had this easiness to him and i was always stressing out he would just be like, it's

okay it's going to be okay. >> he always did say that, didn't he? >> i think he's probably trying to tell me it's going to be okay in some way. >> is it going to be okay? >> i hope so i'm so scared. >> you said in this moment i'm so lucky how? >> instead of worrying about that i lost him, i think the little time he had he gave to me i'm really, really lucky >> and bobbie is obviously in a lot of grief, but she says that that grief is -- she actually sits with that because it reminds her of how much she loved and loves him, she said she's more in love today, today, you know, on that day than she has been throughout her marriage to michaelher thing she said which struck me was we're thinking about reaching out to somebody and you're afraid, she was like, just do it just do it

because sometimes we're afraid and i told her when i left, savannah was like, please. and i said, savannah when i left, everyone is embracing you, we have our arms around you. and she got weepy and she said that's my other family >> i love her so much. just what she's doing amazes me. she's just so strong but she's also sincere and she tells the . and it hurts, but she's also that love that she's feeling for michael and missing him, that means a lot to miles, too. you know, you can see that love. >> the idea that she said she's not sure it's going to be okay >> you know what i think is healing to a lot of people, her sincerity. even this morning. >> and she almost felt guilty about feeling bad. she said do you know how many more people have lost people over this pandemic she said when people say it's going to get better, you're going to meet someone. she said please don't say those kinds of things. people do it with good intent but -- >> there's no right way to

grieve >> but our hearts are with bobbie we'll visit with her a little bit more in the fourth hour. she wrote a great essay. it's so powerful go to today.com. let's get a check of the weather. >> all right let's show you what we have going on right now our satellite/radar, you can see wet weather down through florida, gulf coast, going to be looking at that. strong storms firing up later today in the central plains. we have a severe threat for the central plains this evening and overnight tomorrow, as well. that expands through the dakotas, parts of illinois and northern missouri, as well, for 12 million people. for today, it's a beautiful day here in the northeast, mid-atlantic states into new england. severe storms will fire up in the central plains heavy rains down through florida. that fire risk continues tomorrow out west with rising temperatures, a deluge out west into the -- i should say into the upper midwest, isolated storms through florida and a gem of a day again tomorrow mid-atlantic northeast on into new england. that's what's going on around

the country. good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. let's take a look at our high temperatures today for our inland valleys, we're looking at upper 70s and it's going to be really nice. that weather continues through the end of the week, slightly warmer by friday. the real warming is coming on saturday as high temperatures reach into the low 90s, even mid-90s by sunday and the heat continues into early next week. while san francisco will see just a slight warm-up over the next few days, with highs in the mid-70s by monday. weather. >> go, sheinelle >> ready >> we will start with "saturday night live," after a historic 46th season where the cast and crew worked through covid safety protocols to get all 20 episodes on the air, they're taking a step back to appreciate the season that was. we have an exclusive first look

in it, t at the peacock special, it's called "stories from the show," a look back at snl season 46 in it, the cast, crew & share what it was like getting this unusual season of television on the air. here is a peek >> what's going on >> hi. >> hi. >> well, you start you're the smart one >> let me go, okay >> you go. >> okay. >> this season -- >> it was a season -- >> i would say in a normal week of making the show, it's normal to cry once or twice. and in a pandemic version of making the show, you might cry every day. and that is comedy >> you can stream "stories from the show" for free starting tomorrow on peacock. they have a lot to give. next up, our very own craig melvin he's out today on assignment last night, he stopped by the "late show with stephen colbert" to talk about his new book, "pop," craig revealed he credits his career to a chat he had with

stephen years ago on a flight. it was to new york to interview at nbc news. here is why craig says that chance encounter changed his life >> you talked about how when you got the call to go to "the daily show," up and to that point, you were writing for some sitcoms and you weren't killing it and then you became stephen colbert. and i remember in that moment thinking, if this guy can do it, if this guy can make it -- >> you're welcome. >> thank you >> you're welcome. you're welcome >> it was the pep talk that the kid from columbia, south carolina, desperately needed >> how great is that >> go back and watch the whole interview. it is spectacular. >> craig knocked it out of the park >> craig killed it and colbert, two guys from south carolina >> they have a real bond >> we can thank stephen colbert for craig.

next up, one of our favorite people, dolly parton, made fellow nashville singer carly pearce's dream come true when she surprised her with an invitation to join the grand ole opry she thought she was being asked to record a video message when parton walked in and broke the news as you can expect, she was pretty excited >> get in here are you doing something for dollywood? or something for dolly hi, girl how are you? you have been on grand ol' opry 80 times you performed >> yes >> how do you do that? >> oh, my goodness, i'm trying to follow in your footsteps. >> you should be a member of the grand ol' opry. what's wrong with them >> i agree >> i came here to tell you you are now an official member of the grand ol' opry well, you can't do it sitting down >> dolly

are you serious? >> how awesome is that this is dolly's first time inviting someone to join the grand ol' opry hard to believe she hasn't done it already carly started singing at dollywood, she was a teenager back then and fast forward to this moment right here >> so special. >> what an honor and finally, rachel zegler, the star of "west side story" remake, just handed another iconic role. she is set to play snow white in the reanimation of the film. huge news for someone who hasn't yet made her official big screen debut. prior to being cast in "westthie 17 years old, from new jersey. she beat out more than 30,000 other actresses for this role. you may remember this was a sweet moment back in april when she recorded herself seeing the

trailer for the first time >> oh, my god. oh, my god oh, my god i'm in the movie >> it's pretty cool. production for "snow white" is set to start next year and "west side story" hits theaters in december >> you're in two movies. >> it's good to feel someone else's joy and this is a sentence you don't say every day, but we're going to get down and dirty with martha stewart she will tell us about the concept behind her new show. i thought she was up and clean, not down and dirty >> you never know. >> and she made some of those things, whatever those are >> and somebody else is joining us, john cena. >> oh, i'm sorry >> the very tight-knit "fast and furious" family has a new member hey, john? >> how are you

how has everything been? >> looking good. he has a three-piece suit on we're looking forward to visit, john and we'll have that and a lot more, but first, a look at your local news. >> and your weather.

it is 8:26. i'm laura garcia. today santa clara county is announcing the first winner of its covid vaccination raffle. they raffled off chances to see live music. if you've had your vaccination, you can go to one of santa clara's vaccination sites to show proof that you're vaccinated. you'll get a ticket to drop into a raffle. ten people will win a pair of tickets to see bad bunny, harry styles or ricky martin. the raffles will happen through

july 28th. temperatures this week have been mild and quite pleasant. >> it's going to continue as we go into the next few days. as we take a live look outside in san jose, the sky is clearing and we're in for a slow warm-up today headed toward the mid-70s. some upper 70s for some of our warmer spots and more weather like that toward the end of the week. this weekend it's going to heat up and we're talking about highs in the low to mid-90s over the next several days from sunday into early next week. san francisco is going to just come up slightly, reaching from the upper 60s to the mid-70s early next week. laura? >> thank you. and thank you for joining us as well. another local news update in half an hour. join us for midday news as well at 11:00 a.m.

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welcome back it is 8:30 it's a wednesday morning it's the 23rd of june, 2021. ahead, guys, i'm pumped up i'm going to bring attention to one of my favorite groups. it's a nonprofit dance school. it is making a huge difference in a growing community it's bouncing back after all this hardship. we love what they're doing, and we can't wait to show you the heartwarming ways they are transforming the lives of young girls one by one >> you've been talking about groove with me for years i know these are your favorite girls. >> yes, they are

they're my girls >> looking forward to it and then, look who it is the newest addition to the "fast and furious" family. john cena will be with us to tell us how they welcomed him in and this is a funny story about how he found out he would be in the movie. he's playing vin diesel's brother. and martha stewart is here with her fun new show filled with tips to help you entertain, cook and bake. what is it called? "down and dirty. >> "down and dirty." we just want to say it again >> never thought you would hear those words with martha stewart. wow. all right. coming up on the third hour, we're going to get to meet the newest muppet on "sesame street." they will have a very important message that they want kids to hear and the dad happens to be a meteorologist. >> oh, wait a minute wait a minute. what >> that's his son. >> is he modeled after you >> well, obviously not because he has hair. and tomorrow on "today," two of the funniest people around,

amy poehler and nick offerman are teaming back up for what they call the friendliest competition on tv. >> first, al, let's get a check of the weather let's look ahead and show you what we have for your weekend. friday, a gorgeous day in the northeast, mid-atlantic, humid as you get down towards the gulf strong storms in the mississippi and ohio river valley areas. record heat out west flooding likely in the mississippi and ohio river valleys. more records out west, sunshine along the mid-atlantic and northeast coasts sunday, sunday, gulf storms, summer storms through the great lakes. a heat wave continues out west good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. looking at our seven-day forecast for the inland valleys, we'll still have this nice weather for the next few days. highs in the upper 70s and low 80s, morning clouds and afternoon sunshine. then going into the weekend it is all clear and our temperatures will be heating up. we'll see our highs more into

the mid-90s saturday and sunday, as well as early next week. san francisco will warm up just slightly with highs going into the mid-70s by monday. weather. tom. hoda, you are going to share with us a place close to your heart. >> it is called groove with me it is a nonprofit dance studio it teaches young girls lessons that go far beyond those dance moves. we're celebrating 25 years it's a great organization. we're going to shine a light on them but rst, this is "today" ofin what if you could push a button and less carbon would be put into the air. if there were a button that would help you use less energy,

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light on one of hoda's favorite organizations. so pumped up it's called groove with me, a community that was hard hit by the pandemic i'm real happy to donate to that group. thankfully, the kids are back in class. this summer marks hits 25th year so we had this idea.

one of my favorite photographers is jordan matter he takes iconic photos of dancers and he's taken a few shots of someone near and dear to me, it was actually my on the town for their very own celebrity shoot. take a look.k. ♪♪ ♪ >> when i was born, i knew dance was going to be the only thing i would ever want to do. >> i'm capable of anything when i dance. >> it's just me giving every emotion that i feel in my body >> dancing makes me feel like i should just spread love. >> i feel like when i spin i'm in the air landing on a nice, fluffy cloud >> groove with me is like a second home. that's what it is. >> outside of groove with me, i'd say our girls have to grow

up fast. >> our neighborhood is like a cave with a bunch of bears fighting because a lot of people fight in our neighborhood. >> living in east harlem, you carry guns, people who try to rob you, and then people who are drunk all the time >> but while they're at groove with me, they have a completely different experience >> you feel safe and free and ready just to fly to get out of what struggles you have. >> when i see the little kids dancing, i feel nostalgic because like, i was in their shoes once i know they're trying their best >> the bigger girls impress me by doing all these things that makes me feel like you got to keep trying and trying and trying >> black and brown girls in east harlem attend college at a lower

rate than the national average, but 100% of girls at groove with me attend college because girls at groove with me learn that they matter. >> i see other people who graduate high school or graduate college, it helps me not give up on me. >> it makes me feel really special, which is what i'm supposed to feel about myself. >> when covid hit, we thought we would be closed for two weeks. we were closed for eight months. >> i was like, well, what am i going to do? am i still going to be a famous dancer when i grow up? i was crying >> the girls don't have a place to go outside of home. >> i actually lost one of my grandmas, which made me very, very sad we didn't get to say good-bye to her, we didn't hug her >> when i finally got to come back, i was so happy, so happy when i say so happy, i mean so

happy. >> we raised 85% less this year than in previous years if we don't raise this money, obviously, we can't run the program. >> if i can never dance, i wouls be heart broke because dancing is my life >> we don't care if they become dancers. we care that they feel good about themselves so they make good choices and they get to have great futures. when i grow up, i want to be a businesswoman. >> i want to be a clinical psychologist >> doctor. >> an astronomer >> i'm going to be famous. >> when they tell me these big careers, it provides hope, you know, that they're looking at where they are right now and noticing that it isn't permanent. >> when people see me dance, i want them to know that you've got to believe in yourself >> if you believe that you can go that high and you can go that

far, then you will >> what i learned from groove with me is that you're not alone and that when life brings you down, stand up and dance to fly above it >> wow >> didn't you fall in love >> we want to thank jordan matta for taking those incredible shots. he has great work. he has a youtube channel, he has a book out but when you go back to groove with me for those kids, it gave them someplace to go after school, a purpose. while other kids didn't have a place to go, they did. the high school graduation rate is in the 90 plus and the college graduation rate is 100%. doing a great job. >> the photographs are so beautiful. they should make a coffee table book and sell it all the proceeds could go to groove with me how about that >> there you go. >> you can raise money >> it's brilliant. >> why not it's beautiful >> of all the stories we heard

today, this is what i'm bawling over but as a short brown girl who used to dance, when you think of ba ballet, you think of tall, swan-like figures. it's very challenging. sometimes to be -- to love to dance, but not look like what a dancer is supposed to look like you. so when you go to a class like that and there are other girls who look like you and it feels good, i live in harlem i know what they're going through. so it hit me on so many levels that is so important, that program is so important. >> you're beautiful. stop >> rob did a great job you can see a lot of those photos on groove with me head to today.com. coming up next, we're going to take a turn and meet the newest member of the "fast and furious" family. perhaps you know him john cena. drivin

i'm morgan, and there's more to me than hiv. more love, more adventure, more community. but with my hiv treatment, there's not more medicines in my pill. i talked to my doctor and switched to fewer medicines with dovato. dovato is for some adults who are starting hiv-1 treatment or replacing their current hiv-1 regimen. with just 2 medicines in 1 pill, dovato is as effective as a 3-drug regimen... to help you reach and stay undetectable. research shows people who take hiv treatment as prescribed and get to and stay undetectable can no longer transmit hiv through sex. don't take dovato if you're allergic to its ingredients or if you take dofetilide. taking dovato with dofetilide can cause serious or life-threatening side effects. hepatitis b can become harder to treat while on dovato. don't stop dovato without talking to your doctor, as your hepatitis b may worsen or become life-threatening. serious or life-threatening side effects can occur, including allergic reactions, lactic acid buildup, and liver problems. if you have a rash and other symptoms

of an allergic reaction, stop dovato and get medical help right away. tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, or if you are, may be, or plan to be pregnant. dovato may harm your unborn baby. use effective birth control while on dovato. do not breastfeed while taking dovato. most common side effects are headache, nausea, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, tiredness, and anxiety. so much goes into who i am. hiv medicine is one part of it. ask your doctor about dovato-i did. ♪♪ if there were a button that would help you use less energy, breathe cleaner air, and even take on climate change... would you press it? the "fast and the furious" franchise is getting even more

faster and furious because john cena, he's joined the fold for f9 >> he's furiouser. and if you think the action was out of this world for the first eight movies, wait until you see this one john, good morning >> out of this world, fantastic choice, hoda that was an awesome piece on the groove to me charity and i really -- there was a quote in there that spoke to me. "i just care that the girls feel good about themselves so they make good choices. i thought that was an excellent piece. so thank you very much >> thank you, john >> she said i don't care if they become dancers, i just want them to make good choices in their lives. john, you've made a choice to be part of the cast of "fast and furious" apparently i guess this happened in an unusual way. can you tell us? >> yeah. so i was in l.a. on business and i was contacted that vin diesel wanted to talk to me so, of course, i wanted to have a conversation with don toretto, and i went to his training

center you can see the old charters in the back and we had a long conversation and at the end, he shoots this social video and at the end, he puts the camera on me and i'm like a deer in the headlights because i don't know what's going on so i really don't even -- it was not explained, hey, we're considering you for fast we just talked for a few hours about everything and i left being like, wow, i hung out with vin diesel that was pretty cool and later on, i got invited to join the "fast" family and later i found out i would be a toretto. >> first, you play a bad guy and that shocked me because i don't see you in that bad guy role how was that >> that's the fun of performing to be able to harness different sides of you, showcase a different skill set. and the "fast and furious" mythology is so grand and reaches so many people it was a special thing to be a part of. >> now, are you a good driver? >> so that's a question that is like a psychological profile question

i don't -- >> that's what we're getting at. >> not better than anybody else, i tend to drive fast and not too furious. >> you're a fast careful driver? >> fast and zen doesn't have the same ring. >> so wait, john, these guys have been together forever you're the newbie. you came in. i'm sure there was an initiation what did they do to you when you joined the team? >> no initiation, but it is like bringing someone to a family dinner everyone is eyeing you up and questioning your intentions. which i actually like. for perspective, people have given 20 years of their lives to this legacy and they really just want to do it justice and make sure fans around the world are entertained and when everybody goes to see f9 in theaters on friday, they want to make sure it delivers. and i really like the fact that everyone was standoffish at first, kind of made sure my intentions were pure >> this is not some small indie production you know, there have been eight

other of these films this is going to be opening in the theaters have you been surprised at just like how big a franchise this is >> this is simply the largest thing i've ever been a part of yesterday, "fast, the saga" celebrated its 20th anniversary. so it's been making these movies for two decades. it's only fitting that the newest installment is on friday. and i think given the circumstances in the world and now we're all eager to be entertained with cinema again, obviously safely, but i couldn't think of a better film than f9 to bring audiences back to that blockbuster feel that they've been craving for so long >> every time i see you, people associate you usually with the wwe. and i just wondered if on some days you just miss it. do you ever think to yourself, boy, i wish i could get back in the ring >> i miss it every day just like i miss sitting with you gals talking about the news and having great conversation. i really do miss it. there's nothing like it.

i will be back i'm not sure when i'll be back because i'm fortunate to have some great opportunities now that i'd like to pursue. but, yeah, i miss it every single day and i can't wait to put on some jean shorts and take my shirt off >> we know how you like to do. john, thank you. maybe for "fast and furious" 10 you can do that, too it's from our sister company universal pictures, and it opens in theaters, and only in theaters, i believe, on friday >> yes cool >> see it on friday. >> thank you, john coming up next, the one, the only martha stewart. she's getting down and dirty she's got a new show out and how you can grill the perfect hotdog. but first, this is "today" on

and we are back now at 8:50 with "today" food. the one, the only martha stewart. >> martha, martha, mash that we all know she's the queen of decorating, cake baking and decorating

now she's sharing an up close and personal look at her many talents. i cannot get over this title, martha gets down and dirty >> the best use of a chainsaw i ever heard, though, a couple was getting divorced and they could not decide about what to do with their home furnishings the wife just said, you take half of everything and she went away and her husband used the chainsaw and cut everything in half >> so it's a feel-good show. >> yeah. >> didn't bode well for the dog. >> martha, good morning. you're out and your house out there in the country, we love it so how did you come up with this title? i mean, i think we knew you were down and dirty down inside, but everybody else thinks of you as the queen of clean >> well, i am the queen of clean inside the house, but out in the garden, it is kind of dirty. you're working in the dirt, right? so it gives me a chance to just kind of be myself and show all the great gardening tips, how to grow things, how to cook things

outdoors and today we're grilling all kinds of fantastic sausages, which i know al roker would really like and the guests on our show are fantastic we have kim kardashian, tiffany haddish is a hoot. and there's some guy call al roker. >> are you on? >> yeah. you know, i forgot because it was during the pandemic. but we were talking about the rub. >> yep and he does a great rub. >> barbecue rub. barbecue rub >> "martha down and dirty. >> barbecue rub. >> martha, tell us about -- >> the show is on discovery plus >> tell us about these dogs you're grilling. is there an art to it? >> all kinds of dogs you know, if you're going to have a grilling party, why not make it really interesting

party? no knot just hot docksss -- mot dogs, all-beef hot dogs. a greek sausage we just found called lukanico, a combination of meat and oregano and lemon. we have beautiful cheddar bratwursts these are so pretty. and then, of course, don't forget the rolls the rolls have to be beautifully buttered before you put them on the grill and make sure you don't burn stuff you know, al roker, he's also a proponent of not burning stuff and if the flame is up high like that, just move the stuff or spray it with a little spray bottle, but get your rolls nicely -- just slightly charred. and the condiments, bread and butter pickles, french mustard, this is the -- you know, the baseball stadium mustard, of course, chopped onions, red relish, green relish, sauerkraut, my favorite, sour

fantastic. a beet horse radish mustard. and bacon and dill pickles doesn't that make your mouth water? don't you want one of these right now? wish you were here >> uh-oh >> maybe you ought to close the lid, martha, just to knock that fire down. >> that's a good idea. >> for one second. you're right and i love this grill dome this is custom colored you can get it any color you want yeah, you can have it match your house, your backyard, whatever it's a clever, clever thing. >> there we go >> so let's let that cool down a little bit >> martha, describe how you would prepare your perfect hotdog what are your condiments what do you like on yours? >> oh, well, let's get one right here sheer a hotdog and on the buttered bun. and first i like french mustard. a nice dijon mustard on. i love relish and i would put relish do you know i have a hotdog at every hotdog stand

it's called the martha dog every place is a little different. yeah rutt's hut has a martha dog. rollies in fairfield has a martha dog the great hotdog place in california and l.a. has a hotdog called the martha dog. >> pinks >> pinks yeah does al roker have a hot dog at pinks? >> i do not. i have martha stewart. >> i think you should be working on that one, al, because those are very famous. and so that is what i have pickles and i love bacon on mine, too. oh, wow. that's a good one. >> there's my hotdog >> and martha, what do you call it when it gets really crispy, when your dogs get really crispy >> oh, snappies. and i love those rolly's is famous for snappers as well as rut's hut is famous for snappers snappers you put in hot oil first, you know, you fry them a bit. >> what's happening with that

grill? >> she opened it to a little flame going on >> martha, thank you so much >> this is good. >> hey, all right, all right >> beautiful perfect. >> she will be back in our third hour with some decorating tips >> call the fire department. "martha gets down and the dirty" premieres july 1st on discovery. >> thanks, martha. >> thank you all good morning. it is 8:56. i'm marcus washington. san jose leaders are resuming a debate over a development deal that would move the 60-year-old barrier at the flea market. council members last night could not reach an agreement.

some of the vendors have launched a hunger strike. developers are eyeing the 30-acre space for building offices, apartments and retail shops, but that would force the flea market to move to a smaller site. happening now, the vote is just under way. chris sanchez is there and will have a live report during our forecast. you can check on our twitter feed to see if the vote is called. on our home page, you can link to vaccination details. we'll have another local weather update in an hour.

>> new drought damage expected tomorrow. what the numbers day about how dire the situation is where you live. join us tomorrow morning 4:30 to 7:00.

live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza, this is the third hour of "today." >> good morning and welcome to the third hour of "today." it is wednesday, june 23rd. i'm dylan here with sheinelle and al and craig is off this morning. we all hung out like adults last night. we had a nice surprise party last night. threw a surprise party for craig's new book, "pops." it was fun to be out and about.