this, the moon, still sticking around. i live in the bay area and i would stick around. look at this, another beautiful shot, it is the golden gate bridge. the fog still sticking around. see you back here at 7:25. good morning. unprecedented heat. tens of millions sweltering on both coasts under blistering temperatures. records being shattered across the pacific northwest. 116 in portland. 106 in seattle. so hot, the power cables are actually melting >> we're just coming to the water just to try to stay cool. >> oppressive heat and humidity blanketing the northeast, too. how will this impact your fourth of july plans? we have everything you need to know. hoping against hope. overnight, an emotional vigil

held at the scene of that collapsed condo building in south florida. an 11th victim found in the rubble. 150 people still missing. >> we have people waiting and waiting and waiting for news. that is excruciating. >> we are live with the very latest as the search and rescue operation enters day six. years of protection? encouraging news on the immunity provided by certain covid vaccines without the need for a booster shot as health officials launch a major new vaccination push with cases of the highly contagious delta strain spreading fast. pay day? ncaa takes a major step toward profit from their fame. just ahead, the key rule change that could be approved as soon as today. those stories, plus breaking her silence.

britney spears' sister weighs in for the first time on the ongoing legal battle. >> i feel like i can call her and say what -- that's all i need to say. >> her emotional message in support of her sister, straight ahead. and roll down the windows and turn it up. ♪♪ so what will be the songs of summer 2021? we are revealing spotify's list of the music that will have you singing along at the beach, the pool, and your barbecue. ♪ you want me i want you baby ♪ >> today, tuesday, june 29th, 2021. >> announcer: from nbc news, this is "today" with savannah guthrie and hoda kotb, from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. hey, everybody. welcome to "today." 7:00 a.m. on the west coast. thank you for starting your day with us.

we're beginning with the extreme heat coast to coast and dangerous temperatures. >> record highs set in the west. 116 in portland. that's the third straight daily record. 106 in seattle. 118 at the dallas airport. and lytton has canada's hottest day, 117 1/2 degrees. >> parts of the midwest are coping with the worst flooding in 20 years after storms brought heavy rains. the governor of michigan declaring a state of emergency with more rain expected. >> here in the northeast, more extreme heat. last night at yankee stadium, a pitcher for the angels had to leave the game because of heat exhaustion. let's get right to nbc's guad venegas with the latest. >> reporter: good morning, savannah. it's been difficult for all the residents in the region. people doing whatever they can to get away from the heat. some checking into hotels, others going to museums,

shopping malls, or anywhere with air-conditioning. those that could went to the lakes and rivers. temperatures in portland got up to 116 degrees. that's an all-time record for the season as people got through the heat wave. millions across the northwest are struggling to find relief from the heat. >> we've been in portland 20 years and haven't felt this. >> reporter: records more than a century old shattering as temperatures soar from oregon to washington. parts of portland, some public transportation services shutting down monday. the city streetcar system tweeting photos of power cable the day, here's what the heat is doing to our power cables. at the oregon zoo, a family of elephants keeping cool, splashing around in a swimming pool. in salem, temperatures soaring

to a record high 117. in seattle, three consecutive days of triple digit temperatures for the first time on record. >> today, we couldn't get ice. everything is completely gone. >> in northwest washington, interstate 5 shutting down lanes with buckled pavement. fueling the scorching conditions, a heat dome, a ridge of high pressure acting as a lid, trapping hot air and sending temperatures climbing rapidly, leaving the northwest facing that extreme heat. now, there is some good news. the temperature right now, almost 50 degrees cooler than the 116 degrees that we got to yesterday. that's going to give people a break from the heat. in fact, rig breeze coming in. the temperature is expected her they average here in the month

of june, but it'll be a break for everyone here, looking to life finally going back to somewhat of what they consider normal in the northwest. >> guad, thank you so much. in the northeast, it is hot, as well, and some places, the brutal temperatures are prompting safety warnings. dylan is covering that part of the story for us over at bryant park in new york city. dylan, good morning. >> reporter: good morning, guys. the heat wave that started yesterday is expected to bring us the hottest temperatures we've seen so far this year. in the northeast, heat advisories and heat warnings are in effect, and they stretch down the coast. so often, we say it's not the heat, it's the humidity. the humidity is going to make cities like boston, new york city, and philadelphia feel like it's well above 100 degrees. and the worst is yet to come. this morning, across the northeast, a scorching summer heat wave. dangerous temperatures and extreme humidity, sizzling cities up and down the coast. >> i'm surprised that it's this

hot this early. >> reporter: northeast temperatures soaring past seasonal averages, with heat advisories stretching from new jersey to maine. >> i try to drink a lot of water. >> reporter: philadelphia and boston declaring heat emergencies, preparing for possible record-breaking temperatures. the heavy, humid air in many places feeling hotter than 100 degrees. >> it's hot. the humidity, it's horrible. >> reporter: people and pets cooling off however they can. new york opening city pools despite a lifeguard shortage coming out of the pandemic. beaches along the coast already packed ahead of the fourth of july holiday. >> they had summer soccer camp this morning, and i figured a good way to cool off was to coming to the beach. >> reporter: off request carolina shores, tropical storm danny strengthened before drenching the coast. it's already the fourth named storm of the year months earlier than normal. i know it's summer and it gets hot, but a reminder, that this heat needs to be taken seriously. heat is the number one cause of

weather related deaths in this country. we've joked about my giant water bottle in the past, but this is exactly what you need today if you're going to spend time outdoors. lots of water. or better yet, just stay inside as much as you can. >> dylan, thank you. mr. roker, you're over at the weather wall. you have a big picture on both coasts. >> yeah. the problem is while the pacific northwest coast will see cooler weather, our friends inland will not. 12 million people impacted under heat watches, advisories, and warnings out in the west. in the northeast, 44 million people. we've got all-time records set in phoenix, las vegas, portland, sacramento, even to st. louis, with 115 degrees. we've got an amplified ridge, big area of high pressure on both coasts. here in the northwest, records again today for helena, spokane, boise, winnemucca, reno, reading will see a record most likely. mid-week, it cools along the

coast, but we keep triple digits. spokane, boise, helena, near 100 degrees for that period of time. in the northeast, we have the same amplified ridge. it's cool in the midsection of the country, but new records set possibly today for cincinnati, charleston is going to feel like 94, pittsburgh, 96, boston, feeling like 101 degrees. mid-week, you'll see wednesday, tomorrow, again, those high heat indexes at or over 100 degrees. as we get into the latter part of the week, into the weekend, portland, you're doing to 68. 77 in new york city. those temperatures will finally start to cool off, guys. >> al, thank you. turning now to the latest in surfside, florida, as the difficult work at the site of the collapsed condo building enters a sixth day. officials are stressing despite the increasingly long odds, this remains a search and rescue operation. morgan chesky is there for us

once again. morgan, good morning. >> reporter: savannah, good morning. the mood outside the rescue operations is settling in for the long haul. it's been six days since they pulled a survivor from the rubble, and the numbers heartbreaking. at least 11 people dead, 150 others still missing somewhere in the rubble just blocks behind me. today for the first time, we're getting a chance to hear that emergency radio traffic just seconds after that tower fell. new this morning, the harrowing dispatch radio traffic just moments after champlain towers south disappeared into a terrifying cloud of debris. >> many people in the balconies. the building is gone. there's no elevators. there's just nothing. i mean, it almost resembles the trade center. >> reporter: just minutes earlier, another call from cassie stratton to her husband. she was inside the high-rise, describing how a sinkhole swallowed the pool at the condo complex when the line went dead. she's now listed among the 150

still missing. the effort to find survivors now the largest non hurricane search and rescue mission in florida's history. >> this is what they respond to 911 calls in tampa and in orlando and jacksonville, tallahassee. they're doing the same thing here. >> reporter: on the scene, crews taking special care with personal belongings. >> anything that is of a personal nature, photos, they get separated out. they're trying to be so respectful of what they're handling. >> reporter: a little girl looking for a missing parent, leaving a lasting mark on surfside's mayor. >> she was reading a jewish prayer to herself, sitting at the site by where one of her parents presumably is. we're going to do the best we can to bring out that parent. >> reporter: miracles of past disasters giving families of the missing hope. in kenya, four survivors were found six days after their apartment building collapsed. in haiti, a man was pulled out

of the rubble 14 days after th devastating 2010 earthquake. collapses in bangladesh, one woman was able to survive for 17 days but alongside search efforts, an intensifying investigation into what exactly went wrong. the same federal agency that investigated the world trade center collapse now has a team of building experts on-site probing the surfside disaster. meanwhile, surviving residents demanding answers. >> this is a very tight-knit community. we'll remain that way. but officials in surfside need to be held accountable >> reporter: and as of this morning, there is now a third lawsuit in the works against champlain towers south here in just a few hours, a team of engineers is going to be touring champlain towers north to start an extensive study to make sure its structural integrity is intact for the people that still live there savannah >> morgan, thank you very much now let's move to the fight against the coronavirus with concern over that delta variant

looming large. health officials are stepping up the vaccination push this morning, there is encouraging news on just how long the protection from certain shots could last nbc's meagan fitzgerald is in chicago with more on that. good morning, meagan >> reporter: hoda, good morning to you with vaccination rates stalling in parts of the south and cases of the new delta variant climbing, health officials are hopeful this new data will give unvaccinated americans the boost they need to get the shots this morning, encouraging news for the vaccinated, immunity for the moderna and pfizer vaccines could last longer than expected. >> when you get two doses of the rna vaccine, this actually means that you have a big chance of having an immune response that could last for years >> reporter: researchers at washington university in st. louis also finding that those who had covid and then got vaccinated could potentially have immunity for a lifetime >> if the virus itself changes

significantly, then a booster will definitely be needed, jus to retrain our immune cells to recognize the new features of the virus. >> reporter: but vaccinating the country is still a problem today first lady jill biden kicking off a tour of the vaccine sites. first stop, dallas with legend emmett smith, all part of an effort to get more vaccines in arms >> we continue to convey to people across the country to protect yourself is to get vaccinated >> reporter: right now, only 66% of americans have received one dose some 147 million adults have two, but that's 13 million short of the president's july 4th goal doctors most concerned with states like mississippi, louisiana and alabama, seeing some of the lowest rates and with the holiday festivities less than a week away, growing concern. >> i've told my patients, if you're not vaccinated, you just tell me when you want to get infected because at some point, you will likely be infected >> reporter: the more contagious

delta variant is spreading, on its way to becoming the most dominant strain in the u.s >> that's what i worry about, that we see this virus mutate because of unvaccinated people into something that translates into more hospitalizations and more deaths. >> reporter: the nation is getting a taste of normal, but the pandemic isn't over yet. and to give you an idea of just how serious health officials are taking this new strain, the city of los angeles calling for all residents, including the vaccinated, to wear masks indoors inside public locations. and in breaking with cdc guidelines, the world health organization is calling for people to do the same, to wear a mask and to practice social distancing doctors are saying that this new strain is twice as transmissible as anything we've seen yet hoda >> meagan, thank you so much a lot more to get to this morning. tom llamas is in for craig this morning. >> we have a new story a new era in college athletics appears to be on the horizon with the ncaa taking a new step

toward allowing student athletes the profit off their name, image, and likeness. let's bring in nbc's stephanie gosk for the details stephanie, we've been talking about this for the last hour it's not exactly what fans may think. >> no. it's not the pay to play college athletes are on the cusp of being able to use their own popularity to make money off the field. again, it's not the same as being paid by the schools to play their sport, but it is a major concession by the ncaa, which has long resisted collegiate players earning money while they are still in school >> reporter: this morning, a potential slam dunk off the court for college athletes, hoping to earn money from their fame the division i counscil recommending an interim policy to the board of directors that would allow student athletes to profit from their own names, images, and likenesses with the ncaa's board of governors set to meet tomorrow, the council's recommendation comes ahead of a flurry of state measures that will take effect

thursday, allowing athletes in places like alabama, florida and texas to profit. >> i think name, image and likeness could help equalize opportunities for athletes, both men and women. >> reporter: experts say star players aren't the only ones who would benefit. >> college athletes across the country will be able to sign endorsement deals. they'll be able to be paid to sponsor camps. they'll be able to be paid by going on social media and having a big following. >> reporter: there is momentum on the athletes' side. last week's unanimous supreme court decision upheld a ruling that the ncaa can't block educational benefits like paid internships and computers for college athletes in his opinion, justice brett kavanaugh slammed the ncaa for thinking it's above anti-trust wlau laws, writing in part, the labels cannot disguise the reality. the ncaa's business model would be flatly illegal in almost any other industry in america. >> for me, the next point is educating myself on what comes

out with the ncaa decides to do. >> reporter: grant merge, a quarterback for the university of wisconsin, took to twitter monday, unveiling his own logo he says his focus remains on the field, while developing as a person off it. >> it's a great opportunity to grow and to grow your brand, but it's also you can't take away from the team goal of winning games. >> there's still a heated debate over the issue of college athletes being directly paid to play this recommendation explicitly says schools are still not allowed to give players any money. what's interesting is some schools are actively supporting the latest proposal, including the university of wisconsin where that quarterback plays they're offering classes in financial literacy and brand building >> that's an education to get, isn't it >> for sure. >> thank you, stephanie. let's get to al's forecast he's a busy man with a hot weather map. >> record highs in the pacific northwest stretching into the midwest. flood watches are going up we're going to look at that in

the next half hour starting to stretch into the mid mississippi river valley strong storms firing up into the upper northwest, as well, and that heat wave continues in the northeast. we're going to get to your local forecast coming up in the next 30 seconds rewards rashida wherr spending is trending. just ask overly confident diy rashida rashida: wait, was this the right wall? or last minute gift shopping rashida rashida: i'm putting a bow on it! wow. even sneaking away for a vacay rashida. rashida: shhh! i've earned this? from home improvement, drugstores, select travel and more earn 5% cash back that automatically adjusts to your top eligible spend category, up to $500 spent each billing cycle. good tuesday morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. taking a look at our high temperatures today, this will be the hottest day of the week as we reach into the upper 90s for ukiah as well as clearlake and in antioch and fairfield. mid 90s from the tri-valley down to the south county and a lot of 70s and 80s for much of the

peninsula as well as the south bay. san francisco will reach up to 70 degrees. we are going to see some cooler temperatures over the next several days. weather. by the way, here comes the sun there's bindi irwin. >> come on a safari. crikey. >> you look it, too. >> thank you i was like, oh >> we didn't tell you about the theme today. >> thank you, roker. straight ahead, new developments tied to britney spears' fight to regain control over her life and finances, as her sister breaks her silence. what she's saying about the pop star's years long battle plus, new sign that the travel boom is here to stay. tom costello with a big announcement from united airlines on flying and some inside upgrades to its fleet thathould make passengers sve

coming up, the track star

and harvard grad now heading to tokyo. >> gabby thomas. she lit the trials did we mention she's working on her masters and studying the pandemic she's going to race first in tokyo. we'll talk about her interest in speed and science and the history she's getting ready to make after a check of your local news, your weather and these messages renting movies from a store. running with a cd player. and having only one way to buy a car. that's why carmax gives you options. you can buy on our lot, online or any combination in between. and it comes with a 30-day money back guarantee. the way it should be. carmax. i've got moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. now, there's skyrizi. with skyrizi, 3 out of 4 people achieved 90% clearer skin at 4 months, after just 2 doses. skyrizi may increase your risk of infections and lower your ability to fight them.

before treatment, your doctor should check you for infections and tuberculosis. tell your doctor if you have an infection or symptoms such as fevers, sweats, chills, muscle aches, or coughs or if you plan to or recently received a vaccine. ♪ nothing is everything ♪ now is the time to ask your dermatologist about skyrizi. ♪ nothing is everything ♪ i remember just, kinda like a burning smell from the airbags. my pixel detected that we were in a car accident, and prompted me whether i needed to call 911. i don't ever really think about how's my phone going to save me today? this may look like a regular movie night. but if you're a kid with diabetes, it's more. it's the simple act of enjoying time with friends, knowing you understand your glucose levels. ♪♪ folks the world's first fully autonomous vehicle is almost at the finish line today we're going to fine tune the dynamic braking system whoo, what a ride!

i invested in invesco qqq a fund that invests in the innovators of the nasdaq 100 like you you don't have to be a deep learning engineer to help make the world a smarter place does this come in blue? become an agent of innovation with invesco qqq does this come in blue? active and bold courageous or dull emotions that flow it all starts in your gut naughty with pride probiotics inside xciting yummy zing from a to z, your gut is where it all begins start with activia with billions of probiotics with voltaren arthritis pain gel my husband's got his moves back. an alternative to pain pills voltaren is the first full prescription strength gel for powerful arthritis pain relief... voltaren the joy of movement he came from italy with nothing for a new life. he sacrificed so much to support his family. military service was just part of his life. he was brave in so many ways. who are the heroes in your family?

a very good good morning to you. 7:26. i'm laura garcia. here's a look at today's top stories including airports and airlines packed as summer travel is starting to pick up. >> i'm kris sanchez at mineta san jose, just one airport where summer travel is surging. for the tenth day this month tsa screened more than 2 million yesterday, 2.2 million on sunday. the highestville ume since the start of the pandemic up 633,000 the same weekend last year. if you are planning to travel make sure you're patient because staffing is difficult right now for the airlines and the airports and if you haven't

booked expect that prices will be high. good morning. i'm cierra johnson in santa rosa. today at noon, santa rosa city council will vote on reducing water usage in the city by 20%. just to give you an idea of how the city reached this point at the end of april the governor declared a local drought here in sonoma county and by may the water supplier filed a petition with the state asking to reduce how much water could be released from lake sonoma and lake mendocino. we will follow the outcome of that noon vote. your forecast right now with meteorologist kari hall. >> and it's going to be a warmer day especially for our inland valleys. our temperatures reaching into the low 90s. but then as we go into the next several days we come back to some more seasonable weather with highs in the low 80s and looking pretty good for our fourth of july weekend with highs in the mid 80s. we're going to keep it cool near the coast as the fog lingers each and every morning and a little bit more afternoon sunshine but highs in the upper

60s that will stick with us and no change in this pattern heading into next week. >> looks good for the kids to get out and about. thanks so much. back with another local news update in a half hour. i'll see you then.

before we welcome the players on the court, we would like to thank all those who have contributed so much during this unprecedented period they include leaders who developed the anti-covid vaccines [ applause ] >> nhs [ applause ] >> and then they rise. back at 7:30, that was the emotional scene at wimbledon yesterday morning, a standing occasion before the first match

at center court, and it was for front line workers and a professor who helped develop one of the vaccines. >> that gives you chills, doesn't it >> they totally deserve it. >> they do let's get started with your 7:30 headlines juul, one of the best known makers of e-cigarettes has agreed to pay $40 million in a settlement. north carolina sued juul claiming it used deceptive practices to lure young people into vaping. the company denies any wrongdoing, arguing its produc is made for adults transitioning away from traditional cigarettes a word of warning to anybody hitting the road this holiday weekend. gas prices are at their highest point in nearly 7 years. the national average stands at $3.11 a gallon what's even worse, some stations are running out of fuel completely outages have been reported on the west coast and in the midwest. aaa says more than 43 million americans are expected to travel by car this holiday weekend.

to sports now and hockey game one of the stanley cup final. the defending champion tampa bay lightning picking up where they left off last year gourd. and >> joined by gourd they score blake holdon, 2-0, tampa bay >> there it is, that goal puts the lightning up 2-0 in the second period. they would go on to win it easily, 5-1. they kept that momentum throughout the game. game two of that series is tomorrow night and you can catch it right on the nbc sports network. also this morning, we are hearing from britney spears' sister this is for the first time since that explosive testimony she gave on the conservatorship, the legal structure that is controlling her finances and her life >> erin mclaughlin has more on what she's saying and the latest on this case e erin, good morning. >> reporter: good morning, hoda. jamie lynn is taking to social media to respond to critics to say she should have done more and to make it clear she supports her sister no matter

what >> i am not my family, i am my own person i am speaking for myself >> reporter: jamie lynn spears, once always by her superstar sister's side, emerging in her defense in an emotional instagram video. >> whatever she wants to do to be happy, i support that 100% >> reporter: jamie lynn addressing her sister's conservatorship head on, saying she's completely behind what britney wants. >> i don't care if she wants to run away to a rainforest and have a zillion babies. i am only her sister i'm concerned about her happiness. >> reporter: in a dramatic hearing, bru britney begged a je to end her conservatorship it's given her father and others control of her affairs since 2008 it follows a very public

breakdown. britney calling it abusive, saying she was forced to perform, take medication, and attend therapy against her will. her conservators won't let her get married or have more children, everyone preventing her from removing an iud mr. spears is sorry to see his daughter suffering and in so spears and asking netflix to remove much pain. britney's attorney prompting a explosion of criticism for spears and asking netflix to remove jamie lynn from an upcoming project for her alleged role in the dehumanizing conservatorship of her sister. jamie li -- lynn firing back >> i can assure you that i've supported my sister long before there was a hashtag and i'll support her long after >> reporter: christina aguilera supporting her, posting a photo of her and her star's children writing, it is unacceptable that

any human wanting control of their own destiny might not be allowed to live life as they wish she deserves all the true love and support in the world britney and her boyfriend spotted on vacation in hawaii after the hearing. the singer using her own instagram to apologize to fans for holding back in the past writing i apologize for pretending that i've been okay for the past two years i did it because of my pride and i was embarrassed about what happened to me >> erin, this court battle continues. what happens next? >> reporter: hoda, as emotional as her testimony was, in order for britney to end the conservatorship, she'll need to file a motion in court her lawyer has yet to do that and it's unclear why the next court hearing is scheduled for mid-july hoda >> erin, thank you if you're ready to fly again, how about bigger planes, bigger seats hopefully less fistfights. what about more wi-fi? >> sounds good apparently, unite sdd is ready

roll it out post-pandemic for passengers tom costello with a look at those changes, right after this. of touch-activated scent technology.tsen hours later! that's because febreze touch stores scent in your fabrics so you get bursts of freshness with every touch. your whole world will come alive. welcome home to fresh with new febreze touch. with less moderate-to-severe eczema why hide your skin if you can help heal your skin from within. with dupixent adults saw long-lasting, clearer skin and significantly less itch. don't use if you're allergic to dupixent. serious allergic reactions can occur including anaphylaxis, which is severe. tell your doctor about new or worsening eye problems, such as eye pain or vision changes, or a parasitic infection. if you take asthma medicines don't change or stop them without talking to your doctor. talk to your doctor about dupixent. without talking to your doctor.

hi, verizon launched the first 5g network, and now we want to be the first to give everyone the joy of 5g by giving every customer a new 5g phone, on us, aha! old customers. new customers. families. businesses. in-laws. law firms. every customer. new 5g phones when you trade in your old ones. and if you're not a customer, we'll help cover the cost to switch. just ask wanda. she's been with us since... (gasps)... now. upgrade your phone. upgrade your network. lactaid is 100% real milk, just without the lactose. so you can enjoy it even if you're sensitive to dairy. so anyone who says lactaid isn't real milk is also saying mabel here isn't a real cow. and she really hates that. i recommend nature made vitamins, because i trust their quality. mabel here isn't a real cow. ey were the first to be verified by usp, an independent organization that sets strict quality and purity standards. nature made. the #1 pharmacist-recommended vitamin and supplement b

introducing the new citi custom cash℠ card, the #1 pharmacist-recommended a different kind of card that rewards dan where his spending is trending. just ask stepping outside his comfort zone dan... dan: okay, i don't know where the hole for this is. or fourth time streaming that period drama dan... dan: you just made me miss her best line, dan: so now i'm going to have to start it again. even insisted he didn't need directions dan. dan: okay, i'm not lost. i'm exploring. dan: that said, do you know where i am? from select gas, streaming, travel and more earn 5% cash back that automatically adjusts to your top eligible spend category, up to $500 spent each billing cycle.

(woman) is there a natural litter that actually works?! (vo) at tidy cats, litterventions come naturally! naturally strong unscented with activated charcoal. or, scented clean lemongrass, with plant extracts. 100% natural, 100% powerful. there's a tidy cats for that! cranky-pated: a bad mood related to a sluggish gut. miralax is different. it works naturally with the water in your body to unblock your gut. free your gut, and your mood will follow. so with your home & auto bundle, you'll save money and get round-the-clock protection. -sounds great. -sure does. shouldn't something, you know, wacky be happening right now? we thought people could use a break. we've all been through a lot this year. -that makes sense. -yeah. so... ♪♪ now's not a good time 3/5ths of nsync. are you sure? you have us booked all day. -read the room, guys. -yeah. right? (vo) look closely at a wolf.

-read the room, guys. -yeah. you've seen him before. he's your dog. wolves and dogs share many traits. like a desire for meat. that's why there's blue wilderness, made with... the protein-rich meat your dog loves. feed your dog's inner wolf with blue wilderness. it's dry. there's no dry time. makes us wonder why we booked fifteen second ad slots. we are back with our series reopening america. and a very big announcement from united airline this morning. >> that's right. the airline saying it's buying hundreds of new planes while upgrading and retrofitting every narrow body plane on its fleet >> and it's happening as united and other airlines are coming out of the worst slump in

air travel since 9/11. tom costello is at newark airport in new jersey. united is believing passengers are back and they're back for good >> reporter: yeah. and united is putting money on it this is a 737 max8 it's been completely upgraded with the new united logo, but also all of the new equipment on board. take a look at this. united is placing the biggest order for new planes in its history. what that means is more meets and premium seats, as well the overhead luggage bins now much bigger so that everybody on board can put your luggage right here look at the back screens here. the back of the screens and how big they are, 14 inches in first class, 10 inches in the back here faster wi-fi you'll be able to use your bluetooth on these screens the bottom line is united is betting big that the slump in pandemic air travel is over. >> continue boarding number 2323 with service to nashville. >> reporter: for the airline industry on its knees and losing

billions of dollars just last fall, what a difference a vaccine makes. >> people are ready. people can't wait to get out >> anywhere. i will go anywhere as of right now that is not my house >> reporter: this past sunday, the tsa reported another post pandemic record, nearly 2.2 million travelers passing through airport checkpoints. a year ago, it was just 633,000. >> please ensure your masks are on at all times. masks are above your nose. must stay on during boarding >> reporter: now united airlines, expecting you to turn a profit in july, is placing a very big bet that the passenger surge will only continue the airline says it's buying 270 new planes, both boeing and airbus, the biggest order in united's history and the biggest order in ten years the company says it will retrofit all of its existing narrow body planes with a new look, increasing the number of domestic seats by 30%, more premium seats, bigger overhead

luggage bins, much faster wi-fi and entertainment screens bluetooth enabled so you can connect your own headphones. scott kirby on cnbc this morning. >> upgrading our domestic experience for customers is what this is order is about while it's a big aircraft order, it's about upgrading the customer experience with new airplane webs but brand new interior and all the amenities we're going to put on the airplane >> reporter: for years, united's service rankings have fallen below that of competitors, and now it's making an expensive commitment to turn the page. >> united realizes it needs to step up its game when it comes to customer service and that's what they're planning to do. >> reporter: united is adding a staggering 500 new planes to its fleet. that will require more pilots, flight attendants, and ground crews. 25,000 new hires by 2026 >> this isn't just big in terms of our customers this is big in terms of the economic impacts it's going to have on our hubs and across the country.

>> you mentioned united ordering 737 max planes we all remember those fatal crashes, certainly under scrutiny they've been cleared to fly since last year. received by passengers >> reporter: for the most part, passengers, first of all, don't even notice when they get on a max because they're being flown by so many airlines now. boeing, as you know, upgraded every single max with that software fix those overseas crashesairlines,. airline. the max8 is really becoming a staple of most u.s. airlines now and it's being pretty well received. >> tom, thank you. get in one of the chairs and check out the leg room, too. thank you. >> look good 7:44 how about a check of the weather. >> that new plane smell and it has that sticker on the window that lists all the extras. i love when you get that anyway, we're looking today at climate change we talk about what's been happening. we've been seeing more and more

of these big upper level high pressure ridges that cause more extreme temperatures likely. in fact, take a look seattle since 1970, the summers on average up almost 3 degrees warmer portland, summers 2 1/2 degrees warmer than average. and over the last several years since the 1970s, 85 plus degree days in seattle. 8 more per year. 90 plus days, five more per year for portland climate change is making things hotter in the pacific northwest. we're looking at flash insurance watches, flood warnings for 20 million people stretching from new mexico all the way up into illinois and parts of indiana. heavy showers, thunderstorms firing up and tomorrow we have a risk of severe weather 19 million people here in the northeast, stretching from pittsburgh all the way to bangor, maine. few tornadoes can't be ruled out. hail, damaging winds, heavy rain from 2 to 3 inches stretching from oklahoma into the northeast for tomorrow on into thursday. that's what's going on around

>> good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. it's going to be hot today, especially in our inland valleys reaching into the 90s this afternoon and those temperatures will ramp up quickly but it would be milder the next few days. we're going to keep the fog in san francisco for a little while longer with some afternoon sunshine. highs reaching 70 degrees and a wide range in temperatures continuing for the next several days, including the fourth of july where our highs will reach into the upper 60s near the coast and low to mid 80s for the inland valleys. >> that's your latest weather. hoda thank you. just ahead, a track superstar in the making we can't wait to chat with gabby thomas about the impresssive way she made the olympic team. and her motivation heading into tokyo. she's got a lot to tell us about. but first, these messages.

limu, you're an animal! who's got the bird legs now? only pay for what you need. ♪ liberty. liberty. liberty. liberty. ♪ for people living with h-i-v, keep being you. and ask your doctor about biktarvy. biktarvy is a complete, one-pill, once-a-day treatment used for h-i-v in certain adults. it's not a cure, but with one small pill, biktarvy fights h-i-v to help you get to and stay undetectable. that's when the amount of virus is so low it cannot be measured by a lab test. research shows people who take h-i-v treatment every day and get to and stay undetectable can no longer transmit h-i-v through sex. serious side effects can occur, including kidney problems and kidney failure. rare, life-threatening side effects include a buildup of lactic acid and liver problems. do not take biktarvy if you take dofetilide or rifampin. tell your doctor about all the medicines and supplements you take,

if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis. if you have hepatitis b, do not stop taking biktarvy without talking to your doctor. common side effects were diarrhea, nausea, and headache. if you're living with hiv, keep loving who you are. and ask your doctor if biktarvy is right for you. (music) if you're living with hiv, keep loving who you are. (music) (music) (music) life... doesn't stop for diabetes. be ready for every moment, with glucerna. it's the number one doctor recommended brand that is scientifically designed to help manage your blood sugar.

live every moment. glucerna. is scientifically designed to help manage your blood sugar. this is dr. arnold t. petsworth, he's the owner of petsworth vetworld. business was steady, but then an influx of new four-legged friends changed everything. dr. petsworth welcomed these new patients. the only problem? more appointments meant he needed more space. that's when dr. petsworth turned to his american express business card, which offers spending potential that's built for his changing business needs. he used his card to furnish a new exam room and everyone was happy. get the card built for business. by american express. (vo) she's got gear. she's got game. aaaand... (dad) nancy?! (vo) she's got a lot of cereal. collect digital tune tokens with big g products to get gear. see space jam: a new legacy coming soon. this film is rated pg. your mission: stand up to moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. and take. it. on... with rinvoq. rinvoq a once-daily pill can dramatically improve symptoms...

rinvoq helps tame pain, stiffness, swelling. and for some, rinvoq can even significantly reduce ra fatigue. that's rinvoq relief. with ra, your overactive immune system attacks your joints. rinvoq regulates it to help stop the attack. rinvoq can lower your ability to fight infections, including tuberculosis. serious infections and blood clots, sometimes fatal, have occurred as have certain cancers, including lymphoma, and tears in the stomach or intestines, and changes in lab results. your doctor should monitor your bloodwork. tell your doctor about any infections... and if you are or may become pregnant while taking rinvoq. take on ra. talk to your rheumatologist about rinvoq relief. rinvoq. make it your mission. if you can't afford your medicine, abbvie may be able to help.

songs of the summer? on "popstart," carson will reveal spotify's new list. >> is that ed sheeran? plus, a beautiful couple was forced by the pandemic to cancel their 50th wedding anniversary party. we don't want them to miss it, so we'll have a moment we're celebrating right on our plaza >> look at that. they are going to renew their vows hoda will officiate. >> all right >> love. >> whoa. >> live event on our plaza >> let's go. hpv can affect males and females. and there's no way to predict who will or won't clear the virus. the cdc recommends hpv vaccination at age 11 or 12 to help protect against certain cancers. hey... cancer! not... my... child. don't wait. talk to your child's doctor about hpv vaccination today.

the new citi custom cash℠ card, a different kind of card that rewards talk to your child's doctor rashida and dan where their spending is trending. just ask fifth class this week rashida... rashida: dan, no pain, no gain. okay? dan: yeah i know, it's just...hello? claire, what? fire?

...or always road tripping on empty dan... rashida: i told you this would happen. dan: the light was not even on. no, it was on. dan: what? with the new citi custom cash℠ card it pays to be you. from fitness clubs, gas stations, restaurants and more, earn 5% cash back that automatically adjusts to your top eligible spend category, up to $500 spent each billing cycle. todd! wait! how are you still so unsure of this steven? what am i supposed to do? leave my family? -yes! -stop overthinking it steven! book the bachelor party in vegas! thanks, captain obvious. booking a trip can feel dramatic, but with free cancellation you can't go wrong with hotels.com. but with free cancellation you can't go wrong i remember just, kinda like a burning smell from the airbags. my pixel detected that we were in a car accident, and prompted me whether i needed to call 911. i don't ever really think about how's my phone going to save me today? you love rich, delicious ice cream. but your stomach doesn't. that disagreement ends right now. lactaid ice cream is the creamy, real ice cream you love that will never mess with your stomach.

lactaid ice cream.

yee-haw! that will never mess with ygo left!ach. i'm gonna go were navigation says. ah! - turn left. thank you navigation.

a very good morning to you. it is 7:56. i'm laura garcia. a look at what's happening now. >> good morning. i'm cierra johnson in santa rosa. today at noon santa rosa city council will vote on reducing water usage in the city by 20%. just to give you an idea of how the city reached this point at the end of april the governor declared a local drought here in sonoma county and in may the water supplier filed a petition with the state asking to reduce how much water could be released from lake sonoma and mendocino. we will follow the outcome of that noon vote. >> i'm kris sanchez at mineta san jose just one airport where summer travel is surging. for the tenth day this month tsa screened more than 2 million

travelers. the highest volume since the start of the pandemic up from 633,000 the same weekend last year. if you are planning to travel make sure you're patient because staffing is very difficult right now for the airlines and the airports. and if you haven't booked yet expect that the prices will be high. let's see how high the temperatures are going to get today. checking in with meteorologist kari hall. >> yeah. get a boost in our inland areas with the temperatures today reaching into the low 90s. a few spots in the upper 90s. our typical hot spots in the north bay as well as the east bay but then going into the rest of the with week we come back to more seasonable weather with highs in the low 80s that will stick with us into the fourth of july weekend with highs reaching into the mid 80s for our warmest inland valleys. we'll see our temperatures in san francisco up to about 70 degrees today but mostly 60s throughout the rest of the forecast as the fog lingers, it stays near the coast and keeps us cool. laura. >> thank you very much. thank you for joining us as well. i will be back with another

local news update in a half hour. hope to see you then. enjoy your tuesday morning. saving the world is our family business. [ snoring ] i feel like i'm surrounded by interns.

it's 8:00 on "today." coming up, summer scorcher. >> we haven't experienced anything like that. >> a dangerous heat wave blanketing more than 50 million americans in stifling conditions. temperatures shattering records in the northwest, even melting power lines. people seeking refuge from the heat any way they can. al has your latest forecast. ♪ who run the world girls ♪ also ahead, tickets to tokyo. we will introduce you to gabby thomas, the 24-year-old harvard

grad who just landed herself on team usa. why the rising track star's qualifying run has everyone talking. ♪ hey baby i think i want to marry you ♪ and milestones we missed. >> love you. >> love you. >> the pandemic forced this couple to cancel their 50th anniversary plans, so this morning, we are throwing them a party on the plaza. including a few surprises you don't want to miss. today, tuesday, june 29th, 202 1. ♪ i can't help it ♪ >> hi. my name is debbie smith-wiles. it's my 62nd birthday. >> happy birthday. >> it's a family tradition to bring the girls to the "today" show when they turn 10. >> we missed it last year, but here we are now. happy 11th birthday, genevieve. >> we start every morning with savannah, hoda, and the entire . >> welcome back.

we're so happy that you're here. craig is off. tom is hanging with us. how are you doing, tom? >> i'm feeling good. i didn't bring the sun gear, the safari gear. >> next time. >> i need a hat or something. >> nice safari hat would be good. we'll try to get one out of wardrobe. something super special is about to unfold on our plaza. meet this beautiful couple. emory and helen, they're getting their first look at our plaza which is all decked out for them. we are going to help them celebrate their 51st wedding anniversary. they had planned a big party last year for their 50th. it had to be canceled because of the pandemic. we are going to try to make up for lost time. the reverend mrs. hoda will renew their vows. >> by the way, i cannot wait. just saw them walk by and we have some fun and surprises in store for them, as well. so it's going to be beautiful. what do you say we get started with your news at 8:00. temperature records were

shattered on both coasts yesterday. the oppressive heat wave is not over yet. it's been so hot in the pacific northwest pavement is actually buckling. electric cables are melting. and it shut down some public transportation. back here on the east coast, temperatures are soaring for new jersey to new england with enough humidity to make that air feel heavy and real hard to breathe. and so we turn to al roker. how long do we have to hang in there for this one, al? >> out west, it's going on be a little while. especially if you are inland. we can see 12 million people under heat advisories out west, heat watches and warnings. and the east, we are looking at 44 million people impacted by this. we've got amplified ridges on both coasts, big areas of high pressure. so coolest locations will be along the coast, but records being set from helena, spokane, winnemucca. all the way to reading. spokane into glasgow, boise is going to see triple digits, as well, tomorrow.

the amplified ridge in the east that's going to keep us hot and humid for the next 48 hours. records for rochester, pittsburgh, probably. we're looking at feels like temperatures near 100. boston and new york city. and then tomorrow, again, into the triple digits, into the high 90s. and by the time we get into the weekend, temperatures finally taking a break. by saturday, detroit, you're 78. 81 in charleston. 77 in new york. 82 in raleigh. mr. llamas. >> mr. roker, gracias. i'll take it. overseas this morning, china is escalating its efforts to limit democracy in hong kong with the arrest of a prominent journalist on national security charges. "today" senior international correspondent keir simmons joins us with the latest. good morning. >> reporter: tom, good morning. hong kong has become a key test of president biden's election commitment to defend democracy around the world and of his china policy.

last week, he released a statement, condemning the closure of a hong kong newspaper. china responded equally powerfully, and now another journalist has been arrested. this morning, new developments in a crackdown by china. the u.s. is watching closely. last weekend, fung wai-kong was apprehended at the airport as he tried to leave the city and driven away. he was the leading writer for a pro democracy newspaper, the "apple daily." china's strong arm tactics have seen a number of journalists at the paper led away in handcuffs, the paper forced to shut down. applause in the news room last week as it printed its final edition. long lines in hong kong to buy a last copy, not enough to protect freedom of speech. >> they don't want any newspaper to be holding them accountable. >> reporter: the arrest is the latest move in a battle between beijing and hong kong's democracy activists.

after mass protests, beijing imposed a national security law last june. in august, the u.s. imposed sanctions on current and former officials. but outside pressure has had little impact. that same month, the owner of "apple daily," tycoon jimmy lai was arrested, and in january, more than 50 democracy activists were held under the national security law. many have been jailed for opposing china's rule. then in march, china approved changes to the electoral system, further diminishing democracy in hong kong. this month, another pro democracy newspaper has scrubbed its opinion section. china's authoritarian president now determining hong kong's future with an iron fist. we're just hearing the journalist who was arrested has been released on police bail until july. the hong kong journalist association, though, saying that the police are making arrests there.

the key question for president biden, will statements and troubling developments in hong kong. we got the news, we need the boost. >> this one you are going to bae making that finally came true last night. yankees fan gwen goldman was 10 years old. she wrote the team a letter asking to be a bat girl. she got a rejection letter telling her, quote, baseball is a man's game. but after her daughter wrote to the current gm, 70-year-old gwen got to live out her dream. >> there's this 10-year-old girl who wrote it and she's still inside of me. she's still there. and we shed some tears together. >> oh, that's amazing. >> gwen was given a locker, a uniform. she got to step out on the field, even threw out the first pitch. >> nicely done. >> she couldn't meet her childhood hero, mickey mantle, but she did get to meet with some players and the umpires.

she said that experience took her breath away. never too late. >> ours, too. >> oh, perfect. >> oh, here we go. make sure we get -- >> let me see. >> that looks great on you. >> let's go to the beach. where are we going? let's go. >> roker, what do you think? >> oh, it's you. it's you. >> al, thank you. thank you. >> you blend. >> here we are. up next, a rising star now on her way to the tokyo olympics. >> yes. gabby thomas shines on and off the track as one of the fastest women in the world. and oh, she's a harvard grad now working on her masters. we cannot wait to talk to her and introduce her to the world right after this. right after this >> gabby . with skyrizi, 3 out of 4 people achieved 90% clearer skin at 4 months, after just 2 doses. skyrizi may increase your risk of infections and lower your ability to fight them. before treatment, your doctor should check you for infections and tuberculosis. tell your doctor if you have an infection or symptoms such as fevers, sweats, chills, muscle aches, or coughs or if you plan to or recently received a vaccine.

♪ nothing is everything ♪ now is the time to ask your dermatologist about skyrizi. can you be free of hair breakage worries? we invited mahault to see for herself that new dove breakage remedy gives damaged hair the strength it needs. even with repeated combing hair treated with dove shows 97% less breakage. strong hair with new dove breakage remedy. discomfort back there? instead of using aloe, shows 97% less breakage. or baby wipes, or powders, try the cooling, soothing relief or preparation h. because your derriere deserves expert care. preparation h. get comfortable with it. did you know that your toughest cleaning problems can be caused by hard water metals? they lock in residues like a glue,

on your hard surfaces and fabrics. try 9 elements. its vinegar powered deep clean dissolves hard water buildup and releases trapped residues and odors like detoxifying your clothes. made with never more than 9 ingredients. 9 elements - more than a clean, a cleanse. (vo) we made a promise to our boy blue that we would make the healthiest foods possible... ...with the finest natural ingredients and real meat first. and that's our promise to you and your dog or cat. because when you love them like family, you want to feed them like family. this isn't just a walk up the stairs. when you have an irregular heartbeat, it's more. it's dignity. the freedom to go where you want, knowing your doctor can watch over your heart. ♪♪ hey, it's me...your skin. some cleansers get us clean - but take my moisture. cerave cleansers help me maintain my moisture balance with hyaluronic acid, plus 3 essential ceramides

to help restore my natural barrier. so we're cerave clean. cerave hydrating cleanser. we are so close to all being so we're cerave clean. we taste true friendship again. a scent that says “i love you.” and hugs and kisses from childhood friends. getting closer and closer together... priceless. mastercard is creating priceless surprises® everyday by giving away reunion trips. learn more about the vaccines. and start something priceless. we are back at 8:11 with our countdown to the tokyo olympics. the opening ceremony 24 days away, ms. thing. >> i just got nervous. one name we know you're going to be hearing a lot, gabby thomas

over the weekend, the harvard grad punched her ticket to tokyo in a big way one of the event's best times ever recorded. we're going to talk to gabby live in a moment first, how she's excelling on books. >> coming to the and off the track. >> brandini and thom thaas comio the line >> reporter: 21.61 seconds the third fastest time ever run. rising u.s. track star gabby thomas's time made her the second fastest woman ever in the event. >> gabby, three personal best in three rounds and you are now an olympian what do you think? >> i don't know. i'm speechless i mean, i don't know i've been working really hard and it's such an honor i'm still trying to gather my thoughts i can't believe it right now >> reporter: only two races run faster, both by the legendary florence griffith joyner her race punched her ticket to tokyo, but her journey to the olympic team has been far from

newly crowned american 200 meter champion is a heart harvard graduate currently working on her masters degree in epidemiology at texas university >> makes me appreciate what i'm doing on the track compartmentalizing two things i love doing, it makes you appreciate the time you're doing it >> reporter: two weeks ago, thomas faced a health scare that made her wonder if she would run at all a hamstring injury sent her to the doctor the result, a tumor in her lower back but the test results came back with good news the tumor was benign >> and i remember telling god, if i am healthy, i am going to go out and win trials. >> reporter: now, thomas heads to tokyo with the woman she drew inspiration from, u.s. olympic veteran allyson felix who made the team this year, also >> to be on a team with her, to be here and running that fast, i just really cannot believe it. >> reporter: her fans can

believe it, and all eyes are on gabby thomas as the one to beat. >> fresh off her big weekend, olympian gabby thomas is joining us live. >> good mornin >> good morning. and thank you guys for having me i'm really excited to be here. >> we are so thrilled to meet you. we couldn't stop talking about you this morning not only are you going to the olympics, you recorded the third fastest time ever. you set a personal record three times. i mean, are you shocked at your own performance? >> i am. i am still processing it i just got home last night and everything is just kind of hitting me right now yeah, i'm so in disbelief. i've been working really hard so i'm not entirely too surprised i'm running fast, but that fast was kind of -- it was unexpected for me >> gabby, it was just under 22 seconds. i know you got in the starting blocks and i know you ended first. do you remember what happened in between those two moments? >> no. it's kind of like i blacked out. i remember getting in the blocks

and thinking that i'm going to chase, you know, allyson to 20 meters and after that, i couldn't feel my legs. it was just kind of like in the zone >> but you had visualized that moment the moment you became an olympian since you were a little one. how did it feel? how did it compare to the dream? >> it definitely lived up to what i expected. it's been a long journey it's been years of patience and following my own path. so to have it all come together in that moment was so surreal. >> gabby, your path took you from harvard to the olympics and i was just thinking about you, when you were in harvard, you talk about how you went from class to 8:00 in the morning to 2:00, you had practice from 2:30 to 6:30. you barely got a chance to have dinner and then you did it all again. was there ever a moment in all of that where you thought, you know what? this might actually be too much for me >> yeah, i've definitely had a few of the moments, especially freshmen year. i've had many phone calls with

my mom during that time where i was thinking, you know, i might just not do track any more and that was okay with me. i thought it may have been too much for me to handle. but she told me to push through and that i would just be okay and to do it and i'm really glad i listened to her >> it sounds like your mom is, not surprisingly, your biggest cheerleader, but she's pushed you this whole way >> yeah. she's the one who forced me to go into track to begin with in seventh grade. >> what did she say, get off that couch >> yes she was like, you're going to have to run track. i signed up for softball and she was like, nope >> i like how your mom described you. she said you used to eat potato chips on the side, hop on to the starting line, finish, and win every single time. you wrote a letter to your young self which i thought was beautiful. what lessons do you think you learned? >> i think that i learned just to kind of trust myself and to know that i can do anything that

i am passionate about and want to do, and to let it happen. >> well, you are chasing a record set by flo-jo, florence griffith joyner which is incredible and you're teammates with a woman you idolized, allyson felix. can you believe that you are teammates and you're going to the olympics together? >> that is one of the best parts about it i was first introduced to track through allyson felix. my mom told me to turn on the tv, i think it was the 2012 olympic trials so almost ten years ago now. so to be on the same team as her is a dream come true i really can't believe it. it's so special. >> and to underscore something you said in the piece. you went through a surgery and you said you made a statement to god, a pact with god can you tell us more about that? >> yeah. i was surprised with those mri results to find that there was a tumor in my liver. and it was a long time of not knowing what was going to happen and what it was going to mean for my health. so during that time, olympic trials were coming up and i was

just thinking, you know, if i make it out of this healthy, i'm going to do everything i can to live my life to the fullest, and that included making the team and winning the championship >> well, you kept your promise, didn't you, gabby? this is amazing. we will see you in tokyo >> we can't wait, girl >> thank you, guys >> go get them >> go get 'em. and the action all gets started on july 23rd right here on nbc gabby, congrats. >> gabby has got it all. >> she's got it all. she's a star already let's run it over to al for a check of the weather i remember the last time i ran 20 meters and i couldn't feel my legs that's because i collapsed anyway, we are looking at a heat wave here in the northeast wet weather down -- this is remnants of danny that's moving through. flood watches in the middle of the country. strong storms as you make your way up into the upper midwest and record highs continuing out through the pacific northwest. we're expecting to see that wet weather continuing from texas all the way into parts of new mexico we're going to be watching that

monsoonal moisture make its way into that region that's what's going on around good morning. i am meteorologist kari hall. taking a look at the seven-day forecast, for inland valleys today, the hottest day. we reach into the low 90s. tomorrow comes down a few degrees, we will see that trend continue through end of the week. really nice weekend ahead with highs in the low to mid-80s for fourth of july weekend. san francisco will be cool, we'll see fog linger there as we go from end of june into july, and the fourth of july is looking pretty nice with highs in the upper 60s. with you as you head out the door sirius/xm channel 108. best time of the day, right now. >> let's go! >> yeah. >> ready >> gabby real quick. >> star. ridiculous jumps off the screen oh, my gosh, amazing human

being. >> yes first up, spotify music streaming service is giving us an inside look at to what they're predicting might become this year's most played songs of summer summer jam 2021. let's kick off with new one from ed sheeran he has a song called "bad habits." single dropped on friday may not be familiar with it yet. change of pace for ed who is a grammy winner. >> gentle change of pace. >> it's a dance pop track. it's ed's first official release since 2019, that album he put out number six collaborations projects and, of course, it's already a hit. so that's up there bts latest single is called "butter. familiar with this one, guys k-pop superstars dropped this last month it's been streamed on spotify nearly 300 million times and it peaked at number one on the top 100 billboard charts next, kelsey ballerina, who i love, enters the list with "i

quick drinking." the country music star and pop band performed it at the cmts earlier this month it is climbing the hot music charts not sure it has the tempo to qualify as summer jam 2021, but a good song, nonetheless how about olivia rodrigo what an incredible rise to fame this has been. crashing on the music scene with that "driver's license" hit. the disney star dropped her hit at number one. this is the track "good 4 u, the hot song for the summer perhaps. already been streamed over 400 million times. one more and we'll wrap this up, dua lipa's "levitating" is here to stay. we all agree about this one. 2020 record "future nostalgia. dua lipa dropped one hit after "physical," all hits off the record that levitating remix i think right now so far song of the summer

honorable mention. "peaches" from justin bieber "sweetie" is a big track right now. there's some summer -- >> what did you say? >> carson, dj khalid's new album. >> that is awesome >> hold on, hold on, hold on here we go we're back now we've got our ultimate summer showdown aye bi've been waiting for this fourth of july is just around the corner we're kicking off the official "today" show barbecue bracket. it is time to decide which dish on the picnic table reigns supreme. take a look at the matchups. in the northwest, you've got your classic hamburger going against grilled chicken. >> please. >> come on. >> that's a chicken breast please why bother >> that is going to be a hard one. >> we've got veggies taking on coleslaw so long, coleslaw. down south, sausages versus a pork chop. this is tough.

>> sausage. >> pork chop, if it was the one my mom made in the '70s, gray, onions on it, no chance. but if it's the new gastro pug lowers the temperature -- >> new pork chop is good new pork chap. >> for sure. >> not a lot of people know about it. >> no. >> go to the steak house, order a pork chop. >> they're good. >> 135 let the temp raise sausage may go down on that. check and see how ut does. >> is hot dog sausage or is hot dog its own category >> another bracket >> okay. >> corn/pasta salad? >> corn. >> across the board, here is your classic hot dog taking on barbecue ribs. >> that is not fair. >> there is a tougher one. who do you like in that one? >> ribs. you have to go ribs. >> hot dog >> how about classic steaks have to compete with the kabob. the meal on the stick. >> steak >> kabob is when you don't care. >> how about this one in the messy meal category, pulled pork

versus chicken wings >> pulled pork come on. >> pulled pork >> what sort of human has to make that decision that's like duke and north carolina june madness that's crazy anybody can take that one. >> pulled pork >> pulled pork >> listen, y'all eat chicken wings probably more than we need to how often do you eat pulled pork still delicious. >> it's worth the effort >> i'm exhausted >> the side dish >> make sure the pulled pork and the pork chop. all right, guys, baked beans and potato salad this is in the who cares category >> are you crazy no, come on. >> i'll take a spoonful of baked beans and pretend i ate it >> agreed. >> could be an argument for new potato salad >> deborah roberts makes it great. >> there's new style potato s salad. >> a little mustardy a little vinegary, skin on skinn potatoey

head over to today.com/food to vote for your pick >> new potato salad and -- >> you don't even do fourth of july desserts. >> we're not there yet we're on every day we need real estate on air to break down the brackets. dessert is coming. >> my favorite carson is the bracket carson. >> do this all day on today all day. >> we do coming up, something special to kick off our milestones series meet helen and emory they're getting ready to renew their vows on the plaza in celebration of more than 50 years of marriage.

good morning. it is 8:26. i am laura garcia. a vote on the future of the san jose flea market. they're trying to move forward on a rezoning proposal. it is located near the barry at the b.a.r.t. station, around 61 years. most of the 30 acres the market sits on is set to be developed with offices, apartments, retail shops. the flea market would be moved to a smaller site. good day to get outdoors. check in with meteorologist kari

hall. >> we are seeing sunshine away from the coastline, temperatures are quickly warming up, headed for the low to mid 90s for today, and coastal areas stay cool. we are looking at slightly cooler air as the ocean breeze gets stronger toward the end of the week, that's going to keep our temperatures in check going into fourth of july weekend. we check out san francisco, low 70s today but fog will return, see much more of that the next several mornings with afternoon sunshine. the high temperatures will stay in the upper 60s. laura? >> looks good, thanks so much. thank you for joining us. another local update in about a half hour. hope to see you then.

here are the two battling to the line and allyson felix... simone manuel's above her trying to fight on,

and above simone... getting an opportunity to show her stuff. nonstop, displayed at the highest performance level... finding something and the us takes gold! ♪ dream on ♪ ♪ dream on ♪ ♪ dream on ♪ ♪ dream on ♪ - yes! ♪ ahhhhhhh ♪ ♪ dream until your dreams come true ♪

♪ isn't she lovely ♪ we are back. it's 8:30. isn't our plaza lovely >> lovely. >> it is going to be even lovelier when we introduce you to the couple of the morning love is in the air, hoda >> look at the stars of the morning. can we just look over there? our bride and groom, helen and emory. 51 years after their original wedding date, these two, they had a big party planned for their 50th anniversary last year, but it had to be put on hold because of the pandemic we couldn't let that milestone go unnoticed we are going to celebrate, y'all. it is so -- they're the loveliest people

>> can we marry them >> official "today" show couple. >> hoda and i am scoring a huge interview, an exclusive with the boss baby ahead of his new movie premier. however, let's just say we revisited our youth. >> it was so weird >> strange ee, yeah. >> cute little baby. >> is the whole interview like that >> the llamas kids are very excited. huge boss baby fans. in our third hour, nascar icon dale earnhardt jr. will join us live to talk about one of his passions, but in a way you've never seen before and tomorrow, the emmy winning zac brown band as they get ready for a comeback tour this summer. they have a performance for us al, the weather is hot, hot, hot everywhere >> as far as today is concerned, we have a heat wave going here in the east, flood watch in the

mid section of the country and record highs out west. a lot of wet weather along the gulf coast that will continue with more flooding in the mid mississippi and ohio river valleys record highs out west. severe storms in the northeast hit or miss showers and thunderstorms down through good morning, i am meteorologist kari hall. we take a look at the seven-day forecast for the inland areas, it's going to heat up today. you're going to notice it is a few degrees hotter compared to yesterday, but then we bring it back down a few degrees tomorrow and even milder air by the end of the week. the fourth of july weekend is looking pretty good with inland valleys reaching into the low to mid-80s while coastal areas stay cool. fog is not going anywhere. we'll see a few peeks of sunshine and highs in the 60s. thank you, al. coming up next, our vow renewal ceremony is about to begin as we kick off our series, milestones we missed during the pandemic. this loving couple will touch

your heart they're eager to mark 51 years [♪♪♪] alright, guys, listen up. my momma... our grandpa... - my daddy... - our dad works on the highway. it's so scary. please be careful. slow down. and pay attention. be alert. be work zone alert. dear ms, from day one you've tried to define me. but i never invited you in. it's my life and this is my journey.

i've found a way to do things differently with ocrevus, an infusion treatment that's 2-times-a-year. for adults with relapsing or primary progressive forms of multiple sclerosis, ocrevus is proven effective in reducing relapses in rms and slowing disability progression in rms and ppms. don't take ocrevus if you've had a life-threatening allergic reaction to it, or have hepatitis b. tell your doctor about vaccinations or if you've had hep b, as it could come back. a common side effect of ocrevus is infusion reactions, and some may require hospitalization. it can increase your risk of infections, which can be serious, and may decrease certain types of immunoglobulins. while pml was not reported in clinical trials, it could happen. an increased risk of cancer, including breast cancer, may exist. sorry, ms. you don't get to control every part of me ms can't own us. ask your doctor about two-times-a-year ocrevus. we have to talk. ms can't own us. some people drive way too fast. why are they driving so fast? zoom. please, be careful.

we get scared. - my mom... - my dad... my jiji's at work. sponsored by mastercard, helping you get closer together and start something priceless. >> we are back with our special series, milestones we missed we know because of the pandemic, a lot of you had to put a pause on important life events that meant so much to you in the last year >> recently, we did a callout and we heard from nearly 1,000 people who missed out on weddings, on birthdays, on reunions in the months ahead, we'll be right there to help you celebrate this year. >> this lovely couple here, mr. and mrs. wescott are going to honor their 50th anniversary in a big way. hoda is going to renew their

vows right here in our plaza in the park >> in the the cutest how you feeling, by the way? okay we are so excited to introduce you to emory and helen westcott. they spent a year planning to celebrate their 50th back in 2020 but, of course, the pandemic limited the gatherings. they had to call off their party, but even as their life was still going strong >> i looked and i thought, wow, i think i kind of like that guy. >> they were small town sweethearts, 22-year-old emory, bold and adventurous, helen, sweet and smitten at 18. emory asked her parents if they could go on a date and the two never looked back. >> my favorite part about emory is the fact that he's so caring and loving >> the smile that just lights me up >> their love story fills the pages of a scrapbook created on their wedding day. >> i remember standing at the

altar and i just thought, she's beautiful. >> i was smitten and in tears. >> five decades and three kids later, emory and ellen were ready to add another page of pictures as they celebrated their milestone anniversary in 2020 >> we were planning to get our family together for a meal >> and then the pandemic hit >> after a year of planning, the couple decided to cancel their party. >> it was kind of tense and disappointing. >> it's a milestone that we made and we wanted to have our family there. we haven't seen our son since december of 2019 except through zoom. and it's just not the same >> after calling family and friends to deliver the news, they decided to dress up their cancellation announcement. >> i said i bet i can still fit into my dress. so i went down and dug it out of the tub it was in and put it on. and i said it fits

get on your suit so then we created a little note type thing and told our friends and family we wish the best for everyone to be safe. >> a little sidebar, i would not have fit in the tux that i wore for the wedding >> and now emory and helen are ready to mark a new milestone with us. >> well, to 51 years >> 51 years. >> together. >> love you. >> love you. >> oh, and we love both of you so, so much. we're so happy that you're renewing your vows here on the plaza. but we thought something was missing. we figured you needed a couple of groomsmen and a bridesmaid. >> oh, yes >> so we brought them in for you. would you like to see them >> yes >> let's bring in our bridesmaids and our groomsmen. >> oh!

>> oh. >> i cannot -- >> by the way, guys, these are their children their son, who they haven't seen since 2019 their daughters. emory and helen, i hate to pul you away from your family. this is the son you haven't seen since 2019 and your beautiful daughters. how did it feel to share them together >> what a surprise >> emory, are you okay >> i'm fine. >> okay. well, it's about to get better kids, we're so glad you can make it this is such a special day are you guys ready to get started? >> yes >> deep breaths. should we all take a deep breath together >> all right love you guys. emory and helen, 51 years ago this month, you two made a commitment to one another in front of family and friends at st. mary's catholic church i sigourney, iowa. you promised to be faithful to one another in good times and in

bad, in sickness and in health, to love one another and honor each other all the days of your life now, this morning, i can't tell you how grateful we are that you guys are here with us joined by your beautiful children, cathy, amy and chris as you renew your vows to each other now you guys have chosen to write your own vows, so we cannot wait to hear them start h emory, can we start with you >> helen, i give to you a new promise and not so new, a new husband, but not so new, a new affirmation of love from the heart that has loved you for over 51 years. and will love you for as many more as god allots us. i here today in front of the nbc crew, our family and friends,

everyone watching from home, right here on this plaza, can you believe it in the middle of our favorite destination city on national tv recommit myself to our original vows from 51 years ago every day i'm so proud to call you my wife. the extent of your beauty is overwhelming both inside and out. i will nurture your dreams and support your goals because now they are mine, as well i will help shoulder your challenges because there's nothing we cannot face if we face it together side by side lastly, i promise to love, respect and cherish you. let the magic continue i love you

>> oh, that was beautiful. now, helen, it's your turn she's getting her glasses from her hubby. >> thank you >> that's what i do. >> emory, carry the glasses. >> emory, 51 years ago, we professed our love and devotion to each other. our wedding was a special day, but our marriage has been 51 years of special memories and moments. we've gone from the innocence of young love to the reality of growing old together you've always been there for me. in the good times and the bad. always there to lovingly support me and share the day-to-day demands of life. you're the most wonderful father to our children and a loving

role model for their lives emory, we do not know what the future holds for us. but no matter what it may be, i pledge you my eternal love, very truly blessed. >> oh, emory and helen, you guys have reaffirmed your commitment to one another it was so beautiful. may your words be a reminder of the love you've shared for the past 51 years. this love will continue to grow. y'all have taught us a lot in this moment. so it is my pleasure to invite you, emory, to officially kiss your beautiful bride yes! all right. well, that was beautiful you have wonderful children. this moment is spectacular but mr. roker wants to add a little something to it al has a little surprise for you. >> yes, we do, guys. we have this suitcase here because we told our sponsor, mastercard, all about your lovely story and if you enjoyed your first honeymoon, we hope

you're going to love your second one because they are giving you a honeymoon to napa valley in california this summer, mastercard is giving away reunion trips every. go to today.com for more, but, guys, there's really nothing in this, but you got a free suitcase out of the deal, anyway congratulations. god bless. >> thank you >> fill it up with wine when you get to napa. >> the big question is was it worth the wait to celebrate today? >> this is wonderful >> very much >> and can we say something to chris? you haven't seen him since 2019. was it really cool seeing him? >> yes >> yeah. >> it's cool seeing all of our children >> i know. the best the best >> and the festivities continue. >> there's more. >> so first the reverend hoda kotb officiated. but savannah now wants to give you the toast so we can enjoy some bubbles over here we'll hand them out. >> we have to have a wedding toast for everybody.

>> come on over, yes >> you guys earned it. >> you guys look so beautiful. >> guys all have one everybody have one >> here we go. >> we've got to get hoda >> thank you >> the good reverend >> let's raise a glass to emory and helen. your love has really touched us. i think hoda said it best, you've taught us something today, and everyone watching, about what true love looks like and what true love does. it holds the glasses, it wipes the brow it's there for each other. you were a young teenager in love, helen, and you were smitten, as well but you took that and made it last 50 plus years i know you missed your party last year, but we can party, too, and we hope you are feeling the love we want to be thank you for sharing it with us so let's raise a glass to the happy couple cheers to you, emory and helen wescott and their beautiful family what wonderful work you've done in these 51 years.

keep it going. >> 50 more >> cheers. >> cheers. >> that's right. >> god bless that was awesome >> cheers. >> wait, i've got to get chris >> chris, we missed you, too now we feel like we know the whole family >> all right let's toast for the happy couple >> we'll be back with more on "today." thanks, you guys cheers cheers ♪ i want to marry you ♪ i'm kalvin, and there's more to me than hiv. i'm a peer educator,... a fitness buff,... and a champion for my own health. i talked with 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. ♪♪ and we are back and we've got a "today" exclusive. it's a little different. wouldn't you say >> as you probably remember, the boss baby, a funny animated movie about a suit wearing, briefcase carrying baby. >> and he's back

with a sequel. hoda and i were lucky enough to score an exclusive interview with the boss baby himself >> and let's say we're still recovering take a look. >> reporter: if you thought your boss had temper tantrums, you ain't seen nothing >> this is war >> oh, yeah. >> reporter: in the original "boss baby" film, a young boy's life is turned upside down by the arrival of his new brother, who also happens to be an undercover corporate executive on a secret mission. >> you can talk. >> get yourself a little something. >> reporter: spoiler alert, the boss baby does eventually grow up thanks to a secret downsizing formula, he can slip back into those form-flattering diapies when he's called into action, which he is for the sequel, "the boss baby family business. >> and the boss baby took time to chat with us about the film >> hello

>> boss baby >> he's late >> you know what i think it's kind of rude. >> he is a baby. maybe he hasn't learned to tell time yet >> wait a minute do you hear that >> cancel my 3:00 and move power tai chi to 4:05. don't touch my play date >> thank you thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to meet with us. >> it's good to be with you, hoda and al, but time is money, so let's keep it snappy. >> oh, okay. well, the boss baby family business, what can you tell us about it >> well, there's plenty of laughs, a little heart and a lot of thrilling action. >> whoa! >> it's a sequel thing, bigger stunts, higher stakes. speaking of steaks, could i offer you a chateau for two? >> no thanks thank you, though. >> anyway, i hear that you have a new boss in the movie.

>> well, to be clear aa bigger boss i've got at least two pounds on her. okay >> i don't know, from what we've seen, it seems like she can hold her own. >> we're all in it together. >> every man for himself >> one is the loneliest number >> the ayes have it. >> we the people >> and it might be real difficult to have to answer to somebody who is so talented and so young >> well, it's not like i'm old >> no, no, no, just that tina seems to be making bold changes, you know, like story time, free pacifiers for all, even flexible nap times. >> flexible? look at this can you get a toe in your ear? >> but you know what tina really does seem -- >> power nap oh, i've only had four today i don't think people understand how difficult it is interacting with all the droolers out there. half the people wearing ties in corporate should be wearing bibs >> come on, baby life is sweet >> let's face it, you don't even have to wipe

>> oh, please. you couldn't crawl a mile in my egyptian cotton diapers. >> is that a challenge >> are we going to take that from a baby? >> here is a little of my downsizing formula take a swig if you think you can handle it. well, i have to take off i have a board meeting in 15 and if i'm not on time, there will be he a lot of whining and crying good luck. don't say i didn't warn you. >> you think we can handle it? >> bottoms up. >> you are -- >> adorable! >> so cute [ laughter ] >> oh. >> al, don't cry i forgot about this part of babyhood

>> you guys are adorable >> i have to admit, we are, we really are adorable. and i didn't have any hair then and i don't have any hair now. worked out perfectly hey, we want to thank our sister company universal pictures and dreamworks for helping us make all that check out "the boss baby family business" in theaters and streaming on peacock this friday, july 2nd >> cute. we're back with much more on we're back with much more on thisuesday morning, but fi trs oh, i've traveled all over the country. talking about saving with geico. but that's the important bit, innit? showing up, saying “hello! fancy a nice chat?” then we talk like two old friends about sticky buns and all the savings you could get by bundling your home and car insurance. but here's the real secret. eye contact. you feel that? geico. save even more when you bundle home and car insurance.

doesn't it feel good, you guys we've got our crowd back we're outside. we have a lot coming up on hoda and jenna. we're going to do a surprise reunion 18 months in the making and you don't want to miss that one. but first, coming up on the third hour, dylan is going to cook with cal with a sweet summer treat have you heard the good news >> what? >> we are a podcast. all four hours of the "today" show

download it on apple or spotify, wherever you get your podcasts take us on the go and listen we want to be with you all the time >> you can't get away from us. >> that's today all day podcast. we're back after a check off your local news, your weather, and drink water today, people. it's hot >> check on your neighbors make sure your pets are okay good morning. it is 8:56. i am laura garcia. another bay area city taking action amid the dangerous drought. santa rosa city council is voting on reduction in water use. if passed, no target. you may recall, it comes afterk.

they are reducing the rush of river water by a fifth. other bay area counties including santa clara, march in, and costa contra county have taken action. see the new restrictions and beyond, how it could hit you in the wallet. the state budget is now on the governor newsom's desk. expected to sign over the $262 billion budget. and the a's have a home stand against the rangers. first time since 2019. it can be filled to 100% capacity. the friday they have a fireworks show after the game against the red sox. another local update to you in an hour.

with celebration comes potential for wildfires. a warning ahead of independence day. and changes to dining. the post pandemic changes on the table, tomorrow morning, 4:30 to 7:00.

live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza, this is the third hour of "today." >> good morning. welcome to the third hour of "today" on this tuesday, june 29th. can you believe it? it's almost the end of june. we are just blowing right through these months. >> that is how life works, sheinelle. >> here with dylan and al, craig is off. so we have tom llamas back with us this