breaking overnight, the remaining tower in surfside, florida, demolished as it became precariously dangerous for first responders and others ahead of>m afghanistan how th u.s. is pulling out all of ourl surgery. new information over s shacr

ri's position. mark zuckerberg celebrating the fourth of july "early today" starts right now. >> i'm phillip mena. >> i'm kendis gibson 11 days after the surfside condominium collapse, what remained of that building has now been reduced to rubble officials there on the ground say it was crucial to detonate the remaining part in order to keep searching for survivors safely and in preparation for tropical storm elsa. nbc's jennifer johnson has the latest. >> reporter: the last part of the surfside condominium building has been demolished that section came down as possible high storms from elsa

it increases their chances of finding more remains. >> bringing down this building in a controlled manner in is critical to expanding our scope of the search and rescue efforts and allowing us to explore the area closest to the building which has currently not been accessible to our first responders. >> reporter: rescuers promise a mission to find the missing will intensify as crews try to stabilize the rubble ahead of the storm. >> we are, of course, continuing to monitor tropical storm elsa and it's approaching florida likely sometime monday afternoon or evening >> reporter: on this day when millions of americans are celebrating, there's more work and heart ache here. >> this is not an independence day like any we have ever experienced before. >> reporter: after over ten days of searching, there's still no closure for some families. >> the video is all i see when i close my eyes because to me that's the moment i'm watching my mom and my grandmother die.

>> reporter: now at least six rescuers have tested positive for covid-19 complicating a difficult mission even more. deborah johnson, nbc elsa is expected to hit the coast. it's on track to make landfall in a matter of hours elsa was still a category one storm when it hit the islands of barbados there are power outages and water outages.l have elsa's lat with janessa webb. >> hi. good morning good morning, everyone tropical storm elsa, the next few hours it's critical with this storm system. as it makes landfall, we potentially could see it making its way across this area, it

will start to die down the problem is, as it goes back into the gulf, this is very warm water, it could start to reorganize a lot of uncertainty still an hr northwest movement at 15 miles per hour t. will continue to slow down as the center of circulation starts to make its way through. the florida keys, all eyes on this area. we have tropical storm alerts in place. we're going to be watching for potential landfall extending into late tuesday evening into wednesday morning overnight. then it will continue its trend wednesday into georgia, the carolinas as well and back off the shore. the cone of uncertainty is still very wide. this will be a very big flood threat across florida. storm threats breaking out. the weather is heartbreaking

for t gathering together president biden may have fallen short of his vaccination goal, but the white house threw a party for essential workers and military families and the mascots from the nationals >> we are emerging from the darkness of years near pandemic, isolation, year of pain, fear, heartbreaking loss just think back to where this nation was a year ago. think back to where you were a year ago and think about how far we've come. >> well, here's where the first family was last night as we wrapped the night watching a massive fireworks display from the truman many cities that brought back big events.

we have how americans celebrated the fourth. >> kendis, good morning to you this holiday weekend the nation came together like never before. fireworks, parades, backyard barbecues made a huge comeback a sid signs of normalcy, there are signs the delta variant is making its grip. >> new york, one of the darkest cities during the pandemic lit up electrifying light show to honor everyday heroes. >> we've been suffering and this is an awesome time to celebrate. >> more traditions live and in person crowds cheered on at coney island as the reining champ devoured 76 franks in 10 minutes. >> the number one frank eater in the world, joey chestnut

>> on south carolina's shore a high flying salute in boston, a patriotic parade. >> it was amazing. >> god bless america this is great. >> reporter: gatherings getting back to normal after many missed memories. >> people are excited and they're happy to see other people they're like, hey, remember me i'm back. >> reporter: even with independence day free of covid restrictions, the delta variant is holding on. they advise masks go back on when indoors even for the vaccinated warnings mixed with welcome signs of progress as we welcome america's birthday with a bang. >> reporter: for many people out here, this is perhaps one of the largest crowds they have been around in more than a year they tell me they're not really concerned about covid anymore. in fact, they are excited to be out in public and be around people without masks kendis >> starting to recognize people

again without masks. kathy, thank you. in afghanistan, the taliban is gaining ground again. nbc's richard engel has the latest >> reporter: even before u.s. troops finish their withdrawal from afghanistan, america's old enemies are making a comeback. the taliban, the group that sheltered osama bin laden allowing him to plan 9/11 is on a major offensive capturing around 150 afghan military outposts including nearly a dozen this weekend in most cases afghan security forces trained and funded the united states surrendered without firing a shot allowing the taliban to seize weapons but one group holding the line is the afghan commandos, the elite groups trained by american special ops are carrying out around 100 operations a day.

about 90% of the combat missions according to their commanding general. >> we are committed. we will fight. we will push them back. >> the taliban's biggest gain so far appears to be psychological. the world watched as the u.s. left the american withdrawal is a huge morale boost to the taliban and all islamic extremists presenting this as a god given victory. several afghan officials say al qaeda, isis and others are calling it the final victory, the taliban pushing out the world's greatest super power. >> once again afghanistan is becoming a magnet for al qaeda they are coming here. >> they are coming and afghanistan will be ready for them. >> reporter: the terrorist threat is rising they located a musical instrument packed with

explosives designed to blow up a flight to kabul. >> reporter: they're coming to afghanistan through pakistan, the same route al qaeda used before 9/11. pope francis is recovering this morning after undergoing surgery. the vatican said the pontiff reacted well to a planned procedure involving his large intestine. nbc's claudio joins us this morning. word of this operation came as a surprise for many. the vatican is claiming it was scheduled? >> reporter: good morning, kendis well, that's exactly what they said it was a surprise to everybody, especially to the pilgrims who yesterday were just watching the pope appearing at their window, as he does every sundanday pray. he looked perfectly well, in good shape and was even joking about the fact he was going to travel in september to slovakia and hungary.

two hours later he announced he was going to the hospital for scheduled surgery, as you said the vatican hasn't released much information after that after the operation midnight time, they said the pope reacted well, that was pretty much it. we're used to cryptic messages when it comes to the house of p -- health of the pope its more questions than answers. how long was the operation how long will he be in the hospital when will he be back at the vatican? we hope we learn more from the next bulletin. i suppose, kendis, no news is good news. >> claudio lavenga joining us from rome. the pope, 84 years old. nbc meteorologist janessa webb is back with us she's tracking elsa. hello again, janessa. >> hi, guys.

we have hurricane warnings spreading out across cuba anidas they're currently tropical storm watches. in the next few hours i do expect them to go into warnings. regardlessof the intensity of this storm system, it will be a big-time flood threat. these are easily prone areas across the keys where we could see a storm surge of at least one to two feet in some areas. then on ton of that, an additional two to thre look, the heat's still in place for the desert southwest phoenix, 104 also we haven't talked about the wind speeds. we'll talk about that coming up. >> very damaging as well

janessa, thank you so much. "early today" is back in two minutes with the world's richest man's retirement plans. in it for the long haul. a woman crashes the parade on her tractor and winds up on the wrong side of the law. i stick on a fresh pad. boom! it's ready to go. unlike my mop that can spread it around. and wetjet's even safe on wood! all this? buh-bye. it's so simple! i get a cleaner clean every day. try wejet with a money back guarantee. ready to shine from the inside out? try nature's bounty hair, skin and nails gummies. the number one brand to support beautiful hair, glowing skin, and healthy nails. and introducing jelly beans with two times more biotin. alice loves the scent of gain so much, she wished there was a way to make it last longer.

say hello to your fairy godmother alice and long-lasting gain scent beads. part of the irresistible scent collection from gain! more protection, more sun, more joy. beach defense® from neutrogena® the suncare brand used most by dermatologists and their families, neutrogena® for people with skin. you'd never wash your dishes in this. your dishwasher looks clean but, when grease and limescale build up, it's not as hygienic as you think. use finish dishwasher cleaner its dual-action formula tackles grease and limescale. finish. clean dishwasher. clean dishes. how did kellogg's combine crunchy oat clusters with a touch of honey... plump, juicy raisins and tasty fiber into one delicious cereal? it took a lot of bran-storming. get it? racrunch. two scoops of delicious. still fresh

unstopables in-wash scent booster get it? downy unstopables leading the news, the white house says president biden has directed the full resources of the government to investigate one of the largest ransomware attacks ever the attack paralyzed computer networks across the u.s. and around the globe ed in at least 17 countries with ransom demand over $5 million. the attack was reportedly carried out by the same russia-based gang d an $11 million ransom from jbs, the world's largest meat packer. the world's richest man is stepping down from amazon. bezos has $200 million he's expected to focus on other

initiatives including blue origin space company and charities.y because he's steppin voluntarily, he will not receive unemployment benefits. >> oh, man what is he going to do >> prayers and thoughts. a woman in north texas took police on a low speed chase. the officers, the three of them took her down. she crashed into a fence and she was charged with evading arrest an meantime she could have cleared out. no, not at all. >> here comes to pain, we choos over debit. steve sedgwick breaks down mark zuckerberg's interesting july 4th video

it also helps lower cholesterol and slows sugar absorption to promote healthy blood sugar levels. so you cd try metamucil fiber . a great tasting and easy way to start your day. we don't use just any wipe, we use dawn disinfecting wipes. they're tough enough to cut through greasy messes, yet gentle enough to clean the surfaces that matter most. all while killing 99.9% of bacteria and viruses. get the grease fighting power of dawn in a disinfecting wipe. family meeting! ♪ we have big news. new kellogg's cinnamon roll frosted mini wheats. bakery fresh cinnamon roll flavor in every bite, you're going to love 'em. i'm 53, but in my mind i'm still 35. to keep me moving the way i was made to, it nourishes and strengthens

my joints for the long term. osteo bi-flex, plus vitamin d tired of clean clothes that just don't smell clean? what if your clothes could stay fresh for weeks? now they can! this towel has already been used and it still smells fresh. pour a cap of downy unstopables into your washing machine before each load and enjoy fresher smelling laundry for up to 12-weeks.

see, what had happened was -- well, this wasn't supposed to be the way ocean city, maryland, forced to cancel its fourth of july display after the fireworks detonated while employees were setting up one person suffered minor injuries firefighters are trying to figure out exactly what did happen. >> i would say a lighter of some sort was involved but i'm going to let the investigators finish that one >> the answer, bud light. wall street may be closed on

this fourth of july holiday weekend, but facebook cet shy wh what's on his line joining us with the details is cnbc's steve sedgwick. good morning to you. >> reporter: good morning, phillip. good morning kendis. you're working, that's not so happy. i don't know what i'm watching this is mark zuckerberg on an electric surf board with a huge stars and stripes flag to the tunes, as you can hear, "take me home country roads." i shouldn't be watching it i shouldn't be enjoying it it's quite good as well. he's probably pretty happy as well that he won his antitrust campaigns last week. it's come pulsing. what happens when you use your credit card or debit card. half of all credit card holders use their debit card as the primary payment method

they save their credit card for very big ticket items as well. >>bugoff that's what chipotle is doing. it's all part of the white house's national month of action to encourage covid-19 vaccinations all we need to do is friends bogo to redeem now. the question is what is greater, wichita lineman or country roads? a lot think wichita lineman. >> the great glenn campbell. >> what exactly was zuck thinking >> i think he was channelling the guy crossing the delaware. >> way too young for a boomer moment. >> steve, thank you so much. up next, janessa has an update on the tropical storm threat in florida. plus, the growing controversy over shachar ri

richa i'll get it. whoa. ♪ (upbeat music) here you go. (in unison) thank you mckayla! dude, get it. i'm not getting it, you get it. you threw it. it's your frisbee. geico. switch today and see all the ways you could save. ♪ downy's been taking you back, since way back. with freshness and softness you never forget feel the difference with downy.

i wonder where froot loops come from? follow me! ♪♪ just follow your nose! mmmm! part of a complete breakfast. ready to shine from the inside out? try nature's bounty hair, skin and nails gummies. mmmm! the number one brand to support beautiful hair, d healthy nails. and introducing jelly beans with two times more biotin. you'd never wash your dishes in this. your dishwasher looks clean but, when grease and limescale build up, it's not as hygienic as you think. use finish dishwasher cleanerrs grease and limescale. finish. clean dishwasher. clean dishes.

you love rich, delicious ice cream. but your stomach doesn't. that disagreement ends right now. aid ice cream is the creamy, real ice cream you love that will never mess with your stomach. lactaid ice cream. ever notice how stiff clothes that will never mess can feel rough on your skin? for softer clothes that are gentle on your skin, try downy free & gentle downy will soften your clothes without dyes or perfumes. the towel washed with downy is softer, and gentler on your skin. try downy free & gentle. good morning, everyone tropical storm elsa not going to be a very big wind maker southwa could see the peakgusts 50 miles per hour even for the keys, and that's going to start later this afternoon all the way into wednesday guys >> janessa, thank you. up next, the growing

rallying cry for team u.s.a. star sha'carri richardson. e doing if you're cleaning with a used dishcloth, even after you've rinsed it. so, switch to a fresh sheet of bounty for a more hygienic clean. unlike used dishcloths that can carry and redistribute residue, bounty keeps your surfaces cleaner. because better hygiene begins with bounty. bounty, the quicker picker upper. i'm 53, but in my mind i'm still 35. that's why i take oste bi-flex to keep me moving the way i was made to, it nourishes and strengthens osteo bi-flex, plus vitamin d for immune support. how did kellogg's combine crunchy oat clusters with a touch of honey... plump, juicy raisins and tasty fiber into one delicious cereal? it took a lot of bran-storming. get it? kellogg's raisin bran crunch. two scoops of delicious.

america's fastest woman, shac'carri richardson is apologizing after she was suspended for marijuan from elite athletes. here's nbc's matt bradley. >> reporter: calls for compassion for elite athletes. >> no engagement because i am human. i'm you. i just happen to run a little faster. >> reporter: after american sprinter sha'carri richardson was suspended for a month and may miss the olympics for usingh the death of her biological

mother. >> it triggered it from there, blinded by emotion, blinded by just hurting, hiding hurt. >> reporter: in an exclusive interview sha'carri apologized. >> i still made that decision. >> reporter: the rules are the rules. i was proud of her the way she responded. >> reporter: her dreams might not be over. a decision is expected any day in whether she can run one leg of the 100 meter relay her team is focusing on her mental health. her agent saying we have n i don't want her hopes to be dashed this has sparked a conversation about the humanity of super human athletes sha'carri's legion of fans rallied. patrick mahomes tweeting this is so trash these days mental health, particularly for athletes, has been in the news

u.s. olympic swimmer michael phelps struggled with mental health issues for years. tennis star naomi osaka skipped a press conference she was fined $15,000 before she withdrew from the tournament it's the sky high expectations that some say should get a second look. >> i think there is a feeling that we expect these athletes, these extraordinaretes to be super human in their athletic ability and be super human in other parts of the their lives the pressure and toll can be extraordinary as well. >> reporter: a call to reform sports to make psychology a part of success matt bradley, nbc news i think everybody was realld the news of that was it a performance enhancer though we want to see her run. >> she was going to be a star for this year's games and the

games needed stars. >> still a chance though she's only 21. still a chance she could run the other leg. >> i'm phillip mena. >> i'm kendis gibson july 4th fireworks returning to the vegas strip last night pretty awesome after being canceled last year, hundreds of thousands

a fourth of july celebrations turning dangerous, an oakland warehouse going up in flames. what witnesses say they saw leading up to the blaze. illegal fireworks keeping fire crews busy across the bay area while you were sleeping. the county by county reports of problems. "today in the bay" begins right now. good morning. i'm cierra johnson in for laura garcia. >> i'm marcu