friend. >> good luck to you. thanks for joining us for "today bay" on this thursday for a cut-in. the "today" show is next. test test good morning breaking overnight, crisis averted with just hours to spare, the senate reaches a deal to hold off a government shutdown but for how long while president biden takes a new swing at ending the democratic infighting threatening to derail his agenda a full report live from the white house straight ahead sounding the alarm the nation's top general warns congress of the new terror threat facing the u.s. in the wake of the chaotic withdrawal from afghanistan >> i think the taliban sitting in kabul significantly emboldens the radical jihadi group

globally. >> why he believes terror groups can build and attack in months urgent alert the cdc issues its strongest guidance yet, urging all women who are pregnant or trying to get vaccinated now the reason, they are twice as likely to end up in the icu and at even greater risk of dying from covid on cloud nine. britney spears takes to instagram overnight after a long-awaited ruling. her father finally stripped of his 13-year control over the singer's finances. >> jamie spears is no longer a conservator. >> this morning, an inside look at what's next for the pop star. those stories, plus, gone forever. nearly two dozen species added to the extinction list but a success story in florida. >> this is an ameran cckro nest. >> the reason rare crocodiles having pulled back from the

brink. and seeing red hawaii's famed kilauea roars back to life the spectacular show being put on by the world's most active volcano. today thursday, september 30th, 2021 good morning >> it's a busy thursday morning. we have a lot to get to. >> how about the volume kaun in hawaii thankfully no one is in any immediate danger we'll have a little bit more on why it erupted >> we have good news on the covid-19 front

cases down across much of the country. 39 states showing a plateau or decline. >> that comes amid the new warning from the cdc telling pregnant women to get vaccinated. chuck schumer saying a deal we do start with a government shutdown averted for now chuck schumer saying a dea has been reached with a vote expected later today just hours before that midnight deadline. for the latest, we go to peter alexander. peter, good morning. >> reporter: good morning to you. that is good news for hundreds of thousands of federal workers who would be furloughed in the middle of this pandemic if the government were to shut down that vote later this morning to fund the government for at least a couple more months but it remains a pivotal day for the president and his party and democrat on democrat divisions right now may force speaker nancy pelosi to postpone a separate vote today. >> president biden is in the house. >> reporter: with efforts to avoid a government shutdown heading into the bottom of the ninth, president biden huddling

with nancy pelosi at the annual baseball game at nationals park and greeting members of both parties. pelosi later seen working her phone from the stands. facing tonight's midnight deadline, both the house and senate are expected to vote today to temporarily fund the government, avoiding a debilitating shutdown. >> we have an agreement on the cr, continuing resolution, to prevent the government shutdown. >> democrats don't want to shut down the government. republicans don't want to shut down the government. >> reporter: the next crisis to be averted, a default on the nation's debt. that would happen if congress does not raise or suspend the country's borrowing limit by october 18th not getting a deal done could trigger another recession and drive up credit card and mortgage rates, meaning you could pay more republicans refusing to get behind it, trying to force democrats to increase the debt limit alone. >> the bill has passed. >> reporter: house democrats already passing a bill to avoid the fiscal disaster. but it's unclear whether the

senate will do the same. also up in the air, will house democrats will follow through with a scheduled vote today to approve the trillion dollar bipartisan infrastructure bill >> are you worried you may not have the votes >> one hour at a time. >> reporter: progressives are threatening to vote down the infrastructure bill if the massive multitrillion dollar social and climate plan is not ready to go. moderate joe manchin says democrats cannot get both done today. arguing spending trillions more is the definition of fiscal insanity. >> it's possible to sit down and have good negotiations >> peter, exactly how much is at stake in that vote over the bipartisan infrastructure bill >> reporter: this is a consequential day, just to put it simply. speaker pelosi rule is she will not bring a bill to the floor if it does not have the votes a vote on that bipartisan bill,

it doesn't have to happen today. but that itself would be significant and telling and a potentially big setback for democrats with both wings of the party digging in right now a lot of the challenge here falls on president biden himself. will he go to capitol hill today? it's the heart of his agenda that's on the line and democrats say with that baseball game in mind last night, the president has to be the closer hoda >> peter alexander for us at the white house, thanks. the deadly and botched withdrawal from afghanistan. during day two of a contentious hearing, the nation's top general issued a stark warning on an emerging terror threat facing the u.s. from afghanistan. andrea mitchell with the latest now. andrea, good morning. >> reporter: good morning. for the second day in a row, savannah, the nation's top military brass faced tough questions on the messy evacuation from afghanistan last month.

but the biggest headline, the general's warning that terrorists could regroup in afghanistan within months. >> reporter: a sobering warning from the chairman of the joint chiefs, the resurgence of terrorists in afghanistan could take a few years or at worst a few months. >> it's a real possibility in the not-too-distant future, 6, 12, 18, 24, 36 months, that time frame, for reconstitution of al qaeda or isis. >> reporter: and the secretary of defense >> terrorist organizations seek ungoverned spaces so they can train and equip and thrive, and so there's clearly a possibility that that can happen here. >> reporter: the chaotic u.s. withdrawal in late august led to a bomb attack near kabul airport that killed 13 u.s. service members. a botched u.s. drone strike that killed ten afghan citizens an example, critics say, of what can happen without american boots on the ground. >> sure, we can send a drone out to take out a terrorist, but we need to know where the terrorists are. >> i am just livid at the fact of the future americans that are

going to have to go back to clean up this mess. >> reporter: some house members angry general milley acknowledged cooperating with authors of books critical of president trump, demanding he step down. >> it's become clear that the american people have lost confidence in your ability to do your job general milley, will you now resign >> i serve at the pleasure of the president, mr. jackson. >> reporter: republican congresswoman liz cheney coming to his defense. >> for any american to question your loyalty to our nation is despicable i want to apologize for those members of the committee who have done so. >> reporter: the military leaders were grilled after contradicting president biden, who claimed none of his military advisers had recommended leaving 2,500 troops in afghanistan to avoid a taliban takeover >> no, no one said that to me that i can recall. >> i recommended that we maintain 2,500 troops in afghanistan. >> reporter: defense secretary austin pressed on it. >> what did the president know did he forget what was told to him, or is he not being truthful? >> i view that as an

inappropriate question >> you may, but the american people don't. >> reporter: nbc news has confirmed that milley told senators this week that the state department waited too long to evacuate american civilians from afghanistan as first reported by "axios." but a source tells nbc that milley was saying the military always wants to get out early and the state department was following the president's orders to maintain a diplomatic presence in kabul as long as possible overnight the state department said that they met with military leaders a week before kabul collapsed and no one from the pentagon recommended an earlier evacuation savannah >> the beat goes on, andrea. thank you. the cdc is out with an urgent warning calling for more covid vaccinations among pregnant women this as data shows they're at a significantly higher risk of death from the virus gabe gutierrez has more on this. gabe, good morning. >> reporter: good morning. the cdc says for pregnant women,

getting the vaccine is critical. the vaccine remains a flashpoint amid mounting misinformation the cdc issuing a rare covid alert, urging pregnant women to get vaccinated new data shows that symptomatic pregnant women have more than a twofold increase risk of icu admission and a 70% higher risk of death than sick covid patients who aren't pregnant according to the cdc, 161 pregnant women have died of covid with 22 deaths in august alone. the agency also warning covid can increase the risk of issues surrounding birth, including preterm birth, stillbirth and admission of infants to the icu. >> the negative impact on the fetus is also very clear right now. >> reporter: nicole is pregnant with her second child. she plans to get the vaccine after she gives birth.

>> it's hard for me to put my full confidence in something that is new. >> reporter: right now, 1 in 3 pregnant women are vaccinated. the vaccination rate is lowest for pregnant black women at 15%. >> it is very safe to have the vaccine right before pregnancy, during the beginning of pregnancy. really at any stage of the pregnancy. >> reporter: this doctor, an obgyn says battling vaccine misinformation is one of her biggest challenges youtube is announcing a new push against misinformation, banning false information from its platform the move comes as some companies are stepping up their efforts to force employees to get the shot. >> for the most part, we've seen an increase in vaccinations in these companies. >> reporter: united airlines says it's firing 600 of its 67,000 employees for refusing to get the vaccine. the company says travel won't be impacted, but some workers argue the mandate goes too far >> i'm vaccinated. i believe in a vaccine but i believe in people's opportunity to decide whether to get vaccinated.

>> reporter: companies saying it's for the safety of workers and all americans who want to travel this holiday season >> on top of all that, there's alarming new data on what's called covid long haulers. it's much more prevalent than we thought? >> reporter: yeah. in a study published this week, researchers found that 36% of those studied reported covid-like symptoms three and six months after their initial diagnosis. that number is higher than previously thought and the study found that some of these patients reported long-haul symptoms months after showing none at all. >> thanks. we're going to talk more about pregnant women getting the covid shot with dr. natalie azar in just a bit. we turn to the new fallout tied to the crisis at the southern border. >> thousands of haitian migrants are moved from that makeshift camp from texas have been sent

back to haiti. and this morning we're getting our first look at what they're facing upon their approval jacob is in port-au-prince for us this morning. good morning to you. >> reporter: since the images of 30,000 migrants under that bridge in texas captured the nation's attention, 5,000 haitian nationals have been deported to port-au-prince when they hit the ground, they find they have nowhere to go this morning hundreds of haitian migrants waking up in a country many left behind years ago flown here to port-au-prince from the united states by the biden administration after attempting to declare asylum in texas. once they arrive at this airport, many of them are confused, many of them are asking why they're here in the first place. so far, around 6,000 haitian

migrants have been repatriated, sent back to their so-called home country, though many have lived in south and central america for years. wednesday was the busiest day yet for expulsions using a cdc authority used to protect public health saying the coronavirus pandemic justifies the deportations they're calling the u.s.'s treatment of haitians inhumane. >> reporter: when was the last time you were here in haiti? 2013 you haven't been here for almost ten years? >> reporter: once off the plane, they're shuttled to this processing center run by the united nations. >> my main concern is that lots of people will be in areas controlled by the gangs that are affected by the earthquake or other difficult situations and the more come here, the more difficult the situation will be. >> reporter: one family told us despite being sent back they'll try again to leave the poorest nation in the western hemisphere >> we want to live somewhere where we can have a better life. >> we're so glad you're there. is there any indication that the

surges that we've seen at the border are going to let up any time soon? >> reporter: it's been a problem that's continued to vex the biden administration and the truth is, it's not likely. despite the fact dhs says thousands are turned back to mexico nbc news has learned there's thousands of columbia who are going to attempt the journey and this morning nbc news is reporting that if those pandemic era restrictions are lifted, there could be another record influx at the southern border. >> thank you 7:15 time for a check of the weather. hello, mr. roker >> good to see you guys. and we're looking at some heavy showers, thunderstorms firing up all the way from dodge city all the way into sioux falls this is part of a frontal system, a slow-moving front tracking across the planes, heavy storms erupting and causing downpours. tomorrow, more showers and

thunderstorms from kansas city all the way down to houston. some places are going to pick up rainfall 1.5 inches per hour locally, it could be anywhere from 4 to 6 inches and it's really fall-like in the northeast in new england this morning, 53 in scranton, 50 in detroit coolest temperatures since last spring look at this afternoon, temperatures 5 to 10 degrees below average. tomorrow morning, another brisk start. not quite frost on the pumpkin, but we're getting there. we'll get to your local forecast coming up in the next 30 seconds. o get to your love forecast coming up in the next 30 seconds. they may have lost an eye, or their hearing, or their youthful good looks. but there's a lot of things these remarkable dogs haven't lost...

like their ability to lick, wag, and love with the best of them. join subaru in helping underdogs find a loving home and celebrate all dogs during our third annual national make a dog's day. >> and that is your latest weather, guys. >> thank you. coming up, britney spears dad suspended from the court-ordered control that's

ruled her life for 13 years. how the pop star and her fans are celebrating the news this morning and why she's not entirely free just yet. >> and then we'll take a look at the two dozen species just declared lost to extinction by the u.s. but there are also signs of hope kerry sanders exploring an area in florida, where some animals are being pulled back from the brink. but first, this is "today" on

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good morning. it is 7:26. we are following breaking news and word of a traffic stop right now on the golden gate bridge due to a protest. >> reporter: good morning. you can see behind me the bridge really at a complete standstill. nothing is on that bridge. the only thing you really see are those bikers heading northbound on the bridge. i can give you a bit of a timeline because we were out here doing our morning live shots. a couple of minutes before 7:00

we noticed the northbound traffic had begun to slow. we saw some sirens heading southbound on the bridge. a couple of minutes after 7:00 we noticed some law enforcement officers stopped all traffic. no traffic in either direction there on the golden gate bridge. we have seen some sirens heading in both direction. this is because of an immigration protest happening near the toll booth there at the end of the bridge. >> obviously they've cut off the link between the city and the north bay. folks have been waiting long enough they've gotten out of their cars and are standing in the roadway. complete closure on the golden gate bridge. that makes folks have to find an alternate. you're going to have to go toward the bay bridge and the

richmond bridge. getting through the east bay is a slower ride so keep that in mind. we're going to track that. we'll show you developments.

♪ back at 7:30 stunning images capturing the eruption of kilauea on hawaii's big island it roared back to life yesterday for the first time since may u.s. geological survey saying the eruption came after increased earthquake activity was detected no homes are in the area why are we playing coffee house music? >> it's called "volcano. >> who is by >> damien wright

let's get to your headlines. klete keller has pleaded guilty to a felony charge for storming the u.s. capitol during the january 6th riot he acknowledged that he tried to obstruct congress's certification of president biden's electoral college victory. he admitted brushing away police officers who tried to remove him from the capitol rotunda he's agreed to cooperate with authorities. he faces up to 27 months in prison. a performance of the broadway show "aladdin" was canceled last night after breakthrough covid-19 cases were reported within the theater company. it comes one day after the show reopened. it follows 18 months of being shuttered because of the pandemic it's broadway's first cancellation because of covid since shows resumed earlier this month. the status of future performances will be updated soon. a big shake-up for dollar tree customers the discount retailer famous for offering every item in the store

for just $1 says prices are going up some items in the store will now cost more than a dollar. the price hikes are only expected to be about 25 to 50 cents, and the move comes amid rising shipping and supply chain costs. >> they could put dollars tree. >> or call it dollar and a half tree meanwhile, britney spears waking up for the first time in more than 13 years without her father in control of her life or finances. >> the judge's decision being seen as a huge victory for her and her team erin mclaughlin is in los angeles and has all the details. good morning. >> good morning. lawyers for both sides argued for over an hour britney spearshi out at jamie spears, accusing him of putting his own interests above his daughter the judge ruled for team britney, setting the stage for a new beginning for the pop icon. >> jamie spears has been suspended and he will be formally removed shortly [ cheers and applause >> reporter: after living her life for the past 13 years under

a conservatorship at the hands of her father, jamie, britney spears is now free from his control. jamie spears calling into the hearing, remaining silent as the judge ruled to suspend him as conservator. the new conservator in charge, an accountant handpicked by britney's team now britney's favored conservator has insight. they will work to unravel the conservatorship eventually leaving britney to run her own life as she chooses. liz day has reported on the story for the past year for thee to go, with who she wants to go, and she'll spend her money that she earned however she would like and regain her life >> reporter: britney, absent from the hearing appearing on instagram in a video flying a plane writing, she's on cloud nine

outside the courthouse, hundreds of supporters gathered, many part of the free britney movement. >> what britney has wanted for so long. what britney wants, i want. >> reporter: the crowd erupted in cheers. fans could be heard from inside the courtroom. britney's lawyer, mathew rosengart receiving a rock star welcome. >> it's a great day for britney spears and it's a great day for justice. but it's also a solemn day britney spears has been faced with a decade-long nightmare orchestrated by her father and others. >> reporter: in june, britney ended years of silence are explosive testimony in court followed a documentary by the "new york times" raising questions about her conservatorship. >> a lot of people thought it would never end. and now we're seeing the beginning of the end with jamie being removed and i think a lot

of that goes towards the public pressure from britney's fans and britney herself finally speaking out. >> in a new statement this morning, jamie spears is pushing back he says he worked to revive her career and relationships and has been biting his tongue adding despite the suspension, mr. spears will continue to look out for the best interests of savannah >> thank you very much joining us now with more on what mecones xt, legal analyst lisa green. this was a huge victory for britney, but let's peel it back a little bit the conservatorship didn't end yesterday. it seems like it's going to end. but crucially the judge has appointed a temporary different conservator and what's the implication of that? >> potentially a world of legal pain for jamie spears and here's why. thanks to some outstanding lawyering on britney's part, a neutral cpa is going to have access to all the books and

records, every financial decision jamie made, decisions i'm sure he never thought would be scrutinized that could end up in probate court, in civil court, a potential fraud claim. if those eavesdropping allegations are true, savannah, that's a crime in california. >> there was a report over the weekend, a former security agent associated with this case revealing that there were bugging devices, according to him, placed in places such as britney's own bedroom. now, she was under a conservatorship. but would that be illegal in california to be eavesdropped upon even in this scenario >> it's black letter law in california that eavesdropping is a crime. who set it up? is there a chance that jamie spears went to tell the probate court about it and got approval. it seems unlikely. >> let's talk about the new cpa coming in and will be able to scrutinize all decisions under the conservatorship. if jamie spears had gotten his way yesterday and the conservatorship ended, would all

of that have been secret >> not necessarily britney's lawyer had already sought discover, testimony from jamie and records, and i think he would have had other means of access but this put the issue front and center and keeps the pressure on jamie spears notwithstanding his statement this morning, to account for the decisions he made, the amount of money he got and some of the other thoughts. >> there's another hearing in november that looks at the ultimately issue, can the conservatorship end. britney has not wanted to go through another psychiatric exam do you think the judge could dissolve this without assessing her mental estate? >> yes but do you want the insurance policy of the medical decision that backs up your choice. that's why it remains to be seen in the judge will go for it or say, one more step before we call it. >> lisa green, thank you very

much guys, back to you. >> thank you fascinating conversation. just ahead, 23 birds, fish and other species now being declared extinct kerry sanders will have more on that plus a surprising success story. >> wait until you see what's helped put the crocodiles back from the brink down in florida we'll have that for you right after this but first these messages you'll get great value on america's most reliable 5g network. like 2 lines of unlimited for just $27.50 a line. that's our everyday price. plus, our plans always come with unlimited talk, text and data included. so, switch to t-mobile and get 2 lines of unlimited for only $27.50 a line. that's half the price of verizon or at&t. only at t-mobile. the leader in 5g. i've seen how cancer can affect the people i care about. that's why i'm helping protect myself against some cancers like certain cancers caused by hpv. for most people, hpv clears on its own. but for those who don't clear the virus hpv can lead to certain cancers in both women and men.

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♪ we're back with today climate. our series exploring the key issues that impact the world around us. >> this morning's focus, the two dozen animals and plants being declared extinct by the u.s. fish and wildlife service. >> kerry sanders joins us from south florida with more. good morning. >> reporter: good morning. sadly there used to be two birds that flew in the skies in florida that they believe are gone forever in hawaii, there are eight animals that should now be listed as extinct. there are 23 plants and animals that have not been seen for so long that they belong on the extinction list. but amid this troubling news, there's also some hopeful signs. animals coming back from the brink. among them, the once nearly extinct american crocodile >> reporter: gone forever. the ivory-billed woodpecker last

photographed in 1935 now considered extinct in some cases, the 23 animals and plants on the u.s. fish and wildlife list have disappeared, few realized they would be gone forever. this animal last seen in 1987. amid the troubling news, also some hope. other species making a comeback against the odds, like the florida panther. four decades ago, there were only 20 of these big cats left now there are an estimated 200 to see what biologists say is one of the biggest success stories, we had to get on an airboat and navigate this extensive cancel system. the waterways are used for the millions of gallons that flow every hour to cool the florida

power and light nuclear plant. digging out the manmade cancels, resulted in ten square miles of long, skinny islands, berms of earth that the american crocodile found were an ideal spot to lay and hatch their eggs. >> reporter: when did you realize one could benefit the other? >> this happened by accident the start of the program was in 1978 after the accidental discovery of a crocodile accident. >> and that's a happy accident >> that's a happy accident. >> reporter: in the 1970s, only about 100 american crocodiles were left in the u.s., not to be confused with the alligator. the american crocodile now numbers more than 2,000. this is an actual american crock next the return of the american crocodil in large part because of these islands. still climate change is a concern. in one of mother nature's

inexplicable twists, biologists have noted that as temperatures rise, crocks lay far more male eggs, much fewer female eggs >> reporter: if the temperature can impact the gender as it gets warmer, you could have an imbalance? >> sure, it's a possibility. >> reporter: is that a concern to you as a biologist? >> definitely. >> reporter: again, biologists cannot say why but they've noticed crocks now looking for cooler areas to lay their eggs what may be an innate way to keep the genders balanced. >> a lot of folks are probably wondering why it's worth so much effort to save these crocodiles, considering how dangerous they are. what do the experts say about that

>> well, if you go back to grade school, biologists say, remember how you learned about the balance of nature? crocks -- this one here is a crock, about a year old. crocks really are the apex predator and they keep everything from going out of whack. if you're wondering about the difference between a crock and an alligator here is an alligator you can see the difference the crock has the long kind of narrow snout while the alligator has the rounded snout. this one is for al see you later. in a while. >> very nice >> dad humor there to wrap it up they're so tiny. do they bite, kerry? >> he hopes not. >> they could bite, if my fingers were in the wrong place. they're each about a year old. this crocodile, as it lives in the wild, could live up to 75 years and maybe get up to 13 feet long. >> pretty cool hopefully he'll remember you if you encounter him again. >> thank you >> thank you. >> by the way, kerry was talking

about crocks there i don't know if you saw this video on the interwebs yesterday. check out this guy unwanted alligator hanging out by a house in florida. watch the guy use the large recycling bin. he steers it into the bin. the gator was released in a nearby lake. >> the garbage man is going to get a big surprise. >> and he does it all in flip-flops. >> he was wearing crocs. >> he said i want to buy that garbage can. >> someone said, that's the most florida thing i've seen in my life florida never disappoints. >> talking about climate, you like beer? who doesn't like beer, right our climate is being affected by beer -- our beer being affected by climate nearly all u.s. hops production in the pacific northwest, that's where it happens barley and hops production, down in washington because of all this drought and the persistent drought and hot weather is reducing crop

yields biggest threat, lack of rain, lack of western snow and wine with temperatures rising, the average temperature for the growing season has gone up 2 degrees. wine grapes very, very susceptible to -- one of the most susceptible crops to the changes in climate and what's affecting the wine props in the u.s., especially out west. heat, floods and wildfire smoke. we're go

quick programming note, new season of "meet the press" reports getting under way. the first episode about climate change you're going to get a firsthand look at how the crippling drought is effecting cities, schools, farmers and so much more you can catch it tonight at 9:00 eastern on nbc news now and tomorrow starting on peacock and we'll look to see if the tequila crop is -- >> you did wine and beer i'm curious. are the tequila and vodka crops -- >> we're going to get equal time. coming up, hallie jackson with a gripping conversation with an afghan journalist who risked her life to report on the plight of women in her country she's detailing her harrowing escape amid recent chaos. >> the responsibility she feels to be a voice for those who are not so lucky but first, these messages.

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between seeing the world, and saving it. ♪♪ good morning. it is 7:56. i'm marcus washington. breaking now, traffic stopped on the golden gate bridge due to a protest. >> reporter: good morning. it appears traffic going both directions have officially resumed, this after a protest at the base of the san francisco side of the golden gate bridge did block traffic for some time. we noticed that traffic had slowed down, a few minutes after came to a complete stop. 7:15 this morning law enforcement stopped the southbound traffic. now we're being told it is a protest regarding immigration policies here in the u.s. we've actually seen some of

those participants pulled over to the vista point area. both lanes open now. things are moving a little slower. >> traffic flow bogged down all the way across the span. look northbound coming in through the season 19th avenue through golden gate park, it is slammed. the bridge reopened after protests.

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we're proud to have built the city's recycling system from the ground up, helping to make san francisco the greenest big city in america. let's keep making a differene together. it's 8:00 on "today," coming up, crisis averted with hours to go until the government shutdown, congress expected to hold a last-minute vote later today to keep things going. we have an agreement on the continuing resolution to prevent the government shutdown. >> we're live with what you need to know vaccines and pregnancy the cdc urging pregnant women to get vaccinated immediately a look at the increased risk they face of being hospitalized or even dying from covid-19.

>> plus, demi levato one-on-one. >> i don't identify as just a woman or just a man and i identify as both >> the star opening up about balance, identity, and even extraterrestrials. >> we went out there wequipment and meditated and tried to make contact. >> and >> and you'll have to watch the show >> we'll give you a first look at a different side of demi. today thursday, september 30th, 2021 >> we're celebrating birthday from colombia, south carolina. >> good morning! we're from iowa! >> we're here to meet al roker >> hi, we're the workmans. today is our son's 2nd birthday. >> my 33rd birthday. >> our fifth wedding anniversary.

>> sending love to my mom, back. >> we've got a lot of baby news. we're so glat glad you're joining us we have a lot of baby news you'll remember here on wednesday, dylan's new bundle of joy. this is our first look at the adorable russel james. >> he's cute he looks like daddy. >> baby russ >> dylan is going to facetime us in a few minutes 9:00 we'll talk to russell and dylan. >> got another baby to talk about. >> she's been enjoying time at home with margot and tomorrow, she'll share what the bonding time as meant to her we've missed her but what a precious time for

her. >> how sweet let's get right to your news a 8:00, the democrats are optimistic they have a deal in place to avert a partial government shutdown at midnight tonight. but there's no agreement on spending for key parts of the president's agenda peter alexander joins us with the latest peter, good morning. >> good morning to you senate majority leader chuck schumer announced that democrats are reached a deal with republicans to avoid a government shutdown. a vote will take place later this morning to keep the government going through early december it does not include an increase in the nation's borrowing limit. they're facing that default by the middle of october if it isn't resolved this is a pivotal day for the president's economic agenda and also for democrats with house speaker nancy pelosi saying that she still plans to hold a vote today on the plan despite those deepening divisions within the two wings of her party moderates, they want that vote to happen now, progressives, they're threatening to sink it

unless there's an agreement on a second package containing their spending priorities. >> peter, thank you. turning to an urgent health warning. the cdc out with a message for pregnant women strongly recommending they get vaccinated against covid-19 joining us to break down this new advisory is dr. natalie azar what the cdc has found is quite stark. >> the stats really speak for themselves since the onset of the pandemic, over 125,000 pregnant women have been infected with covid-19. sadly, 161 of those have died. 22 as recently as august only a third of eligible women who are pregnant have gotten vaccinated and now we actually have data that shows how risky covid-19 is in pregnancy we know there's a twofold increase in the risk of icu admission. there's a 70% increase risk of dying. also, it's not just a risk to

mom, it's a risk to baby there's an increased risk of stillbirth, preterm delivery and admission to the nicu for a baby. >> those stats are devastating how concerned -- there are pregnant women who are like, i'm afraid i'm not sure what that shot is going to do to me or my baby what are those issues? >> encouragingly, there's absolutely no data to suggest that the vaccine is dangerous for the baby in fact, the data shows that the vaccine can prevent stillbirth, miscarriage and there's no evidence that the vaccine increases the risk of birth defects. it's essentially the vaccination has the power to protect both mom and the baby >> are pregnant women eligible for the booster? >> they are eligible for the booster. i want to reinforce how important it is. if you haven't been vaccinated or planning on becoming pregnant, are pregnant or postpartum or breastfeeding, get vaccinated some of my colleagues at nyu published the benefits of

vaccination during pregnancy all 100% of the babies who were born to moms who got vaccinated during pregnant had evidence of spike antibody which is so important. those newborns are not protected and not eligible for vaccination themselves. >> doctor, thank you good information also this morning a courageous journalist is describing her dramatic escape from afghanistan where she feared persecution, even death she shared her story in usa today with a reporter who launched the international rescue effort. hallie jackson joins us with more good morning >> reporter: good morning. this is an incredible story of bravery and connection, bringing together journalists from one of the country's most well known papers a special forces unit and a u.s. service member all scrambling to get this woman to the airport with time running out. >> this is what it looked like at the kabul airport the day this woman tried to escape afghanistan. >> every single moment that i went through each one of this

experience, i thought, i can't go further. >> reporter: her journey has begun earlier as a young woman growing up in afghanistan, a student, then a journalist and an advocate for other women like her. so when the taliban took over, everything changed fast. >> the freedom i had, it was gone at that moment. >> reporter: even from that morning to that afternoon. >> exactly it changed in several hours. >> reporter: overseas, a reporter for "usa today" who know her reached out worried with militants capturing the presidential palace. >> i was like, how are you doing? where are you? how can we help you? >> reporter: kim connected her with a former u.s. marine and navy reservist who in turn reached out to a contact from ukraine. >> i never in the world thought

that this would start with one phone call to a friend i had worked with at nato school to the ukrainian president, the special forces >> with the help of ukrainian special forces, she was approved for humanitarian flight from the kabul airport. but getting there and getting out proved almost impossible she was stopped at checkpoints, teargassed, militants threatening to kill her. someone in the crowd sexually assaulted her. >> you tried to push forward a taliban fighter was putting off a gun right to your ear. you thought you were dead. >> it hurts so much. >> reporter: for alex, agony waiting for any word of her condition. >> it was more stressful in being in combat in the marine corps. >> reporter: but she got to the airport gate and to safety the evacuation mission over but another mission just beginning. >> maybe there's a reason for it

a reason for representing women's voices. >> you see yourself as their representative now who made it out, to be able to share their stories. >> hopefully, i can do it. it's a big responsibility. hopefully i can do it. >> reporter: i think a lot of people know she can do it. her family also made it out. their flight took off minutes before that attack outside the kabul airport that killed 13 u.s. service members while she was the first person that alex and his network helped escape afghanistan, since then they worked to evacuate more than 400 other people and counting craig? >> thank you for sharing her brave story. let's get our morning boost. >> parents who swaddle their babies say it keeps them calm, helps their newborn sleep a little bit what happens when the wraps come off? this little guy reaches up he's dreaming about scoring a touchdown. and when he feels fresh air on

his arms again. don't you want to stretch right now. >> i just want that baby look at him. >> big stretch >> that's adorable that's the cutest thing i've seen in a long time. new hope for people battling severe substance use >> kate snow has a look at a groundbreaking brain surgery that is being used to treat patients for the first time and she talks to families who say it's already saving lives. that's right after this. famili already saving lives right after this is now a good time for a flare-up? enough, crohn's!

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people who might die if they don't get helpnglectrodes in the for decades. but for the first time in the u.s., they're using it on people fighting addiction >> reporter: this brain surgery could revolutionize the way doctors treat substance abuse. it's changed everything for this 35-year-old. >> do you think this device saved your life? >> i believe it did. >> reporter: two years ago, he was the first person in the u.s. ever to have electrodes implanted to stimulate his brain in the hopes of lessening his desire for drugs a star wide receiver in high school and a small town in pennsylvania, he was being recruited to play in college, but when that didn't happen, his life took a turn >> i felt that i let everybody down that just really put me in a bad spot mentally. the only thing that i knew to use to cope with that was pain pills. knew to

use to cope with that >> reporter: for years, he spiraled downward. >> i had to resolve the fact that he was going to die he was going to crash a car, od or something. >> you drove a lot of people away, family friends >> a lot i got to the point where i literally had nobody. >> when his therapist segmented the surgery, he was scared after meeting with his doctor, he agreed to be the first. they implanted a pacemaker in his chest to send impulses deep into his brain. >> our goal is to increase your dopamine slowly using deep brain stimulation so you don't need to seek drugs. >> reporter: the electrodes

stimulate the frontal load hoping to encourage better decision-making. we watched in july as they operated on their third patient, james fisher they woke him to test the device. >> how are you feeling any change >> happier. >> this is where you're living now? >> yeah. >> reporter: four weeks later we met james at his sober living house, the very same place jared works. >> i'm coming up on two years of continuous sobriety. >> reporter: both men say the surgery was the tool they needed to commit to recovery. >> it's like somebody covers you up with a warm blanket and just the feeling of everything is okay i used to have a really hard time making decisions. >> you feel more clear now >> yeah. >> has it changed you? >> it has. in every aspect of my life it has changed me for the better. >> has it made it easier to stay sober? >> much easier. >> both have strong family support. what has it been like for you? >> christmas every day.

>> that was the way i described it christmas every day. >> do you think what you've gone through actually shows that addiction is something in part physical >> sure. it's definitely a brain disease and i think this only proves that. >> reporter: he's proud that he's repaired relationships. >> i became a much better son, you know, brother, uncle, friend i think that i'm finally the person that all of them hoped i would be >> they're doing so well another patient did relapse. they'll operate on a fourth patient soon and they hope to do a bigger more controlled study and, by the way, we have more on james and jared and their stories and how this all works on nbcnews.com. >> it's not a magic bullet he has to decide each day to stay sober every single day. >> absolutely.

this is a tool to help them and also i should mention that doctors are learning about substance abuse through the pacemakers that they have implanted in their chests. those actually send back data now about their brain signals, what's happening in the brain and how it's associated with behavior and feeling they're hoping to get a marker for what in the brain -- i know, it's crazy science. >> but it's incredible it could also lead to other treatments the more you understand what is the dynamic that produces addiction that some can overcome and others can't, brain chemistry. >> we know how heart arrhythmia affects your heart we need that for the brain. >> the notion that addiction is somehow connected to a weakness. >> it's a brain disease. >> it's clearly triggered by -- >> jared had a lot of guts to be the first one. incredible. >> and james too great guys. >> the parents, christmas every

day. that resonated. >> that's a great story, kate, thank you. mr. roker, how about a check of the weather >> hurricane season, 2021, we have tropical storm vector out there. 45-mile-per-hour windsntesting,t about through all the names, the last one will be a fish storm named wanda. other than that, we're just keeping an eye on all that rest of the country, southern heat continues beautiful fall-like day through the northeast, new england, on into the great lakes heavy rain in the central plains storms through southern texas. a gorgeous day they could use the rain out west, but temperatures at least are moderate that's what's going good morning, i'm meteorologist kari hall. looks like the national weather service has dropped the flag warning so the winds are starting to calm down and the threat of any quickly spreading

fires will continue to diminish as our winds calm down. but it's still going to be a hot day and extremely dry vegetation. some do need to be careful even going into the weekend as our temperatures heat up to the mid to low 90s for the inland valleys. cooler temperatures headed our way next week and san francisco will see high of 70 degrees. best time of the morning with clark kent. >> i had a minor eye situation, that's why i'm wearing my glasses. >> you look more intelligent. >> fake it until you make it dave chappelle is back with an all-new stand-up that's headed to netflix his sixth special on the streaming service and it's set to wrap up a series of shows which have earned him three emmy wins here's a peek at that trailer? >> comedians have a

responsibility to speak y. let's play. >> one, two, three, four, five -- recklessly sometimes the funniest thing to say is mean. remember, i'm not saying it to be mean. i'm saying it because it's funny. let's play >> one, two, three, four, five -- >> are you ready >> yes >> always amazing. it's going to hit netflix on october 5th. it's coming up eminem, savannah was telling us on pop star, did you know that the lyrics from that song have come to life in the form of a new restaurant in eminem's hometown detroit and it focuses on mom's spaghetti. now the wrapper has a new italian takeout place. >> want some road pasta after the game meatballs?

>> you know we got that. >> what about the spaghetti sandwich mom has that too get ready to get mom's spaghetti in detroit opening this september. >> it looks like an "snl" parody. >> it does >> that's it >> do you know the lyric's of "mom's spaghetti"? >> it's happening, craig decades of serving up fiery verses, he's dishing out hot pasta. yesterday slim shady surprised everybody. he was handing out orders from their alley takeout window fans snapping up the spaghetti sandwich, spaghetti and meatballs. >> fun. two rock 'n' roll powerhouses, bruce springsteen and john mellencamp, they've teamed up for a song called "wasted days." he's a look at that new music video.

♪ wasted days ♪ ♪ wasted days ♪ ♪ we watch our lives just fade we watch our lives just away ♪ ♪ more wasted days ♪ >> it could be called aging gracefully the boss told siriusxm radio that he had been spending a lot of time working with mellencamp in indiana finally, we've got one more amazing collaboration in the music world. that's coldplay and bts. the two bands teaming up for the single off coldplay's new album. they dropped an out-of-this-world music video ♪ never-ending ♪never-ending

♪♪ ♪ ♪♪ ♪ ♪ >> you can hear the bts influence, coldplay. they both wrote on that song together. >> it's a good song. >> they sing in both english and korean just ahead, our conversation with demi lovato on the long journey to self-acceptance and the hunt for ufos in the singer's surprising new show. >> did you say ufos? plus, bobby flay is with us. he's going to whip up one of his favorite comfort foods for fall. it's a chili that bobby says is a game changer but first, your local news ♪

good morning to you. it is 8:26. i'm marcus washington. traffic is moving again on the golden gate bridge. this is after a protest stopped everything in both directions. here's what it looked like about an hour agoe. you can see no cars in either direction. both directions were halted for about half an hour. so far we don't know how many people were involved or the number of arrests, as you can imagine, the protests caused some big backups and that is still an issue. we're still talking about that. mike inouye is stillic traing

that. >> closed for a half hour, what is the big deal? look at the live camera, looks great. jammed up getting down here and all the traffic let loose has flooded down into golden gate park, 19th avenue. coming into the area 19th avenue still showing the ripple effect clear at the park but slow getting up to the park itself and seeing more traffic going down the freeway and avoided the golden gate and took the long way around to richmond and towards berkeley and still have to wait at the toll plaza to get back. >> there you have it. thanks, mike. another local news update coming up in 30 minutes. i'll see you back here then.

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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. ♪♪ ♪♪ we're back at 8:30 now on a thursday morning last day of september. how did that happen already? >> i don't know. by the way, that puppy that you just saw is named elfaba >> we have a lot to get to in this half-hour, including our wide-ranging conversation with demi lovato who is out with a new show that has the singer searching for extraterrestrial life, and demi talks about her own life >> all right after that, another music star i sat down with amy grant ahead of a new documentary all about

the rise of faith-based music. what she wishes everyone knew about the industry >> she was there in the early days. >> she was. plus, from star seniors to a superstar chef friend of ours, wiping up veggie chili sounds like an oxymoron. the great bobby flay is here to help us out. >> eggplant, baby! and in the third hour, we're going to buddy up for a friendly bowling competition. >> was it friendly >> one of us, a big of a ringer. i had a feeling -- >> are you a bowler? >> i wouldn't say i'm a bowler >> the form, the form impeccable years of hanging with his dad at the bowling alley. >> i want to see that. >> ax throwing in brooklyn did he show up in a monogrammed shirt? >> he was in evening wear.

>> we're going to paint this plaza pink tomorrow for the start of breast cancer awareness month. head to today.com/plaza for all the details. we want you to come out in your pink tomorrow. and sheinelle is boston-bound tom brady coming back to new england to play against the patriots sunday night right here on nbc and sheinelle will be live at gillette stadium. >> that's a huge game. mr. roker, before all of that, how about one more check of the weather >> starting with tomorrow, golden sunshine northeast, new england, mid-atlantic states, great lakes, wet weather, soaking rain down through texas. mild and dry out west. on saturday, 10 out of 10. it's a perfect from florida to new england. it's going to be spectacular chilly in the morning in the plains and a lot of wet weather, mississippi valley down in the gulf

sunday, sunday, a lovely beach day along the atlantic coast sunshine along the east coast as well mild out west. rain from the great lakes down into the central g good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. we take a look at our temperatures today going to be so nice but a little bit warmer compared to yesterday. headed towards the low 80s in hayward and mid 80s for san jose. feeling a little bit summer-like for inland east bay reaching 92 degrees in antioch and 86 in napa and santa rosa. our forecast continues to stay warm for the valleys for the weekend but we will be cooling down by the middle of next week. coming up, our one on one with demi lovato, back in the spotlight with a new show that's not what you would expect. first, this is "today" on nbc. ♪

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♪♪ ♪ >> that was fun to spend time with our friends on the plaza. we're back and you've teased this several times this morning you had a special sit-down with singer demi lovato. >> we talked about the pop star's new peacock show which has demi on the hunt for ufos. however, we did chat about a lot more a really honest conversation about identity, love and support following a difficult time in demi's life. >> how have you been doing just recently >> i've been doing very well i had a lot of time during quarantine to self-reflect and learn a lot about who i am i came out as nonbinary in may and every since then, it's just

felt like my truth has been, you know, living my life as loudly as possible without a care in the world. ♪ >> reporter: demi lovato has long lived a life out loud and in the spotlight from "barney and friends" to disney and some seven studio albums, including this year's "dancing with the devil... the art of starting over." ♪ >> reporter: the album covering a public battle with drug addiction she almost lost. >> demi lovato hospitalized after an apparent drug overdose. >> reporter: but now, demi is charting a different path, with a new identity >> now the world gets confused because that's how the world is. nonbinary, what does that mean i've known demi lovato since i watched her on tv with barney.

what does it mean? >> her is now a they and the way i explain being nonbinary to people -- or gender nonconforming, for me personally -- i can't speak to everyone in their experience when i came to the realization that i'm equally as masculine as i am feminine, the energy is equal, so much so i don't -- i may be wearing a dress and heels right now, but i don't identify as just a woman or just a man. i identify as both but i do have a lot of grace and a lot of understanding for people that maybe misuse my pronouns i still mess up sometimes and say, oh, i can't wait to be an aunt one day and i'm like, wait what word do i use

i think for that one, we're going to use ankle. >> when it comes to dating, how does that work >> i identify as pansexual i'm attracted to human beings. and it doesn't matter what you identify as. i just don't -- i don't hold myself back from sharing my love with anybody. >> demi is also starting a new project.vein weird ways that a plane wouldn't move. >> reporter: the singer is on the hunt for aliens in a new show called "unidentified with demi lovato". >> we went out there with equipment and meditated and tried to make contact. >> and >> and you'll have to watch the show. >> come on when you say make contact, what does that mean >> i don't mean touching fingers with an et, what i mean is just

by putting the intention out into the universe that you will see something from another world and then you see something that you can't explain. >> so you feel like -- i actually believe this as well, that there are other things other than us out there in the universe >> yes, i do and i'm totally okay with people thinking that i have lost my marbles. but i have seen some things in the sky that i cannot explain. ♪ >> reporter: this past year, the pop star released a new show, new music, a new podcast, a new identity demonstrating demi is a master when it comes to the art of starting over >> do you have room for you? i know you take time for self-reflection. but is there time? >> yes, i take time for myself luckily i'm in a position in my career where i've kind of paid my dues a little bit

i've been around the block i don't have to run myself into the ground anymore like i used to when i was first starting out. >> that's where burnout comes. that's when we make bad choices, all those things happen when we're on fumes. >> yes, and i was running out of fumes when i made bad choices in my life before now i can say that because i found balance and almost every sense of the world, i feel better i don't know i feel like i'm in a great place. >> demi talked about keeping so much private early on, including bullying and an eating disorder and oversharing after a public breakdown. now she's decided to be more selective, sharing only what could help someone else. >> that's good advise. >> and "unidentified with demi lovato" starts streaming today >> good conversation. up next, another singer in the spotlight, amy grant on the moment that changed everything for her brand of music and why she says right now is the most joyous time in her life. but first this is "today" on

nbc.

the citi music series on today is presented the citi music series on today is presented to you by citi. >> we're back, 8:43, with a chart-topping singer, songwriter amy grant. >> amy is the executive producer of a new documentary called "the jesus music. it's all about the rise and success of artists like herself behind music with messages of faith. ♪ baby baby i'm taken with the notion ♪ >> reporter: amy grant burst onto the pop scene in the early '90s with hits like "every heartbeat" and "baby baby. as her songs topped the billboard charts, not everyone realized grant was a crossover star

grant, who sold an estimated 30 million albums and won six grammys, got her start as a teenager singing songs about her strong christian faith her rise is part of the new documentary "the jesus music" which tells the story of how contemporary christian music was born. >> i started writing songs when i was 15 unbeknownst to me, someone took a tape of my little songs and showed them to a record produce and her they came to me with a contract and said, please sing for us i thought they were making a joke me >> reporter: as improbable, the rise of ccm itself which started at this chapel in southern california in the 1960s. it spread like wildfire but met with resistance among traditional ministers. that was until billy graham

endorsed the music at the christian woodstock in 1972. >> i was warmed by billy graham's welcome but he welcomed them to his platform and i just -- i thought that was really beautiful ♪ >> reporter: it's hip-hop. it's country at one point, heavy metal. it's all of these genres under one umbrella but there's one thing that binds them >> it's the message of faith, the faith journey. as somebody who loves music, this is why i started writing. we should have music that we like that's not just church music that talks about this amazing thing happened to me and to me, it's just like, it's another color in the rainbow >> there was also a pot of gold

at the end of the rainbow. what do you want folks to take away from the documentary? >> i hope people will hear this music and see the film and just say, i see the beauty in this. i see the need for it. >> reporter: grant, who is married to vince gill, has recovered from open heart surgery last year to repair a rare genetic condition and is now on tour supporting the 30th anniversary rerelease of her hit album "heart in motion." you mention we're all on a spiritual journey, whether we know it or not, a faith journey, whether we know it or not, whether is amy grant on that journey right now? >> oh, my goodness well, this is probably the most joyful time in my life and i am so grateful as i've gotten older, i just say, wow, it changed everything when i believed that god designed me to be uniquely me and i'm going to believe he designed you to be uniquely you. i'm sure there are so many things i don't understand, but i'm just trusting that god who holds everything in his hands,

it's not a surprise to him. >> beautiful. >> i enjoyed amy grant before the interview. after the interview, i love amy grant. we were both actually at billy graham's last crusade here in new york back in 2005. and she said she was there performing and she went to billy graham afterwards backstage, she wanted some advice and she said that reverend graham said, amy, sometimes you need to take the long way home and that's stayed with her for years. >> that would be a good song. >> "the jesus music" is in theaters tomorrow. >> it looks really good. >> great conversation. coming up next, the one and only bobby flay sharing a chili recipe that is perfect to serve your family now that it's a little chillieout. but first, tr hi

♪ we're back with today food joined by one of our favorite chefs, bobby flay. >> that's right. he's got a new book out next week called "beat bobby flay: conquer the kitchen with 100-plus battle-tested recipes." >> and he's teaching us how to win in the kitchen bobby, just when you think you know everything about chili, you're going to do something is it a secret ingredient? are you going to add coffee grinds to it you're just taking the meat out? >> you have to understand, on beat bobby flay, i don't get to decide what the signature dish is i got challenged to vegetable chili and my girlfriend doesn't eat meat i got to adjust. >> smart man >> come on over. i'm going to start by making the base of the chili. everything good starts with onions and garlic.

of course, you need to bring some spices into the game -- >> bobby, who is your girlfriend just kidding. >> i knew you were going to go there. >> well, you brought it up. >> she's going to remain nameless for now thanks for asking. >> i'll have it by the end of the segment. >> the chili went right out the window >> how did you guys meet >> anyway, then you add dark beer to the chili, which is one of the secret ingredients. this becomes the base of it. carson was asking, like, you rob us of the meat, but you can use things that are vegetables that actually give us the texture of the meat we're going to -- >> carson found it on the internet. >> i'm not going to say it outloud. >> very, very impressive. >> he did.

vegan or vegetarian? >> you're really dating up, bobby. >> anyway, mix, mix, mix. >> what vegetables are using there, bobby, to replace the meat >> thank you so much, al we have eggplant and mushrooms we're going to add that to the chili as well. and we're going to let this cook for a little while you have the base of the chili and it looks and feels like chili, tastes like chili, but it's completely meatless the thing i love about chili is that it becomes like this canvas for all of these cool garnishes that you can put on top which is really the key >> that's beautiful. >> we have yogurt that has a little bit of peppers in it and lime juice we want that nice cooling effect and i have some avocados in here with some diced red onions and chilies. it's almost like the chili becomes a vehicle for all of these cool things that you want to eat a few tortilla chips for crunch. >> bobby, does the chili take

less time because it's meat-based -- i mean, vegetable-based? >> it does, al if you're cooking something like eggplant or mushrooms, it's going to cook a lot quicker. you want to make sure that the mushrooms and the eggplant cook all the way through because it absorbs all the flavor from the base of the chili itself you want to cook out the dark beer, get some of the earthiness as well. and you start to garnish it. a little bit of lime zest on top. you have all the good things and it's a warming dish. when i first heard that i had to make vegetable chili, i was bummed out i am a meat eater. but i have to say, like, the eggplant and the mushrooms do a great job of substituting it of course, it's a little bit healthier. people are eating a lot more vegetables these days. >> is plant-based having its moment now, bobby? >> it's unbelievable as a chef we have to adjust to

the trends of the way people are eating and i will say one thing, people are eating healthier and healthier and i don't think that's going to go in reverse. i think it's going to keep going in that direction. we have to get comfortable with cooking vegetables in lots of different ways. >> what did your girlfriend say when she tried that first bite i was just curious. >> trying to help a brother out. >> what did she say? >> i haven't made this for her yet to be perfectly honest it's on the docket >> is she there right now? you can give it to her. >> she's not here. thanks for asking, you're the best. >> it's so fun to tease you. >> does she have a key to the elevator >> what else is in your book we have a couple seconds are they all vegetarian. >> there's all kinds of things, chicken, shrimp and grits, great deserts, a spiced chocolate pudding.

salisbury steak. there's classic dishes and a couple things that are a little bit fancier. if you're a fan of the show -- al has been on the show a couple of times it's such a fun show and we shot over 500 episodes. >> and only lost twice it's amazing. >> this is volume one. >> it's a terrific book. >> it's a great show, great book thank you, bobby good luck with the relationship. >> you guys are the best can't wait to see you. >> go to today.com/food. good morning. 8:56. i'm marcus washington. traffic moving again on the golden gate bridge. this is after protests stopped everything in both directions. here's what it looked like 90 minutes ago. you can see right there no cars

going in either direction and it lasted for about 30 minutes. a group supported immigrant rights and we don't know how many people were involved or the number of arrests. happening now that protest causing some big backups. mike inouye says it is causing a ripple effect miles away from the bridge. struggling renters are facing new pressure as the state moratorium on eviction is set to end. from our home page look for more details and help if you need it. my name is on the front. but... i am more proud of the back.

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♪♪ >> live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza, this is the third hour of today. >> good morning, and welcome to the "3rd hour of today" on this thursday, september 30th. hi, everybody. >> hey. how are you doing? >> i'm doing much better. i had a sinus infection. it's not fun. it takes hold and -- >> but you're okay now. >> yeah, on the mend, heading to boston soon. we have a special treat for you in just a second. it's our buddy update. before dylan left, we were able to squeeze in one more buddy up competition.

it was a