what dr. king preached about, this moment has been a long time coming but a change has come. good thursday morning, right now on "first look" is a u.s. military strike on syria imminent? we're live in the region. >> four major illnesses tied to a lack of sleep and 9 million americans taking prescription pills? the results of a five year sleep study. send a text to a driver and you could be held responsible if there's a car accident. i'll talk to colonel jack jacobs. plus as fast food workers across america prepare to strike today, taking in the dream 50 years later. a classified payload heads to space and an albino alligator gets acupuncture for back pain,

really? thousands of syrians are trying to flee the country in advance of a potential u.s. lead military strike. refugee sites are springing up across the border and the entire mideast is on edge. in neighboring israel there's a run on gas masks. they're lining up at distribution centers thinking they might be syria's next target and this morning president obama is confirming the use of chemical weapons by the assad regime. >> we have concluded that the syrian government carried these out. there is a prospect or possibility in which chemical weapons that have devastating effects could be directed at us. we want to make sure that that does not happen. we're joined live from the region. tell us what the latest is

there. >> good morning, betty. well, the situation remains tense across the region. today un inspectors have gone out for a third day in various parts of damascus to try and ascertain exactly what happened on august 21st. they're trying to interview people collecting samples. they say they need more time. the end of the mandate is saturday. they are expected to wrap up within the next 48 hours and then ultimately submit their findings to the united nations. some are saying that no military action should take place until that report is submitted, until there's a clear vote from the united nations security counsel. across the region, though, reaction is not waiting. most people here are anticipating that strike. some of syria's closest allies including iran and here in lebanon and hezbollah issued strong warnings. a senior official said any strike on syria would be america's second vietnam and would be the end of the israeli state because of the strikes that would take place.

other countries like jordan say they will not allow their territory or air space to be used for any possible air strikes against the syrian government but across the region it's the people the most concerned. thousands of refugees in the past 24 hours alone. >> yes, the refugee crisis is a major one. what are people saying. you talked to people in the region, obviously the rhetoric is ramped up. have the fears been ramped up? >> that's correct. on a humanitarian level international organizations like the united nations and others in the region are concerned about what this will mean for the syrian people. 2 million refugees already poured into the countries nearby over the course of the last two years of this conflict. the situation now is more worse for those inside syria with the basic humanitarian supplies. not being able to reach the majority of those in the country. people in this part of the world say this region can't handle another war. they're reeling from the turmoil

of the arab spring but the years of the iraq war and other ramifications from previous wars between israel and lebanon and the palestinian faction. so it's still a dire situation. >> thank you for the live report. well, joel rubin is a former egypt desk officer and joins us now live. thank you for being with us. >> good morning, betty. >> president obama made it clear he does not want to become involved in an open ended conflict but couldn't a limited strike end up doing just that? >> this is a very complicated political military puzzle right now. when i was at the state department, i was a career officer on the eve of the iraq war and one could feel the concerns about the multiple unplanned and unanticipated consequences from military action. but it's clear that the president believes that he has to make a response to this deplorable use of chemical weapons and certainly the way that the administration seems to

be calibrating this is to take advantage of this period to advance our broader core security objectives as well. but it's a very complicated issue. >> it is complicated because even though syria is said to have the largest stock pile of chemical weapons in the world, wouldn't it be wise for the u.s. to hold off on action before u.n. investigators finish their investigation in syria. >> that's what the british parliament is calling for and having an affirmation by the united nations, by their inspectors that the chemical attack was instigated by assad will be beneficial to the administration in it's moves to put more diplomatic pressure on assad to ensure he does not use chemical weapons again. we have multiple interests at stake. preventing a nuclear armed iran. preventing increased terrorism. containing the spread of this syrian civil conflict and it's going to require multiple

efforts with with multiple players in the region. so international affirmation of this attack is going to be a critical part of the administration's efforts. >> you make a good point. i want to broaden this out. if the u.s. does strike, i want you to explain the possible ripple effects in that region. >> there are many scenarios being debated right now in washington. some are arguing that whatever the administration does will not be strung enough and that the administration should go further and more aggressively into regime change mode of assad. there's no appetite for that. and that's a very unrealistic. there's others saying that it's possible assad could strike through proxys into israel with chemical weapons or that he may do nothing. one doesn't quite know. so the messages that the administration sends to iran, to russia, to jordan, to turkey, to all of these players are a critical piece of ensuring this does not get out of hand and the message that the president said

last night he is trying to deliver that assad should never use these again, that that message is made loud and clear. >> it's a critical time. joel reuben, thank you for your insight. >> my pleasure. firefighters in california are adding a drone to their arsenal in the fight against an unrelented wildfire. the drone seen right here, it gives firefighters a bird's eye view of any portion of the flames. it's remotely piloted hundred of miles away by the california national guard and on wednesday it alerted firefighters of a new flair up, one they would not have immediately seen. the rim fire is now in it's 13th day and it is only 30% contained. it has destroyed 111 structures and is posing a threat to the yosemite national forest along with san francisco's water supply and giant trees. millions of us suffer from sleeplessness. i know i do. a new study finds that 9 million

adults are taking prescription sleeping pills. the five year study noted that lack of sleep contributes to diabetes, heart disease, depression and other diseases. researchers say that 50 to 70 million americans suffer from sleep deprivation or sleep disorders. remembering the march on washington. and dr. martin luther king, jr.'s i have a dream speech. in their own words, 50 years later. >> because they marched city councils changed and state legislatures changed and congress changed, and yes, eventually the white house changed. >> 50 years ago our parents and grandparents marched for jobs and freedom. we have suffered and sacrificed too much to let their dream become a memory. >> we got to keep on fighting and we've got to vindicate and stand up and substantiate that the dream was not for one generation.

the dream goes on until the dream is achieved. >> so as the bells of freedom ring today, we are hoping that it's a time for all of us to reflect on not only the progress that has been made, and we have made a lot, but on what we have accomplished and also on the work that still remains before us. >> it was a historic day indeed. now, here's your first look at this morning's dish of scrambled politics. donald rumsfeld said president obama has not made his case for a military attack on syria. >> there really hasn't been any indication from the administration as to what our national interest is with respect to this particular situation. the most senior house republicans, john boehner and eric kanter were invited to appear at the anniversary of the march on washington but they

declined saying their calendars were full. a new poll found that 57% opposed cutting off the funding for the affordable care act while 36% approve. voters in the state of texas had to show identification to cast their ballots at the polls. president obama spoke about efforts to halt voter i.d. laws like those in texas. >> our attorney general can go ahead in jurisdictions that seem to be intent on preventing people from voting and that have a racial element to it, even though largely it's probably for partisan reasons, then we need to go ahead and enforce the law. listen to this, at the university of alabama, members of sororities were reportedly offered free drinks and limousines if they voted in a board of education election. and that is your morning dish of scrambled politics. now for a look at the national weather outside we turn to dillon. it's still out there.

>> it is hot. it is going to continue again today but relief is in sight. by sunday it will drop down to a high of about 80 degrees. we're close to 80 in minneapolis right now at 75. 70 in chicago. 72 in new york city but in boston it's 64 degrees and it's going to stay in the 60s later this afternoon thanks to the clouds and the fog. you can see where it feels like summer from texas up into the dakotas where it's going to be in the 90s with your feels like temperature well above 100 degrees when you factor in the humidity. that's why we do still have excessive heat advisories in that region through the day today. we're looking at the chance for heavier rain across north dakota where thunderstorms have heavy downpours right now but the best threat of stronger storms early this afternoon with large hail and damaging wind gusts would be eastern north dakota. isolated tornado not out of the question but looks like it should be more or less some of the thunderstorms that produce the hail and the wind.

>> still be on the watch out. >> for sure. thank you dillon. a montana judge apologized for what he said about a rape victim. >> plus the battle over minimum wage from fast food workers to strippers. that's next. ♪ ♪ we go, go, we don't have to go solo ♪ ♪ fire, fire, you can take me higher ♪ ♪ take me to the mountains, start a revolution ♪ ♪ hold my hand, we can make, we can make a contribution ♪ ♪ brand-new season, keep it in motion ♪ ♪ 'cause the rhyme is the reason ♪ ♪ break through, man, it doesn't matter who you're talking to ♪

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>> former army major nidal hassan was sentenced to death. the jury came back with the maximum penalty. a montana judge has apologized for saying a 14-year-old rape victim was as much in control of the situation as her rapist. that is hard to believe. but the teen committed suicide a few years after that rape and the judge now says his comments were demeaning to all women but he actually stands by the 30 day sentence that he gave the rapist. now the victim's mother is still, like much of us, in

disbelief. >> i was horrified. i don't believe in justice anymore. it was a joke. >> a protest outside of the courthouse is scheduled for later today. a multiple tractor trailer, or several of them, in fact, and cars, they were involved in this, check it out, fiery crash in western ohio late last night. an inferno erupted on interstate 75 causing police to close all lanes. two people died in that wreck. >> here's a talker, an albino alligator is receiving the spa treatment by getting acupuncture to relief his pain. i didn't even know that existed. but zoo workers say the gator has shown improvement since beginning therapy. good for him. >> now you may think twice about sending a simple text. a state appeals court in new jersey ruled people who send a text message to someone they know is driving could be held liable in text related accidents. no texting while driving. another reason for that.

here's your first look at business news. we turn to jackie deangelis. >> thousands of food workers expected to strike today. workers pledged to walk off the job in 50 cities demanding that the federal minimum wage be doubled to $15 an hour and the right to unionize. >> ford will start making the fusion in u.s. for the first time at a plant near detroit. they hired 1400 new workers for the plant which will produce 15,000 vehicles a year. that's 30% more than in mexico. >> and nintendo cutting the price on the wii u game console to compete with the xbox one and playstation 4. that's in time for the holidays. back over to you. >> don't you love talking about the holidays in august. >> there we go. >> thank you, jackie. speaking of minimum wage, four strippers filed a class action lawsuit in colorado federal court.

they claim that their employer, fantasy gentlemen's club in grand junction violated federal and state minimum wage laws. >> ladies just want to get paid. and a delta 4 heavy rocket was launched on wednesday. the classified payload is believed to be $1 billion high powered spy satellite. starbucks is selling a limited crystal incrusted tenth anniversary mug. it's going for $150. >> a popular television commercial selling insurance was the inspiration behind this florida business that brought nomad the camel to work. what's the occasion? well, hump day of course. i have been waiting all day to say that. straight ahead, the politics behind america's next move in syria. and hearing everything from our marketing partners, the media and millions of fans on social media can be a challenge.

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time now to dig deeper into the politics of a military strike in syria. for that we turn to bob franken. good morning. >> good morning, betty. >> can the u.s. afford to get involved in syria even if it does include a limited strike? >> financially, probably the united states cannot afford anything right now. but the fact is is that certainly it has the resources. the missiles, et cetera to launch an attack. the question, of course, and this is what you want to discuss with me i know is the political accountability. >> exactly. >> i think that is going to be a problem both on the world stage

and domestic stage where coming to an agreement on anything these days is always very difficult. >> house speaker john boehner sent a list of 14 questions to president obama late yesterday without congressional approval, will the american public view striking syria as a big mistake? >> i think there's strong legal questions about a strike. speaker boehner's letter asked the question will this quote secure u.s. objectives and how does it fit into your overall policy which is a big consideration. is this just simply an attack or overall objection. that was a criticism of the iraq invasion. that it was not well thought out. >> but, you know, president obama says there is chemical weapons that have been used. this red line has been crossed. does it seem that the president is some what backed into a corner here where doing nothing is just as bad a decision as

getting involved in syria. >> the expression is d dammed if you don't and dammed if you don't. there are all kinds of legal justifications being drawn up now by the administration with very very tough questions. does this fit into the war power resolution? there's always been a debate about when that has to apply. does he need congressional authorization? politically doesn't he at least have to do what the previous bush administrations, both president bushes did, go to congress and get authorization for military action. these are tough questions. the other question is the question of whether this fits into the chemical weapons convention which is the worldwide treaty banning chemical weapons. the unfortunate thing is among the five signatories are syria, nonsignatories, rather. >> there's a lot to discuss on

this and we'll see what the president decides on whether to strike syria or not. thank you very much. >> thank you. >> first buzz is next and we'll tell you what caught our eyes today. congested. beat down. crushed. as if the weight of the world is resting on your face. but sudafed gives you maximum strength sinus pressure and pain relief. so you feel free. liberated. released. decongested. open for business. [ inhales, exhales ] [ male announcer ] powerful sinus relief from the #1 pharmacist recommended brand. sudafed. open up.

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welcome back. it's time for first buzz. this is a real talker today. in new jersey, if you decide to text someone while they're driving and you know they're driving, you could be held liable if that person has an accident. >> really? >> a lot of people are wondering how do you enforce that. how do you know that i know you're driving so i'm going to text you. >> it didn't say every time you get in the car you have to let everybody know i'm about to drive so don't text me.

>> to prevent the other person from getting into trouble. i think the intent is interesting because they're trying to reduce the number of accidents. >> it's the driver's responsibility. >> we'll see a lot of court cases pop up because of it. >> no doubt. >> you have something interesting. >> oregon state beavers here. tonight is the start of the ncaa football season. everybody's happy. this is called crank it like a chainsaw. they want everybody to dance it during home games. the moves are straightforward. i don't know if this makes you smarter or not smarter. >> you just wanted to show cheerleaders. >> no, i'm glad it's the start of the season. >> i couldn't do the whole chance. >> we can crank it like a chainsaw, right? >> high, low, all right. >> yours is the sweetest ever. >> this someone of those stories that everybody loves to see. whenever there's a reunion between a soldier and anyone in his family, even the dog, it just -- it brought tears to my eyes.

look at this dog greeting the lieutenant. he goes to the couch and the dog just sits on his lap. listen to the dog. >> that's great. >> that is terrific. >> get a dog right now. >> man's best friend. this is "first look" right here on msnbc. stay tuned because "way too early" starts right now. a great american city once the engine of prosperity but now detroit has fallen on such hard times, the city is filing for bankruptcy becoming the largest u.s. city to do so. it is the latest chapter in what's been a slow moving tragedy of decline. >> detroit, michigan, known as the birth place of motown, hockey town, but once notably, the center of the automotive universe. the 4th largest city in the united states at one point, the city has less than half the population it once had and now

it's bankrupt. the auto industry is rebounding, that's good. but not enough to complete a come back. >> you'll hear dreamers say we have to rebuild detroit and make it what it once was. it can't be that. there's only two auto factories left in the city limits. those jobs will never come back. what we have to do is create a new, different detroit with modern jobs, modern families, modern households. we'll never repopulate to 1.9 million but we could do better than 700,000. >> this morning it's a special live from detroit because as it teeters on the edge, it's also showing signs of life. morning everybody. it is thursday, august 28th, we are live at the ford