good morning. wild weather. at least one person injured as tornadoes tore through parts of wyoming and colorado. this as a powerful thunderstorm produced this eerie-looking cloud, causing panicked moments at an outdoor graduation ceremony in new jersey. and there could be more severe weather today. "today" exclusive, former miss pennsylvania usa speaks out in her first interview since she claimed the miss usa competition was rigged. does she stand by her story? is she worried about donald trump's threat of a lawsuit? we'll ask her live. and how did he survive this? a skate border rolls into the street and is hit by a truck. incredibly he walked away with only cuts and bruises. he's even going to talk about

this today, friday, june 8th, he's even going to talk about this today, friday, june 8th, 2012. captions paid for by nbc-universal television and welcome to "today" on this beautiful and very exciting friday morning. i'm ann curry. >> and i'm lester holt, in for matt lauer this morning. we've got a big, big crowd. >> that's right. because superstar chris brown is going to be perform iing. -- already across the street lined up all the way back --

>> speaking of big crowds, millions will have their eyes on t the belmont stakes this week as i'll have another tries to win the triple crown. natalie morales spent some time at the track. when she wasn't gambling she met up with the trainer and the horse. >> or she was saying i'll have another. also this morning we'll be talking about a story that's really interesting. the mother of four who essentially she had her stroller stolen. she decided to do something about it. she set up a sting operation and had the suspect arrested in the process she helped the police stop what they say was a million dollar crime wave. so we're going to hear from her coming up this morning. >> a lot to get to. let's check on the headlines of the morning. natalie morales inside at the news desk. >> good morning lester and ann. good morning, everyone. u.n. patrols are facing gunfire as they attempt to investigate reports of another vicious massacre in syria. nbc has more from cairo with the

latest. what can you tell us? >> good morning, natalie. the u.n. spent yesterday wrangling ear what to do about syria. kofi annan, the man who brokered the peace plan, conceded it is not working. he's trying to bring russia and china on board to try and negotiate a new solution. china for the first time indicating that he is growing frustrated with syria and is calling on the syrian government to halt violence. but as you mentioned the u.n. on the ground, trying to put an end to that massacre, have been unable to reach the village where that massacre took place. yesterday the syrian military denied them access. violence across the country continued as activists say the syrian military continues its assault on demonstratodemonstra particularly on a day like this, friday, that sees large crowds take to the streets after friday prayers. >> thank you ayman. and startling new statistics today, the pentagon reports that nearly one service member commits suicide every day. 154 soldiers have committed suicide in the first 159 days of

this year. that is 17% more than at the same time last year, and more than the total number killed in action in afghanistan so far this year. lawmakers are taking a tough stance to fight leaks of highly classified information. recent leaks about drone strikes and cyber attacks used on the war in terrorism has the house intelligence committee vowing to investigate how the information got out. the cia and the justice department have declined to cooperate in the probe. the thousands of former nfl players are banning to the to sue the league for allegedly selling the brutality of the game to fans while hiding the dangers of brain injury from players. on thursday, some 2,000 former football players filed suit, seeking compensation for fraud and misrepresentation about debilitating concussions. traumatic brain injury has become a hot topic for football following the recent suicides of three former players. a greek communist party leader and member of parliament says she will not press charges

after the spokesman for a far right wing party slapped her three times on television. the incident was touched off during a heated debate about the greek financial crisis. the alleged assailant escaped the studio before police arrived and prosecutors have issued a warrant for his arrest. a new york city train engineer has been suspended after a passenger caught him on tape reading a newspaper while operating a rush hour train. the fta says all crew members are told reading anything at all while operating a train is not acceptable. and mrs. doubtfire has never looked scarier. check out what happens when the trailer for the comedy is recut as a horror film. >> hello? >> hello. i'm calling about the ad i saw in the paper. >> yes. would you tell me a little bit about yourself? >> oh, certainly, dear.

>> well, the clip is going viral. but after seeing that it might be hard to watch mrs. doubtfire with the lights off ever again. not sure robin williams would like that version of it. it is 7:06 right now, let's go back outside to al with a huge crowd of your people. >> that's right. that video is terrific. all right, natalie, thanks so much. we've got some video to show you. starting off in wyoming, the video, go to the wyoming video, and you can see, we've got a storm system, funnel clouds, mini twisters, unfortunately one injured, five homes seriously damaged. imagine this if your high school graduation, new jersey, graduation, thunder lightning, high winds, a funnel cloud, they were about an hour in to the ceremony.

and then they are running for cover. luckily, no serious injuries reported. reported. now the maps. and we'll show you we've got three areas of severe weather. from the dakotas also the upper mississippi river valley. northern new england and upstate new york. possibility of isolated tornadoes. and our friends down in florida, moist flow of tropical air continues to hound them. they'll be looking at anywhere from one to five inches of rain in northern and central florida. that's what's going on around the country, here's what's happening in your neck of the woods. good morning, clear and cool again. tom kierein in storm center 4. right now, 62 at reagan national. the low 60s by the bay waters and tidal potomac. inland, away from the waters, only in the low to mid 50s throughout most of the region, even in the 40s out of the mountains. today much of the region in the mid 80s and low humidity. low humidity in place over the weekend and cool in the mornings, afternoon highs near

90 degrees saturday and sunday. monday, a little more humid a >> and now here's lester. >> al, thanks. now to wall street, where investors hope the winning streak can last another day, after plunging 275 points a week ago, the dow has surged over the last three days. jim cramer is the host of cnbc's "mad money." jim, good morning, good to see you. >> good morning, lester. >> week ago the sky was falling. bad unemployment number came out, we lost all the gains of the year. and then this. explain it. >> this is all about the idea that maybe we'll get a resolution of all the problems that we have in europe. europe is the focus, lester, not the united states. because they're falling apart right now. >> so the unemployment number we saw that reaction, that was really not a reaction so much to that, but europe? >> right. well, we have been one of the, i'd say a bastion of strength around the world. but no matter how hard we try to get things terrific in our country, they can pull us down.

i know it sounds crazy, but spain is more powerful right now on our federal reserve. >> i keep hearing this mixed signals that american companies are doing well but they're sitting on their hands. they're not hiring and that's because of europe? >> they're cash rich. and confidence poor. and the lack of confidence comes from the belief that europe is going to have what we had in 2000 and 2009. yes, they are that weak and they can hurt us. >> what's the tipping point for problems there spilling over and driving our economy back down? >> if we see bankline, people try to pull their money out of spain, that will be the signa that europe has to act or else we're going to feel it here. our large international companies do huge amounts of business over there. and those people that might have to be laid off over there -- >> last week when we saw the dow plunge and those unemployment numbers people were talking double-dip recession again, that we might be on the cliff. are we teetering on the cliff again? >> no. i don't want to be that negative.

i think that's what's happen way were starting to build a head of steam and europe has taken all the wind out of our sails. but we are too strong to be brought down. we just won't be able to keep hiring like we were last year. the big worry is hiring. and we don't want to hire. >> are companies sitting on the sidelines sitting on their hands in part because they're waiting to see the outcome of november, the presidential election? >> i wish it were that. because you would think that no matter who wins we'd get better. no, it's about europe. if we see a deal this weekend our market goes up. there is talk of a deal this weekend, but we should stop focusing on our federal reserve and our government and hope that angela merkel, who runs germany, comes to her senses, makes a deal, help the world. >> jim cramer, thanks very much. you can catch jim and "mad money" weeknights at 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. eastern time on c innocence. here's ann. >> all right, lester, thanks. now to the first federal survey to ask teenagers about how often they text while driving. according to the secretary of transportation, the results reveal a national epidemic. nbc's janet shamlian is in los

angeles with more on this story. hey, janet, good morning. >> ann, good morning to you. we knew teen drivers were doing this but how widespread the practice was wasn't known until now. these are startling numbers from young people who are owning up to distracted driving. it's no secret that teens text and drive. but the statistics from the first federal study on the subject are alarming. more than half of high school juniors, 58%, admitted they've sent a text or e-mail from behind the wheel. >> i'll respond to a text or tell my friends, okay i'm five minutes away. >> reporter: it's the way teens talk to each other. sending and receiving an average of 100 messages a day. often while driving. despite years of public service messages designed to deliver a bone-crunching warning. the centers for disease control report did find teens are safer on the road in other ways. more seat belt use and less drinking and driving. but experts say texting can be even more dangerous.

>> it's frustrating that while we're making great progress at increasing seat belt use and reducing the number of kids who are driving while drinking, other safety issues pop up in their place related to new technology. >> and now, new laws to deal with the consequences. an wednesday, a massachusetts teen was among the first convicted under a texting and driving law. the now-18-year-old will spend a year in jail for a fatal accident that happened while he was texting. >> the simple fact is people continue to be killed and injured despite the fact these deaths are 100% preventable. >> reporter: so why do teens do it? >> we think know things are going to happen. you hear about it all the time but you never really think that that could happen to you. >> reporter: now this texting data is part of a broader national report on risky behavior by teens. but, ann, this is the very first time that the teens were asked about their behavior in the car behind the wheel texting and driving. >> all right, janet shamlian.

important information this morning for all parents and teenagers. it is now 7:12. here's lester. >> thanks. the city of rapid city, south dakota, is probably best known for its proximity to mount rushmore. but 40 years ago a flash flood put that city on the map for a very different reason. nbc's kevin tibbles is in rapid city this morning for us. kevin, good morning. >> lester on that day 40 years ago the panicked residents of rapid city would have been frantically searching for loved ones swept away by a wall of water that wiped out much of this town. today, they pause to remember but also celebrate what rapid city has now become. 40 years ago, in june of 1972, rapid city resembles a war zone. rather than the picturesque little city nestled beside mount rushmore, and the black hills of south dakota. >> we will begin this evening with the tragic flood story in south dakota. >> the property damage will be in the tens of millions of dollars.

>> jim was 9 years old. >> when the lightning would flash you would get these black and white snapshots of hell. >> reporter: a mass pif flash flood roared out of the hills, sweeping away everything in its path. including stinson and his 18-year-old sister-in-law claudia. >> claudia went one direction and i went another, and i ended up in one of these trees. down here. a and -- >> never saw her again? >> never saw her again. >> reporter: claudia was among 238 people who died in the deluge brought on by 15 inches of rain in just six short hours. stinson clung to the tree until being rescued by the national guard. total devastation. more than 1300 homes and businesses swept away. along with 5,000 cars.

>> no one knows precisely how many people were left homeless by these floods. >> reporter: damages top $100 million, even 40 years ago. >> it looked just like a junk yard out here. and there was a cloud of death that just surrounded the entire rapid creek area through the city here. >> reporter: don barnett was the city's mayor back then. he was only 29 years old. he'd never been on national tv before. >> i sincerely hope that by the end of next week we can begin to do some construction to put these suffering people into homes. >> reporter: for survivors like this family, the muck and misery was overwhelming. mother, father, and all six children survived. >> i remember the sound. i remember the trees being down, the chaos, and then i remember the people. >> reporter: their home somehow remained standing. but was full of debris. still ken vowed to remain in

rapid city. >> chances are it won't happen again in our lifetime. >> reporter: today, he is 86 years old. you weren't going to let the flood chase you out? >> no. we could probably build right back on the creek if we could have. >> reporter: but no new homes would ever be built along rapid creek again. families were relocated to higher ground. instead, the city went about creating an elaborate and beautiful series of parks, bike paths, and golf courses. >> the scar that was the flood in '72 was the beauty that we have now. >> oh, i'm so proud of this city. i just can't believe it sometimes. new and wonderful things have happened in rapid city. it's one of the most pregresive and beautiful cities in the great plains. >> reporter: jim stinson will never forget that harrowing night spent clinging to a tree, and he is proud of what his city has become. >> there was an element of, from

this, you had to basically get right back. >> reporter: rebuild your life? >> rebuilding your life. >> reporter: and while the people of rapid city will never forget that day, many here do agree the city is a better place as a result of that flood. as for that young 9-year-old boy, jim simpson who spent the night clinging to a tree, he's now the general manager here at the nbc affiliate in rapid city. lester, back to you. >> all right kevin tibbles this morning. thank you. it is now 7:17. once again here's ann. >> all right lester, thanks. history could be made tomorrow at the belmont stakes. i'll have another has a chance to become horse racing's first triple crown winner in 34 years. here's nbc's tom llamas. >> reporter: on thursday, i'll have another stretched his legs, and dug into the dirt here at belmont, on the path to racing immortality, which starts and ends on this mile and a half track. >> i'll have another! >> reporter: the 3-year-old chestnut colt has already won

the kentucky derby, and the preakness. >> wins the preakness, and the triple crown will be on the line! >> i'll have another really is an underdog story. at the derby he was 19-1 when he won. in the preakness he wasn't even the favorite when he won. >> reporter: now the belmont stakes. called the test of champions because of the three triple crown races, it's the last, and the longest. >> it's not an easy race. everybody's going out there to try to fight for the win and i'm going to do the same. >> reporter: behind every good horse there's a good team. and for i'll have another that includes his jockey mario gutierrez and trainer doug o'neil. >> wow. >> reporter: natalie got a chance to see the winning team up close. >> tell me how he got his name. i know there's a good story. >> his owner loves to eat, they have kind of a running joke at the house when he's out of cookies he'll yell out, i'll have another. >> a superstar now. >> oh, he's a rock star. >> reporter: but there's been drama for the team.

o'neil is facing suspension in july for allegedly using performance enhancing techniques on another horse. >> i'll have another has tested clean, and there will not be a tainted triple crown if he were to win on saturday. >> reporter: and to win, i'll have another will be racing against 11 other horses on the track, and against history. the last horse to reach racing's holy grail was affirmed in 1978. the last horse to attempt to capture the triple crown was big brown in 2008. >> 11 horses have tried. 11 horses have failed. some by a nose. and it's because it's been so difficult to win that makes this triple crown attempt so special. >> reporter: and a true test to see if this horse is truly special. and they're expecting 100,000 people here at belmont to watch in person. millions more watching on television. right now, i'll have another is the odds-on favorite to win with 4-5 odds in his favor. that he'll win belmont stakes,

the triple crown and a spot alongside the sport's greatest horses. >> that would be something. >> tom llamas, thank you so much. >> so much pressure. >> i love the title, the name, i'll have another. and it doesn't, we find it's about cookies, not about alcoholic beverages, which is what i assumed. >> alcohol would be fun, too. >> i know, i guess -- let's move off. natalie's actually going to have more on i'll have another a little bit later. >> the cookies. >> that's right. the horse, actually. and also coverage of belmont stakes kicks off tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. eastern on the nbc sports network. with full race coverage at 4:30 p.m. eastern here on nbc. meantime, just ahead, an exclusive live interview with the former miss pennsylvania usa. her first since she claims the miss usa pageant was fixed.

just ahead a skate border

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good morning, 7:26 right now, i'm aaron gilchrest. it's not been an easy friday commute for a lot of drivers. let's got an update from danella sealock. >> happy friday, but not so happy on i-66, a live look as you make your way eastbound at 50. you know the delays here, your travel speed is 30 miles per hour, 20 minutes to drive from fairfax county parkway to the beltway. let's head over to the capital beltway, outer loop in montgomery county still a bit under speed, no the so bad at colesville road, but very slow, i-95 to new hampshire avenue, your average speed about 29 miles per hour. aaron?

good morning, a chill in the air on this friday morning, with a clear sky, we are down into the 50s throughout most of the region. reagan national is at 62. later today, hitting the 80s with low humidity and lots of sun. heating up over weekend,

afternoon highs near 90 saturday and sunday, first part of next week, a little more humid, could get some showers and thunder late on tuesday, into wednesday. and perhaps part of thursday. aaron? [ obama ] i'm barack obama and i approve this message. [ male announcer ] it started like this... i speak the language of business. i know how jobs are created. [ male announcer ] but it ended like this. one of the worst economic records in the country. when mitt romney was governor, massachusetts lost 40,000 manufacturing jobs. a rate twice the national average. and fell to forty-seventh in job creation. fourth from the bottom. instead of hiring workers from his own state, romney outsourced call center jobs to india. he cut taxes for millionaires like himself... while raising them on the middle class... and left the state two point six billion deeper in debt. so now, when mitt romney talks about what he'd do as president...

i know what it takes to create jobs. [ male announcer ] remember, we've heard it all before. i know how jobs are created. [ male announcer ] romney economics. it didn't work then, and it won't work now. ♪ 7:30 now on a friday morning. tgif, everybody. the crowd down on our plaza, a pretty large crowd. ♪ all the way across 4th street. a full half hour of music -- ♪ i'm ann curry alongside lester holt who is in for matt this morning. nice to have you here. >> thank you, ann. >> coming up we'll be talking about that frightening accident that was caught on tape. >> this is really hard to watch.

it's a skate border performing a stunt. he goes into the street and he's hit by a truck. first time you see that you assume he's a goner. in fact, no broken bones. he was banged up a bit but no serious injuries. coming up we'll talk to that lucky guy in an exclusive live interview. i think it will be fair to ask him, what was he thinking, too? >> exactly right. it's amazing that he survived that without any broken bones, also coming up we're going to talk to a mom who you really don't want to mess with. someone stole her baby stroller so she set up a sting to nab the suspect. she got her man and ended up, police say, busting a million dollar crime wave. you're going to hear from her coming up this morning. but we begin with the beauty queen who claimed the miss usa pageant was fixed. in a moment sheena monnin opens up in her first interview since resigning as miss pennsylvania usa. but first, nbc's mara schiavocampo is joining us with her story. >> ann, good morning. this time last week sheena monnin was preparing to represent pennsylvania in the biggest competition of her

career. now she's battling it out with the miss universe organization and may face a lawsuit from donald trump. she didn't win the miss usa title. she didn't even make the final round. >> the fun, the lights. >> reporter: but it's the now-former miss pennsylvania who is taking the spot light and the heat after claiming sunday's miss usa pageant was rigged. on her facebook page, sheena monnin says that another contestant spotted a list of the top five contestants before the show even started. >> congratulations to our top five! >> reporter: and that list, she claims, matched the top five who were later announced live on the air. monday night, monnin, who didn't make the top 16, resigneds amiss pennsylvania, writing on her facebook page, quote, i can no longer be affiliated in any way with an organization i consider to be fraudulent, lacking in morals, inconsistent, and in many ways trashy. lies, says donald trump, blasting her claims tuesday here on "today." >> the person that supposedly

told her the list, she didn't see it, she was told by another person, that person now totally denies it and she said there is no list and i've never seen a list. >> reporter: trump, who co-owns the miss universe organization with nbc universal, says it's just sour grapes and threatened to sue monnin or disdaining his competition. >> i did see her for about a second. i never felt she had a chance. and all this is is buyer's remorse. >> reporter: trump later said monnin had 24 hours to issue a written apology, or he'd go ahead with a lawsuit. monnin's a self-described conservative who wants to get a theology degree. pageant officials say her real beef involves their decision to allow transgender contestants in the competition. stating to nbc news, sheenen monnin resigned because of a policy change related to transgender contestants. only to change her story by publicly making false accusations claiming the pageant was fixed. the organization added that she's just trying to take the spotlight away from the rightful

winner. as for trump's 24-hour ultimatum -- time's up. and monnin is sticking to her story. an ugly spat over a beauty contest with no end in sight. the pageant says miss florida is the one who saw the list with five names but in a statement from the pageant, brett says the final contestant remark was just a joke under quote, frenetic circumstances, and was never meant as a fact. she also stated that miss pennsylvania usa is, quote, using the situation for her own ends. ann? >> all right. mara schiavocampo, thank you. sheena monnin is now joining us for her first interview since resigning as miss pennsylvania usa. good morning. >> good morning. thank you. >> your reaction to the latest from donald trump that he's now thinking about suing you? >> yes, i feel disappointed that he has made some of the statements that he said about me. and i feel prepared to continue to pursue the truth. i know what i heard. and i know what i in turn

witnessed come true based on what i heard the contestant said she saw the list. so i'm prepared to continue to march forward. and what i really want out of this is for the truth to be known. i -- i want to make sure that i stand up for what i believe is right. i know what i heard. there's no doubt in my mind that the contestant was serious when she laid out what she said she saw. and i believe her to be true. >> you're talking about miss florida. >> i am. >> who the pageant revealed had said something about a list. now we just heard in this report that she's saying it was a joke, and that the winner was not even on this list. is it possible you misinterpreted what she said? >> absolutely not. >> why are you so sure? >> well, i have many years of psychological training. i know when someone is telling a joke. i know when someone is scared and when someone is serious. in my pinier her body language was very serious and she looked a little bit scared because she had just seen something that was potentially drastically change the reputation of the miss universe organization. and this is a big deal. >> so what happened then? i want you to clarify. you're saying that she came to you in a very serious way and

said that there was a list of five names. >> yes. >> and how did she say that to you and what was your reaction? >> yes. after the top 16 were called and we were back stage she said that she had seen a list with the names of the top five. and i said, well who do you think the top five are going to be, and she said i know who the top five are going to be because i saw this list. and my reaction was, let's wait and see who the top five really are. because maybe that was a rehearsal list and there are many reasons that a list could be laying around with top five names. but when the names were called out in the order that she said she saw them on the list, that's just too coincidental to not be true. >> you had a very strong reaction when those names were called out. >> i did, yes. and i still feel that strong reaction because i feel that an injustice has been done not only to the other people who were not in the top five but to thousands of pageant girls across the nation who compete believing this is an honest system as i did for nine years bleeping this was an honest system. >> you just heard that pageant

officials are saying that your real reason for resigning is that you disagree with the new policy to admit transgender contestants. >> yes. >> is this upon? is this true? does that have any part of your decision? >> there are a myriad of reasons why i'm resigning. that is an issue that i discussed with my state director back in april, and his reaction was sheena, why don't you formulate an answer so that if you're asked an interview on stage you can state your opinion in a public way. and i thought that was fair. so i continued to serve the title. i continued to prepare for miss usa. but later on in my initial statement i also mentioned fair play. i did not elaborate on that when i initially e-mailed my state director because i didn't see the list. if i would have seen the list i would have reacted in a very strong, matter of fact way. so i didn't feel since i didn't see the list that that was a valid reason at that time. >> when you say you didn't see the list, you didn't see the list. so how do you know that this pageant is rigged? >> i think it's too coincidental for someone to be able to call out, in order, the top five,

before the top 16 were even narrowed down. to me that just doesn't make sense. that's not logical that that could actually be. >> you seem very calm in the face of what appears to be a lawsuit coming your way from donald trump. do you have a message for him this morning? >> my message is very simple. i would like the truth to be made known. i am not here to destroy anyone. i am not here to bad-talk about anybody. my heart and my attitude is i want the truth to be made known. and in my opinion, what miss florida said is true. there's really no doubt in my mind. it's just too, too much evidence pointing to this being fraudulent. >> can you say that you actually have received some sort of mediation effort? >> i have received some legal documentation, yes. giving me options for the future. i'm not sure yet which options i will take. but i do know that moving forward my main motivation will remain the same. >> all right. sheena monnin thank you for joining us this morning.

and now we want to get a check of the weather from al. >> "today's weather" is brought to you by the american cancer society. the official sponsor of birthdays. >> and we have a beautiful morning out here for the good friends. look at this crowd stretching from 38th street, it is huge. all the way down to rockefeller plaza in front of 30 rock. we've got wall-to-wall people. fantastic morning. what about tomorrow the belmont stakes? that's a big deal. we are talking about partly sunny, warm, humid, and a 40% chance of40% chance of afternoon showers. and thunderstorms. as the official horse of kathie lee gifford, i'll have another, goes for the triple crown. let's look at saturday's forecast. we've got a slight risk of strong storms in the northern plains, heavy rain in the central gulf. sizzling from texas to the southwest. a few showers in the northeast. sunday -- sunday -- we're

expecting more strong storms in the northern plains, lots of sizzling heat from texas into the southwest. with lots of sunshine. here's what's happening in your neck of the woods. air is fresh and cool, on this friday morning. good morning, tom kierein in storm center 4. right now, still just in the 50s around of virginia and maryland and western virginia. later today, ought to hit the 80s throughout most of the area with low humidity and lots of sunshine. tomorrow, another cool start, near 60. a clear night tonight and a start to saturday, clear and sunny tomorrow, low humidity, highs near 90. near 90 >> in 30 minutes these folks will belong to chris brown. but until then, my people! my people! my people! ann. >> fun to watch. coming up next the mom who

fought back against the person who stole her stroller and she uncovers a million dollar crime wave according to police. we're going to hear from her. and a modern-day remake of mr. rogers that is moving people online. but first these messages. ♪ [ male announcer ] it's happening right now at your local walgreens. pharmacists are going above and beyond... armed with expertise and advice... ♪ ...with one goal in mind... to better serve you... ♪ ...so nothing will get between you and the care you deserve. find your pharmacist at walgreens.com. ...so nothing will get between you and the care you deserve. when we walk together, we are bigger than cancer. the american cancer society relay for life. find your event at relayforlife.org.

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back now at 7:43 with a mother of four who helped police uncover a million dollar crime wave all because someone stole her baby stroller. rob stafford from wmaq, our

station in chicago, has the details. rob, good morning. >> good morning, lester. state prosecutors have filed new charges in the case this week. you know, chicago's seen a lot of crimes over the years, but never something quite like this. and it was a rookie mom named tia trying to get that stroller back who helped catch the thief. >> that's the guy. >> yes. >> reporter: the man in this surveillance footage stole tia's stroller off her front porch. >> did this thief have any idea who he was messing with? >> i don't think. >> reporter: tia, a married mother of four, reported the theft to police. then heard about a craigslist post for a used stroller just like hers. so she set up a sting and met the seller at a grocery store parking lot. the police arrived and made an arrest after he showed up with the goods. the moment he realized you'd set him up, what did he say? >> he wanted his attorney. >> reporter: the man faced a minor charge of petty theft and was released. tia got her stroller back.

and just to be sure, sent an e-mail out to her neighbors to be extra vigilant. but then strange things began to happen. bills for pornographic magazines arrived. take-out food was delivered late at night. and that wasn't all. male prostitutes? >> male prostitutes. >> reporter: showed up at your house? someone was using the internet to harass tia's family. later, police involved in the case were maliciously smeared on various internet sites. one post accused an officer of dealing drugs. another of molesting children, and the theft on chicago's north side continued. >> it was frustrating, to see a neighborhood that we loved so much and that we were so invested in fall victim to petty crimes. >> reporter: then a lead. security cameras caught this man walking into an apartment building. 'peers to be talking on his cell phone as he scans the lobby. then grabs delivered packages, and walks right out the front door. prosecutors say the trail of

evidence, including the internet address used to harass tia, led to a town home in this upscale chicago neighborhood. and what police found inside was beyond anything anyone on the force, or tia, expected. >> when it opened up the garage and opened up the curtains to a kitchen, or dining room, i was shocked. >> reporter: among the items investigators recovered, some 200 bicycles. 200 strollers. 100 sets of golf clubs. also recovered, 87 garage door openers labeled with the corresponding addresses. in all, prosecutors say, more than $1 million in stolen property. >> it was like a scene out of hoarders because there were just all these items stacked on top of one another. and items many times that were still in the original package that was intended to the victims. >> reporter: liu now faces 24 felony indictments for burglary, cyber stalking and other

internet crimes. he pleaded not guilty. for tia, knowing she helped authorities end this crime spree brings satisfaction and surprise. >> i kept thinking to myself that i can't believe you tried to steal my stroller. the one item he tried to sell, even though he kept thousands of items, he tried to sell my stroller and i felt vend indicated that i for some reason was in the right place at the right time to help the community. >> reporter: liu is now being held on a $600,000 cash bond. and police say burglary in tia's neighborhood has dropped 72% since his arrest. lester? >> rob stafford in chicago. thanks. up next the skateboarder who is lucky to be alive after being hit by a truck. in fact he didn't break a bone. we're going to talk to him exclusively. let's get our creativity running. then get some blades spinning, paper sanding, and bits turning. let's motor to the only place that carries our favorite tools...

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what are you doing? what are you doing? mac 'n cheese! should we tell em we got two free sides? and miss this? say "mashed potatoes!" never! [ male announcer ] buy any kfc 10 pc meal or larger and we'll throw in 2 more large sides, free. that's 2 extra sides of your choice and one happy family. today tastes so good. back now at 7:50 with the startling skateboarding accident caught on camera. the video may be disturing, but not only did the skater survive, he walked away without breaking a bone. serge murphy is the skate border in that video, his friend andrew mcma'am harrah was filming at the time, actually videotaping at the time, and they're now along with murphy's attorney. michael. good morning to all of you. welcome. what goes through your mind as you think about that taping what are the emotions?

>> just shocked and surprised. surprised i guess. >> other skateborders have tried this -- it's called jumping the rail is my understanding and they went down, but they stopped -- >> at the road. >> -- before they got to the street. did you realize the jeopardy you were putting yourself in by going in the street? >> i mean, i was aware of my surroundings, yeah. >> up until the truck hit you. >> yeah, absolutely. >> and you flew 35 feet. you were tumbling, i don't think -- i think you fly so fast it's even hard to see you. and yet how do you explain how you did not break a bone. what were your injuries, actually? >> i had some cuts on my back. and my hip was just really swollen. and bruised. >> you stood up and walked away from this? >> i wouldn't say i just stood up and walked away. but i went in the ambulance, and went to the hospital. >> this was a year ago? >> this was a year ago. >> andrew you're videotaping

this. you're looking through the view finder and we have the benefit of watching this knowing that everything turns out okay but when you're seeing this, are you assuming he's a dead man? >> yeah, definitely. that's why, i don't really move. i just kind of stand there in shock because i thought he was dead. that's why i didn't run over to him or anything. and then just -- >> nobody could survive that, right? >> no. so why, that's why i kind of stand there in shock and don't do anything. >> meantime, serge, i know that you brought for this interview your mom and your girlfriend and some other friends. >> mm-hmm. >> and i understand your girlfriend tells me that she did not yell at you, but mom yelled at you. do you have a take away on this, i mean, what did she say to you, and what is your lesson from this experience? >> i don't remember what exactly she said but i'm assuming it was don't skate in the street jean more. >> you better tell him again, mom. you better tell him again. okay. >> well you didn't have a helmet on. >> by the way, you're -- >> you're here because there is some issue regarding the damage

to the truck, is that right? >> there are claims that are being brought against serge, right now. and for the extent that there will be a defense brought. >> glad you're all here. glad you're alive to tell the story. >> thank you. >> we're back with much more including chris brown live in concert. living with the pain of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis... ...could mean living with joint damage. help stop the damage before it stops you... ...with humira. for many adults with moderate to severe ra,... ...humira's proven to help relieve pain and stop joint damage. humira can lower your ability to fight infections, including tuberculosis. serious, sometimes fatal events can occur, such as infections, lymphoma, or other types of cancer, blood, liver, and nervous system problems,... ...serious allergic reactions, and new or worsening heart failure. before starting humira, your doctor should test you for tb.

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good morning, i'm aaron gilchrest, it's 7:56, let's get the forecast for today and this weekend from meteorologist tom kierein. tom? >> good morning, bright sun and a blue sky and as we approach 8:00, temperatures are now into the 60s around the metro area near the bay. but elsewhere, still generally in the upper 50s to just near 60. quite a cool morning. but later today, feeling like summer. into the mid 80s by mid afternoon with low humidity. over the weekend, a little bit hotter, cool mornings, but afternoon highs near 90 with low humidity and lots of sun. first part of next week, increased humidity, maybe some showers tuesday into thursday. aaron.

good morning, traveling in virginia, telegraph road still closed because of a water main break in both directions between wilton road and sharing chapel road. i-95 southbound at powder mill road, as you approach, an accident involving a motorcycle. approach with caution. and i am seeing delays as you make your way southbound towards powder mill road. crossing over the 14th street bridge. you're under speed, 22 miles per hour on 395 northbound, back to you.

8:00 now on this friday morning, the 8th day of june, 2012. we have a huge crowd here on rockefeller plaza and they're here to celebrate the music of chris brown, as he takes to our stage in what about 30 minutes now. -- their faces back home on your television set. meantime, i'm ann curry along with lester holt who's in for matt this morning. of course we've got the al roker, we're excited about that. we've got a lot more coming up this morning including everything you need to know as you head into the weekend. >> i'll have another is going

for a triple crown tomorrow at belmont. natalie morales spent some time at the track, met the horse, met the trainer, we're going to find out how they're doing in preparation for the big day. >> this is a really cool story. the rider could become the first hispanic to ever win a triple crown. that's so cool. >> that's actually, the owner picked up the horse for $35,000. not too bad. and then we're going to be devoting our entire 9:00 hour to "today's professionals." dr. nancy, donny, star, will all weigh in on the hottest topics, and they're going to give one mom a professional pick me up. so, now -- >> -- all right. >> donny deutsch is involved. >> all right. that's -- meantime lead stories making news today. natalie morales. >> good morning, everyone. federal health officials are racing to find the source of an e. coli outbreak in florida, georgia, louisiana, and alabama.

at least 11 cases have been linked to the outbreak. including the death of an infant in new orleans last week. however, officials are just beginning their investigation, and they hope to identify the source of the contamination before the outbreak widens. british prime minister david cameron has been called to appear next week before an ethics committee investigating the tabloid phone hacking scandal. his predecessor gordon brown will also appear. cameron's former communications chief and two friends have faced charges in the investigation. wild weather, including tornadoes, destroyed at least five homes thursday in southeastern wyoming. several people were treated for minor injuries. powerful storms also pounded parts of colorado with hail. and an ominous funnel cloud developed near an outdoor graduation ceremony in new jersey, forcing new graduates and their guests to run for cover from high winds and rain. former fleetwood mac singer and get artist bob welch was

found dead thursday from what police say was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. he had a solo hit with the song ebony eyes. bob welch was 66 years old. now here's brian williams with a look at what's coming up tonight on "nbc nightly news." >> natalie, good morning. coming up tonight on "nightly news," one of our favorite nights of the year, the graduating class of 2012. we take a look at some of the best and most inspiring graduation speakers. we'll have all of it for you tonight on "nightly news." natalie, for now, back to you. >> always look forward to that. now for a look at what is trending today. our quick roundup of what has you talking online. regular tweeters have noticed that larry the trade mark twitter bird has slimmed down just in time for summer. a closer look also reveals that larry also had his head feathers plucked a bit. mr. knowledroger has re-eme a youtube remix that has the children's pioneer going viral. >> there are so many things

so many things to learn about in this world ♪ ♪ so many people who can help you learn ♪ ♪ did you ever do anything >> mr. rogers autotunes this beautiful day in the neighborhood also includes appearances by king fridayly and mr. mcfeely. just weeks after isaac's marriage proposal exploded on the internet, this new parody goes in the opposite direction. ♪ we met when we were young got married by 21 ♪ ♪ it was lots of fun but now i'm gonna get a divorce ♪ >> oh, geez. kind of sat but funny. the spoof by second city is filled with familiar complaints about husbands that involve snoring, toilet seats and facebooks exes. it is 8:04 right now. let's go back outside to al with a check of your weather. >> you knew it was only a matter of time. >> yes. >> let's show you what we got going on. our pick city of the day.

rochester, new york. nbc 10. partly sunny, warm, 78 degrees. for today, you can seetoday, yo temperatures that will be in the 70s and 80s in the northeast and the mid-atlantic states. 80s and 90s through southwest. with temperatures into the 100s, and as you can see, a risk of strong storms from the northern plains, a lot of wet weather through florida, showers in the pacific northwest. the southwest and southern california look nice, interior sections of california going to be sizzling. that's what's going on around the country, here's what's happening in your neck of the woods. a gorgeous morning, the air is fresh and cool. we're still in the 50s to around 60 degrees across most of virginia. maryland and the eastern shore. out in west virginia. parts of the shenandoah valley, it's only in the low 50s. later today, should hit the 80s throughout most of the region with lots of sun and low humidity. not very humid over the weekend, either. it will be warming up after cool starts saturday and sunday mornings, we ought to be reaching 90 degrees both

afternoons. first part of next week, mnd th weather. and now here's miss curry. >> all right, al, thank you so much. coming up next, what's new, what's out, coming up for the weekend to get you started. and we've got a concert from chris brown. [ male announcer ] did you know that your child's teeth start out softer and more vulnerable? new aquafresh kids fresh and fruity toothpaste gently cleans their teeth with natural calcium

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something we like to call, what's new, what's up, what's in. everything you need to know to get ready for the weekend. >> that's right. we've lined up three experts to share their knowledge. we're going to get things started with what's new in movies, music and tv, tim sack is the senior writer for "entertainment weekly." a lot going in entertainment this weekend including the big tony awards with neil patrick harris who is so fantastic hosting yet for a third time. >> -- won an emmy for hosting previously. he's going to sing. he's going to dance. he's going to do what he's famous for. they're going to do a big opening number with book of mormon and there's going to be lots of more surprises. hugh jackman just announced he's going to appear. everyone's hoping shale sort of do a little dance routine. >> another big thing happening this weekend sunday we've got the season premiere of true blood. >> yeah. >> about vampires. >> yeah. >> and it starts with a clip sort of the next step after a cliff-hanger. >> there was a major cliff-hanger where she was cradling her best friend in her arms. we're going to find out if tara

is alive or not and there will be lots of vampires. >> big moving opening. prometheus this weekend. >> yes. ridley scott's new movie. he directed blade runner and alien. this is a return to sci-fi. rumored to be an alien prequel but no one will say. highly anticipated. the geeks are geeking out. >> what do you know about jimmy fall fallon's highly anticipated -- >> yeah, his album is coming out. basically all his musical numbers from his show, including show jamming the news with brian williams. >> brian williams. whoo! >> he's fairly, jimmy told us he was very jealous of the slow jamming the news segment and asked to be part of it. >> oh, okay. >> it will be a great album. >> thank you so much. now here's lester. >> now to what's up in celebrity news. alicia quarrels is an enews correspondent. let's start off being a bit nostalgic.

a lot of folks grew up watching the wonder years. >> winnie cooper. >> she's getting divorced from her husband of three years. >> they have one son together. danica, we've all fallen in love with her. she's so smart. went to college. "new york times" best-seller for three books, genius mathematician and now she's getting divorced. but she said they're doing it amicably. >> she never had a lot of drama. >> this is a smart, smart woman. >> rihanna. is she sick? a lot of people are asking you know, she canceled her last trip to the uk. her upcoming commitment to her tv show and two performances. >> rihanna said she's not sick. she did cancel an upcoming tour she was supposed to do in the uk. a uk paper said oh, rihanna's sick. she's been partying too much. she said that's not it. i'm spending time with my family. leave me alone. >> kanye west and the sneakers he's wearing have become super hot. >> the air music two. >> are you ready for them, lester? >> i'm still thinking air jordans. >> right. these nike -- nike, people are

waiting in line for them. they went on ebay. reportedly a pair sold for $90,000. can you believe that? >> they're still tennis shoes. >> okay. these are collectors. so women may collect jewelry, people collect tennis shoes. >> alicia quarles, good to have you here. >> my pleasure. >> thank you. last but not least what's in. liliana, good morning. >> good morning. >> let's talk about crochet. the hot trend right now. kind of going back to the '60s. >> not your grandmother's crochet. this is the modern interpretation. kourtney kardashian was just spotted in this dress available at sears for $63.99. and then this is my absolute favorite from victoria's secret dotcom, under $100. and if you don't want to do the crochet trend in the outfit you can do accessories. >> okay. over here. move over to david beckham. >> david beckham. >> line of underwear is finally out. >> it's finally out. so people love david beckham. he has a new collection starts at $12.95.

boxers, briefs, tees and tanks, all for dad, just in time for father's day. and there's a promotion. buy one, get one 50% off through june 17th. >> good deal. >> hair trends now. beach hair is in. easy way to get that look. >> this is the brand new remington wrap wave. it's a two-pronged curling iron. you wrap the hair in a figure eight and it gives you great waves instead of a curl. >> you've got to use a glove so you don't burn yourself. >> very important. >> now you're sporting this. >> i am. >> which is the chalk for the hair. gives you that cool highlights. >> exactly. >> a lot of celebrities are doing this as well. >> it's a temporary hair color so you don't have to actually keep it in your hair. washes out with sun shampoo. this is from hair color chalk dotcom. take a strand of your hair, pressing it into the pod and pull. >> wash it out? >> one shampoo. >> and the back pack is back. >> it is. >> which is great for our backs. >> it's great because it's in

the summer. you want to be hands free. take it to the beach. take it on your next vacation. these start at $34.80 at forever 21, aldo and maywell. >> a lot of different things to look at here. thanks so much. coming up next, another big event this weekend, i'll have another's quest for the triple crown. coming up next, my trackside encounter with him. and a live concert from chris brown. in my day, oatmeal had two ingredients, oat and meal

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i've never been more excited about an incoming season. am i right coach? [ assistant ] right. did you know the 2012 corolla has an available entune system so you can use bing. i tell you what, let's call your pops. tell him you're thinking about corolla. ok... nope, this is how we do it at corolla, son. [ ringing ] [ dad ] hello? dad, i'm committing to corolla. [ excitement from mom and dad ] alright, let's take this puppy for a little spin alright madre, padre. crown winner in 34 years. but that could change tomorrow afternoon in the 144th running of the belmont stakes. natalie caught up with the prize colt and his trainer at belmont park. good morning. >> good morning, ann. triple crown winners become legend in their sport. horses like seattle slew, secretariat and affirmed who was the last to win the coveted title back in 1978. and since then 11 horses have come close, but have fallen short at belmont. and tomorrow i'll have another

makes his run at history. >> they're off in the kentucky derby. >> reporter: a long shot at the derby. >> at the wire. i'll have another! has won the kentucky derby! off in the preakness. >> reporter: and a photo finish at the preakness. >> here they come. there's the wire. i'll have another will have a chance at the triple crown will be on the line at belmont park. >> reporter: out of nowhere i'll have another has a shot at the elusive triple crown. owner paul reddam is still in shock. >> in all seriousness you think this horse is going to have a shot at winning the triple crown, i would say, well don't have another, because you've been drinking. >> reporter: with a victory at the belmont stakes on saturday, i'll have another will be only the 12th horse in racing history to win the title. the last horse to do it, affirmed way back in 1978. >> you ready?

>> yeah. >> i'm going to give you a leg up. you've got it. >> it's been awhile. >> a natural. >> the colt's trainer doug o'neill prefers to talk shop on horseback. and i was totally game to ride a horse named ricky. the horse of the moment right now, is do you really think he can be a triple crown winner? >> i do, natalie. we're so excited about this guy. he got the right mind. he handled everything like a true professional. his energy, his stride, everything has been beautiful so far. >> reporter: one concern, the length of the track. the longest of the triple crown races. now of course you know belmont is 1.5 miles, and that's always the hardest for the horses to get through this last stretch. what's the strategy? >> you hear a lot about the belmont and the riders need to learn the oval, and you know it's important for the horses to learn the mile and a half oval, as well. and the plan is to have mario come in, ride a few races before the big one. so so far so good. >> reporter: mario is mario

gutierrez, i'll have another's jockey. >> mario gutierrez in his first try wins the kentucky derby. wow. >> reporter: what a find mario gutierrez has been. only 25 years old and pretty much relatively unknown until this year. how did you find him? >> paul suggested why don't you have mario come by, work i'll have another, give that kid a chance. it was kind of that simple. >> reporter: were they a magical combination, magical team? >> it's like you and ricky. >> reporter: there you go. me and ricky. we're bonding. >> exactly. >> reporter: i was ready to meet the man, or rather the horse, of the hour. that's gorgeous. >> isn't he gorgeous? >> reporter: chestnut. beautiful. hey. how are you? tell me how he got his name? >> his owner paul reddam loves rookies. they have an owner at the house when he's out of cookies he'll yell out, i'll have another. >> reporter: a superstar now. >> oh, he's a rock star. >> reporter: like the spot light? >> he loves it. >> reporter: but the spotlights haven't been as kind to o'neill. his headlines most recently

discuss his upcoming suspension from racing after an investigation into a performance enhancing technique he allegedly used on another horse. starting after belmont, the california racing association has suspended you for 45 days because they found elevated levels of co2 in one of your horses. >> we play by the rules. and you know, i contested those allegations vigorously. but the decision was that there was no wrongdoing found. so i'm not really sure what the suspension is about. but it's all stuff i can't really talk about until after the belmont. >> reporter: for now, doug is focused on the task at hand. >> training horses is a privilege. it's not a right. so i take it very seriously. and i'm, you know -- >> reporter: focused on that. >> and just grateful. >> reporter: grateful and hopeful that i'll have another will, indeed, gallop in horse racing history. of course, it is a crowded field with a lot of contenders.

all could spring an upset. but oddsmakers right now, 4-5 odds that we could have a triple crown winner in i'll have another. >> exactly right there. the race by the way want to mention to people 3:00 p.m. eastern on the nbc sports network. full coverage at 4:30 p.m. eastern here on nbc. meantime, >> we want to say hello to andy sandler from "saturday night live." -- new movie, good morning, great to have you here. >> thanks for having me. >> all these people have come out to see the greatest rapper that ever lived. >> one of the greatest. i brought my whole family with me. >> -- say your name with adam sandler. you've had this big smile on your face. there's a reason for that. >> i called him a bunch yeah when i heard about this script i wanted to work with him. he's one of my heroes. and now we're on bill boards

together. >> how cool is that? >> it's the coolest. >> you guys, your father but you look like you're not that far apart in age. >> we're not. it's the perfect script in that regard in that he had a child very, very young, as a result of inappropriate teacher/student relationship. >> oh, okay. >> we skim through that part really quickly and get to the fun stuff. >> and, and, of course, everybody is while they're looking forward to this movie, some said this is your last season on "saturday night live." why now? >> you know, seven seasons, we did over 100 shorts, both of my buddies have moved on. we did a lot of stuff together there. i don't know. nothing in particular i'm moving on to, i just sort of felt like it was time. >> -- digital shorts tonight? >> i'll come back any time they'll have me i'm back. i hope it's true for me.

>> given somebody else like mark zuckerberg? >> i don't know that anyone else -- they need another cast member with a "berg" in their name. i played at least three bergs on that show. >> thank you. >> andy sandberg great to have you here. "that's my boy" in theaters soon. just ahead chris brown live in concert for a full half hour.

8:26 is your time now on this friday, june 8th, 2012, good morning, i'm eun yang. it's shaping up to be a beautiful day. it's going to be warm, a chilly start, meteorologist tom kierein in the storm center with the latest. >> it's rapidly warming up now, we're into the 60s throughout the region with the sunshine and a blue sky. we'll make it to the mid 80s by mid afternoon and we'll have low humidity in place. and another sunny day tomorrow, still not very humid. cool start, afternoon highs near 90. and again near 90 on sunday with low humidity. then monday, and into next week, it looks like we'll have the humidity increasing a bit. could get showers and thunder on tuesday, perhaps off and on on

wednesday, it might linger into thursday morning.

good morning, if you're traveling along i-270, making your way southbound here, we are seeing some delays this morning, as you get closer to the

beltway. let's look at route 50 inbound at landover road. heavy on the brakes and you're under speed as you make your way to 295, at about 30 miles per hour. eun, back to you. and that's our quarterly wrap-up -- any thoughts? wow. outstanding. off the charts.

boo-yah! excelente! that went well. add flavor to your day with dunkin's new breakfast burritos, with fire-roasted veggies and delicious steak. try one today. 8:30 now on a friday morning. the 8th day of june, 2012. we've got a beautiful day, and a beautiful crowd, and these are the perfect can bes for a great concert. coming up we've got new look sensation chris brown performing for a sold out crowd, a crowd who's been waiting. the anticipation is really

growing. meantime i'm ann curry. we've got a lot more coming up. >> we have another guy you may have heard of by the name of justin bieber, two weeks from today, something for music fans. >> and in fact he wants you to pick one of the songs. summertime, beer in mexico or living in fast forward. can you vote on our website, today.com. then watch for the winner during the concert on june 22nd. even better, come on down, and find out for yourself when kenny chesney takes to our stage. >> we have a special hour-long edition of the professionals. star, dr. nancy and donny are going to be here to tackle a whole host of questions and controversies. looking forward to that. >> also want to mention that we have a huge week coming up next

week. we've got larry hagman. patrick duffy. and linda gray from the 1980s hit drama, "dallas." they're bringing their famous characters back to life on a new version of the show. and they'll be here along with the next generation of ewings to tell us all about that. monday, here on "today." >> j.r. is actually in a nursing home. he is. they find him in a nursing home. >> i'm sure he's got a lot to say. >> quick hello to u.s. olympic wrestler jordan burrows. the world champion freestyle wrestler. >> good morning. >> you're from new jersey, right? >> that's right. from new jersey. i love the fact that -- >> 13,000 followers. >> yes, trying to get a little bit more. >> apparently so.

i got that impression. when you start off in your field, at that time did you think about becoming someone who wanted to achieve a gold medal? >> never. you know, it was always my dream to be an olympian, win olympic gold medals throughout my life. starting off as a kid it's hard to realize as a young age. now i'm big, strong, and hoping to be a gold medalist. >> wrestled for nebraska. collegiate wrestling. a little different from the wrestling you're going to be doing at the olympics. did it take much to adjust? >> a little bit. like i said, i feel as good as i've ever felt in my career. >> meanwhile, the u.s. has won two gold medals in the last two olympics in wrestling. so are you worried about the prospects? >> i'm focused and really

prepared right now. it's been a number of years -- lifestyle changes to winning a gold medal. and right now i'm just hoping to go out there. >> -- great day to be able to see this concert before you get back into your training. we wish you so much luck. >> thank you. >> i'm super excited to be here. >> what's -- >> all right. wish i could meet him. >> we'll try to arrange that. >> see you in london. we've got more coming up -- >> we've got to do weather. >> that's right. al, what about the weather? thank you for reminding me. >> i'm feeling the love, i am. let's check it out, see what we've got for you. belmont stakes, of course here we go, possibility of the triple crown. partly sunny, warm, humid, 40% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. saturday, risk of strong storms in the plains, a lot of wet weather down through the central gulf.

sunday -- sunday -- we're looking at more rain down through the gulf coast and florida, slight risk of strong storms in the northern plains on into the central mississippi river valley. here's what's happening in your neck of the woods. good morning, after a cool start, just an hour or so ago, we were down to the low to mid 50s. now it's jumped about ten degrees, to the mid to upper 60s throughout much of the region. 68 at reagan national. it will continue to climb into the 80s later today with low humidity and lots of sun. and then tomorrow, we'll have plenty of sunshine, low humidity. morning lows near 60. afternoon high near 90. on sunday, still not very humid, it looks like it will get a little more humid first part of next week. highs in the 80s, tuesday, wednesday, thursday, each one of >> and that's your latest weather. a lot of chris brown fans. >> i know. maybe we should take a second and show them some love, to find out from them where they're from. go ahead, al. >> i'm from d.c. >> and when did you get here? >> we got here two days ago. >> two days ago?

you've been hanging out -- all right. >> that's right. we have a little chris brown fan who is also celebrating her birthday. how old are you today? >> 8. >> eight years old. are you the momma? >> yes. >> and you decided are you bringing her here today because of the concert? >> yes. >> getting ready to dance, a little dancing this morning? >> yeah, maybe. >> i think somebody got dragged out of bed this morning. anyway you guys have a lot of fun. natalie, has -- >> people come from all over, including norway to see chris brown, right? big fans here? big fan of his, right? >> yes. >> what does it mean for you to be here to see him today? >> a lot. >> well, have a great time here all right. where's al? >> i'm going to take it. chris brown is coming up next. ♪

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the "toyota concert series on today" brought to you by toyota. >> we have had people lined up for this concert since thursday. so we don't want to keep them waiting anymore. performing one of his biggest hits, forever, ladies and gentlemen, chris brown. ♪ forever ♪ forever ♪ forever ♪ one two three four ♪ everybody put your hands up everybody put your hands up ♪

♪ hey hey it's you and me ♪ ♪ moving at the speed of light into eternity ♪ ♪ tonight is the night to join me in the middle of ♪ ♪ feel the melody and the rhythm of the music around you around you ♪ ♪ i'm take you there i'm gonna take you there ♪ ♪ so don't be scared i'm right here ready ♪ ♪ we can go anywhere anywhere ♪ ♪ but first it's your chance take my hand come with me ♪ ♪ it's like i waited my whole life for this one night ♪ ♪ it's gonna be me you and the dance floor ♪

♪ cause we got one night double your pleasure ♪ ♪ and dance forever ever ever for ever ever ever ♪ ♪ for ever ever for ever ♪ ♪ forever ♪ forever ever ever feels like we're on another level now feels like our love's ♪ ♪ we can be two rebels breaking rules you and i ♪ ♪ all you gotta do is watch me baby feel the beat inside ♪ ♪ you could take the front seat girl girl it's like i waited my whole life ♪ ♪ for this one night it's gonna be me and you on the

dance floor ♪ ♪ 'cause we got one night double your pleasure ♪ and dance forever ever ever forever forever forever on the dance floor ♪ ♪ it's a long way down we're so high off the ground ♪ ♪ sending for an angel to bring me your heart ♪ ♪ girl where did you come from got me so undone ♪ ♪ gaze in your eyes got me saying ♪ ♪ what a beautifully dadedy no ifs ands or maybes ♪ ♪ i'm releasing my heart and it feels amazing ♪ ♪ there's no one else that theers you love me ♪ ♪ i won't let you fall girl ♪ i finally found what i'm looking for ♪

♪ it's like i waited my whole life whole life for this one night ♪ ♪ it's gonna be me and you on the dance floor ♪ ♪ cause we got one night double your pleasure double your fun ♪ ♪ and dance forever ever ever ever ever ever ♪ ♪ ever ever ever >> ever ever ever ever ever ever ♪ ♪ forever on the dance floor >> chris brown. thanks. we'll have much more more music in a moment. but first, this is "today" on nbc. when it comes to gardening, we're, well, inexperienced. is this right? right here, like this? ♪ turn that off! plants can smell our fear then miracle-gro expand'n gro made things a lot easier for us.

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chris brown burst onto the music scene seven years ago. he's been on top ever since. he's got a new album out by the way we should next in early july on july 3rd. he's got this crowd still screaming, and is about to perform once again. ladies and gentlemen, chris brown. >> how you feeling out there today? i know you all came out real early. so let's party, okay? i think we should turn it up, right? come on, let's go. get a hand clap. ♪ turn up the music ♪ turn up the music can i hear

turn up the music turn it down ♪ ♪ put your hands up if you're sexy and you know it ♪ ♪ up in the hair ♪ turn up the music turn it up louder ♪ ♪ ♪ turn it up louder turn up the music ♪ ♪ let's do it ♪ oh, oh, oh, turn it up baby ♪ ♪ ♪ turn it up ♪

♪ turn it up turn it up ♪ ♪ turn it up turn it up ♪ ♪ turn it up turn it up ♪ ♪ turn it up turn it up ♪ ♪ turn it up turn up the music ♪ ♪ i need you baby turn up the music ♪ ♪ turn it up turn up the music ♪ ♪ today turn it up ♪ ♪ oh, oh, oh, turn it up baby oh, oh, ♪ ♪ can you turn it up turn it up turn it up ♪ ♪ turn it up turn it up ♪ ♪ turn it up turn it up ♪ ♪ turn it up turn it up ♪ ♪ turn it up turn it up ♪

♪ turn up the music >> and the music all the way there. we're back with more from chris brown straight ahead. but first, this is "today" on nbc. when mitt romney says "planned parenthood we're gonna get rid of that." romney is saying he'll deny women the birth control and cancer screenings they depend on. when romney says

"do i believe the supreme court should overturn roe v. wade? yes." he's saying he'll deny women the right to make their own medical decisions and when his campaign can't say whether he'd support equal pay protections. "and we'll get back to you on that." romney's putting your paycheck at risk. planned parenthood action fund is responsible for the content of this advertising because mitt romney is out of touch and wrong for women. >> you guys ready for some more?

chris brown! ♪ ♪ oh, yeah ♪ move your body ♪ ♪ ♪

♪ i hope that this will last awhile make it last awhile ♪ ♪ ♪ people everywhere everybody put your hands in the air ♪ ♪ yeah yeah yeah i want to see you tonight ♪ yeah yeah yeah ♪ girl i gotta i got to ♪ ♪ ♪ people everywhere everybody put your hands in the air ♪ ♪ just go let's hit it ♪

♪ let's hit it yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah ♪ ♪ girl i want to see you tonight ♪ ♪ yeah yeah yeah ♪ put your hands up in the air put your hands up in the air ♪ ♪ put your hands up in the air put your hands up in the air ♪ ♪ do it tonight put your hands up in the air ♪ ♪ put your hands up in the air ♪ tonight is the night ♪ yeah >> chris brown, thanks. we're going to have much more music a little later. plus a full hour of "today's professionals." a lot more still ahead on a friday morning, right here on "today." after your local news and weather.

8:56 is your time now on this friday june 8th, 2012. it's warming up quickly, let's check in with meteorologist tom kierein for a look at the forecast. >> as we approach 9:00, we're at 70 degrees throughout the metro area. elsewhere, mid and upper 60s. dry air over us, low humidity in

place, lots of sun. you'll need the screen if you'll be out for a length of time this afternoon as we hit the mid 80s by mid afternoon. warming up over the weekend, still not very humid, cool mornings, but afternoon highs near 90 saturday and sunday. then into next week, highs in the 80s, could get some showers and thundershowers late tuesday into wednesday, part of thursday. eun? >> tom, thank you.

good morning, if you're traveling along 395, northbound at shirlington, have a crash in the northbound lanes, please be aware of it. and we're seeing delays on 395. crossing over the 14th street bridge, pretty slow this morning. your travel speed northbound at 395, you're looking at 26 miles per hour, a 25-minute drive. eun, back to you.

back now with more of "today" on this concert friday morning, the 8th day of june, 2012. what a great way to kick off our weekend. you've been hearing the music from chris brown. and the crowd has actually become just absolutely wild. singing. in fact one m from the control room said this concert -- that -- anyway, the superstar has one more song coming up a little bit later. meantime i'm ann curry alongside lester holt who is in for matt this morning and al roker and savannah guthrie. >> everyone is checking out their video. >> i know. >> there you go, because all

morning -- >> and as we were watching this concert, everyone's been having their iphones up taking all kinds of -- >> you're up close. >> very good. very good. >> anyway, so we're all -- meantime, though, coming up in this half hour. we've got a big hour, because "today's professionals" for the full hour. >> we're devoting the whole hour to "today's professionals." we can't get enough of star, donny and dr. nancy. we're going to talk about the hot topics of the day. wluing a story whether miss pennsylvania was right to say that the miss universe contest or miss usa contest was rigged. also miley cyrus got engaged at just 19. is that too young? we'll talk about that. also hit the road to give a life tile makeover to a divorced mother and all i have to tell you is that donny is handing out dating advice. >> whoa. >> look out world. >> everything was fine -- >> all right. >> in charge -- >> all right. >> and also taking questions

from our crowd. so it's a full hour of "today' " professional professionals". >> so you've got to get to the top news stories of the morning. we've got natalie at the news desk. >> good morning, everyone. startling new statistics today as the pentagon reports that nearly one service member commits suicide every day. 154 soldiers have committed suicide in the first 159 days of this year. that's 17% more than at the same time last year and more than the total number killed in action in afghanistan so far this year. wild weather, including tornadoes, destroyed at least five homes thursday in southeastern wyoming. several people were treated for minor injuries. powerful storms also pounded parts of crowd dough with hail. and an ominous funnel cloud developed near an outdoor graduation ceremony in new jersey forcing the new graduates and their guests to run for cover from the high winds and rain. six members of a prominent kansas family were killed thursday when their small plane crashed into the central florida swamp.

officials say businessman ron bromage was flying with his wife and four children home from the bahamas when the plane went down. the basketball arena at kansas state university is named for his grandfather. federal health officials are racing to find the source of an e. coli outbreak in florida, georgia, louisiana and alabama. at least 11 cases have been linked to the outbreak, including the death of an infant in new orleans last week. however, officials are just beginning their investigation and they hope to identify the source of the contamination before the outbreak widens. another shot at a stolen dream for exonerated football hopeful brian banks. the 26-year-old had been jailed for years on a false rape conviction that was overturned last month. once a top college football prospect when he was back in high school, banks now has tryouts scheduled for six nfl teams, and an invite for the seattle seahawks mini camp. he says now he wants to earn enough money to support his mother, who sold her house and car to cover his legal expenses during his ordeal.

and you can probably get away with wearing fabulous faux jewelry when you're married to the future king of england. kate the duchess of cambridge was dazzling in what appeared to be diamond and pearl earrings she wore at buckingham palace for the queen's jubilee. well now we have since learned they are reportedly high quality fakes. that cost about $75. we love that about her. of course she has access to the real deal, as well. four minutes after the hour. let's go out to al. the cleanup has begun. >> yes, it has. the crowds are still hanging around for "today's professionals." let's first show you what we've got for today. strong storms on the plains, into the upper the upper midwest. and the northeastern new england. threat of isolated tornadoes, damaging winds and hail and our friends down in florida continue to get socked with a monsoonal moisture. a lot of rain anywhere from three to five inches from daytona beach, orlando, just to the north of miami and naples, florida, that's what's going on around the country, here's

what's happening in your neck of the woods. gorgeous morning here. we are in the 60s to near 70 degrees. bright sun in a blue sky. low humidity. and a perfect morning. later today, we'll be heating up into the mid 80s by mid afternoon. lots of sunshine. low humidity and not very humid over the weekend, either. cool in the mornings, afternoon highs on saturday and sunday, up around 90 degrees. definitely need sunscreen. today through the weekend. getting more humid first part of next week, might get showers and thunder late tuesday into thursday. >> and that's your latest weather. savannah? >> al, thanks. now we are kicking off an hour, yes an hour, with our power players, "today's professionals." attorney and author star jones, ad executive donny deutsch and head and neck surgeon and nbc's chief medical editor, we may need a doctor, dr. nancy snyderman. >> speaking of doctors. the psychiatric team from bellevue is checking us out now. >> i've got a blood pressure

cuff right over there. let's start with the hot topic. the miss usa controversy. miss pennsylvania was on our show this morning, exclusively, talking about why she stepped down basically relinquished her title of miss pennsylvania because she thinks the contest was rigged. first of all i know you all watched the interview. did you believe her story? >> she seemed to be very credible. however i'm waiting to see some evidence. it's one thing to make a claim. it's another thing to say that she saw something from a friend, or she heard something from a friend. that friend now denies it. if there is no factual empirical evidence to back up her claim she's really going to be in trouble in a defamation kind of lawsuit. >> could be clear, she said that she heard another contestant said they knew the five finalists before they had really even done the last 16. >> but that alleged contestant has now said that did not happen. there was no list. and so i'm not sure if she's got really a claim. >> donny, what do you think? >> i found her to be very, very engaging. and i want to give trump some branding advice. donald and i go back a long way.

he's starting to feel like a bully. whether she's right or wrong to go after coming off the birther thing if i was donald i would just back away from this. >> he's threatening to sue her. >> he's been -- i've got to tell you donald and you hate me for this, you just gotta kind of move on from this thing. >> is her question -- >> are these things even relevant anymore? who gives a damn? it's a pageant? are they a relative of a bygone era? >> yes, yes, yes. >> -- really do get into pageants and girls use it for scholarship money. at least some pageants. i don't know about these particular pageants. it may be just beauty. >> by the way, i think -- >> it's not -- >> a lot of the -- >> a lot of elitism. >> a lot of the country likes this. >> that's what -- >> then guess what? then it's reality television and don't be surprised if it's rigged. >> by the way -- >> don't be surprised if it's rigged then if it's reality television. >> we've got a whole hour to get to. next topic, miley cyrus engaged. she's 19. she's going to marry her

boyfriend of a few years liam hemsworth. nancy, is there any evidence that people who get married as youngsters have less success rate in marriage than older couples? >> yes. but every once in awhile there is the romeo and juliet effect. and this may be the perfect one. he is young -- he is stunningly handsome. that's all i can say. >> but is that really your analysis? >> yes. >> just about his looks? >> do i have to turn to donny to get a serious response? >> first of all, 19-year-olds, you're not -- you don't know what you're going to be like as a grown adult. the chances are so small. but the thing you have to look at, there are so many celebrities out there, jessica simpson who has a baby, that their only reason they exist in the consciousness now is not for their talent but what they're doing personally. >> you think miley cyrus is an example of that? >> sure. >> i can barely commit to a hairdo at 19, i can still not commit to it now. are you kidding me? >> the hairdo is yesterday. >> the chances are stacked against her because she's young and because they're doing this in these very public way.

>> smart business move. >> i love the next story. ladies day at the french open. okay. one decided it should be ladies day there and let's show you how they celebrated. they turned the clay court pink for the occasion. they offered manicures, and massages. take a look. you know, one espn reporter, a female was aghast, she said, there were invitations for the fairer sex, and rsvps for women only. is this a nice gesture or is this kind of -- >> do see evert and navratilova on a pink court? >> however it's the color of breast cancer awareness. >> we do that here in this country. we always celebrate, or i should say highlight breast cancer awareness with pink. >> well we hijack october. >> i think there's a bigger issue here. it's interesting. the deutsch agency which is run by women now. they get offended, the ad agency came out with the 30 women in advertising. that keeps women in a box in a corner. every time we try to elevate women by saying the ten most powerful women in hollywood.

aren't we keeping them down? >> do you think it's different because it's french? >> i'm just saying, obvious eu pink is fine, but i think the larger fine is every time we try to elevate women are we actually setting them back and separating them? >> but if you did the top 50 people i'm only curious how many would be women? >> that's the point. that's what has to happen, that's their point. >> if it's going to be 50/50 in there then of course you don't need to separate. >> real quick, did it offend any of you to be referred to as ladies? >> i'd rather be called a broad. >> i was just going to say that. >> it doesn't bother me just don't call me the "b" word. the other word. >> right away. >> i got in trouble for using the word broad. >> i like being a broad. >> everyone wants to be a broad. >> genetic testing breakthrough. nancy, this one is probably for you. there's a new study that shows there could be a simple noninvasive test that is a blood sample from the pleg nantz mother, saliva from her man and would give a full genetic profile. what would you learn about the feetous? >> you might learn that i child has a severe genetic problem. it gives parents a chance do

decide whether they're going to continue that pregnancy or not. this is the science of today. it is running fast into the future. and i think the future will be such that you'll find out that your child may have a genetic hit. you can fix that genetic problem, and improve your chance a child -- >> when will you know about this? >> well, it's out there now. >> obviously, i'm a pro-choice guy but at the end of the day what's stopping people, oh, my son is going to be blonde. you've got to do it -- >> i get the genetic engineering issue. but the reality is we've already jumped out of that with amniocentesis. the science is there. the problem is science goes faster than we have these societal questions. that's exactly why we should have the societal questions. >> do you think it raises ethical issues? if you have information that your child is going to have a genetic problem and then you're posed with the question of going forward with the pregnancy? >> i'm pro-science. i believe this is a great way to prevent diseases. >> i agree. >> and my only question is, legally, at what point will the

courts step in and say no, this is too late in the gestation process? >> they won't. they won't. >> we'll see what's happening with the next presidency. >> not if you can save a life and prevent a disease. >> i agree. >> let's move on to somewhat interesting topic, cap and frown we're calling it. a mother was arrested at graduation because she cheered too loudly at her daughter's high school graduation. the woman, in south carolina, shannon cooper, says she was placed in handcuffs, walked through the middle of the ceremony in front of her daughter. >> i just have to tell you, i'm sorry that i didn't get arrested. because i could have. i was at three graduations over the past week. and we cheered as loudly as possible. the only reason why i didn't scream and hoot and holler in the last one, my nephew, because i was giving the commencement speech and it wouldn't have been appropriate. >> isn't that the point of graduation? >> yes. >> it's their day. >> at a time when we worry about kids not getting to college and not graduating. >> thank you. >> and not assimilating into society, you want to whoop it up, whoop it up. >> donny? >> it's ridiculous to arrest the

woman. but i also do sometimes wonder, i was at a graduation and certain kids get cheered louder because maybe the parents are louder. but clearly to arrest this woman. >> i mean enough already. >> and mess up that kid's graduation so forever she's got to tell people, you know my momma got arrested at my graduation. >> good story, though. >> all right. >> don't be arresting my momma at my graduation. >> why you got to move your head when you do that? >> you do it. >> i do not. >> you get to be together for the whole hour. >> two classy broads, star and nancy, thanks. all right the professionals are staying with us. they're going to go on the road and help one mom and give her a lifestyle makeover. donny is giving dating tips.

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[ female announcer ] hey ladies. here's a little something you'll find irresistible. cinnamon toast crunch, with a delicious cinnamon and sugar taste that's amazing. crave those crazy squares.™ back now with "today's professionals" and a much-deserved makeover for one busy mom. we turned to our pros to help one viewer in need of a lifestyle change. 33-year-old jennifer cobb is a working, single mom with two ages kids 6 and 7. divorced four years ago, she has been struggling to turn her life around. >> it's really been a whole-hearted effort for my children. because, you know, they're just the joys of my life. and i want to make sure that they have everything, so i put, you know, myself on the back burner. >> reporter: but putting herself on the back burner has left her feeling alone and underconfident. >> been a long road learning to be independent. i just haven't gotten back out

there. i do miss companionship completely. >> reporter: so we wanted to give jennifer a nudge and surprise her with a professionals pick me up. the professionals are here. >> hi. >> how are you? >> oh, my gosh, hi. >> first dr. nancy sat down with her to get a handle on her health, something jennifer acknowledges she's been neglecting for years. >> let's start with the basics. i'm a big believe that people should know their numbers like blood pressure. this is going to get tight on you for a second. listen to your heart for a second. okay? now i just want to see a pulse. one other number. this one -- >> oh, please. >> i'm going to measure your waist. >> oh, boy. >> nice thing is no high blood pressure. pulse is great. yes, your waist could lose a few inches. but this is actually the beginning of a new beginning. i say to women, putting yourself first is not selfish, it's self-preservational. >> next it was star's turn to discuss legal issues that have been holding jennifer back. >> so you are the one who is in

total guardianship of these children and responsible for their care and well-being? >> yes. >> you are someone who is a prime candidate for the things that everyone needs to have in their life. legally. a living will. an actual will. a powerful attorney. and a kids' protection plan. do you have any of these things? >> i don't. >> wow. we're going to need to have passports. we're going to need to have birth certificates and then you'll be legalny in a good place. >> okay. >> any questions? >> no. sounds good. >> and last, but certainly not least, donny stepped in with dating advice. are you concerned that you have two kids going out as a single mom? >> i am. i'm very guarded in that way. >> your kids don't think any differently. a mother is a beautiful, attractive thing. what are you look for? >> someone who wants to go out, who can talk, who shares the same interests as i do. i'm really big into sports.

>> i'd like that you guess what, there's a place you can go that you can "a," still be with your kids. "b," fish where the fish are. where there's tons of guys, 95% guys. and "c," do something you love. where would that be? >> yankee stadium. >> exactly. you should be going to sporting events all the time. because it's something you love. it's a family thing. and by the way a woman alone with two kids. you have a stadium full of 50,000 guys. let's go get them. >> let's go have dinner. >> right! >> well, star, donny and dr. danny are here along with jennifer. i know it's only been a couple of days since you had the pros come in and do an intervention. you feel like you're seeing a light at the end of the tunnel? >> it's just starting to show. i followed each one of their advices in the last few days, and i already feel that there's a change going on. >> starting to take charge? >> yeah. you know, there was a long road ahead of me and now it seems as though -- >> what's different so far? >> i did take your advice. >> about? >> i got a new outfit today that

accentuated different areas of my body. >> i love that color. >> and you're drinkling. you're glowing. >> we talked about confidence. and you just have this air about you now that's very appealing. >> thank you. >> if i could have your hair and makeup come to my house -- >> that's what we talked about. i brought your labwork with you. because i think it's really important for people to hold on to these things, so i'm going to hand this to you. you have fabulous cholesterol. the top number i marked, blood sugar. it's hovering at a prediabetic state. >> oh. >> but you're still within normal limits but you're just hovering. >> you know what? >> that chart and she's already doing it. she's writing down everything that she's eating. >> and have you started working on some of those legal documents? >> yes. i have started to put together a will. i've looked into that, and what the living will will go with it. >> the documents -- >> four documents that are important. >> especially for a single mom. >> a living will, an actual will, a power of attorney, most

importantly the kid's protection plan. god forbid something should happen to you we want to know what you'd like to have. >> we like her to be medically and legally safe. >> okay -- >> now -- >> dating advice from donna? >> i'm going to do a 30 second voice over, deutsch commercial. camera on her. this is a gorgeous, passionate, amazing mom, with a cool son there who loves baseball, has got it going on. where are they going to find you? >> new york sports fan mom. >> okay, i am telling you, go, this is an incredible, incredible woman. >> i'm going to intervene here and just say, by the way, get you started off on the right foot we're going to do a little something for you. first we're going to send you for a little pampering at the spa in waldorf-astoria towers. you can pretty yourself up and get ready for that hot date at yankee stadium because you and the kids including little jack here are going to a game. >> come on in, jack.

>> give your mom a big hug. >> absolutely big hug. >> how cool is his guy? >> keep it up. let us know. >> thank you so much. >> let us know. coming up, your turn to ask the pros, if they let you. first these messages. flo, and karen for a girls night out talking about activia. i tried it and my body felt so right, for a change. and then there's you... why should i try it? my system gets out of sorts but that comes with age, right? wouldn't you like to feel great? just because we're in that over 50... what does that mean? are we done? activia helps regulate your digestive system when eaten daily. these could be our best years yet. activia

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9:26 is your time now on this friday, june 8th, 2012, good morning, i'm eun yang. it's shaping up to be a beautiful weekend. let's go to meteorologist tom kierein for a look at the forecast. >> it is a perfect morning. we've got low humidity, bright sun and a blue sky. now 72 at reagan national near 70 all around the region now. climbing to the mid 80s by mid afternoon. low humidity in place, lots of sun. you'll need sunblock and more of the same for the weekend. although a little bit hotter during the afternoons, but still not very humid. cool in the mornings. then first part of next week, getting a little more humid, highs in the 80s, might get showers and thunder tuesday into thursday. eun? >> tom, thank you. we'll take look at the roads

good morning, if you're traveling across the american legion bridge on the outer loop, very slow as you make your way towards the dulles toll road, let's head to i-95 in virginia, it looks better at fairfax county parkway making your way northbound. no issues to report, at about 62

miles per hour, 11 minutes from the occoquan to the beltway, not bad, but you're slow crossing the 14th street bridge. back to you.

♪ ♪ for you i see >> get ready for racing pulses and beating hearts. >> that's lester. >> calm down. we're talking about bieber fever on the plaza. the 18-year-old global pop phenom justin bieber coming to the plaza one week from today. so come on down to the plaza, that is next friday, and become a believer. lester has long been a believer. >> oh, yeah are you kidding me? >> i thought -- >> this is just like, i think i

want to but i'm in a suit. >> we're going to agree. >> wow. >> wow. >> that's what i had to give up my card. >> all right. i'm natalie morales, along with lester holt. savannah guthrie, jenna wolfe. we need your help. >> some more than others. >> two weeks from today, country superstar kenny chesney is going to be playing on our plaza. he wants fans to help him decide on the set list. so head to today.com. cast your vote. i don't think lester can go on. the choices for the song are summertime, beer in mexico and living in fast forward. i guess we know what i'm voting for. he will play the song with the most votes live on our plaza. we're not done with today's concert. one more song from chris brown still ahead. >> all right. >> and well our special hour

with "today's professionals" are going to take some viewer questions. but first lester and jenna are here. with a weekend preview. >> this weekend, will he race into the record books? i'll have another tries to become the first thoroughbred in 34 years to complete the triple crown. we'll see if he lives up to his name. >> and celebrity family feud. ryan and tatum o'neal, tory and candy spelling, why so many families take their fights public. and summer travel tips from what to wear on a plane, what to pack, what to eat, where to go. we'll have some advice. all that and more when we see you this weekend on "today." >> and what will the weather be for that, al roker? >> let's show you. starting off with saturday, we got some sizzling weather for the belmont stakes, we're talking about. >> warm and humid. chance of afternoon showers and scattered thunderstorms. saturday heavy rain down through the central gulf.

risk of strong storms. wet weat of strong storms throu the plains, wet weather in the pacific northwest. here's what's happening in your neck of the woods. warming up now, we're into the low 70s, upper 60s throughout most of the region. now just past 9:30, 72 at reagan national. a clear sky with bright sun for the rest of the day. with highs reaching the mid 80s. maybe a little bit of hotter tomorrow, as well as on sunday, with still low humidity in place, morning lows near 60. on monday, getting more humid, highs in the mid 80s and partly cloudy, could get showers and storms on tuesday afternoon and evening. perhaps into wednesday, part of >> and that's your latest weather. >> all right. coming up next, your burning questions answered when we ask the professionals. un, deux, trois, quatre! ♪ allez ouais...woo! ♪ crazy, crazy, sky so blue. ♪

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...with one goal in mind... to better serve you... ♪ ...so nothing will get between you and the care you deserve. find your pharmacist at walgreens.com. we are back with more of our special "today's professionals" hour. it's your turn to ask the experts. we're going to do a lightning round with these guys. al has some questions from the crowd. >> hey, savannah, guys. we've got sheila whose question, you're from houston, right? >> yes, sir. >> what's your question? >> my question is, a report just came out this week about men and women doing the same jobs, professional careers and the men are continuously being paid higher salaries. >> what a surprise. >> why is that? >> okay, nancy? >> we still make 77 cents to the dollar as men. it's ridiculous. in a country like saudi arabia

where we question their rights it's against the law to pay women less than men. >> donny, plyou employ a lot of people. >> we run my company. i want to challenge the women. my experience is women don't feel entitled enough to ask and demand what they -- no, no. >> what? so it's the woman's fault. >> the women are now empowered. once again women need to say i deserve this. i want this. and have some of those same stupid traits that men have as far as entitlements. >> absolutely. my bread does not cost 30 cents less than a man's bread when he goes into the grocery store. equal pay for equal work. that was one of the first thing that obama did. >> women demand it. demand it. >> al, another question. >> all right. we've got jennifer, jennifer, also from texas. okay. what's your question? >> mary-kate olsen is now dating oliver, who is 17 years older than her. what do you think is the appropriate age difference in dating? >> i think -- >> this could be great for donny. >> you're going to be -- i like

age appropriate women. ity ten years is a good spread. 17. 54 and 37 isn't a problem. all of a sudden it's 70 and 53. >> there's no hard and fast rule. >> i think it looks good in the beginning. i think it looks very different in the end. >> the last thing you want to be doing is changing diapers on either end of the scale. >> when does for better for worse start? >> she has always been such a mature young woman. she's had a lot of responsibility as a young person. she's handled it beautifully. i say let her go ahead and do her thing. >> al you got another question? >> susan from madison. you got questions about adoption. >> i do. when it comes to adoption do you find open versus closed? is there a benefit of one way over another? >> i can tell you that i've been considering adopting and i know that i would want a closed adoption. i do not want to have to have the continuous interaction with the birth parents. >> let's define our terms. in open adoption? >> all parties know who is

adopting and who is the birth mother. my eldest is adopted. the biological mother does not know my identity. i have preferred it this way. my daughter has sought out her birth mother. i told her she absolutely has may blessing. but i told her it's a pandora's box. you never know what that's going to be. >> i might adopt some day, even as a single dad, and i wouldn't want to have to manage that. i would want it close. as a parent, control is not the right word, keep structure in your kid's life. >> all three of you think closed adoption? >> from my standpoint as a mother. but i respect every child's desire to know where they came from. >> and what i would do -- i would say, once they're an adult i would have a box of information on everything i have gathered about their birth mother and father so that they can go out if they'd like. >> and you know what, i did that with my daughter and i waited for her to come to me. >> okay. our last question comes from online on facebook from angela, she says long-term birth control for a woman, or vasectomy for a

man? which is better? health risks with either? does one outweigh the other? >> there are no health risks with a vasectomy. donny, i know you have -- >> as the father of girls i would say birth control should always be in your hands, number one. and number two, as a man, talking to older men, you never know what's going to happen in life. god forbid your spouse passes away, you don't think you wouldn't children, i wouldn't close up shop. >> tony randall. >> guys want the ability, now that they've got the little blue pills they want the ability to pro-create all the time. >> i guess there's no age gap. >> star is absolutely right. men love to pro-create. >> let's drag our knuckles on the ground. >> finally, finally, finally you're acting appropriate for who you are. >> thank you to al outside and the panel. stay with us. we have more hot topics and knuckle dragging.

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hey son! come on over here! coach t, it's an honor. well, have you thought about the future? maybe corolla or camry. well, my mom says i need to keep my mpg up. [ laughing ] course she does... we got number 34. highway. and we got 43 over there. city. go on, check it out! i'll tell you what, checkers, you've impressed me before in the past, and you're impressing me even more now. coach is impressed. you did a good job and i like your shoes. oh, yeah, back now with our "today's" professional whip. i got the blues with a lowdown. >> i'm going to start things off with chief medical editor dr. nancy snyderman. let's begin with something which is being referred to as the party girl drip. >> so this is like the newest, hottest thing in hollywood

apparently. if you become drunk the night before, you can hook yourself up to an i-very with minerals or vitamins in it and people say it makes them feel better. so here's the straight on it. this is for the worried well. you don't have enough problems in your life, go looking for something that has no medical benefits. it will give you expensive urine and my advice to people simply is, if you need something to deal with the fact that you got drunk the night before, don't get drunk. >> exactly. that's the only cure there. >> waste of money. >> we'll talk about sheryl crow battled breast cancer six years now. now she's came out last week saying she has a benign brain tumor. >> she's an amazing woman. so she couldn't remember lyrics onstage and sort of laughed it off to being 50, then had a follow-up and incidental finding was that she has this brain timer. they do increase in number as women get older. but there is no evidence that this caused the problem. they are benign. a benign tumor in a bad spot can cause trouble. however, if it's a benign tumor

just sitting there causing no problems, watchful waiting makes sense. and from all of her -- twitter account that's what she's going to do. is watchful waiting. i think she's very smart. >> any link to breast cancer at all? >> no. none. benign tumor and i don't think any relationship. this was just an incidental finding. she's very smart. >> my mom had one. dr. nancy snyderman. now here's al. >> all right, thanks so much. we're all familiar with the age-old saying that of course sex sells. business buzz. our danny deutsche is going to talk about this one. two concepts, two ideas about sex selling. first of all, the animal rights group peta launching a website with adult content. why would they do this? >> first of all as far as sex sells. sex gets attention. it doesn't always sell. sex the wrong way can sell against you. i don't think by ever shocking you it's going to sell. their whole marketing has always

been shock. we have such a noble cause to save animals. to me as a marketer, if they do this xx thing and it draws people to your cause, as far as a cause anything goes. that's a smart idea. >> so you think this is going to work though? >> once again we're talking about it. so everything peta does is even if they get banned, even if they get looked down upon, they want to draw attention to their cause. so sex for attention, for their cause, works. >> new snickers ad they're using the fact you should eat chocolate before having a good time. >> it's not running here now. it's been talked about on a lot of websites. the ad, if you -- it will help you undo a woman's bra, now, that's of course ridiculous. what they're basically saying is hey, young guys, we get you. so they're not literally saying if people are oh, my god, what are they doing? no, everything they do, whether it's knocking down betty white in an ad or something like this, hey young 16-year-old dudes we get the way you think. it's called bonding with the consumer. sex is one way to do it. >> donny, thanks so much. >> you're a handsome man, by the

way. >> thank you very much. i think you are, too. now here's a beautiful woman, savannah. >> oh, my goodness. all right. the lillodown with attorney star jones. >> hey. >> talk about the george zimmerman case. he's obviously back in custody because a judge found that he had misled the court about his finances when the judge was setting bail. he's got another band hearing coming up. do you think he'll be let out? >> i actually think they're going to set a bail. i think it will prob i be much higher than the $150,000 initially set by the judge. there's going to be some testimony as to what they knew and when they knew it as it relates to him and his wife. i think one of the biggest issues is going to be the use of the website funds. what will they allow to be used? what will they allow to be used for the defense expenses or for bail? >> i want to talk about a case out in massachusetts. maybe one of 9 first of its kind. a teen texting and driving case. explain. >> it's the first time that there's been a conviction under this new vehicular manslaughter law that specifically speaks to texting and driving.

he was 17 at the time, 18 now. he's now been sentenced to 2 2345e6 years. he's got to actually do a year in prison with some community service. he's going to lose his driver's license for 15 years. what it says to me, savannah is, this and 389 other states, including the district of columbia, they're taking texting while driving very seriously. so we all should take it very seriously. >> you'll see more cases like this. star, thank you so much. coming up next, grammy winner chris brown on our plaza.

the "toyota concert series on today" brought to you by toyota. >> he didn't like -- >> well before we hear from donny and the knuckle draggers, one more song from superstar chris brown.

♪ ♪ ♪ too much light in this window don't wake me up ♪ ♪ only coffee no sugar. inside my cup ♪ ♪ if i wake give me a kiss ♪ ♪ i was dreaming don't wake me up ♪ ♪ up up up up up ♪ don't wake me up up up up up ♪ don't wake me up up up up up ♪ don't wake me up don't wake me

♪ don't wake me up ♪ don't wake me up ♪ don't wake me up ♪ yeah don't wake me up up up up up up ♪ ♪ don't wake me up don't wake me ♪ ♪ don't want to fall asleep no ♪ ♪ you've got ♪ i don't want to fall asleep ♪ don't wake me up yeah ♪ ♪ don't wake me up up

don't wake me up ♪ ♪ yeah don't wake me up don't wake me up ♪ ♪ don't wake me yeah. i love you.

9:57 is your time now on this friday, june 8th, 2012, good morning to you, i'm eun yang. it looks like it's going to be a great weekend if you're heading out of town. let's check in with danella sealock for a check on the roads. it's looking great, especially if you're thinking of traveling route 50, across the bay bridge. no issues to report there let's look at i-95. heading down south. making your way northbound at the occoquan, your travel speed

from the beltway, looking at 62 miles per hour. tom, i-95 looks great and so does the weather. >> a lot of sun there. all your traffic shots and we've got a beautiful blue sky, temperatures right now as we approach 10:00 are already into the 70s much of the region. reagan national now at 75. later today, into the mid 80s with lots of sunshine. low humidity and more of the same over the weekend, although a little bit hotter and getting a little more humid as we start off these week. might get showers late on tuesday, perhaps off and on into wednesday and thursday. that's it way it looks right now. now. "news4 midday" will not air

captions paid for by nbc-universal television you have made it to try day friday, everybody. just look ound. it's june 8th. in case you didn't know it, it's national best friends day. >> it is. >> gosh, i wish our best friends were here. >> they're not. can't have everything. >> it is a day to enjoy and appreciate your best friend. gosh, i wish she was here. >> you know what? you're stuck with me. hi, karen.

>> i've got mine over there. >> of course you do. >> she refuses to be seen. >> i do consider you among my very best friends. >> i consider you, too. >> i know you don't consider me. >> i do. >> i know it's awkward. awkward. >> i do. >> karen, i want to wish you down in new orleans a very best friends day with hoda woman. >> that is totally mean what you just did. so here's a good thing. >> and jane but she's feeling down. you know, the ones who think they're your best friend -- this day can cause the end of friendship. >> we shouldn't even recognize it. here is the good thing about best friend. if you pick the right friends they can help you out in all kinds of times, obviously. if you have a very good friend they can bring the stress level down. you have to pick people who are healthy inside and out to be in your circle. >> no negative energy.

no negativity. at one point i had to say to one years ago, if you cannot be a blessing, i do not need any more burdens. not one more burden. that's not friendship. >> different times in your life, i think you attract what's within you. when you are feeling great and you feel healthy and happy, the friends you end up attracting are those people. >> like-minded people. >> when you're cranky and everything is critical and you get in that zone, those people who are with you then -- get rid of them. >> it's hard to though. i'm sure everybody -- i have some friends that are the one that come with a lot of baggage, but they're precious individuals, but they're hard work, you know? you know when you see they called it's because they've got another problem, but i think it's important to have friends like that, too. they are not going to be your best friends. you're not going to go on long week trips, anything like that.

that's also part of bring a friend. >> we have a lot of people who sent in their best friend pictures. jen from enfield, connecticut. these ladies have been best buds 25 years. >> bless you. bobbie, our other pal over there. bobbie wasn't mentioned as anybody's best friend. >> her segment is coming up. >> somebody loves bobbie. >> karen from florida, that was her and her husband steve. they've been best friends 23 years. >> that's lovely. i wasn't thinking about that. >> christine from portland, maine with her best friend heather of 13 years. kim from texas running a marathon with her best friend of 17 years. there it is. it's nice. >> you see the amount of years. i have new friends in my life within the last ten years that i just adore. >> me. >> you're one of them. they've been great friends.

but it's those -- >> that have been with you on the long haul. hi, chrissy. >> the summer dress code. what to wear to work in the summertime. etiquette experts are weighing in on this. >> you want to wear your beautiful summer clothes, but you freeze your tushy off. >> people always ask why do you wear sleeveless. you shouldn't wear flip-flops, mini skirts, strapless, those kinds of things you shouldn't be wearing to work. people do. they don't care. >> it's not only the dumbing down of our culture, but the disintegration. i used to go to broadway and people would dress up for broadway. now they wear everything you just described. get on a plane. oh, my gosh, would you think they came off the boardwalk and got on the plane. >> i know. >> now they have to because they come with their supersized drink and pizzas.

>> here's the other thing. sometimes in office places and we know here at 30 rock, when you walk in from outside on a nice summer day and you step into the building, it's freezing. a lot of people sit in offices and desks. guys are comfortable because they have to wear suit jackets or whatever and we are freezing all the time. >> we are all trying to save energy and all trying to save money. why are they keeping it freezing? i do not understand. i understand a little bit here with all the studios because you have machinery and you're under lights. what is it here? >> here is the temperature in our studio as we speak right now. it's 68ish. it changes because of the lights. >> if you go to david letterman's show, 55 degrees. >> freezing. i think it's one of those things i think men are more comfortable when it's cold. they say, according to this study, you do your best work when you're warmer.

when you're not freezing. they said it's in the 70s, 76. that's too hot. >> we are about to get a lot warmer. >> yes, we are. >> we are scared to open it. >> i am on the record that i am not for this idea. this is hoda and jo-ann la marka and amanda who loves this sort of thing. >> sometimes when you open "cosmopolitan," there is a sealed section where you can smell perfume. there is a sealed section that is called a guy, the red page, his hot package. you have to unseal it to know what's going on. so get in there. >> is this in my contract? >> rip it open, it says. you have to be 18 or older. okay. okay. >> oh.

it's just fascinating penis facts, that's all. >> that's all we can say is just one time. you used our whole allotment of it. >> tell the world the average -- >> say something else? >> standing at attention, i don't like the word erection. >> wait. we just have to show -- you're going to be surprised by this, by the way. the average erect male is -- >> say package. >> is the length of a sharpie. that's what they said a sharpie. >> not where i come from. >> well, well, well. no. no. no. >> that baby wouldn't put on to play, if you know what i mean. not going to happen. >> this is the concern of this segment. if you wonder what state you can find men with the largest

packages. >> connecticut. >> here are the top five. arizona is number five. >> probably true. >> indiana four. >> memories. >> new york is three. oregon is number two. >> lumberjacks. >> the number one state is new hampshire. >> why? >> one of those places that sells -- >> how did they measure this? >> one of the places that sells condoms online, they went -- >> do the body language. >> no. i'm not doing it any more. they looked at all the orders and found out what size people ordered from which states. then they rank them. isn't that crazy? >> is there anything more? >> are we allowed to talk -- i don't think there is much you can -- small hands. what does it say about that? that's what they say. hold on. get a look at his digits. >> oh, my gosh!

>> it says -- listen, a dude whose index finger is shorter than his ring finger, if his index finger is shorter than his ring finger, he's more likely to have a larger. okay, got it? index finger shorter than his ring finger. any way. i don't know -- >> they're going like this. >> not lou. lou was holding his hand up high. oh, lou. >> wow. >> i'm embarrassed and i apologize on behalf of nbc news for what hoda just did. to my mother who is going, what's a digit? >> all right. you know what it's time for? your friday funny. >> please, lord, let it be funny. somebody thinks it is. this was sent in on facebook from liane fisher. a little girl went to her grandpa's hospital room and

says, grandpa, can you make a sound like a frog? grandfather goes why? his granddaughter begs. just make a sound like a frog when mommy gets in the room. grandpa asks again, why? little girl says because mommy says as soon as you croak we're all going to disneyland. >> that is terrible. >> let's go back to "cosmo." it's time for bobbie's buzz. >> bobbie, i apologize to you because you had to listen to that. a new low. >> well, i think friends come out toe play today. i have father's day finds. this fires box.com website will make your dad a superhero. if you send them two pictures, they will create a three-dimensional head. this is matt. and i have a special surprise. this is frank. >> oh, my gosh. it really is. >> frank is captain america. >> of course he is.

>> closer to the camera. >> wow. i love that. >> if you want to spice things up for your dad, that sounds weird, but you can get a jug of tobasco and personalize it. i have hoda's name on here because she likes things spicy. this is a cute idea. something i like. red envelope.com has great personalized gifts. if you want to put a secret hidden message on a money clip or this sleek bottle opener that is the size of a credit card. >> how sweet. >> the message is great. it's hidden. last but not least would be the baseball fan. this is cool. michael's dad loves the nationals. this is a wallet from red envelope made with authenticated jerseys in the liner inside.

is it okay for models to complain if they cannot find a date? kathie lee says -- >> i don't get men hitting on me. she is one of the most beautiful women ever. i said even beautiful people have problems. look at hoda. >> is that a compliment or not exactly. >> you're a beautiful person. it doesn't mean you don't have some sort of problem in life. >> okay. i say it's not okay. i don't think anyone wants to hear how hard the life of a supermodel is. if you want to complain, choose your close friends. no one wants to hear elle mcpherson say she has troubles. >> we have troubles that are trouble that you don't know you have trouble until you're in trouble. >> andy samberg. >> jane fonda on her latest family affair. she is quite the granny. can lulu have some beef pasta, too?

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in adam sandler's upcoming movie "that's my boy" the boy is played by adam samberg. >> their father/son relationship is complicated. >> can't imagine why. >> in an effort to roll with it, they do have their bonding moments. take a look. >> you got it. it's in you, buddy. i ain't going to let you fall. >> don't let me go. >> i'm still with you. i'm still with you. let's pick up speed though. i'm with you guy. i'm with you. i'm not letting go. i'm with you, my boy. i'm with you, my boy. >> i'm doing it. >> he's with you all right. andy is with us right now. >> how you doing, andy. >> i'm good. >> how you doing? >> it's andy, yeah. >> i got it.

you really wanted this role. this was a big one for you. you lobbied for it, right? >> i did. me and tom cruise were the only two left. >> real men of cinema. >> i read the script and i was like, it's the guy who plays sandler son if sandler had a kid as a teenager. the age different was perfect. the nose similarity is perfect. names are almost identical as i keep finding doing press work. >> i'm sorry. it's a little andy/adam. >> my point is you're one of millions who get my name wrong. >> your character is strange. he carries around a spare pair of underwear. >> he does for emergency. >> he showers with them on. >> he showers in his bathing suit. >> tell us about this guy. >> basically, he's scarred. he had a strange upbringing. his father was so young when he had him. >> how old was he?

>> he was 15 or 16 is what it is in the film. so he's like a kid raising a kid. all that stuff results in a lot of, you know, problems for my guy. he got really fat because he would let him eat whatever he wanted. et cetera. never learned how to ride a bike, as we just saw. >> we noticed that. >> it cuts to present day in the film and he's looking for money and it's my wedding week. >> the father is looking for money from you. >> from me. i told everyone my parents exploded because i want nothing to do with them, but he shows up. >> okay. >> it sounds like a great idea for a movie. it really does. >> it is. i've never seen it before. i was excited to do something. >> you've seen the finish though? >> yeah. >> let's talk about "snl." because we knew at the finale this season kristen wiig had a

big good-bye. news came out that you and jason are leaving the show. >> i don't know if jason decided anything. i did decide to announcement. i hadn't had time to talk to lorne before the season ended. i didn't want to make any official announcement. i had a feeling i was going to, but he's the guy there. i owe him everything. i wanted to make sure before -- >> how many seasons were you there? >> seven. >> that sounds like the perfect number though. it means completion. >> yeah. it's the contract you sign before they let you audition. i fulfilled the contract. yeah, we did over 100 digital shorts, me and my buddies and we did the 100th short and the lazy sunday sequel and the finale. it was a nice book end. >> what are you going to miss the most? >> definitely going to miss all my friends. you're any place seven years you get very close to people. i'm hoping to stay in touch with everyone and hoping to come back in some capacity. >> and become a bigger movie star than any of them.

>> that's what it's really all about. >> no. i wouldn't be mad if that h happened. >> we wish you great luck with this movie. it's called "that's my boy" and opens fridays at theaters near you. there is reving up the crowd. >> we hate this. >> we get to ask jane fonda whatever we want.

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it is time for three, two, one live with sara haines hanging out with the crowd at the nbc experience store. >> did you do a good job with good folks? >> i think so. marisa has a question about high school. >> we just graduated eighth grade and are going to move on to high school next year. i wanted to know if you had advice about pressures and stuff like that. >> the pressures of high school. >> yeah, you know what, honey, just because everyone is doing

it means you probably shouldn't. honestly. don't let the pressure of what other people -- don't go with the mob. listen to your own heart and your own conscience. really try to remember the good stuff your mom and dad put into your heart and remember it. you can make mistakes that will stay with you for the rest of your life, honey. but have fun. >> enjoy. enjoy. don't drink. >> we also have nate from nebraska. >> my question is, if you girls were on "america's got talent," other than being beautiful, what would your talent be? >> you hula-hoop. >> i was a singer. >> i would spin a basketball on my finger. that's all we've got. >> i'd vote for you for sure. >> let's go out on that. >> jane fonda is here to tell us about what she is doing playing a granny. >> the sexiest grammy in the

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we are back on this try day friday with more of "today" and the legendary actress jane fonda. last time she was here she gave us quite the workout. we are still recovering. >> the two-time academy award winning actress stars in a film opening today called "peace, love, misunderstanding" about a hippie artist grandmother. and to learn about mother/daughter relationships being a grandma and the art of love. take a look. >> he has to have love. and you, my precious nightingale, if you are not open to the possibility of love, then

you can never truly be a poet ever. >> beautiful. >> that's elizabeth olsen, her first movie from the olsen girls. catherine keener is in it with me. >> it's a terrific cast and it's a lovely movie. you had a hoot. >> i had a good time. >> you made it to woodstock. did you go to woodstock? >> no. i never was a hippie, never wore tie-dye. during that period i lived in france and had a different kind of life with my daughter. this will make you laugh and make you cry. it's about love and forgiveness. we can't have enough of that. it's a movie you feel good when you come out of it, you know? >> you have a hippieish lifestyle but you have a little business going. >> do we talk about it? >> i don't want to give too much away i want people to see it.

>> it's funny. i never played a character like this before. she is funny. >> she is an entrepreneur. >> did you love my hair? >> the hair is the whole look. we saw all the shots a couple of week ago from cannes. >> looking at those shots, jane. you show up and you show them how it is done. they went crazy. >> i mean people are talking about you as a sex symbol at 74. what does that feel like to know that's what people are buzzing about? >> it's funny. i never imagined i would live this long let alone be called a sex symbol. it's fun to play older women who are juicy and have a robust life and have complicated relationships with their children like many of us do. this is an nbc news special report. here is lester holt.

>> good morning, everyone. from new york, president obama is about to make a statement from the white house briefing room. he's expected to comment on the state of the economy, urge congress to pass his jobs plan and also talk about the economic headwinds coming over from europe. let's bring in nbc's chief white house correspondent chuck todd. chuck, good morning. >> reporter: good morning, lester. look, they're doing this, they had a rough week politically on the campaign trail. they've had a rough week economically. it all started a week ago with that much worse jobs report than they expected when the economy showed only 69,000 new jobs were created. so this is an attempt to talk about a few things, number one, he wants to remind the public about where we started and where we are now and what we're facing. but then he's also going to use this as an opportunity to call on congress to do some things that he has been asking them to do, he'll say, for the last nine months, which is his series of jobs bill which they talk about

under the umbrella, lester, the american jobs act. >> and we're also told he's going to talk about europe. that is largely out of his control, but will he put much of the blame on the uncertainty across the pond? >> reporter: he has done that in the past. that is the biggest cloud hanging over our current economy. you talk to many analysts, and they'll say the same thing. a few things are coming up in the next few days. obviously, you have the greek elections. you have a meeting of the g-20, the 20 largest economies, the president's going to be going to that. that's going to take place in mexico. there's an expectation, lester, that we'll know in the next three weeks sort of the state of the euro. where's greece going to be? will they go or stay? all of that will impact our economy in the next three months. and i wouldn't be surprised if you see the president sort of lay out this time line of sort of how critical the next couple of weeks are to see what will the europeans do to sort of calm the markets and calm the economy. >> we are waiting for the president, again, to make a statement. he may take some questions. chuck, mitt romney has certainly staked his entire campaign on

the economy, especially after those jobs numbers last week. only 69,000 jobs added. are we going to hear more from the president on this topic? does he realize that this is what it's going to be all about between now and november? >> reporter: lester, there's been a lot of back seat driving, if you will, of his message. one of the biggest pieces has had to do with what is he running on? and the campaign actually tried to respond a little bit to that criticism. they have a new ad talking about his plan, his american jobs act, trying to get voters in swing states, if you will, to call congress. so i do think you're going to see that, he is feeling some pressure from other democrats. president clinton, among others, who are saying talk more about the economy, talk more forward looking, try to reassure voters. there's a lot of anxiety. but you're right about mitt romney. they believe this election year is going to look like 1992 and 1980, two years when incumbent presidents lost because of the way the country felt about the economy at the time of the election. >> and we also learned this week

that mitt romney brought in more cash. >> reporter: he did. >> in this last go around. that has to be significant. >> reporter: it's been a big week for romney. it's been a rough week politically for the democrats starting with the jobs report. then you throw in what happened in wisconsin which was certainly a battle organizationally between the two parties, if you will, then throw in the money pa parity. it shouldn't be a surprise that mitt romney in the first month should be doing well. it came on the heels of president obama's best fund-raising month of his campaign, and yet he was still topped by mitt romney. look, the expectation, you talk to a lot of experts about this, the president probably is going to be outspent. not by a lot. money's probably not going to be the decisive factor on a presidential level, but there is parity between the two parties organizationally, we learned, financially, and now it's all about the economic environment, and that's why the president's doing what he's doing today. >> and again, we're waiting for the president to come out in the press room in a few moments to make statements about the economy. chuck, we should note for our

viewers right now on the west coast watching the first hour of "today," we just had a conversation with jim cramer talking about the fact that american companies are largely in a good position, but they're sitting on their hands. they're not hiring because of so much uncertainty. and his outlook was that it wasn't so much because of uncertainty over the presidential election but really about europe. what can the president do to jump start jobs absent a resolution on that situation? >> reporter: well, about the only piece of actual legislation that is sitting in washington that could create -- that could sort of kick start jobs on a small scale, if you will, is a big transportation funding bill. and beyond that, though, and it's sort of basic government infrastructure jobs, beyond that, you're right. there's sort of -- the economy is being held hostage, if you will, by the euro crisis. you talk to ceos, it's a political football here, right? you have the two parties trying to blame each other. but the fact of the matter is, it's a much bigger issue than this. >> he's going to tweak

republicans over this jobs act, if you will, but they come back and say, but you've got to cut on the other end. isn't that really the argument? >> reporter: well, that's right. they're basically saying because you refuse to cut, that's why we have the fiscal cliff coming, about tax this, and that's why the economy has slowed. what they're trying to do is both sides are trying to blame the other for the fact that corporations are sitting on their hands for this issue of uncertainty. when the real issue of uncertainty and the real reason why so many corporations are sitting on their hands has to do with the uncertainty in one of the largest parts of the global economy, and that is the euro and europe. and until that's settled, then you will see some certainty on that front. again, it's the political football between the two parties, republicans talking about all the spending, health care, not enough cuts. democrats saying republicans are standing in the way of not passing various jobs bills. obviously the domestic politics that the two parties are fighting over matters there. but the facts are this thing is about europe. now, whether that gives -- helps

the president at all in trying to convince anxious voters sitting in swing states, that's a whole other story. >> we're under a minute until the president appears on the podium. we should note that there's also been an expectation of some weak data out of china, and that has kind of slowed things down on wall street. we've had three days of a rally after, of course, that big dropoff last week in response to the jobs numbers. big rally last three days, but they're down, i'm told, just a little bit right now, roughly unchanged over yesterday. so we'll continue to watch that as we all look for signs of the economy finding its footing. so again, the president's going to come out momentarily. he will speak about the economic situation. he will challenge congress once again to approve his jobs plan to get construction workers back on building projects as well as talking about the situation in europe. here's the president now. >> good morning. i just want to say a few words about the economy, and then i will take some of your questions. today we're fighting back from

the deepest economic crisis since the great depression. after losing jobs for 25 months in a row, our businesses have now created jobs for 27 months in a row. 4.3 million new jobs in all. the fact is, job growth in this recovery has been stronger than in the one following the last recession a decade ago. but the hole we have to fill is much deeper. and the global aftershocks are much greater. and that's why we've got to keep on pressing with actions that further strengthen the economy. right now one concern is europe, which faces a threat of renewed recession as countries deal with a financial crisis. obviously, this matters to us because europe is our largest economic trading partner. there's less demand for our products in places like paris or madrid, it could mean less businesses -- or less business for manufacturers in places like pittsburgh or milwaukee. the good news is there is a path out of this challenge.

these decisions are fundamentally in the hands of europe's leaders, and fortunately, they understand the seriousness of the situation and the urgent need to act. i've been in frequent contact with them over the past several weeks, and we know that there's specific steps they can take right now to prevent the situation there from getting worse. in the short term, they've got to stabilize their financial system. and part of that is taking clear action as soon as possible to inject capital into weak backs. just as important, leaders can lay out a framework and a vision for a stronger eurozone including deeper collaboration on budgets and banking policy. getting there is going to take some time, but showing the political commitment to share the benefits and responsibilities of an integrated europe will be a strong step. with respect to greece, which has important elections next weekend, we've said that it is in everybody's interests for greece to remain in the eurozone while respecting its commitments

to reform. we recognize the sacrifices that the greek people have made, and european leaders understand the need to provide support if the greek people choose to remain in the eurozone. but the greek people also need to recognize that their hardships will likely be worse if they choose to exit from the eurozone. over the longer term, even as european countries with large debt burdens carry out necessary fiscal reforms, they've also got to promote economic growth in job creation. as some countries have discovered, it's a lot harder to rein in deficits and debt if your economy isn't growing. so it's a positive thing that the conversation has moved in that direction, and leaders like angela merkel and francois hollande are working to put in place a growth agenda alongside responsible fiscal plans. the bottom line is, the solutions to these problems are hard, but there are solutions.

the decisions required are tough, but europe has the capacity to make them. and they have america's support. their success is good for us, and the sooner that they act and the more decisive and concrete their actions, the sooner people and markets will regain some confidence, and the cheaper the costs of cleanup will be down the road. in the meantime, given the signs of weakness in the world economy, not just in europe but also some softening in asia, it's critical that we take the actions we can to strengthen the american economy right now. last september, i sent congress a detailed jobs plan full of the kind of bipartisan ideas that woof put more americans back to work. it had broad support from the american people. it was fully paid for. if congress had passed it in full, we'd be on track to have a million more americans working this year. the unemployment would be

lower. our economy would be stronger. of course, congress refused to pass this jobs plan in full. they did act on a few parts of the bill, most significantly the payroll tax cut that's putting more money in every working person's paycheck right now, and i appreciate them taking that action. but they left most of the jobs plan just sitting there. and in light of the headwinds that we're facing right now, i urge them to reconsider because there's steps we can take right now to put more people back to work. they're not just my ideas. they're not just democratic ideas. they're ideas that independent, nonpartisan economists believe would make a real difference in our economy. keep in mind that the private sector has been hiring at a solid pace over the last 27 months. but one of the biggest weaknesses has been state and local governments which have laid off 450,000 americans. these are teachers and cops and firefighters. congress should pass a bill

putting them back to work right now, giving help to the states so that those layoffs are not occurring. in addition, since the housing bubble burst, we've got more than 1 million construction workers out of work. there's nothing fiscally responsible about waiting to fix your roof until it caves in. we've got a lot of deferred maintenance in this country. we could be putting a lot of people back to work rebuilding our roads, our bridges, some of our schools. there's work to be done. there are workers to do it. let's put them back to work right now. the housing market is stabilizing and beginning to come back in many parts of the country, but there are still millions of responsible homeowners who have done everything right but still struggle to make ends meet. so as i talked about just a few weeks ago, let's pass a bill that gives them a chance to save an average of $3,000 a year by refinancing their mortgage and taking advantage of these historically low rates. that's something we can do right now. it would make a difference.

instead of just talking a good game about job creators, congress should give the small business owners that actually create most of the new jobs in america a tax break for hiring more workers. these are ideas that, again, have gotten strong validation from independent, nonpartisan economists. it would make a durcifference i our economy, and there's no excuse for not passing these ideas. we know they can work. now, if congress decides despite all that that they aren't going to do anything about this simply because it's an election year, then they should explain to the american people why. there's going to be plenty of time to debate our respective plans for the future. that's a debate i'm eager to have. but right now people in this town should be focused on doing everything we can to keep our recovery going and keeping our country strong. and that requires some action on the part of congress. so i would urge them to take

another look at some of the ideas that have already been put forward. and with that, i'm going to take a couple of questions, and i'm going to start with karen bowen who is with reuters, but as we all know, is about to go get a fancy job with "the national journal," and we're very proud of her. so congratulations to you, karen. you get the first crack at it. >> thank you very much, mr. president. could you tell the american people what role the united states is playing in the european debt crisis, and also, do you think european leaders have a handle on what's needed to stem the crisis? and finally, you talked about a number of ideas that you've already put forth to shield the american economy. do you plan to give a speech or lay out additional ideas now that the crisis is really escalating? >> well, a couple of things. first of all, the situation in europe is not simply a debt crisis. you've got some countries like greece that genuinely have spent more than they're bringing in.

and they've got problems. there are other countries that actually were running a surplus and had fairly responsible fiscal policies but had weaknesses similar to what happened here with respect to their housing market or their real estate markets, and that has weakened their financial system. so there are a bunch of different issues going on in europe. it's not simply a debt crisis. what is true is is that the markets getting nervous have started making it much more expensive for them to borrow. and that, then, gets them on a downward spiral. we have been in constant contact with europe over the last -- european leaders over the last two years. and we have consulted with them both at the head of government and head of state level. i frequently speak to the leaders not only in formal

settings like the g-8 but also on the telephone or via videoconference, and our economic teams have gone over there to consult. as i said in my opening remarks, the challenges they face are solvable. right now their focus has to be on strengthening their overall banking system, much in the same way that we did back in 2009 and 2010. making a series of decisive actions that give people confidence that the banking system is solid, that capital requirements are being met, that various stresses that may be out there can be absorbed by the system. and i think that european leaders are in discussions about that, and they're moving in the right direction. in addition, they're going to have to look at how do they

achieve growth at the same time as they're carrying out structural reforms that may take two or three or five years to fully accomplish. so countries like spain and italy, for example, have embarked on some smart, structural reforms that everybody thinks are necessary. everything from tax collection to labor markets to a whole host of different issues. but they've got to have the time and the space for those steps to succeed. and if they are just cutting and cutting and cutting and their unemployment rate is going up and up and up and people are pulling back further from spending money because they're feeling a lot of pressure, ironically, that can actually make it harder for them to carry out some of these reforms over the long term. so i think there's discussion now about in addition to sensible ways to deal with debt and government finances.

there's a parallel discussion that's taking place among european leaders to figure out how do we also encourage growth and show some flexibility to allow some of these reforms to really take root. now, keep in mind that this obviously can have a potential impact on us because europe's our largest trading partner. the good news is is that a lot of the work we did back in 2009 and 2010 have put our financial system on a much more solid footing. on assistance of increasing capital requirements for banks means that they can absorb some of the shocks that might come from across the atlantic. you know, folks in the financial sector have been monitoring this carefully, and i think are prepared for a range of contingencies. but even if we weren't directly hit in the sense that our

financial system still stayed solid, if europe goes into a recession, that means that we're selling fewer goods, fewer services, and that is going to have some impact on the pace of our recovery. so we want to do everything we can to make sure that we are supportive of what european leaders are talking about. ultimately, it is a decision that they've got to make in terms of how they move forward towards more integration, how they move forward in terms of accommodating the needs for both reform and growth. and the most important thing i think we can do is make sure that we continue to have a strong, robust recovery. so the steps that i've outlined are the ones that are needed. we've got a couple of sectors in our economy that are still weak. overall, the private sector has been doing a good job creating

jobs. we've seen record profits in the corporate sector. the big challenge we have in our economy right now is state and local government hiring has been going in the wrong direction. you've seen teacher layoffs, police officers, cops, firefighters being laid off. and the other sector that's still weak has been the construction industry. those two areas we've directly addressed with our jobs plan. the problem is that it requires congress to take action, and we're going to keep pushing them to see if they can move in that direction. jackie combs. where did jackie go? there she is. >> thank you, mr. president. i'd like to ask you a couple about what a couple other people said about europe. one is i'd like to know if you agree with former president bill clinton who said in the past week that the european policy that you've described here today are much like those of the

republicans in this country. austerity that would take us in the same direction as europe, if you agree with that. the republicans, for their part, have said that you're simply blaming the europeans for problems that have been caused by your own policies. so i'd like you to respond to both of those. and also, tell us precisely how much time you've personally spent on the european situation. >> any other aspects to the question? >> i could have more questions. >> first of all, in terms of the amount of time i spend, look. i think it's fair to say that over the last two years, i'm in consistent discussions with european leadership and consistent discussions with my economic team. this is one of the things that's changed in the world economy

over the last two or three decades is that this is a global economy now. and what happens anywhere in the world can have an impact here in the united states. certainly that's true after the kind of trauma that we saw in 2008 and 2009. you know, if you think about the situation in europe, they're going through a lot of the things that we went through back in 2009, 2010 where we took some very decisive action. the challenge they have is they've got 17 governments that have to coordinate. 27 if you count the entire european union, not just the eurozone. so imagine dealing with 17 congresses instead of just one. that makes things more challenging. but, you know, what we've tried to do is to be constructive, to not frame this as us scolding

them or telling them what to do but to give them advice in part based on our experiences here in having stabilized the financial situation effectively. you know, ultimately, though, they're going to have to make a lot of these decisions. and so what we can do is to prod, advise, suggest, but ultimately they're going to have to make these decisions. now, in terms of characterizing the situation over there, what is absolutely true -- this is true in europe, and it's true here in the united states -- is that we've got short-term problems and long-term problems. and the short-term problems are how do we put people back to work? how do we make the economy grow as rapidly as possible?

how do we ensure that the recovery gains momentum? because if we do those things, not only is it good for the people who find work, not only is it good for families who are able to pay the bills, but it actually is one of the most important things we can do to reduce deficits and debt. it's a lot easier to deal with deficits and debt if you're growing because you're bringing in more revenue, and you're not spending as much because people don't need unemployment insurance as much. they don't need other programs that are providing support to people in need because things are going pretty good. that's true here in the united states, and that's true in europe. so the problem i think president clinton identified is that if when an economy is still weak

and a recovery is still fragile, that you resort to a strategy of let's cut more so that you're seeing government layoffs, reductions in government spending, severe cutbacks in major investments that help the economy grow over the long term. if you're doing all those things at the same time as consumers are pulling back because they're still trying to pay off credit card debt and there's generally weak demand in the economy as a whole, then you can get on a downward spiral where everybody's pulling back at the same time. that weakens demand. and that further crimps the desire of companies to hire more people. and that's the pattern that europe is in danger of getting into. you know, some countries in

europe right now have an unemployment rate of 15%, 20%. if you are engaging in too much austerity too quickly and that unemployment rate goes up to 20% or 25%, then that actually makes it harder to then pay off your debts. and the markets, by the way, respond had they see this kind of downward spiral happening, they start making a calculation, well, if you're not growing at all, if you're contracting, you may end up having more trouble paying us off, so we're going to charge you even more. your interest rates will go up. and it makes it that much tougher. so you know, i think what we want both for ourselves but what we've advised in europe as well is a strategy that says, let's do everything we can to grow now even as we lock in a