our vicky nguyen has more. >> reporter: for many americans working from home is now more feasible thancent survey showing 58% of respondents say they can work remotely at least one day a week with 35% having the option to work from home the entire week and with more people operating outside of the office, some companies companies are stepping up surveillance software. that is supervisors monitoring daily activity through company-issued devices, including keyboard usage, screen time and clicks and more >> i would definitely leave the company and seek a job elsewhere. >> if it was a company i really admired and worked for i wouldn't be bothered by it >> reporter: a recent investigation found eight of the 10 largest employers tracked employees. it can tolead to termination in some cases people working somewhere with more than 500 employees should be on high alert >> do i need to think about being photographed, listening through your microphone. keystroke-logging software so recording what you are type wil typeing at any given time. >> reporter: as transparency have been cited as benefits,

vicky nguyen is going to join us and tell us how to get a live person on the phone when you just need>> zero zero. >> that's not the way you do it. companies caught onto that >> yeah. >>> before we do anything else, one more check -- it's a little muggy out here. >> it is you're always sweating it's going to feel like summer continuing through the end of august as we see temperatures well above average, starting off this week with highs in the 80s and 90s in the northeast and a chance of storms back through chicago. that's actually a cold front that's going to cool things down as we get towards the end of the week watch out for strong storms with wind and hail possible today wednesday, beautiful in the midwest, temperatures in the lower 80s, lots of sunshine. more rain in areas of texas, louisiana, and mississippi that could exacerbate the flooding we're seeing down there. finishing the week, beautiful in the northeast, back through the middle of the country, most areas except the gulf coast and southeast see lots of sunshine and comfortable temperatures >>> good monday morning. i'm m

vicky nguyen is looking at the vicky nguyen is looking at the companies using technology to californiansave a choice between two initiatives on sports betting. prop 27 generates hundreds of millions every year to permanently fund getting people off the streets a prop 26? not a dime to solve homelessness prop 27 has strong protections to prevent minors from betting. prop 26? no protections for minors. prop 27 helps every tribe, including disadvantaged tribes. prop 26? nothing for disadvantaged tribes vote yes on 27. ♪ ♪ well well well, what have we here? a magical place... that's lookin' to get scared! with bats... and ghouls ... and cars in disguise. (laugh) i've cast quite a spell now... you won't believe your eyes! (laughter) the spell is cast. halloween time is back with spook-tacular experiences in disneyland and disney california adventure parks! (laughter) >>> still ahead, we're paying tribute to elvis 45 years after his death >> and priscilla presley herself will join us live from graceland right there in the famed jungle room, helping us remember th king of rock 'n' roll, music,

. >> vicky nguyen will take a look at why some stores are delaying rollouts, where they plan to starter. >> if you wanted to be fashion forward in alberta, canada, a helmet would be helpful. look at the hail, the damage it did to this windshield i mean, this is crazy. look at that i mean, this is wild this is part of a cold front that's pushing to the south and it created massive, massive hailstones about 0.5 inch or more in diameter that front now pushing down through the great lakes bringing heavy showers and thunderstorms from the u.p. of michigan into southern minnesota in fact, we have a risk today for 17 million people from alpena, detroit, fort wayne, springfield, columbus. we can't rule out an isolated tornado, more hail possible, and damaging winds as well here is that front pushing down through the great lakes, down on into indiana severe risk today from michigan all the way to missouri. as we move into tomorrow, those afternoon storms across through the interior northeast high heat and humidity colliding ahead of this cold front and so that's going to bring out some of thos

vicky nguyen is lear with everything you need to know, what to buy and what to skip and where you canothes and tech >> i'm on the school supplies beat and before you buy a thing, what should parents do. >> whether or not you're on a budget, you want to shop a plan and if you go to the mall or the store without the list, you are bound to overspend and get things you don't need. >> that happens to me. every time i go to target. target tells me what to buy. i'm not in control. >> stay away from the dollar bin. >> is there a certain time to buy these things should i buy now should i wait? >> you're not sure you can afford everything all at once, this is also like where i like listening to the god parents and the grandparents and the aunties and uncles who want to spoil your kids around the holidays, get them to spoil them now with a new backpack, and a lunch box, and it might be able to wait, running around the playground, and after labor day, you can wait, check out the supplies list and then do what you can after labor day. >> and do we have to buy everything on the school supplies list

something that affects all of us the price of prescription medicine it can be all over the place >> vicky nguyenparent so, is it best to stick with your insurance, or should you pay out of pocket? what about using those coupons and apps why exactly are there so many layers between the drug maker and the consumer we investigate to help you save money. >> reporter: for the last decade, prescription drug prices have gone in one direction up a gallup poll released in 2021 found about 18 million u.s. adults can't afford to buy the drugs they need. one pharmacist found a way to lower those costs. just outside columbus, ohio, nate runs pickerington pharmacy where customers rely on insurance to pay for their meds. >> it's a traditional pharmacy. >> reporter: but next door, he opened a second business >> so, this is freedom pharmacy. >> reporter: it's a self-pay pharmacy where customers pay out of pocket and can save hundreds on common meds like those for cholesterol and arthritis without insurance. >> 85% of the medicine that we have here in the united states are generics, and they're not expensive. >>

vicky nguyen has a look at new training and technology to improve safety and experiences another vital tool firsthand, a lockdown drill in a classroom. >>> plus, the feel good story that's quickly going viral, a powerful display of sportsmanship on the little league field we're going to hear from the kids from rival teams behind this heartwarming embrace. but first, this is "toy" on da >>> coming up, the growing tributes to olivia newton john across generations of fans. >> yeah, the touching new stories that are emerging and the very special honor that could be bestowed on the legendary actress and singer, but first, your local news i typed in my dad's name... and i found his childhood home. he's been wondering about the address for seventy years... (chuckle) and i found it in five minutes. travel back in time in no time with the 1950 census on ancestry. i'll see you later, alright? ♪ ♪ mmmm (children's laughter) ♪ ♪ that is so cool! good job! ♪ ♪ hey!! how're you doing? it's so good to see you! thank you for taking care of lorenzo. hey!! how're you doing? (♪ ♪) (grunts) for a noticeab

now they are being hit hard by rising food prices vicky nguyen looking at ways to lower your costs and still get as a business owner, your bottom line is always top of mind. so start saving by switching to the mobile service designed for small business: comcast business mobile. flexible data plans mean you can get unlimited data or pay by the gig. all on the most reliable 5g network with no line activation fees or term contracts... saving you up to $500 a year. and it's only available to comcast business internet customers. so boost your bottom line by switching today. comcast business. powering possibilities. have a "today" exclusive on the ground in flood-ravaged kentucky with actress jennifer garner >> she didn't grow up far from here this morning important work she is doing for communities in need there. we'll also tell you how you can get involved and help out. we'll do all of that after your local news and weather and these messages >>> today's ceremonial first af weather. pr across town or across the country. pods, your personal moving and storage team. is dad posting a farewell

vicky nguyen tells us why some stores are delaying their rollouts and where you c look an >>> coming up, the sport of pickle ball taking over america. >> we all play more players means more injuries everything you need to know this morning to avoid the injuries before you hit the pickle ball court. with his citi custom cash℠ card, dan earns cash back that automatically adjusts to where his spending is trending. just ask stepping outside his comfort zone dan... okay, i don't- i don't know where the hole for this is. ...or fourth time streaming that period drama dan... you just made me miss her best line, so now i'm going to have to start it again ...even insisted he didn't need directions dan. okay, i'm not lost. i'm exploring. that said, do you know where i am? earn 5% cash back in your top eligible spend category, up to $500 spent each billing cycle. with the citi custom cash℠ card. welcome to allstate where the safer you drive, the more you save like rachel here how am i looking? looking good! the most cautious driver we got am i there? no keep going how's that? i'll say when now?

. >> the metaverse vicky nguyen is going to show us how people are using the virtual world to spend andake real money. but first, your local news and some weather ster to even be able to detect danger and stop itself. the subaru forester has earned the i-i-h-s top safety pick plus, nine times. more than honda cr-v and toyota rav4, combined. love. it's what makes subaru, subaru. don't let inflation win! score big deals on the best active brands at kohl's. save 20% on nike shoes... 25% on the latest from champion and adidas... and 25% off under armour active gear... plus, get free store pickup... more style. more savings. kohl's. this is a craft 170 years in the making. (sniffing) for bold, smooth flavor in every batch of black silk. it's something we pride ourselves on at folgers... yeah, i said folgers. [ music: "good time" by anthony ramos ] it's something we pride my designs bring the vibrance of the world into my home. these pieces tell my story. now you can tell yours. ♪ ♪ with his citi custom cash℠ card, dan earns cash back that automatically adjusts to where his spending is trendi

vicky nguyen now >> reporter: for the last decade, prescription drug prices have gone in one directionup a poll released in 2021 found 18 million adults cannot afford to buy the drugs they need. one pharmacist found a way to lower those costs. just outside columbus, ohio, he runs pickerington pharmacy >> it's a extraditional pharmacy >> next door >> freedom pharmacy. >> reporter: a self pay pharmacy where customers pay out of pocket and can save hundreds on common meds like those for cholesterol or arthritis without insurance. >> 85% of the medicine we have in the united states are generic and not expensive. >> reporter: for most people, a pharmacy benefit manager negotiates how much you pay at the register and the pharmacist gets reimbursed. that can vary. >> celebrex generic, $141 co- pay for a 90-day supply another is $10 co- pay >> you see that every stay day? >> every day >> reporter: he cuts out the middle man >> most people walk into the pharmacy and have no idea if it is $5 or $500. at freedom, i can immediately tell you the price >> why can't you offer the same prices at picke

for the news, i am vicki nguyen.>>'s summer blockbuster is headed back to the big screen as the second biggest theater chain announces it may file for bankruptcy. all of this, as streaming companies help their billion dollar investments payoff. the shakeup in the entertainment industry is next. >>> car collectors shelling out huge dollars for some of the most expensive cars in the world. the money laid out, and the one car that left all of the rest in the dust. (cool guy) $30...that's awesome. (dad) yeah, and it's from the most reliable 5g network in america. (woman) for $30 a line, i'm switching now. (mom) yeah, it's easy and you get $960 when you switch the whole family. (geek) wow... i've got to let my buddies know. (geek friend) we're already here! (vo) the network you want. the price you love. only from verizon. with xfinity internet, you get advanced security that helps protect you at home and on the go. you feel so safe, it's as if... i don't know... evander holyfield has your back. i wouldn't click on that. h

vicki nguyen on how these new pharmacies are shaking up the drug industry. >> reporter: for the lastade, prescription drug prices have gone in one direction. up. a poll released in 2021 found 18 million u.s. adults can't afford to buy the drugs they need. one pharmacist found a way to lower those costs. just outside columbus, ohio, a pharmacy allows customers to pay for their meds, but next door, he opened a second business. >> this is freedom pharmacy. >> reporter: it is a self-pay pharmacy, where customers pay out-of-pocket and can save hundreds on meds, like those for cholesterol and arthritis without insurance. >> 85% of the medicine we have in the united states are generics and they are not expensive. >> reporter: for most people, a pharmacy benefit manager negotiates how much you pay at the register and how much the pharmacist gets reimbursed. that can vary widely. >> generic medications for one insurance company could be a $140 co-pay. another code come back with a $10 co-pay. >> you see that everyday? >> everyday. >> reporter: at freedom pharmacy, they cut out the middleman.

nbc's vicky nguyen has a new look at safety measures some of those schools are putting place. >> nearlys, and across the country, districts are approaching security differently. in indiana, jay county schools have gun safes on each campus where trained staff have access with just a thumb print. clinton public schools in mississippi added a fourth police officer, and in las vegas, el dorado high school is set for a $26 million security upgrade with cameras, single-point entry and perimeter fencing. i'm here at white plains high school in new york for an exclusive look at their campus security system and with me is john la plaqua, he's a consultant that works with schools across the nation. let's talk about security. what is the first thing that you will notice. >> we'll have a single locked point of entry to visitors. if they want to gain entry the first step is buzz in the intercom system which will be answered by security inside. >> i'm la plaqua and they've buzzed us into the vestibule. >> we're stoppeded by a second set of doors where secure scans the driver license to scan against t

. >> the "today" show's vicky nguyen is tracking employers' tracking practices. she'll have the full story on the "today" show coming up at 7:00 a.m. following "today in the bay." >>> trending this morning, what can only be called a hot topic for a very hot day, spluting. >> you said spluting. >> i did say spluting. >> i was wondering what is spluting? i'm going to tell you. you're probably thinking the same thing. maybe we first should point out what it means for you. okay, so here you go. take a look at this. if this picture could be worth a thaw words splooting describes what some animals do to cool down on the hot days. new york city department reminding if you see squirrels like this one splooting in the heat it's probably fine. it became a common term in the last decade because it sounds like splat. maybe your dog likes to sploot on a hard surface. >> cool surface. >> my dog's been doing that various positions, not just splooting. >> what did they call it before splooting? >> i call him laying on the ground. >> yes. [ laughter ] >> what a thought. >> we nee

we'll make your back to school shopping a little more affordable vicky nguyen is going to show you where on to save more in the long run. >>> al, what do you have in the forecast >> we have the celestial doubleheader we have the perseid meteor shower, the best viewing tonight after midnight wherever you have the clear skies. talking 60 to 100 meteors per hour, that's the first part of it the second part we have the last super moon of the summer, called the sturgeon moon. the only problem, because of the full moon, that moonlight is probably going to outshine a lot of the meteors so we giveth and we taketh away from portland to san francisco, breaks, clear skies around the great lakes. cloudy through the southeast, why, we have the frontal system pushing down high rainfall rates there is a flood threat in the gulf coast for today into tomorrow. the best chance of storms tomorrow stretching from texas into south carolina. slow moving front with flood threats. we'll watch that closely> good . i'm meteorologist kari hall. happy first day of school for all the kids heading back today. here is

. >> yes, nbc's consumer investigative correspondent vicky nguyen is here with a look at what is behindng, craig, hoda, and savannah leasing, it is a really popular short-term alternative to owning two years ago, prices were at rock bottom. now, they're at record highs we're finding fewer deals but with a little planning and resilience you can still drive off in the car of your dreams. chip shortages, empty lots and high demand, the formula adding up to record car prices in july, 2020, the average lease cost $466 a month. two years later, and it's a record high, $594. that's a 27% increase. the average new car's monthly payment is $686. experts say consider leasing instead of buying if you want a lower payment, you don't expect to put on a lot of mileage, and you like changing cars every few years. >> i like how small it is. i love the gas mileage >> taylor is a flight attendant in new york who needs her honda civic to get around. >> back in august, 2020, i got an amazing deal, it was zero dollars down for $250 a month. >> but with only one year left on her lease, she is already struggl

report will have you thinking twice only one person can get to the bottom of it and she's here, vicky nguyenin and mineral supplements. the pills and powders that contain vitamin a be b, the most popular the multivitamin dealing with inflation, every penny counts so can you skip the supplement and save money? americans love their supplements, taken by 31% of adults in the u.s., a whopping 80 million people, these pills, powders and liquids are part of a $50 billion domestically but are you getting your money a panel of experts reviewed 84 studies involving hundreds of thousands of people over 30 years. the task force concluded there was little or no benefit in using vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent cancer, cardiovascular disease and death. dr. peter cohen studies the safety of supplements at harvard medical school he believes they have a place. but he says they're not for everyone >> i'm a big fan of multivitamins but it's when patients need them for most healthy people there's no reason to take these every day. >> not everyone agrees with the task force's findings. >> there are na

but vicky nguyen is going to show us how -- >> i think that's for later. >> yeah.nt donald trump, a judge ask going to hear arguments about releasing the affidavit that led to the search of mar-a-lago. and his long time chief financial officer is expected to plead guilty in a different case. sam brock is covering it for us. >> reporter: we have breaking news on that front. the former ceo of the trump administration plead guilty to all 15 counts he was facing of tax fraud. he acknowledged he evaded paying taxes over the course of about 15 years. what does that mean as part of a larger plea agreement, he agreed to five months in jail and also to pay back about $1.99 million in penalties and taxes. now this also is interesting, hoda, in the sense that he agreed to cooperate with authorities when it comes to speaking about the trump organization in court. but there is no indication that he would testify or cooperate with an investigation into his former boss donald trump. that takes me to west palm beach county. we're about two hours away from a judge hearing arguments

. >> tomorrow, guys, we're going to have more vicky nguyen will take a closer look at something craigave kids going out need to know? we'll have that part of the story, important part tomorrow. >>> okay mr. roker, the weather. >> here's weather for the real world. >> yes >> irl, not in the metaverse, it is all real. let's show you what we got for today. we're looking at some severe storms unfortunately still continuing for our friends in kentucky, hopefully not too bad. monsoonal moisture in the south, flash floods there record highs in the pacific northwest. high texas to the central plains hit or miss scattered showers s northeast. that's what's going on around the country, here's what's happening in your neck of the woods. >>> i'm meteorologist kari hall. we've been watching hit or miss showers moving through the bay area and look at our temperatures for today. we will reach into the upper 60s along the coastline and in san francisco with san mateo reaching 73. heyward reaching 77 and 89 in concord. san jose will reach a high of 80 degrees and some low 80s for the north bay as we g