Jeffrey epsteins coconspirator transferred to a federal Detention Center in new york. This morning, how prosecutors are working to keep Ghislaine Maxwell behind bars, and why she will not appear in person at a key hearing. Those stories plus with a little help from his friends. Beetles star ringo starr turns 80 today celebrating with a starstudded virtual concert. Well take you live to london. And the one, the only tom hanks. Hes live. His first tv interview since his coronavirus diagnosis. Today, tuesday, july 7th, 2020. Announcer from nbc news this is today with Savannah Guthrie and hoda kotb live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. Hey, guys. Welcome to today. So happy youre joining us on this tuesday morning. Craig and i are sitting here. Savannah is off today. And i got to tell you, i believe shes bummed to be off today. And theres one reason why two words. Tom hanks. Tom is going to be joining us. Its his First Television interview. I know savannah is going to be missing him, but we look forward to speaking with tom about that. A bona fide national treasure. Dont be surprised if she calls in and crashes that. I wouldnt doubt that. I wouldnt doubt that. But lets get started with the coronavirus this morning. According to the latest numbers from the cdc, more than 381,000 cases have been reported in the u. S. In the past week. That is the most for any sevenday period so far. And with many of the outbreaks linked to large gatherings, dr. Anthony fauci is pleading with all americans to maintain strict social distancing. Meantime, Harvard University just revealed its plan for the new school year. Only 40 of undergraduates will be allowed on campus this fall including any firstyear students. But all classes will be taught online. Whats not changing, though, the cost of tuition and fees at harvard. Nearly 50,000 for the academic year. We do have two reports for you this morning. Were going to start with Miguel Almaguer whos in l. A. For us. Reporter Los Angeles County is one of the worst hot spots in the nation. The number of cases here are exploding and many simply cant get tested. All comes as cases are on the rise in more than two dozen states. A sign things could get much worse. Reporter this morning, a new stunning surge in coronavirus cases plaguing hot spots around the country. A troubling trend for some hospitals already on the brink. We are still knee deep in the first wave of this. And i would say this would not be considered a wave. It was a surge or a resurgence of infections. Reporter at least 35 states are showing increases in ten states with a 100 spike in recent weeks. Even those who tried to keep their distance catching the virus. I isolated myself from everybody. Except one family. The family across the street. Reporter with states like texas, arizona, and california all reporting a Record Number of hospitalizations. Among the most dangerous hot spots for the virus, Los Angeles County. With more cases here than in 44 states. With nearly 3 million americans testing positive for the virus, hospitals in cities like houston are reaching capacity. This is very, very disturbing situation. Our teams are stretched. We are managing it, but we cant sustain this trajectory for many weeks. Reporter as florida continues to see the nations highest single day record for new infections, the governor says he believes the situation has stabilized. While miami is closing down restaurants and gyms. More than half of new cases in arizona are patients under 44 years old. And a Staggering Number are still waiting to be tested. I found i was exposed. So i want to make sure everybodys okay. Reporter the mayor of atlanta said to be a contender as joe bidens running mate testing positive herself, but showing no symptom. This is startling for me. Because weve been so very careful. Reporter the stunning number of new cases comes after fourth of july scenes like these leaving doctors stunned by total disregard for social distancing. Were fighting two wars. War number one is the covid virus. War number two is stupidity. Miguel, dr. Fauci did have a lot to say. He talked about the Current Situation were facing and what did he say led to it . Reporter dr. Fauci alluded to the fact that simply we may have reopened this country too early. Here is what he had to say just a short time ago. The current state is really not good in the sense that as you know we had been in a situation we were averaging about 20,000 new cases a day. And then a series of circumstances associated with various states and cities trying to open up in the sense of getting back to some form of normality has led to a situation where we now have recordbreaking cases. Reporter this morning many governors are reevaluating now quickly we reopened. And say new measures plb implemented. Miguel, thank you. Turning now to those mounting questions about how coronavirus is spread. Is it more airborne than previously thought . Nbcs Gabe Gutierrez has that part of the story. Gabe, good morning to you. Reporter craig, good morning. A group of about 240 scientists essentially wants the w. H. O. To be more blunt. We spoke with one of those researchers who says he thinks the agency is avoiding talking much about airborne transmission because he says it might scare people. This morning as coronavirus cases surge across the u. S. , americans are trying to make sense of what that surge means and how to protect themselves. One key question, is the virus more airborne . According to hundreds of scientists around the world, yes. Do you think that the w. H. O. Has down played the threat of airborne transmission . Yes. I think that they have and what that means is that there may not be as much attention to ventilation and mask wearing as there ought to be. Reporter dr. Don milton is among the more than 200 scientists publishing an open letter to the World Health Organization urging the agency to revise its guidelines the w. H. O. Said the virus spreads by large respiratory droplets that quickly fall to the floor. But dr. Milton says the virus lingers. Do masks and social distancing make a difference . Doctors believe they do especially if the virus is airborne many point to the increased cases in areas that have reopened and where attitudes about those safety precautions have become more lax does it surprise you how polarizing the mask debate has become in the United States . Its really troubling and saddening to see that happen reporter but if deaths have remained low, are we better at treating the disease doctors continue to develop better strategies to combat coronavirus. In icus, doctors now delay putting patients on a ventilator instead treating them with 100 oxygen and on their stomachs to allow better blood and air flow. And patients are getting new treatments like convalescent plaz that the antiviral drug remdesivir and most recently story roids. If younger people are driving the latest spike will the death rate remain low not necessarily. Given concerns over who young patients could infect next the older and more vulnerable. Mary anderson in florida is worried about her three children going back to school this fall im really worried that if we dont have the mask mandate in place, that the chances of them getting this, bringing it home to me, passing it onto my dad who is 85 or my motherinlaw who is 75 is pretty significant. Reporter and that mother you just heard from, shes from the tampa area on monday the Florida Department of education ordered all schools in the state to reopen in august they need to submit a safety plan, a reopening plan with safety measures. Craig, hoda . So gabe, if the World Health Organization does declare the virus airborne, from a practical standpoint what does that mean for how we protect ourselves from this thing Going Forward . Reporter well, craig, a lot potentially. If the virus does indeed linger in the air for more than previously thought, that Scientists Say that that could require masks and more so in indoor settings even with proper social distancing. Also stronger ventilation systems would be needed in some buildings especially schools and nursing homes, craig all right Gabe Gutierrez for us this morning. Gabe, thank you. Now to the white house where President Trump has lashed out at nascar driver Bubba Wallace in the wake of the sports ban on the Confederate Flag this morning wallace is responding incomes nbcs White House Correspondent Peter Alexander has the very latest there. Hey, peter good morning reporter good morning to you. President trump is trying to capitalize on americas growing Cultural Divide fueling racial resentment his latest targets include some of the most popular sports among his largely White Conservative base defending the Confederate Flag and singling out nascars top black driver President Trump is expanding his attacks against stoking racial divisions now calling on nascars only black fulltime driver Bubba Wallace to apologize for what the president says was just another hoax after the fbi determined last month that wallace was not the target of a hate crime when a noose was found in his assigned garage at talladega speedway in fact, it was not wallace but his teammates who found the noose and alerted nascar the racing community at the time lining up behind wallace bringing him to tears. Wallaces response on monday, always deal with the hate being thrown at you with love even if its hate from the potus the president is also falsely claiming nascar is seeing its lowest ratings ever. Blames its recent ban of the Confederate Flag does he believe nascar should fly the Confederate Flag why dont they fly it here it was mentioned in the broader context of the fact he rejects this notion that somehow nascar men and women who go to these sporting events are racist reporter nascar in a statement says it continues to stand tall with bubba, our competitors, and everyone who makes our sport welcoming and inclusive for all racing fans. As for ratings, nbc sports says last weekends race was up nearly 50 over last year. And lindsey graham, a close ally of the president , is directly refuting President Trump ive lived in South Carolina all my life, and if youre in business, the Confederate Flag is not a good way to grow your business i dont think Bubba Wallace has anything to apologize for. Reporter and seizing on another cultural controversy, the president is also criticizing two sports franchises the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Indians for considering a change to their mascots that many see as offensive. Inflaming tensions by tweeting they name teams out of strength not weakness but now two franchises look like theyre going to be changing their names in order to be politically correct. Speaking to some of the president s allies, theyre expressing real frustration over the president s latest attacks they say less than four months to refocus his attention on his accomplishments and on joe biden, not on racial divisions but they acknowledge the president is the one driving the train. Hoda Peter Alexander at the white house. Peter, thank you we have a lot more to get to this morning including the criminal charge now facing the white woman who called police on a blackbird watcher in central park who asked her to leash her dog. Nbcs Morgan Radford has been following this story shes in central park for the very latest. Morgan, good morning reporter craig, thats right. Good morning were standing at the entrance of the ramble. This is a section of central park where that incident first occurred that video has now been viewed more than 40 million times and the reality of it is it really struck a chord with people all across the country what they believe they saw in that was an abuse of racial stereotypes. Thats why that now infamous call to police may have consequences in court. Im going to tell them theres an africanamerican Man Threatening my life. Reporter this morning amy cooper, the woman at the center of t facing a criminal charge im being threatened by a man in the ramble. Please send the cops immediately. Reporter Manhattan District Attorney announcing that cooper is being charged with falsely reporting an incident in the third degree, a criminal misdemeanor. In the video from the late may encounter, cooper whos white calls out the race of bird watcher Christian Cooper no relation after he asked her to put a leash on her dog in an area of central park that requires dogs to be leashed. Im in the ramble and theres a man, africanamerican, who is recording me and threatening me and my dog reporter the incident caught on camera just hours before george floyd died in the hands of Minneapolis Police helped spark a National Debate on racial bias. Cooper was fired from her job, an Investment Firm Franklin Templeton her former company saying they do not tolerate racism of any kind and she also had to temporarily surrender her dog back to its rescue group we spoke to Christian Cooper after the incident i thought, well, this is definitely an attempt at racial intimidation and i could either capitulate to it or do what im doing. Reporter amy cooper issued a public apology in may saying she reacted emotionally and made false assumptions about his intentions when, in fact, i was the one who was acting inappropriately by not having my dog on a leash adding, i hope a few mortifying seconds in a lifetime of 40 years will not define me in his eyes and that he will accept my sincere apology. Her attorney responding to the charge monday writing, the rush to judgment by some in the public in this cancel culture epidemic will be proven as wrong as cancel culture itself she lost her job, her home, and her public life. Now some demand her freedom . How many lives are we going to destroy over misunderstood 60second videos on social media . That third degree charge carries a maximum of one year in prison, but the more likely outcome is counseling, community service, or a discharge amy cooper will be arraigned in october. Craig . Morgan radford from central morgan, thank you. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp is activating up to 1,000 National Guard troops after a weekend of gun violence and protests in atlanta. Five people died including an 8yearold girl. At least 30 other people were hurt National Guard troops are being called to protect the state capitol, the governors mansion, and state patrol headquarters which was vandalized by protesters over the weekend. Now to some huge news from the nfl. Super bowl mvp Patrick Mahomes isnt going anywhere any time soon thats because the 24yearold quarterback has agreed to a tenyear extension with his Kansas City Chiefs worth an eye popping 503 million holy, holy. Its the richest contract in professional sports history. Mahomes, of course, led the chiefs to their first super bowl title in 50 years. That was back in february. Remember the win over the 49ers . You know who remembered that del. Your son del remembered it because your son del was living in that jersey thats the only sports jersey he has hes got a cardboard cut out in the basement of Patrick Mahomes. Life size. Does he heres the thing about that deal, you know the way a lot of these deals are structured, they dont necessarily see all that money, his guaranteed amount 477 million thats unbelievable unbelievable first half billion dollar contract in sports history speaking of sports, next half hour well look at the unique challenges facing pro sports leagues like the nba, like the nhl as they try and resume their seasons but right now why dont we check the weather . Where, oh, where is mr. Roker . Look who is that. How was the holiday weekend, hon . It was terrific we had a great time. Hope you guys did too. And we got a lot of heat to talk about all across the country big area dome of upper level high pressure. Jet stream up to the north so that high will build. We look for a full week of 90plus degree temperatures across the northern interior states and into the southwest. Itll feel like its over 100 degrees. Look at this heat wave detroit already had five consecutive days of 90 degrees or more. Theyre going to continue. Its going to feel like 100 in st. Louis today. 97 in rochesters huntsville, 96 degrees wednesday the heat index will be 92 in messina, new york, way up state. 100 in chicago itll feel like 102 in Oklahoma City and going into the end of the week, it will these are actual air temperatures. Temperatures in the 90s in philadelphia, mid90s orlando. Nashville, youll see temperatures in the low 90s and dallas will flirt with triple digits all week long were going to get to your local forecast coming up in the next 30 seconds is for above and bey. An extra level of care. A game. From caring for our guests and our community, to cleanliness and safe service with a my pleasure a is for all the Little Things we do to bring you our best, every day. Good morning. Im meteorologist kari hall. Lets start out with a live look outside in walnut creek. We are going to have a nice start to our day. Comfortable temperatures but it will warm up this afternoon. A little bit warmer as we reach into the upper 80s around the parts of the inland east bay. San jose will reach 81 degrees. Very comfortable. At times some smoke drifting in. As we look at our coastal temperatures in the 60s well warm up a few more degrees over the next few days. Looking at some low to mid90s over the weekend. And thats your latest weather. Guys all right, al, thank you. Just ahead here on a tuesday morning, Jeffrey Epsteins confident Ghislaine Maxwell transferred to a federal jail here in new york. This morning why her Court Appearance on charges of helping recruit and sexually abuse underage girls, why its being delayed. Plus are you thinking about traveling again . Well, blayne alexander gets a behind the scenes look at how delta is keeping their planes as clean as possible and the comparison with the air in your own home it may surprise you. But first this is today on menutaur get a load of my southwest cheddar cheeseburger. Let menutaur make it a doubleeee, yeah its beautiful say what . I said its bea. Try my 5. 99 southwest cheddar cheeseburger combo and make it a double for a buck more. Order now with no contact delivery. Not actors, whove got their eczema under control. With less eczema you can show more skin. So roll up those sleeves. And help heal your skin from within with dupixent. Dupixent is the first treatment of its kind that continuously treats moderatetosevere eczema, or atopic dermatitis, even between flare ups. Dupixent is a biologic and not a cream or steroid. Many people taking dupixent saw clear or almost clear skin. And had significantly less itch. Dont use if youre allergic to dupixent. Serious allergic reactions can occur, including anaphylaxis, which is severe. Tell your doctor about new or worsening eye problems, or a parasitic infection. If you take asthma medicines, dont change or stop them without talking to your doctor. So help heal your skin from within and talk to your eczema specialist about dupixent. If your financial situation has changed, we may be able to help. Just ahead, two words. Tom hanks. Jackpot. Hell be with us live. Its his first tv interview since he and his wife rita battled the coronavirus. Were going to chat about the recovery, how covid19 changed their lives. Toms new movie and a lot mo. But re thfiis selenite grey is so pretty isnt it . Wow. Jim could you pop the hood for us . There she is. Turbocharged, right . Yes it is. Jim, could you uh kick the tires . Oh yes. Can you change the color inside the car . Oh sure. How about blue . Thats more cyan but. Jump in the back seat, jim. Act like my kids. How much longer . Exactly how they sound. Its got massaging seats too, right . Oh yeahhhhh. Oh yeahhhhh. Visit the mercedesbenz summer event or shop online at participating dealers. Get 0 apr financing up to 36 months on select new and certified preowned models. Now is the time to support the places you love. Spend 10 dollars or more at a participating Small Business and get 5 dollars back, up to 10 times with american express. Enroll now at shopsmall. Com. Dont feel like wearing pants . Okay who drank all the milk . Enjoy the great taste of dunkin at home. So can your skin lather, rinse, refresh with dove men care body wash that washes away germs and moisturizes skin to refresh you and your skin with every shower now you can make feel like the weekend. K with jimmy dean simple scrambles. Made fresh with two real eggs, sausage n cheese. And ready in seconds. Why dont you put a sunday morning shine on tomorrow mornings breakfast. But a resilient business can be ready for it. A Digital Foundation from vmware helps you redefine whats possible. Now. From the hospital shifting to remote patient care in just 48 hours. To the university moving hundreds of apps quickly to the cloud. Or the City Government Going Digital to keep Critical Services running. You are creating the future on the fly. And we are helping you do it. Vmware. Realize whats possible. Nall dogs descend from wolves, or the age, and for thousands of years theyve shared a love for meat. Blue wilderness is made to satisfy that desire. Feed the wolf that lives inside your dog with blue wilderness. [camera man] actually anyone 50 or over is at increased risk for shingles. The pain, the burning my husband had to do everything for weeks. And the thing is, theres nothing you can do about it [camera man] well, shingles can be prevented. Shingles can be whaaat . [camera man] prevented. You can get vaccinated. Frank they have shingles vaccines whaaat . Thats what i said. Were taking you to the doctor. Not going through that again. [camera man] you can also get it from your pharmacist talk to your doctor or pharmacist about getting vaccinated. When ourkids, bedtime her kids moved in with us. Ist. She was worried we wouldnt be able to keep up. Course we can. What couldnt keep up was our bargain detergent. Turns out its mostly water, and that doesnt work as well on stains. So, we switched back to tide. One wash, stains are gone. Kind of like our quiet time. [daughter slurping] what are you doing . Dont pay for water. Tide is concentrated with three times the active cleaning ingredients. If its got to be clean, its got to be tide. Good morning. Its 7 26. Im kris sanchez. Here are todays top stories including many schools already looking at 100 Distance Learning for the fall. Reporter im roz plater in palo alto where some of the school plans are already shaping up for the fall. Elementary students will be doing facetoface learning. And in east Contra Costa County some School Districts are going on 100 Distance Learning. Now some parents are upset about that, debating it on social media saying they have to work. They cant afford to keep their kids at home. Much more discussion and a preview of other districts around the area announce their fall plans. Good morning. Im scott mcgrew. Time may be running out for tiktok. The u. S. Government says it may ban the app which allows people to create short videos. The u. S. Government is worried tiktok feeds information back to the chinese government. Tiktok insists it is an independent company. All right. Well, we know that firefighters are still on the fire lines not just in the south bay but elsewhere. Kari, are they going to get a break from the weather . Right now we do have a nice break with some higher humidity and a light wind. Were still at times seeing smoke drifting in, getting good air quality right now in parts of the south bay. But then over to the trivalley we are getting lower air quality right now. And so if you have breathing problems or sensitivity to things like wildfire smoke, you want to limit your time outside, well see temperatures in the 60s near the coast and some upper 80s for the inland areas. Kris . All right. Thank you, kari. More local news coming up for you in just a half hour. I hope youre having a great morning. [upbeat music] today was the day that i put everything in perspe boy hi, do you want to share my sandwich . vo good feeds our connections. Good feeds us all. Hormel Natural Choice lunch meats. Thistheres this gametime gig spinternetting room. Xfinity. So fun. And then theres this workfromhome internetting room. Finally, the openconcept internetting room. This is not an open house. But your front door was open, so technically it is. Get gig speeds and the most wifi coverage from xfinity. Now thats simple, easy, awesome. Enhance your online experience with even faster speed. Choose from a range of fast, reliable options, up to a gig. Click or call to learn more. Were back it is 7 30 on this tuesday morning. A live look at espns wide world of sports in orlando this is going to be the home of the nbas restart in a few weeks. In fact, the first players start to arrive today. So were going to have a live report just ahead. Look forward to all of that but we have a lot to get to in this half hour. Were going to start with your headlines at 7 30. A stunning surge in coronavirus cases is plaguing cities and states from coast to coast this morning at least 35 states are showing increases in infections ten of those states experiencing a 100 spike in recent weeks among the most dangerous hot spots, Los Angeles County. The county alone has more cases than 44 states meantime, officials in cities like houston and phoenix say their hospitals are reaching capacity a Delta Air Lines plane had to make an Emergency Landing monday night after a bird strike you can see here if you look closely, the planes front cone suffered some significant damage the pilot reported an issue with the navigation system. That plane was supposed to land at new Yorks Laguardia new york but it was diverted to jfk instead. Fortunately no one was hurt. And some sad news this morning from the entertainment world. Country music legend Charlie Daniels has died according to his publicist, daniels died monday at a hospital in tennessee after suffering a stroke the Country Music hall of famer was known for his Award Winning hits like the devil went down to georgia. Who can forget that one . And also for his support of military veterans and underprivileged children daniels was 83 years old now to the latest on the Jeffrey Epstein case his longtime confidant Ghislaine Maxwell has now been transferred from New Hampshire to a new york city jail to face charges that she recruited women and girls for epstein to sexually abuse. Nbcs Stephanie Gosk has followed this case closely from the start and has new details this morning steph, good morning. Reporter good morning, craig. Thats right this morning Ghislaine Maxwell is waking up in the metropolitan Detention Center in brooklyn after a life of luxury including yachts and private islands and private planes, there could be no starker contrast. And prosecutors want to keep her locked up there until trial. If prosecutors get their way, a judge will revoke bail and this federal jail in brooklyn could be Ghislaine Maxwells new home for awhile i would expect her to be celled alone her meals would be delivered to her. She would be locked down in that cell for 23 hours a day. Reporter Jeffrey Epsteins former girlfriend and associate is accused of enticing underage girls to travel to engage in sex acts maxwell had long denied any involvement with epsteins alleged crimes Virginia Roberts giuffre told savannah last year she was recruited by maxwell for epstein when she was a teen. Ghislaine maxwell denies ever procuring you, recruiting you. Ghislaine maxwell denies ever having any kind of sexual contact with you Ghislaine Maxwell says she barely remembers you what do you say to that . I say follow the facts. She doesnt want to be held accountable for this and in her mind i believe she doesnt think what she did was wrong. Thats the kind of evil monster she is reporter if convicted maxwell faces up to 35 years in prison but for now shell have to fight to get it of a 10 by 12 jail cell before trial. From living the life allegedly of a socialite to being incarcerated, just going through the processing of entering a secure correctional facility has to be a very humbling, humiliating, crushing life experience. Reporter federal prosecutors have call maxwell an extreme flight risk saying she appears to have access to significant Financial Resources that would enable her flight from prosecution. 15 Bank Accounts since 2016 according to Court Documents at times with as much as 20 million. The daughter of a late british publishing tycoon, maxwell has spent her life traveling the world. She appears to have three passports from france, the u. S. , and the uk and has flown on at least 15 International Flights in the last 3 years according to the u. S. Attorneys office now the british socialites world is much smaller. A new reality she may just have to get used to so steph, now that Ghislaine Maxwell is here in new york, when can we expect her to actually appear in Court Reporter well, its interesting, craig because of coronavirus concerns, she may not actually have to go to court she has agreed to do her first hearing remotely so she will do it from that metropolitan Detention Center a week from today. Thats going to be a bail hearing. And shell also enter a plea that day all right Stephanie Gosk for us. Thank you. Coming up next, guys, how safe is flying these days . Blayne alexander goes inside a plane to find out what one Major Airline is doing to protect its passengers and the expert who tells us air inside the cabin may actually be the cleanest around. Coming up after this insurance so you only pay for what you need. Almost done. Test test test test test test test test test test test test test ok everyone, our mission is to provide complete, balanced nutrition for strength and energy. 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Side effects may not appear for several weeks. Metabolic changes may occur. Nausea, restlessness and Movement Dysfunction are common side effects. When bipolar depression overwhelms, ask how vraylar can help. Removes ten years ofoptic yellow stains. Thats like all the way back to 2010. Whats that . Its a shake weight. Its a weight you shake. Remove ten years of yellow stains with new colgate optic white renewal. This mcchicken could be the first one in a while youve had with someone else. This filetofish could be the first one you didnt eat in pajamas. Whatever this order is for you, well be here to take it. We are back. 7 39 now with our ongoing series series exploring the search for solutions when it comes to the coronavirus virus. The pandemic, of course, dealt a devastating blow to the Airline Industry wiping out most travel for months, but demand slowly picking up. In fact, over the holiday weekend, u. S. Airlines set a daily record for the number of passengers since the start of the outbreak so what is being done to make sure people are safe blayne alexander got a look behind the scenes. Hey, blayne. Good morning reporter well, hoda and craig, good morning to you if either of you have been on a delta flight, chances are its that plane was in one of these hangers. This is where the maintenance happens, including changing those air filters on the plane before you get on any of these planes, youve got to be wearing one of these, a mask thats a requirement but with more people getting back on board, theres now a growing question how safe is the air that youre breathing while in flight . Air travel is once again starting to take off how are you feeling today about getting back on a plane . Pretty good excited reporter but in the age of covid19, fear of flying still lingers. Im nervous reporter why a little nervous. Just being in that enclosed space with a lot of people with people coughing and sneezing into the air. Reporter but just how does air quality work in flight the air you breathe on board is a combination of fresh air brought in from outside and filtered air thats recirculated through the cabin. The air flows from top to bottom not side to side between passengers meaning it comes in from the vents above and is sucked out through the vents in the floor its run through heavy grade hepa filters similar to those used in hospital operating rooms which pull out more than 99 of particles in the air that is mixed with fresh air from outside now Delta Airlines taking new steps to ensure that cabin air is as clean as possible. So theres a completely new batch of air that comes into the aircraft every two to four minutes. Every two to four minutes reporter on every aircraft, changing those filters twice as often as recommended you may notice that its dirty on the top where the air has flown into the filter, but it will be clean on the bottom side reporter what does that show us it shows the filter is working. Reporter experts say its not likely viruses will be spread in flight it turns out the time on the airline in the seat is actually lowest risk. Reporter youre saying the air on the airplane is actually cleaner inside of what you would find inside a Grocery Store . Yes its cleaner than probably most peoples homes or even schools reporter but in close proximity, nothing is foolproof. Certainly we cant do all the physical distancing we want to on an airplane you know, theres no such thing as zero risk reporter thats why airlines are requiring masks and upping between every delta flight, the entire cabin sprayed with disinfectant and wiped top to bottom new boarding procedures, loading from back to front and commitment to block middle seats through september. There isnt any one action we are taking that is the Silver Bullet but when you layer in all of these mitigating actions, the probability with each layer, the probability of virus transmission goes down and down and down thats been our approach all along. Reporter now, the cdc says a cough or sneeze can spread as far as two rows in front or behind thats why wearing a mask as required is so important hoda yeah. Well, a lot of passengers are probably wondering when theyre getting ready to get on a flight and it looks really packed and crowded and they dont want to get on the flight, do they have an option to get off reporter they do so delta, for instance, has committed to blocking middle seats and keeping flights at 60 capacity even if some people feel that the flight is still too full, delta says you can rebook to a later flight free of charge. Back to you. All right blayne, thank you. That was great checking the filters out in the belly of the plane. I didnt expect to see that. Blayne in a hard hat. There she is. Every two to four minutes i didnt know that recirculated on a plane. Uhhuh. Mr. Roker is back. Al, how we looking hows the weather . Looks like youre tracking the tropics. We are. Weve been watching a very active tropic season so far. Weve had five systems come develop and be named and you can see that they have come in really early anywhere from 54 days earlier than average to 73 days average earlier. In fact, cristobal was the first on record. The first d name for dolly and the first for on e storm with edouard weve also got really hot water. Atlanta gulf water temperatures five to ten degrees above average. In fact, virginia key yesterday, water temperature on july 2nd 92. 5 thats an alltime record. And that is real fuel for these systems. We are watching right now invest 98l 25 mileperhour winds its on la south of atlanta, moving north northeast at nine. Ent onc way out in the atlantic. Along the mid atlantic coast, thats the fiveday Development Zone whether it becomes a named storm or not, it is going to dump a ton of moisture from norfolk all the way to savannah. Some spots could be looking at 5 inches of rain were going to watch this carefully over the next 72 hour good morning. Im meteorologist kari hall. As we check out our live view in san jose air quality is pretty good but were seeing drifts of smoke coming through from the fire in the south county. Well monitor that today as the high temperatures reach the will he to mid80s. Upper 80s for the inland east bay and the north bay, santa rosa reaching 85. Slightly hotter temperatures for the next few days. But well still have a wide range in temperatures as San Francisco stays in the 60s. And thats your weather guys al, i dont know if people know this but you actually won an award over the fourth of july i dont know if people are aware, but you deborah and nick won most imaginative at the boat parade popeye, olive oil. Nick was 40s50s popeye and deborah was olive oil. Congrats on your award. Well deserved, al. Al roker, saving his best life in quarantine. Yes, he is. Just ahead on this tuesday morning, inside the return of sports with a few bumps along the way. The unique challenges facing leagues like the nba as teams start arriving in orlando today. Were there live but first these messages rom stam at 3 in the morning . Who is t its jake from state farm. What are you wearing, jake from state farm . Uh. Khakis. Hey, do they ever ask you what youre wearing . Uh. Yeah. Red sweater, button down shirt. Like a good neighbor, state farm is there. Experience the delicious intensity of lindt excellence shop now at lindt. Com stand up to moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. And take. It. On. With rinvoq. Rinvoq a oncedaily pill. Can dramatically improve symptoms. Rinvoq helps tame pain, stiffness, swelling. And for some. Rinvoq can even significantly reduce ra fatigue. Thats rinvoq relief. With ra, your overactive immune system attacks your joints. Rinvoq regulates it to help stop the attack. Rinvoq can lower your ability to fight infections, including tuberculosis. Serious infections and blood clots, sometimes fatal, have occurred. As have certain cancers, including lymphoma, and tears in the stomach or intestines, and changes in lab results. Your doctor should monitor your bloodwork. Tell your doctor about any infections. And if you are or may become pregnant while taking rinvoq. Take on ra talk to your rheumatologist about rinvoq relief. Rinvoq. Make it your mission. If you cant afford your medicine, abbvie may be able to help. If you cant afford your medicine, where does your almondmilk almond breeze starts here with our almond trees in our blue diamond orchard in california. My parents job is to look after them. And its my job to test the product. The best almonds make the best almondmilk. Blue diamond almond breeze. Home instead has helped seniors stay home. Now, staying home isnt just staying in the place they love. Its staying safe. Home instead. To us, its personal. And we are back. Weve got new developments on the long awaited return of professional sports. Just saying that, i start to see a glint in the eye its happening, baby. Nbcs Kerry Sanders is in orlando where nba players are starting to arrive today hey, kerry reporter hey, guys im at espns wide world of sports where americas drought is about to end there will be no fans. There wont be any home court advantage, but americas past time is finally returning. And it all begins here tomorrow with the kickoff Major League Sports are fighting their way back despite coronavirus surges across the country. Superstar lebron james and the rest of the nba now just weeks away from resuming their season here in orlando. The league was the first to shut down when the virus started spreading. The nba is trying to be the First Major League sport in america to fully successfully have a daily testing protocol and a daily process to return. And so far its all lining up. So far its all making sense. Reporter but does it the Milwaukee Bucks shut down its practice facilities after two players tested positive. And it will remain closed for workouts until the team leaves for orlando thursday the nuggets, heat, clippers, and nets also closing facilities in recent weeks because of the virus. Major League Baseball unveiling its new condensed season schedule theres a lot of fascination around this schedule for 2020. Reporter first up, last years world series champs, the Washington Nationals hosting the new york yankees on july 23rd. Instead of 162 games, each team will play 60 games in just 66 days some wondering if major League Baseball can pull this off major League Baseball players arent as optimistic as they were as a few days ago about the season but they believe if everybody follows the protocols, theyll have a chance to pull this off reporter players are being tested every other day for covid19 monday delays in those test results halting practice for the nationals and the astros but players say theyre getting used to this new normal. The moment you pull into the clubhouse, were living in a different world right now. Reporter like the nba, the nhls season was shut down in midmarch. The league and its Players Union reached a tentative deal to return to the ice by august. Just as three dozen players tested positive. Well, Major League Soccer begins its monthlong comeback here beginning tomorrow, a dose of reality, fc dallas will not be participating because ten players and a coach tested positive for covid guys, theyre hoping that thats the last that they see of players once theyre inside here testing positive course, there are no guarantees uhhuh. Kerry sanders, that was impressive, by the way it would be more impressive if you could juggle those balls at the same time. Is that no wow i think it went off his nose. Kerry, thanks still ahead, two living legends. Tom hanks is starting his day with us live also its ringo starrs 80th Birthday Well take you there live to london after your local news d p. This is hals relief, knowing hes covered by medicare from blue cross blue shield. And with coverage you can trust, backed by over 80 years of healthcare expertise, well be there when it matters most. This is medicare from blue cross blue shield. This is the benefit of blue. 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America, we want to help you get back to it. And heres how. With the ford promise. Visit your ford dealer. Finance a new, certified preowned or used vehicle through ford credit and if you lose your job, you can return it for up to one year from the day you bought it. You can also get 0 apr financing for 72 months across the ford lineup. Let us help get you, back to it. With the ford promise. Welcome back. Happening now san mateo counsty supervisors are looking to educate people aboutFace Coverings in a meeting asking the state to try to enforce that just a little bit better. Reporter im bob redell. Facebook Ceo Mark Zuckerberg will meet with the organizers of an ad boycott against his social media platform after weeks of criticism over how the company handles hate speech. Last month a coalition started Stophateforprofit Campaign urging advertisers to stop spending on facebooks platforms. This boycott is gaining momentum with hundreds of businesses joining in. Reporter im Cierra Johnson at the goat golden gate bridge. Sonoma and napa county are at risk of having three consecutive days of continuing upticks in corona cases. They may close Indoor Dining and ending Family Entertainment centers. A look at your forecast. You can get outside and maybe walk the dog, kari. Were going to have some nice weather for today, at least early in the day. And then it will start to warm up. Lets get the live look outside in San Francisco where it stays nice and cool today with the natural air conditioning. We wont feel that in the inland valleys. As we reach into the upper 80s up to 88 in concord today as well as clear lake with san jose in the lower 80s and our inland forecast gets slightly hotter over the next few days with low 90s. Our warmest day will be on sunday as we reach 94 degrees and staying in the 60s near the coastline. Kris . All right, thank you very much, kari. We have more local news coming up for you in just a half hour. I hope you have a fantastic morning. Reinventing. Its what Small Businesses do. With comcast business, your Small Business can work faster, with powerful internet from the nations largest gigspeed network. Work safer, with all your connected devices automatically protected by securityedge. And work anywhere, with comcast business at home, our new businessgrade Internet Solution for remote workers. Whatever your business needs, comcast business has the solutions to help you not just bounce back, but bounce forward. Call or go online to find out more. Its 8 00 on today. Coming up, far from over. The new explosion of coronavirus cases emerging as more than half the country shows an increase in infections. We are still knee deep in the first wave of this. This morning dr. Anthony faucis new warning about the virus. Plus, searching for answers. A closer look at the growing debate over statues and monuments from our countrys past. How far do we go . Do you rename the Washington Monument . Where does it stop . Theyre complicated human beings. So we have to tell the truth. Just ahead, well hear from people on both sides of the argument. And hanging with tom hanks. The one, the only, tom hanks will join us for his first tv interview since he was diagnosed with covid19. Well ask him how hes doing and well check in on his busy schedule including a new movie thats getting a lot of buzz. Today, tuesday, july 7th, 2020. Its our moms 65th birthday good morning, today show. Were the cruz family. And we want toe wish our daughter a happy 14th birthday. Happy birthday we wish everybody a great day here frotother in raleigh, nort carolina oh, raleigh, north carolina. Welcome back to today. Its tuesday morning. We want to say thank you, man. People get up early. They are starting their day off with us. Yall, thank you so much. Savannah is enjoying some much needed time off. We want to give another shoutout. Lets put them back up one more time. Theres that my today plaza crowd from all over the country. Someone in that group about to break some very special news. I cant wait. Let me tell you, this is a fun place to be in the morning. We want to see you in our open. And instagram. Do the my today plaza and who knows you may end up on the big board with air time. Yeah. Well get you on tv. By the way, coming up tomorrow here on today, something that all parents need to see. Vicky nguyen is going to show us ways to teach our kids about safe social distancing. Some tools that theyre really going to need once schools reopen all over the country. But first why dont we get to our news at 8 00 . The u. S. Has just recorded the most coronavirus cases ever in a single week. Nbcs National Correspondent Miguel Almaguer is live with the three things we need to watch. Good morning. Reporter good morning. After those startling images of large parties over the holiday, doctors say those crowds are a recipe for disaster and a petri dish to spread the virus. Here is a look at some of the big take aways. At least 35 states are showing a steady increase of infections over the last two weeks. Ten of those states have had at least a 100 spike in new cases. Texas and florida and california all remain trouble spots with nearly 3 million americans testing positive for the virus. Hospitals in cities like houston and phoenix are nearly reaching capacity. And in many big cities, patients are under 40 years old. And some big news from the one of the countrys top universities, harvard announcing monday it will welcome up to 40 of its students back to campus this fall, but firstyear students will take those course instructions online. Meantime after those large parties, we could see an uptick in new cases in the next few weeks. Hoda, back to you. All right. Pompeo warned on monday night that the video sharing app thats wildly popular, tiktok, could be banned in the United States as a National Security threat. Pompeo said the administration is looking seriously at claims that data thats collected by tiktok and other chinese apps can be accessed by the government in beijing. When asked on monday if americans should download the app, pompeo said, quote, only if you want your private information in the hands of the Chinese Communist party. There was no immediate comment from tiktok. Now to an emotional new tribute for broadway star nick cordero who lost his long battle with covid19 over the weekend. A moving message delivered by his wife amanda. Nbcs joe fryer is in los angeles with that story. Hey, joe, good morning. Reporter hoda, good morning. Cordero spent nearly a hundred days in the hospital here in los angeles before passing away. His wife is now thanking everyone for their support. Paying tribute to her husband on Instagram Live saying shell miss him every day of her life. It became a daily tradition. An online sing along at 3 00 showing support for nick cordero by belting his song. You guys made nick a rock star in his last three months of life. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Reporter on monday, his wife Amanda Kloots led the group one last time. Nick left this earth with people around him that he loved listening to music. I dont think he would have wanted anything else. Reporter she also posted a tenminute video made by her sister. The images chronicle their journey and highlight how family kept her going while cordero was in the hospital. On stage the 65 actor was known for playing tough guys, but no role could match the real life grit on display as cordero battled coronavirus for more than three months. But his family consistently offered reasons for hope. Dada is awake yea reporter close friend zach braff shared the stage with cordero in bullets over broadway now sharing this. The last thing he ever texted me was to look out for his wife and 1yearold son elvis. I promise the world they will never want for anything. I feel so incredibly grateful i got to have nick cordero enter my life. Sentiment echoed by corderos wife. Ill miss him every day of my life. Thats for sure. Reporter amanda says the daily sing alongs always made her feel better even on days when she wasnt on the mood to get online and sing. As zach braff mentioned, amanda and nick had one child elvis who just turned 1. Hoda . Wow. Amanda is a really, really strong human being. All right, joe. Thank you so much. All right. It is 8 06. Feels like we could use a morning boost. Okay. I got that for you. A connecticut dad who was under lockdown with his family spent those months recreating famous movie scenes using his kids as stars. Lets see if you could recognize this one. Are you crying . Are you crying . Theres no crying in baseball. R. Theres no crying in baseball theres no crying in baseball thats, of course, the tom hanks classic a league of their own. Perfect segue. Theres no crying in baseball. Tom hanks will join us for a live interview in just a couple minutes. Other spoofs they did, they did psycho, braveheart. Any way. They know how to use their quarantine time wisely that family. That always makes me feel so lazy about what were doing in quarantine up next, as promised, the one, the only tom hanks. Thats right after this. Whenever youre ready to get out there, enterprise is ready, too. With our complete clean pledge, youll have the peaceofmind that well get you safely on your way. Wherever. And whenever that may be. Enterprise. When youre ready, were ready. Thank you to everyone who worked together over the last few months to help each other out. Like our fans who colored this commercial while staying safe at home. Beautiful. Isnt it, red . 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Spend 10 dollars or more at a participating Small Business and get 5 dollars back, up to 10 times with american express. Enroll now at shopsmall. Com. Welcome back were so excited about this segment. We have tom hanks. Hes going to be joining us live especially after whats been quite an eventful 2020 for him and his wife rita. Before we catch up with tom, heres a look at their experience with coronavirus and the months that followed reporter it was a tweet that shook the world. Back in march, tom hanks posted that he and wife rita wilson had been diagnosed with coronavirus while filming in australia i have been the celebrity canary in the coal mine for the coronavirus. Reporter the first highprofile celebrity couple to share what it was like to have covid, an illness that was just beginning to take over the country. Their symptoms, different. Loss of taste and smell and fatigue. Writing on social media, we felt a bit tired like we had colds and some body aches. Rita had chills that came and went slight fevers too. I feel great. Im back to normal we are still practicing social distancing because we want to set a good example reporter even tackling the topic with humor on snl in april. Ever since being diagnosed i have been more like americas dad than ever before since no one wants to be around me very long and i make people uncomfortable. Reporter hanks has consistently been outspoken about his corona journey donating plasma to combat the virus. Saying in an interview this week with the guardian, theres really only three things Everyone Needs to do wear a mask, social distance, wash your hands. I dont understand how anyone can put their foot down and say, i dont have to do my part now fully recovered, the beloved actor is talking about a different kind of battle this time on the big screen in the new world war ii action film greyhound. Weve been looking forward to this we need this man this morning. Tom hanks joins us live. Hey, tom how are you . Im very good very good. Thanks for having me you know whos bummed right now . Savannah come on. You guys have a thing. I feel a little guilty im talking to you this morning. Did you lose the today show lottery that you have to sleep in the little selfinduced quarts they have down there at 30 rock . A little mini bar and refrigerator i wot those kids of yours. They only get to see mommy on tv for the nine hours youre on every morning. I feel bad for them. The one thing youre right about is the little bar they i got to remember, tom. I remember we were sitting in the studio the day the news broke that you and rita had coronavirus. And i got to tell you, we sort of all had kind of a mini heart attack. It was scary for us because that was in the very beginning when we didnt know all the things about the coronavirus. How in that moment, were you and rita, were you afraid . No, we were not, because we were feeling extremely punky. I dont want to dismiss our symptoms. We felt rotten. I had body aches, crippling cracking body aches. But what we were mostly concerned with was at the time is what is next. The australian officials put us in the hospital and they kept very strict attention on our fevers because if they had spiked, we were going to be in trouble. Our lungs, because if they had filled up or scarred, we were going to be in trouble. And the levels of our oxygen. That is what they were doing for us. But what they were doing for other people were making sure we werent passing it along to anybody else. We had the coronavirus. We were giving it away to anybody that came within distance to us. And so we were we were in awfully good hands and we were very much aware of that we were maybe exploring some brand New Territories about the personal as well as the public as far as having covid19. Rita is a Breast Cancer survivor. You have diabetes and a stent. Type 2 diabetes. Go easy on me, now. Were you concerned given those other factors that maybe there was something to worry about then . First question we asked the medical staff who came in completely covered in ppe. We never saw anybodys mouths for an awfully long time. We laid it out. Is this going to be a problem . And they looked at us with all seriousness and they said, it very well could be. Wow. Do you have any lasting effects, tom . Other than smart aleck kind of like cuckoo responses to it . No. What has lingered here is this societal question, really, of doing our part. I dont want to invoke not everything i say has to be tied to somehow the war effort back during world war ii, but there was a sensibility that permeated all of society which was do your part. Were all in this together. And that meant doing your part meant there was a tiny bit of stuff that you could do in order to aid the ongoing effort that had no sign of its conclusion. World war ii went on for an awfully long time, a big portion of everybodys lives. They didnt know that was going to come to an end. And we dont know whats going to happen with covid19. The idea of doing ones part, though, should be so simple. Wear a mask, social distance, wash your hands. That alone means you are contributing to the betterment of your house, your work, your town, your society as a whole. Its such a small thing. And i dont i dont its a mystery to me how somehow that has been wiped out out of what should be engrained in the behavior of us all. Simple things. Do your part. Yeah. It does seem basic. How do you think the countrys responded, tom . Well, i think a huge majority of americans get it. There is look. Theres no law in place. Its not illegal to have opinions that are wrong. I think you flout a number of realities when two and two dont add up to four. And granted this is a mysterious thing where people are asymptomatic, dont know they have it, dont feel bad. But there is a darkness on the edge of town here, folks. Theres a darkness on the edge of town, folks. And it is lets not confuse the fact. Its killing people. Okay . You can argue what the numbers are. Its not killing that many. The numbers have gone down, et cetera. Yeah, thats right. Its killing people. And you can say, well, traffic accidents kill an awful lot of people too. Traffic accidents happen because a lot of drivers arent doing their part. Theyre not using their turn signals. Theyre driving too fast. Theyre not paying attention to their environment. I dont know how common sense has somehow been put in question in regards to this. Yeah. I can tell youre passionate about this one. Well, im just an american whos getting by in the course of the day. Yeah. You know what . In the middle of everything thats going on, you have been working and you brought up world war ii. You have this movie coming out called greyhound. This is really a labor of love for you. Youve been working on it for ten years. Its coming out and its not coming out on a big screen because of the way life is now. Its coming out on apple tv. And i got to say, i mean, i wondered if you were a little bummed about the fact that people werent going to be able to see that the way i think it was probably intended on this epic scale. Well, im actually thrilled that apple tv is making it possible for everybody to see it. Not only worldwide as long as you have Apple Television but also the day after my 64th birthday. Thank you. Thank you very much. This is a magnificent gift for us because of apple. Because covid19 did something heart breaking to us all. It closed down the theaters. We dont have the cinema. There isnt anybody that doesnt like going to see a good movie with 800 other people with coming out with something in common. Barring that, Apple Television has saved the day for us. We had a magnificent movie that was not going to be seen. And because of reality i think apple is a benevolent streaming service in every way, its going to be available and viewable. Otherwise we would have languished in a vault for a movie that look. Its 88 minutes of a thematic story that speaks to what were going through right now. We didnt know that at the time we made a film. We were trying to make a lean version of procedures about how difficult it was to stay alive in the middle of the north atlantic in 1942. But the end result is thank goodness that there is you can pay how much does apple tv cost . Staff . What is it . Five bucks . S its a cheap its a magnificent deal. And we are going to be able to fill up the screens in the living rooms and bean bag chairs of the world all in one shot. So we feel as though we were rescued at sea by a convoy with a big apple logo with a bite taken out of it. Ou play captain ernie crouse its like the perfect role for you. Well, adapted by me. Theres a novel called the good shepherd. I have always been fascinated by this physiological position of status. Why i alluded to it earlier. In 1942 people thought the war was going to go on for ten years. And there were extremely bad guys on both coasts that were enslaving their half of the world. So going back, finding the novel was like finding literally the tip of the pyramid that ive always been trying to examine here which is putting anybody who sees the movie into this very specific position. What would i do if i was in that same circumstance . How would i deal . Would i crack under the pressure . People say why do you keep going back to that era again . Because i keep going back to examine the human condition of how do how does one deal with a pressure that never lets up . Wow. How do you get by that cracking 48 hours or 72 hours in which you have no idea if youre doing the right thing . That fascinates me. Well, the film is out. People are going to love to see it. Before you go, do you have any i think a lot of people are feeling a little anxious in this moment. Whenever i look to you, i think i bet you hell know the right thing to say. Do you have any words of wisdom before we say goodbye . Well, i would like to be flip and just say thank you, well b words. You know, look. Im just a dude who stumbled around and made a heck of a number of mistakes, but i will say one of the things that ive learned is more shall be revealed, this too shall pass. You and i and i think everybody watching the today show right now really only has a window of three days in our lives that we with effect a place, our station in this world. We have yesterday that i think has provided us some understanding. We have today in which we wake up and are proactive and seek somehow the ability to do our part. And then that gives us a reason to have faith in tomorrow. Thats such an easy thing to say to people who are suffering through all sorts of economic insecurities. I think its a little perhaps pollyannaish, but were in this together. Neighborhood, our town, our city, our state, our nation. And our world. Well, tom, we love you. Thank you. Give our love to rita and let her know thank you. Did you find my secret book . Did you see it on my book . Tom was rearranging books. I wanted to see which i think it was the alchemist. No. Im going to show it to you. Hold on. Hold on. Which was was it . Lets see. Oh green eggs and ham. Love it. Love it. And if you want, just as you go off to a commercial, ill begin the reading of it. And we can all all right. Were going to break as he goes. You can find it on apple books. Im sure its available. I am sam. All right. Were going to throw it to al roker. Love you, tom. Good morning. Im meteorologist kari hall. Lets take a live look outside in San Francisco starths out with some sunshine and some fairly good air quality but weve seen the drifts of smoke coming in around parts of the bay area. High temperatures will reach into the upper 60s in the city. Oakland reaching 74 and concord will reach 88 as we head to the north bay, mid80s today. Well take a closer look at the sevenday forecast coming up in a couple of minutes. Good morning. Im chris chmura. There are concerns the largest brush fire now burning in the bay area would flare up later today. It is burning outside gilroy. It started sunday afternoon. Right now its about 20 contained and dozens of evacuations are still in place. Firefighters are also still at the scene of a grassfire tha fairfield. It burned about all the homes there were saved. The weather is so important in firefighting. Kari, how is it looking out there . Its still going to be breezy today. And well have to watch out for that. The wind shifts. It could also bring in a different direction of the wildfire. With direction its moving in as far as the smoke as well as the smoke as well. Were looking at our temperatures today inland that will reach into the upper 80s. Low 90s tomorrow. Just a slight warmup and were going to see slightly hotter temperatures by the end of the week into the weekend. We check out San Francisco. It stays in the 60s. Well have a wide range in our weather from the coastal areas to the inland valleys and were going to see that weather pattern continuing as least over the next seven days. Chris . Kari, thanks very much. Well have another local news update in half an hour. Well send you back to the today show in new york. Were back now its 8 30. Tuesday, july 7th. Looky, looky whos in studio 1a. Look whos back what up, everybody . Carson, this is the first time ive seen you in studio in person big hug crazy thats right. Any way, so cool to see you here in studio that represent Different Things to different people. The big question now is should they be torn down . Should they be left alone . Should they be altered we wanted to hear from all sides. Weve got some interesting conversations to share coming up in just a few minutes. Plus ive got a busy pop start on the way and tomorrow harry smith is going to be chatting with andy samberg. Andy is in a new film called palm springs. Hes great in it its a story about how the film got made and itll make you think. Look at carson. I cant get over it. Standing right there. Right now its time to check in for the big board, the families joining us from all over the country our my today plaza whats up, everybody make some noise got a great group of families here thank you, guys, for getting up. Lots to celebrate. Were going to start with the sills family in the lower right. There they are theres mom and dad and the kids they are 4 and 2 sills family, how are you guys doing today . We are great. Thank you so much. This is awesome well, listen. Its great to have you here albeit virtually and if you were on the plaza we know youre diehard today show fans. You might make a sign which we do every day but thats not going to stop just because youre at home. I understand the kids have a sign they would like to unveil so lets see it. They do you ready what . Whoa im going to be a big sister again. Im going to be a big brother. This is an official announcement is that right . This is an official announcement we got some opportunity to hide it for a little bit with the quarantine baby number three on the way. Wow number three on the way. The sills family is growing. Congratulations. Thank you so much wow riley, are you excited to be a big sister uhhuh. Yeah. Youre going to be great boy or girl boy oh, sweet congratulations, guys thank you, honey. Lets go back to the big board. All right. Im looking for the temin family from orlando where are you guys right here. Hello now, i know this is crazy mom and dad. Thats jane and nate thats elliot. Elliot 21 years old. On july 7th, where were you july 7th, 2000 . 20 years ago today we will show you where you were. Take a look at this tape and weve got a little one whos a little worked up whos this elliot. And he was born watching the today show he was born a year ago at 7 00 a. M. 1999 wow elliot you havent changed a bit. So we need a little al roker in here to wish you a happy, happy again. Elliot my man happy birthday, elliot how you doing . Doing all right how about you . All right hopefully youll remember this one. Indeed. Real special. Awesome. Excellent and you come back in 89 years and im going to put you on a smuckers jar. There you go. You got it. Any time you got it you got a date, everybody all right. That was awesome isnt that funny they both look dramatically different. Lets look at the big board one more time. Where is everybody there they are. Oh, yes we like to see everybody macdonalds down there the olivias the cruzs. If you want get in on the my today plaza fun, all up to do is sign up on today. Com mytodayplaza hi, darla hi, nadia. Mr. Roker, i hope youre still there. We could use another check of the weather. Its still here and its 79 years, i did the math wrong there you go im a weatherman, not a mathematician. For today weve got heavy rain through the gulf coast and moving into the midatlantic a fire risk out west severe storms in the Northern Plains plenty of sunshine in the northeast. And then as we move into tomorrow, severe storms make their way into the upper midwest. Were looking at more wet weather through northern florida into the southeast strong storms developing into the northeast. And that fire risk continues out west that good morning. Im meteorologist kari hall. We take a live look outside in the south bay. Its been smokey at times. Right now it looks pretty good but were going to see drifts of smoke coming in from the cruz fire in the south county. And our temperatures will warm up today just a slight shift in the wind. It will make a huge difference in our air quality. Highs in the upper 80s for the inland east bay and north bay. Going into tomorrow, gets a little hotter in those spots as we reach into the low 90s. Well see more weather like that at least through the end of the week. All right mr. Roker, thank you up next, our indepth look at the debate over what to do with monuments to americas past but first this is today on safely shop floor and decor your way comfortably explore our incredible selection. With safe instore guidance, or order online, and pick up your products curbside come discover the perfect floor at the perfect price however is perfect for you. Explore floor decor instore or online. Its about to get bester baby menutaur make it a double, yeah nice mane try my 5. 99 southwest cheddar cheeseburger combo and make it a double for a buck more. Order now with no contact delivery. Hes also signed an executive order creating a task force to repair statues and founding whats being called the National Park of american heroes which will display new and donated statues. We will never allow an angry mob to tear down our statues, welcome back were back with our series erase our history, indoctrinate our children, or trample on our inequality in america. Freedoms this morning a closer look at a topic that is dominating the reporter a nation divided headlines. The debate over monuments and over where it stands on statues. A descendent of confederate symbols from americas past. General robert e. Lee has joined the fight but not for the side many of these statues that you may have passed by without you might think. Giving them a second look. For some they are really not a big deal we were raised to believe that general lee was a kindly, for others, cherished symbols. And still others, emblems of genteel kind of christian man who firmly believed in states intolerance. Rights so how should we honor our past . But we didnt finish to say that its a complex question we went was to continue the practice for in search of some answers. Enslavement. Reporter history changing reporter a complicated before our eyes. Problem with many of these monuments torn down or carted statues and symbols representing off by work crews. Different things for different people David Mcallister is a leader in symbols being reconsidered as a the sons of confederate veterans full and fast reexamination of americas checkered past is and an attorney fighting to preserve confederate monuments playing out in realtime. When you look at one of those statues and monuments, what do a reckoning not everyone may be you see . Ready for but long overdue in m. I see a man that defended his family and his home against tyranny and physically took up arms to defend them against an illegal and unconstitutional invasion reporter dr. Eddie graw at Princeton University is it fair to view monuments and statues built generations ago is it fair to view them through this new lens . Absolutely, i think reporter why so if you think about confederate monuments, this is an easy case those monuments are monuments to an ideology. Monuments to White Supremacy reporter but why now and is this upheaval concerning public art new . Art historian dr. Aaron thompson humans have been making art to honor people as long as weve been making art and weve also been tearing art down that we dont agree with anymore reporter but its not just about the old south. Christopher columbus tossed in baltimores inner harbor george washington, Thomas Jefferson toppled. We were the first on princeton campus since they stripped Woodrow Wilsons name. From its school of Public Policy and International Affairs over his racist and misogynistic past how far do you go . Do you remain the Washington Monument where does it stop theyre complicated human beings so we have to tell the truth as we tell the truth, we can say take what we value and say, well, that aspect of who they were we wholly reject. Reporter much of the debate so far is about existing monuments and e. What about those never erected there are no statues from women in history in new york citys central park walking down the street and only see statues of men being honored . What if youre a person of color and only see statues of white people being honored as a nation we cant afford to squelch that ambition. Reporter what does this debate over the past mean for present day problems the symbols come down, but theres no major legislative reckoning. It almost seems like sometimes this is appeasement. Were in a moment where fundamental transformation has to happen because the country is broken we cant tinker around the edges. So youre right. They make these symbolic gestures, but i dont think thats going to be sufficient. In this moment reporter as we evolve, we as a nation are having hard conversations about who to put up on a pedestal its such a complicated issue. You know, yesterday harry smith for instance introduced us, you know, to a side of Thomas Jefferson that some probably didnt know existed. You know, i asked the question about george washington. Obviously founder but a lot of folks dont know we know the story about the wooden teeth teeth from his slaves. They pulled its how do we reconcile all of it and honor it. I dont know we talked about there are no women statues in central park. There are some plans to unveil a monument to women in central park that features sew journey truth. There is a plan to unveil one. This is a picture of what that statue is going to look like its set to be unveiled next month on the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment which gave women the right to vote. We googled womens statues in the United States and there werent that many. Its like a handful. One of hoda drinking in central park of red wine. Coming. I say i think its time for one thing. Its time to head to pop start should we . Lets do it were going to go to it right now . All right. Well, i think weve got an update maybe well just tease it. This friends reunion thing weve been talking about for 40 years now, i think its going to happen you love that no. The stars of friends commented on it. Ill tell you what david california phones offers free specialized phones. Like cordless phones, phone ringing big button, and volumeenhanced phones. Get details on this state program. Call or visit an extra 15 percent credit on car and motorcycle policies . Ok . Thats 15 percent on top of what geico could already save you. So what are you waiting for . Dj khaled to be your motivational coach . Yo devin remember to brush in a circle motion. Thank you. Dj. Khaled. Tiny circles, devin. Do another one. Another one. Is this good . Put in that work, devin. Dont give up. Geico. Save an extra 15 when you switch by october 7th. Save an extra 15 and accessoriesphonestch for your mobile phone. Like this device to increase volume on your cell phone. phone ringing get details on this state program call or visit carson, youre six feet away but i like you right there im into it. Im on it lets go put my camera on good morning, everybody. First up, pop start, kevin hart, the comedian celebrating his 41st birthday and acknowledging the emotional year hes had. Remember the horrific car crash kevin was involved in back in 2019, that accident left him severe back injuries his road to recovery including physical therapy but hes doing well today and is letting the birthday on instagram. He wrote, so blessed and so thankful to see the age 41 im lucky to be alive. There will never be another day that just goes by in my life thats not treated with the highest level of respect and appreciation definitely an extra special happy birthday to you, kevin thats good news that was a pretty touch and go and scary for a hot minute there. Next up, david schwimmer, hoda here we go. Ready is it happening . Hes starring in a new sitcom on peacock hes a maverick nsa agent. Different than ross in friends. However, schwimmer is not done with ross. Everyone is looking forward to the big friends reunion. Schwimmer said what hes excited about. What im honestly most looking forward to is just being in the room with those other five actors. Its five, right yeah that was a joke. But being on the actual sound stage, on the actual set for the first time in ten years, the set that we shot on for ten years. That to me is going to be really meaningful what . They say its going to happen good to see everybody back together if and when it happens. I have no faith its going to happen but weve been doing this story for 22 years and we have yet to see the friends cast together. Hopefully itll happen maybe itll happen it might. I believe. Its like the oprah thing you got to wish it into existence. Speak it. Speak it. Next up, nasa and Octavia Spencer teaming up for an exciting announcement about the newest mars rover. Its not the first time nasa and spencer have gotten together of course spencer played Dorothy Vaughn in hidden figures. She even scored on oscar nomination for that. Now censer is lending her voice to the big announcement of perseveran perseverance and we my friends are excited to exclusively share part of the big reveal this morning. Watch this we have liftoff we are explorers. We will meet many obstacles on our way to mars. But as humans, we will not give up we will always persevere like that could have said perseverance, rated r. That looks like a movie. No, its real life nasa targeting july 30th for the launch of mars rover perseverance that rover is, by the way, going to help pave the way for a Human Mars Mission in the 2030s and beyond finally saturday night live, the shows been making us laugh for decades. None of that would be possible without cue cards. They go old school on that show. Every single monologue and sketch is handwritten out on giant cards for the celebrity hosts also even the cast members. Thats what they read. For the past 30 years, wally fairstein has been writing and holding up those cards snl off for the time being our friend wallys had to get creative hes got a side project going. A side hustle. Its called cue cards by wally 55 bucks, you can have your own giant cue card scribbled out for any occasion hes had more than 200 orders so far. Most of them including live from somewhere in the United States if theres an snl fan in your life, i bet they would love one of those cue cards wally ive known for years he did all the cue cards on last call my late night show in studio 8h when we were squatting there. Wally is an American Institution in television and making a little dough on the side thats awesome. Nothing wrong with that by the way, just so good to see carson it feels good. Were six feet away. Its been measured just ahead, how do you celebrate your 80th birthday if youre ringo starr with help from your friends. A live reporfrom london. But t [ufipbeat music] today was the day that i put everything in perspective. I fell asleep but when i woke up. boy hi, do you want to share my sandwich . vo good feeds our connections. Good feeds us all. Hormel Natural Choice lunch meats. We are back. 8 52 now with a special celebration for a music legend thats right. Today is ringo starrs 80t birthday to mark the big day, the beatle is throwing a concert with icons of the industry. Kelly cobiella joins us from london kelly, this has becomes quite the tradition for ringos birthday what does he have in store for his 80th reporter of course hes working. I mean, what else . Can you believe he was 29 years old when he strolled across that crosswalk. Today celebrating a huge milestone. They rocked into our lives nearly 60 years ago. The four lads from liverpool john, paul, george, and ringo. The drumming and sometimes singing beatle known for his birthday bashes. Like most of us having to do things a little differently this year calling in a little help from his friends. He says. As everyone knows, i love gathering with fans for peace and love on my birthday. But this year i want everyone to be safe at home. So i called up a few friends and we put this big birthday show together so we could still celebrate my birthday with you all. Ringos big birthday show airing today on his Youtube Channel will also benefit four charities. The david lynch foundation, music cares, water aid, and black lives matter global network. Black lives do matter i want to salute all those people that went on the marches all around the world the support, how great is that reporter this morning birthday messages pouring in on social media from around the world. Hi, ringo happy birthday reporter and even out of this world ringo known as the funniest beatle sang lead on 11 of the fab four songs and wrote two himself. Including octopuses garden. Help while it was the beatles that made him a household name, hes done a lot in his 80 years born richard starky, he overcame several life threatening childhood illnesses. Becoming the age defying ringo starr we know today. Hes had a successful solo career, toured with big names in his supergroup ringo starr and his allstar band. And hes joined artists around the globe in playing for change. Inspiring and connecting the world through song two years ago, knighted by Prince William for his services to music hes published books, acted in movies even had a stint voicing thomas the tank engine. What has happened to me reporter now entering his eighth decade and still spreading his message to the world. And dont forget. 12 00 noon on the the 7th of the 7th, 2020, you go peace and love thats all i ask peace and love reporter peace and love. Happy birthday, ringo. Guys happy birthday, ringo kelly, thanks so much you mentioned ringo was sick when he was a kid. He had tuberculosis. He had these Long Hospital stays. The reason he got into music is they had music classes someone handed him a little drum and that was it. I love the tidbits. Third hour coming up have some classic cars helping pull off an epic neighborhood show and more tom hanks with me and jenna. But first your local news. Good morning. Its 8 56. Im chris chmura. A dubious new mark in californias coronavirus surge. The state just set a new oneday record. Counties reported more than 8200 cases yesterday following the holiday weekend. It breaks the previous record set just one week ago. And in a matter of days, napa and sonoma counties might have to end Indoor Dining. Thats according to the press democrat. Following the governors most recent order, more prestrictions can be triggered by rising cases. Others are also in jeopardy of close again. Leaders in San Mateo County say theres not enough being done to make sure everyone is following Face Covering requirements. They are getting set for a meeting starting in a couple of minutes to look at better ways to get the mask message out and to make sure people listen. Well have the full story in our midday newscast. Firefighters this morning have updated the bay areas largest current wildfire. The cruz fire burning outside gilroy. Its still at 20 containment with concerns the wind could pick up later today. That fire has now burned 5400 acres stins sta s since it star sunday. Watch our twitter feed for updates in realtime. Well have a local weather update for you in half an hour. Businesses are starting to bounce back. But what if you could do better than that . Like adapt. Discover. Deliver. In new ways. To new customers. What if you could come back stronger . Faster. Better. At comcast business, we want to help you not just bounce back. But bounce forward. And now, were committed to helping you do just that with a powerful and reliable internet and voice solution at a great price. Call or go online today. Live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza, this is the third hour of today. And good morning. Welcome to this third hour of today. It is tuesday, july 7th. Craig melvin here in studio 1a weve got the whole Team Together again continue to work from home al back from vacation. How was it, buddy . Welcome back. Oh, thank you, guys i would say i missed you, but i dont want to lie. You know, it was good beingoff you know thats the