safe and continue to play. >> this morning the commissioner's response to one star player who says the league failed to put health and safety first. fatal encounter. a woman killed in what's believed to be maine's first deadly shark attack ever while in new york several beaches now shut down. the latest in a live report straight ahead breaking overnight violent new clashes between protesters and armed federal agents in portland, oregon large demonstrations in other cities across the country. >> on the ground on the ground. >> this morning, the growing chorus of mayors demanding congress step in those stories, plus a hero's farewell ♪ that saved a wretch like me >> a powerful rendition of "amazing grace" moves people to tears at the u.s. capitol where congressman john lewis lies in state. "today," tuesday, july 28th, 2020 >> announcer: from nbc news, this is "today" with savannah guthrie and hoda kotb live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza hey, everybody welcome to "today. so happy you're joining us on a tuesday morning. how moving was that moment that, of course, reverend wintley phipps we featured him here on the "today" show when we saw him singing at this moment, it just moved the whole place to tears and anyone watching. >> you said it started with that hum and broke into beautiful rendition full of passion. seemed like there wasn't a dry eye. at least from what we could see from the cameras and of course this morning congressman john lewis lies in state in the rotunda of the u.s. capitol, one of the highest honors our nation can bestow we've been hearing with these remembrances why he so richly deserves that. we'll have more on that just ahead. we are going to begin, though, with the coronavirus and where things stand this morning. nearly 60,000 new cases of the virus recorded in the u.s. yesterday. >> president trump's national security adviser has tested positive for the virus the white house says robert o'brien has mild symptoms, is self-isolating and is working from a secure off-site location. regal cinemas has planned to reopening theaters on august 21st with a mandatory mask policy for all guests and all employees. and several drug manufacturers have now entered a pivotal phase in vaccine trials with the goal of having a vaccine by the end of this year. that's where we begin this morning with tom costello. on the vaccine story tom, good morning. >> reporter: good morning. this is a major development. pfizer now joining moderna in the critical phase three trials. this is the gold standard. if you are a drug company, this is where you want to get to with your drug, with your vaccine there are many challenges ahead, but right now this is happening in record time this morning another potential coronavirus vaccine is entering late stage testing today pfizer set to begin phase three dosing of its candidate. the drug company joining moderna at this critical juncture. >> this is the main event, if you will, in drug development. >> reporter: both moderna and pfizer looking for 30,000 volunteers pfizer dosing at 89 sites across the country. including 39 states. planning 120 sites globally late monday dr. anthony fauci expressed optimism about the moderna vaccine developed in collaboration with the nih >> i can't guarantee you the success of the vaccine because only a clinical trial will determine that but i can virtually guarantee you that this has got off to a good start >> reporter: the president also touting what he calls tremendous progress >> we shaved years off the time it takes to develop a vaccine and done it while maintaining the fda gold standard for safety >> reporter: in addition to moderna, other warp speed vaccines are on track for phase three trials including novavax, johnson & johnson, and astrazeneca. >> no one company at this stage can make enough vaccine to 12350i all the need that will exist in this country. so we need multiple companies to be successful to get to the end zone >> reporter: another key test for these clinical trials, recruiting volunteers from diverse at-risk populations. >> it's affecting more vulnerable people in the population the elderly, people with underlying diseases, and also certain racial and ethnic groups >> reporter: both companies are advancing experimental types of vaccines rather than manipulating the live virus, they're delivering genetic instructions known as messenger rna. the hope is the immune system creates covid-fighting antibodies but the technology is brand new. >> the ultimate goal would be to have a very safe, very effective vaccine and it doesn't have to help 100% of people but it needs to help a majority >> tom, another big hurdle going forward, distribution of that vaccine. how do they decide who gets it first? >> reporter: yeah, absolutely. so dr. fauci says they will probably have to set up committees to work through that. but it's highly likely they would start with doctors and nurses, hospital staff, as well as front line paramedics and firefighters and work through who is most vulnerable so the elderly, people with underlying health conditions so the chances are that's kind of a pyramid it will start in that fashion and then broaden out to the general public that could take some time. by the way, they're talking about the possibility of fda approval by the end of the year. so you hope they can ramp up production and distribution in early 2021 >> we can hope tom costello all right. thank you. now to what some are calling baseball's nightmare days after the start of the season, the miami marlins have been hit with the covid-19 outbreak that's forced the league to call off several games. overnight the commissioner addressed the situation. nbc's sam brock joins us from marlins park in miami where the home opener was supposed to be going on sam, good morning. >> reporter: savannah, good morning. the commissioner said it's not a nightmare scenario, but yes 24 hours ago we thought the marlins would be hosting their home opener right here. now the team's first two home games are put on ice all of that as covid test results right now pending across the league could force them to look at a larger dilemma >> that's good enough. >> that's a missile. >> reporter: baseball's return to the diamond is off to a rocky start. just days after umpires finally got to yell play ball, the coronavirus outbreak on the miami marlins could jeopardize the already shortened season nbc news has confirmed 11 marlins players have contracted the virus since opening day though baseball's commissioner is taking an optimistic view >> it's not a positive thing, but i don't see it as a nightmare. we built the protocols to allow us to continue to play >> reporter: speaking on the mlb network, rob manfred says the tens of thousands of tests baseball's positive rate is still 0.4% >> if the testing results are acceptable, the marlins will resume play in baltimore on wednesday against the orioles. >> reporter: the question looming large. could baseball be forced to cancel the season? how many teams would have to be affected before baseball would just shut it down? >> well, it's a balance. you'll only take a few teams i would say three, four. >> reporter: nbc news also learning miami's opponent over the weekend, the philadelphia phillies are awaiting their own test results some managers making it clear they're nervous. like the washington nationals davey martinez whose best player juan soto already tested positive >> my level of concern went from an 8 to a 12 it hits home when you see half a team, you know, get infected and go from one city to another. >> reporter: even one of the nats' most passionate fans dr. anthony fauci unsure if the restart will work. >> when you get something like this, this is one of the things that could really put a halt in the progression of where you're going through the season >> reporter: and asked why major league baseball doesn't have a bubble situation like the nba, manfred says there's too many players on a mlb roster. they would have to have multiple locations for an extended period of time. that is something manfred said is simply not feasible savannah >> thank you we want to turn to dr. ashish jha. director of harvard global institute. we turn to you a lot, dr. jha. we want to talk about baseball let's start with this promising news about vaccines. a couple of companies moving into that final large scale safety trial, phase three trials what's the significance of that? >> yeah. so thank you for having me on. this is exciting this is -- as someone i think in one of the reports said, this is the main event we now get to find out whether the vaccines are effective, whether they work at preventing infections or severe infections. then we get to find out whether they're safe and i am hopeful that one or two or maybe even more vaccines will clear that hurdle. but hope is not evidence and what we need is evidence and data you know, if these are done well, we'll have that in the next three to six months >> i want to ask about that because we're getting a crash course in how vaccines are made. these phase three trials you have, i think, 60,000 people who volunteer. you sign up. and then are they just kind of put into the population? you're just like, some of them will be exposed and some won't and we'll see if it works? essentially? >> exactly i know it sounds a little funny. but that's exactly righthyou ne number of people some of them, half of them will get a vaccine. half of them will get a sort of placebo. then they'll go about their daily business they'll be monitoring on an ongoing basis and we'll look at things like, who's getting infected and are the people who got the vaccine less likely to be infected and we'll monitor them for symptoms of any kind that might be related to the vaccine to look for safety. and if you have a large enough population and you're in an area where there's enough of an outbreak and large parts of america are hot spots and if you monitor people closely, as i said, at some point down the lane in the fall, late fall, we'll probably have accumulated enough evidence that we will feel comfortable saying whether the vaccine works or not and whether it's reasonably safe or not >> real quickly on this because i want to get to baseball, but there's a difference between finding a vaccine and getting people vaccinated. >> yeah. yeah we often say vaccines don't save lives. vaccination saves lives. it's about when the vaccine goes into the arm that actually that's where the life-saving benefits really begin. we have to have an entire plan for our nation we have to make sure there are no financial barriers for individuals. we want to make sure the most vulnerable people ar there's a lot of work to do, and i'm hopeful that we can come up with a plan but i'm a little worried. we've had problems with supply chain and distributions with testing. i'm hoping that won't show up with the vaccines. >> fingers crossed and hopefully more than just fingers crossed let's talk about baseball. the miami marlins. half the miami marlins testing positive for the virus including some players and some members of staff. what does this portend for the baseball season? what does this show to you >> what it shows to me is the difficulty of trying to run sports or trying to run really any business in the middle of a large outbreakw, about half of our country's consumed with really pretty large outbreaks. and it's going to be very, very hard to protect people and do kind of get back to business so i'm hopeful if major league baseball really is aggressive, they may be able to kind of keep going. but i have to tell you, given that this is five days into the season, i'm worried that they're not going to be able to have a regular -- their modified season the way they have planned. it's going to be very, very difficult to pull off. >> it's a worrisome development for sure, dr. jha. thank you for your time. appreciate it. >> thank you all right. craig now joins us in studio with mixed news for millions of americans in need of financial help during the pandemic >> good morning. senate republicans have formally introduced a new coronavirus relief plan. the plan includes another round of stimulus checks, but also a significant cut to enhanced unemployment benefits. nbc's peter alexander joins us from the white house peter, good morning to you >> reporter: hey, craig, good morning to you this new coronavirus aid package a still far from a done deal even as congress faces significant pressure to resolve its differences quickly. to put more money in american's pockets. but the two parties are literally $2 trillion apart in their proposals and top democrats say the republicans' initial plan is, quote, pathetic this morning with tens of millions of americans out of work, senate republicans are proposing to slash emergency unemployment benefits by $400. a plan that would cut that extra federal payment from $600 to $200 a week. democrats want to extend the $600 payments that expire this week through the end of the year >> i hope this strong proposal will occasion a real response. not partisan cheap shots >> they're not even getting to the fundamentals of food and rent and economic survival they're not really ready to have a serious negotiation. >> reporter: the parties are still at least $2 trillion apart with republicans arguing additional payouts would discourage jobless americans from returning to work one thing both sides agree on, another round of direct payments for americans up to $1200 each it comes as president trump wearing a mask while visiting a biotech lab in north carolina again contradicted the advice of top public health officials who've encouraged many states to slow their reopenings. >> i really do believe a lot of the governors should be opening up states that they're not opening. >> reporter: the president later retweeting a video that's since been taken down by twitter, facebook, and youtube featuring a group of what appears to be doctors in white coats making false claims related to the coronavirus. including someone calling hydroxychloroquine a cure and saying you do not need masks the president's back track on masks highlighting that clip of an apparent doctor saying you do not need to wear them comes just a week after him himself pushed for americans to wear masks and even wore one himself. one version of that clip was viewed more than 14 million times before it was removed. while that clip calls hydroxychloroquine a cure, the fda, you'll remember, revoked its emergency use authorization last month saying it's unlikely to be effective and that it carries serious potential risks. craig? >> peter, meanwhile there on the hill today, the attorney general william barr set to testify before congress. we're already getting a bit of a preview of what the attorney general is going to say. what do we know about that >> reporter: yeah. that's right this is going to be a contentious hearing. the attorney general testifying today before the house judiciary committee. the democrats that run that committee are preparing to challenge him on a wide range of topics they say he's politicized the job, that he's abused his office, including the administration's crackdown on nationwide protests. barr is expected to fiercely defend himself a copy of his opening statement that we at nbc news have of trying to discredit him because of his investigations into the origins of the russia probe, among other topics likely to come up his intervention into the cases of two top presidential allies the president's long-time friend roger stone and his former national security adviser michael flynn. craig? >> it will be contentious to say the least. peter alexander from the white house. peter, thank you savannah demonstrators returned to downtown portland overnight. the 61st consecutive day of protests there they were met with a violence response by armed federal agents officers using tear gas and flashbangs to disperse the crowd labeling the gathering as unlawful portland's mayor ted wheeler now calling for a meeting to discuss a cease-fire. meanwhile in tempe, arizona, a protesters and police clashed last night during a march against police brutality there officers took at least seven people into custody. now to a growing mystery surrounding unsolicited packages of seeds randomly being sent to americans across the country agriculture officials are warning resident ifs you didn't order the seeds, do not plant them the packages appear to have originated in china. officials say invasive plants can wreak havoc on the environment. severely damage crops. if a package does show up in your mailbox, they say to notify state officials. the source and motivation behind the mystery mailings under investigation. all right. it is about that time. first check of the weather and for that here is a face we have sorely missed >> who is that >> mr. roker, good morning >> morning >> missed you guys and mr. melvin, nice job yesterday covering congressman lewis' funeral that was really very moving. thank you for everything you were doing there and let's look at what's going on right now we've got 49 million people under some sort of heat advisory from boston all the way down to south carolina it is going to be hot and humid. high pressure pumping up these temperatures washington, 26th day of 90-plus readings or more this will break the all-time monthly record, heat indexes will be at or above 100. then tomorrow atlantic city down to savannah, it's going to feel like 100 degrees there is some relief coming with this cold front. as it pushes through, you can see we've got showers and thunderstorms firing up from up state new york all the way through the ohio river valley. this will push through later this afternoon bringing strong storms to the northeast, scattered storms across the south. then as we move into the south, a second front comes across the great lakes with a little bit more cooler air and more relief. so temperatures drop back into the lower to mid-80s with lower humidity we're going to get to your local forecast coming up in the next 30 seconds ♪ perfect. -you're welcome. i love it. how'd you do all this? told ya! wayfair. let's talk dining tables. yes! blow it up. ♪ wayfair you've got just what i need ♪ >> and that is your latest weather. guys >> al ro, my man thank you. and just ahead, guys, the sudden and disturbing rise in shark attacks and sightings on the east coast including what may be the first-ever deadly attack in maine. it just happened we'll have the latest as beaches there are forced to shut down. and we'll take a look at the allegations of a toxic workplace allegations of a toxic workplace environment that's led to an - [narrator] did you just reward yourself for spending a perfectly reasonable amount of time on the couch with tacos from grubhub? rewarded! get a free delivery perk when you order. - [group] grubhub. want restand schools?pen? want the economy to get back on track? you're not alone. and you can help make it happen. stay 6 feet apart. wash your hands. wear a mask every time you leave your home. choose to join the fight against covid-19. do your part. slow the spread. life in the new normal. >> that is right vicky nguyen will be along to show us what to expect when you start heading to the everyday appointments again how to stay safe at the dentist, the hair salon, and a lot more after your local news. i've always been the ringleader had a zest for life. flash forward, then ra kept me from the important things. and what my doctor said surprised me. she said my joint pain could mean permanent joint damage. and enbrel helps relieve joint pain, and helps stop that joint damage. ask about enbrel so you can get back to being your true self. enbrel may lower your ability to fight infections. serious sometimes fatal events including infections, tuberculosis, lymphoma, other cancers, nervous system and blood disorders and allergic reactions have occurred. tell your doctor if you've been someplace where fungal infections are common. or if you're prone to infections, have cuts or sores have had hepatitis b, have been treated for heart failure or if you have persistent fever, bruising, bleeding or paleness. don't start enbrel if you have an infection like the flu. visit enbrel.com to see how your joint damage could progress. enbrel fda approved for over 20 years. join tscore savings andet pdeals in store and online.e. plus, help target support your community. enjoy exclusives just for you, at no cost to you. join target circle for free today. ...crunchy oat clusters with a hotouch of honey...ombine... ...plump, juicy raisins... ...and tasty fiber... ...into one delicious cereal? 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(wind blowing) mommy's home! ♪ ♪ ...to soccer practices... ...and new adventures. you hope the more you give the less they'll miss. but even if your teen was vaccinated against meningitis in the past... they may be missing vaccination for meningitis b. let's help protect them together. because missing menb vaccination could mean missing out on a whole lot more. ask your doctor if your teen is missing meningitis b vaccination. a very good morning to you. it is 7:26. i'm laura garcia. we are covering some big breaking news out of san francisco this morning. there is a huge fire, a five-alarm fire burning this morning. this is at 14th and shotwell, very close to 14th and folsom as well. it has grown in size. there's thick black smoke billowing in the air. the first units arrived at 7:19, just minutes ago. but this thing has exploded. the fire itself is sending embers into the air. because of that those embers are landsing on the freeway. so the vanness off ramp is closed as fire crews are really quickly trying to assess and get control of this fire. but people in that area should avoid the area. we're also told there are live wires that are down. this is just one of those situations we're following. there's also a mess where people that are trying to get over highway 17 into santa cruz this morning. we want to check in with mike. that's right, laura. van ness so critical. highway 17 closed because of this overturned big rig which i'm told is full of stuff they have to off load before they can right it, before they can clear it. we're looking at hours before they can do that. look at the map, folks. this is closing southbound 17. you cannot access anywhere past redwood. locals know the reroutes on the back roads. if you don't know those, avoid the area. this will be a problem for three to four hours. we're also watching our forecast as we are looking live at our temperatures for the next seven days. expect low 90s and sunshine. we'll have a bit of a cooldown for the inland areas while san francisco will stay in the 60s. back to the "today" show. ♪ amazing grace ♪ how sweet the sound how sweet the sound. nobody sings "amazing grace" like wintley phipps. boy, was it meaningful during the ceremony for john lewis. at the u.s. capitol. he was honored by his colleagues in a very moving tribute lying in state in the capitol rotunda, craig. >> yeah. >> yeah. obviously that was moving, but i'd say the most moving part yesterday was hearing john lewis in his own words they played one of his speeches at the end of the speech they played, everyone stood and applauded. >> beautiful beautiful. >> we'll have more on all of that coming up in just a few moments. how about we start with your 7:30 headlines this tuesday. some encouraging news on a potential coronavirus vaccine this morning just one day after the united states saw the first phase three trial get underway another major drug company is now joining the race today pfizer set to start phase three dosing of its candidate. the drug company now joining moderna at this critical juncture both trials looking for 30,000 volunteers each. and the drug companies are optimistic for first results by early fall a former ucla men's soccer coach admitted to accepting $200,000 in bribes as part of a college admission cheating scheme jorge salcedo pled guilty to racketeering he was accused of accepting bribes to help get two students admitted to ucla as purported soccer recruits. according to the plea agreement, prosecutors will recommend a sentence at the low end of the guidelines one year of supervised release the world's biggest tech company is taking a major new step and hopes they will keep employees safe about 200,000 workers at google's parent company alphabet being told to work from home until july 1st, 2021 that's a year from now alphabet joins other big companies including twitter, amazon, facebook in keeping most employees away from the office until next year if not forever also this morning, there are fears over sharks at several beaches on the east coast. a woman swimming near a popular tourist town killed in a suspected shark attack while sightings have closed some beaches in new york. nbc's gabe gutierrez joins us with the latest on this this morning. gabe, good morning >> reporter: savannah, good morning. an investigation is now under way, but if authorities are able to confirm this was, in fact, a shark attack, it would be the first deadly one in maine's history. this morning authorities in maine are on high alert. >> a female may have been attacked by some sort of animal. >> reporter: after a woman was killed in a possible shark attack the maine marine patrol says the incident happened near harpswell popular with tourists. >> in the water. notify all people. >> reporter: according to the marine patrol, an eyewitness spotted the woman swimming off the shore when she was injured in what appeared to be a shark attack ems responders were called to the scene where she was pronounced deceased. overnight the coast guard telling nbc news they got word of the reported shark attack but before they could reach the scene, two kayakers had pulled the victim from the water. local officials are now urging swimmers and boaters to use caution near bailey island and avoid swimming near schooling fish or seals. >> a little bit, you know, kind of unnerving it's not like i'm going to stay out of the water, you know, but i'm going to keep my eyes open >> reporter: it comes as two long island, new york, beachesme sightings on monday. >> came up, shot out of the water. spun around. didn't look like a dolphin fin, definitely a shark. >> reporter: shortly after, this ray washed on shore with two massive bites that officials say are consistent with a shark attack >> there have been patrols regularly now looking for any other sightings. it was definitely one sighted. potentially two sharks spotted >> reporter: beachgoers taking it all in stride >> we get here and shark is in the water. and no umbrella is left. other than that, no problem. >> other than that all right. usually we do hear about shark attacks in the summertime, but i haven't heard of one in maine before how rare are they? >> reporter: very rare, hoda the last recorded shark attack in maine, the only one, was back in 2010 and that person wasn't seriously injured. according to the university of florida, there were 41 shark attacks nationwide l none of them, though, were deadly hoda >> all right gabe gutierrez, thank you. >> i was just in maine up next, the workplace complaints that have led to an internal investigation of "the ellen degeneres show." but first these messages see her. there's a photo of you and there's a photo of your mommy and then there's a picture of me. but before our story it goes way, way, way back with your great, great, great grandparents. see this handsome man, his name is william. william fell in love with rose and they had a kid. his name was charles 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♪ capital one knows life doesn't update you about your credit card. so meet eno...the capital one assistant that looks out for charges that might surprise you and helps you fix them. another way capital one is watching out for your money when you're not. what's in your wallet? ♪ scratch that, ♪baby, i'm grateful. ♪ ♪ gotta say, it's really been a while. ♪ ♪ but now i got back that smile. ♪ ♪ smile! check everything off the list with supplies from 50¢. get ready for school at target. there's new quick-dissolve nurtec. don't take if allergic to nurtec. pay as little as $0. learn more at nurtec.com ♪ we are back. 7:39 on this tuesday morning with "in-depth today." this morning there are reports alleged workplace misconduct leading to an investigation of the "ellen" show >> yeah, nbc national correspondent miguel almaguer is on this story for us this morning. miguel, good morning to you. >> reporter: good morning. ellen degeneres has built her brand on the p motto, be kind. but some say behind the scenes the work environment is toxic. >> kicking off a 17th season, here she is now. ellen degeneres. >> reporter: this morning "the ellen degeneres show" is under new scrutiny a source close to the production confirming to nbc news warner media has launched an internal probe into the award-winning daytime series amid reports alleging a toxic work environment. the source also says the show's host ellen degeneres is not part of the investigation adding, it's not about her at all. according to variety, executives from telepictures which produces the show and warner brothers television which distributes it sent a memo to staffers last week telling them a third party firm will be talking to current and former employees nbc news has not seen the memo the investigation comes on the heels of a recent report by buzzfeed news in which one current employee and ten former staffers allege a culture of racism, fear, and intimidation they blame senior managers on the show for allowing the behavior >> the biggest common thread that everyone told me is that what goes on behind the scenes is a far cry from what the show represents in their be kind messaging and what the show and what ellen degeneres herself profits off of >> listen to one another and be kind to one another. >> reporter: the allegations include ex-staffers saying they were fired from the show for taking time off for medical leave or bereavement one former african-american employee also telling buzzfeed she was subject to multiple racist comments and microaggressions during her time at "ellen" including at a work party. >> she was approached by a male senior writer and he made a comment to her along the lines of, oh, i don't know your name i only know the names of the white people who work here >> reporter: in a joint statement to buzzfeed news earlier this month, executive producers mary connolly, andy lassner, and ed glavine said they take the allegations very seriously, adding it's not who we are and not who we strive to be and not the mission ellen has set for us we realize as many in the world are learning that we need to do better, are committed to do better, and we will do better. >> so miguel, you mentioned a third party is going to be talking to current and former employees. what implications will that have for the investigation moving forward? >> reporter: well, craig, insiders say that third party is an indication this is all being taken very seriously now, we did reach out to everyone involved. there was no comment from anyone in the show right now. it's on its usual summer hiatus. guys, back to you. >> miguel, thank you it is about that time. check of the weather with al what's going on? >> hey, guys well, we're watching the tropics. and they are extremely active and in fact, as we push on through, you'll see -- there you go hurricane season 2020 is really active i mean, we're talking eight named storms through july 28th that's the most storms we've had in a 179-year record the previous storm, you remember 2005 when we had wilma and katrina. we're on track to look something like that. we'll see what happens as far as that's concerned here's our latest system we're watching invest 92-l. 750 miles east of the winward islands. this is the development zone over the next five days it could become a tropical system if it does it will be isaias heavy rain down through the gulf a flood watch continuing in the midsection of the country. good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. as we take a live look outside in the south bay we're starting to see the sun trying to peek through the clouds. we will see some clearing over the next couple of hours and a really nice day ahead with highs in the low 80s, but it will still be hot for the inland valleys as we reach into the low to mid-90s while the coastal areas will have that fog lingering a little while longer. temperatures in the 60s. going through the forecast our weather pattern continues but it will get slightly warmer heading into the weekend. >> and that's your latest weather. guys >> we look forward to talking about your show later in the show al's got a new book out. we're going to talk about that still ahead though on "pop start" carson has a clip to show of president obama's appearance on michelle obama's new podcast. but first these messages thing that's going to grab everyone's attention the variety and selection is crazy bucket hat bucket hat this would be a fire first day fit. definitely making a statement with that. go dick's. whether you're going back to school online or in-person, get the brands that make a statement. day one starts here. so we collaborate ♪ ocean spray works with nature every day to farm in a sustainable way ocean spray works with nature every day ♪ ♪ everyday it's a-getting closer ♪ ♪ going faster than a rollercoaster ♪ ♪ love like yours will surely come my way ♪ ♪ (music playing) ♪ love like yours will surely come my way ♪ " when better chickens are hatched, we will hatch them." it's why all of the tyson chicken that bears his name is raised with no antibiotics ever. every nugget, strip and drumstick. keep it real. keep it tyson. i know, but that "parker promo" saved me so much on my insurance, i brought you a little something special. parker, state farm offers everyone surprisingly great rates. you're the man, man. when you want the real deal...like a good neighbor, state farm is there. 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>> what it says to me is i can be restored. the melody of that song, if it lifted them from dark experiences, if so many of my ancestors singing that song could make it, there's no excuse >> oh. that was beautiful and he famously talked to oprah when she was a young reporter in baltimore and said to oprah, you're going to have a huge audience one day and lo and behold she did. and now she keeps in touch with him and he's sung for her many times. >> if you've never heard of reverend phipps, he's worth your time this morning. he's got an incredible story. >> he sure does. >> a story of redemption a song of redemption just ahead, feeling safe as you return to routine appointments like physicals and the dentist. vicky and her family show us first hand the precautions to take and the questions you should ask plus if you looked this good in the pool, well, you'd post a picture too. right? that's martha stewart. >> yes, it is craig melvin. >> she'll join us to talk about that selfie and garden tips, too. she's got a new show to tell us about. but first your local news. join target circle to get perks without the annual fee. score savings and deals in store and online. plus, help target support your community. enjoy exclusives just for you, at no cost to you. join target circle for free today. active and bold courageous or dull emotions that flow like a flux it all starts in your gut hey! happy, irate, jaded, keen listen to your marvelous machine now oh my god, probiotics inside quality qualified restlessly recharged super sexy satisfied trust the taste 'n understand the ultra upbeat vital vibe welcoming wellness, xcited for xcellence yummy yogurt collecting the yeses zany, zealous, zestful, zing from a to z, your gut is where it all begins start with activia with billions of probiotics when why are we alwaysiful hair, shown the same thing? 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(wind blowing) mommy's home! ♪ ♪ puts cash back in your wallet. earn 5% cash back on everything you buy at walmart.com... mom! paper towels! ...including things for the science fair. what's in your wallet? 7:56. i'm laura garcia. big, breaking news and happening now a huge fire burning in san francisco. take a look at these pictures that are in to our newsroom from social media. this is a five-alarm fire that is burning at folsom and 13th, not too far from 14th and shotwell. it started less than an hour ago. there are multiple crews on the scene trying to get a handle on the fire. we know that multiple buildings are burning at this point. the flames themselves and the smoke, take a look from the freeway. in fact, the embers have been flying across the freeway, so the southbound off ramp has been closed because of the fire. you see the thick smoke billowing into the air there. we hope to get an update and a briefing from the fire department at about 8:30 this morning. we do have crews as well headed to the scene. but big flames, thick, black smoke. you can see this through many parts of the city this morning. in fact, this is a live look right now. i want to check in with meteorologist kari hall because look at that smoke. what are there? there were concerns about embers and live wires. yes, we have some very light winds out there but also the low clouds and the drizzle that's happening over the city, so it's causing that smoke to stay very close to the ground. that may have an impact on air quality. we'll be watching that. as we look at our high temperatures for today, expect mid-60s. as you make your way inland, it's mostly clear. it's going to be another hot day reaching into the low to mid-90s, even up to 99 degrees in ukiah today. as we go through the forecast, a slight cooldown on the way. a lot of sunshine. we'll keep an eye on that air quality with more updates throughout the morning. laura? all right, thank you very much. once again a five-alarm fire burning in san francisco. stay with nbcbayarea.com and our twitter accounts for the latest information. ♪ menutaur get a load of my southwest cheddar cheeseburger. let menutaur make it a doubleeee, yeah! it's beautiful! say what? i said it's bea.... try my $5.99 southwest cheddar cheeseburger combo and make it a double for a buck more. order now with no contact delivery. ♪ it's 8:00 on "today. it's 8:00 on "today. coming up, stopping the spread with coronavirus cases on the rise, the encouraging news about another possible vaccine >> this is the main event, if you will, in drug development. plus a look at the concert now going viral for all the wrong reasons. we're live with the latest plus checking in >> this is vicky nguyen. i'm here for my appointment. >> hi, vicky we're actually all ready for you. >> from doctors to nail salons, how to stay safe during your routine next appointment and catching up with the obamas we'll go inside michelle obama's new podcast. and will we play a clip of her first high profile guest yes, we can. "today" tuesday, july 28th, 2020 ♪ ♪ don't show up ♪ don't come out >> good morning from durant, oklahoma >> wishing our grandma -- >> -- a happy birthday >> we miss you ♪ ♪ you know how >> hello "today" show. >> this is a special fam from -- >> columbus, ohio. ♪ >> oh, columbus, ohio. welcome. welcome in, everybody. it's tuesday morning we're just so happy y'all woke up with us >> and that you woke up. it's great always good to see the sun shining, get your feet on the floor out of the bed. >> there we go good to see y'all. >> i'll tell you who else is up and at it early, there they are. the my "today" plaza crowd look at those smiling faces from all over america we're going to hang out with them in just a moment. we've got a couple with some very special connections to one of us. there's your clue. >> i love it the virtual plaza is better than a cup of coffee. it's a natural high. we'll catch up with them in a bit. we're looking forward to tomorrow on "today." we have a special conversation with michael phelps for you. >> yeah, the olympic legend is joining us for his first tv interview on his new documentary it's called "the weight of gold." it's an eye-opening look at the mental health issues that often face olympic athletes. we cannot wait to hear from michael. >> we look forward to that let's get to your news at 8:00 this morning. a spokesperson for the world health organization declared that we are still in the first wave of the covid-19 pandemic and added that, quote, it's going to be one big wave that will continue to go up and down a bit. >> and here are the three things we're watching on the coronavirus. the u.s. logged nearly 60,000 new cases yesterday. bringing the total ever closer to 4.5 million >> but there is some hope on the prevention front this morning. pfizer is ready to start phase three clinical testing of its vaccine candidate on monday. moderna launched the biggest vaccine study with some 30,000 volunteers getting shots >> cautious optimism but also a new warning from adviser dr. deborah birx in nashville yesterday, she urged the state of tennessee and other states in the midwest and south to close bars and limit indoor dining at restaurants dr. birx said tennessee in particular is on the brink of the kind of massive spread which has overwhelmed other southern states like texas. tennessee governor bill lee said he had no plans to follow dr. birx's advice. now to a growing controversy surrounding a concert in the hamptons the charity event headlined by the chainsmokers is now under fire for its massive crowd and lack of social distancing. nbc's sam brock joins us with more on this sam, good morning. >> reporter: hoda, good morning. that show receiving a ton of backlash online afte event. now, knowing this is going on right now is under scrutiny and under investigation. the largest late big event to draw even bigger attention this morning new fallout from a concert in the hamptons gone viral. governor cuomo now launching an investigation into what he calls an illegal and reckless drive-in concert by the chainsmokers. in this clip tweeted out by cuomo, fans can be seen right next to each other seemingly avoiding all social distancing rules. cuomo saying, i am appalled. the event was held to raise money for a number of charities with tickets costing up to $25,000. organizers calling it a safe and controlled environment setting the bar for all events to come telling the "new york times" they had followed all proper and current protocols. saying guests could not leave their designated spaces unless they needed to use the bathroom adding their temperatures were checked and guests supposed to sit outside near their parked vehicles but several clips from social media showing a massive crowd all in the same vicinity and while one concert goer told buzzfeed news everyone was being responsible, new york's health commissioner said he was greatly disturbed and i am at a loss of how the town of southampton could have issued a permit for such an event. that short clip from on stage has already received about 6 million views. it is two seconds long guys, the ceo of goldman sachs djed the opening act right now in the state of new york, non-essential group gatherings of 50 or more people are banned it carries a maximum penalty of $1,000 for violating social distancing protocols hoda >> sam brock for us. sam, thank you we're caught up on the news. so we need our boost >> you're going to love this one. a birthday celebration in atlanta turned into a whole lot more thanks to a cleverly rigged version of that game called taboo. you know the game. okay here we go players have to get their teammates to guess the word printed on the card. she didn't know that her boyfriend had stacked the deck so four special words would come up >> we got -- will you marry me [ laughter ] >> okay. it took a couple of seconds for her to realize he was serious another friend was in on the scheme they got it ready while she was in the kitchen just getting the food ready. oh >> ah. >> that's better than a yes. that's a jump up and down yes. >> oh my god, that is beautiful. >> that's a good one. >> that is cute. >> that was great. coming up next, the new normal when it comes to those everyday appointments, a lot of people are starting to venture out and do these so what you should do if you're considering going out again. >> reporter: good morning. i'm vicky nguyen it's been months since we've been able to get into a salon. i'm having a treat myself moment here and supporting a local business but what safety precautions are in place to protect you? from the dentist chair to the pediatrician's office, i'm going to show you. that's all ahead this morning on "today." craving restaurant flavor? introducing new hellmann's drizzle sauce crave-worthy flavors you can drizzle, dip and dress to make home the best restaurant around new drizzle sauces from hellmann's we're on the side of food. less 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of delicious. when you think of a bank, you think of people in a place. but when you have the chase mobile app, your bank can be virtually any place. so, when you get a check... you can deposit it from here. and you can see your transactions and check your balance from here. you can save for an emergency from here. or pay bills from here. so when someone asks you, "where's your bank?" you can tell them: here's my bank. or here's my bank. or, here's my bank. because if you download and use the chase mobile app, your bank is virtually any place. visit chase.com/mobile. we are back. it is 8:09 now >> yes, i said it. i ride with hodi >> ride on >> temperature wars in the studio continue. 8:09 now this tuesday morning. we're back with the new normal even as the pandemic goes on, self care is still very important whether it's visiting the doctor or the dentist. i know you went last week. or getting a hair cut. >> yes, but how can you go to those appointments safely? >> nbc news investigative correspondent vicky nguyen here to walk us through. hey, vick. >> good morning. getting some of these services done can be a source of anxiety. recent data from the american dental association and the cdc shows fewer people are going to their dentist and pediatricians say they're concerned childrens aren't getting their vaccinations and checkups. but these can be vital to keeping everyone healthy so this morning i'm showing you how to get it done safely. from doctors visits to salon trips, patients and clients looking for assurances it's safe to go to appointments they've been putting off first up, a visit to the pediatrician all right. i've got my three girls here we're ready for our annual check up at the office, the waiting area is limited to two families, no magazines, and they called me before the appointment to tell me only one parent is allowed. they told us high touch surfaces are cleaned every hour, masks required, and we sanitize our hands right away the staff now wears eye protection, a mask, and gloves and stepped up cleaning between patients much to their dismay, two of my girls needed shots, but our pediatrician says it's important not to put off these boosters. >> one, two, three it's over. sorry, hon that's it. >> that's all? >> yeah. that was it. >> oh, okay. >> you were so brave stay well, guys. all right. see you next year. >> reporter: next, the dentist i filled out forms and a health screening for coronavirus online before my appointment. i'm now here at the dentist office and i know that they said they don't want people coming into the waiting room so i'm going to give them a call first. this is vicky nguyen i'm here for my appointment. >> hi, vicky we are actually all ready for you. >> reporter: try to get the first appointment of the day so you don't have to wait for other patients with my mask on, i head in right away, a temperature check. the dentist and staff are all wearing personal protective equipment from heaepfilters that are filtering the air in the office and the plexiglass as well >> reporter: only at this point office. am i removing my mask. added safeguards - no spitting and they use this vacuum to remove droplets from the air. >> feels good. >> i've been looking forward to this mani/pedi time masks are required, along with a temperature checks required. along with hand sanitizer. >> i think i'm going to do something fun. avoid touching the polish. just point to the one you want i'll try one of these greens only two nail technicians working per shift and they stagger appointments for social distancing that's perfect on to the mani they've also installed new each plastic dividers at each of the m manicure stations. done super fancy. after each client, everything is wiped down and tools disinfected. do you have no contact pay >> we do >> reporter: all right thank you so much. okay bye. expect similar safeguards for your hair appointment. my husband got his hair trimmed last month when we explored one of savannah and al's favorite places, hudson, new york this salon required customers to answer health questions and provide contact information in case of an outbreak. and appointments only. >> how's that? >> i think it looks good >> reporter: no matter what your appointment is, call to ask about their safety measures. wear a mask and practice good hand hygiene steps to keep you safe in our new normal and at all the appointments i made, we saw a lot of similarities masks required inside, sanitizer everywhere some places even installed new filters to make their indoor air safer. the key is to call ahead and ask questions. don't wait if you need to make an appointment, because many of these places are taking fewer patients or clients. so if you need to get in now, call now >> thank you for walking it through it with those beautiful toes freshly painted >> these paws they needed it >> if you don't feel comfortable going in person yet, what about those telehealth visits? >> that is a great option, savannah if you have a diagnosis that could happen over the phone. for example, if your child has pink eye, you may be able to get a prescription that way too. through a telemedicine visit if you're due for a mammogram or something like that, you need an in-person visit. >> i went to the dentist and i was surprised at -- they gave the temperature check. they gave us pens that were sealed in plastic. they asked you to keep the pen they had uv lights all over. i really -- because i was nervous going in thinking uh-oh. >> felt safe >> oh my gosh. they really took it professional >> i had a pedicure. they had the screen like you showed everyone was screamed after seeing my feet after four months in a pandemic. it's better now. >> but it was safe. >> it was definitely safe. thank you so much. >> speaking of pedicures, mr. roker is standing by he's been known to get those toes trimmed professionally from time to time >> i got a mani/pedi over the last week. >> on vacation >> little harder to climb trees with my shoes off. that's another story looking in the northeast, d t weather and also strong storms firing up in the plains. the heat is on temperatures well above 100 through central california into the southwest. also 80s and 90s in the gulf and the mid-atlantic and northeast 49 million people from boston all the way down to the carolinas under heat advisories today. we are going to be watching a flood watch as we get into the central plains with heavy rain there. also along the gulf. it is going to be hot and dry out west as well medford, oregon, 101 degrees today. that's what's going on around . >> good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. as we check out our live view over the south bay, we're seeing a little bit more sunshine and the sky will continue to clear. it's going to be a really nice day. a breezy wind and temperatures reaching up to 82 degrees in the south bay. 90 in the tri-valley and mid-90s for eastern contra costa county. up to 97 in clearlake today. and we're going to see our inland temperatures coming down a couple of degrees. but it will be a hot weekend ahead. >> and that is your latest weather. guys >> al, thank you looky, looky who is here carson daly. >> carson! >> it might be "pop start" time. >> good morning, everybody how are you? >> half past "pop start. >> it is so loud we'll do it anyway good morning first up in "pop start" today, we've got an exclusive for you this morning as we mentioned last week, michelle obama taking on a whole new venture. tomorrow marks the launch of her first-ever podcast simply titled "the michelle obama podcast. the former first lady is going to sit down with guests of all types. celebrities like conan o'brien, friends and mentors like valerie jarrett. but the first is president barack obama we've got a clip for you check it out the former and first lady talking about how they were raised in the community and how as a young boy barack would try to stay out of trouble, sometimes unsuccessfully >> when we were coming up, everybody raised everybody's kids if i was messing up, ms. smith down the street, she'd see me messing up, she'd scold me then when i got home, i might get whooped because ms. smith would have called my mom >> how dare you have ms. smith calling me and telling me that you were on her grass. and then you said -- and you had the nerve to talk back, boy. boy. >> that's probably why she gets audited. i dropped my mic oh my word >> you're a hot mess >> we should point out there was an accident on the l.i.e is that right? was there? >> no. >> and you were late >> talk amongst yourselves. >> did you have coffee this morning? >> yeah, i did i had lots of it actually. poor ms. smith that's probably why she gets audited every year tattling on the future president. >> we already did that >> that got out there. >> yeah. >> that podcast starts -- what a mess -- tomorrow check it out >> is this a three's company episode? next up, u2. the train moves on don't worry about it, job. it's all good. one of the biggest bands in the world playing massive crowds all of that wouldn't have been possible without u2's road crew. they're incredible in a new interview, they explain their crew for the band always played led zeppelin's "stairway to heaven" at sound check. they've done teasers of it until now as part of their tribute to their hard working crew. check this out ♪ when she gets there she knows if she stores are all closed ♪ ♪ with a word she can get what e for ♪ ♪ ooh, ooh ♪ when she's buying a stairway she came for ♪ ♪ ooh, ooh ♪ and she's buying a stairway t heaven ♪ >> i saw u2 once in vegas and was there for sound check. i saw bono in a big arena stadium. he went out to the bleachers and sat in every seat in every section during sound check to make sure the quality of sound for people who had the nosebleeds, that it was good enough for them. thumbs up, thumbs down incredible that was a pretty cool moment there. "pop start" continues. one more story our buddy uncle al roker, it is no stretch to say he's a force of nature. his long career in television industry spans more than 45 years. of course his weather forecasting is legendary and now uncle al is teaching us to weather the storm of life in his new book you got to love the tiooso much better in person: true stories of absurdity and success." al, congratulations on the book. >> yes, al roker >> nice work, buddy. >> thank you >> we got the wall treatment, too. >> yeah. walk us through sort of the idea behind this, uncle al. >> well, you know, everyday -- you know when we would go out to the plaza and say hi to the folks somebody everyday would say, oh my gosh, you look so much better in person. which i know they don't mean to be insulting, but the fact is, i make my living on tv so really not so much of a compliment so somebody came up to this publisher and asked me after i had given this speech if i'd ever written about my career i said no because i don't think anybody cares. but she said let's do it so here we are a year later got a book it's chalk a block with memories, real walk down memory lane and you have altruisms which i love here is one. unless you're literally the sun, work does not revolve around you. yeah. i mean, the fact of the matter is people always come -- and they've said it to i know each of you guys. oh, they could never replace you. oh, yes they can the show goes on it doesn't matter. so work hard do your work and that's why it's called work. a lot of these younger folks, you know, they want the ping-pong tables, the foosball, the free snacks, the beer on tap. no it's work! so work. and get paid >> get off my lawn too >> i remember, al, when you were up in the makeup room one day and we'd both been out on a shoot, a late shoot and you were singing. i was like, man, al. you're singing every morning you come into this makeup room i said why and you said, my dad drove a city bus and i get to come to 30 rock every day and that sentiment seems to be what is going -- it's like a through line of being grateful >> yeah. al during this pandemic you know, we've had the privilege and the opportunity to work from home, some of us, and others but the folks who kept this economy going, the bus drivers, the transit workers, the sanitation workers the folks who stocked the grocery shelves, the front line workers those are the ones that have allowed us to do this. i'm beyond grateful for what i've been able to do and continue to do during this pandemic >> we don't want to give away too much of the book, but give us another altruism from the book before we go. >> always say yes. don't say no the fact is one of my most favorite things that happened to me was being in the musical "waitress. and the only reason i did -- i was going to say no and my daughter leila went with me to see the show and she said, dad, how do you say no to broadway? and i thought, well, but i can't sing she goes, you'll talk on pitch you'll be fine and the fact that you guys came to the opening night made it that much sweeter. having family and my "today" show family there, i'm so glad i didn't miss that opportunity >> well, you rocked it we're not going away craig's trying to push you off the air, but we want you to stay on >> we're extending the segment >> so peggy o'brien has a question she adores you who doesn't. here is her question >> hey, al what was the most challenging weather story you ever covered >> you know, i would have to say, peggy, it was superstorm sandy. we tracked that thing, shawn reese, one of our producers and our crew went from florida all the way into the northeast i was standing on that sand dune and about an hour later after finishing "nightly news" that thing collapsed. and we had to run for our lives literally. >> wow you have so many great stories being out in the field i mean, you can do it all. we've seen it. including broadway this next question comes from your fan erin clark. is this video or should i read the question video. let's roll it. >> for whom would you cook a meal living or passed. what would you create for them >> that's a good one >> oh, i love that question. >> erin, that is really -- i would have to say congressman john lewis i mean, i just got to interview him, but i didn't really -- i mean, it was about four or five minutes. wanted to talk to him about and ask him about. and i think i would make him shrimp and grits but i would love to serve him anything and have him serve us some more of that wisdom and that goodness that he had. >> that was actually congressman lewis' last interview. mr. roker. al, don't go far in fact, we're going to talk a little more about the book coming up on the third hour of "today." and you can find out more about the book "you look so much better in person." that's not true, but that's the title of the book. today.com/ - >> i'm glad i'm not the only one that gets that line. you're like, thanks but i feel so terrible. al, it's a great title it's a great book. we love you. congrats you can do it all. >> thank you, guys still ahead, the one and only martha stewart on producing sprucing up your garden and snapping the perfect pool selfie >> nice overalls >> but first your local news good morning to you. 8:26. i'm marcus washington. we're continuing to follow that breaking news as you see here. this large fire in san francisco. we're being told this fire is there on erie street between south van ness and fulsome street. as you can see, those thick plumes of smoke really had firefighters working hard this morning. this all started just before 7:00 this morning. firefighters arriving shortly after that. and you can see there just from one of the traffic cameras, the smoke there. i want to get to a live shot and you can see what it is now. we're seeing the smoke there. a little clearer for us this morning which typically means firefighters have better control of that fire. we do know that five commercial buildings were on fire. no injuries to report this morning. but kari, as we look at that video, we're seeing that smoke mostly going up in the air. what is the wind like in the city this morning? >> the wind is very light. we're not seeing a lot of that this morning. and as you make your way inland, the sky is clear. we have those clouds and fog near the coastline. we're also going to have a wide range in temperatures today from mid-60s near the coast to mid-90s for the inland areas. san jose, a high of 82 degrees. and through the forecast, the weather stays on repeat with our microclimate 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, we're 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. (woman chattering) - [narrator] ordering dinner for the family? (family gasps) rewarded with a side of quiet. (baby murmuring) grubhub rewards you, (scooter horn honking) get a free delivery perk when you order. (doorbell rings) - [group] grubhub. ♪ welcome back ♪ welcome back it's 8:30. it is tuesday morning, 28th of july that's our sun shiny section of the world. look who's back for day two. trying to get more >> she's in. >> jbh >> jenna's got more on her love in the time of coronavirus series including a great story, a couple who took a trip for date number three right as the pandemic hit they found themselves stranded together for months on end >> well, that's a we'll get to know you situation what else, carson? >> we've got a lot more. one person who's living her best life did you see the picture that martha stewart posted coming out of the pool? it's all the rage. it's still trending. >> hot girl summer, martha >> you broke the internet. how dare you but we're going to do a little diy gardening, it looks like, with martha. looking forward to that coming up and by the way, tomorrow right here on "today," who's ready to watch david schwimmer bringing the laughs again in -- it's actually a really funny show i caught some of it. we're going to catch up with him and the creator of this workplace comedy called "intelligence. >> all right but right now it's that time of the morning we love the most let's bring them up. my "today" plaza, the big board. >> yes looking good good morning hi, guys >> there they are. >> all right good morning >> you know what let's start with the rosine family in mckinney, texas. there they are there's joni and lars. this a bigay champagne. what's the big day what's happening today >> we are celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary today. >> happy anniversary >> thank you >> and here's the thing, we've got colt here. we've got joni and lars and macy but you said something, you can't remember a time in your house over the last 30 years when there was not something happening. what was it? >> the "today" show on in the morning. it's been her favorite since i met her. it's how we start our day. >> you fit right in because you're drinking wine at 8:30. >> our takeaway is if you want to have a long, healthy marriage, watch the "today" show every morning. >> that's right. >> that's how you start. >> happy anniversary >> congratulations, guys congrats all right, kids. i am going to look -- let's put the big board back up. cnecticut hillary, leo, and their 1-year-old natalia all right. we're going to do a little connection game here all right. so savannah guthrie, did you know hillary and leo both graduated from university of arizona. beardown i love it. flying the flag. judging from looking at you, it was more recently than me. >> but there's more. leo graduated -- where'd you go to high school, savannah >> amfi. amfi high school just like savannah go panthers. >> panther pride oh, yes! i love it. the mighty panthers. i mean -- >> so where are you guys going to move next savannah's on the road sometimes. they moved from tucson to the east coast a few years ago savannah, all they say is they want to meet you in person when are you going to make that happen >> how are you doing you look so cute how's it going >> it's going great. yeah we always felt a little connection with you being from tucson and going to the east coast. it's been great waking up with you every morning, savannah. >> we have to stick together i love meeting tucson folks on the plaza. who's this little babe with her cute red bow >> this is natalia >> oh, my gosh >> stop it adorable >> we love you >> you are the cutest. i love it. where did you go to elementary school maybe we can make this a triple. i went to mansineda. where did you go >> i went to lulu walker >> i remember that almost almost >> a lot of coincidences here. >> that was awesome. thanks, guys, so much. good seeing you. >> his best friend growing up, a boy named mike feldman crazy. there's the big board, guys. thank you so much. we see you we want to take a second to say hello to the williams family also brianna, happy birthday. we see samantha and troy, too, out in denson, texas the holt family. and willie we're thinking of you and your battle with cancer. god bless you and the family we love you so much. thank you so much to all of you for waking up with us here if you would like to do the same you can sign up it's easy at today.com/mytodayplaza >> look at them go >> smile, you're on candid camera we love having you guys. before we go any further, let us go to mr. roker, author. >> announcer: "today's" weather is brought to you by chase make more of what's yours. >> let's see what we've got for you for today. we are watching strong storms developing in the northeast, mid-atlantic, into the gulf. a flood watch for the central plains hot and dry out west with some temperatures reaching triple digits in the pacific northwest. and tomorrow continues very hot. although san francisco will be sunny and 66 degrees a flood threat continues tomorrow in the central plains more strong storms move through the northeast and a lot of wet weather through the gulf and into the southeast as well >> good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall as we take a live look at our range in temperatures across the bay area. ne keep those low 60s and fog bay. palo alto will see sunshine and head toward the east bay with concor t going to see a slight cooldown by the end of the week but nothing huge here. even as we go into the weekend, it's going to heat up once again. our temperatures only going up a few more degrees, and that continues into next week. >> all right, al thank you so much. coming up next, you're not going to believe the stories jenna has found. part two of love during the part two of love during the pandemic great day on the lake! it is. lunch is cookin'! and i saved a bunch of money on my boat insurance with geico. fellas, can it get any better than this? whoa! my old hairstyle grew back. so did mine. [80's music] what? i was an 80's kid. it only gets better when you switch and save with geico. grab a box of 15 or try them loaded. get 'em now with no contact delivery. we are back. it's day two of our series from jenna. "love in the time of coronavirus. >> jbh joining us this morning from utah. >> yeah, really. >> i feel so far away. >> you are >> speak loudly, jenna >> okay, i will. that's one thing i can do. when it comes to love and relationships, i'm sure we've heard these cliches when you know, you know or absence makes the heart grow fonder these stories prove that love really can conquer all even the coronavirus >> best date ever. >> longest date ever >> reporter: dating during a pandemic >> he proposed to me with an onion ring >> reporter: not the easiest of circumstances. just take it from these couples. nick smith and lea bosello have been in a long distance relationship for five years. one in vancouver, canada, and the other in washington state. they live just 30 minutes away from each other, but the pandemic hit and the border closed their chances of seeing each other shut down. >> i was really anxious. i didn't know when the next time i was going to see her >> reporter: with so much uncertainty, the couple leaned into daily phone calls, video charts, and supportive texts how would you describe your love during this time >> i think it just really showed me what is important to me which is lea >> nick and my relationship couldn't have been as strong as it was without our friends and family >> reporter: after two months of separation, lea discovered a loophole zero avenue. a road that straddles the canadian and u.s. border she could legally be on one side of the road and nick on the other. >> it was a heavily trafficked area there's, like, trucks passing us while we're talking. >> reporter: soon after, a better meeting spot for family and friends separated by the border opened. peace arch park. so many couples flocked to the area and it got the nickname passion park after being separated for 46 days, lea and nick were finally able to meet face-to-face, hand in hand. what did that hug feel like? >> just butterflies. >> reporter: they say distance makes the heart grow fonder, and in your case i think that's true their time apart inspired a big step one month after the reunion, lea and nick got married in the park >> so we all got in our formal attire and had a professional photographer it was amazing >> a lot of people were watching our wedding via zoom it's great knowing there were that many people watching even though they weren't physically with us, they were still supporting our relationship. >> reporter: while the pandemic nearly separated nick and lea, matt robertson and connie lee haven't spent a day apart. they matched on a dating app and when on their first date a month before the country shut down you go on a first date tell me how it went. >> it went really well we had a lot of great conversation we ended up at the restaurant until 1:00 in the morning. >> reporter: after a successful second date, they decided their third date would be in costa rica you went into this trip seriously. you called the embassy you talked to the people at the hotel. you knew there was some risks, but there was no way to predict a global pandemic. >> sure, yeah. so we did do our homework, but we felt comfortable with each other. it was a calculated risk it was spontaneous let's try it >> reporter: that risk stranded them in costa rica when the travel ban was announced and the flights home were canceled >> we are now the only guests at this hotel >> reporter: their romantic five-day getaway turned into a 79-day adventure >> definitely after our flight got canceled is when things started to settle in a little bit. >> it's the opposite how you would approach dating. everyone wants to put their best foot forward and there was no hiding it's like, everything is just unfiltered good habits, bad habits. >> reporter: after nearly three months in costa rica, they made it back to the states. first stop matt's parents' house in maine is it true that this is one of the first women at least in awhile you've introduced to your parents? >> so in terms of bringing somebody home from, you know, another city that they've never met, this is a big deal. >> they were really, really nice welcoming people i'm glad they were able to let me into their home to stay here for a few weeks now. and soon matt will get to meet my parents here in the next month or so. >> now it's my turn. but i think i have a little bit more of an uphill battle because her dad doesn't know that much about me >> reporter: also you took his daughter to costa rica and got stranded there that might be part of it >> right and i don't think he knows it was our third date i have to keep the lies straight >> reporter: well, i hope he's not watching the "today" show. then you're busted >> oh, yeah, yeah. >> but there is more before they left costa rica, connie and matt, they got tattoos to mark the experience >> oh, my word >> i've heard those last forever. they're currently en route to seattle right now. maybe he's not watching to meet connie's family. and for nick and lea, they're still living in separate countries because of work, but nick's free to cross the border and visit lea now that they're married and they hope for a permanent plan they're married to be together >> some people think during the pandemic it's the worst possible time to meet people. you talked to experts. what do they say >> i'm married but i feel hopeful for all my single friends. it seems like the coronavirus may actually be a good thing if you're looking for love. we learned that video chats are in, which makes small chat out you know nobody really wants to do small talk anyway. there's no more worrying about who's picking up the check the biggest positive singles are being forced to taky better before jumping in >> that's all good. >> jumping iwhat do you mean >> jumping into the love pantry i'm going to interview myself. >> we know >> i want to see the episode when connie's father meets him now. they're in route to seattle. i want to see that >> we'll be on that. >> i was just thinking, you got to keep it up. i bet you're going to get more story ideas. i love this. >> i'll keep it going. >> keep it going we'll see you on the fourth hour >> indeed. >> and for more advice on dating, just call jenna. no check out today.com/tmrw whatever that is >> tomorrow. >> abbreviated to tmrw coming up, miss martha stewart, guys. she's going to share some gardening tips and we're going to get the story behind this most talked about insta post ever from martha stewart but first this is "today" on you are thirsty and we know that you want a cold drink. but we also know that, when it comes to money, you want to...not spend any. that's why 7-eleven has 7 cups free with 7rewards. you get the big gulp you want. for the no money you want. big gulp drink. no money. 7 times. is that what you want? oh, we know. because we are 7-eleven. and we might know you better than you know yourself. 7-eleven. always open. we're back with "today" at home hope everybody brought their shovels because we're about to get a crash course from the master in gardening, martha stewart. >> she's got a new show on hgtv. it's called "martha knows best." it's all about the subject before we chat with martha, here's a sneak peek at the first episode with a special guest from the show "queer eye." >> how big is your terrace >> may i show it to you? >> yeah. >> it's basically this area here >> facing which direction? >> i'm facing north. >> that's a little bit of a challenge. yeah, i would want a southwest exposure for best growing. >> are you telling me i need to move >> yes >> yes pack your bags and move. martha, good morning it's good to see you martha, we're going to talk gardening in a second. but we've got to get to the most important subject of the day it's this photo you posted at the pool chelsea handler tried to duplicate it and it was a no go. this is what somebody wrote on twitter. martha stewart in 2020 is going to be my 2021 energy tell us about the moment you snapped that picture >> i was in my pool in east hampton. my friends had just left i was stepping out of the pool and i was holding my camera up to take a picture of a plant that was in my garden and it was on selfie mode by mistake. and i looked so nice that i thought, oh, that's a nice picture, so i snapped it and wow. who would have guessed >> i mean, the reaction on the internet was insane. >> yeah. what you got in that garden, the fountain of youth? you look incredible, martha. >> well, thank you i think this quarantine has been actually good for me i've been able to see all my beautiful gardens grow i've been able to work a lot in the garden, mowing the fields, taking care of my animals. and that said, i've done a lot of work too. you know we did a whole new show. six episodes of my new show "martha knows best" and it is a very fun show. it's not reality, exactly, but it's real. and we teach people how to do all kind of things and we have very interesting callers in like snoop called in and richard gere called in and lupita nyong'o called in. and of course antoni called in and a whole bunch of really interesting folks and regular folks too. not all celebrities. asking questions about specific problems or challenges that they were facing in their gardens or around their home. so it's kind of fun. >> speaking of gardening, martha we see you've got the pots out for us this morning. what are we doing? >> well, one of the shows on this friday night we're going to premiere with two shows friday night at 10:00 and 10:30 p.m one of the shows is container planting people are always asking me, oh, you have such beautiful containers how do you do it so here's a container. line it with this nice landscape moss it saves the includes of the pot. it also prevents the soil from dripping out through the hole in the bottom, the drainage hole. fill it with a nice moist -- this is for succulents we have a nice succulent ground cover. we have succulents here. and you can plant all kinds of arrangements these are the most popular plants because they don't take a lot of watering. so you can leave them even for a week or a week and a half and they -- when you come back from your -- you know, going to the beach or doing something, then they'll be fine. so soil, a good mix of soil. a potting soil mixed with sand and pearlite i keep containers of this around because i plant a lot of containers >> i bet you do. >> mix that into your damp soil. look how beautiful these are and they multiply. they multiply and multiply these are very well grown plants stick that one -- i'm going to do three of these in the middle and then some of that gorgeous sedum around the outside >> you do any fertilizer >> i do sometimes put in -- the soil is already -- and they're kind of rich a little bit of time release fertilizer >> okay. >> this is great just a little bit in the soil down near the roots. it doesn't burn, it doesn't hurt it's just there. and if you look at this plant next year, there might be even little remnants of it still visible. >> hey, martha -- >> look how -- yes >> carson daly here. long time listener, first time caller i'd be curious what do you have at your place?leff the animals d things >> oh. we have horses we have beautiful parisian horses we have five miniature donkeys who are so cute. >> you're at the nbc broadcasting there peacock. >> oh, wow look at all that >> and we have geese and we have chickens lots of chickens so people come to me for eggs. >> it's like wild kingdom over there. martha, we're almost out of time, but i know you're having a birthday next week >> oh, i am. >> so i think judy's got something -- we sent a surprise for you. >> you did >> yeah. we tried to get you something we thought you would like where is judy? good luck with that. is she coming over >> oh, look. a gorgeous cotinus. >> the only plant on earth you don't already have. >> she's totally got it. >> mr. daly, do you know what a cotinus is >> i'm irish, i do no what is it >> it's a smoke bush it's a smoke bush. >> okay. >> and these get big plumes of beautiful -- just big beautiful plumes of purple on it oh, i love it. thank you so much. >> happy birthday, martha. we want everyone to know martha's show premieres this friday on hgtv >> happy birthday. >> happy birthday. >> we are back in lily everyone in the house is online and i can't get enough bandwidth to video chat with my book club. try 1 gig internet with at&t fiber. you get more bandwidth and hbo max included. so, everyone stays entertained. so i can just watch the show instead of reading the book? you know, if you turn on your subtitles... that's almost reading. get 1 gig internet with at&t fiber for $49.99a month for a year. no annualcontract. and now get hbo max included. limited availability in select areas. call 1.877.only.att carson, you're going to be social distanced from los angeles as you go out to do "the voice. you're going to do "pop start" from the l.a. bureau >> yes >> jack is back? >> graphics departments will be up bright and early. >> we'll see you from there. love you, honey. >> safe travels. third and fourth hours coming up but first your local news. >> bye-bye good morning to you. it is 8:56. i'm marcus washington. we're continuing to follow that breaking news out of san francisco. you can see the aftermath of that fire. it is still being worked on by firefighters. this is a five-alarm fire. five commercial buildings were burned during this fire here. you can see the smoke there is white so firefighters have it pretty much under control. i want to show you what it looked like just after 7:00 when frr firefighters arrived there to the scene. the thick pillows of smoke and flames coming out of the building. this is happening just in the city. it's just below 101 central freeway. this is on erie street between south van ness and fulsome street. firefighters there are at the scene. they are actually having a press conference right now. one of the firefighters said one of them was sent to the hospital but that firefighter says he's going to be okay. they're going to check on him in just a bit. we can tell you when this fire started that firefighters say it was very aggressive. they say transformers started dropping to the ground. they had to move to get things under control. but they say no one was hurt in this fire. one firefighters sent to the hospital. kris sanchez is out there. she'll have more during our midday newscast. and we'll have more on social media. >> announcer: live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza, this is the third hour of "today." and good tuesday morning. welcome to the third hour of "today." it is july 28th. craig melvin here in studio 1a. and looky, looky who's back, sheinelle. al roker back from vacation looking refreshed. how was it, buddy? >> i had a great time. we kicked it off with a little birthday celebration for nick. he turned 18 which is still hard to believe. yeah. and we socially distanced, but

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