Morning News NOW Full Episode - July 10

[0:04] Right now on Morning News Now, a tense quiet on the Middle Eastern front. [0:08] American and Iranian forces seeming to halt attacks this morning after days of trading strikes. [0:14] But how long will it last and what could come next on the path to peace in the region? [0:20] Also this morning, playing defense, new questions over safety measures, [0:24] on board President Trump's new Qatari-gifted Air Force One [0:28] after the Secret Service recommended the commander-in-chief [0:31] by the old jet back from this week's NATO summit overseas. [0:35] More on the reasoning behind that call and the president's response [0:38] all as Mr. Trump's home airport down in Florida gets a major White House facelift. [0:45] Plus, we have said it once, we will say it again. [0:48] Pack your patience. [0:49] Some wild post-holiday weekend weather causing even more headaches for travelers this morning [0:54] with delays and cancellations already piling up over the past few hours. [0:59] Angie's here with your full weekend forecast so you can know before you go. [1:03] And later in the hour, Savannah sits down with the first female CEO of Levi Strauss [1:08] for a candid conversation on an American institution looking ahead to its next chapter in our history books. [1:15] Good morning and happy Friday. [1:20] I'm Vicky Nguyen in for Joe and Savannah today. [1:22] We begin our show in the Middle East where tensions remain high [1:25] after President Trump said the ceasefire with Iran was over. [1:29] This morning, there is an uneasy calm in the region after both sides appeared to halt attacks overnight. [1:35] This follows two consecutive days of U.S. strikes on Iran and Iranian strikes in retaliation on U.S. bases in the Gulf. [1:44] Despite the apparent pause in fighting, deep mistrust on both sides is raising doubts about what comes next [1:50] and the long-term path to peace. [1:53] NBC News Washington correspondent Alice Barr joins us now with the very latest. [1:56] Hey, Vicky, good morning. [1:58] We are tracking the latest out of the Middle East while also learning more about President Trump swapping planes [2:03] midway through his flight back from the NATO summit in Turkey this week [2:07] and the security precautions that may have been behind that. [2:11] After two nights of strikes between the U.S. and Iran overnight last night, a tense standoff [2:19] with Iranian state media reporting explosions across the country. [2:23] A U.S. official tells NBC News American forces did not launch new strikes but have been shooting down [2:30] incoming Iranian drones and missiles aimed at neighboring nations. [2:35] The official said there are no reports of injuries or significant damage to U.S. bases in the region. [2:42] Iranian Americans again fearing for the family they left behind. [2:46] Everybody's shocked because they thought they're going to stop the war. [2:50] So everybody's scared again. [2:51] On Thursday, huge crowds gathered for the burial of the Iranian supreme leader killed in an airstrike [2:58] at the start of the war launched by the U.S. and Israel. [3:01] The burial ends a week of funeral processions that have included calls for retribution against President Trump, [3:09] all as we're learning new details about security precautions involving Air Force One. [3:14] Two sources now say that while there was no specific threat, the Secret Service recommended President [3:21] Trump fly in the old Air Force One when taking off from the NATO summit in Turkey Wednesday instead of the new one [3:28] that was gifted by Qatar and upgraded with what the White House called high-level security protocols. [3:34] Sources familiar with the aircraft now tell NBC News it does not have all the defensive capabilities [3:41] built into the older military-grade presidential plane. [3:45] The president downplayed concerns [3:47] while he again asserted Iran wants to make a deal for long-term peace, but that he doesn't know if they'll stick to it. [3:57] As for the critical Strait of Hormuz, sources and data show traffic plunged through that vital shipping route [4:05] this week after the flare-up and fighting that started with Iran firing on commercial ships [4:10] in an effort to exert control over the strait, all of it with a direct impact on oil and gas prices. [4:17] Vicky? [4:17] Alice Barr, thank you so much. [4:20] Let's continue this conversation with NBC News legal affairs reporter Gary Grumbach. [4:24] So, Gary, let's talk about the political implications here of this renewed escalation with Iran. [4:29] What does this mean for the president? [4:31] So, we are 116 days from the midterm elections, and every single day that we get closer, [4:36] it's going to matter more and more to the American people what is going on in the Middle East. [4:41] And for politicians, Republicans around the country in some of these tight races [4:44] are really going to have to defend the president's actions or risk getting alienated by him [4:49] as they continue to run for these seats. [4:51] Meanwhile, for voters, the economic consequences have been very clear. [4:55] Tens of billions of dollars have already been spent on the war with Iran, [4:59] and prices of nearly everything around the country have skyrocketed, [5:02] while prices at the pump may be settling down a little bit. [5:05] Things like air prices, especially airfare this summer, has continued to be sky high. [5:09] Vicky? [5:10] You know, Alice talked about it a little bit in her piece, [5:12] but what more are we learning this morning about why President Trump swapped planes [5:17] on the way back from this NATO summit in Turkey? [5:20] I mean, there was so much fanfare made about the new, gifted Air Force One. [5:25] What went into the thinking behind that security decision to take the old Air Force One? [5:30] Yeah, so we took the new Air Force One from the U.S. over to Ankara, Turkey. [5:34] There was a big deal. [5:35] Everyone was very excited about its first international trip. [5:38] And then on the way back, he flew from Turkey to the U.K. in the old Air Force One, [5:43] we're told at NBC News, because the new one lacked some defense capabilities that the old one had. [5:50] So they took it out of Turkey, given how close Turkey physically is, [5:54] it shares a land border with Iran, [5:56] took it out of Turkey over to Mildenhall, which is a military base in the U.K. [6:00] President Trump downplaying it, saying purely he wanted to let members of the military [6:04] see the new Air Force One and show it off a little bit. [6:07] So he's certainly not viewing it as an issue, but members of the Secret Service, [6:11] members of the military certainly are, Vicki. [6:13] Okay, Gary, take us now to West Palm Beach Airport in Florida, [6:16] because it is now officially called President Donald J. Trump International Airport. [6:21] What does the president stand to gain from this name change? [6:26] And are we hearing any reaction this morning? [6:28] Yeah, out with PBI, in with DJT. [6:31] That's what President Trump for decades has been putting his name on things. [6:34] Think Trump Steak, Trump University, Trump Water, Trump Ice. [6:38] Now we've got Donald J. Trump International Airport after Governor Ron DeSantis signed a law [6:44] putting that into effect a couple months ago. [6:46] It officially went into effect yesterday. [6:47] And the first flight taking off from Donald J. Trump International Airport [6:51] was a flight of the, what's dubbed Trump Force One, [6:55] that Trump's own personal plane filled with members of his family [6:57] and close personal allies of the president. [7:00] But yeah, he could stand to make a ton of money [7:02] because anything inside Donald J. Trump International Airport [7:05] that has that name on it, think like Tchotchkes at the airport kiosk, [7:09] that has that name, he and his family and his holding company [7:12] could make money off of any of that. [7:14] Vicki. [7:15] Gary, can you talk about the legalities of that? [7:17] How is that possible? [7:19] I thought there were rules against sitting presidents [7:20] earning money, making profit while they're in office. [7:23] So it all has to do with the holding company, right? [7:26] The trademark was trademarked under a company called DJT Enterprises. [7:31] And because of that, he is able to make that kind of money. [7:35] His family is able to make that kind of money. [7:37] Will he be pocketed himself? [7:40] Potentially not. [7:40] But certainly his family, Don Jr., Eric, and that holding company [7:44] could absolutely be doing that. [7:45] All right, Gary Grumbach, appreciate it. [7:48] Thank you. [7:49] Now let's turn to the campaign trail where the candidates are lining up [7:52] to replace Graham Plattner as the Democratic nominee for Senate in Maine. [7:57] Plattner says he will step down as the nominee [7:59] after facing an on-the-record rape allegation made by an ex-girlfriend. [8:04] He continues to deny any wrongdoing. [8:06] Two sources familiar with his plans say that he will not withdraw Monday, [8:10] until Monday, right ahead of a key deadline. [8:13] For more on this, we want to bring in Alec Hernandez. [8:15] Alec, it's good to see you. [8:16] He's a reporter with Politico. [8:18] He's been covering this story. [8:19] So, Alec, tell us a little bit more about how this is going to play out [8:25] with the Democrats, because this is such a big race. [8:28] They were hoping to gain control in the Senate in this upcoming midterm. [8:33] Yeah, that's exactly right, Vicky. [8:34] Thanks so much for having me. [8:35] I think the first thing to point out here is just how crucial this Senate seat [8:39] is for Democrats to win this year. [8:41] They have to win a net four seats in order to take back control of the Senate. [8:46] And they see Susan Collins as the most vulnerable Republican for them to unseat. [8:52] She's, you know, representing a state here in Maine that went heavily for Kamala Harris in 2024. [8:58] And the wins are at Democrats' backs here in the midterm. [9:01] So, all eyes were on Maine for Democrats to find the candidate that they thought would be able to beat Susan Collins. [9:07] Of course, Graham Plattner has now withdrawn, and that process will restart all over again. [9:11] But the stakes for Democrats here are just super high. [9:15] You know, Alec, Plattner made this announcement that he's planning to withdraw on Wednesday, [9:18] put out that video message. [9:19] So, why is he waiting until Monday, the last minute, to file the actual paperwork? [9:25] So, he didn't necessarily say why he's waiting until the last minute. [9:29] But state law here in Maine stipulates that any candidate seeking to withdraw would have to do so by the 13th, [9:35] which is this upcoming Monday at 5 p.m. [9:37] So, you know, the video that he released announcing his intention to step aside earlier this week [9:43] was just really the first part of the process, him stepping down in words. [9:47] Now he actually has to submit paperwork with the Secretary of State's office to be officially removed from the ballot, [9:53] which will then allow state Democrats here to be able to start the process of finding a replacement [9:58] in order to, you know, have enough time here to take on Susan Collins and win, potentially, here in November. [10:06] So, Alec, what about those replacements? [10:08] Who could take his place in this race and talk about the process? [10:11] Walk us through what that looks like, because Democrats only have until July 27th to name the new nominee. [10:18] Yeah, well, let's start with the process, Vicki, because at the moment it's sort of piecemeal what it's going to entail. [10:24] So, what we know from Maine Democrats is that the larger picture is that it's going to be essentially a nominating convention. [10:32] We don't know when that convention will be, but we do know, according to two sources familiar with the planning here, [10:39] that the process or the convention is going to have 600 delegates, 500 of whom will be selected by state county committees, [10:47] and they will meet to name this next replacement here. [10:51] And Maine Democrats overnight last night saying that part of the process for these candidates that have put themselves forward [10:56] is going to be a signature collecting process. [10:58] They're going to have to collect 500 signatures from registered Maine voters here in order to qualify to take part in the convention. [11:04] But the through line between all of the candidates here who are trying to replace Graham Plattner is that the majority of them, [11:11] there are at least eight of them now, and I say at least because it feels like that number keeps growing by the hour here, [11:15] but the majority of them have already run for office here in Maine this year. [11:19] You have three of the former candidates here for governor. [11:22] That's Dr. Narav Shah, who's the former top public health official here in Maine. [11:27] You have Secretary of State Shana Bellows. [11:29] And then you have other folks who, Troy Jackson, you know, who's a former state Senate president here in Maine [11:36] who had the backing of Bernie Sanders like Graham Plattner did during the governor's race. [11:40] So, a big field of contenders and a lot still up in the air, but we'll see where it goes, Vicky. [11:44] All right, a lot of people to sift through. [11:46] Alec Hernandez, thank you very much. [11:49] It is the final day of a key hearing to determine if prosecutors have enough evidence to try Tyler Robinson [11:56] for the murder of political activist Charlie Kirk. [11:58] In court yesterday, prosecutors shared never-before-seen photos of the weapon that was allegedly used to kill Kirk. [12:06] They also released clips from a recorded interview in April with Robinson's former roommate and romantic partner [12:12] who said that Robinson regretted the shooting. [12:15] NBC News correspondent Camila Bernal has the very latest from the courtroom. [12:20] For the first time, we're hearing from the former roommate of Tyler Robinson, [12:24] the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk. [12:27] They started crying a little bit and said he wishes he hadn't done it. [12:30] This moment, from a previously recorded interview, [12:33] is part of what prosecutors consider a confession Robinson made [12:37] to his then-roommate and romantic partner, Lance Twiggs. [12:41] The video, shown at a hearing in Utah, along with messages, [12:45] they exchanged the day of the September 2025 shooting. [12:48] So this would have been from Tyler. [12:52] It says, drop what you're doing, look under your keyboard. [12:54] Prosecutors say under that keyboard was a handwritten note that said, [12:58] I have the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I'm going to take it. [13:03] Kirk's wife, Erica, who has been in court all week, in tears as that note was read. [13:09] Twiggs describing their interaction the day after the shooting like this. [13:14] I just asked him in person if what he said was true the night before, and he said it was. [13:20] In court, prosecutors also showing never-before-seen photos of the rifle [13:24] believed to have been used by Robinson and engraved bullets. [13:29] Will you read the markings here? [13:32] Hey, fascist. [13:34] Camila Bernal, NBC News. [13:38] Let's bring in NBC News legal analyst Danny Savalos to break down these latest developments. [13:43] Danny, good morning to you. [13:44] So prosecutors did not share the full interview with Twiggs. [13:49] Parts of it were redacted. [13:50] What do you think of all of the evidence that was revealed yesterday? [13:55] Absolutely devastating. [13:56] You heard just a fraction of it. [13:58] You've got shell casings. [13:59] You've got admissions apparently made to the roommate. [14:03] Those will likely be admissible and non-hearsay. [14:06] Absolutely devastating. [14:07] And step back a little because some context helps. [14:10] Preliminary hearings, and I've done probably thousands of them, [14:14] preliminary hearings are just probable cause hearings. [14:16] In some states, they last as long as it takes for the DA or the prosecutor [14:21] to literally read a few paragraphs from a police report. [14:24] Hearsay is allowed. [14:26] The rules of evidence are relaxed. [14:27] So it shows that this is an unusual case that is of such import. [14:31] And by the way, Utah has very relaxed rules at a probable cause hearing. [14:35] This is a hearing that ordinarily would take maybe half an hour, maybe an hour. [14:41] But the prosecution here has laid out a lot of evidence, more than enough, in my view, [14:46] to get them over probable cause. [14:48] And what they have revealed, and they wanted to reveal more, [14:51] has been simply devastating for the defense. [14:54] You know, Danny, the defense really did try to stop the interview with Twiggs [14:57] from being released publicly. [14:58] They said that the prosecution would label it a confession [15:01] and that it could really hurt his right to a fair trial, right? [15:05] Potentially tainting the jury pool. [15:07] Everybody who has seen what has been revealed so far. [15:09] I mean, clearly the judge didn't think that was a valid argument. [15:12] Why? [15:14] The court has to engage in a balancing test. [15:16] On the one hand, we have a very strong presumption [15:18] that courts in the United States are open to the public. [15:22] And while what's in the prosecutor's file is not, [15:25] is private until they choose to reveal it, [15:28] once revealed in court, [15:30] generally speaking, the default rule is everybody gets to see it. [15:34] But the defense does have an argument, [15:36] a constitutional argument, [15:37] that a defendant has a right to a fair trial [15:39] and that too much pretrial publicity [15:42] can taint that right to a fair trial. [15:46] The case is actually Shepard. [15:47] It was the subject of a movie that's now an old movie, [15:49] The Fugitive, but it's sort of the same idea. [15:52] It's very, very rare, [15:53] but enough negative pretrial publicity [15:55] can threaten the right to a fair trial. [15:58] But no matter what, [15:59] this was an uphill fight for the defense. [16:01] This was going to come out, most of it. [16:03] They got some of it redacted, so a minor victory. [16:06] All right, Danny. [16:07] And Robinson still has not entered a plea in this case. [16:10] You are a defense attorney. [16:12] What do you think the strategy ought to be here, [16:15] especially given all of this evidence? [16:18] Yeah, the fact that he hasn't entered a plea [16:20] is really part of procedure. [16:21] The preliminary hearing is a probable cause hearing. [16:24] Only if he's held over for trial [16:27] will Robinson then actually enter a plea. [16:30] And it's easy to step back and say, [16:32] oh my gosh, this case has been going on [16:34] for months and months and months. [16:35] He hasn't even entered a plea yet. [16:37] Well, unfortunately, this is what people find, [16:39] that the wheels of justice [16:41] are not the wheels of a Ferrari. [16:43] They're the wheels of a covered wagon. [16:45] And they move very, very slowly as they grind on. [16:48] So once he is held over, that is procedural. [16:52] And this is pretty standard across the country. [16:54] Once there is probable cause [16:55] and the case is held over for trial, [16:57] that is when the defendant enters the plea. [17:00] Okay, and quickly before you go, Danny, [17:02] the prosecution does want to seek [17:03] the death penalty for Robinson. [17:05] When might we see a decision on that [17:08] and a potential trial date? [17:10] The prosecution has already made their decision. [17:12] It's really about a procedural step, [17:14] the preliminary hearing, the probable cause hearing. [17:16] Once this case moves forward, [17:18] the prosecution will be seeking the death penalty, [17:20] which Utah has the death penalty. [17:23] Many states do, many states do not. [17:25] And so they have made their decision. [17:27] They're planning to move forward. [17:29] And that may be leverage [17:30] that they will get the defendant possibly [17:33] to consider a plea maybe for life [17:36] without the possibility of parole [17:38] instead of capital punishment. [17:40] All right, Danny Stavallis, as always, [17:42] we appreciate your legal insight. [17:44] Thank you. [17:45] All right, if you are planning [17:46] to take a trip this weekend, [17:48] you might want to pack your patience. [17:50] Strong summer storms, full flights, [17:52] causing major delays at airports across the country. [17:55] For the very latest, [17:56] we're going to check in [17:56] with NBC News correspondent Ryan Chandler, [17:58] who is covering the story for us this morning [18:00] from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport in Texas. [18:03] Good morning, Ryan. [18:04] So more than 1,000 flights are canceled [18:07] as of this morning, 9,000 more delayed yesterday. [18:10] What's causing the backups? [18:11] How are things looking today? [18:15] Yeah, Vicki, brutal day at the airports [18:17] all across the country. [18:18] It is not yet 6.30 here in DFW, [18:21] and you already see the lines are starting to stack up. [18:24] Talking with the experts, [18:25] there's a couple things going on here, [18:27] because I would have thought [18:27] we would have gotten through that big travel rush [18:29] from the 4th of July last weekend, [18:31] but some remnants of that [18:33] are still trickling into this weekend. [18:35] They say that with all of the delays [18:37] and cancellations that happened Monday [18:39] going in to this work week after the 4th of July, [18:42] a lot of those people just couldn't get rebooked, [18:45] some for days. [18:46] So there's some people who maybe extended [18:48] their holiday week involuntarily [18:50] and are finally getting home now [18:52] after last weekend's trip. [18:54] There's also just cost pressures [18:56] that are leading more people [18:57] to travel on off-peak times. [18:59] Maybe prices were too expensive over the 4th, [19:01] so they said, [19:01] ah, we'll take a weekend trip the weekend after, [19:04] and it seems like everybody had that idea, [19:06] because so many people are at the airport, Vicki. [19:08] Yeah, I think it caught a lot of people off guard [19:10] that the FAA said that, you know, [19:11] July 9th was suddenly going to be one of the busiest days, [19:14] if not the busiest day of this summer. [19:15] We also know it's a tough time to travel [19:18] in the month of July because of the delays, the storms. [19:21] What are some ways that people can try [19:22] to have a smoother travel experience [19:24] despite all the things that are out of their control, Ryan? [19:29] A few tips and tricks. [19:30] This one I just learned. [19:31] I didn't know you can make it [19:33] through a security line nowadays [19:34] without ever touching your wallet. [19:36] It's called TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, [19:39] and you can sign up with a participating airline, [19:41] get all that information through Google Wallet [19:43] and on your phone, [19:44] make it much more seamless going through security. [19:47] You can pair that with companies like Clear. [19:49] That golden combination I use every time, [19:52] a PreCheck Plus Clear, you sail past everybody. [19:55] You feel like an expert traveler. [19:57] If you're going to get up early with us anyway, [19:59] just take the earliest flight of the day. [20:01] You really lower the risk for storms [20:03] that crop up in the afternoon. [20:05] Your plane's already at the gate [20:06] from where it was coming in the night before. [20:08] Makes it that much more likely [20:09] you're going to get where you're going on time, Vicky. [20:11] Yeah, all really good advice. [20:13] It's always that first flight of the day [20:14] makes a big difference [20:15] because the plane usually comes in overnight. [20:16] It's already there. [20:18] Ryan, what about people who are trying to fly out [20:19] or hit the road this weekend? [20:21] What parts of the country [20:22] could maybe be some of the biggest trouble spots? [20:27] I wish I could point you to like one location, Vicky, [20:30] but we're seeing different kinds of extreme weather [20:32] all across the country from coast to coast. [20:35] The Northeast got battered by some severe thunderstorms [20:38] across New Jersey and Washington, D.C. [20:40] yesterday, as you know, [20:41] the heat is really the main story [20:43] up in Montana and the Dakotas. [20:45] They could see record-breaking temperatures [20:47] and that's an area that's really not used to it. [20:49] So we're going to have to see [20:50] how that impacts things all across the board, Vicky. [20:53] All right, Ryan, thank you so much. [20:54] Have a good Friday. [20:55] Now let's go ahead and get a check [20:56] on your morning news now weather [20:58] with NBC meteorologist Angie Lashman. [21:00] Hey, Angie, good morning. [21:03] Hey, guys, happy Friday. [21:04] We've got a couple of trouble spots [21:05] when it comes to the weather [21:06] as we get through today and into the weekend. [21:08] Some of those coming from those strong [21:10] to severe storms that are likely going to pop up [21:12] across parts of the Midwest and the Northeast. [21:14] If you're flying out of Kansas City, [21:15] St. Louis, Cincinnati today, [21:17] you'll likely see some delays. [21:18] And those are also going to be possible [21:19] at the airport stretching from New York City [21:21] all the way down to Charlotte, [21:22] including Atlanta and New Orleans, [21:24] as well as we gear up [21:25] for some scattered thunderstorms. [21:26] Right now, already seeing a pretty active morning. [21:29] Most of that stretch across parts of Missouri [21:31] into Kentucky. [21:32] You can see some of these flash flood warnings [21:34] and watches are up right now. [21:35] 19 million people included in that flood watch [21:38] as more of that heavy rain is on the table [21:40] through the day today. [21:41] We'll specifically watch for the greatest chance [21:43] for flash flooding anywhere from Kansas City [21:45] to Pittsburgh and down through Knoxville, [21:47] including Nashville and Cincinnati today. [21:49] Rainfall rates, hourly rainfall rates, [21:51] I should say, anywhere from an inch [21:53] to up to three inches on already saturated ground. [21:55] So that is why we are concerned for the flooding. [21:58] Otherwise, temperatures above average. [21:59] And we're talking about for most of the country [22:01] at this point, we've got the 90s on tap yet again [22:04] across Memphis today, a heat index of 107, [22:08] 107 for what it'll feel like in New Orleans, [22:10] Charleston at 108 for your heat index, [22:12] Richmond, you top out at 93 degrees, [22:14] but you feel like 97. [22:16] And that heat expands even as we get into tomorrow, [22:18] most of parts of the Northeast running above normal, [22:21] stretching down to the Southeast, Savannah, [22:23] your actual temperature is 100 degrees, [22:25] but you'll feel like 106. [22:26] And we finish out the weekend [22:28] with those warm conditions continuing [22:29] across the West as well. [22:31] Here's what it looks like today. [22:32] We'll see the potential for the 90s plus [22:35] across much of this region, [22:36] the Rockies, the Southwest included, [22:38] and we could be likely breaking [22:40] some of these all-time records across this region. [22:42] So it's 98 degrees in Jackson on Sunday, [22:45] 97 on Monday, 100 plus across parts of Colorado, [22:49] Rapid City, Utah about at 105 on Sunday and Monday [22:52] for your actual temperature. [22:54] Otherwise, nice conditions across parts [22:55] of the interior Northeast and New England [22:57] as we get through your Saturday. [22:59] Dry conditions too for the Great Lakes in the Midwest. [23:01] We'll see record highs, as I mentioned, [23:03] across most of the West, [23:04] but those severe storms could slow you down [23:05] for parts of the Southeast, [23:07] not only Saturday, but Sunday as well. [23:09] We'll see that heat wave continuing well [23:11] into the end of our weekend across the West. [23:13] Back to you. [23:14] All right, Angie, thank you so much. [23:16] And much more to come on this hour of morning news now, [23:19] including how drones could actually shape [23:21] the future of public safety, [23:23] flying to emergency scenes within seconds of a call. [23:26] First, though, after the break, [23:28] dozens reportedly killed in China [23:30] after a shoe factory there goes up in flames, [23:33] we'll have the terrifying scenes [23:34] as the nation grapples with another workplace tragedy. [23:38] That is next. [23:42] We're back with a massive fire [23:44] that tore through a multi-story shoe factory [23:46] in Southeast China. [23:47] More than 200 people were inside the building [23:50] when that fire broke out. [23:51] At least 28 were killed. [23:53] NBC News international correspondent, [23:55] Janice Mackey-Frayer, has the latest. [23:57] And a warning, some of this video is disturbing. [23:59] Terrifying scenes at a shoe factory [24:03] in Southeastern China, [24:04] where flames and thick smoke engulf the entire building, [24:08] trapping workers on the roof. [24:10] A man standing at the edge as a woman cries out, [24:12] come on, jump, they're afraid. [24:15] And this person holding on to the building [24:18] before they fall. [24:20] In this video, voices saying firefighters can't get there. [24:25] 239 people were inside the factory [24:28] when the fire broke out, according to Chinese state media. [24:31] Volunteers tried using ladders to help some escape. [24:35] Officials say at least 28 people were killed. [24:40] Widely covered across state media, [24:42] the blaze is the latest in a string [24:44] of fatal workplace accidents here, [24:46] including explosions at a fireworks factory [24:48] and inside a coal mine [24:50] that prompted nationwide scrutiny [24:52] of workplace safety in China. [24:54] The fire at the shoe factory started on the ground floor, [24:57] a local official told state media, [24:59] and said that materials there were poorly stored [25:02] and highly flammable, [25:03] making it hard for rescue teams to get people out. [25:06] The fire prompted swift and public criticism [25:09] from China's leader Xi Jinping, [25:11] who ordered a full investigation [25:13] and said those responsible for the tragedy [25:15] should answer for it. [25:17] Janice Mackey for your NBC News, Beijing. [25:21] Janice, thank you. [25:22] Fans around the world are mourning music legend [25:26] Bonnie Tyler this morning after her death [25:28] following an illness at the age of 75. [25:30] Known for her distinctive raspy voice, [25:33] Tyler's music helped define an era [25:35] and continues to resonate with fans across generations. [25:39] Coming up, it has been a brand [25:41] that has been a staple of American fashion [25:43] for more than a century. [25:45] But after the break, [25:46] Savannah introduces us to Levi Strauss' [25:48] first female CEO, [25:50] who's looking to write an inclusive new chapter [25:52] in the company's storied history book. [25:54] That's next. [26:01] Now to a piece of technology [26:02] that could change the future of public safety. [26:04] A new generation of drones [26:06] is being designed to respond to 911 calls [26:09] with the ability to get to emergency scenes [26:12] within seconds. [26:13] The drones are already helping first responders [26:15] across the U.S. [26:16] And now one company is aiming to have those drones [26:18] replace some police helicopters altogether. [26:22] NBC News now anchor Gotti Schwartz [26:24] went to Seattle to show us. [26:28] Flashing sirens and whirling chops. [26:30] Emergency response has always looked [26:32] and sounded something like this. [26:35] But in Seattle, there's a new drone company [26:36] making a lot of noise about the future of policing. [26:40] That's louder than a quad car. [26:44] 25-year-old Blake Resnick [26:46] is the founder of Brink Drones, [26:47] a company that wants to get a drone [26:49] above any emergency anywhere in the world in seconds. [26:52] My goal with Brink [26:53] is to drop global emergency response times [26:56] to tens of seconds. [26:58] And it's not just for surveillance. [26:59] It is carrying a two-pack of Narcan. [27:01] Brink Drones can deliver first aid equipment. [27:03] They can break windows. [27:04] And they can beam back video [27:06] to an incident command post [27:08] or anyone with a cell phone. [27:10] That video is being streamed [27:11] to all, like, the incident commander [27:13] and then the people, the officers. [27:15] Like, it's all on an app. [27:16] It's all on their iPhones. [27:18] Could go to the mayor. [27:19] Could go to the fire chief. [27:20] There's a report of something on fire in the street. [27:23] The economics of drones acting like [27:25] or replacing police helicopters around the country [27:27] are already playing out. [27:29] A 2023 study by the city of Los Angeles [27:31] found that its fleet of helicopters [27:33] cost nearly $3,000 per flight hour to operate, [27:36] compared to just $10 to $50 an hour for a drone. [27:39] And if a Brink drone goes down? [27:41] This parachute will deploy. [27:43] I'm going to be switching to Navas. [27:44] As for the kind of close-quarter missions [27:46] that SWAT teams deal with? [27:47] We've sold public safety agencies in all 50 states. [27:49] Over 20% of the SWAT teams in the country [27:52] actively utilize a Brink drone. [27:54] Clients like the NYPD for SWAT [27:56] and helping officers deal with armed suspects. [27:59] And SWAT teams using Brink drones [28:00] is where it all started. [28:04] Resnick was in high school [28:05] when the Mandalay Bay shooting [28:06] in his hometown of Las Vegas happened. [28:08] It was the deadliest mass shooting [28:09] in modern U.S. history. [28:11] That's what got me thinking [28:12] about building public safety technology [28:14] to, you know, help first responders save lives. [28:17] That tragedy led Resnick, [28:19] who was still a teenager at the time, [28:20] to pitch a meeting with their Las Vegas SWAT team, [28:23] promising an idea [28:24] that could revolutionize public safety. [28:26] I thought if they could just, like, [28:29] get eyes and ears in dangerous places [28:31] in the context of some of those events, [28:33] that that would help them save lives. [28:35] And I thought I could build that. [28:35] But there was a sharp learning curve. [28:37] I learned SWAT houses tend to be super dirty. [28:40] They have, like, trash all over the floors, [28:42] up to your knees, [28:43] which can be a problem with drones. [28:46] Ingesting plastic bags is, like, a legitimate threat. [28:50] I learned that a lot of SWAT suspects [28:52] end up hiding in attics. [28:53] So entering attics and searching them effectively [28:56] is actually a pretty important SWAT drone mission. [28:59] Fast forward to today, [29:00] drones are on their way to ubiquity, [29:02] but concerns over surveillance are still top of mind. [29:05] Do you think that we're headed to a future [29:07] in which everyone is constantly being watched? [29:10] Honestly, no. [29:11] I mean, I think that the vast majority [29:14] of the agencies that adopt this technology [29:16] will use it only to respond to active emergencies. [29:20] Whether that happens or not, [29:21] he says it should be up to each community [29:22] to decide how drones are used. [29:25] Every city that adopts our technology [29:28] goes through a city council vote [29:30] where they decide [29:32] if they want to sign our contract or not. [29:35] And they also decide on policy, [29:40] how they want to use their drones. [29:42] These are decisions that are being made [29:44] on a community-by-community basis. [29:48] Gotti Schwartz, NBC News. [29:51] And from new technology [29:56] to a product that has been part of American culture [29:58] for more than a century, [30:00] Levi's Jeans. [30:01] Our own Savannah Sellers sat down [30:02] with the company's trailblazing CEO [30:04] for our series, Business in America. [30:08] Well, for more than 150 years, [30:10] one name has helped define American styles. [30:13] Since crafting the first pair of blue jeans [30:15] in San Francisco in 1873, [30:18] Levi Strauss & Co. has gone far beyond denim [30:21] with everything from shirts and sweaters [30:22] to jackets and more. [30:23] Well, as part of our Business in America series, [30:26] we sat down with Levi's first female CEO, [30:29] Michelle Gass, [30:30] to discuss the company's legacy, evolution, [30:32] and what is next [30:33] for one of America's most iconic brands. [30:37] Inside this nondescript building [30:39] is a cutting-edge classified research [30:42] and development facility for jeans. [30:45] According to the internet, [30:46] this place is quite secretive. [30:48] It is, and you're in it. [30:50] It is the pinnacle of denim innovation. [30:53] That's Levi's CEO, Michelle Gass, [30:56] who's been with the jean juggernaut for three years. [30:58] She's the first female CEO [31:00] in the company's 170-year history. [31:02] And this is Levi's Eureka Innovation Lab, [31:06] named for the brand's first customers, [31:08] Gold Rush miners. [31:09] Fans of the rivets Levi Strauss added to pants [31:12] to reinforce them, [31:13] creating the blue jean and fashion history [31:16] on May 20th, 1873. [31:18] Here, the company stonewashes, [31:21] lasers, [31:23] embroiders, [31:24] and dreams up your favorite denim [31:26] created for every customer. [31:28] From construction workers to farmers [31:30] to students to entrepreneurs, [31:34] tech innovators, [31:36] celebrities, [31:37] rock stars, [31:38] you name it. [31:39] How do you maintain relevancy [31:40] to span generations, [31:43] types of people, [31:44] types of interests? [31:46] It's always important [31:47] to know who you are [31:48] and where you're from. [31:49] And we have such a rich, [31:51] deep heritage and legacy. [31:54] But we've never stood still. [31:55] Hundreds and hundreds of people [31:57] who have worn Levi's [31:58] and done pretty incredible things. [32:00] That's no exaggeration. [32:02] From Marilyn Monroe [32:03] to Elvis Presley, [32:05] Carolyn Bissette [32:06] to the boss's back pocket, [32:08] and from Cowboys [32:09] to Cowboy Carter. [32:13] Beyonce shouting out Levi's [32:14] in her lyrics [32:15] and rocking them too. [32:16] These are the jeans [32:17] that Beyonce wore [32:19] when we did the campaign [32:21] with her last year. [32:22] Stop it. [32:23] These are Steve Jobs' jeans. [32:25] It was part of his uniform [32:26] and this is a pair [32:27] from the 1980s. [32:29] Wow. [32:30] Pieces pulled from [32:31] their on-site archive [32:32] like the oldest pair of jeans. [32:35] 153 years to be exact. [32:37] So special, [32:38] they're stored [32:39] in a fireproof safe. [32:40] But just because [32:41] the company preserves its past [32:42] doesn't mean [32:43] they aren't looking [32:44] to the future. [32:45] How are you using AI [32:46] here at Levi's? [32:48] I'm a big believer in AI. [32:49] Our designers, [32:50] as an example, [32:51] are using AI tools [32:52] to help them [32:54] broaden their innovation, [32:55] improve their capacity, [32:57] increase their creativity. [32:59] Is that being embraced [33:00] by the people [33:01] who work on your creative teams? [33:02] It is. [33:03] And for us, [33:04] I think that's [33:05] a really important point [33:06] because we are a brand [33:08] about authenticity, [33:10] about craft. [33:11] But if this can be a tool [33:13] to help our teams [33:14] think broader [33:15] or lead to that next idea, [33:18] then we absolutely [33:18] should use it. [33:20] So it's not a replacement [33:21] at all. [33:22] An asset, [33:23] as the company leans [33:24] into what Gas calls [33:25] the head-to-toe denim lifestyle, [33:27] expanding beyond pants [33:29] into shirts, [33:30] sweaters, and more. [33:30] You're going to find [33:31] all kinds of great denim skirts [33:33] and we're continuing [33:33] to evolve them. [33:34] We're still underserving [33:35] the female consumer. [33:37] It's not even 40% [33:38] of our business [33:39] and women do [33:40] a lot of shopping. [33:41] That particular stat, [33:42] a point of focus for Gas [33:43] as she aims to take [33:44] the company [33:45] from nearly $7 billion [33:46] a year in revenue [33:46] to $10 billion. [33:48] One strategy, [33:49] open more of their own stores [33:50] and sell directly [33:51] to the customer. [33:52] And she's doing it all [33:54] in her uniform of sorts. [33:56] What's it like [33:57] to work at a place [33:57] where it's almost expected [33:58] to be in denim? [34:00] Oh my God, [34:00] it's the best. [34:01] I don't have to think [34:02] about what I wear every day. [34:03] It's really fun [34:03] to go to conferences. [34:04] Yeah, exactly. [34:06] I stand out [34:06] because I'm always head-to-toe. [34:08] Now it was my turn [34:09] to give it a try [34:10] with a styling session [34:11] with Jill Gwenza, [34:12] head of design [34:13] for women's denim. [34:14] I love the 90s fit. [34:16] They look amazing on you. [34:18] All right, [34:19] here's outfit number two. [34:20] So cute. [34:21] These fit great. [34:22] So this is our ribcage bells [34:24] inspired by classic 70s flares. [34:28] These are the softest jeans [34:29] I've ever had on in my life. [34:33] I love it. [34:36] Gass says customers can work [34:37] with an AI-powered [34:38] shopping assistant [34:39] that lets customers chat [34:40] with a virtual stylist [34:41] to find their next look. [34:43] She's also focused [34:43] on growing that women's business [34:45] with an expanded lineup [34:46] of dresses, skirts, and blouses. [34:48] She sees Levi's as a brand [34:49] for every age, culture, generation, [34:51] and importantly, every budget. [34:53] Savannah, thank you so much. [34:55] And you can watch [34:55] the extended sit-down interview [34:57] with an NBC News subscription. [34:59] Just scan the QR code [35:00] to download the NBC News app [35:01] now and subscribe. [35:04] Coming up, [35:05] we have finally made it [35:06] to Friday. [35:07] And here on Morning News Now, [35:08] that can only mean one thing. [35:10] Grab your AM popcorn [35:11] because after the break, [35:12] we are treating you [35:13] to the latest and greatest [35:14] in the world of entertainment. [35:16] Just in time for your weekend. [35:17] It is simply [35:18] everything you can't miss next. [35:21] And finally, this hour, [35:28] it is Friday, [35:29] which means it's time [35:30] for your weekly [35:30] can't miss list. [35:32] A look at all the movie shows [35:33] and music you need to see [35:34] and hear this weekend. [35:36] Joining me this week, [35:37] entertainment journalist [35:38] and pop culture expert, [35:40] Brian Balthazar. [35:41] Brian, good morning. [35:42] Happy Friday. [35:43] So let's start with [35:44] what is coming out in theaters [35:45] and the live action [35:46] Moana remake. [35:48] Moana? [35:48] Moana? [35:49] The original was a huge global hit. [35:51] It was actually the most streamed movie [35:53] of all time on Disney+. [35:54] I loved it. [35:55] How does the live action version compare? [35:58] Well, it compares in some ways. [36:00] People are saying [36:00] almost exactly the open. [36:02] First of all, [36:02] it's 10 years later [36:03] where The Rock is back. [36:05] Looks almost like [36:06] his animated character. [36:07] It's pretty incredible. [36:08] But also, [36:09] it stays very true [36:11] to the animated film. [36:12] And so people are saying [36:13] that can be a thing. [36:15] I also think this is [36:17] perhaps going to impact [36:18] the way Disney casts their movies [36:20] because The Rock is a great example [36:22] of someone who translates [36:23] very well to the live action version. [36:25] Will they be thinking about [36:26] that sort of thing [36:26] when they cast their animated films [36:28] about eventually doing [36:29] a live action version? [36:30] This is going to do very well. [36:31] Very. [36:32] And you didn't answer my question, [36:33] right? [36:33] Moana or Moana? [36:35] I say Moana. [36:36] Okay. [36:37] Have I been saying it wrong [36:38] all this time? [36:38] I just say it quickly. [36:39] No, no, no. [36:39] I'll have to rewatch it. [36:39] I loved it when it came out, [36:40] but now I can't remember [36:41] how they said it in the movie. [36:43] If we are staying in this weekend, [36:44] lots of streaming options [36:45] to choose from. [36:46] Let's start with The Westies. [36:48] That is, [36:49] so like it's based on [36:50] a notorious crime gang [36:51] that operated in parts [36:52] of New York [36:53] back in the 1970s [36:54] and the 80s. [36:55] Some are calling it [36:56] Manhattan's Peaky Blinders. [36:58] What do you think? [36:59] Right. [36:59] It looks incredible. [37:00] J.K. Simmons stars in this. [37:02] And by the way, [37:02] this is just blocks away [37:03] from where 30 Rock is. [37:05] The Hell's Kitchen, [37:06] one of the most dangerous [37:07] parts of New York City, [37:08] the 60s, 70s, and 80s. [37:10] Organized crime [37:10] was a big problem there. [37:12] The cinematography [37:13] and the writing [37:14] and the performances [37:14] in this look really good. [37:16] So if you're into [37:16] organized crime [37:17] and into like, [37:18] I don't want to say period [37:19] because it's not that long ago, [37:20] but if you're into something [37:21] that's a little bit [37:22] further back in time, [37:23] this is one to watch. [37:24] Very good. [37:24] Okay, sign me up. [37:25] It looks really good. [37:26] I can just tell [37:26] from those images we showed. [37:28] For something a little different, [37:29] the five-star weekend, [37:30] I've been seeing a lot [37:31] of ads for this. [37:32] It's a limited series [37:32] on Peacock. [37:33] It has an all-star cast, [37:35] including Jennifer Garner. [37:37] What do we know [37:38] about this story? [37:39] Like you said, [37:40] an incredible all-star cast. [37:41] This is based [37:42] on a very popular book. [37:43] Jennifer Garner [37:44] is a woman [37:44] who encounters tragedy [37:46] in her life [37:46] and organizes a group [37:47] of her girlfriends [37:48] from various parts of her life. [37:50] Some of them [37:51] she's been in touch with, [37:52] some of them [37:52] she's lost a little touch with. [37:53] And what unfolds [37:54] during the course of this [37:55] is kind of an emotional journey, [37:57] so to speak. [37:58] Very popular book. [37:59] An amazing cast. [38:00] I think if this is kind of like [38:01] if you want something [38:02] a bit emotional, [38:03] you want to feel things [38:04] this weekend, [38:04] this is the one to watch. [38:05] Oh, okay. [38:06] Also on Peacock, [38:07] Married at First Sight [38:08] is back, Brian. [38:10] This time it is set in Seattle. [38:11] It's already getting some buzz. [38:13] What are we expecting? [38:15] Again, you know, [38:16] more of the same kind of drama. [38:17] Like, the show is, [38:19] this is the beauty [38:19] of developing shows right now. [38:21] You want a show [38:21] that says exactly what it is. [38:23] These are people [38:23] who marry before they date, [38:26] you know, [38:26] and so basically [38:27] it's all that you can expect. [38:30] You know, [38:30] things don't always work out [38:31] as we see. [38:32] Incredibly popular franchise, [38:33] and you can see [38:34] many of the prior franchises [38:35] on the streaming platform as well. [38:36] So this is a fun one [38:37] if you like [38:38] kind of messy reality TV. [38:39] Yeah, it's an interesting concept [38:41] for sure. [38:43] Okay, so HBO, [38:44] they have a new [38:45] limited documentary series [38:46] about the Burning Man Festival. [38:49] It's called [38:49] The Man Will Burn. [38:51] I mean, [38:51] I can only imagine, [38:52] but the visuals [38:53] have got to be stunning [38:54] on this one. [38:55] What do you know [38:56] on this new docu-series? [38:59] Well, as you know, [39:00] as you can see here [39:00] from the pictures, [39:01] it's, if not the biggest, [39:02] one of the biggest festivals [39:04] you can attend. [39:04] It is the biggest. [39:06] And also just [39:06] what it takes [39:08] to pull this off. [39:08] The fact that this happened [39:09] is a miracle. [39:11] What we're not knowing yet [39:12] because I haven't seen [39:12] all four pieces is [39:13] there's a lot of stuff [39:15] that happens at Burning Man. [39:16] Like, not great people [39:17] have died at Burning Man, [39:18] things like that. [39:19] This one seems to focus [39:20] more on the lore [39:21] and the building [39:22] of the festival [39:22] and the incredible feat [39:24] of making it happen [39:25] and the history and lore. [39:26] But I'm curious to know [39:28] if they will dig into [39:28] some of the more [39:29] kind of like unfortunate [39:30] kind of darker sides [39:31] of this festival. [39:32] But again, [39:32] if you like a good [39:33] multi-part documentary, [39:34] this is one to watch. [39:36] Yeah, it looks awesome. [39:36] All right, speaking of music, [39:37] what about the Rolling Stones [39:38] with their new album [39:39] Foreign Tongues? [39:41] People are saying [39:41] it's still really relevant. [39:44] Right. [39:44] Can you believe this? [39:45] Of course, look at them. [39:46] I mean, first of all, [39:46] oh, to be 25 again, [39:48] because if you look [39:48] at their music video [39:49] for In the Stars, [39:51] they are de-aged [39:52] to look like [39:53] their 20-something selves. [39:55] And I gotta tell you. [39:57] They do use a tech company [39:58] that leans heavily on AI. [40:00] We don't know exactly [40:01] all of the trickery [40:03] that's used, [40:03] but it's just suffice to say [40:05] that there's some AI involved. [40:06] But they are de-aged. [40:08] The music is great. [40:09] And look at them in, [40:10] what is this, [40:11] their third album [40:12] of just this century. [40:14] Isn't that amazing? [40:15] So it's great music. [40:18] Take a listen. [40:18] I think if you like the Stones, [40:19] you'll like this. [40:20] All right, Brian and Balthazar, [40:21] thank you so much. [40:22] And that'll do it [40:23] for this hour [40:24] of Morning News Now. [40:25] The news continues right now. [40:39] Good morning and happy Friday. [40:40] I'm Vicky Wynn, [40:40] in for Joe and Savannah today. [40:42] Right now, [40:43] on Morning News Now, [40:44] on edge, [40:45] tensions remain high [40:46] in the Middle East [40:46] following this week's [40:48] exchange of attacks [40:49] between the U.S. and Iran. [40:51] Well, now Israel says [40:52] it is ready to rejoin [40:53] the attacks [40:54] after President Trump [40:55] said the ceasefire was over. [40:58] The latest on the mounting [40:59] turmoil in the region [41:00] as Iran buries [41:01] its slain former [41:02] Supreme Leader [41:03] who was killed in the U.S. [41:04] and Israeli strikes [41:05] earlier in this war. [41:07] Also this morning, [41:08] new alarm [41:09] at the growing number [41:10] of sharp sightings [41:11] across the country. [41:13] That includes here [41:14] in New York [41:14] where One Beach [41:15] is seeing a record [41:16] number of closures [41:17] due to sightings. [41:18] We will have more [41:19] on what is behind [41:20] this worrying trend. [41:22] The big holiday travel [41:24] scramble [41:24] taking its toll [41:25] on millions of Americans [41:27] amid widespread [41:27] flight delays [41:28] and cancellations. [41:30] How the severe weather [41:31] is also piling on [41:32] the misery for passengers [41:33] trying to make [41:34] the mad dash home [41:35] following the July 4th [41:36] holiday week. [41:38] Plus, France delivers [41:39] a tour de force [41:40] performance [41:41] to become the first team [41:43] to punch its ticket [41:43] to the semifinals [41:44] of the World Cup. [41:46] How Le Bleu [41:47] cruise past Morocco. [41:49] Plus, a look [41:49] at their next opponents, [41:50] the winners of tonight's [41:51] all-European match [41:52] between Spain [41:53] and U.S. conquerors [41:55] Belgium. [41:58] Well, we begin this hour [41:59] in the Middle East. [42:00] The volatile [42:01] and dynamic situation [42:02] there continues [42:03] after this week's [42:04] renewed escalation [42:05] of attacks [42:05] between the U.S. [42:07] and Iran. [42:08] This after President Trump [42:09] said the ceasefire [42:10] was over. [42:11] Well, now there are [42:12] growing fears [42:12] of further escalation [42:14] after Israel said [42:15] it's prepared [42:16] to rejoin attacks [42:17] on Iran. [42:18] All of this comes [42:19] as Iran buried [42:20] its slain [42:21] former Supreme Leader [42:22] overnight. [42:23] He was killed [42:23] in U.S. [42:24] and Israeli strikes [42:25] earlier in the war. [42:26] NBC News Chief Foreign [42:27] Correspondent Richard Engel [42:28] has the very latest [42:29] for us from Istanbul. [42:31] Good morning to you, Richard. [42:32] Good morning. [42:36] Iranian officials [42:36] are warning the U.S. [42:38] against engaging [42:39] in more of what it describes [42:40] as military adventurism [42:42] as Israeli officials [42:44] are saying [42:44] that they are armed [42:45] and ready [42:46] to rejoin strikes [42:48] on Iran. [42:49] The risk of all-out war [42:52] resuming is on the rise. [42:55] New amateur footage [42:56] shows fishing boats [42:57] burning in the Iranian [42:58] city of Bashir [42:59] as Iran claims [43:00] the U.S. [43:01] attacked military [43:02] and civilian infrastructure, [43:04] killing 14 people. [43:07] U.S. Central Command [43:07] said it carried out [43:09] two intense volleys [43:10] against Iran, [43:11] targeting dozens [43:12] of missile bases, [43:13] radar, [43:14] and command and control [43:15] sites near the [43:16] Strait of Hormuz. [43:17] It didn't comment [43:18] on Iran's claims [43:19] civilian locations [43:20] were also struck. [43:23] Iran retaliated [43:24] with missile [43:24] and drone attacks [43:25] on U.S. bases [43:27] in Kuwait, [43:28] Qatar, [43:28] Bahrain, [43:29] and Jordan. [43:30] There were no reports [43:31] of casualties. [43:32] Oil prices [43:33] are rising again [43:34] as this dangerous [43:35] tit-for-tat [43:36] could escalate further. [43:38] Israel's Prime Minister [43:39] Netanyahu [43:40] said he's prepared [43:42] to get back [43:42] into the fight [43:43] if necessary. [43:44] The war has not [43:46] yet ended, [43:46] he said. [43:47] The Wall Street Journal [43:48] reports this morning [43:49] citing sources [43:50] familiar with the matter [43:51] that Israel warned [43:53] the U.S. [43:53] of a fresh Iranian plan [43:55] to assassinate Trump [43:56] in retaliation [43:57] for the joint [43:58] U.S.-Israeli attack [43:59] that killed [44:00] Iran's Supreme Leader [44:01] and obliterated [44:02] his compound [44:03] four months ago. [44:04] The Israeli government [44:05] hasn't commented [44:06] on that report. [44:08] Trump acknowledged [44:09] the risk to his life [44:10] earlier this week. [44:11] I'm the number one target. [44:13] It's out all over the place. [44:14] I'm the number [44:15] because they're scum. [44:17] Iran's desire [44:18] to kill Trump [44:19] is hardly a secret. [44:20] We saw threatening images [44:22] all across Tehran [44:23] during the late [44:24] Supreme Leader's [44:25] funeral processions. [44:26] Iranians openly [44:27] expressed their support. [44:30] The late Supreme Leader's [44:33] week-long funeral [44:34] is now over. [44:35] He was buried [44:36] on Thursday [44:36] in a shrine [44:37] in Mashhad. [44:39] Iran's new [44:40] Supreme Leader, [44:41] his son, [44:41] Ayatollah Moshtaba, [44:43] didn't appear. [44:44] The services [44:45] were led [44:45] by one of his brothers. [44:46] Iran offered [44:48] no explanation [44:49] for Ayatollah Moshtaba's absence. [44:52] Now that the funeral [44:53] has concluded, [44:54] negotiations [44:55] between the U.S. [44:56] and Iran [44:57] were set to resume [44:58] and international mediators [45:00] are pushing [45:01] for at least [45:01] technical talks [45:03] to restart [45:04] next week. [45:05] Vicky? [45:06] We hope so. [45:07] Richard Engel, [45:07] thank you very much. [45:08] I want to continue [45:09] this conversation [45:09] with NBC News [45:10] Washington correspondent [45:11] Alice Barr. [45:12] So, Alice, [45:13] what is the political [45:13] fallout [45:14] for President Trump [45:15] in the wake [45:16] of this renewed [45:17] escalation [45:18] with Iran? [45:19] Yeah, Vicky, [45:20] good morning. [45:21] And it's tricky [45:21] for the president. [45:22] Poll after poll [45:23] has shown [45:23] this war [45:24] is unpopular [45:25] with American voters. [45:26] That's going to matter [45:27] more and more [45:28] the closer we get [45:29] to the November midterms. [45:30] President Trump [45:31] is clearly frustrated [45:32] with not being able [45:33] to wrap this up [45:34] and move on. [45:35] You heard it there [45:35] in Richard's piece. [45:36] His rhetoric [45:37] against the Iranian regime [45:38] this week [45:38] is ramping up, [45:40] calling them scum. [45:40] He's been saying [45:41] that they don't stick [45:42] to their agreements. [45:44] And then, of course, [45:44] oil prices pushed up [45:46] again this week [45:46] after the flare-up [45:47] and fighting. [45:48] And that's the biggest [45:49] concrete issue here. [45:51] The president, [45:51] Republicans, [45:52] want to see gas prices [45:54] and everything else [45:54] trending downward [45:55] as we close in [45:57] on November. [45:57] Difficult for that [45:58] to happen [45:59] while traffic [45:59] can't freely flow [46:01] through the Strait of Hormuz [46:02] while there's [46:02] all of this uncertainty. [46:04] Alice, [46:05] there are also [46:05] a lot of questions [46:06] about why the president [46:07] swapped planes [46:08] earlier this week [46:09] on his return [46:10] from that NATO summit [46:11] in Turkey. [46:11] What more are we learning [46:13] about that decision [46:13] not to take [46:15] the newly gifted [46:16] Air Force One [46:16] that he took [46:17] to Turkey? [46:18] Right. [46:19] Yeah, [46:19] and we do have [46:20] new information here. [46:21] You can remember [46:21] President Trump [46:22] was on board [46:23] the old Air Force One [46:24] during takeoff [46:25] from Turkey, [46:26] a country, [46:27] importantly, [46:28] that borders Iran. [46:29] Very close [46:30] for comfort there. [46:31] And then they made [46:31] a stopover in the UK [46:33] and switched [46:33] to the new version [46:34] that was that luxurious [46:35] gift from Qatar. [46:37] Two sources now [46:38] say that while [46:39] there was no specific [46:40] threat as a precaution, [46:41] the Secret Service [46:42] was the one [46:43] to recommend [46:43] flying out of Turkey [46:45] in the old [46:45] presidential plane. [46:47] The White House [46:47] says the new one [46:48] was fitted with [46:49] high-level security [46:50] protocols, [46:50] but sources familiar [46:51] with the aircraft [46:52] tell NBC News [46:53] it does not have [46:55] all the defensive [46:56] capabilities that were [46:57] built into the older [46:58] military-grade [46:59] presidential plane. [47:01] All right, Alice, [47:02] let's turn to Maine's [47:03] Senate race now. [47:04] Democrats are scrambling [47:05] to replace Graham Plattner. [47:07] He withdrew from the [47:08] contest after a [47:09] sexual assault [47:09] allegation. [47:10] He has denied [47:11] that accusation. [47:12] Who are the candidates [47:13] who are now trying [47:14] to step up to take [47:15] on Susan Collins [47:16] from the Republican [47:17] Party? [47:18] They're coming out [47:19] of the woodwork [47:20] and the Maine [47:20] Democratic Party [47:21] doesn't have a lot [47:22] of time to sort [47:22] through them. [47:23] They have just two [47:24] weeks until July 27th [47:26] to pick the successor [47:27] and they've said [47:28] they're going to hold [47:28] a nominating convention, [47:30] but it's unclear [47:30] exactly how that [47:32] will look. [47:32] You're getting a look [47:33] there at the growing [47:34] list from Troy Jackson, [47:36] a former Maine [47:37] State Senate president [47:38] to Nirav Shah, [47:39] former director [47:40] of Maine CDC. [47:41] And then there are [47:41] more unconventional [47:42] options like Dan [47:43] Klaben, who's a [47:44] co-founder of the [47:45] Maine Beer Company. [47:46] Maine Democrats [47:47] are accusing Plattner [47:48] of trying to manipulate [47:49] this succession process. [47:51] He denied that, [47:52] but he says it wants [47:54] to be someone in [47:55] keeping with the [47:55] movement that he [47:56] sought to lead in Maine. [47:58] All right, Alice Barr [47:59] live from D.C. [48:00] Alice, thank you so much. [48:02] The final day of a [48:03] preliminary hearing is [48:04] set to take place [48:05] in Utah today for [48:06] the man accused [48:07] of assassinating [48:08] Charlie Kirk. [48:09] Tyler Robinson is [48:10] once again set [48:11] to appear in court [48:12] where prosecutors [48:13] will attempt to [48:14] show that they [48:14] have enough evidence [48:16] against Robinson [48:17] to proceed to trial. [48:19] He is charged [48:19] with aggravated [48:20] murder and he has [48:21] not yet entered [48:23] his plea in the [48:24] killing of Kirk. [48:25] Now, yesterday, [48:26] the court heard [48:26] that Robinson [48:27] allegedly said he [48:28] wished that he [48:29] hadn't done it [48:30] the day after [48:31] the shooting. [48:32] This is according [48:32] to his former [48:33] roommate. [48:34] The state [48:34] district judge [48:35] will make a [48:36] decision on [48:36] whether to [48:37] proceed with [48:38] the trial [48:38] after these [48:39] proceedings. [48:41] While summer [48:42] is in full [48:42] swing, which [48:43] means a lot [48:44] of people are [48:44] heading to the [48:45] shore, but a [48:45] record number [48:46] of shark [48:47] sightings at [48:48] one New York [48:48] City beach [48:49] has prompted [48:49] double the [48:50] amount of [48:51] closures from [48:52] the same time [48:52] last year. [48:53] Here's Sam [48:53] Brock with all [48:54] the details [48:55] from Rockaway [48:56] Beach. [48:56] Sam, good [48:57] morning. [48:59] Hi, Vicki. [49:00] Look, this is [49:00] kind of shark [49:01] insanity, right? [49:02] We've been [49:02] touching triple [49:03] digit temperatures. [49:04] You had this [49:04] heat wave. [49:05] Families just [49:05] want to kind [49:06] of come and [49:06] escape. [49:07] You have all [49:07] these surfers [49:08] over my shoulder [49:09] right now getting [49:09] ready to start [49:10] their weekend [49:10] with the side [49:12] of sharks. [49:13] Rockaway Beach [49:13] where I am [49:14] right now, which [49:14] is about an [49:15] hour outside of [49:15] Manhattan. [49:16] Vicki has had [49:16] 23 sightings [49:18] since the end [49:19] of May. [49:19] That is a [49:20] record according [49:20] to officials. [49:21] It is a [49:22] combination of [49:22] a couple of [49:23] things. [49:23] Food supply, [49:24] there's just [49:25] more fish [49:25] available right [49:26] now, what [49:26] they call [49:27] bait for sharks, [49:28] but also more [49:28] drones in the [49:29] sky that has [49:30] caused sightings [49:31] to skyrocket. [49:32] The lifeguard [49:34] called everyone [49:35] in because he [49:35] spotted a bunch [49:38] of sharks. [49:39] This morning, [49:40] fresh worries [49:41] about sharks [49:42] from South [49:42] Carolina to [49:43] New York to [49:44] Texas taking [49:45] a bite out [49:45] of summer fun. [49:46] It's a pretty [49:47] common thing, [49:48] so it's like I [49:49] just stay away [49:49] from getting deep [49:50] in the water. [49:51] At Rockaway Beach [49:52] in Queens, New York, [49:53] there have already [49:54] been 23 closures [49:55] for sightings in the [49:56] first month and a [49:57] half of the season. [49:58] Officials say [49:58] that's a record [49:59] for this time of year [50:00] and more than double [50:01] where it was a year [50:02] ago and at nearby [50:03] Jones Beach on Long [50:04] Island, a man was [50:05] bitten on the foot [50:06] while swimming over [50:07] July 4th weekend. [50:08] Probably halfway up, [50:09] he fell and then [50:10] he was screaming, [50:11] I got bit. [50:12] Biologists later [50:13] concluding it was [50:14] likely from a small [50:15] sand tiger shark. [50:17] One reason for all [50:17] the sightings, a steady [50:18] increase in food [50:19] supply. [50:20] It's pushed right [50:21] up there to the [50:21] shoreline, so the [50:22] sharks are going to [50:23] go where the bait is. [50:24] John Dodd is the [50:25] executive director of [50:26] the Atlantic Shark [50:27] Institute, which [50:28] captured this close-up [50:29] view of an 8-foot [50:30] great white shark in [50:31] Rhode Island. [50:32] Feeding on a 40-foot [50:33] humpback whale carcass [50:34] last week off Block [50:35] Island. [50:36] It was a juvenile, [50:37] probably five years [50:38] old or less. [50:40] We think a female. [50:41] This year, there have [50:42] already been at least [50:43] seven unprovoked shark [50:44] attacks in the United [50:45] States, while it's been [50:46] a summer of spine-chilling [50:47] moments caught on camera [50:49] from a man fighting for [50:50] his life in this violent [50:51] attack in Florida, to a [50:56] bird's-eye view of a shark [50:57] just inches away from a [50:58] surfer. [50:59] Experts say part of the [51:00] spike in numbers is because [51:01] there are more drones in [51:02] the sky, spotting the apex [51:04] predators. [51:05] That includes 16 of them [51:07] just purchased by park [51:08] police in New York. [51:09] I think people are [51:10] probably going to be [51:11] surprised at the number [51:13] of times they're actually [51:14] swimming in close [51:15] proximity to sharks as our [51:17] surveillance continues to [51:18] increase. [51:19] There's also another [51:19] aquatic warning this [51:20] morning, a spike in [51:21] invasive jellyfish that [51:23] can sting. [51:23] I just noticed them kind [51:25] of floating out in the [51:25] waves as I was walking [51:26] around. [51:27] Officials on high [51:27] alert in Texas, New [51:29] Jersey and Massachusetts. [51:31] It's breathing. [51:32] As beachgoers are urged [51:34] to be cautious of marine [51:35] life both above and below [51:37] the water. [51:40] So, Vicky, a little bit [51:41] of a reality check here. [51:42] According to the [51:43] international shark attack [51:44] file, last year in the [51:45] United States, there were [51:46] 25 what they call unprovoked [51:49] shark attacks, which is to [51:50] say you're not fishing, but [51:51] just sort of existing and [51:52] being in the water and then [51:53] the shark has some sort of [51:54] encounter with you. [51:55] 25 in the U.S., 65 around [51:57] the globe. [51:58] That is right in line with [51:59] historical averages. [52:00] It's not like those numbers [52:01] are really surging, but we [52:02] talked about this. [52:03] The 16 drones that are now [52:05] in the skies over here, it's [52:06] just showing people how [52:08] close they are to marine [52:09] life, including sharks. [52:10] That was already the case to [52:12] begin with. [52:12] Now we just have the eyes and [52:14] the technology to be able to [52:15] leverage that. [52:15] It is clearly making things [52:17] safer in terms of being able [52:18] to clear the beach. [52:19] You know, they go a mile in [52:20] each direction every time [52:21] there's a shark sighting for [52:22] an hour minimum, but it's a [52:24] little scary knowing that [52:25] you're that close to [52:26] swimming with sharks. [52:27] It's like the snakes in the [52:28] water that we were talking [52:29] about yesterday, Sam. [52:30] When you see it, it gets a [52:31] little more scary. [52:32] But listen, that's their [52:33] turf, right? [52:34] Sharks are just going to [52:35] shark. [52:36] We appreciate it, Sam. [52:37] Thank you so much. [52:37] I'll see you later on daily. [52:38] That's my feeling as well. [52:39] Yeah, exactly. [52:40] Thanks, Vicky. [52:42] And now to the powerful [52:43] storms that are making their [52:44] way across the country this [52:46] morning. [52:46] Heavy rains moving across the [52:48] middle and eastern parts of [52:49] the country, and they're [52:50] creating the potential for [52:51] flash flooding throughout the [52:53] already waterlogged [52:55] northeast, mid-Atlantic, and [52:57] the Ohio Valley regions. [52:59] All of these storms are [52:59] causing issues for airlines [53:01] during the most hectic part of [53:03] the summer travel season. [53:04] According to Flight Tracker, [53:05] yesterday was the busiest travel [53:07] day so far this summer, with [53:09] more than 56,000 flights. [53:11] That's 12,000 more than normal. [53:13] NBC News correspondent Ryan [53:14] Chandler is at Dallas-Fort Worth [53:16] International Airport in Texas. [53:18] He joins me now with more. [53:19] Hey, good morning, Ryan. [53:22] Well, Vicky, good morning. [53:23] The summer travel rush is hard to [53:24] keep track of nowadays. [53:25] I mean, once it starts, it [53:27] seems it just doesn't stop. [53:28] You see the lines stacking up [53:29] here in Dallas-Fort Worth, and [53:31] all across the country, we're [53:32] seeing cancellations and [53:34] delays, some remnants of that [53:35] July 4th rush still trickling [53:37] into this weekend, with weather [53:39] making it that much more [53:40] difficult for millions. [53:41] This morning, a triple threat of [53:44] severe weather impacting [53:46] millions across the country. [53:48] Thunderstorms battering the [53:49] nation's capital Thursday, forcing [53:51] evacuations at the Great American [53:52] State Fair and World Cup fan [53:54] zone. This restaurant in D.C. [53:56] had to close during wild flooding. [53:59] While in New Jersey, [54:01] look at that, torrential downpours, [54:03] flooding entire streets and [54:04] drivers pushing through [54:05] submerged roads. [54:07] So, oh my gosh, look at this, [54:08] bro. [54:09] This driver completely stuck with [54:11] water creeping into his car. [54:13] Like, this is insane how deep [54:14] it got. [54:14] Down in Maryland, heavy flooding [54:16] also causing dangerous driving [54:18] conditions, and millions baking [54:20] under heat alerts from coast to [54:21] coast. Some in Montana and the [54:23] Dakotas could see record-breaking [54:25] temperatures. The crazy weather [54:27] is also impacting the big rush [54:29] home from the holiday week for [54:30] millions more. [54:32] I mean, this is just nuts, dude. [54:34] Look at this thing. [54:35] More than a thousand flights [54:37] canceled Thursday, with over [54:38] 9,000 delays. [54:40] I'm stranded in Miami. [54:42] I'm literally stranded, and I've [54:44] been here for like three days [54:46] over when I was supposed to leave. [54:48] Massive lines causing travel [54:50] chaos across the country. [54:51] It is just packed. [54:52] Including this backed-up bag check [54:55] in Phoenix. [54:56] So, if I'm flying this weekend, [54:58] what should I do to make the most [54:59] of my time and get through quickly? [55:02] We want travelers to be aware. [55:03] First and foremost, take advantage [55:05] of any of the programs out there [55:06] that actually can make your travels [55:08] seamless or stress-free, as stress-free [55:11] as possible. [55:14] Live look at the Fly to War [55:15] misery map, Vicky. [55:17] It looks like JFK up in New York [55:18] near you is the worst laid right now. [55:21] Looks like we got 23, 24 canceled [55:26] already now. [55:27] 58 flights delayed early this morning. [55:29] Some more tips from our friend Katie there. [55:32] If you want to avoid all that, [55:33] try to take the first flight [55:35] of the day you're traveling. [55:36] You make sure that the plane [55:37] is already at the gate. [55:38] You don't deal with those [55:39] afternoon thunderstorms. [55:41] Makes it that much more likely [55:42] you're going to get to where [55:43] you're going on time. [55:44] Thank you. [55:44] Yeah. [55:44] Pro tips. [55:45] Ryan Chandler, thank you so much. [55:47] Now for the latest on the weather [55:49] that is hitting your area, [55:50] let's bring in NBC meteorologist [55:52] Angie Lassman. [55:52] Hey, good morning, Angie. [55:53] Hey, guys. [55:56] Happy Friday. [55:56] We've got a couple of trouble spots [55:57] when it comes to the weather [55:58] as we get through today [55:59] and into the weekend. [56:00] Some of those coming from [56:01] those strong to severe storms [56:02] that are likely going to pop up [56:04] across parts of the Midwest [56:05] and the Northeast. [56:06] If you're flying out of Kansas City, [56:07] St. Louis, Cincinnati today, [56:09] you'll likely see some delays. [56:10] And those are also going to be possible [56:11] at the airport stretching [56:12] from New York City [56:13] all the way down to Charlotte, [56:14] including Atlanta and New Orleans, [56:16] as well as we gear up [56:17] for some scattered thunderstorms. [56:18] Right now, already seeing [56:20] a pretty active morning. [56:21] Most of that stretch [56:21] across parts of Missouri [56:23] into Kentucky. [56:24] You can see some of these [56:25] flash flood warnings [56:26] and watches are up right now. [56:27] 19 million people included [56:29] in that flood watch [56:30] as more of that heavy rain [56:31] is on the table [56:32] through the day today. [56:33] We'll specifically watch [56:34] for the greatest chance [56:35] for flash flooding [56:35] anywhere from Kansas City [56:37] to Pittsburgh [56:38] and down through Knoxville, [56:39] including Nashville [56:40] and Cincinnati today. [56:41] Rainfall rates, [56:42] hourly rainfall rates, [56:43] I should say, [56:44] anywhere from an inch [56:45] to up to three inches [56:46] on already saturated grounds. [56:47] So that is why [56:48] we are concerned [56:49] for the flooding. [56:50] Otherwise, temperatures [56:50] above average. [56:52] And we're talking about [56:52] for most of the country [56:53] at this point, [56:54] we've got the 90s on top [56:55] yet again across Memphis today. [56:57] A heat index of 107. [57:00] 107 for what it'll feel [57:01] like in New Orleans. [57:02] Charleston at 108 [57:03] for your heat index. [57:04] Richmond, you top out [57:05] at 93 degrees, [57:06] but you feel like 97. [57:08] And that heat expands [57:09] even as we get into tomorrow. [57:10] Most of parts of the northeast [57:12] running above normal, [57:13] stretching down [57:13] to the southeast. [57:14] Savannah, [57:15] your actual temperature [57:16] is 100 degrees, [57:17] but you'll feel like 106. [57:18] And we finish out the weekend [57:20] with those warm conditions [57:21] continuing across the west as well. [57:23] Here's what it looks like today. [57:24] We'll see the potential [57:25] for the 90s plus [57:27] across much of this region, [57:28] the Rockies, [57:29] the southwest included. [57:30] And we could be likely [57:32] breaking some of these [57:33] all-time records [57:34] across this region. [57:34] So it's 98 degrees [57:36] in Jackson on Sunday, [57:37] 97 on Monday, [57:38] 100 plus across parts [57:40] of Colorado. [57:41] Rapid City, [57:41] you top out at 105 [57:42] on Sunday and Monday [57:44] for your actual temperature. [57:46] Otherwise, [57:46] nice conditions [57:47] across parts of the interior [57:48] northeast in New England [57:49] as we get through your Saturday. [57:51] Dry conditions, too, [57:52] for the Great Lakes [57:53] in the Midwest. [57:53] We'll see record highs, [57:54] as I mentioned, [57:55] across most of the west, [57:56] but those severe storms [57:57] could slow you down [57:57] for parts of the southeast, [57:59] not only Saturday, [58:00] but Sunday as well. [58:01] We'll see that heat wave [58:02] continuing well [58:03] into the end of our weekend [58:04] across the west. [58:05] Back to you. [58:06] We are remembering [58:07] a pioneer in air and space, [58:09] Wally Funk, [58:10] who remains the oldest woman ever [58:12] to fly into space, [58:13] passed away this week [58:14] at the age of 87. [58:16] NBC News senior correspondent [58:17] Tom Costello joins me now [58:19] with a look back at her life [58:20] and her persistent dream [58:22] to reach new heights. [58:23] Hey, Tom, good morning. [58:24] Hey, Vicki. [58:25] You know, [58:25] I got to spend time [58:26] with Wally Funk. [58:27] I was there [58:27] when she finally went up [58:29] into space. [58:29] By all definitions, [58:31] she was a trailblazer. [58:33] First becoming a pilot [58:34] as a teenager, [58:36] she always wanted [58:36] to go to space, [58:37] but despite passing [58:38] all the tests, [58:39] not allowed to [58:40] become an astronaut [58:41] because back in the 1960s, [58:43] women weren't allowed, right? [58:45] Decades later, [58:45] she finally got her chance [58:47] and her first reaction [58:48] was that she was ready [58:50] to go again. [58:53] Isn't everything [58:53] you thought it would be? [58:55] For Wally Funk, [58:56] the flight of a lifetime [58:58] was 60 years in the making. [59:00] In 2021, at age 82, [59:03] she became the oldest person [59:05] at that point [59:05] to ever fly into space. [59:08] On the inaugural [59:10] human flight [59:11] for Blue Origin's [59:12] new Shepard rocket. [59:13] And I want to thank you, [59:15] sweetheart, [59:15] because you made it [59:17] possible for me. [59:19] I've been waiting [59:20] a long time [59:21] to finally get it up there. [59:24] Born in 1939, [59:25] Mary Wallace, [59:27] Wally Funk, [59:28] dreamed of flying [59:29] from a very young age [59:30] and became a pilot [59:32] as a teenager. [59:33] In the 1960s, [59:34] she became the youngest [59:36] in an elite group [59:37] of female pilots [59:38] selected to undergo [59:40] astronaut training. [59:41] But at the time, [59:42] women were not allowed [59:43] and the Mercury 13, [59:45] as they became known, [59:47] never got the chance [59:48] to launch. [59:49] They told me [59:49] that I had done better [59:51] and completed the work [59:52] faster than any of the guys. [59:55] So I got a hold of NASA [59:57] four times. [59:58] I said, [59:59] I want to become an astronaut, [1:00:00] but nobody would take me. [1:00:03] But Funk refused [1:00:04] to stay grounded, [1:00:05] logging more than 19,000 [1:00:07] flight hours. [1:00:08] In 2021, [1:00:09] Amazon and Blue Origin [1:00:11] founder Jeff Bezos [1:00:12] asked her to join him [1:00:14] on the trip [1:00:15] she'd never given up on. [1:00:17] We're going to fly you up [1:00:18] into space [1:00:18] on the very first flight. [1:00:20] That's your... [1:00:21] Speaking with Hoda, [1:00:24] on today, [1:00:25] Bezos praised Wally's drive. [1:00:27] We can confirm [1:00:28] at 82 years old, [1:00:30] she can still outperform [1:00:31] all of the men. [1:00:32] That flight earned Funk [1:00:33] her long-awaited [1:00:35] astronaut wings. [1:00:36] I loved it. [1:00:37] I want to go again fast. [1:00:39] Following her death, [1:00:40] Blue Origin wrote, [1:00:42] Wally was a pioneer [1:00:43] in every sense of the word. [1:00:45] We were humbled [1:00:46] to be part of her journey. [1:00:47] Nothing has ever gotten [1:00:49] in my way, [1:00:49] and I like to do things [1:00:51] that nobody has ever done. [1:00:52] Yeah, that she did. [1:00:55] In a post, [1:00:56] the city of Grapevine, Texas, [1:00:58] highlighted Wally Funk's [1:00:59] accomplishments [1:00:59] long before that space flight, [1:01:01] right? [1:01:02] Including becoming [1:01:03] the first female flight instructor [1:01:04] at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, [1:01:06] the first female FAA inspector, [1:01:09] the first female NTSB investigator. [1:01:11] The city says Funk [1:01:12] passed away peacefully [1:01:13] earlier this week [1:01:14] surrounded by loved ones. [1:01:16] And, Vicky, [1:01:16] I got to tell you, [1:01:17] I was there [1:01:17] when she went into space. [1:01:19] Wow. [1:01:19] She was so excited. [1:01:20] I talked to her, [1:01:21] so excited, [1:01:22] but also so committed [1:01:24] to being a trailblazer [1:01:26] and setting an example [1:01:27] for young girls and women. [1:01:28] By then, of course, [1:01:29] a lot of women [1:01:30] had gone into space, [1:01:31] but she really, [1:01:32] really believed [1:01:32] in doing everything [1:01:34] she could to set the example. [1:01:36] I'm so happy [1:01:36] to see that part [1:01:37] of her legacy [1:01:38] and just seeing her there [1:01:39] in that blue suit, [1:01:40] what she represents [1:01:41] to so many people. [1:01:42] Tom, thank you so much [1:01:43] for bringing us her story. [1:01:44] You bet. [1:01:45] Much more ahead [1:01:46] here on Morning News Now. [1:01:47] Later this hour, [1:01:48] our own Savannah Sellers [1:01:49] goes inside Levi Strauss [1:01:51] and Company, [1:01:52] the iconic brand [1:01:53] that has been defining [1:01:54] American style [1:01:55] for more than 150 years. [1:01:57] But at first, [1:01:58] the latest on the investigation [1:01:59] into the July 4th death [1:02:01] of an 18-year-old [1:02:02] in Mississippi [1:02:03] as his family [1:02:04] raises new questions [1:02:06] about what happened [1:02:07] during a boat trip [1:02:08] with friends. [1:02:09] That's next. [1:02:15] Back now with a tragic mystery [1:02:16] along the Mississippi Gulf Coast [1:02:18] where the family [1:02:19] of a missing teen [1:02:20] is searching for answers [1:02:22] after his body was found. [1:02:24] 18-year-old Nolan Wells [1:02:25] is a college student [1:02:26] and a football standout. [1:02:28] He disappeared [1:02:28] on the 4th of July [1:02:30] after boating [1:02:31] to a nearby island. [1:02:32] His body was recovered [1:02:33] on Monday [1:02:34] and now his loved ones [1:02:35] are demanding [1:02:36] to know what happened. [1:02:38] Senior national correspondent [1:02:39] and NBC News Daily anchor [1:02:40] Kate Snow is here now [1:02:41] with more. [1:02:42] Good morning, Kate. [1:02:42] This is an awful story. [1:02:43] It's an awful story [1:02:44] for this poor family, Vicki. [1:02:46] And this story [1:02:47] has gotten a lot [1:02:48] of attention online, [1:02:49] on social media. [1:02:50] Frankly, [1:02:50] there is a lot [1:02:51] of speculation, [1:02:52] misinformation, [1:02:53] even anger [1:02:54] around what may have happened [1:02:55] to Nolan Wells. [1:02:56] But the local sheriff [1:02:57] is saying [1:02:58] they are still investigating [1:02:59] and no cause of death [1:03:01] has been released. [1:03:03] This morning, [1:03:04] a heartbroken Mississippi family [1:03:05] enduring the loss [1:03:06] of their 18-year-old son, [1:03:08] Nolan Wells. [1:03:09] The Jackson County Sheriff [1:03:10] says he wants answers [1:03:11] for them. [1:03:12] We're resolved [1:03:13] to find the truth [1:03:14] through all this. [1:03:15] That's what the family deserves. [1:03:17] That's what the community deserves. [1:03:18] And that's what [1:03:18] Nolan's friends deserve. [1:03:21] Wells, [1:03:21] who played football [1:03:22] in college, [1:03:22] was last seen [1:03:23] around 3 p.m. [1:03:24] on the 4th of July [1:03:25] on Horn Island, [1:03:26] according to the sheriff. [1:03:27] His body recovered [1:03:28] in the water [1:03:29] Monday morning. [1:03:30] His body was washed up [1:03:32] on the shore. [1:03:34] And so we have [1:03:35] to get to the answers. [1:03:37] His family [1:03:38] is not accepting [1:03:40] that it was [1:03:41] an accidental drowning. [1:03:43] They want the truth. [1:03:44] His mother, [1:03:45] posting, [1:03:45] my heart is broken [1:03:46] for our sweet son [1:03:48] who was always willing [1:03:49] to cheer [1:03:49] and uplift others. [1:03:51] Nolan was a special soul. [1:03:53] The family's lawyer, [1:03:54] prominent civil rights attorney [1:03:55] Ben Crump, [1:03:56] says they requested [1:03:57] his body be flown [1:03:58] to Washington [1:03:58] for an independent autopsy. [1:04:01] Wells boated [1:04:01] to the Popular Barrier Island [1:04:03] off the Mississippi coast [1:04:04] with a group of friends [1:04:05] Saturday, [1:04:06] but did not return [1:04:07] with the group. [1:04:08] This photo may be [1:04:09] one of the last taken of him. [1:04:11] Wells was reported [1:04:11] missing by his family [1:04:12] that evening [1:04:13] after the friends [1:04:14] returned home without him. [1:04:15] It's unclear [1:04:16] if any of the people [1:04:17] in the photo [1:04:18] were with him [1:04:19] when he disappeared. [1:04:20] Crump has suggested [1:04:21] race may be a factor [1:04:22] in whatever happened. [1:04:24] Nolan was the only [1:04:25] African American [1:04:27] in the group. [1:04:29] And so it is like [1:04:31] making people [1:04:31] harken back [1:04:33] to the sins [1:04:34] of the past [1:04:35] in the state [1:04:36] of Mississippi. [1:04:37] Some have speculated [1:04:38] that videos circulated [1:04:39] on social media [1:04:40] show Nolan [1:04:41] in an argument [1:04:42] with other people. [1:04:43] But even the person [1:04:44] who posted the video [1:04:45] says she doesn't know [1:04:46] who's talking [1:04:47] or what it shows. [1:04:48] We're looking [1:04:49] for witness accounts. [1:04:51] We're looking [1:04:52] for if anyone [1:04:54] made videos [1:04:55] or took pictures [1:04:57] on the island [1:04:59] during that time period [1:05:00] and in that location [1:05:01] involving Nolan. [1:05:05] A local judge [1:05:06] posted on Facebook [1:05:07] that her son [1:05:08] was one of the friends [1:05:09] on the boat [1:05:09] with Wells [1:05:10] last Saturday. [1:05:11] She says they are grieving [1:05:12] for the Wells family [1:05:13] and that her son [1:05:14] cooperated with investigators. [1:05:16] She also says [1:05:16] that her son [1:05:17] left the area [1:05:18] when their boat [1:05:19] was taking on water, [1:05:20] adding that Wells, [1:05:21] quote, [1:05:22] made a decision [1:05:22] to stay on the island [1:05:23] and return inland later [1:05:25] with another group [1:05:26] of friends, Vicki. [1:05:27] So, Kate, [1:05:28] Nolan's family, [1:05:29] their attorney, [1:05:29] Ben Crump, [1:05:30] they want this [1:05:30] independent autopsy. [1:05:32] What are they [1:05:32] hoping to learn? [1:05:33] Yeah, they've said [1:05:34] that they moved [1:05:35] the body already [1:05:36] from Mississippi [1:05:36] to Washington, D.C. [1:05:38] They say they may [1:05:39] have results [1:05:39] as soon as today. [1:05:41] Essentially, [1:05:42] Ben Crump, [1:05:42] the lawyer, [1:05:43] said we just want [1:05:44] independent eyes [1:05:45] on this [1:05:46] and they want [1:05:47] to make sure [1:05:47] that they get [1:05:48] every possible [1:05:50] indication [1:05:51] of what might [1:05:51] have happened [1:05:52] to cause his death. [1:05:53] I know we're looking [1:05:54] for a press conference [1:05:55] from them later today, [1:05:56] but in the meantime, [1:05:57] there is a lot [1:05:58] of misinformation [1:05:59] swirling about [1:06:00] this case online. [1:06:02] There is. [1:06:02] There's even some, [1:06:03] according to the family, [1:06:04] some AI-generated videos [1:06:06] that are completely [1:06:07] made up [1:06:08] that aren't [1:06:08] the family at all [1:06:09] speaking, [1:06:10] but it looks like [1:06:11] it's the family. [1:06:11] So that's kind [1:06:12] of disturbing. [1:06:13] I want to point out [1:06:14] they did appear, [1:06:15] the family, [1:06:16] on Good Morning America [1:06:17] on ABC [1:06:17] just a short time ago, [1:06:19] and they said [1:06:20] that they are also [1:06:21] concerned that there's [1:06:21] a conflict [1:06:22] between what [1:06:23] I just said [1:06:24] that the judge said, [1:06:25] who is the mother [1:06:26] of one of the other boys, [1:06:28] versus saying [1:06:29] that he wanted [1:06:30] to stay on the island [1:06:31] and go back [1:06:31] with other people. [1:06:32] The family is saying [1:06:34] on ABC [1:06:35] that there was [1:06:36] a young woman [1:06:37] with him [1:06:38] who said, [1:06:38] no, [1:06:39] he told me [1:06:40] he was returning [1:06:40] home with his friends. [1:06:42] Right. [1:06:42] There are these [1:06:43] conflicting statements. [1:06:44] Right. [1:06:44] There is curiosity [1:06:45] over the phone, [1:06:46] why the friends [1:06:47] were potentially [1:06:47] had possession [1:06:48] of the phone, [1:06:49] so a lot of questions. [1:06:50] You said [1:06:51] the autopsy results [1:06:51] may be out today. [1:06:53] The independent autopsy, [1:06:54] although the one [1:06:55] that was done [1:06:55] by the county [1:06:56] still has not been released. [1:06:57] All right. [1:06:57] Kate, [1:06:58] thank you so much. [1:06:58] Really appreciate it. [1:07:01] More morning news now. [1:07:02] It's coming up [1:07:03] right after this. [1:07:03] Stay right there. [1:07:12] We're back now [1:07:12] with a closer look [1:07:13] at what's making news [1:07:14] in the world [1:07:14] of politics this morning, [1:07:16] starting with [1:07:17] President Trump's move [1:07:18] to cut key [1:07:19] election commission members [1:07:20] just months [1:07:21] ahead of the midterms. [1:07:23] Legal affairs reporter [1:07:24] Gary Grumbach [1:07:24] joins me now [1:07:25] with that and more. [1:07:26] Good morning, Gary. [1:07:27] Hey there, Vicki. [1:07:29] Here's what's happening [1:07:29] in politics now. [1:07:31] NBC News has learned [1:07:32] the White House [1:07:33] has dismissed [1:07:33] all three remaining members [1:07:35] of the Election Assistance Commission, [1:07:37] a bipartisan group [1:07:38] that helps state [1:07:39] and local officials [1:07:40] run elections [1:07:40] and certify election equipment. [1:07:42] Just a few months [1:07:43] ahead of the 2026 [1:07:44] midterm elections, [1:07:46] the two remaining [1:07:46] Democratic commissioners [1:07:48] and one Republican commissioner [1:07:49] were all told Thursday [1:07:51] their positions [1:07:51] were terminated [1:07:52] effective immediately. [1:07:54] Anyone President Trump [1:07:55] intends to appoint [1:07:56] to these open seats [1:07:57] will have to go [1:07:57] through Senate confirmation [1:07:58] first. [1:08:00] Over in Ohio, [1:08:01] a federal grand jury [1:08:02] in Columbus [1:08:02] has indicted eight men [1:08:04] on charges related [1:08:05] to their plot [1:08:05] to attack the UFC [1:08:07] Freedom 250 event [1:08:08] at the White House [1:08:09] last month. [1:08:10] The eight men [1:08:10] from across the country [1:08:11] who range in age [1:08:13] from 19 to 32 years old [1:08:14] were charged [1:08:15] with conspiracy [1:08:16] to provide material support [1:08:17] to terrorists [1:08:18] and conspiracy [1:08:19] to commit murder [1:08:20] on federal government property. [1:08:21] They could spend [1:08:22] the rest of their lives [1:08:23] behind bars [1:08:24] if convicted. [1:08:26] And down in Florida, [1:08:27] out with PBI, [1:08:28] in with DJT. [1:08:30] West Palm Beach [1:08:31] International Airport [1:08:32] is now Donald J. Trump [1:08:33] International Airport [1:08:34] after Governor Ron DeSantis [1:08:36] signed a law [1:08:36] making the name change [1:08:37] official earlier this year. [1:08:39] President Trump [1:08:40] called the name change [1:08:41] an honor [1:08:41] and the first flight [1:08:43] to take off [1:08:43] from the newly renamed airport [1:08:44] was none other [1:08:45] than Trump's own [1:08:46] personal plane [1:08:47] dubbed Trump Force One [1:08:49] and it was filled [1:08:50] with members [1:08:50] of his family [1:08:51] and close allies. [1:08:53] Not to be outdone, [1:08:54] Tennessee elected officials [1:08:55] announced Thursday [1:08:57] they're renaming it [1:08:58] bridge in the state [1:08:59] after the 47th president. [1:09:01] That's what's happening [1:09:02] in politics now. [1:09:03] Back to you. [1:09:05] All right, Gary Grumbach, [1:09:05] thank you so much. [1:09:07] Now to a legal victory [1:09:09] for American farmers. [1:09:10] John Deere has reached [1:09:11] a settlement with the FTC [1:09:13] after years of complaints [1:09:15] the farm equipment maker [1:09:16] restricted access [1:09:17] to the tools [1:09:18] and software [1:09:19] that farmers [1:09:20] and independent mechanics [1:09:21] needed to repair [1:09:23] its equipment. [1:09:24] NBC News Business [1:09:25] and Economy reporter [1:09:25] Allie Canal [1:09:26] has our report. [1:09:29] Farmers can spend [1:09:30] hundreds of thousands [1:09:31] of dollars on tractors [1:09:33] and crucial equipment [1:09:34] but when those machines [1:09:36] break down [1:09:37] they can't always fix [1:09:38] the problem themselves. [1:09:40] Even if we have to send [1:09:41] it to the John Deere house [1:09:42] we're going to have [1:09:42] to figure this one out. [1:09:43] But now a new settlement [1:09:44] with the Federal Trade Commission [1:09:46] and five states [1:09:47] could change that [1:09:48] requiring John Deere [1:09:49] to give farmers [1:09:50] and independent repair shops [1:09:52] access to many of the same [1:09:53] repair tools [1:09:54] and software [1:09:55] its own dealers use. [1:09:57] Willie Cade [1:09:58] is a long-time advocate [1:09:59] for the right to repair movement. [1:10:01] The idea that if you buy a product [1:10:03] you should have access [1:10:04] to the tools [1:10:05] and information [1:10:06] needed to fix it. [1:10:07] Now that tractors [1:10:08] are rolling computers [1:10:09] you need a computer [1:10:11] to fix it. [1:10:12] Period. [1:10:12] And to date [1:10:13] John Deere has withhold [1:10:15] the complete set of tools [1:10:17] to do that. [1:10:18] Missouri corn and soybean farmer [1:10:20] Jared Wilson [1:10:20] knows that fight firsthand. [1:10:23] We first spoke with him [1:10:24] about this [1:10:24] on his Missouri farm [1:10:25] last year. [1:10:26] He says his combine [1:10:27] once lost power [1:10:28] during harvest [1:10:29] sitting idle for days [1:10:31] as technicians [1:10:31] tried to find the problem. [1:10:33] My soybean pods [1:10:34] were literally splitting open [1:10:35] and the soybeans [1:10:36] were falling on the ground. [1:10:37] Wilson says [1:10:38] he could have physically [1:10:39] installed the part [1:10:40] that ultimately needed [1:10:41] to be replaced [1:10:42] but did not have [1:10:43] the information [1:10:43] to identify the problem [1:10:45] or the software [1:10:46] to get the new part working. [1:10:47] It costs tens of thousands [1:10:48] of dollars [1:10:49] and this is a commonplace [1:10:51] thing that's happened [1:10:51] in agriculture. [1:10:53] Cade says [1:10:53] he advised lawyers [1:10:54] and Wilson was a plaintiff [1:10:56] in a separate class action [1:10:57] lawsuit involving John Deere [1:10:58] that settled earlier this year. [1:11:00] The new settlement [1:11:01] is designed to break down [1:11:03] some of those barriers. [1:11:04] For advocates like Cade [1:11:05] it's a positive first step. [1:11:07] It's no longer a pinky promise [1:11:09] it's under the court supervision. [1:11:11] Wilson meanwhile [1:11:12] worries a settlement [1:11:13] does not strictly define [1:11:15] what Deere can charge [1:11:16] for those tools [1:11:16] potentially pricing [1:11:17] some farmers out. [1:11:19] So would you consider [1:11:20] this a win for farmers? [1:11:22] I think win is a pretty big word. [1:11:23] In a statement [1:11:24] John Deere called [1:11:25] the agreement good news [1:11:26] for its customers [1:11:27] saying it formalizes [1:11:28] the company's ongoing commitment [1:11:30] to expanding access [1:11:31] to diagnostic and repair tools. [1:11:34] But advocates say [1:11:35] the fight isn't over yet. [1:11:37] We're a long way [1:11:38] from being done. [1:11:39] Allie Canal, NBC News. [1:11:42] Allie, thank you. [1:11:43] Coming up [1:11:43] the new first responders [1:11:45] why one company [1:11:46] wants drones [1:11:47] to be sent [1:11:47] to the site [1:11:48] of emergencies [1:11:48] even replacing [1:11:50] police helicopters. [1:11:51] NBC's Gotti Schwartz [1:11:52] gets a demo [1:11:53] of what those drones [1:11:54] can do. [1:11:55] That's coming up next. [1:12:02] And finally this hour [1:12:03] it is Friday [1:12:03] which means it's time [1:12:04] for your weekly [1:12:05] can't miss list. [1:12:06] A look at all the movie shows [1:12:07] and music you need to see [1:12:09] and hear this weekend. [1:12:11] Joining me this week [1:12:11] entertainment journalist [1:12:13] and pop culture expert [1:12:14] Brian Balthazar. [1:12:16] Brian, good morning. [1:12:17] Happy Friday. [1:12:17] So let's start [1:12:18] with what is coming out [1:12:19] in theaters [1:12:19] and the live action [1:12:21] Moana remake. [1:12:23] Moana? [1:12:23] Moana? [1:12:23] The original [1:12:24] was a huge global hit. [1:12:25] It was actually [1:12:26] the most streamed movie [1:12:28] of all time [1:12:28] on Disney+. [1:12:29] I loved it. [1:12:30] How does the live action [1:12:31] version compare? [1:12:33] Well it compares [1:12:34] in some ways [1:12:34] people are saying [1:12:35] almost exactly [1:12:36] the opening [1:12:36] first of all [1:12:37] it's ten years later [1:12:38] The Rock is back [1:12:39] looks almost like [1:12:40] his animated character [1:12:41] it's pretty incredible [1:12:42] but also [1:12:43] it stays very true [1:12:46] to the animated film [1:12:47] and so [1:12:47] people are saying [1:12:48] that can be [1:12:49] a thing [1:12:49] I also think [1:12:51] this is perhaps [1:12:52] going to impact [1:12:52] the way Disney [1:12:53] casts their movies [1:12:54] because The Rock [1:12:56] is a great example [1:12:57] of someone who [1:12:57] translates very well [1:12:58] to the live action version [1:12:59] will they be thinking [1:13:00] about that sort of thing [1:13:01] when they cast [1:13:02] their animated films [1:13:02] about eventually [1:13:03] doing a live action version [1:13:04] this is going to do [1:13:05] very well [1:13:06] Very [1:13:06] and you didn't answer [1:13:07] my question [1:13:08] Brian [1:13:08] Moana or Moana? [1:13:10] I say Moana [1:13:11] Have I been saying [1:13:12] it wrong all this time? [1:13:13] No, no, no [1:13:13] I'll have to re-watch it [1:13:14] I loved it when it came out [1:13:15] but now I can't remember [1:13:16] how they said it in the movie [1:13:17] If we are staying [1:13:18] in this weekend [1:13:19] lots of streaming options [1:13:20] to choose from [1:13:21] let's start with [1:13:22] The Westies [1:13:23] that is [1:13:23] it's based on [1:13:24] a notorious crime gang [1:13:26] that operated [1:13:26] in parts of New York [1:13:27] back in the 1970s [1:13:29] and the 80s [1:13:30] some are calling it [1:13:31] Manhattan's Peaky Blinders [1:13:32] what do you think? [1:13:34] Right [1:13:34] it looks incredible [1:13:35] J.K. Simmons [1:13:36] stars in this [1:13:36] and by the way [1:13:37] this is just blocks away [1:13:38] from where 30 Rock is [1:13:39] The Hell's Kitchen [1:13:40] one of the most dangerous [1:13:42] parts of New York City [1:13:43] the 60s, 70s and 80s [1:13:44] organized crime [1:13:45] was a big problem there [1:13:46] the cinematography [1:13:48] and the writing [1:13:48] and the performances [1:13:49] in this look really good [1:13:50] so if you're into [1:13:51] organized crime [1:13:52] and into like [1:13:53] I don't want to say period [1:13:54] because it's not that long ago [1:13:55] but if you're into something [1:13:56] that's a little bit [1:13:56] further back in time [1:13:58] this is one to watch [1:13:59] very good [1:13:59] Okay, sign me up [1:14:00] it looks really good [1:14:00] I can just tell [1:14:01] from those images [1:14:02] we showed [1:14:02] for something a little different [1:14:04] the five star weekend [1:14:05] I've been seeing [1:14:06] a lot of ads for this [1:14:06] it's a limited series [1:14:07] on Peacock [1:14:08] has an all-star cast [1:14:09] including Jennifer Garner [1:14:11] what do we know [1:14:12] about this story? [1:14:14] Like you said [1:14:14] an incredible all-star cast [1:14:16] this is based on [1:14:17] a very popular book [1:14:18] Jennifer Garner [1:14:19] is a woman who [1:14:19] encounters tragedy [1:14:20] in her life [1:14:21] and organizes a group [1:14:22] of her girlfriends [1:14:23] from various parts [1:14:24] of her life [1:14:25] some of them [1:14:26] she's been in touch with [1:14:26] some of them [1:14:27] she's lost a little touch with [1:14:28] and what unfolds [1:14:29] during the course of this [1:14:30] is kind of an emotional journey [1:14:32] so to speak [1:14:32] very popular book [1:14:33] an amazing cast [1:14:35] I think if this is [1:14:35] kind of like [1:14:36] if you want something [1:14:37] a bit emotional [1:14:37] you want to feel things [1:14:38] this weekend [1:14:39] this is the one to watch [1:14:40] oh okay [1:14:41] also on Peacock [1:14:42] Married at First Sight [1:14:43] is back Brian [1:14:44] this time [1:14:45] it is set in Seattle [1:14:46] it's already getting [1:14:47] some buzz [1:14:48] what are we expecting? [1:14:50] again you know [1:14:50] more of the same [1:14:51] kind of drama [1:14:52] like the show is [1:14:53] this is the beauty [1:14:54] of developing shows [1:14:55] right now [1:14:55] you want a show [1:14:56] that says exactly [1:14:57] what it is [1:14:57] these are people [1:14:58] who marry [1:14:59] before they date [1:15:00] you know [1:15:01] and so [1:15:01] so basically [1:15:02] it's all that you can expect [1:15:04] you know [1:15:04] things don't always work out [1:15:06] as we see [1:15:06] incredibly popular franchising [1:15:08] you can see [1:15:08] many of the prior franchises [1:15:10] on the streaming platform [1:15:11] as well [1:15:11] so this is a fun one [1:15:12] if you like [1:15:13] kind of messy reality TV [1:15:14] yeah it's an interesting concept [1:15:16] for sure [1:15:17] okay so HBO [1:15:19] they have a new [1:15:20] limited documentary series [1:15:21] about the Burning Man Festival [1:15:23] it's called [1:15:24] The Man Will Burn [1:15:25] I mean [1:15:26] I can only imagine [1:15:27] but the visuals [1:15:27] have got to be stunning [1:15:28] on this one [1:15:29] what do you know [1:15:30] on this new docu-series [1:15:33] well as you know [1:15:34] as you can see here [1:15:35] from the pictures [1:15:35] it's if not the biggest [1:15:37] one of the biggest festivals [1:15:38] you can attend [1:15:39] it is the biggest [1:15:40] and also just [1:15:41] what it takes [1:15:42] to pull this off [1:15:43] the fact that this happened [1:15:44] is a miracle [1:15:45] what we're not knowing yet [1:15:46] because I haven't seen [1:15:47] all four pieces [1:15:48] is there's a lot of stuff [1:15:49] that happens at Burning Man [1:15:51] like not great people [1:15:51] have died at Burning Man [1:15:53] things like that [1:15:54] this one seems to focus [1:15:55] more on the lore [1:15:56] and the building [1:15:56] of the festival [1:15:57] and the incredible feat [1:15:58] of making it happen [1:16:00] and the history [1:16:00] but they're [1:16:01] I'm curious to know [1:16:02] if they will dig into [1:16:03] some of the more [1:16:04] kind of like [1:16:04] unfortunate [1:16:05] kind of darker sides [1:16:06] of this festival [1:16:06] but again [1:16:07] if you like a good [1:16:08] multi-part documentary [1:16:09] this is one to watch [1:16:10] yeah it looks awesome [1:16:11] all right [1:16:11] speaking of music [1:16:12] what about the Rolling Stones [1:16:13] with their new album [1:16:14] Foreign Tongues [1:16:15] people are saying [1:16:16] it's still really relevant [1:16:17] right [1:16:18] can you believe this [1:16:19] of course [1:16:20] look at them [1:16:20] I mean first of all [1:16:21] oh to be 25 again [1:16:22] because if you look [1:16:23] at their music video [1:16:24] for In the Stars [1:16:25] they are de-aged [1:16:26] to look like [1:16:28] their 20-something selves [1:16:29] and I gotta tell you [1:16:30] they use a company [1:16:33] a tech company [1:16:33] that leans heavily [1:16:34] on AI [1:16:34] we don't know [1:16:35] exactly all of the [1:16:36] all of the trickery [1:16:37] that's used [1:16:38] but it's just [1:16:38] suffice to say [1:16:39] that there's some AI [1:16:40] involved [1:16:41] but they are de-aged [1:16:42] the music is great [1:16:44] and look at them [1:16:45] in what is this [1:16:46] their third album [1:16:47] of just this century [1:16:49] isn't that amazing [1:16:50] like [1:16:50] so [1:16:50] it's great music [1:16:52] take a listen [1:16:53] I think if you like [1:16:53] The Stones [1:16:54] you'll like this [1:16:54] all right [1:16:55] Brian and Balthazar [1:16:56] thank you so much [1:16:57] and that'll do it [1:16:58] for this hour [1:16:58] of morning news [1:16:59] now [1:16:59] the news continues [1:17:00] right now [1:17:01] we thank you [1:17:03] for watching [1:17:03] and remember [1:17:04] stay updated [1:17:05] on breaking news [1:17:05] and top stories [1:17:06] on the NBC News app [1:17:07] or watch live [1:17:09] on our YouTube channel