Potentially deadly disease. Melissa russo is here with the latest. Reporter city officials stopped short of calling the legionnaires outbreak over, but they are calling it contained at this point. Take a look at the latest numbers. A total of 121 people have now been diagnosed in this legionnaires outbreak. Thats two new cases identified since yesterday. The death toll remains at 12, where its been since monday. And to the citys knowledge, there have been no cases of anyone getting sick, as in developing symptoms since august 3rd. No new contaminated buildings or cooling towers the today. The mayor was in the legionnaires impact zone this afternoon at lincoln hospital, thanking Health Care Staff for their work during this outbreak. And downtown at city hall, the city council was voting on a bill regulating cooling towers. The bill passed unanimously by a vote of 420. The centers for Disease Control called the citys response at this afternoons News Conference to the outbreak swift, diligent, and robust. We think that maintenance of cooling towers is extremely important. If theyre not maintained properly, then the legionella in that cooling tower can grow up into large numbers and be released into the atmosphere. That legislation passed today will then ensure the future, because every cooling tower will have to be registered, inspected, data will have to be kept, and cleaning will have to be done on a regular basis, quarterly basis. We do not expect the case count to go to zero. There will be continue to be the sporadic cases, cases that are not linked to an outbreak, that we see every year in new york city. And the citys Health Commissioner saying, we will not be able to declare this bronx outbreak over, so to speak, until the source is positively identified. They think they know the source, but theyre still waiting about another week for tests to confirm it. Then, theyll count from the day that site was disinfected, add a 14day cushion for an incubation period, and if no more new cases, then theyll consider the city out of the woods. Sibila . Ill take it here. Thank you very much. Were keeping a close watch on this outbreak, melissa. Well continue to bring you new information as we get it. You can check nbcnewyork. Com for advice from doctors. Tonight, fires are still burning, possibly sending toxic fumes into the air. At least 50 people, including 12 firefighters are dead, and military chemical experts have been called in. Nbcs ian williams has more from tianjin. Reporter that explosion was so powerful that it was even recorded by the u. S. Geological survey as a seismic event. Indeed, some people left their apartments, believing they were in the middle of an earthquake. Of course, they then saw the bright lights in the sky, the flash of the explosions, and knew it was something else, but something perhaps even more horrifying. Now, the police have now cordoned off the area. Beyond it, about 1,000 firefighters are battling with the continuing blaze. The smoke and the flames going into the night sky. Now, the problem theyre facing, and its a big problem, is they dont really know what theyre up against. Its a chemical fire, and theyre not sure what that cocktail of chemicals is. Officials still havent been able to say precisely what was in that warehouse. And thats also been worrying for local people. Because theyre concerned about precisely what theyre breathing. Officials have tried to reassure them, but people remain very, very concerned. As always, the chinese authorities are trying to carefully manage the flow of information about whats going on here. And that really does pose a problem or a likelihood of growing grow ing frustration here. Ian williams, nbc news, tianjin. Ian williams will have a live report tonight on nbc nightly news with lester holt. The fire still smoldering as officials search for the trigger of that blast, tonight at 6 30. Imagine being a teenager, spending your summer working all day, and then not getting paid. This is apparently what happened to hundreds of teens for not one, but two summers, they rk worked at places like jones beach and citi field, so what happened to their money . Reporter we allege that these defendants stole from atrisk teenagers, who did hard wo rk for many hours, for little or no pay. Reporter according to court documents, the Herron Foundation was incorporated by Welton Herron as a nonprofit focused on helping students in impoverished communities. Over the last two years, prosecutors say herron and owens offered summer jobs to more than 100 students from fre freeport, brentwood, and huntington high schools, as well as schools in other cities. Prosecutors say they promised the students 9 an hour to work at concession stands, at nikon jones beach theater, citi field, and mcu park. Aeromarc operates concessions stands through the country, and through the nonprofit program, the District Attorneys Office says the foundation allegedly promised them volunteer workers in exchange for a percentage of concession profits. They thought that they were giving money to a charity, which would then use it for their charitable, you know, contributions. Reporter the d. A. Says aramark paid the foundation 100,000. Much of which Welton Herron used to create an online magazine for golf cart enthusiasts and for personal expenses, such as a mercedes, travel, and rent. Reporter Welton Herron and amadi owens both pleaded not guilty during their arraignments today. He elicited mr. Owens to work for him. I dont think mr. Owens knew about this. If this Court Process is allowed to happen and he is defendanted diligently, as he will be, i believe he will be exonerated. Reporter i reached out to aramark, but they wouldnt comment on this case, other than to say that they severed ties with the Herron Foundation and that they are cooperating with this investigation. As for herron and owens, they are expected back in court next month. In minneola, sheldon dutes, news 4 new york. Still ahead as we continue, a big shake up on sesame street, where episodes of the Childrens Program will air for the first time in 45 years. And the big change youre going to notice when you watch. Plus a popular fishing spot at the jersey shore suddenly shut down after alarming damage is discovered. It could have fallen in with people on it. Im Ted Greenberg and im trying to find out when this pier was last inspected. Refreshing conditions coming up again tonight. A lot of areas were in the 50s north and west this morning. More to have that is expected, but enjoy it while it lasts. The heat and humidity coming fast. Ill have the details, coming up. All right, janice. Then at 5 30, hazardous equipment at new york city playground playgrounds. Why the neighborhood you live in could determine how quickly things get repaired. Wait until you hear what the iteam discovered, coming up. A popular fishing spot at the jersey shore is offlimits tonight after dangerous conditions were discovered. Part of an old bridge that used to connect the resort with atlantic city, Ted Greenberg has the story for us. Reporter when andy land came to brigantine today, he found his fishing spot blocked off. I look and somebody broke in there. Reporter numerous broken, rotting, and missing pilings under whats known as the old brigantine bridge, which has been a popular fishing pier since a new span was built in the 70s. Its unsafe. Its unsafe. Its very unsafe for anybody to be out there. Reporter city officials shut the pier down over the weekend. Thats when a Police Officer found it was sagging after a fisherman told him about its deteriorating condition. If he didnt, god only knows, it could have fallen in with people on it. Reporter josh and other workers at rip tide bait and tackle say some of their customers arent happy that the fishing pier is no longer an option. That was the place to go if u didnt have a boat and if you didnt have routes to fish on the beach. It will kind of be a bad thing that its not there for local fisherman, but it is getting a little dangerous, i think. Reporter i tried to find out when the pier was last inspected. Local leaders tell me its the states responsibility. But so far, we havent gotten any concrete answers from state officials about the piers maintenance. Theyre going o do an investigation and see if its safe to reopen. Reporter until then, the pier remains empty, except for those with the ability to fly on or off. Ted greenberg, news 4, new york. Tonight, the parents of a bullied teen who committed suicide are suing their suns school and the town of greenwich, connecticut. 15yearold b. A. R. T. Palosz shot and killed himself i n 2013 after his first day of his sophomore year. His son was constantly bullied through middle school and high school and the staff did nothing. We reached out to Greenwich High School for comment and have not heard back yet. An mta worker has been ordered to pay a fine. Joel grassman admitted to stealing a b ket truck and driving it with the boom extended, knocking down telephone poles, power lines, and trees in el month. And on top of tt big fine, a judge sentenced grassman to five ye sarseprobation. Hes already spent seven m ths behind bars. The nfl and Players Union do not appear to be any closer to striking a deal over tom bradys fourgame deflategate zosuspension. They left thi k urihouse without reaching a settlement today. Brady and the nfl commissioner, roger goodel did not attend todays talks, but were in court yesterday for a publi hearing. And a courtroom sketch artist of brady at that hearing are getting a lot of at tention. People online are comparing him to everything from e. T. To lurch from the adams family. The artist apologized to brady and his fans for not making him pretty enough. She added that brady spent most of the hearing looking down at his cell phone and frowning. If you look to the picture, hes certainly frowning. If youre trying to figure out how to get to sesame street, the answer will be three letters, hbo. Starting this fall, theyll air new episodes on the Premium Cable Network and its streaming service. The fiveyear hbo deal will increase the number of episodes from 18 a year to 35. Pbs will continue to air the show with new episodes coming on nine months after they hit hbo. More elmo, please. Now its Donald Trumps turn to be fired from the celebrity apprentice. Nbc entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt announced today that the show will not be back next season. The popular reality show will return in the future with a new host. Nbc cut ties with trump in june after the republican president ial candidate made controversial comments about mexican immigrants. And the number one name in late night will be staying on nbc for six more years. Jimmy fallon signed a deal to host the tonight show until 2021. Hes been the host of the tonight show since february 2014. In a statement, Nbc Universal president steve berg said fallon has been an important member of the Nbc Universal family for 17 years. Im glad hes sticking around. Thats fantastic. Like him a lot. I love him. We l e jimmy. We love him. All right, we love this weather, dont we . Mmhmm. Do i get an amen on that. Two thumbs up. Two thumbs up. Yeah, its really nice out there, definitely. Temperatures across the area today into the low to mid80s. The humidity is still low, so thats always key, of course. Were right on target today for an average daytime high. That doesnt happen often in august, with a high of 83 degrees in central park. Of course, weve been telling you about the heat thats coming. Its waiting in the wings. It will be here soon enough. 85 today in newark. 83 in bridgeport this afternoon. Laguardia, 86. And islip with a high of 83. So tonight will be cool again. Many areas north and west wer e in the 50s again overnight. So very comfortable. No the temperatures and humidity begin to inlrease tomorrowe and the hazy, hot, humid dog days of summer will be with us, starting this weekend, with temperatures at 90 and higher, continuing into next week. We could possibly get a little heat wave going. 81 right now. Its 76 in seville. Right in the low 80s in bridgeport. Long brent is a 81. 70s up around new burgh. Easant to the north and west. Scattered clouds up around poughkeepsie. Otherwise, pretty fair across most of de tristate area. All the way to the jersey shore and down towards washington, d. C. , weve got High Pressure in control. Just a few isolated thunderstorms between albany and burlington and parts of vermont there. But theyre not coming to us. Clear and comfortable tonight,. Th 50s north and west, again, 67 in the city. 87 tomorrow, so you can see the jump egins tomorrow. Bright sunshine, though. Still expecting nice, sunny weather. There could be an isolated shower or storm late saturday afternoon, saturday night north and west of the city. But overall, its still sunny and dry, and getting hotter. By saturday, were up to 90, 92 on sunday, 93 on monday, and 91, tuesday. That would be more than three consecutive days, which would give us a heat wave starting this weekend. Storms are back in full force wednesday into thursday. Guys, back to you. Janice, thank you ver much. You know, its still summer. But listen up, janice, its beginning to look a lot like christmas in the city. E thanta claus and the rockettes kicked off the 2015 radio city Christmas Spectacular season today with their annual christmas in august event. Day do this every august. Its something of a shock. They take over sixth avenue and perform classic favorites today including what youre looking at right there, the traditional parade of the ooden soldiers. And like janice ikes to say, the tree will be here in no time. It will her on. Yeah, all right. Its a good thing the heat wave dihednt hit already with those outfits. They would really be hot. Very hot. Still ahead, finding the Perfect Match of pets in need of a home. Its a job so many volunteers do at animal shelters across our area, so what does it take to do it right . And how you can get involved, coming up next. And coming up at 6 00, prepping for a visit from the pope. Hundreds of thousands are expected to attend, causing a tr affic n ghtmass for new jersey transit. The travel recommendations that could save you the headache of ma ssive delays. Join Chuck Scarborough and Sibila Vargas at 6 00. As you may have heard, were on a mission to clear the shelters and we need your help. This saturday, we are teaming up with local shelters to find loving homes for as many animals a as possible. And tonight were introducing you to some volunteers devoting their time to find the Perfect Matches. News 4s ray vienna is on the Upper East Side for us with more. Reporter chuck, we are right here with pebbles. Shes a shih tzu mix, about one of the 150 pets they have here at the aspca. Shes a little shaky, but thats skbrus just her personality. Shes 1 1 2 years old and shes one of the many pets here who want love and attention for pets who want homes. At the astpc on the Upper East Side, you cant go too far without seeing a lovable face or an adorable kitten. Bringing one home starts with the application process. We have them fill out a survey, which gives us a general idea of what theyre looking for in an animal. Reporter adore dorthea hickey knows all about it, shes an adeoption counselor here and is also a volunteer. They have to be 18 and attend several classes. There are countless ways to help and care. Sarah hurley and her family have adopted several pets and volunteer at the local humane society. Her earliest memories of her cat, mittens. The 13yearold knows the importance of finding a loving home firsthand. I was grateful that i was adopted and i must be grateful that they were adopted and to get a home to be in and not be on the streets. Reporter the day we met, she was given a certificate, a tone of appreciation for the care shes given countless pets for countless hours. Sarah also fosters kittens when they need Critical Care and socialization. They get a place to be, instead of a shelter to get more sick, if theyre sick already, or to get sick, and it gives them a place and gets them used to a home environment. Reporter but if you talk to any of these folks, the volunteers, the foster families, those adopting, theyll tell you its the animals that make it all worthwhile. Its an absolute joy when you see people pick an animal that they are going to take home. Reporter and youre taking a live look at all of these cats in a playg iround they call mancattan. You can come down here and volunteer to play with them or come and adopt them. I learned about a special program they have theory, one of the many volunteer programs they just started called, they read to the dogs that theyve just taken in. Its a way to get their behavior adjusted to humans again. Have going n here at the aspca. They want those foster homes, they want those volunteers, and forevecohomes. Were ve at the aspca. Im ray villeda, nbc 4 new york. They do such great work. Ray, thank you. Of course, this saturday, august 15th, is the day to mark your ca lendars thats when were teaming up for hundreds of shelters to find homes for those pets in need. Many have agreed to cut the cost of adoptions for that one day event. And hundreds of you have sent pictures of your rescue pets. Nbcnew rk. Com cleartheshelters and youll find all the information you need on this very specialievent. Lindas her now with a look at whats new at 5 30. A local doctor is charged with taking kickbacks for referrals, but prosecutors say it wasnt just cash. Wait until you hear what else hes accused of taking as bribes. And trip hazards, broken equipment, and other problems on new york city playgrounds. Its taking months, even more than a year to fix some of these issues. And tonight, new yorks bigge iteam investigates why. That could cost you money. A and you constantly waiting for the next train to come . Well break dowo which subway lines are the worst when it mes to delays. Its all coming up. Right now on news 4 new york, an iteam exclusive. Broken swings, jungle gyms, and cracked blacktop. Is new york city falling behind on fixing public parks . A backlog of work orders seems to show just that and it could put you and your kids safety at risk. As the iteams Chris Glorioso explains, how fast your local playground gets fixed may depend on where you live. Reporter the iteam obtained a list of thousands of city parks work orders, and in it we found we often take months, even more than a year to fix serious playground problems. How about 477 days and counting to fix cracks in the pavement that could twist an ankle. Just try and follow a 5yearold, darting and dancing across brooklyns hickman playground. His little feet are hard to keep up with, but look closer at the ground hes playing on. Cracks, crevices, and zig zags in the pavement are all over this park and the city has known about the trip hazard. There was a work order to fix them open for more than 477 days. If they do know about it, shame on them for not taking care of it. Its not right to our children, to us. Reporter the trip hazards are on a list of 197 work orders that have taken four months or more to close, even though the Parks Department labeled the problems ia, immediate attention. Also on the list, sharp metal at the top of swing set fences in far rockaway queens. Theres no reason why work orders to fix playgrounds should be at the bottom of the pile. Reporter earlier this year, city comptroller Scott Stringer issued a claims stat report, showing a 53 increase over the last decade in playgroundrelated lawsuits against new york city. The claims often over trip hazards and broken jungle gyms cost taxpayers more than 20 million in settlements and judgments. Whether its claims about your investigation, its clear that theres a problem with the Parks Departments maintaining our playgrounds. Reporter do you think this data represents a problem . I think it represents a problem in a sense that we need to tighten up our internal processes. Reporter deputy parks commissioner liam calve vanaugh told us the work order backlog may look worse than it is because of data entry delays. He says often repairs are made, but no one enters them in the computer