making news in america this morning -- rage and violence in ferguson. >> crowds erupted in anger after a grand jury's decision in the michael brown shooting. >> no probable cause exists -- >> no evidence found to charge officer darren wilson. >> protesters burning and looting buildings. and the governor calling in more national guard members. >> the protests spreading overnight in new york city, chicago, los angeles and other cities. >> we ain't going nowhere. >> live team coverage right now covering all angles. the burning buildings and cars, the looting and the unrest unfolding right now. good tuesday morning, i'm

reena ninan. >> i'm t.j. holmes. we begin with violence erupting overnight on the streets of ferguson and other american cities. >> grand jury finding not enough evidence to charge darren wilson, the officer who shot and killed michael brown. the situation getting more violent as the night went on. >> within hours of the decision, protesters set squad cars on fire, burned and looted stores. and police fired tear gas to gain control. we have live team coverage this morning. elizabeth herr is standing by in new york with reaction and protests around the country. >> but we begin with karen travers in ferguson. >> reporter: violence erupting overnight in ferguson. a dramatic scene far worse than immediately after the shooting death of michael brown in august. gunshots reported just steps from the police station here. police cars set on fire. tear gas launched into the angry crowd. >> when i look at our community, it's torn apart. >> reporter: before the st. louis county prosecutor's announcement about the grand

jury decision, state and local leaders made public pleas for calm. >> i'd like to reiterate my request for peace, calm and restraint. >> reporter: president obama weighed in. >> the situation in ferguson speaks to broader challenges that we still face as a nation. >> reporter: the 12 jurors reviewing brown's death met on 25 separate days over a period of three months. i heard more than 70 hours of testimony from 60 witnesses, including wilson himself and eyewitnesss to the shooting. the prosecutors office released more than 1,000 pages of grand jury evidence. a move intended to make this secretive process transparent. wilson testified that brown hit him. he told the grand jury that i felt that another one of those punches in my face could knock me out or worse. michael brown's mother learned the news just moments before it was publicly announced and ran out of the room in tears and anger. >> she is devastated. she is heartbroken that the

system would allow her unarmed son to be killed in broad daylight and the officer not even have to come to court. >> reporter: the st. louis county police chief said the goal overnight was no loss of life. he said they were prepared, but they could not have prevented that rupgs -- eruption of violence. reena, t.j. >> any sense of what's next for darren wilson now that he's been cleared? >> reporter: wilson pulled off an amazing disappearing act in the last three months, not seen once. we learned yesterday that he got married in recent weeks to a fellow ferguson police officer. the other day a police union representative told abc news if he was not indicted, he could go back to his job, but that is probably not the best thing. reena. >> all right, karen travers live in missouri. thank you so much. and the protests after the grand jury decision letting the police

officer off the hook have spread across the country. >> thousands hit the streets in new york and washington, d.c., all the way to los angeles and oakland. but unlike the chaos in ferguson, the other rallies were mostly peaceful. they were marching through the streets with signs while chanting. abc's elizabeth herr is life in new york. >> reporter: good morning to you, reena and t.j. angry and disappointed, protesters say this outcome in their view is proof the justice system is broken. chanting, marching and waving signs, protesters from new york to los angeles rallied passionately. but for the most part peacefully, demanding justice for michael brown. >> it tells me that the black men can just get shot down like dogs. i mean, it's unbelievable. >> it goes against everything as far as justice is concerned. and i think it's a complete embarrassment to american justice. >> reporter: their anger boiling over, one twitter picture

showing nypd commissioner bill bratton covered in fake blood, apparently thrown by an upset protester. >> we will get through this together. >> reporter: standing in solidarity, they shut down streets in philadelphia, d.c. and chicago. police were on hand to maintain order, but most of these protesters did not turn violent. instead, their focus, they say, is getting their voices heard and continuing their fight for change. >> this wasn't even for a conviction. this was just to go to trial. so i just think we're at a time now where we have to change the narrative, not only of what we think of ourselves, but what america thinks of us. >> reporter: bottom line, many of these protesters say right now they no longer have faith in the justice system. and right now they are calling on the federal government to step in to see if any federal charges are warranted.

back to you. >> a lot of people wondering that question. thanks so much, elizabeth. we are learning more about officer wilson's account about his confrontation with michael brown. >> take a look at the photos of wilson's bruised face. evidence released by the prosecutor last night. he told the grand jury he was hit in the face with his fist. describing the struggle, he said he felt like a 5-year-old holding on to hulk hogan. and we got a look at the gun. the weapon used to kill brown. >> and lead prosecutor bob mccullough is taking a lot of heat for how he handled the case. >> we get more on that part of the story from our chief legal affairs anchor, dan abrams. >> reporter: supporting the grand jury's decision. not saying that, saying he handed it off to the grand jury and they reviewed all of the evidence objectively. but the way he sounded in the press conference. sounded as if he was backing up the grand jury. supporting them in exactly what they decided and how they decided it. now we have this huge dump of information that they have now released to the public.

very unusual to release all this grand jury material. so in theory the public can decide for themselves. and understand the prosecutor hopes, why some of the eyewitness testimony that we've heard so much about was contradicted by the physical evidence. >> a lot of people wondering with the violence on the streets this morning, t.j., and continuing through the night, where was the national guard? the fire fighters when the fires were breaking out? where were local police in containing the situation? >> the other part is how he handled the case and the legalities. but why did he decide to announce the grand jury decision at 8:00 at night? a lot of people call that decision reckless to do so. and in a lot of ways hold him responsible for some of what happened on the streets. saying, of course, the people who did it are the ones responsible, but maybe some of this could have been avoided had it not happened at night. >> and stay with abc news on the

latest on the widespread protests. another report coming up in this half hour. still ahead, a cabinet shakeup. could a woman be the next defense secretary? and holiday storm, snow, ice and wind taking aim at millions as they set for travel for thanksgiving. we're tracking it all. plus a demolition fail. a major mistake for a crew taking down a building.

mother nature whipped this up. a massive tornado across a field in south africa. the second twister to hit the country in a week. as big as it was, you saw the video, people standing around

out in the open watching it. nobody was hurt. and more than 20 homes were hit. and turning back to this country, detroit, strong winds. nearly 200,000 customers without power overnight as gusts knocked down trees and powerlines. >> and electrical fires, and a sign fell on a police car. a building under construction collapsed, blocking the streets. and strong winds in buffalo, but the flooding is not as bad as some feared. despite snow drifts higher than 7 feet. a new storm is hitting the northeast tomorrow that could result in a thanksgiving travel night more. justin has the details from accuweather. >> the first widespread winter storm of the season picked the busiest travel day of the year on wednesday. big-time travel impacts expected from washington, d.c. to philadelphia to new york city to boston and right on into the mid-coast of maine. further inland, west of the

interstate 95 corridor, heavier snow. and over eastern maryland, wednesday afternoon, over the poconos of western pennsylvania, and north and eastbound into the overnight. thanksgiving day, very cold throughout the east. showers over the ohio valley. but the worst of the snows will have pressed out, north and east. meanwhile, in the short-term on tuesday, santa ana winds and fire danger over southern california. >> thank you so much. well, 18 extraordinary americans have been honored with the presidential medal of freedom, the highest civilian honor. among them, ethel kennedy, tom brokaw, and stevie wonder and actress meryl streep. the president praising her unmatched ability to bring a character to live. and we have an update on the breaking news overnight. violence in ferguson, missouri and other cities after the decision in the michael brown shooting. and a wild high speed chase

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like chocolate caramel drizzles. happier holidays. chex party mix. fire crews on alert in southern california after powerful winds and low humidity prompted a red flag warning. toppling trees and sending tumble weeds in the san fernando valley. they are all potential fire balls.

and morning road conditions, police the upper midwest, advise you to stick to the major highways today. even they could be slippery. roads wet in the northwest and the entire southeast. well, returning now to the violent reaction in ferguson, missouri, as the community who learns that the police officer who shot michael brown will not be charged. >> the grand jury decision announced followed by chaos, gun shots, looting and fires. nearly two dozen people have been arrested. we have been on the ground in ferguson all night. >> reporter: we're on west florson street. this is the sight of intense protest this is evening. it's past midnight, and you can see this building behind me on fire. looks as if it will burn to the ground. and there are store fronts broken into, windows smashed. ferguson market and liquor, obviously broken into. and a police barricade down the street. fewer people on the streets

right now. far fewer vehicles. a large police presence. but officers telling me to be careful. they have heard continuous gunfire this evening. to be caution of ricochet bullets. we are not planning to stay long. go down and see how close we can get. but the protests going on for several hours. this is just one example of what we're seeing here tonight. >> gloria riviera in ferguson. she was on the streets and before then, inside the courtroom. interesting reporting today from her. and live pictures right now from the scene in ferguson. this is a picture throughout the night. fires, various locations throughout the city. one was a little ceasars in a shopping plaza. the fact is we don't see a lot of fire, appears to be law enforcement there, but fire vehicles, national guard said to be there, not showing up.

we are wondering how this unfolded. >> there are fire crews here, but hasn't been the case overnight. the speculation is they didn't feel safe in the areas. that's what the national guard was supposed to help do, help with the infrastructure. help make sure the main facilities were protected so the fire fighters and police could do their job. we will get a full report, i am sure. a lot of questions about what happened on the streets last night. stay with abc news for the latest on the unrest. live tv coverage coming up on "good morning america." and president obama looking for a new defense secretary. >> chuck hagel is out. the current pentagon chief resigned yesterday under pressure. he will stay on until a replacement is made. hagel and the president clashed over middle east policy and other issues. there are michele flournoy and ashe carter. they have defense experience. she is an undersecretary of

defense. she could be the first female defense secretary. the fda is unveiling the long-delayed calorie labeling rules today. consumers will know how many calories they're eating at chain straurnts restaurants or picking up prepared foods or popcorn at the movies. any business that sells food and has 20 or more locations must post the calorie count. convenience stores, bakeries and amusement parks. it took hours to come to an end, the chase. police tailed the ford explorer for driving erratically. blazing ahead, 100 miles per hour, jumping barriers, riding on the shoulder. eventually two people ran out of the car. one of them climbing to the roof of an apartment building. there he is now. where he blocked the door, held police off for several more hours until he finally surrendered. but it ends as many end with the suspect in custody.

this demolition project could have used a little more control. the arm of that excavator tries to gently push a wall into the shell that have building in barcelona. instead, it shatters it and the wall comes crashing down to the street, slamming into a car and taking a large chunk of a tree down with it. the car pretty much a loss. okay. turning to football. even a huge snowstorm couldn't stop buffalo. playing in detroit because of the weather. they plowed under the dysfunctional new york jets 38-3. >> buffalo had one of the best games of the season. kyle orton, two touchdown passes, andshot chandler celebrated by shoveling snow. >> it was closer in new orleans until the interception in the fourth quarter. run back for a touchdown. and the ravens never trailed again. >> and ran for his second touchdown of the game, the

ravens beat the saints 34-27. and still to come, then there were three. another elimination last night on "dancing with the stars." plus pajamas or nothing at all. a sleep study uncovering the best way and what to wear to bed. better take something. i'll catch up later. awww... truth is, theraflu severe cold doesn't treat chest congestion. really? new alka-seltzer plus day powder rushes relief to your worst cold symptoms plus chest congestion. oh, what a relief it is. here we go! woooo! woooo! and now, alka-seltzer plus has a complete line of powders to treat your worst cold symptoms.

now it's time for us to check "the pulse," the stories you'll be talking about today. "dancing with the stars" coming down to the wire. >> that's right. bethany mota became the tenth star eliminated on season 19, even after a wonderful free style. >> we have three couples left now, janel parrish, a samba, and sadie robinson. but it's all a moot point. alfonso ribiary row is going to win. got a perfect score with a dynamite 19jive. could have ended it a month ago. >> and they have just 24 hours to learn another dance in the hopes of taking home the mirror ball trophy tonight. they were really good. they really were. >> it's a wrap. >> it's a wrap, you say. >> it is. >> look forward to you dancing the carlton if he wins. and halle barry and the legal battle with her ex. over her daughter's appearance.

>> she won a court case about them from straightening her daughter's naturally curly hair. trying to hide her african-american roots when he got her hair straightened and lightened. >> the judge ruled neither parent could change the girl's appearance. >> i wouldn't normally and this, but for the sake of journalism. what do you wear to bed? >> i'm so tired, the same outfit i wore to work. >> that is nasty. one-third of the adults sleep in the nutd. your body needs to be cool to get to sleep. >> if you aren't cool, you won't be restful. they recommend a hot water bottle, or snuggling up to the other person in bed. t.j., what do you wear to bed? >> i don't sleep well these days. >> what does that mean? >> it's not going well. i'll just leave it at that.

i'm not sleeping. >> for some of you, your local news is next. >> for everybody else, we will be back.

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live from the kgo-tv broadcast center this is abc7 news. >> thanks for joining us. i am corner christian. -- i am kristen sze. >> i am eric thomas. how is the weather looking? >> the big story is fog in the north bay and around santa rosa and petaluma. otherwise it is clear. temperatures are in the 40's to low 50's. today is a "spare the air" with no wood burning for 24 hours. it look like tomorrow and thursday could be "spare the air" days as we near record highs today and tomorrow but on thursday. the rain? still slitted. >> so far, traffic is moving around the bay area. of course, we are in anticipation of what will be the busiest travel day of the year tomorrow. with those lowering gas prices you can expect more cars on the

road. >> now, the bay bridge toll plaza shows things are clear and moving along fine and we have cars in the far left lane waiting to pay. from emeryville camera to the eastern span of the bay bridge traffic is smooth headed interest san francisco. developing news a heavy police presence in oakland right now after a night of violent demonstrations in the wake of the month in grand jury decision in the police shooting death of an unarmed teen. amy hollyfield is in downtown oakland where businesses were lotted. >> you can see the damage at this broken window at the starbucks with merchandise stolen and thrown around. if you walk this way you can see what is next, the next step: the clean up. starbuck is completely barred up with a couple more windows. on this side, they have all of the windows boarded up.

this is at 8th with graffiti on the walls but the cleanup process has started. another store was broken interest with video of people taking whatever they pleased, all sorts of stuff, dogged if, snacks but the most popular item was alcohol. people were carrying out arm loads of battles of alcohol. in the street we saw the middle of the street downtown. police told the disperse but they refused. >> you cannot just shoot someone and not be in trouble for it. it would have been different racism was