>> great story. making news in america this morning, a massive winter storm. 200 million people in its crosshairs. schools closed this morning from minnesota to pennsylvania. flights canceled. federal offices in washington, d.c. closed. where the storm is heading right now. an abc news exclusive. one-on-one with the american teenager who left home to join isis and marry isis fighters. >> i'm just a normal human being who's been manipulated once. >> why she says she was brainwashed and should be allowed to come home. >> cheerleading outrage. the school that handed out awards to girls based on their body attributes and the new legal fight this morning. plus, fashion fury. burberry explains why they had a model with a noose on the

runway. health alert, more young women are suffering heart attacks. what could be to blame. and -- ♪ thank you, next >> -- what singer ariana grande now has in common with the beatles. good wednesday morning, everyone. we begin with the winter storm right now affecting 39 states closing schools from minneapolis to philadelphia today. >> this was the scene near kansas city overnight. snow and wind reducing visibility on interstate 29 making travel treacherous. hundreds of flights have already been canceled across the country. let's get right to the radar here. it is live. it is up to 9 inches of snow, which is possible from omaha to minneapolis. only an inch or two in chicago and detroit. but in washington, d.c., federal offices are closed because the city could see up to five inches. >> and in the south flooding rain is the big concern from

arkansas to georgia. that storm is merging with another system which already made highways slick in new mexico sending cars spinning out of control like you just saw there. we get the latest from accuweather's melissa constanzer. melissa, good morning. >> janai, kenneth, this is a big storm system. as it moves to the northeast it starts out for many of the big east coast cities as snow transitioning to sleet, freezing rain and eventually just plain rain where they'll get soaking rains through the south. flooding concerns on the northwest side. we're talking 6 to 12 inches of snow, places like southern minnesota that have already seen the snowiest february on record don't need more snow there but we do have know through the northeast. in some spots through southern pennsylvania we're talking about 6 to 10 inches of snow. even d.c. starts as snow but transitions then into rain before this is all ending. we are talking about some very intense ice here through parts of interstate 81 which could mean significant power outages. janai, kenneth.

>> melissa, thank you. we'll have more weather coverage in less than five minutes but now we turn to washington. president trump is denying a report that "the new york times" claims he tried to interfere in the michael cohen investigation by asking his acting attorney general to put someone else in charge of the case. >> abc's mona kosar abdi has the new details from washington. good morning, mona. >> reporter: good morning, janai. good morning, kenneth. as the special counsel's obstruction probe into the president comes closer to an end, a "new york times" report is raising questions about the man who once oversaw the investigation. a bombshell report from "the new york times" putting the spotlight back on former acting attorney general matthew whitaker and his relationship with the president. >> he is a very fine man, and he should be given a lot of thanks by our nation. >> reporter: according to "the times" the president pressured whitaker, then head of the

justice department, to interfere in the investigation into his personal attorney michael cohen. an investigation that centered i don't ow who ge u that. that's more fake news. >> reporter: the report states the president asked whitaker to put a person he believed would be more sympathetic in charge of the case. specifically u.s. attorney jeffrey berman who had recused himself because of his ties to the president's lawyer, rudy giuliani. during a congressional hearing earlier this month, whitaker did not deny discussing the investigation with the white house. >> i will continue the long-standing executive branch practice of not disclosing information that may be subject to executive privilege. >> reporter: but this morning, house democrats examining if whitaker committed perjury when he stated this under oath. >> at no time has the white house asked for, nor have i provided any promises or commitments concerning the special counsel's instig or any other investigation. >> reporter: and last week the senate confirmed william barr as trump's new attorney general. barr also drew backlash for comments he made criticizing the

russia investigation. janai, kenneth. >> mona reporting from washington, thank you. senator bernie sanders is quickly filling up his campaign coffers after announcing he's running for the white house again. he raised $4 million within just 12 hours of announcing his campaign yesterday. most of it from small money donors. meanwhile, people close to former vice president joe biden say they expect him to enter the race. one friend says biden feel he's in the best position to take on president trump. meanwhile, the president has reportedly been trying to come up with nicknames for each of the democrats in the race. a massive defamation lawsuit has been filed stemming from a controversial encounter at the lincoln memorial last month. the family of the kentucky teenager at the center of the incident is suing "the washington post" for $250 million. nicholas sandman was wearing a make america great again hat when he was confronted by protesters. his family claims the newspaper's coverage targeted and bullied sandman to

embarrass president trump. "the post" promises a vigorous defense. we turn to an abc news exclusive. we're now hearing from the young woman who fled the united states to join isis in syria. after years of living with the terror group and even marrying isis fighters, she now wants to come home. here's abc's james longman. >> reporter: the american isis bride's first television interview explaining why she left alabama at just 19 to join the terror group. >> i heard that it was announced and i thought it was obligatory for me to go. >> reporter: four years later hoda mothana wants to come home with her 18-month-old child. do you expect people to have sympathy for you? >> i hope so. i'm just a normal human being who's been manipulated once and hopefully never again. >> reporter: she says she had been brainwashed into thinking she was answering a higher calling but mothana said she was unprepared for the violence of isis. you would see the video, the beheadings and murders. and it was shocking. >> we would see dead bodies in public. we would see kids seeing dead bodies in public.

>> reporter: upon arriving into syria, she said her only choice marriage, her first two husbands dead on the battlefield. you were given a list of men and you could choose a man from a list. does that sound crazy to you now? >> sounds very crazy. >> reporter: she started spreading isis propaganda online encouraging attacks on americans. americans wake up go on drive-bys and spill all of their blood. do you think you deserve a punishment for what you did? >> maybe therapy lessons, maybe a process that will ensure us that we'll never do this again. >> reporter: if mothana returns to the united states, she could face severe punishment including prison. >> i hope america doesn't think i'm a threat to them and i hope they can accept me. >> reporter: james longman, abc news in syria. >> our thanks to james there. rescue teams are searching overnight for more victims of an avalanche in the swiss alps. four people have been rescued but police fear more people may have been swept away. the avalanche which hit during midafternoon buried a ski trail at a popular resort. the search includes hundreds of

rescuers with dogs and helicopters. let's take a closer look now at your weather for this wednesday. a lightning strike from the storm system stretching across the country forced a delta jet to make an emergency landing in chattanooga. it was headed to atlanta from milwaukee. meanwhile, in louisiana, a truck burst into flames after being hit by lightning. the driver is okay. looking at today's live temperatures, a cool day for more of the country with temperatures around freezing in the midwest and northeast as snow spreads from missouri to washington, d.c. at this hour. in the west temperatures in l.a. anphoenix won't even crack 60. it's a disturbing trend. coming up, why heart attacks are on the rise among young women. but first another twist in the jussie smollett attack investigation. the false information he apparently gave to police in a separate case. outrage on the runway after

a fashion model wears a noose. how burberry is explaining the design. and later a stunt goes horribly wrong at a rodeo. and because redfin.com is america's #1 brokerage site our agents get more eyes on your home

so you sell for thousands more than the one next door. don't get stuck in the past. sell with a redfin agent.

we're back with this. it probably didn't go as planned. the thieves used a truck to blast through the wall. one of them ran inside but was sent flying right there when the truck hit the wall. all the guns were locked up. those thieves got away with nothing. several developments have added new layers to the jussie smollett investigation. abc news has learned the fbi and postal inspectors are investigating whether smollett played a role in sending a racist letter that he received before last month's alleged attack in chicago. meanwhile, news has emerged that the actor was accused of

identifying himself as his brother during a dui arrest in california in 2007. he pled no contest. smollett's team has now approached celebrity attorney mark geragos to represent the actor. no decision has been announced. fashion giant burberry is apologizing for a sweatshirt that includes strings tied in the shape of a noose. the company has pulled the hoodie from a collection due out later this year. an executive called the sweatshirt insensitive saying it was inspired by a nautical theme. there were calls this morning for an alabama newspaper publisher to resign after his editorial called for the return of the kkk. howard sutton of "the democrat reporter" said he wants the kkk to fight democrats plotting to raise taxes. the aclu is threatening to sue after awards given to cheerleaders. a letter offers details about a banquet in kenosha where girls were body shamed and awards for things like the size of their breasts.

the principal reportedly claimed it was all just a joke. fireball is back but it's not a superhero movie. it's the illusion of lava flowing off a cliff at yosemite national park. it looks pretty cool. that is caused by light from the setting sun hitting the water at just the right angle. wow. it looks -- it occurs each february for just a few days. absolutely looks like fire. >> pretty cool. well, coming up, an air show disaster caught on camera. but first a family stranded in the snow trapped for eight days after their suv got stuck. how the mother and baby survived and the search for the missing father. plus, the trendy medical procedure that claims to slow the aging process. what the fda is now saying about it.

and relief from symptoms caused feel the clarity of non-drowsy claritin by over 200 indoor and outdoor allergens. like those from buddy. because stuffed animals are clearly no substitute for real ones. feel the clarity. and live claritin clear. prestige creams not living up to the hype? one jar shatters the competition. olay regenerist hydrates skin better than creams costing over $100, $200, and even $400. fact check this ad in good housekeeping. olay.

98% of us don't get enough omega-3s. which is why megared advanced 4in1 packs more omega-3 power into one small softgel. it supports your heart... brain... eyes... and joints. megared. i was inspired by nature's finest ingredients to create new pure leaf herbal iced tea. it's juicy, peach, flavor and hibiscus crafted just for you. new pure leaf herbals. blooming with flavor and naturally caffeine free. we're back with video from an air show disaster in india. two indian air force jets collided during practice killing one pilot. two others were able to parachute to safety. remarkly only one person on the

ground was hurt by that flying debris. we turn now to new evidence in the case of a missing colorado mother, kelsey berreth. >> her fiance, patrick frazee, is charged with murder even though kelsey's body has not been found. and now prosecutors are revealing new information about the role his former lover allegedly played. this morning, prosecutors are laying out graphic new evidence in their case against a colorado man accused of killing his fiance. >> patrick kills kelsey in a horrific manner. >> reporter: investigators say patrick frazee killed kelsey berreth despite the fact that they haven't found her body. and now new testimony about the role frazee's former lover krystal kenney allegedly played in the murder. prosecutors say she told them frazee asked her to kill berreth suggesting she poison berreth's favorite starbucks drink, a caramel macchiato. kenney admits she bought the drink and gave it to berreth by pretending to be a new neighbor

but did not put anything in the coffee. prosecutors say frazee tried to convince kenney two more times to kill berreth giving her a metal pipe and later telling her to use a bat. >> patrick frazee contacted krystal lee in idaho on three separate occasions, had her come to colorado to murder kelsey. krystal tells investigators that she did not comply with any of those. >> reporter: according to prosecutors, kenney told police that on thanksgiving frazee convinced berreth to wrap a sweater around her head and guess the scent of various candles then beat her to death. >> with a bat in the back of the head as kelsey is sniffing candles with a blindfold over her eyes. >> reporter: kenney tells investigators frazee threw berreth's remains in a river or in a dump and then had her clean up the crime scene. >> krystal cleans up blood but leaves behind some telltale evidence for our investigators to find. >> reporter: as for the motive,

frazee reportedly claimed kelsey was an abusive mother. investigators say they found no evidence to back up that claim. and prosecutors say berreth's phone is also a big clue. it was found 700 miles away where krystal kenney was staying. an idaho man remains missing after trying to get help for his family stranded in the snow. eric and francesca rose got caught in a blinding storm with their baby. after spending four days stuck in their suv, he ventured out for help and hasn't been seen since. his wife and daughter found shelter inside an empty cabin and they were rescued eight days into the ordeal. >> i was a little bit more worried on how i was going to get the baby fed. >> you know, maybe there's a hope that there could be a miracle because someone finding rose and the baby was a miracle. >> reporter: rose says that melted snow, they melted show to mix with formula for the baby and she later found food in the

cabin but by then her husband was already gone. >> hopefully they find him. the fda has issued a warning about a trendy medical procedure that claims to slow the aging process. clinics have been offering blood transfusions from teenagers claiming the blood can help older people's skin look younger and provide other health benefits, but the fda says it's risky and there's no proof of any benefits. a start-up company was charging $8,000 for one liter of young blood. a new study warns heart attacks are on the rise among young women. many doctors say obesity likely plays a role as well as diabetes and high blood pressure but they say more research is needed to determine exactly what is behind the increase. a dramatic scene at a rodeo in kentucky when a stunt went horribly wrong. two men were sent flying into a game called cowboy pinball. participants who had already signed waivers were supposed to stay in their circles while

trying to pull a $100 bill off the bull. no serious injuries were reported. baseball all-star manny machado has reportedly agreed to a ten-year contract with the padres. that is a record deal for a free agent. it will be finalized when machado undergoes a physical. the deal leaves bryce harper as the biggest free agent still without a team. up next in "the pulse," the perfect photobomb from a seagull. also ahead, what scientists have learned about lobsters which could benefit humans. and big news for ariana grande. what she now has in common with the beatles. ♪ my glass is popping you like my hair, gee thanks, just bought it ♪ pampers swaddlers the #1 choice of hospitals, nurses & parents sometimes the best time is time you make for yourself.

aveeno® daily moisturizing lotion improves skin hydration in just one day. and for twice the moisture, try the body wash too. aveeno®. naturally beautiful results®. in our family we save every drop of rain, study every bite of frost. because caring for tiny things can make a mighty impact. ocean spray. act tiny, be mighty. farmer owned since 1930. whether you were borne for more dance-offs... more travels... or more touchdowns. get the immune support that gives you more. airborne gummies have 50% more vitamin-c than emergen-c... plus our crafted blend ofnd her. airborne. and gave one prego traditional and one ragu traditional. this is what happened. that's because even ra prefer the taste of prego traditional two-to-one. we know that when you're spending time with the grandkids

every minute counts. and you don't have time for a cracked windshield. that's why we show you exactly when we'll be there. saving you time, so you can keep saving the world. >> kids: ♪ safelite repair, safelite replace ♪ there areand the best.s... which egg tastes more farm-fresh and delicious? only eggland's best. with more vitamins d and e and 25% less saturated fat? only eggland's best. better taste, better nutrition, better eggs. i am totally blind. and non-24 can make me show up too early... or too late. or make me feel like i'm not really "there." talk to your doctor, and call 844-234-2424. ♪ thank you, next thank you, next ♪

time to check "the pulse" beginning with ariana grande going where no one but the beatles has gone before. >> the pop superstar is the first artist since the fab four to have songs in the top three spots of the billboard hot 100 chart. her current top three hits are "7 rings" "break up with your girlfriend, i'm bored" and "thank u, next." >> the beatles achieved this this feat in 1964 with their iconic songs, "can't buy me love," "twist and shout" and "do you want to know a secret." >> now we need a mash-up. >> oh, my gosh. that would be good. >> and the top three from the beatles. >> somebody get to it. the search for more flexible body armor has led scientists under the sea. ♪ under the sea >> researchers in boston discovered that a lobster's under belly is as strong as the rubber on car tires. they say the membrane can be use as a guide to create protection for those areas on a human that bend such as elbows and knees.

>> scientists hope the lobster's design can provide more mobility without sacrificing protection. what happens when you put it in some boiling water. >> ooh. butter. good to go. a seagull has helped make a magazine cover shoot a viral sensation. it was a shoot for a lifestyle magazine in texas and the seagulls just wouldn't leave them alone. >> one bird swooped in just as the shutter snapped and stole some french fries. a whole beak full. that's him on the far right. the photographer says this is the most popular picture he's ever taken. he's okay with that. >> that's pretty cool. and finally, the best video of the day, it's from college baseball. check out the right fielder here. >> all right, all right. he makes that catch in foul territory. whoa. flips over a wall. still hangs on to that ball. >> good play. >> the play helped liberty university beat wake forest. incredible. he's an acrobat. >> that's a good play. >> he was good to go afterwards.

and 2 boxes of twizzlers... yeah, uh...for the team. the team? gooo team... order online pickup in an hour. and, now save up to 40% at the furniture event. at office depot officemax. (sigh) (crunch) babybel: that snack just sounded boring. babybel: coming through. no photos, please. babybel: bye bye, bland. babybel: helloooo, delicious. vo: rich, creamy, 100% real cheese. vo: with mini babybel, snack time is saved. babybel: saved it!

new lysol wipes are crazy strong. don't believe us? we got this workout class to compare them to clorox. wow! feel the strength of new lysol wipes. dude! are you looking at this? can i take those? no. lysol. what it takes to protect.® ♪work so hard give it everything you got♪ ♪strength of a lioness tough as a knot♪ ♪rocking the stage and we're never gonna stop♪ ♪all strength, no sweat... just in case you forgot♪ ♪all strength, no sweat... ♪no no no sweat...

sfoirp. good morning south bay. this is abc 7 mornings. hi, good morning. it's wednesday, february 20. it's 4:27 in the morning. you're up early. meteorologist mike nicco is here. you said rain will return today. >> first thing, is nobody is dealing with frost this morning either. there's a good side to this. the temperature 39 in ukiah. that's the cool spot. most of us in the mid-40s. mountain view, hayward, san mat row, oakland, half moon bay. you can see live doppler 7 is kb quiet over our neighborhoods. the showers are sliding southward from crescent city and eureka. be prepared for scattered showers and temperatures below average in the mid-50s. 53 to 55 degrees. streets are dry right now. let's see how the commute is going. here's alexis. >> good morning, mike. overall, pretty good. getting reports of possibly two nee area.

northbound 280 near bascom. one collision. a person may be out of the vehicle with injuries. working on sorting out the details. not sure about lanes blocked. but we have at least one blocked. no delays right now. we'll come back to that in a few minutes. things are start to go ramp up slowly through-wall nut creek. southbound 680 seeing the volumes pick up north of the 24 split. thanks, alexis. today is the last day of school for teachers in oakland who plan to start their strike tomorrow. >> it's the last day for parents to figure out what they need to do if they don't want their kids to cross the picket line. amy hollyfield is live in oakland. amy? >> reporter: hi, jessica. there are options. this is one of them. this is the north oakland rec center and kids will be able to come here if their parents have to work but don't want their kids to go to school during the yesterday afternoon or evening for parents to tell them

about the strike and to offer options for their kids. the teachers have created what they're calling solidarity schools where kids can go and volunteer. teachers will be on hand to supervise them. the district says schools will be open and is asking parents to send their kids to class. many say they don't want their kids to cross the picket line. >> i have some time off of work, fortunately. so he will stay with me. we'll be on the picket line in the morning and then go downtown for the action. >> reporter: there is a new development in the negotiations. the teachers bargaining team has agreed to meet with the school district this morning. the union says the district made a bargaining proposal saying it falls short of their demands, is willing to go and listen to what the district has to say. if not, if an agreement is not reached, the strike is set to start at 6:00 tomorrow morning. reporting live in oakland, amy

hollyfield, abc 7 news. amy, thank you. just to reiterate what she's reporting. oakland schools will stay open during the strike and students can still go to school. in addition, the city of oakland will open 15 recreation centers from 8:00 to 3:00 that will happen monday through friday. the teachers union will provide volunteers at the centers, meals will be provided for students. another option for parents, public libraries will be open during regular business hours. the city is asking that children 7 and younger be with a parent or care-giver there. ac transit says it may reduce service to schools. detour routes routes and temporarily close bus stops during the strike. we have more information at abc7news.com. you can keep up on the strike by using our abc 7 news app. funky music. we'll send out