>> good morning, america. guilty on all counts. >> we the jury in the above entitled manner as to count one, unintentional second degree murder while committing a felony find the defendant guilty. guilty. guilty. >> derek chauvin waking up behind bars this morning convicted of murdering george floyd. the jury deliberating for just 10 1/2 hours. the reaction from across the country. a sense of relief for the city of minneapolis. crowds gathering right at the spot where floyd died. this morning, george floyd's brother joins us live. >> today we are able to breathe again. >> and the little girl who took the stand to testify, how her trip to the store that day led to that crucial video. we'll talk to her on "gma" this morning. president biden reacts to

the verdict saying this is just the start. >> it's not enough. we can't stop here. >> urging congress to pass the sweeping police reform bill named in george floyd's honor. >> this can be a moment of significant change. urgent meeting. the cdc about to discuss the johnson & johnson vaccine pause while this 18-year-old fights for her life. one of the six women experiencing those rare blood clots. her symptoms and what her family is saying this morning. spring cold blast. the april snowstorm on the move with millions on alert for deep freeze from new mexico to connecticut. temperatures dropping to record lows. ginger with the timing and the tracks. ♪ and our extraordinary earth in iceland. this morning, we're taki places on the planet, going right to the edge of an active

volcano by air. >> reporter: this is the first time in 800 years that the volcano on this peninsula has erupted. >> and on the ground, how what scientists are learning here could help them search for life on mars as we count down to earth day, we're there live this morning. and we do say good morning, america. want to take a live look now at the corrections facility where derek chauvin is waking up this morning after that historic verdict. >> and outside the courthouse in minneapolis, there you see the crowds gathering to watch the trial and then rupting into cheers at the news of those guilty verdicts, and a similar scene right there in george floyd square. >> and that sense of relie so many people gathering to watch the verdict from coast to coast. and look at this photo from d.c. this young man falling to his knees in relief at the news saying he saw himself in george floyd. his sentiment is echoed by so many people out there, robin.

>> and this morning, michael, george floyd's brother is going to talk to you live with his reaction to the decision with ben crump, the attorney. and we're also going to hear from the little girl, remember she took the stand to testify? that's all ahead, but first t.j. holmes is there in minneapolis with the very latest. good morning, t.j. >> reporter: good morning to you, robin, and that little girl you mentioned 10 years old now. she put it this way after the verdict, george floyd can breathe now. minneapolis and a lot of places across this country are breathing a sigh of relief that and now derek chauvin, the man that the country came to know at first with that image of him with his knee on george floyd's neck while his hands were his hands behind his back in

handcuffs being escorted out of a courtroom guilty, guilty, guilty. derek chauvin is waking up behind bars this morning, the former minneapolis police officer now convicted murderer in the killing of george floyd. >> we the jury in the above entitled matter as to count one, unintentional second degree murder while committing a felony find the defendant guilty. >> reporter: chauvin showed no emotion upon hearing the jury found him guilty of all three counts -- second degree murder, third degree murder and second degree manslaughter. >> are these your verdicts so say you once so say you all? >> all: yes. >> reporter: the jury deliberated 10 1/2 hours weighing witness testimony and the significance of those 9 minutes and 29 seconds that chauvin's knee was pressed into floyd's neck. in their deliberations jurors did not ask a single question to the judge or for any clarifications before announcing they'd made their decision. [ chee ] >> reporter: as the verdict was announced, the nation reacted. some jumped for joy. some kneeled in relief. in places like d.c. and new york, the meaning of the verdict sinking in. >> i would not call today's verdict justice, however, because justice implies true

restoration, but it is accountability, which is the first step towards justice. >> reporter: floyd's family waited 11 months for justice. and after reaching a historic $27 million settlement with the city in march, now finally breathing a sigh of relief. >> i'm going to put up a fight every day because i'm not just fighting for george anymore, i'm fighting for everybody around this world. today we are able to breathe again. >> nothing is going to make it all better, but at least now there's some justice. >> right. >> reporter: the family received a call from president biden and vice president harris after the verdict. >> i think of gianna's comment, my daddy is going to change the world. he's going to start to change it now. >> that's right. >> yes, amen. >> it has been incredible, you're an incredible family. i wish i were there to put my arms around you. >> reporter: floyd's death last memorial day captured on cell

phone and seen around the world. [ crowd chanting ] >> reporter: sparked international outrage, placed a spotlight on race and policing in this counnds for police refo. [ crowd chanting ] >> reporter: darnella frazier was 17 years old when she recorded the video of floyd's last moments, her 9-year-old cousin at her side. darnella posting after the verdict, i just cried so hard, thank you, god. george floyd, we did it. justice has been served. derek chauvin's sentencing is expected in about eight years. he's facing up to 40 years in prison. i was able to spend time with family as they were watching the verdict being read. they had tears streaming down their faces, they couldn't stop crying. ben crump and george floyd's brother came in with their arms in the air saying we won the

championship. we won the championship. michael? >> emotional for everybody and especially for the family. we really appreciate you. great job with the reporting. for more now, we're joined by george floyd's brother philonise floyd and ben crump. thank you for joining us. philonise, we're so sorry for your pain and your family's loss. we know this verdict does not bring george back, but what does this bring you and your family? >> it just -- it makes us happier knowing that his life, it mattered, and he didn't die in vain and also he helped change the world. he made people realize that people's lives matter all across the world. not just here in minneapolis, but in different countries. people, they marched for him, protested for him 24/7.

while we were asleep, people were marching in different countries. i'm just happy that we had the opportunity to cement his legacy ad hopefully the george floyd policing act will be passed because people's blood is on that bill and these people, they need to have justice for what happened to their families. >> what was it like when the judge read that guilty verdict and you saw the man who killed your brother taken away in handcuffs? what were your emotions at that moment? >> before i even come into the courtroom, i was pacing back and forth, back and forth. and my wife, and attorney crump, they was like, just -- just do what you have to do to be comfortable. but inside of that courtroom, i prayed for like 30 minutes

because it took 30 minutes for the jurors and the judge to come out. but, as the judge started reading the verdict and it was guilty and i heard numbers and they say guilty again and i heard more numbers and he said guilty, it felt good and i was happy. but the moment the prosecutors, they said something about him getting in handcuffs right then and there, i looked and i watched him put his hands behind his back and i was like, whew, he had it a lot easier than my brother because my brother's hands were pinned backwards. it was -- it was accountability and i think that america, you know, they feel that they could be free because this is the land of the free and people felt differently if chauvin wasn't convicted. >> and, ben, we know this verdict, it is a big deal, but what else needs to be done?

>> well, hopefully, michael, this sets a precedence where when we say with liberty and justice for all, it's going to apply to all americans, black people, asian-americans, hispanic americans, native americans, because we really have to let people know that we are going to live up to this promise, equal justice under the law no matter who you are and that's what needs to continue to be done. we have to get the george floyd justice in policing accountability act passed to prevent some of these unnecessary killings, michael strahan. >> and, you know, philonise, i know yesterday you said, i'm going to put up a fight every day because i'm not just fighting for george anymore, i'm fighting for everybody around this world. so how do you plan to continue this fight?

>> i continue -- i'm going to continue because i started an institution called the philonise and keeta floyd institution for social change and i'm turning my pain into purpose. i'm going to focus on youth enrichment, criminal reform, human trafficking, mental illness, so many different avenues. people, they need help in certain areas because i have the focus on helping the next generation and people, man, we need lawyers. we need doctors for people of color. we need police officers. we just need people to understand that their life matter and they can be successful in life and help this world get through these defining moments that we had. >> pain into purpose. philonise, what would you like george's legacy to be? >> oh, god, i just want people

to understand that no matter how big you are, if you have a great heart, you will always be able to be special to someone because gianna, she said her dad would change the world, and i think that we will be able to cement his legacy because he did just that, he changed the world. he brought everybody across this country together for one purpose, and that was to make sure that these officers be held accountable, that we are meant to be on the highest standard, that we are going to be on a top tier. i just -- i just think that people across america feel their gratitude and they're happy now. they feel blessed today.

>> got to say to you both that george's life mattered. and, philonise, really appreciate you joining us. attorney ben crump, thank you for joining us as well. pain into purpose. we really appreciate you guys and we truly, truly are sorry for your family's loss and pain. >> thank you. >> thank you. >> robin? >> all right, michael. president biden reacting to the news calling it a step forward but not enough urging for this verdict to be one step in a push for reform. senior white house correspondent mary bruce has more on his reaction. good morning, mary. >> reporter: good morning, robin. well, these were the president's most extensive comments on racial justice since taking office. the president urging americans not to look away and think that the work is done now. arguing instead that now is the time to acknowledge and address systemic racism head on. >> this can be a moment of significant change. >> reporter: this morning, the president says a guilty verdict is just the start. >> it's not enough. we can't stop here.

we can and we must do more to reduce the likelihood that tragedies like this will ever happen or occur again. >> reporter: calling systemic racism a stain on our nation's soul, biden urged congress to pass the sweeping police reform bill named in george floyd's honor, legislation introduced by then-senator kamala harris. >> here's the truth about racial injustice, it is not just a black america problem or a people of color problem. it is a problem for every amrican. >> reporter: the president telling americans to see this moment not as a conclusion, but as a catalyst for change that's long overdue. >> i can't breathe. i can't breathe. those are george floyd's last words. we can't let those words die with him. >> reporter: now, the george floyd policing bill would create a national misconduct registry

and it would ban chokeholds and make it easier to sue abusive officers, but that is a red line for republicans. this bill is currently at a standstill in the senate. amy, almost a year after george floyd's death and washington still has not acted. >> all right, mary bruce, we appreciate that. thank you. we're going to bring in dan abrams now for what is next for derek chauvin. dan, thank you for being here this morning. so we heard the judge say sentencing in eight weeks yesterday after he read those three guilty verdicts aloud. what type of prison time is chauvin facing? >> he's facing the highest of the charges, second degree murder, and the presumptive sentence in the state of minnesota is 12 1/2 years under the sentencing guidelines with someone with no criminal background. but prosecutors are asking for an enhancement, they're asking for a stiffer sentence. among the reasons that they're going to be citing is the fact that he was a police officer, the fact that george floyd was

vulnerable and that there were children present. remember, we've been talking about this, this 9-year-old girl who testified in this case wasn't just an eyewitness. she could also be a critical witness in the context of sentencing because if this sort of crime occurs in the presence of children, you can get an enhanced sentence as well. so that debate over the sentencing will be coming in a couple months. >> curious, dan, because we know three other officers are facing charges in connection with the murder of george floyd, does yesterday's guilty verdict have any impact or effect on their cases? >> well, if there had been a not guilty verdict it would have had an impact because the three of them are charged with aiding and abetting murder. now that there has been a conviction, those cases sort of move forward as expected. but those three are being tried together and they're all going t have very different defenses. they're going to be saying, i wasn't responsible. they'll be pointing fingers and expect there's going to be a lot of fingerpointing going on in that trial at the man who was

just convicted, derek chauvin, saying, it was his fault, it was his responsibility. i shouldn't be held legally clpable. >> dan, it was pretty remarkable watching that verdict come down relatively quickly. the jury was very diverse. we talked about how that makeup was. do you think that that has an impact on how this verdict resonates with americans and the world? >> well, it should, right, this is really a reflection of america. six whites, four blacks, two people who cite themselves as multiracial coming together with a quick and unanimous verdict. >> all right, dan abrams, we appreciate your legal insight always. robin? >> makes me think of that phrase, we will not know true justice until those unaffected are as outraged as those who are. >> just gave me chills. perfectly put. coming up, more on that historic verdict ahead. we're hearing from the little girl dan was just referring to whose testimony was so significant to the prosecutors' closing arguments.

we'll hear from her coming up. also ahead, take a look at these breathtaking pictures, yes, "gma" bringing you that active volcano in iceland erupting for more than a month. will reeve is there live this morning. but first, we're going from a volcano to ginger who is going to talk about the spring snow. >> reporter: yes. people are writing me, like, happy spring, because this is what you're seeing. this is illinois. gives you a real indication of the flowers with the snow on top and, yes, that chill is in place. also in paducah, they had their latest measurable snow on record, more than a half inch there. record cold and freeze warnings anywhere from kansas all the way over to pittsburgh. all right. let's get to the snowy cities now sponsored by fitbit.

good morning. i am abc7 news meteorologist mike nico. it will be brighter and milder with clouds and cooler weather clinging to the coast. mostly cloudy tonight. more fog, more drizzle in the hills and along the coast. a significant cooling trend this weekend with significant rain coming sunday. 50s along the coast to a lot more ahead.o we'll be right back.

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ba da ba ba ba building a better bay area, moving forward, finding solutions. this is abc7 news. good morning. water restrictions are coming to marin county. the water district just approved mandatory conservation rules. the board still needs to a grant specifics. people are asked to voluntary reduce water use. this was the driest winter in 90 years. jobina fortson is looking at traffic. >> reporter: good morning, everyone. we are looking at the bay bridge toll plaza because metering lights are finally on. they popped on at 6:43. 880 at the coliseum, it is now so light. this is a bit abnormal for this

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good morning. let's talk about the commute. you can see the drizzle in the higher elevations. it will be a little choppy there. polling will be high today all the way through friday. uv index will be very high also. the hottest team in major league baseball is going for the 11th consecutive win. 60 at 12:37. pretty steady through friday. rain, light to moderate on sunday.

reggie. coming up on gma, much more on the derek chauvin verdict. and we will

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and this is how mom shines... ...at zales. the diamond store. such dramatic music. welcome back to "gma." counting down to earth day, that is one of the most extraordinary places on the planet. an active volcano in iceland erupting for the first time in hundreds of years, this morning, we're going to take you right to the edge. we're going to be there live on "gma" coming up. >> looks like cgi. it doesn't look real. >> looking forward to that. we have more on that in a bit, but first, the top headlines we're following right now, including derek chauvin waking up behind bars this morning after that historic verdict. the former officer convicted on all three counts for killing george floyd. the jury deliberating for just 10 1/2 hours, chauvin will be sentenced in eight weeks and

faces up to 40 years in prison. and russian president vladimir putin is set to deliver his annual state of the nation address today as he continues that military buildup near the ukraine border. supporters of opposition leader alexei navalny have protests planned for today. and this morning, it is queen elizabeth's birthday. traditional celebrations like gun salutes and an official portrait have been canceled this year. the queen, of course, still mourning the passing of her husband of 73 years, prince philip. the queen turns 95 years old today. happy birthday to her. >> happy birthday to her. we're going to continue with more on the chauvin trial verdict. cities across the country peaceful overnight after many had been bracing for the worst. alex perez, who has been story beginning, is going to join us from minneapolis where this all started. good morning, alex. >> reporter: hey, good morning, michael. for months now it seems many people here in this city and across america were sort of collectively holding their breath as this legal process was

playing out. but now, finally, it seems many of those people are beginning to exhale. i want you to take a look at the scene here in minneapolis at george floyd square, the site where floyd was killed, moments after that guilty verdict was read. people bursting into tears, hugging, emotion and cheering. i know it looks like a celebration, but after covering all of these demonstrations and talking to many of these people who took this case to heart, this arguably really is just a sense of relief being expressed here. now, here in minneapolis, in this city i talked to so many people who took the loss of george floyd in a deep and profound way and many of those people are hoping that this decision here will be the beginning of lasting change everywhere across the country. robin? >> that is the hope, alex. thank you. contith more on the convtion and abc news exclusive with judeah reynolds. she was just 9 years old back in may on a trip to the store for snacks with her cousin darnella

when they came upon george floyd pinned to the ground. her cousin taking that video that shocked the world. in his summation the prosecution's rebuttal jerry blackwell highlighted judeah's testimony. >> ultimately it's really not that complicated in what it is you have to decide is so simple that a child could understand it. in fact, a child did understand it when the 9-year-old girl said, get off of him. that's how simple it was, get off of him. common sense. >> earlier this morning i had a chance to speak with judeah and a family friend who was also with her in court. good morning to you, both, judeah, how are you feeling this morning? were you able to get some sleep last night, hon? >> yes. >> i'm glad that you were able to do that. where were you yesterday when you heard that the former police officer had been found guilty? were you watching on tv? >> yes. >> and who were you with at the time?

friends? >> my mama and my dad. >> and what was everybody saying when they heard that the former police officer had been found guilty? what were people saying around you? >> my mom said that we brought change. my dad said we won. >> change and we won. that's how a lot of people are feeling. what did you say? what were your feelings having been in the court and hearing that the former police officer had been found guilty? what were you thinking and feeling? >> kind of proud. >> ah. latoya, can i ask you, you have been there by little judeah's side right this morning and there in the court. what has that experience been like? how have you been able to help her and the family during this

time? >> well, it's been a lot. i'm just thankful that god has allowed me to be part of this young lady's journey. she's been a history changer. her persistence about asking to go to the store that day has changed policing in america. so all i can just do at this point is be grateful and thankful and i don't know where i get the energy from. i don't know where the resources are coming in from, but i'm just very thankful that i've been with the help of just a great team keeping her safe and providing mental health care for her and her family, i'm just very thankful to be a part of it. >> it's a lot for a 9-year-old. i know she's now 10. it's a lot. how do you help her navigate that? >> absolutely. trying to keep her 10-year-old life as normal as possible -- school, snacks and just doing

what 10-year-olds do with their siblings. >> you think she has any idea -- i mean, for the prosecutor, in his rebuttal to show her picture again and to talk about what she said when the paramedics came, get off of him, has it even sunk into the family the importance of darnella's video, her cousin, but also what little judeah said in court? >> yeah, absolutely. i think for the family, we absolutely know that if not for judeah, we wouldn't have been in that position at that time. so if not for judeah, there would have been no walk to the store for snacks and the video. as far as judeah, i don't think she realizes the magnitude that she has changed the world. >> i understand that you are writing a book. what's the title of that book? >> "judeah's walk to the store."

>> and what are you going to tell -- what are you going to write about in the book? what do you want to share in that book? >> teach people to be brave and bring change to their story. >> well, judeah, thank you for getting up and, latoya, bless you for being there for judeah and her family. >> thank you. >> thank you. >> couldn't help but notice she had queen -- how she had that t-shirt and because judeah was there, derek chauvin could get more time. not only was her testimony important, but as dan mentioned to you, amy, the crime took place in front of a minor. so the judge could give a higher sentence because of that. >> right, and the impact is real. you know, having anyone see that, but a 9-year-old witness that, it's horrific. >> it stays with her. >> i know and just think about how everyone who saw the video, their reaction. imagine you were there.

>> yeah. >> i mean, it pales -- all of this pales in comparison to what the family, george floyd's family, is going through. so just have to keep that in mind when we have the emotions that we have, the various emotions, what those who witnessed and how brave they all were to go. and the police officers who testified on behalf and against their former officer, that was something we rarely see. >> so shocking to see, but the right thing to do. >> we saw a lot of courage come in the face of such adversity and hopefully, we said hope that this will be the change that we all have been waiting for. >> accountability. i can't stress that enough. coming up, we will have a lot more on the derek chauvin verdict. we're going to hear from the mma fighter who witnessed the murder of george floyd and then took the stand in the trial. he's going to join us live. and then next we're live in iceland. will reeve bringing us up close and personal with that erupting volcano as we count down to earth day.

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we are back now on "gma." celebrating earth day this week and taking you to one of the most incredible places on the p iceland. the nation is opening to tourism to people who are fully vaccinated and that includes our will reeve. he is there live this morning. will, tell us what you're seeing, how it feels. >> reporter: amy, this is amazing.

i'm not sure if words or images can properly convey how spectacular this is. we do have a drone to help us out. this is the fagradalsfjall volcano. it is erupting behind me as it has been for over a month and experts say it will keep doing so for months and years to come. that lava back there, 2,000 degrees plus fahrenheit and swirling gases with the winds and that's why i have the gas mask to stay safe. we are at a safe distance to explore this natural wonder. it's an eruption nearly 800 years in the making. and causing quite the commotion on this icelandic peninsula. look at that lava coming up. 2,000 degrees fahrenheit. this is the first time in 800 years that the volcano on this peninsula has erupted. >> reporter: breaking through the earth's surface in march. pen forming an ethereal landscape.

iceland's eruption is classified as effusive when tectonic plates pull apart exposing rivers of lava. >> it's happening in just about the best place it could, in a place that's quite far from any human habitation, and it's quite far from farms. >> reporter: helicopters circling around, tourists hiking down to the foot of the lava that keeps expanding by the day. new fissures opening. this volcano will be here for a long time. now, scientists are racing to iceland not only for what it can teach us about our own planet but for what secrets it might hold about other planets like mars. >> iceland and mars are very similar in that they both have volcanoes that are really similar type. and the volcanoes on mars, we haven't seen one of those erupt, we know that they've erupted in the last couple million years to billions of years, but we've never actually seen one. >> reporter: back on earth warnings to be cautious. >> people need to take care. seems to be a nice, enjoyable eruption. there are plenty of dangers in the area. >> reporter: as thousands converge to bear witness to a breathtaking spectacle.

this really does look like another planet. it is so worth the trek to get here. it's not a far drive from the airport, and then you have to hike up a little bit to get here or you can take a helicopter. you do have to be careful, though, there is lots of gases. we have these meters that when they go off you have to back away and put your mask on. we had to do that yesterday when we were here filming, but all good right now but we're staying vigilant. >> because, will, i was going to say even more impressive than that pronunciation was of that volcano which i will not attempt is just how close you are to that eruption, but i know you're keeping safe. so just explain that for us. >> yeah, we're keeping a safe distance. we're mindful of the gases with the masks and we're far enough away from the volcano that we're okay. we do have to be mindful of earthquakes, though. last night as i was going to bed my room started shaking and i realized, oh, yeah, that's how

this volcano started in the first place so they expect new fissures will be opening up. i have to come back and take a visit. this has been my first international trip. i am fully vaccinated following all the cdc guidelines on international travel. we're following protocols for covid here on the ground and feeling incredibly lucky to be in such an amazing place. >> yeah, it is so incredible to witness, will. thank you for your reporting and we want to tell everyone will is back in our next hour with even more from iceland. michael? >> i want to hear him say the name of the volcano. all right. coming up, everybody, the cdc is set to discuss johnson & johnson's vaccine pause as we learn more about one of the six women experiencing those rare blood clots. what we know this morning. and next, it will be time for our "play of the day." home... it's not just a place. home is a feeling you live in and when your home is happier,

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simplicity feels good. chase. make more of what's yours. we're back now with our "play of the day" and we know many people are feeling stress right now. well, here's one mom's sweet solution. noticing her 6-month-old beginning to cry. what does she do? she shares the whipped cream, the crying stops. i know a lot of guys on set are looking at me like we know how to make you stop crying here at work, michael. that would work, guys. i'll be honest. it would work. >> robin, your face. coming up, we're back live at the volcano.

>> it's our "play of the day." >> in iceland. we're trying. >> michael strahan. we're tryin. >> michael strahan. i'm home frm my really important job! scuff defense. honey! scuff defense. [ chuckles ] scuff! -defense! i love our scuff-free life. you too, scruff defense. today let's paint with the interior paint that's too tough to scuff. behr. exclusively at the home depot. if you have... ...moderate to severe psoriasis, ... ...little things... ...can become your big moment. that's why there's otezla. otezla is not a cream. it's a pill that treats plaque psoriasis differently. with otezla, 75% clearer skin is achievable. don't use if you're allergic to otezla. it may cause severe diarrhea,... ...nausea or vomiting. otezla is associated with an increased risk of depression.

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building a better bay area, moving forward, finding solutions. this is abc7 news. good morning. jobina has a look at the traffic. hey, jobina. >> basically from richmond on down to berkeley. this is the slowest spot at the moment. that is aftermath from a crash. this is westbound 84 before 680. westbound traffic is being turned around. eastbound traffic is on the shoulder. i want to bring it to the bay bridge toll plaza. metering lights came on at 6:43. hi, mike. hi, jobina and everybody. 60s around the bay and 70s inland. it will definitely be mild away from the coast. air quality will be healthy through at least saturday.

the temperatures will start to cool slightly. light to moderate rain on sunday. coming up, a new study linking sleep and dementia. how many hours of sleep do you really need and what you can do to improve that

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good morning, america. it's 8:00 a.m. guilty on all counts. >> we the jury in the above entitled matter as to count one, unintentional second degree murder find the defendant guilty. guilty. guilty. derek chauvin convicted of murdering george floyd after the jury deliberated for just 10 1/2 hours. the reaction from across the country. crowds gathering right at the spot where floyd died. this morning, one of the key witnesses from the trial joining us live on the jury's decision and the reaction around the world. also this morning, painful bond. the black mothers who lost sons to police violence speaking out, their continuing fight for justice as they grapple with

grief. new this morning, sleep and your health. a new study linking a good night's rest to your risk of getting dementia. the optimal sleep time for every age group. dr. ashton is live with what you need to know. ♪ cool for the summer ♪ >> summer travel speed bump. the new shortage in rental cars. why some lots are running on empty and what to know before you plan a vacation. we're taking you to the edge of a volcano live. one of the most astonishing places on our extraordinary earth. we're in the air. >> the first time in 800 years that the volcano on this peninsula has erupted. >> on the ground, you have a front row seat to travel along with so many in the land of fire and ice as we count down to earth day, we're there live this morning as we say, good morning, america. good morning, america. it's great to be with you on this wednesday morning and this

morning, we are counting down to earth day >> that's right, and we are taking you to one of the most spectacular places on the planet, look at this active volcano in iceland. it's erupting for the first time in hundreds of years and we sent our will reeve there to bring us up close and personal. that is all coming up. >> my goodness, that is ahead but right now that historic verdict in the derek chauvin trial. t.j. holmes is down in minneapolis. i know you got there. you landed shortly before the verdict was read yesterday. welcome back, t.j. >> reporter: hey there, robin. yes, we are on our way here packed for possibly verdict watch, but we got a verdict after 10 1/2 hours of these jury deliberations and, robin, you know this has been a case for almost a year now of images, horrific images burned in our memory of that video of george floyd. well, some new images to go with this case now. images yesterday of celebration, of joy, of tears of joy as people are celebrating the fact that they say george floyd got

justice and another new image, robin, to go with the story now as well. derek chauvin in handcuffs now facing 40 years in prison. derek chauvin is waking up behind bars this morning, the former minneapolis police officer now convicted murderer in the killing of george floyd. >> we the jury in the above entitled matter as to count one, unintentional second degree murder while committing a felony find the defendant guilty. >> reporter: chauvin showed no emotion upon hearing. gilty on all three counts. >> are these your verdicts so say you one so say you all? >> yes. >> reporter: the jury deliberated 10 1/2 hours weighing witness testimony and the significance of those 9 minutes and 29 seconds that chauvin's knee was pressed into floyd's neck. as the verdict was announced, the nation reacted. some jumped for joy. some kneeled in relief. floyd's family waited 11 months for justice. and after reaching a historic

$27 million settlement with the city in march now finally breathing a sigh of relief. michael spoke with floyd's brother earlier this morning. >> his life, it mattered and he didn't die in vain. and also he helped change the world. he made people realize that people's lives matter all across the world. >> reporter: the family received a call from president biden and vice president harris after the verdict. >> i think of gianna's comment, my daddy's going to change the world. he's going to start to change it thought. >> reporter: darnella frazier was 17 when she recorded the video of floyd's last moments. judeah at her side, robin - speaking to her earlier just moments ago. >> what was everybody saying when they heard that the former police officer had been found guilty? what were people saying around you? >> my mom said that we brought change. my dad said we won.

>> reporter: and we talk about that image, robin, of chauvin in handcuffs being taken out of the courtroom. well his bond was revoked so he will be spending his time now as he awaits sentencing in jail and that sentencing is expected in some eight week, robin. >> all right, t.j., thank you. we'll sue you on "gma3: what you need to know" with amy a little later today. >> yes. >> amy. >> thank you. now to the coronavirus emergency with the cdc set to meet on thevaccine pause, we ar learning the identity of one of the six women battling those rare blood clots, an 18-year-old from nevada and whit johnson has the latest on all of that. good morning, whit. >> reporter: amy, good morning, the johnson & johnson vaccine is still on hold here in the u.s. while health experts investigate those rare cases of blood clots in at least six women and now we're hearing from the family of an 18-year-old who says her reaction was so severe she was hospitalized and placed in a medically induced coma. this morning, as the cdc

advisory panel prepares to meet to discuss the johnson & johnson vaccine, this 18-year-old is fighting for her life, according to a family spokesperson, emmy burkey from nevada is one of the signature women experiencing those rare blood clots. >> the family is very concerned. you know, it's just one of those situations, you know, where are we going to be able to keep her, are we going to lose her. >> reporter: a spokesperson for the family says she suffered multiple seizures a few days after getting her shot, was hospitalized and placed in a medically induced coma. now she is slowly recovering. the rare blood clots reported in only six of the nearly 7 million americans who have received the one-dose vaccine. a less than 1 in a million occurrence. while it's unclear if the vaccine is responsible for the clots, regators use of the johnson & johnson vac ee while they ig despite burkey's illness her parents still advocating for people to get vaccinated. >> they are 100% in favor of people getting vaccinated, in

fact, both of them have been and they see this as just a, you know, a one in a million situation. >> reporter: now, european regulators determined that the benefits of the johnson & johnson vaccine outweighed the risks and yesterday made the call, the recommendation that the shots should move forward as long as it comes with a warning about the possible link between the vaccine and those rare blood clot, meanwhile, here in the u.s., the cdc advisory panel is expected to meet again on friday to discuss the vaccine and possibly make a recommendation, michael. >> all right, thank you so much for that, whit. coming up, we have more on the derek chauvin verdict. the mma fighter who witnessed the murder and took the stand in the trial joins us live. also ahead, the new study linking lack of sleep and dementia. the optimal amount of sleep time for every age group and how you can make sure you're getting enough. dr. ashton is live with that. plus, we're counting down to earth day. live from this breathtaking

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welcome back to "gma." good to have you with us on this wednesday morning. hump day. >> yes, it is a hump day. right to it. we want to go back now to that top story, the guilty verdict in the derek chauvin trial. joining us live on "gma" is mma fighter donald wynn williams ii who witnessed george floyd's death and testified at the trial. donald, want to say good morning to you. thank you for joining us this morning.

your testimony had a big impact. it likely helped to convict derek chauvin so how do you feel mr about bringing justice to george floyd and his family. >> i feel excited and like a lott of weight is off my shoulder that the family actually got justice for the murder of george floyd and that the world is, you know, starting to make a change and see that this shouldn't continue to happen. >> how were you able to use your mma training to lend even more credibility to your testimony? >> just being able to tell the truth and, you know, explain and paint a picture to the world about what i actually seen and, you know, what i was speaking on and i believe my credibility in mma and my profession actually helped out with this story a lot because a lot didn't understand what blood chokes was.

>> during your testimony when a recording of george floyd's life was replayed, you got emotional so what was going through your mind as you rewatched that? >> yeah, it was very touching and heartbreaking because i have not watched the video and i stay away from the media on the aspect just for my own sake and just to stay focused on the story. >> definitely know it was hard to watch. >> it was very, very emotional to relive that scene again in court. >> absolutely. we can definitely understand that. and do you think this verdict will be the beginning of change in the way that police interact with people of color? >> yes, i believe it will and i hope that change continues to happen after this because that's what we need is change. >> i can't agree more with you on that, i want to thank you for joining us, donald, and, you

know, just thank you. that's all i can really say. >> man, i thank you. it's a pleasure to actually be talking to you and i think, you know, for having me is just -- i'm actually sweating a little bit. one of my favorite defensive players, man. >> i appreciate that. i appreciate that. thank you so much and have a great day, my friend. robin. >> one of his favorite defensive players. i want to know his favorite offensive player. >> we don't need to go into that. >> all right. good of him to join us, thanks, michael. as we think of george floyd and his family we want to recognize some of the other families whose children were lost too soon to violence. shortly after floyd's murder deb roberts spoke to seven mothers about their own stories and their calls for justice, good morning, deb. >> reporter: good morning, robin. and, yeah, i'll never forget the conversation with those moms who have been experiencing over the last year a searing and unique

kind of pain, the kind of pain most of us would never understand, they are bonded by tragedy and most have not found the kind of legal justice that george floyd's family just got. >> we the jury in the above entitled matter as to count one unintentional second degree murder while committing a felony find the defendant guilty. >> reporter: those guilty verdicts sparking emotions all over the country, from george floyd's family to crowds gathered in streets and in parks. and this morning, another group gripped by the outcome, black mothers who know the floyds' pain. what do you think they must be feeling? you've been down that road before. you had that guilty verdict in your son's death. what might they be feeling after almost a year of dealing and hanging on to this anguish and this pain? >> i expected them to be feeling a sense of relief. i heard his brother saying tonight he could finally sleep although i could tell you up to now i have not been able to

sleep properly. it's just this -- it's just very difficult because with every other death of a black man at the hands of police, it brings back that old wound. >> reporter: last summer i met with seven moms, most of whom had lost children to police violence including allison jean whose son botham was shot and sd killed by officer amber guyger. >> i didn't want to see other people happy. i didn't want to see people laughing because i lost a son who did not deserve to die in the way that he did. >> reporter: and sybrina fulton, trayvon martin's mother. >> the same pain these ladies have, i have. the sleepless nights. >> reporter: even in the midst of their loss, they fight for

justice. >> some people are just in a moment. but we've got to be about a movement. >> the platform i have that america provided for me because they murdered my son. >> i'm no longer trying to save the life of my son but if i can save the life of another mother, i'm going to do it every day of the week. >> reporter: though she found justice for her son allison jean says her pain is the same. >> i did not lose a child to natural causes. my son was killed so in addition to grief, the grief and the pain, i still have to fight for justice. >> reporter: and then similarly the outcome of derek chauvin's trial serves as a signal that there's still much work to be done. what does this verdict today say to america, to you? >> look out.

change is on the way. i don't see it around the corner, but every -- we're taking small steps to what is the bold change that's required in america. >> reporter: allison jean becoming emotional while describing to me the anguish that she was feeling, robin, while waiting for that verdict. this case resonating so much with moms, and particularly moms of color. i know in my own househield my teen son has had trouble with that videotape of george floyd's last moments and i found myself holding him tighter and watching him closer over the last year, you know, that whole saying that becoming a parent, your heart is beating outside your chest, feeling all so real for so many of robin. >> i'm sure, deb. i got to tell you, you and al have done a great job with nick. he is a fine young man. should be proud. >> thank you. thank you. thank you so much for that. >> all right, deb. you can see more of this story,

their painful bond, black mothers speak out together on their unimaginable loss. you can see it on goodmorningamerica.com. now let's check in again with ginger. ginger. >> good morning, robin. i got to take you straight to arkansas. this is rogers, arkansas, and they are even seeing spring snow? parts of the ozarks. fayetteville had their second latest snow on record. pretty significant. also 50 cities are going to flirt with freeze and potential for record lows, anywhere from texas up into the northeast so here's what's happening. a really powerful cold front. the severe storms this afternoon, like after 1:00 p.m. along the i-95 corridor from new york back through western connecticut and massachusetts down along the delmarva good morning. i am abc7 news meteorologist mike nico. it will be brighter and milder with clouds and cooler weather clinging to the coast. mostly cloudy tonight. more fog, more drizzle in the

hills and along the coast. a significant cooling trend this weekend with significant rain coming sunday. 50s along the coast to now to a new study on sleep and dementia. highlighting the importance of getting plenty of shut-eye later in life and how too little can affect your risk for dementia. dr. jen ashton is here to break it down for us. dr. jen, a lot of people really listening to this one. tell us about this study and what it found? >> yeah, so, amy, we know people with dementia can have disrupted sleep. this was about the question of whether disrupted or inadequate sleep can then lead to dementia. so researchers in europe, they looked at about 8,000 people. they followed them over about 30 years and they found that the lowest rates of dementia occurred in people who slept on average about seven hours a night, however, if you slept

less than six hours a night, those people had a 30% higher associated rate so it's all about here the association and the observation, but according to this study quantity really matters. >> well, and 30%. that is a significant percentage. what about sleep recommendations for each age group? because it varies, correct? >> it absolutely vary, it's not one size fits all and said before sleep has a pr problem in this country. we think of it as a luxury, it's really a medical necessity so take a look at the recommendations, these are from the cdc. we need more than we think. if you're a school aged child, 9 to 12 hours, teenagers, 8 to 10 and adults at minimum 7 and, amy, here's the thing that's really important, you can't make up for this on the weekend so it really has to be every single night. >> wow. that is a bummer. okay. researchers talk about short sleep in this study contributing to mental decline.

what do we know about that. >> well, what we do know is you need to control the controllables so quality does matter as well. but you can take some steps. we call them sleep hygiene to really lock down your sleep. give yourself the best chance of getting a good night's sleep and those include things like keeping a good routine. we call this kind of your sleep hygiene. make your bedroom cold, dark and quiet. remove anything with a screen, get exercise and definitely avoid anything that we know to be a sleep disrupter, caffeine, large meals and alcohol before bed. get rid of it. >> exactly and that bedtime reminder has really helped me. >> oh, yeah. >> jen, thank you. robin. >> you bet. >> i made it about a year ago a priority to get more sleep. it has made a tremendous, tremendous difference. >> my kids always make fun of me. i'm going to bed. it's 7:30. i'm going to bed. >> what time do you get up, right? >> yeah, exactly.

>> glad we had dr. jen clear it all up for us. now to a "gma" consumer alert. the new shortage of rental cars during the pandemic. a story we first saw in "the wall street journal." becky worley joins us with more on this trend which could get worse. becky, with summer travel, good morning. >> good morning, robin. when you book a trip, the order is usually flight, hotel then eventually reserve the car, not anymore. for this year, experts say book the rental car first. tina and her family headed to phoenix last month to celebrate her daughter's 30th birthday and booked a rental car but when they arrived at the counter, they say they were told, sorry, no cars available. >> i was very flabbergasted at, you know, the situation. >> reporter: ultimately spending $600 during the trip on hired cars to and from the airport when they only expected to pay $330 for the rental. >> what's the point of the reservation. >> if they're not going to give it to you, they should actually

somehow compensate you in some way. >> reporter: they are not alone. tweets about shortages and lines for rental cars hours long. in airports from austin to chicago to ft. lauderdale and those were just the people who were able to get reservations. hertz reporting its inventory below 300,000, down 42% compared to 2019. avis reporting it profitably disposed of 250,000 vehicles globally last year. >> rental cars had a terrible business situation during the pandemic so they sold off in some cases as much as half of their fleet. they sold off really more than 500,000 car, a lot of cars. they found a very strong used car market to sell into. >> reporter: but now as they try to replace those vehicles another shortage compounding the situation. >> you mix in the problems that the rental car companies have had getting new cars out of factories from manufacturers which have had to slow down because of a shortage of

semiconductor chips. >> reporter: we reached out to hertz saying we anticipate strong demand for car rental to last several months and throughout the summer and encourage customers to book as early as possible and at the same time they're making other traveler arrangements. >> i think the lesson i've learned is that i will make sure that i'm calling before to confirm and making sure that our reservation is going to be there. >> reporter: other tips allocate extra time at the airport for getting the rental car, consider renting an off location and some recommended u-haul pickup trucks for their vacation. pulling up at the hotel valet in the orange and white truck is a statement. >> that is a way to get there. becky, thank you. yeo that olca.

building a better bay area, moving forward, finding solutions, this is abc7 news. good morning, everyone i'm kumasi aaron. we're getting right to jobina with track. hi, jobina. we are going to start with an update on crash we've been following for the last hour or so. i'm giving you the thumbs up. it has final cleared. it was on westbound 84 speeds are down to 8 miles per hour bay area toll plaza, eitherring lights on. and giving you pan overall view and giving you pan overall view of this is a no-nonsense message from three. small business insurance usually forces you to piece together multiple policies.

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hey there bay area, live is coming up. >> that's at 9:00 on abc7. all right. we're taking a look at your commute. it's going to be breezy and choppy from the bay bridge. this morning we got some low clouds. we had a little mist in the hills. tree pollen will be out of control today, tomorrow and the weekend until the rain finally

sits in. >> all right. thank you, mike. we'll have another abc7 news update in about 30 minutes bu ♪ a shot of times square right there. welcome back to "gma" everybody. we're celebrating earth day this week and one of the most spectacular places on the planet, an erupting volcano in iceland and with the country opening its borders to vaccinated travelers, we sent our will reeve there to bring us up close and get a little personal, will. how is it going? >> reporter: michael, it's going so well, man. this is literally a new tourist hot spot. this volcano behind me has been erupting for a month and as you look at our drone view above you can see why people have been

flocking here by the thousands. it's just unbelievable, that 2,000-degree lava. people hiking in and doing all this amazing, amazing traveling into this beautiful place in iceland. it's really worth a watch. this is why we're here. ♪ iceland's latest lava laced volcano located near the mountains, 20 miles from the capital of reykjavik erupting for the first time in 800 years. just over a month ago none of this was here but then that crater behind me erupted and more fissures have opened since. experts say it will keep growing and filling this valley for months and years to come. it's not easily accessible. you might wonder how do you get so close to a volcano? well, a helicopter help answer the fact this is an effusive volcano meaning that the lava does not explode but rather seems into valleys. since march more than 45,000 thrill seekers and tourists have visited.

some hiking more than 90 minutes from the nearest road to take it all in. >> we know they're going around and trying to find water while they're working around. they may be encountering one of these small ponds with potentially polluted water and these might be dangerous for them. >> i see a lot of amazing stuff in the world but this is the best one. you can see that it is alive. >> reporter: its natural beauty beckoning professional photographers, instagrammers and would-be chefs. there is even a volleyball game. ♪ you got to stay hungry ♪ >> reporter: and this music video by icelandic blues rock band performing their song "skinny" viewed more than 500,000 times on youtube. ♪ burn you all out ♪ ♪ yeah, whoo ♪ >> reporter: it is not easy to get here. you have to drive a bit and then you hike in. it is well worth it when you get here. you see that scraggly looking wall in the middle of that exploding lava. that just fell.

this is unbelievable. that's why you come here. that is why people are flocking to iceland by the thousands. you never know what you'll see. this landscape is constantly changing. it is unbelievable here, guys. >> definitely looks worth the trip, will. with this volcano, will it give us a window into what it's like on mars? >> reporter: that is what they think. apparently the tiny like microscopic biomes and organisms that live in icelandic volcanic, you know, situations here is exactly what they think could exist on mars. so there are a lot of similarities, not just in appearance here in this lava field, michael. >> will, what's the atmosphere like? the air, the heat, what's it like? >> reporter: it is -- smells a bit like rotten eggs. pthat tox from with these masks is very

smelly, but it's all right. it's hot too. if i turn around feel like i'm basking in the sun, that lava 2,000 degrees. that will warm you up. i want to show you quickly as i bend down here, this lava is really light. i was going to break this in half for you on camera but i broke it while i was waiting to talk to you guys. still pretty cool. >> will, i love your enthusiasm. you can see how much you're enjoying witnessing this. has there been something that's more memorable than others? what is the most memorable part of your experience? >> reporter: i mean, the whole thing has been truly one of the best experiences i've had professionally or personally. but i will say getting to fly up in a helicopter yesterday and to be above that and to see a bird's-eye view with this lava spewing is something i won't soon forget. i know you guys won't soon forget how to pronounce where i am. if anyone asks you what's that cool volcano in iceland, you say fagradalsfjall, i think. >> no, you say that. >> what he said.

>> hey, will, it looks incredible. it looks incredible and your description makes us really wish we were there with you, my friend. well done. >> safe travels back home. >> reporter: it'guys. >> thank you. coming up, we have big news from boy george and that's next in "pop news." ♪ you come and go ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ when it comes to your financial health, just a few small steps can make a real difference. ♪ ♪ ♪

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back here on "gma" we'll make time for "pop news" with lara. good morning, lara. >> hey, robin, good morning to all three of you guys and to you all. we'll begin with the original "karma chameleon," boy george. not only is he getting a biopic made about his life but he's using instagram to find the perfect person to play him. take a look. >> i'm looking for a brave young actor to take on the role of his life, and it will be brilliant. i want to be impressed to see you on the set this summer. i'll be the one wearing the hat. >> of course he'll be wearing the hat. the biopic is called "karma chameleon." it will explore his challenges growing up in an irish working class family and how he became part of the cutting edge band culture club. it is set to begin production

and given the success of "bohemian rhapsody" and "rocket man" he is writing, i am preparing my oscar speech. we can't wait. also in the news this morning, michael keaton confirming you're never too old to put on the old bat suit. keaton will reprise his role as batman in the upcoming movie "the flash" 30 years after his first turn as the dark knight in tim burton's 1989 film and he did it again in "batman returns." keaton is now 69 and will be the oldest to play the role and i dare say the coolest. "the flash" set to hit theaters fall 2022. i thought he was such a good batman. very happy to report that. we also have a tribute this morning. i want you guys to listen up. songwriting legend jim steinman who gave us this song -- ♪ i would do anything forove ♪

>> the man who wrote "i would do anything for love, but i won't do that," he passed away this week. his legacy lives on, steinman born in new york city and got his start writing broadway musicals which makes sense when you listen to his songs but we all probably know him best for his power ballads with meat loaf and other incredible songs he wrote like this one. ♪ baby, baby, baby ♪ ♪ if i kiss you like ♪ celine dion's "it's all coming back to me now." he's also the genius behind this -- ♪ every now and then i fall apart and i need you ♪ >> come on. "total eclipse of the heart," the biggest song by bonnie tyler. i know all the words to this one as well. i know you do too, michael. air supply's "making love out of nothing at all." ♪ out of nothing at all ♪ i mean, just the greatest. celine dion paying tribute on twitter saying steinman was a musical genius which i think we all would agree. yes, i wish we had our lighters

lit, you guys. she says working with him was one of the greatest privileges of her career. jim steinman was just 73 years young. rest in peace, my friend. thank you for the music. >> great music. >> so good, you guys. so good. with that, i'll send it back to you all in the studio. >> all right, thank you very much. those were literally all of my favorite songs. >> you were putting on a whole -- >> i know. i couldn't get my flashlight going because i was too busy dancing to the songs. now to a popular poet bringing words to new light. rupi kaur amassed millions of followers and three number one books on "the new york times" best-sellers and now she has a new special called "rupi kaur live." kaylee hartung has the latest.

good morning, kaylee. >> reporter: good morning, amy. growing up rupi kaur hated everything that made her different until she recognized what makes us different is what makes us powerful. now she's taking her power to the stage. it's a performance like no other. >> i want to apologize to all the women i've called pretty before i've called them intelligent or brave. >> reporter: in a new one-hour special, "rupi kaur live" taking viewers on a journey through love, heartbreak, trauma and healing. >> not because i don't think you're pretty, but because i realize that you are so much more than that. [ applause ] >> reporter: it's one skill to be able to write. it's another to be able to perform. how do you experience your poetry differently when you perform it? >> i feel like poetry has always been so physical for me. i feel it in my body. that's how i want you to hear it and experience it. >> i shattered into a million little pieces. >> reporter: but that confidence you see, that emotion she wants you to feel wasn't always easy

for her to project. >> i grew up painfully shy and invisible and i think that's a result of seeing my parents deal with the racism, but that moment that i hit the stage i feel like i st give voice tl of t things that i saw growing up. >> reporter: the daughter of indian immigrants her family found refuge in canada when she was just 4 years old. what responsibility do you feel to give voice to this south asian immigrant experience? >> i write for 15-year-old punjabi girl who looks out and doesn't see herself. i hope when she walks into a book store, she feels like she can be whatever she wants to be. >> reporter: rooted in raw emotion her unique perspective connects with a much broader audience in bite-size poems. of course, social media fame catapulting each of her three books to the top spot on "the new york times" best-seller's list. with that success came harsh criticism.

what do you make of the memes and the parodies and the critics out there who take aim at your work? >> there are moments -- and i think you never really fully get over it, but you learn that it's never about you. >> reporter: kaur wrote her latest book, "home body" about her struggles with depression and anxiety and found self-love in the process. despite her critics, rupi says she's determined to keep chipping away at the racism and the sexism she's encountered. her poetry empowering others to do the same and that's how she says we will build a world that we want to live in. "rupi kaur live" will premiere april 30th on the "veep" platform. amy? >> thank you kaylee. we're going to head over to ginger now. hey, ginger. >> reporter: hey, amy.

tomorrow is earth day and our friends at national geographic are getting the celebration started early. tonight with earth day eve 2021. a virtual celebration. there will be an epic countdown concert that includes some amazing performers and stories about the beauty of our planet at 8:30 p.m. eastern. you can check it out on the national geographic youtube channel and natgeo.com. we'll have increasing clouds through 9:00 and then they will pull back to the coast and keep you in the 50s s s s s s s s s >> i cannot wait for you all to se >> reporter: i cannot wait for you all to see this story. from gm to ford we know electric vehicles are the future and even with the current grid and infrastructure issues we have to figure out, they are better for our planet. we got one here in my home. i wanted to be part of the climate crisis solution, but then i realized i don't know anything about the new power and the battery i'm sitting on.

it had lithium in it and there is a white gold rush for lithium. an industry worth billions that could boost our economy, but at what cost to our planet? the critical element that powers our fast and loud world comes from some of the quietest most desolate land on earth. the mojave desert in nevada. here at silver peak they're not mining rock. they're farming lithium. these brilliant blue pools come from wells that tapped underground salt aquifers. each nearly 500 football feels long are rich in lithium. now, once the original well is drilled it goes through a series of ponds, they look beautiful, very different colors there behind me, the sun and the arid nature of nevada here takes care of the processing. 18 months later, lithium carbonate. lithium is finite and we have to find a way to recycle it because

soon there will be a lot more batteries, ford and gm among the carmakers that are promising an electric slide. >> promise of a renewable industry we believe is important is the recycling of lithium. >> but that is something we need to work on big time in this country and the globe. >> yes. >> reporter: nevada isn't the only state that has some. california could produce up to 40% of the global lithium demand. we just have to find the technology to get it out. they could create $9 billion in revenue for this part of nevada but they're also endangering a very rare wildflower. >> only 15,000 of these plants more or less. >> reporter: this varietal is not known to grow anywhere else in the world. the buckwheat adapted to the lithium rich soil. it is an important balance and the wildflower is just another symbol of the debate between our energy future and our environment now. >> we absolutely need to do it right and right now those impacts are being offshored to

distant countries. do we need to do it in america? we need to ask those hard questions about what sacrifices will we make? our advocacy to protect this wildflower here does not mean we're trying to avoid those hard questions. >> reporter: in nevada itself there are two open pit mines planned. we're going to be watching those but only 5% of lithium ion batteries are recycled the right way so that has to change but lithium is different than fossil fuel because it can be reused. we just have to make sure we do it right. you can see so much more of that piece and more on "it's not too late," an earth day special i'm hosting on hulu and abc newslive this thursday, 8:00 p.m. eastern time. coming up here on "gma," the karate star hoping to kick off his olympic debut with a gold medal. ♪ pump it louder ♪

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we're back now with the olympic hopeful who beat the odds to become a karate superstar. ariel torres succeeded in karate and now he's hoping to make his olympic dream come true. take a look. when karate makes its olympics debut one usa hopeful may be 23-year-old ariel torres. born in cuba, he and his family came to the u.s. when he was only 4 years old. settling down in miami. at 6 years old doctors told his parents he was hyperactive and suggested picking up a sport. but money was often tight for the family. >> i went to karate and i loved it. we couldn't afford competitions. we couldn't really travel to these competitions. i understood. >> reporter: but with the help of donations and a lot of perseverance, he went on to win many competitions. >> my mom and my dad said, you see, money doesn't really determine your work ethic so just follow your dream. >> reporter: he credits his

success.ster for much of his - >> i'm so proud of her because given the opportunities we were given and the obstacles that we had to overcome, she's one of the biggest inspirations in my life. >> reporter: the karate kid is all grown up now traveling the world. >> look at the buildings. just, whoa. >> reporter: competing for titles, sharing his journey with his thousands of fans on youtube. >> look at that. we're here at the olympic training center. i never stop having that dream of the olympics and i feel like every day i get up and go to the dojo and i work. >> reporter: while the games are still a few months away, ariel already won a spot on team milk as a spokesman for our sponsor milk who chose him to be a part of their got milk campaign. >> milk has all the nutrients i believe i need for my karate and

my performance, i feel like when i drink it i'm okay, i can train for long periods of time and it's a huge part of my recovery. >> reporter: now poised to make team use, he would compete in the original discipline. but no matter what happens ariel is already a winer. >> my parents were fighting for me to make something of my life and with karate i've been able to chase that dream. >> good luck, ariel. we are rooting for you and we'll be right back on "good morning america." "gma's" going for the gold is sponsored by got milk. is sponsored by got milk. fueling champions since 776 b.c. mom needs help but, she doesn't want to move. we're mostly concerned about her safety. she's already had a couple of falls. we had this joke, 'oh, that's a senior moment, right?' but it wasn't. home care with an entire support team. she could live independently and do her own thing. and get really good, specialized care.

and i could just be her daughter again.

one more look at that volcano in iceland. what an incredible morning. thanks for watching and have a great day, everyone. one. someday, looking back on the pandemic, you'll want to be proud to say i did everything i could. i found the strength. i looked out for everyone. i did what i could to keep my family safe. i will say, i did my part.

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building a better bay area, moving forward, finding solutions, this is abc7 news. good morning, everyone. i'm kumasi aaron with abc7 morning. jobina is standing by with traffic. hi, jobina. we are still looking at the bay bridge toll plaza the backup is starting to slowly go away there, which is good news. not the same story for the richmond san rafael bridge westbound. it will be slow snl you get to the center park of the bridge. we are finally seeing that backup go away on westbound 84 and 680 where we had that head- on crash. hi, mike. it's milder around the bay and inland, still cool at the coast. we got good healthy air quality at left through saturday. sunday, look at this, a up with

on the storm impact scale. kumasi? >> now is >> announcer: it's "live with kelly and ryan!" today, news anchor and journalist, anderson cooper. les, the surgeon general of the united states. also, our movie love continues when we check out our viewers pictures with oscar nominees and winners. all next on "live!" ♪ ♪ [cheers and applause] and now, here are kelly ripa and ryan seacrest! [cheers and applause] ♪ ♪ >> kelly: i like our dance party. >> ryan: i know. >> kelly: yeah. come on. >> ryan: i don't really sit in there. good morning, kelly