>> right now in america this morning, monster waves wild scenes in california as a storm slams the coast. waves topping 30ft, sweeping people off their feet, flooding coastal towns. what to expect today and the nationwide travel forecast. >> another state decides to kick former president trump off the presidential primary ballot. maine now joining colorado. the

response overnight from the trump campaign and our experts weigh in. >> the safety alert from boeing, a new warning about possible loose bolts on a certain model of plane with a checkered past. >> fired over adult videos, the university chancellor speaking out after losing his job for reportedly making videos with his wife, are the videos free speech caught on camera? >> a hospital emergency as a beaver breaks into the lobby, we hear from the first responders and later the top cities in the u.s. to ring in the new year. >> new york city is not number one. plus, why this new year is especially popular for tying the knot. >> from abc news in new york. this is america this morning. >> good friday morning, everyone. i'm andrew dymburt. >> good morning to you. i'm rhiannon ally. we want to begin with dramatic scenes along the coast of california. >> a storm sending huge waves crashing into coastal towns, flooding streets and sweeping

people off their feet. morning, massive surf bringing danger and destruction to california's coast. this rogue wave in ventura sweeping onlookers away, pushing some people 50 yards down the street at least eight people were taken to the hospital. it only takes one for you to be washed out. >> we will not be able to rescue you if you go out. >> storms brewing in the pacific producing waves more than 30ft high. oh my god. slamming the coast from san diego up to san francisco. officials warning people flocking to see the impressive water show to stay away and be alert if you turn your back for even a split second, you can be knocked over, swept away. as of last night, more than a dozen rescues were reported, even this lifeguard was nearly swept away, civilians stepping in to help. evacuation orders were issued for several coastal towns, including stinson beach. >> we're asking everyone to get out of there. our objective is

life, property, environment in that order. >> lower lying areas, seeing significant damage, security cameras captured the moment water inundated this restaurant south of san jose and at this beachside hotel in ventura, water bursting through the glass doors sounded like an earthquake and the water started flooding in, pushed the door open. >> i was up to my knees in water. >> in capitola, city officials installed sand barriers, but they did little to help. jeff lantis helped block us a bit, but one day is all it takes for this to be cleared out after high surf back in january forced him to close for six months, high waves hitting his bar once again. it'll take at least a month to repair. >> i would think. >> with more high surf expected, crews rolled out heavy equipment to reinforce sand barriers to hopefully prevent more damage, more high surf is expected there tomorrow. we'll check your full forecast in just a few moments. the other big story of the morning is the race for president. >> another state has decided to ban former president trump from the ballot this time it's maine.

here's abc's rachel bade for the second time this month a us state booting former president donald trump from the ballot, citing the constitution's insurrection clause. >> attorneys representing a republican, a democrat and an independent cited the civil war era provision as justification for kicking mr. trump off the ballot. >> we believe former president trump on january 6th engaged in an insult action against the constitution of the united states and under section three of the 14th amendment that disqualifies him from holding the office of the presidency and president trump's legal team, citing other secretaries of state who passed on removing him from the ballot, all of whom have been asked to engage in this type of an in a disqualification in every administrative official has has declined to do that for good reason. >> ultimately, maine secretary of state ruled the former president ineligible. >> when we looked at the weight of evidence, it became clear

that that january 6th was an attack not only on the capitol, on government officials, but also an attack on the rule of law. >> abc news contributor john katko, a former republican congressman who bucked his own party to impeach trump following january sixth, disagreed with the ruling. >> it seems downright un-american and quite frankly, i'm not a big fan of president trump. >> the decision follows a similar ruling in colorado, which has been stayed until the u.s. supreme court makes the final call. trump's spokesman stephen chung, blasting the decision, saying we are witnessing in real time the attempted theft of an election and personally attacking the maine secretary of state, a democrat, as a leftist. overnight california secretary of state announced that trump would remain on the ballot despite calls from the lieutenant governor to remove him. it all underscores the divide, even in the democratic party, over this controversial issue, rachel bade abc news, washington. >> rachel, thank you. presidential candidate nikki haley is now acknowledging that

the civil war was fought over slavery. the former south carolina governor faced criticism for failing to mention slavery. when asked what caused the war. instead, she spoke about the role of government and personal rights. but yesterday she tried to clarify her response. of course, the civil war was about slavery. >> we know that that's unquestioned. also the case. we know the civil war was about slavery, but it was also more than that. let's not forget that what came out of that, which is government's role, individual liberties, freedom for every single person, freedom of speech , freedom of religion, freedom to do and be anything you want to be without anyone or government getting in your way. >> haley also claimed the man who asked the question was planted by democrats overseas. >> israel has reportedly acknowledged using the wrong bombs in a christmas eve strike

on a gaza refugee camp. more than 80 people were killed in an israeli military official reports said. the munitions did not match the type of attack and caused unintended harm and more trouble in the red sea, a crucial route for the shipping industry. the us military says a navy destroyer intercepted both a drone and a missile fired on cargo ships yesterday by rebels in yemen, supported by iran. nearly two dozen attacks on commercial ships have been reported since october, when the israel-hamas war started. the leader of those rebels in yemen spoke to abc news and vowed to carry out more attacks to, quote, end the aggression in gaza. >> new concerns are being raised about a commercial airline with a troubled past. boeing is urging airlines to check for possible loose bolts on its 737 max jets. that's the same model that was grounded after two deadly crashes in 2018 and 2019, the faa says the new issue may affect the plane's rudder control system. >> we turn now to the amazon

delivery worker claiming that race played a role in a fight that she caught on camera. she says she was just following instructions when the violence erupted. here's abc's andrea fujii this morning. >> an amazon delivery driver says she was harassed while dropping off a package and caught it on video. >> we've had thieves here and you're a thief. >> jeremiah miller recorded a resident who initially let her into this houston apartment building to drop off a package, but when she got off the elevator, the resident started accusing her of being a thief. >> don't touch me! excuse me. let me. excuse me. please don't touch me. >> miller says she was wearing her amazon vest and followed the delivery instructions to bring it to the apartment door, but the woman insisted she take it to the front desk. >> i do think that because i'm a dark skinned black woman with lots, um, i yeah, i fit the bill of what she could potentially think a thief or a criminal looks like. so i think that's

all that mattered. >> as miller got closer to the apartment door, she says the woman got aggressive. >> excuse me. you're she's attacking me. please she attacking me? >> miller says the woman was actually hitting her. a doorman eventually came up and calmed the situation, allowing miller to leave. miller filed a police report, but claims authorities have been slow to respond. houston police say they've reached out to the apartment building to identify the woman, who allegedly assaulted the driver, but have notrillioneceived that information from the complex yet miller says she wants justice. >> i want them to be treated like anyone else who violently assaults someone would be treated. i think that they are definitely being treated with kid gloves. >> it is that building's policy to have packages delivered to the front desk. but miller says she didn't know that. amazon says it is working with law enforcement on the case. rhiannon andrew andrea. >> thank you. let's turn now to a look at your friday weather

so a new storm system is battering the west coast after some areas saw 35 foot waves. today the rain will start in the pacific northwest and reach san francisco by this afternoon. up to two inches of rain could fall in some areas, while mountain areas will probably see up to a foot of snow. the storms will also bring heavy rain down into los angeles by tomorrow morning, impacting holiday travel high temperatures in l.a. will be in the mid 60. elsewhere today, 40s in the northern plains 50s for much of the northeast, east coming up, the vegetables was launched into space overnight. >> also ahead, spirit airlines takes new action after putting a six year old on the wrong flight before christmas. >> and gypsy rose blanchard walks free. the woman, who says she killed her abusive mother, which she's n

and liftoff of a new mission cloaked in secrecy rose from the kennedy space center last night. >> an unmanned military plane, helped by a spacex rocket, took off for space. it also carried vegetables, including cauliflower and peppers, so that scientists can study how extended time in space affects human food. >> spirit airlines has fired a gate agent for putting a six year old boy on the wrong flight. the boy was flying alone from philadelphia to his grandmother's house in fort myers, florida, last week, but he was put on a flight to orlando, which is 160 miles away. >> now, to the story of gypsy rose blanchard walking free after murdering her mother, the woman she claims forced her to pretend she was seriously ill as part of a scam. this morning, gypsy rose blanchard is a free woman seen here in a new york

post photo. after spending eight years in prison for her role in her mother's murder in 2015, gypsy's mother, claudine dee dee blanchard, was found brutally stabbed in their home. gypsy was 23 at the time and her boyfriend were charged with murder before the murder, gypsy appeared to have debilitating medical conditions which confined her to a wheelchair. she and her mother appeared inseparable, dee dee, playing the role of doting mother. but during the investigation, it was revealed gypsy had been a victim of munchausen by proxy syndrome, a form of child abuse in which a guardian exacts, creates or induces illness in a child to garner attention and sympathy. >> what medical conditions did you believe you suffered from? >> um, leukemia, asthma, both vision and hearing impaired muscular dystrophy and seizures. >> gypsy claimed at her trial that her mother had forced her to undergo 30 unnecessary surgeries through the scheme. the blanchards received

charitable donations that included trips, concert tickets, even this home from habitat for humanity, dee dee would never allow gypsy to come stay with me because she was so sick and it was all a lie. >> it was. it was all fake. >> gypsy convinced her boyfriend at the time, nick godejohn, to kill her mother as she slept. gypsy was sentenced to ten years in prison. go to john was sentenced to life. i feel like i'm freer in prison than with living with my mom, because now i'm allowed to just live like a normal woman. in an interview with people magazine before her release from prison yesterday, gypsy said she now regrets her mother's killing, saying she didn't deserve that. she deserved to be where i am sitting in a prison doing time for criminal behavior. gypsy is now married to a teacher. they married in prison last year, coming up, a dispute over the seats at amc movie theaters also ahead, a university chancellor is fired after appearing in a video raising the question is video raising the question is free speech ♪

my name is josh sanabria and i am the owner at isla veterinary boutique hospital. i was 5...6 years of age and i knew i was going to be a vet. once alexandra called me to let me know that bank of america had approved my loan... it was important to me. we not only just provide the financing piece, we do everything that we can to surround them with the right people. all you need is a perfect, amazing team that will guide you through the right steps to be successful. and that's what bank of america was for me. with nurtec odt, i can treat a migraine when it strikes and prevent migraine attacks, all in one. don't take if allergic to nurtec. allergic reactions can occur, even days after using. most common side effects were nausea, indigestion, and stomach pain. ask about nurtec odt.

when moderate to severe ulcerative colitis takes you off course. put it in check with rinvoq, a once-daily pill. when i wanted to see results fast, rinvoq delivered rapid symptom relief and helped leave bathroom urgency behind. check. when uc tried to slow me down... i got lasting, steroid-free remission with rinvoq. check. and when uc caused damage rinvoq came through by visibly repairing my colon lining. check. rapid symptom relief... lasting steroid-free remission... ...and the chance to visibly repair the colon lining. check, check, and check. rinvoq can lower your ability to fight infections, including tb. serious infections and blood clots, some fatal; cancers, including lymphoma and skin cancer; death, heart attack, stroke, and tears in the stomach or intestines occurred. people 50 and older with at least 1 heart disease risk factor have higher risks. don't take if allergic to rinvoq as serious reactions can occur. tell your doctor if you are or may become pregnant. put uc in check and keep it there with rinvoq. ask your gastroenterologist about rinvoq and learn how abbvie can help you save.

gastroenterologist about rinvoq and learn how abbvie can help you save. >> we are back now with a dramatic end to a standoff on this houston highway. police using a machine to rip open the side of that truck to arrest the driver. they say it refused to pull over and it stopped and sat in his truck blocking traffic for three hours. >> amc is apologizing after a civil rights leader was kicked out of a movie theater in north carolina. the police were called when bishop william barber got into a dispute with staff for bringing his own chair to the disabled section. barber says he suffers from a type of arthritis that requires a special chair. he accused the theater of not being fair to people with disabilities. now to wisconsin, where a university chancellor has lost his job and it's all because of an adult video this morning, a university chancellor in wisconsin is fighting back after being fired in a dispute over videos he reportedly made with his wife, the milwaukee journal sentinel reports. >> doctor joe gallo, who ran the

university of wisconsin lacrosse post videos with his wife on adult websites and social media sites, and used pseudonyms publishing two books about their experiences in the adult entertainment industry. gallo releasing this statement about his firing, saying, i received no due process. i was not informed of the policy that i violated. the regents appear to be overlooking the fact that books and videos, my wife and i have produced are protected under the first amendment, as well as the regents own commitment to freedom of expression. but the head of the university of wisconsin system saying, in recent days we learned of specific conduct by doctor gallo. that is subjected the university to significant reputational harm. his actions were abhorrent. there already in the beginnings of their search process. >> so i'm sure this is adding another element to it. but it, um, they too are going to have to do some, uh, reflection on how to approach this. i'm sure. >> doctor gallo previously announced his intention to step

down as chancellor and return to a faculty position, but his boss is now asking for a review of his tenure status. gallo is on paid leave, the school says an outside law firm is now investigating the case in sports . >> the cleveland browns have made the playoffs. they put up 34 points against the jets in the first half last night. the final score was 37 to 20. meanwhile, in the nba, it looked like the pistons were going to end their epic losing streak last night against the best team in the nba. they were leading the celtics by 19 at halftime, but then they blew the lead. they got to overtime. but there they lost 128 to 122. it's their 28th straight loss, which ties an all time record. coming up, the first woman with a net worth of $100 billion plus the top cities in the u.s. to ring in the new year. new york city is the new year. new york city is not ♪ ♪ a tiny pinch of knorr chicken bouillon will save you more gas than driving downhill. because just one sip of this delectable silky

chicken ramen noodle soup will put an end to your drive-through dinner rituals. it's time to bring out the cook in you and tell him to throw that glorious powder in that tasty silky combo of delightful carrots... (whispered): yummy ...luscious mushrooms, and a touch of bok choy. (whispered): good call. knorr taste combos. it's not fast food, but it's soooo good. ♪ ♪ why do dermatologists worldwide recommend la roche-posay? effective skincare like la roche-posay double repair face moisturizer delivers double-action to help repair skin's barrier and provide 48-hour hydration for healthy-looking skin. la roche-posay. the right age for neutrogena® retinol? that's whenever you want it to be. it has derm-proven retinol that targets vital cell turnover, evens skin tone,

and smooths fine lines. with visible results in just one week. neutrogena® retinol [♪] looking for better hydration at half the price? try curél ultra healing lotion. the dermatologist-tested formula contains an advanced ceramide complex, and provides 2-times more hydration at half the price. try curél. some people just know what road to take. those are the people who know to choose allstate. the service road is faster. gps: turn left. not happening. he knows better than any gps. and he'd point you in allstate's direction. go all the way down the road, past the big gray warehouse. gps: take the next exit. you're not from around here, so you don't know the back roads. i don't want to be late for the party. i'm gonna save us five minutes. some people just know what road to take. gps: you're on the fastest route. those are the people who know safe drivers save 40% with allstate.

countdown on sunday night on abc . >> it's time to check the pulse. we begin with the best cities in the usa for ringing in the new year. >> the new survey judged cities on prices, nightlife, food options and, yes, safety. new york city came in third place, in second place, san diego and the top city for new year's eve, at least according to the wallethub survey, is orlando, florida, an official new york dismissed the study, saying it's like comparing apples and oranges or rats and gators. >> rats and gators is better. i think lots of couples are flocking to las vegas this year. >> it's a big year for weddings because sunday's date is 1231 23, which can also be read as one two, three, one, two three. and some consider that very lucky. >> how about this if you want to celebrate the new year twice, get to guam. united airlines flight 200 departs guam at 7:35 a.m. january 1st, and lands in honolulu at 6:50 p.m. on

december 31st, giving you time for a second party before midnight strikes again. only if you're bold will the show send us. i don't think so. next, a milestone in the world of billionaires. one woman just became the first female worth over 100 billion. >> it's not oprah, it's francoise bettencourt meyers. her grandfather started l'oreal, which is, of course, the beauty care brand. >> all right. next, hospitals are used to emergencies, but not like this. >> yeah. not this. a beaver broke into saint francis hospital in tennessee, and the camera was rolling as the emergency call was made. >> fever in the lobby of the hospital is a fever. >> yeah? >> yeah. fever. >> oh, wow. if it's inside the. >> it's inside the hospital. in the lobby. oh, my god, that's so weird. >> let me see what i can do. i'll call the lieutenant. oh, maybe they can wrangle it and get it outside. i don't know, but i'll see if i can get you some help. >> how did it get in? >> they eventually carried the beaver out in a large bin. quite the tale. and finally it's all

he wanted for christmas. >> oh, adorable three year old arthur. >> just wanted some pickles and he got his wish. he's the jealous pickle. >> oh my goodness, she's got what you wanted. yeah, i got. what you wanted. yeah, i got. >> i got my. ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ i'm amber, i've lost 128 pounds with golo, taking release. ♪ i have literally tried everything. i was on the verge of getting gastric bypass surgery,

and i saw the golo commercial, and it was the last thing i tried 'cause it worked. the all-in-one and done symptom relief of mucinex is delivered fast with doordash to the comfort of your couch. slow down!... i mean (coughs) slow down! ahh! watch it! ♪ come on! a hero will answer the call... (laughs) you just have to answer the door. oof! that was fast. ♪ mucinex available on doordash. ahh! it's comeback season. y'all wayfair makes it so easy ahh! to create a home you'll love. it's the talk of the neighborhood. kelly! i just wayfair'd. -that's wayfair... saving time saving money. you wayfair'd your whole bathroom?!

even the vanity - when i wayfair, i wayfair ya know? oh i know. this is nice. another wayfair day! you know it. new couch in just two days the wayfair word is out. ♪ wayfair, you've got just what i need ♪ l've always wanted to do that.

[humming] during your pregnancy you'll take about 6 million breaths. two breaths as you get pfizer's maternal rsv vaccine, abrysvo.

the only maternal vaccine given between 32 through 36 weeks of pregnancy to protect babies against rsv from birth through 6 months. 6 millions breaths to meet your baby. know you've helped protect them against rsv. abrysvo is not for everyone and may not protect all babies of vaccinated mothers. don't get abrysvo if you've had a severe allergic reaction to its ingredients. people with a weakened immune system may have a decreased response to vaccination. the most common side effects among pregnant women are headache, pain at the injection site, muscle pain and nausea. in clinical trials with abrysvo, low birth weight and jaundice were reported more frequently than placebo. every breath matters. talk to your obgyn or other healthcare provider about pfizer's maternal rsv vaccine, abrysvo.

the final travel rush of 2023 begins today. now at 5:00. tsa expecting millions of travelers starting this morning and into the weekend, many hoping to make it home for the new year. >> our objectives is life, property, environment in that order from the bay area all the way down to southern california. >> massive waves flooding into coastal communities, leaving behind a mess. some people dealing with property damage, others with injuries. >> good morning to you. it is friday, december 29th. welcome to the five l weekday of 2023. can you believe that? >> i know we're starting it off with some rain, little drizzle, tt