extreme weather, dozens of dangerous tornadoes touching down over the past few days with millions more in the path of a newly upgraded more dangerous weather system >> weapons of war. president u.s. navy war ships conducting military exercises in the arabian sea as tensions rise with iran. >> protests ov new anti-abortion laws are on the rise as a republican house member says the president committed high crimes and misdemeanors >> almost 400 graduates of moore house college will have their student debts erased by a generous billionaire >> an 8-year-old is miraculously found alive and well after being kidnapped while out walking with her mom. >> plus changing the status quo in hollywood how queet toe film maimers

>> "game of thrones" live up to the sky high expectations for the season finale? "early today" starts right now >> good monday morning i'm phillip mena >> i'm frances rivera. many communities are facing an upgraded forecast of high risk of severe weather today after dangerous storms had already ripped through the country tornado alley living up to its reputation with massive storm cells spawning dozens of tornadoes through america's heart land and more could be on the way. at least two homes were destroyed in giranimo, oklahoma after a tornado ripped through the area a path of destruction left behind, thankfully no one was seriously hurt >> heavy rain and powerful winds hammered central texas national weather service reporting four tornadoes struck that state meanwhile overnight severe weather battered the northeast this possible tornado was caught on ram ra above denver, pennsylvania >> let's turn to nbc meteorologist bill karins tracking it all for us

a busy dangerous day for some. >> life-threat we have. and now we're under what we call a high risk of severe weather. we haven't had a high risk in the last two yearso sie the last time we had one of these. that's that area of pink that's where the confidence is rye tornadoes, but strong tornadoes that are going to be on the ground a long period of time it's a matter of do they hit a town or miss the town. it's very dangerous. if they do hit towns, they could be strong enough to change the lives of the people in the towns forever. 19 million people at risk, it's this area of northern texas into areas of western oklahoma that is at the greatest risk. anywhere in the red still could deal with possibility of tornadoes. but from snyder to guthrie to childress, elk stit city, eventually oklahoma city it's all this afternoon and early this evening >> one of the most dangerous weather days >> of the year >> my goodness, bill, teg irnsns on twitter to never threaten the united states again

or else face dire consequence. it comes amid a military buildup in the reegion to counter an alleged threat from iran and prompted the u.s. to pull nonessential staff from diplomatic posts in iraq nbc's ali a ruse i has the latest >> reporter: in this game of brinks man ship tensions between teheran and washington have been ratcheting up and down moment to nome the last week president trump turning the heat up again, tweeting, if iran wants a fight, that will be the official end of iran never threaten the united states again. but with these two old enemies, as always, there are two competing narratives the white house says teheran is up to no good, and if they target u.s. assets whether directly or by proxy, they will be met with the significant military response. the counter narrative from teheran is that this crisis is entirely manufactured by the united states. a view that is shared with

varying degrees by u.s. allies in europe and wholeheartedly by russia and china now, even though iran is saying it does not want a war, it is saying it's ready to deal with one if it happens. this current climate puts us at a higher risk of some sort of military confrontation we may not be on the precipice of a war by design, but in the absence of dialogue and diplomacy, there is a danger of stumbling into somf conflict by miscalculation a ali arusi, teheran >> president trump is firing back in the wake of the russia investigation. he accused the president of impeachable conduct after reading the mueller report democrats cheered the move, though no other republicans backed the congressman jennifer johnson has the fiery response

>> reporter: michigan republican congressman is the first to say president trump engaged in impeachable conduct trying to obstruct mueller's investigation. and william barr misrepresented the report and the actions meet the threshold for impeachment. democrats backing him up >> i think it's a watershed movement there is now bipartisan support for really understanding the seriousness of what is in the mueller report >> he showed more courage than any other republican in the house or senate. but what may be pushing us in the direction of impeachment in ann a maximum obstructionismr: the president d back on twitter calling him a total lightweight and loser. republicans say he has been a frequent critic of the president and often votes with house democrats. others doubt there is enough evidence to go forward with impeachment proceedings. >> i respect him i think it's a kehri joncourages

statement. but to make a case for obstruction of justice you don't have elements. >> reporter: romney released a statement saying he was sickened by the president's actions amash came to the conclusion after reading the entire unredacted mueller report. jennifer johnson, nbc news >> women rights are in the political spotlight. hundreds of demonstrators marched to the steps of alabama's capital sunday in protest of the new law directly challenging roe v. wade. even president trump is distancing himself from the legislation, tweeting, he strongly pro-life with three exceptions rape, incest, and protecting the life of the mother nbc's craig boz we will joining us from d.c. with the growing backlash craig, good morning. the president's comments seem directly referencing the alabama law >> reporter: indeed. phillip, good morning. good morning, everyone that many ba bam law is a near total ban on the procedure

the president saying he's taking the same position on as ronald reagan, the three exceptions this is certainly front and center now on the campaign trail. we have heard from almost all of the presidential candidates. here's bernie sanders in alabama on sunday. >> it is not an exaggeration to say that banning legal medically assisted abortion and forcing women back into the arms of quacks will quite literally kill women. >> reporter: there are also some republicans saying that the alabama law goes too far and legal analysts are saying it may get struck down even before it gets to the supreme court a long time, we'll certainly wait to see what happens there a number of states, phillip, as you mention, have also passed strict anti-abortion laws in recent weeks phillip, back to you >> all right, craig. thank you so much. >> iy a rl suspect is also in

custody. and two local good s >> we have been checking parks all night, so this was the second hotel we had checked. me just decided that the back end of that car looked like a ford 500. >> those two men are being called heroes for helping crack the case nbc's kathy park has the story >> reporter: a parent's worst nightmare playing out on a neighbor's doorbell camera her daughter kidnapped right in front of her >> help me >> reporter: james running outside when he heard the screams. >> who thinks something like this happening in the middle of broad daylight this is shocking it wouldcknyone anywhere, right? >> reporter: 8 yoemd salem was walking with her mother in their fort worth neighborhood when police say 51-year-old michael webb pulled the girl into his

car, then fled her mother tried jumping into the moving car, but was pushed out. an amber alert with the girl's photo and the suspect's gray sedan quickly circulated two good samaritans spotted the car parked outside this hotel. >> assisted us 100%. they're our heroes tonight, i'll temperature you that >> reporter: 8 hours after the kidnapping, authorities broke through the hotel door, finding sub tax subatka with webb. >> this girl is going to be okay >> reporter: the girl with her family after the kidnapper faces a first degree felony charge police say the suspect did not know the girl or her mother. they added that the girl was taken to a tha hospit area to be checked out, but officers did find her in good condition frances? >> all right, karl-anthonithy, u >> bill is back with us with

life-threatening storms. >> the fuel for the storm, we're going to have the twisting of the motion in the atmosphere we call the sheer, winds in different directions, that's going to help spin these storms after they form. that's how we get this severe weather out break. the possibility of life-threatening storms. again, it's two rounds one early and the bad one is this aft in and around the new york city area a throughout the day today, southern kansas gets hit we'll take a look at the week ahead forecast coming up. today is the mostly dangerous day, but we have a lot of heat to talk about, too >> we're already starting to feel it. bill, thank you. a bitter sweet moimt in pennsylvania as the building that served for the headquarters of bethlehem steel company came tumbling down. it was a show piece when it opened in 1972

it stood vacant a dozen years after the steel maker went out of business. a $200 million commercial development is planned to be built in that place. >> it looked fine, too >> yeah. >> but out with the old, in with the new. just ahead, the comic book controversy for congresswoman alexand alexandria ocasio-cortez and queen la leaf a wants to rule the box office. ...there's febreze fabric refresher. febreze doesn't just mask, it eliminates odors you've... ...gone noseblind to. and try febreze unstopables for fabric. with up to twice the fresh scent power, you'll want to try it... ...again and again and maybe just one more time. indulge in irresistible freshness. febreze unstopables. breathe happy.

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what sore muscles? what with advpounding head? .. advil is... relief that's fast. strength that lasts. you'll ask... what pain? with advil. leading the news, a former 49ers assistant turned high school foot ball coach is being called a hero after tackling an armed student to the ground at park rose high school in oregon. 18-year-old angel granada diaz walked into a classroom with a shotgucoat he was taken down by keenan lowe he's a security officer and former wide receiver uil the 0 certificates arrived he never opened fire and nobody was hurt he is due in court later today >> a wooden monument near marjory stoneman douglas high school was set on fire on sunday

the temple of time was built in coral springs aso come and mourn 17 students were shot and killed at marjory stoneman in february of last year the ceremonial fire is supposed to symbolize the release of lingering pain belt by survivors and members of the community >> sabrina fultz on, trevon martin's mother is running for political office in south florida. her campaign for miami dade commissioner is set today. trevon was shot and killed in 2012 by george zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer zimmerman was acquitted of all charges. sabrina fulton said she hopes to do a lot more to empower communities and make them safer by running for county commission >> alexandria ocasio-cortez may be a legislative hero to some, but she's not wonder woman a correspondenting to d.c. comics, the publisher filed a cease and desist letter to devils due comics to a.o.c. in a

suspiciously similar costume it was cunanone of covers basedn the new york congresswoman >> still ahead, a billionaire's big surprise for college grads and a watch has ended. "game of thrones" stars say good-bye after a fiery finale. >> but first celebrating birthdays today, rapper busta rhymes is 47 today three-time nascar champion tony stewart is 48. facts of life actress, mindy cone turns 53 years old. perfect strangers actor bronson pico balky turns 60 years old. pop and film legend cher is 73 years old. yap yap yap yip licking, scratching, scooting, and rubbing... may be signs of allergic itch,may requ, prescription apoquel. apoquel has helped over 6 million itchy dogs get the relief they deserve. apoquel goes right to the source of itch to provide relief in as little as four hours! woof because nothing should come between you and your furry friend... ...especially not allergic itch!

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pete, this is my friend gray wom worm >> did you say your name is worm >> yeah. you know nothing, pete davidson. >> [ bleep ] >> you don't have to do a rap about "game of thrones" because it's the most popular show in the world right now. >> what are you saying, if i'm going to do an epic rap song it should be about a tv show i should like? >> no, you shouldn't do a rap at all. >> grace and frankie my favorite tv show is grace and frankie. >> it is a good show >> grace and frankie >> not the "game of thrones," but it is worthy of a pete davidson rap >> you've seen -- that's your show i watch "game of thrones." we all have it funny to see it is sad to see it go, gh of dg actress charlotte johansson is engaged.

publicists confirmed the news to the associated press sunday. this will be johansson's third marriage and joe's first 34-year-old actress was previously married to "deadpool" actor. so far no date has been set for their wedding. >> that is amazing good for them. congratulations to both of them. >> yeah. >> all right adds we mentioned earlier, alluded to the watch has ended for millions of "game of thrones" fans, hbo did air its finale last night. the nearly decade long series holds a special place in tv history and in the hearts of many and the starts they signed off in very emotional tributes the mother of dragons actors amelia clark said the show played a huge role in making her the person she is today, thanking her magical fans. sophie turner thanked her character sansa stark writing, a grew up with you i fell in love with you at 13, and now ten years on at 23, i leave you behind meanwhile, fans in russia celebrated the finale with cost players. they took pictures next to the

iron throne in front of the hall of faces very cool and under rated area there. the last episode aired in moscow in an arena. everybody, this was very communal event, you know tens of millions of people g getting together and saying good-bye >> you're going to be okay with it you're happy with how it ended >> doesn't matter. i appreciated how they did it. incredible the show is able to get us talking about something like that. >> well put. the class of titan at moore house college found out at their graduation ceremony they had even more reason to celebrate. >> we're going to put a little fuel in your bus in my family is making a grant to eliminate their student loans. >> so, did he say what i thought he said? so yeah, tech investor robert f. smith pledging to wipe out the debt of nearly 400 students. a representative of the college said the billionaire pledged to pay up to $40 million, which should be more than enough to cover all of the student loans >> wow >> smith urged the graduates to

pay it forward and do something that could ensure that every class has a same opportunity in the future this graduating class, can you imagine, with him as the speaker and him with that pledge, i feel bad for next year's speaker. >> right it was the best day of their lives, i imagine still ahead we will tell you ost queen latifah is giving a boto female film makers. you're watching "early today" on a monday ou need it. with licensed agents available 24/7. it's not just easy. it's having-a-walrus-in-goal easy! roooaaaar! it's a walrus! ridiculous! yes! nice save, big guy! good job duncan! way to go! [chanting] it's not just easy. it's geico easy. oh, duncan. stay up. no sleepies. it's geico easy. with advil liqui-gels, what stiff joints? what bad back? advil is... relief that's fast. strength that lasts.

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sorry, we're closed. >> on this day in 1993, an estimated 93 1/2 million people tuned in for the series finale of "cheers." nbc's highest rated broadcast ever >> that should show you the difference between media is now and then 93 million we make this huge deal out of "game of thrones," 18 million. bill, take it away >> today is the dangerous day in areas of oklahoma and northern portions of texas. as we go throughout this week, the story will shift from severe weather to heat. we're really going to get hot in areas of southeast full-fledged heat wave as we head into memorial day weekend some areas in the hundreds we'll be back. stay tuned own. ohhh. ahhgh. so imagine how we cheered when we found tide pods sport.

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fast forwarding into monday, democrat lori lightfoot will be sworn in as chicago's first black openly gay mayor, replacing rahm emanuel the former federal prosecutor is promising sweeping reforms >> president trump is in northeast pennsylvania this evening and will hold a make america again great rally in the town of montersville >> the final four artists will perform tonight, hoping to earn enough votes to win this season's crown >> now to a mission to change the status quo in hollywood, queen latifah's new passion project aims to create more opportunities for women in the film industry. nbc's kate snow has more >> rolling and action. >> reporter: haley elizabeth anderson and bmo nay share a dream of directing movies.

>> i caught the film making bug when i was 4 years old >> when i got into nyu, oh, my god, the film gods must have come down and really like given me the sign. >> reporter: they both made short films, but the odds of them directing features in television are slimmer >> we're really seeing an inclusion crisis behind the camera when it comes to females in general, but in particular women of color >> reporter: the usc a.m. enburg inclusion initiative analyzed the 12 most popular films from 2007 to 2018 and found 4% were directed by women, less than 1% by women of color. >> everyone is so excited about diversity and inclusion, but it's like how many people are actually putting steps forward to say, am i hiring folks of color behind the camera? like in every department >> reporter: enter queen latifah. she partnered with procter & gamble and the film festival to facilitate quill of color behind

the camera she's mentoring these budding directors, helping them with production, financing and distribution why do you think so many film makers are not women? >> i think it's because of status quo people are used to doing things the way they're used to doing them change can be uncomfortable until change happens >> reporter: when women are calling the shots, she says it changes everything >> these women directors get to hire women d.p.s they get to hire women grips they get to hire women who score. they get to hire women who operate cameras. to do a movie, it takes about 150 people so you're talking about 150 jobs that could be 150 women in those 150 jobs >> reporter: and for these two young directors, help from the queen has opened doors >> now i can say i have a film on hulu. the last few months i've been working in a different way i've been feeling more empowered. >> action. >> we'll remember and know those names when we see them in the credits. latifah onre more from queen

and a good monday morning to you, may 20th. a look at the radar there. as you can see, clear for this morning. this afternoon and later today, expect more of that rain. and a good morning to you. thanks so much for starting your morning with us on "today in the bay". i'm marcus washington>> i'm laura garcia. >> i'm kari hall. we have clouds this morning as you get ready to head out the door. the good news is we don't have a lot of rain. we will get a chance to dry out for a little while. campbell, 51. low 6 0s today, which is much cooler than normal. i am tracking the next storm set to move in overnight in the north bay and the rest