♪ this morning on "world news now," the struggle to keep the comey story straight. >> the white house staff laid out one narrative for the firing of fbi director. president trump took to network television to tell his version of events, setting up a scramble for answers later today. hear where their conflicting stories went astray. new details this morning on the trump administration's push for more border security. hundreds of criminals are under arrest as ice agents crack down on gang members in the u.s. illegally. later, the growing controversy surrounding the new series 13 reasons why. proponents say it opens an important dialogue about teenage suicide. how students at one high school are responding by reaching out to each other. and bulldog fever is taking hold. see why a statue in california has everyone breaking out the

selfie sticks. what is up with this bulldog? we'll try to answer all of your burning questions on this friday, may 12th. ♪ >> from abc news, this is "world news now." a fun little game watching of a little bulldog trying to get on the couch. >> so cute. we're going to have more on how the little bulldog did in that venture coming up. we're going to start half hour off with president trump slamming former fbi director james comey and contradicting his own white house. >> in an interview with nbc news the president called comey a showboat and accused him of leaving the fbi in turmoil. the president also acknowledged that the russia investigation was on his mind when he decided to get rid of comey, but he insists he still wants the fbi to get to the bottom of any election meddling. >> i want that thing to be absolutely done properly. when i did this, now i said i probably maybe will confuse people, maybe i'll expand that, you know, i'll

because it should be over with -- in my opinion it should have been over a long time ago because all it is is an excuse. but i said to myself, i might even lengthen out the investigation but i have to do the right tinge had for the american people. he's the wrong man for that position. >> the president also made it clear that it was his own decision to fire comey despite earlier claims by white house aides that he was prompted by the justice department. and the president also raised eyebrows by saying he directly asked comey if he was under investigation. abc's lana zack has the details. >> he is a show-boat, a granstander. the fbi has been in turmoil. >> reporter: in a major change from the previous white house narrative, president trump told nbc news he always planned to fire james comey. >> regardless of recollection, i was going to fire comey. >> reporter: here is what the white house said on wednesday. >> it is the white house's assertion rod rosenstein decided on his own? >>

now. >> sara, was it fair for the white house to try to pin the decision to fire comey on rod rosenstein? >> don't think there was an attempt to pin it on him. >> reporter: in the senate, acting director mccain trying to put another detail. >> said it is one of the smallest things on the plate of the fbi. is that an accurate statement. >> we consider it to be a significant investigation. that is not accurate. director comey enjoyed broad support in the fbi and still does to this day. >> reporter: one reason for comey's dismissal that has democrats and republicans concerned, comey's role heading up the russia investigation. that is prompting some who previously opposed an independent investigation to rethink the discussion. >> we have got to get rid of this cloud ove

capitol some people are also questioning the president's assertions that on three separate occasions fbi director james comey assured him that he was not under investigation. some here saying that that doesn't sound like the fbi director that they knew. kenneth, diane. >> president trump also defended his decision to go through with the planned meeting with top russian officials the day after he fired comey. that meeting was closed to the u.s. media, but a photographer for a russian state-owned news agency was allowed to snap these photos of the president shaking hand with russia's foreign minister and ambassador to the u.s. the president brushed aside any criticism about the timing of the visit. >> did you worry at all when you made the decision to fire comey when you did, the day before lavrov was here in the white house and the russian ambassador? did you think through the optics of the way this would look? >> i never thought about it. it was set up a while ago and, frankly, i could have

what difference does it make? i'm not looking for cosmetics. i'm looking to do a great job for the country. >> the president went on to deny that there was any collusion between his campaign and russia, and he said the russians did not affect the vote. meanwhile, some in the intelligence community have raised security concerns that a russian photographer with his equipment was allowed into the oval office, given russia's history of sneaking surveillance devices into u.s. facilities. president trump also says he might release his tax returns once he's out of office. in a new interview with "the economist" the president says, "i'm very proud of them actually, i did a good job." he also claims nobody cares about his tax returns except reporters, despite calls and protests from around the country demanding he release them. trump is the first president not to release his returns since richard nixon began the tradition more than 40 years ago. amid all of that talk of election tampering, the president signed an executive order to look into alleged voter fraud. the order

which could lied to voting irregularities. it builds on the administration's claim to look into widespread voter fraught. a six-week surge in an ongoing federal gang operation led to nearly 1400 arrests nationwide. the sweep is part of an enforcement effort started back in 2005. the department of homeland security says 20% of the suspects face immigration charges. a tense standoff in over in trenton, new jersey after nearly a day and a half. it began with a shootout wednesday morning that left an innocent man dead and several officers wounded. u.s. marshals attempted to serve a warrant on a convicted sex offender who failed to register. many law enforcement agencies were involved trying to get the suspect to surrender. finally after 35 hours he called 911 and said he was coming out. >> the suspect's tyler reese

surrendered peacefully, exited the residence and was taken into custody without incident. >> additional charges are likely but have not been announced. the bystander killed was a 56-year-old neighborhood resident and a father of six. he was about to become a grandfather for the first time. over in arkansas, a man sus spekded of killing a sheriff's deputy and two other people finally surrendered after a five-hour standoff with police there. james michael bowden is accused of killing the law enforcement officer after a traffic stop. he released a third woman he was holding a hostage before giving himself up. in yet another standoff, three louisiana police officers were shot after a violent car chase. the suspect had allegedly rammed police vehicles during the chase, then barricaded himself inside his house. he fired a shotgun loaded with bird shot. the officers were trying to serve a warrant for domestic abuse battery. thankfully their injuries are not life

>> second of four confederate monuments has been taken down. police and protesters watched the scene yesterday morning. workers wearing helmets and bullet proof vests took down a statue of jefferson davis. sunday day those on both sides clashed during removal of the first monument. the city has not laid dout a detail timeline for the last two to come down. it is called bull man with a bulldog. it is becoming the most popular spot for selfies. the picture began the moment the life size bronze sculpture was unveiled today. the donor says public art should put a grin on your face. >> i enjoyed the bulldog next to the bulldog looking confused. >> right. >> speaking of animals, it was not the running of the bulls but it was pretty close. >> there were other farm animals, namely goats and sheep on the course in

outran the two racers in the charity event. >> there were no bulls but there were cows actually. they were moo-ving along the course at their own pace. >> you oh, i see what you did t. they were moo-ving. >> some were milking the photo-ops. >> good for you on this friday morning. is it kind of taboo to drink milk instead of water? >> on the track? >> on the track. >> i suppose if you're a goat or a cow, it's probably expected. >> if i want to stop and milk the cows -- >> candace would be so proud. >> moo-v along, everyone. coming up, fresh reaction to a controversial netflix series. >> we have heard from many parents about 13 reasons why. what are students saying about it and how it portraying teen sue side? >> a teacher was s

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gr iraqi military officials say it is a matter of days before the battle of mosul is all but over. iraq's second largest city is the last major urban center held by isis. the militants are squeezed into a smaller part of the city. hundreds of civilians are escaping the city but thousands are tlapd inside. to a tragedy in ohio. an eight-year-old boy in cincinnati committed suicide two days after he was beaten unconscious by classmates. gabe tay was found by his mother in his bedroom after being told by the school there was no evidence of bullying. new

him brutally beaten in a boy's restroom. administrators followed protocol. a north carolina teacher is suspended after video emerged showing him using a racial slur. this happened in a suburb of raleigh. reports say he confronted the 13-year-old because he was among a group of students laughing in a study hall. the video was posted to social media. >> [ bleep ]. you in control [ inaudible ] slave. they were control by their owners. you're letting him control you. you're the one that [ inaudible ]. >> the seventh grader told reporters the teacher was making an analogy to say children should listen to adults. the teen's mother has pulled him out. the school district is investigating the incident. federal health officials have discovered a

hepatitis c. the virus attacks the liver and is spread mostly by sharing needles. in 2015 hep-c killed nearly 20,000 people. meanwhile, a new study finds hiv patients have a near normal life expectancy if using the proper judge. researchers say it could reduce the stigma, clearing the wait a minute for them to get jobs and medical insurance. they say the findings should inspire patients to begin treatment as quickly as possible. coming up in the next half hour, dozens of great white sharks were spotted feet away from the nation's most popular beaches. researchers reveal what could be causing the spike in sighting. >> the series about teen suicide. hear how students at one school are responding in a positive way next. ♪

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♪ controversy is erupting at schools across the country over the new series "13 reasons why" which critics say glorifies teen suicide. >> one high school in michigan where two students recently took their own lives, classmates are reaching out to each other in a brave new movement. here is abc's gloria riviera. >> reporter: the series produced by selena gomez. >> why didn't you say this to me alive. >> reporter: but leaves audio tapes behind for the 13 people she blames. >> it is hanna. >> reporter: today schools across the country are grappling with how to handle the show amidst a backlash. >> that popular netflix series, 13 reasons why and

department of education is worried. >> sensationalizing teen suicide. >> reporter: some asking teens not to watch. critics say the show glorifies suicide in part by suggesting hanna gets what she wanted. >> it felt like i was already dead. >> reporter: revenge. netflix telling abc news in a statement, we support the unflinching vision of the show's creators who engage the careful advice of medical professionals in the skrimt writing process. >> i would not as a parent advise anybody under the age of 16 or even 17 to watch the show. but i think they are watching it. what we need to do is talk to them about it. >> reporter: the statistics are sobering. for young people between the age of 10 and 24 suicide is the second leading cause of death. >> i think it is something that's gone through every high schoolers head at some point. >> it is something that's gone through every high schoolers head at some point, that's a pretty major thing to say. do you guys agree? >> yes. >> what do you think about the show. >> some parts i had to turn away becauset

>> when you talk about it was a lock to handle, like what? >> the ending part where she killed herself was hard to watch. >> reporter: here is oxford in recent years two young steeds taking their own lives, one after the other. shane reshak and megan abbott. in response to the show and in honor of them, a small group of brave students are taking a drastic step by broadcasting their deepest secrets in the classroom for the entire student body to hear. kayla, the volleyball player. >> this is the story of my life, more specifically how it almost ended. one day i heard the worst thing someone could ever hear, why don't you just go kill yourself. i thought to myself, would anything really change if i wasn't here. >> reporter: for 13 days one story shared over the school loud speaker. >> riley inspiring sciences. >> worthless, self centered, no morals, easy, grubby, cake face, you would be better off dead. >> reporter: they

project 13 reasons why not, singling out one person who helped them. kayla thanking her friend alexa. >> you to they day probably do not know your words talked me out. >> reporter: reaction was swift. >> thank god it was positive. i didn't get one negative thing and a couple of students texted me about their problems at home and it was the same story. >> reporter: for these students, the controversy over-13 reasons why "lead to a catharsis. >> this created a family on the stool. >> there's notes on the bathroom stall saying you're beautiful, you're loved, you're strong. there's a change in our culture in school that was much needed. >> reporter: a healing they say that could happen at other schools if students are willing to speak up. for night line, gloria riviera, oxford, michigan. >> what a great way to respond to a tragedy. tweeted about

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♪ all right. time for the mix. and, you know what? stop smiling. >> what? >> because it makes you look -- >> yesterday we did the whole story on how you have to smile more, right? >> look, a new study out of canada, out of western ontario, says a recent experiment found smiling in photos can add up to 3 1/2 years to your face. >> no. >> so old. young. >> so the duck face is the way to go? >> and the reason is because this -- it really squeezes your eyes right here. >> uh-huh, yeah. >> and it allows these wrinkles to really -- >> but then you look like a weirdo who is unhappy. >> this is my best face. >> yeah. you look like a guy i would want to hang out with. >> this doesn't scare you, right? >> how about this? is it better. >> you know what, g

run away. let's get to jerrold the bull dolg dog really quick. it is his birthday. he wants to enjoy them on his armchair. just one problem. >> what's the problem. >> can't get on the armchair. >> somebody help the dog out. >> he's probably still trying. poll kau. >> all the weather, all the scores, that's the world news polka. >> if you're an insomniac and a good night sleep you lack, do the world news polka. >> on pan joe and accordan the folks love every note. >> when we sing it sounds like a frog stuck in our throat. >> every anchor and frog. >> do the world news polka. >> dr. bun son, honey do, the sweetest chef and bigger, too, they do the world news polka. >> even

the dawn to do the world news polka. >> next time bring ms. piggy because i hear she's quite a ham. >> hope she didn't hear you, barry, or you're be on the lam. >> yikes. neighbors yell it is half past 3:00. >> tell them it is news to me. >> that's the world news polka. >> i hear they watch us in the swamp and think we 'all right. >> it sure beats croaking in the middle of the night. >> yeah. five whole days every week we're here with our troops and the world news polka. >> one more time. do the world news polka ♪ >> kermit, it was terrific. you played a great polka. >> thank you, sir. i am a tad polish. >> i get it, tad polish. >> yes. wakka-wakka. >> yes, fuzzy bear wrote the -- >> don't blame us, folks. ♪

♪ this morning on "world news now," the president sounding off on the now former fbi director and what led to his firing. plus, a new report on how the president tried to get comey's loyalty right after the election. >> a man suspected of gunning down an arkansas law enforcement officer and killing two women surrenders after a five-hour standoff with police. details of the hostage drama that ensued coming up. also this half hour, the warning posted up and down the southern coast of california. >> after more than two dozen great white sightings this week, people are being warned to enter the water at their own risk. >> the a-list celebrity throwing us some new love. here is a hint. better than sisco, even freddie prince junior. breaking news, a new friend of the show straight ahead in the skinny on this friday, may 12th.