The first time in more than a decade. You could see the statue of liberty . Yes. The view that will make you smile tonight. Good evening. And its great to have you with us on a thursday night. And on this 9 11, well show you the images from above ground zero in a moment. But were going to begin here with that breaking story. The brand new firestorm over nfl star ray rice. Weve all seen it, caught on camera, striking his now wife, knocking her unconscious. Tonight here, new details on what happened, and now one of the most powerful sports figures in the country, the nfl commissioner, under fire. Facing a chorus of critics. Abcs ryan smith leading us off tonight with new questions about what the commissioner new and when. Reporter david, thats right. Tonight, espn is reporting that according to multiple sources, ray rice personally told nfl commissioner Roger Goodell that he punched his wife janay in that elevator. That ail peers to contradict goodells statement this week that when he met with rice, the player was, quote, ambiguous about what actually happened. Pressure on goodell growing even greater tonight. Nfl commissioner Roger Goodell, under fire and under wraps tonight, as footballs top stars demand to know why. Were all held accountable for our actions. Certainly, every owner should be held accountable for their actions. The commissioner should be held accountable for his actions. Reporter goodell insists he didnt know the extent of the beating until tmz released the devastating video monday. But some players arent buying it. It could have been a better job done. Because if tmz could get it, why couldnt the National Football league get it . Reporter Anthony Davis of the 49ers, simply tweeting, byeroger. The nfl has asked former fbi chief Robert Mueller to investigation the situation, including whether the nfl received that tape months ago from police and ignored it. The firestorm growing as new details emerge about the assault. A Hotel Security staffer on duty that night, telling espn when janay rice regained consciousness, her first words were how could you do this to me . Im the mother of your kid. And then this. Rice at one point got on the phone after he dragged his then fiance out of the elevator. Theyre not sure who he was speaking with, but rice said, quote, im going to get arrested tonight. Reporter ravens owner Steve Bisciotti telling baltimore station wbal before tmz released the tape, he thought what happened in that elevator was essentially a drunken brawl. I was picturing her wailing on him and him smacking her and maybe her head was this far from the wall, and with her inebriation, dropped. So, why did i conclude all that, because i wanted to. Reporter regardless of whats on that tape, the Police Record is clear. Documenting saying rice punched his wife, quote, rendering her unconscious. Tonight, 16 women senators sending a letter to goodell, demanding a new Domestic Violence policy. If you violently assault a woman, they write, you shouldnt get a Second Chance to play football in the nfl. David, as for Roger Goodell, that investigation will be key, the findings expect to be made public when complete. Then all should be revealed. All right, ryan smith, thank you. We move on now to the other breaking story tonight, the extreme weather hitting. Rains so extreme, look at this. The roof of a mall in memphis collapsing under the weight of the water. This woman rescued in tennessee as the flood waters swell. There is also tornado damage coming in tonight. And look at the weather wall. Just this evening, a blast of winter cold. Temperatures coming down from canada now. And in some places, yes, the snow. The forecast here in a moment, but first, abcs senior meteorologist rob marciano with the pictures coming in tonight. Reporter a flash flood emergency today in memphis, tennessee. The Fire Department dispatching boats with rescue crews to pull people trapped in their flooded homes. This woman had to be carried to safety. The area in front of her home turned into a waterfall. Roads became rivers. Street drains unable to keep up with the huge amount of water. The rain so heavy it caused that roof to collapse in this memphis mall, flooding stores and shattering display cases. Up to eight inches of rain falling in memphis and nearby mississippi in just five hours. This same system swamped indianapolis overnight causing treacherous roads as drivers were left to guess how deep the water was in the dark. And that tornado that tore through the town of stow, ohio last night, tearing off roofs ckeye state. Down in the e of there were just all kinds of things flying around, and debris. Reporter and behind this storm is the cold deadwood, south dakota, blanketed by snow. Mt. Rushmore getting seven inches. Sunflowers and spear fish wondering where the summer sun went. Where is the cold going to tonight . To the south and east. We havent seen south dakota has not seen measurable snow this early since 1888. We have 12 states that are under frost advisories and freeze warnings. Denver, 33 tomorrow. 32 in rapid city. In denver, if they see measurable snowfall, that will be very early in the season. The cold front stalls out down to the south and that will spell trouble for flash flooding. Rainfall from texas up to the carolinas. Especially in the east, not where we need more rainfall. So, any additional rain could cause flash flooding. All right, watching the cold and the floods tonight. Rob, thank you. Were going to turn now to america on the move against isis tonight. It was last night, president obama making his case to the American People and to the world. Saying it is time to degrade and destroy isis, the terrorists who brutally killed those two american journalists. So, on this 9 11, what does it mean for our troops and our safety at home . I want to bring in Abcs Martha Raddatz tonight. Martha, you said this right here last night on abc. America clearly now at war with isis. Reporter indeed, david. The administration prefers to call it a counterterrorism operation, but just look at what we have doing day after day. Pounding targets in iraq and that will expand in syria. And those nearly 500 additional Ground Troops being sent to iraq, they join more than 1,000 u. S. Troops now on the ground in iraq and all of them are supporting the combat mission. A mission that is not without risk. The cia today estimating there are more than 30,000 isis fighters across iraq and syria, david. Martha raddatz, thank you. And all of us on this day, pausing to remember the heroism and the heartbreak of 9 11. These images from around the nation tonight. At the white house, president and mrs. Obama leading a moment of silence on the south lawn. A dramatic picture right there in washington. At the pentagon, those american flags on full display. In that field in shanksville, pennsylvania, u. S. Navy mechb marking the place where flight 93 went down. Amend right here in new york, a mother kissing the memorial and grave with her sons name. His life cut short 193 years ago today. And tonight here, a view of ground zero we cant seen before. We were invited into one of the new towers. I went down to ground zero with a survivor we have been following from the beginning. Her shoes a symbol of what so many went through that morning. And tonight, the view that made her smile. Florence jones after 9 11. One of the last 25 people out of the south tower. Chef was number 18. We have followed her every since. With her for that first trip to see the reflecting pools. Wow. Spotting the names of so many friends lost. This year, we went with her to the new 9 11 museum. Where inside, you hear those first reports. A plane has just crashed into the world trade center. Reporter americans from all over the country now visiting. Taken through that day minute by minute. This is florences coquote on t wall. If i didnt move quick enough, i was going to be dead. She took her shoes off that day, her boss carrying them so she could get down the stairs faster. In the museum, another worn stairwell saved from that day. But we were there to see Something Else. And there are the shoes. After years of keeping them in a box under her bed, florence donated her shoes to the museum. When you look at these, what do you think . I think theyre in the best possible place they could be. I knew they needed to be here. Reporter but this year, outside, a welcome sight. So, this is progress. A lot of progress. Reporter the First Office Building to open. 4 world trade. They invited florence and me up to see the view she hasnt seen in more than a decade. Oh, my god. Reporter this was your view. She could see it before we got outside. Wow. Reporter on the deck, almost as high as her old office in the south tower. As we point out the sights of new york, to the north, the empire state building. The one Vantage Point she remembers most. You could see the statue of liberty . Yeah. Reporter lady liberty. And hovering right over us, the new 1 world trade, the spirm at the top, marking 1,776 feet. The tallest building in the western hemisphere. We looked down and those reflecting pools. Amend right there with us, the American Workers putting the finishing touches on it. Maxine, who told me shes proud. There was p. J. From brooklyn. Helping america. Help build my country back. Reporter bringing it back. Bringing it back with jobs. Providing jobs and opportunities to thousands and thousands of people. That is the way that we have reacted to the tragedy of 9 11. Reporter but tonight, even as florence takes in that precious view, she is also remembering her friends lost. Were not forgetting. Were remembering the people and i think thats a good thing. Florence and america marking 9 11 and one more remarkable image at the end of the broadcast tonight. But we do move onto other news and a new warning from the cdc about that mysterious virus striking children. Now suspected in at least 15 states. The cdc now telling parents to be vigilant, as some american rooms fill up with tiny faces like these. Our dr. Besser meeting so many children struggling to breathe, putting on oxygen masks. These pictures coming in from the heartland. Dr. Besser is just back tonight with tips for every parent watching. Dr. Angela lum ba on one of the worst e. R. Days shes had. I want to make sure hes okay. Reporter frantic parents. Wheezing children. In the nine hours we spent at st. Louis childrens hospital, we watched this waiting room fill up. Penelope, her dad rushing her in. Still in her slippers. How old are you . 3 1 2. Reporter 3 1 2 . One thing you should know about this virus, it can come on quickly. We just noticed the fever today and coughing. She was coughing last night. Reporter 15 states now grappling with suspected cases of this rare respiratory disease. On a normal day in the emergency room, they see about 100 kids. Yesterday, they saw more than 200. The reason for that increase, its all the virus. Weve had some pretty severe patients. At least one, two, three, four severe patients with respiratory symptoms. Reporter over how many days . This is just today. Reporter after that coughing and sneezing, a struggle just to breathe. Hi, im dr. Besser. 2yearold gemm as parents noticed trouble first thing in the morning. Having trouble breathing . Yes. It started at this morning. Reporter by 6 00 at night, so many sick kids here, they once again brought in mobile care units. Emergency measures to help these little patients and their parents breathe easier. If you are a parent, there are two crucial things you need to do. If your child gets a cold and has any trouble breathing, take them to a doctor right away. And remember, this is contagious. Just washing their hands is the best way to stay safe. Got to be frightening for the kids there. Rich, good to have you back. Were going to go around the world tonight and to south africa now and judgment dale for oscar pistorius, on trial for the murder of his girlfriend. Tears running down his face as he learned he would not be convicted of murder. But his fate on a lesser charge still hangs in the balance tonight. And abcs matt gutman, in south africa. Reporter for four hours they hung on her every word. Oscar pistorius sobbing in court as the judge exonerated him of murder. Not enough facts to support such findings. Reporter the family of the model girlfriend he killed craning forward, but all of them left hanging. I will have to stop here. Well proceed tomorrow morning at half past nine. Reporter earlier, the judge hinting that she will convict him of a lesser charge. And she called his explanation of the shooting baffling. Still, the bladerunner striding out of court today, looking more confident. Oscar, are you feeling relief . Reporter and hearing cheers for the first time in months. We love you reporter and david, even if the judge decides to convict him tomorr tomorrow, because those charges dont come with any minimum sentences, its very possible pistorius might never spend a single night in prison. David . All right, well find out tomorrow. Matt gutman, thank you. There is still much more ahead on world news tonight this thursday. We are inside the car as police pull over this driver. Authorities say it is not drunk driving. Tonight, they say its Something Else. The new and frightening danger on the roads, putting your family at risk. Also, check this out. The dramatic picture lgs inside a las vegas casino. A pickup truck crashing through the glass doors. And take a look at this tonight whats wrong with this statue of jeremy lin . Something very wrong there in the center. And the one person, the one person, who discovers it. Im lisa and i have copd, but i dont want my breathing problems to get in the way of hosting my book club. Thats why i asked my doctor about breo. Oncedaily breo ellipta helps increase airflow from the lungs for a full 24 hours. And breo helps reduce symptom flareups that last several days and require oral steroids, antibiotics, or hospital stay. Breo is not for asthma. Breo contains a type of medicine that increases risk of death in people with asthma. It is not known if this risk is increased in copd. Breo wont replace rescue inhalers for sudden copd symptoms and should not be used more than once a day. Breo may increase your risk of pneumonia, thrush, osteoporosis, and some eye problems. Tell your doctor if you have a heart condition or high Blood Pressure before taking breo. Ask your doctor about breo for copd. First prescription free at mybreo. Com hatch it into a 100 realain we take a chicken. L egg. And thats what goes into our 100 real tasty treats. 100 real simple ingredients dogs love. Purina waggintrain. Real dogs. Real treats. Spressure points on my tired, achy feet. I had no clue i was putting this kind of stress on my feet. I have flat feet. I found this out at the free dr. Scholls foot mapping center. In less than two minutes, i got my foot map and my custom number. Im a 440. Im a 210. 340. That number matched the dr. Scholls custom fit orthotic inserts with just the right support to help relieve stress on my feet. Im a believer. Go to drscholls. Com for locations and save 10 next tonight here to what authorities call the new driving danger next to you on the road. Youve seen drunk drivers, but tonight here, a different kind. This year, colorado and washington becoming the first states to legalize recreational maern. And now that new concern on the roads. Abcs Clayton Sandell on patrol with the police. Reporter its the new challenge for cops patrolling colorados highways. Any marijuana tonight . I did have some of that, sir. Okay. Reporter drivers getting behind the wheel, stoned. Hey, you know why i stopped you . No. All right man, you are driving all over the place, okay . Hey, man. How much marijuana have you smoked tonight . Reporter police say the signs of drunk driving can be obvious. But judging marijuana impairment is tougher. Just one joint . Yes, sir. Reporter for now, police are relying on standard roadside tests. Foul local willow with your eyes only. Reporter there is no breathalyzer test and results from drawing blood can take weeks. Plus, seasoned users are less impaired with more in their blood and newer users are going to be more impaired with less in their blood. This year, Colorado State troopers have written nearly 230 citations for driving high. Compared to over 3,100 for alcohol. People need to know its a significant problem. Reporter dr. Christian thurstone and colleagues found that as marijuana has become widely available in colorado, the number of drivers testing positive after fatal crashes doubled. Valorie walton is recovering from serious inujuries after she was hit by a Driver Police say was high. It makes me upset because they dont realize that it does affect them. Reporter but different dud cities disagree on whether stoned drivers are actually causing more crashes. This driver failed his roadside test. Red eyes. Put your hands behind your back. Reporter and now could be headed for a different kind of joint. Clayton sandell, abc news, denver. When we come back here tonight, the dramatic moments in las vegas. Gamblers in the casino, when a truck comes crashing in. And look at this. A statue of a famous basketball star. But there was something terribly wrong. One fan spotting the problem. A lot more coming up here tonight. And heres whats coming up tomorrow night. Tomorrow, exclusive access. Sting just learning of that prestigious american honor. Now revealing his newest gamble. Fighting for american jobs. And his first reaction to that headline. He wont leave money to his children . Why work ethic matters most. David muir and our person of the week. How can i ease this pain . man when i cant go, its like rocks piling up. I wish i could find some relief. announcer ask your doctor about linzess a oncedaily capsule for adults with ibs with constipation or chronic idiopathic constipation. Linzess is thought to help calm painsensing nerves and accelerate bowel movements. It helps you proactively manage your symptoms. Do not give linzess to children under 6, and it should not be given to children 6 to 17. It may harm them. Dont take linzess if you have a bowel blockage. Get immediate help if you develop unusual or severe stomach pain especially with bloody or black stools. The most common side effect is diarrhea, sometimes severe. If its severe, stop taking linzess and call your doctor right away. Other side effects include, gas, stomacharea pain and swelling. Bottom line, ask your doctor about linzess today. Apples fall, but the apples of your cheeks dodefy gravity. Juvederm voluma® is the only fdaapproved injectable gel to instantly add volume to your cheek area. As you age, cheeks can lose volume. Voluma adds volume creating contour and lift for a more youthful profile. For up to two years. Temporary side effects include tenderness, swelling, firmness, lumps, bumps, bruising, pain, redness, discoloration and itching. Ask your doctor. Juvederm voluma®. Defy gravity. Why suffer more than you have to . You can do something different. Because the landscape of options has changed. Brisdelle is the only fda approved, nonhormonal option proven to reduce moderate to severe hot flashes during menopause. And the bedtime dose provides 24 hour relief. Brisdelle is not for everyone. Call your doctor if you have changes in mood or behavior, thoughts of suicide, or a high fever, stiff muscles or confusion, signs of a possible lifethreatening condition. Abnormal bleeding, bone fractures restlessness, vision problems, and impaired judgment and motor skills may occur. Dont take brisdelle if you are pregnant, taking maois thioridazine, pimozide, or are allergic to paroxetine. Tell your doctor about all your medicines like tamoxifen, triptans, or paroxetine. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, tiredness, and headache. Change is in the air. Its time to talk to your doctor about the only fda approved, nonhormonal option. Brisdelle. Our instant index, a dramatic moment on the vegas strip at a popular casino. A pickup trick smashing through two glass doors, stopping just before the stairs. No one was hurt. Talk about lady luck tonight. And we know hes got game but apparently hes got a sense of humor. Nba star jeremy lin, his wax figure unveiled. So real, but watch. Its really him. A practical joke. Lin startfuling the fans. Priceless reactions. No one saw it coming until mom showed up. Chef wasnt fooled a mother knows her son. And the first pitch at last nights red sox game. Thats joe brill on the mound. One year ago, he was at fenway in the stands. He suffered a heart attack. Clinically dead for 30 minutes. Paramedics reviving him. Last night back to throw out the first pitch. We loved it. When we come back, stay tuned. You will see something beautiful that will be in the skies over new york tonight. Protecting my future. Thank you mom r thank you for being my hero and my dad. Military families are uniquely thankful for many things, the legacy of usaa Auto Insurance could be one of them. If youre a current or former military member or their family, get an Auto Insurance quote and see why 92 of our members plan to stay for life. Feet. Tiptoeing. Better things than the pain, stiffness, and joint damage of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. Before you and your rheumatologist decide on a biologic, ask if xeljanz is right for you. Xeljanz tofacitinib is a small pill, not an injection or infusion, for adults with moderate to severe ra for whom methotrexate did not work well. Xeljanz can relieve ra symptoms, and help stop further joint damage. Xeljanz can lower your ability to fight infections, including tuberculosis. Serious, sometimes fatal infections and cancers have happened in patients taking xeljanz. Dont start xeljanz if you have any infection, unless ok with your doctor. Tears in the stomach or intestines, low blood cell counts and higher liver tests and cholesterol levels have happened. Your doctor should perform blood tests before you start and while taking xeljanz and routinely check certain liver tests. Tell your doctor if you have been to a region where fungal infections are common, and if you have had tb, hepatitis b or c, or are prone to infections. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take. One pill, twice daily, xeljanz can reduce ra pain and help stop further joint damage, even without methotrexate. Ask about xeljanz. Has a new easytoswallowe. Coating. So the nutrients for your eyes, heart and brain go down easier. For a limited time, get your fourdollar coupon at centrum. Com. Finally tonight, on this 9 11, one more piece of proof. A sign of the resiliency of this country after 9 11. What you see when you look up into the sky here in new york. When you visit new york city this time of year or when you live here, its unmistakable. When you look downtown you can see it, the new one world trade and the spire on top of the building, but there is Something Else that you can see. Those beams of light helping to fill the void where those twin towers once stood. That tribute in light started six months after the attacks. Returning every september since. And heres how they do it. 88 search lights, 7,000 watts each placed near the sight where the twin towers once stood. Creating two vertical columns of light, rising four miles into the sky. And on a clear night, visible from 60 miles away. Scientists say those search lights cast the strongest beams of light ever projected from earth into the night sky. Tonight, many of you at home sending us your images. Anthony capturing this one across the bridge in brooklyn. And this one, beside the train tracks in new jersey. And from overnight, the moon at the american flags and those beams helping us to remember. A moving sight on a night when we all remember in this country. Im david muir. I hope to see you right back here tomorrow night. Good night. Shes having the time of her life. English lit. Soccer. That boy in her study group. So how could i tell her im worried about my job and that it could mean a semester or two back home . Then i get her text. Deans list. And right there i made a promise