'Start Here': ISIS brides, Trump fires back at McCabe, latest on Jussie Smollett

It’s Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019. Let’s start here.

1. ISIS brides in Syria

U.S. and coalition fighters have moved in on the last territory in Syria held by ISIS could declare victory there by the end of the week.

ABC News’ James Longman is near the front lines, plus he tells us about the so-called ISIS brides — some of whom are contemplating their future after moving to Syria to live in the caliphate.

2. Trump tweets

Early Monday, President Donald Trump lashed out on Twitter against former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe and current deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein.

In a “60 Minutes” interview that aired Sunday, McCabe said Rosenstein talked about invoking the 25th amendment to remove Trump from office after FBI Director James Comey was fired in 2017 — comments Rosenstein’s team reportedly said were made in jest.

“This was the illegal and treasonous ‘insurance policy’ in full action!” Trump wrote.

ABC News’ Mike Levine says McCabe’s claims have caught the attention of both Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill.

3. A threatening letter?

The two brothers interrogated by Chicago police investigating the alleged street attack on Jussie Smollett claimed they helped the “Empire” star stage the assault after he became upset a threatening letter sent to him at the show’s studio didn’t get more attention, a law enforcement source told ABC News on Monday.

Detectives have not independently verified the allegations, according to a source briefed on the matter.

Smollett’s legal team continues to say the actor had no role in the incident.

ABC News’ Eva Pilgrim tells us what was in the letter.

4. A tale of two speeches

Over the weekend, Vice President Mike Pence was met with silence when he brought up Trump during one of his speeches at the Munich Security Conference.

ABC News’ Rachel Scott tells us how former Vice President Joe Biden got a much warmer response in Germany, fueling speculation of a 2020 presidential run.

Other news:

‘He needs to tell his personal story to the American people’: Lanny Davis, Michael Cohen’s attorney, talks about his client’s impending appearances on Capitol Hill.

‘This “emergency” is a national disgrace’: Sixteen states are suing the president of the United States of America over his declaration of emergency.

‘The flood was a natural disaster. Stealing from FEMA is a man-made disaster.’: The West Virginia woman who called Michelle Obama “an ape in heels” pleads guilty to embezzling more than $18,000.

It took rescuers two hours to free his leg: An Arizona man gets trapped in quicksand at a national park.

From our partners at FiveThirtyEight:

Could Congress block Trump’s emergency declaration?: That’s a long shot — but we can’t rule it out either.

Last ‘Nightline’:

Behind the scenes with Oscars live announcer Randy Thomas: Thomas, the first woman to announce the Academy Awards, is set to return for her 10th Oscars.

How ‘BlacKkKlansman’ director, cast tackled story of black cop infiltrating KKK: Spike Lee, John David Washington, Topher Grace and the film’s inspiration, Ron Stallworth, discuss making the movie.

Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper discuss working together in ‘A Star Is Born’: “We had instant chemistry when I met him,” Lady Gaga said of Cooper, who made his directorial debut with the film.

The must-see photo:

Diana Juarez wipes away tears as she mourns the lost of her father Vicente Juarez during a prayer vigil outside Henry Pratt Company in Aurora, Illinois. (photo credit: Joshua Lott/Getty Images)

For more great photos from around the world click HERE.

Socially acceptable:

Visitors to Yosemite were treated to a view of a snow-covered El Capitan.

All right, you’re off and running. Get the latest news on ABCNews.com and on the ABC News app. Details on how to subscribe to “Start Here” are below. See you tomorrow.

“Start Here” is the flagship daily news podcast from ABC News — a straightforward look at the day’s top stories in 20 minutes. Listen for free every weekday on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, or the ABC News app. On Amazon Echo, ask Alexa to “Play ‘Start Here'” or add the “Start Here” skill to your Flash Briefing. Follow @StartHereABC on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for exclusive content, show updates and more.

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