a final toast to 2023. we'll take you around the world to see how people welcomed the new year

and we're tracking the trouble spots for travelers if you're hitting the road today. shocking allegations from one of the biggest shows from the early 2000s. paula abdul accusing "american idol's" executive producer of sexual assault his response this morning. new year, new laws from a sweeping california gun ban to minimum wage hikes for half the country we'll have the biggest changes going into effect today. and the packers end the year with a bang. highlights from the vikings blowout, plus all the action on deck for college ball today. and confessions on confetti. the secret wishes for 2024 that rained down on the country's biggest new year's eve bash. thanks for ringing in the new year with us "early today" starts right now good to be with you to start off the year i'm frances rivera and we begin with the new year's eve celebrations happening all around the world australia was first, the first country to welcome 2024. more than a million people turned out to the fireworks show

in sydney, which is about a fifth of that city's population. but of course here in the u.s., all eyes were on the ball drop in times square. hundreds of thousands of people poured into the crossroads of the world to count down the seconds to midnight. and during the broadcast, the president and the first lady shared their well wishes for america. >> well, my hope is that everybody has a healthy, happy and safe new year. >> be positive be optimistic, and be kind to one another. >> meanwhile, in france, paris celebrated the olympic games that they're prepared to host in 2024 officials estimate that over 800,000 people turned out for this light show and fireworks display. so how are we starting off 2024 with our weather nbc meteorologist michelle grossman is here with more on that happy new year, michelle. >> happy new year, frances and i'm happy to report we're starting off quiet no problems as we go throughout the day. the little problem spot would be the appalachians and also the great lakes. we have snow loving through.

it's a clipper-like system it's going bring a few inches to the highest elevations of the appalachian, but that is about it quiet from the northwest to the southwest, the north central states it's going to be warmer than average there. the south central states looking good as well a little front draped across the front. that's going to bring rain showers. but not much also looking good into the southeast. it won't amount to much. travel wise looking good as well we're expecting no issues in terms of the weather at the airports so looking clear today that changes tomorrow. we have a system that is going to move onshore in the west. it's going to bring heavy rain and snow that's going to slow us down seattle, san francisco could see possible delays and along i-5. south central states looking at really rainy conditions. houston could be a problem as well when i come back in just a bit, we'll talk about the rain and snow showers throughout the east >> thank you now to the middle east and the action yet by the u.s. navy since the israel-hamas war began

according to the u.s. defense department, four boats carrying houthi rebels from yemen fired on navy helicopters. the choppers fired back, sinking of three of the four ships and killing all crewmembers on board. the fourth boat got away the deadly incident started when the boats began firing on a merchant vessel. u.s. central command says the rebels were feet away from getting on board the container ship meanwhile, netanyahu who is pushing back against international calls for a ceasefire, vowing the war will go on for many more months, and netanyahu says the idea needs more time to rout hamas. this as israel ramped up air strikes in gaza. according to the hamas-run palestinian health ministry, another 150 were killed in the last 24 hours. but a rare piece of good news for the spiraling humanitarian crisis israel says it is ready to let european nations deliver aid to gaza by sea. california will begin this year with major new action on guns

the state is implementing a new law banning the carry of firearms in most public places, including parks, playgrounds, and zoos the law, signed by governor gavin newsom in september is facing legal challenges over its constitutionality. on saturday, a federal appeals court put a hold on a december ruling from a district court that would have blocked the law, allowing it to take effect today. now the shocking new allegations from behind the scenes at "american idol." former host paula abdul accusing the show's top producer of sexual assault and harassment. dana griffin has this report but first, a warning, some of the details are graphic. >> i'm really going to enjoy myself this evening. >> reporter: former "american idol" and "so you think you can dance" judge paula abdul is accusing producer nigel lithgow of sexual assault. >> are you dating anybody at the moment >> why are you asking me that? ♪ do you really want to love me

forever ♪ >> reporter: the grammy award winning singer, dancer and actor says the saumts happened in the early 2,000s and again in 2015 the 61-year-old says lithgow shoved her against the wall of an elevator, grabbed her genitals and breasts and began shoving his tongue down her throat following the alleged assault, abdul says she told one of her representatives but ultimately decided not to take action for fear that lithgow would have her fired from "american idol. it also alleges abdul was discriminated against in terms of judges compensation >> welcome to so you think you can dance. >> reporter: the second alleged assault happened in 2015 abdul says lithgow invited her to his home and forced himself on top of her and attempted to kiss her while proclaiming the two would make an excellent power couple >> you make me so proud. >> reporter: lithgow responding to the allegations in a

statement saying while paula's history of erratic behavior is well-known, i can't pretend to understand why she would file a lawsuit that she must know is untrue, but i can promise i will fight this appalling smear with everything i have. so these claims date back to the early 2000s. why file a suit today? >> because under california law, which is revived the statute of limitations in some sex assault and harassment cases, any claims that predate 2009, she needs to file bied today. to take legal action against the hollywood power player dana griffin, nbc news let's turn now to more laws that are going into effect in states across the country. the law has been revised in illinois so police can no longer perform a stop or a search solely because something is hanging from a mirror. a sponsor of the new law says the original policy resulted in racial profiles. starting today, colorado

becomes one of a dozen states banning so-called ghost guns the new law bans firearms that are assembled at home or 3d-printed without serial numbers. and a new connecticut law requires online dating services to provide information about safety and scams and offer users ways to report threats and harassment millions of americans are getting a raise today. minimum wage is going up in half of all u.s. states but for business owners, it means more expense with some already planning to lay off workers. our sam brock has more >> reporter: after years of fighting for a higher wage floor in cities across the country, the new year is going to bring a new paycheck for millions of americans, with about half of all states and the district of columbia either raising the minimum wage on january 1 or at some point during the year hawaii's increase will be the largest. while washington will have the highest minimum wage of any state at more than $16 an hour

but it's california and fast food workers like anisha williams who are seeing the most seismic changes after years of struggles. >> i have to pick and choose between rent, groceries, and livelihood. >> reporter: now the golden state's minimum wage jumps to $16 at the beginning of the year and for fast food worker, it rises to 20 in april the mother of six, williams says that is definite progress. >> we protested every which way to prove our point. >> reporter: but businesses are reacting, especially in california where several pizza hut franchise owners will reportedly lay off more than a thousand drivers statewide and rely instead on companies like doordash for mom and pop shops like frankie's pizza in old towne sacramento, the owner tells us the wage hike will mean longer hours for him you. saying you would hire more employees, but because of the rate hike, that is no longer an option >> i cannot do it.

i can't. i mean, who is going to pay it i mean, i wouldn't be able to afford to do it. i have to work longer hours to compensate for that. >> reporter: this new reality for many businesses coming as 20 states still rely on the decades' old federal minimum wage of $7.25, in place since 2009, while workers like williams see new opportunities >> so many people doubting us. and sometimes i can't even believe it, you know and i'm just so -- i'm so happy. >> reporter: sam brock, nbc news >> parts of the country are kicking off the year with some snowstorms let's check back in with nbc meteorologist michelle grossman to look at that, and hopefully there are places people want to ski. they'll get snow. >> unfortunately, most of us are quiet. and out west really very quiet we're looking at snow in portions of the appalachians so the highest elevations could see some snow. also looking at snow moving through the great lakes. as it moves to the east, we're

going see it turn into rain. rain showers for the midatlantic by this afternoon. this won't amount to much. it will be pretty. could see a few inches in the highest elevations this is what it looks like, a clipper-like system. so it's starved of moisture. it will move quickly dallas. 53 in san angelo 62 in san antonio. oh, sorry, guys. frances, that's your monday forecast >> you got it. thank you so much. turning to a changing of the guard in europe. the continent's longest serving monarch, queen margrethe of denmark announced sunday she would be abdicating her position later this month in her new year's address, the queen said now is the right time

to hand the throne to her son, crown prince frederik. the queen said she'll step down on january 14th. prince fredrik's coronation day has yet to be announced. we'll be back in 60 seconds with the stories that had everyone talking in 2023 and swift victory. the chiefs rally to beat the bengals and take the ac west for the eighth time in a row . start your day with nature made. the #1 pharmacist recommended vitamin and supplement brand. i'm adding downy unstopables to my wash. now i'll be smelling fresh all day long. [sniff] still fresh. ♪♪ get 6x longer-lasting freshness, plus odor protection. try for under $5! you know that feeling of having to re-wash dishes that didn't get clean? i don't. cascade platinum plus has me doing dishes...differently. scrub, soak? nope. i just scrape, load... and i'm done.

platinum plus is cascade's best clean ever. with double the dawn and double the scrubbers, it removes the toughest grease and food residue for an irresistible clean and shine. rewash? not in my house. upgrade to cascade platinum plus. dare to dish differently. this morning, we welcome the new year full of the promise of new ideas and culture phenomenons that are still in the making but first, let's take a moment to look back on the most viral trends of 2023 nbc's savannah sellers has the highlights >> reporter: it was a year full of unforgettable trends. >> i don't have anything big planned. just a giant blowout party with all the barbies. >> reporter: things we loved and things we loved to hate. viral moments filled our feeds, and one star stood out all year. >> welcome to the ren vance.

>> reporter: queen bey's dominated social media and when her daughter blue ivy join her on stage, we all cheered. beyonce ended the year on a high her concert the renaissance topped the box office on opening weekend, earning $21 million earlier this year, our group chats blew up during the super bowl and not because of the game rihanna rocked the halftime show with a 13-minute performance, revealing her second pregnancy on sports' biggest night months later, country legend dolly parton had her moment on social media when the 77-year-old stunned while performing in a dallas cowboys cheerleader uniform, bedazzled from head to toe, of course speaking of fashion, these red boots prompted a flood of memes. while boots are made for walks, we were also captivated by creepy dolls dancing before the movie "megan" was

even available in theaters, the #megan dance blew up on tiktok and from the futuristic to the ancient, how often did you think about the roman empire and social media spoiled television's biggest shocker, the death of logan roy but there is one cultural moment that commanded our attention and the big screen, the long-awaited ba bashenheimer double feature earning over $200 million in one weekend. the stars of the films joined in on the fun margot robbie and greta gerwig supported "oppenheimer". >> i'll be going to see "barbie. >> with all the "barbie" buzz on social, it was like living in "barbie's" dream house this year pink outfits and sweatshirts popped up all over the streets and on our phones. the blockbuster made greta gerwig the first female director with a billion dollar film. >> this is the best day ever. >> it is the best day ever.

>> reporter: and 2023 might be the best year ever when it comes to girl power. >> cheers to that. still to come, the chiefs are cleaning up bottles on new year's day after celebrating more than just the arrival of 2024 sunday's nfl action coming right up . [ tires screeching ] director: cut! jordana, easy on the gas. force of habit. i gotta wrap this commercial, i think i'm late on my payment. it's okay, the general gives you a break when you need it. yeah, we let you pick your own due date so you can pay your car insurance when it's best for you. well that's good to know, because this next scene might take a while. [ helicopter and wind noises ] for a great low rate, go with the general. we all need fiber for our digestive health, but less than 10% of us get enough each day. good thing metamucil gummies are an easy way to get prebiotic, plant-based fiber. with the same amount of fiber as 2 cups of broccoli. metamucil gummies.

the easy way to get your daily fiber. looking for a bladder leak pad that keeps you dry? all of the things that you're looking for in a pad, that is always discreet. look at how it absorbs all of the liquid. and locking it right on in! you feel no wetness. - oh my gosh! - totally absorbed! i got to get some always discreet! having triplets is... -amazing -expensive. so, we switched to the bargain detergent, but we ended up using three times as much and the clothes still weren't as clean as with tide. so we're back with tide, and the clothes are clean again. do 3x the laundry and get a tide clean. it's got to be tide. to give your teeth a dentist clean feeling. start with a round brush head. add power. and you've got oral-b. round cleans better by surrounding each tooth to remove 100% more plaque. for a superior clean. oral-b. brush like a pro. ♪♪ vicks vapostick provides soothing, non-medicated vicks vapors. easy to apply for the whole family. vicks vapostick. and try vicks vaposhower for steamy vicks vapors.

want luxury hair repair that doesn't cost $50? pantene's pro-vitamin formula repairs hair. as well as the leading luxury bonding treatment. for softness and resilience, without the price tag. if you know... you know it's pantene.

love inside, it's reed again. reed on the run. inside the 10, to the goal line, breaks the plane what a run by reed >> the vikings found love on new year's eve, just not the kind they were looking for. jordan love and the packers closed out 2023 by torching their bitter rivals in minnesota, including two scores from rookie receiver jayden reed the vikings struggled to get their offense going against green bay who led minnesota by 27 at the half

and the pack keep their play-off hopes alive with a 33-10 win 2023 may have ended on sunday be, the race to the nfl playoffs is only getting started. in the affect, a matchup between super bowl favorites quickly turned into a blowout with their dominant 56-19 win over the miami dolphins lamar jackson of the ravens locked up the top seed in the afc, and in the nfc, the eagles became just the fourth team this year to lose to the cardinals. san francisco ensured that the road to the big game will run through the bay area the niners clench the conference's 1 seed with philly's loss and their own win over the commanders. and the reigning champs managed to return to the big dance. the chiefs clinch their eighth straight affect title while knocking their play-off kryptonite, the cincinnati bengals out of postseason contention after four months, dozens of schools and even a little controversy all comes down to

this the college football play-offs kick off this afternoon in pasadena fourth ranked alabama returns to title contention for the first time since the 2021 season as they take on coach jim harbaugh and his top seeded michigan wolverines at the rose bowl. the action moves to new orleans later in the night where undefeated washington faces a resur gent texas squad in the all-star sugar bowl. winners have the chance there to compete for the national title in houston in just one week. coming up, facing a lawsuit after a woman claims halloween candy was more trick than treat. and now "wonka" ended on a sweet know at the box office . 12 hours?! hmmm, ok. not coughing at yoga. antiquing not coughing? not coughing at the movies?! hashtag still not coughing?! aaah. oww! mucinex dm gives you 12 hours of relief

from chest congestion and any type of cough, day or night. it's not cough season. it's always comeback season. jordan's sore nose let out a fiery sneeze, so dad grabbed puffs plus lotion to soothe her with ease. puffs plus lotion is gentle on sensitive skin and locks in moisture to provide soothing relief. a nose in need deserves puffs indeed. america's #1 lotion tissue. sometimes jonah wrestles with falling asleep... ...so he takes zzzquil. the world's #1 sleep aid brand. and wakes up feeling like himself. get the rest to be your best with non-habit forming zzzquil. ♪ ♪ how white do you think your teeth really are? with non-habit let's try the tissue test. ooof, still yellow. whitening toothpaste can only do so much. there's toothpaste white, and there's crest 3d whitestrips white. so much whiter! crest. when you smell the amazing scent of gain flings... time stops. (♪♪) and you realize you're in love...

steve? with a laundry detergent. (♪♪) gain flings. seriously good scent. when your gut is out of balance, your body gives you signs. so if you're frustrated with occasional bloating... ♪♪ [stomach noises] gas... or abdominal discomfort... help stop the frustration and start taking align every day. align probiotic was specifically designed by gastroenterologists to help relieve your occasional digestive upsets. so you can enjoy life. when you feel the signs, it's time to try align.

we're back now with what you need to know early today certain batches of nutramigen baby powder formula are being recalled over a possible bacterial contamination. the impacted batches were produced in june and the potential bacteria in the product can cause sepsis and

meningitis hershey is facing a $5 million lawsuit after a florida woman says its reese's halloween-themed holiday candies lacked the artistic detail shown on the package hershey has not responded. "wonka" in place bringing in nearly $24 million over the weekend. and tonight@chance to start off 2024 as a multimillionaire the powerball jackpot has grown to$810 million after no one took home the prize on saturday. "early today" will be right back . until, i saw how easily it picked up my hair every time i dried it! only takes a minute. look at that! the heavy duty cloths are extra thick, for amazing trap & lock. even for his hair. wow. and for dust, i love my heavy duty duster. the fluffy fibers trap dust on contact, up high and all around without having to lift a thing. i'm so hooked. you'll love swiffer. or your money back!

( ♪ ♪ ) start your day with nature made. the #1 pharmacist recommended vitamin and supplement brand. sometimes your work shirt needs to be for more than just work. like when it needs to be a big soft shoulder to cry on. which is why downy does more to make clothes softer, fresher, and better. downy. breathe life into your laundry. on this first day of the new year, what's your dream for 2024 our kate snow has the hope and optimism from the country's biggest new year's bash.

>> reporter: all month long, visitors at new york city's wishing wall -- >> i wish to have a good 2024. >> reporter: put pen to paper. >> my wish is to get a full-time job out of college >> want to come make a wish with us on a piece of confetti. >> reporter: each tiny piece a big dream for a brighter future. >> my wish is to be surrounded with great people. >> my wish is for more help, more love and more positivity. >> my wish is for my mom to have a blessed life. >> i wish for world peace. >> reporter: there were also hopes for healing. >> i wish for my brother's good health and be very successful. >> reporter: family health and happiness. >> three, two, one, happy new year >> reporter: adventure. >> my wish is to travel the world. >> reporter: and there were words of love for the little ones yet to come this one reads "i wish for a healthy baby, from your future dad.

and "i wish for a healthy baby boy in may 2024. in the year ahead, so many have their eyes on the prize. >> my wish is to be a broadway star. >> to meet taylor swift. >> my wish is to break into the publishing industry. >> my wish for 2024 is to get into medical school. >> reporter: while for others, connection is key. >> my wish for the new year is for peace, good health, and much love to new york city. >> i wish for a boyfriend. >> to fall more in love every day. >> i wish for happiness and love for my family in 2024. >> reporter: millions of pieces of confetti swirling through the sky, a collection of drodreams l good things. >> and hope your wishes come true our thanks to kate snow. and as we kick off the new year, we want to take a moment to thank all the people who make "early today" possible we wish you at home all a healthy, happy, and safe 2024. ♪

♪

red sea. the u.s. navy striking back against houthi rebel ships