♪ good morning. ♪ good morning. i'm janai norman. >> i'm marcus moore. here are some of the top stories we're following. shutdown showdown day 10. 800,000 government workers are starting the new year in limbo as funding talks remain stalled. president trump and democratic leaders have not spoken in nearly three weeks, and neither side is budging on the border wall. in north carolina, a 22-year-old intern just months out of college mauled to death by a lion at a wildlife conservation. officials then killing the animal. the young woman's family saying she died following her passion. about 17 million american workers are getting pay raises when the minimum wage goes up in 20 states and more than 20 cities. the increases range from a nickel an hour in alaska to $1 in maine and massachusetts. police departments across the country are putting security in place ahead of the new year's celebrations.

new york cops will be using a drone for the first time as they monitor the mass expected in times square. those are some of our top stories on this new year's eve, monday, december 31st. >> announcer: from abc news, this is "world news now." >> we are partying like it's the last day of 2018. we've got this superstar here with us. marcus moore. imported right from dallas, texas. >> and the slow clap in the back from the jack. >> it's a pleasure to have you. thanks for joining us. >> we begin with the finger-pointing over the government shutdown now in its second week. >> sources say president trump has been on the phone with political allies and conservative pundits reassuring them that he will not back down from his demand for border wall funding. but negotiations are at a standstill, and now he says democrats are responsible for

the deaths of two migrant children in u.s. custody. abc's tear palmieri has the details. >> reporter: the president blaming democrats for a tragedy at the southern border claiming without proof that it's their fault that two migrant children died in u.s. custody this month. the president tweeting any deaths of children or others at the border are strictly the fault of the democrats. the president claims that the two children wouldn't have died if he was granted money for a wall along the u.s./mexico border. his senior adviser kellyanne conway accusing the democrats of politicizing the crisis. >> i don't like some of the democrats using this as political pawns. >> isn't that exactly what the president did? >> the president does not want these children to come on the perilous journey to begin with. >> reporter: u.s. customs and border patrol telling martha raddatz they did everything they could to save the children. >> devastating for us on every level. our agents didveth

could. sn thildren mafeptoms ine, with the government shutdown in its cond week, trump allies saying don't expect the president to back down from the border wall demand. >> president trump is not going to walk away from this fight without border security funding. the bottom line is, they want trump to lose more than they want the country to win. >> reporter: trump and minority leader chuck schumer and nancy pelosi haven't spoken to each other in 19 days. since the day president trump said this in the oval office. >> i am proud to shut down the government for border security. >> reporter: in the meantime, hundreds of thousands of federal workers hanging in the balance. some working without pay, and others furloughed over the holidays. >> we all need to get paid. we all have families. we're all middle class workers and taxpayers. tara pam merry, abc news, washington. tara palmeri, abc new, washington. senator lindsey graham says president trump is re-evaluating the raped withdrawal of u.s. troops from syria after having lunch at the white house. the senator told reporters, i think we're slowing things down in a smart way.

graham is among the many critics of the decision to pull 2,000 troops out of syria. he says the president is aware of the plight of the kurds who are fighting alongside the u.s. and could be slaughtered if americans leave. here at home, a federal judge put the brakes on his own ruling which would have put obamacare in jeopardy. he ruled the affordable care act was unconstitutional because of its individual mandate but yesterday he cleared the way for the appeals process to that ruling. that means obamacare stays law of the land while the courts fight over the steps forward. the judge says he stands by his original conclusion but recognizes it would expose many people to, quote, great uncertainty if it went into effect. a wildlife conservation in north carolina that is closed after a lion mauled an intern to death. an awful story. 22-year-old alexandra black was killed in an enclosure at the center in burlington during a

routine cleaning. the lion somehow got loose. how is under investigation. the indiana native was there just two weeks. deputies shot and killed the lion after attempts to sedate it failed. the head of the conservation center is devastated. >> this is the worst day of my life. we've lost a person. we've lost an animal. we have lost our faith in ourselves a little bit today. >> black's parents released a statement calling yesterday's tragedy a terrible accident. they also said the recent indiana university grad died following her passion. french police are preparing for new year's eve protests. the weekend yellow vest protests are expected to expand to tonight's celebrations throughout the country. officials also say there is a high terrorist threat. abc's jennifer eccleston has more. >> repor

disorder in paris. protesters taking over the streets once again. but it was in other french cities this time where the yellow vest protests, as they're called, took a viole in toulouse, police firing teargas trying to disperse the crowds. in nantes, the clashes getting physical. this person wheeled away in a stretcher. these social media-driven protests were initially over new gas taxes but emmanuel macron conceded after protesters vandalized iconic landmarks, fires and teargas clouding the champs-elysees. turnout at saturday's latest march was a fraction of the hundreds of thousands who besieged paris in past weeks. but many protesters still upset ing co oliving in france, still vowing not to rest until macron steps down. and police are gearing up and trying to secure paris landmarks popular with tourists as protest

organizers promise more rallies for monday's new year's eve celebration. jennifer eccleston, abc news, london. security from above will be one aspect of the plan to keep new year's revelers safe in new york. the nypd will be using a drone to monitor a huge crowd expected to ring in the new year in times square. there will also be thousands of undercover and uniformed officers keeping an eye on things. and more than 50 k9 units on patrol. there have been no credible threats against tonight's festivities. and whether you plan to watch the ball drop here in new york city or the peach drop in atlanta or watch the fireworks in philadelphia, bring an umbrella. >> so many options. one thing you must do. accuweather's paul williams has the forecast. paul, good morning. >> good morning. happy new year's eve to you. comparison shopping. now last year, we rung in the new year with 5 below zero. this year we're going to ring in

the year 42 degrees. although we'll have a whole lot of rain. it's going to be messy but at least not as cold. widespread rain throughout the east coast. mix further to the north. festivities a bit dampened because of the rain. look for storms to explode in the lower mississippi valley region and tennessee valley region. snow kicks in for new mexico into colorado. 6 to 12 inches in some areas. conditions for the southwest with dangerous winds. gusts up to 50 to 60 miles per hour in some of the passes. widespread snow in the north central part of the country. >> our thanks to paul. now a christmas miracle that started at a seattle area walmart. >> that's where joanne johnson says she lost her wedding ring in october just days before her 20th anniversary. and she says she was looking at an instapot when the ring vanished. >> christmas morning shiloah avery was opening her presents. lost a fnd not

>> tres thisig i start reading it.e ofanpot. like a little electric shocks are going through. here i am four years later, and still getting up every day. to me, every day is a miracle. >> she's a cancer survivor and she had joanne draw a picture of the ring to prove it was hers. i'll give it to you, but you have to draw it first. >> joanne called shiloah her christmas angel and new friend. >> incredible. she was diagnosed with cancer and given 18 months to live. that was four years ago. so this woman has a lot of good fortune. >> one of the guys on the crew said she needs to buy a lottery ticket. we're counting down the final hours of 2018. our exclusive sneak peek on what to expect on tonight's "dick clark's rockin new year's eve." >> first --

>> mattress is dangerously comfortable. i love my leesa. people everywhere love their leesa mattresses. and now, for an even more luxurious sleep experience, meet the sapira mattress by leesa. sapira is a hybrid mattress combining performance foam technology with individually wrapped pocket springs. enjoy extreme comfort, minimal motion transfer, and incredible edge support. sapira is the first true luxury hybrid mattress. made in america and shipped to your door in a box. read our reviews, then order online. when your new sapira mattress arrives, try it for 100 nights and love it or get a full refund. order your own sapira luxury hybrid mattress right now to get big savings. for a limited time, get $225 off - and free shipping too. just go to

buyleesa.com today. you need this bed. welcome to tide pods talk with gronk. i'm gronk! i'm big and awesome, but this guy is little, can it really clean? heck yeah it can! it's concentrated detergent plus stain fighters plus odor flighers that fight for clean. boom! even this entire bottle can't beat tide pods. and now a word from future gronk: ugh... tide pods. if it's clean, it's got to be tide. know what turns me on? my better half, hors d oeuvres and bubbly. and when i really want to take it up a notch we use k-y yours & mine. tingling for me, warming for him.

wow! this holiday season get what you want there are so many toothpastes out there... ...which one should i use? choose one that takes care of your gums and enamel. harmful plaque bacteria hide below the gum line and plaque can lead to weakened enamel and other problems. so now i use this... crest gum & enamel repair works below the gum line to neutralize harmful plaque bacteria and helps repair and strengthen weakened enamel. gum & enamel repair, from crest. healthier gums, healthier mouth. crest. healthy, beautiful smiles for life. we're back with some skiers in montana getting much more of an adventure than they bargained

for. 140 people are evacuated from the ski resort's chair lift. a mechanical problem forced the lift to be shut down. the rescue operation took place in the snow with temperatures in the high teens. no one was hurt. also, in time for new year's eve, some of the best new car deals of the year. >> ooh yeah. many automotive experts are saying this is the best time of the year to buy a car and score some of the deepest discounts. here's abc's eva pilgrim. >> reporter: in the market for a new set of wheels? >> how can i help? >> reporter: now through january 2nd may be the best time to save money and get the car you want. >> great availability. great pricing discounts and the opportunity to choose between 2018 and 2019s. >> reporter: experts say this year's december deals are deeper than ever. >> we're seeing discounts like $7,000, $8,000. >> bg foyouruccons sedanoff a

cadillac xts platinum and $5,700 off the 2018 chrysler 300. >> ford, built for the holidays. >> reporter: have your heart set on an suv? save an average of $5800 on a 2018 explorer. for those who want to lease, make sure when talking to the dealer, use the word total. >> if you are looking to purchase a car you have to ask for what is my total out the door purchase price. that way there's no confusion. if you are looking for a lease, what is my total out-of-pocket expense? >> reporter: before going to a dealership, try to get a preapproved loan from your bank you can use as leverage. dealers may be willing to beat that rate. when you walk in, know regional competitor dealership prices, and don't hesitate to ask for a price match. eva pilgrim, abc news, new york. >> her eyes lit up with the cadillac.

>> moving to new york. you don't need much of a car. my husband and i still have two cars so we're like, we should figure out a way to make this work. thank you to eva for that. coming up -- ringing in the new year in festive style. >> from confetti cocktails to chambord-infused whipped cream. miss this. you're watching "world news now." how to uncork. test test

>> announcer: "world news now" continues after this from our abc stations. when i have an asthma attack... i feel like a fish with no water. learn how to prevent your child's next asthma attack. because even one attack is one too many. i'm super excited to introduce my dad because he's my hero. when i was little, he was doing this really important work driving ambulances in iraq. now he's home. and he's still a hero because he tells the ambulances where to go when there's an emergency. i'm so proud of him. he's awesome. he's my dad! announcer: if your service-connected disability

hinders your civilian career, vocrehab offers a variety of services to help prepare you for your next mission. ♪ ♪ welcome back. so the new year is almost here. what better way to ring in 2019 than with festive food and cocktails. america's ceo, chief

entertaining officer tim laird is pulling ideas from "the bourbon country cookbook." he joins us this morning. tim, take me through this. >> this looks great, doesn't it? happy new year, janai. we're going to ring in the season with fun beverages and food. i love this cocktail. this is my confetti cocktail. korbel brut in a glass. i put these dried cranberries in here and they go up and down like a celebratory -- it's like an adult lava lamp. for the holiday occasion i like to make a punch. but if you make it in a pitcher it's easier for your guests to punch than the punch bowl. so very easy cocktail in a large pitcher. i put in two bottles of korbel champagne. >> you're sure that's enough? >> plenty. you can always make more. everybody gets nervous about opening a champagne bottle. the cork isn't flying and the champagne is not going all over

the table. >> if that's not what you want. >> but here's an interesting fact. on the wire cage it has six half turns. so one, two, three, four, five, and six. every champagne bottle has six half turns. i don't know if you knew that. the real secret to this and make sure you -- make sure that cork doesn't go flying. make sure it's well chilled which is a minimum four hours in the fridge. you've opened up those soda bottles and it goes flying. now here's the other tip. hold the cor ttle. g gfl.the real secrlling t's ork. boom. we didn't spill anything. that goes into our pitcher with the other bottle. simply 4 ounces of cranberry juice and four ounces of chambord. it's a black raspberry liqueur

that's really delicious. and then i have a little bit of raspberries for a garnish. pour that in there. and an alcohol-free version you can use 7 up instead of the korbel. >> that's what i've got. >> here's the korbel version. cheers. happy new year today. very light, refreshing. and easy to do. and i like easy around the holidays. this is a great holiday crab dip. you can put it in a cup or serve with crackers. 8 ounces of cream cheese whipped. a pound and a half of fresh crab meat. you can use imitation if you want but it's the holidays. use the real deal. a couple of drops of worcestershire sauce and a little seasoned salt. maybe a teaspoon and pepper. you want that to taste. adjust it as you go. that simple. just mix that up and then put them in these phyllo cups.

grab them. taste and go. and then a little cocktail sauce on top as a topper. you want to taste it? >> uh-huh. >> it's good. light, easy. quick to make. and seafood and champagne go great together. and another combination i love while you're enjoying that, i love this sweet ending. i take a little whipped cream, a little bit of chambord, black raspberry liqueur in the whipped cream. whip that up and strawberries you can dip in there. >> can we try this, too? >> let's do. >> cheers. >> just like this. >> cheers, happy new year. >> happy 2019. >> mm. delicious. >> uh-huh. >> it's really good. and you can find these and other festive food ideas inside the pages of tim's new book "the bourbon country cookbook." tim, this is delicious. thanks for joining us. happy new year. you're watching "world news now." can i double dip? ♪

and looking to buy life insurance on a fixed budget, remember the three p's. what are the three p's? the three p's of life insurance on a fixed budget are price, price, and price. a price you can afford, a price that can't increase, and a price that fits your budget. i'm 54. alex, what's my price? you can get coverage for $9.95 a month. i'm 65 and take medications. what's my price? also $9.95 a month. i just turned 80. what's my price? $9.95 a month for you too. if you're age 50 to 85, call now about the #1 most popular whole life insurance plan, available through the colonial penn program. it has an affordable rate starting at $9.95 a month. no medical exam, no health questions. your acceptance is guaranteed.

and this plan has a guaranteed lifetime rate lock, so your rate can never go up for any reason. and it's yours just for calling.tion. so call now. know what turns me on? my better half, hors d oeuvres and bubbly. and when i really want to take it up a notch we use k-y yours & mine. tingling for me, warming for him. wow! this holiday season get what you want

♪ ♪ so it has been an american new year's eve tradition since 1972. counting down those final moments of the year on "dick clark's new year's rockin eve." this year's hosts ryan seacrest and jenny mccarthy are giving us a preview.ere me s>>hey'dy trin. what you got planned for us? >> as usual, we get the best of the best. post malone, christina aguilera, new kids on the block.

>> party is cracking here in hollywood. >> the chain smokers and halsey. the other big star of the show will be the weather because it's supposed to be just like this on new year's eve with rain. and that certainly can change things, as you know, in a live broadcast. the most pressure is on the performs are who have to do this -- be out in this and perform. >> we get to have fun with it. they have to sound good. >> and all those people who camp out in those blocks for hours. >> you have to think about it. it's a bucket list experience. you might as well -- >> you have to commit. you have to commit. >> and the other fun part is you are the wild card. especially you. >> she's the wild card. >> he's the captain. >> i don't know what i am. i forget that she's going to say, ryan, go. >> go! >> because i'm watching her, laughing. >> there's some script sometimes. not with her. >> she doesn't follow the script. >> shocker. it's the best. >> i'll go rogue a little bit.

>> just like it's a small world ride at disneyland. >> she puts in fake script to trick the producers. >> she's got something up her sleeve. >> new year's resolutions. what do you have on tap? >> mine may be boring, but i feel like self-care is something i haven't done yet. that oxygen mask. putting it on yourself first. i haven't done it. >> so for me, we have a new baby in the family. and i don't know how to hold a baby perfectly. >> do you know how to change a diaper? >> no. i need to learn diaper patrol. i need to learn nursery rhymes. i don't know much past the first few lines of nursery rhymes. >> good luck. >> the show starts at 8:00. what's your new year's resolution? >> i don't have one yet. i have to think about it. >> give me one. >> okay. i'm going to go to sleep on time this year. this year. >> that's not bad. [suspenseful music] [male narrator] child abduction

by a parent or family member is a crime. get involved. if you have any information concerning a missing or abducted child, please call 1-800-222-find or contact your local law enforcement. you might be the one who saves a child's life and their future. hmm. [cell phone beeps] hey! [police whistle blows] [horns honking] woman: hey! [bicycle bell rings] turn here. there.

excuse me. uh. uh. [indistinct announcement on p.a. system] so, same time next week? well, of course. announcer: put away a few bucks. feel like a million bucks. for free tips to help you save, go to ♪ feed the pig

this morning o this morning on "world news now" -- the deadly lion attack. >> and the urgent investigation after the animal escaped an enclosure at a north carolina conservation center and viciously mauled a college intern. what went wrong. also the unprecedented security and new technology being used to protect the millions ringing in the new year. plus, the wild joy ride caught on camera inside a harbor in southern california. this is where a suspected yachtjacker stole the luxury boat from its dock sending police on a wild water chase. wait until you see how this ends. thank you for joining us for the evening report. i'm marcus moore. >> the days gone by in this throwback of our special guest anchor, mr. marcus moore. it's monday, december 31st, new year's eve. >> janai, you are wrong for this. >> announcer: from abc news, this is "world news now."

>> so we got to welcome him in right, right? >> apparently. >> yeah. you got the slow clap and everything. welcome to marcus moore. fresh in from dallas. >> yes. i'm so honored to be here. i am star struck. i cannot believe i am sitting next to the janai norman. and then the jack in the background. >> the jack. the man. so excited to have you here in that throwback. we'll have lots of fun here today and all week. we begin with the tragedy at the north carolina wildlife conservatory. >> an intern was mauled to death. the 22-year-old indiana native was working her first out of state internship since graduating from college in may. here's abc's zachary kiesch. >> reporter: in north carolina, conservation center is devastated after a 22-year-old employee was attacked and killed by a lion that was in the center's care. these images from the center showing the resident lion.

police say in a desperate attempt to retrieve the worker, the lion, known as matai, was shot the victim, alexandra black, was a recent college grad and intern who had been on the job for only two weeks. >> we've lost a person. we've lost an animal. we have lost our faith in ourselves a little bit today. >> reporter: according to officials there, a professionally trained animal keeper was doing routine cleaning when the lion somehow left a locked area and quickly attacked black. the company website says the center is home to more than 80 animals and welcomes thousands of visitors every year for educational tours. in 2004, this center accepted 14 lions and tigers that were living in unacceptable conditions. zachary kiesch, abc news, new york. >> just a tragic story there. the political blame game in washington is intensifying. ten days into the government

showdown. president trump is still clashing with democratic leaders over funding for his promised border wall. and they haven't met face to re employees impacted. >> i'm proud to shut down the government for border security. >> reporter: now calling this the schumer shutdown saying no thanks to democrats who have left town and are not concerned about the safety and security of americans. the president and democrats continuing to trade barbs. >> the president tweeted yesterday, where are they? he wants to make a deal on border security. where are they? >> reporter: as the battle wages on. >> the approach the democrats have taken have made it hard to have a discussion. the president is telling us what he wants and he's willing to do some things to get what he wants. >> reporter: some in the administration believe a multifaceted approach is needed to solve the crisis. >> we need a sober-minded, nonpartisan look at our

immigration laws to confront and grapple with the fact that families and children are coming into this cycle. we also need to invest in central america. >> reporter: contradicting friday's tweet from the president saying he'd be cutting off aid to honduras, el salvador and guatemala. some believe many of the migrants have a fear of persecution. >> they have a legal right to be heard to determine whether they have a basis for establishing asylum. and the fact that donald trump continues to ignore that legal reality is just shameful. >> reporter: and despite the president calling it a wall, the president's outgoing chief of staff john kelly in an interview with the "l.a. times" says we left a solid concrete wall early on in the administration when we asked people what they needed and where they needed it. tara palmieri, abc news, washington. >> as many federal workers prepare to ring in the new year without a paycheck in sight, they are facing yet another financial blow. president trump has signed an executive order freezing federal employee salaries for 2019. that order blocks an automatic cost of living increase all civilian workers were set to receive.

military personnel are not affected. let's focus on some fun news now. today is new year's eve. >> unbelievably so. >> where has the time gone? that means new york's times square is ready for the annual party and celebration. >> of course. big public events to ring in 2019 are planned coast to coast. authorities are doing all they can to keep everyone safe. abc's erielle reshef has the details. >> happy new year! >> reporter: the countdown is on to 2019. new york city getting ready to host one of the biggest new year's eve parties on the planet. >> new year's eve is one of the greatest moments of the year for new york city. ion, all over the globe. >> reporter: the confetti tested. the ball drop rehearsed. ready for revelers ringing in the new year.

more than 2 million expected to pack into times square and security will be tight. >> it's going to be one of the most well policed, best protected events and one of the safest venues in the entire world. >> reporter: certain items banned. >> no backpacks. no large packages. no coolers. no umbrellas. no lawn chairs. no alcohol. >> reporter: thousands of uniformed and undercover officers on duty. more than 50 k9 units combing the crowd. five dozen sanitation trucks and 200 police cars blocking a perimeter around times square. and for the first time, an nypd drone keeping watch from above. >> give us an expansive view from up above which will be helpful. >> reporter: new york city not the only place beefing up security. extra patrols for boston's first night. security around the hollywood sign and las vegas police stationed on rooftops around the strip where 300,000 people are expected to gather for a massive fireworks display. across the nation, authorities

urging everyone celebrating to be safe out on the roads. >> give yourself time to get to where you're going. plan ahead. whether that's with a designated driver or safe ride. >> reporter: erielle reshef, abc news, new york. >> the weather won't help keep the roads safe in many parts of the country. >> let's get the detailed weather from accuweather's paul williams. >> we're looking for slick roads, travel disruptions going into colorado with 6 to 12 inches of snow in some areas. heavy snow moving throughout the north central part of the country with arctic air freezing everybody in its grips. and heavy showers throughout the ohio valley, the east coast and a mix to the north of massachusetts and thunderstorms will erupt quickly and repetitively throughout the lower mississippi valley region and tennessee valley region. >> paul, thank you. it's that time of year when a lot of people, they get into swimsuits and take a dip. >> it is polar plunge season.

not something i'm signing up for. but dozens of people braved the chilly weather in seabrook, new hampshire, over the weekend. the organizer is a guy named chucky rosa. >> he does it at least once every day to honor the memory of his two sons he lost to drug addiction. so this event was a fund-raiser for the charity rosa runs to help people battling substance abuse. >> it's a crazy thing to hop in the crazy freezing water but obviously a very good reason to do it. >> and personal for him. so if you're ever going to do that, at least have a good reason. >> 100%, a good reason. coming up -- the new world record that's just been set in shreveport, louisiana. what this chef has cooked up inside this giant steaming caldron. we'll give you a hint. it rhymes with dumbo. the wild police chase off the coast of southern california. this is a yachtjacking that triggered dangerous maneuvers and a dramatic takedown. and, remember, find us on

facebook. wnnfans.com. and also on twitter @abcwnn. you're watching "world news now."

ayep, and my teeth are yellow.? time for whitestrips. crest glamorous white whitestrips are the only ada-accepted whitening strips proven to be safe and effective. and they whiten 25x better than a leading whitening toothpaste. crest. healthy, beautiful smiles for life. know what turns me on? my better half, hors d oeuvres and bubbly. and when i really want to take it up a notch we use k-y yours & mine. tingling for me, warming for him. wow! this holiday season get what you want baltimore-washington airport

has inspected all similar jetways after this one collapsed over the weekend. seven people were hurt in the accident. a defective metal bracket is being blamed for that collapse. turning now to some high drama inside a harbor in southern california. >> absolutely. looked like something out of a movie. a man allegedly stole a luxury yacht from a dock right in front of stunned witnesses. took it on a wild joyride as police raced to catch him. >> reporter: dramatic video of a million-dollar yacht swerving out of control in this busy california harbor. >> oh, my god! >> go that way. spin it around. spin it around. >> watch o get out of the way! >> reporter: in just minutes police on boats speed toward the vessel and with guns drawn storm the yacht like something out of the movie. and moments later -- >> they got him. they got control of the boat. >> he's in handcuffs. we're fine. he's in handcuffs. >> reporter: police arrested a 24-year-old man who was under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

witness justin avaney was the boater who alerted police. >> we started yelling that boat is stolen. so they took more serious and got on. >> reporter: luckily no one got hurt. >> he could have got hurt, could have slammed into the other boats. >> reporter: the owner saying i'm thankful to the police for their quick response in recovering the boat. they did a wonderful job of diffusing what could have been a really serious situation. and that suspect was identified at 24-year-old theodore wilson. he faces several charges including dui, grand theft and vandalism. crazy! >> absolutely crazy. i don't think there's a word for how wild that was. and so many other boats. it could have been a whole lot worse like the owner was saying. >> we don't even know where you'd start to take a yacht. how do you steal a yacht?

many questions. we don't have enough money to know the answer. >> one day perhaps. janai, i'll call you. let me borrow your yacht for a little bit. coming up in the next half hour, the desperate manhunt in texas. police are searching for a man who opened fire on a family inside a car killing a 7-year-old girl. first, the year in review. we're looking back at some of the most memorable moments on "world news now." and you know there are so many. that will be coming up next on "world news now." "world news now." and you look amazingly comfortable. when your v-neck looks more like a u-neck... that's when you know, it's half-washed. add downy to keep your collars from stretching. unlike detergent alone, downy conditions to smooth and strengthen fibers. so, next time don't half-wash it. downy and it's done.

[female narrator] foods rich in folic acid like white bread and leafy greens can help prevent some birth defects before you even know you're pregnant.

♪ ♪ new york city peaceful tonight. tomorrow night will be, i guess in the morning, will be a whole other scene as people wait for the ball to drop. 2018, it's no doubt been a wild year for news headlines. >> absolutely. and it's been a busy year for "world news now." talking about the crazy stories, the hijinks and, really, the downright bizarre behavior of our anchors. you know who they are. diane and kendis, both of whom perhaps not coincidently are no

longer with us. >> here now our "world news now" year in review. >> we begin with the breaking news -- >> the breaking news. >> we have a busy, busy day. >> no, no, no. >> i am not down with that. >> do it, kendis. yeah, kendis. go, kendis. ♪ you've got to be up like this. ♪ ♪ ♪ turn to the left now turn to the right ♪ ♪ thunder only happens when it rains ♪ >> taking off his shirt. come on, come on. >> two more. >> what are you doing? >> i have two more pancakes for you. >> on this first day of summer. and --

>> defense. >> sweep! >> don't get nervous. [ screaming ] >> they heard you crying in the elevator, buddy. >> welcome back to our ghost to ghost overnight frightfest. elvira joining zz top. >> we always dress up like nasa astronauts for weird science. >> don't point those at me please. >> i'm like, what? >> i am african mc hammer in these. >> what is that? >> so you got to eat the pizza? >> no. >> eat the pizza! are you going to do it? >> kendis is actually eating -- swallow it. >> it's cold. >> look at that. >> give me half. >> ah! >> what?

>> there is no -- >> it's way better that way. >> it's ladylike. >> will you be my date? >> absolutely. for national science day. >> apparently, i don't know what is happening. >> oh, hug an anchor. >> national hug a news anchor. >> found it. >> oh, wait. i see it, too. >> we've got it. we've got it. >> this is it. we're going to the royal wedding. this is it, right? >> well, you're perfect. >> yes. thank you! >> for the kentucky derby. >> oh, my god. >> definitely having some t go . i asked katy perry if we could be her left shark. >> hey there.g out of your back? you doing all right? >> we don't want to see what's back there. >> in case you want to know what

it smells like, just head to uranus because the visuals -- >> no, we can just move on. >> does he moonlight? >> next -- >> what happened to the hot dog? >> i've gone behind the scenes of a shoot before and one thing that -- whoa! how big is that glove? >> are we twins? next, matt damon is on fire. literally. >> best running backs in ages. and -- what are you doing? >> oh, no! >> we need to take care of this issue -- >> she has scissors. >> once and for all. the resemblance is uncanny. uncanny, people. ♪ all of me loves all of you >> call up your brother and tell houreowens

and te him we want him to now." ♪ is it me you're looking for i can see it in your eyes ♪ >> this is why i don't like hair. it tickles. >> is that why? that's why you got rid of it? >> uh-huh. >> oh, wow. >> ow. >> am i doing it? those are beautiful. ♪ these are made for walking that's just what they'll do ♪ >> only on "world news now." only on "world news now." >> oh, my gosh. how good was all of that? >> they're awesome. >> so much fun. we all miss diane and kendis. people are still saying they'll not watch anymore but you're probably watching now. for now. >> for now. maalw peep. country. raj "the mix" is next. d set in cajun country.

"the mix" is next. 50 to 85, and looking to buy life insurance on a fixed budget, remember the three p's. what are the three p's? the three p's of life insurance on a fixed budget are price, price, and price. a price you can afford, a price that can't increase, and a price that fits your budget. i'm 54. alex, what's my price? you can get coverage for $9.95 a month. i'm 65 and take medications. what's my price? also $9.95 a month. i just turned 80. what's my price? $9.95 a month for you too. if you're age 50 to 85, call now about the #1 most popular whole life insurance plan, available through the colonial penn program. it has an affordable rate starting at $9.95 a month. no medical exam, no health questions. your acceptance is guaranteed. and this plan has a guaranteed lifetime rate lock,

so your rate can never go up for any reason. so call now for free information. and you'll also get this free beneficiary planner. and it's yours just for calling. so call now. know what turns me on? my better half, hors d oeuvres and bubbly. and when i really want to take it up a notch we use k-y yours & mine. tingling for me, warming for him. wow! this holiday season get what you want

i'm lucky to get through a shift without a disaster. my bargain detergent couldn't keep up. so, i switched to tide pods. they're super concentrated, so i get a better clean. number one trusted. number one awarded. it's got to be tide

♪ it is time for "the mix" on this monday, new year's eve. we're starting off with a giant peep. instead of watching the ball drop in new york, some people in pennsylvania will watch a peep. a massive one. 400 pounds. of course this happens in bethlehem, pennsylvania, the home of the company that makes these marshmallow peeps that some think are delicious. i am not in that group. >> that makes two of us. >> this peep may be huge but it's not edible but, obviously, a family friendly event and the kids don't have to stay up until midnight. the peep makes its famed drop at 5:15 p.m. so you can still take the kids home and go have some real fun. >> okay. that sounds like a good time. i have something that's edible. >> all right. >> do you like gumbo? >> no. >> oh, come on, janai. here we go. this was a record-breaker here.

a chef down in louisiana, shreveport, louisiana, is being recognized as having made the largest pot of gumbo in the world. whoa. >> 6,800 pounds of gumbo. >> he's going to feed the world? >> he fed folks at a football game. listen to this. the ingredients include shrimp, alligator, catfish, crawfish and oyster. >> alligator? >> or gator as we say down south. >> the gator. thank you, texas. a new year means some strange new laws but for some kids in arizona, it's a good deal. school kids through fifth grade will now get two recesses. state lawmakers hope extra play time will reduce stress and thus increase academic performance. and in illinois, get this. hunters will now be allowed to wear pink. if you love to hunt and don't like the bright blazing orange, you can wear equally bright blazing pink. >> okay. >> as long as they can see you out there in the forest. >> my question is, where does

the pink come from? did somebody say -- >> i don't know. >> pink. >> all those hunter stores. you're going to see camouflage with pink. >> i don't know. i'm sticking with the orange. >> are you a hunter? >> no. >> i'm just trying to te okay. now this is an adorable moment. check this out. we're talking about love here. >> uh-huh. >> we're spreading the love. this is a video of a dog stroking a cat before the pair seemingly, they hug. look at that. >> hey, hey. come here. >> give you a hug. >> hugging it out. >> how cute is this? there you go. the dog's name is maggie. and, yeah, there you go.

breathing becomes a struggle. copd is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. you may have heard of it as chronic bronchitis or emphysema. over time, you feel like you're breathing through a straw. it's the 4th leading cause of death in the u.s., and it took my grandmother. if you're over 35 and have ever smoked, you could be at risk. the good news is, you can improve your symptoms. i'm danica patrick, and i drive4copd. join the movement at drive4copd.com. take our screening questionnaire today, and talk to your doctor. you're in a group most likely to develop skin cancer, including melanoma. that's why your best shot is to check for a spot.

♪ this morning on "world news now" -- we are just hours away from ringing in the new year and security here in new york's times square and throughout the country is at an all-time high. what authorities are doing to keep everyone safe. we have the full accuweather forecast ahead. and tragedy at a north carolina wildlife conservatory. an intern is mauled to death by a lion that got loose during routine cleaning. and the manhunt in houston, texas for a child killer. >> what we're finding out about the man who opened fire on a family inside a car killing a 7-year-old girl as they were leaving a walmart parking lot. and this -- >> this golden ticket is good for -- >> what dwayne "the rock" johnson got his mother for christmas that had absolutely nothing to do with willy wonka but has something to do with that golden ticket. we'll have that story later in "the skinny."

it's monday, december 31st. >> announcer: from abc news, this is "world news now." >> can't wait to share that one. how sweet. we love crying mamas who are all excited and stuff. we're going to get started with the big countdown. we're just hours away. today is new year's eve. everyone getting ready to welcome 2019. >> where has the time gone? there are large public celebrations planned across the country. none bigger than here in new york. it will all take place here at times square. >> you can already see more people out there than usual at this time. security will be extremely tight there tonight, and that will be the case in plenty of other places as well. erielle reshef reports. >> reporter: times square a ring of steel. authorities on high alert ahead of one of the biggest new year's eve parties. >> it's going to be one of the safest venues in the entire world.

>> reporter: for the first time ever an nypd drone will keep watch from above. >> a visible aid and flexibility of being able to move a camera to a certain spot with great rapidity. >> hawk-like security scanning the crowd of more than 2 million. thousands of undercover and uniformed officers with more than 50 k9 units swarming the scene. 250 blocker vehicles cordoning off the perimeter. officials stressing there have been no credible threats to new year's festivities but isis propaganda prompting vigilance. for boston's storied first night -- >> it's going to be a coordinated effort. >> reporter: in l.a., law enforcement surrounding the iconic hollywood sign. and in las vegas, police stationing snipers on rooftops and strike teams at hotels around the strip. >> this is an all hands on deck approach. >> reporter: and police say teams are embedded in hotels in this area to get to know the staff and put them in a better position to identify suspicious behavior.

law enforcement across the country says the public plays a vital role in security and they hope everyone will be extra vigilant. erielle reshef, abc news, new york. 2018 is ending on a soggy note for major parts of the country. snow is falling in the upper plains. now with more on the way. >> you can see another storm system is bringing rain to the deep south. accuweather's paul williams has the national forecast on this new year's eve. >> good morning. last year came in at 5 below zero. this year at 42 but very soggy. very rainy. look for the rain along the entire east coast with a mix to the north. rain in the ohio valley region. thunderstorms throughout the deep south and watching out for snow in albuquerque up towards colorado with blowing, drifting snow. plans will be altered. crazy winds in excess of 50 to 60 mile per hour gusts in some of the passes and widespread snow throughout the north central part of the country. >> thanks to paul there and a

warmer new year's eve. new details in the awful death of an intern mauled by a lion. visitors saw what they are describing as the first serious incident in the center's 19-year history. elaina athans from our station in raleigh has more. >> reporter: alexandra black surely endured a painful death, one where there was no escape. she was mauled by a lion who somehow was able to get out of a locked area at the conservators center. he crept up on black, pounced and killed. >> this is the worst day of my life. we've lost a person. we've lost an animal. we have lost our faith in ourselves a little bit today. >> reporter: black was just 22 yes she rely graduated from college, just started working here and hadn't even been a full two weeks and in fact, it was an internship. her family in indiana issuing a statement saying in part she was a beautiful young woman who had

just started her career. there was a terrible accident, and we are in mourning. but she died following her passion. >> i am grateful for the family of this individual who is very extraordinary people. and they understand that this was important to their loved one. >> reporter: the sheriff's office says the male lion entered the space where black and others were cleaning. he was ultimately shot and killed by the sheriff's office. deputies are investigating and the nonprofit is hoping to resume its mission but only after evaluating this tragedy. >> i think any time you have an incident, you have to take the time to really assess exactly what happened. and that means some investigation. and we need to understand it and make sure it's something that never, ever happens again. >> the center is closed until further notice.

elaina athans, durham. turning to the latest on the government shutdown forcing hundreds of thousands of government workers to kick off the new year without pay. trump hasn't spoken to democratic leaders in nearly three weeks but he's been reassuring conservatives he'll not back down from his demand for a border wall. now there are growing questions about what constitutes a wall. after meeting with the president yesterday, senator graham said the wall has become a metaphor for border security. >> the approach democrats have taken has made it pretty hard to have a discussion. the president is telling us what he wants, and he's willing to do some things to get what he wants. >> reporter: a spokesman for chuck schumer said it's clear that the white house does not know what it wants when it comes to border security. >> of course, that's a big talk in washington. john kelly is also speaking out about the border wall saying the president had long abandoned the notion of a solid concrete wall. abc's kenneth moton has more on what kelly has to say as he

leaves the administration. >> reporter: john kelly's stunning partying words telling the "l.a. times" the white house has given up on president trump's signature campaign promise of a concrete barrier on the southern border saying, to be honest, it's not a wall. the president still says wall. oftentimes he'll say barrier or fencing. now he's tended toward steel slats. >> and we're going to have tremendous border security that will include the wall. >> reporter: kelly did say the president was right to make border security a top priority. we do have an immigration problem. if we don't fix the laws, then they'll keep coming, he said. they have known and they do know if they can get here they can, generally speaking, stay. general kelly described his 18-month tenure as a bone-crushing hard job. >> i did something wrong and god punished me, i guess. >> reporter: kelly recalled that trump would press advisers on

the limits of presidential authority under the law but added trump never ordered him to do anything illegal because we wouldn't have, kelly said. that check on the president something fired secretary of state rex tillerson recently spoke about. >> i would have to say to him, well, mr. president, understand what you want to do, but you can't do it that way. it violates the law. >> reporter: kelly saying his time in the white house is best measured by what the president did not do. claiming last year he talked the president out of withdrawing troops from afghanistan. >> john kelly will be leaving at the end of the year. >> reporter: shortly after trump confirmed kelly's departure he announced half the 14,000 troops in afghanistan and all of those in syria would be leaving the battlefield. >> they are all coming back, and they are coming back now. >> reporter: kelly decided to leave this white house after the midterm election. asked why he stayed a year and a half during tumultuous months, he simply said duty. >> big thanks to kenneth there. now to football and the defending champion eagles. you have to feel bad for nick foles.

he suffered a chest injury yesterday -- in yesterday's win over the redskins. foles finished having played 32% of the eagles' plays. he needed to play 33% of the plays in order to qualify for a million-dollar bonus. foles says he's optimistic he'll be ready for next weekend. >> all right, yes. let us hope. the eagles playoff game is next sunday against the bears. but the postseason party kicks off on saturday with the colts visiting the houston texans. indianapolis qualified last night by beating the titans. >> next saturday night's game is the seahawks visiting the dallas cowboys. you know about dallas. >> i know a lot about dallas. and speaking of dallas, it was the scene of something unique. have you seen this? a football moment. but not necessarily on the field. a bald eagle named clark was part of the pregame ceremony at the clemson versus notre dame football playoff game. >> but clark went rogue and

landed on a notre dame fan before taking off again and landing on the outstretched arm of another fan. that's where one of his handlers got clark back on his leash. for some notre dame fans, the highlight of the -- look at this. he's like calling to him. clark, clark, come here. and he lands. jack, that was a tough game, wasn't it? >> that was a very difficult game. >> jack was at the game. >> you were there? >> yes. unfortunately. >> what time was your flight back? >> i'm sorry? >> what time was your flight back? >> about 11:45 sunday afternoon. back to laguardia. cheers to american airlines for a heck of a job getting us back and got some sleep and couldn't miss marcus moore's first day on "world news now." >> of course not. coming up, the year-end surprise from taylor swift. the "shake it off" singer sends fans into a tizzy over her teaser. it's ahead in "the skinny."

first, the killer on the loose in houston. police have launched a manhunt for a man who they say shot and killed a young girl in a walmart parking lot. you are watching "world news now." now." you about the colonial penn program. if you're age 50 to 85, and looking to buy life insurance on a fixed budget, remember the three p's. what are the three p's? the three p's of life insurance on a fixed budget are price, price, and price. a price you can afford, a price that can't increase, and a price that fits your budget. i'm 54. alex, what's my price? you can get coverage for $9.95 a month. i'm 65 and take medications. what's my price? also $9.95 a month. i just turned 80. what's my price? $9.95 a month for you too. if you're age 50 to 85, call now about the #1 most popular

whole life insurance plan, available through the colonial penn program. it has an affordable rate starting at $9.95 a month. no medical exam, noealth qutions. your acceptance is guaranteed. and this plan has a guaranteed lifetime rate lock, so your rate can never go up for any reason. so call now for free information. and you'll also get this free beneficiary planner. and it's yours just for calling. so call now.

know what turns me on? my better half, hors d oeuvres and bubbly. and when i really want to take it up a notch we use k-y yours & mine. tingling for me, warming for him. wow! this holiday season get what you want

a man from maryland is charged with manslaughter for this fiery crash in new york city. police say his car plowed into a honda crv. that honda flipped over and caught on fire killing the 57-year-old woman inside. at least three people in other vehicles were also hurt. >> wow. turning to an awful story in texas. police there have launched a manhunt for a man who opened fire on a family inside a car killing a 7-year-old girl. >> it happened yesterday morning as they were leaving the parking lot of a walmart in houston. here is marci gonzalez. >> reporter: police searching for the gunman who opened fire at this car and the family inside killing a 7-year-old girl. >> we're going to use all resources available to bring this killer to justice. >> reporter: investigators say a woman and her four daughters were driving out of this walmart parking lot around 7:15 when a red pickup truck pulled up next to them and the driver started shooting. the mother shot in the arm, now

recovering. the 7-year-old pronounced dead at the scene. shattered glass injuring one other child. >> they are shaken, devastated. they lost a sister. especially during this holiday season, it's tough. >> reporter: the harris county sheriff sharing a vague description of the driver saying he's white in his 40s, has a beard and was wearing a red hoodie. investigators are interviewing witnesses and going over surveillance video trying to piece together what led to the shooting. marci gonzalez, abc news, los angeles. >> and the sisters in the car were reportedly ages 6 to 15 so just an awful story there. when we come back, taylor swift teases her fans into a frenzy. >> and what dwanta claus did for mom. the christmas dwayneohns's wl v. y" is next. wayne johnson's mother will never forget. "the skinny" is next.

>> announcer: "world news now" continues after this from ou♪ babies aren't fully developed until at least 39 weeks. a healthy baby is worth the wait.

♪ ♪ skinny, just give me the skinny ♪ it is time for "the skinny" on this monday morning. starting with the sensation sparked online by taylor swift. >> the queen of the breakup

songs has surprised and delighted her fans with a sneak pick of her reputation stadium tour on netflix. she released a video of her track. ♪ ♪ it was cold something about it felt like ♪ ♪ >> losing their minds. the 29-year-old singer/songwriter is releasing her reputation stadium tour on netflix tonight. it just came out a couple hours ago. >> next, an emotional moment for lady gaga. >> mama monster opened her las vegas residency tour on friday night before a packed crowd ziplining her way into the arena in a silver suit for her first

number. >> but she had to regain her composure during her performance of "shallow." this after nearly breaking down right there at the piano as she played her breakout hit from "a star is born." ♪ ♪ i find myself longing for change ♪ >> you can do it! we love you so much! >> you can do it. we love you, gaga. gaga told her fans, i love you so much. i'm so proud to be your star, but the truth is, you gave birth to me. so much love in that arena. and stars are just like us and proving it this morning is dwayne "the rock" johnson. >> johnson famously nicknamed himself dwanta claus for the holiday season.

wait until you hear what he pulled out of his bag of toys just for his mother. >> this willy wonka golden ticket is good for -- 12/18? wait, wait, wait. a brand-new home. i love you. >> wait, wait, wait. johnson says he told his mother to treat that card like it's willy wonka's golden ticket because she gets to choose any house she wants anywhere she wants. >> in march, johnson shared that he got his father a brand-new cadillac after his dad underwent hip surgery. >> oh, my gosh. a fun fact. i've had a hip replacement surgery. so dwanta, christmas isn't over yet.

>> as long as i get invited. >> finally, another celebrity with deep pockets and a big heart. >> kevin hart took to instagram to unveil the epic gift he gave to his crew to celebrate the end of his "irresponsible" tour. and that was -- take a look at this. that corvette, mustang. a collection of classic cars. hart says in the video, quote, i wouldn't want to be where -- i wouldn't be where i am or who i am today if it wasn't for my team. >> oh, my gosh. #no new friends or can we get in that crew? look, kevin -- >> a chevelle. >> i'll laugh at all your jokes. >> stars, they're just like us. >> i'll tell you, that's all right. that's how you do it with your team. crystal ball. >> what we can expect to see on the silver screen in the coming year.

remember the three p's. what are the three p's? the three p's of life insurance on a fixed budget are price, price, and price. a price you can afford, a price that can't increase, and a price that fits your budget. i'm 54. alex, what's my price? you can get coverage for $9.95 a month. i'm 65 and take medications. what's my price? also $9.95 a month. i just turned 80. what's my price? $9.95 a month for you too. if you're age 50 to 85, call now about the #1 most popular whole life insurance plan, available through the colonialm. it has an affordable rate starting at $9.95 a month. no medical exam, no health questions. your acceptance is guaranteed.

and this plan has a guaranteed lifetime rate lock, so your rate can never go up for any reason. so call now for free information. and you'll also get this free beneficiary planner. and it's yours just for calling. so call now.

know what turns me on? my better half, hors d oeuvres and bubbly. and when i really want to take it up a notch we use k-y yours & mine. tingling for me, warming for him. wow! this holiday season get what you want

♪ ♪ the last day of 2018, we're looking back at the year that's been quite a ride for the box office from black panther and halloween to the box office bombs. we can expect 2019 to be a lot of sequels and superheroes. here's abc's chris connelly. >> reporter: you want big? from avengers end game to godzilla king of the monsters. from "little women" to a sequel to "frozen" and from the climax of star wars episode 9 to the bang-bang of triple frontier. 2019 has plenty of massive movies in store. serenity sees matthew mcconaughey reteaming with anne hath

it's "jurassic world's" bryce dallas howard as the voice of this creature in "a dog's way home." >> that was his favorite. >> reporter: and kevin hart and brian cranston's unlikely bond hopes to uplift "the upside." taraji p. henson's mind-reading skills let her in on "what men want." rebel wilson tweaks the rom-com formula in "isn't it romantic." and hailey lou richardson battling illness in "five feet apart." march brings the much-awaited debut of brie larson as "captain marvel." and liam neeson is back. and you won't believe this part. he's seeking revenge. yes, again.

in "cold pursuit." for earth day in april, disney's got "penguins." even as later months offer reinvented versions of "aladdin" and "the lion king." plus the people of pixar thanks to "toy story 4." >> to infinity and beyond! >> reporter: while dark phoenix and x-men sequel may further brighten 2019's films. chris connelly, abc news, los angeles. >> so mr. moore here is very excited about "penguins." when he was in elementary school he used to rent this book from the library. >> yes. >> check out. whatever. making fun of me. >> oh, no you didn't. >> the sun is not even up. he likes penguins in the shade. >> announcer: this is abc's "world news now," informing insomniacs for two decades. ouncer: this is abc's "world news now," informing insomniacs for t

my name is eddie metcalf. i enjoworking in my yard and you know, i can't. i can't do that any more,'cuz i'm missing most of my lung. they did a cat scan of my kidneys, no more kidney stones. that's the good news. "but, we found a spot on your lung." that frankly scared the "hell" out of me. i hadn't smoked in 22 years. how could this happen to me? he said, "well, you know about radon gas?"

we'll... you know, i heard about it. he said, "well, the second leading cause of cancer" "in america is radon, 22,000 people a year die from this." i literally left the doctor's office, got a test kit, put it in my house, and our result was 39.8. the upper limit is 4. we got to get this fixed. that was on a monday, and on wednesday, our mitigation system was up and running. well, i think everybody should have their house tested. we'd never know. we'd still be living there. i could get another tumor from it. right now, it's changing my life.

making news in america this morning, horrific attack. a lion mauling an intern to death at a conservation center in north carolina. >> this is the worst day of my life. we've lost a person. >> what we're learning about the victim and how the lion was able to reach her. the border battle and government shutdown heading into the new year with no end in sight. why the president is now comparing the border wall to a fence around the obamas' washington, d.c. home. countdown to 2019. the crowds already gathering as more than a million people pile into new york's times square. the new way technology is being used to help keep them safe. plus, the new laws taking effect in the new year. where it will be mandatory for students to have two recesses. anth