>> guys, we made it through 2018. >> a little while to go. >> here's to a great 2019 and a beautiful start to your day. gma starts good morning, america. a major new year's eve storm on the move. 70 million in the path of dangerous weather. snow and heavy wind blasting the midwest to the east, and torrential rain expected right here in times square as the ball drops. ginger's tracking the very latest. and high alert as more than a million people prepare to pack into times square, how police will use new anti-drone technology to keep everyone safe. shutdown stalemate. the battle over the border wall now heading into the new year. president trump digging in on his multibillion-dollar demand as democrats are just days away from taking control of the house.

deadly attack. the search for answers this morning after this lion escapes a locked area, killing a 22-year-old intern. what the center's director is now saying. breaking overnight. new trouble for louis c.k. outrage over a leaked audio recording of the embattled comedian mocking school shooting survivors. and we're counting down to the biggest party in the world, kicking off right here in times square. the star-studded performances and the brand-new details about to be revealed. what ryan seacrest is telling us this morning only on "gma." ♪ ♪ hey, good morning, america. and happy new year. we're hours away from ringing in 2019. here's a live look at the famous times square ball. thousands of crystals ready to shine, ringing in the new year. >> if you can't wait for the

ball to drop, why not party with the kiwis. the clock has already struck midnight in auckland, new zealand, and you can see the celebrations under way there. >> back here in new york, the nypd is expecting more than a million people right outside our studio to watch the ball drop live. millions more watching around the world and looks like that ball is going to drop to a pretty nasty storm. ginger right there with all the latest. good morning to you, ginger. >> you wouldn't know it because it's a beautiful morning. one of the most comfortable mornings i have ever had standing by this gorgeous ball. it will be ugly by the time we get to the ball dropping. it will be all rain for most of the ohio river valley. but there's cold part of the storm. it's actually two different storms kind of coming together. the video that you're seeing of accidents in st. cloud, minnesota, the streets being

plowed. that's the northern side. ton of cold air that's diving into the middle of the country as we start 2019. downright warm by the time the ball drops here, upper 40s but rain comes with it. look at the alerts, alburquerque, new mexico, expecting rain. here in times square, it's going to be not just wet but when you see the temperature you go not too bad. but 49 degrees, rainy, mild yes but windy. with the rain comes some very gusty winds. guys? >> looking at the silver lining, ginger, thanks so much. beyond the weather security,

of course, a concern for tonight's ball drop here in times square. t.j. holmes is outside with a look at new technology law enforcement is using to keep all those people safe. t.j., good morning. >> reporter: whit, this party has been going on for over a hundred years. police are always evolving when it comes to their security. it doesn't matter where you go in times square tonight, every ten feet you're going to bump into a police officer. every ten feet. they're blanketing it like that. even though they have been doing this for a while, still we'll see security first. >> one. happy new year! >> reporter: party officials are putting the final touches on the festivities. police are preparing as well to protect the more than 1 million spectators expected to pile into new york's times square. >> no umbrellas. >> reporter: thousands of uniformed and undercover police officers will be patrolling the streets. 50 bomb-sniffing k9 units there and more than 1200 security cameras will keep watch.

and for the first time, at least one nypd drone will keep watch from above. >> a visual aid and flexibility of moving it to a certain spot with great repetitivety. >> reporter: it's not just drone technology. this year anti-drone technology is also being deployed to help keep the skies overhead clear. >> there's no need to fly a drone. if you do fly one, there's a good chance you'll end up getting arrested. >> reporter: dozens of trucks and hundreds of police cars will be parked throughout the city, blocking the more than 2 and a half mile perimeter. >> it's going to be one of the most well-policed, best protected events in one of the safest places in the world. >> reporter: officers are expected to be stationed every ten feet. authorities counting on the public to play their part as well. >> you see something, say something. it's not just a slogan. attacks have been stopped and lives saved because someone said something. if something doesn't feel right you got to tell an nypd officer so that they can have that information and act on it. >> reporter: it's important to

note that there are no credible security threats to times square according to police. but still, tonight, it's supposed to be rainy. keep in mind, you can't bring umbrellas. you can't bring coolers or backpacks. you come in, you'll go through metal detectors. once you go through that, then it's time to party. whit. >> you're painting a comfortable picture. >> is he trying to talk us out? >> 2 million still going. much more behind the scenes of tonight's new year's celebration in the next half hour. dan. we want to turn to washington where the government shutdown is about to extend into a new year and there really is no end in sight here. some 420,000 government employees worked without pay last week while 380,000 workers are furloughed. that means they're out of work without pay. our white house correspondent tara palmeri has the latest. tara, good morning to you. >> reporter: good morning, dan.

we haven't heard or seen the president since last week but he's been busy blasting the democrats on twitter and the white house officials says there's still no meeting on the books for him to meet with democratic leaders before they take the house later this week. with the government shutdown now entering its second week, sources tell abc news president trump is calling political allies and conservative pundits to reassure them he will not back down on his demand for a border wall. >> we need a wall. >> reporter: the president sunday comparing his wall to the fence around the obamas' private home, tweeting, president and mrs. obama built/has a ten-foot wall around their d.c. mansion/compound. i agree, totally necessary for their safety and security. the u.s. needs the same thing. and the president's outgoing chief of staff john kelly saying that the administration has long abandoned the idea of a solid concrete wall, telling the "l.a. times," quote, to be honest it's not a wall. the president still says wall. oftentimes frankly he'll say

barrier or fencing, now he's tended toward steel slats. the president also blaming democrats for tragedy at the southern border claiming without any proof it's their fault that two migrant children died in u.s. custody this month. in his first statement on their deaths, the president tweeting, any deaths of children or others at the border are strictly the fault of the democrats. the president claiming the two children wouldn't have died if he was granted money for a wall. democrats showing no sign of compromise on their current offer of roughly $1.3 billion for border security. >> we are not willing to pay $2.5 billion or $5 billion in wasting taxpayer dollars on a ransom note because donald trump decided that he was going to shut down the government. >> reporter: before lunch at the white house sunday the president's ally, senator lindsey graham, saying don't expect the president to back down. >> president trump is not going to walk away from this fight without border security funding, money for the wall for lack of a

better way of saying it. >> reporter: but it's unclear how this stalemate will end. president trump, chuck schumer and incoming house speaker nancy pelosi haven't spoken to each other in 20 days. now sources say the president feels comfortable about where he stands politically in this shutdown fight. he sees it as a political loser for democrats as they try to set the agenda in the new congress. dan. >> tara, let me ask you about some news on another subject, lindsey graham coming out and speaking to the press after that lunch with the president. the president has taken a lot of heat from senator graham and others on both sides of the aisle for his decision recently to pull american troops out of syria. now senator graham says there's a pause? >> reporter: that's right, dan. senator graham came to the white house yesterday to make his case against pulling out the remaining 2,000 troops from syria and he says that the president agreed to slow down the withdrawal process but u.s. officials warn us that no final decisions have been made. in fact, they're actually drafting a plan right now and they say that withdrawal could

happen over the next few months. dan. >> tara palmeri at the white house, thank you very much. let's turn now to our political analyst, matthew dowd, who for once joins us in person. such a pleasure. >> not for once but unusually. >> i'm just trying to make you feel guilty on this new year's. >> happy new year's to you. >> and to you my friend. this week big news. the democrats are going to take over the house. what does that mean for this ongoing shutdown? is that likely to change the game in a meaningful way? >> well, it puts the democrats in a much more powerful position now that speaker pelosi is going to be speaker in this and democrats have a huge advantage in the house. i don't think that changes the dynamics. both sides dug in and the president says he'll keep the government shutdown until he gets what he wants but it doesn't seem like speaker pelosi or minority leader schumer are going to move at all. >> so what has to happen for them to reach a deal to bring this shutdown to an end? >> the president has to move. i mean, interestingly, when you look back at past presidents who have lost badly in midterms, president obama, president clinton and president reagan, all of them understood their

base wasn't enough and they decided to go towards consensus and go towards compromise. the president has done the exact opposite of that after a badly lost midterm. he has to move towards consensus and he has to move towards compromise and understand that he doesn't represent today the majority of the country. >> and, matt, as we mentioned the new year brings a new congress and new reality for president trump. what does that mean for the rest of his first term and his broader agenda? >> i think it makes it very difficult and i don't think the president is prepared both emotionally and administratively for what he's about to deal with. having the democrats in charge of the house is going to change dynamics completely and they'll put in charge of all committees, investigations, they're going to have subpoena power and they're going to have the run of the house actually and i think the president is not prepared for what that means and what he is about to face with an aggressive congress. >> the other dynamic this year is we've got all these democrats who are about to announce they're running for president. we could see upwards of two dozen so how does that play out over the course of the year?

>> well, that's going to begin i think the democratic national committee has already set debates to start in june so six months from now will be the first debate -- >> how will they put them on the same stage. >> they decided to bifurcate it and have two separate stages. the democrats running, it's basically four lanes and the democrats have to compete in one of those lanes which is an ideological lane, which would be more progressive, the experienced lane, reliable which would be more like biden, the fresh face lane like beto and what i call the time's up lane, which is the women candidates. one of them will be elizabeth warren or somebody else will jump up to that top tier. it won't be just beto, bernie and biden. >> thank you, matt. >> looking forward to a new year. we're going to turn overseas now to a deadly terror attack on a shopping center if the philippines. just ahead of the new year authorities believe suspected islamic militants set off a bomb near the entrance of a mall in

cotabato, killing at least two people. officials say they recovered an unexploded bomb nearby. there is an investigation going on right now. the mayor of the city saying, and this is a quote, it is unimaginable how some people can start the new year with an act of cruelty but no matter how you threaten us the people are resilient. we will stand up against terrorism. eva. now to that urgent manhunt in houston for a gunman who shot and killed a little girl sitting in her mother's car in a walmart parking lot. abc's janai norman is here with the very latest. good morning, janai. >> reporter: eva, good morning. that mom was leaving a walmart parking lot with her four daughters when investigators say the man opened fire and now they are urgently trying to find the killer, even appealing directly to that shooter to turn himself in. >> one party appears to be trapped inside the vehicle. >> reporter: this morning, a massive manhunt is on for the suspect responsible for injuring a 30-year-old mother and killing her 7-year-old daughter. investigators say the suspect pulled up alongside the vehicle as it was exiting a walmart parking lot and opened fire.

>> this morning, about 7:00 this morning, we received a call in reference to a shooting at this intersection. >> reporter: now police say there may have been an altercation in the parking lot leading to what authorities are calling a senseless act. >> we will use all resources available to bring this killer to justice. >> reporter: according to the county sheriff's office, the jazmine barnes, was in the car d with four other family members including her three sisters and mother, laporsha robinson. the mother sustained a gunshot wound to the arm but is expected to survive. the suspect is described as a white male in his 40s with a beard. he was last seen wearing a red hoodie and fled in a red pickup truck without a license plate. >> we will be looking for you. we will locate you and we will find you. >> and officials say that suspect is considered armed and dangerous. so desperately trying to find that person. >> thank you, janai. appreciate it. we want to turn now to new trouble for comedian louis c.k. overnight an audio recording from a recent performance leaking.

in it, the comedian mocks students who survived school shootings. abc's erielle reshef has the latest. >> reporter: this morning, louis c.k. is back in hot water facing backlash for audio leaked from a performance earlier this month in which the embattled comedian appears to mock teen activists who survived the parkland massacre school shooting. >> why does that make you interesting? you didn't get shot. you pushed some fat kid in the way and now i got to listen to you talking. >> reporter: the audience apparently laughing and cheering the comic. the crowd also roaring along as he talked about millennials and gender identity. >> they're like royalty. they tell you what to call them. [bleep] you should address me as they/them. [ laughter ] because i identify as gender neutral. oh, okay. you should address me as there because i identify as a location

and the location is your [ bleep ]. >> reporter: since vowing to step back and take a long time to listen after admitting in 2017 to sexually harassing female comedians, c.k. has come under fire for making unannounced returns to the stage and for failing to address his me too controversy. but defenders say he has never held back in his comedy routines often skirting the line with his material. at an august show at new york's comedy cellar, the owner told "the new york times" he worked on typical louis c.k. stuff including material on racism and waitress tips. in that leaked sketch, c.k. also allegedly mocked students with developmental disabilities. it's unclear how that segment was taped, though the original youtube post claimed that the show was on december 19th. no word publicly from c.k. since the audio surfaced. >> he's no stranger to controversy. >> definitely not. a lot of people saying this is just not funny.

>> erielle, thank you. as the new year approaches that also means new laws going into place and some interesting ones are set to go into effect when the clock strikes midnight. school kids in arizona will love this one. all students through fifth grade now get two recesses. >> what? >> oh, yeah, wish i lived in arizona. lawmakers hoping the extra playtime will reduce stress and increase academic performance. >> that law went into effect 40 years too late for me. meanwhile, here in new york city -- new york state rather, all new and renovated public bathrooms will include changing tables and that includes men's rooms. >> there goes my excuse. the men no longer have one. all animals sold in pet stores in california will have to come from rescue organizations. it will become the first state to enact such a law in the battle against puppy mills. a shoutout to my dog nemo. >> it is a great way to save a life for free and improve your own. another thing to watch out for as we celebrate the new year, a gigantic peep. i mean, this quite literally. check it out. while a ball may fall in new york city, a 400-pound peep like

this one will be lowered during the annual peepfest in bethlehem, pennsylvania, the home of the company that makes those marshmallow treats. i shouldn't have to say this but this particular peep is not edible. >> i was going to ask. well, you never know. >> one bite at a time. >> fair enough. >> do you know if you put peeps in the microwave they duke it out like sumo wrestlers? >> is that true? >> yes. news you can use. >> everybody will try peeps and try it out. >> exactly. they morph into each other. back to ginger with more on that storm and severe weather possibly for new year's eve, ginger. >> it is. you got to say, at least we're not going to be -- we'll be soaked but we won't frozen like this picture shows and won't look like mt. hood, oregon. wow, that is amazing. that severe storm from tennessee down to the gulf coast, that's the big picture. select cities brought to you by ancestry.com.

coming up, new details on that deadly lion attack. a 22-year-old intern killed when the animal escaped a locked enclosure. the animal escaped a locked enclosure.

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creek. southbound 680, we are still looking at no delays there. just north of 24, drive times remain in the green as well. westbound 80, highway 4 to the maze, about nine minutes. still no metering lights. san francisco to sfo looking great at ten minutes. >> smooth sailing. thank you.

it's all about the winds as we wind down this 2018. look at this. the bay shoreline, 9:00 to 9:00, gusts to 45 miles per hour. above a thousand feet, gusts possibly to 70 miles per hour. i wanted to show you what it's going to feel like outside about the time we get to midnight. it's going to feel like the lower to upper 30s. so make sure you dress accordingly. dry for the new year until the weekend. jessica? >> mike, thank you. coming up on "gma," the latest twist in the mystery of that

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when heartburn hits... fight back fast with tums smoothies. it neutralizes stomach acid at the source. tum tum tum tum tums... smoothies... ...and introducing new tums sugar-free. ♪ welcome back to "gma." you're looking live at the new year's eve ball high above times square ready to drop and ring in the new year and coming up, we're giving you behind-the-scenes details from the biggest party on the planet and get this, someone right here on "gma" will be a part of the big show tonight. we will have more on that ahead. exciting news, though. >> very exciting. >> that's coming up. first, though, the headlines we're following right now. that major storm on the move with more than 70 million people in its path bringing snow, torrential rain and heavy wind from the midwest to the northeast. it's going to be a rainy night right here in times square. and this morning, russia's security agency say they've arrested an american citizen

accused of spying, saying paul whelan was taken into custody in moscow and will be charged with espionage but they didn't give any details. if convicted, he could potentially face up to two decades behind bars. also this morning, the man from colorado accused of killing his fiancee facing murder charges though his fiancee's body has not been found. kelsey berreth was last seen on thanksgiving. the couple's baby daughter is now in the custody of her parents. on a lighter note the saying goes, new year, new you, somebody may have a very new reality to celebrate tomorrow. the mega millions jackpot has jumped up to 415 million bucks. the drawing tomorrow at 11:00 eastern. >> that would be a nice way to start 2019. >> yes. or, any day. >> a really nice way. >> your resolution. we are going to turn now though to the search for answers after a lion escaped a locked enclosure at a north carolina park killing a 22-year-old intern. abc's stephanie ramos is on the scene in burlington with more. stephanie, good morning.

>> reporter: whit, good morning. the conservators center serves as an educational nonprofit here in burlington and describes itself as a zoological park dedicated to providing a specialized home to select carnivore species. one of those animals last night went after a woman whose family says she was following her passion here. this is matthai. the sheriff's office says the male lion seen in this youtube video posted by the center before the incident escaped a locked space, wandered into an area with staff and killed alexandra black, a recent graduate of indiana university. she had just started interning at the conservator center two weeks ago. deputies later shooting and killing the lion when tranquilizers didn't work so they could retrieve black's body. >> 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. >> reporter: in a statement black's family says, alex loved animals. our beautiful, intelligent, passionate alex had worked unpaid at several animal-related ventures. this was her fourth internship because she really wanted to make a career of working with animals. there was a terrible accident and we are mourning, but she died following her passion. >> i am grateful for the family of this individual who is -- they're extraordinary people. and they understand that this was important to their loved one. >> reporter: experts say, while black was with a team of experienced animal keepers, it is always easy and dangerous to forget the threat of wild animals in captivity. >> how does a lion get out of a locked enclosure? this is not, you know, a little

orange tabby cat and people need to understand that because in a split second this is what can happen. >> 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 that it's something that never, ever happens again. >> reporter: the center and sheriff's office tell us it's still unclear how the lion escaped that enclosure. the center here is home to more than 80 animals and 21 different species. it will remain closed indefinitely. now, this morning, we just received a statement from the center. they say even though alexandra black was here for just a short time, she made a huge impact the community. back over to you guys. >> all right, stephanie ramos for us in north carolina, just a terribly upsetting story all around. >> devastating for the family and devastating for the center. coming up, we'll switch gears and talk about some news out of hollywood. it was really a box office shocker.

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we're back now with what may be the biggest hit movie of the holiday season and it wasn't even in theaters. netflix says in just seven days more than 45 million accounts streamed a movie called "bird box." it's a new thriller starring sandra bullock. abc's david wright is on the story. david, good morning to you. >> reporter: good morning, dan. the holidays are always a big

time of year at the box office but this year, couch potatoes have a great excuse to stay at home. you don't have to go to the movieplex to catch one of the biggest blockbusters. you can stream it right to your living room. oscar winner sandra bullock's new thriller has opened a lot of eyes this holiday movie season, in part because "bird box" debuted not on the big screen but the little one. netflix says more than 45 million people have watched it during the first seven days since its release. a new record. fans on social media are happily taking up the "bird box" challenge. this kid's parents probably not so happy he did. >> take it slow. >> oh, my god. >> reporter: all that fun without ever leaving your living room. even horror king stephen king said he was absolutely riveted by the movie. among the other a-listers to bypass the big screen this year -- >> i can't be late.

this cannot exactly drive itself. >> reporter: jennifer aniston joined the fray as a pageant mom on netflix. netflix is also becoming a threat on the award circuit scoring big this season with "roma." the critically acclaimed foreign film garnering three coveted golden globe nominations. but not to worry, there's plenty of life left in the big screen which has seen a record-breaking year, hauling in $11.9 billion thanks to films like "aquaman." >> what could be greater than a king? >> reporter: and coming up just around the corner, a new installment of "star wars," "godzilla: king of the monsters" and "avengers: end game." so we basically have to take netflix's word that 45 million accountholders actually watched this movie. but there's no independent confirmation of streaming services but even at that, if you figure a movie ticket costs about 10 bucks, 45 million streams is a pretty good opening week. >> maybe there were many people

in the room. >> could be a higher number. >> and multiple people using the same account. not that that happens but -- >> i can tell you i have a friend -- >> i can tell you a poll of the newsroom here. everybody was talking about it this morning so clearly striking a chord. >> clearly they're not working. [ laughter ] >> but we are. coming up, behind-the-scenes details from tonight's huge celebration right here in times square. guess who is joining ryan seacrest. hint, it's someone right here on "gma." seacrest. hint, it's someone right here on "gma." ♪ this is not a bed. it's a revolution in sleep. the new sleep number 360 smart bed is on sale now during our lowest prices of the season. it senses your movement, and automatically adjusts to keep you both comfortable. it can even warm your feet to help you fall asleep faster. so you wake up ready to make your resolutions, reality. and now, the queen sleep number 360 c4 smart bed is only $1299. ranked #1 in customer satisfaction

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♪ back now with a behind-the-scenes look at the big celebration to ring in 2019, new year's rockin' eve right here on abc. more than a million people are expected to pack into times square. millions more of you will be watching from home. let's go back to t.j. and ginger. t.j., what can we expect? >> well, it depends on who you ask. if you ask ginger, what can we expect tonight, ginger? >> rain. >> okay, but if you ask me, you can expect to see familiar faces, some big performances. of course, the hosts are back, jenny mccarthy and ryan seacrest but they are making a very special addition to their times square team. >> three, two, one. happy new year! >> reporter: the biggest party

of the year, "dick clark's new year's rockin' eve," and we're talking exclusively to the two stars of the year. >> what will happen? how will it all unfold? will we be able to see the ball? will there be a cloud over times square? who knows. it all starts at 8:00. i will see you with jenny mccarthy and a lot of fun in just a little bit on "dick clark's new year's rockin' eve." >> reporter: back as hosts, ryan seacrest and jenny mccarthy, her ninth year behind the mike. >> happy new year. >> reporter: his 14th. >> this crowd has been out all day. >> reporter: the biggest show is packed with a star-studded lineup. >> everyone from the chainsmokers to halsey -- >> charlie puth. >> to post malone who's performing in brooklyn and we start at 8:00 eastern and go until january 3rd. >> reporter: even new kids on the block featuring jenny's husband, donnie wahlberg. the two met on the show nearly a decade ago. >> all of a sudden i heard hey, jenny mccarthy, and i had never

met him before and then i wound up falling madly in love with him. >> this is the first time he's performing and you're hosting since then? >> correct, in nine years. >> reporter: headlining before midnight, christina aguilera, her first time on the new year's stage since 2007. ♪ makes my cherry pop >> reporter: remember last year that came with a record temperature drop. >> do you feel it? it's ten degrees. it feels like minus seven. >> reporter: this year warmer but maybe wetter. >> that certainly can change things as you know in a live broadcast. i think the most pressure is on the performers who have to do this -- you know, be out in this and perform. >> how are you feeling? >> all right, gang, i told you there was a special addition. they've been together a lot of years. that special edition is our own ginger zee is joining the broadcast team tonight for new year's eve. yes. >> thank you for the drum roll and slow clap. some of this stuff she will need.

>> a little gift basket. >> boots and apple cider. i did not do that. >> yeah, yeah. >> but some things you'll need. >> apparently a tray so i can serve everybody. >> but this is for you tonight. this is a big deal. you'll be able to be on the broadcast. and th're going to need you tonight as well. >> i'm getting ready. ryan, have a glass. how does it look? is that good? should i stick with that? >> no, they'll need you tonight. it will be a heck of a night. people are already starting to gather. this early in the morning we're seeing people already gathering for tonight and they'll get rained on. >> they will get more than rained on. heavy rain will be a huge issue. i'm so honored to be able to join ryan and jenny and the team and be a part of it and guess what, i won't be alone. not just a million, a million and one because lance bass will be up there. he is the host for barefoot bubbly's times square new year's eve. great to have you. you have a hat. you're ready to go. i know there are a lot of performers. who should we look forward to? >> this is an incredible concert also so i mean new kids on the block, christina aguilera. there's -- i wish 'nsync was doing it tonight. unfortunately, it's not going to happen. >> who is your new kid on the block?

>> oh, my gosh, i love them all. i can't choose. >> jordan. >> okay, i'll take jordan. why not? i like jonathan knight. hi, jonathan, how's it going? >> you're a guy -- would you rather be at home or in the chaos? >> every year it's a little different but i'm excited to be in the chaos. this is my first time in times square. i've always kind of stayed away but i'm here with barefoot wines so they gave me the best seat in the house. i joined the sleigh team. we're going to be showing the new video with anna faris and the whole team. it'll be a fun time. very fun time. >> i'll see you out there. >> yes. >> get your poncho ready. >> i know, right. >> it will keep warming up but we'll be soaked, buddy. >> we have each other, all that matters. >> yes. >> we will see you and again new member of the team here, very excited. ginger will be there tonight, but, whit, we will see you guys here shortly. it's almost time to party. >> fantastic. they're going to need ginger tonight. dan and eva got the ponchos for

the cramped pens down there. thank you so much. "dick clark's new year's rockin' eve with ryan seacrest" kicks off tonight at 8:00 on abc. coming up, how to throw a great last-minute party for your family tonight. >> cool. eve" kicks off at 8:00 on abc. how to throw a great last-minute party for your family tonight. >> cool. family tonight. >> cool. ♪ toyland, toyland ♪ little girl and boy land ♪ while you dwell within it ♪ you are ever happy there daddy, it's christmas! ♪ childhoods, joyland never let go of your dreams. the mercedes-benz winter event is back. lease the glc 300 for $459 a month at your local mercedes-benz dealer. mercedes-benz. the best or nothing.

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on average, we'll live move more in eleven homes. in the world. and every time we move, things change. apartments become houses, cars become mini vans. as we upgrade and downsize, an allstate agent will do the same for our protection. now that you know the truth, are you in good hands? welcome back to "gma." doesn't she look beautiful? that 12-foot in diameter ball that will be dropping tonight to start 2019. i am holding in my hand one of the most beautiful waterford crystals. this one the gift of harmony. every year there is a theme and there are, let's see, 2,688 of these bad boys around this whole ball so let me just tell you about what's happening cold-wise. it's not going to be cold here.

it will actually be warming through the night with the warm front but the windchills by tomorrow morning as we start 2019 going to be subfreezing for so many people including omaha, rapid city, dodge city. look at oklahoma city, will only feel like 14 degrees. a look across the nation at some of the places you might be celebrating new year's eve like key west, miami, you're in the 70s, you'll be fine. here it will be all rain. i'll be right here in times square for that ryan seacrest show and will be joining you throughout. here's your receipt. have a nice day! thank you. ♪ ♪ start the car! start the car! start the car! start the car! the ikea winter sale. wooooooo! save up to 50% off select items in store only december 26th to january 6th. ikea.

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good morning, south bay. let's get up and get going. >> this is abc 7 mornings. >> good morning. i'm jessica castro from abc 7 mornings. let's check our forecast for tonight's celebrations with meteorologist mike nicco. >> we'll start with the breezes. they're going to be everywhere but the santa clara valley, the north bay valleys, and along the coast. they could gust anywhere from 45 in the bay shoreline and the east bay valleys to 70 up above 1100 feet. you can see gail warnings out on the bay. let's take a quick look at what's going to happen this evening. 39 to 46 at midnight. it'll feel cooler than that because of the winds. alexis? >> we do finally have our first significant issue of the morning. that is in oakland. we have a multivehicle collision on northbound 880. that's just past 16th avenue, adding about 15, 20 minutes to your drive. not fun on what is otherwise a very light commute.

i would certainly stick to 580 as long as you're not in a big rig. here's a look at everyone else's very light commute. here's san rafael, southbound 101 pretty much empty. >> thanks, alexis. still to come, secrets to celebrating in style in 2019. find out how to showcase your best look for the new year. and we'll have served in a no-mess bag, my new deli trio and turkey, bacon, and cheddar pannidos are almost too easy to eat on the go. so panni-do eat one while you are in a car, but panni-don't, while you are on a car. order a pannido with doordash today. only at jack in the box.

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huh? [buzzer] ...while you're getting tackled by a guy named aaron. order a pannido with doordash today. good morning, america. it's 8:00 a.m. a major new year's eve storm on the move. snow, ice, heavy rain, even tornadoes expected to pummel parts of the country from the south to the northeast. and all those celebrating tonight here inimes square expected to be drenched by rain, ginger right there at the ball tracking the latest. shocking death. a 26-year-old political commentator who passed away suddenly after contracting a common strain of the flu. what her family is saying now and the warning from doctors. get your calm on. how meditation can help kick-start your new year.

the simple ways to make it part of your routine. how the whole family can do it together as we kick off our "gma" january challenge to help you get healthier and be the best you in the new year. lady gaga's blockbuster new concert debuts over the weekend and check out what looks like her biggest fan celine dion rocking out in the audience. and it's just hours till new year's eve in new york. celebrations starting on the other side of the world. we'll show you how to put together your own last-minute party. the wild ways so many are ringing in the new year from that 400-pound peep to the big cheese drop from the top of the ball right here in times square. look who is saying -- [ chanting "good morning, america" ] good morning, america. thank you for being with us on

this new year's eve. a live look at the ball in times square as we count down to 2019. >> absolutely. everyone here at "gma" already celebrating some of our staff and crew getting into the spirit and we'll show you how you can create your own holiday photo booth. oh, there's fonsi. the crew guys right there. photo booth, one of many ways to celebrate. >> we're also getting ready for the big reveal. those young girls, they are very excited for this one because we are going to find out who the american girl doll girl of the year is. look how cute they are. >> we're told things are at a fever pitch in that room right now. it's all coming up. first that major storm moving in on this new year's eve right in time for the ball drop deeply inconvenient. ginger right there by the ball right now. ginger, how bad is this going to get? >> oh, my gosh, that's the thing. we always have a weather story on new year's eve. it feels like last year was the second coldest. it fel like 4 below and lucky this is waterproof because this

year it is going to be the heavy rain starting between 4:00 and 10:00 p.m. we have got just rounds of showers that will be blowing through all part of one storm that is going to be combined by two and let me take you through it. the northern storm, st. cloud, minnesota, the slide-offs that lapped with some of the snow, it's relatively light but impacting folks. winter advisories through iowa, michigan and it lifts through and that's where the heavy rain and thunderstorms will come from. it will be warm but you have a severe storm component on the southern end. so anywhere from, say, southern kentucky right down into mississippi and alabama watching for that. it won't just be rainy, guys, it will be windy and talking gusts of 40 some miles per hour in parts of pennsylvania, new york city here, 20s, 30s, you add that to the rain, it's going to feel even more uncomfortable than it already is. i'm telling you i'll be here every hour on the hour doing the show tonight. i am so happy it's going to be warm because it'll be wet and ugly. >> all that rain, better bring the poncho tonight.

as the new year's celebrations get under way security also a concern. 1 million people expected to ring in the new year right outside our studio windows. back to t.j. holmes also up at the new year's ball with a closer look at the safety measures that authorities are taking. hey, t.j. >> hey, good morning to you again, eva. all eyes on this ball, right? figuratively speaking police have to keep their eye on the ball. a billion people watching from around the world. a heck of a security challenge and, yes, they've been doing this ray long time but this year will have a security first. >> one, happy new year. >> reporter: party officials are putting the final touches on the festivities, police are preparing as well to protect the more than 1 million spectators expected to pile into new york's times square. >> no umbrellas. >> reporter: for the first time at least one nypd drone will keep watch from above. >> that's going to give us a

visual aid of moving it to a superb spot with great rapidity. >> reporter: it's not just drone technology. this year anti-drone technology is also being deployed to help keep the skies overhead clear. >> there's no need to fly your drone. if you do fly one there's a good chance you'll end up getting arrested. >> reporter: thousands of uniformed and undercover police officers will patrol the streets. 50 k9 units will be there and officers expected to be stationed every ten feet. authorities counting on the public to play their part. >> if you see something, say something. it's not just a slogan. attacks have been stopped. lives have been saved because someone said something. >> reporter: i know we've been talking about weather a lot. ginger has been talking about the rain. you have to remember, ponchos preferable. you cannot bring an umbrella into times square because of security. can't have coolers, can't have backpacks and worth noting there are no credible security threats to tonight's events.

>> an important point, t.j., thank you. we talked about the kiwis already getting the party going. now let's go to australia. new year's celebrations already under way and take a look at the fireworks in sydney, australia. in case you can't here under the fireworks, the song playing "you make me feel like a natural woman." aretha franklin classic. i will not be singing that this morning. >> thank you, whit. coming up, everything you need to know about the flu vaccine. this is a really sad story. a rising tv star died after catching a common strain. we'll dive into this. that unbelievable surprise gift dwayne johnson gave to his mom. plus easy ways to ring in the new year. you can still pull it off before midnight. we'll be right back on "gma." ♪ all the ways, all the ways ♪ ♪ tell me all the ways ♪ and he said ♪ ♪ girl, you take care of me ♪

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welcome back to "gma." a reminder we'll kick off the new year with the new bachelor. colon will be live wednesday ahead of the season premiere. you don't want to miss that. more importantly, though and more immediately, a.b., adrienne bankert in the house with "pop news." good morning. >> good morning to you. happy new year's eve, everybody. we begin with lady gaga living her best life in vegas. over the weekend the pop star made her las vegas residency debut and her show titled "ee anything pa." larger than life and entered a zip line and rode atop a mechanical spider. the moment of the night, it happened offstage when a fellow las vegas performer and icon was caught on camera enjoying the show. celine dion rocking out singing along to gaga's hit "the edge of

glory." later gaga giving her a shoutout and shared this picture from backstage writing, i love you celine and we certainly do too. look at that amazing hair and the costumes. >> vegas style. >> she always brings it. >> good combo. >> a huge year for her. the movie. she is hashtag winning. >> a star is reborn. okay, now even though christmas has passed we still have all the holiday videos and dwayne johnson surprised his momma with a brand-new home for christmas. this was the moment she found out, watch. >> we love you, mom and merry christmas. this willy wonka golden ticket is good for -- oh. a brand-new home. i love you, dwanta. >> she's so sweet. oh, my goodness. dwayne shares this feels really

good. i told her to treat it like it's a willy wonka golden ticket. she gets to choose a home anywhere we shantzs. johnson is frequently giving -- in march he gave his father a brand-new cadillac and in july he gave his cousin who works as his stunt double a custom pickup truck to thank him for 17 years of dedication. he is certainly a family guy. he loves his family so much and nice to see he's sharing all the wealth because he's been so successful. >> membership has its privileges. >> it sure does. >> that is one way to sum up, dan harris. we like that. finally as we prepare to watch the ball drop right here in new york city we should tip our hats to some other cities ringing in the new year with their own version of the tradition. earlier we told you about how a pennsylvania town plans to drop a big peep. you know like the big marshmallow chirpy -- >> easter basket stuff. >> well, there's another town whose plans to celebrate with a sweet treat, hershey will drop their signature hershey kiss.

there are savory options. plymouth, wisconsin, people will gather to watch a lit up wedge of cheese. >> is that real cheese. >> a big old wedge of cheese. >> get some crackers. need a lot. >> i think this is the piece de resistance, in mountain olive, north carolina, they will drop a three-foot glowing pickle but no matter how you start the year, we can't beat that, a glowing pickle. we want to make sure you have a very safe and a very warm and blessed new year so happy new year to all of you at home. >> pickle drop doesn't have the same ring as ball drop somehow. no, no. >> yeah. we're ing to pick it up from there, eva. >> a hard turn to our "gma" cover story. a health alert about the flu after that shocking death of 26-year-old bre payton, a political tv commentator and write who passed away suddenly on friday after reportedly contracting the flu and meningitis. janai norman is here with that story. good morning to you.

>> reporter: good morning, so you guys know this is the time of year we hear so much about the flu and unfortunately flu-related deaths. this is different. a seemingly healthy 26-year-old who suddenly and tragically died. >> as someone born and raised there i'm obviously very appalled -- >> reporter: as 26 years old bre payton was a rising star. >> i don't think donald trump should talk to mueller. >> reporter: regularly feature s as a political commentator. >> let's get started. >> reporter: and one america news network also a writer for the federalist the online magazine published by meghan mccain's husband. news of her death on friday coming just 24 hours after a friend found her unconscious and called 911. >> we are sad to report the death of a fox news regular, bre payton. >> they are family confirming a c.t. scan revealed she contracted the h1n1 flu and

meningitis and in a statement her parents saying bre was a brilliant, determined and beautiful girl from day one. she could silence a room with her beauty and at the same time impress everyone with her articulate reasoning. we miss her dearly and our hearts are broken. and the family tells us her organs are being donated and meghan mccain tweeted ben and i are absolutely gutted and horrified by this news. our prayers for bre payton and her family. eva, over to you. >> we are joined by pediatrician dr. edith brancho-sanchez. thanks for joining us this morning. >> good morning. thank you for having me. >> this is such a stunning story. this woman who otherwise seemed perfectly healthy gets sick and then passes away. how can something like this happen? >> eva, it can. the flu is a very, very serious illness. we typically think of children under 5 and adults over 65 and people with previous medical conditions as being most at risk for serious complications of the

flu. but it can happen even in otherwise healthy, young adults, the flu can come on quickly, the symptoms can be aggressive and the complications can be fatal. >> now, we don't know if in this case she had the flu vaccine this year but how effective is this year's vaccine for dealing with h1n1? >> right, so when we think about the flu we're talking about several viruses, one of them is h1n1 and seasons where it is the predominant virus which is what we're seeing this season, the flu vaccine tends to be really effective. what i really want people to remember at home is that even if you're part of those people who get the flu shot then goes on to develop the flu, having gotten the shot will still protect you from the severe complications. so it's not that the flu shot is going to completely fail you if you get the flu. >> who specifically should really look at getting this sax convenient? >> all of us, eva. all of us.

everyone over 6 months of age including and especially pregnant women and people who are around babies who are younger than 6 months and can't get vaccinated yet. >> doctor, thank you so much for joining us. we turn to how you can refocus and refresh your life for 2019. our friend, dan harris, congratulations this morning. your second book on medication out on paperback today. >> really happen about it called "meditation for fidgety skeptics" designed to help people get over the hump and practice this. it's part of a really personal odyssey for me, one that started right here on "gma." >> drugs called statin. >> it all started with a panic attack live right here on "gma." >> but it's too early to prescribe statins slowly for cancer production. >> reporter: that on-air meltdown helped me to lead to something which i thought was impossible, meditation. it helped make me calmer and

less yanked around by my emotions and wrote "10% happier" which turned into the 10% happier podcast and the 10% happier app that's become blazingly clear to me that many people who want to med tail struggle mightily to establish a regular habit. hence my book, "meditation for fidgety accept continues." it's based on a road trip i took in this ridiculous orange bus along with one of my favorite teachers jeff warren. we traveled across america and met wanna-be meditators to find out what's stopping them? i don't have time for this. i can't clear my mind. if i get too happy i'll lose my edge. a worry voiced by multiplatinum recording artist josh groban. >> i felt like that -- the anxiety last been an edge for me that has allowed me to -- you know, chess game my life a little better. >> you're a brother from another mother. this is exactly my psychology

for sure. >> and, dan, i read the first one. you address it here again here, raising questions from people you met, the fear that if you meditate you'll somehow lose your edge. >> yeah, this is one i had big time. i was raised by a father who always used to tell me that the price of security is insecurity which is a great thing to tell your children. and i thought that any anxiety i had would produce the success that i was feeling and experiencing but actually what meditation really does is help you, make you calmer, more focused and that makes you more successful which is why swear's seeing executive, athletes practice this. >> what if you're like one of those that cannot clear their mind so i probably can't meditate. >> it's such a destructive misunderstanding of what meditation actually is. clearing your mind is impossible unless you're enlightened or you have died. the whole point of meditation is to focus your mind for nano

seconds at a time usually on the feeling of your breath coming in and going out and every time you get distracted you start again. seeing you become distracted, you feel like you're failed but that's when you're a victor. when you see how crazy you are and what a zoo it is in there the craziness has less of a chance of owning you. >> it breaks the crazy. >> i don't want to name any names but his initials are whit. >> one thing i can relate to is a lot of people who want to med tail are concerned they don't have the time to meditate. >> this is what we heard on the road trip so much. so frequently. for people who are worried about time i have good news. one of the slogans we've come up with is one minute counts. truly you can derive many of the benefits of meditation we believe by just doing one minute. also daily-ish. telling yourself you have to do it every day is a failure.

that daily-ish helps. we have an app, 10% happier that you can get wherever you get your apps. if you go to 10% happier.com/challenge you can sign up for a three-week challenge that starts on january 7th. all you have to do is at least one minute of meditation most days for three weeks. trying to lower the bar for everybody. >> baby streps. >> yes, i like to stay if i can do it, can you. >> it's reasonable. >> ish. >> reasonable-ish. we're doing all sorts of challenges for people at home. if you're resolving to get healthier in body or mind this january, "gma" is right here to help. you can join our january challenges all month online and on social with day-to-day routines, instructions and videos. let's get it out to ginger who is high above times square telling us yet again how nasty it will be tonight. >> no, i'm going to hold off on that. instead i'll meditate and we'll

both all sit here for one minute. i don't really have a minute but want to bring a "gma" moment and something like meditation, living in gratitude and saying what you want to come true just like aaliyah from clove visit, new mexico. look at her. she does a big, i'm happy. >> i'm happy. >> i'm happy. >> i'm happy. >> i'm happy. >> that's what i'm going to do tomorrow morning when i wake up, 2019, i'll wake up and say i'm happy. i'm with you. that is your "gma" moment. send yours to

all right. we'll check back in with ginger. still, though, trying to figure out how to celebrate new year's eve tonight with your kid. >> always. >> we've got the expert here. "good housekeeping" style director lori bergamotto is here with some easy last-minute ways to have fun with the whole family before that clock strikes midnight. lori, thank you for coming and helping us out. i have two kids. we're always in bed before midnight. how do you have fun with the little one. >> so glad you said that. we have three -- when you have kids you come from three camp, super kid focused, adult focused where the kids are involved or you're crazy, i'm not leaving my house so let's start with this first one. we got our buddy here, really excited already. >> looking good, my friend. >> this would be great for your family. go global. take them on a trip. find a place on the globe that celebrates way earlier than we do.

maybe not sydney because that just happened but we chose italy which is six hours earlier than golden globe -- >> the u.s. >> new york city. >> so it's really easy. really kid friendly foods. jake, haley, jackson, go ahead and eat. >> pizza. >> the whole thing. >> you can do a fun tradition in italy. they take -- i'll hand these out. they throw pots and pans out the windows. >> you'll get involved here. >> but maybe you can just do a little banging to ring in the new year. >> exactly. >> very fun. really fun. >> can you bang on this? can you bang on the pots? >> exactly. >> you'll be fun. the clock strikes 6:00 p.m. our time. >> it can be like a dance-off. i need a beat, though. ready? no, all right, hurt. it was a good try. next time. wouldn't be the first time my dance turned into a dud. >> throwing a party but want to include the older kids. >> if you're having an adult party, the kids, they're really

having a good time. they're older and maybe can stay up until midnight. get a photo booth for them. >> this is always a win. kids love photo booth. >> start taking your selfies. >> you can throw stuff from the party store. >> you've got a cell phone. >> create a hashtag. get in there with props. >> you can go to the dollar store and pick up stuff that's not super expensive. >> they can't have a cocktail. but we just did cranberry juice, simple syrup, sugar up here. really -- >> i love the sugar on the rim. >> and then if you're like people i'm not going out, i want to just stay in. >> exactly so quickly, again, you got the kids and want to stay in. >> you want to get in bed. we made a time capsule. take pictures of your year and put it on this paint can and throw this valentines. >> we are out of time but throw it all in there. january issue of "good housekeeping." back on "gma" in a moment.

good morning, north bay. let's get up and get going. >> this is abc 7 mornings. >> and good morning. i'm reggie alsqui. new overnight, the raiders have a new general manager. our sister network espn reports the team is hiring nfl network draft analyst mike mayock. the official announcement could come as soon as today. head coach jay gruden calls mayock a passionate personnel man. the team finished this season with a record of 4-12. alexis has a look at your light traffic today, right? >> oh, boy. it is extremely light, yeah. i want to take you our only trouble spot that's caused a backup so far today. that's in oakland, northbound 880 past 16th avenue. a two-car crash, no injuries.

that did clear, and the residual delay has cleared out quickly too. there you go. no bay bridge metering lights. no one is going to work today. >> two out of the three starbucks i went to were closed if that gives you any indication of wha

it's going to be a windy one. the bay shore, san francisco bay shore and into the east bay valleys from 9:00 this morning, 45-mile-per-hour winds. above a thousand feet, up to 70-mile-per-hour winds.

the windchills, you'll feel them tonight. look at this. we'll all be in the 30s except for san mateo, in the 40s, as the clock strikes midnight. make sure you wear layers. my seven-day forecast, ♪ 24 karat magic in the air all right, welcome back to "gma." that's a live look at the ball right here in times square as we count down to 2019 and before we ring in the new year, first of all i want to introduce you to my mini-me, alexander robert harris. can you say happy new year. he gets the shyness not from daddy but from mommy. all right. you're going to stick around. maybe you'll warm up as we go. however, before we kick off in '19 one last look at '18, 2018 that is, the biggest news, the biggest fun and those moments that really, really

moved us. ♪ ♪ the rest of my life gone father start today ♪ ♪ today is a brand-new day ♪ the rest of my life gonna start today ♪ ♪ good morning ♪ nah, nah ♪ good morning good morning nah ♪ ♪ the rest of my life gonna start today ♪ >> first we have breaking -- >> breaking news. >> nashville. >> jackson, mississippi. >> pyongyang. >> santa fe. >> that is the school behind me, marjory stoneman douglas high school, at least 17 people have been killed. students and dulls. >> this is a time for our country to take a look in the mirror and realize there is a serious issue. >> shots fired. shots fired. >> get back. >> 11 people that were killed there in pittsburgh in the synagogue. >> the alleged shooter is facing

29 charges. >> big breaking story out of tennessee. the gunman who killed four at a waffle house. >> someone is shot. >> reporter: james shaw jr., the man's quick action stopped the gunman. you put your life at risk to save others. >> yes, sir, thank you. >> desperate rescue effort to save a young soccer team trapped in a flooded cave in thailand. >> how many of you? >> they're all alive. >> 1. >> the british divers came and you could hear them. >> translator: i was in shock. ♪ >> the display of passion from students protesting in washington. >> huge march for our live. >> we have seven short years until we too have the right to vote. >> the first meeting between an american president and a leader of north korea. >> complete denuclearization of the korean peninsula. >> they'll get rid of their nuclear weapon, george. >> border crisis.

>> shelters housing migrant children. is that the image of this country you want out there, children in -- >> an image i want of the country is an immigration system that secures our borders. >> confirmation battle for president trump's supreme court nominee. >> his story, he said/she said hearing. >> mr. kavanaugh sexually assaulted me. >> i never sexually assaulted anyone. >> democrats take control of the house. >> tomorrow will be a new day in america. >> your husband most likely will run for reelection-electionre-e. are you looking forward to six more years in the white house. >> i believe my husband is doing an incredible job for this nation. >> michelle obama. 2020. 2020. >> at this point everybody is qualified and everybody should run. >> are you saying that because of what we currently have? you went there. >> you went there. >> no, you went there. >> no, you went there.

>> stormy daniels. >> the fbi raided the home office of michael cohen. >> i gave loyalty to someone who truthfully does not deserve loyalty. >> he was trying to hide what you were doing, correct? >> correct. >> and he knew it was wrong. >> of course. >> why don't i just fire mueller? >> robert mueller. >> mueller investigation. >> we're in the midst of a very serious investigation and i don't think the president has an option to fire jeff sessions. >> the firing of attorney general jeff sessions. >> he should have let us know if he was going to recuse himself. >> the panhandle of florida about to feel the heaviest impacts of hurricane michael. >> authorities this morning are begging families to stay in their homes. >> i just saw something i have never seen in real life, i saw an entire home taken off of its foundation and rolled down the street. >> please god.

please let me out. >> devastating fires in california. >> this is a statewide event going on for day. >> authorities are trying to put this fire out right now. >> this entire neighborhood has been obliterated. >> i've had the good fortune to spend 60 years in service to this wondrous land. >> former first lady barbara bush. >> america's 41st president remembered. >> the best father a son or daughter could have had. >> i may sometimes be a little awkward but there's nothing self-conscious in my love of country. >> chef anthony bourdain. >> this is the path to true happiness. >> famous designer kate spade. >> comic book legend stan lee. >> i guess one person can make a difference. >> the beloved actress penny

marshall. ♪ schlameal schlemazel ♪ r-e-s-p-e-c-t >> spur of the moment. you just do and you just diva do. ♪ you make me feel like a natural woman ♪ >> sunday night at the golden globes. >> i'll leave this and take the rose. >> cheers. >> cheers. >> oscars after-party. >> oprah winfrey tweeted at you tonight? she did? >> yeah. >> the wedding of the year. >> you guys should have taken my advice and eloped but that's your business. [ laughter ] >> the excitement is growing for bts, the biggest boy band on the globe. ♪

>> welcome back. >> i love you, man. ♪ >> ah. >> i'm sorry. did you want any? ♪ ♪ want to hear you say ♪ ooh somebody loves you ♪ ooh somebody loves you >> oh, sorry. >> sorry. >> no, that's you. >> okay. all right. mary, thanks so much. mary. michael. >> i look like mary. >> see, it says me. >> it says me right here too. now, the top headlines we're following this morning. >> cecilia, thank you very much. cecilia? paula. >> that's all right, i will take a cecilia comparison any day. that will make my day. >> it's fine. >> thanks, robin. >> you're welcome. >> good morning, america. it is a cold one here. want to go outside to ginger. >> i got my it's way too cold bounce going on. can i come in now? >> look at the little girl in the window. >> who thinks a marriage performance idea is a good idea?

[ applause ] what do you think your review will say. >> i get in trouble for not being handy in around the house. i would fail at that. >> you got to be good at something. she's keeping you around all these years. >> uh-huh. >> i didn't mean it that way, george. i'm so sorry. i'm going to leave now. i am so sorry. [ laughter ] ♪ we could do this all night >> good morning. >> good morning. >> good morning. >> good morning. >> good morning. >> good morning, america. >> we have the best audiences. >> you guys are loud this morning. ♪ the lights ♪ we can make the pop go rock ♪ we can do this all night >> please welcome jack black. >> literally any card. show the crowd your card. good. now put it in here. as you see there's no way that i could know where that is then i do this and i do that, right?

is that your card? no, it probably isn't. i don't do magic. i'm an actor. [ laughter and applause ] ♪ just put your arms around me tell me everything is okay ♪ >> you know how much i love my family and my sister sally-ann. she had an icon in new orleans. has been on the morning show there for so long. she is retiring. >> this is the right time for me to start the next chapter of my life. >> she's the reason i'm doing what i'm doing and these are tears of joy. they really are. ♪ darling hold my hand >> we'll be saying good-bye to ginger for just a little while. a little baby shower. some guests here. >> oh. hi there. are you excited to have a baby brother? yeah? >> big "gma" welcome to ginger's new baby boy miles. >> lara's fiance popped the question. [ cheers and applause ] >> yes. >> so happy you found each

other. >> thank you. >> thrilled with the love you share. >> you guys. [ applause ] >> cheers. >> thank you. >> our amy tackling one of the biggest challenges in the world, mt. kilimanjaro. >> five years ago i had to battle breast cancer. instead of living in fear i decided to live defying fear. >> i'm just so proud of my family would came with me. when i called they all said yes. you guys are also my family and have been with me every step of the journey. you were with me on the mountain. you were with me on that peak. ♪ >> for the first time ever a wedding is going to be broadcast live in front of cinderella castle. after being together for nearly five years, alexis and jay had to put their wedding plans on hold when hurricane harvey destroyed alexa's home. you are winners, guys, of our fairy tale wedding. you may kiss your bride. [ applause ]

>> the leukemia challenge. >> best friends chris and dylan are checking items off their bucket list. after 20-year-old chris was rediagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia. >> what does it mean to you. >> be the match helped you set the record for the most donors added to their registry in 24 hours. >> we said challenge accepted. >> go. ♪ i'm going to stand by you ♪ you are not alone because i'm going to stand by you ♪ >> t.j. holmes is there in ohio with a man whose life is about to danger. >> day courtney was living with a serious kidney disease. >> like so many people in this country, he's on the organ transplant waiting list. longtime friend and neighbor, nancy, got tested to see if she and dave were a match. your wait is over, dave. you're getting a kidney.

♪ we can find a way to break through even if we can't find heaven i'll walk through hell with you ♪ >> i wouldn't have it any other way. ♪ 'cause i'm gonna stand by you ♪ >> are you ready to get this party started? >> hit it, people. >> stay stray. put your chest out. >> a new dance move. ♪ really, really, really, really like you ♪ >> you got to dance too. >> you want to dance with us. ♪ >> go, michael. don't hurt yourself. don't hurt yourself. >> clap, man. clap. there we go, george. whoo! ♪ like you >> that was unbelievable, what a spectacle. ♪ >> takes teamwork to make the dream work, right? thank you at home. >> good morning. >> good morning. >> good morning. >> good morning, america! [ applause ]

>> is there another story? i'm happy to go on? >> captain stubing. >> back now with alexander robert harris, my son who is having a conversation with whit and eva about cats. >> they do not. >> i don't know what he is saying -- >> he's reading the teleprompter. what robin said, it definitely takes teamwork to make the dream work. we want to thank our amazing crew that gets us on the air each and every morning. we love all of you guys and i want to give a special shoutout to the team who put that together which includes matt knox, dan and marcello, liz alters and seth fenton. thank you all, it was a wonderful piece. did you like it, alexander? yes. i think he said yes. coming up on the show more behind the scenes for tonight's new year's eve celebration. keep it

welcome back. we are just over 15 hours until we ring in 2019. back to ginger at the new year's eve ball with some special guests with her today. hey, ginger. >> yes, i am not here alone. there are quite a few people up here but wanted to introduce to the president of countdown entertainment jeff straus and barefoot bubbly's official host, lance bass. the glasses are nice. you know the bad boy is about to drop in a couple of hours and on

it those beautiful waterford crystals. tell us what the theme is. i know they have a theme every year. >> this year it's a wonderful theme. the gift of harmony. what a great way to start 2019. all of us getting along and it's a beautiful design with small rosette cuts that merge together in a spirit of harmony. >> i'm holing in my hand a couple of pieces of confetti. this stays on the ground in times square for weeks afterward. but 3,000 pounds of it and it's not just confetti. what's on there. >> it's amazing. that blizzard of colorful confetti has tens of thousands of people's wishes. i have my wish right here. it will get mixed in and at midnight you can reach into the sky and grab someone's wish and read it to the person next to you. i read it to my wife every year. >> can we get lance's? >> yeah, i wish for us to have more compassion this year. all about compassion. >> works with the harmony. >> yeah, exactly. harmony, compassion. >> i know you have the jackets. >> i can't figure out. my slay team, you know, jacket, i need y'all to help me. should i do the rose gold or silver tonight? go to my instagram page and

vote. i need to know. >> needs to be answered. i'm going rose gold, team rose gold all the way. thank you guys so much. >> how about one big cheers? >> love it. >> not real champagne, don't worry. won't get too twisted early. happy new year, everybody. we're doing it early. all brought to you by sensodyne pronamel and american girl's girl of the year doll coming up.

be covered when it does... ...with a health plan through covered california. we offer free expert help choosing the best plan for you. and all of our plans include free preventive ca. financial help is available, so check for yourself to see what savings you qualify for. the last day to sign up is january 15th, so don't miss out! because you never know when life... ...will change. get covered today.

welcome back to "gma." we are back with ab urgent bulletin. the moment these girls have been

waiting for all morning long. the big reveal of the new american girl doll of the year. >> oh, my. >> 2019. >> we are excited. are you guys ready? [ chanting ""yes" ] >> in, three, two, one. there she is! [ cheers ] >> this is blair. do you love her? [ chanting "yes" ] >> let's talk about blair. she lives with her parents on a sustainability farm where she helps them grow healthy food. blair loves to cook. she wants to be a chef when she grows up. she likes to make delicious meals for her family and friends so they can all sit around the table together, talk and laugh, blair wants all of us to spend more time together. >> quality time. >> exactly. >> how many of you guys like to cook, raise of hands? okay. how many of you want to cook with blair wilson? okay. >> okay. >> are you ready for this? >> there's more.

>> we have an announce sdmrment our big surprise, you are all going to do just that because you're all going to get the american girl blair doll to take home with you today. >> you get one. [ cheers and applause ] >> yes. yes. that is happening. there you go. the boxes are coming in. >> look at this. >> go get your doll. >> do you want to go get one? go grab one or grab one over there. >> of course, here we go. it's a late christmas. >> it's euphoria. elation. >> you have two daughters. >> you understand. >> if i come home empty-handed they'll be mad at me. blair, the new american girl girl of the year doll goes on sale tomorrow and we'll be right back here on "gma." >> don't break anything, guys. here's your receipt. have a nice day! thank you. ♪ ♪

start the car! start the car! start the car! start the car! the ikea winter sale. wooooooo! save up to 50% off select items in store only december 26th to january 6th. ikea.

♪ 24 karat magic "good morning america" is sponsored by carmax. don't forget the new bachelor colton will be live here wednesday. we're grateful to all of you for watching this morning. happy new year from our family. >> also don't forget we have to watch ginger tonight. she is going to be with jenny and with ryan rockin' new year's eve. >> happy to see her. >> you can see, of course, 2019 just hours away and all of our girls here excited about their new american girl dolls.

good morning. it's 8:59. i'm reggie aqui from abc 7 mornings. mike nicco, what do you have for the last day of the year? >> those white caps kicking up, we have gail warnings on the bay. we have a wind advisory above a thousand feet until 10:00 tomorrow morning. and from 9:00 this morning to 9:00 this evening, we have winds until the bay shoreline, east bay valleys. look at the windchills tonight, especially at midnight. they're hovering in the mid-30s to low 40s. make sure you dress in layers tonight and have the umbrella handy this weekend. all right. and i want to talk about the wind. we just got a high wind advisory issued by chp for the san mateo bridge. you can see that chop on the water. definitely take it easy, especially if you're in a high-profile vehicle. a quick check of drive times.

still in the green all the way around. no major incidents. reggie? >> thanks, alexis. if you're around, mike and i are back at 11:00 a.m. for our abc 7 midday news. right now [cheers and applause] >> announcer: it's "live with kelly and ryan's" viewers' choice show. today we'll count down the top ten clips of the year, and we'll reveal the best celebrity walkout. plus, bloopers, outtakes, and surprise guests. all next on "live." now here are kelly ripa and ryan seacrest. [cheers and applause] >> ryan: hey. >> yeah, anything and ♪ ♪ everything a man can feel ♪ honey, i feel it with you >> kelly: wow, look. >> ryan: wow. [cheers and applause] you look dynamite in red. >> kelly: [laughs] [cheers and applause] >> ryan: i love that dress. >> kelly: thank you. [laughs] >> ryan: wow, thank you.