babe, are those the tots we ordered? ♪ everyone's feeling the late night vibe with my $4 sauced & loaded tots- with cheddar bacon or jalapeño ranch. times square at the stroke of midnight on new year's eve. a sight, the likes of which we may never see again in our lifetime around the globe, subdued celebrations with an overwhelming, universal optimism for a return to normalcy, ahead. the u.s. passes 20 million positive cases of coronavirus, as americans wait in long lines. plus, dr. fauci speaks out on the slow rollout tens of millions in the path of a big, winter storm, from texas all the way to the east coast.

janessa webb has your new year's day forecast plus, the story of a police shoplifting call that turned out to be a wakeup call, for many. especially, when the punishment didn't fit the crime a must-see story, as we kick off january 1st. "early today" starts right now glad to be with you. i'm frances rivera welcome to 2021. countries, around the world, are ringing in the new year with fireworks and cheer. but in many places, like here, in new york, the festivities looked and felt different to years past [ cheers and applause times square played host to just a few pods of mostly frontline workers. a far cry from the hundreds and thousands of spectators, usually gathered to watch the ball drop. many countries scaled back celebrations due to the pandemic, while others continued as normal.

one of the first countries to reach 2021 was new zealand, where covid cases had been virtually eliminated and large crowds were able to enjoy the fireworks almost completely mask free united states kicking off the new year having confirmed more than 20 million cases of coronavirus. and overnight, florida became the third state to confirm the case of that new variant that was discovered in the uk it has, also, been found in colorado and southern california here is nbc's miguel almaguer. >> reporter: the confirmed cases of the new, covid variant strain are likely just the first, in a wave of infections, expected to soon cascade across the nation the case discovered here, in san diego, is a 30-year-old man who tested positive two days ago isolating at home, authorities say a household contact is now, also, symptomatic.

>> if this new strain gets moving quickly, within our community, i'm really concerned. >> reporter: the infection in california, which comes after a case in colorado, appears to be community spread. >> the case had no history of travel so, we know there's more we don't know how many >> reporter: while scientists expected mutations, they believe this variant spreads more efficiently because of changes to its spike protein which can more easily dock onto human cells. the evolution of the virus does not appear to make people sicker, or the illness deadlier. not long after officials said it had spread widely in london, the variant was detected here, at home. >> it appears, from what we learned from the uk and what we'll prove here, is that this particular mutation does, in fact, make the virus better at transmitting from one person to another. >> reporter: in colorado, where the variant was first confirmed in the u.s., authorities say a

second national guard soldier may, also, be infected they were helping patients at this rural assisted-living center after it became a covid hot spot with new cases of the variant in more states expected, authorities say the best way to prevent spread is the same way wash hands, wear masks, and keep social distance. the good news, the vaccine remains effective. >> it doesn't seem to evade the protection that's afforded by the antibodies that are induced by vaccines. >> reporter: with many hospitals still at a breaking point, an evolving threat in a deadly battle entering a new stage and a new year. >> and our thanks to miguel almaguer for that report now, to the critical, runoff election in georgia that could determine control of the senate that's just days away. and now, republican senator, david perdue, is in quarantine after coming in close contact with someone who tested positive for the coronavirus. perdue's campaign says the senator has tested negative. well, the effects of the

pandemic are still being felt even as we head into a new year. despite unemployment claims falling over the past two weeks, nearly 20 million people remain in need of some form of financial assistance even with $600 stimulus checks on the way meanwhile, president trump is back in washington as he continues to fight to stay in the white house. here is nbc's susan mcginnis >> reporter: as americans close the books on 2020, nearly 800,000 more file for unemployment benefits. and confront the reality their $600 covid-relief checks will not rise to 2,000. the senate majority leader, effectively, killing the effort, despite support from president trump, many republicans, and democrats, arguing it's not needed. >> socialism, for rich people, is a terrible way to help the american families that are actually struggling. >> reporter: senate democrats, not giving up. >> all that i am asking senator mcconnell is give us a vote. what is the problem?

you could vote no. >> reporter: the senate, in its final days, also, debating whether to override the president's veto of the military-defense bill. that vote, likely, this weekend. meanwhile, president trump, unexpectedly, cutting short his mar-a-lago trip, skipping the traditional new year's eve gala. back in washington, still seeking to overturn joe biden's victory with some help from his friends. >> there were irregularities in this election, that there was fraud. nobody disputes that, by the way. >> reporter: the claim is widely disputed, by courts and state elections officials, in both parties. days before congress is scheduled to certify the election results, missouri republican, josh hawley, says he'll challenge it forcing lawmakers to go on record, whether they support or deny joe biden's victory susan mcginnis, nbc news, washington wild postgame brawl. players from tulsa and mississippi state threw punches and kicks after their matchup, with coaches and officials unable to control the situation.

one tulsa player had to be helped off the field following the scuffle. in other games, west virginia mustered up a fourth-quarter comeback, taking the liberty bowl from army, 24-21. and in the arizona bowl, ball state and didn't look back from there. the cardinals dominated win, 34-14. notre dame, versus alabama and ohio state versus clemson. let's turn, now, to nbc meteorologist, janessa webb, who is following the first day of 2021 and how we're looking weather wise happy new year, janessa. >> happy new year, frances happy new year, everyone we have a large storm system that is aiming towards the east coast. we have been talking about it all week, and it's on the move right now. you can see, st. louis, all the way into the midwest we are dealing with precipitation in the form of freezing rain, before the transition over to snow. right now, an ice storm is

starting to form and throughout the day, the northeast will be impacted, into your evening hours really, going to start to see this ice formation for west virginia to new york city, where the forecast is calling for at least a half an inch o now west virginia to interior new york, in the upper 30s frances, this is important to look at that weekend forecast. we will take a look, coming up. >> we will check in with you then, thank you, janessa. >> we have got much more to come, including a record end to a wild year for stocks plus, a police officer called to a story for shoplifting. but what he did next may surprise you [phone rings] "hello, how can i"

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a call about a shoplifting incident at a grocery store but the case quickly became something much more personal the officer opened up to reporter sam reid with affiliate, wjar, about why he didn't think it was right to press charges. >> reporter: five days before christmas, patrolman, matthew lima, of the somerset police department was dispatched to the local stop and shop for a reported theft. >> the allegation was that the two females were scanning some items at self-checkout, but bypassing other items. >> reporter:-l >> reporter: the adults were being detained by the loss-prevention department. >> i have two girls in age similar. she explained that she was working right now but the mother of the children was not working. there were some other family issues going on. and that, what she had taken was christmas dinner for the kids.

>> reporter: lima checked with the store and the receipt, while the kids were kept ongoiccupied. >> there was nothing on there like health and beauty items, it was all food obviously, this family was in some need and i can't imagine having to make that decision do i go to stop and shop and just pay for what i can afford or do i go and try to take things for christmas dinner for kids >> reporter: the woman issued a no-trespass order from the store but officer lima decided not to charge them. >> i'm sure, a lot of people in that same situation would be thinking there was going to be a different outcome. >> reporter: instead, he bought them a $250 gift card with his own money so they could go to another store, and feed the family the right way. >> i just tried to put myself in that family's shoes and show a little bit of empathy. >> now, that is giving our thanks to wjar reporter, sam reid, for sharing that story all right. 2020 was a year like no other,

in so many ways. coming up, we will take a look back at the year in politics yous the surfaces in your home in 24 hours. try microban 24. spray on hard surfaces to kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria initially, including the virus that causes covid-19. once dry, microban forms a bacteria shield that keeps killing bacteria for 24 hours, even after multiple touches. try microban 24. this has been medifacts for microban 24.

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hours ago, president trump took credit. tweeting, finished out the year with the highest stock market in history. setting records with your 401(k)s, just like i said you would. congratulations, to all. so, from the impeachment trial to the presidential election, so much happened this year. and it can all be tough to keep track of it. nbc -- msnbc senior national correspondent, chris jansing, looks back on an historic year in politics. >> reporter: the year in politics no one saw coming it all started out so normal. >> today, i am suspending my campaign for president >> reporter: a huge democratic field narrowing with a diversion from the trail to the trial of an impeached president. >> the president, acquitted of abusing power and obstructing congress. >> not purposely, but i've done things wrong but this is what the end result is >> reporter: february is all about results. kicking off with a caucus. >> the iowa caucus. >> iowa. >> iowa caucus

>> reporter: the snowy saturdays, endless selfies all, very familiar, en route to an unfamiliar finish. >> absolute chaos and confusion in the state of iowa, as technical issues overshadow the first votes of the presidential election >> reporter: the losers were clear. >> i am not going to sugarcoat it we took a gut punch in iowa. >> reporter: the winners, not so much still, the campaign trudged on. >> no offense, iowa, but it's been kind of cool, tonight, to see who people voted for. >> thank you, new hampshire. >> reporter: joe biden's campaign looking all but done. >> the former vice president, the guy who led the national polls for all of 2019, into 2020, fifth place. 8% >> reporter: while even more candidates, actually, are done but then, jim clyburn changed everything. >> south carolinans should be voting for joe biden. >> thank you, thank you, thank you, south carolina. >> reporter: biden rolls and the

competition gets roll over. >> just one, dominant win, after another. >> reporter: mike bloomberg, out. after spending $1 billion for one win. >> there is your projected winner in american samoa >> reporter: and in the midst of it all, the incumbent betting his campaign on minimizing a pandemic. >> when you have 15 people and the 15, within a couple of days, is going to be down to close to zero >> reporter: but soon, rallies cancelled, primaries delayed, and the states become the new battleground. >> we will get past this we will get through this >> i think there is a lot of fear out there >> reporter: debates over masks, restaurants, schools as the virus reshapes american life and the campaign. >> supposing we hit the body with a tremendous, whether it's ultraviolet or just very powerful light sa reporter: by april, bernie ers is out and in may, a horrific death

that becomes an international rallying cry and again, shakes up the race for president. violence against peaceful protestors clears a path for a presidential photo op. and calls for justice continue into july, when the civil rights movement loses an icon. >> like john, we've got to keep getting into that good trouble >> reporter: another capitol hill farewell for justice ruth bader ginsburg and with coronavirus deaths rising, so is controversy over what to do about it. >> you can test too much you do know that who says that? oh, just manuals read the books. >> what manuals? >> read the books. read the books. >> what books? >> reporter: both parties rewrite the book on holding unconventional conventions. >> this is the most important election, in the history of our country. >> this will determine what america's going to look like for a long, long time. >> reporter: their first debate.

a chaotic mess. >> radical left. >> would you shut up, man? >> who is on your list, joe? are you in favor of law and order? >> you asked a question. let him finish. >> proud boys. stand back and stand by. >> reporter: a second debate, cancelled. >> president trump, a short time ago, flown to walter reed hospital as a precaution after, both he and the first lady tested positive for the coronavirus. >> reporter: two days later, a drive-by for supporters ahead of a return to the campaign trail. >> i went through it now, they say i'm immune i can feel -- i feel so powerful >> reporter: the power of a republican senate cements a c conservative majority on the supreme court after a nearly maskless nomination in the rose garden. >> we had a superspreader event in the white house >> reporter: with the white house as the prize, voters turn out in record numbers. undeterred by a pandemic, court cases, or even disappearing mailboxes. and after four agonizing and

meticulous days of counting. >> we have announcement to make. joe biden is president-elect of the united states. >> reporter: democrats celebrate a 7-million vote win and a glass ceiling being broken. >> the people have the power to build a better future. >> they delivered us a clear victory, a convincing victory. >> but they cheated and they rigged our presidential election but we will still win it >> reporter: a win unaltered by constant denials, bizarre press conferences, and losing lawsuits then, one more undeniable victory delivered by science a vaccine that will shape 2021, along with a new president, a diverse cabinet, and the answer to the tantalizing question still out there. georgia, who will control the senate as the year that often seemed unending comes to a close. >> thanks to chris jansing for that report. janessa is up next with our holiday weekend forecast plus, nbc's tom brokaw rleefcts

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l'eggo with eggo welcome back as we close out 2020, nbc's tom brokaw reflects on the country's political landscape and the challenges we still face take a listen. >> it will be a new day in american politics, come january 20th joe and kamala, the oldest president and the first woman vice president, a californian with a multiracial background. they won big but, it was, overall, a mixed result democrats lost 13 seats in the house. if republicans win the georgia senate races, they'll control

that chamber suburban voters split tickets. they were for biden and harris, but they were still loyal, many of them, to local-gop candidates in the big picture, black lives matter became a great, political force in urban areas hispanics were left. but they were, also, right the american melting pot has so many more ingredients, these days they're so much better organized in the online age. it's no longer just labor, versus business. then, there is president trump, soon-to-be the ex-president. his bizarre refusal to accept the election results, his war on his own party, his whining while covid patients struggle to survive. before too long, donald trump's principal audiences will be his caddies. for me, it's been an amazing journey. 57 years, as a reporter. as a young reporter in omaha, i

broke into local programming with a bulletin. president kennedy had been assassinated and for the next 57 years, i covered the seismic events that roiled our world but none were as catastrophic as this pandemic. this is america's greatest test, since the civil war. we still have miles to go, and no assurances of just how it will all turn out. >> perspective only tom brokaw can bring us and thanks to tom for that zplnch despite the pandemic, one 92-year-old woman still got to experience her grandson's wedding. since she couldn't attend the ceremony due to coronavirus concerns, the bride and groom did this look at this they brought wedding day cheer to her stopped by the assisted-living facility all dressed up and brought her all sorts of wedding cupcakes so she could be

part of that celebration you see it, right in their faces. walking right up to them sure, big hugs, safe hugs, at that, too, janessa great way to end the year and start the new one. >> frances, i mean, grandma looks great, right i mean, through a pandemic, she'sh crafting our authentic fragrances begins with ingredients from the earth ... to create fragrances infused with natural essential oils. air wick scented oils. connect to nature.

own though it's new year's eve, it doesn't feel like it's new year's eve. >> right now at 5:00, good morning on the first day of 2021. new year's eve 2020 in the history books. did all the pleas from health leaders keep people at home? we take a look at how the bay area rang in 2021. well, we know a few hundred people in san diego weren't listening. a stage collapses at an underground new year's eve party. we'll tell you what investigators are saying about those scary moments. plus, dub nation has a reason to start celebrating 2021. the warriors rur