it's monday, january 3rd, and the only thing surging faster than airline cancellations or delays are new cases of coronavirus as schools from coast to coast juggle a post-holiday return to the classroom or moving to online learning it's tough you spend 30-plus years of your life there, and it's all gone. it's ashes. >> 1,000 families are left homeless after colorado wildfires devastate an entire neighborhood as a blanket of snow now covers the ashes and to remain unaccounted for this

morning. in the lead-up to the one-year mark of the capitol insurrection, a permit allowing 500 demonstrators has just been issued for january 6th and a whole new set of laws are just settling in from coast to coast our pete williams will give us a look on that and new details on one of the most bizarre exits from professional football that we've ever seen. antonio brown jr. out, and "early today" starts right now good morning thanks for joining us today. i'm stephen romo, and we begin with this morning with travel chaos just unfolding from coast to coast a combination of extreme weather and those covid outbreaks lead to thousands of flight cancellations over the weekend and hundreds more have already been grounded today. nbc's morgan chesky leads us off. >> reporter: the post-holiday travel rush from coast to coast. long lines from los angeles, ft. lauderdale, cleveland, and denver, where weary passengers grabbed a nab wherever they

could. >> i had a couple of flights canceled yesterday >> reporter: nationwide, on top of the cancellations, more than 4,000 other flights have been delayed. airlines crippled by covid cases among their crew and severe weather. some families facing worst-case scenarios. >> i don't think we're mentally prepared to make a 24-hour drive back to iowa. >> reporter: but that's reality for the lundberg family, who told us their flight from orlando was delayed, then canceled with no option to rebook even finding a rental car took hours. >> just kind of feel helpless. like as a parent, i have three children down here, my husband you want to be able to get everyone home safely, and there just is no answers. >> reporter: in chicago, snowy conditions prompted southwest airlines to cancel all flights in or out on saturday. aaa calling this sunday the end of the holiday travel season but stresses check and recheck travel plans that could change at a moment's notice >> well, i think the wild card that we've been warpibarning wa

along is covid if you're booking, don't skip that box for flieght insurance. >> reporter: those on the roads facing their own issues in arkansas, an icy buildup led to this massive backup and in kentucky, the governor declaring a state of emergency after heavy rain, thunderstorms and even more tornadoes pummeled the state. and some areas, floodwaters swallowed entire streets, leading to high-water rescues. to the west, an krbl lip close call in new mexico, rescuers saved 21 people trapped in a tram car for more than 12 hours after the cables froze over. no one was hurt. 39 million people are under winter alerts from coast to coast. and with rain from the mid-atlantic expected to turn to snow, monday morning could make for one treacherous mutts. some airlines already proactively taking measures. at last check for monday, there have already been 800 cancellations and nearly 300 delays we'll send it back to you.

>> those cancellations are no joke morgan, thank you. another member of president biden's cabinet is in quarantine after testing positive for covid-19 secretary of defense lloyd austin said he will stay at home for the next five days he said he's fully vaccinated and received a booster in october. the u.s. meanwhile surpassed 55 million covid infections according to an nbc news count the pandemic milestone was reached on sunday, which is just three days after the u.s. hit 54 million covid cases. meanwhile, dr. anthony fauci says the cdc may soon toughen isolation guidance in an interview with abc's "this week," dr. fauci said that the agency is now considering adding a negative test to its new isolation guidelines this comes after the cdc got massive pushback on its new guidelines, which cut the isolation days in half and did not recommend asymptomatic people have to get a negative test before leaving isolation.

the latest covid surge is overwhelming some u.s. hospitals. holy cross health in ft. lauderdale, florida, is temporarily shutting down its labor and delivery unit. the hospital spokesman told "the sun-sentinel" that it is facing a critical staffing shortage no word on when a reopening date will actually happen here's nbc's anne thompson >> reporter: new year, new rush for at-home covid tests. >> how are you happy new year. >> reporter: cars lined up in connecticut for one per household. others waited in long lines over the holiday weekend to be tested as the omicron variant surges. while omicron's infection may be less severe, because it spreads so fast and infects so many, it's already straining a health care system struggling to treat the unvaccinated. >> even if you have a less of a percentage of severity, when you have multi-multi-multi-people getting infected, the net amount

is you're still going to get a lot of people that are going to be needing hospitalization, and that's the reason why we're concerned about stressing and straining the hospital system. >> reporter: as for the much criticized and shortened five-day isolation period for people who test positive, fauci says there could soon be a new requirement. >> there has been some concern about why we don't ask people at this five-day period to get tested that is something that is now under consideration. >> reporter: a nation barreling toward peak infections, suggest models from columbia university. this week for new york city. next week for the rest of the country, with anywhere from 2.5 million to 5.4 million cases during the peak. >> we can just hope that it's going to be mild and that it doesn't strain our hospitals the way they were last winter. >> reporter: in new york city, the virus shredding the ranks of frontline workers. 30% of emergency services employees are out.

21% of the police department 18% of the fire department a lack of employees impacting subway and bus services as well. and this morning, the mta says it anticipates suspending service on three lines as both the subway and the bus services try to do the best with the people they have i'm anne thompson in grand central station. now back to you. >> anne, thank you. a weekend snowstorm left smoldering debris after those devastating colorado wildfires that blanket of snow complicating search and rescue efforts. two people are still unaccounted for after the blaze quickly tore through about ten square miles nearly 1,000 homes and other buildings burned in the boulder suburbs, making this the most destructive fire in that state's history. investigators initially thought downed power lines were to blame for this, but they now say that theory seems less likely wide receiver antonio

brown's sideline meltdown was the talk of the league on a busy sunday in the nfl. >> took off his shoulder pads, took off his shirt and gloves and threw those into the ground. then ran across the field while the teams were still on the field. >> brown didn't return to the field in the bucs win over the jets after the game, the team's coach said brown was no longer a buccaneer. brown took to instagram with a photo from that game, writing, quote, big mad making a difference. thanks for the opportunity and from controversy in new jersey to an incident in landover, maryland, with fans falling out of the stands. at least five of those fans at fedex field were waiting for philadelphia quarterback jalen hurts to walk by after his win over washington. the railing they were leaning against collapsed. those fans fell, nearly hitting hurts in the process thankfully none of them appeared to be seriously injured. they were able to get up after that fall. in a statement, the washington football team said they're glad

no one appeared to be seriously hurt and they're now investigating that incident. now to the action on the field as the playoff picture began to get clearer after an intense week 17. on a chilly night at lamb eau field aaron rodgers turned up the heat the packers got off to a 20-0 lead and did not look back green bay clinched the nfc top seed but it was another team in the midwest turning heads on offense. >> here's the second of seven. >> look at that ove. look at chase go oh, my goodness. what a gear he just found. chase for the touchdown. would y wow, chase is on the case. >> clawed his way through the chiefs' defense in cincinnati, catching 11 passes for 266 yards and three scores

the bengals outscored kansas city by 14 in the second half, kicking a field goal as time expired to win it 34-31 and to clinch the afc north burrow has thrown for 971 yards and 8 touchdowns in the last two weeks. around the nfl, the cardinals got out to a big lead in dallas, trying to end a three-game losing streak the cowboys came back to bring the game within a field goal, but they'd never get that chance arizona runs the clock out and runs out of dallas with the win, 25-22. the chargers offense had themselves a party in l.a. justin herbert broke the franchise record for touchdowns in a season as the chargers eliminated the broncos from playoff contention with that win, 34-13 l.a.'s win puts them in the last wild card spot in the afc. they'll play the raiders in las vegas for a spot in the playoffs

next sunday night on nbc all right. let's check in on today's winter storms nbc meteorologist janessa webb already tracking a lot going on for 2022 happy new year to you, janessa >> happy new year, steven. this storm system is going to be in and out fairly quickly, but it's definitely going to be leaving a mark already seeing heavy snow just out of alabama to the atlanta area now making its way across tennessee. it's rapidly moving and even watching some severe weather this morning for the carolinas tornado warnings have expired in that area, but flash flood watches will continue. this storm system not in agreement with our models. if it lifts to the north just a little bit more, we could see heavier snow for new york city right now calling for about an inch it's really across d.c. to the philadelphia area. i'm going to be watching at least three to five inches before this storm system makes its way offshore behind that, very chilly air,

but you can see these winter weather alerts they stretch from alabama l al dropping about 15 to 20 degrees. sunshine across the deep south this is storm number one i have another one coming this week we'll talkabout that forecast coming up. >> another one to watch out for. thanks. congress prepares to mark one year since the capitol riot, next plus a game-changer for college sports w unatet a finally cashing in right after dinner. definitely after meatloaf. like clockwork. do it! run your dishwasher with cascade platinum and save water. did you know an energy star certified dishwasher uses less than four gallons per cycle?

while a running sink uses that, every two minutes. that means even small loads can save water. so why not do it? run your dishwasher every night with cascade platinum. the surprising way to save water. ready to shine from the inside out? try nature's bounty hair, skin and nails gummies. the number one brand to support beautiful hair, glowing skin, and healthy nails. try jelly bean vitamins with two times the biotin. does your plug-in fade too fast? try febreze fade defy plug. try jelly bean vitamins it has built-in technology to digitally control how much scent is released to smell first day fresh for 50 days. la la la la la. leading the news, thursday marks one year since the capitol riot lawmakers are planning to commemorate that date with a series of events the national park service issued a permit for about 500 people to

gather at the national mall for a candlelight vigil in remembrance of that attack house and senate lawmakers are also planning to hold a prayer vigil of their own and we're learning new details from the house panel investigating the insurrection republican list cheney confirmed that former president trump's own daughter asked him to intervene on january 6th >> we know his daughter -- we have firsthand testimony that his daughter, ivanka, went in at least twice to ask him to please stop this violence >> cheney added that mr. trump could have walked to the press briefing room and appeared on tv at any time to tell the rioters to stop. turning now to this next story. it was a big weekend in college football with several high-profile games but it's the billion dollars at stake off the field we're talking about. they're changing the game as much as the trophies at stake on the field. here's nbc's steve patterson

with more. >> ladies and gentlemen, i have officially joined the new program. >> reporter: the new era of college athletics has kicked off. joe spiv ac, a defensive lineman, is in the first class of student who's can start cashing in on the $18 billion college sports industry. this fall, the jen council for the national labor relations board issued this memo supporting ncaa athletes, who can nowcollect payment on thei name, image, and likeness or nil. >> i'm jacked up for the nfl i'm going at it with everything i have while getting my iron hot for the wwe. >> reporter: he just signed with world wrestling entertainment, the wwe. >> to allow college students to sort of monetize and utilize their name, image, and likeness, it's opened up an avenue for us. >> reporter: wwe superstar and executive paul hhh le vehicle signed 15 college athletes after the rule change. >> this allows them to have that

open door to earn money while in college. >> what's going on, world? dtr here. >> reporter: ucla quarterback dorian thompson robertson sidelined from the holiday bowl due to positive covid cases on his team now finding fame off the field. he's launching a clothing brand with his mother. >> i think the biggest thing for me is it gives me a lot of options to do kind of whatever i want you know, you can be your own boss. >> reporter: thompson robinson is among a few college football stars developing limited edition nfts, online digital collectibles developed with the company candy digital. >> it's definitely a blessing. >> reporter: a new generation of athlete entrepreneurs finally able to capitalize on their talent. >> i am a future wwe superstar. >> reporter: steve patterson, nbc news >> so much excitement. steve, thanks. still to come, spider-man

swings past yet another record afteeak down some of the most interesting from protecting pso pu ta lesson in financial literacy er. once-weekly trulicity is proven to help lower a1c. it lowers blood sugar from the first dose. and you could lose up to ten pounds. trulicity is for type 2 diabetes. it isn't for people with type 1 diabetes. it's not approved for use in children. don't take trulicity if you're allergic to it, you or your family have medullary thyroid cancer, or have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. stop trulicity and call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction, a lump or swelling in your neck, severe stomach pain, changes in vision, or diabetic retinopathy. serious side effects may include pancreatitis. taking trulicity with sulfonylurea or insulin raises low blood sugar risk. side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and may worsen kidney problems. ask your doctor about once-weekly trulicity. even after you sanitize, every touch can leave new bacteria behind?

microban 24 keeps killing 99.9% of bacteria touch after touch for up to 24 hours. use the sanitizer 4 out of 5 doctors would use in their own homes. microban 24. ordinary tissues burn when theo blows. so puffs plus lotion rescued his nose. with up to 50% more lotion, puffs bring soothing relief. a nose in need deserves puffs indeed. america's #1 lotion tissue. i'm 53, but in my mind i'm still 35. that's why i take oste bi-flex to keep me moving the way i was made to, it nourishes and strengthens my joints for the long term. osteo bi-flex, plus vitamin d for immune support. new vicks vapostick. strong soothing vapors... help comfort your loved ones. osteo bi-flex, plus vitamin d for chest, neck, and back. it goes on clear. no mess just soothing comfort. try new vicks vapostick. got lingering odors? grab febreze small spaces.

press firmly to activate... and small spaces continuously eliminates and prevents odors... ...to freshen up any small room... ...for up to 45 days. febreze. ♪la la la♪

they all die it's their fate. >> i'm sorry, kid. >> yeah, me too. >> still gives me chills "spider-man: no way home" continues to dominate at the box office for the third week in a row. the film brought in just over $52 million during the new year's holiday, totaling $609 million domestically. universal's sing 2 earned $19.6 million while the king'sman landed in third with $4.5 million. still ahead, states across the country ring in 2022 with some new laws on the books

how some of those could affect you. plus some must-see tv. a janet jackson documentary years in the making coming to e small screen and tackling that infamous super bowl scandal with justin timberlake — are you asking if i'm 85 years old? i mean sea turtles live to 150, so...nn — i — i was not. do i look 85? what! no! you, you look young, fff...you...you, you look young for...however old you are. geico. saving people money for 85 years. don't settle for products that give you a sort-of white smile. try crest whitening emulsions... for...however old you are. ...for 100% whiter teeth. its highly active peroxide droplets... ...swipe on in seconds. better. faster. 100% whiter teeth. shop crestwhitesmile.com. ♪ dry eye symptoms keep driving you crazy?

inflammation in your eye might be to blame. let's kick ken's ache and burn into gear! over the counter eye drops typically work by lubricating your eyes and may provide temporary relief. those drops will probably pass right by me. xiidra works differently, targeting inflammation that can cause dry eye disease. what's that? xiidra? no! it can provide lasting relief. xiidra is the only fda-approved non-steroid eye drop specifically for the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. one drop in each eye, twice a day. don't use if you're allergic to xiidra. common side effects include eye irritation, discomfort or blurred vision when applied to the eye, and unusual taste sensation. don't touch container tip to your eye or any surface. after using xiidra, wait fifteen minutes before reinserting contacts. got any room in your eye? be proactive about managing your symptoms by talking to your doctor about twice-daily xiidra. like i did. i prefer you didn't. xiidra. not today, dry eye. nope i p- c'mon him?dn't. - i like him! nooooo...

nooooo... quick, the quicker picker upper! bounty picks up messes quicker and is 2x more absorbent, so you can use less. bounty, the quicker picker upper. lisa here, has had many jobs. and all that experience has led her to a job that feels like home. with home instead, you too can become a caregiver to older adults. apply today. where does your almondmilk come from? you too can become aalmond breeze starts heres. with our almond trees in our blue diamond orchard in california. my parents' job is to look after them. and it's my job to test the product. the best almonds make the best almondmilk. blue diamond almond breeze. does sinus congestion and pressure make breathing feel impossible especially at night? try vicks sinex. unlike most sinus treatments, it provides instant relief that lasts up to 12 hours. its powerfe, with a dual action formula that relieves nasal congestion and soothes sinus pressure by reducing swelling in the sinuses.

for instant relief that lasts up to 12 hours, try vicks sinex. from vicks - trusted relief for over 125 years. [sfx: voice relief] good morning, everyone kicking off your week with this winter storm it's going to quickly make its way out of the mid-atlantic to the northeast later on this afternoon. clear and cool for the southern plains temperatures were just in the 80s yesterday so we're going to be dropping back down to the upper 40s, lower 50s in in spots. then we'll watch the next storm for the northwest. this will be our next coast to coast system that we're watch for the rockies, then it starts to enter the northeast as we go into your friday and for the weekend. most of the country we are back to reality, feelinr temps with blustery conditions daytime highs in the teens in some spots in the ohio valley. new year, new laws taking

r teilamexai nt.tate r teilamexai nt.tate oupe wlis plnsex and spray to uk the breakthrough power of touch-activated scent technology. that's because febreze touch stores scent in your fabrics so you get bursts of freshness with every touch. your whole world will come alive. welcome home to fresh with febreze touch. la, la, la, la, la want more from your vitamin brand? get more with nature's bounty. from the first-ever triple action sleep supplement... to the only 24-hour vitamin c to heart-healthy support every day. get more with nature's bounty. a lot of folks ask me why their dishwasher doesn't get everything clean. i tell them, it may be your detergent... that's why more dishwasher brands recommend cascade platinum... ...with the soaking, scrubbing and rinsing built right in. for sparkling-clean dishes, the first time.

cascade platinum. i think i have to start being independent. >> the most important thing was for her to take that stage and own it ♪ >> an official trailer released for the first installment of janet jackson's new documentary set to air on lifetime and a&e on january 28th. the four hour doc has been in the works for five years now and it debuts on the 40th anniversary of jackson's 1982 self-titled debut album. wow, was 1982 40 years ago

the latest covid surge forcing changes at the white house. seating capacity in the briefing room is temporarily reduced because of the spread of the omicron variant? the white house correspondents association board voted unanimously to reduce the number of seats from 49 to just 14. association president steven portnoy cited medical advice on the transmissibility of omicron and cramped, poorly ventilated conditions in the briefing room. he added this issue will be revisited on january 21st. well, the new year means new laws across the country, from new rules protecting man's best friend to a law that already has restaurants and customers saying cheers nbc's pete williams breaks it all down for us. >> reporter: students entering high school in ohio in the new year won't be allowed to graduate until they complete a course in financial literacy, about such issues as taxes and interest rates many students say it's what they ne to know >> i would y manage your

money. >> reporter: it's illegal to chain up your dog in texas any outdoor restraint must be lighter and more flexible, and dogs must have adequate shelter, shade, and water >> texas wants to lead the way when it comes to animal abuse, and with this new tethering bill, i think we're going to be able to do that. >> governor greg abbott first vetoed the law and then signed a new version after he was hit by a flood of tweets. a new law in nevada makes it illegal for insurance companies to deny coverage to homeowners based on the breed of dogs they have in washington state, home to tech giants, a new law requires anyone selling a house to disclose whether the property has internet service florida will now require child care providers to install alarms in any car, bus, or van that will alert drivers to make sure everyone is out before locking up to reduce deaths from children stuck in hot cars >> it's going to be maybe a financial burden we don't really know yet but if it's going to keep the children safe and save lives,

we'll do it. >> reporter: and oregon says cheers by allowing the sale of cocktails to go even after the pandemic ends. >> we do need to improve upon that portion of our business and certainly will be doing so in the future. >> reporter: drinks must be sold in a sealed container to be opened at ho

right now at 4:30, the u.s. quickly hitting a new milestone as coronavirus cases continue to jump. the reason the cdc is now considering a new testing requirement following the holidays. kids are headed back to the classroom. in a few hours we will show you the way bay area school districts are jumping in to make sure they return safely. and the jury deliberations start up in the elizabeth holmes trial. how soon a verdict could be reached. this is "today in the