the first winter storm of the year wreaking havoc from the midwest to the east coast. sleet, snow and freezing rain

making highway travel treacherous, forcing airlines to cancel hundreds of flights, while major cities are already moving to close schools. we're tracking the path of the monster storm as it pushes east. the capitol on high alert just hours before lawmakers secure the election results. and new overnight, north korea fires a missile as secretary of state antony blinken arrives in south korea amid political upheaval. we're live with the ing tensions in the region. the controversial toll to fight gridlock. charging drivers 9 bucks to t into downtown. will it pave the way for other cities to follow suit? and we're rolling out the red carpet. the big moments from the star-studded golden globes. it's monday, january 6. "early today" starts right now. good morning.

glad you're up early with me. i'm frances rivera. the first major storm of the year is packing a powerful punch. 57 million americans under winter weather alerts as blizzard conditions slam the middle of the country. reports of semi trucks sliding off the road as first responders scramble to get drivers who are stranded. >> it's significant and hard to keep up with it. we've got rollovers that happened in time past. we're still going to wrecks. and a lot of these first responders are getting stuck. >> counties along the east coast have declared an emergency as the storm approaches, including washington, d.c., where federal offices and schools will be closed today. and more than a thousand flights nationwide have already been canceled today with 1800 cancellations yesterday. amtrak has canceled dozens of trains in the mid atlantic and northeast. for more on the travel nightmare, here's aaron gilchrist. >> reporter: the major weather system slamming the midwest is

wreaking havoc on airports across country. these massive snow removal trucks trying to clear the runway in lexington, kentucky to keep the airport open. some travelers not so lucky. >> we're just sitting at the tarmac for an hour, hour and a half. and they're, like, airport's closed. >> reporter: joslin joseph it trying to get back to college in denver. >> i was halfway through security when my flight got canceled. and they told me i need to go back down to baggage claim to get my bag. >> reporter: traffic snarled in the country's mid section. nationwide, 6,000 flight delays and a thousand cancellations. christy and her kids just trying to get home to north carolina. >> we just have to look at it as an adventure. you know. enjoy the time together, i guess. >> our thanks to aaron for that report. let's get an update now on the storm from nbc meteorologist michelle grossman. so this thing is moving east. >> it's moving east. hi there, frances. we're going to see it move off the atlantic coast later on

today, but we're looking at a tough morning commute, a tough evening commute as well. we're looking at snow, ice in between and the chance for strong to severe storms throughout the southeast. where you see the blue, that is the snow falling, stretching from portions of the midwest to the ohio valley and mid atlantic. a little pink and purple on the map, that's the freezing rain and ice that's falling and we're looking at some heavy rain falling. that's where you see brighter colors of reds, oranges and yellows. 57 million people under winter alerts, we have winter storm warnings and ice storm warnings. we're looking at moderate ice into north carolina as well. heavy morning snow in northern virginia. and tomorrow t's going to be blustery. cold temperatures with the wind blowing, that will kick up the lake-effect snow machine once again. this is what it looks like in terms of totals. the highest amounts in the mid atlantic where you see the pinks and purples. we could see a foot of snow in

some spots. also looking at significant icing, also the risk of power outages. we will look at the week ahead in just a few minutes. >> tough to people heading back to work and school after the holiday. today is january 6, and 's been four years since a mob of trump supporters stormed the capitol building while congress was certifying the election of joe biden. let's go to chris pollone. the capitol police are making sure no chances are taken with security. >> reporter: that's right. authorities are making sure that there cannot be a repeat of that day exactly four years ago today when supporters of donald trump tried to stop the certification of the 2020 election that mr. trump lost. fencing and barriers have been established around the capitol building, and police have also shut down several surrounding streets ahead of the proceedings set to start around 1:00 p.m. eastern time. this time around, mr. trump is the legitimate winner of the

election, and it is vice president kamala harris who will oversee the certification of his 312 electoral college votes and her own defeat. democrats have already said that they are not planning to contest the result, unlike in 2021 when several prominent republicans objected during the vote count. meanwhile, funeral observances have begun for former president jimmy carter. on saturday a motorcade transported mr. carter from the medical center where he died a week ago to his hometown of plains, georgia. the procession stopped at the georgia state capital where he used to serve as the state's governor. current governor kemp held a moment of lence. he'll be flown to washington where the public will be invited to pay respects as he lies in state at the capitol here. a funeral service is set for thursday here in washington. all former, all living former presidents, including president-elect trump are expected to attend the ceremony, frances. >> hope that storm behind you

doesn't make it difficult for people to get around to those events. chilling new details on how exactly the suspect in the deadly new orleans truck ramming prepared for the horrific attack. the fbi revealing shamsud-din jabbar wore meta smart glasses to record as he rode a bike through the french quarter during two trips to new orleans in october and november. >> reporter: were the glasses recovered? and did jabbar wear them during the entire timeline of the attack? >> the glasses were recovered on the person of jabbar. and we believe he was wearing them throughout the, throughout the evening. >> reporter: and he was recording the entire time? >> so we don't have any indication that he was actually recording, but he was wearing those glasses. >> investigators also found jabbar placed two homemade bombs in the area before the new year's day attack, though neither of them detonated. one even moved out of the way by unidentified people. the white house says president

joe biden and first lady ill biden will visit louisiana to, quote, grieve with the families and community members. ukraine has launched a surprise new offensive in the russian region of kursk. it appears to be an attempt to seize more territory from russia ahead of the inauguration of donald trump in two weeks. reports of a ukrainian attack first appeared on russian military blogs before the kremlin confirmed it. nbc news could not independently verify the claims, and it was not immediately clear how significant the assault is. u.s. secretary of state antony blinken has arrived in seoul, meeting with south korean government officials to discuss how they can, quote, strengthen key efforts to promote a free, open and prosperous indo-pacific the state department says. it comes as hundreds of south koreans braved snow and freezing temperatures over the weekend, calling for the arrest of impeached president yoon. let's bring in matt bodner. good morning, matt. >> reporter: frances, good morning.

blinken's visit to south korea comes after weeks of political turmoil in this key american ally. south korean president yoon has been impeached following his surprised declaration of martial law last month. and there's currently a warrant out for his arrest. south korean law enforcement once again attempted to detain president yoon over the weekend. but their efforts were foiled by the presidential security service who formed a human chain to prevent investigators from getting access to yoon. the warrant for his arrest expires in just a few hours at midnight tonight in south korea. but investigators say they will extend the warrant and continue their efforts to arrest him. meanwhile, demonstrators continue to come in support of his arrest. washington has expressed serious concern over political events in south korea over the past month, and blinken in seoul said the response so far has been one that is, quote, peaceful and fully consistent and in accordance with the constitution and rule of law. north korea has conducted a missile test coinciding with blinken's visit to south korea.

the missile was an intermediate range ballistic missile and flew about 700 miles out to sea. blinken commenting on the launch said it underscored the importance of collaboration between the u.s., south korea and japan in the region. blinken also noted that pyongyang's relationship with mosc has been growing. frances? >> matt bodner for us, thank you. now let's get another quick check on the week's forecast with nbc meteorologist michelle grossman. it still may be tough for a lot of people. >> we're going to see frigid temperatures keeping ice and snow in place. a tough morning commute in the east and a tough evening commute as well. we're looking at temperatures frigid, also in the northern plains, central plains. that's another big weather story today. we're going to see temperatures only in the single digits in some spots. also looking at the chance for height light rain, higher elevation snow. wednesday we are looking at

well-below averages sticking around in the southern plains. windy and cold in the new england area, northeast and mid atlantic and temperatures in the ohio valley cold as well. friday, anothe central plains as well. cold, too, in the mid atlantic. that will set the stage for some snow, some ice and looking at storms in the south. all right. that's your monday forecast. >> appreciate it. thanks michelle. there was only one team that could emerge as the true kings of the nfc north. the detroit lions locked up the division, and the top seed in the conference, for the first time in their history on the season finale e of sunday night football. jahmyr gibbs pillaged the defense of the minnesota vikings with four total touchdowns, while detroit kept their rival out of end zone and on the road for the playoffs.

detroit secures home field advantage and the coveted first-round bye with a 31-9 win. earlier in the day, the buccaneers cruise to their fourth straight nfc south tight with a win over the saints, as mike evans logged his historic 11th straight season with 1,000 receiving yards. and good news for broncos country, your you're tot /- yo playoffs. the bucs will host the commanders right here on nbc sunday. still to come. the winners, the upsets and funniest moments from the golden globe awards. and fighting gridlock. last year alone, those viruses hospitalized

nearly 1 million people 65 and older. that's nearly 1 million moms, dads, favorite uncles, and grammas. if someone you love is 65 or older, talk with them about vaccines, because to you, they're not just another number. when your clothes come out looking newer, longer... you get to take them for a spin. again... ...and again... ...and again. persil cleans and helps keep clothes looking newer, longer. get that new clothes feeling. wash with persil. we're in a volcano. to test finish ultimate against tough burnt-on stains. finish ultimate breaks them down, cuts grease, and boosts shine, for the ultimate clean. even on the toughest stains.

>> new york city officially green lights his controversial traffic plan, the pricing toll went into effect this weekend costing drivers 9 bucks to get into the heart of manhattan. it's aimed at making gridlock a little less of a nightmare, but will it actually work? here's emilie ikeda. >> reporter: the city known for standstill traffic, green lighting new tolls. >> two, one, woo! >> reporter: and, if successful, could catch on across the country. congestion pricing going into effect. most drivers paying $9 during peak hours and $13.50 without easy pass. officials say it will encourage more people to take public transit, cutting back on tens of thousands of cars daily and pollution. but reviews among residents across tri state are mixed.

>> it's too much. >> i think it's just a tax. it's not going to alleviate any congestion. >> reporter: the toll will gradually increase, hitting $15 for most drivers by 2031. funding for public transit improvements in the city. could we see this policy catch fire? could it spread? >> yes. places like chicago and los angeles, which also have pretty severe traffic congestion are watching to see what happens here in new york and may consider similar policies there. >> reporter: while around the world, some cities have already embraced congestion pricing, stockholm, singapore, london. though london is still considered the third most congested city in the world. >> i'm proud to announce we have found a path. >> reporter: new york's plan was reinstated after months of delays and a barrage of lawsuits. but the toll's biggest threat may be still to come. president-elect trump has said he will terminate congestion pricing, as new york puts the policy into drive. emilie ikeda, nbc news, new

york. still to come, the 2025 hollywood award season kicked off with glitz and glamour at the golden globes. plus, how the show's host made history last night. as the people you love get older, their risk of severe flu and covid goes up. last year, those viruses hospitalized nearly 1 million people 65 and older. so if someone you love is older, talk with them about vaccines. can neuriva support your brain health? mary. janet. hey! eddie. no! fraser. frank.

frank. fred. how are you? support up to seven brain health indicators, including memory. when you need to remember, remember neuriva. (♪♪) skincare can start in the laundry room. that's why i always recommend all free clear for sensitive skin. it's free of dyes and perfumes. it's a key part of my self-care routine. and is gentle for my skin, and her's too. for an effective clean that's gentle on skin, all you need is all free clear. ♪ thatlike a relentless weed, moderate to severe ulcerative colitis symptoms can keep coming back. start to break away from uc with tremfya... with rapid relief at 4 weeks. tremfya blocks a key source of inflammation. at one year, many people experienced remission... and some saw 100% visible healing of their intestinal lining. serious allergic reactions and increased risk of infections may occur. before treatment, your doctor should check you for infections and tb. tell your doctor if you have an infection, flu-like symptoms or if you need a vaccine.

healing is possible with tremfya. ask your doctor about tremfya today. ♪

welcome to the 82nd golden globes. ozempic's biggest night. well, tonight, we celebrate the best of film and hold space for television. the bear, the penguin. baby reindeer. these are not just things found in rfk's freezer, these are tv shows. nominated tonight. >> the golden globes kicked off this year's award season with laughs from comedian nikki glaser who became the first woman to host the globes solo. she also performed her own rendition of wicked's "popar", changing the words to popelar, which earned the first golden

globe for screenplay. now to some of the bgest moments of the night. shogun took home four awards, including best tv series and drama. emilia perez, about a mexican cartel because garnered four awards, including best motion picture or comedy. the first openly transgender woman to be honored shared a powerful message on stage. >> the light light always wins over darkness. you never can take away our soul or existence or identity. >> brutalist followed closely behind with three wins, including best actor for adrian

brodie. hacks snagged two awards. and baby reindeer also won two, including best limited tv series. coming up, a grandmother and grandson go on the adventure of a lifetime. anwhe d erdid that missing sock go? a new a.i. robot can help you find it. a party. premier protein, my ride or die. boom! if you know, you know. let's go. this stuff changed my life. so good. high protein. check. one gram of sugar. oh, yeah. and a flavor for every vibe. (♪♪) (♪♪) premier protein. sweeten the journey. we're in a limestone cave, letting extreme residue build up to put finish jet dry to the test. dishwashers are designed to use jet dry to defend against tough residues for a practically spotless shine. always dry scoop before you run.

listen to me, the hot dog diet got me shredded. it's time we listen to science. one a day is formulated with key nutrients to support whole body health. one a day. science that matters. narrator: at this very moment, children at st. jude are fighting to survive. with a gift right now, you can join the battle to save lives. katy: without saint jude, i don't know where we would be. can we see snuggles? they have given children with cancer, like my winston, a chance. christine: she has neuroblastoma and it has spread to her liver. i try to enjoy every minute with her because i do not know when would be my last moments with her. narrator: time is running out to give a year-end gift that can help. st. jude children's research hospital save lives. because cancer doesn't stop during the holiday season.

please call, go online, or scan the qr code right now and give $19 a month to help make it the season of hope for families at saint jude. tammie: just that feeling that was, like, so hard on your heart that my kid's not going to live. every day now, it's like a gift. narrator: for just $19 a month, you can make a difference. please become a st. jude partner in hope right now. franchet: those that donate, it's more than a miracle for me. it's more than a blessing. (voice breaking) they have done so much for me and my family. narrator: join with your credit or debit card for only $19 a month, and we'll send you this st. jude t-shirt you can proudly wear to show your support. katy: all these children deserve to live, and i would love for it to be the day where no other family has to fear losing their child to cancer.

you've given us hope. narrator: please don't wait until the last minute. make your donation now to help st. jude save lives. here's what's making headlines this morning. amazon prime video is making a documentary about melania trump later this year, just as donald trump gets ready for his second term. a spokesperson confirms filming is already under way, with mrs. trump listed as an executive producer. john deere is recalling 39,000 mowers over an engine problem that can lead to overheating and burns. the mowers were sold between october 2018 and september 2024. no injuries have happened. owners can contact the john deere dealer for a free repair. draftkings is trying out a

$20 a month subscription called sports book plus in new york. it gives subscribers better odds on parlays with boosts up to 100% for bigger bets. it is the first subscription of its kind in the u.s. and could later be expanded to other states. robo rock has unveiled its new robot vacuum. it uses a.i. and a folding arm to pick up small things like socks or trash. it will be available worldwide later this yr, beaut no word yet on a price. and bacteria linger. air fresheners add a scent. but only lysol air sanitizer helps erase the trace, eliminating odor and killing 99.9% of viruses and bacteria in the air. scent can't sanitize. lysol can. as the people you love get older, their risk of severe flu scand covid goes up.. last year, those viruses hospitalized nearly 1 million people 65 and older. so if someone you love is older, talk with themem about vcines. when your clothes come out looking newer, longer...

you get to take them for a spin. again... ...and again... ...and again. persil cleans and helps keep clothes looking newer, longer. get that new clothes feeling. wash with persil. can neuriva support your brain health? mary. janet. hey! eddie. no! fraser. frank. frank. fred. how are you? support up to seven brain health indicators, including memory. when you need to remember, remember neuriva. we're back with a story to start your week off with a smile that proves it's never too late

for a big adventure, especially when you can do it with the ones yolove. here's hallie jackson. >> reporter: if you look closely at the wilds of a safari. >> 15-foot croc, right there. >> reporter: or at the foot of an awe-inspiring mountain, you'll find something remarkable. joy. >> this is great. >> reporter: grandma joy, that is. >> well, hi there. >> reporter: joy ryan is on a quest to visit all seven continents. and she's doing it at 94 years old. >> i never expected to be traveling the world anywhere. i figured i'd just have my, be on the front porch, crocheting and talking to the neighbors. >> reporter: but she is traveling the world and doing it with the best travel buddy possible. her grandson. >> my grandma's relationship with me means everything. you made this huge journey with me, and i love you. >> i love you, too. >> reporter: grandma joy spent the first 90 years of her life

without a u.s. passport. but ten years ago, her grandson brad had an idea. >> she just casually said i never saw a mountain. i wanted to have that sense of closure that i took her to see her first mountain. >> he called me up and said, grandma, would you like to go on a camping trip? and i wasn't doing anything. so i said, okay. i'll go. >> reporter: and go they did. joy saw her first mountain and so much more. >> see you on the other side. who's going next? >> reporter: as that first visit turned into their first quest, seeing all 63 u.s. national parks together. [ laughter ] good gravy. what a trip. >> reporter: that first trip complete, now another once-in-a-life time adventure from the bottom of the world in antarctica. >> it was just like a winter wonderland. we got to see the whales. and the penguin, oh, they're

amazing. >> reporter: to immersing themselves in the cultures of africa. the pair crisscrossing the globe. >> that's so pretty. >> reporter: reaching four of the seven continents so far. >> all the gorgeous mountains everywhere. >> reporter: a trip that's about so much more than the destination. >> it's been the greatest privilege of my life to show her the world. >> he's such an amazing person. i wouldn't trade him for anything. >> how adorably sweet are these two? our thanks to hallie for sharing that story. and living their best lives. hope it continues on in 2025. thanks for kicking your week off

a major winter storm making its way to the mid atlantic