And what about the dozens who received the expired shot outbreaks at supermarkets nearly 150 employees testing positive at a single costco. How safe are essentialstore workers and customers . The major winter storm on the move. Drivers stranded in snow overnight 50 million americans in its path. For the first time, Congress Overrides a veto from President Trump. And how Vice President pence is responding to new republican efforts to get him to overturn the elections results. Plus, elmos important, new mission, as Sesame Street goes where its never gone before. This is nbc nightly news with lester holt. Good evening, and happy new year i am peter alexander, in for lester. We start off tonight with the increasingly urgent challenges in the fight against coronavirus. Growing fears that last nights Holiday Gatherings will compound an already overwhelming surge in cases in much of the country. And new frustration that distribution of those vaccines, that offer so much hope, is still far behind schedule we have also now learned florida has become the third state to identify a case of that new, highly contagious strain of the virus. We begin tonight with nbcs miguel almaguer. Reporter there was reason to celebrate the end of 2020. But this is exactly what authorities feared would unfold. Large and small gatherings, where the virus can quickly spread including this one, attended by donald trump jr. At maralago the backdrop of a carefree new years eve coming just hours after doctors confirmed at least four additional cases of the new, highly contagious, Variant Strain of covid. It will lead to a lot more deaths over a period of time just because there is more cases this is going to be a race against time as we try to vaccinate our Population Reporter for the first time, one of the new cases has been detected in florida. As the Sunshine State shattered a daily record for new infections, officials confirmed the new strain has infected a man in his 20s with no travel history the three other cases of the Variant Strain were identified in Southern California, where hospitals are on the brink. We are admitting patients faster than we discharge them. In this battle, we are so outnumbered reporter in san diego county, which is now reporting a Record Number of covid deaths, one patient suspected of having the viruss mutation is hospitalized in a region short on beds. Were at the stage, now, beyond just describing this as waves or surges, or even surges on top of surges we now are at a viral tsunami. Reporter with roughly one out of every 16 americans testing positive for the virus in 2020, tonight, Field Hospitals in massachusetts and georgia serve as a reminder this new year brings new challenges overwhelmed were stressed were were stretched so thin. Its pretty unimaginable reporter the page has turned on the calendar, but the battle still rages against the pandemic here, in hardhit los angeles county, if and when care needs to be rationed, triage teams at some hospitals are prepared to start scoring patients on their best chances of survival those deemed with the best opportunity at recovery will be the first to get treatment. Peter. Miguel almaguer in Southern California tonight. Miguel, thank you. And now, to the vaccine and why millions of doses that have been distributed are not getting to americans faster and what officials are saying about a pharmacist accused of destroying 500 doses the do patients who received them have to worry . More, now, from ron allen. Reporter tonight, new bumps in the rocky vaccine rollout. Kentucky officials revealing a mixup at a local drugstore gave vaccines meant for nursinghome residents to the general public. There is going to be mistakes. There just is. Reporter in florida, some elderly residents have been standing in line up to eight hours or more to roll up their sleeves for a shot. We got here about 7 00 last evening. Reporter in wisconsin, where a Pharmacy Worker was arrested for deliberately spoiling 500 Vaccine Doses his Motivation Unknown Health Officials reaching out to more than 50 people given those shots. There is no evidence that the vaccinations pose any harm to them, other than being potentially less effective reporter nationwide, fewer than 3 million shots, so far, of the more than 12 million doses distributed to states by the federal government far short of the 20 million dosage goal the Trump Administration set for the end of 2020. We really need to rethink or think more intensively about how we are going to reach out and help the states reporter according to our nbc news state tracker, mississippi, alabama, and kansas have the lowest vaccination rates, per capita while west virginia, south dakota, and new mexico, have the highest. In connecticut, the governor touting progress. Were on track to complete everybody having their first vaccine in the nursing homes, by the end of next week. Reporter here, in New York City, a bold, new years resolution. Vaccinate 1 Million People in the month of january. The mayor conceding that cant happen without more money from state and federal government were going to need to go faster to beat back the coronavirus to restart our economy. To protect peoples lives. To recover reporter so far, New York City has administered fewer than a third of the roughly 400,000 doses its received. So here, like in many cities and states across the country, there is a very long way to go. Peter. Ron allen, ron, thank you. D a lifeline, throughout this pan and supermarkets have remained a lifeline throughout this pandemic. But tonight, new numbers show just how widespread the virus has become among those who work there Steve Patterson on the risks for them, and for their customers. Reporter every day, they brave big crowds and long lines. This Cell Phone Video illustrates the risk Grocery Store workers face just by being at work. I do not care about peoples lives, you are inconsiderate. Reporter the union for Retail Food Workers says mor needs to be done to protect workers. You hear the cdc. They basically say the following to you stay away from enclosed spaces with large gatherings of people thats exactly what all these retailfood workers are going through, every single day. Reporter across the country, more than 20,000 Grocery Store workers have been infected or exposed to covid19, including 145 workers sick at a costco in washington state. And in hardhit la county, more than 850 tested positive in the last two months, alone. With outbreaks at 137 stores, according to numbers obtained by nbc 4 los angeles. Its so busy and theres so many people of course, we were bound to get it. Reporter several chains have implemented safeguards like plexiglass. And tape to mark sewed. Ralphs said they have invested over A Billion Dollars in Employee Rewards and safety measures. But researchers say they can only do so much just one persons cough can potentially spread Virus Particles several aisles over. Grocery store workers, who spend many, many, many hours, out interacting with people in that environment where people have to go, they are at the highest risk and thats why we start to see more of these outbreaks during this time of a Surge Reporter the best Thing Workers say the public can do to help is to stay home as much as possible. Get tested. Stay home. Dont come in the stores its not fair to the workers if you think you might have covid, and then youre coming Grocery Shopping its just not fair reporter the cdc is recommending that grocerystore employees, along with other essential workers, are included in the next round of vaccinations, which could come within weeks. Peter. Steve patterson, steve, thank you 50 Million People under we are tracking a major Storm Barreling across much of the country tonight. Nearly 50 Million People under winterweather alerts. The latest now from anne thompson. Reporter the new year is off to a slippery start across much of the nations midsection with dangerous driving conditions, from missouri to texas. 14 inches of snow in big spring, 300 miles west of dallas trapped people overnight on this highway. Just too much for some to navigate. While, in oklahoma. Oh, my goodness did you see that Thunder Snow Reporter up to six inches fell in oklahoma city, as ice created a dramatic silhouette in norman pretty, but perilous leaving thousands without power across the state. This tree was no match for the ice in missouri igniting a fire as it brought down an electrical line. Has the Power Company shut off the power yet . Reporter now, the storm moves north and east the storm predicted to change to Freezing Rain and rain. Offering a soggy start to 2021. Anne thompson, nbc news for the first time in President Trumps nearly four years in office, an overwhelming, bipartisan rebuke. Congress overriding a veto from the president. Here is kelly odonnell. Reporter tonight, a blow to President Trump from the republicanled senate. The yeas are 82 the nays are 13. Reporter the first override of a trump veto and senators save the 741 billion defense bill the president had blocked. The objection to the president of the United States to the contrary, notwithstanding. Reporter but, mr. Trumps fury over losing the election is erupting with more conflict inside his party. A twitter assault on senator john thune, who said bidens win will not be overturned the president urged south dakota governor, christy gnome, to run against him. While stoking expectations for his supporters by promoting a that day, Vice President mike pence must preside over the big protes rally in washington, d. C. , january 6th. That day, Vice President mike pence must preside over the final counting of electoral votes. But he is fighting off a lawsuit that seeks to give pence power to toss out some states votes. Enough to flip bidens victory to trump Government Lawyers defending Pence Belittled the claim for suing, ironically, the very person whose power they seek to promote. Making this all the more awkward, the suit was filed by a group of trump loyalists including, a texas congressman, against the Vice President , who is widely viewed as unfailingly loyal to President Trump peter. Kelly, thank you. The new year is ushering new laws across the country, including one that impacts anyone who wants to board a plane. Pete williams, with what you need to know. Reporter starting today, hawaii becomes the first state in the nation to ban the sale or distribution or sunscreens, including some of the most popular brands, that contain two chemicals the state says can harm the environment specifically, coral reefs and other forms of marine life. Products without oxybenzone are available, and we do actually pass them out and recommend people use them reporter a new law in delaware bans singleuse plastic carryout bags. The state says the ban will cut down on litter and the amount of plastic in landfills. Beginning today, drivers in arizona and virginia can be pulled over and ticketed by police if theyre holding a cell phone behind the wheel its a further crackdown on distracted driving that governor doug ducey says will make the roads safer. That text message can wait its not worth your Life Reporter 2021 brings a Security Requirements first proposed in the wake of the 9 11 terror attacks. Then, delayed, year after year, and postponed again in 2020 because of the pandemic but the government says, beginning this october, anyone wishing to board an Airplane Flight must present a real i. D. Compliant drivers license or passport or military i. D. Card the newer licenses all have a star on the upper, righthand corner, to show they meet the laws tougher standards. We want to make sure that we get these i. D. S in the hands of all the traveling public it raises security across the board, and thats what we are looking for at the end of the day reporter starting today, illinois will give every child born or adopted in the state 50 for a College Savings account, intended to keep pace with rising tuition. And feel free to toast the new year all over mississippi which, as of today, wiped out all remaining laws that made it illegal to possess alcohol pete williams, nbc news, washington in just 60 seconds, the ski resorts facing a major covid crisis, and how to keep your family safe on the slopes the slopes. Can actually attract pet hair . With new bounce pet hair lint guard, your clothes can repel pet hair. One bounce mega sheet has 3x the Hair Fighting Ingredients of the leading dryer sheet. Simply toss into the dryer to bounce out hair lint. Look how the shirt on the left attracts pet hair like a magnet pet hair is no match for bounce. Its available in fresh scent unscented. 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And of those, only 200 are actually working the resort also relies on about 50 of its skiers from across the currentlyclosed canadian border. We should be doing 500 or 600 skiers today, and weve got four lift tickets sold reporter but if you are going to ski anywhere this year, the key is planning. The days of the fairweather skier, like myself, oh, it is a blue bird day, its do it, i think those will over. Reporter resorts are limiting visitors, so make reservations even as a season Ticket Holder everywhere, for everything keep your phone for tickets and Contactless Payments in an outer pocket and tuck your face mask right into your goggles. In the european alps, resorts are weary of making the same mistakes as last year. The ritzy town in austria known for its raging scene, leading to at least 6,000 cases, in more than 40 different countries, including the u. S. As of now, germany and italy are keeping ski resorts shut in france, the slopes but not the ski lifts plan to open and some resorts in austria and switzerland are already open for business. I feel extremely safe they are taking all the right precautions. Distancing, mask, Everything Reporter like so much this past year, it can still be fun, just different molly hunter, nbc news, london. We are back in a moment with a surprising way that elmo is helping kids, a world away world away. Ke it that means selling everything. And eating nothing but cheese till you find the perfect slice. Even if everyone asks you. Another burger truck . Dont listen to them that means cooking day and night until you get. [ ding ] you got paid that means adding people to the payroll. Hi mom. That means. Best burger ever. Intuit quickbooks helps Small Businesses be more successful with payments, payroll, banking and live bookkeeping. Our most advanced formularonamel repair. 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Can a fuzzy, red, Little Muppet and his pals really make a difference for 700,000 rohingya children . When elmo is feeling sad, one thing that helps is to give a big, belly breath. I like that reporter and the gateway to learning, both emotionally and intellectually especially, important to these children, refugees from the genocide in myanmar, children without a country to call home. Proven educators. Reporter Sherry Westin is the president of Social Impact for Sesame Workshop we traveled to rohingya camps i bangladesh just days before the covid lockdown. As far as the eye can see, nothing but tents. Over a Million People in this one camp and any of these children have experienced unthinkable Horror Reporter westin is convinced, without massive intervention by sesame and their partners, this will likely become generation who cannot read or write or do simple math. So, earlychildhood education. You are a real evangelist for this. You know, there is so much science to show if a child is exposed to traumatic experiences, and prolonged stress, that it literally debilitates brain development. For us to reach children in those critical, early years, but especially children who have experienced trauma, you know, we can play a significant Role Reporter elmo, a hit. He these videos are just a preview, dubbe so the kids can get an idea of what sesame is developing just for them two, new rohingya characters to teach reading and math, along with a big dose of emotional support. We are really getting input from the children we want these characters to identify with. Which picture do you like the most . Reporter meanwhile, on the other side of the camp, a special guest has arrived. Yes reporter each child is given an opportunity to take a photo with grover. Its the only photograph any of these kids have. Let that sink in ten months after our trip, meet two new sesame characters, 6yearold rohingya twins. Part of a 200 million bet on the future. For 50 years, weve been addressing really challenging issues from the lens of a child. If we invest in reaching Young Children in humanitarian settings, it will change the world. Reporter cynthia mcfadden, nbc news. Such a powerful mission there. When we come back, what you will find in one teachers garage thats inspiring america. I honestly feel that thats my calling to give back to younger people. I think most adults will start realizing that they dont recall things as quickly as they used to or they dont remember things as vividly as they once did. Ive been taking prevagen for about three years now. People say to me periodically, man, youve got a memory like an elephant. Its really, really helped me tremendously. Prevagen. Healthier brain. Better life. Our most advanced formularonamel repair. Helps you brush in Vital Minerals to actively repair and strengthen enamel. So you dont just brush to clean, you brush to build. 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But, when used at the first sign, abreva can get you back to being you in just 2 and a half days. Be kinder to yourself and tougher on your cold sores. When you drink or eat something thats acidic everyone is at risk for enamel loss. It sucks the minerals out of the tooths surface. Pronamel is formulated to help deliver minerals to the tooths surface to help reharden and strengthen your enamel. Finally, finally, tonight inspiring america, one teachers incredible gift to her students to keep them reading here is Erin Mclaughlin reporter when the pandemic forced Jennifer Martins 3rd grade class online, she worried about her students, academically and emotionally. So, at the nearest library, 17 miles 17 miles away welcome to ms. Martins neighborhood library. Martin too matters into her own hands. Opening up her garage, now full of stories her students can borrow, anytime. And why, a library the joy of reading an actual book, and discovering it and claiming it as your own. Theres not anything that compares to that. Reporter shelves packed with thousands of books masks and social distancing are mandatory. Although, some cant contain their excitement. Thank you theres this character thats my favorite. Its fun to read. Reporter moments like frong went up the. Reporter are critical to a childs development, and so important for parents. And you want your daughter to excel at learning, especially english . [ speaking Foreign Language ] yeah, and writing. Reporter so, you want Something Different for your daughter by all accounts, ms. Martins library is a huge success. We all are missing each other, and even though we cant hug, you are still seeing them, and they are seeing you and its just that moment of Connection Reporter she is now working toward building a Permanent Library so that, for all the children in this community, there can be a fairy tale ending Erin Mclaughlin, nbc news, austin. Fuel for those kids minds. Thats nightly news for this friday. Im peter alexander, in for lester. We thank you for watching happnew y ar, and good nhtig right now at 6 00. A typically bustling part of san francisco, quiet on new years day. We speak with businesses about how long they can survive and what theyre hoping in 2021. The checks have arrived. The 600 that came in time for the holiday. Racial profiling to coronavirus safety. Plenty of changes with the tnew year. The laws that impact you. Curbing the bay area surge tonight. A new mandatory directive. To all businesses. The county is requiring businesses to shutd down workplace kitchens and break rooms. Employees can access the break rooms, use the Coffee Makers and refrigerators but cannot sit or gather in the room. The Governor Office is going to deploy the u. S. Army core of engineer to the l. A. Area. Hospitals are on the brink. Evaluate and upgrade oxygen delivery systems. Cases are rising at a rapid pace. 47,000 cases recorded today. More heartbreaking, 585 people have died in 24 hours. The most in a single day