CNN
—

It was a historic year with a series of news events that sparked feelings of despair, but also hope and resilience. Take a moment to watch CNN’s Year in Pictures and take a look at some of the most compelling photos of 2024.

Here’s what else you need to know Get up to speed and start your day.

Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, died on Sunday at the age of 100. Carter was “surrounded by his family” in his final moments at his home in Plains, Georgia, the Carter Center said. Tributes are pouring in for the former farmer, lawmaker, humanitarian and Georgia governor who served one term as president from 1977 to 1981. President Joe Biden said Carter was “a role model of what it means to live a life of meaning and purpose.” and remembered Carter as a “dear friend.” President-elect Donald Trump said Americans owe the former president “a debt of gratitude.” Carter’s wife of more than 75 years, Rosalynn, died in November 2023 at the age of 96. The Carters were the longest married presidential couple in US history.

President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday defended the visa program that allows highly skilled foreign workers to immigrate to the United States. It was his first comment on an issue that has drawn strong criticism from MAGA supporters hoping to restrict immigration. Trump said in an interview with the New York Post that he “believes in H-1B,” referring to the visas granted to thousands of foreign workers who immigrate to the U.S. to fill specialized jobs. In his first term, Trump restricted access to foreign work visas and had previously criticized the program. But during the 2024 campaign, Trump signaled his willingness to grant legal status to some foreign-born workers if they graduated from a U.S. university.

A total of 179 people were killed in a plane crash in South Korea on Sunday, according to local authorities. It was the country’s worst aviation disaster in decades. Investigators are working to determine what may have caused the crash of Jeju Air Flight 7C 2216, which was flying from Bangkok. South Korean officials confirmed today that the pilot reported a bird strike before his doomed emergency landing in Muan, South Korea. Experts also told CNN that the plane’s landing gear – particularly the wheels used for takeoff and landing – did not appear to be fully extended before landing. Only two of the 181 people on board the flight survived, both crew members.

Severe thunderstorms and isolated tornadoes are forecast for parts of the southeastern United States today after a series of strong storms hit Texas and Mississippi over the weekend, leaving at least four people dead. More than 14 million people are at risk of severe weather today, including residents of the North Carolina cities of Charlotte, Raleigh and Greensboro. This comes after several tornado sightings were reported on Saturday as millions of Americans were warned of hurricanes in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Hundreds of flights within, to or from the United States were canceled Sunday and over 6,600 flights were delayed, particularly those going to or from Charlotte Douglas International Airport, an American Airlines hub.

Gas prices will fall for the third year in a row in 2025, according to GasBuddy forecasts shared exclusively with CNN. The forecast assumes a national average of $3.22 for the year, down from about $3.33 in 2024 and the lowest level since 2021. This would mean Americans will spend about $115 billion Dollars would spend less on fuel than they would in 2022. But GasBuddy warns that there are some big problems on the cards, including President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on Canada and Mexico, which the Gas prices could increase or risk a trade war with America’s largest trading partners.

Remember Jolt Cola?
Jolt Cola, a popular drink from the 1980s, is coming back to stores in 2025. They are fans of the drink soda-lit by its return, but health experts are concerned about its caffeine content.

How to stretch properly
A new year often means refocusing on fitness resolutions. These simple stretches can help prevent workout injuries.

The search for Sasquatch ends fatally
Two Oregon men were found dead in a forest in Washington state after failing to return from a trip to search for Sasquatch, authorities said Saturday.

Organized groups attack athletes’ homes
NBA all-star Luka Doncic’s home was recently broken into. This was the latest in a series of similar incidents affecting professional athletes.

Gal Gadot reveals she underwent emergency surgery
The Wonder Woman star opened up about how she survived a “massive blood clot” in her brain during her last pregnancy

200
It’s been about that many years since the last massive volcanic eruption on the planet triggered a global catastrophe. Scientists warn that the next catastrophe will cause chaos that the world is unprepared for.

“It is very disappointing that nations place such different importance on funding their athletes.”
—Sarah Storey, Britain’s most successful Paralympic athlete of all time, highlighting the different ways in which Paralympic and Olympic winners are rewarded. A new analysis from CNN Sport found that many Paralympic athletes were paid significantly less than their Olympic counterparts after the 2024 Paris Games.

Check your local weather forecast here >>>

AND FINALLY…

Don’t throw away your Christmas tree! These animals will eat it

Some people don’t know what to do with their Christmas trees once the holidays are over. This urban farm in Chicago has a creative solution.