An 18-year-old girl dreaming of becoming a nurse, a single mother, a father of two and a former Princeton football star suffered fatal injuries when the driver of a white pickup truck sped down Bourbon Street, packed with holiday revelers early Wednesday morning.

Officials have not yet released the names of the 14 people killed in the New Orleans New Year's Day truck attack, but their families and friends have started sharing their stories.

New Orleans Coroner Dr. Dwight McKenna said in a statement late Wednesday that they will release the names of the dead once autopsies are complete and they've talked with the next of kin. About 30 people were injured.

RELATED STORY | FBI says deadly New Orleans truck attack was an act of terrorism

Nikyra Dedeaux

Zion Parsons of Gulfport, Mississippi, had been celebrating New Year's Eve at his first night on Bourbon Street when a vehicle appeared and plowed into his friend, 18-year-old Nikyra Dedeaux, who he said had dreamed of becoming a nurse.

"A truck hit the corner and comes barreling through throwing people like in a movie scene, throwing people into the air," Parsons, 18, told The Associated Press. "It hit her and flung her like at least 30 feet and I was just lucky to be alive."

As the crowd scattered in the chaos he ran through a gruesome aftermath of bleeding and maimed victims, hearing gunshots and explosive sounds.

"Bodies, bodies all up and down the street, everybody screaming and hollering" Parsons said. "People crying on the floor, like brain matter all over the ground. It was just insane, like the closest thing to a war zone that I've ever seen."

Dedeaux was a responsible daughter -- shorter than all her siblings but the one who helped take care of everyone, Parsons said. Dedeaux had a job at a hospital and was set to start college and begin working towards her goal of becoming a registered nurse.

"She had her mindset -- she didn't have everything figured out but she had the plan laid down," Parsons said.

Reggie Hunter

A 37-year-old father of two from Baton Rouge was among the 14 people killed early Wednesday when a pickup truck careened down Bourbon Street in what officials called an act of terror.

Reggie Hunter had just left work and headed to celebrate New Year's with a cousin when the attack happened, his first cousin Shirell Jackson told Nola.com.

Hunter was killed and his cousin was injured, Jackson said.

Tiger Bech

A former high school and college football player from Louisiana was among those who died after a driver rammed a pickup truck into a crowd in New Orleans' French Quarter, according to an education official.

Tiger Bech, 27, died late Wednesday morning at a New Orleans hospital, according to local media outlets citing Kim Broussard, the athletic director at St. Thomas More Catholic High School in Lafayette. Bech attended the high school, where he played wide receiver, quarterback, punt returner and defensive back, NOLA.com reported.

Bech played football at Princeton University before graduating in 2021. Most recently he was working as an investment trader at a New York brokerage firm.

Princeton football coach Bob Surace said Wednesday that he had been texting with Bech's father, sharing memories of the player, who was a school kick returner and receiver from 2017 to 2019. He earned All-Ivy League honors as a returner.

"He might be the first Tiger to ever play for us, and that nickname kind of described him as a competitor," Surace told ESPN. The school's nickname is the Tigers. "He was somebody that somehow, like in the key moments, just excelled and was full of energy, full of life."

Bech has been working at Seaport Global, where company spokesperson Lisa Lieberman could not confirm his death. But she told The Associated Press that "he was extremely well regarded by everybody who knew him."

Bech's younger brother, Jack, is a top wide receiver at Texas Christian University.

In a response to a KLFY-TV report posted on X about Tiger Bech's death, a post from an account for a Jack Bech on the social media site said: "Love you always brother ! You inspired me everyday now you get to be with me in every moment. I got this family T, don't worry. This is for us."

Nicole Perez

Nicole Perez was a single mother to a 4-year-old son working hard to make life better for her family when she was killed in the New Orleans truck attack, according to her employer.

Perez, who was in her late 20s, was recently promoted to manager at Kimmy's Deli in Metarie, Louisiana and "was really excited about it," deli owner Kimberly Usher said in a phone interview with AP. Usher confirmed Perez's death through her sister, who also works for her.

Usher said Perez would walk in the morning to the deli, which opened at breakfast time, and would ask lots of questions about the business side of the operations. She also was permitted to bring her son, Melo, to work, where during breaks she taught him basic learning skills.

"She was a really good mom," said Usher, who started a GoFundMe account to cover Perez's burial costs and to help with expenses for her son that "he will need to transition into a new living situation," the donation request says.

The driver of the Cybertruck that exploded outside Trump International Hotel Las Vegas was a member of the elite Army Special Forces known as the Green Berets.

Law enforcement on Thursday was seen outside a home in Colorado Springs where Matthew Livelsberger apparently lived.

pic.twitter.com/qp43iCcH6e FBI Denver (@FBIDenver) January 2, 2025

Livelsberger died in the explosion outside the Trump Hotel Wednesday. Seven others suffered minor injuries.

RELATED STORY | Law enforcement executing search warrants following deadly New Orleans truck attack

Investigators have not revealed the cause of the explosion. However, gas canisters and fireworks were inside the vehicle, according to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill.

Authorities in Las Vegas said on Wednesday that they are investigating whether the explosion was an act of terrorism.

RELATED STORY | Superdome hardening security for Sugar Bowl, Super Bowl following New Year's attack

"We believe this is an isolated incident. We do not believe that there is a bunch of folks out there supporting this or helping this and we don't believe that there's any other danger to the community right now," said Jeremy Schwartz, acting special agent in charge for the FBIs Las Vegas office.

The explosion in Las Vegas happened hours after a vehicle slammed into revelers in New Orleans, killing at least 14 people. Scripps News Denver reports that the suspects in both incidents served at the same military base. They also both used the vehicle rental company Turo to obtain the trucks used in the incidents. However, the FBI stated on Thursday that there is no "definitive" link between the two incidents.

The New York City Police Department is searching for as many as four gunmen who opened fire outside the Amazura Nightclub early Thursday morning.

Investigators say as many as 30 shots were fired into a crowd of people at the club. Before the gunmen took off in a gray Infiniti with out-of-state plates,

10 people were hurt, although it's unclear if they all suffered gunshot wounds or were hurt in the scramble as the shots were being fired. Police said all 10 victims had non-life-threatening injuries.

RELATED STORY | Biden says New Orleans attacker posted about being inspired by ISIS

The 10 victims included six females and four males, officials said.

NYPD says this does not appear to be a terror-related incident and they are looking into potential ties to gang violence.

"There's zero tolerance for these senseless shootings, these horrible acts of violence on our streets. And those responsible for this crime will be apprehended and brought to justice," said Philip Rivera, NYPD chief of patrol.

The death toll from a vehicle attack in New Orleans that's being investigated as an act of terrorism was revised to 14 on Thursday

The FBI said 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen and Army veteran from Texas, drove into a crowd of New Year's revelers around 3 a.m. local time in the popular area of Bourbon and Canal Street. In addition to the 14 killed, officials said dozens of others were injured.

Law enforcement officials said that the suspect was killed following a shootout with police. Two officers were also wounded in the incident but are in stable condition, according to police.

A photo circulated among law enforcement officials showed a bearded Jabbar wearing camouflage next to the truck after he was killed by police, according to The Associated Press.

The FBI said weapons, an ISIS flag, and a potential improvised explosive device were located inside the vehicle. Authorities added that other potential IEDs were also located in the French Quarter.

President Joe Biden revealed Wednesday night that the FBI informed him that the suspect posted on social media prior to the attack that he was inspired by ISIS and had a desire to kill.

WATCH: President Biden delivers remarks on New Orleans attack

"It was very intentional behavior," New Orleans Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick said at an earlier press conference. "This man was trying to run over as many people as he could."

Authorities said the pickup truck used in the attack was rented through a car-sharing company. Without elaborating, officials said they don't believe the suspect acted alone.

To those who played a role in this horrific act of cowardice, we will find you we will bring you to justice," Rep. Troy Carter, D-LA, said during a Wednesday briefing.

President Biden promised to keep the public informed about the investigation.

"I've directed my attorney general, the FBI director, the secretary of Homeland Security, head of the National Counterintelligence Terrorism Center, and the intelligence community to work on this intensively until we have a full and complete information," the president said.

President-elect Donald Trump also commented on the attack, calling it an "act of pure evil."

"Our hearts are with all of the innocent victims and their loved ones, including the brave officers of the New Orleans Police Department," he said.

The incident happened as thousands of people celebrated the new year and college football fans gathered in New Orleans for The Sugar Bowl. The matchup between the University of Georgia and Notre Dame was scheduled to be held later in the day, less than a mile away from the attack. But officials announced that the game was postponed for 24 hours so bomb-sniffing dogs could sweep the Caesars Superdome to ensure it's safe.

RELATED STORY | At least 2 dead, 68 injured after driver slams into German Christmas market

Meanwhile, University of Georgia President Jere W. Morehead announced that a UGA student was also critically injured in the attack.

"I have spoken to the student's family and shared my concern, support and well wishes on behalf of the entire UGA community," he said in a statement.

"As we continue to hold the victims and their families in our thoughts and prayers, the University will do everything in its power to support those in our community who have been impacted by this unspeakable event," Morehead added.

The FBI has set up a digital tip line and is asking anyone with information related to the incident to please submit it here.

One lesser-known aspect of former President Jimmy Carter's legacy was his status as a folk hero among influential musicians, such as Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Greg Allman.

Carter even credited the Allman Brothers for helping him get elected in 1976 as they appealed to young voters who were disillusioned by government following Watergate.

Carter's ascension from salt-of-the-earth peanut farmer to rock star favorite is the subject of the documentary film, "Jimmy Carter, Rock and Roll President."

"Carter was one of the first presidential elections where 18-year-olds were able to vote and the young people's vote was very important and influential in his election. And the Allman Brothers spoke to that audience," said Mary Wharton, director of the film.

RELATED STORY | Political science professor weighs in on Jimmy Carter's biggest 'Achilles' heel'

Carter often welcomed different musicians to the White House to showcase their talents and to build connections and dialog.

"One of the things that have held America together has been the music that we share and love," Carter said in the documentary.

According to Wharton, it was Carter's poetic nature and deep appreciation for music that helped him foster relationships with musicians.

"He also genuinely enjoyed and loved those musicians and the music that they made. And so it was a real thing for him," she said . "It wasn't a political calculation to be associated with rock and roll. He actually really loved it. And that was what was so cool about kind of digging into that relationship."

RELATED STORY | State funeral for former President Jimmy Carter scheduled to begin Jan. 9

Wharton also discussed how Carter connected with music through his life.

"Music is the language of talking to spirit. And Jimmy Carter was a very spiritual man. So it makes all kinds of sense to me that that was a language that he understood," she said.

Nicholas Giordano, a political science professor at Suffolk Community College, emphasized the distinction between Jimmy Carter as a person and as president in an interview with Scripps News.

As a person, Giordano said Carter exemplified American values from his humble beginnings to his post-presidency volunteerism with Habitat for Humanity and the creation of the Carter Center. But his presidency faced turbulence that was marred by economic challenges, an energy crunch, the Iranian hostage crisis, and other issues.

"He understood the importance of service to a country, and he was able to rise up to become the most powerful person in the world, the president of the United States, and that reveals American exceptionalism, where America is the land of hope and opportunity," Giordano said. "His presidency was certainly something that is debated today. It was a turbulent presidency."

RELATED STORY | State funeral for former President Jimmy Carter scheduled to begin Jan. 9

While Carter was known for fostering a peace deal with the Camp David Accords, it did little to quell tensions in the Middle East, as his final year in office was marred by 53 hostages being held by Iran.

"He didn't project the American leadership and strength that was necessary on the world stage," Giordano said. "And so it shows that, even as a person, he did face challenges when it came to the presidency. He had great success when it came to negotiating Middle East peace with the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel, which showed that peace is possible, albeit it's very difficult in the Middle East.

"But this laid the groundwork for the Abraham Accords that would come 40 years later. So when it comes to Jimmy Carter as a whole, it's a mixed bag as far as the legacy he leaves behind."

Giordano said that one of Carter's biggest flaws was his inability to make decisive choices. He said Carter struggled against the leaders of nations such as China and Iran.

RELATED STORY | Scripps News Special: A full look at Jimmy Carter's life and legacy

"I think that was Carter's Achilles' heel, that he lacked those decision-making capabilities," he said. "He kept on internally debating the issues and what course of action he should take rather than being decisive. And that's what made his administration ultimately end in failure."

Still, Giordano believes there are lessons to be learned from Carter's presidency.

"I think Carter represents what the American dream is all about, that even if you don't have a successful presidency, you can still have a great legacy when the time comes. And I think that his life and his post-presidency is what really people do look at when it comes to Jimmy Carter," he said.

Carter, who died on Sunday, will be laid to rest on January 9.

Former President Jimmy Carter died on Sunday at age 100 after becoming the first president to ever reach age 100. From his military service to peanut farming, his foray into politics and his volunteerism later in life, watch the above video for a complete look at Carter's life.

Amid some Republican Party infighting, one GOP congressman is seeking to unite his caucus behind House Speaker Mike Johnson ahead of a pivotal vote that will decide whether he retains the gavel in 2025.

Appearing Sunday on ABC's "This Week," Rep. Mike Lawler of New York said Republicans are "playing with fire" if they are considering replacing Johnson as speaker of the House, pointing to the chaotic removal of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy last year.

RELATED STORY | Trump endorses Speaker Johnson to retain House gavel in 2025

"The fact is that these folks are playing with fire," Lawler said. "And if they think they're somehow going to get a more conservative Speaker, they're kidding themselves."

"We can't get anything done unless we have a Speaker including certifying President Trump's election on January 6th," Lawler added. "So, to waste time over a nonsensical, intramural food fight is a joke."

RELATED STORY | Upcoming Congressional committees take shape on Capitol Hill

Johnson won a unanimous voice vote during nominations for House GOP Conference leadership in November, but now faces a formal vote in the House when the next Congress begins in January.

He will need to secure 218 votes, which means he can't afford many defections from Republicans, who are currently projected to hold a slim majority with 220 seats.

Nearly 13 months after his beloved wife Rosalynn died in November 2023, former President Jimmy Carter passed away at the age of 100, the Carter Center confirmed on Sunday.

The former president made a rare public appearance at her memorial service. He sat in a wheelchair with a blanket that had a picture of him and Rosalynn together. He would also make a rare public appearance on October 1 as his hometown celebrated his 100th birthday.

Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished, President Carter said after his wife passed away. She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me.

The couple was married for 77 years. They met as children, both growing up in Plains, Georgia. Their storied romance started when Jimmy was 17 years old.

After their first date, he reportedly told his mom, Shes the girl I want to marry.

The pair would marry not long after in 1946.

The couple moved to Norfolk, Virginia, where Jimmy was stationed after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy.

Like many military families, the Carters moved from city to city. Their three sons were born in three different states: Virginia, Hawaii and Connecticut. Their only daughter was born in their home state of Georgia.

Jimmy left the military in 1953 and began a career in politics about 10 years later.

RELATED STORY | Former President Jimmy Carter dies at age 100

Rosalynn was reportedly an important member of Jimmys campaign team when he ran for governor of Georgia, a race he won in 1970.

After serving four years as governor, Jimmy decided to run for president. During the campaign, Rosalynn traveled the country independently, proving to be a strong advocate for her husbands vision for the country.

Jimmy Carter would go on to defeat President Gerald Ford and become the 39th president of the United States.

Rosalynn was an active first lady. She attended cabinet meetings and frequently represented her husband at ceremonial events. Rosalynn shared in her husbands efforts to work to make the U.S. government more competent and compassionate, the White House said.

After leaving the White House in 1981, the couple returned to Georgia. They would go on to become some of the most notable philanthropists in the world.

They founded The Carter Center, which is committed to protecting human rights around the world.

Former President Jimmy Carter was remembered for his leadership and commitment to public service following his death.

Carter died on Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia, at the age of 100.

RELATED STORY | Former President Jimmy Carter dies at age 100

Jimmy Carter TributesPresident Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden:

Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian.

Over six decades, we had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, whats extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well.

With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us. He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe.

Donald and Melania Trump:

I just heard of the news about the passing of President Jimmy Carter. Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History.

The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.

Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers.

Barack and Michelle Obama:

For decades, you could walk into Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia on some Sunday mornings and see hundreds of tourists from around the world crammed into the pews. And standing in front of them, asking with a wink if there were any visitors that morning, would be President Jimmy Carter preparing to teach Sunday school, just like he had done for most of his adult life.

Some who came to hear him speak were undoubtedly there because of what President Carter accomplished in his four years in the White House the Camp David Accords he brokered that reshaped the Middle East; the work he did to diversify the federal judiciary, including nominating a pioneering womens rights activist and lawyer named Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the federal bench; the environmental reforms he put in place, becoming one of the first leaders in the world to recognize the problem of climate change.

Others were likely there because of what President Carter accomplished in the longest, and most impactful, post-presidency in American history monitoring more than 100 elections around the world; helping virtually eliminate Guinea worm disease, an infection that had haunted Africa for centuries; becoming the only former president to earn a Nobel Peace Prize; and building or repairing thousands of homes in more than a dozen countries with his beloved Rosalynn as part of Habitat for Humanity.

But Im willing to bet that many people in that church on Sunday morning were there, at least in part, because of something more fundamental: President Carters decency.

Elected in the shadow of Watergate, Jimmy Carter promised voters that he would always tell the truth. And he did advocating for the public good, consequences be damned. He believed some things were more important than reelection things like integrity, respect, and compassion. Because Jimmy Carter believed, as deeply as he believed anything, that we are all created in Gods image.

Whenever I had a chance to spend time with President Carter, it was clear that he didnt just profess these values. He embodied them. And in doing so, he taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service. In his Nobel acceptance speech, President Carter said, God gives us the capacity for choice. We can choose to alleviate suffering. We can choose to work together for peace. He made that choice again and again over the course of his 100 years, and the world is better for it.

Maranatha Baptist Church will be a little quieter on Sundays, but President Carter will never be far away buried alongside Rosalynn next to a willow tree down the road, his memory calling all of us to heed our better angels. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from this remarkable man.

Bill and Hillary Clinton:

Hillary and I mourn the passing of Jimmy Carter and give thanks for his long, good life. Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve othersuntil the very end.

Statement from President Clinton and Secretary Clinton on the Passing of President Jimmy Carter pic.twitter.com/1Ejol6yjav Angel Urea (@angelurena) December 29, 2024Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer:

President Carter's faith in the American people and his belief in the power of kindness and humility leave a strong legacy. He taught us that the strength of a leader lies not in rhetoric but in action, not in personal gain but in service to others.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell:

President Carter served during times of tension and uncertainty, both at home and abroad. But his calm spirit and deep faith seemed unshakeable. Jimmy Carter served as our commander-in-chief for four years, but he served as the beloved, unassuming Sunday school teacher at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia for forty. And his humble devotion leaves us little doubt which of those two important roles he prized the most.

Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi:

Today, our nation and our world has lost a leader who embodied dignity and decency, grace and goodness. Paul and I join in mourning the loss of President Jimmy Carter and in giving thanks for his life, which was saintly in its devotion to public service and peace.

At the heart of President Carters public service was his fervent commitment to honoring the spark of divinity within every person. He always defended that spark: whether teaching Sunday school in his beloved Marantha Baptist Church, brokering the landmark Camp David Accords to pave the way to peace or building homes with Habitat for Humanity. As President, his work to restore integrity to the political arena during a difficult chapter in our history was a testament to his firm faith in the sanctity of the public good, which he always placed above his own. After leaving the White House, he carried on his service leading perhaps the most impactful post-presidency in history.

President Carters love for his wife, First Lady Rosalynn Carter, is immortal. Their beautiful bond and partnership in service were a wonder to behold. May it be a comfort to their children, Jack, Chip, Jeff and Amy, and the entire Carter family that so many mourn their loss and are praying for them at this sad time.

U.S. Sen. Jon Osoff (D-GA):

Among his lifetime of service and countless accomplishments, President Carter will be remembered for his commitment to democracy and human rights, his enduring faith, his philanthropic leadership, and his deep love of family

U.S. Sen. Rafael Warnock (D-GA):

President Carter was one of my heroes. His leadership was driven by love, his lifes project grounded in compassion and a commitment to human dignity. For those of us who have the privilege of representing our communities in elected office, Jimmy Carter is a shining example of what it means to make your faith come alive through the noble work of public service.

U.S. Sen. John Thun (R-SD):

President Carter dedicated his life to serving the people of Georgia and our great country as a naval officer, a governor, and as the 39th President of the United States. From peanut farming to the presidency and every step in between, his wife Rosalynn was by his side.

House Speaker Mike Johnson

Today, the thoughts of Americans and the prayers of Congress are lifted up on behalf of the Carter family. President Carters story was one of humble beginnings, and his life is a testament to the boundless opportunities available in this great nation. Because of his work in brokering the Camp David Accords and his advocacy with Habitat for Humanity, the world is a more peaceful place, and more Americans have a place to call home. No one can deny that President Carter led an extraordinary life of service to his country. May he rest in peace.

Jimmy Carter, the 39th U.S. president who led the nation from 1977 to 1981, has died at the age of 100.

The Carter Center announced Sunday that Carter died peacefully at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by family. His death comes about a year after his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn, passed away.

The Carter Center will provide updates about ceremonies and activities to honor the life of President Carter as they become available here and soon on the official Carter Family Tribute Site (https://t.co/Tg5UZt7kPV). Read our statement: https://t.co/CNBUBpffPz The Carter Center (@CarterCenter) December 29, 2024

Despite receiving hospice care at the time, he attended the memorials for Rosalynn while sitting in a wheelchair, covered by a blanket.

He was also wheeled outside on Oct. 1 to watch a military flyover in celebration of his 100th birthday.

The Carter Center said in February 2023 that the former president and his family decided he would no longer seek medical treatment following several short hospital stays for an undisclosed illness.

Carter became the longest-living president in 2019, surpassing George H.W. Bush, who died at age 94 in 2018. Carter also had a long post-presidency, living 43 years following his White House departure.

"He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism," President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden said in a statement. "We will always cherish seeing him and Rosalynn together. The love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism.We will miss them both dearly, but take solace knowing they are reunited once again and will remain forever in our hearts."

"The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude," President-elect Donald Trump said in a statement. "Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers."

RELATED STORY: Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter: A love story for the ages

Before becoming president

Carter began his adult life in the military, getting a degree at the U.S. Naval Academy, and rose to the rank of lieutenant. He then studied reactor technology and nuclear physics at Union College and served as senior officer of the pre-commissioning crew on a nuclear submarine.

Following the death of his father, Carter returned to Georgia to tend to his family's farm and related businesses.

During this time, he became a community leader by serving on local boards.

He used this experience to elevate him to his first elected office in 1962 in the Georgia Senate. After losing his first gubernatorial election in 1966, he won his second bid in 1970, becoming the states 76th governor.

As a relative unknown nationally, Carter used the nations sour sentiment toward politics to win the Democratic nomination. He then bested sitting president Gerald Ford in November 1976 to win the presidency.

Carter battles high inflation, energy crisis

With the public eager for a change following the Watergate era, Carter took a more hands-on approach to governing.

This, however, meant he became the public face of a number of issues facing the U.S. in the late 1970s, most notably Americas energy crisis.

He signed the Department of Energy Organization Act, creating the first new cabinet role in government in over a decade. Carter advocated for alternative energy sources and even installed solar panels on the White House roof. During this time, the public rebuked attempts to ration energy.

Amid rising energy costs, inflation soared nearly 9% annually during Carter's presidency. This led to a recession before the 1980 election.

Carter also encountered the Iran Hostage Crisis in the final year of his presidency when 52 American citizens were captured. An attempt to rescue the Americans failed in April 1980, resulting in the death of eight service members.

With compounding crises, Carter lost in a landslide to Ronald Reagan in 1980 as he could only win six states.

Carters impact after leaving the White House

Carter returned to Georgia and opened the Carter Center, which is focused on national and international issues of public policy namely conflict resolution. Carter and the Center have been involved in a number of international disputes, including in Syria, Israel, Mali and Sudan.

The group has also worked to independently monitor elections and prevent elections from becoming violent.

Carter and his wife were the most visible advocates for Habitat for Humanity. The organization that helps build and restore homes for low- and middle-income families has benefited from the Carters passion for the organization.

Habitat for Humanity estimates Carter has worked alongside 104,000 volunteers in 14 countries to build 4,390 houses.

Like other Habitat volunteers, I have learned that our greatest blessings come when we are able to improve the lives of others, and this is especially true when those others are desperately poor or in need, Carter said in a Q&A on the Habitat for Humanity website.

Carter also continued teaching Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church in his hometown well into his 90s. Attendees would line up for hours, coming from all parts of the U.S., to attend Carters classes.

Carter is survived by his four children.

The Carter family's official online condolence book can be found here.

As the number of satellites in Earth orbit increases, so too does the risk from space debris and some experts warn certain orbits could already be getting dangerously crowded.

The mass of debris in Earth orbit totals nearly 7 million kilograms, and it ranges from obsolete satellites to tiny flecks of paint.

More than 27,000 pieces of space junk are currently being tracked by the U.S. Department of Defenses global Space Surveillance Network sensors. Other pieces are too small to detect, but still present dangers to spacecraft due to their high velocities.

Much of the debris will eventually re-enter Earths atmosphere and burn up, that process can take years. While it remains in space, it creates new problems and poses risks to space missions and astronauts.

The more collisions there are, the more debris is created, and then that junk can cause even more crashes. The problem can keep compounding. The phenomenon is known as Kessler syndrome, named after retired NASA engineer Don Kessler, who first proposed it mechanisms in 1978.

RELATED STORY | Why Space Junk Is A Compounding Issue For Missions, Astronauts

At its most extreme, Kessler syndrome may reach a self-perpetuating threshold that could render entire orbits unusable due to debris. According to NASA, some experts believe low Earth orbit is already pushing the limits that could lead to this runaway reaction.

The risks of debris and cascading crashes could continue to rise as companies like SpaceX and Amazon push forward with orbital projects that call for large numbers of satellites.

Amazon's Kuiper internet project, for example, could eventually include more than 3,000 satellites, while SpaceX's Starlink system already has more than 7,000 satellites in orbit and could eventually field more than 30,000.

It some cases, though, new satellites like those used with Starlink are designed to quickly fall into the atmosphere at the end of their useful life instead of lingering in orbits where they could become part of the debris problem.

President-elect Donald Trump has filed to oppose the upcoming U.S. ban of TikTok, asking the Supreme Court for time to resolve the legal issue when he takes office next year.

In a Friday filing, lawyers for Trump asked the Supreme Court to delay its Jan. 10 hearing on the ban so his administration could "pursue a negotiated resolution" to the question of TikTok's legality in the U.S., "thus preserving the First Amendment rights of tens of millions of Americans, while also addressing the governments national security concerns."

The brief argues that Trump is "one of the most powerful, prolific, and influential users of social media in history," which gives him the insight to "evaluate TikToks importance as a unique medium for freedom of expression, including core political speech."

RELATED STORY | Supreme Court to hear TikToks challenge to law that could ban app in US

The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act was passed with bipartisan support in February of 2024. Lawmakers expressed concern that the Chinese government could force Bytedance, a Chinese company, to share user data and manipulate algorithms to influence U.S. public opinion.

The law is set to effectively ban TikTok in the U.S. on Jan. 19, pending any Supreme Court decision on the case. President-elect Trump will be inaugurated Jan. 20.

TikTok and Bytedance appealed for an emergency injunction from the Supreme Court, arguing that the law requiring the companys sale violates the First Amendment.

The law would allow TikTok to continue U.S. operations if divested from Bytedance's Chinese ownership.

New footage shows the actions of officers in the fatal beating of Robert Brooks, who died in custody in a New York prison.

Body camera footage recorded December 9th shows officers at Marcy Correctional Facility in New York punching and kicking Robert Brooks while he is handcuffed in a medical examination room.

Brooks died on December 10th following the beating. He was serving a prison sentence for first-degree assault that started in 2017.

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The footage, released Friday by New York Attorney General Letitia James, showed Brooks with his arms handcuffed behind his back. Officers surrounded Brooks' bed and at one point used a shoe to beat him. Brooks can be seen sitting on the bed with blood on his face after the beating.

The videos are silent because none of the officers had deliberately activated their cameras.

A preliminary medical examination after Brooks' death showed "concern for asphyxia due to compression of the neck as the cause of death." The results of a formal autopsy have not yet been published.

Earlier this month, New York Governor Kathy Hochul ordered more than a dozen people fired for their involvement in the beating. Those to be fired include correctional officers, sergeants and a nurse.

The vast majority of correction officers do extraordinary work under difficult circumstances, and we are all grateful for their service, Hochul said in a statement. But we have no tolerance for individuals who cross the line, break the law and engage in unnecessary violence or targeted abuse.

James' office is investigating the incident. It is not yet known if any of those involved will be charged with crimes.

The wait is over!

It's that time of year again when the North American Aerospace Defense Command which typically handles sensitive homeland security matters dedicates its incredible resources to a more festive mission: tracking Santa Clause.

With Christmas finally here in some parts of the world, jolly Saint Nicholas in his big red sleigh pulled by nine magical reindeer has already begun his long journey circumnavigating the globe, delivering billions of presents to deserving boys and girls.

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Last year, NORAD said Santa delivered a whopping 7.8 billion presents. But can Kris Kringle outdo himself in 2024?

Follow along below with the NORAD Santa tracker to see. You can also call 1-877-HI-NORAD to ask live operators about Santas location from 6 a.m. to midnight, mountain time.

Former President Bill Clinton is seemingly feeling better and has been discharged from the hospital after being admitted Monday night with a fever.

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Clinton's deputy chief of staff, Angel Urea, said Tuesday morning that the former president was released earlier in the day after receiving treatment for the flu.

"He and his family are deeply grateful for the exceptional care provided by the team at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and are touched by the kind messages and well wishes he received," Urea said in a statement. "He sends his warmest wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season to all."

Clinton, who is 78, appeared seemingly healthy this summer when he made several appearances on the campaign trail for Vice President Kamala Harris and vice presidential nominee Tim Walz.

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However, this isn't the first time the 42nd president has been hospitalized with a health scare.

Clinton was hospitalized with an infection in 2021. He also received two stents in an artery in 2010 and in 2004 underwent quadruple bypass heart surgery.

An employee walkout at Starbucks stores across the U.S. is now expanding to hundreds of additional cafes ahead of the Christmas holiday.

Starbucks Workers United the union that represents more than 10,000 employees at some 525 Starbucks stores said baristas at over 300 stores are walking off the job Tuesday in demand of better compensation and benefits.

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"We're fighting for a living wage, fair scheduling, and accessible benefits at a time when Starbucks seems to prefer investing in CEO Brian Niccol's $113 million compensation package," the union said in a statement. "The company's last economic proposal - NO immediate wage increases - is unacceptable."

Watch: Starbucks workers walk off their jobs in Montana

Starbucks workers walk off their jobs in MontanaVideo courtesy Scripps News Missoula (KPAX)

The strike expansion comes a day after Starbucks workers walked off the job at more than 60 stores in twelve major cities across the U.S. Employees began picketing Friday and quickly broadened the strike to include additional stores, with the union citing a lack of progress in contract negotiations with the company.

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In a year when Starbucks invested so many millions in top executive talent, it has failed to present the baristas who make its company run with a viable economic proposal, said Starbucks barista and bargaining delegate Fatemeh Alhadjaboodi, in a statement obtained by The Associated Press.

However, Starbucks has accused Workers United of prematurely ending a bargaining session last week. The company claims it already offers workers competitive pay and benefits including paid family leave and college tuition assistance worth an average of $30 per hour for those who work at least 20 hours a week.

One of the busiest travel days of the year got off to a rough start due to a "technical issue" that disrupted American Airlines flights across the U.S.

The Federal Aviation Administration said early Tuesday that American Airlines requested a ground stop for all of its flights nationwide as millions hit the skies ahead of the Christmas holiday. A short time later, the agency announced that the nationwide ground stop had been canceled.

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"We have resolved a vendor technology issue that briefly affected flights this morning," American Airlines said in a statement. "We sincerely apologize to our customers for the inconvenience and have issued a travel alert to allow for additional flexibility."

This comes after numerous American Airlines passengers were posting on social media that their flights had been stopped on runways at various airports and were returning to their gates.

"We're currently experiencing a technical issue with all American Airlines Flights," the airline replied back to one person on social media. "Your safety is our utmost priority, once this is rectified, we'll have you safely on your way to your destination."

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American Airlines didn't elaborate further on what may have caused the technical issue.

The grounding comes just months after a global tech outage sent airlines and other institutions into mayhem. The Cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike later said a bug in a software update caused the disruptions.

A passenger was detained at Los Angeles International Airport for having fireworks and knives in her carry-on luggage, the TSA said last week.

A woman had dozens of small fireworks, a number of knives and replica guns and pepper spray in her carry-on when she attempted to fly to Philadelphia on December 15.

TSA screening prompted a search of the bag. Police interviewed the passenger and the bomb squad confiscated the fireworks.

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The sheer number of prohibited items discovered in a single carry-on bag is extremely concerning, TSA official Jason Pantages said in a statement. Let this incident serve as a reminder to all travelers to double-check the contents of your bag prior to coming to the airport.

While certain items, including knives and replica guns, can be transported in checked baggage, the TSA says explosives are never permitted aboard planes, whether in carry-on or checked baggage.