World leaders are paying tribute to former President Jimmy Carter, who has died at the age of 100. South Korean officials are searching for answers after a plane crash-landed, killing more than 170 people. Deadly storms have ripped through Texas and Mississippi. We’ll tell you why President-elect Donald Trump is defending an immigration policy. Plus, Gal Gadot has opened up about surviving a “massive blood clot” in her brain.

In this special edition of CNN 5 Things, we look back on the life and legacy of former US President Jimmy Carter.

In this special edition of CNN 5 Things, we look back on the life and legacy of former US President Jimmy Carter.

Two years ago, three reporters were kicked off Twitter by its new owner, Elon Musk. Now with Musk firmly entrenched in President-elect Donald Trump’s orbit, they reunite to discuss what's changed, what hasn’t, and how TikTok can avoid being banned in the US starting next month. 

Guests: Donie O’Sullivan, CNN Senior Correspondent 

Drew Harwell, The Washington Post Reporter 

Ryan Mac, New York Times Reporter

A self-proclaimed street librarian has a new way to deliver free books to kids in Baltimore. A high school student’s dream of treating skin cancer is getting closer to coming true. A nonprofit in Phoenix helps those experiencing homelessness unwrap a little happiness this holiday season. A filmmaker who’s collecting stories about happiness hits more countries. Plus, we share some of our listeners’ highlights from the year.

A US official tells CNN that Russian air defenses may have misidentified an Azerbaijan Airlines jet that crashed on Christmas day. Disagreement about visas for highly skilled workers signals discord among some of President-elect Donald Trump’s supporters. NATO is going to boost its presence in the Baltic Sea after potential sabotage. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is ending the year higher than it was at the start. Plus, bird poop could play a crucial role in predicting the next pandemic.

Azerbaijan Airlines says one of its plane crashed because of “physical and technical external interference.” Disagreement about visas for highly skilled workers signals discord among some of President-elect Donald Trump’s supporters. NATO is going to boost its presence in the Baltic Sea after potential sabotage. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is ending the year higher than it was at the start. Plus, bird poop could play a crucial role in predicting the next pandemic.

A second black box has been recovered from a plane crash wreckage in Azerbaijan, as a US official says Russia may be to blame. South Korea has impeached its leader again, less than two weeks after it stripped power from the country’s president. Millions traveling during one of the busiest travel weekends in the US could face severe weather. The WHO’s head was at an airport in Yemen when an Israeli airstrike hit. Plus, another stowaway has been caught on a Delta flight.

A Russian anti-aircraft system may be behind the plane crash that killed 23 people in Azerbaijan. As conditions deteriorate in Gaza, some newborns have frozen to death. College campuses warn international students ahead of a potential travel ban. The strike against Amazon is over, but the Teamsters are warning to “stay tuned.” And a cab driver in New York struck six people in Midtown Manhattan.

Russia’s Christmas morning attack on Ukraine is being condemned, as half a million homes were left without heating. A Gaza news outlet says an Israeli strike has killed 5 of its journalists. Trump has again brought up the Panama Canal while announcing another pick for his incoming administration. Nearly two dozen big cats, including a tiger, have died from bird flu at a Washington state sanctuary. Plus, the FDA is urgently warning about some Costco eggs.