By: Aarav Sapra

Elon Musk and Donald Trump have often been recognized as two influential partners who have supported each other numerous times during the election cycle. For instance, Musk backed Trump by funding multiple campaigns to help Trump triumph in the 2024 Presidential Elections. On the other hand, Trump has backed Musk’s stance on the H-1B Visa program, a crucial tool for attracting skilled talent to tech companies. However, ironically, on a bizarre morning in Las Vegas, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump Hotel on Jan. 1, 2025. The distinctive, triangular shape of the Cybertruck, parked near the hotel’s entrance, was reportedly engulfed in flames after a sudden and violent explosion. The Cybertruck had pulled up to the hotel and then proceeded only to blow up. Fortunately,  firefighters were on the scene quickly, extinguishing the blaze before it could spread to nearby vehicles or the hotel itself. After the incident was cleared up, authorities stated they found fuel canisters, fireworks and two semi-automatic handguns. Regardless, they could not figure out how the explosion had been ignited.

Although people speculated the truck exploded due to issues in the vehicle, Musk made it quite clear the explosion was caused by the massive fireworks or  bomb that was in the bed of the truck. A couple of days later, military officials identified the driver as Army Master Sergeant Matthew Alan Livelsberger. According to the Army, Sergeant Livelsberger enlisted as a Special Forces trainee, and served on active duty from January 2006 to March 2011. Afterwards, he was enrolled in  the National Guard from March 2011 to July 2012,  and later became an  Army Reservist from July 2012 to December 2012. He had rented the Tesla truck in Denver on Dec. 28 and passed through Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona before arriving in Las Vegas and parking in front of the Trump hotel. He supposedly detonated the explosives, and shot himself soon after.  

According to notes on Sergeant Livelsberger’s cell phone, which were shared publicly by the police, he had been concerned that the United States was headed toward “collapse.” One note stated, “This was not a terrorist attack. It was a wake-up call. Americans only pay attention to spectacles and violence. What better way to get my point across than a stunt with fireworks and explosives?” Ultimately, this has resulted in the community speculating that the explosion may have been an act of protest or intentional sabotage, which supports Livelsberger’s beliefs. Others dismiss this theory, claiming it is more likely a coincidence. Given the high-profile nature of both Tesla and Trump, it is hard to ignore many potential theories that still may exist. 

By Snigdha Chakravarti

On January 7, 2025 at 10:20am, the Palisades fire began its trek along destroying thousands of acres of southern California. A red flag warning was issued for LA and Ventura counties when the Palisades fire was first viewed, and at noon, evacuation orders began. Governor Gain Newsom declared a state of emergency as the Palisades fire grew to 1200 acres in a single day. Soon after, the Palisades’s destruction of southern California was joined by the Eaton fire at 6:18pm on the same day, resulting in evacuation orders in Eaton’s origin, Altadena county. The California wildfires had only just begun and would be the worst in the history of wildfires in Los Angeles. 

The wildfires in Los Angeles had occurred primarily due to drought and strong Santa Ana winds, thus allowing the fire to spread through “flammable vegetation.” In fact, in Mountain Lukens, which was exposed to the Eaton fire, wind gusts reached 100 miles per hour. By January 8th, the Lidia fire emerged in Acton county, and the Sunset fire started up in Hollywood Hills, all while the Palisades and Eaton fires spread 3000 and 1000 acres, respectively.  On January 9th, then-President Biden declared that the national government will deal with 100% (up from the usual 75%) of the costs spawning from the “catastrophic” fire for 180 days. The president stated how the federal funding would go to cleaning up debris, putting up shelters, and sending 400 federal firefighters and 30 federal firefighting planes. Additionally, the president mentioned how the Congress needed to “step up”  and “spare no expense” in order to pass the federal funding for rebuilding efforts. By this time, the Palisades fire had spread 17,000 acres and the Eaton fire, 10,000 acres. 

At around 4pm on January 9th, an evacuation alert was accidently sent to ten million residents of Los Angeles County; the evacuation alert was meant for people in and around West Hills, who were in danger from the newly formed Kenneth Fire. Due to this, the Office of Emergency Services would take care of evacuation alerts. According to County Supervisor Janice Hahn, the evacuation warning was “mistakenly issued countywide due to a technical error.” Later, Kevin McGowan, the director of the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management explained how  the warning was “intended only for residents of Calabasas and Agoura Hills and those within the West Hills community of Los Angeles”, but the Office of Emergency Management was  “committed to sharing accurate information”, realizing that “these wildfires have created great anxiety, hardship, and distress among our residents.”

On January 10th, a new fire started in Granada Hills, while the Palisades and Eaton fires had spread 20,000 and 14,000 acres, respectively. Governor Newsom launched an independent investigation concerning the close of the Pacific Palisades Reservoir prior to the start of the Palisades fire, namely the “the reported unavailability of water supplies.” However, for other places in southern California, water contamination seems to be a major issue. In Pasadena, for example, residents are not allowed to drink water. Water contamination is primarily caused by the water source or the system delivering it. In many cases of the current wildfires in California, there are issues with the system delivering the water. As a result of high water usage by firefighters, depressurization occurred, thus resulting in a vacuum. This vacuum, according to Jackson Webster, a professor of civil engineering at California State University in Chico, “pulls contaminants, like gases from combustion,  back into the distribution system. And this causes chemical contamination of the distribution system which is very difficult to get rid of.” Such chemical contaminants include carcinogenic chemicals like benzene, which was found in water after the 2017 Tubbs Fire and 2018 Camp Fire.  Soot from damaged structures can also enter broken pipes and tank vents, furthermore contaminating the water. 

By January 21st, 28 people were dead while 18 were missing. The Eaton fire was deemed the deadliest fire in Los Angeles history with 17 deaths. However, both the Palisades and Eaton fires were contained, 65% and 89%, respectively. A whopping 15,000 structures were destroyed as a result of the fires.

On Wednesday, January 22, the Hughes fire broke out, spreading 500 acres in just one hour and eventually making its way through 10,000 acres. 31,000 people were evacuated and 23,000 were given warnings. These evacuees included students from Castaic Middle and High School, who were evacuated to a supermarket parking lot, students from Castaic Elementary, who were evacuated to a sports complex, and 4500 inmates from the Pitchess Detention Center.  Additionally, aircraft dropped 30,000 gallons of fire retardant and 113,00 gallons of water to keep the fire spreading to surrounding communities. By Friday morning, the fire was 36% contained. 

By Jessica A. Dennehy

As one of the last acts of his presidency, the now former-President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 individuals on the 4th of January. As the highest civilian award in the United States, these laureates made exceptional contributions to the recognized fields of national security, world peace, cultural contributions, public service, and private endeavors. Originating under the Kennedy administration, a total of 652 of these medals have been dealt out to the present day. This award serves as a means to recognize excellence, courage, and dedication to the improvement of society, and to hopefully serve as an inspiration to others on how to make a difference in the world. These honorees have been celebrated for their dedication to improving society, with the White House acknowledging their achievements in the official announcement. All quotes included in this summary are sourced from the White House.

José Andrés – A renowned Spanish-American chef, restaurateur, and multiple James Beard Award recipient, the White House has noted his role in popularizing “the cooking of his native Spain in his adopted home of the United States.” As the founder of World Central Kitchen, he has also played an important role in food distribution following natural disasters and crises.

Ashton Baldwin Carter (posthumous)—The former U.S. Secretary of Defense under President Barack Obama, he served under 11 different Secretaries of Defense in both Democratic and Republican administrations. The White House applauded Carter’s lifelong devotion “to making the nation safer for all.” 

Hillary Rodham Clinton – A former Secretary of State, First Lady, and U.S. Senator, the White House referenced her Democratic nomination in the 2016 presidential election and how she “became the first woman nominated for president by a major United States political party.” 

Bono—Born Paul David Hewson, he is the frontman for the Irish rock band U2, known for their 1980s hits “With or Without You” and “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.” Beyond his contributions to music, Bono has also served as a pioneer against AIDS and poverty. As the co-founder of campaigning organizations ONE and (RED), Bono “united both sides of the aisle in the creation of the United States PEPFAR AIDS program.” 

Michael J. Fox – An actor best known for his role as Marty McFly in the Back to the Future trilogy, Fox is a recipient of five Emmy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Grammy Award. Off the screen, he was commended for his role as a “world-renowned advocate for Parkinson’s disease research and development.” 

Tim Gill— An American entrepreneur and philanthropist who “transformed the publishing industry through groundbreaking software and leveraged his success to secure key victories in the fight for marriage equality and anti-discrimination protections.” The founder of Quark, he was one of the first openly gay entrepreneurs on Forbes 400.

Jane Goodall—An ethologist and conservationist, she’s considered the world’s expert on chimpanzees, having lived and studied with them for over 60 years. Goodall is “a passionate advocate for empowering individuals and communities to protect and preserve the natural world,” whose research has helped shape modern ideas of evolution. 

Fannie Lou Hamer (posthumous)—A women’s rights and voting rights activist who laid crucial groundwork for the 1965 Voting Rights Act through her founding of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party. Her challenge to the oppression and exclusion of Black voices in politics “transformed the struggle for racial justice in America.” 

Earvin “Magic” Johnson—A now-retired basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers, he helped them win five championships and advance to the finals nine times over his thirteen-year career. Johnson’s philanthropy through his Magic Johnson Foundation supports those who are traditionally underrepresented, including ethnically diverse urban communities and individuals living with HIV/AIDS. 

Robert F. Kennedy (posthumous) – A former U.S. Attorney General and Senator, his role in combating racial segregation, poverty, and inequality on a national scale has left a lasting impact. His “legacy continues to inspire those committed to justice, equality, and public service.” Coupled with the legacies of his eldest brother, John F. Kennedy, and his son, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Kennedy family’s impact on the United States politics is still remembered and ongoing. 

Ralph Lauren—The legendary American fashion designer, he has “redefined the fashion industry with a lifestyle brand that embodies timeless elegance and American tradition.” Beyond  his trademark Polo shirts and Flag sweaters, his significant contributions to the fight against cancer and the preservation efforts of the Star-Spangled Banner have also not gone unnoticed.

Lionel Messi – The football star and current Inter Miami CF forward, Messi is “the most decorated football player in history.” A UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, he also supports healthcare and education programs for children through his Leo Messi Foundation. He didn’t attend the ceremony in person due to predetermined scheduling conflicts. 

William Sanford Nye – Better known by science classrooms around the world as “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” his educational TV show has remained a generational staple in science education. As CEO of the Planetary Society and  a prominent voice for space exploration and environmental stewardship, his advocacy of STEM also goes beyond the classroom.

George W. Romney (posthumous) – A former Governor of Michigan, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and Chairman of American Motors Corporation, his political contributions have spanned decades. The Romney legacy will stand for some time, especially with his son Mitt Romney being a former Governor, Presidential Nominee, and U.S. Senator.

David M. Rubenstein—The co-founder and co-chairman of The Carlyle Group, an investment firm with almost $450 billion in assets. He is “renowned for his philanthropy and generous support for the restoration of historic landmarks and the country’s cultural institutions.”

George Soros—A Hungarian-American philanthropist and founder of the Open Society Foundation, Soros has “supported organizations and projects across the world that strengthen democracy, human rights, education, and social justice.” He’s known as the man who broke the Bank of England when he shorted the British pound. 

George Stevens, Jr. – A writer, playwright, director, and producer, Stevens is also the founder of the American Film Institute and the Kennedy Center Honors. According to the White House, he also “has illuminated American ideals of racial equity and justice for half a century.” 

Denzel Washington – A renowned actor and director, Washington has received two Academy Awards, a Tony Award, two Golden Globes, and the 2016 Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award. Some of his iconic films include “Glory,” “Malcolm X,” and “Training Day.” He’s a long-time supporter of the Fisher House Foundation, an organization providing medical assistance to military personnel at minimal personal costs, and has been a national spokesperson for Boys & Girls Clubs of America since 1992.  

Anna Wintour—the fashion icon and editor-in-chief of Vogue since 1988, she’s behind the annual fundraiser that’s the Met Gala. She is also a “champion for philanthropic causes… and chief content officer of Condé Nast.”

By Jessica A. Dennehy

Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, passed away on December 29, 2024. He was 100. With his death, he broke a myriad of American records: the longest-living president, the longest presidential marriage, and arguably, the most impactful post-presidency. From the son of a peanut farmer in Georgia to a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, his life’s lofty accomplishments remained rooted in his humble upbringing.

James Earl Carter, Jr., better known as Jimmy Carter, was born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia. Raised as a devout Baptist, he was interested in both politics and peanut farming from a young age. After graduating from the Naval Academy in 1946, he married Rosalynn Smith, with their marriage lasting for 77 years and resulting in four children: Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy. Jimmy and Roselynn Carter’s marriage is the longest-lasting presidential marriage in the history of the United States; the next longest belonged to George H.W. Bush, at 73 years. After serving seven years in the Navy, Carter returned to his hometown of Plains, Georgia in 1962, entering state politics shortly afterwards. He eventually became the Governor of Georgia in 1970 and gained national attention for his emphasis on ecology, government efficiency, and removing racial barriers. The culmination of his political career arrived when Carter announced his candidacy for President in December of 1974. He served as the Democratic nominee with his  running mate Senator  Walter F. Mondale of Minnesota. Campaigning against the incumbent President Gerald R. Ford, Carter eventually won the presidency with 297 electoral votes to Ford’s 241.

Although Carter was only a single-term president, his domestic policies have had a lasting impact on the federal government. He was responsible for the creation of the Department of Education and played a pivotal role in expanding the national park system to include an additional 103 million acres of land in Alaska.  Prioritizing civil service reform, he stuck to his Georgian promise to increase government efficiency,  appointing a record number of women, African Americans, and Hispanics to government positions in the process. Carter’s peace-keeping efforts on the international stage, however, were among his most notable achievements as President. In 1978, he helped orchestrate the signing of the Camp David Accords, which brought amnesty between Egypt and Israel. He also succeeded in obtaining ratification of the Panama Canal treaties, which granted long-promised control of the canal to Panama. While treaty-making, Carter additionally established full diplomatic relations with China and the Soviet Union, negotiating the SALT II nuclear arms treaty with the latter. However, the accomplishments of Carter’s presidency were marred by the Iran Hostage Crisis of 1979, where U.S. embassy staff were held hostage in Tehran for the final 14 months of his term. This crisis, coupled with high inflation and interest rates, significantly weakened Carter’s re-election campaign, to the point that Ronald Reagan won the presidency in 1980.

Following his defeat, Jimmy Carter began arguably the most extraordinary post-presidential career in American history. In 1982, a year after leaving office, he founded the Carter Center  alongside his wife Rosalynn. The Carter Center is  a still-active nonprofit dedicated to the alleviation of human suffering, the promotion of democracy, and the improvement of global health. In 1986, under the Reagan administration, Carter had successfully negotiated the release of political prisoners in Nicaragua. In 1994, under the Clinton administration, he helped negotiate the de-escalation of nuclear tensions on the Korean Peninsula. His long-stand diplomatic and humanitarian efforts earned him global recognition, culminating in his receiving of  the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize for his work in conflict resolution and promoting human rights. In the aftermath of this accomplishment, Carter’s diplomatic efforts continued: in 2010, under the Obama administration,  he secured the release of American Aijalon Mahli Gomes from North Korea. 

Even as he faced a public battle with cancer in 2015, Jimmy Carter continuously advocated for global health initiatives and humanitarian causes. His global contributions have still kept him close to home, though.  A long-time resident of Plains, Carter maintained a deep commitment to his faith and education, teaching Sunday School at Maranatha Baptist Church and serving as a professor at Emory University in Atlanta for nearly 40 years. 

By Hank Bartholomew

Bullet holes and property damage were recently discovered at a DNC Campaign office in Tempe, Arizona. After responding to reports of gunfire, police identified at least five bullet holes in the building’s windows and door. This is the third incident of vandalism of the building, with the first being damage by what is believed to be a pellet gun, and the second also by gunfire. The shooting marks another act in the storm of political intimidation and violence that is starting to plague America.

Currently, details of the case are still quite vague. No persons of interest have been identified, although the Tempe police department has identified 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander as the potential vehicle the suspect may have used. The shooting is believed to have occurred at some time between midnight at 1:00 AM. The office itself was located in a relatively populated area: a strip mall near a fitness center and a daycare. Some of the campaign office’s staffers have changed residences in response to the attacks. Tempe Police Sergeant Ryan Cook confirmed in a statement that “No one was inside the office during the overnight hours,” but added that the shooting “raises concerns about the safety of those who work in that building, as well as those nearby.”

Tempe is a battleground init of itself. Located just Southeast of Phoenix, Tempe is a key part of both campaign’s strategies. The college town, home to Arizona State University, is a key point in the overall battleground state of Arizona. ASU students will be a tightly contested demographic in the coming election–they number 57,000 in a state that President Joe Biden only won by about 10,000 votes last year. It’s no surprise that in such a politically tense environment, tensions have bubbled over into violence.

It’s no secret that political polarization–and political violence–are on the rise in the United States. With assassination attempts on former president Trump, juror intimidation, and bomb threats to government officials, a wave of political violence has begun to envelop the nation. It is easy to claim or believe that these incidents are isolated, actions by a few disgruntled individuals that do not reflect the overall beliefs of Americans. But the more political violence occurs, the more accepted it is as what is normal.

By: Jessica A. Dennehy

Alaska’s Fat Bear Week, the highly anticipated annual competition sponsored by Katmai National Park and Preserve, was delayed after one of the competitors was attacked and killed. For the past decade, this week-long online voting contest has celebrated the “chonkiest” bear in the Last Frontier, honoring Alaskan brown bears’ survival skills as they bulk up and prepare for hibernation. Fans vote for the bear that they believe “best exemplifies fatness and success” with more than 1.3 million votes cast in the last year alone. Bear 402 would have been one of the twelve competitors this year, but due to her untimely death just a day before the polls were set to open, the competition was postponed out of respect. RIP Bear 402—you would have loved your fellow big-backs Moo Deng and Pesto.

The contest celebrates the resiliency of the 2,200 brown bears that inhabit the preserve on Alaska’s Peninsula, which stretches from the southwest corner of the state out towards the Aleutian Islands. In order to prepare for their long hibernation, these bears gorge on the plentiful sockeye salmon that return up the Brooks River during their spawning season. As the salmon try to swim upstream, their larger equivalents are often seen showboating, displaying the agility of much smaller animals, by catching fish midair as they leap over the small waterfalls prevalent in the region.

Adult male brown bears typically weigh between 600 and 900 pounds (270 to 410 kilograms) in mid-summer. After feasting on migrating and spawning salmon—with each bear consuming as many as 30 fish per day—large males can reach over 1,000 pounds (454 kilograms) by the time they are ready to hibernate. Females, however, are about one-third smaller than their male counterparts.

Despite the unfortunate passing of Bear 402, the show must go on. Among the key contenders are Bear 909 Jr., who recently devoured his competition to win the Fat Bear Junior competition for the second time. He’ll face Bear 519, a young female, in the first round. The winner will then take on the defending champion, Grazer, considered one of the most formidable bears on the river— and an absolute beast. Another first-round matchup pits Bear 903, or “Gully” (an 8-year-old male named for his love of seagulls), against Bear 909, who is the mother of 909 Jr. The winner will face the two-time champion, Bear 747, named after the equally massive airplane.

Previous notable contenders from Fat Bear Week include:

• Grazer: The 2023 champion, Grazer won by a landslide against 32 Chunk.
• 32 Chunk: A 2.5-year-old male known for his impressive “substantial fat reserves,” particularly in his rear end.
• 435 Holly: The 2019 champion, who raised four cubs, including two that weren’t her own.
• 480 Otis: The 4-time winner of Fat Bear Week with titles falling between 2014-2021, he’s the GOAT. At 28 years old,  he is and forever will be the fattest of the fat bears – at least in our cholesterol-filled hearts. 

On a final note, while these bears are living their best “bulk” lives, please acknowledge that attempting to scarf down 30 salmon a day is not the secret to human success. So, please, don’t try this at home—your digestive system will likely have its work cut out for itself, and your friends might not be particularly  enthusiastic about your new, fish-scented persona. Stick to more reasonable pursuits—like napping or the occasional salad. Stay safe, and leave the mass bulk-cut cycles  to the professionals.

By Jessica Park

With Election Day approaching on Tuesday, Nov. 5, just over three weeks away, both  vice President Harris’s  and former President Trump’s  campaigns are busy reaching out to voters and sharing their key messages. While many of us may not be able to vote yet,  it’s helpful to start paying attention to the updates from each campaign. Here are the major updates from each candidate’s campaign.

Harris’s Media Tour and Key Messages

Vice President Kamala Harris appeared on several popular shows, including The View, The Howard Stern Show, and The Late Show, to share her message. On The View, Harris said that while she wouldn’t have done much differently than President Biden over the past four years, she has her own focus areas, like improving home healthcare. She highlighted some achievements, such as lowering insulin costs and helping medicare negotiate drug prices to make medications cheaper.  For example, Harris has emphasized expanding affordable home healthcare for seniors and people with disabilities to receive care at home. She also mentioned that if elected, she might include a Republican in her cabinet.  Additionally, Harris spoke about expanding Medicare’s role in reducing medication costs to  include more people beyond just seniors.

Trump’s Focus on National Security and Religious Outreach

Former President Donald Trump, meanwhile, has been emphasizing national security and support for Israel. At an event marking the anniversary of a Hamas attack on Israel, Trump claimed that his re-election is crucial for Israel’s future, stating that if he had been president, the attack would not have occurred. He criticized the current Democratic administration, saying that what he sees as its “weakness” has led to increased violence and conflict. Trump has also spoken about rising antisemitism, which he attributes to the Democratic Party, positioning the Republican Party as the strong defender of Jewish communities and Israel.  Trump is also actively working to build support among specific groups, like members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). He announced the creation of a “Latter-Day Saints for Trump” coalition, hoping to solidify support among LDS voters in Utah, Arizona, and other Western states. Trump presented his campaign as a defense of religious freedom and traditional values. He stated that he would protect these rights if re-elected. He plans to meet with LDS leaders in Arizona to further discuss these issues.

Voter Opinions and Strategies for Building Support

Each campaign is focusing on different voter bases: Trump is engaging with the LDS community, while Harris has also formed an LDS coalition and advisory committee, promoting a character-based, moderate approach. Both candidates expressed strong support for Israel, an important topic in the 2024 election. 

Recent polling reveals differing opinions of the candidates among key voter groups.  About 7 in 10 Black voters have a somewhat or very favorable view of Harris, with few differences between Black men and women in their support.  In Florida, however, Trump has  a strong lead. According to a New York Times/Siena College poll, he leads Harris by 13 points, indicating  Trump’s strength in a highly valuable state.

Questions to Consider

As students, we know that a balanced lunch is essential for staying energized and focused. Research shows that healthy eating can help release dopamine, improving our mood and focus. In countries like South Korea, Italy, and Greece, students enjoy school meals that set a high standard. In Finland, students even get to  taste test  and approve their meals. Here in  the U.S., however, the National School Lunch Program falls short in nutrianal quality. It’s crucial to consider where candidates  Harris and Trump stand on improving school lunches. Their polices on this could directly impact our academic success and well-being. Beyond lunch, what are their positions on other school-related issues, like mental health support or funding for educational programs? This election could shape our everyday lives in significant ways.

By Aarav Sapra

A large and devastating cyclone caused widespread destruction across many Eastern Coast States—due in part to  heavy rains, and severe flooding. As the hurricane tore through the gulf coast of Florida along with barraging Western North Carolina, Helene has been considered one of the deadliest storms to strike the U.S. mainland in nearly two decades–killing 200 people in a matter of days. This Category Four Hurricane pressed through the East Coast as it washed out roads, reshaped the topography of the Blue Ridge mountains, and knocked out power and cell service for millions of people. 

The chaos in Carolina was part of the trail of destruction that Helene continued to carve along the East Coast, including portions of states such as Tennessee, South Carolina, and Virginia. Flash floods and dangerous landslides cut off communication in North Carolina as many roads were washed out with landslides, including most debris, trees, and mud. This complicated the officials’ measures to help the community, as residents were now isolated in their towns with no one available to rescue or aid. However, as crews try to overcome this monumental challenge of trying to clear these flooded roads, many federal search and rescue teams from other states have proceeded to help by airlifting food and other supplies to these communities, along with sending workers to restore their water systems.  

After ripping through Florida, Hurricane Helene set multiple records. The Category Four Hurricane packed 140-mile-an-hour winds and broke storm surge records all along Florida’s Gulf Coast, including many that Hurricane Idalia set just over a year ago. Helene struck towns beyond Florida and North Carolina, resulting in unexpected weather in cities like Cincinnati. Muddy water and tornadoes knocked out power, and muddy waters and other debris overpowered some dams. In Tennessee, officials have confirmed at least 13 storm-related deaths, with more than 20 people missing from flood-affected areas.

Unfortunately, the death toll continues to rise. At least 228 people have been confirmed dead in six states—Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The causes of death have been related to aftermath storm effects such as falling trees, floodwaters, and tornadoes. Tragically, the state with the highest number of fatalities is North Carolina, with at least 116 people pronounced dead by local officials. Among the death tolls are members of  rescue teams who provided supplies and safety–such as the sheriffs in Madison County–have also tragically passed away in the floodwaters. As Helene continues to ruin the lives of many with its carved path of destruction, hopefully, efforts can be made to relieve the residents and transport them to safety.