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USPS Honors President Jimmy Carter with Forever Stamp on What Would Have Been His 101st Birthday
On October 1, 2025, the U.S. Postal Service unveiled a Forever stamp honoring President Jimmy Carter on what would have been his 101st birthday. The tribute reflects his life of service, humility, and impact, particularly through The Carter Center, which he co-founded for humanitarian efforts after his presidency.
Last Updated on October 20, 2025 by Daily News Staff
In a touching tribute to one of America’s most beloved statesmen, the U.S. Postal Service unveiled a commemorative Forever stamp honoring President Jimmy Carter on October 1, 2025 — the day that would have marked his 101st birthday. The dedication ceremony took place at The Carter Center in Atlanta, where family, officials, and admirers gathered to celebrate a life defined by service, humility, and unwavering dedication to humanity.
From Plains to the Presidency: A Journey of Humble Beginnings
“Born in 1924 in Plains, Georgia — a town of just 600 people — Jimmy Carter’s story is one of humble beginnings leading to a lifetime of extraordinary service,” said Thomas J. Marshall, general counsel and executive vice president of the U.S. Postal Service during the ceremony.
It’s a quintessentially American story: a small-town boy who would grow up to lead the nation and then spend decades afterward making the world a better place. Carter served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981, but as Marshall noted, “perhaps the most remarkable chapter began after he left the White House.”
A Post-Presidency Like No Other
Rather than settling into a quiet retirement, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter embarked on what many historians consider the most consequential post-presidency in American history. In 1982, they partnered with Emory University to establish The Carter Center, an organization that has spent more than four decades advancing democracy, resolving conflicts, and improving health outcomes in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.
Jason Carter, chair of The Carter Center and the former president’s grandson, shared his family’s gratitude: “Our family is excited to attend the first-day-of-issue ceremony to celebrate the life and legacy of my grandfather, President Jimmy Carter. My grandparents would be touched by this incredible honor.”
The Postal Service’s Role in Shaping a Legacy
In a poignant connection, Beth Davis, The Carter Center’s chief operating officer, revealed how the U.S. Postal Service played a surprisingly central role in shaping Carter’s worldview and mission.
“Postcards from his uncle inspired a young Jimmy Carter to join the Navy and explore the world outside of rural Georgia,” Davis explained. “Missives from his mother during her time in India with the Peace Corps after she retired from nursing set the example for him that a life of purpose doesn’t end in your 50s when one career path concludes.”
Those letters and postcards — simple pieces of mail that traveled thousands of miles — planted seeds that would eventually grow into The Carter Center’s global humanitarian mission.
A Presidency Marked by Progress and Principle
Carter’s presidency was defined by themes of humility, reconciliation, and progressive change. Inaugurated on January 20, 1977, he brought a fresh perspective to Washington as an outsider representing a new generation of Southern politicians.
His accomplishments during his single term were significant:
- Appointed unprecedented numbers of women and minorities to government positions
- Created a presidential commission on mental health
- Established new cabinet departments
- Dramatically expanded the National Park System and federally designated wilderness areas
- Ushered through deregulation in energy and air travel industries
- Personally negotiated the Camp David Accords, creating a framework for Middle East peace
- Signed SALT II to limit strategic nuclear arms with the Soviet Union
- Established formal diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China
The Nobel Laureate Who Never Stopped Serving
In 2002, Carter received the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his decades of work promoting peace, human rights, and social and economic progress worldwide. The award cemented his reputation as one of the most active and admired former presidents in American history.
Through The Carter Center, he tackled some of humanity’s most pressing challenges — from eradicating Guinea worm disease to monitoring elections in emerging democracies to building homes with Habitat for Humanity well into his 90s.
The Stamp: Art Meets History
The Forever stamp features a 1982 oil-on-linen painting created by artist Herbert E. Abrams (1921-2003) as a life study in preparation for Carter’s official White House portrait. The stamp was designed by Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS.
As a Forever stamp, it will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price — a fitting metaphor for Carter’s enduring legacy.
How to Get Your Jimmy Carter Stamp
The commemorative stamp is now available for purchase through multiple channels:
- Online at usps.com/shopstamps
- By phone at 844-737-7826
- By mail through USA Philatelic
- At Post Office locations nationwide
- Through the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on Amazon
Collectors and admirers can follow updates using the hashtag #JimmyCarterStamp on social media.
A Legacy Written in Service
The issuance of this stamp is more than a commemorative gesture — it’s a reminder that true leadership doesn’t end when you leave office. Jimmy Carter showed us that the most important work often begins when the spotlight fades, and that a life of purpose knows no retirement age.
From a small town in Georgia to the White House to villages across the globe, President Carter’s journey reminds us that one person, armed with compassion and conviction, can change the world.
The Forever stamp ensures that his image — and his example — will continue to travel across America, carrying messages of hope, connection, and possibility, just as those postcards once did for a young boy in Plains, Georgia.
For more information about the stamp and The Carter Center’s ongoing work, visit StampsForever.com and CarterCenter.org.
SOURCE U.S. Postal Service
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The Knowledge
Metrolink Offers Fare-Free Rides for Earth Day 2026 Across Southern California
Metrolink offers fare-free rides for Earth Day 2026 across Southern California, encouraging sustainable travel and reduced emissions.
Last Updated on April 21, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Metrolink Offers Fare-Free Rides for Earth Day 2026
LOS ANGELES — April 22, 2026 — In a continued push toward sustainable transportation, Metrolink will once again offer systemwide free rides on Earth Day, inviting commuters and travelers to leave their cars behind and explore a cleaner way to move across the region.
A One-Day Opportunity to Ride Free
On Wednesday, April 22, passengers can board any Metrolink train — including the Arrow service — without purchasing a ticket. The initiative is part of the broader celebration of Earth Day, encouraging environmentally conscious travel choices.
The fare-free program is designed to appeal to both regular riders and first-time users, particularly those navigating Southern California’s persistent traffic congestion and rising fuel costs.
Encouraging Sustainable Travel Habits
“Earth Day is a reminder that small changes, like choosing public transit over driving one day a week, can have a meaningful impact on our environment,” said Doug Chaffee, chair of the Metrolink Board.
With gas prices continuing to strain household budgets, the agency hopes the initiative will inspire more residents to consider rail as part of their regular commute.
Regional Connections Expand Access
Metrolink’s Earth Day promotion aligns with similar efforts by other Southern California transit providers. Riders can seamlessly connect to services operated by: LA Metro and the Orange County Transportation Authority, Riverside County Transportation Commission, San Bernardino County Transportation Authority and Ventura County Transportation Commission.
These partnerships extend the reach of fare-free travel across a six-county region, making it easier for riders to explore destinations without relying on personal vehicles.
Service Adjustments and Rider Tips
Passengers should note that trains will operate on a reduced weekday schedule, implemented earlier this spring. Despite the adjustment, all Metrolink lines and station cities remain in service.
For those planning a trip:
- No ticket is required — simply board the train
- Bikes are welcome, with capacity ranging from three bikes per standard car to nine in designated bike cars
- A curated destination guide highlights attractions within walking or biking distance of stations
Environmental and Economic Impact
Metrolink is also promoting its Personal Impact Calculator, a digital tool that allows riders to estimate how switching from driving to rail can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower fuel expenses.
A Broader Trend in Public Transit
Fare-free transit days have gained traction nationwide as agencies look to boost ridership and promote sustainability. Southern California’s expansive commuter rail network makes it particularly well-suited for such initiatives, offering a viable alternative to one of the country’s most car-dependent regions.
Bottom Line
Metrolink’s Earth Day promotion is more than a one-day free ride — it’s a strategic effort to shift commuter behavior, reduce environmental impact, and showcase the convenience of regional rail. For Southern Californians, April 22 presents a low-risk opportunity to rethink how they travel.
Source: Metrolink
https://metrolinktrains.com/news/metrolink-goes-fare-free-for-earth-day-on-april-22
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Science
New Glenn’s Third Mission Set for April 19 as Blue Origin Advances Commercial Space Capabilities
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Blue Origin has confirmed the launch window for the third mission of its heavy-lift New Glenn rocket, marking another step forward in the company’s expanding role in commercial spaceflight.
New Glenn’s Third Mission
Launch Details and Timeline
The mission is scheduled to lift off no earlier than Sunday, April 19, 2026, from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The two-hour launch window opens at 6:45 a.m. EDT (10:45 UTC) and closes at 8:45 a.m. EDT (12:45 UTC).
Viewers can follow the mission through a live webcast hosted by Blue Origin, beginning approximately 30 minutes before liftoff.
Mission Payload: Expanding Space-Based Connectivity
At the heart of the mission is the deployment of the BlueBird 7 satellite, developed by AST SpaceMobile. The satellite is designed to enhance a growing direct-to-smartphone broadband network, an emerging technology aimed at delivering connectivity to standard mobile devices without the need for ground-based towers.
BlueBird 7 will contribute to expanding network capacity and is expected to support initial service rollout plans targeted for 2026. The broader initiative reflects a significant shift in how satellite infrastructure could complement terrestrial telecom systems, particularly in underserved or remote regions.
Reusability Milestone: Booster Returns Again
A key feature of this mission is the planned reuse of New Glenn’s first-stage booster, “Never Tell Me The Odds.” The booster previously demonstrated a successful launch and landing during the rocket’s second mission in November, underscoring Blue Origin’s commitment to reusable rocket technology—a cornerstone of cost reduction and operational efficiency in modern spaceflight.
If successful, this mission will further validate the reliability of the New Glenn system and strengthen its competitiveness in a market increasingly shaped by reusable launch vehicles.
Industry Context: Competing in a Rapidly Evolving Market
The New Glenn program represents Blue Origin’s answer to heavy-lift launch demands, positioning the company alongside major players such as SpaceX. As satellite constellations grow in scale and ambition, reliable and cost-effective launch services have become a critical component of the global space economy.
The inclusion of commercial payloads like BlueBird 7 highlights the increasing collaboration between aerospace firms and telecommunications providers, signaling a future where space-based infrastructure plays a central role in everyday connectivity.
Looking Ahead
With its third mission, New Glenn continues to build momentum as a next-generation launch platform. The combination of reusable hardware, commercial partnerships, and advanced payload capabilities places this launch among the most closely watched developments in the 2026 spaceflight calendar.
For ongoing updates, mission tracking, and live coverage, audiences can follow Blue Origin across its digital platforms or visit its official website.
Source
Blue Origin Official Announcement – New Glenn Third Mission
Related External Links
- Learn More About Blue Origin’s New Glenn Rocket
- AST SpaceMobile – Space-Based Cellular Broadband Network
- Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Information
- NASA Overview of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Operations
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Tech
Drones paired with AI could help search‑and‑rescue teams find missing persons faster
AI-powered drones equipped with thermal and infrared imaging are transforming search-and-rescue operations, enabling teams to locate missing persons faster and assess their condition—including signs of injury, consciousness, or life-threatening temperature changes—in real time.
Adeel Khalid, Kennesaw State University
A combination of infrared imaging, thermal imaging and color cameras on an uncrewed drone, along with an AI system to interpret the data, can help emergency responders and search-and-rescue teams locate, identify and track people who have gone missing in the wilderness. The experimental system helps responders pinpoint where a missing person is and determine whether they are hurt or even alive.
People who get lost or hurt while exploring nature can become stranded for days. Rescue teams often use drones to look for the person or signs of their whereabouts. The small drone my colleagues and I built at my lab at Kennesaw State University flies autonomously using a grid search pattern. It sends live video and images to a ground station operated by the rescue team.
When the AI system finds a person, it analyzes images to determine whether the individual is upright or lying on the ground. It segments parts of the person’s body, identifying the person’s head and the body’s position. It then zeroes in on the forehead. It extracts forehead temperature readings, pixel by pixel, from the imaging data to estimate forehead temperature. We have two papers detailing these findings accepted for the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Aviation Forum 2026 conference.
Our AI model then assesses whether the person is conscious or unconscious and identifies abnormal temperatures that could indicate heat stress, hypothermia or other physical complications, or death – all vital information for a search-and-rescue team.
In field trials we have conducted, the system has provided consistent temperature readings of the heads of volunteers from our research team who have walked out into a variety of environments, under different conditions.
Why it matters
It is critical to get accurate and timely information on the whereabouts of a missing person. The likelihood that the person will survive decreases steeply as time passes.
An AI-enhanced drone can make search-and-rescue operations significantly more efficient than sending teams of people out into the environment to search on foot, especially in poor weather conditions or under thick foliage. Rescuers who know whether a person is conscious or unconscious can also better gear up for what they need to do to retrieve the person and administer aid. Our technology could save lives.
What other research is being done
Search-and-rescue personnel use various kinds of drones, but the machines often lack the ability to positively identify humans, especially under thick foliage, in bad weather or when the person is lying down or unconscious. The AI-based technology we have developed overcomes those challenges.
Better sensors that are very lightweight, that can function at night or in rain, and can see more clearly through thick foliage could further improve our drone and drones used by others. Researchers are devising AI-powered sound recognition for detecting screams for help, advanced thermal imaging for better nighttime vision and autonomous drones that could act as first responders.
Also under development are drones that can carry heavy payloads, such as flotation devices, fly for up to 14 hours or perform real-time mapping of the ground below.
What’s next
One of our next steps is to have multiple drones fly together and autonomously coordinate search-and-rescue operations among themselves. This will allow the technology to cover a much larger area, perhaps hundreds of square miles.
We are also designing a large drone that can carry up to 110 pounds (50 kilograms) of payload and stay aloft for an hour.
The Research Brief is a short take on interesting academic work.
Adeel Khalid, Professor of Industrial & Systems Engineering, Kennesaw State University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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