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Rosalynn Carter, Outspoken Former First Lady, Dead At 96

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ATLANTA, Ga. – Rosalynn Carter, Jimmy Carter’s closest counsel throughout his one time as President of the United States and for the next four decades as a worldwide humanitarian, has died at the age of 96.

According to the Carter Center, she died on Sunday after suffering from dementia and poor health for several months. According to the announcement announcing her death, she “died peacefully, with family by her side” at 2:10 p.m. in Plains, Georgia.

“Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished,” Carter stated. “She provided me with sound advice and encouragement when I needed it.” “As long as Rosalynn was alive, I knew someone loved and supported me.”

Jill Biden said she had to “lead this off with a sad announcement” of Rosalynn Carter’s death while speaking at a Naval Air Station event in Norfolk, Virginia. “She was well-known for her work in mental health, caregiving, and women’s rights.” So I hope you’ll remember the Carter family in your prayers during the holidays,” she stated.

She spoke at a hangar where she and President Joe Biden prepared to host an early Thanksgiving dinner for service members and their families.

rosalynn carter

Rosalynn Carter, Outspoken Former First Lady, Dead At 96

The Carters were married for over 77 years, forming what they both called a “full partnership.” Unlike many prior first ladies, Rosalynn Carter attended Cabinet meetings, spoke out on difficult matters, and accompanied her husband on foreign tours. Aides to President Carter secretly referred to her as “co-president.”

“Rosalynn is my best friend… the perfect extension of me, probably the most influential person in my life,” Jimmy Carter told aides during their time in the White House, which lasted from 1977 to 1981.

Rosalynn Carter was a fiercely loyal and caring first lady who was also politically smart, and no one denied her influence behind the scenes. When her role in a widely publicized Cabinet shuffle was revealed, she was forced to publicly declare, “I am not running the government.”

Many presidential advisers claimed that her political instincts were superior to her husband’s, and they frequently sought her approval for a project before discussing it with the president. Her steely determination, ostensibly modest attitude, and sweet Southern accent prompted Washington reporters to dub her “the Steel Magnolia.”

According to both Carters, Rosalynn Carter was always the more political of the two. After Jimmy Carter’s overwhelming defeat in 1980, it was she, not the former president, who considered an unlikely comeback, and she said years later that she missed their life in Washington.

Jimmy Carter trusted her so much that, just months into his presidency, he dispatched her on a mission to Latin America to assure dictators that he meant what he said about refusing military aid and other forms of support to human rights abusers.

She also had strong sentiments about the Carter White House’s style. The Carters did not serve hard liquor at public events, but Rosalynn did allow US wine. There were fewer ballroom dancing nights and more square dancing and picnics.

Throughout her husband’s political career, she made mental health and senior issues her defining policy focus. When the news media didn’t cover her efforts as much as she thought they deserved, she chastised them for writing solely about “sexy subjects.”

rosalynn carter

Rosalynn Carter, Outspoken Former First Lady, Dead At 96

As honorary chairwoman of the President’s Commission on Mental Health, she once spoke before a Senate subcommittee, becoming the first lady to do so since Eleanor Roosevelt. She returned to Washington in 2007 to lobby Congress for better mental health care, stating, “We’ve been working on this for so long, and it finally seems to be in reach.”

She stated she became interested in mental health during her husband’s run for governor of Georgia.

“I used to come home and tell Jimmy, ‘Why are people telling me about their problems?'” “And he said, ‘Because you may be the only person they’ll ever see who knows someone who can help them,'” she explained.

Rosalynn Carter appeared more distraught than her husband after Ronald Reagan won the presidency in 1980. She first hesitated to return to Plains, Georgia, where they were both born, married and lived the majority of their life.

“I was hesitant, not at all sure that I could be happy here after the dazzle of the White House and the years of stimulating political battles,” she said in her autobiography, published in 1984, “First Lady from Plains.” Eventually, “we slowly rediscovered the satisfaction of a life we had left long before.”

Jimmy and Rosalynn co-founded The Carter Center in Atlanta to continue their work after leaving Washington. She led the center’s annual mental health symposium and gathered funds for programs to help the mentally ill and homeless. She also published “Helping Yourself Help Others,” a memoir about the difficulties of caring for elderly or unwell family, and a sequel, “Helping Someone With Mental Illness.”

rosalynn carter

Rosalynn Carter, Outspoken Former First Lady, Dead At 96

The Carters frequently departed home on humanitarian missions, building houses with Habitat for Humanity and supporting public health and democracy in foreign countries.

“I get tired,” she admitted of her journeys. “However, something wonderful always happens.” Going to a town where they have Guinea worm and then returning a year or two later and there is no Guinea worm, the people dance and sing — it’s so amazing.”

Jimmy Carter’s physicians identified four tiny lesions on his brain in 2015. The Carters felt he had only a few weeks to live. He was given a medicine to enhance his immune system and later declared that no indications of cancer remained. But when they first heard the news, she stated she didn’t know what to do.

“I depend on him when I have questions, when I’m writing speeches, anything, I consult with him,” she said.

She later assisted Carter’s recovery after he had hip replacement surgery at the age of 94 and had to relearn how to walk. She was with him earlier this year when he opted to forego additional medical procedures and initiate end-of-life care following a series of hospital stays.

Jimmy Carter is the longest-serving president of the United States. Rosalynn Carter was the second-longest-living first lady in American history, trailing only Bess Truman, who died at 97.

rosalynn carter

Rosalynn Carter, Outspoken Former First Lady, Dead At 96

Eleanor Rosalynn Smith, the eldest of four children, was born in Plains on August 18, 1927. Her father died while she was young, so when her mother went to work part-time, she took on much of the responsibility of caring for her siblings.

Rosalynn Carter also helped support the family by working at a beauty salon after school. “We were very poor and worked very hard,” she once stated, yet she continued her education, finishing as class valedictorian from high school.

Rosalynn Carter quickly fell in love with one of her best friend’s brothers. Jimmy and Rosalynn had known each other their entire lives — Jimmy’s mother, nurse Lillian Carter, was the one who delivered Rosalynn — but he went to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, while she was still in high school.

Jimmy told his mother after a blind date, “That’s the girl I want to marry.” They married in 1946, shortly after his Annapolis graduation and Rosalynn’s graduation from Georgia Southwestern College.

Their boys were born at the locations where Jimmy Carter was stationed: John William (Jack) in Portsmouth, Virginia, in 1947; James Earl III (Chip) in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1950; and Donnel Jeffery (Jeff) in New London, Connecticut, in 1952. Amy was born in 1967 in Plains. Carter was a state senator at the time.

Rosalynn Carter’s first opportunity to travel the world came from her Navy time. When Carter’s father, James Earl Sr., died in 1953, Jimmy Carter returned the family to Plains, where he took over the family property without asking his wife. She worked with him daily, keeping the books and weighing fertilizer trucks.

“We developed a partnership when we were working in the farm supply business,” Rosalynn Carter said proudly in an interview with The Associated Press in 2021. “On paper, I knew more about the business than he did.” He would listen to my suggestions.”

Lillian Carter said of her daughter-in-law at the height of the Carters’ political power: “She can do anything in the world with Jimmy, and she’s the only one.” He pays attention to her.”

SOURCE – (AP)

Kiara Grace is a staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. Her writing focuses on technology trends, particularly in the realm of consumer electronics and software. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics. Kiara delivers insightful analyses that resonate with tech enthusiasts and casual readers alike. Her articles strike a balance between in-depth coverage and accessibility, making them a go-to resource for anyone seeking to stay informed about the latest innovations shaping our digital world.

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King Charles Could Millions Annually from Renting His Properties

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Estimated Annual Rental Income of £1.4 Million

A recent analysis suggests that King Charles might earn over £1 million each year by renting out royal properties to holidaymakers.

The Royal Family’s historic houses and mansions are popular holiday rentals, contributing significantly to the Palace’s revenue.

Pikl Insurance estimates that the royals may earn up to £118,775.85 per month, or around £1,425,310.20 per year, from their holiday rental portfolio. Even after accounting for cancellations, the monarchy is anticipated to generate a net annual income of somewhat more over £1.4 million.

Estimated Annual Rental Income of £1.4 Million

The four primary royal properties accepting public bookings are Balmoral Castle, Castle of Mey’s Captain House, Restormel Manor, and Dumfries House, according to Express.co.uk. Cottages at Balmoral Castle in Scotland are expected to generate £36,798.30 per month after accounting for cancellations.

According to the numbers, the 500-year-old Restormel Manor in Cornwall is the most profitable of them all, earning a solid £47,082 every month. The resort, located in the Fowey Valley, has four booking spaces and six converted barns.

Windsor Castle

Dumfries House in Ayrshire, Scotland, adds an estimated £31,185.63 and offers 25 rooms for booking. The Castle of Mey’s Captain House in the Scottish Highlands is estimated to generate a more modest £3,709.92 per month, despite the fact that the entire property is available for booking.

The analysts stated, “While the Royal Family’s primary role is undoubtedly to serve the nation, it is clear that their properties are also a valuable asset.” These estimates highlight the royal estate’s considerable financial potential and provide an intriguing peek into the monarchy’s corporate operations.”

Royal Family received £86.3 million from the taxpayer-funded Sovereign Grant in the previous fiscal year, according to official numbers released in July.

All revenues from the Crown Estate, which includes royal households, forestry, agriculture, and offshore wind, are paid directly to the Treasury, with a portion of this money, now 12%, returned to the Royal Family to finance their tasks.

The records also cover a period of jubilation, including the coronation and festivities surrounding the King and Queen’s crowning in May of last year.

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Man Creates Candy Cane Car to Spread Christmas Cheer

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Man Creates Candy Cane Car Spread Christmas Cheer
Clayman in his Grinch costume poses with his Candy Cane Car

In a delightful display of holiday spirit, a local resident in North Providence, Maine, has transformed his vehicle into a candy cane delight that is capturing hearts and spreading Christmas Cheer.

Over the past 15 years, Dave Clayman has transformed a simple 1991 Toyota Camry into a rolling holiday icon that captivates everyone who encounters it.

It’s wrapped in $3,000 worth of reflective tape, the same kind used on trailer trucks. Whether parked at a mall or cruising down the highway, you can’t miss it with its candy cane decorations.

This whimsical project started with an unusual idea. When an old exercise bike landed in Clayman’s possession, he mounted it on top of his car instead of letting it gather dust in his garage.

“There’s nothing like working out in the fresh air,” Dave said. That quirky addition quickly drew eyes, inspiring him to keep going.

The car features homemade rockets built from trash cans and salad bowls, candy cane-themed hubcaps, and candy cane lights dangling from the mounted exercise bike.

Man Creates Candy Cane Car Spread Christmas Cheer

The Candy Cane Car cost Clayman $3,000

To top it off, it boasts a PA system and a custom horn, making it a true sensory experience.

The candy cane car has now become a local landmark every Christmas. Parked outside Clayman’s house, it’s a favourite backdrop for people snapping photos or simply stopping to admire it.

Some visitors even share stories of seeing the car as a child, reminiscing about how it’s been a beloved part of their neighbourhood for years.

“When people see it, their mood amplifies,” Clayman explained. “If they’re happy, they become happier. If they’re upset, well, they sometimes get angrier.” But for the most part, he estimates that over 96% of people love the festive car, particularly around Christmas.

Clayman said he used to wear a Santa costume when riding in his festive car for years. A few years ago, he bought a Grinch costume and never looked back.

“It’s like a state of euphoria. Every time I get behind the wheel and people see it,” he said. “Anything that people are in a better mood, it seems to make you in a better mood. It’s a labor of love you got to be committed to it.”

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Senate Approves Social Security Fairness Act, Heads to Final Vote

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Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times/TNS

(VOR News) – On Wednesday, the United States Senate Social Security passed a measure with a vote of 73-27, indicating that the legislation, which is co-sponsored by Senator Susan Collins of Maine, is likely to be implemented before the end of the year.

The law may be beneficial to personnel working in the public sector in Maine, including teachers, firefighters, and other workers.

The Social Security Fairness Act would repeal two restrictions that lower the amount of Social Security payments paid to public employees.

These regulations would be eliminated with the passage of the act. A provision known as the Windfall Elimination Provision makes it impossible for public employees who are currently receiving pensions to continue receiving them.

The Government Pension Offset, as it is commonly referred to, is designed to limit the amount of money that can be paid to the surviving spouses of recipients who are also receiving government pensions.

This problematic situation impacts Social Security benefits.”

In November 2024, the Social Security Administration reported that more than 2 million individuals, including more than 20,000 in the state of Maine, had their Social Security benefits reduced as a result of the Windfall Elimination Provision,” Collins stated in a statement that was released by her department.

In November 2024, the Government Pension Offset had an impact on more than 650,000 individuals, with more than 6,000 of those individuals residing in the state of Maine, according to the previously mentioned line of reasoning.

A vote of 327 to 75 was necessary for the measure to be approved by the House of Representatives the previous month. On Wednesday, Chuck Schumer, the Democratic leader of the Senate, announced that he intended to work rapidly in order to deliver the act from the House of Representatives to the president’s desk.

As indicated by Schumer, who was speaking on the floor of the United States Senate today, “Passing this Social Security fix right before Christmas would be a great gift for our retired firefighters, police officers, postal workers, teachers, and others who have contributed to Social Security for years but are now being penalised because of their time spent serving the public.”

In the beginning, the measure was supported by two individuals: Sherrod Brown, a Democrat from Ohio, and Collins, a Republican. During her speech in support of the proposal, which was made on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday afternoon, Collins stated that the idea will have a significant impact on a number of individuals, including teachers in the state of Maine.

These advantages are the direct result of the effort that they put forth. During the course of her remarks, Collins asserted that the punishment in question was both unreasonable and unacceptable.

This will strain Social Security’s already shaky budget.

In a recent examination, it was discovered that the Windfall Elimination Provision was one of the primary problems that contributed to the difficulties that the teacher workforce in Maine is experiencing, which experts are referring to as a crisis.

A poll that was conducted and released by the non-profit organisation Educate Maine found that teachers in each and every county in the state of Maine identified the provision as a hindering factor in the process of recruiting new teachers.

According to the findings of the study, “this federal policy that reduces social security payouts is a disincentive,” which implies that it is detrimental to teachers who take on additional work and discourages people from switching careers in order to become teachers.

Sharon Gallant, a retired educator who worked in Gardiner for a total of 31 years, is one of the educators that are now employed there. Prior to beginning his career as a teacher in the public school system, Gallant was employed in the business sector. He made a little contribution to the Social Security system during the entirety of this time period.

“When you move into public education, you are faced with a certain degree of punishment,” according to her statement.

In letters that Gallant sent to Collins and to Sen. Angus King of Maine, who is an independent, he urged both of them to support the concept. She stated that even if it is unsuccessful, Maine will still have a difficult time recruiting teachers because of the clause that deters them from employment.

She made the observation, “If this does not pass, then it is just another reason not to enter public service.”

SOURCE: FR

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