Jan 6th, 2009 · Mail volume suffers when the economy suffers, but this economic downturn is hitting the Postal Service particularly hard. The ailing housing and financial sectors, once heavy users of direct mail marketing, are cutting back. In the last fiscal year, mail carriers delivered 9.5 billion fewer letters and packages than the year before.
Dec 20th, 2008 · NPR's Scott Simon takes a moment to note that this year, the U.S. Postal Service in New York has had to change its policy of citizens answering Dear Santa letters from children. They've added a layer of anonymity.
Aug 9th, 2008 · Back in 1818, the American flag had 13 broad stripes and 20 bright stars. Since then, the flag has added 30 stars but not a single stripe — until now. In a new stamp issued by the U.S. Postal Service, the flag appears to have 14 stripes. Stamp artist Laura Stutzman explains what went wrong.
Jul 30th, 2008 · Through rain, sleet or snow, the U.S. Postal Service promises to deliver the mail. But it doesn't say when. After 60 years, a letter finally made its way to a mailbox in Kansas. The letter — postmarked Nov. 11, 1948 — was marked return to sender.
Jul 23rd, 2008 · Where do you look among federal agencies for smart thinking about renewable energy and alternative fuels? The U.S. Postal Service. Every 1-cent increase in the price of gasoline costs it an extra $8 million. That brings a keen motivation to innovate.
Mar 12th, 2008 · It's may now be viewed as snail mail, but the U.S. Postal Service has managed to hit on a winning strategy for selling stamps: Announce an increase in price, then offer a "Forever Stamp" that never goes up. Since its introduction last year, Americans have found the stamp such a bargain they've snapped up $2.3 billion worth, including $95 million since the Postal Service announced stamps are going up again.
Feb 12th, 2008 · The cost of a first-class postage stamp is going up a penny, starting May 12. To ease the pain the Postal Service is encouraging people to buy "Forever Stamps" -- stamps bought at the current price that still work when the cost goes up.
May 10th, 2007 · As frontman for the Seattle rock band Death Cab for Cutie, and part of the electro-pop duo Postal Service, Ben Gibbard has won over legions of fans for his literate, bittersweet songwriting. Now Gibbard is embarking on a month-long solo tour. Hear him live on NPR.org in a full concert tonight.