Friday, April 26, 2024

Is mail being stolen inside a major Houston USPS facility?

Is mail being stolen inside a major Houston USPS facility?

From the article: "...Grayden said on Jan. 24, she mailed a quarterly check to the IRS to pay for her taxes. She even paid extra to send it via certified mail because she thought that would be the safest way to make sure someone at the IRS signed off on receiving the check. Then, on Feb. 15, Grayden said she saw a pending payment in her bank account for an amount she didn't recognize. When she looked at an image of the check on her bank's website, she realized the check number matched the one she sent to the IRS, but the amount on it was changed to $9,000. ..."


Article Reference: abc13.com

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Alabama postal worker sold USPS key, leading to mail stolen from collection boxes

Alabama postal worker sold USPS key, leading to mail stolen from collection boxes

From the article: "Alabama Postal worker sells USPS key, then hundreds of pieces of mail are stolen, feds say. ...she sold a USPS key for $2,500 — resulting in hundreds of pieces of mail stolen in Alabama. While a mail carrier at a post office in Prichard, the woman stole a USPS “arrow” key and sold it to a “co-conspirator” in exchange for cash in October 2022, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama. This co-conspirator used the key, which opens all the blue USPS collection boxers in a specific region, to steal mail, prosecutors said..."


Article Reference: www.miamiherald.com

Friday, April 19, 2024

Son’s items are now lost in a postal bin in Alabama | USPS lost package with family Bible, personal documents

Alabama | USPS lost package with family Bible, personal documents

From the article: "...BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - Dozens of people have been facing issues with delayed delivery of their mail and packages. Marquita Smith shared that she paid extra for faster shipping with the United States Postal Service, but unfortunately, her son’s items are now lost in a postal bin in Alabama.

WBRC contacted the US Postal Service with Marquita Smith’s tracking number and they reported that there was no scan available. ..."


Article Reference: www.wbrc.com

Sunday, April 14, 2024

Democrats, media starting to admit some mail-in voting problems ahead of 2024 presidential election

Democrats, media starting to admit some mail-in voting problems ahead of 2024 presidential election

From the article: " delivery issues impacting elections, noting that “The nature of USPS’s network changes has now raised significant concerns including the potential for degraded rural service due to fewer facilities, delayed delivery of election mail that would be processed at out-of-state facilities...In February, general registrar in Richmond, Virginia told voters ahead of the March primary election to drop off their mail-in ballots in ballot drop boxes, rather than sending them through USPS. ..."


Article Reference: www.ktbs.com
Election Interference 2024 (Democrat Ballot Harvesting),

Friday, April 12, 2024

Bad Management | Georgia congressman wants answers over postal delays, alleged fraud

‘It’s bad management’ Georgia congressman wants answers over postal delays, alleged fraud

From the article: "The congressman said mail delays and operational breakdowns inside the USPS are just not acceptable. “It’s poor planning, it’s bad management,” Loudermilk said. ...Metro Atlanta postal center built to make things easier could be to blame for major delays..."


Article Reference: www.wsbtv.com
Atlanta, Poor USPS Management (Atlanta Area), Delay of Mail,

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

‘Bond King’ Bill Gross Is Selling His Stamp Collection, With One Expected to Fetch up to $5 Million

‘Bond King’ Bill Gross Is Selling His Stamp Collection, With One Expected to Fetch up to $5 Million

Bill Gross Stamp Collection Z-Grill
From the article: "...A one-cent postage stamp from 1868 is expected to become the most expensive U.S. stamp ever sold when it heads to auction in June.

Known as the “Z-grill,” the stamp is the most-valued piece of what some industry observers have called the most complete and significant collection of American postage stamps ever assembled, one that was built over decades by a man nicknamed the “Bond King.”

William Hunt “Bill” Gross—a 79-year-old investor and fund manager..."




Article Reference: www.barrons.com

Friday, April 5, 2024

U.S. Postal Service Betty Ford postage stamp released today (Friday, April 5, 2024)

The Postal Service’s latest release honors a beloved first lady

store.usps.com
From the article: "Betty Ford was first lady from 1974 to 1977. ...using a detail from Felix de Cossio’s official 1977 White House portrait. The oil-on-canvas painting shows a seated Ford dressed in pale blue chiffon.

The Betty Ford stamp will be available in panes of 20 at Post Offices and usps.com.

The stamp will be dedicated April 5 during a ceremony in Rancho Mirage, CA. ..."


Article Reference: usps.com

Friday, March 29, 2024

Georgia congressman demands answers on postal delays, urges action from postmaster general

Georgia congressman demands answers on postal delays, urges action from postmaster general

From the article: "...ATLANTA — Georgia Congressman Mike Collins is demanding answers as postal delays continue to impact residents across Metro Atlanta, expressing frustration over the lack of progress in resolving the issue.

Collins said that, like many constituents, he has been experiencing difficulties obtaining information from the United States Postal Service (USPS) regarding the ongoing delays. ..."


Article Reference: www.11alive.com

Thursday, March 28, 2024

USPS dedicates its Save Manatees stamp

USPS dedicates its Save Manatees stamp

Buy the Save Manatees Stamp at store.usps.com/store/product/buy-stamps/save-manatees-stamps-S_684804
From the article: "The release aims to raise awareness of threats to the marine mammal...Manatees are considered one of Florida’s keystone species whose behavior can alert researchers to environmental and habitat changes that may otherwise go unnoticed in the state’s waterways for extended periods of time. “This adorable stamp will..."


Article Reference: news.usps.com

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

USPS employees pledged $2.8 million during the most recent Combined Federal Campaign

https://news.usps.com/2024/03/26/usps-raised-2-85-million-for-the-combined-federal-campaign/

USPS employees pledged $2.8 million during the most recent Combined Federal Campaign

From the article: "Among the four retail and delivery areas, Southern led with more than $816,000 in pledges. ... $2.9 million raised in the 2022-23 campaign. ..."


Article Reference: usps.com

Monday, March 25, 2024

Thieves break into a postal worker's truck — and then his car is stolen

Thieves break into a postal worker's truck — and then his car is stolen

From the article: "“I was finishing up my shift for the day,” the letter carrier said. “Last street of my route.” The carrier — who asked NBC Bay Area not to reveal his identity — said it happened at around 4:15 p.m. Thursday. He was returning to his truck when he noticed something was wrong. “I immediately noticed that all my belongings that I had in there were...Fitch added: “The postal vehicle was broken into. We’re still trying to determine exactly what was taken. But for breaking into the vehicle and taking US mail, the reward has gone up. The original reward for these kind of vehicle break-ins and taking mail — stealing mail was $10,000. Now it’s $100,000.” "


Article Reference: www.nbcbayarea.com

Sunday, March 24, 2024

Ray Bennett’s stamp collecting has led to a range of other hobbies that help distract his busy mind

Ray Bennett’s stamp collecting has led to a range of other hobbies that help distract his busy mind

From the article: "The Timaru Philatelic Society patron, and the district’s former mayor and councillor, is excited about Saturday’s stamp and other collectables fair, hoping it will encourage others into pastimes he has enjoyed. “Stamp collecting is fun. I enjoy every moment of it,’’ Bennett said. ...He began stamp collecting as a 5-year-old, and said he had continued the hobby for 87 years. “With stamps, no matter how busy I am all my concerns go down my shoulder, and through my hands, and I’m perfect. I get myself engrossed...."


Article Reference: www.stuff.co.nz

Saturday, March 23, 2024

Postal Heroes | An employee provided first aid to an injured customer on her rural route

An employee provided first aid to an injured customer on her rural route

From the article: "Rural Carrier Deborah Cummins was delivering mail in a remote area of Fort Dodge, IA, when she encountered a farmer who needed medical help.

The man, who had injured his hand, was bleeding profusely.

Cummins called 911 and rendered first aid..."




Article Reference: news.usps.com
Good Deeds,

Friday, March 22, 2024

Arrest Warrant: Ex-Waco postal service employee aided suspect in $1.7 million jewelry heist at Boozer’s Jewelers

Arrest Warrant: Ex-Waco postal service employee aided suspect in $1.7 million jewelry heist at Boozer’s Jewelers

From the article: "A woman who listed the United States Postal Service in Waco as her employer participated in the $1.7 million heist at Boozer’s Jewelers on June 17, 2023, an arrest warrant states.

Sabrina Raquelle Glasker, 39, was arrested in California on March 5, 2024 and extradited to the McLennan County Jail on March 20, Waco police said. Glasker assisted John W. Rainwater, 42, of Merced, California, in the Boozer’s heist, police alleged...."


Article Reference: www.kwtx.com

Sunday, March 17, 2024

Watch this gift-giving puppy shake with excitement when the postal worker arrives

Watch this gift-giving puppy shake with excitement when the postal worker arrives

From the article: "A 1-year-old Labrador named Morrie couldn't contain his excitement when he attempted to personally deliver a special gift to his favorite mail carrier, Mandy. A video captured by the puppy's owner Logan Crispin, shows the pup in Lewes, Delaware..."


Article Reference: uk.news.yahoo.com

Saturday, March 16, 2024

Working Hard to Get Ahead is Attacked by California | California public utility law designed to tax the rich

New Calif. Law Charges Extra for Power Based on Income

From the article: "A new California public utility law designed to tax the rich will soon begin charging state residents a fee for electricity based on their income level. Instead of paying for how much electricity they use, ratepayers will soon find their bills are based on how much money they make...Instead of paying for how much electricity they use, ratepayers will soon find their bills are based on how much money they make."


Article Reference: www.newsmax.com
California public utility law designed to tax the rich

Friday, March 15, 2024

America | First Man on the Moon Stamp | 1969 10c Moon Landing

America | First Man on the Moon Stamp | 1969 10c Moon Landing

America | First Man on the Moon Stamp | 1969 10c Moon Landing
From the article: "...Commemorates man’s first footstep on the moon’s surface by Neil Armstrong, Commander of the Apollo 11 mission. The first jumbo-sized commemorative issue, it celebrated “moon mail.” The First Day Cover was the most popular ever. ..."


Article Reference: www.mysticstamp.com
First jumbo-sized commemorative issue, Stamp Collecting,First Man on the Moon,

Monday, March 11, 2024

Garden Delights Digital Color Postmark Release | USPS.com

Garden Delights Digital Color Postmark Release | USPS.com

Buy the Garden Delights Digital Color Postmark Release from the USPS Store
From the article: "Soak up sentiments of spring with this new set of 4 Garden Delights Digital Color Postmark First Day Covers.

Each #6 ¾ envelope bears an affixed Forever® stamp cancelled with an official First Day of Issue postmark. ..."


Article Reference: store.usps.com
Digital Color Postmark First Day Covers

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Audit details hundreds of crashes involving trucks contracted by US Postal Service

Audit details hundreds of crashes involving trucks contracted by US Postal Service

From the article: "At least 89 people died in 373 crashes over four years ... The Office of Inspector General found trucks carrying mail were involved in 373 crashes resulting in 89 deaths across the country from 2018-2022. Not a single contract with any trucking company was cancelled by the Postal Service, even after all those people died. "No other family should have to go through this. ..."


Article Reference: www.9news.com

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Postal carriers robbed at gunpoint in Denver

Postal carriers robbed at gunpoint in Denver

From the article: "...DENVER — Authorities are searching for suspects who robbed two postal carriers at gunpoint Monday evening in Denver's Montbello neighborhood. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) said the first incident happened near Bolling Drive and Duluth Court, while the second..."


Article Reference: www.denver7.com

Saturday, March 2, 2024

USPS taking comments until March 14 on plans for Yakima postal changes

USPS taking comments until March 14 on plans for Yakima postal changes

From the article: "...Residents have until March 14 to weigh in on a proposal to have much of the mail from Yakima County processed in Spokane.

A U.S. Postal Service official discussed the proposal, part of the post office’s $40 billion modernization plan, that would transfer some mail processing operations from the Washington Avenue post office to a regional postal facility in Spokane.

The post office is accepting comments at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/mpfr-yakima-wa. ..."




Article Reference: www.yakimaherald.com

Monday, February 26, 2024

Postal Service Focusing on Expensive Products No One Wants – Inside Sources

Postal Service Focusing on Expensive Products No One Wants – Inside Sources

From the article: "... Instead of getting better service or safer deliveries for these higher prices, consumers can continue to expect chronic mail delays, brazen thefts and taxpayer bailouts.

While the agency trots out an array of excuses for its poor performance, it’s clear that its priorities are misplaced. A case in point is the “Connect Local” service, which is supposed to handle small-business deliveries efficiently but is instead hemorrhaging cash. ..."


Article Reference: prescottenews.com

Thursday, February 22, 2024

OPM Sets Standards for FEHB, New Postal-Only Health Program in 2025

OPM Sets Standards for FEHB, New Postal-Only Health Program in 2025

From the article: "...That law generally requires that FEHB plans with at least 1,500 postal enrollees as of 2023 must participate in the PSHB in 2025, with coverage terms and premiums and other costs paralleling their FEHB offerings. However, those guarantees apply only for the initial year. ..."


Article Reference: www.fedweek.com

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Georgia mail carrier found bloodied on garage floor after being attacked by dogs, deputies say

Georgia mail carrier found bloodied on garage floor after being attacked by dogs, deputies say

From the article: "According to an incident report obtained by the Macon Telegraph, the 36-year-old postal carrier was delivering a package to the home in Statesboro on Jan. 19 for the first time and dropped it off by a door. That’s when..."


Article Reference: www.wsbtv.com

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Railroad Stations American Commemorative Panel® | USPS.com

Railroad Stations American Commemorative Panel® | USPS.com

Railroad Stations American Commemorative Panel® | USPS.com
From the article: "...Celebrate America’s iconic railroad stations with this new American Commemorative Panel®...Celebrate America’s iconic railroad stations with this new American Commemorative Panel®. The 8½"(W) x 11¼"(H) panel, printed on sturdy card stock, features a brief history of these noteworthy stations, and is accompanied by a strip of five Railroad Stations Forever® stamps in a protective acetate mount. "


Article Reference: store.usps.com
Railroad Stations American Commemorative Panel® | USPS.com, Stamp Collecting

These two USPS employees worked together to aid a co-worker in distress

These two USPS employees worked together to aid a co-worker in distress

From the article: "...Mail Processing Clerk Kenneth Anderson was recently on duty at the Billings, MT, Processing and Distribution Center when he saw a co-worker fall to the floor. The man appeared to be..."


Article Reference: usps.com

Monday, February 19, 2024

Donald J Trump Philatelic Catalog Paperback – March 20, 2023

Donald J Trump Philatelic Catalog Paperback – March 20, 2023

Donald J Trump Philatelic Catalog Paperback – March 20, 2023
From the article: "...Comprehensive listings in color of Donald Trump postage stamps issued by the countries of the world, U S Inaugural covers, Labels and seals, and other philatelic items. Over 200 pages in full color. ..."


Article Reference: Amazon

Thursday, February 15, 2024

Giant sinkhole nearly swallows postal van in Wilmington

Giant sinkhole nearly swallows postal van in Wilmington

From the article: "...WILMINGTON, Del. - Several residents were evacuated, while others went without water as crews work to fix a sinkhole that partially swallowed up a United States Postal Service van. The sinkhole..."


Article Reference: www.aol.com

Sunday, February 11, 2024

Nalcrest - A Florida Retirement Community for Letter Carriers

Nalcrest - A Florida Retirement Community for Letter Carriers

From the article: "...One of the most unique retirement communities in all of Florida is located about an hour outside of Orlando in Polk County. The community’s name is Nalcrest, and the unique thing is that with very few exceptions, all of its residents are retired US Postal workers. ..."


Article Reference: www.floridaforboomers.com
Nalcrest, Florida, National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), Retirement Community for Letter Carriers,

Friday, February 9, 2024

Weslaco, Texas | Postal worker suffers fractured wrist during robbery, search for suspect underway

Postal worker suffers fractured wrist during robbery, search for suspect underway

From the article: "...Authorities are searching for a man who they say robbed a U.S. postal worker Wednesday afternoon. According to the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, the robbery occurred at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the 1300 block of Isabella Grace Street in rural Weslaco. ..."


Article Reference: www.valleycentral.com

Thursday, February 8, 2024

This Idaho postmaster is passionate about restoring coral reefs in the Caribbean

This Idaho postmaster is passionate about restoring coral reefs in the Caribbean

Dive Flag Decal on Amazon
From the article: "...My name is Douglas Lowe and I’m the postmaster in Hope, ID.

When I’m not working, I’m getting ready for my latest scuba diving instructor certificate by practicing in Lake Pend Oreille — a 1,150-foot-deep lake in Idaho’s northern panhandle. I also help teach safety basics to first-time scuba divers and specialty courses to seasoned divers.

I’m up at 5 a.m. every day. I live on a farm with my wife of 34 years..."


Article Reference: usps.com

Saturday, February 3, 2024

Stamp Collecting | Go for Broke: Japanese American Soldiers of WWII Cachet | USPS.com

Go for Broke: Japanese American Soldiers of WWII Cachet | USPS.com

Stamp Collecting | Go for Broke: Japanese American Soldiers of WWII Cachet | USPS.com
From the article: "...Honor the thousands of Japanese Americans who served in World War II with this new cachet.

The #10 envelope features art derived from the Go for Broke: Japanese American Soldiers of WWII stamp and includes a Forever® stamp cancelled with an official First Day of Issue postmark.

The cachet comes with a protective sleeve. ..."


Article Reference: store.usps.com

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

How to combat mail theft with tax season now active

How to combat mail theft with tax season now active

From the article: "...Mail theft tends to ramp up during tax season. With more neighborhoods using cluster mailboxes, this poses a threat. "Attacking a cluster box does give them access to a number of mailboxes at one time and it's the reporting that makes a difference," said Jeff Fitch, a United States Postal Service postal inspector. ..."


Article Reference: www.cbsnews.com

Friday, January 19, 2024

Package with $1,000 item stuck at Missouri City USPS processing center, customer says

Package with $1,000 item stuck at Missouri City USPS processing center, customer says

From the article: "reporting on packages being stuck at the Missouri City processing center for weeks. ... Since December 2023, we've been reporting on packages being stuck at the Missouri City processing center.

The postal service blames the delays on network modernization, saying a new system is causing “some unintended and temporary” disruptions."


Article Reference: www.khou.com
USPS Missouri City processing center,delay of mail,Missouri,

Friday, January 12, 2024

1099-R | When will i get my 2023 1099-R from OPM to file my taxes?

1099-R | When will i get my 2023 1099-R from OPM to file my taxes?

1099-R
Article Excerpt: "Watch the mail in late January for your 1099R. OPM will mail your 1099R in the last week of January, using the address they have on file for you as of the second week of December. If you have not received your 1099R by the first week of February, they may not have your current address. Sign in to Services Online or call us at 1-888-767-6738 to update your mailing address. Your 1099Rs will be available online on Services Online by January 31. You can print the current year and two previous years’ 1099Rs on Services Online, using these instructions. ..."



Resource: www.opm.gov

2023 1099-R


People keep stealing EV charging equipment from USPS

People keep stealing EV charging equipment from USPS

From the article: "...The U.S. Postal Service is struggling to hold onto expensive charging equipment as it expands its fleet of electric delivery vans, per a recent inspector general's report. ..."


Article Reference: www.axios.com

Thursday, January 11, 2024

FedEx braces for 50% cut in Postal Service air contract

FedEx braces for 50% cut in Postal Service air contract

From the article: "...FedEx Corp. expects its air express unit will lose half of its business with the U.S. Postal Service when an existing contract expires, making more pilots expendable, FreightWaves has learned. The Postal Service three years ago began shifting a large amount of volume from air to ground transportation to reduce red ink and become more competitive. Declining postal volumes have been a significant drag on FedEx Express’ recent performance, company officials publicly acknowledge. ...loss of a substantial portion of Postal Service work means FedEx (NYSE: FDX) will have 200 to 300 more excess pilots by October, said the flight operations chief. The cargo airline plans to lower guaranteed flight hours for pilots and offer early retirement packages..."


Article Reference: www.freightwaves.com

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

How to act if you’re hacked | USPS has tips for employees and contractors

How to act if you’re hacked | USPS has tips for employees and contractors

From the article: "...The Postal Service wants employees and contractors to know what to do if they suspect a computer, mobile device or online account has been hacked. Here are some common hacking signs: ..."


Article Reference: news.usps.com
Device Security Tips (USPS),

Monday, January 8, 2024

AMAZON | Official 2024 US Government Wall Calendar

Official 2024 US Government Wall Calendar
Article Title: Official 2024 US Government Wall Calendar
Snippet of Article: " About the Official 2024 US Government Wall Calendar: Edition Year: 2024, Perforated pages for easy removal, Convenient punched holes for hanging on walls, bulletin boards or cubicles, Julian Dates, Holidays are displayed in red, "


Source: Amazon

[tag] Federal Employee News, Federal Civil Service, Official 2024 US Government Wall Calendar, USPS, [/tag]

Wednesday, January 3, 2024

Military Deposit Election Application

Military Deposit Election Application

From the article: "...A Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or CSRS Offset military deposit is 7% and a Federal Employment Retirement System (FERS) military deposit is 3% of the basic pay you received during the period of active duty military service plus interest. Military basic pay does not include allowances, flight pay, combat pay, etc. The military deposit percentages of basic pay are slightly higher for military service that occurred in the years 1999 through 2000 (through 2002 for Members of Congress) because there was a temporary increase in retirement deductions for those years..."


Article Reference: www.opm.gov