Rare Stamp Nearly Sets Record at Auction

"...A three-cent stamp issued in 1868 and depicting George Washington was sold to an anonymous telephone bidder for $1,035,000 ..."    

This Article is From: www.artinfo.com

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Postal worker sent home for wearing Obama T-shirt

"...A U.S. Postal worker says he was sent home Saturday after refusing to take off a Barack Obama T-shirt...."    

This Article is From: www.wlbt.com

Further Reading: Even though Senators McCain and Obama will still be Presidential candidates until January 6, 2009, we do not believe that wearing their campaign t-shirts or displaying their pictures after Election Day is activity directed at the success of their candidacies. Accordingly, the Hatch Act does not prohibit a federal employee from doing so, even while on duty or in the federal workplace.
[tag]Hatch Act[/tag]


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Government job sites a rich source of job openings

"...The government isn't providing just a bailout in these troubled economic times -- it might be a safe haven for people worried about job security...."    

This Article is From: www.businessweek.com

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FTC charges GA marketers with operating postal job scheme

"...As stated in the complaint, consumers are also told that, for a fee ranging from $120 to $140, they will receive materials that will help them pass the postal exam, and that if they pass they’ll be hired by the USPS. The materials they receive include a book recounting the history of the postal service, exam instructions, and some “practice exams,” but nothing about exam dates or job openings...."    

This Article is From: www.wrdw.com

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Postal Service Geographic Information System

GIS Gives United States Postal Service a Crime-Fighting Edge

"...GIS maps show where suspicious activities may be occurring and link transactional data to reveal potential criminal patterns. Mapping and analysis also help USPS managers..."    

This Article is From: www.amerisurv.com

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A look back at Sturgis 2006: American Motorcycles First-Day-of-Issue - August 7, 2006

"...rolled out of the Black Hills of South Dakota, Aug. 7, to kick-start the nation's premier motorcycle event - the 66th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally...."    

This Article is From: www.usps.com

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Take a look at the "Runaway LLV" video over at "Your Postal Blog"

Click on over to Your Postal Blog and take a look at the Runaway LLV video at    

This Article is From: yourpostalblog.blogspot.com

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Postal worker loses job over illegal disclosure

"...According to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Fazzary illegally told someone that their post office box was being monitored by the postmaster during an ongoing investigation...."    

This Article is From: www.stargazette.com

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Postal workers must not be made the scapegoat for losing political campaigns

"...Postal workers are honest, public servants who have no motive for delaying mail -- and would never risk their jobs by doing this. We are proud to protect the sanctity of the mail and serve the American public with every piece every day. I will point out to you that in many nation surveys the American public has voted that the Postal Service is the most trusted federal agency of all. Of that we are very proud.

Postal workers must not be made the scapegoat for losing political campaigns. We are not thieves but American citizens who are proud of their service every day...."    

This Article is From: weblogs.sun-sentinel.com

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USPS Proposed Revisions to ELM Sections 512, 513 and 515 Appealed to Arbitration

"...The proposed revisions to subchapters 512 and 513 involve completion of PS Form 3971 through the Interactive Voice Response system (IVR) and the Enterprise Resource Management System (eRMD). Proposed changes to subchapter 515 involve the forwarding of documentation related to a request for FMLA to the FMLA Coordinator. The APWU's position is that Article 10, Section 2.A. of the CBA prohibits changes to ELM Chapter 510 that affect wages, hours or working conditions for the life of the Agreement...."    

This Article is From: www.apwu.org

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New Jersey BMC Workers Rally Against Privatization

"...Commenting on the rally, APWU President William Burrus said that the USPS has launched a program of “incremental” privatization. “The Postal Service’s drive to outsource and subcontract is undermining productivity and service to the public.”

“We must do everything we can to protect the service we provide to the American people and to preserve the Postal Service as a public institution.” ..."    

This Article is From: www.apwu.org

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National Arbitration Decision on FMLA Form Letters

"...The case originated on the NALC arbitration docket, and the NPMHU intervened in support. The Unions generally argued that the form letters imposed improper and unlawful burdens on affected employees, and that the Postal Service was seeking more medical and other information than the FMLA allows employers to demand. More particularly, we claimed that the form letters impermissibly ask employees to obtain additional medical information from their health care providers, when the FMLA only allows the USPS, with the permission of the employee, to have its postal doctor call the employee’s doctor; that the form letters seek too much information, by relying on general medical releases and by referring to the employee’s general medical history, rather than focusing these inquiries on the serious medical condition at issue in the FMLA leave; and that the form letters inappropriately suggest to the employee that he or she “must” sign releases or grant USPS access to his/her health care provider, when the employee can refuse (which will usually prompt the USPS to require a second medical opinion)...."    

This Article is From: www.npmhu.org

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BMC Task Force Meets in Washington, DC

"...heard presentations on a wide range of topics, and shared important information relative to staffing, operational, and other areas of concern and interest. The Task Force will develop and oversee implementation of a comprehensive Action Plan to address both the challenges and opportunities presented by the current state of affairs in the U.S. economy, and through actions being considered by the USPS...."    

This Article is From: www.npmhu.org

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What is GreenDimes?

"...With GreenDimes, you can stop up to 90% of your junk mail - guaranteed. We work with you and the largest group of marketers and catalogs — over 4,500 and growing — to make sure you get only the mail you want...."    

This Article is From: http://www.greendimes.com/

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IT’S TIME FOR VOE NEW SURVEYS ARE IN THE MAIL

"...The new Voice of the Employee (VOE) survey is in the mail. Randomly selected employees will soon receive the surveys from their supervisors. This VOE survey contains some new questions for your response. If you’re one of the randomly selected participants, it’s your way to give feedback to USPS..."    

This Article is From: liteblue.usps.gov
VOE SURVEY
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380 jobs lost as NC direct mail plant closes

"...knew something was wrong at the plant, but that he and other employees expected layoffs instead of a closure...."    

IWCO DIrect
This Article is From: www.reflector.com

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S. Idaho police search for postal worker

"...Rachael Hitesman Walsh, a mother with four children, was last seen with her 2005 red Dodge Neon at a Falls Creek campground in southwestern Idaho...."    

This Article is From: www.fortmilltimes.com

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USPS announces staff cuts at its headquarters

"...employees who currently occupied positions that were eliminated are still working, “doing generally the same work they were doing all along.” The USPS hopes to reassign those employees in the next few months..."    

This Article is From: www.dmnews.com

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USPS HEADQUARTERS TO REDUCE COMPLEMENT

RIGHTSIZING THE HEADQUARTERS WORKFORCE

"...As a result, complement in all Headquarters and Headquarters-related units has been reduced — some vacant positions have been eliminated, while other occupied positions are impacted. Starting this week, employees occupying impacted positions will be notified and given information and guidance. ..."    

This Article is From: liteblue.usps.gov

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one-time mail handler here in Lima is now the postmaster general of St Louis Missouri

"...The one-time mail handler here in Lima is now the postmaster general of St Louis Missouri...."    

This Article is From: www.1150wima.com

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Developers urged to put mailboxes in clusters

"...Saving the letter carrier a few steps could help save the U.S. Postal Service a few million dollars. ..."    

This Article is From: www.charleston.net

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Postal service cutbacks could affect customers

"...postal service has lost people by attrition, instituted a hiring freeze and made it clear that 16,000 employees without six years on the job lack protection from layoffs. It also is offering voluntary early retirement to those who have reached the age of 55 with 20 years' service or anyone with 25 years on the job....."    

This Article is From: www.pennlive.com

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COLA increase is 5.8%, biggest since 1982

"...The Dec. 1 cost-of-living adjustment for military and federal civilian retirees, disabled veterans and survivors will be 5.8 percent, with the increase first appearing in Jan. 1 checks. The same increase will go to Social Security recipients...."    

This Article is From: www.navytimes.com

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Tour 2, Early-Outs, Four-Day Workweeks

"...The termination of Tour 2 mail processing may be intended to force senior employees to retire or accept unfavorable hours of work: If that is the intent, my advice is to reject this insidious option. Layoffs continue to be a possibility..."    

This Article is From: www.apwu.org

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63 years and counting Postal carrier Elroy Fenner

Postal carrier Elroy Fenner recalls experiences delivering mail

"...Elroy Fenner had to come up with some clever ways to get the mail where it was supposed to go – especially when there were heavy rains; he would have to take a detour from his regular route in order to get the job done...."    

This Article is From: www.thecountywide.com

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Next step for USPS: Layoffs?

"... Will there be layoffs at the U.S. Postal Service? That’s the buzz among the agency’s 670,000 workers as signs grow that the agency is sliding further into financial trouble. The Postal Service has already extended early-retirement offers to more than 156,000 postal workers — roughly 20 percent of its work force...."    

This Article is From: federaltimes.com

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Neither snow, nor rain, nor shootouts . . .

Pilot program offers Milwaukee postal carriers safe havens

"...Postal carriers were punched in the face, caught in shootouts and nearly run over in Milwaukee during recent months — all as they were trying to deliver the mail, officials said...."    

This Article is From: www.jsonline.com

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Postal Savings Bank ...a bit of Postal History

Mailing Our Way to Solvency

"...In 1910, Congress created a postal savings system. The Post Office offered small savings accounts to individual Americans. The system boomed during the Depression and World War II, with a balance of more than $3 billion in 1947 — almost $30 billion in today’s dollars. But F.D.I.C. insurance of private bank accounts removed the advantage of security from the postal savings system, and its fixed 2 percent..."    

This Article is From: www.nytimes.com

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USPS Financial Difficulties And the Possibility of Layoffs USPS Financial Difficulties And the Possibility of Layoffs

USPS Financial Difficulties And the Possibility of Layoffs
"...Interest has been especially high about the reference to the possibility of layoffs – for the first time in postal history.

Let me be clear: The possibility that the Postal Service may exercise its authority to layoff career employees is real, but it would affect very few APWU-represented employees. The 2006-2010 Collective Bargaining Agreement guarantees that each employee who is employed in the regular work force as of Nov. 20, 2006, “shall be protected henceforth against any involuntary layoff or force reduction during the term of this Agreement.”

The agreement also provides that “upon completion of six years of continuous service in their regular workforce” APWU-represented employees are protected against any involuntary layoff or force reduction “during any period of employment in the regular work force with the United States Postal Service or successor organization in his or her lifetime.” To receive credit for the year, an employee must have worked at least one hour (or received a call-in guarantee in lieu of work) in at least 20 of the 26 pay periods during that anniversary year.

APWU-represented employees who meet the criteria listed above are protected for the life of the 2006-2010 National Agreement or for their lifetime, and are not threatened by layoffs resulting from the significant decline in mail volume or the USPS financial difficulties...."   
Reference: www.apwu.org

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Automobile Stamps: 50s Fins and Chrome stamp Series

America on the Move: 50s Fins and Chrome stamps

"...Featuring paintings by renowned automobile illustrator Art Fitzpatrick, the stamps showcase a 1957 Chrysler 300C, a 1957 Lincoln Premiere, a 1957 Pontiac Safari, a 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk and a 1959 Cadillac Eldorado. The stamps roll out today..."    

This Article is From: liteblue.usps.gov

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16000 Postal Employees Unprotected from Possible Layoffs

USPS’ Bleak Financial Picture And the Presidential Election
"...In response to the financial crisis, the Postal Service has announced a hiring freeze. And, in a meeting with union leaders and management association presidents, the Postmaster General pointed out that 16,000 USPS employees lack the six years of continuous service required to achieve protection against layoffs. The PMG’s message was clear: For the first time in our history, postal employees may experience layoffs...."   
Reference: www.apwu.org

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Creativity in Reno

"...Judy Goza, T-2 Expediter at the Reno P&DC, won First Place for her 16” x 21” individual wall hanging at the Nevada State Fair in Reno, NV on August 20, 2008. The hand-embroidered, machine quilted wall hanging of the Reno MSC area (in 1994) for ZIP Codes 894, 895, 897, and 961, (representing the largest land area of any SCF),..."    

This Article is From: yourpostalblog.blogspot.com

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Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)

"...Vision plans will provide comprehensive eye examinations and coverage for lenses, frames and contact lenses. There are no deductibles or waiting periods. Other benefits such as discounts on lasik surgery may also be available...."    

This Article is From: www.opm.gov/insure

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Ohio postal driver named nation's safest

"...COLUMBUS, Ohio—A man who drives a mail truck in Columbus has come to California for a special pickup: an award naming him the Postal Service's top driver. Herb Sharfenaker has never had an accident making mail runs for 43 years, going more than a million miles. He was honored Tuesday in Anaheim, Calif...."    

This Article is From: www.mercurynews.com

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Feds charge postmasters

"...Postmasters from communities around rural Alaska have been charged with embezzling funds over several years totaling several thousand dollars.

The crimes, involving postal employees from Noatak, Selawik, New Stuyahok, Minto, Stebbins and Hooper Bay, occurred over a period of several years, dating back to 2003, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office in Anchorage. ..."    

This Article is From: thetundradrums.com

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Open Season for Health Benefits, Dental and Vision Insurance, and Flexible Spending Accounts

"...Enrollees with self-only coverage will pay, on average, $4.83 more each pay period (about $125 per year) next year. Family coverage will cost an average $11.12 more per pay period. FEHB enrollees pay - on average - 30 percent of the total cost of a plan's premium, while the government pays 70 percent.

This year's Open Season begins November 10 and runs through December 8, 2008, giving employees the opportunity to change or add to their portfolio of health- and family-care insurance products.

In 2009, 10 fee-for-service plans and a number of Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) will expand coverage of hearing benefits for adults. This enhancement follows OPM's challenge last year to health carriers - which a number accepted - to improve the coverage of diagnostic tests and hearing aids for children in 2008.

Often cited as a model health-care system, the FEHB Program is not immune to external factors that influence the cost of medical care. In fact, two private studies predict medical costs next year will rise between 9.6 percent and 10.6 percent, with the aging population, the rise of prescription drug costs and patient demand for services fueling much of the increase.

Next year's rise in the average FEHB premium is significantly less than rate hikes some are predicting for large, employer-sponsored private-sector programs.

Premiums, including the government share and the enrollee share, will increase an average 7.0 percent next year. Overall, the average enrollee share of the premium will increase 7.9 percent. Twenty percent of FEHB enrollees would see their share of premiums rise by less than 5.0 percent, based on 2008 enrollment data.

Enrollees in the Blue Cross Blue Shield Standard Option, the most popular FEHB plan choice, would see their share of the premium increase 12.9 percent for self-only coverage and 13.4 percent for self and family coverage...."    

This Article is From: www.opm.gov

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Postal Service freezes hiring, promotions

"...The U.S. Postal Service has indefinitely frozen all hiring, promotions and other personnel changes in its latest response to a worsening financial position.

"A freeze on all organizational structure changes is effective immediately," USPS Chief Human Resources Officer Anthony Vegliante wrote in a Wednesday memorandum to agency officials. "The freeze includes position upgrades, additions to complement, position neutral exchanges, and requests for new positions."..."    

This Article is From: www.govexec.com

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Chambersburg postal worker injured in accident is recovering at home

"...a bizarre accident while he was delivering mail Saturday afternoon on Highland Avenue. Diller was flown to York Hospital's shock trauma unit after being hit by a car and pushed into a bay window by a vehicle..."    

This Article is From: www.publicopiniononline.com

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Fort Scott post office makes changes to mail sorting system

"...This agreement provides steps that are to be taken in such an instance occurs. Those employees who's jobs may be eliminated will be moved to another opportunity within the Fort Scott Post Office or will be given a job at a different post office within a 50 mile radius. Some of the employees in the afternoon/evening shift made the decision to accept early retirement before the changes were announced. Others have been offered early retirement and were given to the end of September to make their decision. ..."    

This Article is From: www.fstribune.com

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The doggy-dog world of a postal carrier

"...Just why dogs hate carriers so much remains a mystery. Some carriers have a theory that it has something to do with smell, while others feel it’s more territorial. “Dogs bark and the carrier leaves, or maybe it’s the smell of the mail that’s been touched by so many people,” Gowans said...."    

This Article is From: sunpost.net

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Federal and USPS Retirement Annuity

Retirement Information & Services

"...As a current or former employee of the Federal Government, you can find general and personal information about retirement benefits and make changes concerning your annuity payment. ..."    

This Article is From: www.opm.gov

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2009 COLA for Federal, Military and Social Security Retiree

COLA Still Up

"...on track for a 6.0 percent cost of living adjustment in January, 2009. Last month the COLA, which is based on the rise (and sometimes fall) of the Consumer Price Index, indicated a 6.2 percent retiree increase for 2009. ..."    

This Article is From: www.federalnewsradio.com

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United States Postal Service (USPS) - History 101

"...The United States Postal Service (USPS) is an independent establishment of the executive branch of the United States government (see 39 U.S.C. § 201) responsible for providing postal service in the US. Within the United States, it is ordinarily referred to as the "Post Office", "Postal Service", "U.S. Mail" or "USPS"...."    

This Article is From: en.wikipedia.org

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Disability Benefits Under CSRS and FERS

How Much Will Federal Employee Disability Benefits Be?

"...FERS uses a different benefit formula that takes into account any Social Security disability benefits for which you may be eligible.

During your first year of disability, FERS will pay you 60% of your high-3 average salary minus 100% of an approximation of any Social Security benefit for which you qualify. No COLA's will be paid during this year.

(Note that Social Security disability payments and the reduction in your FERS benefit will not begin until 5 months after you qualify for Social Security disability. You will receive full FERS benefits during this period.)

During your second and any future years until age 62, your basic FERS benefit will amount to 40% of your high-3 salary. If you are entitled to Social Security disability benefits, your FERS annuity will be reduced by 60% of the approximate amount of your Social Security benefit. COLA's match the inflation rate if it is 2% or less. If the inflation rate is more than 3%, the COLA will be 1% less than the inflation rate.

The total FERS and Social Security benefit you receive will be equal to at least 40% of your high-3 salary plus 40% of your Social Security disability benefits. You may also get your Thrift Savings Plan account when you become disabled.

Your basic FERS disability benefit will be recomputed at age 62. At that time, you will receive your accrued FERS retirement benefit. In this case your accrued FERS benefit would be based on years of service that include the time you were receiving disability benefits. Also, the average salary used would be based on what you were earning at the time you became disabled, increased by all cost-of-living adjustments under FERS during that period. ..."    

This Article is From: www.opm.gov

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Disability Retirement Under the Civil Service Retirement System CSRS

Computation of Benefits

"...The "earned annuity" is simply the sum of 1.5 percent of the highest 3 years' average salary (high-3) times the first 5 years of service, plus 1.75 percent of the high-3 times the next 5 years, plus 2 percent of the high-3 times service over 10 years. ..."    
This is a non-technical summary of the laws and regulations on the subject. It should not be relied upon as a sole source of information.

This Article is From: www.opm.gov (RI-83-4)

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House moves to stop black market sales of tobacco

"...require Internet and other remote sellers to verify the age and identity of purchasers to cut down on sales to minors. Delivery of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco through the U.S. Postal Service would be ended...."    

This Article is From: ap.google.com

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Mark of the Eagle final episode launches

"...total upheaval of society as we know it is a ragtag band of office workers and one dedicated letter carrier. The final episode of Mark of the Eagle premieres today on USPS TV On Demand and it’s a climax like never before seen in the annals of man-vs.-machine-with-a-postal-hero-lore. It’s like “The Office meets The Terminator” — with a dash of Lord of the Rings thrown in...."    

This Article is From: www.markoftheeagle.com

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Marijuana Stamp

Marijuana defendants receive tax bill from state for plants

"..."In the entire history of the program, I think all of the stamps we have sold as far as we know have gone to stamp collectors..."    

This Article is From: www.myrtlebeachonline.com

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Mail carrier under investigation for identity, mail theft

"...Do you suspect theft? Postal customers in the Carey area who suspect they may have been a victim of identity theft or mail theft are encouraged to review their credit history at www.annualcreditreport.com and to contact the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General at 1-888-877-7644 or to visit www.uspsoig.gov...."    

This Article is From: www.theprogressortimes.com

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Beach police seek man who tried to steal postal truck

"...man took the purse, ran toward a mail carrier’s truck and demanded the vehicle, Long said. The carrier fled...."    

This Article is From: hamptonroads.com

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USPS Pounds Own Coffin Nails

"...Seattlest, Seattle - We hear that--in addition to uprooting friendly neighborhood mailboxes--the USPS is saving money by removing stamp vending machines from post offices across..."    

This Article is From: seattlest.com

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