Latest news with #DavidSteiner


Newsweek
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
USPS to Reissue America's Favorite Stamp
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The U.S. Postal Service is inviting the public to participate in a nationwide vote to revive a beloved piece of American history. Why It Matters The competition is taking place in celebration of USPS's 250th anniversary and ahead of the United States' semiquincentennial in 2026. The Stamp Encore Contest, which is open until the end of September, gives Americans the chance to select a favorite stamp pane from a curated list of 25 bestselling and popular designs from recent decades for reissue as part of the 2026 stamp program. What To Know The contest is open to everyone, with no limit on the number of votes you can cast. The options are varied and include fun choices like Star Wars droids, Disney villains, Mister Rogers, and even Bugs Bunny-themed stamps. Other options celebrate major American milestones and historic events, like the Transcontinental Railroad and the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863. File photo of vintage U.S. postage stamps. File photo of vintage U.S. postage stamps. GETTY The full list of stamps you can vote for is as follows: Art of Disney: Magic (2007) Bugs Bunny (1997) DC Comics Super Heroes (2006) Flag Act of 1818 (2018) Have a Ball! (2017) Mail a Smile (2015) Peanuts (2001) Star Wars: Droids (2021) Wonder Woman (2016) Batman (2015) Charles M. Schulz (2022) Disney Villains (2017) Frozen Treats (2018) Heritage Breeds (2021) Message Monsters (2021) Send a Hello (2011) Total Eclipse of the Sun (2017) Bioluminescent Life (2018) Classics Forever (2016) Emancipation Proclamation (2013) Happy Birthday (2021) Let's Celebrate (2020) Mister Rogers (2018) Star Trek (2016) Transcontinental Railroad (2019) You can view the full range here. The USPS has been busy preparing for its 250th anniversary, which officially falls on Saturday, July 26. A range of USPS-themed stamps was released earlier this week, and events will take place at select Post Office locations this weekend to mark the occasion. What People Are Saying Postmaster General and CEO David Steiner said in a statement: "On July 26th, we proudly observe the 250th Anniversary of the United States Postal Service and mark two and a half centuries of service to the American public. In 1775, our Founding Fathers recognized the importance of creating an institution that could bind the nation together and foster secure and accessible communications between every community in America. The rich and enduring history of the Postal Service demonstrates the strength of their wisdom, and we look forward to providing reliable, affordable, and universal service for generations to come." What Happens Next Voting is now open through September 30 and can be conducted online or by mail. The winning stamp pane will be revealed in May 2026 at the Boston 2026 World Expo, coinciding with national celebrations marking 250 years since the founding of the United States. Until then, the results will remain under wraps.


The Independent
23-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Postal Service marks 250th anniversary with stamps honoring Ben Franklin and postal carriers
The U.S. Postal Service on Wednesday marked its upcoming 250th anniversary with the release of new commemorative stamps, including an exclusive, modernized version of the nation's first 5-cent stamp featuring Benjamin Franklin, the first postmaster general. The event was held at the USPS headquarters in Washington and included an appearance by the 76th postmaster general. David Steiner, a former waste management company CEO and a former board member of the shipping giant FedEx, began in his new role last week. 'For the United States Postal Service, today is a milestone 250 years in the making,' Steiner said in a statement. 'These stamps will serve as a window into our shared history.' The U.S. mail service officially turns 250 years old Saturday. Established by the Second Continental Congress in 1775, the Postal Service was launched nearly a year before the colonies declared their break from British rule. It is seen by historians as crucial to the nation's independence and to keeping the young country unified. Franklin was chosen as the first postmaster general because he had previously served in the British postal service for North America, including as co-Postmaster General from 1757 until 1774. A book of 20 Franklin stamps is exclusively being sold with a commemorative 32-page booklet titled "Putting a Stamp on the American Experience." The new Forever stamp features a redesigned, modern interpretation of an 1875 reproduction of the original 5-cent stamp released in 1847. President George Washington was featured on the first 10-cent stamp. The USPS has also released a commemorative sheet of 20 interconnected stamps, dubbed '250 Years of Delivering,' that portray a mail carrier making her rounds throughout a year. The stamps were illustrated by renowned cartoonist Chris Ware. Steiner has lauded the Postal Service for its history and recently voiced support for keeping the USPS as a self-financing, independent agency of the executive branch. Last week, in a video message to employees, Steiner said he opposed the idea of privatizing the Postal Service, contrasting with comments made by President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk. 'I do not believe the Postal Service should be privatized or that it should become an appropriated part of the federal government,' Steiner said. He said his goal as postmaster was to meet the agency's 'financial and service performance expectations' under the current structure.

Associated Press
23-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Postal Service marks 250th anniversary with stamps honoring Ben Franklin and postal carriers
The U.S. Postal Service on Wednesday marked its upcoming 250th anniversary with the release of new commemorative stamps, including an exclusive, modernized version of the nation's first 5-cent stamp featuring Benjamin Franklin, the first postmaster general. The event was held at the USPS headquarters in Washington and included an appearance by the 76th postmaster general. David Steiner, a former waste management company CEO and a former board member of the shipping giant FedEx, began in his new role last week. 'For the United States Postal Service, today is a milestone 250 years in the making,' Steiner said in a statement. 'These stamps will serve as a window into our shared history.' The U.S. mail service officially turns 250 years old Saturday. Established by the Second Continental Congress in 1775, the Postal Service was launched nearly a year before the colonies declared their break from British rule. It is seen by historians as crucial to the nation's independence and to keeping the young country unified. Franklin was chosen as the first postmaster general because he had previously served in the British postal service for North America, including as co-Postmaster General from 1757 until 1774. A book of 20 Franklin stamps is exclusively being sold with a commemorative 32-page booklet titled 'Putting a Stamp on the American Experience.' The new Forever stamp features a redesigned, modern interpretation of an 1875 reproduction of the original 5-cent stamp released in 1847. President George Washington was featured on the first 10-cent stamp. The USPS has also released a commemorative sheet of 20 interconnected stamps, dubbed '250 Years of Delivering,' that portray a mail carrier making her rounds throughout a year. The stamps were illustrated by renowned cartoonist Chris Ware. Steiner has lauded the Postal Service for its history and recently voiced support for keeping the USPS as a self-financing, independent agency of the executive branch. Last week, in a video message to employees, Steiner said he opposed the idea of privatizing the Postal Service, contrasting with comments made by President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk. 'I do not believe the Postal Service should be privatized or that it should become an appropriated part of the federal government,' Steiner said. He said his goal as postmaster was to meet the agency's 'financial and service performance expectations' under the current structure.
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Signed, Sealed and Delivered for 250 Years
USPS marks a milestone with two new stamp releases WASHINGTON, July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of two and a half centuries of continuous service, the U.S. Postal Service today unveiled two stamp releases at its headquarters building. The two stamp designs capture the essence of USPS, one honoring its deep-rooted history, the other highlighting its ubiquitous presence in everyday life. "For the United States Postal Service, today is a milestone 250 years in the making," said Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer David Steiner. "These stamps will serve as a window into our shared history. They represent enduring values that I — and every American — can learn from: perseverance, trust and imagination. As we unveil these stamps today, I ask all of you to use the mail to stay connected, especially when we feel ourselves starting to drift apart." Amber McReynolds, USPS Board of Governors chairwoman, joined the newly appointed Postmaster General for the ceremony. "Today, we celebrate this magnificent organization which has shaped our nation's culture, powered its economy and connected each one of us to each other for 250 years. I hope these stamps will serve as reminders of the impact these tiny pieces of artwork have had on our shared democracy, our economy, and our connectivity as a nation." The founding of the postal system in 1775 was vital to achieving independence and laying the foundation for a unified nation. Today, America's first communications network still serves the same ideals, connecting individuals, communities and businesses through an exchange of ideas, information and goods. The Postal Service's 640,000 employees exemplify those ideals every day. Letter carriers make up more than half of the USPS workforce. In snow, rain, heat and gloom of night, carriers reach the American public where they live and work, six and sometimes seven days a week. They are friends, neighbors and in some cases, heroes. Making their appointed rounds regularly, Postal Service employees are members of our communities — a human presence with a unique, observant familiarity with the neighborhoods they serve. In some situations, carriers go above and beyond the call of duty, being the first to recognize a problem and alert emergency personnel. These actions have saved lives on many occasions and are recognized under the Postmaster General Heroes' Program. Postal operations are often some of the first services restored after a natural disaster; the presence of carriers offers a sense of normalcy and helps maintain connections within communities. Behind the scenes and at America's doorstep, 640,000 dedicated employees work toward a shared mission to provide the nation with reliable, affordable, universal mail service. Whether it's the carrier delivering mail, the mechanic keeping their vehicle running, the retail associate at a local Post Office location or the mail handlers ensuring that every envelope or package gets sent to the right destination, USPS employees are working together to serve the country. The Postal Service is a marvel of the modern age and of the cumulative experience of 250 years. The everyday story of connecting Americans near and far by mail is meticulously depicted in the artwork for one of the stamp sets being released today: 250 Years of Delivering. Offering a bird's-eye view of a bustling town, each individual stamp is a frame of sequential art that tells the story of a mail carrier's journey as she walks her daily route. The story progresses clockwise through a year's four seasons. The artwork also contains numerous postal icons such as collection boxes, a post rider on horseback and delivery vehicles. Collectively, the pane represents the faithful presence of USPS throughout the year. Chris Ware created the stamp artwork and co-designed the pane with Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS. The 250 Years of Delivering stamps are issued as a pane of 20 Forever stamps, which will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price. News of the stamps is being shared with the hashtag #250YearsOfDelivering. 'Putting a Stamp on the American Experience' booklet Postage stamps delight, entertain and educate, sparking curiosity about history, art, nature and science. Highlighting a wide range of subjects and history gives the U.S. stamp program its remarkable range. The 32-page prestige booklet, "Putting a Stamp on the American Experience," provides an in-depth look at some of the Postal Service's most popular stamps. The booklet, only the fourth ever issued by the Postal Service, is illustrated with specially selected stamps and artwork from more than 75 previous issuances, both recent and vintage. Some pages in the booklet pay tribute to long-running series or spotlight interests such as national parks, sports, nature and flags. Other pages show how each new generation of designers commemorates traditional subjects in the visual language of their time. The booklet also points out recent innovations in printing and recognizes the importance of stamps that raise awareness of, and sometimes funds for, important causes. Available exclusively with the "Putting a Stamp on the American Experience" booklet are two self-adhesive sheets of 10 stamps featuring the first postmaster general, Benjamin Franklin. The stamp represents both tradition and innovation by featuring a "reframed" modern interpretation of an 1875 reproduction of one of the first two official U.S. postage stamps from 1847. As one of the first U.S. stamp subjects, Franklin is a longtime icon of the stamp program, appearing on more than 100 issuances in the 178-year history of American stamps. Appointed postmaster general of the Colonies by the Second Continental Congress in 1775, Franklin had previously served as both postmaster of Philadelphia and one of two deputy postmasters general appointed by the British Crown. He appreciated that the postal system could help unite the Colonies — and the nation they became. As a printer, scientist and diplomat, he played a monumental role in shaping American culture, and his postal legacy of adaptability and innovation continues to inspire the modern-day Postal Service. Rendered in blue instead of the original reddish brown, the stamp reproduction was created by combining two printing techniques. The intaglio process, which incises the image into metal plates, was used to evoke the texture and appearance of classic engraved stamps. The surrounding area balances tradition with modernity by rendering it with smooth precision through offset printing. The Benjamin Franklin stamps are issued as Forever stamps and will only be available through the purchase of the "Putting a Stamp on the American Experience" prestige booklet. Booklets are available for purchase through the Postal Store, by calling 844-737-7826, or by mail through USA Philatelic. News of the stamp and booklet is being shared with the hashtag #USPS250booklet. Stamp Encore Contest Today the U.S. Postal Service launches the Stamp Encore contest, offering the public a chance to vote on any of 25 preselected, previously issued stamps as part of the 2026 stamp program. The public can go to to cast votes and put a "stamp" on an upcoming release. Voting will take place from July 23 to Sept. 30. Postal Products Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic, or at Post Office locations nationwide. For officially licensed stamp products, shop the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on Amazon. Additional information on stamps, First Day of Issue Ceremonies and stamp-inspired products can be found at Please Note: The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to nearly 169 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is implementing a 10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America, to modernize the postal network, restore long-term financial sustainability, dramatically improve service across all mail and shipping categories, and maintain the organization as one of America's most valued and trusted brands. The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations. For USPS media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom. Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter; Facebook; Instagram; Pinterest; Threads; and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel. For more information about the Postal Service, visit and National contact: Melissa Local contact: Mark View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE U.S. Postal Service Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

Associated Press
23-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Signed, Sealed and Delivered for 250 Years
USPS marks a milestone with two new stamp releases WASHINGTON, July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of two and a half centuries of continuous service, the U.S. Postal Service today unveiled two stamp releases at its headquarters building. The two stamp designs capture the essence of USPS, one honoring its deep-rooted history, the other highlighting its ubiquitous presence in everyday life. 'For the United States Postal Service, today is a milestone 250 years in the making,' said Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer David Steiner. 'These stamps will serve as a window into our shared history. They represent enduring values that I — and every American — can learn from: perseverance, trust and imagination. As we unveil these stamps today, I ask all of you to use the mail to stay connected, especially when we feel ourselves starting to drift apart.' Amber McReynolds, USPS Board of Governors chairwoman, joined the newly appointed Postmaster General for the ceremony. 'Today, we celebrate this magnificent organization which has shaped our nation's culture, powered its economy and connected each one of us to each other for 250 years. I hope these stamps will serve as reminders of the impact these tiny pieces of artwork have had on our shared democracy, our economy, and our connectivity as a nation.' The founding of the postal system in 1775 was vital to achieving independence and laying the foundation for a unified nation. Today, America's first communications network still serves the same ideals, connecting individuals, communities and businesses through an exchange of ideas, information and goods. The Postal Service's 640,000 employees exemplify those ideals every day. Letter carriers make up more than half of the USPS workforce. In snow, rain, heat and gloom of night, carriers reach the American public where they live and work, six and sometimes seven days a week. They are friends, neighbors and in some cases, heroes. Making their appointed rounds regularly, Postal Service employees are members of our communities — a human presence with a unique, observant familiarity with the neighborhoods they serve. In some situations, carriers go above and beyond the call of duty, being the first to recognize a problem and alert emergency personnel. These actions have saved lives on many occasions and are recognized under the Postmaster General Heroes' Program. Postal operations are often some of the first services restored after a natural disaster; the presence of carriers offers a sense of normalcy and helps maintain connections within communities. Behind the scenes and at America's doorstep, 640,000 dedicated employees work toward a shared mission to provide the nation with reliable, affordable, universal mail service. Whether it's the carrier delivering mail, the mechanic keeping their vehicle running, the retail associate at a local Post Office location or the mail handlers ensuring that every envelope or package gets sent to the right destination, USPS employees are working together to serve the country. The Postal Service is a marvel of the modern age and of the cumulative experience of 250 years. The everyday story of connecting Americans near and far by mail is meticulously depicted in the artwork for one of the stamp sets being released today: 250 Years of Delivering. Offering a bird's-eye view of a bustling town, each individual stamp is a frame of sequential art that tells the story of a mail carrier's journey as she walks her daily route. The story progresses clockwise through a year's four seasons. The artwork also contains numerous postal icons such as collection boxes, a post rider on horseback and delivery vehicles. Collectively, the pane represents the faithful presence of USPS throughout the year. Chris Ware created the stamp artwork and co-designed the pane with Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS. The 250 Years of Delivering stamps are issued as a pane of 20 Forever stamps, which will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price. News of the stamps is being shared with the hashtag #250YearsOfDelivering. 'Putting a Stamp on the American Experience' booklet Postage stamps delight, entertain and educate, sparking curiosity about history, art, nature and science. Highlighting a wide range of subjects and history gives the U.S. stamp program its remarkable range. The 32-page prestige booklet, 'Putting a Stamp on the American Experience,' provides an in-depth look at some of the Postal Service's most popular stamps. The booklet, only the fourth ever issued by the Postal Service, is illustrated with specially selected stamps and artwork from more than 75 previous issuances, both recent and vintage. Some pages in the booklet pay tribute to long-running series or spotlight interests such as national parks, sports, nature and flags. Other pages show how each new generation of designers commemorates traditional subjects in the visual language of their time. The booklet also points out recent innovations in printing and recognizes the importance of stamps that raise awareness of, and sometimes funds for, important causes. Available exclusively with the 'Putting a Stamp on the American Experience' booklet are two self-adhesive sheets of 10 stamps featuring the first postmaster general, Benjamin Franklin. The stamp represents both tradition and innovation by featuring a 'reframed' modern interpretation of an 1875 reproduction of one of the first two official U.S. postage stamps from 1847. As one of the first U.S. stamp subjects, Franklin is a longtime icon of the stamp program, appearing on more than 100 issuances in the 178-year history of American stamps. Appointed postmaster general of the Colonies by the Second Continental Congress in 1775, Franklin had previously served as both postmaster of Philadelphia and one of two deputy postmasters general appointed by the British Crown. He appreciated that the postal system could help unite the Colonies — and the nation they became. As a printer, scientist and diplomat, he played a monumental role in shaping American culture, and his postal legacy of adaptability and innovation continues to inspire the modern-day Postal Service. Rendered in blue instead of the original reddish brown, the stamp reproduction was created by combining two printing techniques. The intaglio process, which incises the image into metal plates, was used to evoke the texture and appearance of classic engraved stamps. The surrounding area balances tradition with modernity by rendering it with smooth precision through offset printing. The Benjamin Franklin stamps are issued as Forever stamps and will only be available through the purchase of the 'Putting a Stamp on the American Experience' prestige booklet. Booklets are available for purchase through the Postal Store, by calling 844-737-7826, or by mail through USA Philatelic. News of the stamp and booklet is being shared with the hashtag #USPS250booklet. Stamp Encore Contest Today the U.S. Postal Service launches the Stamp Encore contest, offering the public a chance to vote on any of 25 preselected, previously issued stamps as part of the 2026 stamp program. The public can go to to cast votes and put a 'stamp' on an upcoming release. Voting will take place from July 23 to Sept. 30. Postal Products Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic, or at Post Office locations nationwide. For officially licensed stamp products, shop the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on Amazon. Additional information on stamps, First Day of Issue Ceremonies and stamp-inspired products can be found at Please Note: The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to nearly 169 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is implementing a 10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America, to modernize the postal network, restore long-term financial sustainability, dramatically improve service across all mail and shipping categories, and maintain the organization as one of America's most valued and trusted brands. The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations. For USPS media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom. Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter; Facebook; Instagram; Pinterest; Threads; and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel. For more information about the Postal Service, visit and National contact: Melissa Chavez [email protected] Local contact: Mark Wahl [email protected] View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE U.S. Postal Service