Thursday, May 21, 2026
The bald eagle stamps take flight
USPS dedicates release depicting the birds at different stages of life
The Postal Service dedicated its Bald Eagle: Hatchling to Adult stamps in a May 14 ceremony at the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, MN.
The five stamps feature realistic illustrations of the bird at different stages of life
“Watching a bald eagle hunt is like watching an elite athlete. Once you’ve seen that display of agility and grace in the wild, you will never forget it,” said Daniel M. Tangherlini, a member of the USPS Board of Governors, who spoke at the event.
“It’s why the bald eagle has served as a symbol of our nation since the beginning and why it has long represented ideals like freedom, courage and strength,” he said.
Congress adopted the bald eagle as America’s national symbol in 1782, and it is the centerpiece of the nation’s great seal. The eagle also appears on the USPS logo and on currency, military insignia, and countless buildings, flags, and commercial products across the country.
Bald eagles are also important to many Native American cultures. Eagle feathers have been used in cultural and religious ceremonies for thousands of years, and eagles are the focus of many Native legends.
Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps using original paintings by ornithologist and illustrator David Allen Sibley.
“While the bald eagle is known to virtually all Americans as our national bird, few people know much about them,” Sibley said. “I hope these stamps spark curiosity and a greater appreciation for the lives of eagles.”
The stamps are available in sheets of 20 at Post Offices and at usps.com.
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International business VP to retire
Robert H. Raines Jr. has been with USPS for 38 years
Robert H. Raines Jr., international business vice president and managing director, will retire Friday, May 29.
He began his 38-year career with the Postal Service in 1988 as a letter carrier and has held leadership roles across district, area and headquarters levels.
Raines was appointed to his current role in September 2023 and has led the Postal Service’s international strategy, business and product development, processing and logistics functions.
He also previously served as business solutions vice president and oversaw the organization’s global business portfolio.
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Mail
Readers salute American Icons
Stamp set curated by Ralph Lauren seen as perfect fit for U.S. 250th
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May 28, 2026
Datebook
North American Soccer stamp ceremony
The Postal Service will dedicate its North American Soccer stamp on Thursday, May 28, in Boston.
The event will be held at 11 a.m. Eastern at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center at 415 Summer St.
Attendees are encouraged to RSVP online.
May 28, 2026
Datebook
‘Mind Matters: Tools for Everyday Well-Being’
Postal Service employees can participate in an upcoming webinar that provides practical strategies to support mental and emotional well-being throughout everyday life.
“Mind Matters: Tools for Everyday Well-Being” will be held Thursday, May 28, from noon to 1 p.m. Eastern.
Representatives from the Government Employees Health Association, or GEHA, a provider of health plans for federal employees, will lead the webinar.
Participation is voluntary, but participants must register before the event on the webinar website.
Nonexempt employees must participate off the clock or during authorized breaks.
Employees with questions should email the USPS Benefits and Wellness team.
Fly flags at half-staff for Memorial Day
Memorial Day, a federal holiday to remember the men and women who died while serving in the armed forces, is Monday, May 25.
Facilities that are open on the holiday must fly the U.S. flag at half-staff.
The U.S. flag must be flown at half-staff from sunrise — or the hour when it’s raised — until noon. Then, hoist the flag to the peak of the staff, where it either must fly until the time of closing or no later than sunset (unless the flag is lighted).
When the U.S. flag is flown at half-staff, all other flags must fly at half-staff, too.
For facilities that fly the flag at all times and are closed Memorial Day, the flag should be lowered to half-staff when the facility closes prior to the holiday. Return the flag to full staff when the facility opens Tuesday, May 26.
The USPS Administrative Support Manual has guidelines on U.S. flag display and maintenance.
Atlantic Area, Massachusetts-Rhode Island District on top in scanning
A snapshot of Postal Service scanning data shows the national rating was 97.35 percent during the week ending May 15, down 0.38 percent from one week earlier.
The data was collected May 20.
Atlantic led the four areas with a rating of 97.49 percent, while WestPac ranked last with a 97.2 percent rating.
Among the 50 districts, Massachusetts-Rhode Island, part of Atlantic Area, ranked first with a 98.48 percent rating, while Ohio 2, part of Central Area, ranked last with a 93.86 percent rating.
Scanning data allows customers to track their mail and packages, which helps USPS deliver excellent service, boost loyalty and drive revenue.
To see the latest data, go to the Informed Visibility website and select “Customer Experience,” followed by “DES 2 Scan Performance.” Postal Service employees must request Informed Visibility access through eAccess.
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The bald eagle stamps take flight
USPS dedicates release depicting the birds at different stages of life
-
International business VP to retire
Robert H. Raines Jr. has been with USPS for 38 years
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Mail
Featured reader quote
“This is the best gift Ralph Lauren can give to USPS and to the American public. The write-up on Link, as well as on the Ralph Lauren website, was breathtaking for anyone who loves...”
— Susan George, Coppell, TX
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May28Datebook
North American Soccer stamp ceremony
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May28Datebook
‘Mind Matters: Tools for Everyday Well-Being’
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Brief
Fly flags at half-staff for Memorial Day
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Brief
Atlantic Area, Massachusetts-Rhode Island District on top in scanning