A Texas landlord's case before the U.S. Supreme Court is challenging the U.S. Postal Service's exemption from lawsuits over lost or mishandled mail. The landlord alleges her mail was deliberately withheld for two years. The Postal Service argues that allowing such lawsuits could lead to a flood of litigation. During oral arguments last month, a government lawyer warned of numerous lawsuits if the court rules in the landlord's favor. However, the landlord's attorney claims such cases would be rare. The Supreme Court's decision could redefine the Postal Service's liability under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
Low-value imports are no longer eligible to enter the U.S. duty-free. An order signed by President Donald Trump eliminated a widely used customs exemption for international shipments worth $800 or less as of 12:01 a.m. Eastern time on Friday. The national postal services of more than 30 countries have temporarily suspended sending some or most U.S.-bound packages because of the change. They say they didn't have enough time or information to prepare for collecting the new import taxes on small parcels. Logistics experts say that in addition to bringing new costs for sellers and buyers, the end of the "de minimis" exception is likely to delay orders.
The U.S. Postal Service is turning 250. Saturday's anniversary comes as the agency faces financial challenges. The postal service was established in 1775, when the Second Continental Congress appointed Benjamin Franklin as postmaster general. Its service predates the United States, launched nearly a year before the colonies declared their break from British rule. A key link between colonial leaders and the Continental Army, it also helped unify the fragmented colonies by spreading ideas of liberty and independence and would help shape the nation throughout its history. It still reaches nearly every American daily.
