First-class stamp price to increase to 49 cents
WASHINGTON – Mailing a letter is about to get a little more expensive.
Regulators on Tuesday approved a temporary price hike of 3 cents for a first-class stamp, bringing the charge to 49 cents a letter in an effort to help the Postal Service recover from severe mail decreases brought on by the 2008 economic downturn.
Many consumers won’t feel the price increase immediately. Forever stamps, good for first-class postage whatever the future rate, can be purchased at the lower price until the new rate is effective Jan. 26.
The higher rate will last no more than two years.
NATO general meets troops in Afghanistan
JALALABAD, Afghanistan – The commander of NATO forces in eastern Afghanistan spent Christmas Eve visiting U.S. troops Tuesday at bases across the mountainous region to bring them holiday greetings and gifts for a few lucky soldiers.
Maj. Gen. James C. McConville, who commands troops in the volatile east near the Pakistani border, told troops that they were “bringing a gift to the Afghan people – you’ve given them an opportunity. Now it’s up to them to take it.”
McConville told them that thanks to them “a lot of Americans will wake up tomorrow and have a peaceful day, and that’s thanks to you.”
The general also delivered presents in the form of special Army coins to troops who’d completed three or more deployments.
Associated Press
