Snail mail slows down, French cheeseheads heat up

last updated 11 January 2015

GOOD DAY FOR: UPS and FedEx, after U.S. Postmaster General John E. Potter asked Congress to allow the U.S. Postal Service to deliver mail just five days a week. Since 1983, USPS has been under congressional mandate to deliver the mail six days. But the Post Office delivered 9 billion fewer pieces of mail last year—its largest drop ever—and could have a $6 billion net loss this fiscal year. Potter suggested Saturday or Tuesday as the possible off-days. (USA Today)

BAD DAY FOR: French shepherds, as the Bush administration, in its final days, imposed a 300 percent import duty on Roquefort cheese, effectively shutting it out of the U.S. market. The measure, announced Jan. 13, is in retaliation for the European Union’s ban on imports of hormone-tinged U.S. beef. “This measure is completely out of proportion,” said Robert Glandières, one of 4,500 sheep farmers who depend upon Roquefort for their livelihood. The U.S. is also dinging French truffles, Irish oatmeal, and Italian sparkling water. (The Washington Post)