Even in the era of “there’s an app for that,” our largely tech-first culture is reclaiming timeless analog elements. Today the Paper & Packaging – How Life Unfolds® campaign unveils a new limited-edition print publication, Pod Papers Magazine, bringing podcasts to life in a way that has never been done before – in print. Complimentary copies of Pod Papers will be available exclusively in store at Barnes & Noble locations nationwide while supplies last. “Our culture, though increasingly digital, is in the midst of a moment of reflection. For many, turning digital into analog is helping fuel inspiration and creativity,” observes Mary Anne Hansan, president of the Paper and Packaging Board. “Pod Papers is our answer to this cultural moment – it’s meant to be pored over and become a keepsake.” Click Read More below for additional information.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jim Whittaker. Jim will be remembered as a true trailblazer and generous leader, and as one of the most important voices in the history of our co-op and the outdoor community. Jim showed the world what’s possible when courage is grounded in purpose. When he became the first American to summit Mount Everest on May 1, 1963, alongside Nawang Gombu Sherpa, he expanded our sense of what exploration can be. The achievement brought national recognition and helped carry REI into a new era. For REI, Jim’s legacy is at our very core. Hired in 1955 by REI Co-op co-founder Lloyd Anderson as our first full-time paid employee, Jim was an early leader and went on to serve as the second CEO from 1971 to 1979. During his tenure, he helped shape a co-op rooted in stewardship, humility, and a belief that time outside should be shared widely and protected fiercely. Under his leadership, membership grew from just under 250,000 to more than 900,000 at the time of his retirement.

The United States Postal Service announced today improved deliveries of First-Class Mail, Marketing Mail and Periodicals since the second quarter as its operations continue to recover from challenges experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the second quarter, delivery performance against existing USPS service targets showed the following improvements: *A 9.5 percentage point improvement in First-Class Mail deliveries, as 87.6 percent were delivered on-time against the USPS service standard in May. On average, a first-class mailpiece took 2.4 days to be delivered so far this quarter. *A 5.5 percentage point improvement in delivery of Marketing Mail to 90.6 percent against the USPS service standard in May. On average, a marketing mailpiece took 2.9 days to be delivered so far this quarter.