Calvin R. Tucker of Pennsylvania, for the remainder of a term expiring December 8, 2023. Robert M. Duncan of Kentucky, for the remainder of a seven-year term expiring December 8, 2018, and an additional term expiring December 8, 2025. David Williams of Illinois, for the remainder of a seven-year term expiring December 8, 2019.

The Association of American Publishers (AAP) announced that the U.S. book publishing industry generated $26.24 billion in net revenue for 2016, representing 2.7 billion in units (volume). Books with religious and inspirational themes from religious presses and trade publishers were among the best-selling books. StatShot Annual estimates the book publishing industry’s size and scope, tracking the sales and volume data for trade (fiction/non-fiction/religious), PreK-12 instructional materials, higher education course materials, university presses, and professional books. While publisher revenue (1.5%) and units sold (2.8%) both increased for trade books, the overall publishing industry saw a decline in revenue (-5.1%.) This may in large part be attributed to a challenging year in the education and scholarly publishing markets, which together comprise about 40% of tracked revenues. Click Read More below for additional details.

Today the Postal Regulatory Commission approved the Postal Service’s planned price adjustments for First-Class Mail, USPS Marketing Mail, Periodicals, Package Services, and Special Services products. The Commission determined that the rates and related mail classification changes proposed by the Postal Service are consistent with 39 U.S.C. §§ 3622(d) and 3622(e), and may take effect as planned. The new prices, scheduled to take effect January 21, 2018, include a one-cent price increase for the Forever stamp from 49 cents to 50 cents. Postcards and metered letters will also increase by one cent from 34 cents to 35 cents and from 46 cents to 47 cents respectively. A complete listing of approved pricing and classification changes may be found on the Commission’s website, www.prc.gov in Docket No. R2018-1, Order No. 4215