Anzila Wong

The U.S.

Postal Service has usually prioritized big businesses like Amazon when offering special rates for delivering packages nationwide to their final destinations.

But the mailing agency is now accepting bids from smaller businesses, too, for access to what USPS calls its last mile network.

The move comes after Postmaster General David Steiner warned the agency's financial situation is unsustainable.

USPS generally receives no tax dollars and relies on shipping and stamp fees to keep running.

In the past fiscal year, the Postal Service had a net loss of $9 billion.

USPS says it's now trying to boost revenue by taking bids from both large and small businesses.

Some shipping industry experts say the move could push bigger shippers to stop relying on USPS, and that could further destabilize the agency.

Anzila Wong, NPR News.

The Census Bureau says it needs about 1,500 workers for the 2026 census test, and it's looking for U.S.

citizens who live in parts of Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas.

Many of these temporary workers will be knocking on doors to help develop better ways of getting a count of every person living in the states in 2030 —

Those numbers determine each state's share of congressional seats, electoral college votes, and federal funding for public services.

The 2026 census test will also involve selected households from around the country.

Starting in March, the Bureau says it plans to mail out invitations to take part in the test.

Some census advocates are concerned, though, that growing distrust in the federal government may discourage many people from participating.

Anzila Wong, NPR News.

The Census Bureau says it needs about 1,500 workers for the 2026 census test.

and it's looking for U.S.

citizens who live in parts of Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas.