U.S. postal workers and letter carriers push against Trump and Musk's privatizing pitch

USPS has the largest physical and logistical infrastructure
of any non-military government institution. (Photo via IPR)

The U.S. Postal Service continues its uphill battle to modernize its processes and manage its financial woes. Meanwhile, it faces a new challenge -- the possibility of privatization by the Trump administration. Mail carriers and advocates believe privatizing the USPS would leave rural residents facing slower and fewer mail deliveries.

"In recent weeks, President Donald Trump and Elon Musk have floated the idea of privatizing U.S. mail services," reports Michael Livingston of Interlochen Public Radio, which serves northern Michigan. "Trump said he’s considering putting USPS under the control of the Commerce Department, which he says will help fix declining profits at USPS. The agency has been independent and mostly self-funded since 1970."

Letter carriers oppose the change, with Trump and Musk's discussion leading to "mass protests by postal workers and letter carriers across the country last month. A national 'day of action' took place in more than 150 cities on March 20," Livingstone adds. "Letter carriers say that would be detrimental to rural areas . . ."

Doug Bartlett, president of the Michigan Rural Letter Carriers Association, told Livingston, "If a private company comes in and takes over the post office, they're going to cherry-pick where they can make money, and that's going to be our urban areas, short distances to get out and deliver stuff. And it's going to be our rural areas that'll be poor."

The USPS delivers to every address in the nation, which means its carriers are the ones getting checks, medicines and election ballots to the most remote-living Americans. Any changes to its services mean rural areas will likely be impacted. Bartlett told Livingston, "Rural delivery out in the real rural areas could be cut back to maybe as much as one or two days a week. That would be devastating for people that need those items."

Opinion: Americans should be alarmed at the 'dangerous idea' Congress is floating, which could 'kill' rural America

A couple cares for fencing in Dark Sky, Oregon, an area
that is mostly comprised of public lands. (Instagram)

 

Inside a recent congressional budget reconciliation discussion, an alarming suggestion was made: Allow Congress to sell public lands to private investors, writes Tim David in his opinion for The Daily Yonder. Although lawmakers indicate sale proceeds would increase federal revenue, the loss of public lands would devastate some rural economies "where public lands aren’t just a backdrop, they’re the backbone of the economy and the way of life."

Even as lawmakers say they care about rural livelihoods, selling public assets would harm many rural communities, particularly those in the West. "From grazing and outfitting to hunting, fishing, and tourism, these lands sustain small businesses, support working families, and keep rural economies afloat," David explains. "If Congress truly wants to support rural America, it can start by investing in the agencies that manage these lands, not liquidating the lands themselves."

Congress has spent years asking the Bureau of Land Management "to do more with less," David writes. "Some of the loudest voices criticizing the BLM are the same ones voting to strip its funding. It’s a political double standard: criticize the agency for being slow or ineffective, then gut the very budget that allows it to function, and turn around and blame it again when things don’t get done."

Considering its ever-shrinking budget, it's unsurprising that "public lands and the rural communities that depend on them are feeling the strain," David adds. "Across the West, deteriorating roads, neglected infrastructure, and staff shortages are leaving public access routes impassable and economic opportunities squandered. Local businesses are losing revenue right when tourism and recreation seasons should be ramping up."

What those in Washington may see as a budget line that needs reduction, are real Americans working and serving in the communities where they live. "These are folks who know every rancher by name, who raise their families in the same towns, and who show up for volunteer projects and community events," David explains. "When Congress cuts funding, it’s not just abstract numbers. It’s fewer people to maintain campgrounds, issue grazing permits, support outfitters, and help prevent wildfires. It’s not the agency that suffers, it’s rural America."

Congress needs to seek out different solutions. "If Congress truly wants to help rural America, it starts with two things: fund the BLM like it matters, and keep our public lands public," David writes. "If Congress continues to underfund the BLM and entertains a wholesale sell-off of public lands, it won’t just hurt rural America. It will kill it."

Neurodivergent workers fear facing discrimination as they return to the office

Neurodivergent workers fear for
their jobs if required to RTO.
(Photo by Christian Tarzi, Unsplash)

Neurodivergence encompasses people who may learn, think or behave differently than what is typical. Being neurodivergent can include diagnoses such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, intellectual disabilities, mental health conditions and more.

Neurodivergent challenges can be more common among rural residents who often live where access to medical and mental care for chronic conditions can be more limited. In fact, research published by Florida State University said that “The prevalence of adults living with disabilities is significantly higher in rural areas compared to metropolitan areas.”

“About a fifth of U.S. adults self-identify as neurodivergent,” according to an article by Danielle Abril at The Washington Post. For these workers, being in the office can be challenging.

During Covid, the number of people who worked from home went from 9 million to 28 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Now, workers are being called back into the office.

“Some neurodivergent workers discovered success working remotely during the pandemic and don’t feel comfortable disclosing their diagnoses due to fear of and prior instances of discrimination,” wrote Abril.

Through interviews with neurodivergent workers, Abril found that in some cases, after disclosing their diagnosis, workers have been fired days later or told to get it under control. However, “Even before the pandemic, companies were required under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) to offer accommodations, which might include adjustable work schedules, to people who disclosed their neurodivergence.”

In an interview with Abril, Amazon spokesperson Margaret Callahan said, “the company continues to believe that the advantages of being together … are significant.”

While working from home can create a more comfortable and productive environment for some workers, there is still a push by companies for employees to return to the office.

Kristyn Roth, chief marketing officer of the Autism Society of America, told Abril, “The job market right now is really competitive… If accommodations [like flexibility] are being cut and DEI services continue to be deprioritized, job opportunities become even more narrow for autistic or neurodiverse workers.”

To prevent bird flu, farmers invest in lasers to discourage wild birds from flying over farm animal operations

Birds see the beams as a threat and avoid the area.
(Graphic by A. Dixon, Ambrook Research)

An increasing number of farmers looking to stop the spread of bird flu are using lasers to discourage wild birds from flying over poultry and dairy operations. Farmers have "sought to reduce the risk of their animals contracting the disease," reports Daniel Walton of Ambrook Research. "They know that wild birds such as geese, ducks, and seagulls spread bird flu along their migration routes, and lasers are becoming a go-to tactic for keeping them — and by extension, the virus — away from buildings or pastures."

Lasers work because birds rely on their vision to sense any surrounding threats. Walton explains, "Green lasers in particular are close to the wavelengths that birds best perceive in motion, and the beams likely interact with the green chlorophyll in plants to produce disorienting effects only birds can see."

Jake Vlaminck, a turkey producer in Lake Lillian, Minnesota, decided to start investing in lasers as a wild bird deterrent after "a bird flu outbreak forced him to cull tens of thousands of turkeys," Walton writes. A neighboring farmer introduced him to a "robotically controlled system. . . . Its laser swivels on a base to target dozens of different points in constantly shifting patterns, keeping birds from growing accustomed to the beams."

While Vlaminck wasn't sure the system would help, "he was willing to take a chance on anything that might avoid a repeat outbreak," Walton explains. "He set up two units in early 2023, before the spring migration season, and over the following year his flocks remained untouched by flu. . . . Minnesota poultry farmers have put in over 100 laser systems since 2023, some with support from a state program meant to prevent bird flu transmission."

Lasers may not be a "silver bullet" solution to stop bird flu transmission, but "for farmers who’ve lost entire flocks to bird flu. . .Gutshall says the investment can be very worthwhile," Walton reports. "He estimates that laser clients usually see their wild bird activity drop by 80%, with even further reductions when they add on other deterrents."

Earth-friendly tips help build awareness about sustainable consumerism

Recycling may not be as
sustainable as it's advertised.
(Photo by No Revisions, Unsplash)

People might think sustainability means recycling, growing your own food, composting, not using plastic, and buying more sustainable products.

However, Joel Hartter, a professor in the environmental studies department at the University of Colorado, told CNN that a “common misconception is that reducing plastic is just about swapping disposables for reusables,” but that most waste comes from “packaging and how products are designed and distributed.”

Carolina Gazal wrote in the article for CNN that Hartter also said many materials that are considered recyclable often end up in landfills anyway and when they are recycled it still requires “energy, water and infrastructure.”

After interviewing multiple experts on the issue, Gazal wrote that the message is clear, “Sustainability is about thoughtful, systemic change that values durability, reduction and a smarter use of what we already have.”

To start living more sustainably, Hartter told Gazal, “Look for packaging made from paper, glass, aluminum or other materials that are widely recyclable and don’t degrade in quality after one use. Skip the vague marketing language. Words like ‘eco-friendly’ or ‘green’ aren’t regulated. Instead, read the materials list and look for specific attributes: ‘100% postconsumer recycled paper,’ for example. Bulk refills, concentrates and solid-form products (like bar soaps or detergent tablets) are typically lower waste.”

Gazal said that buying in bulk can be applied to food (as in buying one container of yogurt and putting single servings in to-go containers instead of buying single servings), hygiene items and cleaning supplies. In her article, she listed these and other items she uses with links to where to find them.

Reporting on addiction resources helps journalists approach alcohol use disorder with more accuracy and empathy

Reporting on Addiction offers an audio "Tip Sheet" for journalists who want to understand what alcohol use disorder is, address alcohol use stigma or enhance your community's understanding of the diagnoses.

Throughout April, which is designated Alcohol Awareness Month, journalists can access Reporting on Addiction's resources and learn the different parts of alcohol use, including prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery. 

The tip sheet helps reporters approach alcohol issues with more accuracy and empathy. According to Reporting on Addiction, when journalists engage in informed reporting, they benefit their communities by helping to:

• Reduce the stigma associated with alcohol use disorder.
• Make the public more aware of available help and support services.
• Foster more productive community discussions and effective policies regarding alcohol.
• Ultimately improve overall community health and well-being.

Reporting on Addiction is on a mission to improve how the media discusses and depicts addiction in the news. The collaborative service offers education for professional and student newsrooms that uses addiction science experts, research-based reporting resources, an expert database, and a network of media professionals passionate about decreasing stigma and improving the media’s portrayal of addiction and recovery. Access their materials here.

Many 'recycled' items go to a landfill instead; here's how to improve your recycling efforts, particularly involving plastics

Consumers who pay attention to recycling details can help their local program succeed.
(Photo by A.V. Loarca, Newsday RM, Getty Images via The Conversation)

Sometimes items Americans toss into recycling cans get a second life, but all too often, they end up in the landfill. In his column for The Conversation, Alex Jordan, an associate professor of Plastics Engineering at the University of Wisconsin, explains how single-stream recycling works, gives examples of which items work best for recycling, and details what U.S. consumers can do to improve their recycling habits. He includes a handy video that illustrates the single-stream recycling process from start to finish.

Single-stream recycling means that consumers can put all their recyclable items in one bin for pick up, which are taken to a facility that sorts and divides the items. "While single-stream recycling is convenient, it has downsides," Jordan explains. "Contamination, such as food residue, plastic bags and items that can’t be recycled, can degrade the quality of the remaining material, making it more difficult to reuse. That lowers its value."

While every recycling program has its own rules, there are some fairly universal guides regarding what can be recycled, which means many items tossed into recycling bins will never be repurposed. "A large percentage of material never gets a second life," Jordan notes. "Reports in recent years have found 15% to 25% of all the materials picked up from recycling bins end up in landfills instead. Plastics are among the biggest challenges."

Which plastics are recyclable? The recycling code stamp on the plastic next to the recycling icon will let you know. In general, products stamped with symbols 3, 4 or six are not recyclable. Jordan adds, "That leaves three plastics that can be recycled in many facilities." Those include:

• Symbol 1 – Soda bottles are often made of Polyethylene terephthalate or PET.
• Symbol 2 – This plastic, known as high-density polyethylene, or HDPE, is found in most milk jugs and laundry detergent bottles,
• Symbol 5 – Polypropylene, PP, is used in products such as pill bottles, yogurt cups and plastic utensils.

Researchers are working on ways to make "recycled materials more versatile and valuable and move products closer to a goal of a circular economy without waste," Jordan explains. "However, improving recycling also requires better recycling habits. Consumers can help the recycling process by: 

• Taking a few minutes to wash off food waste.
• Avoiding putting plastic bags in your recycling bin.
• Paying attention to what can and cannot be recycled in your area.

A single-stream recycling system. (Van Dyk Recycling Solutions video via The Conversation)
 

Forest plants and resources can help feed more marginalized people while supporting biodiversity conservation

Policies recognizing the value of
forests have multiple benefits.
(Photo by Ruta Celma, Unsplash)

The first humans didn’t have a Walmart or a convenience store, but they did have the forest, which has provided food, medicine and life since the dawn of time.

In an article for the Great Lakes Echo, Victoria Witke wrote that a “notable” number of people in the United States rely on “public forests for food and medicine.” Witke acknowledged that this is a low-cost option.

Jimmy Chamberlain, a researcher in a study conducted in the journal Trees, Forests and People, told Witke that, “policies should be created to recognize forest foods as valuable, thus supporting food production and biodiversity conservation.”

According to Witke's report, "A notable proportion of the U.S. population relies on public forests for food and medicine, but the forest products industry is 'not well served by institutions that set forest management policies,' according to a new study in the journal Trees, Forests and People."

 
Chamberlain said that if public land agencies don’t manage the plants and resources, there will be less food security for the people using them. However, “If we can begin to manage for food and medicine, then we meet the needs of a larger constituency. That constituency is typically economically marginalized – poor people.”

Not only would caring for the forest increase its value and help people, but it is also a meaningful practice that encourages giving care to what provides our resources and discourages greed.

Roger LaBine, of the Lac Vieux Desert Band, told Witke, "his tribe is taught that plants and animals sacrifice for humans, and it’s mankind’s responsibility to protect them."