The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has announced plans to increase the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp by 4 cents to 82 cents, effective July 12, as part of a broader strategy to address a severe financial crisis. This proposed hike, which would result in an overall mailing service price increase of approximately 4.8%, comes amid mounting operating costs and warnings that USPS could face insolvency as early as 2027, or even within 12 months without congressional intervention. The agency is implementing multiple measures to stabilize its finances, including temporarily suspending employer contributions to its main retirement program and adding an 8% surcharge on packages. However, some industry groups criticize these moves, arguing that USPS has a cost control problem and is simultaneously raising prices while reducing services.