USA.gov News

May Features on USA.gov

1. Postal Rates Increase May 12
2. Celebrating Mother’s Day – Women’s Health and Baby Names
3. Free Foreign Language Courses
4. National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
5. Memorial Day – May 26

1. Postal Rates Increase May 12

Starting on May 12, a one-ounce, First-Class U.S. stamp will cost $.42 and rates for other postal services will also increase. Visit USA.gov’s link to the U.S. Postal Service to view rate changes.

Consumers can expect that postage rates will be adjusted every May—a schedule that’s consistent with the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act. In order to make the transition easier during price changes, the Postal Service developed the Forever Stamp, which retains its value as a First-Class stamp despite price increases. Since the Forever Stamp was introduced in 2007, consumers have bought more than 5 billion of these stamps.

2. Celebrating Mother’s Day – Women’s Health and Baby Names

Mother’s Day is a good lead into National Women’s Health Week, which runs from May 11 through May 17.

After celebrating Mother’s Day, encourage your mom to get healthy by increasing her activity level, making healthier food choices, getting regular check-ups and preventative screenings, and avoiding risky behaviors. Visit USA.gov’s link to WomensHealth.gov to find events in your area and get resources on staying healthy.

Coinciding with Mother’s Day, the Social Security Administration posts the most popular baby names registered in the prior year. Check out the most popular baby names on or after May 11 to find out if “Emily” and “Jacob” continue to be the #1 names!

En español

3. Free Foreign Language Courses

Did you know that you can access free foreign language courses online? The Foreign Service Institute offers a variety of learning materials for a range of languages, including Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hindi, Korean, Russian, and Spanish.

Whether you’re moving or traveling to a foreign country—or simply enjoy the challenge of learning a new language—take advantage of this resource.

4. National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

National Physical Fitness and Sports Month is the perfect time to rise to the National Challenge of getting more fit. For those just starting an exercise program, the challenge is to be active for five days a week.

Visit the President’s Challenge for help getting started, logging your activity, and earning awards. You’ll find guidance for kids, teens, adults, and seniors, and can see how your state is measuring up in the fitness challenge.

En español

5. Memorial Day – May 26

Memorial Day—recognized this year on May 26—is a national American holiday dedicated to remembering those who’ve died in military service.

As you make plans for the holiday weekend, visit USA.gov’s Memorial Day page and find a range of interesting and helpful resources:

• Read about the origins of Memorial Day.
• Find recipes from some famous Americans.
• Learn how to grill safely.
• Browse patriotic songs.
• Read war stories from veterans.
• Remember to pause at 3:00 pm for a National Moment of Remembrance.