1.  Why is the U.S. Postal Service making cuts (announced by the agency today)?

2.  What specific cuts/closures will be made?

3.  How will these changes affect customers?

4.  How will the changes affect magazine/periodical customers?

5.  a) Define "in the red" as used in para. 10.
b)  The postal service is losing business, due to the internet, as more people pay bills, etc. online.  Read "Salaries and Benefits of Postal Employees" under "Background" below.  Do you think the salaries and benefits (including pension payouts) of postal employees/retirees affect the postal services' budget negatively compared to those of private businesses?  Explain your answer.
c)  Ask a parent the same question.

6.  Do you think closing processing centers and post offices, and reducing the amount/quality of service is the best way for the postal service to save itself?  Explain your answer.