Accelerate360 Buys Bauer Media’s Magazine Business, Strengthens Top Post In Newsstand Publishing (mediapost.com)

National Retail Federation (NRF) President and CEO Matthew Shay said a nationwide rail strike during the peak holiday season will be “devastating” for American businesses, consumers and the U.S. economy — particularly amid today’s increased prices due to persistent inflation. Shay's statement was made yesterday when members of the nation’s largest rail union rejected a contract agreement with freight rail management that had been brokered by the White House among the labor unions and freight railroads. The vote raises the possibility of a strike in the coming weeks that could seriously damage the U.S. economy. "Millions of hardworking Americans rely on the freight rail system for their jobs and the economic security of our country," said Shay. He added that American businesses and families are already facing increased prices due to inflation, and a rail strike will create greater inflationary pressures and will threaten business resiliency.

The Postal Service announced that it received favorable review from the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), approving the Postal Service’s plan to implement USPS Ground Advantage on July 9, 2023. USPS Ground Advantage is the Postal Service’s enhanced ground solution. It provides a simple, reliable, and more affordable way to ship packages in two-to-five business days across the continental United States. Pricing for USPS Ground Advantage will reflect a decrease of 1.4 percent relative to predecessor USPS shipping products, specifically retail prices will be 3.2 percent lower and commercial published prices will be 0.7 percent lower in comparison.

Hearst Magazines announced that Jon Gluck, formerly managing editor of Vogue, has been named executive director, editorial talent, development and special projects, a new role responsible for senior-level editorial recruiting and magazine development. The announcement was made by Hearst Magazines President David Carey and Chief Content Officer Joanna Coles. Gluck assumes his new position on September 5, reporting to Coles and Scherri Roberts, senior vice president, Human Resources. Gluck will be responsible for senior-level editorial recruitment for Hearst Magazines’ new launches and 20 brands in print, and will work closely with existing editors on magazine development. In addition, he will conceptualize new magazines and special projects, such as live events. “To say that the industry is going through an exciting period of change is an understatement,” Carey said. “Jon will play a central role in the transformation of our U.S. media business, both as we evolve our existing businesses, and acquire and start new ones.”