USPS Says Droopy Newspapers to Cost More to Mail

Under a rule that takes effect Sunday, if a flat piece of mail that's longer than 10 inches droops too much, it will cost more to mail in bulk. The change is because such mail can't be put through an automated flat sorter, and sorting by hand costs more. That could affect many community newspapers, which drop off their editions—addressed to subscribers—for the post office to deliver. Magazines, envelopes and shopping circulars also come under the new rule.

The postal service is subjecting newspapers to a "droop test," to determine if they're fit for the machine sorter.