International Reply Coupons (IRCs), created in 1907 to let people pay in advance for an international reply, are being discontinued worldwide. Japan Post stopped selling them on 30 September 2026, and existing coupons can be exchanged for postage only until 31 December 2026; from 1 January 2027, they will no longer provide reply postage. The change follows a 2025 decision by Universal Postal Union members to simplify international postal services and adapt to digital practices. Organisations that used coupons to invite replies from overseas will need another way to cover postage.
Tegami offers prepaid codes for cases where a physical letter is wanted but can be submitted digitally. An organisation buys codes and shares them with writers, who type a letter or upload a PDF or clear photos of handwriting. Tegami prints each submission and mails it to an address in Japan; writers do not pay for the covered letter or need local stamps. Orders can direct every reply to one fixed company address, with an individual’s name added separately, or allow writers to choose an address in Japan. Codes include printing and domestic postage, with options for delivery speed, colour, and page allowance; each code covers one letter, and unused pages have no cash value. The service suits personal correspondence and programmes such as international exchanges, but not original signed documents or physical enclosures, which must still be sent by post.
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Hoax bomb threats disrupted at least 34 flights across Europe this week, forcing diversions and emergency landings. Officials are investigating whether the alerts were coordinated as part of a hybrid warfare campaign. (theguardian.com)
U.S. stocks have lost $2.5 trillion in market value. The available content gives no details about when it happened or what caused the decline. (reddit.com)
Chip stocks plunged as Wall Street headed for its worst post-midterm Election Day performance since 1896. The provided page contains no further details about the selloff or its causes. (finance.yahoo.com)
California Gov. Gavin Newsom commuted the death sentences of all 548 people on the state’s death row to life in prison. The move is largely symbolic because California has not executed anyone since 2006, but it could reduce court costs. (bbc.com)
California Gov. Gavin Newsom commuted the death sentences of all 548 people on the state’s death row to life without parole, citing his opposition to capital punishment. Prosecutors and victims’ advocates are expected to challenge the blanket commutation, which affects about one-quarter of death sentences nationwide. (nytimes.com)
A selloff in AI stocks rattled Wall Street. The S&P 500 fell more than 3%. (apnews.com)
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