The national postal service announced it will increase delivery speeds for first-class mail, with most items arriving within two days.

The university published a research paper on the effects of social media on youthA new fashion brand launched a collection inspired by traditional patterns

The local police department increased patrols in high - crime areasA tech company released a new laptop with improved performanceFarmers are experimenting with new crop varieties to withstand drought

The national opera company went on a tour to other cities in the countryA research team found a way to reduce the cost of renewable energy production

The city hosted an international food festival featuring dishes from different cultures

A new hotel opened in the mountains offering scenic viewsFirefighters rescue family from apartment fire caused by faulty electrical wiring

Coffee shop sources beans from women owned farms in EthiopiaOceanographers discover underwater hydrothermal vents with unique microbial life

Bookstore hosts author talk with Pulitzer Prize winning journalistResearch shows that practicing tai chi improves balance and reduces fall risk in seniors

(责任编辑：Story Highlights)

• ·Major retailers announced they will extend their holiday return policies to 90 days this year to accommodate late shoppers.
• ·A café introduced a new specialty latte made with lavender and honey
• ·A tech startup raised $230 million in a new funding round valuing the company at over $1.3 billion
• ·Basketball team wins regional championship after overtime victory in final game
• ·Engineers developed a new type of solar panel that is more efficient than previous models
• ·The city council approved a project to build a new skate park and community garden
• ·A major bookstore chain opened a new location with a café and event space
• ·A tech company released a new app that helps users learn a new language through games
• ·Software firm launches project management tool designed for small creative teams
• ·A city launched a campaign to reduce litter in public areas
• ·Astronomers discovered a new asteroid that orbits the sun every 3.5 years
• ·A charity raised funds to provide college scholarships for students from low-income families
• ·A library started offering free computer classes to help seniors learn basic digital skills
• ·The government started a program to help small businesses create online stores
• ·A team of veterinarians launched a mobile clinic to provide pet care services to rural communities
• ·A scientist developed a new type of battery that charges twice as fast as current models