A blazing interstellar object streaks across the night sky as a telescope looks on, highlighting the growing mystery surrounding 3I/ATLAS.

Astronomers are keeping a close eye on 3I/ATLAS, the third known interstellar comet to pass through our Solar System — and it’s turning out to be one of the most intriguing cosmic visitors yet. New observations reveal that the comet glows a faint green hue and displays several active jets, including one that oddly points toward the Sun, forming a rare “anti-tail” structure.

According to data from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, 3I/ATLAS contains an unusually high ratio of carbon dioxide to water vapor, indicating it may have formed in a much colder and more distant environment than our Solar System. Currently drifting through the constellation Virgo, the comet continues to brighten rapidly as it nears its closest approach to Earth in December 2025, though it will remain safely millions of miles away. Scientists say studying 3I/ATLAS could offer valuable clues about how comets form around other stars — and what materials might exist beyond our solar neighborhood.

(Sources: Live Science, Orbital Today, NASA Science)

Sinking Cities: Why Parts of Phoenix—and Much of Urban America—Are Slowly Dropping

Sinking Cities: Why Parts of Phoenix—and Much of Urban America—Are Slowly Dropping

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Last Updated on October 14, 2025 by Daily News Staff

The U.S. Postal Service is rolling out a major upgrade to retail locations nationwide, transforming the traditional post office experience into something faster, more intuitive, and accessible around the clock. If you’ve ever stood in a long line just to mail a package or pick up a delivery, these changes are about to make your life a whole lot easier.

What’s New in Your Local Post Office

As part of the USPS “Delivering for America” transformation plan, post office lobbies are getting a complete overhaul with technology-forward features designed to meet modern customer expectations. Here’s what you’ll find:

24/7 Smart Lockers

No more rushing to the post office before closing time. Customers can now have packages delivered directly to secure, self-service lockers and pick them up any time of day or night. It’s like having a post office that never closes.

Enhanced Self-Service Kiosks

The upgraded kiosks handle everything from weighing items and printing labels to purchasing supplies and mailing packages. According to USPS, these kiosks have already cut lobby wait times by 40 percent—a game-changer during busy shipping seasons.

Rapid Drop Mobile App

This new mobile application brings post office convenience to your smartphone. Store prepaid shipping labels, locate the nearest location, track packages, get notifications, and even create retail labels—all from your phone. It’s self-service that travels with you.

Digital Information Displays

Gone are the days of squinting at faded posters or guessing which line to stand in. Clear, dynamic digital signage guides customers through available services, making it easier to complete tasks quickly without confusion.

Streamlined Layouts

The new open designs improve traffic flow and make supplies easier to find. Less wandering, less waiting, more efficiency.

Expanded Government Services

Many post office lobbies are now serving as one-stop hubs for federal services. Need to handle passport applications, fingerprinting, or identity proofing? You can knock out multiple government tasks under one roof.

Listening to the Community

“Modernizing our retail spaces is about meeting customers where they are today,” said Tracy Raymond, director of retail operations. “People expect speed, clarity and technology-driven convenience—and that’s what our new lobbies deliver, while still offering the trusted, in-person attention that defines the Postal Service.”

Community feedback played a significant role in shaping these upgrades, ensuring the changes reflect what customers actually need and want from their post office experience.

The Numbers Behind the Transformation

The modernization effort is already making waves across the country:

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• 2,600 locations now feature enhanced self-service kiosks
• 700 locations offer smart lockers for secure package pickup
• Complete renovations are visible in cities from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Los Angeles
• Many upgrades are paired with new sorting and delivery centers for improved efficiency

“It’s exciting to bring new capabilities across multiple platforms to our retail lobbies and watch our customers get in and out quicker at times that work for them,” said Robert Dixon, senior director of delivery and retail technology.

What’s Next

The initial phase of retail modernization wraps up around the end of October 2025. Phase II will launch in fiscal year 2026, bringing these upgrades to even more locations nationwide.

This transformation is part of the Postal Service’s ambitious 10-year “Delivering for America” plan, which aims to revamp operations, improve service quality, and achieve financial sustainability—all while maintaining USPS as one of America’s most valued and trusted brands.

Why It Matters

The USPS handles delivery to nearly 169 million addresses six—and often seven—days a week. As an independent federal establishment that receives no tax dollars for operating expenses, the Postal Service relies on postage sales, products, and services to fund operations. These modernization efforts aren’t just about convenience; they’re about ensuring the long-term viability of an essential American institution.

For customers, the message is clear: your post office experience is about to get a major upgrade. Whether you’re shipping holiday gifts, picking up packages after work, or handling government paperwork, the modernized USPS lobbies are designed to save you time and hassle.

To find a modernized location near you or learn more about new services, visit usps.com.

SOURCE U.S. Postal Service

STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world. 

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Last Updated on October 12, 2025 by Daily News Staff

The U.S. Postal Service launches its beloved holiday program with new family letter option and expanded gift catalog to help more households this season.

A Century-Old Tradition Returns for Another Holiday Season

The U.S. Postal Service has officially opened its 2025 USPS Operation Santa program, marking the 113th year of a cherished tradition that connects children and families in need with generous adopters who help make their holiday wishes come true.

Starting September 15, families across the country can begin writing and submitting letters to Santa Claus through the program. What began over a century ago continues to serve as a bridge between hope and generosity, bringing communities together during the holiday season.

“For more than a century, USPS Operation Santa has brought communities together to make the holidays brighter,” said Sheila Holman, USPS marketing vice president. “Each year, we receive far more letters than we have adopters, and this year we want to change that.”

Expanding Impact with Family Letter Adoptions

This year introduces a significant program enhancement designed to help more people at once. Participants can now adopt family letters, allowing them to fulfill wishes for multiple people within a single household rather than just one individual.

The addition addresses a persistent challenge: the program consistently receives more letters than it has adopters to fulfill them. By enabling adopters to help entire families through one letter, USPS Operation Santa aims to close that gap and bring holiday joy to more households across America.

For families writing letters, this means parents can include wishes for multiple children or household members in a single submission, streamlining the process while potentially increasing their chances of having wishes fulfilled.

Streamlined Fulfillment Through Enhanced Gift Catalog

Building on last year’s introduction of an online gift catalog, the 2025 program features a significantly expanded selection with thousands of items available. The catalog was designed to make the adoption and fulfillment process more convenient for participants who want to help but may not have time for traditional shopping and shipping.

When letter adoption opens on November 17, adopters will be able to browse the expanded catalog, select gifts that match letter writers’ wishes, and ship directly through the platform. This streamlined approach removes logistical barriers that might otherwise prevent people from participating in the program.

The enhanced catalog represents USPS’s commitment to modernizing the program while maintaining its heartfelt mission of connecting generous individuals with families who need support during the holidays.

Important Dates and How to Participate

For Letter Writers:

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• Letters can be submitted now through December 6
• All letters must be postmarked by Dec. 6 to be eligible for adoption
• Program guidelines and submission details are available at USPSOperationSanta.com

For Adopters:

• Letter adoption opens November 17
• Participants can browse letters and select individuals or families to help
• Gifts can be purchased and shipped through the expanded online catalog

Complete program guidelines, including detailed instructions for both writing and adopting letters, are available on the official website.

Conclusion

As USPS Operation Santa enters its 113th year, the program continues evolving to serve more families while maintaining the community spirit that has defined it for over a century. The introduction of family letter adoptions and the expanded gift catalog represent thoughtful improvements designed to increase participation on both sides—making it easier for families to ask for help and simpler for generous adopters to provide it.

With thousands of letters expected and the ongoing gap between submissions and adopters, the Postal Service is encouraging anyone interested in spreading holiday cheer to visit USPSOperationSanta.com and consider adopting a letter this season. Whether helping one child or an entire family, participants become part of a tradition that has brightened holidays for generations of Americans.

For more information about USPS Operation Santa, visit USPSOperationSanta.com.

SOURCE U.S. Postal Service

STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world. 

https://stmdailynews.com/