Local businesses reported 20% higher holiday season sales than the previous year

Gymnastics team wins first place at national competitionStudy finds that peppermint oil boosts focus

Coffee shop roasts beans in small batchesElementary school takes students on field trip to zooFashion show raises money for women’s shelter

Research shows that walking barefoot on grass reduces stressPet hospital offers affordable wellness plans

City hosts Fourth of July parade with floats and marching bands

Online retailer offers free shipping on orders over $50Football team signs veteran quarterback to one-year contract for upcoming season

Weather service issues tornado watch for midwestern states through Friday eveningUniversity scientists develop biodegradable packaging for fresh produce

Retail chain introduces "zero-waste" aisles with package-free food optionsSurvey finds 65% of employees want more professional development opportunities

(责任编辑：张家辉)

• ·A major hotel chain announced a zero-waste policy cutting landfill waste by 90%
• ·A university’s basketball team made it to the national tournament for the first time
• ·A city council approved a plan to launch a bike sharing program with 500 bikes
• ·A famous author released a highly anticipated new novel that quickly became an international bestseller
• ·Weather forecasters predicted a severe thunderstorm with strong winds for the weekend
• ·The city council banned the use of plastic straws in all restaurants and cafes
• ·A school started a gardening club where students grow vegetables to donate to food banks
• ·A tech company released a new tablet with a detachable keyboard for work and entertainment
• ·The government announced plans to build a new high-speed rail line connecting two major cities
• ·A best-selling author released a new mystery novel that quickly topped international book lists
• ·The city council approved a $120 million project to build a new public library and community center
• ·The country’s inflation rate remained stable at 2 percent for the third month in a row
• ·Doctors recommended that people get regular check ups to prevent serious health issues
• ·A tech startup launched a smart thermostat that learns user habits and reduces energy costs by up to 25%
• ·A new species of butterfly was found in a nature reserve
• ·A car accident on a major highway caused a 10-mile traffic jam during morning rush hour; no serious injuries were reported.