A scientist developed a new type of biodegradable plastic that breaks down in soil within six months

Local bookstores reported increased sales of self-help books during the start of the new yearThe university announced a new fellowship program for students researching renewable energy

A strong hailstorm caused damage to cars and roofs in several suburban neighborhoodsResearchers detected methane gas on a distant planet, suggesting possible biological activityThe city introduced a new program to give tax breaks to residents who use public transportation

A well-known director announced plans to film a new movie based on a best-selling novelDoctors advised people with allergies to avoid certain types of pollen during the spring season

The government invested millions of dollars in upgrading the country’s internet infrastructure

A new shopping mall opened with a rooftop amusement park and indoor ice skating rinkThe police department launched a neighborhood watch program to reduce petty crime

A social media platform added a tool that lets users schedule posts for later publicationAn energy company announced it would close two coal-fired power plants and switch to wind energy

A drought in the west led to restrictions on water use for agricultural and residential purposesA study found that children who play outside daily have better eyesight than those who don’t

(责任编辑：Community Stories)

• ·Research finds that board games improve communication skills in families
• ·A university’s debate team won a national championship
• ·Coffee shop sources beans directly from small scale farmers in South America
• ·A team of historians published a new book about the country’s civil rights movement
• ·A major airline announced it will offer carbon offset programs for passengers to reduce flight emissions
• ·A soccer team advanced to the knockout stage of the international tournament after winning two of their three group matches
• ·Local schools added coding classes to their curriculum to prepare students for tech industry jobs
• ·A tech company released a new virtual reality game that quickly became the top-selling game on its platform
• ·The government announced tax incentives for businesses that invest in renewable energy
• ·A major clothing brand announced it will expand its size range to be more inclusive
• ·Researchers studied social media’s impact on relationships
• ·Researchers found that walking in nature can boost the immune system by increasing white blood cells
• ·A new virtual reality (VR) headset was released that weighs 50% less than previous models reducing user fatigue
• ·Scientists discovered that spending time in green spaces can reduce symptoms of ADHD in children
• ·A pet store started offering pet adoption events in partnership with a local rescue organization
• ·A professional soccer player donated $500000 to build a sports complex in his hometown