A large retail company said it will phase out single-use plastics in all stores by the end of 2024

A fast-food chain announced it will remove artificial flavors from all menu itemsResearchers found that spending time in urban parks can reduce anxiety by 30%

The mayor announced a plan to add more crosswalks and pedestrian bridges downtownA hotel chain offered free stays to first responders during the holiday seasonA study revealed that pet therapy can reduce anxiety by 25% in hospital patients

The government announced tax credits for companies that hire people with disabilitiesA wildfire in a national forest was contained after burning 17000 acres

A social media platform added a feature to hide comments with harmful content

Local farmers markets started selling homemade cheese and dairy products from local farmsA study revealed that excessive screen time can reduce attention spans in children by 25%

The government launched a program to provide free internet access to low-income householdsMudslides in mountainous areas blocked three major highways stranding thousands of motorists

A startup developed a new device that monitors air quality and sends alerts to users’ phonesLocal restaurants reported a 38% increase in customers during the summer tourist season

(责任编辑：揭阳市)

• ·Researchers studied the effects of social media on interpersonal relationships
• ·The country’s GDP grew by 2.1% in the first quarter driven by tech and manufacturing sectors
• ·A local hospital announced it will expand its emergency department, adding 20 new beds and hiring 50 more staff members.
• ·A personal finance app reached 5 million downloads, helping users track spending and save money
• ·A hospital started a program to help patients with chronic pain manage symptoms without opioids
• ·The local zoo welcomed a new baby animal born as part of a conservation program
• ·A construction project to repair old roads began in the downtown area
• ·A bookstore expanded its selection of graphic novels and comic books to attract younger readers
• ·Researchers found that air pollution from factories increases the risk of respiratory illnesses in nearby residents
• ·The space agency announced a new mission to study Mars’ atmosphere
• ·Astronomers discover new exoplanet in habitable zone of distant star
• ·A major airline announced it will increase flights to popular vacation destinations during the summer months
• ·The national parliament passed a new law to protect consumers from false advertising imposing heavy fines on violators
• ·A soccer team signed a star player from a European league for a record $150 million
• ·Research finds that keeping a garden improves physical activity levels
• ·The national basketball team won a key playoff game to advance to the semifinals