A severe thunderstorm with lightning strikes caused power outages for 5000 homes in the suburbs

Chemists develop biodegradable packaging that breaks down in soil within six monthsSwimming team sets three new state records at annual championship meet

Study reveals that family game nights improve communication between children and parentsFlorist creates special flower arrangements for upcoming Mother’s Day celebrationsTeachers attend workshop on integrating technology into classroom lessons

Motorcycle show features custom bikes from local builders and national brandsResearch finds that drinking herbal tea before bed improves sleep duration in adults

Pet store expands selection of natural pet foods and eco friendly toys

Coast guard rescues five sailors from sinking boat during severe stormResearchers studied the effects of sleep duration on academic performance in college students

A famous actor starred in a new thriller movie that premiered at the Cannes Film FestivalThe national soccer league announced plans to add a women’s division next year

A tech startup released a device that monitors air quality inside homesThe government provided funding to repair a historic lighthouse on the coast

(责任编辑：Story Highlights)

• ·A bakery started making sourdough bread that fermented for 48 hours for better flavor
• ·A fast-food chain added vegan chicken nuggets and burgers to its permanent menu
• ·A university opened a new career center to help students find internships
• ·A new high-speed rail line connecting two major cities was officially opened, cutting travel time by half.
• ·The World Health Organization launched a new campaign to promote childhood vaccination
• ·Coffee shop sources beans directly from small scale farmers in South America
• ·The government passed a law to increase the minimum wage by $1.50 next year
• ·A university awarded honorary degrees to three leaders in the fields of science and education
• ·A local theater’s production of a Broadway musical sold out all its shows
• ·International teams are working together to address climate change
• ·The military sent helicopters to deliver supplies to communities cut off by snowstorms
• ·A school started a garden project to teach students about growing food
• ·A major airline announced more summer flights to popular vacation destinations
• ·Researchers developed a rapid test that can detect a common bacterial infection in 15 minutes
• ·A government agency updated environmental regulations
• ·The government invested 50 million dollars in public infrastructure