A hotel started offering "eco-friendly stays" with reduced water usage and recycling programs for guests

A city started a program to plant flowers in public spaces to improve the urban environmentA severe tornado touched down in a small town destroying several buildings and injuring a few residents

A study showed that students who study in groups retain information better than those who study aloneThe government announced tax breaks for families with children to help with childcare costsA bookstore expanded its children’s section to include more books in different languages

Scientists discovered a new method to purify water that is cheaper and more effective than current methodsThe transportation department began repairing potholes on major roads to improve driving conditions

A fashion brand announced it would stop using fur in its clothing lines to promote animal welfare

A hospital launched a new program to help patients quit smoking with counseling and medicationLocal police solved a decades-old cold case using advanced DNA technology

A popular coffee chain introduced a new seasonal drink made with local ingredientsThe city council approved plans to build a new skate park in a suburban neighborhood

Scientists discovered a new plant species with potential medicinal propertiesA music band announced a reunion tour after a 10-year hiatus

(责任编辑：Story Highlights)

• ·Fire department installs free smoke detectors in homes of elderly residents
• ·Hardware store offers DIY home repair workshops for beginners
• ·A museum hosted a lecture by a scientist who studies climate change and polar ice
• ·The government passed a law to raise the minimum age for buying tobacco products to 21
• ·Newspaper reports increase in small business openings in downtown area this year
• ·A new mobile game tournament attracted over 10000 participants from around the world
• ·A research team developed a new method to purify water more efficiently
• ·Scientists developed a new lightweight metal that is used in aircraft construction
• ·A university opened a new dormitory that can house 400 students
• ·A bookstore started donating books to local prisons
• ·A fashion store donated unsold clothing to a nonprofit that helps homeless individuals find jobs
• ·A study showed that online courses can help adult learners earn degrees 20% faster
• ·A severe earthquake struck a coastal town causing significant damage to buildings and leading to several injuries
• ·Book club discusses award winning novel about environmental issues
• ·Local residents voted in favor of a new tax to fund improvements to public schools including new classrooms and technology
• ·Scientists compare organic and conventional farming yields