Around the nation: Fourth panda dies of canine distemper in Shaanxi
Also: Kindergartern teachers 'abused pupils with sharp objects'; Former husband jailed for arson attack that injured his own children
SHAANXI
Another panda dies
A fourth giant panda has died from canine distemper at the province's endangered wildlife research centre, Shaanxi Television reports. Seven-year-old Fengfeng was diagnosed with the disease in late December and lapsed into a coma early last month. The disease affects many species of animals and is a leading cause of death in dogs.
Luxury goods hit
Sales of luxury goods in the province have slumped over the past year due to the central government's anti-graft campaign, the Huashang Daily reports. Managers of luxury shops said the number of visitors at some boutiques had fallen by half as fewer people bought luxury gifts. Another factor was the reduced spending power in the wealthy north of the province, the major source of consumers of such goods in past years, industry insiders said.