PNS 11: USU Van Accident

Practice News Story 11: USU Van Accident

November 28,2008

Jason Rogers

Logan, UTAH- A 15-passenger-van carrying 11 Utah State University Students rolled out of control on south bound I-84 at around 4 p.m. Yesterday. The students along with their instructor, Evan Parker, were thrown from the vehicle after an apparent mechanical malfunction occurred with the vehicle. The students were on their way back from a field trip to Tremonton where they went to look at a agricultural machinery combine as a department field trip.

Utah Highway Patrol Leutanant Jason Jensen was the first trooper on the scene. According to his account, 9 passengers where unconscious at the scene and two were counciouse. Seven were later pronounced dead at the scene with four survivors taken to near by hospitols for medical treatment. Their conditions are still undisclosed.

“Their bodies where everywhere ... literally just scattered around the area,” said Leutant Jensen as he described what he encountered as he entered the scene.

Former USU student and friend of professor Parker, Kyle Holden, was driving next to the vehicle as it rolled off to the shoulder. He describes this as “One of the worst things I've ever seen in my life.”

Dean of Agriculture Noel Cockett had this to say about the accident of her students. “This is certainly something that will effect many students. They've got many friends ... really, this is one of the best classes that we've had. This is something that is going to hit the hearts of many people.”

practice news story 10: Investigative

Practice News Story 10: Investigative
November 14, 2007
Jason Rogers
Logan,UT-Bill and Melinda Gates, the first family of Microsoft, and Ted Turner, media mogul and philanthropist, recently flew together on a private Jet to Nigeria, Africa. Each are involved in global health and education with there respective foundations, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and The Ted Turner Foundation Inc. Ted turner has also donated much of his funds to the United Nations foundation which continues to help third world countries around the globe.
The Mayor of the capital Abuja, Nigeria, the capital city, reported to have had many conversations with the Foundations beginning about 3 to 4 months ago with representatives and recently with the Gates' and Ted Turner. Mayor Malik Ok said, “We have interest in raising education in my city,” and when asked we he thought the Foundations have come to help him, he responded, “I truly believe they have our interest in heart. After reaching out to the world community, we were approached by these two foundations.” These foundations will attempt to hold workshops and teach people about health education topics such as polio, HIV, AIDS, pneumonia, malaria, and other deadly diseases that plague Africa today. The foundations' representatives will serve as the educators while local representatives will be taught to teach the workshops. Mayor Ok hopes that in 10 years the project can be fully supported and funded by it's government.

Bill Gates was reached momentarily for comment and confirmed the reports. “We are going to focus on health education ... we will have an official news conference on the matter in 2-3 months.”

Practice News Story 8: Sports

Practice News Story: Sports

November 7, 2007

10:00 am MT

Jason Rogers

Salt Lake City, UT- The Utah Jazz came out with the victory last night winning 106-99 against the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers last night at Energy Solutions Arena. After coming off of a devastating loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, where All Star Kobe Bryant blocked what would have been the game winning shot. Forward, Andrei Kirilenko took that to heart and contributed a record setting 21 blocks to last night's victory. Many of his blocks came while guarding LeBron James.

“He moves fast,” Kirilenko said about Lebron, “ Luckily I had a lot of energy in this game.” Energy must have been what gave AK-47 his 21 blocks combined with 21 points on the night.

Jazz Head Coach Jerry Sloan still feels that there is room for improvement. “Andrie had a great game. Some of our other guys have to step it up.” There were 8 ties throughout the game, however the Jazz never trailed once. Paul Millsap contributed with 12 points, C.J Miles had 15 points, and Boozer added 29 points to the scoreboard while pulling down 7 rebounds.

LeBron had 28 points of his own and said this after the game. “The crowd in Utah is one of the loudest. The crowd took us out of the game more than anything. We just couldn't close it out at the end.” When asked about Kirilenko's Performance he added, “He deserves to be an All-Star ... I left myself open and payed the price."

Extra Practice News Story #8: Business

Extra Practice news story 8: Business
10/31/07
Jason Rogers
Google Makes Hostile Take-Over Bid

Palo Alto, CA-Google Inc. (GOOG) made a hostile take-over bid for Time Warner Inc. (TWX) yesterday in hopes of producing more content. The $60 billion bid comes to Time Warner as a surprise to Richard Parsons, CEO of Time Warner Cable. “This was out of the blue. This was not expected at all.” Google has proposed a very generous offer to buy Time Warner and has released the breakdown of the proposal at $10 billion in cash, $45 billion in stocks and $5 billion in assumed debt.

According to Dr. Eric Schmidt, CEO and Chairman of Google Inc, “We've actually overpriced the Value in our stock.” When asked how this will help Google in the future, he responded by saying, “We don't have a top notch facility to produce content, Time Warner does,” which shows evidence of Google's desire to expand from a content contributer to a producer as well. While being one of the most hit websites online, Google would increase its influence in the information world by not only contributing to content through its search engine, but would become a main source in producing information as well.

Yahoo! Inc. (YHOO) and Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) were also interested in purchasing Time Warner, but Yahoo CEO, Steve Baller and Microsoft CEO, Jerry Yang, offered no comment on the issue. The Federal Communications Commision would still have to approve such a huge buy out before business decisons are final. However, Industry Analyst Paul Kim believes that the merg "seems to make sense."

Practice News Story 8: Business

Practice news story 8: Business

10/31/07

Jason Rogers

Google Makes Hostile Take-Over Bid

Palo Alto, CA-Google Inc. made a hostile take-over bid for Time Warner Cable yesterday in hopes producing more content. The $60 billion bid comes to Time Warner as a surprise to Richard Parsons, CEO of Time Warner Cable. “This was out of the blue. This was not expected at all.” Google has proposed to buy Time Warner for 10 billion in cash, 45 billion in stocks and 5 billion in assumed debt.

According to Dr. Eric Schmidt, CEO and Chairman of Google Inc, “We've actually overpriced the Value in our stock.” When asked how this will help Google in the future, he responded by saying, “we don't have a top notch facility to produce content, time warner does,” which shows evidence of Google's desire to expand from a content contributer to a producer as well.

Yahoo and Microsoft were also interested in purchasing Time Warner, but their CEO's and representatives offered no comment on the issue.

PNS #7: Speech

Practice News Story #7: Speech

Posted: Nov. 19, 1863 10:15 am MT

Gettysburg, PA- President Abraham Lincoln Presented a speech at the Gettysburg National Cemetery. In his speech he addressed issues involving unity and freedom and was optimistic of a strong nation in the future.

The Civil War has brought the lives of many of the nation's men to an end with bloodshed stretching across much of the North. Issues of National freedom and State's rights are the cause of much of the war and hatred that has been expressed though the most bloody war in the history of this nation. President Lincoln declared today, “ I truly believe that divided we fall... I've always believed that this is a God given Nation.” His address to the nation comes in a time where many citizens are questioning the unity that holds this young country together.

When asked if the war would end soon, President Lincoln responded, “ I see definite signs that it's coming to a close. I don't know how long, but I'd say weeks.” President Lincoln has been the leader of this country throughout the war and said, “ It's humbling to consider the sacrifice that others have made. It's humbling to be the leader of this nation...it will take a long time to recover, but we're prepared to do it.”

Practice news story: Obituary

Posted: October 4, 2007
LOGAN, Utah- Lance Armstrong, America’s cycling champion, is dead at age 37. While attempting to break the land speed record at the Bonneville salt flats in Salt Lake City, he collapsed and was taken to the University of Utah medical center where an investigation is still taking place of his cause of death. A cancer survivor and example of perseverance to all, Lance Armstrong and the "Live Strong" way of life will continue to press forward.

Armstrong was an example to the world of hard work and perseverance. Winning seven consecutive Tour’s de France were only a few of his major accomplishments. Although his career was plagued with accusations of illegal doping he still rose above all of the drug testing being the most tested athlete in the world. His ‘Live Strong Foundation continues to raise awareness on cancer and gives hope to those struggling with the deadly disease. According to Wikipedia, he won countless awards and honors throughout his career including Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year in 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005. He also won ESPN’s ESPY Award for Best Male in 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006. He was and still will be an inspiration to all people.

He is survived by his three children; his son Luc, and twin daughters Isabelle and Grace, and his ex-wife Kristin. Funeral services will be held on Oct. 9, 2007 in Austin, Texas. Donations are being accepted America First Credit Union in support for the Live Strong Foundation.

Practice News Story 4: Court

Subject: Practice News Story 4: Court
Posted: Sept. 26, 2007
Headline: Two Accused In Church Break-In
Dateline:
Logan,UT- A 35 year-old man and a juvenile were arrested on accusations of vandalism and breaking an enter y. 35 year-old James Michaels and the juvenile was arrested in his home last Wednesday night authorities used k-9 units to follow a trail to their home. The two have since posted bail for $500 dollars each.
Late Wednesday morning the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was broken into early in the morning around 2am-4am. The break in was discovered at around 6am and the authorities were contacted. Defense attorney Bobbie Cochran has set a trail date for October 21, 2007. Plea agreements have been discussed, according to Defense attorney Cochran.
According to District Attorney Noel Mayfield, the charges may cost James Michael 6 months to 1 year in prison and a $5,000 fine. No other suspects are being investigated in the case.

Practice News Story 2: Fire

A building fire broke out at about 2:03 p.m yesterday afternoon on the corner of 21^st and Washington. The fire broke out from the main floor in the kitchen area of Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant. Two apartment units in the building above the restaurant where damaged, including the owner of the restaurants apartment. Fire fighters responded immediately to the blaze and extinguished the fire within the hour. Officials have estimated this to be a total loss to the building.

The deputy Fire Chief, Greg Chamberlain was one of the first on the scene. He and four other firemen attended the blaze and were able to extinguish it and get the victims out with only one suffering a burned hand. The others in the building were sent to Mc Kay- Dee Hospital for smoke inhalation.

Pedro Sanchez, the owner of the restaurant was one of two people in the restaurant at the time of the fire.

“The fire.. it got on the grease and I grabbed the extinguisher and I tried to put it out, but it was too late.” Pedro’s restaurant, which has been in business for a little over 2 years is what Pedro and his brother Miguel (who has only lived here for 6 months) have to hold on to.

“I like my restaurant, I’ll do it again. I just don’t know where or how.” After all was over, Pedro said, “ This is the first time this has happened to me. I’m glad everyone was able to walk away from this.”

Practice News Story 1: Accident

Press Release: Utah State University Van Accident.

A Utah State university field trip ended in a fatal car crash yesterday afternoon. At least eight Utah State University students are dead including their instructor. All were ejected from the vehicle before it swerved out of control and rolled over on west bound Interstate 84. Preliminary investigations state that eleven males were involved in the incident including Professor Evan Parker from the university who was killed. Two students were life-flighted to Ogden Regional Medical Center as the others were all taken to nearby Brigham City for medical attention.

Reports state that the students were participating in an annual agricultural week for the university and took a regular field trip to Tremonton to study a combine in a local field. Kyle Holdon, a witness who attended the field trip with the victims, describes the crash as it unfolded. “I was passing Evan as he was driving…the next thing I know, I saw smoke coming from the back area…I thought he was going to hit me. He swerved and flipped. I do this field trip every year with them. Today I just drove separately.”

Lt. Jason Jensen of the Utah Highway Patrol, who made the initial dispatch of the incident, sates that according to the preliminary investigations, there is no evidence of seat belt usage. The van was also reported to have been speeding, but no drugs or alcohol are evident causes of the crash. A mechanical malfunction is being investigated as being the cause of the incident, and some witnesses believe that the crash was the consequence of a blown tire.

President Stan Albrecht was soon after notified of the tragic event. Loved ones and family members have been notified, however all the names of the victims will not be released for at least another couple of weeks. President Albrecht plans to alter the week’s activities and hold a public memorial service at the university for the victims’ families and USU students.

Hi. This whole blog thing is new to me, but hopefully I can use this blog without confusing myself too much.