JOUR 61

Leads Exercise #1

For each set of facts listed below, write a one- or two-sentence lead:

Lead #1: Time -- yesterday. Where -- Butte County Court. Who -- a local couple was in a traffic accident in March. They sued. Yesterday, the two were awarded $150,000 in damages. They had suffered injuries. That's what the damages were for.

Lead #2: What -- a snowstorm. So what? Well, another is expected. Forecasters say it will hit the Sierras today. It's part of a series of snowstorms.

Lead #3: Who -- three firefighters and 41 families. What -- the firefighters were injured; the families were evacuated. Why -- a fire roared through their six-story building. Who said -- the police. Where -- the building was located at 204 Union Ave. When -- today.

Keep your leads simple and straightforward. Remember, these are hard news leads.