Week 2 News Stories UPDATED

Local: MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON AFTER 2013 APPLETON NIGHT CLUB MURDER

The man convicted of fatally shooting Joshua Richards at the former Luna Lounge in Appleton in 2013 was sentenced to life in prison this week with the eligibility for parole after 34 years, according to NBC 26. Chong Lee was found guilty of six charges back in march, which included first degree intentional homicide. 

According to Fox 11, Both Lee’s and Richard’s family were in the courtroom when Lee received his sentencing. WBAY reported that Lee will be first eligible for parole in 2048. 

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I chose to write this local story because it showed several newsworthy elements. First, it showed prominence as this was a very big case back in 2013 after Lee had murdered Richards and was important to follow up with his sentencing after it affected the entire community. It showed emotion as anytime somebody is murdered in the community, it comes as unexpected leaving people shocked, confused, sad and angry. The story also expressed novelty as it was the first time the victim's family was seeing any justice for their loved one when the suspect was finally sentenced. I thought it was very important to cover this story as it's a bit of comfort when a suspect is finally sentenced and justice is served after killing an innocent person and he can no longer harm anyone else when he is in jail 

National: SHERIFF AND HIS WIFE FOUND SHOT TO DEATH OUTSIDE OF FAMILY HOME

A sheriff’s deputy and his wife were found fatally shot in the town of Emmett Township, Minnesota early this morning after receiving the 911 call around 8:00 am. According to WoodTV8, neighbors thought to have heard the gunshots around 1:00 am this morning, but mistakenly took the loud noise for fireworks.

Fox 17 reported that the family’s two children were home during the time of the shots, along with two friends, who were staying the night for a sleepover.

The Detroit Free Press also reported that the deputy who died was an 18 year member of the department however the names of the individuals have not been released as members of the family still need to be notified.  

The sheriff’s office did release a statement to the public however, notifying them that while there is no threat or suspected killer to be afraid of, there will be an ongoing investigation into the cause of their deaths. They also expressed their deepest condolences and regrets to the family.

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I briefed this story because it had nearly all of the elements of being newsworthy. First, it had immediacy because it happened earlier in the morning. It was prominent because there have been a string of police related shootings and now individuals are going to their homes to kill the officers. It had novelty because, as stated above, most police related shootings happen on the job and don't necessarily happen in their own homes or with their families. It also sparked a lot of emotion as it was the local deputy and his wife who were killed, leaving their children behind. There are a lot a questions regarding the shooting and causes a lot of shock, confusion, anger and sadness among the community and nation. I thought it was important to brief this story because it opens up the debate in regards to police officers and shootings and why so many of them are being shot and murdered in recent months and years. 


International: JAPANESE BOY FOUND AFTER PARENTS ABANDON HIM IN FOREST

The Guardian reported this morning that a 7 year old Japanese boy was found safe after parents left him in the forest to teach him a lesson. Yamato Tanooka survived on his own for almost a week by seeking shelter in a nearby military hut and drank water from a nearby faucet. The boy was found by pure chance by a military personnel and was said to have only cuts on his body.

According to the Chicago Tribune, the parents originally had reported that their son had gotten lost while on a family hiking trip but later admitted to punishing him after he was throwing stones and cars and people. They returned a few minutes later after leaving him but the boy was already gone.

According to ABC News, the boy has been reunited with his family after his father repeatedly apologized to him and promised to do a better job of parenting.

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I briefed this story because, again, it expressed many elements of being newsworthy and isn't a story you hear very often. First, it had immediacy as it happened within the last few days. It has prominence because if this was to happen in the United States, those parents would likely face jail time, but in Japan, it seems as though they are not. It also shows novelty because most parents do not punish their children by abandoning them in the forest for several days. It also sparked emotion as people all over the world chimed in to give their input to the story. A lot of these feelings included anger and disgust for the parents and sympathy for the boy. I thought it was important to cover this story because it's very interesting to see how society reacts to different situations in different countries.