Hard News Leads

1. Three to four children die every day in the United States from child abuse or neglect, according to a survey by the Child Abuse Prevention Center.

2. MILWAUKEE – Nearly 150 anti-abortion protesters were arrested outside an abortion clinic yesterday.

3. A delivery driver for the Great Wall of China Restaurant was robbed at gunpoint in the 700 block of S.W. Western Avenue yesterday, according to police.

4. A fire that caused $45,000 in damages to a home was started by a lighted cigarette on a sofa, fire officials said.

5. Murders have increased 53 percent and violent crime has increased 2% in the state of Colorado in the first 3 months of 2010, according to a report by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.

6. Damage to the Earth's ozone layer is increasing, according to a report by a United Nations scientific panel.

7. A Santa Ana woman was charged with the attempted murder of her husband yesterday, according to police.

8. The drop in prices of broadband internet access has lead to broadband users surpassing people who use dial-up in the United States this year.

9. Princeton University has put a cap on the number of A's awarded each semester in an attempt to stem grade inflation.

10. As many as 47 million adults may be putting themselves at risk for injury, health and behavior problems because they aren't meeting their minimum sleep needs.

In-class editing assignment

PANORA, Iowa – The small town welcomed home one of its soldiers Friday, but instead of jubilant well-wishers, 525 mourners filled the United Methodist Church.

Army Spec. Michael Mills was one of 28 people killed Feb. 25 when an Iraqi suicide bomb exploded.

The 23-year-old hometown boy had carried on a family tradition by joining the Army. His funeral provided a somber contrast to the joyous reunions held for returning troops.

In the 1,100 person town there were tears of grief—not joy. Flags flew at half-staff. Red, white and blue ribbons tied to flower sprays surrounded the altar.

The services concluded with a procession from the church to the West Cemetery outside of town.