Soccer Star Abducted (International)

CIUDAD VICTORIA, Mexico -- State and Federal forces accomplished their huge search for soccer star, Alan Pulido, 25. CBS reports that “armed assailants” abducted Pulido, forward for Olympiakos of Greece, after leaving a party near his home in Ciudad Victoria, which is the capital of Tamaulipas. NBC noted, “Tamaulipas was the state with the most kidnappings in Mexico…”

According to CNN, Pulido’s own relative Osvaldo Valezquez Garcia, 29, assisted in the kidnapping. The prosecutor informed that Valezquez updated the others right when Pulido left the party. About 24 hours after Pulido’s abduction, Fox Sports and BBC state that Pulido took advantage of an opportunity and wrestled one of his abductors when left alone. He then called the police and became free shortly after.

Reason:

The reason I chose this story is because a big time soccer star was abducted. Not only that, but the fact that one of his relatives assisted in his abduction. I believe a story like this one may make his fans and fans of the team upset and probably scared. Pulido was missing for about 24 hours, and the reaction in that time proved to be pretty fascinating.

UCLA Shooting: The “Kill List” (National)

LOS ANGELES -- Police found a “kill list” in the home of UCLA gunman in Minnesota.

They identified Mainak Sarkar, 38, as the shooter in the UCLA shooting and probable suicide which occurred on Wednesday. Two names discovered on the list included Professor William S. Klug, 39, and a name of a woman who was found dead, said CNN.

Sources reported to CNN that the reasoning behind the shooting arose from an argument between Sarker and his teacher, Klug. According to Fox, Sarker and Klug’s dispute resulted from Sarker’s belief of Klug stealing and misusing his computer code. Because of this, Sarker shot Klug to death before turning the gun and shooting himself. USA reveals the shooting happened right before finals week, “one of the most stressful times of the year on campus”.

LA Times quoted LAPD Chief Charlie Beck who informed that he saw no rational reason for the situation.

Reason:

The UCLA shooting story involved major conflict between a professor and his student. Since Klug seemed to be well respected and liked by many, the news of him being shot would impact the lives of those people, especially his family and friends. I’m sure the news made them upset, sad, and maybe even a little irate.

Honoring a Hero (Local)

RUDOLPH -- One special hero attended the Rudolph’s memorial service,

Al Van Asten took part in this year’s memorial service at the All Soul’s Cemetery. WR City Times enlightened that Van Asten is “the last surviving charter member of Elmer F. Blonien Post 485”, which chartered the year of 1946.

From December 1944 to January 1945, he fought a battle called the Battle of the Bulge, which took place in Europe.

Van Asten is a purple heart recipient and is much appreciated by many, along with other men and women who served.

Reason:

This story was chosen because it was about a last survivor of an important even. Having a hero attend a local event is huge news and deserves recognition and appreciation.