This document outlines the generic structure and language features of a news item. A news item reports important or newsworthy events of the day. It typically includes a recount of the newsworthy event, background details about what happened, and sources like comments from participants, witnesses, or authorities. Language features include a short headline, use of action verbs, projecting verbs to attribute sources, and adverbs focusing on circumstances like time and location. An example news item summarizes a Russian journalist uncovering evidence of a Soviet nuclear accident that killed 10 sailors and contaminated a town, but was covered up by officials.