The Rush To Bad News

AP reporter Sameer N. Yacoub must not have starred in Journalism 101, for if he had, he would neer have written a lead like this:

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Shiite politicians suggested a formula Saturday for replacing their nominee for prime minister to break the deadlock over Iraq's new unity government, officials said. At least 12 Iraqis died in a car bombing near a Baghdad restaurant and other attacks.

He is so eager to get away from the good news and into the bad that he can't even waste time with a transition word, as in, "Meanwhile, at least 12 Iraqis died ...."