first time writing a news report. need help

[slexypizza]

last week i attended my first journalism class and was offered my first assignment. Which is to Find some news, and break it to the world in a 400 word news story.

although the class was fun this assignment turned out to be harder then i thought. I cant seem to find a good story. i brainstormed a bit and came up with two ideas.

1- write about Laughing gas and how its basically legal and widespread.
2- write about my university closing two of its campuses and the effects that will have on students.

the problem with these two ideas though is that they are old stories. For example most of the students already know about some of the campuses closing down. If I write about it now. It will hardly be “breaking news” to anyone. and while most people don't know that laughing gas is legal and easily acquired its been like that for ages. And Even if I find a good story that is as recent as today. If I write about it now and submit it next month on the due date its not going to be so new anymore.

So this is kind of leaving me frustrated, Im not sure if I can cover an old news story.

with that in mind though i have still written a lead for each of these ideas. i have never written a lead before up untill i took this class so im not sure if im doing it right. but i tried to apply what i learned.

1- 2 Million Swinburne students will be forced to relocate after announced closure of Lilydale and Prahan campuses

2- A legal high is available to millions of Australians in empty cans of whipped cream

Am I on the right track here guys?