Here’s a look at how AP’s general news coverage is shaping up for select stories. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s complete coverage of North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and Delaware, and the rest of the world, visit Coverage Plan at newsroom.ap.org
Questions about coverage plans are welcome and should be directed to 919-510-8937, 202-641-9660, 410-837-8315, 804-643-6646 or metro@ap.org. Mid-South Assistant News Director Jonathan Drew can be reached at 919-510-8937 or jdrew@ap.org.
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NORTH CAROLINA
UNIVERSITY-FATAL SHOOTING-DOUBLE EXPOSURE
Two shootings three decades apart at the University of North Carolina show how much has changed. Some alumni who remember a deadly shooting in 1995 now have children enrolled at their alma mater in Chapel Hill, where an associate professor was shot to death Aug. 28. One graduate who covered the earlier shooting for the school newspaper is now a journalism professor who kept his students safe during last month’s lockdown. In some ways, the era of campus shootings has come full circle though there have been vast changes in the way information spreads. By Holly Ramer. SENT: 1,260 words, photos.
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SOUTH CAROLINA
ABORTION-SOUTH CAROLINA
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Abortion providers in South Carolina want to lengthen the narrow window when they can legally terminate a pregnancy under a strict new ban. The conservative state’s all-male Supreme Court last month upheld a so-called “fetal heartbeat” law commonly understood to restrict access after about six weeks of pregnancy. But the court noted that the Legislature’s medical definitions gave unclear directions to doctors determining when they can provide an abortion. In a complaint filed Thursday, Planned Parenthood lawyers wrote that the ban should be interpreted to take effect around nine weeks under the statute’s language. They say that’s when most of the main pieces of the heart have developed. By James Pollard. SENT: 530 words, photo.
MURDAUGH-FINANCIAL-CRIMES
BEAUFORT, S.C. — Disbarred South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh has appeared publicly for the first time since a murder trial where he was found guilty of fatally shooting his wife and youngest son. Murdaugh was wearing an orange jumpsuit as he entered state court Thursday for a hearing on charges alleging he committed financial crimes. Lawyers agree that some of the 101 charges brought against Murdaugh will be heard at a trial beginning the week of Nov. 27. A federal hearing over similar charges is scheduled next Thursday in Charleston. Murdaugh’s attorney has tried to get the state trial paused until the federal case and others play out. By James Pollard. SENT: 660 words, photos.
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VIRGINIA
VIRGINIA MANHUNT
EWING, Va. — Authorities say a Tennessee homicide suspect who fled into the Virginia woods has hitched a ride back to Tennessee. Gary Parsons is the sheriff of Virginia’s Lee County. He said Thursday that authorities spoke to an individual who had given the man a ride to Tennessee’s Union County, which is outside Knoxville. Authorities say Jason Dockery is suspected of fatally shooting a woman Tuesday in Tennessee’s Anderson County, which is also outside of Knoxville. Dockery led police on a car chase that ended in the Appalachian Mountain town of Ewing, Virginia. Dockery then abandoned his car and fled into the woods. SENT: 350 words.
OVERDOSE REVERSAL DAY-APPALACHIA
CHARLESTOWN, W.Va. — An effort to destigmatize the use of overdose reversal drugs that started as a pilot in two West Virginia counties has expanded to all thirteen states in Appalachia this year. The first-ever “Appalachian Save a Life Day” comes Thursday as Narcan can be purchased over the counter for nonprescription use. The nasal spray was approved by federal regulators to appear on drug store shelves earlier this spring. More than 30,000 doses of naxolone, or Narcan, are expected to be distributed throughout 13 states at fast food restaurants, Walmarts, health departments, churches, a farmers market, Family Dollar stores, convenience stores and fire departments. More than 180 counties are participating at more than 300 different sites. By Leah Willingham. SENT: 690 words, photos.
CENSUS SURVEY-COMMUTING
ORLANDO, Fla. — If you think the roads have gotten busier on your morning commute, you’re not alone. The rate of workers driving to their jobs creeped up last year, as did those who carpool to work by car, truck or van. The mean commuting time jumped by almost a minute in 2022 from the previous year, as more businesses ended full-time, remote work. That’s all according to new survey data released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau on American life. The American Community Survey covers commuting times internet access, family life, income, education levels, disabilities, military service and employment, among other topics. By Mike Schneider. SENT: 750 words, photos.
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MARYLAND/DELAWARE
HUNTER BIDEN
WASHINGTON — Hunter Biden has been indicted on federal firearms charges. A federal indictment filed in Delaware says Biden lied about his drug use when he bought a firearm in 2018 while struggling with addiction to crack cocaine. President Joe Biden’s son has also been investigated for his business dealings. The special counsel overseeing the case has indicated tax charges could be filed in Washington or California. Thursday’s indictment comes as congressional Republicans pursue an impeachment inquiry into the Democratic president, in large part over Hunter Biden’s business dealings. Defense attorneys argue part of a plea deal sparing Hunter Biden prosecution on the gun count if he stays out of trouble remains in place. By Lindsay Whitehurst. SENT: 460 words, photos.
SOFTBALL FIELD-REMAINS
DOVER, Del. — A Delaware woman who pleaded guilty to killing her 3-year-old daughter and dumping her burned remains on a softball field has been sentenced to 30 years in prison. Thirty-one-year-old Kristie Haas was sentenced Thursday. She pleaded guilty earlier this year to murder by abuse or neglect and abuse of a corpse in the death of Emma Grace Cole. Prosecutors say the child endured a life of starvation and torture before she was killed. Haas also pleaded guilty to three counts of endangering the welfare of a child for her mistreatment of Emma’s half-siblings. Haas, who avoided a possible life sentence, told the judge that she was sorry for the hurt she inflicted and the pain that she caused. By Randall Chase. SENT: 750 words.
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LOCALIZATION
PLANTING-TREES-LOCALIZE IT: Hundreds of communities around the country will share more than $1 billion in federal money to help them plant and maintain trees under a federal program that is intended to reduce extreme heat, benefit health and improve access to nature. We list the total funds received by community organizations in each state and offer tips for localizing the story. Find the latest Localize It guides.
DEMOCRACY DAY-LOCALIZE IT: More than 120 newsrooms across the United States will band together Sept. 15, the International Day of Democracy, to collectively report on the ways democracy works — and isn’t working — at the federal and local levels in the U.S. We provide details on the effort, dubbed U.S. Democracy Day, and tell you how to participate. Find the latest Localize It guides.
SPORTS BETTING-LOCALIZE IT: The AP provides a roadmap for localizing our coverage of state spending on problem gambling as the NFL season kicks off Thursday and Kentucky becomes the latest state to legalize sports betting. Find the latest Localize It guides.
DISBANDING POLICE DEPARTMENTS-LOCALIZE IT: The Associated Press has found that at least 12 small towns across the U.S. have disbanded their police departments since 2021. America is in the midst of a severe shortage of police officers due to increasing retirements and resignations, and fewer young people entering police work. While larger departments can get by with fewer officers, many small towns — unable to match the pay and incentives offered by bigger places — can’t find qualified candidates for job openings. As a result, towns are increasingly disbanding their departments and turning over policing to their county sheriff, a neighboring town or state police. We list out the towns by state and offer tips and resources for localizing the story. Find the latest Localize It guides.
SENIORS AT THE TABLE-LOCALIZE IT: Seniors looking for a remedy to the isolation they felt during the height of the pandemic are forming friendships over lunch as they participate in restaurant programs that offer a healthy meal selection in exchange for a small donation. We offer a sampling of programs in about 20 states, resources on how to find other partnerships near you and other tips for localizing the story. Find the latest Localize It guides.
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VIDEO
Escaped murderer captured and arraigned in Pennsylvania
Escaped murderer Danelo Cavalcante captured after 2 weeks on the run
Judge blocks suspension of right to carry firearms in public, siding against New Mexico governor
AUDIO
UAW chief says offers from Detroit companies are inadequate, says union is ready to go on strike
Firefighters fear PFAS in their gear could be contributing to rising cancer cases
Judge blocks suspension of right to carry firearms in public, siding against New Mexico governor
NASA releases UFO report, says new science techniques needed to better understand them
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