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.
For access to AP Newsroom and other technical issues, contact AP Customer Support at apcustomersupport@ap.org or 877-836-9477.
This information is not for publication or broadcast, and these coverage plans are subject to change. Expected stories may not develop, or late-breaking and more newsworthy events may take precedence. Coverage Plan will keep you up to date. All times are Eastern unless specified otherwise.
NORTH CAROLINA
TULSA MASSACRE-MASS GRAVES
OKLAHOMA CITY — Archaeologists have exhumed the remains of one person and plan to exhume a second in the search for victims of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. State archaeologist Kary Stackelbeck said Thursday that the remains are among 22 found in Oaklawn Cemetery, but are the only ones that were found in simple, wooden caskets that were described in accounts of burials at the time. Previous excavations have revealed 66 sets of remains with about two dozen sent for further forensic testing in an effort to identify them. None of the remains of the massacre that left an estimated 75 to 300 Black people dead have been confirmed as victims of the violence. By Ken Miller. SENT: 480 words, photos.
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VIRGINIA
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE-LAWSUIT
A prospective student’s lawsuit alleges that a Virginia Military Institute cadet sexually assaulted her during an overnight open house. The Roanoke Times reports that the suit filed in U.S. District Court states that the woman, then a high school student, was assigned a cadet host with whom she shared a room and the assault allegedly happened early on Sept. 18, 2021. Her parents were later told that the claims were deemed unfounded, but no further information was shared. The suit alleges VMI violated Title IX, which prohibits sexual discrimination against public schools’ students, prospective students and employees, and seeks for an injunction requiring VMI to abide by all Title IX requirements. A VMI spokeswoman declined to comment. SENT: 420 words.
AFGHAN BABY-SECRET DOCUMENTS
The U.S. government has warned a Virginia judge that an American Marine’s adoption of an Afghan war orphan was flawed and could be seen as international child abduction. That is from secret court records reviewed by The Associated Press. The federal documents, submitted in state court in Fluvanna County, Virginia, argue that failing to return the child, now 4, to her Afghan relatives in the U.S., threatens international security pacts and might be used as propaganda by Islamic extremists — potentially endangering U.S soldiers overseas. By Martha Mendoza, Claire Galofaro and Juliet Linderman. SENT: 1,350 words, photos.
ELECTION 2024-YOUNG VOTERS
HAMPTON, Va. — Democrats and Republicans are maneuvering to win over young voters before next year’s presidential election. Vice President Kamala Harris began her cross-country college tour at Hampton University on Thursday. Former President Donald Trump visited Iowa State University last weekend. In a close campaign, getting young people off the sidelines could make the difference between victory and defeat. Biden won the majority of young voters in 2020 but his support among the same age group is lagging. Harris said every generation must fight for their rights and their freedoms, and the 2024 election is no exception. By Chris Megerian, Michelle L. Price and Thomas Beaumont. SENT: 1,000 words, photos.
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MARYLAND/DELAWARE
MARYLAND SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland’s superintendent of schools is withdrawing his request for a second term “to pursue other opportunities.” Superintendent Mohammed Choudhury and the state school board made the announcement Friday in a joint statement. Choudhury’s contract expires in June 2024, and he had faced mounting scrutiny over his management style. The board says it intends to present plans for transition and a national search by its upcoming Sept. 26 meeting. Choudhury became superintendent in July 2021 as the state was in the initial stages of implementing a sweeping reform measure to invest billions of dollars in education over a decade. By Brian Witte. SENT: 360 words.
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LOCALIZATION
CENSUS-SURVEY DATA-LOCALIZE IT
For lovers of facts about life in the United States, it has been like drinking from a firehose in recent days as the U.S. Census Bureau released new, 2022 survey data on income, poverty, health insurance coverage, commuting times, education levels, disabilities and military service, among many other topics. Find the latest Localize It guides.
OVERDOSE REVERSAL DAY-APPALACHIA-LOCALIZE IT
An effort to destigmatize the use of overdose reversal drugs that started as a pilot in two West Virginia counties has been expanded to all thirteen states in Appalachia this year. The first-ever “Appalachian Save a Life Day” was held 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 180 counties participated at more than 300 different sites. We offer resources and tips for localizing the story. Find the latest Localize It guides.
FIREFIGHTERS-CONTAMINATED GEAR-LOCALIZE IT: Firefighters around the country are concerned that gear made with the toxic industrial compound PFAS could be one reason for cancer among their ranks. The chemical, which has been linked to an increased risk of health problems including several types of cancer, is used in protective gear to repel water and other substances when fighting a fire. AP lists states that have taken or are considering legislative action and offers tips for localizing the story. Find the latest Localize It guides.
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.
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VIDEO
Senators join striking auto workers on picket line
US: Thunderstorms Cause Flash Flooding, Leaving Damage In Atlanta, GA, USA 2
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AUDIO
About 13,000 workers go on strike seeking better wages and benefits from Detroit’s three automakers
Americans overwhelmingly support Medicare drug negotiations, but Biden sees little political boost
6 ‘Soldiers of Christ’ members are in custody after a woman’s body was found in a car trunk
Psychedelic drug MDMA eases PTSD symptoms in a study that paves the way for possible US approval
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