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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This information is not for publication or broadcast, and these coverage plans are subject to change.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
VOTER RESIDENCY-LAWSUIT
RALEIGH, N.C. — A North Carolina law requiring citizens to live in the state for at least 30 days before an election date in order to vote is unlawful and must be blocked, a union-affiliated group said in a federal lawsuit this week. Lawyers for the North Carolina Alliance for Retired Americans write that the minimum 30-day residency mandate violates the U.S. Constitution and Voting Rights Act and for no good reason totally denies newcomers to the state the right to vote. By Gary Robertson. UPCOMING: 450 words by 4 p.m.
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MARYLAND/DELAWARE
HUNTER BIDEN
WILMINGTON, Del. — Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty in Delaware to three federal firearms charges filed after the implosion of an earlier deal to resolve a long-running investigation. The California resident’s Tuesday plea sets the case on a track toward a possible trial in 2024 while President Joe Biden is running for reelection. The Democratic president’s son has been charged with lying about his drug use in 2018 on a form to buy a gun he kept for about 11 days. He could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted. A judge asked Hunter Biden if he understood the charges against him, and Biden replied: “Yes, Your Honor.” By Lindsay Whitehurst, Claudia Lauer and Randall Chase. SENT: 760 words, photo, video, audio.
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LOCALIZATION
HAWAII WILDFIRES-WATER GAPS-LOCALIZE IT: A recent fire on Maui highlighted a nationwide problem: Many communities lack enough backup power to fight fires and supply clean water when in a disaster knocks out power. Hours before devastating wildfires scorched the historic community of Lahaina, a shortage of backup power for critical pumps seriously hindered firefighting efforts on a blaze 24 miles away, in the mountain town of Kula, county water director John Stufflebean told The Associated Press. Experts said it’s unclear how big the vulnerability is across the country, but many systems lack sufficient backup power to keep pressure in their water pipes when the electric grid fails. We provide suggested reporting threads and questions for local water utilities. Find the latest Localize It guides.
VEHICLES VS. PEDESTRIANS-LOCALIZE IT: October is Pedestrian Safety Month, and government statistics show that pedestrian roadway deaths have been on the rise for years. Safety advocates say part of the problem is increasingly large trucks and SUVs that are especially dangerous to walkers, runners and bicyclists. Since 2011, pedestrian and cyclist deaths have increased by 64%, to an estimated 8,413 in 2022. We provide links to national and state data and offer tips for localizing the story. Find the latest Localize It guides.
AUTO-WORKERS-STRIKE-LOCALIZE IT: Auto workers have expanded their strike against major carmakers. The United Auto Workers on Friday walked out of dozens more factories across 20 states. The UAW’s targeted strikes against General Motors, Stellantis and Ford began after the union’s contract with the companies expired at midnight on Sept. 14. We list the city and state of each strike location along with tips for localizing the story. Find the latest Localize It guides.
RAILROAD PROJECTS-LOCALIZE IT: The Biden administration announced more than $1.4 billion in grants Monday to improve railroad safety and boost capacity across the country. Much of the money for the grants comes from the 2021 infrastructure law. The money will fund 70 projects in 35 states and Washington D.C. We list the projects and offer tips for localizing the story. Find the latest Localize It guides.
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VIDEO
Former President Donald Trump attends start of civil fraud trial
Hunter Biden arrives at courthouse for arraignment on federal gun charges
Buffalo roundup draws crowd to South Dakota’s Custer State Park
Jacksonville sheriff says bodycam video shows officers were justified when they beat Black suspect
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AUDIO
Kansas police chief who led raid on small weekly newspaper has resigned, official says
Nobels season resumes with Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarding the prize in physics
The Army is launching a sweeping overhaul of its recruiting to reverse enlistment shortfalls
Michigan school shooter’s parents cleared to stand trial on involuntary manslaughter charges
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NEW TO STORYSHARE: SOLUTIONS JOURNALISM NETWORK
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