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This information is not for publication or broadcast, and these coverage plans are subject to change.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
XGR–REDISTRICTING-NORTH CAROLINA
RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina legislative Republicans prepared Wednesday to finalize new boundary lines for districts for the state’s congressional delegation and for their own seats that should place the GOP in a more favorable position on Capitol Hill and in Raleigh. The completion of redistricting wraps up a session year in which Republican lawmakers used their strongest majorities in five years to pass abortion and LGBTQ+ restrictions, expanded school vouchers and deeper tax cuts. They also flexed their muscles to erode the powers of Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and even future governors from making appointments to influential boards and commissions. Courts are about the only place Cooper and other Democrats can fight back, but even that option has narrowed. By Gary Robertson. UPCOMING: 700 words by 3 p.m.
ABORTION-COUNT
A new survey finds that the total number of abortions provided in the U.S. after bans started going into effect in some states last year increased slightly. The report found that the numbers fell to nearly zero in states with bans on abortion at all stages of pregnancy. But it found the numbers surged elsewhere, particularly in the states near those with bans. Clinics that provide abortion medication through online appointments and funding for patients to travel may be factors in the increase. The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling cleared the way for the restrictions. By Geoff Mulvihill. SENT: 570 words, photos.
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SOUTH CAROLINA
SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE-SPECIAL ELECTION
A former Columbia city councilwoman appears to have won the Democratic nomination for a state Senate seat in a special election. Tameika Isaac Devine received about 52% of the vote Tuesday in unofficial returns in the four-person race. By Jeffrey Collins.
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VIRGINIA
SCHOOL SHOOTING-NEWPORT NEWS
Lawyers in Virginia will argue Friday over whether a teacher who was shot by her 6-year-old student should receive only workers’ compensation for her injuries. Abby Zwerner is suing Newport News Public Schools for $40 million over allegations that school administrators failed to protect her. By Ben Finley.
EARNS-BOEING
Boeing is reporting a loss of $1.64 billion in the third quarter. The company said Wednesday it delivered fewer planes than a year ago, especially its best-seller, the 737 Max. Boeing is lowering its forecast of 737 production for this year. And Boeing is reporting another loss on its contract with the Air Force to build two new presidential jets. Those are 747s that are modified to become Air Force One planes. By David Koenig. SENT: 610 words, photo.
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MARYLAND/DELAWARE
BALTIMORE FIREFIGHTER DIES
BALTIMORE — A second Baltimore firefighter has died from injuries sustained while battling a blaze that engulfed multiple rowhouses in northwest Baltimore last week. Baltimore City Hall spokesperson Bryan Doherty confirmed the death Wednesday morning. Lt. Dillon Rinaldo was hospitalized in critical but stable condition after the fire Thursday afternoon. He later succumbed to his injuries. Rinaldo joined the department in 2017. Another firefighter, Rodney Pitts III, died in the immediate aftermath of the fire. Three other firefighters were also injured. Their updated conditions were not immediately available, but officials said Friday that two had been released from the hospital. SENT: 310 words, photo.
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LOCALIZATION
SCHOOL VOUCHERS-COST-LOCALIZE IT: Some of the states letting higher-income families use taxpayer money for private school tuition are seeing more families than they expected taking them up on the offer, and they might have to scramble to shore up their budgets on the fly as a result. We name the states with these expanded programs and offer suggestions for localizing the story. Find the latest Localize It guides.
EDUCATION-MATH-LOCALIZE IT: Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, few American students were finishing high school prepared for college-level courses. In the aftermath of the virus-related school closures and disruptions, scores on standardized math tests fell to their lowest levels in two decades. The Education Reporting Collaborative, a coalition of eight newsrooms that includes The Associated Press, has produced a series of stories documenting the crisis, exploring root causes and highlighting progress. Digging into math can lead to stories about racial equity in classrooms, teacher preparation and sometimes heated debates over the best strategies for bringing children up to speed. Find the latest Localize It guides.
ELECTIONS-WORKER TURNOVER-LOCALIZE IT: Local election offices across the country are seeing historic turnover, an exodus fueled by election conspiracies and threats against election workers. We highlight AP’s findings and offer resources and tips for localizing the story. Find the latest Localize It guides.
ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS-LOCALIZE IT: The latest Israel-Hamas war has had reverberations in communities across the U.S., offering multiple opportunities to provide a local take on this major news story. We offer resources and suggestions. Find the latest Localize It guides. Find the latest Localize It guides.
ISRAEL-HAMAS-STYLE GUIDE-LOCALIZE IT: This advisory includes AP’s latest guidance related to the Israel-Hamas war, including important context and definitions. Find the latest Localize It guides.
ELECTIONS-COMBATING CONSPIRACIES-LOCALIZE IT: The Keep Our Republic group is working with local officials to organize community events meant to teach residents about the election process and combat election conspiracy theories in the swing state of Wisconsin. But at one recent town hall in a Republican-leaning village, they faced an uphill fight as they grapple with what many have described as an almost faith-like pull of conspiracy theories being promoted through online misinformation and far-right figures. This guide explains how the fight against election denialism in Wisconsin can offer a deeper understanding of what is needed to report out this issue in your own community. Find the latest Localize It guides.
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AUDIO
UN warns Gaza blockade could force it to sharply cut relief operations as bombings rise
Mike Johnson is the latest GOP nominee for House speaker as Republican infighting shows no end
Police chief’s son who was wanted in shooting of 2 officers is found dead, Tennessee officials say
California regulators suspend recently approved San Francisco robotaxi service for safety reasons
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