Greater Mid-Atlantic News Digest 1 p.m.

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This information is not for publication or broadcast, and these coverage plans are subject to change.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.

SOUTH CAROLINA

ELECTION 2024-HALEY

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Nikki Haley has formally filed paperwork to enter the Republican primary in her home state of South Carolina. She visited the Statehouse on Monday, where her career took off, for a signing ceremony. Haley starts this week with new momentum after a poll in Iowa has her tied for second with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Both Haley and DeSantis are far behind former President Donald Trump. But Haley and DeSantis are vying to show they can consolidate voters open to a Trump alternative. Haley told reporters that she thinks by South Carolina’s Feb. 24 primary, she can “finish it.” By James Pollard. SENT: 350 words, photos.

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MARYLAND/DELAWARE

SERIAL KILLINGS-TRIAL

Jury selection begins in the first trial of a suspected serial killer who calls himself “the Beast” and is accused in the deaths of several people in Delaware and Pennsylvania in 2021. Keith Gibson is being tried in Delaware for killing a cellphone store manager and another man in separate robberies. Pennsylvania authorities also have approved murder charges against Gibson in killings of his mother and a Philadelphia doughnut shop manager. By Randall Chase. UPCOMING : 650 words by 5 p.m.

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LOCALIZATION

BALLOT INITIATIVES-LOCALIZE IT: This year marks the 125th anniversary of South Dakota becoming the first state in the nation to enact a process for citizens to initiate ballot measures — a prominent example of direct democracy in America. Today about 165 million people live in 25 states with provisions that let residents bypass the legislature to amend the constitution and enact or repeal laws. We list out the states where these provisions exist, offer resources and suggest tips for localizing the story. Find the latest Localize It guides.

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-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.

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AUDIO

Israel expands ground assault into Gaza as fears rise over airstrikes near crowded hospitals

More than 1,000 pay tribute to Maine’s mass shooting victims on day of prayer, reflection and hope

Biden wants to move fast on AI safeguards and will sign an executive order to address his concerns

Some striking UAW members carry family legacies, Black middle-class future along with picket signs

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NEW TO STORYSHARE: SOLUTIONS JOURNALISM NETWORK

Looking for more state news and photos? Sign up to participate in AP StoryShare, an online platform where news organizations from a growing list of states share content.

Besides state and regional news, StoryShare offers distinctive reporting around broad topics such as climate, education and Indigenous affairs. The platform now also has a network devoted to solutions-focused journalism.

Access to StoryShare is free for AP members. For account information, contact Jennifer Lehman at jlehman@ap.org or our team at storyshare@ap.org.

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If you have photos of regional or statewide interest, please send them to the AP state photo center in New York, 888-273-6867. For access to AP Newsroom and other technical issues, contact AP Customer Support at apcustomersupport@ap.org or 877-836-9477.

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