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This information is not for publication or broadcast, and these coverage plans are subject to change.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
SPORTS GAMBLING
RALEIGH, N.C. — With licensing applications yet to be received and rules yet to be approved, legalized sports betting in North Carolina isn’t expected to begin in early January as the state’s new gambling laws permitted. Legislation approved by the General Assembly this year said the North Carolina State Lottery Commission, which is tasked with regulating the new mobile and in-person sports gambling, has until next June 15 to launch the betting options. But the law said gambling could begin as soon as Jan. 8. UPCOMING: 300 words by 2 p.m.
KICKED OFF MEDICAID
WASHINGTON — Error-ridden state reviews have purged millions of the poorest Americans from the Medicaid program in recent months. Poverty experts are questioning if the Biden administration is doing enough to stop states from wrongly removing people from the government health care program. Estimates show up to 30 million people could be dropped from Medicaid as states finish reviewing their rolls over the next year. Advocates interviewed around the country say problems with the government forms, websites and phone lines in states including Texas, Florida, North Carolina and Arkansas have led to the high number of people losing Medicaid. Arkansas’ Department of Human Services says it tried to reach people with additional calls, emails and texts. By Amanda Seitz and Kenya Hunter. SENT: 1,270 words, photo, audio.
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SOUTH CAROLINA
ELECTION 2024-REPUBLICANS
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Republican Party’s once-crowded 2024 presidential primary field has suddenly shrunk to just a handful of viable candidates, but it’s unclear if the GOP is any closer to coalescing behind a clear alternative to former President Donald Trump. A day after South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott stunned many of his own staff by suspending his campaign, the fight between Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis for a distant second place appears to be intensifying. And some lower-tier candidates insist on battling for relevance, despite growing pressure to bow out of the race altogether. Meanwhile, Trump’s team is cheering on the muddle for second place with Iowa’s Jan. 15 kickoff caucuses just two months away. By Steve Peoples, Meg Kinnard and Thomas Beaumont. SENT: 1,220 words, photos, video.
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VIRGINIA
JOURNALIST-CONTEMPT
WASHINGTON — A federal judge in Washington is weighing whether to hold in contempt a veteran journalist who has refused to identify her sources for stories about a Chinese scientist who was investigated by the FBI but never charged. The lawsuit from Yanping Chen seeks to force journalist Catherine Herridge to reveal her sources for a series of 2017 stories for Fox News that disclosed the existence of the probe and relied on documents that Chen says were leaked by government officials. Press freedom groups are closely watching the case and say forcing a reporter to reveal sources would have a chilling effect. Herridge now works at CBS. It is not clear when the judge might rule on Chen’s request to hold Herridge in contempt. By Eric Tucker and Alanna Durkin Richer. SENT: 1,050 words, photos.
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LOCALIZATION
US-MED–SYPHILIS-LOCALIZE IT: Syphilis cases in U.S. newborns again are on the rise. It has health officials calling for new measures to stop the increase, including encouraging millions of sexually active women of childbearing age and their partners to get tested. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says more than 3,700 babies were born with congenital syphilis in 2022. That’s 10 times more than a decade ago and a 32% increase from 2021. We link to the CDC’s county-level data and offer tips for localizing the story. Find the latest Localize It guides.
US-MED–CHILDHOOD VACCINATIONS-LOCALIZE IT: The proportion of U.S. kindergartners exempted from school attendance vaccination requirements has hit its highest level ever. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday released a report detailing the trends. Nationally, 3% of kindergartners got exemptions. Experts say more parents are questioning routine childhood vaccinations that they used to automatically accept. We link to info on exemption rules and vaccination rates and provide tips for local reporting. Find the latest Localize It guides.
OPIOID CRISIS-SETTLEMENTS-LOCALIZE IT: Legal settlements could provide local and state governments $50 billion to fight the deadly U.S. opioid overdose crisis. What will that look like in your community and how will the funds be distributed? We suggest resources and reporting threads for localizing the story. Find the latest Localize It guides.
SOCIAL-MEDIA-CHILDREN-STATES-LOCALIZE IT: Dozens of U.S. states, including California and New York, have sued Meta Platforms Inc. alleging that they are harming young people and contributing to the youth mental health crisis. The lawsuits claim that the social media giant deliberately designed features on Instagram and Facebook that addict children to its platforms, leading to depression, anxiety and eating disorders. We list the states who are suing together, states that have filed separate lawsuits and states that are not suing, along with 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.
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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VIDEO
Formula 1 changes the Las Vegas Strip for upcoming race
Donald Trump Jr., son of the former president, appears in the civil fraud trial in New York
Arson identified as cause of massive Los Angeles freeway fire
AUDIO
Is Hamas hiding in Gaza’s main hospital? Israel’s claim is now a focal point in a dayslong stalemate
US consumer inflation eased in October, driven lower by cheaper gas, cars and airfares
Commercial bus, semi-truck collided on Ohio highway; “Multiple people” reported injured
Nearly two dozen toddlers sickened by lead linked to tainted applesauce pouches, CDC says
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NEW TO STORYSHARE: SOLUTIONS JOURNALISM NETWORK
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