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This information is not for publication or broadcast, and these coverage plans are subject to change.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.
NORTH CAROLINA
JUDICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
RALEIGH, N.C. — Gov. Roy Cooper makes an announcement about the judiciary. By Hannah Schoenbaum.
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VIRGINIA
CAPITOL RIOT-MARINES CHARGED
WASHINGTON — One of three active-duty Marines who stormed the U.S. Capitol together has been sentenced to probation instead of prison time. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes also on Monday ordered Dodge Hellonen to perform 279 hours of community service. She said that’s one hour for every Marine who was killed or wounded fighting in the Civil War. The judge told Hellonen that she can’t fathom why he violated his oath to protect and defend the Constitution by joining the Jan. 6, 2021, riot that disrupted Congress from certifying President Joe Biden’s 2020 electoral victory. Hellonen, a Michigan native, was the first of the three Marines to be punished for participating in the Capitol siege. By Michael Kunzelman. SENT: 870 words, photos.
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LOCALIZATION
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. Dubbed U.S. Democracy Day, the effort is in its second year and includes news partners ranging from hyperlocal outfits such as California’s Fresnoland and North Carolina’s Enlace Latino to large newsrooms including the Guardian, the Texas Tribune and various McClatchy newspapers. We offer details on how to join. 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.
DISBANDING POLICE DEPARTMENTS-LOCALIZE IT: The Associated Press has found that at least 12 small towns across the U.S. have disbanded their police departments since 2021. America is in the midst of a severe shortage of police officers due to increasing retirements and resignations, and fewer young people entering police work. While larger departments can get by with fewer officers, many small towns — unable to match the pay and incentives offered by bigger places — can’t find qualified candidates for job openings. As a result, towns are increasingly disbanding their departments and turning over policing to their county sheriff, a neighboring town or state police. We list out the towns by state and offer tips and resources for localizing the story. Find the latest Localize It guides.
SENIORS AT THE TABLE-LOCALIZE IT: Seniors looking for a remedy to the isolation they felt during the height of the pandemic are forming friendships over lunch as they participate in restaurant programs that offer a healthy meal selection in exchange for a small donation. We offer a sampling of programs in about 20 states, resources on how to find other partnerships near you and other tips for localizing the story. Find the latest Localize It guides.
BOOK BANS-LIBRARY ASSOCIATION-LOCALIZE IT: A growing wave of libraries are cutting ties with the American Library Association as the professional group stands up for books some conservatives argued children shouldn’t have access to because of their content. A county library in a deeply conservative part of Wyoming led the way and state libraries in Montana, Missouri, Texas and the local library in Midland, Texas, have since followed suit, with possibly more to come. Right-wing lawmakers in at least nine other states — Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota and Wyoming — are demanding their state libraries cut ties with the ALA. The association has long provided guidance to libraries around the country. We offer tips and resources for localizing the story. Find the latest Localize It guides.
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AUDIO
Bells toll as the US marks 22 years since 9/11, from ground zero to Alaska
Escaped murderer Danelo Cavalcante flees search area, changes look and asks acquaintences for help
Biden wraps Vietnam visit by talking with business leaders and visiting a memorial to John McCain
A Trump-Biden rematch may be on the horizon in 2024, whether voters like it or not
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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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