Massachusetts News Digest, 6 pm
Good evening. Here's a look at how AP's general news coverage is shaping up in Massachusetts.
Questions about coverage plans are welcome and should be directed to the AP Boston bureau at 617-357-8100 or 800-882-1407.
New England News Editor Bill Kole can be reached at 617-357-8100 or [email protected]. New England Photo Editor Bill Sikes is reachable at 617-357-8106 or [email protected].
For up-to-the minute information on AP's coverage, visit Coverage Plan at newsroom.ap.org.
A reminder that this information is not for publication or broadcast, and these coverage plans are subject to change.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. Advisories and digests will keep you up to date. All times are Eastern.
Some TV and radio stations will receive shorter versions of the stories below, along with all updates.
TOP STORIES:
MASSACHUSETTS GAMBLING-ENCORE
Wynn Resorts officials say they’re in the process of “rightsizing” operations at Encore Boston Harbor, the $2.6 billion casino that opened just six months ago but has so far fallen short of revenue projections. By Philip Marcelo. UPCOMING: about 400 words by 6:30 p.m.
ALASKA-EX-GOVERNOR-HARVARD FELLOW
Bill Walker, who was one of the country's few politically unaffiliated governors, plans to discuss with students bridging the political divide during an upcoming, on-campus residency at Harvard University. SENT: 350 words, photos.
BILL COSBY
Imprisoned comedian Bill Cosby, who lost the initial appeal of his sex assault conviction last month, asks the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to review his conviction. SENT: 400 words, photos.
IRAN PROTESTS-MASSACHUSETTS
Peace activists gather in Cambridge to protest the Trump Administration’s actions regarding Iran. 4 p.m. Story on merits.
WESTERLY SHOOTING
A Rhode Island man who police say fatally shot one woman and wounded two others before killing himself left behind a note apologizing for the “mess” he made, police say. SENT: 240 words.
IN BRIEF:
— BOSTON HOMICIDES: Boston's police commissioner is crediting cooperation from the public, the support of the mayor, and collaborations with public health officials and the private sector for a 20-year low in the city's homicide rate. SENT: 180 words.
— CELTICS-FAN ARREST: A man was arrested and escorted out of the arena after throwing a can of hard seltzer onto the court near the San Antonio Spurs bench during Wednesday night's Boston Celtics game, Boston police announced Thursday. SENT: 130 words.
— HOMELESSNESS REPORT: Homelessness in Rhode Island has declined by 4.2%, federal housing officials said Thursday. Neighboring Massachusetts saw one of the largest declines nationwide in the number of homeless people, with 552 fewer individuals, though the report notes that the state had a “very high” rate of homelessness among families. SENT: 200 words.
— CRUISE SHIP ASSAULT: A New York man has been sentenced to two months in prison for beating a woman on a cruise ship off the coast of Massachusetts so severely she required stitches. SENT: 180 words.
— RAILROAD-CONCRETE BLOCKS: Massachusetts State Police are trying to figure out who placed several heavy pieces of concrete on railroad tracks on Cape Cod, which could have caused a derailment. SENT: 100 words.
— PLASTIC BAG BAN: Rhode Island's Senate president said Thursday that he has introduced a bill to ban single-use plastic bags at checkout counters statewide. SENT: 200 words.
— URI PRESIDENT: The president of the University of Rhode Island is waiting to discuss a new contract until a board of trustees can be put into place at the school. SENT: 180 words.
SPORTS
JETS-BRUINS
The Bruins return home after snapping a three-game losing streak to host the Jets . By Kyle Hightower. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos. Game starts at 7 p.m.
CELTICS-76ERS
The Boston Celtics visit the Philadelphia 76ers. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos. Game starts at 7 p.m.
GIANTS-JUDGE
After a search that lasted just over a week, Joe Judge is introduced as the New York Giants coach. UPCOMING: 700 words, photo.
MEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL (150 word stories on each, more on merits)
Mount St. Mary's at Merrimack, 7 p.m.
Hofstra at Northeastern, 8 p.m.
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