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A reminder that this information is not for publication or broadcast, and these coverage plans are subject to change.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:
SEX EDUCATION BILL
The Massachusetts Senate is planning to debate a sex education bill that would require school districts that offer a comprehensive sexual health education curriculum to provide “medically accurate, age-appropriate sexual health education” to students regardless of gender, race, disability status, sexual orientation or gender identity. By Steve LeBlanc. SENT: 400 words.
AMBER ALERT-FOUND
A Massachusetts man suspected of abducting an 11-year-old girl as she walked home from school was held without bail Thursday pending a hearing to determine whether he is a danger to society, and was ordered by a judge to undergo a 15-day mental competency evaluation. SENT: 250 words, photos
ELECTION 2020-WARREN-SANDERS-AUDIO
Elizabeth Warren accused Bernie Sanders of calling her a liar before a national television audience during a tense, post-debate exchange in which she refused to shake his outstretched hand, according to audio released by CNN. SENT: 450 words.
IMMIGRATION COURTS
The AP visited immigration courts in 11 cities during a 10-day period in the fall, observing how massive caseloads and shifting policies have increased the turmoil. SENT: 3,650 words, photos, video.
With 1,600 word abridged version.
RHODE ISLAND-BUDGET
Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo is releasing her state budget plan. The legislature will review the proposals and present its plan before the 2021 fiscal year begins in July. SENT: 500 words.
IN BRIEF:
— MASSACHUSETTS STATE POLICE: Gov. Charlie Baker unveiled legislation Thursday aimed at overhauling the way Massachusetts State Police hires, promotes and disciplines troopers, and includes jettisoning a mandate that the agency's commander be appointed from within. SENT: 200 words.
— GAMBLING REVENUE: MGM Springfield reported its lowest monthly revenue in its 16-month history. The casino's gross gambling revenue was $18.9 million, down from $21.6 million a year ago. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission released its monthly numbers Wednesday. SENT: 200 words.
— GUARD ASSAULT: An inmate at a Boston jail is staying behind bars for an additional six to seven years for attacking and severely injuring a guard, prosecutors said Thursday. SENT: 130 words.
— WASTEWATER PLANT BODY: A Massachusetts man charged with killing a 26-year-old woman whose body was found outside a wastewater treatment plant has been held without bail after pleading not guilty. SENT: 130 words.
— PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYEE SHOT: A public works employee in Lawrence, Massachusetts was fatally shot while repairing potholes. SENT: 100 words.
— CONVENTION AUTHORITY AUDIT: Two executives with the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority have been placed on administrative leave during a performance audit by the state auditor ordered by lawmakers, according to a WPRI-TV report. SENT: 190 words.
— STOLEN ARTIFACTS RETURNED: Native American arrowheads have been returned to the Rhode Island museum they were stolen from nearly 30 years ago. SENT.
— CHECKS STOLEN: Police in Rhode Island are investigating reports from residents who say checks they sent in the mail have been cashed fraudulently. SENT: 130 words.
— LYME DISEASE-MAINE: Maine reported a record number of Lyme disease cases last year, and the number could rise as data continues to trickle in, officials said Thursday. SENT: 150 words.
— HEPATITIS OUTBREAK-VERMONT: Vermont is reporting a statewide outbreak of hepatitis A, joining 30 other states, including New Hampshire and Massachusetts, that have seen a marked increase in the number of cases, the Vermont Health Department said Thursday. SENT: 180 words.
SPORTS
RED SOX-MANAGER
The Boston Red Sox say the turmoil in the manager's office isn't a reason to give up on this season and trade outfielder Mookie Betts. By Jimmy Golen. SENT; 600 words.
PENGUINS-BRUINS
The Pittsburgh Penguins visit the Boston Bruins. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos. Game starts at 7 p.m.
CELTICS-BUCKS
The Boston Celtics visit the Milwaukee Bucks. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos. Game starts at 8 p.m. ET
BROWNS-GM SEARCH
The Browns will interview Patriots director of college scouting Monti Ossenfort for their general manager's job, a person familiar with the meeting told The Associated Press on Thursday. SENT: 600 words, photos.
SIGN STEALING-THE 1951 SCANDAL
A look back at a sign-stealing scandal in Major League Baseball in 1951. By Ben Walker. SENT: 600 words.
MEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Northeastern at Coll. of Charleston, 7 p.m. (150 words, more on merits)
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