Spartan Echo

Hello! Here’s a look at how AP’s general news coverage is shaping up today in Virginia. Questions about today’s coverage plans are welcome, and should be directed to the Richmond bureau at 804-643-6646 or aprichmond@ap.org.

A reminder this information is not for publication or broadcast, and these coverage plans are subject to change.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, digests and digest advisories will keep you up to date.

Some TV and radio stations will receive shorter APNewsNow versions of the stories below, along with all updates.

TOP STORIES:

TOP STORIES:

HEALTH OVERHAUL-VIRGINIA

RICHMOND — Many Virginia residents seeking insurance coverage on the health care exchange will see their premiums go up next year, but rates are rising less in Virginia than in most states, federal officials said. By Alanna Durkin. SENT: 320 words.

AIR FORCE-NEW BOMBER

WASHINGTON — The Air Force said Tuesday it chose Northrop Grumman Corp., maker of the B-2 stealth bomber, to build its next-generation bomber, a highly classified, $55 billion project designed to replace the aging bomber fleet with an information-age aircraft that eventually may be capable of flying without a pilot aboard. By Robert Burns. SENT: 640 words, photo.

HIGHER EDUCATION

RICHMOND — Aiming to slow the steady rise of tuition, Virginia’s coordinating body for higher education on Tuesday recommended an additional $302 million in state support for public universities and colleges in its next biennial budget. SENT: 320 words.

SCHOOL ACCREDITATION

RICHMOND — The number of Virginia public schools that have earned full accreditation has increased for the first time in five years, Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s administration said Tuesday. SENT: 280 words.

IN BRIEF:

— MINE EXPLOSION-TRIAL: With a key government witness on the stand, a former coal boss’ defense team continued to contend his company prioritized safety and disciplined people when they made mistakes. UPCOMING: 130 words by 7 p.m.

— REDISTRICTING LAWSUIT: A group of Virginians who unsuccessfully challenged the state’s legislative boundaries in federal court is appealing a recent ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court.

— UTILITY FRAUD: The chief financial officer of the Bristol Virginia Utilities Authority has been indicted on tax and fraud charges stemming from a federal investigation.

— SURCHARGE SETTLEMENT: Attorney General Mark R. Herring says Virginia and affected localities will receive more than $2 million from a multistate settlement with a medical waste disposal company.

— WOMEN’S CENTER: A community services board plans to build a mental health and substance abuse care center for Central Virginia women.

— HOMELESS CAMP SHOOTING: Authorities say they have arrested a man who shot another man in the face during an argument inside a homeless camp.

— UBER DRIVER ROBBED: Police are searching for a man they say robbed and abducted an Uber driver, forcing her into the trunk of her car.

— APPOMATTOX SHOOTING: The trial of an Appomattox County man charged with killing his mother has been delayed until next year.

— CHESTERFIELD SHOOTING: Police say the fatal shooting of a Chesterfield County man is being investigated as an accident.

— HIGHER EDUCATION: The coordinating body for higher education in Virginia says the state should step up its financial support for colleges and universities.

— MINE FATALITIES: Federal regulators say 25 fatalities have occurred in U.S. mines through the first nine months of this year, down from 33 deaths in the same period of 2014.

— VIRGINIA ELECTION-ABSENTEE: Virginia residents who want to receive an absentee ballot by mail for the upcoming election better act quickly.

— AGRICULTURE PROJECTS: Fifteen agriculture-related projects in Virginia will receive more than $503,000 in grants.

SPORTS:

VIRGINIA TECH-BEAMER

Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer says the only thing he’s worrying about this week is getting his team ready to face Boston College. But with the Hokies struggling for a fourth straight season, Beamer is also facing questions about his long-term future. By Hank Kurz Jr. UPCOMING: 550 words, photos by 7 p.m.

FBC–ACC-COASTAL CHAOS

DURHAM, N.C. — There’s chaos brewing once again in the ACC’s Coastal Division. But this time, nobody’s making fun of it. By Joedy McCreary. SENT: 700 words, photos.

FBN–REDSKINS-INCONSISTENT COUSINS

ASHBURN — If Kirk Cousins throws an interception in a game, he throws a second, and the Washington Redskins lose. If Cousins plays a pick-free game, the Redskins win. It really is that simple so far this season. By Howard Fendrich. SENT: 600 words, photo.

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MARKETPLACE: Calling your attention to the Marketplace in AP Exchange, where you can find member-contributed content from Virginia and other states. The Marketplace is accessible on the left navigational pane of the AP Exchange home page, near the bottom. For both national and state, you can click “All” or search for content by topics such as education, politics and business.