Hello! Here's a look at how AP's general news coverage is shaping up in Iowa. Questions about coverage plans are welcome, and should be directed to the Des Moines Bureau at 515-243-3281 or apdesmoines@ap.org. Iowa News Editor Scott McFetridge can also be reached at 515-243-3281 or smcfetridge@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A reminder this information is not for publication or broadcast, and these coverage plans are subject to change.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 and digests will keep you up to date. All times are Central.
Some TV and radio stations will receive shorter APNewsNow versions of the stories below, along with all updates.
TOP STORIES:
IOWA MEDICAID
DES MOINES — A new report says Iowa's controversial shift to privately managed Medicaid will save the state 80 percent less money this year than originally predicted. SENT: 130 words. UPCOMING: 300 words.
MEGA MILLIONS JACKPOT
DES MOINES — The winning ticket in the latest Mega Millions drawing was sold in Florida. One ticket matched all six numbers in Friday night's drawing and will claim a $450 million grand prize. The Florida Lottery says the winning ticket was bought at a 7-Eleven convenience store in Port Richey. SENT: 275 words, photo.
AROUND THE STATE:
CANNABIS OIL
DES MOINES — Unregulated sales of cannabis oil have been ramping up in Iowa even as state officials work to set up a tightly regulated distribution system for medical marijuana products. SENT: 300 words.
EXCHANGES:
EXCHANGE-SCHOOL SAVED
OAKLAND, Iowa — Two Oakland residents are set to purchase the former Riverside High School properties to convert them for use as community educational and recreational facilities for area residents, with the building renamed "Impact Hill." By Tim Johnson, Daily Nonpareil. SENT: 800 words, photo.
EXCHANGE-HISTORIC TAX CREDIT
DUBUQUE, Iowa — Dubuque community leaders breathed a collective sigh of relief in mid-December after Congress voted to preserve the Federal Historic Tax Credit in its sweeping $1.5 trillion tax package. By Thomas J. Barton, Telegraph Herald. SENT: 610 words.
IN BRIEF:
SCHOOL BUS SHOT — Police in north-central Iowa say no children where hurt when a window of their moving school bus was shot out.
BODIES FOUND — Trial for a central Iowa man accused of killing his mother, father and sister has been pushed back to June 4.
STATE PARK-TREE HARVEST — The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will hold an informational meeting in West Des Moines to discuss a planned tree harvest from a central Iowa state park campground site.
FAREWAY-NO SMOKING — A major Iowa grocery retailer has announced it will no longer allow its employees to use tobacco products on company property, including stores in Nebraska.
SPORTS:
BKC--IOWA STATE-OKLAHOMA STATE
STILLWATER, Okla. — Oklahoma State and Iowa State meet Saturday in a matchup of teams looking for their first Big 12 win. By Cliff Brunt. UPCOMING: 650 words, with photos. Game time 3 p.m. Central.
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