Connecticut News Digest, 1:30 pm

Good afternoon. Here's a look at how AP's general news coverage is shaping up in Connecticut.

Questions about today's coverage plans are welcome and can be directed to Dave Collins at 860-246-6876 or [email protected]. 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A reminder that this information is not for publication or broadcast, and these coverage plans are subject to change.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:

GUN PROSECUTION LOOPHOLE

A subtle design feature of the AR-15 rifle has raised a technical legal question that is derailing cases against people who are charged with illegally buying and selling the gun's parts or building the weapon. SENT: 1,200 words. SENT.

MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION-NORTHEAST

Some Northeastern states are regrouping on legalizing recreational marijuana after a year when it was a priority for several governors, but legislative efforts stalled and a vaping illness stirred new concerns. By Jennifer Peltz. SENT: 950 words, photos.

WOODWARD-HEXCEL

Woodward and Connecticut-based Hexcel are merging in an all-stock deal that would create one of the largest suppliers in the aerospace and defense industry. The companies say the tie-up will allow them to create more efficient aircraft that will reduce emissions, a big hurdle for the aerospace industry. By Michelle Chapman. SENT: 340 words.

IN BRIEF:

— DIAGNOSIS DISPUTE-LAWSUIT: A lawsuit filed by the family of a Connecticut teen who was placed into Massachusetts state custody after a dispute over her diagnosis and put in psychiatric unit is scheduled to start Tuesday. SENT: 260 words.

— AUTISTIC BOY-CROSS COUNTRY TEAM: A Connecticut mother has filed a complaint with the state Department of Education alleging that her 12-year-old autistic son was prevented by school officials from joining his middle school's cross country team in violation of federal law. SENT: 180 words.

— HOTEL HOMICIDE: Hartford police are investigating the death of a man found unresponsive in a second-floor room of a city hotel with what authorities described as trauma to his head and face. SENT.

SPORTS:

BKW-T25 WOMEN'S POLL

South Carolina moved up three spots to No. 1 in The Associated Press women's college basketball poll after the top three teams from the previous week all lost. Baylor jumped up four spots to No. 2 on Monday after beating then-No. 1 UConn. SENT: 650 words.

BULLS-CELTICS

The Chicago Bulls visit the Boston Celtics. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos. Game starts at 7:30 p.m.

BRUINS-FLYERS

The Boston Bruins visit the Philadelphia Flyers. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos. Game starts at 7 p.m.

ISLANDERS-RANGERS

The New York Islanders look for their third win in four games as they visit the Rangers in the teams' first meeting of the season, and the first of three meetings in nine days. The Rangers are also looking for their third win in four games. By Vin A. Cherwoo. UPCOMING: 799 words, photos. Game starts at 7 p.m.

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