Texas News Digest

Good afternoon! Here's a look at AP's general news and sports coverage in Texas at this hour. Questions about coverage plans are welcome and should be directed to the Dallas AP at 972-991-2100, or, in Texas, 800-442-7189. Email: [email protected]. Ken Miller is at the desk after 5:30 a.m.

Reminder: This information is not for publication or broadcast, and these coverage plans are subject to change.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 broadcast versions of the stories below, along with all updates.

For up-to-the minute information on AP's coverage, visit Coverage Plan at newsroom.ap.org.

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TOP STORIES:

SOUTHERN STORMS

Forecasters are warning of hurricane-force wind gusts and hail the size of baseballs as a potent storm threatens to spin up tornadoes and drench the South with heavy rains. The national Storm Prediction Center said more than 18 million people in Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma will be at an enhanced threat of storms that could include strong tornadoes and flooding rains. The area includes several major Texas cities including Dallas, Houston and Austin. The National Weather Service said wind gusts could top 80 mph — the speed of a Category 1 hurricane. By Jeff Martin.

AP EXPLAINS-IRAN CYBER-THREATS

West Virginia reported unusual cyber activity targeting its election systems. The Texas governor said the state was encountering attempted “attacks" at the rate of “about 10,000 per minute" from Iran. Information technology staff in Las Vegas responded to an intrusion, though the city says no data was stolen. All told, state election officials in at least two dozen states saw suspicious cyber activity last week, although it’s unclear who was behind the efforts and no major problems were reported. By Eric Tucker. AP Photos.

FROM AP MEMBERS:

HOUSTON — Shriners Hospital for Children in the Texas Medical Center is planning to close in 2021 and consolidate its area care at the charity system’s Galveston facility. The closure will end Shriners’ 100-year presence in Houston. AP Photos.

IN SPORTS:

BASKETBALL:

NBA:

BKN--LAKERS-MAVREICKS

DALLAS — LeBron James might be without Anthony Davis for LA and Luka Doncic will be without Kristaps Porzingis for Dallas when the Lakers visit the Mavericks in their last regular-season matchup. By Schuyler Dixon. UPCOMING: 750 words, photos. Game starts 8:45 p.m. CT. AP Photos.

BKN--SPURS-GRIZZLIES

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis Grizzlies, winners of three straight, host the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night. By Clay Bailey. UPCOMING: 650 words, photos. Game starts at 7 p.m. CT. AP Photos.

COLLEGE MEN:

BKC—BIG 12 THIS WEEK

The Big 12 is heading into its second week of conference play. A high-profile matchup between third-ranked Kansas and No. 4 Baylor on Saturday could set the stage for the rest of the season. The other big game Saturday features No. 17 West Virginia against Texas Tech. On the women's side, sixth-ranked Baylor is flying high into the weekend after routing No. 1 Connecticut, ending the Huskies' 98-game home winning streak. By Dave Skretta. AP Photos.

BKC--SEC THIS WEEK

The Southeastern Conference’s top-ranked team faces the league’s top-ranked pro prospect when No. 5 puts its unbeaten record at stake by hosting Anthony Edwards and the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday. The Georgia-Auburn matchup highlights the second weekend of conference play. By Steve Megargee. AP Photos.

FOOTBALL:

COLLEGE:

FBC--FCS CHAMPIONSHIP GAME PREVIEW

FRISCO, Texas — North Dakota State has won seven of the last eight FCS titles. James Madison is in its third title game in four years, and won the last one the Bison didn't. Both are back with new head coaches. By Stephen Hawkins. UPCOMING. 750 words by 4 p.m. CST

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