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]. Jill bleed 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Reminder: This information is not for publication or broadcast, and these coverage plans are subject to change.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:

KILLER NURSE

SAN ANTONIO — A former Texas nurse suspected in the killing of dozens of children has pleaded guilty to the 1981 death of an 11-month-old. SENT: 500 words, photo.

TEXAS SCHOOL STABBING

ABILENE, Texas — Officials say a recently suspended Texas high school student stabbed two of his classmates before fleeing campus. Developing.

IMMIGRATION-COURTS

LUMPKIN, Ga. — The nation's immigration court system is shouldering crushing caseloads, chaos and confusion. Dysfunctional for years, the system has grown worse following a surge in asylum seekers and the Trump administration’s crackdown on the southwest border and illegal immigration. 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. By Kate Brumback, Deepti Hajela, and Amy Taxin. Abridged version also available.

IN BRIEF:

—RECYCLING BOTTLES — An initiative from three of America's biggest beverage companies that aims to improve the recycling and processing of plastic bottles is kicking off in North Texas with an investment of more than $3 million.

COMING THIS WEEKEND:

GALVESTON-PLAGUE ANNIVERSARY

GALVESTON, Texas — It’s been 100 years since the Black Death came to Galveston A seaport city that has seen more than its share of death and destruction, the island is approaching one of the most gruesome anniversaries in its long history: a 1920 plague outbreak that left more than a dozen people dead, sent a bolt of cold fear through the populace and led the city to declare war on rats. By John Wayne Ferguson of the Galveston Daily News.

IN SPORTS:

Football

FBN-NFL AT 100-NFC CHAMPIONSHIPS

With "The Catch” that sent San Francisco to its first Super Bowl and “The Blown Call” that kept New Orleans at home, NFC championship games have two seminal moments that rank with just about any in postseason history. There's plenty to remember from the 37 years separating those plays as well. By Pro Football Writer Schuyler Dixon. UPCOMING: 1,000 words, photos.

Basketball

—BKC-RICE-LOUISIANA TECH — Rice plays Louisiana Tech at Thomas Assembly Center.

—BKC-NORTH TEXAS-SOUTHERN MISS — North Texas plays Southern Miss at Reed Green Coliseum.

—BKC-TEXAS STATE-LOUISIANA-MONROE — Texas State plays Louisiana-Monroe at Fant-Ewing Coliseum.

—BKC-TEXAS-ARLINGTON-LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE — Texas-Arlington plays Louisiana-Lafayette at Cajundome.

—BKC-TEXAS RIO GRANDE VALLEY-SEATTLE — Texas Rio Grande Valley plays Seattle at KeyArena.

Hockey

HKN-SABRES-STARS

DALLAS — The Stars return home to face Buffalo after winning three of four on the road to push their record to 7-1 in the past eight games. The Sabres have won two straight after dropping nine of their previous 12. UPCOMING: 650 words, photos. Game starts 7:30 p.m. CT.

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