Local News

Joe Ely was a Texas music legend who drove humbly at the leading edge of an evolutionary wave in alternative country music, and many talented West Texas musicians came with him. Butch Hancock and Terry Allen spoke with KTTZ about the life and career of their close friend, the role that West Texas played in their music, and the role Joe Ely played in their lives.

Following the Dec. 1 memorandum from Texas Tech University System Chancellor Brandon Creighton, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression sent letters to each of the five presidents within the Tech system, calling upon them not to restrict academic freedom or classroom instruction based on viewpoint.

Caley’s campaign announcement highlighted possible initiatives like developing a new library branch or recreation center in the district, as well as additional neighborhood planning efforts, policies to benefit locally owned businesses, and addressing loose animals.

Former Lubbock County Precinct 2 Commissioner Jason Corley filed a lawsuit Monday against his replacement, Mark Meurer of Slaton. Corley was removed from the seat after announcing his Congressional campaign. The basis of his lawsuit comes from a disagreement between Corley and Lubbock County Judge Curtis Parrish over when his bid for the national office became official.

As students return to colleges and universities across Texas, questions remain regarding discussions of gender and race in the classroom and on campus. Our Samantha Larned reports on the latest from the Texas Tech and Texas A&M university systems.

School is back in session, which means flu season is kicking into high gear. Our new student reporter Michelle Waida has advice for parents on symptoms and recovery for children. According to data from the National Weather Service, 2025 was Lubbock's second-warmest year on record. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren breaks down the year-end climate summary.

Legal questions remain in the “resign-to-run” disagreement between Lubbock County Precinct 2 Commissioner Jason Corley and County Judge Curtis Parrish. Corley was restored to the commission, at least temporarily, at the end of December, while the case for his possible replacement is under review by the Texas Supreme Court. Meanwhile, KERA's Bill Zeeble reports that the state has launched a website where folks can file complaints about public colleges and universities, tied to recent laws like anti-DEI legislation.