Local News

Quail populations across Texas have been plummeting for decades. But now, a Texas Tech researcher and his team may have turned that trend around with the invention of a medicated wildlife feed that’s been approved by the FDA and is now commercially available.

Nonprofits across the country have been grappling with changes in federal spending and the cuts to departments and grants. As coordinator with other local organizations, Lubbock Area United Way has been updating partners on developments at the state and national level, and advocating for policies suited to West Texas.

The Home Utility Management System would allow households to collect and utilize energy and water for themselves, rather than relying on a grid. While federal funding is still up in the air, researchers with the project are seeking new opportunities to implement the system in practice.

A group representing High Plains region farmers has launched a campaign to make buyers aware of synthetic fibers’ impact on the environment and health.

As Texas Tech’s football team waits to learn its first opponent in this year’s College Football Playoffs, our Bishop Van Buren reports on a push for long-term stability within the program. Two recently passed state laws that address outdoor warning sirens in flash flood zones are closer to implementation. Texas Public Radio's Marian Navarro explains Senate Bill 3 and Senate Bill 5, set to affect 30 counties this week.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing Xcel Energy for negligence, which he alleges caused the 2024 Panhandle Wildfires. Our Samantha Larned reports Xcel has maintained its stance of accepting responsibility, while denying negligence. Tyson Foods plans to scale back production at its plant in Amarillo, eliminating more than 1,700 jobs. Harvest Public Media’s Molly Ashford reports on what that means for ranchers and consumers.

A First Amendment advocacy nonprofit reached out to Texas Tech University System presidents Friday, urging them not to restrict faculty speech within the classroom. Our Samantha Larned spoke with the author of the letters and reports on concerns from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. Another candidate has joined the race to become District 3’s city council representative. Gil Caley is the interim president for PFLAG Lubbock and the lead editor of The Catalyst media.