The KTTZ News Team

Judge Phillip Hays with the 99th District Court has recused himself from the lawsuit filed by Texas Tech quarterback Brendon Sorsby against the NCAA, after the NCAA declared Sorsby ineligible to play while they investigate accusations of online sports betting that violates the NCAA’s anti-gambling rules. From April 2025 to April 2026, nearly half a million Texans lost SNAP eligibility, according to data from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services. Our Samantha Larned reports federal changes to SNAP in 2025 could put financial pressure on the states.

President Trump has endorsed state Attorney General Ken Paxton over incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the Texas Republican primary runoff for the U.S. Senate. Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider says the endorsement is likely to give Paxton a boost in his efforts to win the GOP nomination next Tuesday, but it could complicate Republican efforts to hold onto the Senate in the midterms. Several buildings on 34th Street were vandalized this past weekend, including Lubbock Meals on Wheels. According to a release from the nonprofit, damage included two windows – one of which was shattered. You can find more information on how to support the organization at lubbockmealsonwheels.org.

Following last months announcements of his leave of absence, Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby is suing the NCAA, seeking eligibility for the 2026 football season. KTTZ’s Samantha Larned reports on the lawsuit. Texas firefighters continue to monitor conditions in the Plains and Panhandle region after four straight days of fighting wildfires from eastern New Mexico to the Caprock Canyons. Fire danger conditions are expected to decrease as the week progresses.

Early voting in Texas’ joint primary runoff elections begins today and runs through Friday. The initial election took place in March, but the races that ended without a candidate receiving more than 50% of the votes are back on the ballot. Voters will determine which candidates will go on to represent their parties in the November general election. Our Samantha Larned reports on the races. Lubbock Animal Services is accepting newspapers donations to its shelter at 3323 Southeast Loop 289.

Emergency officials in Lincoln County, New Mexico have confirmed four people died in a medical transport plane crash northeast of Ruidoso yesterday. The cause of the plane crash remains under investigation. After approval from the U.S. House, a bill permitting year-round sales of up to 15% ethanol gasoline blends is heading to the Senate. Harvest Public Media’s Macy Byars reports supporters say this could boost the farm economy and give consumers cheaper options at the gas pump.

Lubbock Public Health recently launched new group counseling services for those with substance use disorders. The groups are free, do not require insurance, and are open to anyone who is at least 18 years old. There are groups for those thinking about quitting and for those who are no longer using substances. The meetings are hosted Mondays and Wednesdays. You can schedule an intake by contacting the health department at 806-775-2933.

Many farmers are facing a challenging economy. That’s forcing some to make tough choices about how much to invest in this season’s crops. Harvest Public Media’s Michael Marks has more from a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service economist about the demands. The City of Lubbock is hosting the annual Move Out Give Back Program to provide students and residents with an opportunity to drop off reusable items, such as hard-surface furniture and small working appliances, as well as large or bulky items that are too big for dumpsters.

The City of Wolfforth is accepting public comment on its Wolfforth Forward Comprehensive Plan until May 31. According to a draft of the plan, Wolfforth has been experiencing consistent, rapid growth for decades. Over the next 20 years, the City of Wolfforth expects a population of more than 22,000. Our Samantha Larned has more on how the report is intended to provide a roadmap for the city’s growth. You can find a link to the Wolfforth Forward Comprehensive Plan and leave your comment here.

A state law passed after July 4th floods in the Texas Hill Country requires camps to have redundant internet access in order to receive an operational license. Texas Public Radio's Marian Navarro reports The Texas Department of State Health Services has reached an agreement with these camps over fiber optic requirements. Texas prisons saw a 2,400 percent increase in drug overdose deaths over the past seven years. As KERA's Toluwani Osibamowo reports, officials say it's the result of an influx of contraband into state correctional facilities.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation yesterday into nearly 30 school districts, including Lubbock ISD, regarding Texas’ Senate Bills 10 and 11. Lubbock ISD released a statement saying it is in compliance with both state laws. A recent report from the University of Texas at Austin revealed that data centers could potentially account for 3-9 percent of the Texas' water use by 2040. KEDT's Rob Boscamp reports they currently represent less than 1%.