The KTTZ News Team

Fans of Texas Tech sports have two big matchups to watch tomorrow: one in basketball and one in football, which will determine who the Red Raiders face in the Orange Bowl. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren breaks down what’s at stake for both teams. Sunday is the Winter Solstice, when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted farthest from the sun. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures are expected to climb to record highs just before winter officially begins.

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.

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission held a public meeting for comments on new rules proposed to regulate the sale of hemp products in Texas. Texas Public Radio’s Jerry Clayton reports the proposed rules prohibit TABC licensees from selling consumable hemp products to anyone under the age of 21. Lubbock Animal Services is encouraging pet owners to get their dogs vaccinated after observing an increase in upper respiratory infections in dogs in the shelter and in the community.

Lubbock County Republican chairman David Bruegel has announced his campaign for Lubbock City Council District 3 representative. Our Brad Burt reports he was endorsed by the district's current councilman David Glasheen. The City of Lubbock broke ground yesterday on the Lubbock Downtown Park. The project is anticipated as a way to revitalize the downtown area and is expected to open in 2026.

Wolfforth City Councilmember Wesley Houck has announced his run for Lubbock County Judge. He is the only candidate opposing incumbent county judge Curtis Parrish in upcoming primary elections. Our Brad Burt reports he’s joining in a uniquely contentious week for Lubbock county politics. The City of Lubbock is accepting applications for several of its advisory boards and committees. The application deadline is December 31, and the term for the positions starts June 1, 2026. Click here for a list of vacancies.

The U.S. Supreme Court let stand a ruling Monday that allows for the removal of books from a Llano public library. The removal of the books was ruled constitutional earlier this year and this week, the Supreme Court denied the request for a rehearing, effectively ending the years-long legal battle. The Trump Administration will be sending $12 billion to farmers to help them stay in business and compensate for their trade war losses, but Harvest Public Media's Frank Morris reports farmers worry most of the bailout money will go straight to banks and suppliers.

Ahead of yesterday's Lubbock County Commissioners' Court meeting, the Precinct 2 office was declared "vacant," due to former commissioner Jason Corley's campaign for U.S. House of Representatives' District 19, and Mark Meurer of Slaton was appointed to the seat. Meanwhile, Texas Public Radio's Norma Martinez reports the Alamo Rangers will be replaced by state troopers in providing security at the Alamo.

With reports of bird flu in Lubbock, our Bishop Van Buren reports on a warning from the City of Lubbock asking residents to avoid handling sick or dead birds. Those who find sick or dead birds to report them to Lubbock Animal Service by calling 806-775-2057. Tonight at 6 P.M. is the deadline for candidates to file to run in Texas’ March 2026 primary elections. And after the Supreme Court ruled the state can use its 2025 redistricting map for the congressional midterms, Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider reports Democrats are frustrated but hopeful.