The KTTZ News Team

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 against 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.

The reliability of the Texas energy grid could be shaken by the rapid expansion of data centers in the state. Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies reports on a new study that shows that could be especially evident in extreme weather conditions. Lubbock County Commissioner Jason Corley has entered the race for Texas’ 19th Congressional District, currently held by Jodey Arrington, against whom he competed against for the 2016 Republican primary. The filing deadline for candidates is Monday, Dec. 8.

This Sunday is Texas Tech’s annual Carol of Lights at the Science Quadrangle, the university's way to kick off the holiday season. But almost 60 years ago, the occasion was a much more somber affair following the murder of Sarah Alice Morgan on Dec. 4, 1967. Our reporter Mia Shephard has more on that night and its lasting legacy.

Texas Tech University's system chancellor sent the system’s standards for discussing race and gender in the classroom to university presidents on Dec. 1. Our Samantha Larned has more on the memorandum from Brandon Creighton. Lubbock’s city council passed an amendment to city ordinances that alters the procedure for declaring and keeping a dangerous dog in yesterday's meeting. It also raises the insurance requirements to keep a dangerous dog from $250,000 to $1 million.

Texas Tech University will makes its first-ever appearance in the Big 12 Football Championship this Saturday. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren has more on the matchup against BYU. Community activist and former mayoral candidate Adam Hernandez has announced his intent to run for Lubbock's District 3 city council seat, currently represented by David Glasheen.

After the 2023 state legislature passed a comprehensive law about instructional materials, the Texas Education Agency is working on a list of required literary works to teach in public schools. Texas Public Radio's Camille Phillips has more on the initial discussion. Researchers at UT Arlington are calling for further study into a federal program meant to improve access to health care for rural communities. KERA’s Abigail Ruhman reports on the rural emergency hospital program.

Caprock Canyon State Park has been officially certified as an international Dark Skies park. The beauty of the park recently inspired a West Texas native to use his new clothing brand to advocate for natural spaces on the South Plains. Our Olivia O’Rand reports on Dying Breed. New research shows that bison, like those living in Caprock Canyon, can help protect prairies from the invasive eastern red cedar.