The KTTZ News Team

The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center cancelled an event organized by a student group, set to take place last week featuring a conversation about third-trimester abortion. Our reporter Samantha Larned reports the decision has been met with support and criticism from free speech advocacy groups.

Lubbock Police officials are asking drivers to be careful on the Marsha Sharp Freeway as officers conduct accident investigations today beginning at 9 A.M. This will affect westbound traffic on the Marsha Sharp between Quaker and Slide roads and eastbound lanes near University and Avenue Q. The Texas Education Agency has provided new guidance regarding the response to student walkouts, amid recent protests over immigration enforcement. The Texas Newsroom's Lucio Vasquez reports consequences could include possible state intervention. Tomorrow, Lubbock Mayor Mark McBrayer is hosting Coffee with the Mayor in District 1, starting at 7 A.M. at Amigos located at 112 N. University Avenue.

The University Interscholastic League, or UIL, officially revealed its new district alignments Monday, and our Bishop Van Buren has the details on the impact for Frenship High and Frenship Memorial High School. Meanwhile, San Antonio Democratic Congressman Joaquin Castro is calling for a family immigrant detention center in the area to be shut down following two confirmed measles cases. Texas Public Radio's Marian Navarro reports doctors with UT Health San Antonio are also concerned with response and potential spread.

New World Screwworm has not yet reached Texas, but as it approaches the southern border from Mexico, Gov. Greg Abbott’s office has issued a statewide disaster declaration. Today is the Day the Music Died, marking 67 years since the deaths of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, J.P. Richardson, and pilot Roger Peterson. Our Charley Maranville reports the Buddy Holly Center has free events for all ages, including free admission to the museum from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. and to the J.I. Allison House from 11 A.M. to 4 P.M. and a guided gallery tour at 1:30 P.M.

Last week, Lubbock Public Health's Prevention Resource Center partnered with StarCare for a demonstration on Naloxone, a medication which can reverse an opioid overdose. According to StarCare, opioid use is a rising issue in Lubbock, one that is complicated by stigmatization and denial. Our reporter Samantha Larned attended the training and has more on how to recognize and respond to an overdose. You can find additional information and resources from Lubbock Public Health by calling 806-775-2933.

Texas officials say at least 12 people have died over the course of the winter storm that brought freezing temperatures and icy conditions across the state this week. As The Texas Newsroom’s Lucio Vasquez reports, around half of the victims were children. Monday is the deadline to register to vote in the March 3 primary election. Our Michelle Waida reports you can find registration information, including status and applications, at votelubbock.gov. Applications can be delivered to the Lubbock County Elections Office at 1308 Crickets Avenue.

The Texas chapter of the American Federation of Teachers is asking the court to bar the Texas Education Agency from investigating educators for their comments on social media after the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The Buddy Holly Center is hosting a lecture that coincides with the Lonesome Dove traveling exhibition currently in town. Our new student reporter Charley Maranville explains the presentation is focused on the adaptation and impact of the work. The lecture is Friday, from 6 to 7:30 P.M. at the Buddy Holly Center and the exhibition is open until March 22.

The latest plan for the Lubbock County Expo Center received backing from County Commissioners yesterday. Tentatively, the expo center would work with the county to borrow around $32 million of the $67 million budgeted. Meanwhile as controversy continues over Immigration and Customs Enforcements actions in Minneapolis, Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies reports that Texas Governor Greg Abbott is weighing in. Abbott says that anti-ICE protests are a result of state leadership “inciting violence."

Freezing temperatures and hazardous road conditions here in Lubbock have continued after the weekend, prompting area school districts, colleges, and universities to cancel today's classes. Much of the country is still dealing with dangerous winter weather, putting power grids under strain from coast to coast. The Texas Newsroom’s Lucio Vasquez reports that ERCOT says the state energy grid is performing better now than in 2021's winter storm. Another severe weather event in Texas this past summer could have traumatic effects for thousands of adults and children for months or even years. Texas Public Radio's Norma Martinez has more on mental health response following the July 4th floods in Kerr County.

The newly instated Texas Nutrition Advisory Committee is responsible for creating dietary guidelines and KERA’s Abigail Ruhman reports it has until September to produce a report that could effect continuing education requirements for medical providers. In the last legislative session, Texas lawmakers finally increased funding for disabled students. KERA's Bill Zeeble explains that the TEA must now figure out where to send the new money.