The KTTZ News Team

The National Weather Service has announced that a Fire Weather Watch is in effect from noon until 9 p.m. today for the South Plains region. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren has more on how a warm and dry winter contributed to increased fire risk this spring. Starting today, Texas won't allow people to SNAP benefits to purchase “candy” and “sweetened drinks.” KERA’s Abigail Ruhman reports that retailers have spent months preparing for the restrictions.

Last week, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced $5 million in grants for fellowship programs in forensic psychiatry. Our Samantha Larned spoke with a professor at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, one of the nine schools that received funding for program development and expansion.

Caprock Canyon State Park and Trailway, home to the state's bison herd, has acquired around 1,100 new acres of land. Our Charley Maranville reports Texas Parks and Wildlife will seek public input on recreational opportunities for the property. On Thursday, the Dallas Independent School District board voted to offer free universal pre-K across the district. KERA’s Bill Zeeble reports enrollment starts next month.

Following recent reports from the Texas Education Agency about removing Cesar Chavez from curriculum, Mayor Pro-tem and District 1 Lubbock city council representative Christy Martinez-Garcia said that she does not want the changes to erase the history altogether. This week, the Texas Department of Agriculture announced the Marketing Enhancement Grant Assistance program for GO TEXAN partners. Our Charley Maranville has more on how the program works. More at gotexan.org.

Lubbock native Blaire Elbert represented West Texas on this season of the NBC singing competition The Voice. Elbert was eliminated, but is continuing to ride her momentum as she tours the state. KTTZ reporter Mia Shephard spoke with Elbert earlier this month about her experience on the show.

Lubbock City Council has approved June 27 as the date for the District 4 special election. Early voting will run June 15-23. Following a New York Times report outlining years of alleged sexual harassment and abuse from Cesar Chavez, KERA's Bill Zeeble explains Texas Education Agency is directing public schools to eliminate lessons and references to the late union organizer. Lubbock Mayor Mark McBrayer is hosting Coffee with the Mayor in District 2 tomorrow. The event starts 7 a.m. tomorrow at the Mae Simmons Community Center.

Folks who have UnitedHealthcare insurance plans could lose in-service coverage from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and Texas Tech Physicians according to an announcement on contract negotiations. Our Samantha Larned reports the deadline for the agreement is March 31. You can find more information here. New developments may stave off a water crisis in Corpus Christi for at least a few months. Texas Public Radio's Jerry Clayton has more on the water sources the city will be using.

The 2026 Farm Bill has been approved by the House Agriculture Committee, with expansions on crop insurance and the establishment of new research programs. Next, the bill heads to the full U.S. House of Representatives for a vote. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued an Emergency Use Authorization for a new topical treatment to combat the spread of New World Screwworm. Texas Public Radio's Marian Navarro explains it's one of many drug and treatments the FDA has recently approved to address the spread of the parasite.

Both of Texas Tech’s basketball teams begin play in the NCAA Tournament today, looking to bounce back from winless stints in the Big 12 Tournament. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren breaks down the matchups. Meanwhile, Texas fire officials are keeping a close watch over the weekend amid what has already been a busy season for firefighters.

Activist and United Farm Workers co-leader Dolores Huerta issued a statement on social media reinforcing sex abuse allegations against labor icon Cesar Chavez. Texas Public Radio's Kory Cook has the details. In Lubbock, the Democratic Party is asking city leaders to change the name of Cesar E. Chavez Drive. Nonprofit Los Hermanos Familia, which organized Lubbock's event honoring Chavez for more than 25 years, has announced that instead of cancelling, they will hold the "CommUNITY Day of Service" on March 28.