Texas’ highway investments over the past decade are paying off, according to a report released at the end of last year. As The Texas Newsroom’s Lucio Vasquez reports, drivers are saving money and spending less time in traffic, and fewer people are dying on the road. Lubbock Lake Landmark is kicking off 90 years of discovery, for which it has events and expert lectures planned throughout the year. This Saturday at 10:30 a.m. is a Waterfowl Workshop, hosted by the South Plains Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists.

A recent study finds rural nurses have to navigate a lack of resources and support when training to provide specialized sexual assault care. And Texas is officially the first state to stop relying on the American Bar Association to approve law schools. KERA's Toluwani Osibamowo reports an order this week gives that responsibility to the Texas Supreme Court. Meanwhile, flu cases in Texas continue to surge, reaching their highest numbers so far this flu season.

Texas Tech University's football team made a key addition to its roster this weekend. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren breaks down the commitment of top transfer prospect Brendan Sorsby. Texas will receive more than $1.4 billion in federal funding over 5 years to address health care and access needs in rural areas. KERA’s Abigail Ruhman reports it is the largest award received by any state.

Lubbock’s public transportation provider Citibus implemented a new fare structure for its Paratransit and On-Demand services on Jan. 1st. Our Samantha Larned reports Paratransit fares are based on the trip’s proximity to a fixed route and on-demand fares are determined by trip distance. Lubbock Fire Rescue said in a press conference yesterday that an infant was legally surrendered to first responders at the Safe Haven baby box at Fire Station 9. Officials say this is the first baby surrendered in a Safe Haven box for the state of Texas.

Texas Tech’s football team saw its historic season come to a close with a 23-0 loss to Oregon on New Years Day in the second round of the College Football Playoffs, but in basketball, conference play is just beginning. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren breaks down how the Red Raiders teams are faring. As the Lubbock ISD semester begins, Lubbock Monterey High School students and teachers are mourning 18-year-old student Kobe Pena, who died from his injuries after a fireworks accident on New Year's Day.

Lubbock County Precinct 2’s Jason Corley was back in the courthouse Monday, returning as county commissioner, as the county's "resign-to-run" legal battle continues. Meanwhile, Texas is expected to see unusually warm and dry weather through the end of the year. KTTZ reporter Bishop Van Buren breaks down how this elevated fire risk affects West Texas.

A Waco judge who refused to marry gay couples is now suing to overturn marriage equality. KERA's Toluwani Osibamowo reports on her long-running dispute with the state’s judicial oversight agency. Over the weekend, Oregon advanced in the College Football Playoffs and will face Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl, and Tech’s men’s basketball team upset No. 3 Duke in dramatic fashion.

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.