© 2026 KTTZ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Daily Newscast
Weekday Mornings at 7:19 and 8:19

Start your morning with today's stories from Lubbock and around Texas.

  • Today is Juneteenth, honoring the day enslaved people in Galveston learned of their freedom two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Our Riley Wilson reports on the weekend of events in Lubbock, including a cookout this evening, and parade and festival on Saturday. You can find a schedule of events with addresses here. According to a nationwide survey, beekeepers lost more than 60 percent of their commercially managed honeybee colonies between the summer of 2024 and early 2025. Texas Public Radio's Tim Gutierrez reports the bee crisis could have consequences far beyond honey production.
  • Since last July Fourth’s devastating floods in Texas, state lawmakers have been hearing stories from survivors, testimony from emergency officials and getting debriefs on investigations related to the flood. The Texas Newsroom's Blaise Gainey reports today, they’re meeting to adopt a report on the flood to guide new procedures to protect Texans during future natural disasters. With heat advisories expected this summer across Lubbock and the South Plains, KTTZ's Gabrielle De La Cruz has more on what to look out for and where West Texans can go for help.
  • State officials are asking Texans to help protect the state's white tail deer population from screwworm. Texas Public Radio's Brian Kirkpatrick reports the deer drive a nearly $10 billion annual hunting industry. Lubbock Mayor Mark McBrayer is hosting Coffee with the Mayor series for all districts tomorrow at 10 a.m. on the 2nd floor of Citizens Tower at 1314 Avenue K. Also tomorrow, TxDOT will host a public meeting over plans to replace the south Loop 289 bridge over Slide Road at the TxDOT training center off I-27 and Slaton Road from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
  • Monday evening, Texas Tech University confirmed that quarterback Brendan Sorsby is parting ways with Texas Tech football to enter the NFL supplemental draft. Our Brad Burt reports the announcement came hours after the Big 12 Conference filed a complaint in federal court, seeking legal confirmation to potentially impose sanctions against Texas Tech if Sorsby was allowed to play. The Texas Organization of Rural and Community Hospitals’ Clinically Integrated Network is terminating all contracts with United Healthcare over “unsustainable” reimbursement. The director of TORCH CIN says he wants to continue working with UnitedHealthcare, but the major insurance company isn’t treating rural hospitals fairly.
  • Residents of Hockley County have the opportunity to contribute to a Pop-up Museum, celebrating a century of history and creativity. Our Samantha Larned reports this year’s exhibit is focused on handmade items and family heirlooms, such as quilts, ceramics, scrapbooks, and other items that have been passed down through the generations. The museum is taking contributions through June 18, the exhibit opens June 24 and will run through July 24. Early voting is this week in a special election for Lubbock’s City Council District 4. Early voting runs through June 23, with election day on June 27. You can find a list of polling locations here.
  • Texas Tech University quarterback Brendan Sorsby’s eligibility lawsuit against the NCAA and subsequent temporary injunction allowing him to play in the 2026 season has drawn plenty of attention. Our Samantha Larned reports that includes the Office of Texas Attorney General, which sent a letter to the Big 12 on Thursday, warning the Conference against potential sanctions placed on Texas Tech. Lubbock’s Public Libraries are once again partnering with Reliant Energy to operate as ‘cooling centers’ for residents over the summer. KTTZ reporter Riley Wilson has more. You can find cooling center hours here.
  • Texas Tech University Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt has released a statement regarding this week’s temporary injunction allowing Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby to play in the 2026 season while his lawsuit against the NCAA plays out in court. Officials in Kerr County say they need an additional $85 million to wrap up recovery efforts following last year's floods. Texas Public Radio's Marian Navarro reports funding from the Texas Legislature and other sources is still needed to build emergency capacity.
  • The head of the oldest and largest cattle association in Texas said there is "no need to panic" over a screwworm outbreak in the state. Texas Public Radio's Brian Kirkpatrick reports on screwworm response. With summer here and more people spending time outside, Lubbock Public Health is warning residents about the West Nile virus. Our new student reporter Gabrielle De La Cruz has more on symptoms and prevention. Residents are encouraged to report mosquito breeding areas through Lubbock Vector Control.
  • A Texas court has given Texas Tech University quarterback Brendan Sorsby temporary permission to play in the 2026 football season. Sorsby will be allowed to practice with the team, but the judge ruled he will not play the first two games of Tech’s season. This injunction does not settle Sorsby’s lawsuit against the NCAA. Federal and state officials are taking an active and response to New World Screwworm detections now confirmed across South and West Texas.
  • Starting today, crews from the City of Lubbock are beginning work on pavement repairs on University Avenue, between 50th Street and Loop 289. Meanwhile, contractors will also begin doing erosion repairs and adding infrastructure to the Lake 6 Dam on the south side of Lake Dunbar, shutting down traffic on the southern end of Canyon Lakes Drive near the dam. KERA’s Avery Escamilla-Wendell reports on a new analysis showing the uninsured rate for young Texas kids is the highest in the country – and it’s rising.