Animals

Quail populations across Texas have been plummeting for decades. But now, a Texas Tech researcher and his team may have turned that trend around with the invention of a medicated wildlife feed that’s been approved by the FDA and is now commercially available.

A new study out of the UT-Arlington shows we not only benefit in similar ways from watching nature livestreams as we do to interacting with nature in real life but we also go on to engage better with our own species.

This week's forecast has seen high temperatures above 100 degrees and as summer heat continues, our Bishop Van Buren reports that there will be a drive through tower fan distribution tomorrow starting at 8 a.m. at the Catholic Charities Diocese of Lubbock. Also tomorrow, Lubbock Animal Services is hosting its annual “Clear the Shelters” event from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the LAS building located at 3323 Southeast Loop 289. Our Samantha Larned says there will be free adoptions and all animals will be fixed, vaccinated, and microchipped.

Under the new laws, which will go into effect on Sept. 1, counties across Texas will have more power to stop the sale of dogs and cats in outdoor spaces.

Two new Texas laws aimed at cracking down on puppy mills and roadside pet sales will go into effect this fall. As The Texas Newsroom’s Lucio Vasquez reports, animal welfare advocates say the changes could help curb unethical breeding — and save lives. Researchers are testing whether solar panels can be installed on farmland without removing crops or livestock from production. Harvest Public Media contributor Alexandrea Ladiski reports the study explores whether this system can support both agriculture and clean energy.

The tooth of the prehistoric giant ground sloth has been uncovered right here in Lubbock as part of an environmental review for the Loop 88 highway project. Our Bishop Van Buren spoke with TxDot and reports on the discovery. Today marks the first day Lubbock's splash pads are open for the summer. The Mae Simmons, Maxey, and Rogers splash pads will be open this weekend from 10 A.M.to 8 P.M., beginning at 3 P.M. during the week, and return to normal hours starting May 23.

The Trump administration is expected to unveil a budget proposal that would eliminate the Head Start program. The Texas Newsroom’s Lucio Vasquez reports, education and child advocates say that could devastate Texas families. To celebrate National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, Lubbock Animal Services is hosting a free adoption event tomorrow from 10 A.M. to 1 P.M. at Tyler Technologies at 5519 53rd Street. And on Saturday LAS will be offering free pet adoptions at the VA Welcome Home from 11 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center.

Cases of a highly contagious bird flu strain have been confirmed in mammals across the South Plains, including here in Lubbock County. Our Bishop Van Buren reports if you see wildlife showing signs of illness, you can contact your regional Texas Parks and Wildlife office at 806-761-4930 or by visiting the TPWD website. KERA's Toluwani Osibamowo says Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is once again suing the City of Dallas over what he says are unlawful handgun bans on public property.

During Red Raider football season, Fearless Champion takes center stage as the Masked Rider charges onto the field before home games—but at the Texas Tech Equestrian Center, horseplay is a year-round commitment.

“If that’s a stump, it’s the weirdest stump I’ve ever seen.”