Local news

While various types of voucher plans have been proposed in states across the country in recent years, the issue has always proved controversial among voters, particularly in rural areas. In West Texas, voters are still considering the costs and benefits of ESAs and whether their legislators are listening.

In rural Texas, some voters are hesitant about school vouchers. Are their lawmakers listening?

Brad Burt

This legislative session, creating Education Savings Accounts — which would let parents use public funds towards private education costs — is a top priority for many Texas Republicans. But the voucher plan has also caused contentious clashes between some rural voters and the lawmakers who represent them.

Lubbock health official says federal funding cuts will hurt efforts to contain measles outbreak

Terri Langford

In Lubbock, federal grants helped hire workers to help with measles testing, vaccination to combat the outbreak that has spread to 15 counties.

Monterey High School’s Aaliyah Chavez, ESPN’s No. 1 women’s basketball recruit for the class of 2025, stands with her family on stage while being interviewed by ESPN after announcing her commitment to the University of Oklahoma, Friday, March 22, 2024, in Lubbock, Texas

Lubbock hoops star Aaliyah Chavez commits to Oklahoma

Bishop Van Buren

ESPN’s No. 1 women’s basketball recruit for 2025 has committed to Oklahoma, bypassing Texas Tech and other top programs while cementing her legacy at Lubbock Monterey.

Texas lawmakers are expected to settle differences between four pieces of legislation meant to save the state's water supply.

Texas lawmakers will debate saving the state’s water supply after key legislation is introduced

Alejandra Martinez

The state House and Senate have similar proposals to solve the state's water crisis, but there are stark differences on how to invest billions of dollars to resolve.

A toppled damaged transformer lays charred in an open patch of grass at Avenue X and 44th Street. There is a haze of brown dust in the sky behind.

Wildfires, dust and wind create hazardous conditions, evacuations in the Texas Panhandle

Samantha Larned

Amid dangerous weather conditions, 65,000 Xcel Energy customers are without power and several wildfires burn in the Texas Panhandle. While collapsed structures and zero visibility affect drivers and residents across the region.

Police, Fire, and State Troopers respond to reports of gas leaks, smoke, and flames on campus after a substation explosion Wednesday night.

Update: substation explosion at Texas Tech causes power outages, evacuation on campus

Brad Burt

An underground fire and explosion at a power substation on the Texas Tech University campus Wednesday night caused multiple power outages and evacuations, sending students to an early spring break. This is a developing story.

Photo of a screen, above a crowd of people at tables, with a graphic that reads 'Welcome 2025 State of the City; March 5; Lubbock, TX'.

Mayor McBrayer touts Lubbock’s fast growth and public safety in State of the City Address

Samantha Larned

Lubbock’s mayor Mark McBrayer held the city’s 43rd State of the City Address on Wednesday, the first during his time as mayor. He described the event as an opportunity to explain how the local government is planning for the future.

A photo of MMR vaccines at Lubbock Public Health.

First death from measles outbreak in West Texas confirmed by City of Lubbock

Brad Burt

The first death in relation to the ongoing measles outbreak in West Texas has been confirmed by local and state health officials. The patient was an unvaccinated school-aged child, hospitalized in Lubbock last week.

Lubbock’s vaccine clinics and public health workers in the areas affected by the West Texas measles outbreak are ramping up efforts to provide MMR vaccines to the communities.

More hidden measles cases likely amid slow testing in rural West Texas outbreak

Brad Burt

Local health officials are watching the sharp rise in measles cases among rural West Texas communities, with more cases expected to be confirmed over the next few weeks. Still, they are confident in overall protection from the virus after more than 50 years of immunizations.

Measles cases in West Texas more than double since last week, health officials say

Steve Inskeep

Health officials say measles cases in West Texas have more than doubled since last week, with at least 58 confirmed cases and 13 hospitalizations. Several counties have begun vaccination drives.