Local news

Democrats in Texas have claimed major offices and tipped the scales on the State House of Representatives, but here in Lubbock County, voters remained consistent in their Republican support.

Incumbent state senator Charles Perry will be returning to a very different state capitol than he has experienced over his nearly 17 years in office, while incoming Republican Congressman Tom Sell will be stepping into a House where his party is the minority. Both candidates say their responsibility in representing rural West Texas remains unchanged.

Deepfakes and AI generated political advertisements are legal in Texas, barring the last 30 days before an election, but studies show members of the public are as uncomfortable with the practice as they are susceptible to believe the ads are human-made.

Longtime Lubbock County Clerk Kelly Pinion is retiring, and voters will choose between Republican Sandy Garcia and Democrat Kerri Poeling Padilla on Nov. 3. Both candidates bring different backgrounds and priorities to an office responsible for maintaining the county's public records.

The Historic Baker Building has stood in Downtown Lubbock for nearly 100 years. Since the 1980s, it has operated as an events venue, and recently it has started embracing its haunted reputation, with ghost tours, paranormal investigations, and an upcoming Día de Muertos Masquerade Ball.

Lubbock had its first visit from President Donald Trump on Oct. 27 as he campaigned for Texas’ Republican U.S. Senate candidate Attorney General Ken Paxton. Also in Lubbock at the same time, Democratic candidates were rallying around their U.S. Senate pick James Talarico. While Republicans stressed unity within the party and a focus on maintaining power, Democratic candidates called for change and attempted to reach across party lines.

With just a week until Election Day, President Donald Trump is making his fourth trip to Texas this campaign season. At rallies in Lubbock and Corpus Christi, the president aims to boost Republican voter turnout and shore up support for U.S. Senate nominee Ken Paxton.

The TCEQ has temporarily shut down its online application system and has suspended all notices of intent for stormwater construction related to data centers, after a report from a national watchdog organization claimed the commission was violating the governor’s directive. Other actions like air emissions certifications and pollution notices for data center support structures appear unchanged.

Election Day for the midterm general election is Nov. 3, and there are many competitive races on the ballot for this midterm year. You can find election details and search your address for the items on your ballot here.

Last year, more 124 children in Texas died from child abuse or neglect, including two in Lubbock. One local funeral director turned her heartbreak into action with the No Whispers Foundation, a nonprofit that raises money for the families who wish to honor the victims of child abuse.