Government and Politics

The federal funding package to reopen the government included a one-year extension of certain 2018 Farm Bill programs. Several expired Sept. 30 or would have been null by the end of the year.

The Select Committees on Civil Discourse and Freedom of Speech in Higher Education were formed days after Kirk's assassination on a Utah college campus. Members assembled Thursday in Austin for their first meeting to assess state free speech laws.

The House of Representatives was sent home for the duration of the government shutdown. Members returned to the Capitol Wednesday with a lot on their minds.

The new race and gender policy has garnered condemnation from educational rights advocates, including the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, which sent a letter to the board of regents earlier this week arguing that the policy amounted to censorship.

The issue roiled Texas politics earlier this year when Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed a ban on THC products spearheaded by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.

The City of Lubbock will be removing crosswalk artwork in compliance with state and federal mandates. Our Samantha Larned reports that includes those honoring Buddy Holly. Jodey Arrington, U.S. representative for parts of West Texas including Lubbock, confirmed yesterday that he will not be seeking re-election in 2026.

The U.S. agricultural industry depends on undocumented immigrants, but President Trump's immigration crackdown is further depleting an already tight workforce. The labor crisis may be setting the stage for big changes to a federal program that allows foreign workers into the country legally.

After a crackdown on non-standard roadway markings at the federal and state level, the City of Lubbock will be removing public art from several crosswalks, including those paying tribute to Buddy Holly. City officials see the impact in Lubbock as a side-effect of lawmakers’ attempts to target “political messaging” in major cities.

A federal appeals court has ruled that Texas can enforce Senate Bill 12, which restricts "sexually oriented performances" in front of kids. The judges said drag shows aren't necessarily sexual, and the plaintiffs, including a drag performer and two entertainment companies, may not be harmed by the law.

The U.S. House Budget Committee chairman announced he will not be seeking re-election in 2026, just days after his office reported an endorsement from President Donald Trump.