Government and Politics

An approaching primary election was a factor in Thursday’s Supreme Court decision to set aside a lower court’s ruling that had blocked the Republican-backed map from taking effect. A key question moving forward is whether the lines were redrawn based on race or partisan politics.

With reports of bird flu in Lubbock, our Bishop Van Buren reports on a warning from the city of Lubbock against asking residents to avoid handling sick or dead birds. Those who find sick or dead birds to report them to Lubbock Animal Service by calling 806-775-2057. Tonight at 6 P.M. is the deadline for candidates to file to run in Texas’ March 2026 primary elections. And after the Supreme Court ruled the state can use its 2025 redistricting map for the congressional midterms, Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider reports Democrats are frustrated but hopeful.

The reliability of the Texas energy grid could be shaken by the rapid expansion of data centers in the state. Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies reports on a new study that shows that could be especially evident in extreme weather conditions. Lubbock County Commissioner Jason Corley has entered the race for Texas’ 19th Congressional District, currently held by Jodey Arrington, against whom he competed against for the 2016 Republican primary. The filing deadline for candidates is Monday, Dec. 8.

The Supreme Court has cleared the way for a Texas congressional map that may help the GOP win five more U.S. House seats in the 2026 midterms. A lower court found the map is likely unconstitutional.

Laws include restricting transgender people's access to public bathrooms, allowing lawsuits against abortion pill providers, and replacement of the STAAR test.

Texas lawmakers passed the bill, referred to as the "Women's Privacy Act" by supporters, earlier this year. It requires a person in publicly owned buildings to use restrooms, locker rooms, and similar facilities associated with the gender on their birth certificate. Enforcement of the controversial new law begins this Thursday.

Community activist Adam Hernandez has announced his intent to run for the city council seat in District 3. Hernandez previously ran for the Mayor of Lubbock in 2022 and 2024.

After the 2023 state legislature passed a comprehensive law about instructional materials, the Texas Education Agency is working on a list of required literary works to teach in public schools. Texas Public Radio's Camille Phillips has more on the initial discussion. Researchers at UT Arlington are calling for further study into a federal program meant to improve access to health care for rural communities. KERA’s Abigail Ruhman reports on the rural emergency hospital program.

The meeting happened days before Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick pledged $1 million to help establish chapters of the conservative student group on every Texas college and high school campus.

Abbott declared the Council on American-Islamic Relations a foreign terrorist organization and a transnational criminal organization, invoking a 2023 Texas statute. CAIR is suing the governor, alleging violations of due process and freedom of speech.