Texas Tech Public Media

04/24/2025

Did you know April is Autism Acceptance month? Check out some fun facts from one of PBS KIDS' newest shows, Carl the Collector! Carl the Collector is fun, educational show that can be streamed for free 24/7 on PBS KIDS.✨️

04/24/2025

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.

Visit radio.kttz.org to read or listen to student reporter Olivia O’Rand’s story on how the Texas Tech Equestrian Center provides training and support to the Lubbock community.

If you enjoy features and news from our station, we invite you to support KTTZ and NPR as we continue our Spring Fund Drive.

Consider donating today at donate.kttz.org

04/24/2025

Jon us for Free Family Movie Day with Dinosaur Train! This Saturday, April 26th at 11am and Lubbock Premiere LUX 16 IMAX & Pizza Pub. Tickets are free to pick up at the Premiere Cinemas box office and ticket kiosks. Tickets have to be picked up in person

04/22/2025

Some of the world's darkest skies are in the Big Bend region of West Texas — although in recent years, light pollution from oil and gas development has lightened them.

But according to Stephen Hummel, Dark Skies Initiative coordinator for the McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis, that trend has started to reverse thanks to energy companies adjusting their lighting systems.

McDonald Observatory astronomers worked with energy companies to dim their lights.

04/22/2025

🌎 This Earth Day, we’re honoring the land on which we live with a few favorite views through the eyes of our newsroom.

These photos, captured by our reporters, reflect the beauty and character of West Texas. They remind us to slow down, look closer, and stay connected to the world around us.

As we celebrate the season—and continue our Spring Fund Drive—we’re grateful for the contributions that makes it possible to share stories, perspectives, and moments like these with our listeners.

📷 Swipe through. Take it in. And if you’re able, consider lending your support.

04/21/2025

📺 Programming Update 📺
To mark the passing of Pope Francis, we have updated tonight’s schedule to include - In Their Own Words: Pope Francis.

Full lineup:
7:00 p.m. – Antiques Roadshow
8:00 p.m. – Chasing the Tide
8:30 p.m. – Weathered: Earth's Extremes
9:00 p.m. – In Their Own Words: Pope Francis
10:00 p.m. – Water for Life
11:30 p.m. – Amanpour & Company
12:30 a.m. – BBC News

04/21/2025

Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced Pope Francis' death Monday morning. He will lead the Catholic Church until a new pope is elected.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced Pope Francis' death Monday morning. He will lead the Catholic Church until a new pope is elected.

04/21/2025

🌸 Our Spring Fund Drive has officially begun!

Every day, public radio brings something meaningful into your world—music that sets the tone, stories that spark connection, and voices that feel like old friends. At KTTZ, those moments are made possible by listener support.

This station grows with you, and during our Spring Fund Drive, we invite you to help it flourish. Whether you’re starting your day with our morning newscast or kicking back and enjoying your favorite programming, your contribution keeps it all going.

Help ensure continued access to trusted public media, consider donating today.

04/17/2025

After hours of debate — and years of pushing from Gov. Abbott — the Texas House gave initial approval to a bill to create an Education Savings Account plan. The school voucher program would allow parents to use public funds towards private school costs.

After hours of debate — and years of pushing from Gov. Greg Abbott — the Texas House gave initial approval to a bill to create an Education Savings Account plan. The school voucher program would allow parents to use public funds towards private school costs.

04/16/2025

Lawmakers in Washington are considering a bill that would shut down a plan to potentially expand the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge, the oldest refuge in Texas.

Republican politicians and an interest group have sown fear over a voluntary process.

04/10/2025

Some Texas legislators may be done questioning the merits of education savings accounts as it moves to a vote in the State House, but many voters in Lubbock aren’t. Model programs in other states are showing rural districts could stand to lose the most, and voters are preparing to do the math on election day.
https://radio.kttz.org/2025-04-10/while-state-lawmakers-seem-poised-to-pass-private-school-vouchers-voters-in-west-texas-feel-ignored

04/04/2025

Two key pieces of education legislation cleared preliminary hurdles in the Texas House on Thursday, but not before sparking spirited debate among lawmakers, including complaints about a lack of transparency around the process.

The Texas House Public Education Committee passed a sweeping school finance proposal on Thursday, along with a bill that would create a program allowing parents to use public funds to pay for private schools.

03/31/2025

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.

The situation has led a Lubbock mother to question whether state lawmakers are listening to voters' worries about school voucher programs, especially at a time when ESAs seem poised to pass at the State House.

From our newsroom:

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 repres...

03/25/2025

🚨 We're back on the air! We truly appreciate your
patience as we worked to resolve the issue.

03/24/2025

We are experiencing technical difficulties. We are working on getting back on the air.

03/20/2025

The Smokehouse Creek fire tore through the Texas Panhandle last year, burning over a million acres in just weeks. In the small town of Canadian, where the devastation was severe, residents say the heartbreak lingers and a full recovery could take years.

The Smokehouse Creek fire tore through the Texas Panhandle early last year, burning over a million acres in just weeks. In the small town of Canadian, where the devastation was severe, residents say the heartbreak lingers and a full recovery could take years.

03/18/2025

Today, Texas Tech University announced two potential measles exposure sites on campus from March 4-12.
- Carpenter/Wells Complex
- Student Health Services clinic

The university says that those who were identified as having a possible exposure will be contacted directly, but those who were in the locations at the time still may have experienced an exposure.

Updated data and information from public health officials on confirmed measles cases in the region.

03/14/2025

Weather and emergency officials in the Panhandle have issued warnings about zero visibility, structure collapses, downed trees and powerlines, and toppled 18-wheelers. Meanwhile, the small town of Alanreed east of Amarillo is being evacuated due to wildfires in the area and 65,000 Xcel Energy customers are without power.

Officials say some customers could be without power for days.
https://radio.kttz.org/2025-03-14/wildfires-dust-and-wind-create-hazardous-conditions-evacuations-in-the-texas-panhandle