News

Appeals court says no to Paxton’s data rule

News Staff

Thursday, January 8, 2026

The 15th Court of Appeals ruled that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton does not have the authority to mandate a new rule that would compel district attorneys in the state’s most populous areas to share prosecutorial data with the attorney general’s office.

Venezuela invasion questioned as unconstitutional

News Staff

Thursday, January 8, 2026

The recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro has been widely criticized by legal scholars, international bodies, and many U.S. lawmakers as being both a violation of international law and unconstitutional under U.S. domestic law.

Texas man charged with international terrorism

News Staff

Thursday, January 8, 2026

An alleged ISIS sympathizer, John Michael Garza Jr. from Texas, has been federally charged with an international terrorism offense after providing bomb components and money to individuals he believed were acting on behalf of a designated foreign terrorist organization.

TAWC to hold annual water college

News Staff

Thursday, January 8, 2026

The Texas Tech Department of Plant and Soil Science are holding their 12th annual Texas Alliance for Water Conservation (TAWC) Water College at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center at 1501 Mac Davis Lane on Wednesday, Jan. 21.

New renters, eviction law now in effect for 2026

News Staff

Thursday, January 8, 2026

A new law updating tenant- landlord relations went into the first of the year and likely have wide-sweeping impact. Senate Bill 38 streamlines the eviction process in many cases, while also adding a new tenant protection.

Registration open for SPC’s 2026 Youth Live Ensemble course

News Staff

Thursday, January 8, 2026

South Plains College’s Creative Arts Department will offer its Youth Live Ensemble course in Spring 2026 for aspiring musicians ages 10 to 17 years old. Students will have the opportunity to study with SPC Creative Arts faculty members and use professional equipment.

2025 DEPUTY OF THE YEAR -- The Hockley County Sheriff’s Office announced the 2025 Deputy of the Year recently. According to Sheriff Chris Wischkaemper, he exemplify integrity, commitment and excellence in service. Deputy of the Year is Deputy Diaz. (HCSO photo)

Local vets asked to participate in America250

News Staff

Thursday, January 8, 2026

Hockley and Cochran County veterans are invited to participate in sharing their stories and photos with the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) so they can be honored in the America250 commemorations, a nationwide effort to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of...

Smyer aldermen to meet on Jan. 8

News Staff

Thursday, January 8, 2026

The City of Smyer will hold its regular aldermen meeting on Jan. 8 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Smyer Senior Citizens’ Building.Aldermen are expected to hear a fire report from the Smyer Volunteer Fire Department.

Tax season sees new laws in place for 2026

News Staff

Thursday, January 8, 2026

Tax season is nearing and there have been some changes for those filing their 2025 taxes.The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) was signed into law on July 4, 2025. The bill extended some tax provisions and made others permanent. It also introduced some new laws, with others remaining the same.

Levelland Fire Department Fire Inspector and fire fighter Cade Millenbine and firefighter Tyler Duffey are among the first responders for the department with Fire Chief Patricia Byars-Faulkner leading the crews. Levelland FD has around 30 employees who are dispatched for emergencies as well as other community assistance. (Staff photo)

Mutual aid, grants critical for fire departments

Staff Writers Lynda Work Ada Niederhauser

Thursday, January 8, 2026

The Hockley County area has the benefit of sharing fire department resources through mutual aid (MAA) and interlocal (ILAs) when emergencies strike that a single fire department may need assistance with fighting fires or other emergencies.

Subscribe to