The KTTZ News Team

The City of Wolfforth is accepting public comment on its Wolfforth Forward Comprehensive Plan until May 31. According to a draft of the plan, Wolfforth has been experiencing consistent, rapid growth for decades. Over the next 20 years, the City of Wolfforth expects a population of more than 22,000. Our Samantha Larned has more on how the report is intended to provide a roadmap for the city’s growth. You can find a link to the Wolfforth Forward Comprehensive Plan and leave your comment here.

A state law passed after July 4th floods in the Texas Hill Country requires camps to have redundant internet access in order to receive an operational license. Texas Public Radio's Marian Navarro reports The Texas Department of State Health Services has reached an agreement with these camps over fiber optic requirements. Texas prisons saw a 2,400 percent increase in drug overdose deaths over the past seven years. As KERA's Toluwani Osibamowo reports, officials say it's the result of an influx of contraband into state correctional facilities.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation yesterday into nearly 30 school districts, including Lubbock ISD, regarding Texas’ Senate Bills 10 and 11. Lubbock ISD released a statement saying it is in compliance with both state laws. A recent report from the University of Texas at Austin revealed that data centers could potentially account for 3-9 percent of the Texas' water use by 2040. KEDT's Rob Boscamp reports they currently represent less than 1%.

Texas Tech University officials announced yesterday an investigation is underway after a “cybersecurity incident” related to the system's online learning platform. The university says affected data may include some personal information and those affected will be contacted directly. The Museum at Texas Tech University is calling on the community to contribute to an upcoming exhibit commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Our Samantha Larned reports the museum will be accepting contributions on May 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. and May 16 from 10 a.m. to noon.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins issued a new letter on support for the U.S. Forest Service as wildfires continue to threaten much of the western United States. Our Charley Maranville reports the first half of this year has already been very busy for first responders. Fire management experts say land owners will need to opt in to prevention methods, like prescribed burning, and fire departments will have to collaborate across county and state lines.

Texas leads the nation in utilities shutting off electricity and natural gas services to customers who can't afford their energy bills. Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies has more on the report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The U.S. House of Representatives passed a $390 billion Farm Bill last week. Harvest Public Media’s Frank Morris reports the House didn't make many changes to the policy, but the legislation faces serious obstacles in the Senate.

This weekend's election saw one of the lowest turnouts for a municipal election in Lubbock County, with less than 7% of the registered voters casting a ballot. Our Brad Burt reports on results for Lubbock's mayor and city council districts 1, 3, and 5. Slaton Independent School District had two bond elections on the ballot, only one of which passed.

Saturday, May 2 is Election Day for Lubbock County’s cities and school elections. You can find more on the races and polling locations here. Our Samantha Larned reports early voting had its lowest participation in 20 years. Texas advocates and families pleaded with the state this week to improve capacity and access in state hospitals that provide psychiatric care. The public hearing was part of assembling a long-range plan that would guide state hospitals for the next six years.

This Saturday, the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is hosting a free Women’s Health Day clinic for those without medical insurance. Our Samantha Larned reports it will offer free pap smears, breast and pelvic exams, mammogram and colposcopy referrals, STI testing, pregnancy testing, and blood work. The event is Saturday May 2 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lubbock Impact. Uninsured women aged 18 to 64 can schedule an appointment by calling 806-370-7472. You can also find this information on The Free Clinic Facebook page.

Lubbock’s city council approved a design yesterday for the expansion and renovation of the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center downtown. The budget for the plan is expected to be presented to the council in the next 4 to 6 weeks. Texas farmers say they're facing a mounting number of challenges that go beyond the severe drought in the region. Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies reports many of the advantages associated with farming in Texas are no longer available.