The KTTZ News Team

Most of the COVID cases in the U.S. this August were the new Stratus variant. Our reporter Sean Ryan has more on the status of COVID-19 cases in Texas. Yesterday, the City of Lubbock cut the ribbon on a new Book Vending Machine at the Patterson Branch Library. Kids who participate in library programs will have the chance to win a token for a free book from the machine.

The Texas Legislature has formed new House and Senate committees focused on freedom of speech on Texas college campuses. The Texas Newsroom's Blaise Gainey says the move was prompted by last week's murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Here in Lubbock, a Texas Tech student was arrested at a Charlie Kirk memorial on campus Friday. Our Brad Burt reports she was charged with simple assault.

This Saturday is the 55th Annual Fall Festival from the Lubbock Municipal Garden and Arts Center at 4215 University Ave from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Our reporter Samantha Larned has more on what folks can expect from the event. Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order this week restricting the sale of THC products to those under the age of 21. Hemp relators say that in practice, it will not change much for the industry.

Governor Greg Abbott was joined by Lubbock's senator Charles Perry on Tuesday for the signing of two bills directed at helping rural healthcare systems. Our Brad Burt has more on the resources the bills provide for rural counties and hospitals. Meanwhile, the City of Lubbock is encouraging residents to apply for boards and committees. Our Sean Ryan reports on the open positions and how to apply. Click here for more information.

Yesterday, Lubbock City Council gave final approval to the new city budget and tax rate for homeowners. The new tax rate will be an average $15.33 increase for a $224,000 property. Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, and our reporter Bishop Van Buren spoke with a local expert about mental health awareness and ways to help those who might be struggling. Texas Tech University students can speak with counselors and find resources at a Mental Health Pop-Up tomorrow at Red Raider Plaza from 1-3 p.m. The National Suicide Prevention hotline is 988, and the crisis text line is 741-741.

After recent reports of sexual assaults involving rideshare drivers near campus, Texas Tech University is warning students to be cautious. Our new student reporter Mia Shephard has reminders for those using the services. Students can use Raider Ride from 6 p.m. to 2:45 a.m. on the TechRide app and report crimes and suspicious activity to Texas Tech Police at 806-742-3931. As of September 1, hundreds of new Texas laws are now in effect. Houston Public Media’s Matt Harab reports this includes legislation to make it illegal to sell lab-procured meat.

September is National Literacy Month and today is International Literacy Day. Our Sean Ryan reports on the nationwide and local push and to strengthen community learning. You can sign up for a card at any of the Lubbock Public Library locations or by visiting the website lubbocklibrary.com. Last week's budget discussion from Lubbock's city council ended with a 2.2% increase to the tax rate for homeowners. The council is expected to hold a final vote on the budget and tax rate in its meeting tomorrow.

The Texas Tech University System Board of Regents has officially named Houston Republican Senator Brandon Creighton as the sole finalist for chancellor of the university system. Our Brad Burt has more on Creighton and the decision. Today, community health screenings will be offered at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. And at the Godeke Library, a social worker will be available 1-3 p.m. Looking to this Sunday, Buddy Holly’s 89th Birthday Bash will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Buddy Holly Center at 1801 Crickets Ave.

A coalition of citizens from District 2 have filed for a petition to recall city council member Gordon Harris. Our Brad Burt reports on the petition and Harris' response. The petition group has 30 days to collect more than 900 signatures, making the deadline October 2. The group will hold an information meeting at the Southwest Digest on Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Texas Tech University System Board of Regents is expected to name Texas Senator Brandon Creighton as the next chancellor in its meeting tomorrow. More than 830 new Texas laws went into effect on Monday, and as Camila Gonzalez with the Denton Record-Chronicle explains, that includes one regarding THC vapes, Chinese-made e-cigarettes and similar products. Live fire training is set to begin today at the Preston Smith International Airport. The City of Lubbock wants residents to be aware that flames and smoke may be visible to those in the communities surrounding the airport. The trainings are scheduled Wednesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.