The KTTZ News Team

A Texas House Committee has passed its own version of a Senate bill banning the sale of most consumable hemp products. Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider says the substitute is substantially different from the original. May 7 will start the enforcement of REAL ID being required for all flights in the United States. Texans will know their license is REAL ID-compliant if it has a star in the corner, those without REAL ID can use approved alternatives or apply for a new license through the Department of Public Safety.

On Tuesday, the Lubbock-Cooper ISD Board of Trustees announced Aaron Waldrip as the Lone Finalist for the position of superintendent. Also this week, the Texas Lottery Commission voted to ban third-party couriers from selling lottery tickets in the state. The Texas Newsroom’s Nina Banks reports that the unanimous vote comes after months of heightened scrutiny against the Lottery agency. The City of Lubbock’s public health department announced that its MMR vaccine clinic will be returning from extended hours back to normal hours after this Saturday.

The Volunteer Center of Lubbock is celebrating national volunteer week by putting on its first 806 ServeFest tomorrow, a city wide day of service to the community. You can sign up to serve and find more information on the Volunteer Center of Lubbock's website. The Texas Newsroom’s Lucio Vasquez reports the latest in an ongoing water-sharing dispute between the U.S. and Mexico. Tonight, Congressman Jodey Arrington will be hosting a telephone town hall. The event starts at 7 P.M. with a livestream on the representative's website. You can sign up to ask questions before 1 P.M. here.

The Trump administration is expected to unveil a budget proposal that would eliminate the Head Start program. The Texas Newsroom’s Lucio Vasquez reports, education and child advocates say that could devastate Texas families. To celebrate National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, Lubbock Animal Services is hosting a free adoption event tomorrow from 10 A.M. to 1 P.M. at Tyler Technologies at 5519 53rd Street. And on Saturday LAS will be offering free pet adoptions at the VA Welcome Home from 11 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center.

Severe weather continued across the Panhandle this weekend, with thunderstorms, hail, fog, high winds, and even tornadoes. Damages are still being assessed, but officials estimated 20 houses with severe damage after Saturday's tornado near Canyon. No injuries or fatalities have yet been reported. The Texas Newsroom's Blaise Gainey reports after years of failed attempts, a bill to create Education Savings Accounts – allowing families to use taxpayer dollars for private schooling - is on its way to Gov. Abbott's desk.

A portion of the proceeds from this year’s State of the City address were designated for a charity of the mayor’s choice. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren attended the presentation of a $17,500 check to the Guadalupe-Parkway Neighborhood Centers on Wednesday. The 2023 A-F school rankings were released yesterday after a lengthy legal challenge. Lubbock-Cooper ISD received a district rating of 89 out of 100, Frenship ISD was rated 82, and Lubbock ISD was rated 79. You can search the rankings of specific schools and districts at txschools.gov.

The City of Lubbock has implemented a hiring freeze for all full-time non-public safety positions after a concerning report on sales taxes. City manager Jarrett Atkinson says it’s not just Lubbock, with similar reports in Texas cities like Midland and Abilene. While the hiring freeze could save the City of Lubbock more than $1.6 million, current expectations are mapping out a $4.8 million shortfall.

The Lubbock county elections office reported around 1,000 voters for the first day of early voting. The single issue on the ballot for many Lubbock voters is the $290 million bond for Lubbock ISD. You can find voter information like polling times and locations at votelubbock.org. KTTZ's Samantha Larned reports the Lubbock city council authorized the purchase of the Godeke Branch Library.

Friday is the deadline for artists to submit entries for the 2025 Storm Drain Art Project. Our Samantha Larned explains winning artists will be invited to paint murals downtown to help raise awareness of the role citizens play in improving water quality. Application information can be found at mylubbock.us/StormDrainArtProject. Following his death Monday morning, the Diocese of Lubbock announced it will be holding a memorial for Pope Francis this Saturday at 2 P.M., at Christ the King Cathedral, 4011 54th Street.

Cases of a highly contagious bird flu strain have been confirmed in mammals across the South Plains, including here in Lubbock County. Our Bishop Van Buren reports if you see wildlife showing signs of illness, you can contact your regional Texas Parks and Wildlife office at 806-761-4930 or by visiting the TPWD website. KERA's Toluwani Osibamowo says Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is once again suing the City of Dallas over what he says are unlawful handgun bans on public property.