The KTTZ News Team

More than 80% of families report the price of food is increasing faster than their income, according to a new poll from No Kid Hungry Texas. Meanwhile, diesel prices are reaching record highs in Texas, squeezing trucking companies and raising costs throughout the supply chain. Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies reports this hits small trucking companies the hardest. The average price for a gallon of diesel in Lubbock was $6.03 yesterday, up more than a dollar from a month ago.

Yesterday, Lubbock City Council passed a 90-day moratorium on the acceptance or approval of large-scale data center developments in the city. Citizens had petitioned for an 18-month moratorium, which failed without a second. Petition organizer Stephen Sanders says he does not plan on moving to put the extended moratorium on the ballot before voters. The council also approved an agreement that will bring a new public health staffer to Lubbock, funded by the National Foundation for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Last week, Dr. Katherine Wells and her department were recognized by the Texas Immunization Partnership for the coordination and vaccine access they provided during the 2025 measles outbreak.

In the Lubbock County Commissioner’s Court meeting yesterday, commissioners voted 3 to 1 to support an independent state investigation into the county dollars paid to Mark Meurer. The nonbinding resolution was intended to “express support” for the Lubbock County District Attorney's request of an independent investigation by the Texas Rangers. Lubbock Fire and Rescue were called Friday to help a child who was trapped by a collapsed cave at Lake Alan Henry. The child was safely removed and evaluated by Garza County EMS.

At their meeting this morning, Lubbock County Commissioners are expected to discuss whether to support an independent investigation by the Texas Rangers into “payroll irregularities." Texas is limiting the expansion of Flock license plate cameras, amid a growing national backlash over privacy and misuse concerns. Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies reports on funding for the cameras. Road construction will be starting today as part of the Broadway Street Reconstruction Project and is planned to finish by Dec. 1.

Hemp farmers and sellers face a federal ban set to take effect in December. Under the new measure, businesses will no longer be allowed to sell hemp products with more than 0.4 milligrams of THC. A former Ballet Lubbock leader is set to start with Texas Ballet Theater in January. KERA’s Marcheta Fornoff reports on Nicholas Dragga's career. Diesel prices reached a new record high yesterday.

Next week, the Lubbock County Commissioners Court will be deciding whether to support a state investigation into “apparent payroll irregularities” for the Precinct 2 Commissioner. Our Brad Burt explains what we know so far and what the next steps are. Lubbock residents are invited to attend Coffee with the Mayor this evening at 5:30pm at Citizens Tower, located at 1314 Avenue K.

Police officers in Amarillo have new protocol and policy related to the city’s automatic license plate reader cameras. This comes after a former Amarillo officer was fired and arrested, charged with 76 counts of tampering with government records when he was accused of abusing the city’s camera system. The Texas General Land Office announced yesterday that it is exploring possibly allowing small nuclear reactors as well geothermal and natural gas plants on state land.

Rural emergency medical service providers from West Texas appeared before Texas’ House State Affairs Committee yesterday, requesting that the legislature expand funding for rural ambulance operators. A Texas nonprofit is giving high-school students a chance to practice voting before they're old enough to cast an official ballot. Texas Public Radio’s Kory Cook reports students can participate individually, even if their school doesn't host an event.

The City of Childress, about two hours northeast of Lubbock, issued a local disaster declaration on Friday due to the impact of extreme heat and drought conditions on the municipal water system. Meanwhile, the Texas Department of State Health Services is asking lawmakers for millions of dollars to support local health departments and disaster relief. KERA’s Abigail Ruhman reports Texas doesn’t have a dedicated fund to cover the costs of public health disaster response.

Yesterday, Lubbock’s Planning and Zoning Commission heard a proposal to add new regulations for potential large-scale data center developments within city limits. The presentation comes after a meeting earlier this week, where city council members spoke on what they want to see before considering any data center projects. No recommendations were adopted at this time and the vote was rescheduled to Nov. 5.