The KTTZ News Team

The Texas House passed several bills related to floods and other natural disasters yesterday. They include disaster funding, emergency plans, and improved communication for first responders. Here in Lubbock, readers and comic fans have a busy weekend ahead. Our reporter Samantha Larned has more on the Lubbock Book Festival and Hub City Comic Con.

All three of Lubbock's biggest school districts showed improvements in the new academic accountability ratings for the 2024-25 school year. Our Samantha Larned reports Lubbock ISD, Frenship ISD, and Lubbock-Cooper ISD all received a B as an overall score. This time last year, Lubbock was reaching record high temperatures for several consecutive days. This August, things are looking a bit cooler.

The Texas Tech University System has entered a new partnership with the FBI focused on focus on strengthening national security, cybersecurity, and the protection of critical infrastructure. Our Bishop Van Buren reports on the signing ceremony. Last week, the City of Lubbock was dealing with cybersecurity concerns of its own, resulting in the temporary shutdown of its systems. Our reporter Samantha Larned has the latest from the city.

The West Texas measles outbreak has been declared over, after eight months and 762 connected cases in the state. However, our Samantha Larned says Lubbock’s Public Health is still hard at work, helping other communities prepare for these kinds of emergencies. A West Texas federal judge has reversed protection for the Lesser Prairie Chicken. Texas Public Radio's Brian Kirkpatrick reports the state agriculture commissioner is praising the decision.

Lubbock’s city council is moving ahead quickly with a second vote on changes to the city’s roadway impact fee rates. Last week the council passed a motion decreasing the percent paid by developers to zero. The second reading is listed in the agenda for a special meeting of the city council to take place tonight at 5:30 p.m. at Citizens Tower. The Texas Standard’s Michael Marks reports the U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to make major investments to fight a flesh-eating pest that threatens Texas livestock.

As confirmed measles cases in Texas plateau, New Mexico has officially reached 100 cases since the regional outbreak was identified. The board for a West Texas school district has voted to change the name of two schools again. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren has more on the return to names paying tribute to a Confederate general. Entering the new school year, all Lubbock ISD athletic events will be cashless. Tickets can instead be purchased online, via app, or in-person using a QR code.

After being offline due to potential security concerns, the City of Lubbock is gradually restoring its systems. However, utility customers can only pay their bills in person at the City of Lubbock Utilities building, located at 1401 Avenue K. Residents can report power outages by calling the utilities service center at 806-775-2509. At the Texas House of Representatives, business remains at a standstill as many of the state’s Democratic lawmakers continue their quorum break. As Houston Public Media’s Alexandra Hart reports, another special session appears to be imminent.

After a series of public hearings, Lubbock's city council voted on a change to roadway impact fees, a shared cost between the city and developers to pay for road updates. Pending final approval, the rate for developers will decrease to zero percent. Also in yesterday's meeting, the council entered a commitment agreement setting aside land for a new indoor sports facility. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren has more on the plans.

Last week, Texas Tech’s football team landed a commitment from a five-star prospect and top recruit in the class of 2027. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren has more on LaDamion Guyton. A Texas law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms is set to take effect September 1. However, Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider reports a court hearing on Friday could block that law from taking effect.

Last week, the City of Lubbock presented its budget for the next fiscal year to members of city council. In tomorrow's meeting, the council will propose its maximum tax rate for homeowners. Meanwhile, KERA's Toluwani Osibamowo reports the Texas Attorney General's Office is threatening two former state funeral commission employees with legal action after they spoke out against the agency. Summer vacation is coming to a close, and many Lubbock students are going back to school this week. Lubbock ISD, Lubbock-Cooper ISD, and Frenship ISD begin their new school year this Wednesday.