The KTTZ News Team

The newly passed federal ban on hemp-based products containing THC, set to go into effect in Nov. 2026, could have a significant negative effect on the Texas economy.Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider says the ban could hit a wide range of Texas industries. Tomorrow is National Memory Screening Day and Texas Tech’s Garrison Institute on Aging is joining the effort. Our Bishop Van Buren reports the GIA will be offering free screenings at the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center’s Academic Event Center tomorrow at 2 p.m., followed by a lecture by Texas Tech psychology professor Dr. Gayle Ayers from 3 to 4 p.m.

Lubbock City Council gave preliminary approval to two amendments to the city's ordinances brought forward by Lubbock Animal Services. Our Samantha Larned reports they concern dangerous dogs, multi-pet permits, and impound fees. The council is expected to give a final vote on Nov. 25. The new budget deal to reopen the government includes an extension of certain Farm Bill programs, including the Conservation Reserve Program.

After seven years, the Lubbock County Expo Center is expected to present a plan to its oversight board today, in hopes of being approved by commissioners later this month. Rather than combining with the city's Civic Center renovations downtown, the proposal keeps the project in North Lubbock. But our Samantha Larned reports it calls for a $32 million bond, with approval from Lubbock County voters.

The City of Lubbock will be removing crosswalk artwork in compliance with state and federal mandates. Our Samantha Larned reports that includes those honoring Buddy Holly. Jodey Arrington, U.S. representative for parts of West Texas including Lubbock, confirmed yesterday that he will not be seeking re-election in 2026.

The Veterans Food Bank of Lubbock is set to open next month and organizers are calling on the community to contribute to its first food drive through Dec. 16. More information at the nonprofit's Facebook page. Our Samantha Larned reports now is an ideal time for folks to get their flu shots to reach peak immunity in time for Thanksgiving, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Meanwhile, after a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to fully fund SNAP, some Texans have started receiving partial payments.

Tomorrow is Veterans Day, and the Silent Wings Museum is marking the occasion with free admission and a full day of events. Our Bishop Van Buren reports on festivities, including a ceremony, dance lesson, and live music. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Meanwhile, since the start of the federal government shutdown, veterans’ requests for food and housing assistance have spiked. Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider reports more than 100,000 veterans are being affected in Texas alone.

Two members of the Texas Republican Party reportedly were resigned this week. KERA's Penelope Rivera reports the shakeup comes amid a Democratic wave in elections across the U.S. Meanwhile, Texas Tech fans are gearing up for Saturday's home football game against BYU. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren breaks down the top-ten matchup.

Out of 17 propositions on the ballot this week, six were focused on property taxes. The Texas Newsroom's Blaise Gainey reports that added to other recent efforts by the state to reduce property taxes, the changes will cost the state north of $50 billion dollars. Proposition 3, which saw 70% approval with Lubbock County voters, will allow judges to deny bail to more people accused of certain violent and sexual crimes. The change means more people will likely remain in jail before their trial.

Lubbock City Council gave the final vote to repeal an updated ordinance that would’ve required permits, fees, and fines for electronic police alarms. For those who paid an updated permit fee in that time, the Lubbock Police Department is issuing a refund. Those who have not received their refunds by Nov. 18 are asked to call Alarm Permitting at (806) 775-3041. Just over 12% of registered voters in Lubbock county turned out for this year’s statewide election. That’s more than double the percentage of Lubbock county’s last constitutional amendment election with no local items on the ballot more than a decade ago. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren breaks down two of the 17 constitutional amendments that stand out as particularly significant for West Texas.

Election Day is here, with 17 proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot — and for the first time in more than a decade, Lubbock County voters won’t see any local measures to decide on. With the federal government shutdown now in its second month, Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider reports many of those veterans are struggling to get the health care to which their service entitles them. And the State of Texas has finalized a $1.3 billion settlement with Google for violating users privacy rights. Find a full list of Election Day polling locations here.