The KTTZ News Team

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.

Following the approval of new funds from the state, Lubbock ISD’s Board of Trustees approved new items in its budget for this school year. Our Brad Burt reports that this includes an average 13% pay increase for certified teachers and 14% for paraprofessionals. Lubbock’s city council will be holding public hearings today regarding its tax rate and the city’s 2025-26 budget. Citizens can sign up to speak outside the council chambers before the meeting begins at 2 P.M.

The long-anticipated park in downtown Lubbock has raised enough funds to begin construction. Officials expect construction to take 9-10 months, and be completed by the end of next year. Dove hunting season begins in Texas today. Texas Public Radio’s Jerry Clayton has the details. Lubbock's city offices are closed today for Labor Day, affecting residential trash collection, landfill operations, libraries, museums, community and recreation centers, and public health.