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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.

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 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.

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.

The Texas Department of State Health Services has reported an increase of only one measles case connected with the West Texas since Tuesday. Our Samantha Larned has more on how counties in the region are faring. Severe dust storms have been plaguing far West Texas and New Mexico this spring. A new study examines the cost of these storms.

Hodges Elementary School shut its doors for good this weekend, one of three Lubbock ISD schools being consolidated. Our Bishop Van Buren attended Hodges' farewell event on Saturday and reports on the school's legacy. The Texas Senate unanimously passed legislation offering free cancer screenings to firefighters. It now goes to the governor's desk for final approval.

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.

The state health department has reported 19 more measles cases in connection with the West Texas outbreak since Friday. Our Samantha Larned says there have been 702 confirmed cases in Texas since the outbreak was identified. This week, a Texas House committee approved the senate's lead property tax cut bill. Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider reports SB 4 now moves to the full House for a vote. Also this week, the Texas Senate heard a bill that would expand the requirements for law enforcement agencies to submit individuals suspected of gang activity into statewide databases.

An earthquake shook the ground in west Texas this weekend, some felt it here in Lubbock. Texas Public Radio’s Jerry Clayton reports it was among the strongest quakes in recent years. Tomorrow, the City of Lubbock Solid Waste Department is providing an opportunity to drop-off unwanted items that can be reused or large items for disposal. The Move Out Give Back events are May 7 and May 17 from 8:30 A.M. to 6 P.M. with locations at First Baptist Church's southeast parking lot at 13th Street & Avenue V and next to the City of Lubbock recycling site, at 2901 Elgin Ave. You can find more information at mylubbock.us/move-out-give-back.