This week's forecast has seen high temperatures above 100 degrees and as summer heat continues, our Bishop Van Buren reports that there will be a drive through tower fan distribution tomorrow starting at 8 a.m. at the Catholic Charities Diocese of Lubbock. Also tomorrow, Lubbock Animal Services is hosting its annual “Clear the Shelters” event from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the LAS building located at 3323 Southeast Loop 289. Our Samantha Larned says there will be free adoptions and all animals will be fixed, vaccinated, and microchipped.

This weekend, Friday through Sunday, is the annual Texas Sales Tax Holiday. Our Bishop Van Buren reports backpacks, clothing, and school supplies under $100 can be purchased tax-free in the state. Texas students can now be expelled for an expanded list of actions they take off campus. Districts will be required to expel students for exhibiting a firearm and possessing a controlled substance, even if it takes place outside of the school.

Lubbock Public Health announced that Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is spreading in Lubbock County. With reported cases in daycares and school about to start for many districts, our Bishop Van Buren has more on how to stay healthy. Lubbock’s state lawmakers are speaking on the Texas Democrats’ absence as the special legislative session continues. The House of Representatives reconvened yesterday, but Houston Public Media's Alexandra Hart reports that without enough members to meet a quorum, it quickly adjourned.

Last week, Texas Tech University’s president Lawrence Schovanec was named Big 12 Conference representative on the College Football Playoff Board of Managers. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren has more on what the position entails. Texas school districts have until September 1 to comply with Senate Bill 13. KERA’s Bill Zeeble explains the new library law, which critics worry could become a book ban policy.

Governor Greg Abbott held a ceremonial bill signing on Friday in Amarillo, signing two bills regarding minors and their use of cellphones. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren reports on the signing and the policies. Covenant Health has reached an agreement with BlueCross BlueShield and will remain as an in-network provider for those with the insurance.

The Texas Senate once again passed a bill to ban THC. But Lubbock's senator Charles Perry says he’s addressed the concerns Gov. Greg Abbott raised when he vetoed the original ban. August 5 is National Night Out, a campaign aimed at improving community connections. Our Bishop Van Buren reports on two events happening in Lubbock to celebrate on Tuesday. The Patterson Branch Library event will be from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event hosted by the Parks and Recreation department will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Rogers Park.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that it is withdrawing previous plans allowing the expansion of the oldest wildlife refuge in Texas. KTTZ’s Brad Burt reports on the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge and the decision. For the third week in a row, Texas has reported no new measles cases with the West Texas outbreak.

Construction has begun on the Lubbock Psychiatric Center southeast of the city. The $121 million maximum-security facility was approved by the state legislature in 2023. The USDA is on the ground in Kerr County and across the Hill Country to help farmers and ranchers recover from Fourth of July flooding. Texas Public Radio's Brian Kirkpatrick reports on the losses and assistance.

The Lubbock ISD Athletics Hall of Honor Class of 2025 was inducted this weekend. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren details the seven individuals and two teams who were celebrated. The Lubbock mayor’s office is trying to boost turnout for the city’s monthly Coffee with the Mayor events. Our Samantha Larned reports the next event is in District 4 tomorrow at 7 a.m. at the Market Street at 4205 98th Street.

This Wednesday is the citywide Back-2-School Bash will be taking place from Lubbock Public Libraries. Our Samantha Larned reports on what parents and students can expect. The event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center. Over the next two days, the Texas House and Senate will host hearings on redrawing congressional districts, including Lubbock’s Texas District 19 represented by Jodey Arrington. Click here for details on how to tune in and submit comments.