Economy

A top Motion Picture Association executive explains why MPA just added two Austin festivals to its list of industry partners.

The New World screwworm parasite has been in Mexico for more than a year and a half. Now that it's crossed the border, the United States could turn south for direction.

Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a new program to expand fertilizer manufacturing in the United States as a response to rising input costs for farmers. Our Samantha Larned reports on the $500 million grant program. In Grandury, Texas, more than 800 residents are asking city leaders to declare no confidence in the city's manager and attorney due to the city's handling of a proposed AI data center on recently annexed land.

The Trump administration lowered tariffs on farm equipment last month. But with economic pressures on farmers, equipment dealers and manufacturers, the move may not bring much relief.

The Trump administration announced this week that it will not renew the U-S-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA. Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider reports that, while the three countries will continue to negotiate in hopes of extending the agreement, the prospects of failure could have consequences for Texas’ businesses, as well as consumers. Lubbock will be celebrating Independence Day tomorrow with its annual 4th on Broadway celebration. The parade will begin at 9:45 a.m. from Avenue M and move east on Broadway towards MLK Blvd. A picnic and evening concert will take place at the South Plains Fairground, with fireworks beginning at 10 p.m. You can find maps of the parade route, parking information, and vendor locations at CivicLubbock.org.

The U.S. contains the fewest cattle since 1951, which is pushing beef prices up. Expanding the herd has been complicated for ranchers, however.

Beef prices at the grocery store are already high, but the U.S. Department of Agriculture projects they could rise another ten percent by the end of the year. Harvest Public Media’s Michael Marks reports the U.S. cattle herd is at its smallest since 1951. With Independence Day this Saturday, our Riley Wilson reports that Lubbock Police are encouraging the public to report illegal fireworks in the city. You can file a crime report on the LPD's crime reporter here or contact the non-emergency line at (806) 775- 2865. The National Safety Council’s fireworks guidelines can be found here.

Lubbock city leaders are asking for citizens’ opinions ahead of a public meeting to discuss the subject of large-scale data centers. Over the next week, the City is taking an online survey to gauge public opinion on large-scale data centers before the meeting. You can find a link to fill out the survey here.

A report from the Texas Women's Foundation shows more than half of Texas counties are considered childcare deserts.

An official review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement begins in July. President Trump already has suggested the U.S. would be better off without it.