Economy

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.

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.

Following the distribution of new funds from the state, Lubbock ISD’s Board of Trustees approved new items in its budget for this school year. Teachers and paraprofessionals will be receiving a pay increase, though as financial struggles persist, trustees expect further campus consolidations in the future.

International enrollment is projected to dip at universities in Texas this coming school year under new federal policies, costing the schools millions of dollars in tuition.

Lubbock’s city council moved ahead quickly with a second vote on changes to the city’s roadway impact fee rates. The second reading took places in a special council meeting Monday night at 5:30 p.m. at Citizens Tower. This story has been updated.

Lubbock’s city council is moving ahead quickly with a second vote on changes to the city’s roadway impact fee rates. Last week the council passed a motion decreasing the percent paid by developers to zero. The second reading is listed in the agenda for a special meeting of the city council to take place tonight at 5:30 p.m. at Citizens Tower. The Texas Standard’s Michael Marks reports the U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to make major investments to fight a flesh-eating pest that threatens Texas livestock.

Nonprofits across the country have been grappling with changes in federal spending and the cuts to departments and grants. As coordinator with other local organizations, Lubbock Area United Way has been updating partners on developments at the state and national level, and advocating for policies suited to West Texas.

In Texas, cotton is king. But what happens if farmers can no longer come back from financial blows?

Investors weigh President Donald J. Trump's decision to impose more tariffs on Mexican-made goods. At the same time they're concerned Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum's push to overhaul the country's judiciary may create legal uncertainty for companies in Mexico.

The bill is moving quickly through Congress and could reshape life for millions of Texans.