Education

Lubbock ISD is adopting a new policy regarding students' cell phone usage, in compliance with state law. KTTZ's Bishop Van Buren breaks down what students and their parents can expect. Our Sean Ryan reports on the 29th Annual Charles and Rose Hankson Fishing Derby taking place tomorrow at Mae Simmons Lake from 7 A.M. to 2 P.M. Fishing gear donations are being accepted at the lake this morning around 9 A.M.

In compliance with House Bill 1481, the district now requires students to keep personal communication devices powered off and out of sight throughout the school day.

Federal cuts and a lack of dedicated mental health funding from the state could erode programs to address chronic absenteeism, crises and more.

Three people are confirmed dead from flash floods in Ruidoso, New Mexico on Tuesday afternoon. Our reporter Sean Ryan says the region is preparing for the potential of more flooding and thunderstorms this weekend. As part of the special legislative session, Texas' governor Greg Abbott has directed lawmakers to come up with a replacement to the STAAR test. Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider report it’s an open question how well that will address the problems critics have with the way standardized tests are used in Texas.

The long-awaited vote survived objections from the panel's most right-leaning Republicans, who criticized the lessons as "un-American woke indoctrination."

Last week, Lubbock ISD school board trustees voted unanimously to approve the budget for the upcoming school year with a $7 million deficit. Our reporter Brad Burt says this budget is subject to change as officials reckon with new money coming from the state legislature. Texas is stepping up its defense against a dangerous livestock pest. KERA's Katherine Hobbs reports on the creation of the Texas New World Screwworm Response Team.

The organizations, which recently won a legal victory against Louisiana over its law requiring the Ten Commandments in schools, are also considering a suit against Texas over its new law allowing for prayer and Bible readings in public schools.

Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 10, even though a similar Louisiana law was deemed unconstitutional. Supporters say Christianity is core to U.S. history.

The Texas Education Agency released its preliminary results from this spring’s STAAR tests last week. Our Bishop Van Buren has more on the results for local school districts. The Texas Supreme Court ruled that a Houston-area father’s extensive criminal history is grounds to terminate his parental rights. KERA's Toluwani Osibamowo reports this could set a precedent for similar cases going forward.

Lubbock ISD announced yesterday the hiring of a new head coach for the Lubbock High School girls basketball team. President Trump has reneged on billions of dollars for states to improve broadband Internet usage. Texas Public Radio’s Paul Flahive reports Texas would have gained $55 million. The City of Lubbock Water Utilities Department is reminding residents that fats, oils and grease — or FOG — should not be poured down the drain. And along with trash, composting, or reusing, FOG can be recycled at the Southside Citizens Convenience Station on 1631 84th Street.