Health

The study looks at abortions received by Texans both in state and out-of-state in the months after Senate Bill 8, a roughly six-week abortion ban, became law in 2021.

The newly passed federal ban on hemp-based products containing THC, set to go into effect in Nov. 2026, could have a significant negative effect on the Texas economy.Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider says the ban could hit a wide range of Texas industries. Tomorrow is National Memory Screening Day and Texas Tech’s Garrison Institute on Aging is joining the effort. Our Bishop Van Buren reports the GIA will be offering free screenings at the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center’s Academic Event Center tomorrow at 2 p.m., followed by a lecture by Texas Tech psychology professor Dr. Gayle Ayers from 3 to 4 p.m.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is proposing cuts to the reimbursement rates for certain services — like ventilators and wheelchairs. Providers told a public hearing Monday the new rates could hurt medical supply companies and their patients.

The Veterans Food Bank of Lubbock is set to open next month and organizers are calling on the community to contribute to its first food drive through Dec. 16. More information at the nonprofit's Facebook page. Our Samantha Larned reports now is an ideal time for folks to get their flu shots to reach peak immunity in time for Thanksgiving, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Meanwhile, after a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to fully fund SNAP, some Texans have started receiving partial payments.

Lubbock City Council gave the final vote to repeal an updated ordinance that would’ve required permits, fees, and fines for electronic police alarms. For those who paid an updated permit fee in that time, the Lubbock Police Department is issuing a refund. Those who have not received their refunds by Nov. 18 are asked to call Alarm Permitting at (806) 775-3041. Just over 12% of registered voters in Lubbock county turned out for this year’s statewide election. That’s more than double the percentage of Lubbock county’s last constitutional amendment election with no local items on the ballot more than a decade ago. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren breaks down two of the 17 constitutional amendments that stand out as particularly significant for West Texas.

The constitutional amendment comes before voters at a time when Texas' population of older adults is growing faster than any other age group.

Texas officials say food stamp benefits, which go to 1.7 million children, would not be distributed in November under an extended shutdown.

Several major health agencies in Texas are under review by the state's sunset commission — including the Department of State Health Services and Health and Human Services Commission. Advocates said this cycle could have a significant impact on services and access moving forward.

In South Carolina, more than 130 schoolkids are under quarantine after being exposed to measles. Across the U.S., total case counts could be even higher than the official number.

Despite high temperatures this week, the City of Lubbock is reminding residents that fall and winter lawn-watering restrictions are now in effect. Our Bishop Van Buren reports that through March 31, watering is only allowed when temperatures are above 35 degrees Fahrenheit. The city recommends winterizing irrigation before the first freeze. And KTTZ's Sean Ryan has more on the fall medication cleanout event from the Texas Tech Health University Sciences Center. The Medication Cleanout is on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Texas Tech Physicians Medical Pavilion.