Health

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.

Lubbock Public Health is recommending precautions against mosquitos after confirming the county's first human case of West Nile Virus this year. The Texas Education Agency says it’s received more than 350 complaints against teachers and staff for comments made after the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The Texas Newsroom’s Lucio Vasquez reports some educators have already been fired. The Texas Tech University System’s board of regents are set to approve state senator Brandon Creighton as the next system chancellor in a meeting today. If approved, he will begin acting as chancellor on Nov. 17.

Changes to vaccine guidance from the Trump administration has added to confusion amid a seasonal spike in the virus.

Researchers hope data out of Texas will raise awareness about a type of infection commonly spread through kissing bugs. It's part of an effort to recognize Chagas Disease as endemic in the U.S.

The CDC’s immunization advisory committee has ended its recommendation of the combined MMRV vaccine for children under four, a change local health officials say will affect vaccine access after a West Texas measles outbreak that caused two child deaths. Meanwhile, TxDOT is hosting car seat checkup events in Lubbock tomorrow and Saturday to help parents ensure proper fit.

A group of Lubbock-area nonprofits came together earlier this week to discuss how new state laws will impact families and children. Our reporter Samantha Larned, has more from statewide advocacy agency TexProtects on the goals of the new policies. Several other new bills signed by Governor Greg Abbott will go into effect on Dec. 4 and the elimination of the STARR test is expected to be implemented in the 2027-28 school year.

Most of the COVID cases in the U.S. this August were the new Stratus variant. Our reporter Sean Ryan has more on the status of COVID-19 cases in Texas. Yesterday, the City of Lubbock cut the ribbon on a new Book Vending Machine at the Patterson Branch Library. Kids who participate in library programs will have the chance to win a token for a free book from the machine.