Legislature

A federal judge has issued a blistering dissent after two other judges on the same panel blocked Texas’ congressional redistricting map from taking effect next year. Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider reports the case has major ramifications for whether Republicans retain control of the House. After increased demand during the federal government shutdown, food pantries are expecting that to continue through the holiday season. The Central Texas Food Bank says some of its sites have had up to a 300% increase in people utilizing its services.

The U.S. Supreme Court will now make a final decision on whether Texas can use its new congressional map, which was drawn this summer to benefit Republicans in the 2026 midterm elections. The outcome could have a huge impact on which party controls the U.S. House of Representatives in the future.

Senate Bill 10, which requires public schools to display the biblical text in classrooms, has sparked multiple legal challenges from civil liberties groups.

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.

Quail hunting season kicks off in Texas on Saturday. Our Bishop Van Buren reports the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says it is encouraged by population numbers, but quail hunting at the Lake Alan Henry Wildlife Mitigation Area has been canceled again this year. Experts say Texas is still experiencing a teacher certification crisis. KERA's Bill Zeeble reports students could pay the price, even after new state legislative efforts begin.

This Saturday is the 55th Annual Fall Festival from the Lubbock Municipal Garden and Arts Center at 4215 University Ave from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Our reporter Samantha Larned has more on what folks can expect from the event. Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order this week restricting the sale of THC products to those under the age of 21. Hemp relators say that in practice, it will not change much for the industry.

Texas' governor issued an executive order Wednesday mandating age restrictions on consumable hemp products containing THC. This comes after Abbott's veto earlier this year of legislation that would have banned the products outright.

The executive order comes after the Legislature ended a special session without the House, Senate and governor agreeing on restrictions.

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.

Lubbock Area United Way kicked off its annual fundraising campaign yesterday. This year’s goal is not measured in dollars donated, but in lives impacted. The Texas Legislature passed a bill in the regular session to provide resources to volunteer firefighters in response to the 2024 Panhandle Wildfires. Our reporter Brad Burt has more on SB 34, which will go into effect on Sept. 1.