Brad Burt

Conversations around the proposed ordinance to decriminalize marijuana possession in Lubbock have voters asking questions about what's true, but one Lubbock addiction researcher says the politics are diverting attention from current substance use issues in the city, especially among Lubbock youth.

The Smokehouse Creek fire began on Feb. 26 due to a downed electricity pole. The blaze consumed over a million acres, making it the largest wildfire in Texas history. On Thursday, a representative from Xcel Energy's Southwestern Public Service Company testified before a Texas House committee charged with investigating the Panhandle wildfires.

A fastmoving wildfire in the Texas Panhandle grew into the second-largest blaze in state history Wednesday, leading to evacuations and power outages as firefighters struggle to control the burn.

An industrial zoning proposal in southwest Lubbock brought complaints from a crowd of citizens over impacts on their health, property values and quality of life, but controversial zoning in Lubbock is almost as old as the city itself. Some are still trying to turn the conversation to environmental justice.

After hearing from the public, Lubbock’s city council praised the civic engagement this effort motivated but voted to reject the ordinance because they felt obligated by their oaths to the Texas Constitution and state laws. Now, the proposal will be on the ballot in the upcoming May election for a decision from Lubbock voters, a strategy tried in the city before hoping to bring people to the polls.

County Judge Curtis Parrish has referred to the medical examiner's facilities as a “shovel-ready project,” with months of planning already taken care of and construction intended to be finished in early 2026.

Officials with Leprino say every precaution is being taken to protect East Lubbock’s environment. Residents say they’ll believe it when they see it. Beyond the lake, the conflict speaks to a longstanding issue in the city.

Some Lubbockites said they left the courthouse feeling betrayed by county commissioners after what was initially presented as nothing more than a simple discussion on the proposal ended with a vote.

According to the newspaper, family confirmed the passing of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal contributor Thursday evening after what was described as a brief escalated battle with a long-term illness.

Activists say registered voters will be a deciding factor.