Community

Wednesday afternoon, The Texas Senate passed a bill authored by Lubbock’s Sen. Charles Perry, that would ban the use and sale of THC products that are currently legal across the state. After an unexpectedly early spring break — with evacuations, gas leaks, power outages, fires, and closures on campus — our Bishop Van Buren reports Texas Tech University will resume classes on Monday as planned. This weekend is Lubbock's annual Bike Rodeo to teach kids about bike safety. The rodeo is open to the public and will take place Saturday from 1 to 3 P.M. at Safety City, located at 4500 Avenue U, in the southeast corner of Clapp Park.

Fire dangers continued this week on the South Plains and in the Panhandle, with wildfires, evacuations, and low humidity across the region. KERA's Toluwani Osibamowo reports on proposed changes to the state's bail system being discussed by Texas lawmakers. The public is invited to attend Coffee with the Mayor tomorrow morning, hosted by Lubbock Mayor Mark McBrayer and District 5 council member Jennifer Wilson. The event begins at 7 A.M. at United Supermarket located at 11310 Slide Rd.

Texas Tech University, along with representatives from the City of Lubbock and Lubbock Power & Light, hosted a press conference yesterday to address the fires and power outages on Tech campus. There is no current danger on or around campus, but power will remain off in certain areas while investigations are underway.

Texas is one of about a dozen states that won't be participating in a federal program that provides families with $120 per eligible child to buy groceries while school is out.

Cascarones, the confetti-filled eggshells popular during Easter and Fiesta celebrations, are traditionally made from empty eggshells. Despite soaring egg prices, Texas shoppers looking to stock up on the holiday staple won’t have to worry about paying more – at least not this year.

One Lubbock Firefighter was injured, and about 25 residents were displaced after an apartment fire early Sunday. According to Lubbock Fire Rescue, the Fire Marshal's Office is investigating, and the American Red Cross is assisting residents. KTTZ's Bishop Van Buren has more on how President Trump's tariff exchange with Canada could affect some West Texas farmers. And Texas flu and RSV cases are down, according to state health officials.

Our Bishop Van Buren reports on the 8th annual first responders basketball game from Hub City Street Hoops. The event is tomorrow from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. at the Mae Simmons Dream Court at 2004 Oak Avenue. Last month, Lubbock public libraries relaunched a program giving the community an opportunity to chat with a social worker the first Friday of each month. You can stop by today from 1 P.M to 3 P.M. at the Godeke Branch located at 5034 Frankford Ave or schedule a meeting through the social worker tab on the libraries' website.

Xcel Energy has warned South Plains customers of possible power shutoffs due to today’s expected strong winds and low humidity. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren has more on the approach to wildfire risk following the Smokehouse Creek Fire last year. Civic Lubbock, Inc. and other community partners have begun planning this year's 4th on Broadway celebration, following changes to the annual event's organization announced in January.

From now through Feb. 14, the City of Lubbock is accepting applications for its Junior Ambassador Program, offering students a week of cultural experiences in its sister city in Japan this summer. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren has more on the program, which you can sign up for at mylubbock.us/JrAmbassador. Tonight, the Lubbock Planning and Zoning Commission is expected to vote on whether or not to recommend a zoning change. Our Samantha Larned explains this would open up the possibility of a new student housing development at the site of the former Godbold building.

The Black Gospel Archive at Baylor University is the largest digital collection of gospel music in the world. Now the Lilly Endowment has awarded the archive a $2.48 million grant to expand the archive.