Community

The Legislature will look at proposals for emergency preparedness in a special session that was already planned over hemp laws. A bill to help build emergency systems failed in the spring.

Lubbock ISD is adopting a new policy regarding students' cell phone usage, in compliance with state law. KTTZ's Bishop Van Buren breaks down what students and their parents can expect. Our Sean Ryan reports on the 29th Annual Charles and Rose Hankson Fishing Derby taking place tomorrow at Mae Simmons Lake from 7 A.M. to 2 P.M. Fishing gear donations are being accepted at the lake this morning around 9 A.M.

The Mesquite Mile project began in 2020, combining regional plants and human infrastructure to mitigate flooding in the Heart of Lubbock neighborhood. The city has seen streets flood this summer with severe weather and storms across the state. But in May 2025, the Mesquite Mile’s NEA grant was withdrawn.

In compliance with House Bill 1481, the district now requires students to keep personal communication devices powered off and out of sight throughout the school day.

The Lubbock Lake Landmark is offering free public tours and activities from 9 a.m. to noon, Thursday through Saturday, as part of its “Archaeology in Action” event. KTTZ's Bishop Van Buren reports the event will also feature a children’s excavation area, demonstrations and storytelling. The Lubbock Garden and Arts Center’s 55th annual Fall Festival is coming up in September, and organizers are encouraging vendors and entertainers to register for spaces and performances. To register or find out more, visit ci.lubbock.tx.us/departments/garden-arts-center.

Lubbock’s professional soccer team has been crowned champion of the Lone Star Conference after defeating a Midland-based football club Saturday night. KTTZ's Bishop Van Buren reports the Lubbock Matadors will face the Jacksonville Armada Football Club tomorrow at 6 p.m. The winner will advance to the national semifinals scheduled for next weekend. Replacing the old mosquito hotline, the City of Lubbock's Vector Control Department is now accepting online requests for neighborhood mosquito spraying services. A link to the requests can be found at mylubbock.us/vector-control.

After tornadoes on the South Plains and deadly floods in the Hill Country, severe weather has defined much of this Texas summer. KTTZ reporter Bishop Van Buren spoke with a city official about what it looks like to be properly prepared for an emergency.

Severe weather has gripped Texas this year — from tornadoes tearing through the South Plains to wildfires in the Panhandle and, most recently, deadly floods in the Hill Country. In Lubbock, where the city’s outdoor siren system was activated for the first time earlier this summer, emergency officials emphasize that layered alerts and personal preparedness remain essential to staying safe.

The Fourth of July in Lubbock will look different this year, with new organizers of the 4th on Broadway parade and a last-minute change in location after recent spurts of heavy rainfall. Police are reminding residents that fireworks are still banned within city limits, and public health officials are warning of increased mosquito activity.

A Lubbock man was named alongside more than 300 others in what officials are calling the largest health care fraud takedown in Justice Department history. Our Brad Burt reports he was alleged to have submitted an estimated $19 million in false claims. With the past few days of rain saturating the ground, 4th on Broadway’s evening events will be moved from Mackenzie Park to the South Plains Fairground. Also due to the holiday, city offices will be closed and LHUCA's First Friday Art Trail will instead be on Thursday.