Community

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.

Texas' attorney general is directing all Texas school districts not involved in ongoing litigation to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms. Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies reports that this comes after a federal judge paused the new Texas law, saying it violates the freedom of religion. In Lubbock, the public is invited to attend Coffee with the Mayor in District 5 tomorrow. Our reporter, Samantha Larned, has more from the city as it works to increase participation. The event begins at 7 a.m. at the United Supermarkets at 11310 Slide Road.

Dubbed a "parent rights" bills, Senate Bill 12 bans DEI programs in K-12 schools — and prohibits clubs LGBTQ+ students say are vital resources.

The Texas House passed several bills related to floods and other natural disasters yesterday. They include disaster funding, emergency plans, and improved communication for first responders. Here in Lubbock, readers and comic fans have a busy weekend ahead. Our reporter Samantha Larned has more on the Lubbock Book Festival and Hub City Comic Con.

Lubbock City Council has set aside 20 acres at Bill McAlister Park for a proposed $50 million indoor sports complex. The nonprofit Lubbock Game Changers plans to build the 140,000-square-foot facility with volleyball and basketball courts, a championship arena, and other amenities — without using city funds.

The Midland school district rebranded Robert E. Lee High as Legacy High in 2020, part of a nationwide trend to distance public places from the Confederacy.

Nonprofits across the country have been grappling with changes in federal spending and the cuts to departments and grants. As coordinator with other local organizations, Lubbock Area United Way has been updating partners on developments at the state and national level, and advocating for policies suited to West Texas.

This week's forecast has seen high temperatures above 100 degrees and as summer heat continues, our Bishop Van Buren reports that there will be a drive through tower fan distribution tomorrow starting at 8 a.m. at the Catholic Charities Diocese of Lubbock. Also tomorrow, Lubbock Animal Services is hosting its annual “Clear the Shelters” event from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the LAS building located at 3323 Southeast Loop 289. Our Samantha Larned says there will be free adoptions and all animals will be fixed, vaccinated, and microchipped.

This weekend, Friday through Sunday, is the annual Texas Sales Tax Holiday. Our Bishop Van Buren reports backpacks, clothing, and school supplies under $100 can be purchased tax-free in the state. Texas students can now be expelled for an expanded list of actions they take off campus. Districts will be required to expel students for exhibiting a firearm and possessing a controlled substance, even if it takes place outside of the school.

The Texas Senate once again passed a bill to ban THC. But Lubbock's senator Charles Perry says he’s addressed the concerns Gov. Greg Abbott raised when he vetoed the original ban. August 5 is National Night Out, a campaign aimed at improving community connections. Our Bishop Van Buren reports on two events happening in Lubbock to celebrate on Tuesday. The Patterson Branch Library event will be from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event hosted by the Parks and Recreation department will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Rogers Park.