Community

The Texas Newsroom's Lucio Vasquez reports the Texas Agriculture Commissioner is pushing back against President Donald Trump’s call to import beef from Argentina, saying it would hurt Texas ranchers already facing historically low cattle numbers. Our Samantha Larned reports on a community ofrenda at the Mahon Library for Día de los Muertos. Community members can contribute photos of their loved ones by bringing them to the Mahon reference desk through Oct. 30.

The United Supermarkets Lubbock Marathon is taking place on Sunday. Our Bishop Van Buren reports on the different races in which folks can participate. The marathon and half marathon start at 8 A.M. with entry fees of $95 and $75, respectively. The 5K begins at 8:10 for $40, the 10K at 8:15 for $50, and the kids run at 8:20 for $10. Lubbock Fire Rescue and the American Red Cross are offering free smoke alarms and installations to residents. You can sign up at LubbockFireRescue.com.

Lubbock County Sheriff Kelly Rowe has been named chair of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards by Governor Greg Abbott. Following a review of state voter rolls using a federal database, Texas election officials say they’ve flagged more than 2,700 registered voters as possible noncitizens. The Texas Newsroom’s Lucio Vasquez reports those who don’t respond to county offices could have their registration canceled. City councilman Gordon Harris is holding a community meeting for District 2 residents tomorrow from 6 to 7 P.M. at the Mae Simmons Community Center at 2004 Oak Ave.

As “No Kings” demonstrations unfolded across the country, Lubbock residents gathered outside Citizens Tower to call for greater transparency and accountability in government. While turnout was smaller than a similar event in June, counter-protesters showed up in greater numbers — some sharing concerns about government transparency despite political differences.

As Governor Greg Abbott threatens to withhold TxDOT funding over political road markings, our Bishop Van Buren reports a crosswalk in Lubbock honoring Buddy Holly may be at risk. Seven years after voters approved taxpayer funding for an expo center in North Lubbock, county commissioners are considering alternative approaches to get the project started.

Floydada is celebrating its pumpkin pride this weekend with the 38th annual Punkin’ Days. Along with the usual festivities, the city has more on the line this year, with two towns competing for the title of "pumpkin capital."

The Lubbock Police Department is investigating a case of vandalism at the Lubbock Lake Landmark's Wild Flower Trail which caused estimated $10,000 in damages. This weekend is the 38th annual Punkin’ Days: Floydada’s celebration of its pumpkins. Our reporter Sean Ryan has more on what to expect from this year's festivities. Click here for more on locations and times. This Sunday is also the last day of the 2025 season for Lubbock's splash pads.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton appeared in Lubbock Tuesday evening to speak at an event hosted by the Texas Tech University chapter of Turning Point USA, the non-profit founded in 2012 by late conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Our Bishop Van Buren reports Paxton was joined by Texas Tech University Chancellor appointee Brandon Creighton. Tomorrow night, Texas Tech’s Physics and Astronomy department is hosting AstroNight, featuring telescopes, hands-on demonstrations, and experts to answer questions. The free event will be held at Lubbock Lake Landmark from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Sonny Curtis, former member of The Crickets and writer of hits like “I Fought the Law” and “Love Is All Around," died on Sept. 19. Born in Meadow, Texas and cutting his teeth playing stages around Lubbock before making it big, Sonny Curtis is remembered as a mentor, role model, and friend by many in the community.

The group Dignity for District 2 has suspended its petition to recall Lubbock Councilman Gordon Harris. Students at colleges and universities have settled back into the school year and our Sean Ryan reports that enrollment has increased at all three of Lubbock’s largest higher education institutions. Starting this week, Lubbock ISD will be holding a series of town hall meetings in each of the board of trustees' voting districts to discuss potential changes. Community members are also encouraged to complete a survey to provide feedback to the district. Click here for a schedule of upcoming the meetings, their locations, and a link to the survey.