Community

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.

The Lubbock ISD Athletics Hall of Honor Class of 2025 was inducted this weekend. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren details the seven individuals and two teams who were celebrated. The Lubbock mayor’s office is trying to boost turnout for the city’s monthly Coffee with the Mayor events. Our Samantha Larned reports the next event is in District 4 tomorrow at 7 a.m. at the Market Street at 4205 98th Street.

This Wednesday is the citywide Back-2-School Bash will be taking place from Lubbock Public Libraries. Our Samantha Larned reports on what parents and students can expect. The event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center. Over the next two days, the Texas House and Senate will host hearings on redrawing congressional districts, including Lubbock’s Texas District 19 represented by Jodey Arrington. Click here for details on how to tune in and submit comments.

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.