Community

The newly passed federal ban on hemp-based products containing THC, set to go into effect in Nov. 2026, could have a significant negative effect on the Texas economy.Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider says the ban could hit a wide range of Texas industries. Tomorrow is National Memory Screening Day and Texas Tech’s Garrison Institute on Aging is joining the effort. Our Bishop Van Buren reports the GIA will be offering free screenings at the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center’s Academic Event Center tomorrow at 2 p.m., followed by a lecture by Texas Tech psychology professor Dr. Gayle Ayers from 3 to 4 p.m.

During Native American Heritage Month, traces of Indigenous history across the South Plains continue to shape life in West Texas. For groups like Native American People of the Plains and Beyond, visibility and education remain central to preserving culture and correcting long-held misconceptions.

The Veterans Food Bank of Lubbock is set to open next month and organizers are calling on the community to contribute to its first food drive through Dec. 16. More information at the nonprofit's Facebook page. Our Samantha Larned reports now is an ideal time for folks to get their flu shots to reach peak immunity in time for Thanksgiving, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Meanwhile, after a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to fully fund SNAP, some Texans have started receiving partial payments.

Tomorrow is Veterans Day, and the Silent Wings Museum is marking the occasion with free admission and a full day of events. Our Bishop Van Buren reports on festivities, including a ceremony, dance lesson, and live music. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Meanwhile, since the start of the federal government shutdown, veterans’ requests for food and housing assistance have spiked. Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider reports more than 100,000 veterans are being affected in Texas alone.

Tomorrow is Election Day in Texas, with voters deciding on 17 proposed constitutional amendments. Our Brad Burt reports that Lubbock County saw unusually high early voting turnout for this type of election — more than 13,000 ballots cast — though that’s still just 6.7% of registered voters. Statewide turnout remains low, with fewer than a million Texans voting early. The amendments cover issues from tax cuts to a multibillion-dollar state water fund.

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.