Community

From overpopulated shelters to an abundance of stray animals, Lubbock citizens are familiar with the city’s so-called ‘dog problem.’ This week, Lubbock City Council heard from residents, advocates, and city employees as it considers steps to assist Lubbock Animal Services.

Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day and community service efforts are planned in Lubbock to honor the hero of the American Civil Rights movement. Click for more on local events around the city.Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider reports on Texas' involvement in a brief backing Louisiana’s Ten Commandments mandate for public school classrooms. And ERCOT expects normal grid conditions as another arctic blast moves into Texas.

Today is the first day of Texas' 89th Legislative session; lawmakers will vote to fill the role of Speaker of the Texas House, with Lubbock’s Dustin Burrows and David Cook from Mansfield seemingly leading the race for that seat. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren has more on the upcoming Point-In-Time homelessness count later this month. The South Plains Homeless Consortium and the Texas Homeless Network are holding a training session for those interested in volunteering from noon to 1 P.M. at Monterey Church of Christ’s Fireside Room.

During freezing temperatures throughout the season, Lubbock’s public libraries are acting as emergency warming centers during normal operating hours. Meanwhile, the local homelessness organization Open Door has announced that the its community center urgently needs adult-sized gloves. Donations can be made at 1918 13th Street or at opendoorlbk.org/donatefunds with the tribute line "gloves." And Texas Public Radio's Bonnie Petrie has more on warning signs for PTSD in children.

Yesterday, Broadway Festivals announced it will not be supporting this year’s 4th on Broadway celebration, after more than 30 years in downtown Lubbock. Tonight from 6 to 8 P.M., the Groves Branch Library will be hosting a Medicare education workshop at 5520 19th Street. Our reporter Samantha Larned has more on the program and what attendees can expect.

Texas lawmakers are again attempting to get death row inmate Robert Roberson to testify about his conviction. KERA's Toluwani Osibamowo reports Roberson was blocked from testifying in person the first time he was called. The City of Lubbock is accepting applications for several boards and committees through December 31. The term for the positions will begin June 1, 2025. Applications can be submitted at www.mylubbock.us/cityboards.

Following last week's vote to close Hodges Elementary School, starting in the 2025-2026 school year, families in the attendance zone for Hodges will be in the boundaries for Bean Elementary. Our reporter Samantha Larned has more on the decision from the Lubbock Independent School District’s Board of Trustees and what comes next.The district's transfer window is open Dec. 17 through Jan. 17.

Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies reports on a Texas committee's announcement to skip over investigating pregnancy related deaths for the years 2022 and 2023. Coffee with the Mayor, hosted by Lubbock mayor Mark McBrayer and District 3 councilman David Glasheen, will be tomorrow morning at 7:00 a.m. at the Market Street at 3405 50th Street.

The Texas State Board of Education approved a controversial new Bible-infused curriculum Friday, which schools may choose to adopt. KERA's Nathan Collins reports the city of Dallas may need millions more dollars on short notice to fund the police pension system. Lubbock Area United Way launched a new website to provide local data on community issues.

Austin-area animal shelters have been overcrowded for years. Local officials and nonprofits are looking at different ways to alleviate the problem.