Holidays

Tomorrow is the Fourth of July — and few things are more iconic to this holiday than fireworks. But in Lubbock, it’s important to remember they’re illegal within city limits. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren spoke with Lubbock Police Department and has more. In 2024, Attorney General Ken Paxton pursued a lawsuit over the State Fair of Texas' gun ban. KERA's Toluwani Osibamowo reports the case was dismissed and the fair says it plans to keep its policy in place.

The Fourth of July in Lubbock will look different this year, with new organizers of the 4th on Broadway parade and a last-minute change in location after recent spurts of heavy rainfall. Police are reminding residents that fireworks are still banned within city limits, and public health officials are warning of increased mosquito activity.

A Lubbock man was named alongside more than 300 others in what officials are calling the largest health care fraud takedown in Justice Department history. Our Brad Burt reports he was alleged to have submitted an estimated $19 million in false claims. With the past few days of rain saturating the ground, 4th on Broadway’s evening events will be moved from Mackenzie Park to the South Plains Fairground. Also due to the holiday, city offices will be closed and LHUCA's First Friday Art Trail will instead be on Thursday.

Governor Greg Abbott says he’s still on the fence about a bill that would ban consumable products containing THC. Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider looks into why, as well as what might happen if Abbott decides to veto the ban. Tomorrow is Juneteenth and the city of Lubbock is hosting a number events running through the weekend, click here for details.

Cascarones, the confetti-filled eggshells popular during Easter and Fiesta celebrations, are traditionally made from empty eggshells. Despite soaring egg prices, Texas shoppers looking to stock up on the holiday staple won’t have to worry about paying more – at least not this year.

Xcel Energy has warned South Plains customers of possible power shutoffs due to today’s expected strong winds and low humidity. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren has more on the approach to wildfire risk following the Smokehouse Creek Fire last year. Civic Lubbock, Inc. and other community partners have begun planning this year's 4th on Broadway celebration, following changes to the annual event's organization announced in January.

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.

Water conditions and potential infrastructure are expected to be major topics in the upcoming legislative session, as drought conditions span the state. In the New Year, fitness resolutions are popular. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren has more from a local physician on how to stay committed to those goals.

President Joe Biden has granted 39 pardons and nearly 1,500 commutations for prisoners, including former Lubbock businessman Benny Judah. Houston Public Media’s Gail Delaughter looks at how Texas Christmas tree growers keep supplies strong despite a drought over the summer. Between this weekend and the new year, AAA projects 9.1 million people in Texas will travel more than 50 miles from home.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that more than 93,000 Texans who have served are eligible for healthcare benefits, but unenrolled. The VA is encouraging veterans exposed to blasts during their service to pursue care. And our reporter Bishop Van Buren has more on Lubbock Animal Services' donation campaign and advice for pet owners this holiday season.