Local news

Lubbock City Council has approved the recommended recipients for the Cultural Arts Grant Program. Included in the recommendations was the First Friday Art Trail, one year after a controversial decision from the council that cut funding for that event. However, this year saw a change in the guidelines for the grant, restricting political and “controversial” programming.

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 But in May 2025, the Mesquite Mile’s NEA grant was withdrawn.

In compliance with House Bill 1481, the district now requires students to keep personal communication devices powered off and out of sight throughout the school day.

In a release from the Chancellor's office on Friday, Mitchell stated that he has shared his intentions with the Board of Regents, and further details will be discussed at the next regularly scheduled Board of Regents meeting in August.

Severe weather has gripped Texas this year — from tornadoes tearing through the South Plains to wildfires in the Panhandle and, most recently, deadly floods in the Hill Country. In Lubbock, where the city’s outdoor siren system was activated for the first time earlier this summer, emergency officials emphasize that layered alerts and personal preparedness remain essential to staying safe.

Vetted ways that those in Lubbock can help flood victims in Kerrville, Texas.

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.

Members of Lubbock’s queer community and their allies showed up to the city council chambers for the third June in a row, advocating for the city to recognize Pride Month. Organizers and participants said the council did not acknowledge their campaign or protest.

Lubbock elected a new mayor in June 2024. Since then, it’s been a busy year for the region. Now, one year later, the KTTZ news team sat down with Mayor Mark McBrayer to discuss his term so far, including issues like public safety, city growth, housing, and budget challenges.

A suspect was killed and two officers were injured in a shooting at a Texas Tech parking lot on Tuesday morning.