Local news

As the year comes to an end, our news team looks back at Lubbock’s top stories from 2024. From elections and city controversies, to wildfires, to education and arts: here is your Lubbock year in review.

Studies done by the National Foster Youth Institute show that half of students in foster care do not graduate high school. In 2021, nearly 30,000 children were in foster care in the state of Texas. A statewide program called WHIT is helping to serve foster students across Texas with structured, consistent tutoring.

Lubbock Independent School District’s Board of Trustees has approved the consolidation and closures of three LISD campuses. Going into effect in the 2025-2026 school year, “phase one” of the plan impacts Hodges Elementary, Overton Elementary, and O.L. Slaton Middle School.

While those using Lubbock city water do not have much to worry about in terms of potability, one local expert says those outside of the city — on well water — are at risk of ingesting high levels of arsenic.

LISD’s Board of Trustees heard the recommendation for possible campus consolidations and closures, which administrators say is the best way to avoid a new bond. Many upset parents, students, and teachers say it’s about more than money — but community, equity and transparency.

State law prohibits schools from making direct name, image and likeness deals with athletes. Texas Tech says it puts them at a disadvantage as the university recruits athletes for fall 2025.

Although Texas counties are not required to provide ambulance services, many are digging deep to pay for their own fleet or to contract out services.

Record-breaking turnout for voters in and around Lubbock was still not able to meet expectations by the Elections Office, with a total percentage just over 62% of registered voters in Lubbock County; while close approval of local propositions opens the question of how long older Lubbockites will financially support Lubbock's massive growth.

Voter ID information, vote center locations, and more on the November 5 election in Lubbock County can be found here.

Día de los Muertos is meant to celebrate those who have passed, but one local mental health expert says grieving has become more isolated in recent years. Our reporter Samantha Larned has more. This week, Texas Tech Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt flagged the issue of unencrypted helmet communication frequencies in the Power 4.