Local news

The South Plains Association of Governments is seeking public input from residents of fifteen counties surrounding Lubbock as part of its Safety Action Plan to improve road conditions and reduce traffic deaths and serious injuries across the region.

San Angelo pianist Terry Mikeska has already checked an item off of his bucket list to start the year, by performing on perhaps his grandest stage yet— a black-tie event in Washington, D.C. that was among the largest leading up to the 2025 presidential inauguration.

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.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Lubbock Republican.

The priorities identified by the Community Health Needs Assessment and the Community Health Improvement Plan are access to health care; mental health, substance use and homelessness; addressing chronic conditions; STIs and teen pregnancy; and improved coordination of information services and resources. Last month, Lubbock Public Health’s director presented the reports before city council, but after pushback from representatives, the vote to approve was rescheduled to Jan. 14.

Severe winter weather can be a cause of both fear and danger for travelers. According to AAA, winter storms and sloppy road conditions factor into more than 2,000 road deaths every winter.

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.