Local Resources

Nonprofits across the country have been grappling with changes in federal spending and the cuts to departments and grants. As coordinator with other local organizations, Lubbock Area United Way has been updating partners on developments at the state and national level, and advocating for policies suited to West Texas.

This week's forecast has seen high temperatures above 100 degrees and as summer heat continues, our Bishop Van Buren reports that there will be a drive through tower fan distribution tomorrow starting at 8 a.m. at the Catholic Charities Diocese of Lubbock. Also tomorrow, Lubbock Animal Services is hosting its annual “Clear the Shelters” event from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the LAS building located at 3323 Southeast Loop 289. Our Samantha Larned says there will be free adoptions and all animals will be fixed, vaccinated, and microchipped.

South Plains Community Action Association, Inc., or SPCAA, serves approximately 114 counties in Texas, with a focus on assisting in rural communities. It is one of many organizations whose programs are under threat in upcoming federal budget proposals.

The City of Lubbock libraries have partnered with Reliant Energy to open Beat the Heat cooling centers. They will formally begin when the National Weather Service forecasts three or more days in a row above 104 degrees. The centers will be at all four of Lubbock's public libraries during normal operating hours. Our reporter Sean Ryan has more on what the centers have to offer.

June is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, for aging patients as well as formal and unpaid caregivers across West Texas and the country, the struggle brings reminders every day.

With the semester ending, both Lubbock and Frenship ISD will provide free meals this summer for children 18 and younger, regardless of enrollment status. Our Bishop Van Buren reports LISD's program will begin on Monday and Frenship's will begin June 2, both run through late July. Despite an original push to for regulation, the Texas House has given initial approval to a complete ban on consumable THC products. It still must pass a final reading in the House before it returns to the Senate.

To combat summer hunger, Lubbock and Frenship Independent School Districts are once again offering free summer meal programs for children 18 and younger, regardless of enrollment.

An earthquake shook the ground in west Texas this weekend, some felt it here in Lubbock. Texas Public Radio’s Jerry Clayton reports it was among the strongest quakes in recent years. Tomorrow, the City of Lubbock Solid Waste Department is providing an opportunity to drop-off unwanted items that can be reused or large items for disposal. The Move Out Give Back events are May 7 and May 17 from 8:30 A.M. to 6 P.M. with locations at First Baptist Church's southeast parking lot at 13th Street & Avenue V and next to the City of Lubbock recycling site, at 2901 Elgin Ave. You can find more information at mylubbock.us/move-out-give-back.

With school almost out for summer, many students — in Plainview, Tahoka, and beyond — step out of the classroom and into the public library. Between summer reading programs and the year-round story times, events, and educational opportunities, public libraries are ever evolving to meet the needs of their communities.

With Lubbock ISD’s $290 million bond the only item on most Lubbock ballots in the May 3 election, many are considering the possible costs for taxpayers and the value of public schools in Lubbock’s economy. At the same time, questions of transparency and participation remain top of mind for district staff and community members alike.