Public Safety

The first State Flood Plan, published last year, identified $54 billion in flood mitigation, warning and data needs. The state has awarded around $660 million since the plan was published, with a special legislative session coming.

Lubbock Representative and House Speaker Dustin Burrows says lawmakers are already talking about emergency response ahead of the special session later this month. A bill to offer grants for emergency communications failed to pass during the regular session. To honor those who have died in the central Texas floods, Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered flags at state offices to be lowered to half-staff.

Lubbock’s outdoor warning system was put to the test for the first time as severe storms and tornado threats swept through the area Thursday night. The city’s Office of Emergency Management director recapped the cross-departmental response and gave recommendations for staying safe during future severe weather events.

Texas Tech’s softball team fell to the University of Texas in the Women’s College World Series final on Friday. Reporter Bishop Van Buren recaps the end of a historic Red Raiders run. Meanwhile, fans back in Lubbock took shelter from Thursday night’s storms and tornado threats.

Despite a drop in shootings nationwide, Texas saw more incidents than any other state last year.