October 29, 2026
Top Stories
Lubbock man receives 90-year federal sentence
A Lubbock man was sentenced Thursday to 90 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to three counts of producing child sexual abuse material. Federal prosecutors say Eric Blake Fira, 33, pleaded guilty July 6. U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix imposed the 1,080-month sentence. The FBI, Lubbock police and Crosby County deputies investigated.
Flood Watch begins at 4 p.m. Thursday
Heavy rain could cause flooding across Lubbock and the South Plains tonight and Friday. The National Weather Service says 1–2 inches of rain are possible, with isolated totals near 3 inches. The Flood Watch runs from 4 p.m. Thursday until 8 p.m. Friday. The heaviest rain is expected overnight into Friday morning.
Friday is the final day to vote early
All 21 Lubbock County early-voting locations are scheduled to be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, October 30. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. The Chronicle’s sample ballot is an unofficial reader resource; voters should use county information to verify their ballot and voting location.
Early-voting locations and hours · Chronicle sample ballot (unofficial) · Official Lubbock County Elections
JT Toppin earns two preseason national honors
Texas Tech forward JT Toppin has been named to the Karl Malone Award and NABC Division I Player of the Year preseason watch lists. The senior averaged 21.8 points and 10.8 rebounds last season before an injury ended his year early. Texas Tech says he is continuing rehabilitation ahead of the season.
What Lubbock Is Talking About
Texas Tech Chancellor Brandon Creighton’s higher-education policies are drawing national attention. A new Texas Tribune profile examines his push for workforce-focused degrees and greater oversight of course content. Supporters describe the changes as accountability; faculty critics raise concerns about academic freedom. Read Jessica Priest’s reporting for The Texas Tribune.
Around Lubbock
Texas Tech baseball coaching change: Pitching coach Steve Foster announced his retirement Thursday. Jacob Evans will assume the position for the 2027 season. Texas Tech announcement.
Sunday memorial: Lubbock County and Pray Lubbock will honor more than two dozen people who died this year without identified next of kin. The public service begins at 2 p.m. on November 1 at St. John Baptist Church, 1712 E. 29th St. Event details.
Tonight and Tomorrow
Thursday, 5 p.m.: Lubbock ISD Board of Trustees meets at the Central Office Boardroom, 1628 19th St. Agenda preview.
Thursday, 7:45–9 p.m.: Texas Tech’s free Broadway Block Party will be held indoors at United Supermarkets Arena, not on Broadway. Doors open at 7 p.m. Official event update.
Friday: Early voting ends at 8 p.m. The Flood Watch remains in effect until 8 p.m.; check conditions before heading out.
Election Watch
The Chronicle will highlight eight selected contests on November 3. See the featured races and browse the On the Ballot candidate guide.
