Issue #5 · Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Which Lubbock museum lets visitors walk through more than 200 years of ranching history in an outdoor historical park?

Answer at the bottom—along with a good reason to plan a visit.

Tuesday, November 3 · Polls open 7 a.m.–7 p.m. Whatever your views or choices, local participation matters—make your voice heard and be sure to vote. Check your Election Day location and identification requirements before leaving; Election Day sites may differ from early-voting locations.

Lubbock County Elections · Texas voting guidance

Fire ants are becoming much easier to notice around Lubbock after recent heavy rain, but local experts say that does not mean their numbers have suddenly increased.

Dr. Patrick Porter said non-native fire ants have been present in Lubbock since the 1980s and thrive inside the irrigated city more than in the surrounding arid countryside.

He recommends neighborhood-wide use of an appropriate insect growth regulator, paired with concentrated treatment of large active mounds.

Lubbock ISD Facilities also confirms that recent rains have made colonies more noticeable and says both district maintenance staff and a pest-control contractor respond to reports.

Data centers have become a practical Lubbock growth question: how to accommodate investment while protecting water, electricity, infrastructure and nearby neighborhoods.

The City Council’s November 3 agenda includes consideration of adding large-scale data-center impacts on municipal utilities and infrastructure to its legislative priorities.

Planning and Zoning is scheduled to consider development standards November 5, while a public hearing on a possible 90-day moratorium is expected November 10.

These are proposals and scheduled discussions, not an enacted pause or final development rules.

The opportunity includes investment, construction and taxable property; the questions include resource demand, noise, lighting and neighborhood compatibility. For residents, this is a chance to follow the decisions before the rules are settled.

Lubbock sits almost in the middle of the Llano Estacado, an immense elevated tableland stretching across northwest Texas and eastern New Mexico.

Its remarkably flat surface helps explain the South Plains’ enormous horizons, dramatic sunsets and distant thunderstorms, while its eastern edge — the Caprock Escarpment — gives way to canyon country carved by erosion.

The landscape also helps make sense of Palo Duro Canyon, Caprock Canyons, Lubbock’s roughly 3,200-foot elevation and the agricultural economy that grew after farmers began tapping the Ogallala Aquifer.

Before cattle and cotton, the plains supported vast herds of bison and formed part of the heartland of Comanche life. Descendants of the Goodnight bison herd now roam again at Caprock Canyons State Park as the Texas State Bison Herd.

And one familiar story needs a correction: while some American prairies grew grass tall enough to reach a rider’s saddle, much of the historic Llano around Lubbock was shortgrass prairie — open enough that early explorers complained about the near-total lack of landmarks.

The geography beneath Lubbock has been hiding in plain sight all along.

Tuesday, November 3 · 6 p.m. · Buddy Holly Hall

Give local students a night in the spotlight. Lubbock ISD’s Theatre Alive showcase brings middle- and high-school theatre talent together for an evening of scenes and performances. Come support the young performers and the teachers helping bring their work to the stage. Check the district’s ticket page for current ticket details and arrival information.

Friday, November 6 · 6–9 p.m. · Lubbock Cultural District · Free

Pick a few galleries, bring a friend and give downtown an evening of your attention. First Friday Art Trail is LHUCA’s free, self-guided celebration of art, with participating galleries, businesses, music and food trucks. LHUCA, 511 Avenue K, is a useful starting point.

Weather watch: After the recent wet stretch, Friday currently looks friendlier—cool and mostly dry. Bring a light jacket and check the forecast before leaving.

Downtown route note: Broadway reconstruction is ongoing. Allow extra travel time and follow posted detours.

Saturday, November 7 · 8:30 p.m. Central · Galaxy Stadium · ESPN

No. 13 Texas Tech hosts West Virginia after its 34–26 victory over Arizona. The Red Raiders are seeking their eighth win and a program-record 14th consecutive home victory. Whether you’re heading to the stadium or watching with friends, plan for the late kickoff and a cool evening. Check official ticket availability and game-day guidance before traveling.

A Local Look: Fire-Ant Help for Lubbock

Two quick looks inside an active colony—and a deeper dive if you’re curious.

1. A busy colony up close · 24 seconds · silent
Watch workers and winged ants moving among the colony’s brood in exposed nest material—a brief look at the bustle beneath the surface.

2. When the mound is disturbed · 1 minute 28 seconds · silent
Watch how quickly the colony pours out to defend its nest when disturbed—a vivid reminder of why an unnoticed mound can lead to painful stings for people or pets. Observe from a safe distance; don’t disturb a mound to test it.

The two short clips were filmed in Australia and illustrate fire-ant behavior; they are not footage from Lubbock. Photo/video credit: National Fire Ant Eradication Program.

3. Dig deeper: Red Imported Fire Ant Management · 52 minutes
For readers who want more detail, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension specialist Wizzie Brown’s longer presentation explores red imported fire-ant management.

For local identification help, see AgriLife Lubbock’s illustrated High Plains guide (PDF). Confirm the ant species before choosing a treatment, and follow the product label.

A new family-entertainment destination is being built—not open yet. South Plains Mall and Premiere Cinemas have announced a 45,000-square-foot Premiere PLUS expansion connected to the existing cinema. Plans include 16 bowling lanes, more than 100 arcade games, bumper-car attractions, food service and party spaces.

KCBD reports construction is underway, with a projected summer 2027 opening. It is a local investment worth watching as families look for more ways to spend time together. The opening date remains a projection.

Read the announcement reported by KCBD · Current Premiere Cinemas location

901 17th Street · Depot District · 806-744-3600

For a meal built around conversation, La Diosa offers Spanish- and Mediterranean-inspired tapas, wine and a warmly decorated downtown setting. Share a few plates and make dinner part of the evening rather than a stop you hurry through.

The restaurant currently lists Friday and Saturday hours of noon–11 p.m., with the kitchen closing at 10 p.m. Its FAQ lists a $5 music cover during live performances; check the current calendar and call ahead if a particular performer is the reason for your visit.