Daily editionThursday, January 1st, 2026
Good morning, Lubbock.
The Daily Lubbock Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of January.
Community
Austin, a high school senior from Lamesa living with Williams Syndrome and a lifelong Texas Tech supporter, received tickets to the Orange Bowl from nonprofit Team Impact (a program that connects kids with college teams) earlier this week.
His family described the surprise as a heartwarming moment for the community.
FOX34Read more
Culture
Families across Lubbock are gearing up for a Texas-style New Year by swapping traditional cabbage for barbecue, Dr Pepper and Blue Bell ice cream (a creative nod to local custom) to bring good fortune to the holiday.
KKAMRead more
Education
South Plains College launches a Youth Live Ensemble music course for young musicians (ages 10 to 17) on its Levelland campus.
The course meets every Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. from Feb. 10 to April 21 with registration open until Jan. 31 and a fee of $150.
KFYORead more
South Plains College has launched a Youth Live Ensemble music course for kids aged 10 to 17 that provides hands-on band and vocal training on the Levelland campus.
The course runs every Tuesday from 6 to 7 p.m. from Feb. 10 to April 21 (registration closes Jan. 31 with a $150 fee).
KKAMRead more
Government
Residents planning New Year's Day celebrations should note that Texas blue laws require liquor stores to remain closed today, so spirits must be purchased in advance while beer and wine remain available at grocery and convenience stores.
KFYORead more
Texas law keeps liquor stores closed today, so locals needing spirits for New Year's Day celebrations must purchase them ahead of time.
Beer and wine remain available at grocery stores and bars under standard holiday hours.
KKAMRead more
Health
Dr. Natalie Scanlon, a Lubbock-based psychologist, shared strategies to help locals keep New Year’s resolutions by aligning goals with personal values and breaking them into smaller steps.
Her advice aims to boost steady progress and ease the pressure of Quitters Day.
KCBDRead more
Cold weather is pushing coyotes closer to local neighborhoods, and Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) advises residents to bring pets indoors at night as predators search for food.
Residents can also use motion lights and remove food sources to reduce risks.
KKAMRead more
Dr. Natalie Scanlon of Texas Tech Physicians advises Lubbock residents to make New Year resolutions sustainable by aligning goals with personal values and breaking them into small, daily steps.
She recommends writing down these goals, staying accountable, and being kind to oneself during the process.
FOX34Read more
Lifestyle
A new study finds that today is Lubbock’s busiest pizza day, with local pizzerias expecting long lines after New Year’s celebrations, fireworks, and football games.
The research shows that residents favor quick meals on lazy weekends when they skip cooking.
KFYORead more
Local pizzerias expect high demand today — research shows New Year’s Day is Lubbock’s busiest pizza craving day, so families and friends may skip cooking and enjoy a slice while watching football.
KKAMRead more
Sports
KCBD team from Lubbock brings live coverage from Miami for Texas Tech's first College Football Playoff game.
The broadcast airs today at 11 a.m. from the Orange Bowl as Texas Tech meets Oregon.
KCBDRead more
KCBD reporters are covering No. 4 Texas Tech's College Football Playoff debut live from Miami as they prepare to broadcast the Orange Bowl game between Texas Tech and Oregon at 11 a.m. today — offering local sports insights directly to Lubbock viewers.
FOX34Read more
Austin Ramford, a high schooler from Lamesa (diagnosed with Williams syndrome), will see Texas Tech take the field at the Orange Bowl after nonprofit Team Impact surprised him with tickets; his mother said his love for sports shines despite overcoming multiple heart surgeries.
KCBDRead more