Thursday, January 1st, 2026
Good morning, Lubbock. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ 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. FOX34
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ 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. KKAM
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ 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. KFYO
- ➤ 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). KKAM
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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. KKAM
- ➤ 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. KFYO
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ 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. KKAM
- ➤ 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. FOX34
- ➤ 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. KCBD
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ 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. KKAM
- ➤ 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. KFYO
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ 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. KCBD
- ➤ 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. FOX34
- ➤ 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. KCBD
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ThunderBeard Tribute to ZZ Top
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Cactus Theater — Tickets from $22.50 — Experience an authentic tribute to the iconic sounds of ZZ Top with the lively band ThunderBeard.
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Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds vs. Lubbock Christian Chaparrals Men's Basketball
1-4:30 p.m. — Rip Griffin Center — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting college basketball matchup at the Rip Griffin Center.
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Casey Pilgreen Live Concert
1-5 p.m. — Cactus Theater — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an afternoon of lively country music with Casey Pilgreen and listen to hits like 'All Around Country Girl'.
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Friends of Library Book Sale
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. — George & Helen Mahon Public Library — Books from 25 cents — Browse through gently used books this weekend and support the local library.
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Lubbock January Conquest Tournament
10 AM – 7 PM — Stormcrow Games — $15 — Engage in competitive battles at this exciting gaming tournament.
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Lubbock Christian Chaparrals vs. Cameron Aggies
1-6 p.m. — Rip Griffin Center — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting matchup between the Chaparrals and the Aggies in this thrilling basketball showdown.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
What you seek is seeking you.
~ Rumi
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