Daily editionFriday, January 9th, 2026
Good morning, Lubbock.
The Daily Lubbock Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 9th of January.
Community
A mother surrendered her newborn at Lubbock Fire Station 9 using a Safe Haven Baby Box—marking Texas' first such case—and the fire chief said the baby is safe and receiving care per Texas Safe Haven laws.
KKAMRead more
John and Alisha Coakley, owners of the 98-year-old Historic Baker Building, now offer paranormal investigation tours for groups of five to 10 on nights without events; tickets cost $30.
Paranormal investigators from Brownfield recently used equipment (cat balls and flashlights) to study reports of unexplained activity in the downtown venue.
KCBDRead more
Culture
Lubbock locals say their city is full of hidden energy (despite its dusty reputation) as vibrant backyard events and dive bars bring the community together and prove that everyday life here is full of charm.
KFYORead more
The Martin Luther King Commemorative Council will host a five-day celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from Jan. 15 to 19 at Lubbock Memorial Civic Center (kickoff show, award banquet, youth musical, citywide service and day of service are scheduled).
KCBDRead more
Education
South Plains College is preparing for the Spring 2026 semester by redesigning 65 technical courses using open educational resources and artificial intelligence.
The college received a 2025 Star Award from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (highlighting its innovation) and aims to increase career readiness in its technical programs.
FOX34Read more
Health
Texas now has very high flu activity levels as the CDC warns that the virus spreads through droplets when people cough, sneeze, or talk.
Health officials advise residents to get vaccinated and clean surfaces to protect against infection.
KKAMRead more
The Inside Out Foundation will host its 14th annual Women’s Health Seminar tomorrow at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Local experts will share advice on nutrition and bone protection (tickets are $30 at the door or online).
FOX34Read more
Health inspectors checked eateries earlier this week and found Lone Star Oyster Bar had 21 violations (most corrected during the inspection); in other good news, Smoothie King, Sunflower Nutrition and Whataburger ranked among top performers.
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Local baker Rebecca Tijerina Ortiz of Mrs. T’s Cakery makes custom sobriety cakes that celebrate recovery milestones and healthy achievements, offering clients a sweet way to mark progress.
Customers can inquire on Facebook for pricing and available dates.
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Lifestyle
Lubbock thrift stores are benefiting from fresh post-holiday donations that bring new, unique items for budget-savvy shoppers.
Visitors can explore popular stops like the Thrift Center on Avenue Q and Habitat for Humanity ReStore on 50th Street — all set for a sustainable January.
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