Daily editionFriday, March 20th, 2026
Good morning, Lubbock.
The Daily Lubbock Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of March.
Community
Lubbock nonprofit leader Dina Jeffries now serves as CEO of South Plains Food Bank and provides food assistance to families in 35 cities and towns while driving the U Can Share drive amid ongoing challenges.
FOX34Read more
Business
Chick-fil-A will build a $46 million distribution center near the airport in Lubbock (expected to create 80 new jobs) and will start construction on May 1 with a one-year timeline.
KFYORead more
Community National Bank will host a ribbon cutting Tuesday, March 24 from 4:00-4:30 p.m. at its new Milwaukee Avenue branch (5,366 sqft) located at 7904 Milwaukee Ave and will hold an Open House until 6:00 p.m. for community members to explore the full-service space.
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Culture
Blippi and his friend Meekah will perform an interactive stage show for children ages 2 to 7 on April 16 at Buddy Holly Hall, featuring music, dancing and hands-on learning (a photo opportunity upgrade is available for families).
KFYORead more
Economy
Today, gas prices in Lubbock reached $3.31 per gallon, an 8-cent increase from last week, while the state average hit $3.58; AAA advises caution in driving practices (adjusting speed and checking tire pressure) to boost fuel economy.
KCBDRead more
Education
Douglas Young retired after 40 years in education, including 17 as Lubbock High principal, and his staff celebrated his departure today with a quiet send-off as he plans trips including a Mediterranean cruise & more.
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Government
Texas lawmakers passed Senate Bill 379 to restrict SNAP spending in Lubbock & statewide starting April 1 by banning purchases of sweetened drinks with over 5 grams added sugar per serving and certain candy items.
Officials say the move aligns with efforts to boost healthy eating.
KFYORead more
FEMA approved emergency grants to reimburse up to 75% of wildfire suppression costs in Texas as state officials continue recovery operations after the Corner Pocket Fire in Donley County — which led to evacuations on March 18.
KKAMRead more
After new allegations emerged against Cesar Chavez, Lubbock officials face increased pressure to rename Cesar E. Chavez Drive (near MacKenzie Park) as statewide moves lead cities to reconsider honoring him through a public holiday.
Local leaders have not announced a final decision.
KFYORead more
Health
Earlier this week, J&M BBQ at 6023 82nd was shut down for 24 hours after an inspection found 38 food safety violations (including improper heating and sanitation), with corrections made before re-opening.
Officials also named top performers: Jimenez y Friends Barbecue y Taqueria, Nirvana burger, and Taco Villa.
FOX34Read more
Lubbock Events
Cactus Classic Cinema - True Grit Screening
Wednesday, March 25th, 2026 · 7:20-9:30 p.m. — Cactus Theater — $7 — Catch the classic Western film 'True Grit' starring John Wayne in a nostalgic cinema experience.
Moses Snow as Elvis
Thursday, March 26th, 2026 · 7:30-9:30 p.m. — Cactus Theater — $25-$55 — Experience an authentic tribute to Elvis Presley with rising star Moses Snow at this historic venue.
Noise Pollution - The AC/DC Experience
Friday, March 27th, 2026 · 7:30-9:30 p.m. — Cactus Theater — $22.50-$50.00 — Experience the electrifying tribute to rock legends AC/DC with Noise Pollution as they deliver an unforgettable concert from both eras.
Lubbock Undy Run/Walk 5K
Saturday, March 28th, 2026 · 9:30 a.m. — Buddy Holly Lake Recreation Area — $40 registration — Participate in a family-friendly undy-themed race supporting colorectal cancer awareness and research.
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Iowa State Cyclones
Sunday, March 29th, 2026 · 12-1 p.m. — Rocky Johnson Field — $40.00 — Catch the exciting matchup between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Iowa State Cyclones in Lubbock.
Free Tax Preparation Service
Thursday, April 2nd, 2026 · 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. — Lubbock Adult Activity Center — Free service — Receive free tax assistance from AARP with no appointment needed on a first-come basis.
Gary P Nunn - Texas Legend Live at Cactus Theater
Saturday, April 4th, 2026 · 7:30-9:30 p.m. — Cactus Theater — $25-$70 — Experience the legendary Texas music icon Gary P Nunn performing live.
Wade Forster Live at The Blue Light
Saturday, April 11th, 2026 · 7-11 p.m. — Blue Light — $20 Adv GA ($25 at the door) — Experience the real stories of country music from Wade Forster, a true Aussie cowboy on a rise in the U.S.
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Incarnate Word Cardinals Baseball
Wednesday, April 15th, 2026 · 2-5 p.m. — Dan Law Field at Rip Griffin Park — $14 each — Watch a thrilling college baseball matchup featuring the local Texas Tech Red Raiders.
Ian Moore Band Live Performance
Friday, April 17th, 2026 · 7-9:30 p.m. — Cactus Theater — Tickets available — Experience the electrifying performance of Ian Moore, blending soulful vocals with masterful guitar skills.