Daily editionFriday, April 17th, 2026
Good morning, Lubbock.
The Daily Lubbock Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of April.
Community
The Junior League of Lubbock is hosting Touch-a-Truck on Saturday, April 18 at South Plains Mall, a free event where families explore vehicles—from helicopters to tractors—and learn from operators during a horn-free hour from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., with activities until 2:00 p.m.
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Ranch Day returns to the National Ranching Heritage Center on Saturday, Apr. 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., marking its 57th annual celebration.
Families can enjoy hands-on ranch activities, live demonstrations, horseback rides, and interactive stations (free admission with a suggested $5 donation).
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Culture
Lubbock diners shared their top picks for a single restaurant to eat at for life, naming local treasures like Orlando’s, Caprock Cafe, and Taco Villa to show their loyalty to family-owned spots.
The poll reveals a strong local preference for restaurants that offer both tradition and a unique dining experience.
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Government
On Thursday, Apr. 16, the first section of Loop 88 opened along FM 1585 (130th Street), transforming a two-lane road into a 6-lane freeway with added bridges, ramps and frontage roads.
The project is the first of seven phases and includes upcoming I-27 interchange bids set to begin this summer.
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Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock said Texans can buy emergency supplies tax-free from 12:01 a.m. Saturday, April 25 until midnight Monday, April 27.
The holiday covers items such as batteries, flashlights and hurricane shutters with set price limits.
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Health
UMC Health System will open a new 120,000 sqft cancer center on Monday, April 20 in West Texas, offering expanded treatment options and more than 50 infusion chairs to cut long drives for care (through a partnership with Texas Tech).
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Ohana Japanese Steak House (5217 82nd) in Lubbock had 28 health code violations such as improper cold holding and cross-contamination risks during a recent inspection; most issues were corrected at that time.
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Lifestyle
Lubbock residents can plan summer getaways to sites such as Palo Duro Canyon 1.5 to 2 hours away for hiking, Buffalo Springs Lake 30 minutes away for fishing, and Carlsbad Caverns 4 hours away for bat watching.
They can enjoy local events in town, including live music and art trails.
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The Lubbock Truth published its summer food ranking, listing cool treats from snow cones to drive thru BBQ for residents seeking relief from soaring temperatures, and it advises stocking up on favorite cold options before Walmart trips.
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Sports
The Morton Unified Track and Field team – featuring students with and without intellectual disabilities – will compete in the UIL State Championship on April 24 in Austin after finishing second in regionals in March and winning the area meet in April.
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