Daily editionThursday, June 18th, 2026
Good morning, Lubbock.
The Daily Lubbock Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of June.
Community
Open Door is extending its hours today to provide shelter and essential services during extreme heat in Lubbock.
The center now offers extra time for breakfast, showers, and connection to basics (bottled water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and ChapStick) while asking for community donations.
KLBKRead more
Sgt. Herman Brown Jr. — a U.S. Army veteran — was laid to rest Wednesday at West Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Lubbock.
The community’s support honored his faithful service despite the absence of known family.
FOX34Read more
Business
El Patron opened at Raintree Plaza earlier this month — serving tableside guacamole with chicharrones and a full-service bar that locals are praising.
The remodeled space at 3410 98th St. replaces the former Gorditos and Senior Chubby's location.
KFYORead more
Portillo’s now offers Chicago-style hot dogs for $3.99 along with crispy fries and a slice of chocolate cake at 5031 Milwaukee Avenue in Lubbock today.
The spacious eatery features drive-up lanes — providing locals a fresh dining option.
KKAMRead more
Lubbock companies like JT’s Jump-N-Play, Bigfoot Bouncers & Foam, Jerrys Jumpers, Jump in Bounce House Rental and Endless Fun offer inflatable water slides and bounce houses for summer events; customers are urged to call ahead (Bigfoot at 806-599-8484) to check availability and pricing.
KLBKRead more
Culture
On March 28, Buddy Holly Hall hosted the first Side-by-Side concert in 16 years as the Lubbock Symphony & Lubbock Youth Orchestra performed together.
Music director David Cho said the event reignited passion among musicians and community families as the symphony celebrates its 80th season and prepares future mentorship programs.
KLBKRead more
Education
Texas Tech softball players NiJaree Canady, Jackie Lis and Mia Williams earned Academic All-America honors after strong seasons on the field and in the classroom (Canady had a 3.68 GPA), highlighting their success at Texas Tech in Lubbock.
KKAMRead more
Government
Boyd Goodloe, a Lubbock native with a ministry background, is running in the District 4 special election following Brayden Rose's resignation—he aims to stop property tax increases by advocating for responsible spending.
Early voting runs until Tuesday, June 23, with Election Day on June 27.
FOX34Read more
Health
The Air Force is cleaning up PFAS contamination near the former Reese Air Force Base after tests showed private wells were affected since EPA raised water standards in 2014 (305 treatment systems have been installed and a groundwater plant is set to finish in December).
FOX34Read more
Lubbock recorded its first 100-degree day yesterday, prompting residents to cool off at free spots such as South Plains Mall, Texas Tech Museum (free admission), public libraries, the Adult Activity Center, and splash pads, while 211 remains available for heat-relief guidance.
KKAMRead more
Sports
This weekend, national watercraft racers will compete at Buffalo Springs Lake where jet skis with over 250 horsepower will tackle a buoy-marked course with tight turns and jumps (families can visit pit areas to see competitors up close).
KFYORead more
Lubbock Events
Teen Crafternoon: Mounted Dino Trophies
Friday, June 19th, 2026 · 2-3 p.m. — George & Helen Mahon Public Library — All supplies provided — Unleash creativity in crafting unique mounted dinosaur trophies for a prehistoric display.
Cotton Fest Classic Charity Golf Tournament
Monday, June 22nd, 2026 · 7 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. — Hillcrest Golf & Country Club — Benefits local charities — Tee off for a great cause at this exciting golf tournament.
Cotton Fest 2026
Thursday, June 25th, 2026 · June 25-27 — 11002 US-87 — Ticket prices vary — Experience top country music talents in the heart of Lubbock, Texas.
3rd Annual Ruck for Resilience
Saturday, June 27th, 2026 · 8 AM - 1 PM — He-Brews Coffee — Free entry — A community event for raising awareness about PTSD and suicide prevention for veterans and first responders.
Rave Jesus: Rave Revival Tour
Thursday, July 9th, 2026 · 6:00 p.m. — Culture Lubbock — $31.92 General Admission, $85.50 VIP — Experience an all-ages musical celebration with the Rave Revival Tour.
Exploring Lubbock's Historical Contributions
Tuesday, July 14th, 2026 · 7 p.m. — Groves Branch Library — Ages 18+ — Delve into Lubbock Army Air Field's WWII significance and local engineering innovations.
SPiVEY at Summer Showcase 2026
Thursday, July 16th, 2026 · 5:30-7:30 p.m. — Buddy Holly Center — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant evening of local music featuring SPiVEY as part of the Summer Showcase series.
Annual Flea Market
Saturday, July 18th, 2026 · 9 a.m. — Mae Simmons Community and Adult Activity Centers — Free entry — Spend your Saturday treasure hunting at this vibrant community flea market.