Daily editionSaturday, June 20th, 2026
Good morning, Lubbock.
The Daily Lubbock Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 20th of June.
Community
The City of Lubbock Parks and Recreation Department said that the new McAlister Park playground opened for play Friday, Jun. 19 with help from George and Linda McMahan.
A grand opening ribbon-cutting is planned (date coming soon).
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Business
Lubbock's Ponto Gaucho, known for its tableside carved meats and giant charcuterie board (featuring fresh cheeses and hot sides), is expanding with a second location in Amarillo opening June 30 at 7609 Hillside Rd.
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Ponto Gaucho, known for table-carved meats and a standout charcuterie board, is launching a second location in Amarillo on June 30 + the longtime Lubbock favorite continues to serve guests on 82nd St.
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Outlaws Grill, a family-owned restaurant offering fresh homemade meals, is opening today in Lubbock.
Early diners praise its upscale comfort — with dishes like chicken-fried steak and lobster ravioli adding flavor to its debut.
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Tecovas is considering opening a store in Lubbock after a successful popup event, and local shoppers are invited to complete a survey about potential sites such as Canyon West and South Plains Mall.
Survey responses will help decide the future location.
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Outlaws Grill is opening today in Lubbock as a family-owned scratch kitchen offering fresh, homemade dishes such as chicken-fried steak and lobster ravioli.
The restaurant welcomes locals with an upscale yet homey vibe (its roots trace back to New Mexico).
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Culture
Lubbock’s Juneteenth Celebration brings community members together today with family-friendly events that honor the past and underscore the resilience of the human spirit while activities continue through the weekend.
Co-chairs Cory Powell and D’Juana McPherson say the reunion-style event unites neighbors and friends in celebration.
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Education
Texas Tech jumped six spots globally — also moving up one spot nationally in U.S. News rankings released today.
President Lawrence Schovanec praised faculty and staff for their hard work that helped the university outpace several Big 12 rivals.
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Lubbock invites families to host Japanese Junior Ambassadors this summer from sister city Musashino; interested households should email JrAmbassadors@mylubbock.us by June 26 (deadline).
The program offers a cultural exchange opportunity for students in grades 7 through 9.
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Government
TxDOT Lubbock is warning parents that children overheat much faster (5x quicker than adults) in West Texas heat.
Officials advise placing a personal item near a child’s car seat and calling 911 if a child is left unattended in dangerous conditions.
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Health
Lubbock plastic surgeon Dr. Thanapoom Boonipat faces disciplinary action by the Texas Medical Board for issues involving patient diagnosis and supervision.
He must pass a Jurisprudence Exam (within one year) and improve recordkeeping to avoid fines.
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Sports
Texas Tech softball players NiJaree Canady, Jackie Lis and Mia Williams have been named to the 2026 Academic All-America team — a recognition of both their on-field performance and classroom achievements.
Canady was also honored as Division I Team Member of the Year for the second straight season.
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Texas Tech announced its 2026 home game themes at Jones Stadium (Agriculture Game on Sept. 26, Homecoming on Oct. 17, Red Raider Club Appreciation on Oct. 31, American honor game on Nov. 7, and Senior Day on Nov. 26); season passes are sold out but single tickets remain available.
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Lubbock Events
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.