Daily editionSaturday, September 19th, 2026
Good morning, Lubbock.
The Daily Lubbock Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 19th of September.
Community
Big Brothers Big Sisters is hosting a drive-in movie event called Lights, Camera, Mentor for Bigs and Littles today at the Stars + Stripes Drive-In.
The nonprofit also seeks volunteer mentors to support local youth with a one-hour weekly commitment.
KCBDRead more
Idalou Volunteer Fire Department covers 100 miles in eastern Lubbock County with 23 volunteers and faces rising emergency calls; Chief Russ Perkins urged local residents to volunteer for fire response and department upkeep.
FOX34Read more
Business
Yates Flooring is celebrating its grand reopening at a new, larger location at 12111 Quaker Avenue as it marks 50 years of serving West Texas.
The revamped store features a customer-forward layout with seating areas for design advice.
KCBDRead more
Culture
Texas Tech grad L. Glenn Dippel (class of 1961) created the 'Guns Up' sign over 55 years ago to give the Red Raiders a unique rally cry when he grew tired of 'Hook 'em Horns' in Austin; the hand signal is now a cherished tradition among local fans.
KKAMRead more
Economy
Gov. Abbott announced that Texas added 159,400 nonfarm jobs with a 1.1% workforce increase from August 2025 to August 2026 + this strong growth puts the state ahead nationwide and benefits local businesses in Lubbock.
KKAMRead more
Gas prices continue to rise as Lubbock drivers now pay $4.02 a gallon—up 20 cents from last week—according to AAA Texas.
Prices statewide remain high due to increased crude oil costs and global market pressures.
KKAMRead more
Environment
Lubbock officials have set new guidelines to protect water by encouraging residents to use commercial car washes starting at $7 for proper recycling; if washing at home, residents must use grass and (kitty litter for spills) to prevent pollutants from reaching storm drains.
KFYORead more
Government
Texas Department of Transportation will begin a $5.99 million FM 835 bridge replacement project on Oct. 1 just east of Loop 289, adding signage and traffic controls next week.
Drivers should expect major detours during demolition in late October to early November, with the project set to finish in spring 2027.
KCBDRead more
Attorney General Ken Paxton will speak at Rock City Church (5833 4th Street) today as part of his Protecting the Texas Promise tour.
Doors open at 1:30 p.m. and the event begins at 2:30 p.m. Advance registration is required.
KCBDRead more
Ti-Zack Concrete and its subcontractors will start underground utility improvements and temporary paving on Broadway from Ave O to Ave E on Monday, Sept. 21.
Intermittent road closures will continue until work ends on or before Dec. 1; drivers are urged to follow detour signage and drive carefully.
FOX34Read more
Sports
Power Slap held its first Texas event at United Supermarkets Arena on the Texas Tech campus on Thursday, Sept. 17.
Ron 'Wolverine' Bata retained his championship when Logan Greenhalgh was disqualified in round 5 plus former UFC heavyweight Chris Barnett won his debut.
KKAMRead more
The Lady Raiders released their full basketball schedule for 2026-27 with a preseason tip-off on Oct. 18 (against Angelo State University in Lubbock).
The team will host several Big 12 opponents and play home-and-away games against Baylor, UCF and West Virginia.
KKAMRead more