Daily editionThursday, December 11th, 2025
Good morning, Lubbock.
The Daily Lubbock Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 11th of December.
Community
UMB Bank donated $250,000 to support three local nonprofits (Lubbock-Area United Way, Lubbock Habitat for Humanity, and EL ROBI) this holiday season.
The donation adds to more than $6.4 million given by the bank in 2025.
FOX34Read more
Business
Joyful Poppin in Lubbock serves over 50 gourmet popcorn flavors, unique candies and cotton candy at its snack shop on 11804 Indiana Ave., Suite 300.
Open Monday to Saturday from 11am to 7pm, the store also offers online fundraisers for community groups + supports local events.
KFYORead more
Portillo's is set to open in Canyon West on January 15, offering Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches and chocolate cake shakes in a modern space featuring indoor and outdoor seating + two drive-thru lanes for quick orders.
KKAMRead more
Long John Silver's has reopened at 50th and Interstate with a modern new look, restoring a local favorite for fried seafood and quick lunches.
The restaurant offers a nostalgic spot for families to enjoy affordable, familiar meals today.
KKAMRead more
Education
Texas Tech University's accreditation was reaffirmed by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges through 2035 — a news release on Tuesday afternoon confirmed the school meets national quality standards in education.
The Daily ToreaderRead more
The South Plains Food Bank + Communities in Schools partner to support 87 West Texas campuses by providing food to students facing hunger while easing family stress and helping children focus on learning.
FOX34Read more
Shallowater ISD installed a new milk cooler at its high school to serve student-athletes with cold milk after workouts, and Dairy MAX cut the ribbon on Dec. 10 — part of a grant program that links local dairy farmers with the community.
KCBDRead more
Government
Texas Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock reported that Lubbock’s December sales tax revenue reached $9,443,527.29—a 9.21% increase over December 2024—reflecting higher spending in October and a statewide rise of 7.5%.
KCBDRead more
Sports
Southwest Airlines will launch non-stop flights from Lubbock to Miami for fans traveling to see Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl.
The flights depart Wed, Dec. 31 from LBB to FLL+MIA and return Fri, Jan. 2 from FLL+MIA.
KKAMRead more
Kelcee Billett, a teacher at Stanton Middle, attended the Big 12 championship game at AT&T Stadium with her daughter today to celebrate her former student, Behren Morton, whose leadership led him to shine as a Red Raider from his early days at Greathouse Elementary.
FOX34Read more
Lubbock Events
BIRTH-TAY Celebration with DJ Rockstar Aaron
Friday, December 12th, 2025 · 9 PM - 1 AM — Jake's Sports Cafe — Tickets available — Dance to Taylor Swift's hits and deep cuts under the starlight.
2025 West Texas Salute to Veterans: Holidays and Heroes
Saturday, December 13th, 2025 · 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. — American Windmill Museum — Free entry — Celebrate veterans with resources, family activities, and holiday fun.
Aaron Watson Family Christmas
Sunday, December 14th, 2025 · 7 p.m. — Cactus Theater — $35-$70 — Celebrate the holiday season with Aaron Watson and family performing Christmas classics and popular hits.
Carol of Lights Run
Monday, December 15th, 2025 · 12:45-2:30 a.m. — Texas Tech University Campus — Check registration for pricing — Experience a magical evening run surrounded by over 25,000 glowing holiday lights.
Northern Colorado Bears vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders Basketball
Tuesday, December 16th, 2025 · 7-8:30 p.m. — United Supermarkets Arena — Check website for ticket prices — Watch the fierce basketball matchup between the Northern Colorado Bears and Texas Tech Red Raiders.
Caldwell Kids Christmas Show
Saturday, December 20th, 2025 · 7:30-9:30 p.m. — Cactus Theater — $25 Adults, $20 Children 10 & Under — Experience a professional holiday concert featuring talented kids backed by a live band.
Stormcrow Pokémon TCG League Challenge - December
Sunday, December 28th, 2025 · 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM — Stormcrow Games — Entry Fee Required — Compete in the December Pokémon TCG League Challenge and test your skills against local players.
UCF Knights at Texas Tech Red Raiders Women's Basketball
Tuesday, December 30th, 2025 · 6:00 p.m. — United Supermarkets Arena — Ticket prices vary — Catch the thrilling women's basketball action between UCF and Texas Tech.
Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to The Beatles
Wednesday, December 31st, 2025 · 8:30-10:30 p.m. — Lubbock Symphony Orchestra — Ticket prices vary — Experience an enchanting evening of Beatles classics performed by a full symphony orchestra.
ThunderBeard Tribute to ZZ Top
Friday, January 9th, 2026 · 7:30-9:00 p.m. — Cactus Theater — Tickets from $22.50 — Experience an authentic tribute to the iconic sounds of ZZ Top with the lively band ThunderBeard.