Daily
Lubbock
Wednesday, December 17th, 2025
Good morning, Lubbock. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 17th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Lubbock Animal Services reminds pet owners that dogs must be leashed in parks, neighborhoods (and public spaces) to protect everyone. The agency emphasizes that following the law keeps dogs safe and prevents risks for both pets and people. KKAM
- ➤ Lubbock’s population reached 272,100 this year—nearly 20,000 more than in 2020—while Lubbock County now holds 332,354 residents with a steady 1.5% growth rate. KFYO
- ➤ Covenant Children's in Lubbock is asking community members to donate toys and gifts for young hospital patients and teens, with drop-offs accepted at 4000 24th St. by Monday, Dec. 22 (items range from infant toys to teen gadgets). FOX34
- ➤ The Difference Maker Project in Lubbock has grown in its fifth year to honor both living and departed community members with a prayer house, a fence of names, and new landscaping upgrades. The event will be held Friday evening near 30th Street (across from the Lubbock Dream Center) from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. KCBD
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Goodwill Industries of Northwest Texas will open a new 19,000 sqft retail store south of Indiana and 114th St. in March — the facility will also host a donation drop-off and career resource center, offering new opportunities, CEO Robin Raney said. FOX34
- ➤ Goodwill Industries of Northwest Texas will open a 19,000 sqft store and donation drop-off center in March just south of Indiana and 114th St; the facility will also include a career resource center, with CEO Robin Raney saying the expansion will boost skill development + job training. KCBD
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Lubbock icon Joe Ely passed away at 78, leaving a lasting impact on the local music scene. Friends recall his bold antics – like riding his motorcycle through a school hallway – and celebrate his creation of the Tornado Jam at Buddy Holly Park to honor music and community resilience. KCBD
- ➤ Christmas in Lubbock brings warm gatherings where close family and friends share simple traditions amid mild weather — a reminder that local togetherness matters more than snowy scenes. KFYO
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Shallowater ISD Superintendent Dr. Anita Hebert announced she will retire on June 30, 2026 (after 44 years in public education) and will finish the spring semester while supporting her successor to ensure a smooth leadership change. KCBD
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Local restaurants such as Ponto Gaucho and Momotaro will be open on Christmas Day to offer dine-in meals, takeout, and delivery for residents who prefer a festive feast without the bustle of cooking. Call ahead to confirm hours. KKAM
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington praised Texas Tech’s football team on the House floor today, commending head coach Joey McGuire (and his staff) for a record-breaking season that showcases West Texas spirit. FOX34
- ➤ Today, Congressman Jodey Arrington praised Texas Tech’s football team on the House floor, recognizing head coach Joey McGuire and his staff for a record-breaking season with 11 wins and an average margin above 35 points (highlighting West Texas spirit). KCBD
-
Caldwell Kids Christmas Show
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
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
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
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
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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The truth is found when people are free to pursue it.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Lubbock
Welcome to the Daily Lubbock, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Lubbock, Texas community. If you like the Daily Lubbock, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Lubbock.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Lubbock and across Texas. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Lubbock
A free Lubbock community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailylubbock.com/sitemap