Daily editionFriday, December 19th, 2025
Good morning, Lubbock.
The Daily Lubbock Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 19th of December.
Community
UMC delivered 169 food bags to Brown Elementary on Thursday, Dec. 18 as part of a 17-year tradition to ease food insecurity during Winter Break.
The bags include essentials to support students in need.
KCBDRead more
Starting January, John Robison will deliver weather forecasts at NewsChannel 11 at Noon and 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Sunday nights at 9 & 10 p.m., while Steve Divine leads weeknight forecasts and Shania Jackson handles mornings.
FOX34Read more
After a devastating fire closed its Abernathy location last year, A Little Slice of Heaven has reopened in Wolfforth along Highway 62, where owners and new partners serve the community with faith and fresh pie (operating daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.).
KCBDRead more
Business
A Little Slice of Heaven has reopened in Wolfforth along Highway 62 after a fire burned down its Abernathy location last year.
Owners Kim and Robert Hicks now run the restaurant with partners Cindy and Adam Ramos, welcoming community customers daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
FOX34Read more
China Star Asian Buffet reopened tonight at 1919 50th after a 24-hour closure due to 36 health violations, including improper food storage and sanitation.
The restaurant corrected its issues and is now welcoming customers.
FOX34Read more
Portillo's will open on January 15 at Canyon West shopping center, bringing Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, burgers, and chocolate cake to local diners.
The restaurant is expected to manage large crowds on its launch day.
KFYORead more
Education
Texas Tech University announced that its School of Veterinary Medicine will launch a new food animal residency program in 2026 funded by a $250,000 USDA grant.
The program will recruit early-career veterinarians and train them as future educators to boost services in rural communities + agricultural regions.
FOX34Read more
Government
TxDOT advises drivers to plan ahead for the holiday season by choosing a designated driver, using Uber & public transit, or staying put if they drink, following data from December 2024 that reported over 2,000 crashes.
This message aims to help prevent future tragedies on the roads.
KKAMRead more
Health
Adalee Torrez, a first grader from Tatum Elementary (New Mexico), rang the bell at Joe Arrington Cancer Center after finishing cancer treatment on Oct. 5, marking her victory over the illness; her teacher said she inspires others and plans a future class celebration.
KCBDRead more
Sports
Texas Tech’s NiJaree Canady led her team to a Big 12 Championship and the Women’s College World Series Finals before being named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list — making her the only college athlete honored this year.
KFYORead more
Lubbock Events
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.
Raiding the Classic Rock Vault - Greatest Hits Live!
Saturday, January 17th, 2026 · 7:30-9:30 p.m. — Cactus Theater — $25-$50 — Enjoy an unforgettable night of classic rock hits featuring talents from Vibe LBK and special guest vocalists.
Casey Pilgreen Live Concert
Sunday, January 18th, 2026 · 1-5 p.m. — Cactus Theater — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an afternoon of lively country music with Casey Pilgreen and listen to hits like 'All Around Country Girl'.