Lubbock News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Goodwill Industries of Northwest Texas just dropped a game-changer in east Lubbock: a “Pathways to Success” center that’s not just a thrift store, but a full-blown career launchpad. With free job training, digital skills workshops, and financial literacy programs, it’s designed to break down barriers and build futures. And get this — local teens are already earning paid internships, high school credit, and leadership skills right there at the store. This isn’t just shopping; it’s real-world opportunity rolled into one.

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Texas Tech just received a historic $30 million estate gift—the largest in university history—headed straight for the Edward E. Whitacre College of Engineering. President Lawrence Schovanec called it a game-changer, promising to use the funds to boost scholarships, professorships, and state-of-the-art facilities, attracting top talent and elevating the college’s global standing. The Davis family’s generous donation reflects deep gratitude for Texas Tech’s impact on their lives—and now, they’re helping expand that legacy for future generations. With this windfall, engineering is poised for major growth and innovation in the years ahead.

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Lubbock’s economy is on fire with major expansions from Terracon, Paramount Hardware, Redemption Aero, Ambrose, and Seals Commercial Holdings — collectively injecting tens of millions in investment and creating 174 new jobs. Terracon leads with $6M and 75 roles in engineering, while Seals’ $40M speculative facility could lure future manufacturers. Ambrose brings $14M for auto parts, Redemption Aero invests $3.5M in aviation maintenance, and Paramount adds $4M to distribution. Together, these moves signal Lubbock as a top-tier hub for growth — thanks to the Economic Development Alliance’s behind-the-scenes work — turning opportunity into reality for locals across skill levels.

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Lubbock’s city leaders are racing against time to tackle abandoned properties that turn into eyesores and attract squatters, with Mayor Mark McBrayer urging state lawmakers for faster solutions—especially on 66th Street. City Manager Jarrett Atkinson and Code Administration Director Stuart Walker reveal a painfully slow system: one demolition took 28 years to complete, and even well-intentioned property owners face constant vandalism and reoccupation. While the city protects private property rights, neighbors suffer long-term consequences, and legal hurdles—including court orders—delay action. With 40-50 active cases monthly and a $500K demolition budget, officials admit enforcement is often too timid or...

Texas is facing a fiery battle over school library books as Lt. Governor Dan Patrick demands removals of titles he deems harmful, even threatening legislation to enforce compliance. In Lubbock, activist groups like Turning Point USA are pushing for swift action, but the district stands firm behind its legally mandated School Library Advisory Council process — which removes challenged books from circulation until parents vote on them. Despite pressure from state officials and critics who say the system’s too slow, Lubbock’s board upheld SLAC recommendations after hearing from 40+ speakers, keeping all challenged books in circulation — just relocated in some cas...

President Trump just signed an executive order renaming Lake Ontario to Lake America—effective immediately—claiming it’s a response to Canada “ripping us off” in trade. The White House dropped a graphic confirming the change, while Canadian officials remain silent, with Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford calling it “a lot of rhetoric.” This bold move adds fresh tension to U.S.-Canada relations as both sides await further reactions.

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Wayland Baptist University just rolled out Pioneer BikeShare — a free, student-run bike program designed to give students reliable, car-free transportation. Facing mobility challenges, the university is turning community support into action, inviting local churches and businesses to donate bikes. Student Life director Shawn Thomas says even one donated bike can transform someone’s daily commute. Donations can be dropped off at McClung University Center or mailed via their Amazon wishlist.

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A Lubbock jury just convicted a 24-year-old man in a deadly bar shooting from April 2025, with sentencing now set to determine if he faces five years or life behind bars. Prosecutors relied heavily on chilling video footage showing him firing six shots from a car near the bar — while victim Rios walked alone on the sidewalk. The graphic evidence swayed the jury, and now they’ll decide his final punishment in the upcoming sentencing phase, bringing closure to a tragic case still echoing for the victim’s family.

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Texas Tech’s Indrajit Srivastava is revolutionizing medical imaging with cutting-edge NIR-II technology, earning a $2.1 million grant to pioneer deeper, clearer views inside the body—transforming tumor modeling, surgical training, and diagnostics while building Texas Tech as a future hub for optical imaging innovation.

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Goodwill Industries of Northwest Texas just launched a game-changing hub in Lubbock—where shopping meets career transformation. This new spot on North MLK Boulevard blends a retail store with a full-service Career Resource Center, offering free job training, digital skills, money management, and paid internships—all funded by the store’s sales. Local teens from Estacado High are already earning credits and real-world experience while working there. It’s more than a thrift shop—it’s a lifeline for community members seeking stable futures, turning every purchase into a step toward opportunity.

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Mortgage rates just ticked up, with the 30-year fixed hitting 6.66% — a sign that buying a home is getting more expensive and could be squeezing affordability. Higher rates mean higher monthly payments, slowing down sales and keeping the market in a lull. The 15-year rate also rose to 5.98%, reflecting inflation and Fed moves. This trend isn’t going away anytime soon — watch for how it impacts buyers and sellers this year.

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Wall Street surges as AI stocks roar back to life, led by Nvidia and Salesforce—both smashing earnings forecasts and fueling investor confidence that the AI boom is here to stay. Nvidia soars 9% on stellar Q1 results and bullish future revenue guidance, while Salesforce rockets 20.9% after its best quarter ever, powered by AI demand and a major move to integrate Anthropic’s Claude. Retail shows mixed signals, and global markets remain uneven—but with Treasury yields steady and job numbers strong, the momentum looks solid for tech’s next leg up.

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Patriot missile shortages in Europe are sparking alarm as NATO braces for potential Russian ballistic missile threats — a vulnerability worsened by U.S. stockpiles being diverted to the Middle East to counter Iran’s drone and missile attacks, which have already injured American troops. While an immediate strike isn’t expected, CIA chief’s Moscow visit warns against escalation, and experts note Russia’s Ukraine war may limit its capacity for a two-front assault. Meanwhile, U.S. officials deny the shortage exists, emphasizing allied air defenses and supply chain resilience — though Ukraine’s dire pleas for help underscore the real-world sta...

Texas Tech kicks off its 2026 football season with a bang—literally—with the Josh Abbott Band headlining the first Raider Alley concert on September 5th, just before kickoff against Abilene Christian. Free for all, the show kicks off at Engineering Key, with Citibus shuttles making it easy to get there. While the lineup for games against Houston, Sam Houston, Arizona State, Arizona, West Virginia, and TCU is still TBD, fans can already count on local flavor and electric energy to set the stage for every home game. Mark your calendars—this one’s not to be missed.

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A new tropical storm named Dolly just popped up—just days after the legendary Dolly Parton passed away, sparking wild coincidence talk. Though it’s not related to the icon, this storm is already showing signs of organization and could bring heavy rain to the Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola by the weekend, risking flash floods. While forecasters expect it to weaken quickly and possibly curve out to sea, there’s still a slim chance it could impact the Bahamas or even the U.S. East Coast. Meteorologists are watching closely—but this one’s likely a short-lived rainmaker...

Six months into the U.S.-Iran war, tensions escalate as Patriot missile shortages threaten NATO’s defenses in Europe, while Trump insists victory is near — despite casualties and troop deployments. Meanwhile, Senate backs Ukraine sanctions after Zelenskyy’s appeal, but House resistance looms, sparking fears of expanded presidential tariff powers. CIA chief Ratcliffe visits Moscow to deter Russian aggression, brushed off by Trump. Qatar and Iran negotiate Hormuz reopening, while China’s defiance of U.S. sanctions bolsters Tehran amid mounting global isolation.

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The U.S. is launching a bold economic siege on Iran, dubbed “Operation Economic Outcast,” forcing global allies to sever trade ties — with the UAE’s recent move signaling a major blow. Iran, already reeling from sanctions and inflation, relies heavily on China as its lifeline, with Beijing buying most of its oil and acting as its top trading partner. Regional players like Turkey, Pakistan, and Iraq face tough choices between Washington’s rewards and Tehran’s support. With Russia too weakened to step in, Iran’s survival hinges on China’s willingness to defy U.S. pressure — and the clock is ticki...

Canada is transforming its defense landscape, moving beyond U.S. reliance to build a robust domestic military industry—from garment factories making combat gear to AI-driven robotics startups. With billions in new funding and Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Arctic-focused push, Canada is modernizing its forces while creating jobs and fostering innovation. Companies like Wuxly and Volatus Aerospace are pivoting from civilian products to critical defense tech, even supplying Ukraine. Despite stiff competition, Canadian firms are rising—turning national security into a catalyst for economic self-sufficiency and global partnership diversification.

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Texas Tech’s new “Every Seat Counts” program rewards loyal fans who show up for home games—hit 75% attendance and earn priority points, with top-tier perks like away game tickets for hitting every home match. Plus, unused seats? Transfer them online or via the app to friends or family. It’s a fan-first move to boost energy and thank the true heartbeat of Red Raider Nation.

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Celebrate Buddy Holly’s 90th birthday in style at the Buddy Holly Center on Labor Day, September 7, 2026 — a full-day fest packed with vintage fashion contests, historic house tours, trivia, live music, and kid-friendly fun, all paying tribute to Lubbock’s rock ‘n’ roll legend. Dress up in your best 50s gear and dive into the timeless spirit of classic rock.

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Qatar and Pakistan are ramping up diplomatic efforts to ease tensions with Iran, as both nations push for safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz amid rising regional instability. Meanwhile, the U.S. claims it’s winning the six-month-old conflict, but a new oil tanker attack in the strait adds fuel to the fire — with Iran slamming U.S. sanctions as ineffective and China backing its stance. In Gaza, Israeli strikes have killed three civilians, including one sheltering displaced families, sparking UN condemnation as civilian casualties continue. Israel has also expelled two Dutch diplomats over trade restrictions on settlements, whil...

New documents reveal Robert F. Kennedy Jr. secretly sought to study Samoa’s MMR vaccines before his 2019 trip—contradicting his sworn testimony that the visit had nothing to do with vaccines. His letter to the Prime Minister referenced two child deaths linked to the vaccine and proposed an investigation, using the term “vaccine” eight times. Despite this, he repeatedly insisted the trip was about introducing a medical informatics system. Critics argue his presence emboldened anti-vaccine sentiment in Samoa, which later suffered a deadly measles outbreak killing 83 children. While HHS denies any wrongdoing, the documents reignite scrutiny over Kennedy’s credibilit...

Join the Breakthrough T1D Lubbock Community Walk — West Texas’ biggest gathering for families living with Type 1 diabetes. This year’s event, on October 10th at Urbanovsky Park, aims to raise $20K and bring 200-300 walkers together for a powerful day of awareness, support, and community. Kick off your journey at the August 29th pre-event gathering, grab freebies, connect with others, and get ready for a parade, ceremony, and walk that proves no one walks this path alone.

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A massive wildfire in Palo Pinto and Jack Counties, Texas — the Ross Wildfire — has burned 80,000 acres with only 12% containment, forcing over a thousand evacuations. Officials urge residents to stay put until cleared. In response, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has activated the STAR Fund to provide grants for rebuilding and replacing disaster-damaged farm equipment and infrastructure. A Hay and Feed Hotline connects surplus resources with those in need. Mental health support is also available through the AgriStress Helpline, offering 24/7 confidential counseling for farmers and rural Texans. Additional aid includes livestock assistance from the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and temp...

A sixteen-year-old from Hale Center, Texas, tragically lost his life in a highway crash on Interstate 27 when his Silverado rear-ended a Dodge Ram towing a trailer—his seatbelt was not fastened. The other driver, wearing a seatbelt, escaped injury. The community is reeling; the school district canceled a football game and offered counseling, urging everyone to support the grieving family. Authorities are investigating, but this heartbreaking incident underscores the urgent need for road safety.

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An insurance adjuster from Texas, Brady Gandy, finally realized a childhood dream when he stepped onto the Grand Ole Opry stage alongside country legend Marty Stuart—playing steel guitar. His musical journey began at 12 with the banjo, fueled by bluegrass vibes from “The Beverly Hillbillies,” and evolved through jazz, country, and local gigs. After years of saving and practicing while juggling his day job, Gandy’s talent caught Stuart’s eye online, leading to an invitation that turned his life upside down. Now, he’s not only played the Opry but is already booked for a return performance at Nashville’s...

Nearly half of Lubbock County’s households—62,000 people—are stuck in the ALICE trap: working but barely scraping by. With survival costs soaring to $29,500 for a single adult and over $76,000 for a family of four, these folks earn too much for federal aid but too little to cover basics like rent, food, and healthcare. Forced into impossible choices—prescription vs. groceries, shoes vs. gas—they’re often juggling multiple jobs just to stay afloat. The United Way is rallying 22 nonprofits to help families break free, not just survive, and is launching its annual campaign this Thursday. Donate or volunteer—or call 211 fo...

Lubbock’s Thomas A. Martin Youth Sports Complex is getting a major upgrade with 16 new fields—15 covered in artificial turf, one keeping grass for that classic feel. Construction kicked off in August and wraps up by March, timed perfectly for spring sports. The goal? Turn this into Lubbock’s premier hub for tournaments and leagues, bringing top-tier competitive action right to the community. Families can enjoy weekend games, kids get a world-class playing surface, and locals won’t need to travel far for elite youth sports. It’s about fun, success, and bringing the energy home.

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A notorious fugitive from the Texas DPS Ten Most Wanted list, Ronnie Matthew Velarde, has been captured in Midland after a multi-agency manhunt. Wanted since May 2026 for parole violation tied to burglary and organized crime charges, Velarde’s criminal history spans over a decade, including multiple incarcerations and ties to the West Texas Tango gang. His arrest on August 18th involved U.S. Marshals, DPS, local police, and Crime Stoppers — whose tip led to the bust and earned a reward. Velarde is now back behind bars, thanks to teamwork across law enforcement and community programs.

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At Estacado High School, freshmen write letters to their future selves—dreaming big or just hoping to survive the year—to spark self-reflection and set goals. These letters, returned during senior pinning ceremonies, often become lifelines: teachers sometimes surprise students with their past words to remind them they’re not alone and that someone believes in them. Led by Dean Josue Espinoza, a first-gen college grad, the program plants seeds of ambition—whether becoming a doctor, learning a trade, or launching a business—and empowers students to take ownership of their futures. The school guides, but the dream? That’s up to each...

The Ross Fire rages on, now in its fourth day and swelling to the second-largest wildfire ever recorded in the Fort Worth NWS area—over 80,000 acres and still growing. After a brutal start fueled by heat, dry brush, and wind, cooler, more humid weather gave crews a crucial reprieve, allowing containment lines to advance and lifting some evacuation orders—but caution remains. Smoke blankets North Texas, disrupting schools, closing roads, and degrading air quality even in Dallas-Fort Worth. At just 12% contained, firefighters battled 11 other wildfires on the same day, while nearly 200 counties stay under burn bans. With temps hitting 102° and s...

Texas Tech is diving deep into its football roots, spotlighting the gritty Border Conference era with rare photos and historic wins. The 1955 upset of Texas in Austin marked their first victory over the Longhorns — a milestone moment. Coach DeWitt Weaver and his co-captains from the 1950s embody that leadership spirit. Legends like Elmer Tarbox, Tech’s first superstar and single-season interception king, and coach Pete Cawthon — still the school’s all-time winningest coach — are being honored for their lasting impact. This Saturday, Tarbox will be posthumously inducted into the Ring of Honor, linking today’s program to its foundational heroes and r...

Victor Yanez returns to court for a murder retrial after fatally shooting Joshua Rios in April 2025 — he surrendered just three days later. The first trial ended in a mistrial when the judge granted the defense’s motion, citing insufficient time to review critical police videos the prosecution wanted to introduce. Now, with the prosecution back on deck and the defense preparing their rebuttal, the court is pushing forward toward a resolution — this time aiming for justice without delay.

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Texas Tech’s football legacy runs deep, from Border Conference dominance in the 1930s and ‘40s to a historic Big 12 title in 2025—marking a 30-year journey with nine coaches. Once kings of the Border Conference as the Matadors, they crushed rivals like TCU, birthed the iconic Masked Rider, and racked up nine titles in 24 seasons with a .73 win rate. Now, old rivals Arizona and ASU share their modern Big 12 conference—a full-circle moment for the program’s storied past.

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Curry County’s rolling out a five-year road improvement plan—and they want YOU to help shape it. With big grants and government funding on the line, your input could decide which roads get priority over the next half-decade. Check the plan online now, submit written comments by September 25, 2026, via email or mail, or call for questions. Your voice matters in building better local infrastructure.

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A sixteen-year-old driver in Hale County, Texas, died after rear-ending a Dodge Ram on I-27, while the other driver walked away unharmed. The teen wasn’t wearing a seatbelt and was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to injuries. Authorities are investigating the crash near mile marker 44 around 2 p.m., with no additional causes confirmed yet. This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder: always buckle up and stay alert on the road.

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Texas Tech’s Masked Rider just soared to 4 nationally and 1 in the Big 12 as USA Today’s top college mascot — and the nation’s best live mascot. With a 70-year legacy dating back to 1954, this iconic figure leads the Red Raiders onto the field in a tradition that includes the annual Transfer of Reins ceremony. Current rider Sofie Jones, a Houston native and Honors College student on the rodeo team, is the 65th Masked Rider — and part of a family with over 20 Red Raider grads. Fans voted after sports editors picked nominees, proving what loyal supporters have always known: this masco...

Texas Tech professor Dr. Indrajit Srivastava just landed a $2.1 million federal grant to revolutionize medical imaging using NIR-II technology—letting doctors see deeper, clearer inside the body like cutting through fog. This breakthrough could reshape disease diagnosis and treatment, blending engineering and health sciences. His department chair calls it a major leap for Texas Tech’s research profile, while Dr. Srivastava hopes it’ll position the university as a top training ground for next-gen imaging innovation.

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Texas Tech’s Masked Rider just soared to national fame, landing at 4 in USA Today’s Best College Mascot poll — the top live mascot and second-best in the Big 12. This iconic tradition, dating back to 1954, earned its spot through a blend of expert picks and fan votes, spotlighting its deep-rooted campus pride. For the 2026–27 season, the 65th Masked Rider will be Sofie Jones, a Houston native and rodeo rider with family ties to Tech, ready to carry on the legacy.

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Texas just scored a $1 billion win against Meta, forcing the social media giant to overhaul how it protects kids online—with strict age verification, teen screen time limits, and hidden likes during school hours. The settlement funds will boost youth mental health, digital literacy, and school programs, while Attorney General Paxton’s record of big tech wins continues, with TikTok looming on the horizon.

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