The Texas Attorney General has included Lubbock in a statewide investigation into municipal financial transparency, focusing on whether cities are properly managing property taxes under new state law.

A bus carrying the Sudan boys basketball team was involved in a crash in Cochran County on Friday night, where it was struck by another vehicle.

The incident resulted in injuries, and emergency responders were on the scene to provide assistance.

Further details about the extent of injuries and the cause of the crash are currently under investigation.

A major green space and downtown revitalization park at 1301 Broadway is set to begin development. The project includes open lawns, a stage, food trucks, public art, and a pet area — with a groundbreaking ceremony already held early December and construction slated for early 2026.

A Lubbock Denny’s location has closed, part of a broader chain reduction across the state this year.

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🛡️ Holiday Safety Alert: Credit Card Skimmers & Scams Targeting Shoppers Across West Texas

As holiday shopping picks up across West Texas, law enforcement agencies — including the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Midland Police Department (MPD) — are urging residents to be extra vigilant against credit card skimmers and related scams that have recently been discovered in retail locations throughout the region. (https://www.kcbd.com)

📍 What Is Happening

Criminal groups are reportedly placing illegal “credit card skimmers” inside payment terminals at several retail businesses, including convenience stores and dollar stores in cities such as Midland, Amarillo, Lubbock, Odessa, and Abilene. These devices are designed to steal financial data from cards when they are swiped — and they’re built to look like legitimate card readers, making them hard to spot. (https://www.kcbd.com)

🧠 How Skimmers Work

Skimmers attach to a legitimate payment terminal or gas pump reader and secretly copy your card information when you swipe. Because they often mimic the look of real machines, shoppers may not notice anything unusual — until fraudulent charges show up later. (https://www.kcbd.com)

🛍️ How You Can Protect Yourself

Law enforcement agencies recommend the following tips for safer shopping and payment habits: (https://www.kcbd.com)

• Inspect Before You Pay:
  Look for signs of tampering on card readers, fuel pumps, and countertop terminals — including loose card slots or keypads. (https://www.kcbd.com)

• Use Credit, Not Debit:
  Choose credit cards over debit cards when shopping, especially if not paying cash. This helps protect your bank account and PIN. (https://www.kcbd.com)

• Monitor Your Accounts:
  Set up real-time transaction alerts through your bank or credit card app, and regularly review statements for suspicious charges. (https://www.kcbd.com)

• Tap-to-Pay If Possible:
  Use contactless payment options or trusted mobile wallets instead of swiping cards when available. (https://www.kcbd.com)

• Report Suspected Skimmers:
  If you or a merchant find a skimmer, the merchant should immediately notify law enforcement and shut down the affected terminal. (https://www.kcbd.com)

•  

⚠️ Holiday Scams to Watch For

In addition to skimmers, authorities have also reported two other common scams circulating in the region: (https://www.kcbd.com)

• Warrant/Ticket Scam:
  Scammers impersonate law enforcement in phone calls or texts, often showing fake warrants and demanding payment via gift cards, prepaid cards, or cryptocurrency. Real law enforcement will never ask for payment this way. (https://www.kcbd.com)

• Bank Account Scam:
  You may receive a call or message claiming your bank account is compromised and urging you to withdraw funds or transfer money to another account or cryptocurrency. Always disconnect and call your bank directly using the number on the back of your card or the official website — never return a call to the number provided by the scammer.

📌 Bottom Line

Staying alert now — especially during the busy holiday shopping season — can protect your financial information and help prevent fraud. If something about a payment terminal or message seems off, trust your instincts and verify before you act.

❄️ Cold Nights, Hot Deals!

Don’t miss these cozy essentials featured this week

Biddeford Blankets Micro Plush Electric Heated Blanket

Never climb into cold sheets again Electric Heated Blanket in ultra soft comfortable micro plush fabric Queen size includes 2 controllers 

2 in 1 Hand Warmers Rechargeable, Magnetic Electric Hand Warmer

• 🧲 Magnetic & Shareable: Rechargeable Hand Warmers Strong built-in magnets allow you to snap these rechargeable hand warmers together as one palm-sized heat unit or separate them to warm both hands freely. Easily share one with a friend — ideal for couples, travelers, and outdoor adventures.

Solo Stove Mesa XL, 7 Inch Tabletop Fire Pit with Stand 

• SMOKELESS FIRE PIT: Experience the magic of a cozy, smoke-free fire that’s perfect for any outdoor setting. From camping nights to patio gatherings, this airflow-efficient outdoor fire pit keeps your fireside experience free from the hassle of smoke, teary eyes, or lingering odors.

🌟Lubbock Impact

📍 Location: 2707 34th St, Lubbock, TX 79410
🌐 Website: https://lubbockimpact.com/

About:
Lubbock Impact is a community-focused nonprofit on a mission to empower the working poor and vulnerable populations in Lubbock by providing vital resources that enhance physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. What began as a neighborhood soup kitchen has grown into a comprehensive outreach hub offering weekly community meals, food and hygiene pantries, clothes closets, free healthcare clinics (including dental and optometry), and enrichment programs such as financial education and grief support. (Friendswood VOMO)

Why It Matters:
Lubbock Impact serves as a lifeline for individuals and families facing hardship across the South Plains — addressing needs from hunger and healthcare access to economic empowerment and long-term stability. Their services are volunteer-driven and donor-supported, making community support critical to keeping programs running and expanding impact. (Lubbock Impact)

Get Involved:

• 💖 Donate: Every gift helps keep programs like free clinics and food resources available to those who need them most.

• 🙌 Volunteer: From serving meals to assisting in the pantry or clinics, volunteers are the backbone of Lubbock Impact’s mission.

• 📢 Spread the Word: Sharing their work helps raise awareness and strengthens community support. (Lubbock Impact)

👉 Learn more or support their mission: https://lubbockimpact.com/ 

🏈 Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez Makes School History with Lombardi Award

Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez has capped a phenomenal season by winning the 2025 Lombardi Award, becoming the first player in Texas Tech football history to receive this prestigious honor. The award — presented annually to the nation’s top lineman or linebacker — was announced at the Lombardi Awards gala in Houston this past week. (Texas Tech Red Raiders)

Rodriguez’s standout performance on the field helped power the Red Raiders to their first-ever Big 12 Championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff this season. Known for his relentless play and leadership, he finished with eye-catching stats that included 117 tackles, seven forced fumbles, four interceptions, and multiple key defensive plays that helped Texas Tech’s defense rank among the nation’s best this year. (Houston Chronicle)

This latest accolade adds to an already impressive list of honors for Rodriguez, who also captured the Butkus Award (nation’s top linebacker), Bronko Nagurski Trophy (top defensive player), and the Pony Express Award with teammate David Bailey — all within the same week. (Texas Tech Red Raiders)

The Lombardi Award not only recognizes on-field excellence but also leadership, character, and perseverance — qualities Rodriguez has displayed throughout his collegiate career. As the Red Raiders prepare for postseason play, his historic season continues to make waves across college football. (Houston Chronicle)

If you want, I can also turn this into a short social media caption or a sports sidebar blurb for your newsletter!

d momentum on their side, the Red Raiders seem poised for more.

1. Santa Land Holiday Walkthrough

📅 Dec 8 – Dec 21, 2025
🕒 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Various Parks & Rec Locations (City of Lubbock)
🎟️ Free Admission
✨ Lubbock’s long-running festive village returns! Walk through with family and friends to enjoy holiday lights, a towering Christmas tree, animated displays, and Santa’s Workshop — perfect for nightly holiday outings before Christmas.

Lubbock Light Park

📅 Date: Now through December 27, 2025
🕒 Time: 6:30 pm 
📍 Location: located in the west parking field across from Premiere Cinemas Lubbock, TX
🎟️ Admission: 

• Gate: $30 per vehicle
  Cash or card accepted.
  
• Online:
  Monday–Thursday (Select a Day): $24.99 per vehicle
  Friday–Sunday (Select a Day): $29.99 per vehicle

📄 Details: 

The drive-thru holiday light show is located in the west parking field across from Premiere Cinemas. Open to create holiday memories each evening at 6:30pm now - December 27.

One ticket per vehicle allows you and your car full to experience more than 500,000 lights all synchronized to holiday tunes. 

Gingerbread Festival 2025

📅 Tuesday, Dec 16 2025
🕒 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Lubbock Civic Center – 1501 Mac Davis Ln
🎟️ Varied ticket tiers
🍬 A holiday favorite with gingerbread house decorating, photos with Santa, creative vendor market, pancake corner, and the Gingerbread Showdown. Festive, family-friendly fun with proceeds supporting Lubbock Homeless Response System.

LHUCA – Lights at LHUCA (Ongoing)

📅 Dec 5 2025 – Jan 3 2026
🕒 5:00 PM – Midnight nightly
📍 Lubbock – LHUCA Plaza & Arts District
🎟️ Free
Explore immersive holiday light displays right in the heart of the arts district! A festive experience blending art and holiday spirit.

🎄 City of Lubbock Launches First-Ever Holiday Ornament Scavenger Hunt

📅 Date: Begins Monday, December 8, 2025 at 2:00 PM — runs through Friday, December 19, 2025 (weekdays only) https://www.kcbd.com
📍 Location: Various iconic locations around Lubbock — hidden ornaments will be tucked throughout the city at well-loved community spots. https://www.kcbd.com+1
🎟️ Admission: Free to participate https://www.kcbd.com

🎁 What to Expect

• Ten holiday ornaments are hidden in public spots across Lubbock. Each weekday during the event the city will post a new clue on their social-media channels (X, Instagram, Facebook under @cityoflubbock) to help participants find the ornament. https://www.kcbd.com

• If you locate an ornament, bring it to the Citizens Tower (address per city guidelines) to redeem a prize — and you get to keep the ornament as a memento of the season. https://www.kcbd.com

The Bells of Christmas – Lubbock Concert Bells

📅 Tue, Dec 16 2025
🕒 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Second Baptist Church Lubbock
🎟️ Free / open to public
An evening of festive bell music celebrating the season.