October 30, 2026
Top Stories
1. Lubbock's early vote passes the entire 2018 total. Lubbock County recorded 72,376 early votes through Thursday, October 29, already more than the full early-voting totals in both 2018 and 2022. The Elections Office corrected Tuesday's count to 6,263 and Wednesday's to 6,802; Thursday added 6,701. These are raw counts, not comparable turnout rates, because the number of registered voters has grown. Today is the last chance to vote early, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 21 county locations. Read the Chronicle's new turnout report and find voting sites. Voting-history information cannot reveal anyone's ballot choices.
Voter resources: Chronicle 2026 sample ballot (unofficial) · Lubbock County Elections Office, official voting information. Your precinct ballot may differ from the countywide guide.
2. Heavy rain and flooding risk continue today. The National Weather Service has a Flood Watch for Lubbock County until 8 p.m. Friday. At 5:53 a.m., the airport reported rain and a temperature of 58°F. Today's forecast calls for a high near 59°F, showers and possible thunderstorms, with a 100% chance of precipitation. Allow extra time to vote or travel, and never drive into floodwater. Read the Chronicle's flood-watch story and check current NWS alerts.
3. Lubbock ISD earns a perfect state financial rating. The district says it scored 100 out of 100 on the Texas Education Agency's FIRST financial accountability system, its 25th consecutive A rating. The score measures financial management and reporting, not student academic performance. Read the Chronicle's explanation.
4. Texas Tech prepares for a ranked Halloween showdown. The No. 13 Red Raiders host No. 22 Arizona at 11 a.m. Saturday at Galaxy Stadium, with ESPN televising. Fans should check parking and campus traffic plans, especially after Friday's rain. Read the Chronicle's game preview; see Tech's game-day guide.
Gas Prices | AAA Texas
Friday, October 30: AAA's regular-unleaded averages show Lubbock at about 20 cents above Texas, while the state remains below the national average. Lubbock is about two cents higher than a week ago; Texas is about seven cents lower. Figures are rounded to the nearest cent.
Area | Regular gas |
|---|---|
Lubbock metro | $3.88 |
Texas | $3.68 |
United States | $4.20 |
Read the Chronicle's local gas-price report and see AAA's dated averages. Source: AAA Fuel Prices, October 30, and AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch, October 29.
Sports
Raider Report: Texas Tech's JT Toppin made two national preseason watch lists, while baseball pitching coach Steve Foster announced his retirement. Read the Chronicle's Raider Report.
Thursday high school football finals (Oct. 29)
Winning team | Final | Losing team |
|---|---|---|
Frenship Memorial | 30–21 | Amarillo Caprock |
Kingdom Prep | 48–0 | West Texas Tornadoes |
Loop | 39–37 | Dawson |
Paducah | 56–0 | Guthrie |
Frenship Memorial earned its first district victory in program history. For more high school football scores, visit MaxPreps.
High school football: Shallowater hosts Dalhart at 7 p.m. Friday. Heavy rain may affect other South Plains games. Check school announcements before leaving. For the full Texas high school football schedule, visit MaxPreps. Times are subject to change.
Tonight and This Weekend
Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.: CDL driver hiring event, Workforce Solutions South Plains, 2002 W. Loop 289, Suite 117. Class A CDL, résumé and two I-9 documents requested. Workforce Solutions South Plains.
Friday, 6:45 p.m.: Koe Wetzel at Cook’s Garage, 11002 US-87. The organizer lists this as an outdoor, rain-or-shine event; check today’s weather for updates. Organizer details.
Friday, 7:30 p.m.: Nightmare on 19th Street, 602 E. 19th St. Read the Chronicle's local feature. Check the weather and the venue's schedule.
Friday, 7:30 p.m.: The Michael Jackson HIStory Show at Buddy Holly Hall. Venue details.
Saturday: Texas Tech football at 11 a.m.; The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Buddy Holly Hall at 7 and 10:30 p.m.; final Halloween night for Nightmare on 19th Street.
Coming Sunday: Lubbock County's memorial for unclaimed persons is set for 2 p.m. at St. John Baptist Church, 1712 E. 29th St. Read the Chronicle's community story.
Know Before You Go
Rain, patchy fog and poor visibility may slow Friday travel. No specific road closure or school schedule change has been independently confirmed for this edition. Check the Chronicle's travel resource and the NWS before leaving. The Flood Watch runs until 8 p.m.
Times and dates are subject to change. Check with Event for details.
LubbockChronicle.com is updated each afternoon with new developments.
