Good Morning, Lubbock!
Thursday, October 22, 2026. Local election updates, UIL proposals, roadwork, Texas Tech sports, weather and upcoming events.
Top 5 | Main News
1. County Early Voting Comparison Reaches 25,388 After Three Days
Lubbock County Elections Administrator Troy Havard's Wednesday comparison lists 8,852 votes Monday, 8,638 Tuesday, and 7,898 Wednesday, for a total of 25,388 in the county's day-by-day series. The Chronicle is seeking clarification because the figures don't match the Texas Secretary of State's reporting. These numbers do not show candidate preferences.
Official Lubbock County Elections Office · Click Here for the Full Story: earlier Chronicle analysis
2. UIL Council Backs Playoff Hosting and Future Basketball Shot Clock
The UIL Legislative Council approved proposals for first-round home-field advantage in team-sport playoffs beginning in 2027–28 and a phased 35-second shot clock in varsity basketball no earlier than 2028–29. Girls flag football could begin as a pilot no earlier than 2028–29. The Texas education commissioner must approve the changes before they take effect.
3. North Avenue P Waterline Work Restricts Traffic Thursday
The City of Lubbock says crews will replace waterline piping Thursday on North Avenue P between East Cesar Chavez Drive and Erskine Street. The announced work restricts travel in both directions through the construction segment. Drivers should plan an alternate route; the release did not provide a specific reopening time.
4. Lubbock ISD Students Help With Free Home Heating Repairs Saturday
Students from the Byron Martin Advanced Technology Center will join South Plains HVAC contractors for the 26th Heat the Town program Saturday, October 24. Volunteers will inspect equipment and make minor repairs for eligible seniors and low-income homeowners. The program is free; seniors can inquire through the Area Agency on Aging at 806-687-0940.
5. Lubbock Marathon Returns Sunday With Traffic Changes
Sunday's Lubbock Marathon will bring runners and associated road restrictions to city streets on October 25. Drivers traveling near the course should review the announced route and closures before heading out. The Chronicle has a separate local guide; check specific roads and reopening times against organizer and city updates.
Sports
Texas Tech
Men's basketball: No. 19 Texas Tech plays an exhibition at No. 23 Kentucky on Friday, October 23, at 6 p.m. Central in Lexington. The game is listed on SEC Network+. The regular-season home opener against Jackson State is November 2. Texas Tech schedule.
Football: No. 8 Texas Tech plays at Cincinnati Saturday, October 24, at 11 a.m. Central on FS1. Coach Joey McGuire is on the Bear Bryant Coach of the Year Award watch list. Texas Tech Athletics.
High School Sports | Thursday and Friday Football
Date | Game | Kickoff (CT) |
|---|---|---|
Thu, Oct. 22 | Frenship @ Amarillo High | 7 p.m. |
Thu, Oct. 22 | Wichita Falls Legacy @ Coronado | 7 p.m. |
Fri, Oct. 23 | Abilene High @ Monterey | 7 p.m. |
Fri, Oct. 23 | Lubbock High @ Frenship Memorial | 7 p.m. |
Fri, Oct. 23 | Lubbock-Cooper @ Abilene Wylie | 7 p.m. |
Fri, Oct. 23 | Estacado @ Lubbock-Cooper Liberty | 7 p.m. |
Fri, Oct. 23 | Idalou @ Muleshoe | 7 p.m. |
Fri, Oct. 23 | Slaton @ Littlefield | 7 p.m. |
Fri, Oct. 23 | New Deal @ Sundown | 7 p.m. |
Times are subject to change. For the full Texas high school football schedule, visit MaxPreps.
Current in Lubbock | Weather & Roads
Thursday, October 22, 6 a.m. NWS forecast: Lubbock International Airport observed 55°F and mostly cloudy conditions at 5:53 a.m. Today: partly sunny, high near 81°F. Tonight: mostly cloudy, low around 59°F. Friday: high near 77°F. Saturday: high near 73°F; showers become possible late. Sunday: showers and possible thunderstorms, high near 68°F, 80% chance of precipitation. Full NWS forecast.
Traffic: Waterline work on North Avenue P between East Cesar Chavez Drive and Erskine Street is scheduled for Thursday. TxDOT's overnight FM 41 closure at US 87 was scheduled to end by 7 a.m. Thursday, weather permitting; reopening has not been independently confirmed. All-way stops remain in place at FM 1585/Avenues U and P as Loop 88 work continues. TxDOT US 87 notice · Loop 88 notice.
Tonight, Tomorrow & This Week
Date | What | Details |
|---|---|---|
Fri, Oct. 23 | Blue October | Buddy Holly Hall; Chronicle guide |
Sat, Oct. 24 | Heat the Town | Free heating-repair program for eligible households; details |
Sun, Oct. 25 | Bert Kreischer | Buddy Holly Hall; details |
Sun, Oct. 25 | Lubbock Marathon | Road closures; travel guide |
Fri, Oct. 30 | Koe Wetzel | Cook's Garage; venue information |
Times and dates may change. Check with each venue or organizer for details.
Election Center
Early voting continues through October 30. County hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. October 19–24 and 26–30, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, October 25. Friday, October 23, is the deadline for the county to receive mail-in ballot applications.
The Chronicle's sample ballot is an unofficial reference, not an official, precinct-specific ballot.
LubbockChronicle.com is updated each afternoon with new developments.
