The KTTZ News Team

Lubbock ISD has announced that there was a data security incident that exposed some employee information, including Social Security numbers, emails, and physical addresses. Those with compromised information will begin receiving notifications on Oct. 26. Frontline’s dedicated hotline for the incident can be reached at 833-516-8792, Monday through Friday. At the end of September, the E.L. Reed Herbarium at Texas Tech held its 100th anniversary celebration. Our Riley Wilson reports on how the facility has served as a record of plant life in West Texas since 1925.

Groups representing farmers and solar installers are suing the USDA after significant rule changes to the Rural Energy for America Program. They say new eligibility requirements illegally cut solar projects from the program and that the USDA has left people on the hook for tens of thousands of dollars by applying those changes retroactively. Meanwhile, our Brad Burt reports on an executive order signed by President Trump on Monday, waiving the restrictions and allowing tax-free, red-dyed off-road diesel to be used on highways until the end of the year.

A federal judge has ordered all border-related construction to stop immediately in Texas’ Big Bend region, including in Big Bend National Park. As Marfa Public Radio’s Mary Cantrell reports, the emergency injunction will remain in effect while a lawsuit moves forward. A new case of New World screwworm has been confirmed in a dog in Brewster County, bringing the U.S. total to 53 since June. Animal owners are urged to regularly check for wounds or maggots and immediately report any suspected infestations.

Texas lawmakers are exploring what it would take for Texas to annex parts of New Mexico. But Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies reports a House hearing last week highlighted significant legal hurdles—and concerns about damaging relations with the neighboring state. Online scams are becoming more sophisticated, and experts say anyone can be targeted. PBS Film Producer Peter Klein has been looking into scams as part of a documentary. He encourages people to independently verify any unexpected messages or calls asking for money or personal information.

Texas public school districts could lose nearly $300 million in state funding to the voucher program, according to a report from watchdog groups Our Schools Our Democracy and Every Texan. Monday is the last day to register to vote for the November 3 election. Our Riley Wilson reports you can check your status at VoteTexas.gov. You can register or update your information in person at the Lubbock County Elections Office at 1308 Crickets Ave, Lubbock, TX 79401 or by mail to the office at 1308 Crickets Avenue, P.O. Box 10536, Lubbock, TX 79408.

Lubbock County District Attorney Sunshine Stanek has recused herself from the investigation into funds paid to Mark Meurer nine months after Precinct 2 County Commissioner Jason Corley was reinstated. That investigation will now be led by the DA’s Office in Midland County. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To increase access to women's health resources, the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine is hosting a free women’s health clinic on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 pm. Our Samantha Larned reports appointments can be scheduled by calling (806) 337-2098. You can find more information on The Free Clinic Lubbock Facebook page.

A lot of Texas will see rain and flooding between Wednesday and Friday as the remnants of Hurricane Polo embed with a cold front pushing east across the state. Texas Public Radio's Brian Kirkpatrick reports areas along and west of I-35 could see 2-6 inches of rain, with pockets seeing 10-20 inches. Officials with the Texas Division of Emergency Management say while there is a drought right now, this much rain at once creates a risk for flash flooding and dangerous driving conditions.

In last week’s meeting, Lubbock ISD’s board of trustees announced names for three new elementary schools. Our Samantha Larned has more on the Lubbockites who will be honored by these schools. In that same meeting, District 5 Trustee John Weddige announced his resignation from the board to devote more time to his family. The district will be accepting letters of interest and resumes for the District 5 seat by email at communications@lubbockisd.org until Oct. 15.

While parts of West Texas have seen some refreshing rainfall, the U.S. Drought Monitor shows more than 80% of the state is experiencing abnormally dry or drought conditions. According to a Texas Farm Bureau report, this continues to affect farmers and playa lake levels. Meanwhile, cattle industry groups in Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas say U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities are affecting agricultural communities. Harvest Public Media’s Anna Pope reports they’re concerned about workforce disruptions and delays.

The Lubbock County Elections Office is currently working through a backlog of more than 7,500 voter registrations after a technical error at the Texas Department of Public Safety led to a flood of updates to process for county elections offices across the state. On Friday, the E.L. Reed Herbarium is celebrating its 100th birthday; the herbarium opened in 1925 and now has more than 31,000 plant specimens available online. The Panhandle South Plains Fair also starts today with attractions including pig racing, a hypnotist, a chainsaw juggler, rides and more.