The KTTZ News Team

A report released this week claims that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has moved forward with the review and approval of development related to data centers, despite a directive from Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Our Samantha Larned spoke with the author of that report. Farmers dealing with high fuel costs have been promised help by the Trump administration in the form of new one-time payments through an $8 billion Harvest Fuel Relief program. The latest federal forecast shows U.S. farmers are expected to pay nearly 30 percent more for fuel and oil this year compared to 2025.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas is dropping its Medicare Advantage plans. KERA’s Abigail Ruhman reports people who rely on those plans will have to move to a different one starting in 2027. Lubbock County reports high turnout for the first day of early voting, as major candidates announce events to garner support from West Texans. President Donald Trump will make his first appearance in Lubbock to stump for Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton on Oct. 27, while Paxton's opponent, Democrat James Talarico, is set to appear on Texas Tech campus the same day.

The candidates running to be Texas' new agriculture commissioner have traded jabs over whether their opponent is even eligible for the office, But the Texas Standard's Michael Marks reports the pair now say their argument won't last past Election Day. Quail season begins on Nov. 1, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says it expects a quality hunting season, with a new survey indicating good population numbers for bobwhite and scaled quail in the High Plains and Rolling Plains regions.

Early voting for the Nov. 3 election starts today. Our Charley Maranville has what you need to know before heading to the polls. Find more on how to see what's on your ballot, local polling locations, and candidate interviews here. A longtime Día de los Muertos celebration in San Antonio has been canceled amid concerns about federal immigration enforcement. Texas Public Radio's Brian Kirkpatrick reports the decision has disappointed residents who have made the festival an annual tradition.

Early voting in the Nov. 3 general election runs from Oct. 19 to Oct. 30, and there are many competitive races on the ballot for this midterm year. You can find election details and search your address for the items on your ballot here.

U.S. Congressional District 19 is up for election in the midterms and there are two newcomers competing for the office. Kyle Rable is the Democrat running for the position. He sat down with KACU to discuss his platform, largely built around serving working class West Texans.

U.S. Congressional District 19 is up for election in the midterms and there are two newcomers competing for the office. Tom Sell is the Republican candidate for the position. KTTZ sat down with him to discuss some of the issues that are top of mind for West Texans and the experience he would bring to the office.

The seat to represent Texas’ Senate District 28 in the state legislature is on the ballot in the November midterm elections. Charles Perry is the incumbent Republican running for the position. This is the first time since he was elected in 2014 that Perry has had competition for the seat. KTTZ sat down with Perry to discuss the issues he would be focused on in next year’s legislative session if re-elected, primarily those affecting rural communities, including data centers, public education, and affordability.

Democratic Railroad Commission candidate Jon Rosenthal says Texas needs stronger oversight of natural gas facilities to prevent power disruptions during extreme winter weather. High diesel prices are affecting hay farmers – and the beef producers who buy from them. Harvest Public Media’s Michael Marks reports some of the usual customers are forgoing hay at the moment because they can’t afford to have it transported.

A North Texas school district cancelled a high school play after a girl was chosen for the leading male role. KERA’s Dylan Duke reports the district cited Senate Bill 12, which bans diversity hiring practices at schools and bans LGBTQ+ student clubs. The Lubbock Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 80th anniversary with a performance of the Verdi Requiem. This event is bringing together talented community members in the symphony and the Lubbock Chorale with other world-class musicians. The celebration at the Buddy Holly Hall begins at 6 p.m. with a performance from local jazz group, the Keegan Peck Quartet. You can find more information here.