The KTTZ News Team

Farmers and ranchers from multiple states have come together to raise awareness about labor shortages that they say are negatively impacting the country’s agriculture, contributing to increasing food prices. Our Brad Burt reports on the Grow It Here campaign. Last week, the United Soccer League announced that the Lubbock Matadors will join the USL League Two's southern conference for the 2026 season. The Matadors' general manager believes this will help bring the team to the national stage.

Early this week, Texas Tech’s athletics department announced it would no longer encourage or permit the throwing of tortillas during kickoffs at home football games. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren has more ahead of another home game this weekend. A 2023 Texas law demanding publishers rate their own books based on sexually explicit content has been declared unconstitutional.

The United Supermarkets Lubbock Marathon is taking place on Sunday. Our Bishop Van Buren reports on the different races in which folks can participate. The marathon and half marathon start at 8 A.M. with entry fees of $95 and $75, respectively. The 5K begins at 8:10 for $40, the 10K at 8:15 for $50, and the kids run at 8:20 for $10. Lubbock Fire Rescue and the American Red Cross are offering free smoke alarms and installations to residents. You can sign up at LubbockFireRescue.com.

Lubbock County Sheriff Kelly Rowe has been named chair of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards by Governor Greg Abbott. Following a review of state voter rolls using a federal database, Texas election officials say they’ve flagged more than 2,700 registered voters as possible noncitizens. The Texas Newsroom’s Lucio Vasquez reports those who don’t respond to county offices could have their registration canceled. City councilman Gordon Harris is holding a community meeting for District 2 residents tomorrow from 6 to 7 P.M. at the Mae Simmons Community Center at 2004 Oak Ave.

Fewer Texas teachers are considering leaving the classroom compared to last year, but Houston Public Media’s Michael Adkison reports the vast majority are still thinking about it. The Supreme Court will consider whether regular marijuana users can legally own guns after a request from the Justice Department. KERA’s Toluwani Osibamowo explains the court is reviving a Texas man's felony gun charge to consider the issue.

Early voting for the Texas Constitutional Amendment Special Election begins today and runs through Oct. 31. Our Samantha Larned reports polling places will be at all United Supermarkets, Amigos, and Market Street locations in Lubbock, as well as the Texas Tech Student Recreation Center. Polling locations will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and on Sunday, Oct. 26th from noon to 6 p.m. Lubbock’s city council has paused the new false alarm ordinance, which would’ve required a permit and $50 annual fee for alarm systems in Lubbock, as well as a $50 fine after the first three false alarms. The city says council will be “revisiting” the issue at its Oct. 28 meeting.

Several major health agencies in Texas are under review by the state's Sunset Advisory Commission, taking a close look at their purpose, priorities and performance. Advocacy leaders say it could lead to more nuanced conversations. The musical "Sugar Skull," which has been touring the country, is now making its way to Levelland's Wallace Theater. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren has more from the show’s lead actor and how the show embraces Día de los Muertos. Performances are scheduled Friday at 10 A.M and 1 P.M. and Saturday at 2 P.M. Tickets can be purchased at wallacetheater.com.

As Governor Greg Abbott threatens to withhold TxDOT funding over political road markings, our Bishop Van Buren reports a crosswalk in Lubbock honoring Buddy Holly may be at risk. Seven years after voters approved taxpayer funding for an expo center in North Lubbock, county commissioners are considering alternative approaches to get the project started.

The City of Lubbock implemented a crackdown on "nuisance" calls to the police department at the beginning of the month. The False Alarm Ordinance introduces a $50 permitting fee for Lubbock alarm owners. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is developing the state’s application for a federal rural health funding program. With more than half of rural hospitals in Texas at risk of shutting down, KERA’s Abigail Ruhman reports health leaders say the state should utilize potential new funding to prevent further closures.

October is Texas Wine Month. Our reporter Mia Shephard attended Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association's "Grape Camp" last week, and has more about current issues facing the industry. It is also Free College Application Week, a statewide initiative to help Texans apply to public colleges and universities. Those seeking undergraduate admissions can apply through the ApplyTexas portal.