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.

An international team of researchers recently pinpointed where humans domesticated what would become the dominant form of cotton grown around the world. Harvest Public Media’s Rachel Cramer reports they also uncovered information which could eventually help crop breeders. Early voting in the November midterm elections starts on Monday. Those living in Lubbock-Cooper Independent School District boundaries will have a Voter Approval Tax Rate Election on the ballot. If approved, the district expects the new tax rate to generate $3.85 million for Lubbock-Cooper ISD.

Former Lubbock city councilmember Randy Christian died over the weekend at 74 years old. It is Texas Free College Application Week, and our Charley Maranville reports that Texas Tech University is offering opportunities for prospective undergraduate and graduate students. Texas Residents can to apply to undergraduate programs at ApplyTexas.org. Those interested in TTU graduate programs can find more information here. Lubbock’s annual Pumpkin Trail will be opening this weekend, Friday through Sunday. Donations of carved or decorated pumpkins can be made at the Lubbock Memorial Arboretum tomorrow, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

A central Texas city council has approved a deal with the developers of a proposed data center in an unincorporated area of Williamson County. Councilmembers say the annexation will allow the city to better manage the impacts of the project, but residents argue the decision is being rushed. Lubbock Public Libraries are seeking community input about their services. Library users of all branches and ages are encouraged to share their perspective. You can find the survey here until mid-November.

This semester marks one year since the state’s private school voucher program launched with a $1 billion budget. And this week, West Texans appeared before the Texas Senate committee on education to talk the impact. Our Brad Burt reports on Levelland ISD and Lubbock ISD.

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.