The last week of October is International Bat Week. Our Samantha Larned reports on research at Texas Tech's Natural Resource Management Department into how bats adapt to human infrastructure in the state. Governor Greg Abbott announced Wednesday that the Texas Workforce Commission has awarded grants to four West Texas school districts as part of the Jobs and Educations for Texans program. Two of those grants are in partnership with South Plains College to train Denver City ISD and Seagraves ISD.

Quail hunting season kicks off in Texas on Saturday. Our Bishop Van Buren reports the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says it is encouraged by population numbers, but quail hunting at the Lake Alan Henry Wildlife Mitigation Area has been canceled again this year. Experts say Texas is still experiencing a teacher certification crisis. KERA's Bill Zeeble reports students could pay the price, even after new state legislative efforts begin.

After cooler temperatures arrived this week, post-cold front conditions are now driving elevated fire danger across parts of West Texas. Our Bishop Van Buren reports the Texas A&M Forest Service has responded to over 130 wildfire incidents this October. Lubbock’s city council has voted to repeal a recent ordinance update that would’ve required permits, annual fees, and false call fines for owners of alarm systems that alert the police electronically.

The Texas Newsroom's Lucio Vasquez reports the Texas Agriculture Commissioner is pushing back against President Donald Trump’s call to import beef from Argentina, saying it would hurt Texas ranchers already facing historically low cattle numbers. Our Samantha Larned reports on a community ofrenda at the Mahon Library for Día de los Muertos. Community members can contribute photos of their loved ones by bringing them to the Mahon reference desk through Oct. 30.

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.