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Yesterday was the first day Texas lawmakers could file bills for next year’s legislative session. It comes just days after Democrats made historic gains in the midterm elections. As the Texas Newsroom’s Lucio Vasquez reports, proposals will depend on whether Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate can reach agreements. After more than a decade serving the city, Lubbock Animal Services director Steven Greene has died. Colleagues with the city remember him for his dedication to people and animals alike.

Last night, Lubbock’s Planning and Zoning Commission heard from community members speaking on a property where asphalt batch plants have been operating on and off for years near Lubbock’s historic Parkway Cherry Point neighborhood. The property has been operating in residential zoning and owners were requesting a change to industrial. The commission voted against recommending the change, which will go to the Lubbock City Council on Dec. 1.

The Historic Baker Building has stood in Downtown Lubbock for nearly 100 years. Since the 1980s, it has operated as an events venue, and recently it has started embracing its haunted reputation, with ghost tours, paranormal investigations, and an upcoming Día de Muertos Masquerade Ball.

Next week, Lubbock’s Planning and Zoning Commission will be considering a zone change for property under an industrial asphalt batch plant that started operating earlier this year. The plant is located on residential property just south of Erskine Street, on the other side of Northeast Loop 289 from Lubbock’s historic Parkway Cherry Point neighborhood. Residents are concerned about blowing dust from the facility. The public hearing with the Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled for Nov. 6 at 6 p.m., at Citizens Tower at 1314 Avenue K.

At a Deer Park High School football game outside Houston, voters grapple with rising costs, immigration and shifting political loyalties as Democrats mount competitive challenges in two of Texas’ highest-profile races.

The City of Wolfforth is asking residents to share their thoughts for the development of a new town center. Our Samantha Larned reports the project is meant to integrate civic building, parks, and opportunities for new business and housing. The survey will close on Saturday, Oct. 31. You can find it here. Roads are closed in downtown Lubbock ahead of President Trump’s rally to campaign for Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton. Doors at the Civic Center will open for the event at 2:30 p.m. All pedestrian traffic and parking in the area will be stopped this afternoon at 4 p.m. Public safety details from the City of Lubbock and Lubbock Police can be found here. Meanwhile, the Lubbock rally for Paxton’s opponent, Democrat James Talarico, has been relocated to the Fiesta Center at 1902 E Fourth Street.

Día de Muertos or the Day of the Dead is coming up on Nov. 1 and 2 and in observation, Lubbock Public Libraries is bringing back its annual community ofrenda. The ofrenda will be up today through Nov. 6 at the Mahon Public Library. It will also include educational information about Día de Muertos for those who may be new to the celebration. New cases of New World screwworm have been confirmed in West Texas and New Mexico, bringing the nationwide total to 61 since June. Texas wildlife officials confirm the first wildlife infestation of the current outbreak in an elk harvested by a hunter in Pecos County.

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.

The district says it’s complying with state law. But which state law?

Last year, more 124 children in Texas died from child abuse or neglect, including two in Lubbock. One local funeral director turned her heartbreak into action with the No Whispers Foundation, a nonprofit that raises money for the families who wish to honor the victims of child abuse.