Community

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.

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.

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.

The E.L. Reed Herbarium at Texas Tech has served as a record of plant life in the region since 1925 and last month, its team finally got to hold its centennial celebration.

The companies have faced waves of public backlash in Texas. To battle that negative public perception, they’ve donated millions to community causes and needs.

The Texas Library Association found that library services across the state offer an economic boon to local communities.

In last week’s meeting, Lubbock ISD’s board of trustees announced names for three new elementary schools. Our Samantha Larned has more on the Lubbockites who will be honored by these schools. In that same meeting, District 5 Trustee John Weddige announced his resignation from the board to devote more time to his family. The district will be accepting letters of interest and resumes for the District 5 seat by email at communications@lubbockisd.org until Oct. 15.