West Texas Dispatch

Early voting is underway in the runoffs for candidates trying to secure their spot on November’s ballot. We’ll check in on the race for the Republican nomination for Texas’s 19th Congressional District.We’ll also hear about the runoff in the U-S Senate race–and for the G-O-P contest for Railroad Commissioner.Today we’ve got our next installment of Minds on Trial. Today-we hear from an individual–and his loved ones–about what a difference Assisted Outpatient Treatment makes.We’ll tell you about the impact of gas prices on rural West Texas.It’s been more than a decade in the making. The doors are now open for Abilene’s new main branch library–and science center at Heritage Square. We’ll tell you all about the grand opening.And on West Texas Roots our story-teller recalls simpler times– spending childhood days in nature without digital distractions.AND another 40th birthday flashback…

We continue to dig into the way Texas has worked to improve the way the criminal justice system deals with individuals experiencing a mental health crisis..today we go all the way back to the model that the Texas system followed.After years of planning, fundraising and building–Heritage Square will open its doors this week. We’ll hear from some of the key architects of this incredible project.The rising price of oil has given rise to theft in West Texas…and it’s a much more sophisticated crime than it once was.We’ll tell you about how Texas Tech students are protesting what they say is the death of academic freedom.And we’ll hear about the unique features -including a Pecan Farm- of a world-class recording studio near El Paso.

Today we bring you the second installment of our series “Minds on Trial” with a look at how Texas has worked to solve the problem of not having enough resources for people experiencing mental health crises—and keeping those crisis from escalating into a dangerous situation.A four-way race is a hard one to win out right. We’ll wrap up the joint city and school general elections for you–and look ahead…to the runoffs.This week's West Texas Roots tells us how an airman and his wife fell in love with Abilene after being stationed at Dyess Air Force Base…and how names for certain farming equipment can cause confusion..And about a dozen West Texas high schools –including a few from the Big Country– will take their theater shows are competing for the U-I-L title in One Act Play…The lights come up on the Austin stage next week!

Today on the show we kick off a series looking at how Texas is trying to change the way people in crisis interact with the justice system. We start by looking at the problem that the state has been trying to solve…and is leading the way on for other states.Housing remains a hot topic in the Abilene area–even for the universities! Only some of their students live on campus–and some students without that housing may not be sticking around.Abilene was on the front end of the big A-I Data Center surge–but communities across West Texas are considering whether or not to develop these projects…we’ll hear how it’s looking in Lubbock.Paul Fabrizio–regular commentator for this show–and local news for decades–is retiring from McMurry. We’ll ask him how politics and teaching about it has changed over his tenure.This week’s West Texas roots takes us back to when the Abilene Zoo was at Rose Park and why you shouldn’t keep giving polar bears salt blocks.And we’ve got another 40th Birthday flashback cued up.

He’s the mayor of Abilene. He wants to be mayor again, in this time of great change for the City. We sit down with Mayor Weldon Hurt, unopposed candidate for reelection.Inspectors recorded dozens of safety violations at a West Texas ICE detention facility. We’ll hear more about the report.Almost a third of Texas women aren’t up to date on their mammograms. A local partnership aims to provide this important screening for women in the Big Country.The work is done, and today the ribbons will be cut at two recreation centers in Abilene…we’ll hear about the facilities–and the what’s news.West Texas Roots brings us the story of a close encounter with a rattlesnake…and we hear from a KACU alumnus pursuing a graduate journalism degree…in today’s installment of KACU’s 40th Birthday Flashback.

We have a special show in store today.Early voting in Texas’s Joint City and School Elections starts Monday. Today we’ll hear from the candidates for Place Four. There are four of them.Navy veteran Benjamin Baylie is a small business owner who advocates for streamlining the processes around local development as an approach to addressing Abilene’s Housing Crisis.Rich Lyles touts his experience navigating federal funding and infrastructure as a key part of his qualifications for seeking a seat on the City Council.Allison Carroll is a small business owner who has served on a variety of boards and committees, and says her experiences and community service inform her approach to serving.Tammy Fogle has run for office multiple times—and is a regular participant during the public comment portion of Abilene’s school board and city council meetings.

Millions nationwide turned up at protests over the weekend. Abilene’s gathering was just a few hundred, but was bigger than the previous demonstrations.El Paso, Texas, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar is trying to sound the alarm about a large immigration detention center in her district. 9-1-1 calls from the tent camp are common, and there have been outbreaks of tuberculosis and measles.Locals in one Big Country community have been crowd sourcing pantry staples through a family-run market to help their hungry neighbors. We’ll bring you that story.AND if, like Texas History, you might be interested in an event coming up at the Merkel Area Historical Museum…we’ll preview their upcoming talk on cattle drives.

Are you combining trips or searching out the gas stations with the lowest price at the pump? We’ll check in on gas prices today.Landowners near the Texas-Mexico border are concerned about plans to extend the border wall–and locals are organizing a legal resistance to the plans.And… they are a staple of downtown Abilene. The Texas Star Trading Company was one of the first retailers to truly give downtown Abilene a go after its restoration. Now? The owners say it’s time to hang up their boots. We’ll talk to the Dromgoole’s about the move.West Texas Roots brings us the story of the last one-room school house in Texas.We’ll tell you about a way to express your own artistic style–and help preserve historic parts of Abilene.AND another update from KACU’s former student hosts, Zane Goggans.

Today we’ll update you on the runoff for the Republican nominee for Congressional District 19… the vote count has been finalized – and the names on the ballot are set. Or are they?West Texas has seen some wild weather over the past week. We’ll dig into where it came from — and what’s ahead.Congress is ready to take up the legislation that provides a wide range of support for farmers and ranchers — we’ll take a look at how those in the industry see the proposed 2026 Farm Bill.Do you know about 325 Day? It’s coming up soon, and Merchants are not only offering special deals... some of them are turning around to give to local non-profits, including KACU.We’ll also have an installment of our “where are they now” series, updating you on what KACU’s alumni are doing today…

Today on the show, Mayor Weldon Hurt shares the key takeaways from last week’s State of the City Address. The presentation ranged from economic growth and city projects to some perspectives on Abilene’s housing crisis.The Farm Bill is getting closer to having its day in Congress… Retiring Congressman Jodey Arrington is celebrating. How do West Texas Farmers feel?And speaking of farmers - we’ll tell you about a new challenge for rice farmers. A tiny invasive pest is on the attack.A couple of events are coming up soon: the Abilene Philharmonic performs Carmen next weekend, and later this month a best-selling author shares his miraculous story with locals.And we’ve got a special blast from the past for you this hour - you don’t want to miss it!

Lots of people showed up to the polls for this primary…both Republicans and Democrats. Texas’s Primary Election Day is behind us…but there is plenty of work ahead for some of the candidates… we’ll wrap up the outcome and look ahead.Resources are limited for mental health in rural Texas. The 9-8-8 suicide hotline is key to filling in the gaps for people in crisis… but the state has yet to dedicate funding to it. We’ll tell you more. We’ll also take a look at how uninsured West Texans get healthcare.There’re plans to extend the border wall into Big Bend…and that’s drawing strong criticism across Texas–regardless of political party.And, we’ll tell you about a destination in downtown Abilene that combines creativity and caffeine…

Early voting has had a much-higher- than- usual turnout in Taylor County this primary-voting season. That’s thanks in no small part to the crowded field for two open seats.Last week we brought you interviews with the candidates for Texas State House District 71–that has been held by retiring state-rep- Stan Lambert.We have another special show in store this week, as we focus on the Republicans vying to become their party’s nominee for Texas’s 19th Congressional District. Jodey Arrington’s retirement has created a wild contest-with seven candidates on the Republican primary ballot.This week we’re partnering with KTTZ in Lubbock to bring you conversations with as many of them as we can.A runoff seems very likely-with so many candidates in the race–but once there is a clear winner - he will take on Democrat Kyle Rable in November.

This week we’ve got a collection of conversations with the candidates on the ballot for House District 71.As soon as Stan Lambert announced he wouldn’t seek reelection – candidates started filing their paperwork.Liz Case is making a second run for the seat, after coming close two years ago–with the backing of some of the state’s top Republicans.Newcomer Joshua Ohlmacher joined the race after feeling called to it during a church service.And Chance Ferguson, who’s previously challenged Jodey Arrington for the 19th Congressional District seat–has thrown his hat in the ring.Jay Hardaway was unable to make it for today’s show–but we hope to update you on his campaign as soon as possible.We’ll also preview a musical that’s coming to a stage this weekend that tells a story of healing, forgiveness, and self-acceptance.

It’s almost time to cast your ballot in the Republican and Democratic primaries. Early voting polls will be up and running across Texas next Tuesday.Some recent polling shows Ken Paxton pulling ahead of incumbent Senator John Cornyn… but Cornyn has the advantage in fundraising. We’ll take a look at the race for the nomination.West Texas has been a solid-red voting region for decades. The region’s Democrats are looking to draw lessons from the recent upset in the state senate special election.Officials are considering new proposals to build housing in Abilene. But some community members think there just isn’t enough being done about the growing affordable housing crisis in the city…And the Food Bank of West Central Texas provides millions of pounds of food assistance to more than a dozen communities in the Big Country. They’re working on making their support even more accessible. We’ll check in on mobile food pantries and other efforts.

This week’s show marks the first full year on the air for the West Texas Dispatch.Today we’ll bring you an overview of the upcoming primary election season. Did you realize that early voting starts in just a couple of weeks?The surge of ICE and Border Patrol agents in Minnesota has affected students. Agents have appeared on campuses and followed some parents after they picked up kids from school. We’ll hear about a legal case in El Paso that set the standard that until recently kept border agents away from schools.Far West Texas has one source of help for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and administrators hope they’ll be able to expand their outreach from new headquarters in Alpine.Hyundai is building a new solar project in West Texas. It’s expected to generate millions in local tax revenue, and new capacity for the grid at a time that many are concerned about the pressure that AI data centers will place on it.

On today’s show we’re finishing our conversation with Texas Agriculture Sid Miller. He’s got a lot of irons in the fire - we’ll hear what he thinks of how officials are fighting the spread of the New World Screwworm, and what he thinks could help stave off a parasite that would devastate the Texas ranching industry… and threatens wildlife.We’ll also take a look at the mental health challenges seniors face, and local resources for seniors and tips for caregivers.The Party Line is up and running, connecting Abilene to San Francisco. We’ll tell you how it’s going.And Napoleon Dynamite, Pedro and Uncle Rico are coming back to Abilene. We’ve got John Heder on today’s show. We’ll talk about whatever he wants to - Gosh!

If you live in West Texas, chances are that a data center is being built or coming soon, to an area near you. But, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller would like to pull on the reins a little. He wants to keep them out of prime farmlands. He’ll join us to explain.Abilene’s observance of the Martin Luther King Junior holiday has grown over the past few years. This year’s banquet was sold out. Some neighbors showed up to pray or march, others volunteered to beautify the city in King’s name. We’ll tell you about it.This week we’ve also got stories about a West Texas horse rescue, a new Abilene startup that hopes to capture some of the energy around the AI data center project, and Congress’s move to close the so-called “hemp loophole.”And we’ll tell you about an event happening tonight at Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest. Science Ambassador JD Stillwater is making a stop in Abilene on his US tour helping people understand some scientific concepts–and connect with them.

He’s the mayor of Abilene. A few years ago, it was a slow growing somewhat sleepy town. But with the biggest construction project in the US taking place within those city limits…it’s sleepy no more. We’ll sit down with Mayor Weldon Hurt.West Texas will serve as a testing ground for the upcoming census. We’ll hear about efforts to prepare for the 2030 count.A nonprofit organization is encouraging Texas Tech’s leaders to protect freedom of speech for its faculty. We’ll tell you more about their request aimed at ensuring academic freedom on Texas Tech’s campuses.West Texas Roots brings us the history of Abilene’s oldest restaurant.And we’ll tell you all about an experiment coming to Abilene that aims to connect folks from one of the nation’s most conservative cities–with people from one of the most liberal cities on the West Coast. The Party Line goes live soon in downtown Abilene!

America’s strikes on Venezuela have captured a lot of attention this week. Texas congressional delegation has had a mix of reactions to the complicated political and diplomatic situation. We’ll take a closer look at historical context, as well as the reaction from West Texas, and what it might mean for the state’s oil industry.There’s a whole lot of symptoms this time of year. From the flu to seasonal allergies lots of folks are feeling a little under the weather. We’ll check in on how it’s hitting West Texas.The state is working to add to public lands in the Big Bend region. The new area won’t be open for years… but state officials are working to get the public earlier access to it.We have the next installment of the Bloodwork series - with a look at the personal experience of being a plasma-donor.The Abilene Philharmonic is preparing to perform its first concert of 2026. The audience will enjoy a piano concerto and the work of Tchaikovsky. David Itkin shares his thoughts on the concert, which is coming up next week.

This week’s show is a special edition-bringing you the best of what this program has produced in our inaugural year.When we launched the West Texas Dispatch in early February we had no idea what was in store. It’s been a year of ups and downs, some political surprises, major development news, and growing pains for the Big Country.On today’s show we’ll hear from our partners across West Texas. We’ll also bring you the best of reporting from KACU’s student staff–as well as one of our favorite West Texas Roots Segments and a conversation or two with the people who do big things for the Big Country.

We’re continuing to look at the increasing pressure on Abilene’s affordable housing market. Today we’ll hear about how things are changing for renters.We’ll hear from one renter who shares her frustrations with finding housing right now…We’ll also hear more about those who rely on the assistance of housing vouchers–and the challenges they face in being able to use those vouchers.We’ll bring you the second part of the Blood Work series…with a look at the industry around blood-plasma…which is a multi-billion dollar segment of the U-S economy.Abilene’s non-profits have one more chance to be part of what’s become the biggest day of giving in the city. We’ll tell you more about the Community Foundation of Abilene’s plans as they wrap up a decade of community philanthropy through “Abilene Gives”.And the owner of Catie Pies shares some favorite recipes and tips for what to do with the holiday leftovers.

The days of Abilene ranking as one of the state’s more affordable cities–may be numbered. We’ll take a look at how A-I growth combined with major reductions to housing assistance– is pricing-out low-income families.West Texas has at least two open seats for next year’s elections…The window to file for the March primary closed this week. We’ll check out the major party candidates who made it onto the ballot.Texas leads the nation in blood plasma donations. Today we’ll bring you the first installment of a series of reports focused on “Blood Work”.Lots of people look to various types of seeds and nuts to supplement the protein in their diets. We’ll hear about one Texas researcher who’s developing an edible version of one of the state’s big fiber crops.

December has brought cold temperatures and warm hearts as community members look to bless others this holiday season. We’ll check in on the Salvation Army’s annual bell-ringing and angel tree campaigns.It’s also time for seniors pick their Medicare options for the next year – it can be overwhelming – and we’ll get some tips from a local expert.A new book details the life of a West Texas musician – from the daughter’s perspective.The NCCIL is the home for all things children’s literature. We’ll hear how they work to build a love of reading with children.And this week is the Abilene Philharmonic’s Christmas concert. Conductors Notes gives us a sneak peek at the Three Tenors Christmas.