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.

Hunting Season is underway. And officials are asking hunters to help watch for the spread of the New World Screwworm.We’ll hear about efforts in West Texas to preserve indigenous history –which has traditionally passed down through families–and a new effort in the South Plains to gather Native tribes for an event that highlights their traditions and art.We’ll bring you some advice for approaching the holiday season with grieving loved ones.…and the maestro has become the man of letters. Longtime Abilene Philharmonic conductor David Itkin has a new book detailing a life of art and travel…with a little drama sprinkled in.

The mid-term elections just got a little wilder for West Texas. Congressman Arrington’s announcement that he won’t seek re-election to the 19th district seat opens up an opportunity that rarely comes around.The sky over Abilene will change forever. For decades, the sights and sounds of the B-1 Bomber have become iconic…soon, a new, state of the art long range bomber will take its place. We talk to the company behind the bomber.The nation celebrated Veteran’s Day yesterday. We’ll take a look at how Abilene honors locals who served in America’s armed forces.Cemeteries take a lot of work. We’ll bring you the story of a historic cemetery in Lubbock…and hear about some of the unique challenges administrators face.Playoff football gets underway this week for Texas high schools. Abilene High hopes to make their strong season last a little longer.And KACU’s Christmas radio play is in just a few weeks–we’ll have a preview–and you want to add the event to your calendar.

Individuals, non-profits, and businesses are all looking for ways to help fill the gap for families who rely on federal SNAP benefits. We’ll hear how the West Texas Food Bank is coordinating its resources to respond.The 2025 election offered voters a chance to amend the state’s constitution…and to decide the future finances of local school districts. We’ll wrap up yesterday’s results for you.An invasive species is posing a threat-prices are up and President Trump is working on international trade deals that some beef-producers don’t like. With a number of factors impacting Texas’s beef industry–we’ll check in with a local rancher to hear first hand what it’s like from his side of the process.Hearing more crickets lately? We’ll explain why these noisy guests are showing up in bigger numbers this time of year.From early lights to the city’s big tree lighting, we’re diving into why the holiday season is starting sooner than ever.

Voting is underway in this year’s Constitutional Amendment election. Fewer people traditionally show up to the polls during this type of election. But one hot topic is Abilene ISD’s tax proposal. We’ll hear more about how it would impact property owners – and what the district has in mind for the dollars if it passes.State Senator Charles Perry was in town yesterday, sharing his view on the 89th Legislative Session and discussing this year’s ballot.Running a farm has never been an easy prospect - but a labor shortage is adding to the challenge. And some farmers are trying a novel approach to pest-control… bats.Finally, we’ll hear how a homecoming musical brings together former students and current students.