It’s time for the West Texas Dispatch!We’ll look ahead to Abilene’s biggest day of philanthropy. Abilene Gives set a fundraising record of more than 2.5 million dollars last year. Can the city’s generosity surpass that tally?The White House is telling Congress to rescind the money allocated to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Local public radio stations would be hit hardest by this move. We’ll hear more – as an independent local broadcaster brings us the details.Lubbock ISD is struggling to navigate its budget process amid uncertainties around a bond election and legislative action.On West Texas Roots, we’ll hear from an Abilene Farmer’s Market vendor whose family has been farming in Stamford since the 80s.AND a Big Country band is hoping to hit it – tiny?-- The Brownwood musicians are part of this year’s Tiny Desk Contest.All that and more coming up after the news from KACU

Governor Abbott’s Education Savings Accounts–or vouchers–passed overwhelmingly in the State House last week–we’ll hear from Stan Lambert about why he voted for the package–and what he fought for in the negotiations.Funding for Meals on Wheels is on the chopping block–we’ll get an update on the local fight for the federal grant money.We’ll hear from Bishop Michael Sis, who’s holding a Mass today for Pope Francis about his memories of the pontiff and his legacy.And local car dealers give us their view on how tariffs are affecting the market.

Early voting begins in Texas next week. This week during Morning Edition and All Things Considered KACU is bringing you interviews with each of the candidates running for Abilene City Council.Today on the West Texas Dispatch we’ll examine their positions on issues that the city council will be deciding in the coming year– from funding pensions and dealing with infrastructure needs to transparency.We’ll also take a closer look at the ballot measure asking voters whether Abilene can issue bonds for a major expansion of the Abilene Regional Airport.And we’ll look ahead to next week’s Zoobilation Gala.

The Trump tariffs are shaking up international affairs and stock markets around the world—and experts say they’ll push up the cost of everything from groceries to cars and electricity.We’ll hear from a local economist about how the tariffs could impact industries in West Texas–and our pocketbooks.We’ll also talk to a financial planner about navigating the shockwaves that are hitting retirement accounts.And on the brighter side:The Chosen is in production nearby on its sixth season— the state legislature is considering legislation aimed at incentivizing the film industry. What impact would it have on projects like The Chosen?ACU engineering students recently won top honors at the Texas Water Conference. They’ll represent Texas at the national competition later this year.And the Grace Museum is in bloom– Showers and Flowers Spring Festival is tomorrow, with live music and spring-themed activities for all ages.

This week, we will hear about vouchers and maternity deserts.We’ll also hear from a McMurry alumnus who took on the infamous Ugandan warlord Joseph Kony.We’ll also bring you the story of one of our community members who had a close brush with death last year– he wants to help others avoid the dangerous medical situation he experienced just before Christmas.On West Texas Roots, we’ll hear about how a West Texas man's educational journey from a one-room schoolhouse laid the foundation for his path to higher learning.And David Sedaris shares some laughs with us as we preview his visit to Abilene later this month!

There are 3 universities in town. How will the closing of the U-S Department of Education impact those institutions—Students and their families–and higher education as a whole?The annual archaeological dig at Paint Rock brought together indigenous people in time for the equinox–we’ll have the latest from that ongoing project.Watch out for third party ticket sellers. We'll have more on that. West Texas Roots brings us the story of a father’s journey from hitchhiking to the oil fields.And McMurry’s Playfest is coming up–the annual event gives student playwrights the chance to see their work on the stage. This year’s event features a play written by a McMurry student who won a statewide contest last fall.

This week we’ll take a look at just how hard it is to hire teachers. The state legislature is considering a number of bills that could help on the pay side of things—-but could narrow the candidate pool by banning the hiring of uncertified teachers.As the Trump Administration reduces federal spending ...employees in agencies across the state are waiting to see how they’ll be impacted. Some of Texas’s most popular outdoor destinations are at risk. We’ll hear about layoffs at Big Bend National Park and concerns that state parks are getting some unwanted attention.It’s been another week of wild weather in West Texas. We’ll look back at the Panhandle wildfire that broke records a year ago–and check in on how drought and wind are affecting our region this spring.And West Texas Roots brings us the story of a lifelong passion for pecans

This week, we’ll hear from an attorney who serves migrants in West Texas. She shares her experience of navigating the fast-paced changes impacting her work with people who are working on becoming U.S. citizens. There’s someone new at the helm of McMurry University. We’ll introduce you to President Lynn Murray, who is leading the university into its next century. Drought is intensifying across Texas. The Texas Water Development Board reported last week that, compared to a year ago, Texas has more than double the amount of drought. We’ll hear from an author who says cities in the Southwest could be a model for resilience as temperatures rise and drought becomes an ongoing challenge. AND local children are preparing for their moment in the spotlight this month—the Dyess and Abilene Children’s Theater will bring Disney’s The Little Mermaid Junior to the stage.

It's KACU's spring fundraiser! This week we’ll get the local perspective on actions out of Washington DC that are impacting local businesses, agencies and individuals.

There’s been a lot of confusion and anxiety for federal employees since the Department of Government Efficiency began huge reductions in the federal workforce. We’ll hear from a local man who is now a former employee of the U-S Department of Agriculture. Health officials gave an update on the West Texas measles outbreak–we’ll have the latest. Have you heard the country song that puts Abilene in the spotlight? Stay tuned to hear about how some local folks helped produce the video for the popular song.