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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.

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.

This week we hear what makes Abilene the Storybook Capital of America, Julia Teel, Director of Exhibitions and Collections, tells us how the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature keeps the magic of reading alive for kids. Julia Teel shared her story at the NCCIL Gallery in downtown Abilene.

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.

We stopped by the old railroad depot in downtown Abilene where Waylan Bolin shared the history of one of Abilene's sweetest spots, Candies by Vletas.

One of our favorite segments for West Texas Roots is a surprising love story…and was picked up by our friends at the Texas Standard. Take another listen to the re-mixed version of Randy Billing’s story.

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.

This week on West Texas Roots, we met Sarah Kader, one of the owners of Free Play Arcade in downtown Abilene, to hear how a seventh-generation Texan came to find the Abilene community home. From enlisting in the US Air Force to bringing ageless retro fun to the downtown scene, stay tuned to hear her story. This was recorded in historic 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.

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.