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This week we’ll take a look back at Saturday's No Kings protest in Abilene and what it says about politics in West Texas.As the government shutdown continues we take a look at how Dyess is affected.We’ll also hear from AISD about how they’re supporting unhoused students — and Heather Claborn speaks with Elections Administrator Freda Ragan about early voting and why so few people show up when it’s not a presidential year.Then, witches, wool, and Practical Magic — we head to the Paramount Theatre, where Halloween comes with a side of crafting and a rise in “grandma hobbies.”

We talked to Dawn Powell, the owner of Book Therapy, a half-price used book store and licensed professional counseling all in one building.

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.

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 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.'

On this week’s installment of West Texas Roots, we talked to Karen Martin, a longtime horse trainer who was paralyzed in an accident, and continues to ride while pursuing a career as a licensed professional counselor. To hear her powerful story, stay tuned.

This week on West Texas Roots we talked to Rylie Scott about growing up involved in FFA and 4-H, and showing her grandfather’s dairy goats at the state fair.

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.

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!

This week we took a trip to Abilene’s oldest restaurant, The Dixie Pig Diner, which was established in 1931. Stay tuned to hear how this Abilene staple came to be, and how they’ve stayed true to the classic dining experience.