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West Texas Dispatch

The West Texas Dispatch is KACU’s weekly talk show dedicated to serving the listeners of Abilene and beyond with news and information that reflects the unique spirit, needs, and issues of our region as well as celebrating the best parts of the Big Country and West Texas.

news news commentary

All Episodes

46:08

December 31st - 2025 Rewind

West Texas Dispatch ·

2025/12/31

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

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42:41

December 17th

West Texas Dispatch ·

2025/12/17

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

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42:43

December 10

West Texas Dispatch ·

2025/12/10

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

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40:34

December 3rd

West Texas Dispatch ·

2025/12/03

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

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41:28

November 19th

West Texas Dispatch ·

2025/11/19

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

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42:40

November 12th

West Texas Dispatch ·

2025/11/12

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

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42:59

November 5th

West Texas Dispatch ·

2025/11/05

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

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42:11

October 29th

West Texas Dispatch ·

2025/10/29

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 -

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42:33

October 22nd

West Texas Dispatch ·

2025/10/22

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,

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42:08

October 15th

West Texas Dispatch ·

2025/10/15

The Texas State Legislature narrowed down 288 proposed constitutional amendments to 17. Starting next week registered voters will start to decide which of the measures becomes law. We’ll help explain what’s on the ballot.We’ll hear a conversation about healing, leadership, and what it really takes to make a difference in recovery.A late-night fire, a cherished playground in ruins. We look back at the history and legacy of Fort Imagination.A little Halloween magic... something spooky is happening at

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42:39

October 8th

West Texas Dispatch ·

2025/10/08

The federal government shutdown doesn’t just impact federal workers. It has ripple effects into local communities. We’ll hear about efforts to support West Texans who are directly affected—and to lessen those ripple effects.The ROC Abilene’s “Recreational Outdoor Complex” is now open for business. The new outdoor fields are building capacity for all kinds of activities—bringing a big expansion to Abilene’s youth-sports scene.The College Rodeo fall-season is underway–and Angelo State is preparing to

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28:57

October 1st

West Texas Dispatch ·

2025/10/01

What’s ahead for West Texas? Some demographers project a huge population boom. We talk to an expert who paints a picture of the possibilities in the coming decade.West Texas has some of the best views of the heavens. We’ll hear about a remote observatory that combines technology with excellent conditions to offer astro-photographers from anywhere the ability to capture the beauty of space.Brownwood hosts the “Feels Like Home Festival” this weekend. The second annual event features eleven bands on

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42:53

September 24th

West Texas Dispatch ·

2025/09/24

Official recommendations on immunizations come from a committee of the Centers for Disease Control. The panel met last week, taking action on some proposals and delaying votes on others. We’ll hear what vaccines residents can get at the local public health vaccine office.Each fall, monarch butterflies pass through West Texas on a 3,000-mile journey, and local experts say our region plays a vital role in their survival.A local clinic is shedding light on why menopause education matters, and how

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42:19

September 17th

West Texas Dispatch ·

2025/09/17

There’s been a lot of heightened rhetoric following the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Opinions shared online have led to resignations, firings, and more heightened rhetoric. We’ll hear about how we can turn down the temperature on simmering political debates.September is National Suicide Prevention Month. We’ve got tips on what to watch for and steps we can take to support friends or family members in crisis.Student athletes can now sign contracts that start name-and-image payments before they even

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41:19

September 10th

West Texas Dispatch ·

2025/09/10

This week we’ll step into what is shaping up to be a busy primary season for the race to replace Stan Lambert in House District 71. So far eight people have announced their intention to run. Beef! It may not be what’s for dinner so often–for a little while. Herd sizes are down–and prices are up… We’ll hear about when we might see them come down. ACU’s NEXT Lab got a shot in the arm last week when congress approved funding for the fuel it needs to operate. It’s dove hunting season in North and

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42:30

September 3rd

West Texas Dispatch ·

2025/09/03

When Governor Abbott signed a law legalizing the growing and selling of hemp products in 2019, it opened up a wild west for the industry. State lawmakers closed some loopholes this year, and recently, Abilene police began enforcing compliance with the new laws. We’ll hear about the fallout.The Texas Tech system is getting a new chancellor… we’ll take a look at what that means, and the political implications.Pollinators are an important part of all ecosystems… we’ll hear about a native West Texas

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42:27

August 27th

West Texas Dispatch ·

2025/08/27

As college campuses kick into high gear. We’re taking a look at the challenges of getting here from abroad, and we’ll share the story of one international student at McMurry.We’ll also hear about how staff at ACU work to support foreign students –the trends they’re seeing, and how they overcome the challenges that are unique to international students.Abilene is poised to be a hub for technology – Senator John Cornyn was in town yesterday, visiting what will soon be the largest A-I data center in the

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42:56

August 20th

West Texas Dispatch ·

2025/08/20

AI Data Centers need a lot of resources – we’ll hear about their needs for water in an often drought-stricken region.There are a lot of ripple effects from the A-I data centers coming to the region – we’ll hear about the impact on local housing.Abilene ISD is piloting a School Choice program at three elementary campuses this year. We’ll hear about that... and the district’s request that voters approve a new tax-rate in the November midterm election. District officials say either way, property owners

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42:43

August 13th, 2025

West Texas Dispatch ·

2025/08/13

The Texas redistricting fight continues. We’ll bring you the latest.One race that won’t be affected by the proposed new congressional map is Texas-19. Today we hear from Kyle Rable, the Democrat who’s challenging five-term incumbent Jodey Arrington.Tariffs are back. We check in on how the latest round could impact West Texas industries and families.It’s a return to the olden days for Texas Schoolkids. They can no longer bring their cellular telephones, or other communication devices, into their

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42:35

August 6th, 2025

West Texas Dispatch ·

2025/08/07

DEMOCRATS FLEE, THC BANS, AND FOOD BANKS ON THIS WEEK'S WEST TEXAS DISPATCH

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