High Plains Public Radio

10/30/2026

The federal defunding of 2025 created a significant budget shortfall for HPPR. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we were able to bridge the initial budget gap, ultimately paving the way for the creation of the High Plains Civic Media Network.

The Civic Media Network is fully grant-funded for two years, thanks to generous grants from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and Press Forward.

Learn more about the Civic Media Network and how you can get involved at https://www.hppr.org/high-plains-civic-media-network

10/30/2026

Incomes grew in some parts of the state and fell in others, according to new U.S. Census Bureau figures. Meanwhile, homeowners are paying more to keep a roof over their heads.

Continue reading the full article at HPPR.ORG.

This article first appeared on The Texas Tribune.

Incomes grew in some parts of the state and fell in others, according to new U.S. Census Bureau figures. Meanwhile, homeowners are paying more to keep a roof over their heads.

10/30/2026

The Kansas Library Association is holding its annual conference in Wichita.

Continue reading the full article at HPPR.ORG.

This story is published by The Kansas News Service.

The Kansas Library Association is holding its annual conference in Wichita.

10/30/2026

Today on HPPR Radio Readers Book Club, Martin Fulmer of Goodwell, Oklahoma, reflects on Melanie Benjamin’s The Children’s Blizzard and the unimaginable challenges faced by those caught in the devastating 1888 storm.

Drawing on his own experiences with unexpected snowstorms, Martin explores how quickly familiar roads can become dangerous and how weather can change everything in an instant.

Listen to today’s episode at HPPR.ORG!

I am Martin Fulmer from Goodwell, OK, here for the HPPR Radio Readers Book Club’s 2026 Fall Read. Growing up in the Carolinas, I never thought of blizzards as part of my weather vocabulary. Hurricanes, yes. But blizzards belonged somewhere else. Melanie Benjamin’s The Children’s Blizzard remin...

10/30/2026

Kansans demand property tax reform, but Legislature struggles to make a deal.

Continue reading the full article at HPPR.ORG.

This story is published by the Kansas Reflector.

Kansans demand property tax reform, but Legislature struggles to make a deal.

10/23/2026

Poets of the Panhandles, head to West Texas A&M University this Sunday at noon with your best 5-7-5 liners! It's the return of HAIKU DEATH MATCH! This event is a blast, so spread the word and bring some quick-draw verse that SLAYS!

ABOUT THE EVENT (from Chip Chandler): West Texas A&M University’s Department of English, Philosophy and Modern Languages once again will host the Haiku Death Match, pitting competitors against each other in a tournament to find the best haiku of the year.The contest is set for noon O...

10/23/2026

In case you missed it, HPPR chatted with Devin Singleton of Panhandle PBS about his brilliant, three-part series about sucide loss. All three are available on their YouTube channel, so check it out. Click to hear the full interview, links to the series, and resources for those in crisis. ~ If you or someone you know is in crisis or experiencing thoughts of su***de, call or text 988.~ https://www.hppr.org/hppr-arts-culture-history/2026-10-23/a-space-filled-an-interview-with-panhandle-pbs-filmmaker-devin-singleton-about-his-documentary-series-on-su***de-loss

10/23/2026

Tomorrow after lunch, head to Chapterhouse Bookstore in Amarillo on Rte. 66 for a reading and discussion with TX Panhandle poetry royalty. Chera Hammons & Wes Reeves will share their NEW WORK + answer your questions (moderated by HPPR's Jenny Inzerillo). Get your books signed + support regional arts! ~ Plus, art prints from local art designer and birder José Barrientos. ~ [Books: "Birds of America" by Chera Hammons; "Más Dir"t by Wes Reeves] // Hear our interview with Lauren from Chapterhouse! https://www.hppr.org/hppr-arts-culture-history/2026-10-22/birds-horses-and-dirt-poetry-reading-this-saturday-celebrates-a-few-of-our-favorite-things

10/23/2026

Texas environmental officials disabled an online filing system after watchdog groups raised concerns about the agency issuing permits related to data centers.

Continue reading the full article at HPPR.ORG.

This story previously appeared on the Texas Tribune.

Texas environmental officials disabled an online filing system after watchdog groups raised concerns about the agency issuing permits related to data centers.

10/23/2026

Here’s what’s happening on the High Plains! 🧀🎶

Amarillo has a full day of food, fun, and music coming up on Saturday, October 24! Join The Hope & Healing Place at the Amarillo Art Institute for The BIG Cheese Community Cook Off from 11 AM to 2 PM. Enjoy great food, friendly competition, and a chance to support free grief programs for children, families, and individuals in the community. Tickets are $30, and kids under 13 get in free!

Then, celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with The Amarillo Symphony’s Made in America: Celebrate 250! from 7:30 to 9:30 PM. This special concert features music by American composers, including a dazzling new trumpet concerto and Aaron Copland’s iconic Symphony No. 3. Tickets start at $27 at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts.

Find more events happening across the High Plains on the HPPR Community Calendar at HPPR.org!

10/23/2026

A 2-1 decision Wednesday rejected claims by the administration of President Donald Trump that a six-month detention clock that limited challenges to lawfulness of a detainee’s incarceration could be restarted each time a person was released and detained.

Continue reading the full article at HPPR.ORG.

This story previously appeared on the Kansas Reflector.

A 2-1 decision Wednesday rejected claims by the administration of President Donald Trump that a six-month detention clock that limited challenges to lawfulness of a detainee’s incarceration could be restarted each time a person was released and detained.

10/23/2026

Today on Radio Readers Book Club, Glenda Shepard, explores The Children’s Blizzard by David Laskin. Through the devastating blizzard of January 12, 1888, Shepard reflects on the storm’s tragic impact, the lives of immigrant settlers, and the challenges of living on the Great Plains. Listen to this new BookByte as part of HPPR’s 2026 Fall Read.

I'm Glenda Shepard of Yucca Corners farm in rural Stanton County KS. On a 100 plus degree day in August, I have for you my Radio Readers BookByte of The Children's Blizzard by David Laskin.

10/23/2026

Rural Kansas keeps getting older. The median age in the state's rural communities is 42 years, five years higher than the statewide median of 37 years. Part of the problem: Young people leaving to seek jobs in metropolitan areas like Kansas City, Wichita, and Denver. In western Kansas, one man has started a program to connect young people with local jobs.

Continue reading the full article at HPPR.ORG.

This report is part of the Kansas Public Radio series, Rural Kansas Rising: Tech, Talent, and Tomorrow's Jobs. Funding for the series was provided by the Kansas Department of Commerce Office of Rural Prosperity.

Rural Kansas keeps getting older. The median age in the state's rural communities is 42 years, five years higher than the statewide median of 37 years. Part of the problem: Young people leaving to seek jobs in metropolitan areas like Kansas City, Wichita, and Denver. In western Kansas, one man has s...

10/22/2026

Examples include operating on the wrong patient or the wrong body part, or even leaving an object inside a patient after a surgery.

Continue the story and explore more details at HPPR.ORG.

This story is sourced from KERA.

Examples include operating on the wrong patient or the wrong body part, or even leaving an object inside a patient after a surgery.

10/22/2026

The Cafecito program in Dodge City is a monthly Spanish-language gathering held at local schools, providing information about nutrition and healthy eating while building connections among caregivers, school staff and community partners.

Continue reading the full article at HPPR.ORG.

This story previously appeared on The Journal.

The Cafecito program in Dodge City is a monthly Spanish-language gathering held at local schools, providing information about nutrition and healthy eating while building connections among caregivers, school staff and community partners.