Texas is still recovering from the devastating floods that hit not only the Hill Country, but also parts of West of Central Texas are also recovering. We’ll get details about the flooding and the cleanup in San Saba.And, get this: Just last month the average rate for a hotel room in Abilene Texas went up 36%. We’ll tell you why there is a sudden uptick in demand…and what it means for the economy.We’ll check in on All Kind Animal Shelter–the no-kill facility is constantly full.Also, did you know Monks Coffee shop is under new management? We talk to our friend Allison Carroll and the new owner Wyatt Crum about the past, present and future of one of the cornerstones of Downtown Abilene.And, each Tour de Gap brings together cyclists for a cause–this year, proceeds will help fill the gap for people needing medical care.

Lawmakers are back in Austin for a special session. The agenda includes a wide range of issues – from disaster relief for recent flooding, to the regulation of products containing THC and STAAR testing. We’ll bring you an early look.The elimination of funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting will hit this radio station harder than it will large stations in major cities. We’ll provide you with some insight into how KACU is preparing for the future.We’ll also bring you a look at how a policy to stop taxing tips affects workers in the Big Country.And comedian Vicky Lawrence is coming to town-stick around for our conversation with the former Carol Burnnett show and Mama’s Family star!

Abilene has hired Emily Crawford to replace Robert Hanna in the job of City Manager. She comes into the job as the city is ready to begin planning its next budget. We’ll introduce you to her and hear about her early thoughts on the move from Brownwood to Abilene.Colin Allred is here to talk about his next run for the US Senate–and to make his pitch for locals to join him on the ballot.We’ll check in on what’s happening at KTXS. Since the newsroom was destroyed in early June, the staff has been working down the hall from KACU. But what’s the long-term plan?On West Texas Roots, we hear from a West Texan whose Native American heritage compels him to serve as a caretaker of the earth.And stick around for a taste of Texas Steel Guitar.

Today, we bring you a show that checks in on the impact of recent flooding in West Texas and how locals can help those affected by the devastation.The city of Abilene has been working on downtown streets for more than a year. We’ll hear from some businesses about how they’re doing. And we’ll update you on where the project stands.We’ll also hear from a West Texas non-profit struggling to continue serving more than 100 rural communities.And we’ll check in on small business development in the city, a child-sized business. The Children’s Business Fair takes place next week at the Mall of Abilene.There’s a new theatre group in Abilene. We will hear more about that and West Texas Roots.All that and more coming up after the news from KACU.

West Texas joins the rest of America in celebrating the birth of the nation this week. We’ll spend this hour focused on the observance of Independence Day.A political scientist takes some time to discuss some of the basics of American civics.We’ll hear from two veterans, one Republican and one Democrat, who share what patriotism means to them.We’ll bring you a look at the different ways Americans celebrate their freedoms–and how they interact with the symbols of that freedom.And one of the most iconic American musical groups, The Oak Ridge Boys, are coming to Abilene, and we’ll talk to a member of the band about their farewell tour.

School’s out for the summer! But there’s no rest for administrators.They have a lot to do to prepare for changes the state legislature passed, everything from classroom decor to school safety and standardized testing. We’ll speak with two local superintendents.Those administrators may find some time to take a break, like most of us do in the summer. We’ll check in on summer travel through ABI and speak with Don Green about plans for the renovations that they can get to work on now that voters approve the bond package to pay for them.We’ll get some tips for lawn and garden care for the summer heat, and we’ll also hear from the local barbecue spot that made a list of the top 50 in Texas.

The Trump administration is making changes to lots of healthcare policies, some affect funding, some affect qualifications for coverage, and some out last week will impact vaccinations. A local pediatrician explains how these recommendations could affect moms and kids and her ability to provide care.The City of Abilene continues to deal with the cyber attack. Last week, officials asked the city council to approve funds as they replace systems and equipment taken out by the April attack.Abilene’s Juneteenth celebration gets underway today! Family-friendly activities and music are planned for this year’s event in Stevenson Park.A Texas herbalist shares her memories of harvesting food from the land and her experience with the prickly pear cactus.And get your reusable shopping bags ready, the Friends of the Library sale returns to the Abilene Convention Center this weekend, with a sneak peek for members beginning tomorrow!

Wind. Rain. Hail. Tornadoes. Several strong storms have blown through West Texas this spring. KTXS meteorologists share what it was like to be in the building when it took a direct hit.We’ll also be speaking today with Representative Stan Lambert. He survived a primary challenge and returned to Austin. We’ll hear his perspective on the 89th Legislative Session—and the Taylor County Republican Party voted this week to censure him—we’ll give him a chance to respond.We’ve also got a close-up on Texas Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows, the first West Texan to wield the gavel in more than a decade.And as part of the Texas Standard’s year-long 10TH birthday celebration, the show is coming to Abilene! They’ll be broadcasting from the CALF festival—find out how you can welcome them to Abilene.

This week, voters will decide who will serve in Abilene’s Place Five City Council seat. Kyle McAlister faced two challengers in the May election, and no one got enough votes to win outright. Now, McAlister and challenger Miguel Espinoza are in a runoff. We’ll hear from both of them.The 86th Legislative session passed more than a thousand pieces of legislation under the leadership of a West Texan. We’ll check in on some of the bills that will impact life, learning, and property for our part of the Lone Star State.West Texas Roots checks in from Paint Rock.AND, one of the biggest events of the year for Abilene is just around the corner. The Children’s Art and Literacy Festival brings Illustrator Matt Phelan to town next week. We’ll take a look at what’s new for this year’s CALF.

The local real estate market is facing some major changes as federal cuts would eliminate 44% of the budget for housing vouchers. That would impact thousands of local households.The US Budget passed by the House makes some huge changes to Medicaid, slashing funding by hundreds of billions over the next decade and requiring recipients to work in order to keep their coverage. We’ll hear from a Brownwood doctor who shares his perspective on how this will impact rural West Texas.Abilene has suspended the practice of adding fluoride to the public water supply, and the U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy is urging the CDC to stop recommending that it be added to municipal water. A local dentist explains why he thinks fluoride is key to protecting public health.On West Texas Roots, a West Texan recounts his father’s World War Two service, life along San Angelo’s Sherwood Way, and family memories that span from West Texas to Alaska.And the second season for the Flying Bison baseball team is underway.