Today on the show we kick off a series looking at how Texas is trying to change the way people in crisis interact with the justice system. We start by looking at the problem that the state has been trying to solve…and is leading the way on for other states.Housing remains a hot topic in the Abilene area–even for the universities! Only some of their students live on campus–and some students without that housing may not be sticking around.Abilene was on the front end of the big A-I Data Center surge–but communities across West Texas are considering whether or not to develop these projects…we’ll hear how it’s looking in Lubbock.Paul Fabrizio–regular commentator for this show–and local news for decades–is retiring from McMurry. We’ll ask him how politics and teaching about it has changed over his tenure.This week’s West Texas roots takes us back to when the Abilene Zoo was at Rose Park and why you shouldn’t keep giving polar bears salt blocks.And we’ve got another 40th Birthday flashback cued up.

He’s the mayor of Abilene. He wants to be mayor again, in this time of great change for the City. We sit down with Mayor Weldon Hurt, unopposed candidate for reelection.Inspectors recorded dozens of safety violations at a West Texas ICE detention facility. We’ll hear more about the report.Almost a third of Texas women aren’t up to date on their mammograms. A local partnership aims to provide this important screening for women in the Big Country.The work is done, and today the ribbons will be cut at two recreation centers in Abilene…we’ll hear about the facilities–and the what’s news.West Texas Roots brings us the story of a close encounter with a rattlesnake…and we hear from a KACU alumnus pursuing a graduate journalism degree…in today’s installment of KACU’s 40th Birthday Flashback.

We have a special show in store today.Early voting in Texas’s Joint City and School Elections starts Monday. Today we’ll hear from the candidates for Place Four. There are four of them.Navy veteran Benjamin Baylie is a small business owner who advocates for streamlining the processes around local development as an approach to addressing Abilene’s Housing Crisis.Rich Lyles touts his experience navigating federal funding and infrastructure as a key part of his qualifications for seeking a seat on the City Council.Allison Carroll is a small business owner who has served on a variety of boards and committees, and says her experiences and community service inform her approach to serving.Tammy Fogle has run for office multiple times—and is a regular participant during the public comment portion of Abilene’s school board and city council meetings.

Millions nationwide turned up at protests over the weekend. Abilene’s gathering was just a few hundred, but was bigger than the previous demonstrations.El Paso, Texas, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar is trying to sound the alarm about a large immigration detention center in her district. 9-1-1 calls from the tent camp are common, and there have been outbreaks of tuberculosis and measles.Locals in one Big Country community have been crowd sourcing pantry staples through a family-run market to help their hungry neighbors. We’ll bring you that story.AND if, like Texas History, you might be interested in an event coming up at the Merkel Area Historical Museum…we’ll preview their upcoming talk on cattle drives.

Are you combining trips or searching out the gas stations with the lowest price at the pump? We’ll check in on gas prices today.Landowners near the Texas-Mexico border are concerned about plans to extend the border wall–and locals are organizing a legal resistance to the plans.And… they are a staple of downtown Abilene. The Texas Star Trading Company was one of the first retailers to truly give downtown Abilene a go after its restoration. Now? The owners say it’s time to hang up their boots. We’ll talk to the Dromgoole’s about the move.West Texas Roots brings us the story of the last one-room school house in Texas.We’ll tell you about a way to express your own artistic style–and help preserve historic parts of Abilene.AND another update from KACU’s former student hosts, Zane Goggans.

Today we’ll update you on the runoff for the Republican nominee for Congressional District 19… the vote count has been finalized – and the names on the ballot are set. Or are they?West Texas has seen some wild weather over the past week. We’ll dig into where it came from — and what’s ahead.Congress is ready to take up the legislation that provides a wide range of support for farmers and ranchers — we’ll take a look at how those in the industry see the proposed 2026 Farm Bill.Do you know about 325 Day? It’s coming up soon, and Merchants are not only offering special deals... some of them are turning around to give to local non-profits, including KACU.We’ll also have an installment of our “where are they now” series, updating you on what KACU’s alumni are doing today…

Today on the show, Mayor Weldon Hurt shares the key takeaways from last week’s State of the City Address. The presentation ranged from economic growth and city projects to some perspectives on Abilene’s housing crisis.The Farm Bill is getting closer to having its day in Congress… Retiring Congressman Jodey Arrington is celebrating. How do West Texas Farmers feel?And speaking of farmers - we’ll tell you about a new challenge for rice farmers. A tiny invasive pest is on the attack.A couple of events are coming up soon: the Abilene Philharmonic performs Carmen next weekend, and later this month a best-selling author shares his miraculous story with locals.And we’ve got a special blast from the past for you this hour - you don’t want to miss it!

Lots of people showed up to the polls for this primary…both Republicans and Democrats. Texas’s Primary Election Day is behind us…but there is plenty of work ahead for some of the candidates… we’ll wrap up the outcome and look ahead.Resources are limited for mental health in rural Texas. The 9-8-8 suicide hotline is key to filling in the gaps for people in crisis… but the state has yet to dedicate funding to it. We’ll tell you more. We’ll also take a look at how uninsured West Texans get healthcare.There’re plans to extend the border wall into Big Bend…and that’s drawing strong criticism across Texas–regardless of political party.And, we’ll tell you about a destination in downtown Abilene that combines creativity and caffeine…

Early voting has had a much-higher- than- usual turnout in Taylor County this primary-voting season. That’s thanks in no small part to the crowded field for two open seats.Last week we brought you interviews with the candidates for Texas State House District 71–that has been held by retiring state-rep- Stan Lambert.We have another special show in store this week, as we focus on the Republicans vying to become their party’s nominee for Texas’s 19th Congressional District. Jodey Arrington’s retirement has created a wild contest-with seven candidates on the Republican primary ballot.This week we’re partnering with KTTZ in Lubbock to bring you conversations with as many of them as we can.A runoff seems very likely-with so many candidates in the race–but once there is a clear winner - he will take on Democrat Kyle Rable in November.

This week we’ve got a collection of conversations with the candidates on the ballot for House District 71.As soon as Stan Lambert announced he wouldn’t seek reelection – candidates started filing their paperwork.Liz Case is making a second run for the seat, after coming close two years ago–with the backing of some of the state’s top Republicans.Newcomer Joshua Ohlmacher joined the race after feeling called to it during a church service.And Chance Ferguson, who’s previously challenged Jodey Arrington for the 19th Congressional District seat–has thrown his hat in the ring.Jay Hardaway was unable to make it for today’s show–but we hope to update you on his campaign as soon as possible.We’ll also preview a musical that’s coming to a stage this weekend that tells a story of healing, forgiveness, and self-acceptance.