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 get to the professional level. We’ll take a look at the ripple effects for programs that are outside the brightest spotlights.We’ll also hear about a *non-student*- athlete- who brought a national equestrian championship home to Abilene this year.Two best friends, seven continents, one unforgettable adventure, and they’re both 80. Abilene’s most famous traveling duo has just released their first book.And the 75th Season of the Abilene Philharmonic kicks off next week. The concert features the music of Beethoven and Rachmaninoff.

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 Central Texas. There aren't many limits on hunting what’s considered an invasive species in the state, making it popular with hunters. We’ll check in on safety-for those heading out to hunt this season.

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 plant–and research into how bees tend to it.

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 U-S — and talking with local officials about the local impact.A new think-tank on water is percolating in West Texas… we’ll tell you about it.And we’ll hear how in a city rooted in Christian tradition, the Interfaith Council is working to build bridges.

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 will see a decrease in the school-funding portion of their tax bills.Quail populations may be turning around in Texas – we’ll hear about how researchers have developed feed aimed at putting a stop to the decline.And KACU’s Local Sports Report is back! Zion Webb will be here to give us a preview.

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 classrooms. Opinions are mixed on the ban.We’ll hear about how federal funding cuts will affect work that Texas Tech researchers are doing to help property owners work with the Texas environment.

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

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.