There are 3 universities in town. How will the closing of the U-S Department of Education impact those institutions—Students and their families–and higher education as a whole?The annual archaeological dig at Paint Rock brought together indigenous people in time for the equinox–we’ll have the latest from that ongoing project.Watch out for third party ticket sellers. We'll have more on that. West Texas Roots brings us the story of a father’s journey from hitchhiking to the oil fields.And McMurry’s Playfest is coming up–the annual event gives student playwrights the chance to see their work on the stage. This year’s event features a play written by a McMurry student who won a statewide contest last fall.

This week we’ll take a look at just how hard it is to hire teachers. The state legislature is considering a number of bills that could help on the pay side of things—-but could narrow the candidate pool by banning the hiring of uncertified teachers.As the Trump Administration reduces federal spending ...employees in agencies across the state are waiting to see how they’ll be impacted. Some of Texas’s most popular outdoor destinations are at risk. We’ll hear about layoffs at Big Bend National Park and concerns that state parks are getting some unwanted attention.It’s been another week of wild weather in West Texas. We’ll look back at the Panhandle wildfire that broke records a year ago–and check in on how drought and wind are affecting our region this spring.And West Texas Roots brings us the story of a lifelong passion for pecans

This week, we’ll hear from an attorney who serves migrants in West Texas. She shares her experience of navigating the fast-paced changes impacting her work with people who are working on becoming U.S. citizens. There’s someone new at the helm of McMurry University. We’ll introduce you to President Lynn Murray, who is leading the university into its next century. Drought is intensifying across Texas. The Texas Water Development Board reported last week that, compared to a year ago, Texas has more than double the amount of drought. We’ll hear from an author who says cities in the Southwest could be a model for resilience as temperatures rise and drought becomes an ongoing challenge. AND local children are preparing for their moment in the spotlight this month—the Dyess and Abilene Children’s Theater will bring Disney’s The Little Mermaid Junior to the stage.

It's KACU's spring fundraiser! This week we’ll get the local perspective on actions out of Washington DC that are impacting local businesses, agencies and individuals.

There’s been a lot of confusion and anxiety for federal employees since the Department of Government Efficiency began huge reductions in the federal workforce. We’ll hear from a local man who is now a former employee of the U-S Department of Agriculture. Health officials gave an update on the West Texas measles outbreak–we’ll have the latest. Have you heard the country song that puts Abilene in the spotlight? Stay tuned to hear about how some local folks helped produce the video for the popular song.

Coming up on this week’s show we’ll check in with a local homeschooling group about how they see the current legislation that would give money to families who want to educate their children outside of the state’s public education system.We’ll also get some details on a downtown housing development—that the city council did a major reversal to support at last week’s meeting.Measles is in the news after an outbreak in West Texas–we’ll have an update.And West Texas Roots brings a story of a Big Country family that helped place some keystones for the community of Bangs—and experienced one of the most famous bank robberies in the region.

On this week’s show—journalism takes another hit in the Big Country as KTXS reduces its staff —and pilots a new anchor-less newscast. Two veteran journalists give us their take.Also, SB2 passed out of the Senate just days after Governor Abbott laid out his emergency items. We’ll hear from a local school board member on the voucher plan making its way through the state legislature.Two local choirs are in San Antonio to perform at the Texas Music Educators Association.And in time for Valentine's Day—this week’s West Texas Roots brings us a love story — as a blacksmith tells us of his love for a special anvil.

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