West Texas Dispatch

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.

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!