David Thomas drops in to help preview Mark Stoops' 2023 edition of Kentucky Wildcats football.  The "Toccopola Storyteller," Jerry Short, returns to reminiscence about eventful western travels.  A deadly August storm front takes the lives of an Alabama man and a South Carolina teenager. Also, we learn all about Southern novelist Ann Beattie.

USNWT is ousted from the World Cup.  Megan Hedwall discuses her fellow Megan – Rapinoe – and the soccer player's attraction to political drama instead of practicing penalty kicks. Gas prices keep going up, with Mississippi's current $3.32 average the lowest in the nation. Also, we spotlight the 2023 North Carolina Tar Heels, Heels' sophomore QB Drake May, and the football traditions in Chapel Hill.

Paul Hare stops by to discuss the week's financial news, including changes to debt and taxation. The Arkansas Razorbacks are hog wild about the fourth year of the Sam Pittman era, which begins Sept. 2 against Western Carolina. Also, we rewind to 1997 for a salute to country music band Sons Of The Desert and their one Top 10 hit, "Whatever Comes First."

Florida State is looking to exit the ACC.  Will commissioner Greg Sankey and the Southeastern Conference take the Noles' call?  The Oak Ridge Boys have now been together 50 years in their current four-man lineup.  We have info on Donald Trump's indictment today in Washington, D.C., including thoughts from 2024 Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. Plus, the annual Watermelon Carnival returns this weekend to Water Valley, Mississippi. 

Donald Trump receives a third indictment, this team for his involvement with January 6, 2021.  Megan Hedwall and Jon Rawl discuss the case special counsel Jack Smith is presenting.  Being on vacation does not mean you can can't stay in shape.  Hedwall has some away-from-home tone tips.  Also, Louisiana's on our mind today: Cafe Du Monde beignets, Tulane Green Wave Football, and a study of the Acadiana and American Indian heritage of the Pelican State.

Watermelon theft is on "Toccopola Storyteller" Jerry Short's story palate this week. A potential mass shooting at a Jewish school in Memphis is averted on Monday. August arrives, and longtime rivals Navy and Notre Dame will kick-off college football's season on Aug. 26.  Also, Sarasota, Florida, native and 1980s TV personality Paul Reubens ("Pee-wee Herman") dies of cancer at age 70.

Multiple Republican candidates speak at the Lincoln Dinner in Des Moines, Iowa. Megan Hedwall returns to discuss the boos, vision and speedy speeches heard in Iowa.  Jews have died in America's armed conflicts since 1776, when Francis Salvador died in colonial South Carolina. Also, we've got a helpful two ingredient watermelon ice cream recipe.

Dabo Swinney and Mack Brown speak about their Clemson Tigers and North Carolina Tar Heels teams as ACC Kickoff concludes in Charlotte on Thursday. We have a musical tribute to The Eagles co-founder Randy Meisner, who died this week at age 77.  Also, a tasty history lesson on Eagle Brand condensed milk.

Hunter Biden doesn't have the best day in court this week. Jon Rawl shares his thoughts on the troubled son of President Joe Biden.  UVa coach Tony Elliott, FSU coach Mike Norvell, and Duke coach and reigning "ACC Coach of the Year" honoree Mike Elko speak about their respective teams at ACC Media Days, Day 2.  Plus, a breakdown of states hating other states in today's "Hashtag Hullabaloo."

Miami coach Mario Cristobal, Georgia Tech's Brent Key, and ACC commissioner Jim Phillips all speak in Charlotte on Day 1 of ACC Football Media Days 2023.  Virginia-born, East Carolina University-educated Sandra Bullock turns 59 today.  Also, CNBC has a helpful business story about just how the medical industry has privatized in the past 25 years.