Good morning, Abilene.

Abilene hosts a Spring Market at the Mill (239 Locust St.) Saturday noon–4 p.m. with local shopping and freebies, live folk music at Big Country Beer Garden on Saturday, and free ACU softball games Friday and Saturday at Poly Wells Field.

A Hardin-Simmons sophomore is leading the campuswide film project 'Roses' to showcase independent filmmaking in Abilene.

Filming is scheduled for this summer with production week set for mid-June — community members are encouraged to support the project through donations or sponsorships.

Paramount Theatre faces a leadership change as executive director George Levesque will step down in June to lead Tampa Theatre.

KTXS is set to speak with him this afternoon about the venue’s next steps and future direction.

Meta will cut about 8,000 jobs starting May 20 as it plans to spend $135 billion on AI infrastructure.

Bill Dean from Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas said the region’s 3.8% unemployment rate may help local workers access job fairs and training events.

Taylor County emergency dispatchers — the first point of contact in crises — answer around 300,000 calls a year and guide first responders promptly, ensuring help reaches Abilene and nearby communities today.

Airmen from the 317th Airlift Wing arrived at Clark Air Base on April 17 from Dyess Air Force Base to support Exercise Balikatan 2026 — a multinational drill celebrating 75 years of U.S.-Philippine defense ties that uses extended-range aircraft for fueling and tactical airlift missions.

Several restaurants in Mall of Abilene closed Monday amid reported rat issues, and the city's Public Health Department is reviewing the affected establishments to verify safety conditions.

5K Run & 1 Mile Walk – Heirs to the Throne

9 AM – 3 PM — Redbud Park — Registration required — Family-friendly run and walk to support local mentorship programs and retreats.

Toadies Live at Potosi

7-10 p.m. — Fun Town RV Event Center — All Ages — Experience Toadies performing their new album 'The Charmer' crafted with the legendary Steve Albini.

Bob Dylan Concert

8:00 – 9:30 p.m. — Abilene Convention Center — Tickets on sale Dec 12 — Experience the legendary Bob Dylan on the final stop of his U.S. tour showcasing his iconic songwriting.

Big Country CASA’s Superhero 5K

9-10:30 a.m. — Williams Performing Arts Center — Registration required — Race to support CASA and enjoy a superhero-themed fun run.

2026 RHAA National Finals

10 AM – 10 AM — Western Heritage Classic — Entry fees apply — Watch some of the best ranch horses and riders compete for championship titles in Abilene, Texas.

24K Magic: Bruno Mars Tribute Show

7-8 p.m. — Potosi Live — $30 and $57 — Experience the electrifying energy of the #1 Bruno Mars tribute band while supporting a scholarship fund.

TLCA Eagles Spring Market

4-7 p.m. — Elm Creek at Wylie Subdivision — Support local vendors — Enjoy a fun shopping experience with student and local vendors for Mother’s Day weekend.

Big Country Veterans Expo and Car Show

9 AM - 2 PM — Taylor County Coliseum — Free entry — Discover essential resources for veterans while enjoying a fun car show.

Jay Moore: News from Abilene

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Tickets $12 — Enjoy an evening of storytelling and laughter with historian Jay Moore as he shares tales from Abilene.