Good morning, Abilene.

Today, Szechuan Chinese Restaurant is preparing to reopen after a January fire and staff are cleaning the koi pond because extra food has damaged the filtration system (as shown by posted signs and installed security cameras).

Anyone caught stealing the koi fish will face criminal charges.

Hardin-Simmons University held Western Heritage Day on Thursday where 3,000 kids learned about pioneer life and ranch skills—rain moved out in time for more schools to attend—and a small goat pranced in a tutu from Trent's Chasing Dreams Ranch, delighting the children.

A Zephyr ISD student, Jayden Gowin, passed away April 27 and the family gave the district permission to share the news.

The school now offers one-on-one and group counseling to help students cope — noting that common grief reactions like tiredness, mood changes and worry are normal.

Highland ISD has kept its TEA accountability score of 97 for three years — earning an A rating along with other local schools such as Abilene's Premier High.

The small district has a low student to teacher ratio and strong community ties to offer quality programs and maintain high expectations for future accountability reviews.

Abilene residents stress that the upcoming general and special elections on May 3 will shape community decisions — from school bonds to infrastructure repairs — as candidates vie for City Council seats and airport bond measures are on the ballot.

Early voting continues through today and residents say local voting helps keep funds in the community.

The City of Abilene is working to restore systems that shut down after a cyber incident — officials said they are taking steps to secure the network and prevent further disruptions.

The FDA announced it will phase out synthetic food dyes linked to health concerns that are used in many processed foods including candies and cereals.

Abilene public health officials support the shift and urge residents to opt for natural alternatives as companies begin removing these dyes — a move aimed at reducing long-term health risks.

Rain - A Tribute To The Beatles

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Abilene Convention Center — $49-$69 — Experience the magic of The Beatles with this vibrant tribute performance.

Big Country CASA’s Superhero 5K Fun Run

9:00 – 10:30 AM — Williams Performing Arts Center — Entry fee details not specified — Participate as a superhero to support children in need during this fun run.

Paramount Laughs: Beningo & Boronkay

7-10 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — $19 - $29 — Enjoy a night of clean comedy with Andy Beningo and Bill Boronkay bringing laughter about family and marriage.

Jake Hooker & The Outsiders Concert

10 PM — Taylor County Coliseum — Ticket prices vary — Get ready for an evening of country music with Jake Hooker & The Outsiders.

Etched in Embers Live Concert

8 PM - 2 AM — The Zone — $6.25 — Enjoy an electrifying night with Etched in Embers, fresh off their tour with Papa Roach and featuring local bands.

Buffalo Gap Flea Market

11:00 PM - 10:59 PM — Buffalo Gap Flea Market — Free entry — Explore a variety of unique items at this leading local flea market.

Lockjaw Concert

7-8 p.m. — The Zone — Ticket prices unknown — Experience the Monster Inside Texas Tour with top Texas bands in an electrifying live performance.

Chamber Best Practices

9:30 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. — Texas State Technical College in Abilene (Downtown Campus) — $50/person incl. Resources and Lunch — Learn valuable strategies to enhance your business practices in the local community.

Flying Bison Home Opener

7-11 p.m. — Walt Driggers Field — Free entry for kids under 3 — Kick off the 2025 season with giveaways and exciting baseball action as the Flying Bison face off against the Joplin Outlaws.