Good morning, Abilene.

Abilene police arrested 21 year old Ivonyai Lamb on Wednesday in North Carolina after he had been on the run since February for fatally shooting 46 year old Ramiel Sanders at Cedar Creek Apartments in South Abilene on February 7 — he will be brought back to face the murder charge.

At the Vatican, white smoke showed that a new pope, Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native, was elected.

Father Emilio Sosa said Abilene Catholics are excited and have already begun praying for him—hoping his American roots bring good influence to their faith community.

The annual Western Heritage Classic brings about $1.7 million to Abilene’s economy as 30,000 visitors — mostly from outside the area — attend rodeo events and local promotions.

The event, held from May 8 to 11, supports the Expo Center’s year-round programs and donates around $10,000 to the Junior League.

Abilene named Emily H.

Crawford its new City Manager with her term beginning on June 25, making her the second woman in the role. Crawford has over 14 years of local government experience from Brownwood & is expected to bring fresh ideas to lead the city forward.

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.

Texas West Area Assembly Spring 2025

May 30 - June 1 — MCM Eleganté Suites Abilene — Pre-registration required — Connect and collaborate to preserve our legacy with a community-focused assembly.

KCDConcert! 2025

2-5 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Children 5 and under free — Experience an enchanting afternoon of dance as Key City Dance Co. presents their 5th annual recital 'Under the Stars'.

Abilene: Tales of Home

7:30-9 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Free entry — Historian Jay Moore shares engaging and humorous tales about Abilene, Texas, connecting locals with their rich history.

Blue October Concert

7-9 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — $39 - $99 — Experience the vibrant sounds of Blue October as they perform live in concert.