Good morning, Abilene.

Cub Scout Pack 217 hosted a paper airplane contest at Hillcrest Church of Christ on Tuesday, Aug.

25, where roughly 25 scouts competed in grade divisions for distance and prizes.

Abilene Zoo is expanding its Africa region with new animals, immersive exhibits, and a two-story café where visitors can see cheetahs.

The $27 million project—Bold Adventure—will open late 2027 and create more space for lions and giraffes as fundraising continues.

A local discussion on data centers took place yesterday at Abilene Heritage Square.

The Abilene Chamber of Commerce and the Texas Tribune co-hosted the event where panelists (George P. Bush, Jose Beceiro of Google, and Taylor County Judge Phil Crowley) discussed local economic impacts.

Last weekend, the 5th Annual Robert Ybarra Rebel Fest (held at Potosi Live) raised funds for three $2,000 scholarships for graduating Big Country student athletes, honoring the late athlete whose love for sports and concerts inspired this record-attendance event.

Abilene Environmental Health Division inspected local restaurants for food safety from Aug.

17-21, scoring venues from perfect to low. Some establishments such as V.F.W. Post and Blue Agave Bar + Kitchen scored low due to priority violations like mold on soda guns and unsafe food temperatures.