Good morning, Abilene.

FoodeesFest returns to Abilene with over 40 vendors selling BBQ & desserts.

The upcoming event promises a festive local food experience and will be held later this season.

FoodeesFest will return to the Mall of Abilene from Oct.

30 through Nov. 1 with 40+ food trucks and artisans including Sweet Chaos and Sugar Pearl Bake Shop. The festival runs daily from mid-day to evening with free admission and ADA parking.

Club Courage is a free six-week grief support program from Hendrick Hospice Care that helps children and caregivers cope with loss through art and movement; it meets Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. from Oct.

13 until Nov. 17 at the Davis Bereavement Center (applications are due by Sept. 30).

A national fast-food chain is expanding its presence in Abilene + a new video highlights the city's growing fast-food scene as residents notice more dining options.

DD's Discounts will open Sunday, Sept.

26 at Park Central Shopping Center in the former JoAnn Fabrics space at 3206 S. Clack St+ The store, covering 21,438 sqft, will offer name-brand clothing, shoes, home decor and toys at 20% to 70% off.

Claw Kingdom, a new arcade with claw machines, is renovating its 4,492 sqft space at 4150 Southwest Drive with a $50,000 investment.

The project began June 1 and will be complete Oct. 1 - offering a fresh family entertainment option in south Abilene.

This weekend, Abilene hosts three events: the HERPS Exotic Reptile & Pet Expo at the Taylor County Expo Center Saturday through Sunday, a Beatles tribute by A Hard Night's Day at the Paramount Theatre Saturday, and Exploration Aviation at the Spark Science Center Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Diesel prices in Abilene have doubled from $3.19 to about $6 per gallon, leaving truck drivers with lower profits as one said earnings per trip are nearly halved.

Prices hit an all-time high on Sept. 19 and may force drivers out if fuel costs remain high.

More than 250,000 gallons of wastewater spilled into Buck Creek from a ruptured sewer line near East Lake Road and Neas Road on Thursday, Sept.

24. City crews are cleaning up the spill, testing water quality, and advising nearby residents to avoid contact with wastewater — and officials say the drinking water system remains safe.