Good morning, Abilene.

Wylie East Intermediate evacuated on Friday after smoke was seen from a fire in its construction zone; the Abilene Fire Department quickly extinguished the blaze and the district confirmed all students were safe with regular dismissal proceeding.

McMurry University has received a $2.8 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education to boost student pathways and AI literacy in its Pathways to Purpose initiative.

The five-year project runs through Sept. 30.

McMurry University received a $2.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Title III Strengthening Institutions Program.

The five-year project began Oct. 1 and will run until Sept. 30, 2031.

Changes to SNAP benefits took effect Oct.

1 in Abilene, raising benefits for single households from $298 to $306 monthly & new work rules require adults without dependents to meet stricter employment criteria. The update comes amid rising food costs.

During Fentanyl Awareness Month, local health groups are linking residents to detox, treatment and opioid recovery support.

Abilene-area services include 24-hour care at Serenity House, federally certified programs at WTCR and Absolute Recovery Solutions — which provide Narcan access during overdose emergencies.