Good morning, Abilene.

On Saturday, downtown Abilene hosted a parade honoring veterans with equestrian groups, JROTC students, and local school bands marching through the streets.

Many families enjoyed the event — which included a car show and Great Lakes Cheese tossing snack-sized cheddar — even though airmen from Dyess did not join due to a government shutdown.

The American Red Cross announced that Liberty-Grace Bland has been named the new executive director and will oversee disaster response, military support, and community preparedness—covering 38 counties from Wichita Falls to Brownwood.

Bland said she plans to visit current partners and seek new ones to strengthen the region's emergency work.

The Salvation Army in Abilene is asking for volunteers to support its Red Kettle campaign and Angel Tree program—volunteers will serve as bell ringers and gift sorters for 800 children with shifts available from Nov.

10 through Dec. 23 and from Nov. 10 through Dec. 17.

The Mill is hosting a Wicked watch party on November 19th at 6 p.m.—fans will see the first film as they prepare for Wicked: For Good to hit theaters on November 21st.

Parents at Clyde Elementary School said a second-grade teacher allegedly bullied a special needs student by singling her out with harsh remarks that made her cry last week.

One parent said that without proper training and accountability for teachers, she may pull her own child from the school.

Abilene ISD leaders met Monday to plan how to use $10 million in new revenue after nearly 55% vote approval.

They agreed to focus on paying off the deficit, hiring and keeping staff, updating the bus fleet, fixing deferred maintenance, and adding instruction — the top ideas will be sent to a districtwide survey.

At Hardin-Simmons, a hippotherapy program uses calm horses to provide physical and speech therapy for patients with conditions like cerebral palsy, stroke, and Parkinson’s (helping with anxiety and stress).

Professors and students work together as treatment shows improvements in patients’ movement and language skills.

A local college student with Cystic Fibrosis, who was diagnosed at age two, has shared her story about managing daily treatments and feeling unseen struggles with the disease+ she said that overcoming challenges like frequent IV antibiotics has inspired her to raise awareness and use her experience to support others.

Live2Lead Abilene

8:30 AM – 6:30 PM — 201 Mesquite Event Center — Registration Required — Experience powerful insights and networking opportunities to enhance your leadership skills.

The Nutcracker Ballet

8-10 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Cost Info Not Specified — Experience the magic of Abilene Ballet Theatre's holiday classic with a beloved tale of Clara and her Nutcracker.

22nd Annual Turkey Trot

8:00-9:59 a.m. — P.E. Shotwell Stadium — Proceeds benefit local charities — Kick off the holiday season with a community run for fitness and fun.

Celebration Singers Christmas Concert

7-8 p.m. — Boone Family Theatre — Suggested donation of $10 — Experience the joy of Christmas with choral performances from the Celebration Singers.

A Christmas Story Screening

2-3:30 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — $7 for adults, $6 for students/seniors/military/children — Relive the hilarious holiday adventures of Ralphie Parker as he dreams of the perfect Christmas gift.

Annual Christmas Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Free admission — Celebrate the holiday season with festive music performed by the Abilene Community Band.