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Hi Abilene, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Stargate AI data center debate, Do Portugal Circus, Outlaws and Legends songwriter competition finale, and more.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Tributes follow a newsroom goodbye: Dylan Smith has left Abilene’s KRBC after seven years. His last week on air was December 2025, and colleagues, including Carter Vandrasik, shared memories. His next move is unknown — see what colleagues shared.
AI megaproject spurs local debate: Abilene’s four-million-square-foot Stargate AI data center nears completion this year, with OpenAI and Oracle backing. About 300 permanent jobs are expected, while residents weigh environmental and infrastructure concerns — get all the details.
Real talk on family transitions: An episode of Blended Motherhood Explained featured Abilene life coach Kristie Carpenter sharing insights on blended families, emphasizing patience and respect, and helping mothers find confidence and clarity — read the full story.
Capturing the year’s spirit: ARN’s favorite 2025 photos spotlight Abilene moments, including the West Texas Fair & Rodeo at the Taylor County Expo Center and a visit from the Gatlin Brothers — see the featured photos.
Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your IRA or portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: Insurance prices drop all the time, but you’ll only know if you check. I assumed my rate was fine until I compared options and realized I was leaving real money on the table. It took a minute to check and instantly showed better offers for where I live. If it’s been more than a few months, you should probably run this comparison tool here.
One pet emergency can easily cost $7,000+ but pet insurance helps ease the financial and emotional burden. It’s something I wish I’d had after spending $10k on last-minute surgery for my cat (her name is Miss Stache). I learned my lesson and signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Champion for challenged learners: Abilene’s own Kallie Pringle, a fifth grade math teacher at Alcorta Elementary, was named the Abilene Teachers Federal Credit Union Amazing Teacher of the Month and a national honoree in late January. She was praised for patience, compassion, and the strong relationships she builds with students. See why she was nominated.
How advocacy became action: Abilene’s Safe Haven Baby Box was used for the first time recently, saving an infant’s life. Local resident Karen Light championed the device after Texas legalized them, and Abilene Fire Department handled the placement. The box lets parents safely and anonymously surrender newborns under the Safe Haven Law. Learn how it came together.
Roll cravings, solved: From classic and creative rolls to sashimi, bento boxes, and cozy cooked plates, Masa Bistro & Sushi Bar covers every craving. When the midweek “what’s for dinner” debate starts, this friendly neighborhood spot keeps peace among the group and makes choosing easy.
Treasure hunt, Abilene-style: Haven’t swung by Thrift House lately? Consignor-curated finds, friendly volunteers, and that “I can’t believe I just scored this” rush awaits, making it an easy win when your closet or home needs a refresh without retail guilt.
A smart way to save on big purchases: When costs hit the tens of thousands, credit card and personal loan interest racks up fast. A HELOC lets you tap into your home’s equity as a flexible line of credit at a lower rate… all without refinancing your mortgage. I’ve been looking into this myself, and Figure’s HELOC stood out for its 100% online application, no in-person appraisal, and quick access to cash.
Your neighbors are Googling you:It’s an uncomfortable thought, but people search names all the time — employers, new friends, other parents at school pickup. If something negative, outdated, or misleading shows up on the first page, it can shape how people see you before you ever meet. BetterReputation helps push down unwanted search results so the first impression you make actually reflects who you are today. And if it’s not your name, you can help a friend or family member with that too.
Get clarity on financial decisions: Managing retirement, taxes, and investments alone can feel overwhelming, especially during big life transitions. Financial advisors provide holistic guidance, help reduce risk, and keep emotions away from costly decisions. I found a tool called Unbiased that matches you with the right financial advisor based on your personal situation so you can get a second opinion… it never hurts.
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📆 Around town this weekend
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
📖 Groundhog Day Storytime @ Abilene Public Library – South Branch | Friday (2/6) at 4:00 PM – If your kids still have questions about why a marmot decides our wardrobe, hit the South Branch for a Groundhog Day storytime. Expect playful tales, simple activities, and a craft with materials provided, plus enough winter charm to pacify February.
🎙 On Air Live Podcast @ National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature | Friday (2/6) at 6:30 PM – Whether you’re a kid-lit diehard or just here for the banter, Charnaie Gordon joins the Pumphrey Brothers for a live KACU show. Jazz warms things up, then a meet and greet, and a book signing. Table tickets snag priority seating, two drinks, and charcuterie.
🎨 9 am Artist Workshop @ National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature | Saturday (2/7) at 9:00 AM – Drop your kid at the 9 am Artist Workshop with The Pumphrey Brothers, NCCIL’s Spring artists, for hands-on art that earns fridge space. You get a quiet coffee, they get paint under their nails, and everyone feels cultured before lunch.
💘 Valentines Market @ The Mill | Saturday (2/7) at 12:00 PM – Skip the prix fixe scramble and wander The Mill’s Valentines Market instead, where local vendors, live music, and special Valentine eats do the heavy lifting. Grab a sangria, cruise the sweet treats and bakery stalls, then let the kitchen handle dinner, dessert, and your mood.
💘 The Sweetheart Market @ Fat Matt Roofing | Saturday (2/7) at 4:00 PM – Skip the big-box roses and swing by the Sweetheart Market, a Valentine-y lineup of local makers, small businesses, and food trucks at the old Women’s Club, now Fat Matt Roofing HQ. Hunt down handmade gifts, treats, and good vibes. Free, family-friendly, local bragging rights included.
🏆 Outlaws and Legends Songwriter Competition Finale @ The Big Country Beer Garden | Saturday (2/7) at 6:00 PM – Three finalists square off in the finale for a coveted Outlaws and Legends 2026 slot, and Mark Powell and his band cap the night. Expect less karaoke, more bragging rights, and songs you will pretend you discovered first, so grab tickets now.
🎻 From Saddle to Symphony Hall @ Abilene Convention Center | Saturday (2/7) at 7:30 PM – Nothing beats the Abilene Philharmonic cutting loose with Western Swing, where tuxes meet two-step. Dave Alexander and his Western Swing Band blend jazz, country, and swing, so expect toe taps, chair dancing, and a grin you can’t shake, no dance floor needed. Boots approved.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Abilene report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 70°F – Low: 43°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 70. West southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 43. West southwest wind around 5 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 77°F – Low: 45°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 77. Northwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 45. South southeast wind around 0 mph.
This house is wild
In The Villages, this 4-bed, 4.5-bath home blends top-tier finishes with professional designer flair. A generous plan links formal dining, a quiet library, a dedicated media room, and a bright hobby room. The kitchen centers on a gas cooktop, and a gas-log fireplace warms the gathering spaces. Storage abounds. The laundry adds a workspace, and the primary suite is oversized and serene.
Outside, an outdoor kitchen joins a gas-plumbed fireplace, and the sizable yard is ready for a future pool. A three-car garage adds capacity. It sits on a pretty cul-de-sac with low traffic. The owner is a licensed agent.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
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