Move-in day: College students arrive on campus
Students unpack boxes and organize their dorms as
Abilene News
Schools
Abilene ISD welcomes 14,500+ students back as schools kick off 2026-27
ABILENE, Texas — The majority of Abilene ISD’s 18 schools started the 2026-2027 session, serving more than 14,500 students, according to the AISD website....
San Angelo ISD moves forward on $103.7M new Glenn Middle School construction
San Angelo ISD is moving forward with construction of a new Glenn Middle School, a more than $100 million project included in the district’s 2025 bond program....
Abilene ISD to offer free meals to all students
Abilene ISD students will continue to receive free breakfast and lunch during the 2026-27 school year
Physical therapist warns parents about the hidden health risks of heavy backpacks
For parents preparing children for a new school year, the weight and positioning of a backpack warrant as much attention as the supplies packed inside....
After 33 years together, couple returns to school at TSTC Abilene
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) - After 33 years of marriage, Eulogio and Mina Granado are taking on a new challenge together: returning to school. The Lohn couple is attending Texas State Technical College in Abilene, where they are working toward associate degrees in plumbing and pi...
'Deeply dangerous': Kindergarten vaccine exemptions reach new high amid measles outbreaks
As kids embark on a new school year, newly released data shows that more kindergartners are heading to class with vaccine exemptions.
Big Country schools offer free meals, AISD launches new meal platform
BIG COUNTRY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) - Many schools across the Big Country are offering free breakfast and lunch to students through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). CEP is a federal program under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program that allows qual...
Abilene ISD: District rating increases, most campuses decrease
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) - The latest accountability ratings are in, and while AISD’s overall district rating increased, 11 campuses saw their ratings decrease. The district’s overall rating rose to 76, up from 75 in 2025. AISD is working toward its North Star Goal of having 75...
Teens risk critical thinking, learning as they lean into AI for schoolwork
Common Sense Media finds most teens use AI for schoolwork, including to get answers, while many schools lack clear AI rules and instruction on how to use the technology responsibly....
LIST: 2026 school ratings across the Big Country
BIG COUNTRY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) - The 2026 A-F School Accountability Ratings are now online. Here’s a look at the overall district ratings for Big Country school districts. Click here to see more scores. Want more local news? Download the KTAB+ app for your Smart TV to stay inform...
CDC: U.S. kindergarten vaccine exemptions hit record high as coverage falls nationwide
Vaccine exemptions among U.S. kindergarteners hit a new high in the 2025-2026 school year, rising to 4.2%.
Taylor Telecom, ACU launch monthly recognition program for Big Country students
Taylor Telecom announced a new partnership with Abilene Christian University on Monday aimed at expanding educational opportunities for students across the Big...
More than a dozen Penn State frat brothers trafficked, sold cocaine: attorney general
More than a dozen former Penn State students are facing charges for trafficking and selling cocaine from their fraternity, according to the attorney general....
Free haircuts, backpacks, and food: Barbershop helps kids head back to school in style
For many families, getting ready for a new school year comes with a familiar list of expenses, but one Abilene barbershop is helping ease the burden.
Abilene ISD educators named Region 14 Teachers of the Year
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) — Abilene Independent School District’s 2025-26 Teachers of the Year have been selected to represent Region 14 in the Texas Teacher of the Year program. Noah Watson, a kindergarten teacher at Bowie STEM Academy, was named Region 14 Elementary Teacher of...
Why this Abilene lung expert encourages parents to talk to their kids about vaping
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) — "Vaping is the same, if not worse than cigarettes; it just hasn't been proven yet, " said Crystal Saling, the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Manager at Hendrick Health. With vaping becoming an increasing concern in schools and among young people, an Abilene...
Top plays from the Lady Cougars, Eagles and Bulldogs in the Bev Ball Classic
ABILENE, Texas (BCH Sports) - Two dozen schools from across the state of Texas competed in the 2026 Bev Ball Volleyball Classic, including Cooper, Clyde and Abilene High just 14 days after the start of practice. At the start of bracket play on Saturday morning, Cooper and Clyde s...
Multiple people shot at Virginia State University; Campus on lockdown
Multiple people were shot at Virginia State University (VSU) in Ettrick, Virginia, according to a statement by the school.
US schools participated in Xi-backed program promoting communist ideology: Report
Dozens of American schools and universities have taken part in a China-backed study abroad initiative launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Winters ISD: 'No indication of an immediate danger' found after 'potential threat' directed at district
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — Winters ISD students will go through classes with a heightened security presence on campus this Friday after the district reported that a "potential threat" was directed toward it Thursday evening. In a statement issued on the night of...
Abilene ISD teachers earn Region 14 Teacher of the Year honors
Two Abilene ISD educators have earned Region 14’s top teaching honors a
Is new University of Michigan grade policy helping or hurting students?
A grading policy at the University of Michigan is fueling debate over how colleges should address student mental health while maintaining academic standards....
Second data center proposed west of Albany draws mixed reactions in Shackelford County
Shackelford County, already home to a $25 billion data center campus, could soon see another major development west of Albany.
Backpacks and blessings for Big Country families
Alliance for Women and Children hosts its second annual back-to-school event,
Cooper High School’s 'COOGS for the Cure' campaign returns to support breast cancer patients
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) - As schools across the Big Country prepare to return to class, Cooper High School is kicking off its annual 'COOGS for the Cure' fundraiser to support breast cancer patients. The Cooper Athletic Booster Club's fundraiser brings together students, athle...
‘The data center equals no new revenue for us’: AISD Superintendent talks district revenue
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – While the City of Abilene is experiencing a windfall in revenue related to data center construction, the same is not true for the Abilene Independent School District (AISD). “The data center is fantastic for our community; there's going to be a lot of...
Brownwood ISD expands campus guardian program for new school year
Brownwood Independent School District has added more members to its campus guardian program as the district begins a new school year.
Preparing students beyond the classroom
Wylie ISD shares ways students can manage the transition back to school.
Art Popup for Families
Event date: August 25, 2026 Event Time: 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM Location: 1699 S. 1st St. Suite 100 Abilene, TX 79602 Description: Hosted in the Makerspace for school-aged kids and families, this hands-on art event will feature art fun with artist Eduardo Corinado. Come create art wi...