Daily
Waco
Saturday, January 17th, 2026
Good morning, Waco. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 17th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Communities across Central Texas are planning special events to honor Dr. King's legacy; Navasota hosts a parade and memorial program today while Killeen, Waco, and Temple schedule marches and celebrations on Jan. 19 and Nolanville organizes a community clean-up on Jan. 24. KCENTV
- ➤ Brame Park in Bellmead is closed this week for a $400K renovation that will add ADA upgrades, accessible playground equipment, and improved lighting after vandalism affected its bathrooms. The upgrades will span about 4 months (reopening before summer) as the city continues its planned improvements. KXXV
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Dr Pepper Museum had its best year yet in 2025 and is now preparing for a 35th anniversary celebration in 2026. On May 9 it will display a fiberglass Dr Pepper bottle that is 23 ft tall in its courtyard as part of planned renovations to restore its 1906 façade. KCENTV
- ➤ Waco will host its 40th annual Martin Luther King wreath laying today as residents gather to honor Dr. King’s legacy in a ceremony that blends reflection & tradition. Waco Tribune-Herald
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Cinemark in Waco has ramped up pest control visits — three times a week — after November complaints about mice, and county health officials report no sightings while the theater maintains a rigorous cleaning schedule. Local moviegoers express renewed confidence in a safe viewing experience. KCENTV
- ➤ The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released updated dietary guidelines that flip the traditional food pyramid and emphasize protein, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats over whole grains and carbs. Local shoppers in Waco said rising prices make it challenging to buy protein (some even saying they cannot afford steak). KXXV
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ University High School (Trojans) beat Ellison 62-50 on Tuesday night in district play, earning their first rivalry win since 2011 in Waco. Jeremiah Green and Justin Neal led the team by controlling the game from the opening tip, setting a promising start for the season. KCENTV
- ➤ China Spring High School graduate Bella Galvan will serve as the Miami Hurricanes' associate athletic trainer at the College Playoff National Championship game on Monday, Jan. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami — her time as an athlete in China Spring helped prepare her for this role. KXXV
- ➤ Baylor baseball held its first spring practice today at newly named Magnolia Field at Baylor Ballpark, thanks to a gift from Magnolia founded by Chip + Joanna Gaines that supports capital projects. The team aims to reach Omaha and win the Big 12 tournament later this season. KXXV
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WSO Concert Featuring Cliburn Gold Medalist
7:30 p.m. — Waco Hall — Ticketed event — Experience a night of inspiring classical music with Gold Medalist Aristo Sham and the Waco Symphony.
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Rodgers & Hammerstein's A Grand Night for Singing
2:30-4:30 p.m. — Waco Civic Theatre — $22 – $25 — Experience a dazzling celebration of timeless songs with fresh arrangements in a theatrical magic show.
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Songs For a New World
2:30-4:30 p.m. — Waco Civic Theatre — $24.50 – $27.50 — Experience a powerful musical exploring life's pivotal moments through stirring songs and storytelling.
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Women of Waco Level Up Women's Conference
9:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. — AC Hotel Waco Downtown — Registration required — Empowering women through personal and professional growth opportunities.
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St. Olaf Choir Concert at Baylor University
3-5 p.m. — Glennis McCrary Music Building — Tickets $35, $10 for students — Experience world-class choral performance from one of the nation's premier ensembles.
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Cross Country Trail Run
9 a.m. - 1 p.m. — Redwood Shelter — Entry fee applies — Experience the scenic trails of Cameron Park during the kickoff of the Huaco Cuatro Trail Run Series.
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Waco Comedy Jam
6-9 p.m. — Waco Hippodrome Theatre — Tickets from $54 — Enjoy an unforgettable night of laughter with the Waco Comedy Jam.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Waco
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