Good morning, Waco.

Woodway Public Safety hailed dispatcher Dylan Eckert as a hero after he calmly guided a distressed caller during a house fire on Bosque Boulevard last Saturday—officers responded in 93 seconds and rescued an elderly man and animals from the home.

Twenty individuals were arrested Friday in Waco on federal drug trafficking charges — authorities say they conspired to distribute large amounts of meth, heroin, and cocaine — after a multi-agency investigation, and prosecutors now face a lengthy case against them.

A small terrier mix named Benji is recovering at Bee Creek Veterinary Hospital after being rescued on April 15 from a dumpster behind the Drug Emporium (he was injured by a violent dog attack instead of a gunshot) and Waco Police are looking for a man seen tossing the trash bag near Bosque Boulevard and Valley Mills Drive.

Baylor University and MCC announced new General Assembly training programs that will offer a seven-week Python Programming Short Course and a 12-week IT Basics Short Course to help close the cybersecurity talent gap.

The Python course includes live sessions twice a week and self-paced learning — the IT Basics course features one live session per week with asynchronous study for exam preparation.

Woodway City Council member Janell Gilman will face her first election on May 3 against retired small business owner Michael Wayne Habern, who criticizes the city's spending on new projects.

Gilman, a lifelong resident of Woodway (41 years), highlights her role in guiding the Woodway Forward plan while Habern calls for a public vote on repurposing the old family center building.

Sam Hancock, a former Baylor athletics staff member, placed nearly 3,000 impermissible sports bets from July 2019 to September 2024 and now faces NCAA penalties.

The NCAA issued a two-year show-cause order that requires gambling counseling and a two-week suspension—raising conflict of interest concerns over 113 bets involving Baylor teams.

Magnolia Market Rooftop Lounge

9 AM – 6 PM — Magnolia Market — $25 per person — Enjoy unlimited access to stunning views of Waco from the rooftop lounge along with refreshments.

Cars & Coffee Gathering

9-11:30 a.m. — Black Rifle Coffee Company — Free entry — Enjoy a morning of car enthusiasts, coffee, and networking in Waco's vibrant community.

Easter Brunch Celebration

8 AM - 1 PM — The Brasserie at Hotel 1928 — Check website for pricing — Enjoy delicious seasonal dishes and a special visit from the Easter Bunny with a chance to win a hotel stay.

The Bluebonnet Festival at the Texas Festival

Apr 23-27 — Extraco Events Center — Entry fees vary — Enjoy exciting horse competitions and over $4,000 in prizes at the Bluebonnet Festival.

Magnolia Market Rooftop Lounge

9 AM – 6 PM — Magnolia Market — $25 — Unwind with refreshments while enjoying stunning views of Waco from the rooftop lounge.

Arbo Fest 2025

10 a.m.-4 p.m. — Carleen Bright Arboretum — Free entry — Celebrate local culture with live music, food trucks, and fun activities for all ages.

Healthy Kids Running Series Waco

3-4 p.m. — City of Waco Brazos Park East — Registration required — A lively series promoting active lifestyles for kids aged 2-14 through fun running events.

17th Heart of Texas Sertoma Kite Festival

5-10 a.m. — Heart of Texas Miniature Aircraft Club — Free entry — Enjoy a free family day with kites, food, games, and fun activities for kids.

Cinco De Mayo Celebration

6:00 p.m. — The Backyard Bar Stage and Grill — Free entry — Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with vibrant flavors and lively festivities in Waco's favorite backyard venue.

Awakening Events: Upcoming Christian Music Concerts

6:30-10 p.m. — Waco Hippodrome Theatre — Ticket info available — Experience a night of uplifting Christian music at this vibrant venue.

Leading Waco Women Spring Workshop

Lead. Inspire. Elevate. The Leading Waco Women series isn’t just an event—it’s a movement. Designed to celebrate, empower, and develop female leaders across our community, this annual series provides transformative professional development experiences. Through dynamic keynote speakers, engaging panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and powerful networking, you’ll gain the tools, insights, and connections to thrive in your career and beyond. This is your opportunity to invest in yourself and the future of women’s leadership in Waco. Whether you attend solo, bring a friend, or bring your entire team, you’ll leave inspired, equipped, and ready to lead boldly. Don’t just sit on the sidelines—be part of the change. Join us at Leading Waco Women Spring Workshop!