Saturday, April 18th, 2026
Good morning, Waco. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Pancake is a small community north of Gatesville with a rich heritage dating back to the 1800s when J.R. Pancake established the town and legends of outlaws and a local mine emerged. Descendants still live there, keeping the town's unique history alive. KCENTV
- ➤ Brazos Nights kicked off its summer run last Friday at Indian Spring Park and brought thousands of locals together for a free 90s rock concert with food vendors. The concert series will continue throughout the summer — culminating with a Fourth of July celebration with fireworks. KCENTV
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A federal jury’s ruling that Live Nation and Ticketmaster operated as a monopoly is pushing ticket prices higher, leaving Baylor students in Waco worried that concerts may be too costly for their budgets. KXXV
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ ERCOT forecasts a 400% jump in peak electricity demand to nearly 367,790 MW by 2032 due to population growth and new data centers, and local homeowners like Shane Hoffman may soon face powerline projects affecting land and energy rates. KXXV
- ➤ Workforce Solutions of Central Texas reports the local job market remains stable despite economic challenges. Summer opportunities in healthcare, advanced manufacturing and IT are rising, and free resume and interview services are available to help connect local applicants with employers. KCENTV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is asking Gov. Abbott & federal officials to suspend gas taxes temporarily to lower pump prices amid rising costs linked to the Middle East conflict; he says the move could save drivers up to 40 cents per gallon. KXXV
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Baylor football starts the season with sophomore Rhett Armstrong taking over as the kicker while senior punter Palmer Williams targets boosting the Bears' special teams. The team practices in Waco and plans to add more players (set for summer additions). KXXV
- ➤ Baylor Athletics announced Thursday that Penn State transfer Kayden Mingo, the highest-ranked recruit in the program's history, will join the men's basketball team ahead of the next season in Waco & he is the second incoming transfer after guard Brett Decker Jr. joined from Liberty University. KCENTV
- ➤ Baylor University signed Brett Decker Jr. on Sunday, April 12 to boost its men's basketball team after a strong season at Liberty. The 6 ft 3 guard averaged 16.9 points and hit 47 percent of his 3s while he retained two years of eligibility. KCENTV
- ➤ On Friday night, Baylor softball hosted an autism acceptance game at Getterman Stadium, partnering with the Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing (promoting autism awareness) ahead of their series opener against Utah; the Bears won 9-1. KCENTV
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Shrek The Musical
7 p.m. — Waco Civic Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the whimsical tale of an ogre and his friends in a fun-filled musical journey.
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Shrek The Musical
2-5 p.m. — Waco Civic Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a beloved fairy tale come to life in this musical adventure.
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The Taming of the Shrew
7 p.m. — Waco Civic Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a captivating performance of Shakespeare's beloved comedy.
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Awakening Concert Series
6-10 p.m. — Waco Hippodrome Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience an uplifting evening of Christian music from various artists.
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ShopOrama! Crafted & Boutique Show
4 PM – 7 PM — Waco Convention Center — Entry fee varies — Enjoy a stylish girls’ day out featuring handcrafted items and home décor.
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Willie Nelson & Family Live
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Baylor Ballpark — Tickets start at $335 — Experience an unforgettable evening with Willie Nelson & Family.
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
Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Waco
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