Good morning, Waco.

Waco ISD opened three new campuses on the first day of school, including Kendrick Elementary, Waco High School, and a renovated South Waco Elementary, with funds from a $355M bond approved by voters in 2021.

Principal Isabel Lozano said Kendrick Elementary now features large windows and LED lighting—designed to boost student learning.

Waco city officials proposed a balanced $649.8 million budget for next year with an $800,000 increase that includes $32.2 million in belt-tightening savings—while keeping current services and providing staff raises.

The proposal will be discussed at public hearings on Sept. 2 and Sept. 9 as the city plans to hold the tax rate steady at 75.5 cents per $100 property value.

A Waco family fears separation after ICE detained 48-year-old Erika Rodriguez-Pizarro during a Wednesday morning traffic stop — her visa expired 20 years after she came to the U.S. at age 6 — and her daughter said the officers were the same ones who had detained her uncle last month.

Woodway leaders considered raising the property tax rate after a 33.7% increase in exemptions and a drop in taxable value reversed three years of rate cuts.

The council agreed to adopt a no-new-revenue tax rate of 36.3836 cents per $100 valuation (increasing the rate by nearly 0.6 cents) to generate about $6.9 million, with public hearings scheduled for Aug. 25 to gather residents' input.

Cars & Coffee

9-11:30 a.m. — Black Rifle Coffee Company — Free entry — Enjoy a morning of automotive camaraderie and caffeine with local enthusiasts.

HOT Pro Wrestling: Master of Puppets

6-9 p.m. — Lion's Den-Rentals — $20 – $35 — Experience Waco's thrilling wrestling showdown with high-flying action and VIP perks.

The Boys From Oklahoma Concert

4-10 p.m. — The Backyard Bar Stage and Grill — $19.50 for adults, $30 for minors — Enjoy a night of music featuring special guest Drew Cooper.

Mothering the Mother Workshop

4:30-5:45 p.m. — Natural Primary Care — Free entry — An event dedicated to pampering and supporting new mothers in navigating the fourth trimester.

Lorrie Morgan Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Waco Hippodrome Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the emotional range and artistry of Lorrie Morgan as she showcases her new music and timeless hits.

ANHA Open 5D Barrel Race

Aug 29 - Sep 1 — Extraco Events Center — Prize money over $200,000 — Experience the thrill of top-tier barrel racing at this exciting event.

Levitt AMP Waco Music Series - Free Concert & Arts Fest

5-9 p.m. — Brotherwell Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant evening of music, art, and local flavors at Waco's beloved outdoor concert series.

Skittles Waco Wild West 100

5:15 p.m. — Heritage Square — Varies — Experience thrilling cycling races at this exciting North American event in Waco.

Stars Over Texas Jamboree - 15th Anniversary Edition

7-9:30 p.m. — Lee Lockwood Library and Museum — $20-$16 — Celebrate 15 years of great music with special performances honoring iconic artists.

Trent Cowie Live Concert

10 PM – 4 AM — The Backyard Bar Stage and Grill — Tickets available — Experience the heartfelt Texas country and rock fusion of singer-songwriter Trent Cowie.