Daily
Waco
Friday, October 31st, 2025
Good morning, Waco. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 31st of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Woodway is asking residents to pick up and fill out thank you cards for veterans at City Hall. The cards will be given out at the annual Veteran's breakfast on November 6 (a way to honor those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces). KXXV
- ➤ The Family of Faith Worship Center in Waco reported a 90% increase in families using its food pantry this week. The center will add more food distributions next week and will announce dates and locations soon. KXXV
- ➤ The Armed Services YMCA food pantry in Harker Heights is offering groceries to active-duty military families with donations funding 14,000 pounds of food this week—helping Fort Hood families manage during the government shutdown. KXXV
- ➤ Families in McLennan County face a crisis as SNAP benefits expire Nov 1 and over 14,000 people will lose food help. Local nonprofit Caritas is working hard to serve both established clients and new ones—like single mom Mercedes Martinez, who is selling personal items to feed her four kids. KCENTV
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Outback Steakhouse, the Aussie-themed restaurant that operated since 1996, permanently closed its location at 4500 Franklin Ave.—It is among several chain closures that have affected locals and visitors alike. Waco Tribune-Herald
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Academy Early Childhood Center teacher Jennifer Zavodny wrote the interactive book 'Piper the Pumpkin' to boost kindergarteners' reading skills—she designed it to meet state teaching standards and keep students engaged. She is planning her next book, 'Rocks in My Crocs,' while waiting for permission to use the title. KCENTV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Waco officials have passed new ordinances that will take effect Jan. 1, 2026 and require food trucks to use generators—limit seating to two tables and ban permanent awnings—which apply to all open-air vendors; owners say these measures mirror current practices and should not alter customer service. KXXV
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Class of 2026 Texas Sports Hall of Fame was announced Thursday — it names athletes from various sports. The induction banquet will be held on April 18, 2026 at BASE at Extraco Events center in Waco — organizers plan to honor the new members at the event. KXXV
- ➤ La Vega senior wide receiver Jabarie Thornton, known as Lightning, was named KCEN’s Week 9 Player of the Week after scoring two touchdowns on October 24 to help keep his team unbeaten and will face Connally today at 7 p.m.; his strong performance has boosted team hopes for another deep playoff run + he has now scored nine touchdowns this season. KCENTV
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Frozen The Musical
2:30-3:30 p.m. — Waco Civic Theatre — N/A — Experience Disney’s Broadway production of Frozen with stunning visuals and beloved songs in Waco.
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75th TEXOMA NATS Regional Conference
All Day — Glennis McCrary Music Building — Stay tuned for updates — Celebrate 75 years of regional music talent with conferences and auditions.
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Frozen: The Broadway Musical
7:30-10:00 p.m. — Waco Civic Theatre — Tickets required — Immerse in a dazzling spectacle of music and storytelling with Elsa and Anna's epic journey.
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Chandler Pearson Concert
4-9 p.m. — Camp Fimfo Waco — Free entry — Experience a vibrant evening of live music featuring Tracy Byrd in a unique Texas setting.
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2nd Annual Veterans Gala
6-10 p.m. — AC Hotel Waco Downtown — $75 per person — A night of fellowship, remembrance, and gratitude honoring our veterans.
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Children's Miracle Network Golf Tournament
7:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. — Bear Ridge Golf Club — Starts at $30 — Play golf for a cause and support local children's healthcare.
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Hiring Red, White & You Hiring Fair
10 AM – 1 PM — Waco Convention Center — Free entry — Connect with local employers and explore job opportunities at this community-focused hiring fair.
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Dia De Sendero - Sendero Flagship 1 Year Anniversary
Sendero Provisions is celebrating one year of the Flagship Store in downtown Waco with Dia de Sendero — a full day of live music, local vendors, eats, drinks, and good times. Free with RSVP, but entry isn’t guaranteed.
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Frozen The Musical
7:30 p.m. — Waco Civic Theatre — $24.50 – $27.50 — Dive into the enchanting world of Arendelle with Disney's spectacular live stage production of Frozen.
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20th Annual Central Texas Turkey Trot
9 AM – 12 PM — City of Waco Brazos Park East — Details to be announced — Celebrate Thanksgiving with a fun run in a beloved local tradition.
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