66°Partly cloudyHigh 76° · Low 52° · 30% rain

  1. 6 a.m.Partly cloudy.66°
  2. NoonClear.73°
  3. 6 p.m.Clear.69°
  4. MidnightClear.59°

Sunrise 6:46 a.m. Sunset 5:38 p.m.

Forecasted byThe Weather Channel

See this week
  1. 6 a.m.Partly cloudy.66°
  2. NoonClear.73°
  3. 6 p.m.Clear.69°
  4. MidnightClear.59°
  1. TodayThunderstorms. High 76° Low 52°
  2. WedClear. High 76° Low 51°
  3. ThuPartly cloudy. High 80° Low 52°
  4. FriPartly cloudy. High 72° Low 51°
  5. SatCloudy. High 68° Low 48°

Sunrise 6:46 a.m. Sunset 5:38 p.m.

See full forecast

Today’s edition · Tues., Nov. 3

Baylor regents weigh an enrollment cliff; Waco's Mars plant turns 50

Plus, polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. today and Waco Transit rides to them are free

The Daily Waco team2 stories14 sources5 min read

BaylorTop story

Baylor regents hear about an enrollment cliff, AI and tighter budgets

Baylor's endowment returned 11.3% a year over 10 years

$2.56 billion
in Baylor's endowment
11.3%
annualized 10-year endowment returns
$101 million
distributed from the endowment last year
77.5%
four-year graduation rate, a Baylor record

Source: KWKT FOX 44

If you follow Baylor, the regents' fall meeting Friday came with a message: change is here. President Linda Livingstone and other administrators briefed the board on an enrollment cliff, rising competition for students, financial pressure and artificial intelligence. Board Chair Todd Patterson said, "maintaining the status quo is not an option."

It was the board's first meeting since it approved a $982.2 million operating budget for 2026-2027 in May. Regents approved a classroom renovation that will not exceed $5.5 million. They also revised the investment policy to add allocation ranges for the endowment.

  • Graduate placement rate: 92%, jobs in the field of study
  • Overall success rate: 94%, counting any job, grad school or internships

Leaders noted that fewer students can afford a private education, and many who can are choosing public schools or schools closer to home. Baylor has raised over $124 million toward , its $250 million scholarship goal for 2030.

Baylor has raised over $124 million toward its $250 million scholarship goal

$124 millionRaised so far for Extend the Line scholarships

Source: The Baylor Lariat - The official student news source

View as table
Value
Raised so far for Extend the Line scholarships$124 million
Goal by 2030$250 million

Local Business

The Mars factory in Waco turns 50 this month, and every U.S. Starburst starts there

If you've ever eaten a Starburst in the U.S., it came from Waco. The Mars factory on Central Texas Parkway opened in 1976 and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month. It's the only Mars factory that makes Starburst.

Plant Director Gavin Kueber said it's one of Mars' top two factories in North America. It makes all the chocolate for Snickers across North America and roasts its own peanuts, and about 80% of the Snickers distributed there are made and packaged in Waco.

About 80% of Snickers distributed in North America come from Waco

80%Share of North American Snickers made and packaged in Waco

Source: KWTX

View as table
Value
Share of North American Snickers made and packaged in Waco80%
  • Starburst output: millions made and packaged every day
  • Snickers line: as long as a football field
  • Opened: 1976

Kueber is encouraging others to join the team to help carry Mars through another 50 years.

900associates work at the Waco Mars factory

Almost 300 of them have more than 10 years of experience, and Kueber said the anniversary celebrates those people.

Source: KWTX

In other Waco-area news, the Tribune-Herald's news briefs include local classes to help with Medicare open enrollment.

Asked

Tap an answer to see how Waco answered.

Asked

Which Waco-made Mars candy do you grab first?

Be the first to answer.

Sponsored

Apparel

5 women’s sweaters, cardigans, and fall tops under $35

Presented by The Buy

Sponsored

Fall is in full swing. Make sure your wardrobe is equipped for the get-togethers, cozy days, and special occasions ahead with five tops + cardigans you can grab for an instant look.

  • Asymmetrical bell sleeve top | $9.99 while sale lasts | Rib-stretch fabric and a boat neck make this a feminine, flirty top perfect for date night.
  • Merino blend scoop neck | $23.19 while sale lasts | Top-rated, this lightweight merino wool blend is easy to throw on and goes with everything.
  • Chunky popcorn cardigan | $34.98 while sale lasts | You’ll reach for this cozy, chunky knit every time there’s a chill in the air.
  • Open front cardigan coat | $32.99 | Go for a pop of yellow or classic navy, grey, or black in this warm winter knit that turns jeans and a tee into an instant outfit.
  • Pleated cardigan | $28.99 | This open-front knit made from 100% soft viscose has extra flair with a pleated bottom hem.

More worth The Buy

News Notes · More

Election Day

Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. today, Tue., Nov. 3, and if you're in line by 7 p.m. you can still vote. Use the VoteTexas page to find your polling location. Waco Transit is offering free rides to and from polling locations: show the driver a valid voter registration card, ID or an I Voted sticker. Lyft is offering 50% off one ride to a polling location, up to $10, with code VOTE26. KWTXKXXV

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. today

Polling places on Election Day, Tue., Nov. 3

Midnight6 a.m.Noon6 p.m.7 a.m.to 7 p.m.
  • 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.Polls open; in line by 7 p.m. you can vote
Lyft deal
50% off, up to $10
Promo code
VOTE26

Sources: KWTX, KXXV

View as table
WhenWhat
7 a.m. to 7 p.m.Polls open; in line by 7 p.m. you can vote
Lyft deal50% off, up to $10
Promo codeVOTE26

Baylor hoops

Brett Decker Jr. and Kayden Mingo each scored 17 points as Baylor beat Northwestern State 87-65 Monday night in the season opener. Kayla Nelms recorded her first career double-double against FDU. Dallas NewsWaco Tribune-Herald

Baylor football

QB DJ Lagway was named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week, and the defensive line was named Defensive Line of the Week, the conference announced Monday. Baylor rolled over UCF 41-9 in its first game under interim head coach Joe Klanderman, with Lagway hitting Gavin Freeman for a 77-yard touchdown. Waco Tribune-HeraldThe Baylor Lariat - The official student news source

Good Neighbor Week

's Good Neighbor Week pits local programs against each other to rally support ahead of winter and the holidays. Families, churches and businesses can give or get involved through Nov. 7. KWTX

TAPPS volleyball

The TAPPS volleyball state tournament plays semifinals and championship games Nov. 6-7 at sites around Waco. Class 6A semifinals start at 4 p.m. Friday at Robinson HS. Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Home

Two cute home finds: This elegant, patterned entry rug that’s under $19 and comes in three charming patterns to match your decor, and this double picture frame for $9.99 that’s perfect for displaying family memories on your mantle.* Advertising from Amazon.

The Buy

Product find alert: You’ve never used a steamer like this vacuum clothes steamer, which heats up in 30 seconds and offers powerful, even steaming and vacuum suction to remove dust and wrinkles. Use it on clothes like this women’s batwing sweater for a crisp, polished fall look.* Advertising from Amazon.

Try This

No contracts. No minimums. Just quick, easy, impactful advertising that actually reaches your neighbors, starting as low as $200. Learn more about our Self-Service Portal and see how simple local advertising can be. Sample advertising from 6AM City.

Content marked with an * is advertising.

Asked

Tap an answer to see how Waco answered.

Asked

How are you getting to your polling place today?

Be the first to answer.

Today’s puzzles

A new puzzle in each one every morning, played right here.

All 13 games

Quoted

The truth will set you free. But not until it is finished with you.

— David Foster Wallace

Things to Do

Things to Do

Waco, TX

Tuesday, Nov. 3

See every Waco eventFeature your event

Jobs

Jobs

Submit your Job listing

Do you know just the role for our readers? Share it on our Jobs board.

Around the Block

Around the Block

Powered by Nextdoor

Neighbors

Thank goodness we are back on standard time.

“Please, Congress, keep the time the same and stop tinkering with it every 4 to 6 months. Keep this as the regular time for Texas and the nation”

— A neighbor, Dean/Highland

53 likes · 41 comments

View post

The Wrap

Some book clubs come with homework. The Silent Book Club Waco doesn't: it meets monthly at different spots around the city, and you bring whatever you want to read. Talk about your book with the group, or don't. One member's first meeting was outside Common Grounds in Woodway. Our kind of quiet.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Waco's Día de los Muertos parade crossed the Brazos on a new route

Read yesterday’s edition

The Daily Waco teamWaco’s daily newsletter

How did we do today, Waco?

Tap a face. It takes under a minute.

Not for meLoved it

That’s your morning, Waco.

Send it to someone in Waco who’d want it.

ShareEmailFacebookX
Every source in this edition14 links · 9 outlets
  1. The Weather Channelweather.com
  2. KWKT FOX 44fox44news.com
  3. The Baylor Lariat - The official student news sourcebaylorlariat.com
  4. KWTXkwtx.com
  5. Waco Tribune-Heraldwacotrib.com
  6. KWTXkwtx.com
  7. KXXVkxxv.com
  8. Dallas Newsdallasnews.com
  9. Waco Tribune-Heraldwacotrib.com
  10. Waco Tribune-Heraldwacotrib.com
  11. The Baylor Lariat - The official student news sourcebaylorlariat.com
  12. KWTXkwtx.com
  13. Fort Worth Star-Telegramstar-telegram.com
  14. Waco events calendardailywaco.com

Past issues

  1. Mon., Nov. 2Waco's Día de los Muertos parade crossed the Brazos on a new route
Every edition

Free every morning

Get Daily Waco in your inbox.

The news, the things to do, the jobs and the weather of Waco, in five minutes, every morning by 8 a.m.

Subscribe free

Free forever · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime

Daily Wacoto me · Tues., Nov. 36:00 a.m.

Baylor regents weigh an enrollment cliff; Waco's Mars plant turns 50

Plus, polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. today and Waco Transit rides to them are free

The TLDR

  1. Baylor regents hear about an enrollment cliff, AI and tighter budgets
  2. The Mars factory in Waco, maker of every U.S. Starburst, turns 50
  3. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. today, and Waco Transit offers free rides to and from polling locations
Read this edition

More stories this week

From Daily Waco’s other editions

All the news

Around Waco

From Dallas News, The Baylor Lariat and 2 more newsrooms, gathered by TMI, 6AM City’s local news service.

More local news
  1. Dallas News4 hours ago

    Brett Decker and Kayden Mingo lead Baylor to season-opening win over Northwestern State, on Dallas News

    WACO, Texas (AP) — Brett Decker Jr. and Kayden Mingo each scored 17 points to lead Baylor to an 87-65 victory over Northwestern State on Monday night in the season opener for both teams. Decker shot 5 ...

  2. The Baylor Lariat5 hours ago

    Baylor offers class credit for Ethics Bowl competitors, on The Baylor Lariat

    To better prepare teams for competitions in 2026-27, Baylor has started offering class credit this year as part of Ethics Society members' preparation.

  3. Fort Worth Star-Telegram6 hours ago

    Statewide Private School football playoff schedules: TAPPS Regionals and SPC Semifinals, on Fort Worth Star-Telegram

    Check out the Texas statewide private school football playoff schedules including the TAPPS regional round and the SPC semifinals. Is your team playing?

  4. Waco Tribune-Herald6 hours ago

    Hits and misses: Bears get off to hot start, overcome sloppy second half in opening win, on Waco Tribune-Herald

    One never wants to make a whole heap of snap judgments based off one game, so let’s limit it to a few.

  5. The Baylor Lariat7 hours ago

    Maker Club offers space to create, connect, on The Baylor Lariat

    While many students walk past the Moody Makerspace without realizing everything it has to offer, the Maker Club is working to change that.

  6. Waco Tribune-Herald8 hours ago

    Election Day 2026: Polls open at 7 a.m. Tuesday, on Waco Tribune-Herald

    The Tribune-Herald will be at the polls early around McLennan County, talking to voters about their experiences and what brought them out to vote, with live updates all day long.