Daily
Waco
Tuesday, November 18th, 2025
Good morning, Waco. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 18th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Cameron Park Zoo in Waco announced that orangutans Mei and KJ are expecting a baby due in January and will host a baby shower on Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to noon — the public is invited to join and support animal enrichment with gifts from a Target registry. KCENTV
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Waco hemp retailers Rhiannon Yard and Kallan Salganik say a new federal law limiting hemp products to 0.4 milligrams THC will force them to close permanently as none of their current inventory meets the new standard. The law was included in the funding bill that ended a 43-day shutdown + will take effect Nov. 12, 2026. KCENTV
- ➤ Waco entrepreneur Josh Ledda opened ReadyGolf in May after saving for five years and investing over $150,000. The state-of-the-art golf facility serves all skill levels—adding to the local impact amid Texas' record of over 3 million registered companies. KXXV
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Waco Independent Film Festival was named one of MovieMaker’s 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World for 2025 and also one of only 12 to appear on both the Coolest and Entry Fee Worth lists. The festival will return July 16-19, and its nickname (Waco Indie) reflects its growing impact for local filmmakers. KXXV
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A Waco economist said that AI will eventually create more jobs over time by following a process of creative destruction similar to how the invention of the wheel changed work—he noted that early shifts may seem disruptive but lead to growth. Gov. Abbott announced on Friday that Google's $40 billion investment will form three new data center campuses to boost AI and cloud infrastructure in Texas—helping to counter the recent record job cuts in the technology sector. KXXV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A four-year, $2.53 million Gates Foundation grant will boost teacher training and leadership at La Vega ISD—aiming to strengthen new teacher skills and improve administration—with funds used over the program’s term. Waco Tribune-Herald
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The McLennan County Rural Transit District announced it is expanding its commuter route to serve Mart along with McGregor and China Spring in collaboration with the Waco Transit System — the new service offers flag-stop pickups Monday through Saturday with set morning and evening schedules and fares at $3 per trip — residents can reach jobs, schools, healthcare, and shopping more easily. KCENTV
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A Belton homeowner said her house suffered nearly $700K in tornado damage on May 22nd, 2024 and leaks, mold, and repairs stalled after State Farm offered only $39K while changing adjusters frequently—State Farm has also notified her the policy will drop in January, and the claim is now in federal court with a resolution set for September. This dispute has left her home in disrepair as she fights for a fair settlement. KCENTV
- ➤ Shady Acres Bungalows will be a 296-unit affordable senior housing project on 6900 Airport Road designed to ease the shortage for seniors and scheduled to close in mid-2026—developers estimate the cost at $35 to $40 million and plan a mix of one- and two-bedroom duplexes with amenities like community gardens, walking trails and pickleball courts. KCENTV
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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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Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour
7-10 p.m. — Waco Hall — Limited seating available — Experience a magical holiday concert filled with symphonic music and festive surprises.
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Al Joslin - The Elvis Experience
7:30-9 p.m. — Waco Hippodrome Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a special Christmas tribute to Elvis with world-class performer Al Joslin.
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Sendero Provisions Co. Annual Warehouse Extravaganza
Join us for the biggest deals this side of the Brazos at Sendero’s Annual Warehouse Extravaganza. Swing by this weekend for $10 hats and tees, $5 bandanas, and deep discounts on outerwear, shirts, dresses and a whole lot more.
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Every Christmas Story Ever Told
2:30-5:30 p.m. — Waco Civic Theatre — $22-$25 — Experience a humorous whirlwind of holiday stories that blend laughter and heartwarming moments.
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Medicare Made Easy Workshop
1:30-2:30 p.m. — South Waco Library — Free entry — Navigate the complexities of Medicare with confidence in this informative workshop.
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Stars Over Texas Jamboree - Christmas Edition
7-9:30 p.m. — Lee Lockwood Library and Museum — $20-$16 — Experience a festive musical showcase in a cozy library setting.
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Every Christmas Story Ever Told
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Waco Civic Theatre — $22-$25 — A comedic and heartwarming journey through all the beloved Christmas tales you know and love.
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Urban Expressions Artisan Market
9 AM – 12 PM — World Cup Cafe and Fair Trade Market — Support local artisans while enjoying family-friendly activities.
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
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Waco
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