Good morning, Waco.

Ten children officially joined their new families Friday at Baylor Law School during the 18th annual Adoption Day celebration featuring a Paddington Bear theme—organizers said the event marked a special day of unity for all involved.

Residents in Speegleville now use the Community Hope Box (a full pantry) to get food like canned goods, cereal, pasta and peanut butter when needed.

Founder Diana Crosby set up the pantry and neighbors continue to donate food and money to help local families.

Workers are demolishing the original Woodway Family Center building — a pile of steel remains where generations of children once played basketball.

Waco Family Medicine and Waco ISD formed a new partnership to offer behavioral health services—placing licensed clinicians at three middle school campuses—to provide counseling for students facing anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD and other issues.

The program will start this academic year at Cesar Chavez, Tennyson and G.W. Carver middle schools to support early detection and intervention without replacing existing school support staff.

Waco ISD announced Lanny Williams as its new Director of Athletics to replace retiring coach Ed Love, who served the district for 44 years and will step down in December.

Williams, most recently AD at Manor ISD, will start on January 5—bringing 26 years of athletic and educational leadership.

Waco ISD teachers are training with Google’s Gemini AI – using it to create lesson plans, review work, and grade assignments in just 15 minutes, a process that used to take over two hours.

The program will help staff work more efficiently while ensuring academic standards remain high.

Waco ISD saw enrollment drop nearly 4% this year—more than 530 fewer students reduced state funding as key entry levels, including pre-K and 9th grade, faced declines.

The district reported that a 2% improvement in attendance helped offset some of the funding loss and will submit final numbers next month.

Baylor University announced Thursday that Athletic Director Mack Rhoades resigned for personal reasons after taking a leave of absence—reports noted that recent allegations did not involve the football team.

Students reacted with mixed feelings, with some expressing surprise and others linking the decision to the performance of the sports teams.

The Baylor Religion Survey shows that younger Americans are more skeptical of fairness and justice in our country and are noting a merging of politics + religion.

Researchers say this trend may impact public trust moving forward.

A horse was euthanized in Bell County after being exposed to Equine Herpesvirus at a WPRA event in Waco from November 5 to 9 — three horses in McLennan County have also tested positive with neurologic signs.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott will wear custom cleats on Sunday to support early cancer screenings in a campaign by Baylor Scott — the campaign uses exact replicas of his cleats to remind people that catching cancer early improves treatment outcomes.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Urban Expressions Artisan Market

9 AM – 12 PM — World Cup Cafe and Fair Trade Market — Support local artisans while enjoying family-friendly activities.

Every Christmas Story Ever Told

2:30-5:30 p.m. — Waco Civic Theatre — $22-$25 — Enjoy a hilarious and heartwarming mash-up of every Christmas story you can imagine.

Waco Trolley Christmas Lights Tour (Late Tour)

2:30-4 a.m. — 6500 Woodway Dr, Woodway, TX — $25 per person — A charming trolley ride showcasing the most magical Christmas light displays in the Waco area.