Coffee in hand, Waco? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Waco Downtown Farmers Market and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Why are crows so alert and curious? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. Waco, cities like Hewitt, McGregor get impressive sales tax rebates (star-telegram.com) — Waco just received a $5.2 million September sales tax rebate, slightly ahead of last year and helping push the city's 2026 total to $46.5 million. Nearby towns like Hewitt, McGregor, and Lacy Lakeview also saw big gains, reflecting strong July spending across McLennan County that could bolster local services and budgets.
2. Baylor Army ROTC honors 9/11 with annual stair climb (kwtx.com) — Hundreds of people gathered at McLane Stadium in Waco before sunrise for Baylor Army ROTC's annual 9/11 Stair Climb, choosing between 1,000 or 2,071 steps to honor fallen first responders. Students, cadets, and local firefighters described the climb as a small but meaningful way to remember sacrifices made 25 years ago.
3. Governor Greg Abbott pushes for college students to graduate earlier (kxxv.com) — In Waco, Baylor University students are weighing Governor Greg Abbott's idea to let undergrads finish college in three years instead of four, with some excited about saving time and money and others valuing the full campus experience. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has been asked to design a three-year degree option while experts suggest expanding early college credits as another path.
4. K9 Andor, Officer Elijah Garretson honored with Star of Texas Awards (kwtx.com) — Waco residents can take pride in police K9 Andor, who received a Star of Texas Award after being shot while helping officers respond to a gun threat and still protecting the community. The ceremony in Austin also honored fallen Copperas Cove officer Elijah Garretson, highlighting sacrifices made by Central Texas first responders.
5. Oil indexes push beyond $100 a barrel (star-telegram.com) — Drivers in Waco are now paying about $3.90 per gallon for regular unleaded, as global oil prices push past $100 a barrel. Local prices are slightly higher than the Texas average but still below the national figure, and experts warn residents to expect more volatility at the pump despite strong U.S. and Texas oil production.
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Ok Waco! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: They start each day with a cup of caw-fee. (Thank you Curt K. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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