Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How will Waco’s $169 million riverfront makeover change downtown?

Be sure to catch Make a Mini Ofrenda Workshop on the Waco Patch calendar

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Sunday September 27th Patch AM
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Good morning Waco! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How will Waco's $169 million riverfront makeover change downtown?
  • How Baylor students in Waco can dodge this fall's "freshman flu"
  • How Hillcrest's NICU keeps Waco's tiniest patients close to home

Also on today's calendar: Waco Downtown Farmers Market and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What are the two favorite words for a shark to hear? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: Partly sunny and hot, with a high of 96 and low of 72 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Monday: A t-storm around in the p.m., temps: high: 96, low: 74.
  • Tuesday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 95 and low of 76 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Waco breaks ground on downtown redevelopment project (baylorlariat.com) — Downtown Waco just kicked off a massive, years-long redevelopment with the groundbreaking of the Barron's Branch project at University Parks and Jefferson, bringing a new park, infrastructure upgrades, and public spaces. City leaders say this first phase will reconnect residents to the Brazos River, honor the historic Calle Dos neighborhood, and eventually add a new city hall, arts district, and sports complex.
   

2. Have you caught the freshman flu? (baylorlariat.com) — Baylor students in Waco are facing the so‑called "freshman flu," a wave of colds and respiratory bugs fueled by crowded classrooms, dorms, and Central Texas allergens. Local health experts in Waco explain why illnesses spread so quickly, where on campus you can get flu shots, and what simple steps—like rest, staying home when sick, and basic hygiene—can help you and your roommates recover faster.
   

3. 'A fighting chance': 36 years of saving tiny lives at Hillcrest NICU (kwtx.com) — Families in Waco and Central Texas have had a full-service NICU at Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest for 36 years, allowing many premature and critically ill newborns to stay close to home. Doctors there now care for babies born as early as 22 weeks, easing both medical and emotional strain for local parents who might otherwise travel hours for treatment.
   

4. Waco Police release name of man found dead Wednesday (star-telegram.com) — Waco police have identified the man found fatally shot Wednesday on Dallas Street as 62-year-old Darrell Demon Conway and are still searching for a suspect. Officers responded around 2:11 p.m., and investigators are asking anyone with information to contact Waco Crime Stoppers, where tips leading to an arrest could earn a reward.
   

5. September 25, 2026 Brazos Bulletin Episode (kwbu.org) — This week's Brazos Bulletin spotlights Waco's groundbreaking on the Barron's Branch phase of downtown redevelopment and features Fire Chief Robby Bergerson on how Waco residents can prepare for and prevent wildfires. The episode also includes broader Texas stories, from standout young candy sellers to a prison braille program and an Austin immigration case.
   

📸 Around Waco

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Waco

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Panda has gone adventuring again.
    If anybody sees our girl pls let her loose or let me know where to pick her up. she lives near bosqueville isd. She's very loving and sweet. (Nextdoor Bosqueville)
  • One of the most amazing places!
    Full of beautiful books and treasures and spaces to get lost in stories. The children's area is magical! They also have a delicious coffee bar and a… (Nextdoor Lake Air Estates)
  • Great Lakes Petroleum Company posted a job opening for Outside Fuel Sales Representative - Waco, TX in Waco. Apply here.
  • Howmet Aerospace posted a job opening for Machining Technician in Waco. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Waco here.

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: "MAN OVERBOARD!" (Thank you M J. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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