Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How Waco ISD’s GT overhaul could change every middle school
And check out PMP Certification 4 Days Classroom Training in Waco, TX on the Waco Patch calendar
Hi there, Waco! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How Waco ISD’s GT overhaul could change every middle school
- How bad is Waco’s holiday flu surge—and who’s most at risk?
- How Waco advocates honored 11 homeless neighbors lost this year
Also on today's calendar: Noon Year's Eve and 3 more events.
Find out what's happening in Wacofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Find out what's happening in Wacofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Monday: Intervals of clouds and sun, with a high of 74 and low of 62 degrees.
- Tuesday: Partly sunny and very warm, temps: high: 78, low: 61.
- Wednesday: Partly sunny and very warm, with a high of 78 and low of 64 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Waco ISD considers plan to expand middle school gifted and talented program (star-telegram.com) — Waco ISD is preparing to expand its gifted and talented “Atlas-style” programming from just Tennyson Middle School to all three district middle schools as soon as next school year, aiming for more equitable access. Parents will be asked for feedback online and at a January meeting at Waco High, and this year’s Atlas Academy application window is on hold during the transition. 
2. Flu cases spike in Central Texas during holidays (kxxv.com) — Doctors in Waco and across Central Texas are seeing a sharp spike in influenza A cases just as families gather for the holidays, with ERs reporting many patients with cough, fever, and body aches. Local health officials urge residents to protect elderly relatives and infants, stay home when sick, practice good hand hygiene, and consider vaccination to reduce serious complications.
3. Memorial vigil honors 11 homeless lives lost in McLennan County (kwtx.com) — A memorial vigil at The Hangar in Waco honored 11 people who died while homeless in McLennan County this year, each represented by a candle and hand-knitted beanie. Organizers from McLennan County Health Services and Throwing Aces Homeless Advocacy emphasized dignity, remembrance, and closure for friends and families, noting one woman died after being hit by a train in Waco.
4. ‘A dream as big as Texas': Former 10th Court of Appeals Justice Felipe Reyna, who overcame poverty to become a justice, passes away at 80 (kwtx.com) — Waco is mourning longtime attorney and former 10th Court of Appeals Justice Felipe Reyna, who has died at age 80 after a decades-long legal career rooted in McLennan County. Raised in poverty, Reyna rose from janitor to justice, serving as district attorney, founding a local law firm, and inspiring many through his work and his memoir about achieving the American Dream.
📸 Around Waco
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Waco
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- PMP Certification 4 Days Classroom Training in Waco, TX
Regus, 13701 Woodway Dr 2nd Floor, Woodway
9:00 am
Tuesday December 23
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Baylor University Men's Basketball vs Arlington Baptist
Foster Pavilion Waco, Texas, - Noon Year's Eve
Mayborn Museum Complex , 1300 S University Parks Dr , Waco
12:00 pm - New Year Celebration
Camp Fimfo Waco , 1000 Chickadee Ln , Waco
2:00 pm - RHS Boys Basketball vs McGregor
Challenge Academy Waco, TX 76704
5:00 pm - Baylor University Men's Basketball at TCU
Schollmaier Arena Fort Worth, Texas,
Monday December 29
Wednesday December 31
Friday January 2
Saturday January 3
📣 Waco Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Basic Handgun Fundamentals
Republic Gun Club , 19000 Woodway Dr , Woodway
3:00 pm - Code Enforcement Corner
3015 Bellmead Dr , Bellmead
2:30 pm - Wednesdays at The Will
The Will , 5984 N State Hwy 6 , Waco
4:00 pm - Heart of Texas Storytelling Guild’s Monthly Gathering
Good Neighbor House , 2301 Colcord Ave , Waco
10:30 am - Sunday Outdoor Market
The Will , 5984 N State Hwy 6 , Waco
12:20 pm - Sasquatch Staycation
Painting with a Twist , 1621 N Valley Mills Dr , Waco
2:00 pm
Tuesday December 23
Wednesday December 24
Saturday December 27
Sunday December 28
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Is this anyone’s cat?
Super sweet. I fed it and gave it water but don’t want it to get ran over. (Nextdoor Lost Oaks) - Please share & repost to help reunite this stray dog!
FOUND on December 20, 2025 in Waco, TX 76710 near Bosque & 61st Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the finder, view… (Nextdoor Cobbs)
- Cinemark USA, Inc. posted a job opening for Full Time Assistant Manager in Waco. Apply here.
- Velvet Taco, Inc. posted a job opening for Cook 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: I feel your pane.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
👉 Help make Patch AM better
- Help us grow by suggesting local news sources.
- Shape this newsletter with your feedback.
- List items for sale or services offered
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.