Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How will TEA’s takeover change Connally ISD for local families?
Also, don't miss Touch of Grey on the Waco Patch calendar
Good morning Waco! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How will TEA’s takeover change Connally ISD for local families?
- How a family argument in Waco led to a felony charge
- How a Waco rodeo sparked a nationwide equine health alert
Also on today's calendar: Holiday Market at the Waco Downtown Farmers Market and 7 more events.
Find out what's happening in Wacofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Today's riddle: What did the boat dock say when it was arrested? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Wacofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Saturday: Clouds and sun, with a high of 69 and low of 42 degrees.
- Sunday: Partly sunny; breezy, cooler, temps: high: 50, low: 29.
- Monday: Partly sunny, with a high of 54 and low of 42 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. TEA takes expanded control of Connally ISD operations (kvue.com) — State education officials are stepping in to oversee Connally ISD, with the Texas Education Agency installing both a conservator and a new board of managers while based in Waco. The current superintendent will stay on until a TEA-appointed replacement arrives, and community members are being urged to apply for the new board and attend upcoming stakeholder meetings about the transition. 
2. ‘Hit me, fight me': Grandmother arrested for allegedly punching child in face, police say (kwtx.com) — Waco police have arrested a 53-year-old grandmother accused of repeatedly punching her grandchild during a November family dispute, leaving visible injuries documented by officers. The child’s siblings reportedly witnessed the incident, and the woman now faces an injury-to-a-child charge with bond set at $3,000. Neighbors may notice this case moving through local courts soon.
3. 60 equine herpesvirus cases confirmed in multistate outbreak (avma.org) — A recent multistate equine herpesvirus outbreak has been traced to a Women’s Professional Rodeo Association barrel-racing event held in Waco putting horse owners and vets on alert. Officials report 60 confirmed cases across eight states, several fatalities in Texas, and emphasize strict biosecurity, monitoring, and isolation practices to limit further spread from the Waco-linked outbreak.
4. Food, beverage groups target Texas ingredient labeling law with lawsuit (meatpoultry.com) — A major lawsuit filed in Waco’s federal court is challenging a new Texas law that would require warning labels on foods containing certain ingredients restricted overseas. National food and beverage groups argue the rule misleads consumers, violates free speech, and could force companies nationwide to change products just to sell in Texas.
5. Gov. Greg Abbott pushes for Turning Point USA chapters in Texas high schools (kxxv.com) — A new statewide push from Gov. Greg Abbott would expand conservative group Turning Point USA into more Texas public high schools, with support from Waco State Rep. Pat Curry. Curry argues the clubs could encourage student political engagement and value-based discussions, while Abbott warns schools not to block such organizations. Details on how and when chapters will roll out remain unclear.
📸 Around Waco
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🗓 Upcoming Events in Waco
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Touch of Grey
The Will, 5984 N State Hwy 6, Waco
8:00 pm
Saturday December 13
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Holiday Market at the Waco Downtown Farmers Market
Waco Downtown Farmers Market , 200 E Bridge St , Waco
9:00 am - RHS Band & Choir Christmas Concert
Robinson H S Waco, TX 76706 - Christmas Choir & Band Concerts
Glennis McCrary Music Building , 110 Baylor Ave , Waco - 6TH Grade Band and Choir Christmas Concert Time TBD
Robinson ISD Waco, TX 76706
2:00 pm - The Nutcracker
Waco Hall , 624 Speight Ave , Waco
2:00 pm - RHS V Girls Soccer Scrim vs Florence
Challenge Academy Waco, TX 76704
5:00 pm - RHS Fall Athletic Banquet
Challenge Academy Waco, TX 76704
6:00 pm - RJH Christmas Band Tour
Robinson ISD Waco, TX 76706 - Waco Downtown Farmers Market
Waco Downtown Farmers Market, 200 E Bridge St, Waco, TX, 76704
9:00 am
Saturday December 13
Sunday December 14
Monday December 15
Tuesday December 16
Saturday December 20
📣 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
- Urban Expressions Artisan Market
World Cup Cafe and Fair Trade Market , 1321 N 15th St , Waco
9:00 am - Family Day December
Art Center Waco , 701 S 8th St , Waco
9:00 am - Rocket Makers Market
Robinson ISD , Student Parking Lot by Ag Building , Beverly Hills
9:00 am - Christmas Spirit
Painting with a Twist , 1621 N Valley Mills Dr , Waco
1:00 pm
Saturday December 13
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
- Can I just brag on my girlfriend for a second?
I’ve been traveling the last few months for work, she didn’t come from a cooking household growing up but has been practicing a lot lately for my… (Nextdoor Meadow Glen) - Update: Pet Reunited
Daisy, a dog who went missing in Waco, TX, has been safely reunited with their family after 1 hours, 4 minutes. Message from Owner: "I lost my big… (Nextdoor Farwell Heights)
- Cadets from Waco High School JROTC Orienteering Team recently competed at the Texas Stampede Orienteering meet in Athens, TX. Our Cadets did an... (X: WacoISD)
- HILL COUNTY | Next week, there will be various lane closures on I-35 southbound throughout Hill County. These lane closures will allow crews to... (X: TxDOTWaco)
- U-Haul posted a job opening for Facility Housekeeper in Waco. Apply here.
- Kirkland's posted a job opening for * Temp/Seasonal Stock Team Member - Kirkland's Home 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 demand a jury of my piers.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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