Hello Waco! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Silver-winning teen rower, mystery at the Steam Lab, and Jurassic Quest + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Rising talent makes waves: Sixteen-year-old Roman Sykora of Waco Rowing Center won silver at the US Rowing Youth National Championships in Sarasota, competing among 4,000-plus athletes and putting a bright spotlight on Waco rowing -- read the full story.
Insurance gaps to review: Recent Central Texas flooding put water inside homes in Hewitt near Waco. Standard policies exclude floods, and experts urge homeowners to review coverage and consider flood insurance before storms -- learn what experts recommend.
Summer events across Waco: Coming up in Waco, a July 2 public reading of the Declaration at McLennan County Courthouse, Fourth on the Brazos fireworks July 4, and STEMfest July 18 -- see the full local lineup.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
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02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Need a garden glow-up: Greenlife Nursery has the Texas-tough plants and straight-shooting local tips to help your beds survive the heat and still look good. Swing by when the yard’s feeling crispy, refresh with pollinator-friendly picks, then ride out July with fewer plant casualties and more curb appeal.
Neighborhood breather, unlocked: Craving a no-fuss green space, North Waco Park is the kind of close-to-home spot that makes a quick reset actually happen. Pop over for a short walk, a mellow hang with neighbors, or a mini family play break, then get back to the day feeling slightly more human.
Weekend fun, settled: When the group chat stalls, Putters: Arcade - Mini Golf - Sports Bar delivers the fix with breezy putt-putt, button-mashing arcade action, and a legit sports bar vibe. Easy spot for date night, birthdays, or unwinding after work with friends.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
Buy one window treatment this summer, get the second 50% off: “My fourth order over 8 years. Product reliability, consistency to values & warranty kept me returning!” See what keeps customers coming back to 3 Day Blinds. Book your free consultation and enjoy summer savings on blinds, shades, and drapery. *Claim your summer savings →
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🔬 Mystery at the Steam Lab @ Bledsoe-Miller STEAM Center | Wednesday (6/24) at 6:00 PM – Craving a plot twist for the group chat? The STEAM Lab at Bledsoe-Miller turns into a one-night whodunit of hidden clues, secret messages, code cracking, and hands-on puzzles. Bring the family, flex your teamwork, and think like detectives, minus the trench coats.
🦎 Cool, Cold-Blooded Critters @ South Waco Library | Thursday (6/25) at 10:30 AM – If you prefer your wildlife with AC and librarians nearby, South Waco Library is hosting a live look at cool, cold-blooded critters. Snakes, lizards, and maybe a turtle, all the oohs and eeks, and it is free. Quality bonding, zero sunburn.
🦖 Jurassic Quest @ Extraco Events Center | Friday (6/26) at 12:00 PM – Nothing beats watching the grandkids’ dino phase go full throttle in air conditioned comfort. Jurassic Quest hits Extraco Events Center with life size animatronics, fossil digs, and rides, delivering loud roars, real science, and the kind of quality time that actually earns bedtime.
🚚 11th RC Semi Truck Show @ HobbyTown | Saturday (6/27) at 8:00 AM – The 11th RC Semi Truck Show rolls in courtesy of RC4WD and AMain Hobbies, all the big-rig swagger without the diesel headache. Drive a rig on the floor for $20, or kick back and enjoy the precision, the chrome, and the oddly soothing beeps.
🇺 America 250 Family Day @ Mayborn Museum Complex | Saturday (6/27) at 10:00 AM – America’s 250th calls for something cozy, so the museum is turning the rotunda into a come-and-go quilting bee. Make a square about what this country means to you, a patchwork we might actually agree on. Included with admission, and open to all ages.
🃏 Mom and Pop Card Show @ Anthem Stories | Sunday (6/28) at 11:00 AM – Consider this your air-conditioned treasure hunt in Waco, a Mom and Pop Card Show stacked with rare sports cards, Pokémon, TCG, and quirky collectibles. It’s nostalgia without the attic dust, just friendly haggling, stories, and the chance to finally match that mystery rookie.
🎩 Family Event: Christian Illusionist David Laflin @ Journey Christian Community | Sunday (6/28) at 3:00 PM – A free family show with real wow, zero screens, and a little wonder that points to the Gospel. Christian illusionist David Laflin brings the big stage tricks, then teaches the kids three to take home, so your spoons stop disappearing, your patience does not; registration required.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The Waco report Weather forecastToday — High: 94°F — Low: 73°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 99. South wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Later: Mostly clear. Low around 73, with temperatures rising to around 75 overnight. Heat index values as high as 98. South wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 94°F — Low: 75°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 94. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 75. South wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. This house is wildThis nearly 4,000-square-foot, single-level Waco gem pairs rare Lake Waco sunset views with serious room to stretch out. Three bedrooms, three living areas, two dining spaces, and a powder bath create a flexible layout, while a wide back deck and walls of windows keep the water and sky in constant focus.
Take a peek inside → |
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