Our Town: Origins of Hewitt
HEWITT, Texas (FOX 44) - As this week's edition of Our Town reaches a close, our coverage of Hewitt caps off by answering a simple question: How was Hewitt founded? The town is located eight miles sou
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How to Find Free Food in Waco: Pantries, SNAP & WIC
Search 567,859+ verified resources for food, healthcare, and housing — all 50 states, DC, and US territories. Free. A practical guide for Waco: pantries, SNAP, WIC, the 211 referral line, and how to use the free Feed America directory at feedam.org.
Our Town Hewitt: A Safe Place
HEWITT, Texas (FOX 44) — The City of Hewitt has sat far below local, state, and national crime rates for years - and at the center of this safety is the Police Department. With a population of about 16,000 people, the City of Hewitt isn't some sprawling metropolis. In small...
Our Town: Origins of Hewitt
HEWITT, Texas (FOX 44) - As this week's edition of Our Town reaches a close, our coverage of Hewitt caps off by answering a simple question: How was Hewitt founded? The town is located eight miles southwest of Waco and was established in 1882 when the Missouri, Kansas and Texas...
Three arrested in credit card skimming case indicted by grand jury
Waco, Tx (FOX44) - A McLennan County grand jury has returned felony indictments against three men arrested in April accused of putting card skimmers on gas pumps in Hewitt. Yardanys Castillo, Sarria Gutierrez Jeiler, and Lazono Raul Pinera Rodriguez were all indicted on charges...
Christ the King Church pastor talks Vacation Bible School
WACO, Texas (FOX 44) - With school out and the kids at home, it's important that they spend time doing something positive. Many churches throughout the area are hosting Vacation Bible School programs this summer. Pastor Ramiro Peña from Christ the King Church paid a visit to our...
Sex abuse victim family says they’re “tired of being used” for politics amid Talarico attacks
Talarico has been attacking Paxton on the campaign trail over his office’s handling of a case where a Waco man was charged with sexually abusing a young boy.
Accident in Lorena shuts down southbound I-35
LORENA, Texas (FOX 44) - UPDATE: An accident on southbound Interstate 35 in Lorena shut down multiple lanes on Friday morning. Old Lorena Road in the 6000 block was closed, according to the Lorena Police Department. The Texas Department of Public Safety, the McLennan County...
Blue Bell recreates the Land of Milk and Honey
McLENNAN COUNTY, Texas (FOX 44) - Blue Bell Creameries has been making the best ice cream in the country for more than 100 years! We learn more about the company's Texas roots, and its newest flavor, in the video above!
Flood threat continues Friday as rainfall moves to West Texas
At least two people died after extreme flooding hit the Hill Country late Wednesday into Thursday morning.
New federal housing law could make homeownership more attainable for first-time buyers across Central Texas
A new federal law is now in effect aimed at making homeownership more attainable for first-time buyers in Central Texas.Watch Full Story Here: New federal housing law aims to make homeownership more attainable for first-time buyers in WacoThe 21st Century Road to Housing Act...
Residents in Boerne experience severe flooding
Severe weather has hit the City of Boerne, and residents are shocked to see the impact. Residents said the last time Cibolo Creek flooded was 20 years ago. Severe weather is expected to continue until Friday. BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:I walk around here all the time, and its crazy...
Temple mom works to require higher deadbolts in new homes after 3-year-old son drowns in pool
A Temple mother is hoping to turn her loss into change after her 3-year-old son drowned in a backyard pool a year ago.Hannah Ochoa's firstborn, Keaton Smith, was a fighter from the beginning, having been born premature. As he grew, he could always be found with a toy animal in...
UIL approves shot clock pilot program for varsity basketball tournaments
The UIL enacts a pilot program for the use of a 35 second shot clock that will be optional in all conferences for varsity tournaments.Watch the full story here: UIL approves shot clock pilot program for varsity basketball tournaments"For a while they've been talking about doing...
Marlin's Brushy Creek water project hits setback after city council misses key deadline
The city council's failure to schedule a formal action meeting in time has caused the company behind Marlin's Brushy Creek project to pull out, dealing a significant blow to a development projected to bring $1.5 billion to the city over the next 10 years.WATCH HERE: Marlin's...
2026 Guide: Waco Independent Film Festival
The 2026 Waco Independent Film Festival is finally here and 25 News is your one-stop-shop for coverage! It's a weekend of red carpet events, parties, and of course, great films!Waco Indie 2026 highlights ahead with Shardae LaRae and John Wildman Waco Indie 2026 highlights ahead...
Beyond the Pain: How to prevent migraines and headaches
WACO, Texas (FOX 44) - According to the World Health Organization, headache disorders affect about 40 percent of the population - which is equivalent to 3.1 billion people. We speak with Baylor Scott & White about migraine awareness in our interview above.
Adopt a furry friend at 'Puppies! At The Disco' event
WACO, Texas (FOX 44) - The Humane Society of Central Texas (HSCTX) is inviting you to a silent disco for a good cause! HSCTX says its Puppies! At The Disco event will take place from 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. Thursday at TrueLove Waco, located at 414 Franklin Avenue. There will be lots...
Local firefighters deploying to assist in flooded areas
Central Texas (FOX44) - Firefighters from McLennan County have been called up to assist communities impacted by flooding in the San Antonio area. Robinson firefighters have deployed as part of the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System. Robinson Fire Chief Sullivan and...
10th annual Waco Indie Film Festival kicks off this weekend at the Hippodrome
The 10th annual Waco Independent Film Festival is underway this weekend at the Hippodrome, bringing together filmmakers and film lovers for dozens of screenings, panels and networking events open to the public.Watch Full Story Here: 10th annual Waco Indie Film Festival kicks off...
Killeen's animal shelter has sat vacant for months. City council is now weighing what comes next.
The Killeen Animal Shelter on Rancier has been vacant since late February, when mold was discovered and the building was closed because it could not handle the level of cleaning required.City leaders received an update on the building's condition and the plan moving forward.The...
Clayton Freshcorn returning to Texas A&M Baseball, turning down St. Louis Cardinals
Texas A&M received one of its biggest offseason victories Tuesday as All-American closer Clayton Freshcorn announced he will return to College Station for the 2027 season instead of signing with the St. Louis Cardinals.Freshcorn was selected by the Cardinals with the No. 564...
Bryan-College Station residents share storm concerns as flooding impacts roads and construction
Residents describe drainage problems, vehicle damage risks, and safety worries following recent storms in the Bryan-College Station area. BCS residents reactions and impact of recent stormsResidents in Bryan-College Station are feeling the effects of recent storms, with flooding...
Waco Indie Film Festival announces 2026 lineup, schedule
WACO, Texas (FOX 44) – The Waco Independent Film Festival (Waco Indie) has announced the film lineup and events schedule for this year's event! The Festival was recently was named as one of MovieMaker Magazine’s “50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee”. Waco Indie’s in-theater...
Our Town: Hewitt on the Rise
HEWITT, Texas (FOX 44) — As Central Texas continues to grow, Hewitt is hoping to stake its claim in the minds of potential new residents. Hewitt is the second largest city in McLennan County, with a population of around 16,000. Over the years, they have been recognized multiple...
College Station's proposed 2027 budget includes nearly $36M in Midtown district upgrades
College Station's proposed 2027 budget includes nearly $36M in Midtown district upgradesWatch the full story here: College Station's proposed 2027 budget includes nearly $36M in Midtown district upgradesCollege Station has big plans for its Midtown district, and the proposed...
Midway ISD facing water damage repairs
Woodway, Tx (FOX44) - Midway ISD is facing repairs due to water damage from two different sources, flood waters from heavy rains and in a second incident from a broken pipe. The flooding came as a result of the heavy rains Tuesday and caused damage to the visiting team locker...
TSTC Waco shares the benefits of trade school education
WACO, Texas (FOX 44) - Trade schools have been seeing major growth over the last year - over traditional four-year institutions. We spoke with TSTC Waco, who shared more about why trade school education might be a path to consider. You can watch our interview above.
Tennyson MS students share art at Waco nursing home
WACO, Texas (FOX 44) - Some Waco Independent School District students are spreading joy through creativity! The district says some talented young artists from Tennyson Middle School recently shared their artwork with the residents of St. Catherine's Senior Living and Rehab...
Waco Independent Film Festival celebrating tenth year
WACO, Texas (FOX 44) - Bold stories, big laughs, and unforgettable memories will come to life at the Waco Independent Film Festival! Festival Co-Founders Louis Hunter and Samuel Thomas tell us what we can expect for the event's tenth year in our interview above. For more...
Waco's annual water report shows Lake Waco nearly full, no drought restrictions expected this summer
Lake Waco is nearly full, drinking water remains safe, and the city does not expect to implement drought restrictions this summer, according to Waco's latest annual water report.Watch Full Story Here: Waco's annual water report shows Lake Waco nearly full, no drought...
Data center developer drops lawsuit after U-turn by Hill County
Data center developer RCM Hill has dropped its $100M lawsuit against Hill County, County Judge Shane Brassells confirms. On Monday, RCM Hill withdrew its $100 million lawsuit against Hill County Hill County will pay $100,000 for the developer's attorney fees.Hill County will pay...
Canada suspends animal exports from Texas due to New World screwworm concerns
Canada has suspended several animal exports from Texas due to concerns about the New World screwworm, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is immediately suspending the export of horses, pigs, cattle, bison, sheep, goats, deer, elk,...
2 Grimes County school boards approve crucial tax break for new SpaceX facility
A multibillion dollar SpaceX project planned for Grimes County is now moving forward following two crucial endorsements from local leaders.The school boards for the Iola and Anderson-Shiro school districts approved "JETI" tax agreements for the gigantic SpaceX Terafab project,...
Copperas Cove approves new tax reinvestment zone
Copperas Cove city leaders have approved a new financial tool aimed at encouraging commercial development and reducing the city's reliance on residential property taxes.WATCH the full story here: Copperas Cove approves new tax reinvestment zoneCity Council approved the creation...
Our Town: Books, Community, and More
HEWITT, Texas (FOX 44) — The Hewitt Public Library opened its doors in 2016, and since then it's made itself a central piece of the community. In 2025, the Hewitt Public Library was awarded the Achievement of Excellence by the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association...
McLennan County works to improve drainage systems after last month's flooding caused damage
McLennan County is working to improve drainage systems along several creek corridors after last month's heavy rains caused damage to culverts and channel ways across the area.The City of Waco has monitored Waco Creek, Cottonwood Creek, Barrons Branch, and Flat Creek for years....
Live updates: Two deaths reported as flash flooding triggers urgent warnings across southwest Texas, Hill Country
Critical flood emergencies declared in Uvalde County and along the Guadalupe and Pedernales rivers.
Freedman's Memorial unveiled at Falls County Courthouse to honor freed people who travelled to Falls County
A new memorial at the Falls County Courthouse honors the 435 freedmen, women, and children who traveled from South Carolina to Falls County in 1867 to begin a new life.Albert Manigo, who lived in Marlin for 27 years before moving to Waco, attended the Freedman's Memorial...
Bell County residents warned about jury duty phone scam targeting local numbers
Scammers are impersonating the Bell County Sheriff's Office, calling residents and claiming they missed jury duty and must pay a fine or face arrest.Watch Full Story Here: Bell County residents warned about jury duty phone scam targeting local numbersThe Bell County Sheriff's...
Hear from local leaders at Spill the Tea Luncheon
WACO, Texas (FOX 44) - Waco's Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children is inviting you to an inspiring afternoon of connection, impact, and community. The organization's third annual Spill the Tea Luncheon will be taking place at 11:45 a.m. Wednesday at the Ridgewood...