Los Cucos property already has buyer
Los Cucos Mexican Cafe closed its Legends Crossing location last month, but another restaurant is buying the 8,000-squarefoot building in a deal that was expected to close Friday....
The Waco
Business
CFP rankings are out. Now comes the weekend that could destroy them
Now that we’ve gotten that Tuesday nonsense out of the way, we can get down to serious business. No, not that, the other Tuesday nonsense.
Amazon partners with UberEats for free food delivery with a Prime subscription
Amazon announced Thursday it will start a new partnership with UberEats to offer free food delivery on qualifying orders for Amazon Prime members. Starting Thursday, food delivery for restaurant orders placed directly through Amazon will be free, as long as the order exceeds $25....
'Stranger Things' prequel series coming to Netflix in 2028
Things are turning upside down again. Netflix is heading back to the world of "Stranger Things" with a prequel series set decades before viewers first arrived in Hawkins, Indiana. The new series "Other Worlds: A Stranger Things Adventure" will debut in 2028, the streaming company...
More Americans are scrutinizing ingredients before buying food
A new national survey has found that what goes into your food may be changing what goes into your shopping cart. According to FoodMinds, 54% of shoppers have started buying, or are buying more of, certain foods because they seem less processed, have fewer additives or contain ing...
3 deliberate moves for businesses to maintain trust in AI decisions
Incorta reports that 76% of leaders believe AI will disrupt their industries, yet 59% of AI pilots fail due to organizational issues.
Wendy’s breakfast could disappear at some restaurants
Amid slumping sales, Wendys leaders told investors that franchisees will no longer be required to serve breakfast. The announcement comes as the Columbus, Ohio-based fast-food chain rejected a bid to buy the company. Company leaders said some locations could improve profitability...
Millions of Little Giant ladders recalled after reports of injuries
Little Giant Ladder Systems announced a recall of millions of ladders sold across the U.S. because the Rapid Locks can suddenly retract if they are not fully engaged, posing a fall hazard to consumers. According to the company, there have been 25 reports of ladders retracting, in...
How AI is changing holiday shopping and what advertisers need to know
elk Marketing reports that AI is transforming holiday shopping, influencing product discovery and advertising strategies as consumers increasingly seek personalized gift suggestions through AI tools....
Starbucks releases its first-ever holiday-themed pup cup design
Starbucks has something festive in store this holiday season, and this time, it’s for its four-legged and furry customers.
Democrats prepare to investigate Trump family deals
After sweeping both chambers of Congress, Democrats will turn their new investigative powers on the Trump family's business deals.
La Fiesta, Kitok, Red Herring and others make 'Texas Grand' restaurant list
Texas Monthly magazine unveiled "The Texas Grand," a listing of what it considers the thousand or so best restaurants in the Lone Star State. Five around Waco made the list....
Waco ranks No. 1 for thrift stores in Texas
The Waco metro area is the best in Texas for thrifting, with 8.19 thrift stores per 100,000 residents, according to an analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data....
Buyer already lined up for recently closed Los Cucos restaurant spot in Waco
Los Cucos Mexican Cafe closed its Legends Crossing location last month, but another restaurant is buying the 8,000-square-foot building in a deal expected to close Friday....
Reddit will soon require users to log in to access its content
Reddit will soon make a major change, requiring users to log in to the platform to access its content after 20 years of being an open platform. The social media company's CEO, Steve Huffman, announced the change on the platform last week, stating it will help make the user experi...
Think the world's best restaurants are in the US? New ranking says otherwise
The 50 released its list of the worlds top 50 restaurants Thursday, and no U.S. restaurants made the top 10. Only one U.S. restaurant cracked the top 50: New York-based Atomix. The restaurant says it offers a 10-course tasting menu that highlights modern Korean cuisine. Last year...
Gen Z, millennials are driving America’s booming wellness market
Wellness is big business, and younger Americans are driving it. Data from McKinsey estimates that the global wellness market is worth about $2 trillion. In the U.S., Gen Z and millennials make up 36% of adults but account for more than 41% of wellness spending. While younger Amer...
Financial pressure on American shoppers hits new high, survey finds
A new survey from customer data company dunnhumby found that 64% of Americans would struggle to cover an unexpected $400 expense, up seven percentage points since December. The survey also found that 31% of middle-income households reported not having enough to eat, compared with...
Taco Bell reports sales recovery following lettuce-linked outbreak
Taco Bell revealed this week that sales have returned to normal after the company was linked to an outbreak initially believed to be tied to contaminated lettuce. Taco Bell said sales fell 4% during the third quarter of 2026, which spans July through September, but rebounded to n...
Trump seeks to erase first criminal conviction of a US president
President Donald Trump's lawyers will try to persuade a New York appeals court Thursday to throw out his hush money conviction, two years after it made history. The conviction, on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to obscure a $130,000 payment to adult film performe...
Elon Musk's business empire braces for Democratic wave as Texas flips blue
As Republicans suffered a landslide defeat, one of the biggest losers of the U.S. midterms was not on the ballot: Elon Musk.
What shoppers actually haul home on Black Friday: 10 years of local delivery data
Lugg reports that Black Friday sees a surge in sofa pickups, with store visits peaking and moves deferred.
Can we step up for St. James?
While visiting our kids in Brooklyn, our son Van arranged and planned a special surprise for me. After stopping by a couple of used/rare vinyl stores and grabbing lunch at a Jewish deli in Greenpoint (who knew celery soda could…...
Local grocery stores win on service but lag behind chains online, study finds
When it comes to grocery shopping, bigger may not always be better. A recent survey of 5,000 U.S. supermarket shoppers found that 60% shop at independent grocery stores at least occasionally. Why? More than half point to friendly, personal service and community support. This rese...
How businesses can test AI agents before giving them more independence
Verizon reports on a three-stage approach for businesses to test AI agents (crawl, walk, run), ensuring proper oversight and access limitations before granting independence....
How to train your ads before Black Friday so you actually like what you buy
Vibe reports on shaping ads before Black Friday, emphasizing the impact of spaced repetition and deliberate shopping to enhance satisfaction with purchases....
Toddler snack sold nationwide recalled over choking risk
A popular children's snack is being recalled due to a choking hazard. According to the FDA, Once Upon a Farm is recalling all lots and varieties of its fruit-flavored Tractor Wheel Organic Toddler Soft-Baked bars. The company says the snacks can rapidly hydrate into a dense mass,...
McDonald’s rolls out new value menu items as sales decline
McDonald's plans to introduce new value-oriented meal bundles early next year after a disappointing third quarter that saw lower traffic at U.S. restaurants. McDonald's Chairman and CEO Chris Kempczinski said Wednesday that the company recently began an eight-week test of mix-and...
Hidden price hikes: 6 ways companies are charging you more
Consumers expect prices to rise from time to time. But some of the biggest price increases don't show up on the price tag. Many shoppers are familiar with "shrinkflation," when companies reduce the amount of product in a package while keeping the price the same. RELATED STORY | I...
This Dolomites hotel is entirely designed around babies and kids
LONDON — There’s something a bit strange about being in a restaurant where every single table has kids sitting at them. While I know children are absolutely allowed to take up space in public places, trips out with little ones…...
Hillsboro secures $5 million for road construction
The Hillsboro Economic Development Corporation received a $5 million grant for road construction. Industrial Loop Road is the road the funds would be allocated to. I think its going to draw in more businesses that are going to open up more opportunities," said Israel Bowman, mark...
Multiple business burglaries occur in San Saba County
SAN SABA COUNTY, Texas (FOX 44) - The San Saba County Sheriff's Office is raising awareness of multiple burglaries involving businesses throughout the county which occurred overnight. The Sheriff's Office is encouraging local business owners to take additional steps to protect th...
Black Friday deals are everywhere. Accessible shopping websites? Not so much.
Clym reports that 96% of shopping websites have accessibility errors, complicating holiday shopping for millions.
Mike Copeland: Hearsay gets Austin Avenue permit; Thrifting in Waco; Garden City grocery; Financial Empowerment Center
Hearsay has a permit to overhaul the former Coach's Smoke spot on Austin Avenue. Free one-on-one counseling is available at the new Financial Empowerment Center, and more Waco-area business news....
I-35 corridor remains at the center of state growth
Texas has long been one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, but that expansion has never been evenly distributed. Some areas are booming while others are working to stabilize existing conditions. I recently discussed our analysis of regional economic…...
Hearsay has permit for old Coach's Smoke spot
A Houston company building a reputation for turning older buildings into chic, modern venues with "swagger" has secured a $2 million permit to remodel the interior of 330 Austin Ave., where Coach's Smoke once operated a barbecue restaurant....
6 Black Friday tips for getting the best deals
Freedom Debt Relief reports key tips for Black Friday shopping to maximize savings and avoid debt: make a list, set a budget, track prices, and seek early deals....
The economic crisis in Black America
The Economic Hardship Reporting Project and Hammer & Hope report on Black Americans experiencing severe economic struggles amid rising costs, unemployment, and healthcare issues, highlighting systemic inequalities....
AI is changing how consumers shop, but bad recommendations could cost brands
New research finds consumers reject about six out of every ten products suggested by AI shopping assistants. The problem could start before you ever click on a retailers website, with the study finding that businesses can lose a potential sale during the AI recommendation process...
The holiday season shipping checklist: 6 things to fix before peak season
ShipStation reports that merchants should ensure carrier connections, audit automation rules, update package dimensions, set up rate shopping, test hardware, and stage return policies to avoid crises before peak season....
What is the 'AI bubble' and what happens if it pops?
U.S. based AI company Anthropic, maker of popular chatbot Claude, filed for its initial public offering (IPO) on Oct. 26, giving the public a first official look into its business operations and...
Whole Foods Ashwagandha capsules recalled over possible salmonella contamination
A recall has been issued for Ashwagandha capsules sold at Whole Foods stores across the country due to potential salmonella contamination. Vitality Works Inc. is recalling lot number 2025-26227 of 365 Whole Foods Market Standardized + Full Spectrum Blend Ashwagandha Capsules, 120...
What to Do in Waco: Oct. 30 – Nov. 5
By Arden Berry | Arts & Life Editor Halloween is just around the corner with some spooky fun, and more events are coming November when it’s done. For the fear- and fall-focused alike, here are some upcoming events in Waco. Autumn Cloche Workshop | Oct. 30-31, Nov. 3-5 | Hourlong ...
OpenAI's new AI tool was too capable. Now its release is delayed
OpenAI said Monday it was delaying the release of a new artificial intelligence model out of security concerns voiced by its researchers, the latest in the company's effort to decelerate the pace of the technology's advance. OpenAIs decision to hold back the model, called GPT-6.1...
Mechanic hourly rates by state: What shops charge vs. what techs take home
Way reports that mechanic hourly rates vary significantly across states, with shop owners struggling to balance competitive wages and increased costs.
Why aren't 2027 vehicles showing up on dealer lots yet?
If you've been shopping for a new vehicle lately, you may have noticed something unusual: there aren't many 2027 models on dealership lots. Typically, dealerships begin filling up with next year's vehicles by early fall. But this year, automakers are taking a slower approach to r...
Stewards OF Dollywood
BUSINESS
MCC hosts AI forum for local business input
Local business and industry leaders will talk about the artificial intelligence are skills needed in the workplace at an Oct. 8 forum hosted by McLennan Community College....
E. Coli outbreak linked to recalled raw milk cheese sold in nine states
The CDC, FDA and public health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli infections linked to certain cheeses sold across nine states. According to officials, all Graziers raw milk cheeses sold by Sierra Nevada Cheese Company have been recalled due to possible ...
Trump announces Iowa steel plant expected to be nation's largest
President Donald Trump on Monday announced a new $15 billion steel plant being built in Iowa, highlighting an economic victory in a key battleground state where Republicans face competitive midterm races. Trump announced the new plant at an Oval Office event alongside steel execu...
Investigation finds some 7-Eleven, Circle K stores overcharged customers
You may want to double-check your receipt the next time you stop at a convenience store. An investigation by The Guardian found that 7-Eleven and Circle K stores repeatedly charged customers more than advertised prices at registers and gas pumps. The report cites government inspe...
Starbucks launches air-whipped espresso drink for National Coffee Day
Starbucks is introducing a new air-whipped iced espresso drink at locations across North America this week. The launch comes after the coffee giant announced plans to close 250 North American stores this year. The company also said it expects 1,500 stores to be retrofitted by Sep...
Nvidia unveils security platform to stop AI agents from going rogue
Nvidia on Monday unveiled a new security platform that the chipmaker said can stop artificial intelligence agents from going rogue. The company said that its Open Agent Safety Platform includes open source software that "sets boundaries for agents," and follows a series of revela...
Paying a "convenience tax"? Here’s how to cut costs
Americans are burned out by fees and costly add-ons yet many consumers still spend the extra few dollars when it means saving time. The habit, known as "convenience spending," adds up to hundreds of extra dollars a year when paying for conveniences like faster shipping, store mea...
FNFF Hit of the Week:
WACO, Texas (FOX 44) - Some plays make the highlight reel because of where the football ends up. This one makes it because of where the helmet ends up. Abbott’s Lane Hejl delivered the inaugural D&D Body Shop Hit of the Week with a crushing tackle against Calvert. The play develo...
Mexia residents asked what they want as city works to attract new businesses and growth
Mexia residents have the opportunity to tell the city what they want as local leaders work to attract new businesses and spur economic growth. A recent community survey has already generated 250 responses. Residents are asking for more housing, restaurants, and youth activities. ...
Powerful nor’easter floods Northeast, leaves over 130,000 without power as high tides threaten coast
A powerful noreaster battered the Northeast again on Sunday, flooding coastal communities and leaving tens of thousands of homes and businesses without power as forecasters warned that another round of high tides could inundate vulnerable shorelines. The slow-moving storm, which ...
Week in review: Notable news from this past week
From three news outlets’ restored access to the White House to the Chinese president’s state visit to the U.S., here’s what made headlines.