Good morning, Waco.

Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFAs) started accepting school choice applications on Wednesday and attracted a record 42,000 families; the program helps lower and middle-income households pay for private, religious, or homeschooling and will remain open until March 17.

High school students from four Central Texas districts visited TSTC’s Waco campus on Friday to explore electrical careers.

Instructors demonstrated circuit breakers and explained power distribution and safety protocols as students learned about job market prospects.

The Waco ISD board declined to hold a special election and will appoint a trustee to fill the at-large seat left vacant by Trustee Keith Guillory’s resignation.

Volunteer fire departments battled a fast-moving grass fire Friday afternoon in McLennan County (including teams from China Spring, West Shore, and Valley Mills) as dry conditions and strong winds fanned the blaze.

Animal Birth Control Clinic in Waco is one of 60 organizations applying for more than $100,000 in state funds under a $13 million Texas Spay and Neuter Pilot Program to fight pet overpopulation.

The clinic plans to add double-doctor days and expand free care for under-resourced pet families in Central Texas.

Developers adjusted their contract at the old Floyd Casey site so houses will start vertical construction sooner than originally planned.

The phased development is expected to speed up the release of new homes.

An Austin developer will buy part of the historic Seventh and James Baptist Church (127-year-old) property to build new student housing, planned for a future development near Baylor University to meet growing housing needs for upperclassmen.

Baylor men’s basketball is on a two game win streak after a home win over Colorado and now faces a three-game stretch against ranked teams, starting with Iowa State at 1 p.m. Saturday.

St. Olaf Choir Concert at Baylor University

3-5 p.m. — Glennis McCrary Music Building — Tickets $35, $10 for students — Experience world-class choral performance from one of the nation's premier ensembles.

Cross Country Trail Run

9 a.m. - 1 p.m. — Redwood Shelter — Entry fee applies — Experience the scenic trails of Cameron Park during the kickoff of the Huaco Cuatro Trail Run Series.

Waco Comedy Jam

6-9 p.m. — Waco Hippodrome Theatre — Tickets from $54 — Enjoy an unforgettable night of laughter with the Waco Comedy Jam.

Self-Care Workshop: Nature’s Touch for Body, Mind & Spirit

6-8:30 p.m. — Wild Thistle Herbs & Alchemy — $34 per person — Discover hands-on techniques to rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit in a cozy workshop setting.

Nature’s Touch: A Self-Care Workshop

6:00–8:30 p.m. — Baylor University — $34 per person — Engage in a hands-on self-care workshop for body, mind, and spirit.

Bound for the Brave

3-8 p.m. — 1 Pavilion Way, Woodway, TX — Entry fee required — Participate in a thrilling 5K and 10K event in the heart of Woodway.

Flower Pressing Workshop

10-11 a.m. — Magnolia Market — Ticketed event — Engage your creativity by pressing flowers in a fun workshop setting.

Blue Sundown Band Performance

2:30-4:30 a.m. — 420 Franklin Ave — Free entry — Discover the rising stars of country rock as the Blue Sundown Band captivates Waco with their youthful energy.

Chingo Bling Live in Waco

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Waco Hippodrome Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter and music in a vibrant, historic venue.