Good morning, Waco.

Jakob Spraggins — a U.S. Army veteran — is nearing the completion of his mortgage-free home in Waco as community members write encouraging notes on its framing.

The nonprofit Operation Finally Home built the house to give him and his two daughters more space after years of living in apartments.

During Wednesday's animal welfare board meeting, Waco residents expressed concern over conditions at Pet Circle Regional Animal Shelter, noting that overcrowding led to dogs not being walked for several days and service issues.

City officials said staff are working hard to maintain a no-kill status while asking the community for more help with fostering, adoptions, and volunteer support.

A crash on I-35 southbound between Ross and Elm Mott in McLennan County shut down the southbound lanes—officials from DPS, the sheriff's office and Elm Mott Volunteer Fire & Rescue responded while investigating possible injuries and addressing delays for drivers.

The Lacy Lakeview Police Department is investigating a red Ford Explorer that illegally passed a stopped school bus on March 24th in the Ave H and Powers Street areas—putting children at risk while boarding and exiting—and anyone with information is urged to call 254-799-2479.

Theresa Moore began working in November as the first National Park Service site manager at Waco Mammoth National Monument and said the active paleontological dig inspires pride in our community — her appointment follows a decade-old executive order that designated the site as a national monument.

The Department of Health and Human Services announced that it will cut over 10,000 jobs to reduce its workforce from 82,000 to 62,000, a change that could affect Medicare and Medicaid services for Central Texans—officials in Austin are currently reviewing the impact on local care while assuring that essential services will remain intact.

Waco Downtown Farmers Market

9 AM – 1 PM — Waco Downtown Farmers Market — Free entry — Explore local produce and artisan goods in a vibrant community setting.

Lenten Mission Concert with David Kauffman

12-1 a.m. — St. Mary Church of the Assumption — Free entry — Experience a night of music and storytelling fostering hope and renewal for the Lenten season.

Waco Scavenger Hunt Adventure

1-10 p.m. | 712 Columbus Ave, Waco, TX | Ticket purchase required | Embark on a scavenger hunt exploring Waco's historic and iconic landmarks with photo challenges and team fun.

John Conlee Live Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Waco Hippodrome Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful sounds of John Conlee in a historic venue.

Joel Wood Live Concert

7-11 p.m. — MacDaddy's Pub — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of live music with Joel Wood in a local favorite venue.

The Texas Food Truck Showdown

The Greater Waco Chamber's Texas Food Truck Showdown with presenting sponsor, Texas Farm Bureau Insurance, returns to downtown Waco on Saturday, April 5, bringing more than 35 food trucks from all over the U.S. to compete for the title of Grand Champion. Admission is free, so come enjoy a full day of delicious eats and drinks, live music, and family-friendly fun!

The Texas Food Truck Showdown

The Greater Waco Chamber's Texas Food Truck Showdown with presenting sponsor, Texas Farm Bureau Insurance, returns to downtown Waco on Saturday, April 5, bringing more than 35 food trucks from all over the U.S. to compete for the title of Grand Champion. Admission is free, so come enjoy a full day of delicious eats and drinks, live music, and family-friendly fun!

Monthly Cruise-In

6-8 p.m. — Tejun The Texas Cajun — Free admission — Celebrate car culture with fellow enthusiasts at this vibrant monthly gathering.

Magnolia Market Rooftop Lounge

9 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Magnolia Market — $25 per person — Enjoy unlimited views of Waco and refreshing drinks from the rooftop lounge.

2nd Saturday Car Show

9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. — So-Cal Speed Shop Waco — Free entry — Show off your ride and chill with fellow car enthusiasts at this monthly gathering.

Lunch with the Masters: The Dirt Doctor

12-2 p.m. — McLennan Community College Conferences — Free entry — Discover organic gardening secrets with Howard Garrett, the expert known as “the Dirt Doctor.”