Good morning, Waco.

Cameron Park Zoo said its Masai giraffes, Dane and Ellie, are expecting a baby—staff watch Ellie nonstop—and they will share news when the calf arrives, which could help the endangered species.

Downtown Waco shops are closing — like Bicycle World and Design House Jewelry after retirements — and moving to more affordable spaces due to rising rents.

Owners say changes in leasing have forced many to seek lower-cost locations while agents report that new tenants are quickly being found.

Waco Mammoth National Monument celebrates its 10th anniversary as a national monument and 47 years since the first mammoth fossil was discovered—special events for families are planned today including a talk by co-discoverer Paul Barron.

A Saturday fundraising gala will follow—aimed at supporting ongoing research and improvements at the site.

The Waco Housing Authority marked 25 years of college tours that help low-income students explore higher education by sending 32 teens on a tour of Texas universities this weekend under youth coordinator Al Davis.

The program, which has served over 200 students, includes workshops and formal dinners to build character and inspire future leaders+ strengthen community support.

Gov. Abbott vetoed a $60 million federal summer meal program that would have given families $120 per child during summer breaks — the change means the Central Texas Food Bank now faces added pressure to help low-income residents when it opens its new Waco location in February.

The veto leaves families relying more on charities as food insecurity grows and the Waco Independent School District runs a feeding program that offers free meals through Aug. 8.

The City of Waco will now let church members talk with Brazos Park East event guests as it ends the free speech zone rule after Pastor Ronnie Holmes and his group were forced to speak from a set area last October—First Liberty Institute said the change upholds First Amendment rights.

Big 12 media days continued today as coaches stressed that a season is successful only if teams reach the championship game — the conference also announced a partnership with WWE to bring SmackDown events to smaller markets like Waco, with Big E highlighting the opportunity for local fans. The event at The Star set the stage for an exciting season ahead.

A Mammoth Gala

Priscilla https://mailchi.mp/eeb2e50a91d5/youre-invited-to-a-mammoth-gala

A Mammoth Gala

Priscilla https://mailchi.mp/eeb2e50a91d5/youre-invited-to-a-mammoth-gala

Baylor Entrepreneurs Networking Event

4-6 p.m. — Waco Downtown Farmers Market — $10 entry — Connect with 70+ Baylor-affiliated business owners over food, drinks, and raffle prizes.

Neurologic Dry Needling Course

8 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Foster Pavilion — Course Fee TBA — Learn specialized techniques for pain management and sports rehab at this informative course.

Open House for New Home in McGregor

12-4 p.m. — 507 Broken Spoke Trail — $479,990 — Explore this beautiful new home featuring 3 bedrooms and spacious outdoor living.

Kinder: Camping Adventures

9 AM – 4 PM — Saint Paul's Episcopal Day School — Cost Unavailable — Explore easy no-cook camping recipes and tools for a fun family camping experience.

Texas Ranger Talks (Afternoon Session)

2-3 p.m. — Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum — Regular admission required — Engage with active or retired Texas Rangers and gain insights into their remarkable service.

Extreme Temperatures & Heat Illness Prevention Training

12:30-4 p.m. — Central Texas AGC — Free entry — Learn to prevent heat-related illnesses with valuable training from OSHA experts.