Good morning, Waco.

Waco Fire Department is asking for donations of new, in-box fans at all fire stations as the city reaches 100 degrees — Mission Waco will distribute the fans to local residents in need.

The donations will help those most affected by the heat.

Waco historian Charles Perkins spoke yesterday at East Waco Library at 5:30 p.m. during the Lorea Johnson Speaker Series—he explained how local Black churches helped build free communities after the Civil War—and announced his book on McLennan County freedom colonies, set for release in September.

Waco is planning a $2.8B downtown redevelopment that will change 100 acres along the Brazos with projects like a convention center, ballpark and mixed-use buildings.

City officials said the 20-year plan—managed by Hunt Development Group—will invite public input and may need voter approval as investments are set to combine nearly $1.8B in private funds with $1B in public funds.

McLane Children's Hospital has named 8th grader McKenzie Covert as its 2025 Children's Miracle Network Champion — she was diagnosed with a rare leukemia at age 3 and after 2.5 years of treatment now inspires childhood cancer awareness events.

Baylor head football coach Dave Aranda apologized Wednesday for using a derogatory term from a movie reference during a news conference last week; advocacy group Mascots Matter said the remark hurt people with dwarfism.

Baylor has not responded to further comment.

Baylor men's basketball announced that they will face Washington in a home-and-home series with the first game scheduled at Foster Pavilion on Nov.

9 and a return game at Climate Pledge Arena on Dec. 19 (the full schedule will be released later this fall).

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.

Cars & Coffee

9-11:30 a.m. — Black Rifle Coffee Company — Free entry — Enjoy a morning of automotive camaraderie and caffeine with local enthusiasts.

HOT Pro Wrestling: Master of Puppets

6-9 p.m. — Lion's Den-Rentals — $20 – $35 — Experience Waco's thrilling wrestling showdown with high-flying action and VIP perks.

The Boys From Oklahoma Concert

4-10 p.m. — The Backyard Bar Stage and Grill — $19.50 for adults, $30 for minors — Enjoy a night of music featuring special guest Drew Cooper.

Mothering the Mother Workshop

4:30-5:45 p.m. — Natural Primary Care — Free entry — An event dedicated to pampering and supporting new mothers in navigating the fourth trimester.

Lorrie Morgan Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Waco Hippodrome Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the emotional range and artistry of Lorrie Morgan as she showcases her new music and timeless hits.

ANHA Open 5D Barrel Race

Aug 29 - Sep 1 — Extraco Events Center — Prize money over $200,000 — Experience the thrill of top-tier barrel racing at this exciting event.