Good morning, Daytona Beach.

Applications are open for the Volusia Innovation Challenge in Volusia County — interested entrepreneurs and small business owners have until 11:59 p.m. Saturday, Jan.

31 to apply and may compete for a $10,000 cash prize at the competition on March 25 at the Ocean Center.

Embry-Riddle Worldwide’s online bachelor programs tied for the No. 11 ranking in U.S. News and World Report Best Online Programs, an improvement from last year.

The school earned top marks for its veteran programs and continues expanding its global campus locations with new sites in Poland and Guam.

Embry-Riddle will appoint Dr. Ayşe Şahin as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the Daytona Beach campus effective May 26; she brings over 20 years of academic leadership (having led Wright State University in Dayton) and plans to boost innovative aerospace education.

Wildlife experts said that despite freezing air unsettling residents yesterday — warm local waters attracted migrating whales near Daytona Beach.

SpaceX launched an advanced GPS satellite for the U.S. Space Force Tuesday night from Cape Canaveral on Florida’s Space Coast.

Florida lawmakers passed HB 1399 on Jan.

27 requiring property insurers to justify affiliate payments as fair and reasonable to help address high premiums. The measure is set for review in the Senate and may lead to increased transparency for policyholders (a key concern).

Hollywood icon Kurt Russell—famed for his film roles—will drive the pace car at the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb.

15 at 2:30 p.m. Daytona International Speedway announced his role as the field prepares to warm up before the green flag.

Michael Cheselka Live Comedy Show

6-7:30 p.m. — Cristy B Comedy — Two item minimum — Enjoy a night of laughter with comedian Michael Cheselka at a highly-rated comedy venue.

Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals

7 p.m. — Volusia Speedway Park — Ticket prices vary — Kick off the racing season with three weeks of thrilling dirt track racing at the 'World's Fastest Half-Mile.'

Lynne Koplitz Live Performance

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Cristy B Comedy — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of laughter with seasoned comic Lynne Koplitz's sharp humor and captivating stories.

The Music Man

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Peabody Auditorium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the joy and mischief of a charming musical comedy featuring a smooth-talking salesman and a determined librarian.

DirtCar Summer Nationals

6:59-9:59 PM — Volusia Speedway Park — $12K to $20K prize — Experience the thrill of racing at Florida's 'World's Fastest Half-Mile' with exciting competitions.

Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals

4-10:59 p.m. — Volusia Speedway Park — Tickets vary — Kick off the racing season with three thrilling weeks of high-octane action at the 'World's Fastest Half-Mile.'

Alice In Wonderland Jr.

7:30-8:45 p.m. — Athens Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience the whimsical adventures in Wonderland with a talented cast in this engaging junior performance.

Patrick Sisk Live Comedy Show

6-7:30 p.m. — Cristy B Comedy — Tickets available — Experience the uproarious humor of rising comedy star Patrick Sisk.

Cirque Italia: Water Circus

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Daytona Beach Kennel Club and Poker Room by Gee — Ticketed event — Enjoy a spectacular water-themed circus performance that captivates audiences of all ages.

Jasmine Cain Acoustic Performance

1-5 p.m. — Iron Horse Saloon — Free entry — Kick back with live acoustic tunes from Jasmine Cain at the saloon.