Burleson, who became chaplain in 2007 following 12 years as pastor of DaySpring Baptist Church, reflected on how Baylor’s spiritual life has now come to include a wide range of faith traditions and ministries.

Between Waco Creek’s on-campus utility and merit as a local representation of a much larger ecosystem, the small body of water shapes campus itself.

“The number one thing is, be informed and know your rights,” Alvarado said. “Don’t believe everything you see on social media –– a lot of people trying to do good end up spreading false rumors, and that just spreads fear in the community.”

Kurt Kaiser’s legacy lives on not just within the walls of Seventh and James Baptist Church, but in generations of Christian music.

In a Central Texas city like Waco, immigration policies are likely to impact a large portion of the population, and fear surrounding the Trump administration’s actions is real. Though raids have been carried out by federal officials in San Antonio and Austin, as of now, Waco PD says that they have not been contacted by ICE.

Dr. Eric Ames, associate director for advancement, exhibits and community engagement at Baylor’s Texas Collection, said in an email that this tour gives people a chance to view Waco history at a ground level through the streets of downtown as well as through the viewpoint of the Black experience.

“This is an exhibit that shows us a truly turbulent moment in the history of the United States-Mexico borderlands,” Hinojosa said. “It shows us not only the tragedy of its history, but also the resiliency of its people. As a state, we have not done our duty in documenting and teaching those realities. This exhibit sheds light on that complex history, and it is public education at its best.”

“It’s about more than dollars and cents,” Hilliard said. “It’s about making sure people feel safe driving their cars.”

“It just shows that there are people that care about their police department, but also care about their fellow neighbors and their community,” Shipley said. “They want to see a thriving area to live in. It’s great to know that there are people out there willing to help us meet that goal.”

Recent winter chills and freezing temperatures caught many by surprise and also risked the health of many. The flu is currently spreading around campus, but current bronchitis and pneumonia outbreaks are creating a riskier health setting.

“There’s an awareness that the words you share could be used by God to shape the future of thousands of lives,” Pokluda said. “My desired goal is always to point people to Jesus and to remind them that their lives matter in His story. Speaking at Passion is an opportunity to pour into the next generation of leaders, and that responsibility is one I don’t take lightly.”

“There’s a magic about experiencing it first-hand that photos just can’t capture,” she said.

Justice of the Peace Larry Wilkey pronounced the pedestrian deceased at the scene. The name of the individual has not been released.

“With the the images of Austin Avenue, it made Waco realize that Austin Avenue has so much great potential and because it was the main thoroughfare in the city of Waco at one time, it could be that again,” Hunt said.

Waco Police Department says choosing a safe Halloween costume is another vital consideration. Costumes should allow for easy movement, and masks or wigs that could impair vision should be avoided. Additionally, it’s wise to steer clear of fake weapons or items that might resemble real weapons, as these can create misunderstandings and cause alarm among others.

A group of Baylor students in an advertising campaign class decided to partner up with AC Hotel by Marriott in downtown Waco to provide an opportunity for student organizations to receive funds while helping a local business. The result is the AC Hotel grant.

“So by incorporating the technology, it will allow us to take virtual programming into pockets of the community and or communities that otherwise could not get here, and we can do that at a much more affordable rate,” Wiley said.

County commissioners serve on an elected court where they oversee county day-to-day policies. These decisions include maintaining infrastructure such as bridges and roads, ensuring proper allocation of taxpayer funds and developing healthcare and the local economy.

Incumbent Republican Judge Thomas West, 59, faces off against Barry Johnson, 68, who became a Democrat in December 2023 before filing for election. It is safe to say that neither thinks the other is fit for office. The issue with the opposing candidate, both agree, is not a matter of political lean, but of experience and character.

Despite its name, the Railroad Commission actually has nothing to do with railroad regulations anymore. According to The Railroad Commission of Texas website, the commission no longer has authority over railroads in Texas since the remaining jurisdiction was transferred to the Texas Department of Transportation in 2005.

The “Be Safe. Drive Smart” initiative aims to combat the growing number of pedestrian deaths and injuries on Texas roadways, particularly as National Pedestrian Safety Month approaches.

“At this time during the preliminary investigation; it is believed that an equipment failure during the normal production process introduced water into the furnace of molten metal, resulting in a steam explosion,” Soto said.

Amid a local news drought and shifting expectations in journalism, The Texas Tribune is bringing its answer to Waco.

“The evidence of a sexual relationship was/is present from 2007-2012 in emails, text messages, and corroborated by repeated predatory behaviors by Anthony Odiong that have appeared amongst nearly every survivor identified (10 thus far) to date,” DeLange said.

According to a press release issued by Cierra Shipley, a spokesperson for Waco PD, Odiong was arrested on July 16 by the Florida Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The arrest stemmed from a charge of possession of child pornography.

“People that have been climbing for years can come and be able to learn from one another,” Robb said. “Also, we have a different set of programming than what’s available currently on campus.”

“Y’all [have] more years ahead of you than the rest of us do, and so I want students to take control,” Henry said. “You have a voice, and I want students to use it.”

“I don’t think churches were as healthy as they are now,” Wallace said. “There are more churches that are healthier right now in Waco than I think ever before.”

Chip and Joanna Gaines hit television show “The Fixer Upper” created a brand for the city of Waco as the hosts revitalizing old, rundown houses. These houses are now unaffordable for the poor community.

In 2014 10 years ago the average rent in Waco was $600-$750 and the cost of groceries was $40-$70 on average for one person a week, which means students living off campus would spend around $1,050 on groceries and rent a month. These numbers have only risen since then.