Baylor News
Frisco junior Abhi Rajkumar, a University Scholar majoring in a pre-med track with a focus on human biology research, was awarded the Hilde Spielvogel Award at the Human Biology Association Conference. The annual award is given to one undergraduate researcher based on the quality of research, analysis and presentation, as evaluated by the association’s publications committee.
Wonders of Waco, a cohort of 11 small businesses, debuted Tuesday afternoon during Dr Pepper Hour, and behind it is a push to solve a disconnect between the Waco community and Baylor students.
Several students’ responses to the events reveal a disconnect between institutional attention and student interest, a disconnect that may negatively affect other events across campus.
The event, originally featuring Executive Vice President Donald Trump Jr., “Border Czar” Tom Homan and Political Commentator Benny Johnson, will now host Attorney General Ken Paxton, Homan and Johnson. Turning Point USA Baylor posted a new graphic Tuesday morning with Paxton, Homan and Johnson.
Waco News
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.
State News
Texas voters turned out in historic numbers Tuesday, delivering victories for State Rep. James Talarico and forcing a runoff between Attorney General Ken Paxton and incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in the state’s U.S. Senate contest that claimed national attention. The total early-voting turnout of more than 2.5 million marks the highest ever for a midterm primary election. The results also kicked off the 2026 midterm cycle.
INTERNATIONAL
The Iran war is now in its 46th day. Iran responded by restricting access to Hormuz, which carries about a fifth of the world’s seaborne oil, and moving to toll vessels transiting the strait. Waco drivers are already feeling it. The local average hit $3.38 a gallon last week, up 21 cents in seven days and 75 cents year-over-year, according to AAA data.
Gas prices in Texas have surged more than 70 cents per gallon since the U.S. went to war with Iran three weeks ago. The near-total shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz has driven oil prices up more than 40%, pushing the national average to its highest point since 2023 and sending diesel past $5 for the first time in three years.
The largest U.S. military operation in the Middle East in decades unfolded as American and Israeli forces struck Iran Saturday, killing its supreme leader and triggering retaliatory strikes from the Gulf to Israel. The White House said the campaign is aimed at dismantling Iran’s military and toppling its government.
Dr. Joshua Alley, assistant professor of political science, said part of the Trump administration’s interest in Greenland has to do with America’s national security strategy.
