Baylor News
With the U.S. government’s latest termination of “Duration of Status” (D/S) from Sept. 15 onward, Baylor’s International Student and Scholar Services Office recommends reading new regulations for major changes or school transfers carefully to ensure F-1/J-1 status for international students.
As Baylor students return to campus, the university’s student body officers are starting the year with plans to expand student engagement, improve campus life and strengthen connections with the Waco community.
As students return to Baylor’s campus, several major developments from the spring and summer have shaped the university. From a new AI degree and a record-breaking fundraising year to changes along I-35, here are 10 things to know ahead of the new semester.
As new students settle into campus and find their place, the Baylor Spiritual Life Center welcomed everyone to its annual Church Fair at Fountain Plaza. Representatives from more than 80 churches across the Baylor area set up tents to introduce students to their communities and invite them into conversation.
Waco News
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.
Instead of keeping with the trend of angrier and lonelier Americans, Brooks provided a guide to become an illuminator. In Brooks’ terms, illuminators are those people with a visible excitement to get to know and befriend someone.
Boxes are piled high in the Humane Society of Central Texas’ administrative office as they prepare to vacate the premises after the termination of a 12-year contract with the City of Waco.
“Since July 1st, Baylor’s campus has had nine positives out of 48 tests,” Stern said. “And in the last month alone, we have had seven positives out of 29 tests, which is almost a 25% positivity rate.”
State News
Trump encouraged voter turnout and touts policy victories, saying, “Pretend I’m on the ballot.” He also announced that if Republicans win the House and Senate, every adult U.S. citizen would receive a $5,000 dividend.
National
Politics
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.
