Baylor News
In addition to the hubbub of Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14 marks Ash Wednesday — the beginning of the 40-day season of Lent. In recognition, Elliston Chapel and the Bobo Spiritual Life Center will be giving out ashes from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with complete services in Elliston Chapel at 8:30 a.m. and noon.
Between teaching four of five topics every semester and living with his students, Dr. Clay Butler keeps busy. The senior lecturer in English and faculty-in-residence for Martin Hall has been working at the university since 2001 and remains strong in Baylor spirit to this day.
For the first time since its inception in 1969, Baylor’s Student Foundation is opening talent acquisition applications — a privilege previously reserved for rising juniors and seniors — to rising sophomores. Jefferson, S.D., senior and co-president Jensyn Younger said although applicants must be prepared to sacrifice their time, participation in Student Foundation makes it all worth it in the end.
St. Peter Catholic Student Center partnered with the Catholic Student Association to host a Eucharistic procession after the 11:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday, allowing attendants to process through the Baylor campus in adoration and prayer.
Waco News
If the current drought continues and Lake Waco drops another 3’-4’, the Lake Waco Wetlands could be out of water.
The economy of the greater Waco area experienced a brief surge this July during a year noting a general decrease economic activity.
The thermometer at Waco Regional Airport hit 110 degrees Fahrenheit today.
Baylor Athletics introduces the Baylor Bear Energy program with Champion Energy Services and Branded Retail Energy in an effort to help fans in Texas deregulated electric zones contribute to athletic program funding.
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.
