Baylor News
Since Tuesday, the trial of Tammy Renee Blankenship has been slowed down by multiple debates between the two legal teams. With defense testimony wrapping up Wednesday afternoon, Judge Susan Kelly of the 54th District Court recessed the court until Thursday, when closing arguments will proceed and a verdict may be reached.
Baylor is in the top five universities for first-year experience — a jump from the previous top-10 ranking in 2022, according to a recent U.S. News and World Report article. With a dedicated New Student Programs department and a variety of long-standing traditions, Baylor aims to make the first-year experience unique.
“While we do heed our sorority’s goals and ambitions when looking for new girls to join us, we do not look for the same type of person,” Newport News, Va., senior Courtney Hodge said. “We pride ourselves on diversity, and we all come from different backgrounds ourselves.”
Surrounded by a sea of green and gold, Tom Barnard works behind the scenes to create a meaningful college experience for Baylor students. As the self-proclaimed “unofficial campus life photographer,” Barnard captures photos that exemplify the Baylor student experience.
Waco News
For those students who choose to enroll in summer classes or those that simply choose to remain in Waco for the summer, several overlooked activities can fill the void of free time.
Members of the Baylor community have been bursting the “Baylor Bubble” for the past 25 years during Steppin’ Out, a day of service in the Waco community that occurs once a semester.
Harassing phone calls to a Central Texas police department have been blamed on an unknown person whose stunt tied up administrative lines but not 911 emergency service.
Take It or Leave it, Baylor’s annual program promoting the reuse of materials donated during move-out, kicks off its eighth anniversary starting Tuesday.
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.
