Baylor News

In their regular quarterly meeting, the Baylor Board of Regents participated in the ceremonial groundbreaking of the Memorial to Enslaved Persons, approved funding for the renovation of academic and residential spaces, renewed funding for the Baylor Benefit program, set the 2024-2025 tuition and approved a new computer engineering degree.

Waco News

There’s something about Valentine’s Day that seems to make people happier. With each box of chocolates, bouquet of flowers and heartfelt card bought during this time of year comes added emotional health benefits.

Waco’s revitalization is not limited to new apartments, riverfront structures and bridge projects. Waco’s image is getting a lift in an effort that involves multiple marketing campaigns and publicity- triggering events.

Baylor students from the Academy for Leader Development and Civic Engagement Fellow Program and J.H. Hines Elementary School are partnering to host the Third Annual Parent Involvement Day events Saturday and Monday.

State News

Beyond the races for U.S. Senate and governor, Texas voters will decide who fills several statewide offices this November — positions that oversee everything from the state’s finances to its oil and gas industry.

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.