Baylor News
As part of a semester project, Baylor student researchers found that there’s an increase in closeness to God connected to an increase in Bible reading, that sororities are more likely than fraternities to have religiosity and that lower- and working-class students feel less sense of belonging at Baylor.
In his book titled “Why We Kiss Under the Mistletoe: Christmas Traditions Explained,” professor of patristics Dr. Michael Foley delves into the background and history of Christmas traditions, uncovering surprises along the way.
Curtis Reynolds has been appointed as the vice president of business and finance and the chief financial officer at Baylor, effective March 1, 2024. In this role, Reynolds will be responsible for ensuring Baylor’s growth in financial strength and efficiency.
In collaboration with teams at NASA, Purdue University, the University of New Hampshire and Astroport, three Baylor professors are working to make space travel more affordable.
Waco News
Baylor’s Nu Iota chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. and Nu Zeta chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. hosted their 18th annual MLK Peace March Monday morning across the Waco Suspension Bridge to Martin Luther King Jr. Park.
Twenty years after being built, the John Knox Memorial Center at The Texas Rangers Hall of Fame and Museum is being renovated and given a more updated look, including a new banquet hall.
Though it is a fairly new phenomenon, there is a growing number of reverse transfer students throughout different universities.
Despite adverse weather conditions and sudden venue changes, the Baylor population and the Waco community came to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the dedication ceremony of the Baylor Community Garden.
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.
National
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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.
