Baylor News
McLennan County is undertaking a $50 million remodel of the former county jail into a new justice center that will include additional courtrooms and office space, aiming to reduce overcrowding and case backlogs. Construction is already underway, with completion expected by late 2026 into early 2027.
Dr. Paul Mason, associate professor of accounting and Plumhoff Endowed Chair in accounting, has taught federal taxation courses at Baylor for 12 years and said that after reading the Wall Street article, much of the confusion surrounding the IRS policies stem from the construct of the COVID-19-era declarations.
President Donald Trump delivered the longest State of the Union address in modern history Tuesday night, speaking for more than 1 hour and 40 minutes in an unusual speech that saw him comment about the Supreme Court’s ruling, announce new policy proposals and attack congressional Democrats.
Dr. Warren Stewart Sr. gave a sermon as part of a two-day event honoring his life’s work and the life of Dr. E.K. Bailey’s ministry
Waco News
Graduation looms, and seniors must decide if they will move or stay in Waco.
Women from different fitness backgrounds come together and workout in Waco studios and gyms.
On Tuesday, Governor Abbott announced an executive order that will end Texas’ mask mandate and allow business to operate at full capacity. Local businesses in Waco are still considering how they want to react to the change in state policy.
On Monday, the Senate confirmed President Biden’s pick for secretary of education, Miguel Cardona.
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.
