Baylor News
The Rare Neurological Disorder Foundation will bring together researchers, clinicians and advocates Friday for its first Spring Assembly, featuring presentations from experts across several major medical institutions and highlighting student fellowship work in rare neurological disorders.
In the aftermath of national attention over Baylor hosting Turning Point USA on campus, statements made at the closed event have ignited controversy amongst students and faculty.
With nearly 120 years of combined experience in Penland Dining Hall, Elaine Battle, Linda Benson and Donna Majors have served thousands — maybe even millions — of meals to the Baylor community. But the three are known for far more than flipping omelets or making pizzas. Their careers are marked by countless relationships and acts of service that go beyond the women’s job descriptions.
Laura McNutt, assistant director of advising in Baylor’s College of Arts and Sciences, died April 17 at her home in Waco after a three-year battle with colon cancer. She was 38.
Waco News
Tapestry of Care, a new $1.76 million initiative, aims to bridge the gap between faith communities and mental health support, helping churches better address crises and connect congregations with vital resources.
“We want to make sure everyone understands — give yourself a little bit of extra time [and] avail yourself of alternate routes,” Pittman said.
“I know for a fact that about 80% of our cases could benefit from forensic genealogy,” he said. “This will be one of the multiple tools we will use in attempt to solve these cases.”
Last August, Cameron Park Zoo got a lot colder as a storm of South African penguins swept into a new $12.8 million habitat. The 11 pairs of penguins have been one of the zoo’s most popular attractions. While their cuteness is a big money maker, the zoo’s main work with the penguins is through conservation.
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.
