Baylor News
Birmingham, Mich., sophomore Declan Polglaze was arrested Dec. 16 for aggravated sexual assault, according to the arrest affidavit.
At nightfall, Cameron Park Zoo transforms into a brilliantly-lit Christmas wonderland complete with photo opportunities, food trucks and a visit from Santa Claus for the zoo’s annual Wild Lights event.
April showers may bring May flowers, but December weather and Seasonal Affective Disorder can arrive together. For students going through finals this season, SAD poses a unique challenge.
The Board of Regents approved the addition of “Pro Mundo” to the university motto in May 2024. Over a year later, its impact radiates throughout research across campus.
Waco News
All five general election races in McLennan County have been won by Republicans with over 60% of the vote being earned by winners.
Waco’s two Texas House seats and one Texas Senate seat are each up for grabs this Election Day. While they agree on COVID-19 taking center stage, a wealth of other issues make each candidate stand out.
McLennan County voters will not only select their ideal presidential candidate Tuesday, but a representative for District 3 and two at-large seats on the Waco ISD school board. The election, originally scheduled for May of this year, was postponed due to COVID-19.
Economic development and infrastructure continue to be important issues for Waco City Council candidates.
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
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.
