Baylor News
The Baylor Board of Regents approved a $982.2 million operating budget for 2026-27 and a new master’s degree in artificial intelligence during its regular May meeting Thursday, as university leaders celebrated what is expected to be the second-best fundraising year in Baylor history.
The low hum of steel guitars and neon-lit nostalgia will soon echo through Foster Pavilion. On Oct. 2, Baylor will trade sneakers and basketballs for cowboy boots and two-stepping when rising country artist Braxton Keith brings his high-and-lonesome Texas sound to Waco with the “Real Damn Deal” tour.
For Waco influencer Carrie Burt, hot dogs aren’t just a delicious bite — they are a brand. What started as a COVID-19 pandemic hyperfixation snack has now turned into a social media following of Wacoans eager for more curated cuisine content.
As the heat of the Central Texas sizzling sun poured across the seats of Magnolia Field, Waco prepared a warm welcome for Willie Nelson’s return to his alma mater for the first time in 72 years.
Waco News
According to a press release issued by Cierra Shipley, a spokesperson for Waco PD, Odiong was arrested on July 16 by the Florida Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The arrest stemmed from a charge of possession of child pornography.
“People that have been climbing for years can come and be able to learn from one another,” Robb said. “Also, we have a different set of programming than what’s available currently on campus.”
“Y’all [have] more years ahead of you than the rest of us do, and so I want students to take control,” Henry said. “You have a voice, and I want students to use it.”
“I don’t think churches were as healthy as they are now,” Wallace said. “There are more churches that are healthier right now in Waco than I think ever before.”
Covid-19
“Since July 1st, Baylor’s campus has had nine positives out of 48 tests,” Stern said. “And in the last month alone, we have had seven positives out of 29 tests, which is almost a 25% positivity rate.”
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.
