Rachel Chiang's Camayak portfolio

Online competition, hedge funds push JOANN to bankruptcy, close stores

Joann Fabrics and Crafts filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy on Jan. 15 for the second time within a year, leading over 500 stores to close and many more to follow. Camie Jobe | Photographer

By Delaney Newhouse | Focus EditorFor many consumers, Radio Shack was first. Circuit City had long been pushed out of the electronics game, leaving Best Buy as its greatest competitor. Still, after nearly 100 years in business, Radio Shack filed for bankruptcy in February 2015. In 2016, the trend hit the sports world. Sports Authority stores closed and immediately began...

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Waco PD, fire department's annual Guns 'N Hoses fundraises for Special Olympics

Waco PD and Waco Fire Department compete alongside Special Olympics Texas athletes in their annual Guns N' Hoses charity game. Marisa Young | Reporter

By Marisa Young | ReporterSirens blared from the gym of University High School on Saturday evening, but no fire was to be found. The sound signaled the firefighters’ 45-34 point win against Waco PD in their annual Guns 'N Hoses charity basketball game. Beginning in 2024, Waco PD and Waco Fire Department have partnered to fundraise for Special Olympics Texas...

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Baylor Debate team heads to nationals, continuing legacy

By Sydney Kerbow | ReporterThe Baylor Debate team is gearing up for the prestigious National Debate Tournament, set to take place in Spokane, Wash., from March 28 to April 1. With a legacy dating back to the Philomathesian Society of 1851, the team continues its legacy as it prepares to face off against the nation’s top collegiate debaters. The NDT...

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Social work professionals apply faith when treating mental health

Holly Oxhandler visited Stetson University in May 2024 to present findings from a Templeton-funded project. She was accompanied by Baylor GSSW Ph.D. student Evan Copello and Baylor colleague Dr. Clay Polson. Photo courtesy of Holly Oxhandler

By Ryan Otteson | ReporterWhile there are various medical and therapeutic treatments for mental illnesses, social workers around the U. S. can help people make sense of the world around them through the lens of faith. Dr. Holly Oxhandler, School of Social Work professor and associate dean for research, is involved with research having to do with the connection between...

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Sic 'Em Slam to return for second year

The Sic 'Em Slam will feature storytelling, slam poetry and the spoken word to help promote the importance of literature. Caleb Garcia | Photographer

By Kaylee Hayes | ReporterThis Friday, from 7 to 9 p.m., the Barfield Drawing Room will be a drawing room no more. Instead there will be mocktails, hors d'oeuvres, low lights, ironed shirts and some smooth jazz. The idea for the slam started with Dr. Kevin Villegas, the dean of intercultural engagement and division of student life initiatives. Villegas said...

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Former Baylor professor lectures on religious persecution in Russia

History professor Stephen Sloan moderated a discussion with author Wallace David that spanned both Soviet-era and modern Russian politics at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday in the Armstrong Browning Library. Delaney Newhouse | Focus Editor — Photo credit: Delaney Newhouse

By Kaylee Hayes | ReporterIn the Armstrong Browning Library on Thursday afternoon, Dr. Wallace Daniel gave a lecture based on his newest book, "Freedom and the Captive Mind: Fr. Gleb Yakunin and Orthodox Christianity in Soviet Russia."The book has a focus on religious persecution and freedom, communism and what happens when the upper echelons of any religion become tightly knit...

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By James Laird (Rachel as desk editor) + 3 others for The Baylor Lariat - 3 min read

National Society of Black Engineers provides opportunities, community for African American students

The Baylor chapter of National Society of Black Engineers provides African American students in the STEM field an opportunity to find community and professional development. Photo courtesy of National Society of Black Engineers

By James Laird | ReporterAt Baylor, the National Society of Black Engineers supports and provides community for African American students in STEM fields. The club is a chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers which offers opportunities in professional development, social gatherings, community service and trips to the NSBE national convention. The NSBE organization aims to “equip all students...

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Baylor hires first-ever esports director, coach

Combining his passion for coaching and gaming, Adam Stanley will be Baylor University's first-ever esports director and coach. Photo courtesy of Baylor University

By Rachel Chiang | Assistant News EditorBaylor has named Adam Stanley as its first esports director and coach. This move comes as Baylor strives to connect with the esports world to expand its engineering and computer science programs as part of the strategic plan. Before accepting this position, Stanley served at Brewton-Parker College developing their esports teams. Stanley also holds...

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'Mothers of social work': Notable women in history led the front lines of social change

Like Amelia Earhart and Jane Addams, other women have been faces of social change throughout history. Chairwoman Alice Paul, second from left, and officers of the National Woman's Party hold a banner with a Susan B. Anthony quote in front of the NWP headquarters in Washington in June 1920. (AP ...

By Ryan Otteson | Reporter The role of women in the social work field has been significant historically and to this day. According to Data USA, approximately 81% of social workers in the U. S. are women. Some people think this is due to the fact that women tend to be more nurturing and caring by nature, thus taking on...

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Practice safety, responsibility as bluebonnet season prepares to bloom

A local spot to find bluebonnets is in a field located on a road just off of Highway 6 in Waco. Brady Harris | Photographer

By James Laird | ReporterBluebonnet season is approaching fast, meaning many Texans can get out to take photos with the state flower. Bluebonnet season typically ranges from late March to early May, however, the peak season is in April according to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center’s bluebonnet page. While Texans can enjoy bluebonnet season in the spring, a long...

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