Democrats’ strong showings in blue-state elections may seem irrelevant to Texas, but political experts say these results offer an early snapshot of voter sentiment heading into 2026. With affordability emerging as a top concern and uncertainty surrounding national policy, these outcomes could influence strategies for both parties in the coming election year.

“Airlines are going to be more prepared the next time the government shuts down and makes these types of reduction demands,” Joel Martinez, aviation sciences adjunct professor and former director of aviation for the City of Waco, said. “The airlines are going to have a response plan set up or establish a reduction to certain communities.”

While the U.S. was wrapping up its own governmental crisis at home, world leaders prepared to take the stage at the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference. America, China and India chose not to send formal delegates to the conference this year, a controversial move as three of the world’s largest polluters.

Newly released files by the House Oversight Committee detail the email relationship between former Baylor President Kenneth Starr and the infamous New York financier and pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Although states are beginning to release SNAP funds in partial payments, these payments are limited and skewed. The Texas Tribune reported that some Texans have received about 65% of the typical month’s SNAP allotment, while others have received “as little as $16 for two people or no payments at all”

As censorship rises across American media and education, Dr. James Kendrick, the interim department chair of journalism and professor of film and digital media, warns that power and algorithms are shaping what ideas reach the public. From classrooms to social media feeds, he said the suppression of controversial topics limits critical thinking and open dialogue.

“Generally, tariffs are considered to be negative for economic well-being,” Davidson said. “So initially, stock markets around the world sank following the imposition of the Liberation Day tariffs. However, since then, the U.S. stock market has rebounded dramatically.”

Amid banners, flags and music, one element stood out: the growing presence of young people seeking to take part in shaping the nation’s future and the desire of the older generations for the younger ones to get involved.

Clad in colonial getup, blowup pig costumes and a sea of yellow, the peaceful protest in the Capitol’s backyard included a march down Pennsylvania Avenue, a musical guest and a range of notable guests — including Bill Nye the Science Guy.

The nation’s capital feels half-awake. The marble monuments still gleam under the fall sun, but the museums that give them voice stand dark and locked. Tourists wander quiet streets where government offices sit empty—a city paused by a shutdown now stretching into its third week.

Federal cuts hit home as Waco’s KWBU fights to stay on air after losing key funding from NPR and Baylor.

As lawmakers on Capitol Hill struggle to find a consensus on the government’s spending bill, Baylor students continue to go about their day-to-day lives. Trouble in Washington doesn’t impact students in Waco, or does it?

During the Q&A, the District-17 U.S. representative gave some background on his 24 years as a congressman, family insights and motivation to continue civil discourse among students and citizens.

Donning a blue tie with no court robes in sight, Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh sat down to have a conversation with McLennan Community College history professor Ashley Cruseturner as part of the Ken Starr Lecture Series hosted by MCC Thursday evening.

The Baylor community worshipped hand in hand on Fountain Mall, honoring conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot at Utah Valley University Wednesday afternoon.

Following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University Wednesday afternoon, Baylor graduate student AJ Barber posted comments on Instagram that many found distasteful and insensitive.

Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA and a close ally of President Donald Trump, was in critical condition at a Utah hospital Wednesday after being shot at a college event, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press.

Texas voters face new voting districts as Texas congress approves new congressional voting maps for the 2026 election cycle.

“Noe is here legally. He has all of his papers. He’s done all of his work … He is not a criminal, and ICE picked him up. They will not let him go,” McGuire said. “We are out here protesting this because it is not American. It’s illegal, it’s unconstitutional and it’s just not right.”

Some of these legislative changes could impact Baylor students, specifically those who utilize Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and federal financial aid. This legislation impacts students and the social welfare programs American citizens utilize.

Recent tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration have lead to decreased traffic to American ports and docks. As a possible recession looms over the economy, many experts predict empty shelves and higher prices could soon be on the way.

That word — “harm” — has been the backbone of the ESA’s effectiveness. However, the Trump Administration is proposing to change the wording, which could put thousands of America’s endangered plants and animals at risk.

“We’re losing generations that believe in the Constitution and understand the foundations of our system of government,” Wendy May-Dreyer, the head of iCivics, a civic education nonprofit, said. “That, no doubt, plays into not appreciating things like the rule of law and why separation of powers goes away if you don’t have that kind of ability.”

Starting Thursday, a 25% tariff on imported cars, auto parts and light trucks will be put into effect. Prices for some cars are expected to increase by $3,000 for an American-made car and possibly $10,000 for an imported one.

Aguilar said while he admires Musk’s business acumen, he admits he doesn’t completely approve of how Musk is running DOGE. However, he said he still wouldn’t express his criticism through property damage.

Many museum and library organizations have begun to organize and plan for next steps should the IMLS face changes. The American Alliance of Museums hosted a webinar where they explained the possible future of museums across the country. One of the webinar’s many attendees was Eric Ames, a Baylor museum studies lecturer and the associate director for Advancement, Exhibits & Community Engagement for Baylor Libraries.

As Baylis said, the impacts of this research are tremendous for the United States, as it could curb the problem of limited spectrum space for our increasingly internet-reliant world. This technology could also be used for defense initiatives such as more advanced radar and communication technologies.

However, many EPA workers and officials argue they need their budget to help protect the day-to-day health of the American public. From monitoring chemicals and goods in the marketplace to providing grants for environmental research and infrastructure to enforcing laws against environmental waste, the EPA isn’t just an environmental org, but a safety net for the health and safety of many Americans.

Baylor is now faced with a socio-political crossroad: uphold its commitment to diversity as a private university or blend in with the unavoidable fate of state education.

SNAP, food stamps and EBT each run under a different name but the goal is ultimately the same –– to support lower-income families with their grocery shopping. As of 2023, around 42.1 million or 12.6% of the U.S. population rely on SNAP for grocery shopping.