Texas state Rep. James Talarico visited Waco during a campaign stop, discussing political division, economic concerns and the need for stronger representation for younger generations.
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At a Waco debate hosted by Those Meddling Kids, Democratic hopefuls J. Gordon Mitchell, Milah Flores and Casey Shepard sparred over policy, political pasts and what it would take to flip a longtime Republican seat.
The final pages of the primary ballot give voters a chance to weigh in on healthcare, housing, taxes, public safety and more. Faculty experts explain what each proposal could mean for Texas and for students.
The propositions at the bottom of the ballot touch nearly every corner of public life. Here’s what Baylor students should know before they vote.
Texas Democrats gathered in Waco on Saturday at the Performing Arts Community Center for a McLennan County Democratic Party candidate forum ahead of the March 3 primary. The group was optimistic about state races following decades of Republican dominance, focusing on public education, healthcare access and affordability.
With primary elections on the horizon, Beto O’Rourke returned to the campaign trail at Waco High School on Wednesday night, rallying local Democrats with a call to organize, volunteer and turn out in force on Election Day.
As deportations and demonstrations make national headlines, Baylor students and faculty reflect on how immigration policy is shaping campus conversations and personal lives.
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.
With registration deadlines approaching, local election leaders and student organization presidents stress the importance of student voices at the polls.
The abduction of a foreign leader was not on most students’ bingo cards for winter break. Once news headlines began appearing about Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and how his wife were removed from Venezuela, most people scratched their heads in confusion, wondering where the news came from and why it happened.
The Trump administration’s Liberation Day tariffs haven’t appeared to be liberating for America’s small businesses or shoppers, but trade agreements and bargaining power will likely be threatened if ruled unconstitutional.
American politics feels less like a democracy and more like a never-ending custody battle. Voters get stuck in the middle while two massive parties argue over who gets to “own” them. The Republican and Democratic parties were originally created to help organize elections and mobilize people. Today, they mostly organize outrage, and they’ve gotten extremely good at it.
President Trump’s first year of his second term has included natural disasters, an assassination attempt, economic shifts and policy reforms — here are the things economists and educators noted about Trump’s first year at a glance.
In a world that’s more politically charged than ever, sometimes holiday dinner tables can feel more like war zones and conversations turn into cross-examinations. Between outdated political beliefs and an influx of propaganda, it frequently feels like the weight of changing our parents’ beliefs falls on us, making holidays seem more like interventions.
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.
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.
The government is almost back in business. The Senate passed legislation Monday in a 60-40 vote to reopen the government and end the historic government shutdown.
As Election Day nears on Nov. 4, Texans will vote on 17 proposed constitutional amendments, most related to taxes. Dr. Paul Mason, Baylor accounting professor, said many aim to help specific groups but come with financial trade-offs.
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.
As rivalry week continues, it’s important to examine how other national rivalries impact us, particularly those that sit atop Capitol Hill. Political polarization between Republicans and Democrats is at an all-time high, and students can combat this by engaging in civil discourse amongst each other.
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.
When the government shuts down, it’s easy to shrug and think, “That’s Washington’s problem.” But here’s the truth: when the lights go out in D.C., the shadows reach our classrooms, our dorm rooms and our financial aid accounts. The shutdown may seem like political theater performed by distant figures in suits, but the damage has already spread not only to our campuses, but our faith in the system itself.
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?
“They’re more determined than ever … to have the chapter expand and have it be a presence on campus,” Ogden said.
Flanigan hopes events such as “Popcorn and Politics” will help educate students about current events, better informing them about what’s happening in the world around them and the role their representatives play in these issues.
Both Flavin and Van Gorder sketched an invitation and a warning. The real test isn’t in the heat of headlines, but in the quieter spaces — dinner tables, living rooms, classrooms and pews — where people chose to alienate or to listen. The health of democracy and national change, they argue, will be decided in those very regular, small acts of civility and grace.
“We want to briefly explore the history, causes, consequences and responses to political violence in the U.S.,” Villegas said, overviewing the panel’s discussion. “We want to role model and promote critical thinking, civil discourse and shared understanding. And lastly, we want to provide trusted expert insight, clear historical context and tools for informed civic engagement so that we can positively address the matter.”
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.
Public discourse unfolded online, leaving students to make sense of gun violence on high school and college campuses. With traditions like Homecoming and Christmas on Fifth Street around the corner, administrators are navigating safety measures in the current political climate.
