Blinn College received more than 3,400 applications during Texas Free College Application Week, according to a news release from the school, which touted its affordability.

The overview: According to the release, Vice Chancellor for Student Services Becky McBride said that while applications to Blinn are always free, many people are choosing to apply and attend because of the school's low costs.

“Whether students are preparing to transfer to a university, pursue a rewarding career or earn a professional credential, Blinn offers affordable pathways to help them achieve their goals," McBride said.

While the college's largest campus by population is in Bryan, Blinn's main campus is in Brenham, and the college offers classes in Schulenburg, Sealy, Waller and at the Texas A&M-RELLIS campus.

The bottom line: According to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, 402,583 applications were submitted in 2026, which is an increase of nearly 47% from 2025. Texas Higher Education Commissioner Wynn Rosser said the program is giving students a great way to get their higher education started.

Sports bar and arcade entertainment complex Dave & Buster’s has opened at Post Oak Mall in College Station after months of anticipation.

What Dave & Buster’s offers: According to Dave & Buster’s website, the College Station location has a sports bar with many televisions, an expansive arcade with sports and video games and a full-service restaurant with happy hour deals throughout the week. The restaurant also offers combo deals for alcohol and games.

The gist: As previously reported by Community Impact, the opening date for the $12.8 million, 31,000-square-foot project was announced in early September, taking over what used to be Conn’s. The signage and completion of the project took place throughout the month, with the addition of a service yard.

One more thing: The opening of Dave & Buster’s is expected to bring a lot of foot traffic to Post Oak Mall, according to the city of College Station.

• Opened Oct. 26

• 1502 Harvey Road, Ste. 100, College Station

Bryan-College Station will have plenty of events leading up to the holiday season. Here are some of the events residents can look forward to this fall. This is not a comprehensive list.

Santa's Wonderland: The largest Christmas park in the world is holding its annual gathering of fun featuring a trail of lights, a petting zoo, horse carriage and winter treats on 150 acres in south College Station. The park will also have different entertainment attractions throughout the holiday season.

• Nov. 13-Jan. 3

• $35-55 (daily admission), $19-147 (add-on experiences)

• 18898 Hwy. 6, College Station

Cotton Holdings’ Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field: The Aggies will take on the Texas Longhorns at home on Black Friday. This is the rivals’ 121st game since 1894.

• Nov. 27, 6:30 p.m.

• Prices vary (ticketed)

• 161 Wellborn Road, College Station

December First Friday: Historic Downtown Bryan’s monthly First Friday features live music, performances, art demonstrations and unique interactive events and activities throughout the area.

• Dec. 4, 5-10 p.m.

• Free (admission)

• 110 S. Main St., Bryan

Texans' last chance to vote in this year's midterm election is Nov. 3. Polling places across the state will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on Election Day, according to the secretary of state's office.

What to expect: Dozens of races will appear on the ballot, from U.S. Senate and governor to local officials and propositions.

If a voter runs into an issue at the polls that cannot be immediately resolved, such as a lack of photo ID or an administrative error, they have the right to cast a provisional ballot, per state law. Some voters may be required to return to the local voter registrar's office by Nov. 9—six days after Election Day—to resolve the issue after voting.

Stay informed: Visit communityimpact.com/voter-guide to read Q&As with hundreds of candidates, find coverage of local propositions and print a custom sample ballot to bring to the polls.

After polls close at 7 p.m. Nov. 3, election results will be posted on the same webpage.