Bryan firefighters will begin working a new 48/96 schedule this fall as the city moves forward with a pilot program city leaders say could improve firefighter wellness, recruitment and retention.

What you need to know: The city announced June 24 that the Bryan Fire Department will transition to the new schedule beginning in October.

The change comes after months of discussion about the department’s ability to attract and keep certified firefighters in an increasingly competitive market.

Put in perspective: Twenty-three firefighters left Bryan FD between 2020 and 2025, according to a January workshop, representing roughly $1.3 million in training investment and a combined 35 years of experience.

How it works: Firefighters work two consecutive 24-hour shifts before receiving four days off. BFD currently operates on a 24/48 schedule, having firefighters work one 24-hour shift followed by 48 hours off.

The pilot program is designed to improve work-life balance while maintaining emergency response capabilities.

What happens next: The pilot program will begin Oct. 12 and will include ongoing evaluations.

The Brazos County Public Defender’s Office reported continued expansion of its services June 23 at Commissioners Court, highlighting new specialized divisions while the department continues to deal with staffing shortages.

The overview: The Public Defender’s Office currently has 612 active clients. Over the current quarter, the office accepted 192 new cases and resolved 215 cases. These numbers exclude recently created divisions in juvenile and mental health divisions.

Growing challenges: Despite the expansion of services, the office reported four attorney vacancies out of 10 total attorney positions.

Chief Public Defender Nathan Wood emphasized the office has not been fully staffed since the new divisions were created and asked commissioners to take that into consideration as the county has recently completed its employee compensation and benefits study.

What else: Wood described the Public Defender’s Office’s approach as “holistic defense,” connecting clients with more than 100 community services for housing, mental health care, substance use treatment and other support services.

He said the goal is to address underlying issues that contribute to repeat cases.

After building a following through catering and events across Bryan-College Station, Hartt’s Barbecue is preparing to open its first brick-and-mortar location in Bryan.

What’s new: Owners Lindsey and Mitch Hartt announced in May that the barbecue business plans to open a lunch restaurant this fall.

The restaurant will be located in the Carter Creek Center, in the former home of Wokamole Healthy Cuisine, which closed last year.

Since announcing the project, the Hartts have shared renovation updates on social media, documenting the transformation of the space. Recent work has included removing interior arches, carpet and ceiling fans, constructing a new hallway and preparing floors for staining.

What they offer: Hartt’s Barbecue offers all your BBQ favorites, including mac and cheese, burnt ends, potato salad and a pulled pork sandwich among many other menu items.

Before you go: Construction is ongoing throughout the summer, with additional renovation updates expected in the coming months.

• To open fall 2026
• 4001 E. 29th St., Bryan

State lawmakers are considering water use impacts tied to the spread of new data center developments across Texas, and recently heard input from industry representatives and residents as they plan for next year's legislative session.

The initial review may preview proposed state laws regarding data centers and their local impacts. Ahead of the hearing, Gov. Greg Abbott also stated his "bottom line" expectations for data centers going forward: providing their own power, reusing water and reducing electricity costs for their neighbors.

Testimony from regulators revealed that Texas lacks accurate information about the water use of most data centers now operating statewide, despite mandates to submit those details. Representatives suggested data centers' self-reporting on utility use could be one topic to address next year. Many impacted residents and elected officials also raised concerns with public notice and local regulatory authority in relation to the high-profile developments.