Bryan City Council approved millions in blanket purchases for various facilities and industrial needs for fiscal year 2027 at its Sept. 8 meeting.

The overview: For the upcoming fiscal year, the city approved purchases, including technology, city utilities and safety equipment.

The city is aiming to replace 5,000 water meters for future growth and maintenance, along with replacing $150,000 worth of failing meters. A new Advanced Meter Infrastructure system for the meters will help with water resource management.

The total for all purchases amounts to $13.1 million. According to the agenda action sheets, the city has a competitive bidding process with manufacturers to receive the best possible price.

The takeaway: According to agenda material, the blanket purchases are used for Bryan’s day-to-day operations and allow the operations to be “efficient and effective.”

Also on the agenda : As previously reported by Community Impact, Bryan City Council approved its highest city budget of the decade Sept. 8.

Asia Wok, a restaurant serving a variety of Asian dishes, has opened in the food court of Post Oak Mall in College Station.

What Asia Wok offers: The restaurant serves dishes with chicken, beef, rice and noodles in a countertop cafeteria setting. The menu includes different combo options, where patrons can choose from various meats, sauces and flavors, along with sides such as spring rolls and egg rolls.

The overview: Asia Wok has replaced the Asian restaurant chain location of Manchu Wok, which closed in May, in the food court. Evidence of Asia Wok moving into its former location was observed by Community Impact throughout the summer, with the official announcement being posted with a flyer near the end of July.

The takeaway: With bar and arcade Dave & Buster's slated to open in the mall in late October and Oliver’s Boutique having opened in early September, Asia Wok is one of the many additions in the mall this fall.

• Opened Sept. 6

• 1500 Harvey Road, College Station

• www.postoakmall.com

Check out some recent stories about Texas A&M University, as well as Bryan and College Station ISDs. Updates in August include student success plans, budget discussions and state accountability ratings.

• Texas A&M regents adopt 5-year strategic plan for student success

• College Station ISD saves $300K+ on insurance renewal, attendance-credit agreement

• College Station ISD weighs district's future as enrollment declines, admin building advances

• Bryan ISD superintendent on shortlist for Texas Superintendent of the Year

• Bryan-College Station school districts receive 2025-26 TEA accountability ratings

City officials and capital improvement project information have provided updates on six road projects in the area:

• Rehabilitation of James, Puryear, Francis: This $7 million College Station project will add a new concrete roadway, sidewalks and other features. Construction is scheduled to begin by the end of summer or the beginning of fall.

• Greens Prairie Road-County Section: This $12.5 million project will widen a road to four lanes. Construction is set to start in early 2027 and last 18 months.

• Mumford Road Widening Phase 1: This $7,164,044 Bryan project is about 75% complete and is estimated to finish by the end of the year.

• Southbound Texas Avenue Closure: A southbound lane is closed for work on the Brazos County Administration Building.

• FM 974 (Tabor Road) at SH 6: This project will widen Tabor Road and modify traffic lanes. Construction is expected to conclude by the end of the year.

• William J. Bryan Parkway Improvements: Delayed by supply chain issues and damaged infrastructure, the project is expected to be completed in early 2027.

This November, four candidates are running to lead the Texas Comptroller's Office and serve as the state's chief financial officer.

The overview: Libertarian V. Alonzo Echavarria-Garza, Democrat Sarah Eckhardt, Green Party candidate Shehla Faizi and Republican Don Huffines are running for comptroller. Huffines, whom Gov. Greg Abbott appointed to the office in July, is considered the incumbent in this race.

How it works: The comptroller oversees government spending and administers the state's $1 billion education savings account program, which launched ahead of the 2026-27 school year.

Looking ahead: Early voting runs from Oct. 19-30 in the midterm election, and Election Day is Nov. 3.