A measure to remove raised medians along Texas Avenue in Bryan is headed to voters in November. Bryan City Council formally ordered a charter amendment election Aug. 11 following a citizen petition that received enough signatures to qualify for the ballot.

What you need to know: The proposed amendment would require the medians to be removed along Texas Avenue from Rosemary Drive to roughly 600 feet south of Hwy. 21.

Those in favor: Residents supporting the petition packed Bryan City Hall during the council meeting, expressing concerns about safety, ambulance turnaround time and traffic congestion.

“We want this to go on the November ballot so you can hear the citizens and what we’re asking you to do," a resident said.

What the city is saying: As Texas Avenue is controlled by TxDOT, the city warned residents that taxpayers may face legal challenges in getting the medians physically removed.

What’s next: Residents will be able to vote whether to keep or remove the medians during the Nov. election.
 

Bryan ISD is adding roughly $1.8 million in security services for the 2026-27 school year, while its new virtual academy has received more than 230 applications ahead of its launch.

Trustees unanimously approved contracts with a private security company and the city of Bryan for armed security guards and school resource officers during its Aug. 10 meeting.

What's new?

• A $697,032 contract with Jet Security was approved, providing armed security guards for the 2026-27 school year.

• The board unanimously approved a $1.11 million interlocal agreement with the city of Bryan for 10 school resource officers during the 2026-27 school year.

Also on the agenda: More than 230 students have applied to the Bryan ISD Virtual Academy. Of those applicants, more than 130 have received acceptance letters, with some additional applications still under consideration.

Bryan ISD is still accepting applications for its Virtual Academy through Aug. 31

A new family-owned fitness center with premium equipment and several fitness, health and wellness classes is opening in Bryan in August.

About Club4: Owned and operated by the Elinski family since 2002, Club4 Fitness is a 24/7 gym with cardio weight training equipment, along with group fitness classes, women-only fitness and a cycling studio.

General Manager Cade Wilson said the gym prioritizes its customers and provides them with state-of-the-art fitness equipment.

The gym will also include five pickleball courts. With the influx of pickleball courts in the Bryan-College Station area, Club4 will be another addition to the ever-growing options residents have to play the sport.

Before you go: Club4 Fitness is scheduled to open in mid-August, with a grand opening and festivities scheduled for a later date. Wilson said Club4 is excited to be a part of the Bryan-College Station community.

• Opening Aug. 19
• 1901 South Texas Avenue, Bryan

From craft nights with live music to good food and art, there are several events taking place in Aggieland the weekend of Aug. 15. This list is not comprehensive. Events are subject to change.

Traditional Japanese Food at Ronin Farm: Ronin diners will enjoy a four-course family-style dinner of Tempura, Sashimi, Onigiri and Katsudon among other "Traditional Country Japanese" offerings.

• Aug. 13, 6:30-9 p.m.

• $89.94 (admission)

• 363 Creekside Drive, Bryan

Craft Night + Live Music: Stage 12 will host a craft night featuring local musician Keaton Kyzar. The featured craft will be a DIY felt banner, garland or crafter's choice.

• Aug. 14, 7-9 p.m.

• Free (admission)

• 455 George Bush Drive W., College Station

Back To School Craft & Vendor Market: Hometown Vendor Market is hosting a back-to-school craft event at the Post Oak Mall as families send their students back to school. Local vendors will sell school essentials, treats and unique finds among other goods and services.

• Aug. 16, noon-6 p.m.

• Free (admission)

• 1500 Harvey Road, College Station

From 2020-25, more than 45,000 wildfires burned over 2.7 million acres of Texas land, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.

Ahead of the 2027 state legislative session, lawmakers are looking into ways to better prevent wildfires from happening and prepare communities to respond when fires do start.

The background: In 2025, state lawmakers passed Senate Bill 34, which required the Texas A&M Forest Service to create a statewide database of firefighting equipment; established a council to improve emergency communications between local, state and federal agencies; and increased funding to help rural volunteer fire departments purchase equipment from $30 million to $40 million.

Quote of note: Sen. Kevin Sparks, a Midland Republican who authored the law, said more work needs to be done to increase wildfire preparedness across the state.

"As we move forward, our focus should be on a more proactive approach that prioritizes prevention and mitigation alongside response preparedness," Sparks said during an Aug. 11 hearing of the Senate Natural Resources Committee, which he chairs.