During Bryan City Council’s June 9 meeting, the council approved the use of artificial intelligence to help monitor parking in Historic Downtown Bryan for incoming timed parking spots.

What you need to know: Since 2023, the city of Bryan has been taking steps to enforce parking limits in the downtown area with different monitoring methods.

According to agenda material, the intention of timed parking is to “improve storefront parking turnover, support small business activity, preserve free public parking, and create a more balanced parking management system in historic Downtown Bryan.”

Zooming in: The city’s pilot program will include 139 spaces on all five blocks on Main Street and various spots near storefronts from 28th to 23rd streets for a total of 226 spaces. New signage will be made to show drivers the designation, which will be for a maximum of two hours of parking for vehicles.

Brazos County commissioners approved a new forensic lab technician position at its June 9 meeting, another milestone as the county prepares to open its first medical examiner’s office later this year.

The position, approved without discussion as part of the court’s consent agenda, will support doctors performing postmortem examinations and autopsies while helping operate the county’s new forensic services division.

About the position: According to county documents, the forensic lab technician will help with a wide range of duties, including receiving and documenting the deceased, collecting evidence, preparing toxicology, processing X-rays, maintaining chain-of-custody records and assisting during autopsies.

The context: The approval represents another step in the county’s effort to establish its own medical examiner operation, a move local officials have discussed for years as Brazos County continues to grow.

Commissioners previously approved salaries and staffing plans for the office. 

What's next: The county is expected to launch the new medical examiner’s office this summer.

After nearly 52 years in business, College Station women’s boutique Charli closed its doors May 31.

About Charli: Founded in 1974, the store became a longtime fixture in Aggieland, serving generations of customers through milestones including proms, weddings and first dates, according to Charli.

Owner Charli Light announced the closure in early May, saying she was ready to spend more time with her grandchildren.

“Charli has been so blessed with 52 years success,” she wrote in a Facebook post. “All the moments and relationships you shared with me, proms, weddings, first dates... memories of a lifetime.”

Before you go: The boutique celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024, when the mayors of Bryan and College Station proclaimed July 12 as “Charli Light Day” in recognition of Light’s contributions to the community.

• 505 University Drive East, College Station

Looking for plans this weekend? From social events to free shuttles to several vendor markets, summertime in Aggieland has a ton to offer, June 11-14.

This list is not comprehensive and events are subject to change.

Bush Birthday Celebration
The George H.W. Bush Presidential Center is hosting a celebration for the birthdays Barbara and President George H.W. Bush with free story time readings, cake and refreshments. 

• June 12, 11 a.m.

• Free (admission)

• 1000 George Bush Drive West, College Station

2026 Tomato Tasting Event
Brazos County Master Gardeners will host its 2026 Tomato Tasting Event at The DIG. Attendees may taste and judge Roma, Cherry and Slicer tomatoes.

• June 13, 9-11 a.m.

• Free with registration

• 2619 Highway 21 West, Bryan

Starlight Music Series
College Station Parks and Recreation is presenting its final concert of its Starlight Music Series at Wolf Pen Creek Park.

• June 13, 6-10 p.m.

• Free (admission)

• 1015 Colgate Drive, College Station