Brazos County commissioners imposed a burn ban Sept. 1 as dry conditions and several recent grass fires raised concerns about the potential for wildfires.

How we got here: Jason Ware, Brazos County’s emergency management coordinator, told commissioners local fire departments had responded to three or four grass fires last week. One fire in east Brazos County burned an estimated 5-10 acres, he said.

The county’s drought index was averaging between 600 and 700, Wear said, indicating conditions were dry enough to increase the risk of fires spreading.

Why now: The timing of the ban came as tropical weather was moving toward the area. A flood watch was in effect during the commissioners meeting, with forecasts calling for up to six inches of rain.

Before you go: Ware said the county could reconsider the ban after receiving significant rainfall.

A study by the Council for Community and Economic Research and published by the Greater Brazos Partnership Sept. 1, found that the Bryan-College Station metropolitan area was 10% below the national average for living costs during the second quarter of 2026.

The big picture: The study surveyed the after-tax living costs of 248 urban areas in the country, setting the national average at 100 points. The study measured workforce relocation, including engineers, researchers, managers and clinicians, along with the highlighted costs of transportation and groceries.

According to the study, the greater Brazos region was below every Texas metropolitan area.

By the numbers: Housing was the lowest-rated category, with the BCS metro rated 18% below the national average. Transportation came in at 13.9% below and miscellaneous goods at 11.4% below the national average, according to the council.

Tom Johnson, president and CEO of the Greater Brazos Partnership, said affordability is a great asset for the Brazos Valley and having money go farther helps the area grow.
 

Looking for plans this weekend, Sept. 4-6? Several businesses will be holding specials to kick off football season, plus downtown Bryan will be busy with First Friday and the Fiestas Patrias Festival. This list is not comprehensive and events are subject to change.

First Friday in Historic Downtown Bryan: September First Friday will be hosted in Historic Downtown Bryan, featuring live music, local art, shopping and activities. 

• Sept. 4, 5-10 p.m.

• Free (admission)

• 110 S. Main St., Bryan

Biergarten Kick-Off: Century Square will celebrate the start of football season with a full "Biergarten experience." Kick-Off Night will feature a full band and Aggie fan merchandise.

• Sept. 4, 6-9 p.m.

• Free (admission)

• 175 Century Square Drive, College Station

Fiestas Mexicanas Parade: Historic Downtown Bryan will experience lively culture in parade-form ahead of the Fiestas Patrias Festival. The parade will be from 21st to 23rd streets.

• Sept. 6, noon-1 p.m.

• Free (admission)

• 105 S. Main St., Bryan

Incumbent state Rep. Paul Dyson, R-Bryan-College Station, will face two challengers in the race to represent District 14 in the Texas House of Representatives.

District 14 covers 87% of Brazos County.

About the candidates: Community Impact asked each candidate the same five questions. One question asked candidates why they were running.

• Janet Dudding, D: "Texans who pay the bills deserve honest, ethical representation."

• Paul Dyson, R (incumbent): "I will work to keep Texas economically strong, protect taxpayers and private property, support education and public safety, and ensure our infrastructure keeps pace with our rapidly growing community."

• Jeff Miller, L: "I am the only candidate running on reducing goverment and fighting for your freedom to live your own life."

Dates to know:

• Oct. 5: Last day to register to vote

• Oct. 19-30: Early voting

• Nov. 3: Election Day

What else: Voters need to bring a valid photo I.D. to polling location in order to cast their vote.
 

Texas senators indicated Sept. 1 that they intend to tighten regulations on data centers during next year’s legislative session, which begins in January.

What they're saying: “I think every member's district has had an impact from a data center conversation, so there will be plenty of bills trying to put things in place that are reasonable, responsible regulatory frameworks for data centers,” state Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, said.

The big picture: With some Texas residents and conservation groups sounding the alarm about water-intensive technologies used by some data centers, state agencies have warned that limited information is available on how much water the industry actually uses. Officials said they have also had trouble determining exactly how many data centers are operating in the state today, as there is no “comprehensive statewide list” of existing and planned facilities.

Estimates from state agencies and the University of Texas at Austin suggest that roughly 370 data centers are currently operating in Texas, with about 100 facilities under construction and another 180 being proposed.