The expansion of racket sports in the United States has brought several developments to the Bryan-College Station area. With several pickleball and padel facilities opening, the cities are hoping to attract more young professionals while offering multigenerational appeal and boosting community engagement in Aggieland.

The highlights:

• The cities of Bryan and College Station have had multiple facilities open during the summer, including 4Padel, The Range and Club4 Fitness.

• The city of Bryan is looking forward to construction progress of Pickleball Junction.

• Local organizations like the Brazos Valley Pickleball Association offer lessons, open play and memberships.

• Both cities provide public courts for players of all skill levels.

4Padel owner, Marcel Muscopf, noted the area is a good base for health-focused businesses and plans to expand next year because his facility fills up after 5 p.m.

Japanese comfort food restaurant Sakura Tokyo has shut its doors in College Station after months of unpaid rent, according to the property manager. 

The gist: Paperwork posted by property manager Oldham Goodwin states Sakura had months of unpaid rent going back to July and was considered delinquent. The paperwork said the tenant was in default by the standards of their agreement. 

Oldham Goodwin property manager Joshua Juhl told Community Impact the tenants surrendered the premises on July 6 and the locks were changed.

Going forward: While Sakura’s website is still running, online food ordering is not available. The future plans for the restaurant and the owners are unknown. 

• Surrendered property on July 6

• 713 University Drive E., Ste. 100, College Station

From trick-or-treating to parties, Aggieland has many free, family-friendly events celebrating the Halloween season for the weekend of Oct. 29- Nov. 1.

This is not a comprehensive list.

Moonwalk LIVE! The Thriller Experience: Patrons will be able to experience the music of pop icon Michael Jackson with live performances and choreography. Guests are also encouraged to sing and dance during the performances.

• Oct. 29, 7-9 p.m.

• Free (admission)

• 455 George Bush Drive W., Suite 100, College Station

Halloween Trick-Or-Treat - Century Square: To celebrate the spooky season, Century Square will host a bring-your-own-bag trick-or-treating event. The event will also feature face painting, balloon twisting and a scavenger hunt.

• Oct. 30, 5-8 p.m.

• Free (admission)

• 175 Century Square Drive, College Station

Little Kids Spooky Carnival: The Clara B. Mounce Library will host a carnival for young children and will feature candy, games and costumes.

• Oct. 31, 2-3:30 p.m.

• Free (admission)

• 201 E 26th St., Bryan

Bryan and College Station ISDs had several major developments in October, including a 2025 bond update and a plan to address to a substitute teacher shortage.

1. Bryan ISD’s Ginger Carrabine named 2026 Texas Superintendent of the Year

2. Bryan ISD approves Merrill Green Field House design after months of deliberation

3. Bryan ISD efficiency audit highlights financial pressures ahead of tax rate election

4. College Station ISD discusses plan to allow administrative personnel to fill in for substitute teachers

5. Bryan ISD approves bilingual, ESL waivers to aid growing program

Educators, public officials and graduates from across the state gathered in Austin on Oct. 27 to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Western Governors University in Texas. The online university offers certificates, bachelor's and master's degrees, which students can complete at their own pace.

About the organization: WGU was founded in 1997 by a bipartisan group of 19 governors in Western states to provide a more affordable and flexible option for higher education. In 2011, then-Gov. Rick Perry signed an executive order making Texas an official WGU affiliate.

Since 2011, WGU in Texas has reached the following milestones:

• 38,691 total graduates

• 45,545 degrees earned

• 24,087 students currently enrolled

Quote of note: "It was definitely one of those options that was super flexible, so that kind of fit my current schedule, especially since I work full-time," 2026 WGU graduate Jacob Gomez said. "It was super convenient for me."