Bryan ISD trustees took steps May 4 to launch a new tuition-free virtual learning option for students, approving a contract to move forward with the district's Virtual Academy beginning in the 2026-27 school year.

Long story short: The Bryan ISD Virtual Academy will serve students in third through 12th grade and offer both full-time virtual and hybrid virtual programs.

The district entered a contract with Connections Education LLC to provide families with more flexibility while maintaining academic discipline, success and support access to traditional school opportunities.

How it works: Students enrolled in the virtual academy will still be connected to Bryan ISD campuses and may participate in extracurricular activities such as athletics, fine arts, career and technical education programs and student organizations.

The program includes several requirements:

• Admission will be based on a review of academic performance and state testing results.
• Students must log in daily and meet attendance expectations.
• Families must provide a dedicated learning space and parental support.
• Students may be required to go to a physical campus for testing or technical courses.

The Texas A&M University System board of regents unanimously voted to appoint Susan Ballabina as its 28th president, the university announced May 6.

What's happening: Ballabina will assume the role beginning May 11, directly following the state's required three-week waiting period after being named sole finalist for the position. She will oversee the system's 12 universities and nearly 175,000 students.

What leaders are saying: System Chancellor Glenn Hegar said Ballabina's experience and understanding of the university's mission made her the right choice to lead the institution.

“Texas A&M has always been defined by its mission and the people who serve it,” Hegar said. “Leading this university requires an understanding of that responsibility and a willingness to keep the focus on what matters most. Dr. Ballabina has shown throughout her career that she understands that, and that is a big part of why she is the right choice to lead Texas A&M forward.”

One more thing: Regents also thanked interim President Tommy Williams for guiding the university during the leadership transition.

From free concerts to Mother’s Day events, check out this weekend’s roundup of events happening May 8-10. This list is not comprehensive, and events are subject to change.

Drive-in movie
The city of Bryan will present a double-feature drive-in showing of “Shrek” and “Shrek 2” with activities beforehand such as yard games, inflatables, face painting and food trucks.

• May 8, 6:30 p.m. (activities begin), 8 p.m. (“Shrek”), 9:30 p.m. (“Shrek 2”)
• $15 (per vehicle, cash only)
• Bryan Regional Athletic Complex, 5440 N. Texas Avenue, Bryan

• May 9, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• 2861 FM 974, Bryan

• May 9, 5-9 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• Century Square, 170 Century Square Drive, College Station

As health care costs continue rising in Texas and across the nation, state lawmakers are working to understand the factors that make health care unaffordable and what can be done to rein in prices.

The big picture: About 5.2 million Texans, or 16.7% of the state’s population, did not have health insurance in 2024, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

For years, advocates have called on Texas lawmakers to pass laws to drive down health care costs and improve access to health insurance. During a two-day hearing April 30 and May 1, a Texas House committee examined why health care costs are rising. Lawmakers will discuss potential policy solutions later this year, committee chair Rep. James Frank, R-Wichita Falls, said.

What's happening: Yale University professor Zack Cooper said that since 2000, U.S. health care spending has grown three times faster than inflation. The average health insurance premium for a family of four is $27,000 per year, he said.

“Every family is basically buying a new Toyota Corolla worth of health insurance," Cooper told lawmakers.