Texas A&M University President Susan Ballabina outlined A&M's research and student-focused project plans on Sept. 28 as part of “Beyond 150: One University for Good." Ballabina said projects, such as Aggie research commons, will put public good at the forefront of the university's efforts.

The overview: Beyond 150 is the university’s new strategic plan coinciding with the school’s 150th anniversary. The plan advances initiatives in education, the Texas A&M system, research, growth, development and the Aggie spirit.

Meeting highlights: Texas A&M is following four pillars for the Beyond 150 plan, including:

• Collaborative vision-driven ecosystem

• Transformative experiences

• Discovery, innovation and entrepreneurship

• Community partnership and engagement

Ballabina also announced more projects and initiatives the university is pushing, including:

• Texas A&M branded hospital

• Aggie research commons

• Corps of Cadets funding

• Mental health expansion

The bottom line: The current Beyond 150 plan is set to guide the university until 2028, according to its website.

Back Nine Golf, a 24/7 full-swing golf simulator business that hosts parties and events, celebrated its grand opening in College Station on Sept. 25 after being open for several months.

What Back Nine offers: The 24/7 model is supported by the Full Swing 16-point simulator endorsed by golfers including Tiger Woods. Along with memberships and a beginner-friendly atmosphere, the business offers coaching and lessons from professional golfer Stephen Phillips.

At a glance: Owner Randy Roberts, a longtime College Station resident, said he hopes the business will be a place for friends to get together and play sports in a comfortable environment.

“You can watch and play sports at the same time,” Roberts said. “What's better than being able to watch football and play golf in 70 degrees?"

One more thing: Roberts said he was grateful for the turnout and the reception the business has received since its early June soft opening.

• Opened June 8

• 2709 Texas Ave S., Suite 900, College Station

In August, the Bryan-College Station area experienced a decrease in home sales compared to the same month last year. Across the area's six ZIP codes, the number of homes sold decreased in half of the ZIP codes and increased in the other half.

Additional real estate trends for the area in August include:

• Median home prices fluctuated by ZIP code, with three ZIP codes increasing by 16% or more.

• The median number of days a home sat on the market increased across four ZIP codes compared to the same month in 2025.

• The majority of homes sold in the area were priced between $200,000 and $399,999.

College Station voters will decide between Elizabeth Cunha and Bob Yancy Nov. 3 in College Station's mayoral race.

Meet the players: Candidates were asked to keep Q&A responses within 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines or for style and clarity.

One question Community Impact asked was, "How will you ensure your constituents can access affordable housing?" Candidates answered in part:

• Yancy: "Cut fees and delays that inflate home prices. Our fee stack has come too far, too fast."

• Cunha: "Increase homestead exemptions, increase down payment assistance funding, offer density bonuses to multifamily developments in exchange for below market rent on some units."