College Station Utilities received a national cybersecurity designation from the American Public Power Association, the city announced Oct. 5.

About the designation: According to a news release, the the American Public Power Association, or APPA, has awarded the designation to 60 different power utility cooperatives nationwide for two years of accreditation. Utility companies are measured on several factors, including: 

• Internal controls

• Cybersecurity governance and training

• Cybersecurity incident response and cyber risk management

• Safeguarding critical systems while training staff to recognize and mitigate cyber threats 

• Maintaining incident response plans and sustaining long-term security practices

APPA said the award winners are doing their best to protect U.S. electric grids while benefiting their communities.

The impact: CSU serves roughly 47,000 customers throughout the city.

“We go to work every day to ensure safe and reliable service to this community, and it’s nice to see that hard work recognized nationally," said CSU Electric Utility Director Glenn Gavit. 

David Gardner’s Jewelers celebrated the transformation of its College Station store with a ribbon cutting on Oct. 7, highlighting an expanded space designed to accommodate the business’s growth and give the community a closer look at its work.

About the project: As the business grew, Gardner said the store needed more room for both its design work and customer interactions.

According to the jeweler’s website, the remodel began in November 2024, with demolition underway by February 2025.

The remodel has allowed David Gardner’s Jewelers to expand its design studio and create more private areas for customers. The store also incorporates technology such as computer-aided design and 3D printers.

Giving back: David Gardner’s Jewelers supports about 400 organizations each year.

College Station City Council member William Wright said, “This business is synonymous with philanthropy."

Before you go: Gardner said the most rewarding part of his work remains creating pieces that carry personal meaning. He said he’s designed jewelry inspired by clients’ relationships and stories.

• Remodel unveiled Oct. 7

• 911 University Drive E., College Station

The Texas Renaissance Festival will return to Todd Mission for its 52nd season in 2026, running from Oct. 10 through Nov. 29.

Read all about it: Spanning 70 acres, the nation's largest Renaissance-themed event features 21 stages, more than 400 artisanal shops and over 200 acres of camping facilities.

The festival will showcase eight themed weekends from Oktoberfest on Oct. 10-11 to Celtic Christmas on Nov. 27-29. Additional themes include Pirate Adventure, Barbarian Invasion and All Hallows Eve.

What's new: This year the festival will bring back fan-favorite attractions alongside new acts, including Paladin, the Errant Fool; Sons of Olympus; and Lester Jesterson.

Tickets range from $16 to $40. Admission is free for kids 5 and under on Saturdays, and kids 13 and under get in free on Sundays.

Ahead of Texas' 2027 legislative session, the state comptroller's office has asked lawmakers to double funding for its $1 billion education savings account program.

The overview: The program gives participating families taxpayer dollars for private education and homeschooling, and officials said at least $2 billion are needed to maintain current participation in the program.

Meanwhile, some Texas families are raising concerns about their local school districts losing money as students leave public schools to participate in the program, known as Texas Education Freedom Accounts.

What they're saying: "149 students have accepted vouchers that were otherwise enrolled in Pflugerville ISD, [resulting in] an estimated loss of $1.2 million in attendance funding," said Stacy Harrell, a PfISD parent. "That lost funding will add to budget cuts that are already affecting Pflugerville ISD families. Four elementary schools [are closing], with the possibility of more."