Texas A&M’s New Interim President Issues His First Message To The University Community

A Slow Drenching Gives Bryan/College Station Much Needed Rain

A slow and steady rain came to the Bryan/College Station area on Thursday. Online records from the National Weather Service show about nine hours of rain at Easterwood Airport, which recorded 2.49 inches. Texts from WTAW listeners ranged from 1.1 inches north of Anderson to 6.5 inches near Kurten on Sand Creek Road. Thursday during the noon hour, the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning on both sides of Yegua Creek in Burleson and Washington counties. There were two posts on the Burleson County sheriff’s Facebook page, one who wrote seeing a touchdown in a field and another saying they saw the funnel over the dam at Lake Somerville. Thursday’s rain was a contributing factor to two crashes that closed Highway 21 in east Bryan for more than two hours. Bryan police report the first collision, on 21 near Marino Road, happened when a westbound car hydroplaned into the eastbound lanes and struck an oncoming pickup truck head on. Both drivers were taken to an emergency room for treatment of non life threatening injuries. While officers were still there, the second collision took place that involved a semi that had to be towed. No was injured in the second crash.

Texas A&M System Board Of Regents Schedules A Special Meeting To Discuss Presidential Candidates

The Texas A&M system board of regents is another step closer to deciding who will be the next president at the flagship campus. The agenda for a special meeting that is scheduled for next Tuesday (April 7) says no public action will be taken after board members discuss an undisclosed number of candidates. Click HERE to read and download the agenda for the April 7, 2026 board of regents special meeting. A 16 member committee was appointed in October of 2025. Those members includes the board of regents chairman and two other members, former president Elsa Murano, the former chief of staff to former president Mark Welsh, and representatives of A&M students, faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni. The agenda also provides the option of discussing other unidentified personnel matters.

Local Interest Builds In Nuclear Energy Projects

Local nuclear energy projects was the subject this week of two announcements and a part of a presentation at a Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce committee meeting. The governor’s office issued a news release that the state’s new Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office has opened applications to receive a portion of $350 million dollars to support the development and commercialization of the advanced nuclear energy industry, the nuclear supply chain, and its associated manufacturing capacity in the state. The activity of the advanced nuclear energy office was included in a presentation to the chamber’s legislative affairs committee by the board chairman of the ERCOT power grid, retired congressman Bill Flores of Bryan. And a Texas A&M system spokesman told WTAW News that they will be applying for grant money from the state nuclear energy office. The spokesman said “The legislation (that created the office) and RFP (request for proposals) specifically include university-led technology development, and that’s an area where the Texas A&M System is already a national leader. We’ll be looking at this across the System and in collaboration with industry partners as the applications move forward.” And on the same day as the state’s news release, the city of Bryan announced joining the Texas Nuclear Alliance, which is described as the only nuclear industry association in Texas dedicated to the advancement of nuclear technology. A city news release says membership connects Bryan to those involved in emerging technologies such as small modular reactors and next generation power systems. Click below to hear comments from ERCOT board chairman Bill Flores at the April 1, 2026 chamber of commerce legislative affairs committee meeting. Listen to “Local interest builds in nuclear energy projects” on Spreaker. News release from the city of Bryan about joining the Texas Nuclear Alliance: The Texas Nuclear Alliance (TNA) today announced the City of Bryan has joined the organization, continuing its more than 115-year legacy of energy innovation. “The City of Bryan has a long history of seeking solutions to meet growing energy needs and is now emerging as a hub for nuclear innovation through its partnership with Texas A&M University System’s RELLIS Campus and Energy Proving Ground, where advanced reactor technologies are being developed,” said TNA President Reed Clay. “Combined with Bryan’s forward-thinking leadership and strong industrial base, these partnerships position the region to drive economic growth and help lead the future of nuclear innovation in Texas.” Bryan’s membership in the Texas Nuclear Alliance reinforces the city’s longstanding commitment to safe, reliable energy and forward-looking economic development. The city owns and operates Bryan Texas Utilities, a municipally owned electric utility that has served the community for more than a century and reflects Bryan’s tradition of local leadership in energy infrastructure and reliability. “As the Texas Triangle continues to experience rapid population growth and increasing electricity demand, nuclear energy is emerging as a critical component of a resilient and diversified energy portfolio,” said Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez. “By joining the Texas Nuclear Alliance, Bryan signals its intent to remain at the forefront of innovation, infrastructure planning and next-generation power solutions.” “Bryan has long been a community that looks to the future while building on strong partnerships — particularly with the Texas A&M University System and the research and innovation ecosystem that surrounds it,” continued Gutierrez. “Energy independence and grid resiliency are essential not only to Texas’ continued economic growth but also to our nation’s security. The Texas Nuclear Alliance is helping position Texas at the forefront of energy innovation, and Bryan is proud to have a seat at the table as advanced energy technologies are developed and deployed.” Membership in the alliance connects Bryan to industry expertise, policy discussions and emerging technologies related to advanced nuclear energy, including small modular reactors and next-generation power systems, which are expected to play a significant role in providing safe, reliable and carbon-free electricity. City Manager Andrew Nelson noted the broader economic and strategic benefits of the partnership. “Reliable and affordable energy is foundational to economic development,” said Nelson. “Our participation in the Texas Nuclear Alliance connects Bryan to new opportunities for investment, innovation and job creation while helping us responsibly plan for long-term growth.” Bryan’s participation in the alliance also strengthens collaboration with industry leaders, academic institutions and policymakers working to advance nuclear energy development across Texas. About the Texas Nuclear Alliance TNA is the only industry association in Texas dedicated to the advancement of nuclear technology in the state. Formed in 2022 in the aftermath of Winter Storm Uri, and comprising of over 70 member entities today, TNA is based on the fundamental premise that if Texas and the world want low-carbon, reliable energy, it can no longer turn its back on nuclear energy. TNA was formed with a singular mission: to make Texas the Nuclear Capital of the World.