Kevin O’Connor Kommentary June 25

Potential college bound students and their families can apply to Texas colleges for free. Free College Application Week is a statewide initiative that helps Texas residents apply to public colleges at no cost. Created by Senate Bill 2231 during the 89th Texas Legislative Session, all public colleges and universities in Texas are required to waive admission application fees for Texas residents who apply to undergraduate programs through Apply Texas. There are no age restrictions, so whether you’re a first-time college student, a transfer, or going back to school, you’re eligible so long as you meet residency requirements and register through Apply Texas. Free College Application Week is Monday, October 12th through Sunday, October 18th. Completed applications must be submitted through ApplyTexas by 11:59 p.m. CDT on Sunday, October 18, 2026 to qualify. Applications that are started but not submitted before Free College Application Week ends are not eligible. Visit ApplyTexas.org Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.

The TxDOT Bryan District is studying the future I-14 Central Texas Corridor from Rogers in Bell County to Huntsville in Walker County. This study will determine the feasibility of a corridor and route for a roadway that meets interstate standards. The I-14 Central Texas Corridor Study aligns with ongoing statewide I-14 development and planning efforts to ensure consistency and continuity of the interstate corridor from west Texas to Louisiana. The study includes evaluation of the designated future Loop I-214 around the Cities of Bryan and College Station, which is anticipated to co-align with I-14 as it passes through the Bryan-College Station area. The deadline to submit public comment is Monday, October 12, 2026. You can submit your comments through the following methods: Mail:  I-14 Central Texas Corridor Study, c/o LJA, PO Box 5459, Austin, TX 78763 Email: BRY_Interstate14Central@txdot.gov Voicemail or text: (979) 484-7358 Online: HERE Clicking on the above link to submit comments online, it will zoom in to the exact address/location you enter. It has an overlay of the route, so you will be able to see the proposed route in relation to your address. You can also view other’s online comments. Learn more about the project at: https://www.txdot.gov/projects/projects-studies/bryan/i14-corridor-study.html Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.

Bryan ISD Superintendent Ginger Carrabine has been named the 2026 Texas Superintendent of the Year. Ms. Carrabine was recognized at the TASB TXEd Conference on Saturday. Carabine was named one of five finalists from the more than 1,200 public school district superintendents across Texas. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.