Bryan Councilwoman Marca Ewers-Shurtleff on WTAW

Texas A&M University to Receive $2-Million Grant to Bolster Cybersecurity & AI Training

United States Senator John Cornyn announced today that Texas A&M University has been awarded a federal grant of $1,997,970 to bolster artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity workforce development so professionals are equipped to protect critical infrastructure as instances of cyberattacks from foreign adversaries continue to increase. The funding comes through the U.S. National Science Foundation as part of the CyberAICorps Scholarship For Service (SFS) Program and was established by the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2014, amended by the National Defense Authorization Acts for 2018 and 2021, and expanded to include the AI workforce authority through the Cornyn-negotiated CHIPS and Science Act. “We must take steps to defend against cyberattacks by training students with the AI and cybersecurity skills needed to protect our critical technology systems,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This grant will help Texas grow the ranks of cyber professionals by funding specialized training at universities across the nation, including at some of Texas’ top academic institutions. I was proud to help negotiate the CHIPS and Science Act, which made this award possible, and I look forward to seeing the advancements in AI and cybersecurity it will support.” The grant funding will: Provide resources for specialized training in AI and cybersecurity; Support students’ placement and retention in the CyberAI mission of government organizations; And help advance the CyberAI field and the protection of U.S. national security.

Road Closures, Facility Closures, and Schedule for Upcoming Games of Texas

The Texas Amateur Athletics Foundation (TAAF) Summer Games of Texas kick off Thursday. Both Bryan and College Station have announced that certain facilities will be closed while the event is in town. Bryan: • Pools, including the Bryan Aquatic Center and Sadie Thomas Pool (closed July 29-August 3) • Bryan Tennis Center (closed August 1-2) College Station: • Gary Halter Nature Center (closed July 27-August 2) • Meyer Senior and Community Center (closed July 27-August 2) • Lincoln Recreation Center (closed July 27-August 2) • Southwood Community Center (closed July 27-August 2) • Parks and Recreation Administrative Office (closed July 30-31) • Adamson Lagoon & Cindy Hallaran Pool (closed July 30-August 2) In Bryan there will also be some street closures as part of the Track and Field competition at Merrill Green Stadium. For the safety of participants and attendees, the City of Bryan has announced that parts of Oak Ridge and Campus Drives will be closed to through traffic Thursday, July 30 – Sunday, August 2. They say access to the Walmart area will not be interrupted.  

First Ever College Station Restaurant Week Coming in August

Visit College Station today announced today that College Station is gearing up to host the city’s first-ever Restaurant Week! Restaurant Week will take place August 24-30 and so far, seven restaurants have signed on to headline the inaugural event. Each restaurant has crafted a special prix fixe menu exclusively for the week. Angie Bertinot, Marketing Manager for Visit College Station, says “This is about celebrating the flavors that make College Station a destination in its own right and putting a spotlight on the local chefs, owners and staff who make our food scene special.” College Station Restaurant Week offers an opportunity to explore new restaurants, revisit local favorites, and support a good cause that benefits the community. Ten percent of Restaurant Week proceeds (excluding alcohol) will be donated to the Brazos Valley Food Bank. It’s a way to support neighbors across the region while enjoying a great meal. The special Restaurant Week menus will be released August 10th. Here is a list of the participating restaurants: Brazos Proper Texas Kitchen 177 Joe Routt Blvd, College Station, TX 77840 A dining room just steps from Kyle Field where the university’s own partner farms feed the menu, award-winning chefs train the next generation of culinary experts and hospitality still starts with a proud “Howdy.” Casa do Brasil 1665 Greens Prairie Rd, College Station, TX 77845 An upscale Brazilian steakhouse serving fire-roasted cuts of beef, lamb and pork carved tableside by Gauchos, alongside a seasonal salad bar and a full bar known for its caipirinhas. Casa Mangiare 840 University Dr E, College Station, TX 77840 Handmade pastas and coastal-inspired seafood share the menu with Prime and Wagyu steaks, backed by a wine cellar and in-house sommelier. De Baca Steakhouse 4436 Texas 6 Frontage Rd, College Station, TX 77845 Named for historic Spanish explorer Cabeza de Vaca and owned by his descendants, De Baca serves classic steakhouse fare, from beef Wellington to a tableside-carved tomahawk, in a white-tablecloth room with panoramic windows that overlook the sunsets Texas is famous for. Juanita’s Tex-Mex Cantina 180 Century Ct Ste 140, College Station, TX 77840 At the center of Century Square, tortillas are pressed by hand and meats smoked over hickory in traditional pits, with recipes inspired by abuelas in Mexico and a bar stocked with authentic Mexican cocktails, craft beer and margaritas. Porter’s Dining + Bar 180 Century Square Dr #120, College Station, TX 77840 An elevated twist on a scratch kitchen with contemporary Western influence turns out prime steaks and fresh seafood, paired with a wine program running from rare vintages to sommelier-selected pours. Red’s Icehouse 1025 University Dr #101, College Station, TX 77840 Fine-dining hands making comfort food in a space that feels like a sports bar, where the brisket tacos and glazed salmon arrive plated properly and nobody minds if you eat yours while yelling for your favorite team.   Restaurants will have a curated choice of starter, entrée, and dessert built to showcase the dishes that define them, from signature plates to new creations. Lunch is set at $25, while dinner runs $35, $45 or $55 depending on the restaurant, giving diners a true taste of each restaurant’s best at one set price. A portion of sales benefit the Brazos Valley Food Bank.   ABOUT VISIT COLLEGE STATION Visit College Station is the official destination marketing organization for the City of College Station, home to Texas A&M University, the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, and the signature Howdy hospitality that defines Aggieland. Located at the center of the Texas Triangle, College Station is within a three-hour drive of Houston, Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio, making it one of the most accessible weekend destinations in the state. From game days at Kyle Field to military heritage, Brazos Valley trails to historic Northgate nights; visitors are invited to learn why you’ll love it here. Plan your trip VisitCollegeStation.com.