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2,977 souls were lost during the four attacks on September 11, 2011. In memory of those lives and in honor of all involved in related aftermath support, here is a list of some local remembrance events: Friday, Sept. 11 — All day (lawn of Texas A&M Admin Building & Bush Library Presidential Pond) 2,977 flags for annual “9/11 Never Forget” project by the Young Americans for Freedom. (The Location at Bush Library may be changed from Pond to Courtyard). Friday, Sept. 11 — 9:00–11:00am: 25th Anniversary 9/11 Remembrance (Hagler Auditorium, Annenberg Presidential Conference Center, 1002 George Bush Dr. W., College Station) The Bush School program begins with the Legacy of the Red Bandana, followed by firsthand accounts from Col. Mike Reilly, who was at the Pentagon; Dr. Nathan Harness, who was on the 61st floor of Tower 2; and Dean John Sherman, who was in the White House Situation Room. A display of 2,977 miniature flags will be placed by the pond, followed by a gathering and moment of silence. Friday, Sept. 11 — 10:00am: 25th Anniversary 9/11 Bench Dedication (Bryan City Cemetery Annex – Committal Shelter, Bryan) Wreaths Across America Brazos Valley will dedicate two new benches at the Veterans of Brazos Valley Memorial. Bryan High School JROTC will provide the color guard. Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez is scheduled to speak. Friday, Sept. 11 — 11:00am & 2:00pm: The Heroism and Resiliency of 9/11: From Tragedy to Triumph (George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum, Malek Theater, 1000 George Bush Dr. W., College Station) Free screenings of the documentary narrated by Gary Sinise, featuring firsthand testimony, archival footage and reenactments. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Michael Gier, this film goes beyond the events of September 11, 2001, to highlight the extraordinary acts of courage, compassion, and resilience that emerged in the aftermath of tragedy. The documentary features firsthand accounts from first responders, survivors, and ordinary citizens who became extraordinary heroes, as well as insights from former Secretary of Transportation to President George H.W. Bush and former White House Chief of Staff to President George W. Bush Andy Card, who was with President George W. Bush on September 11, 2001. Together, these powerful perspectives honor the selflessness and bravery that defined a generation. Featuring real-life testimonies, archival footage, and dramatic reenactments, The Heroism and Resiliency of 9/11 serves not only as a tribute to those we lost, but also as a celebration of the enduring American spirit. It is an inspiring story of hope, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, courage, unity, and compassion can light the way forward. *Admission is free, but seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please RSVP HERE. Friday, Sept. 11 — 5:30–7:00pm: Brazos Valley 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony (Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial, War on Terror site, Veterans Park, 3101 Harvey Rd., College Station) The major community ceremony. State Rep. Paul Dyson is the 2026 speaker. Includes the 5-5-5 bell ringing, wreath laying, 21-gun salute and Silver Taps. The memorial contains an actual steel relic from the World Trade Center. Free and open to the public. Saturday, Sept, 12 — 9:00am: National Day of Service (Bryan City Cemetery (BCC) – 1111 N. Texas Ave, Bryan) Headstone cleaning. Supplies provided. Public welcome. Saturday, Sept, 12 — 11:00am: “Standing for America” Red, White, & Blue Game – Texas A&M vs. Arizona State (Kyle Field, College Station) The Aggies will celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary and honor the 25th Anniversary of 9/11. Special Red, White, or Blue “Standing For America” t-shirts are available at CC Creations and Aggieland Outfitters. Proceeds from the sale of t-shirts will benefit the renovation of the MSC’s Hall of Honor to include TAMU’s 9th Medal of Honor recipient, Matt Williams. Sunday, Sept. 13 — 7:30 pm: Behind the Lines: A 9/11 Story (Rudder Theatre, Texas A&M, College Station) An OPAS production: 9/11 drew a nation together and linked the lives of two men from different generations. Set against the tragedy of the attacks and the war that followed, World Trade Center firefighter Bill Spade (sole survivor from FDNY Rescue Company 5) and combat veteran Jaymes Poling (three tours in Afghanistan) relive their experiences, revealing an unexpected bond in strength, meaning, and the weight of what they continue to carry after service. It combines their firsthand stories with live music and theatrical elements. This is a ticketed event. Buy tickets HERE.

The Talarico team issued a press release today promoting that more than 20 Current and Former Republican Leaders are endorsing Talarico for Senate. Two names on the list should be familiar to those in Brazos County. Shane Phelps is a local defense attorney who served as the Deputy Attorney General for Texas from 1999 to 2001, and was an Assistant District Attorney in Brazos County from 2001 to 2011. James Edge is the Mayor Pro Tem of Bryan. He says “As a Republican, I believe in faith, family, the rule of law, and holding public officials accountable when they betray the public trust. I will support plenty of Republicans this November, but I cannot vote for Ken Paxton.” Edge adds, “Talarico has demonstrated that he is willing to listen, work across party lines, and put Texas and our country first. As a lifelong conservative Republican, I’m proud to support him this November.”

This is some George Jetson and Fifth Element level stuff right here! Taxis will be taking to the skies in Texas. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) announced today that they’re launching the first phase of Project Nexus. It’s a multi-phase testing program focused on safely preparing next-generation aircraft for future use in Texas skies. This first phase will test with traditional aircraft such as helicopters and fixed-wing planes. The next phase involves testing for medical and cargo logistics, like critical medical supplies or organs between rural facilities and urban medical centers in Austin and San Antonio. The final phase involves passengers in “air taxi” flights across the Texas triangle (Dallas-San Antonio-Houston). The nationwide projects involve leading aircraft manufacturers, operators and state partners and include a range of operational concepts, including: Urban air taxi services Regional passenger transportation Cargo and logistics networks Emergency medical response operations Autonomous flight technologies Offshore and energy-sector transportation The phases are expected to rollout over the next three years. So realistically, this could all be reality by 2030. Here is the full Media Release from TxDOT (09/10/2026): FORT WORTH – Taxis are taking to the skies in Texas as the state launches test flights for a pilot program that’ll benefit the state economy and the nation. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is launching the first phase of Project Nexus. This multi-state testing program is focused on safely preparing next-generation aircraft for future use in Texas skies. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) selected TxDOT’s proposal to be part of the new Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) back in March 2026. “Under President Trump, we are unlocking the future of flight and empowering innovators to build and test these exciting aircraft right here in the U.S.,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “Today marks another critical step in our work to reshape how people and products move for the better.” “In Texas, we don’t wait for the future to arrive, we build it,” U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz said. “The Lone Star State is pushing the boundaries by testing the next generation of aircraft through Project Nexus. I want to thank President Trump and Secretary Duffy for their leadership and decisive action. These technologies will connect communities, expand access to jobs and services, and strengthen supply chains. What starts in Texas will help shape the future of aviation throughout the entire country.” “Texas has always understood that transportation is about more than moving people and goods. It is about connecting opportunity,” said Texas Transportation Commissioner Steven D. Alvis. “Project Nexus puts Texas at the forefront of a transformational moment in aviation. Thanks to projects like these and the vision of Governor Greg Abbott, we are helping build a safer, more connected, and more prosperous future for Texans and for the country. This will help ensure our transportation system continues to meet the needs of a growing state and a growing economy.” This first phase will test across the state using traditional aircraft such as helicopters and fixed-wing planes. “We’re proud to lead the way in transportation innovation as we look to find new ways to connect the people of Texas,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “Project Nexus is a first-of-its-kind opportunity to gather real-world data, improve safety and build a framework for how electric aircraft could one day connect people, goods and communities across the state.” Project Nexus is focused on creating a scalable system that can connect urban centers, rural communities and neighboring states as advanced air mobility technology develops. These initial flights will not carry passengers and are designed to collect data, validate routes and support the safe development of future advanced air mobility operations. Duffy, Cruz and TxDOT helped launch this first phase at Fort Worth Alliance Airport. Manufacturers and operators were also there to provide an aircraft demonstration. The nationwide projects involve leading aircraft manufacturers, operators and state partners and include a range of operational concepts, including: Urban air taxi services Regional passenger transportation Cargo and logistics networks Emergency medical response operations Autonomous flight technologies Offshore and energy-sector transportation The Texas pilot will advance in phases over the next three years. The next phases involve testing for medical and cargo logistics, such as transporting critical medical supplies or organs between rural facilities and urban medical centers in Austin and San Antonio. The final phase involves passengers in “air taxi” flights across the Texas triangle.