What’s Up, College Station?

Tacos, twisters, and technology: Inside CS's emergency management strategy

In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station? [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnI77WIvWvouwZxlMNVhnUDfU_0lG5yk0], Emergency Management Coordinator Lauren McGrath discusses seasonal weather preparedness for severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and extreme heat. She also clarifies common misconceptions — such as the danger of sheltering under highway overpasses — and explains the critical difference between a tornado watch and a warning. McGrath also emphasizes that the majority of her emergency management [https://www.cstx.gov/emergencies-public-safety/emergency-management/]work happens before a disaster through proactive regional planning, training, and multi-jurisdictional collaboration. She urges residents to take charge of their own safety by building family emergency kits and ensuring they have multiple, redundant ways to receive weather alerts. >> Read the Accessible Transcript [https://blog.cstx.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Whats-Up-Transcript-Season-4-Ep.-20.pdf] The "What's Up, College Station?" podcast is available each week on Podbean [https://whatsupcollegestation.podbean.com/], iHeartRadio [https://iheart.com/podcast/199399071], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1BteiIM9lX5nkKU26Wjl6H], Apple [https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/whats-up-college-station/a848d3a4-64cd-4c26-a852-712119b4a0e7/episodes], and Amazon/Audible [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/93a8e8c5-e3ab-4e5d-8bfe-cc3c115f8b9d]. Please subscribe, rate, and recommend! If you have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, email ckillian@cstx.gov [ckillian@cstx.gov].  -30-

Paws and laws: Navigating pet ownership and safety in College Station

In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station? [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnI77WIvWvouwZxlMNVhnUDfU_0lG5yk0], Animal Control Officer Hector Garcia discusses the multifaceted role his small, four-person unit plays in managing public safety and pet welfare. He emphasizes the life-saving impact of microchips and updated registration, sharing how these tools facilitate reunions even months after a pet goes missing. The interview also clarifies local ordinances, such as the requirement for rabies vaccinations and the city's leash law — which applies to both dogs and cats — while highlighting the department's dedication to supporting residents with education and essential pet supplies. >> Read the Accessible Transcript [https://blog.cstx.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Whats-Up-Transcript-Season-4-Ep.-19.pdf] The "What's Up, College Station?" podcast is available weekly via Podbean [https://whatsupcollegestation.podbean.com/], iHeartRadio [https://iheart.com/podcast/199399071], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1BteiIM9lX5nkKU26Wjl6H], Apple [https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/whats-up-college-station/a848d3a4-64cd-4c26-a852-712119b4a0e7/episodes], and Amazon/Audible [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/93a8e8c5-e3ab-4e5d-8bfe-cc3c115f8b9d]. Please subscribe, rate, and recommend! If you have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, email ckillian@cstx.gov [ckillian@cstx.gov]. -30-

Turtles, tributes, and ZZ Top: The quirky charm of the Starlight Music Series

In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station? [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnI77WIvWvouwZxlMNVhnUDfU_0lG5yk0], Recreation Supervisor Jeep Wentsch discusses the City’s packed schedule, anchored by the long-standing Starlight Music Series [https://blog.cstx.gov/2026/04/17/starlight-music-series-showcases-free-live-concerts-under-the-stars-at-wolf-pen-creek/]. Wentsch highlights the series as a free, community-focused event at the Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater, featuring the upcoming Journey/ZZ Top tribute (May 30) and Tejano music night (June 13). The conversation expands beyond the stage to explore various city programs, including summer camps, birding events at the Gary Halter Nature Center, rentable park pavilions, and the comprehensive Recreation Connection [https://issuu.com/cocs/docs/recreation-connection-activity-guide-summer-2026] program guide. Wentsch also teases the upcoming I Heart America celebration [https://www.cstx.gov/parks-recreation-culture/events/community-events/i-heart-america/] on July 4, which promises to be the largest in city history to commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary. >> Read the Accessible Transcript [https://blog.cstx.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Whats-Up-Transcript-Season-4-Ep.-18.pdf] The "What's Up, College Station?" podcast is available weekly via Podbean [https://whatsupcollegestation.podbean.com/], iHeartRadio [https://iheart.com/podcast/199399071], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1BteiIM9lX5nkKU26Wjl6H], Apple [https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/whats-up-college-station/a848d3a4-64cd-4c26-a852-712119b4a0e7/episodes], and Amazon/Audible [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/93a8e8c5-e3ab-4e5d-8bfe-cc3c115f8b9d]. Please subscribe, rate, and recommend! If you have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, email ckillian@cstx.gov [ckillian@cstx.gov]. -30-

A whole house at the curb? Student move-out tips from code enforcement

In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station? [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnI77WIvWvouwZxlMNVhnUDfU_0lG5yk0],” Code Enforcement Supervisor Tommy Shilling discusses best practices for student move-out season and his department's [https://www.cstx.gov/living-here/code-enforcement/] role in maintaining community health and safety. He encourages tenants to be proactive by reviewing leases and coordinating with property management to prevent neighborhood clutter during this high-volume transition. Shilling’s general advice for residents includes using the SeeClickFix [https://www.cstx.gov/living-here/code-enforcement/seeclickfix/] app to report issues, following city ordinances [https://library.municode.com/tx/college_station/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COORCOSTTEVOI] regarding bulk trash and grass height, and ensuring proper parking to allow emergency vehicle access.  >> Read the Accessible Transcript [https://blog.cstx.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Whats-Up-Transcript-Season-4-Ep.-17.pdf] The "What's Up, College Station?" podcast is available weekly via Podbean [https://whatsupcollegestation.podbean.com/], iHeartRadio [https://iheart.com/podcast/199399071], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1BteiIM9lX5nkKU26Wjl6H], Apple [https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/whats-up-college-station/a848d3a4-64cd-4c26-a852-712119b4a0e7/episodes], and Amazon/Audible [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/93a8e8c5-e3ab-4e5d-8bfe-cc3c115f8b9d]. Please subscribe, rate, and recommend! If you have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, email ckillian@cstx.gov [ckillian@cstx.gov]. -30-

Bikes, scooters, and savings: College Station’s active transportation future

In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station? [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnI77WIvWvouwZxlMNVhnUDfU_0lG5yk0],” Jesse Dimeolo and Carl Ahrens from Planning and Development Services discuss the City’s ambitious Active Transportation Master Plan [https://www.cstx.gov/parks-recreation-culture/walking-cycling-and-active-transportation/] and break down how the City is balancing the needs of drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. They also talk about skateboarding to class, community rides with Darth Vader, and the surprising $12,000 annual savings that come with trading your car keys for a helmet.  >> Read the Accessible Transcript [https://blog.cstx.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Whats-Up-Transcript-Season-4-Ep.-16.pdf] The "What's Up, College Station?" podcast is available weekly via Podbean [https://whatsupcollegestation.podbean.com/], iHeartRadio [https://iheart.com/podcast/199399071], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1BteiIM9lX5nkKU26Wjl6H], Apple [https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/whats-up-college-station/a848d3a4-64cd-4c26-a852-712119b4a0e7/episodes], and Amazon/Audible [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/93a8e8c5-e3ab-4e5d-8bfe-cc3c115f8b9d]. Please subscribe, rate, and recommend! If you have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, email ckillian@cstx.gov [ckillian@cstx.gov]. -30-