What happened: In a recent “Pfluger Fly-By” newsletter, U.S. Rep. August Pfluger highlighted a meeting with Midland business leaders, upcoming opportunities for West Texas students, federal legislation affecting agriculture and the illegal drug trade, and the response to New World screwworm.

The big picture: Pfluger’s office will host a Service Academy Night on Tuesday, Sept. 1, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Angelo State University’s Houston Harte University Center in San Angelo. According to the newsletter, the event is open to students, parents, and educators who want to learn about attending a U.S. military service academy or participating in college ROTC.

Students seeking appointments to the U.S. Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, or Merchant Marine Academy generally need a nomination from an authorized source, such as their member of Congress. According to Pfluger’s congressional office, applications for his nominations for students seeking to enter with the Class of 2031 are due Friday, Oct. 16.

Pfluger’s office is also accepting submissions for the 2026 Congressional App Challenge, a nationwide coding competition open to middle and high school students. The newsletter says students have until Monday, Oct. 26, to submit an app.

Midland’s top stories. One quick email. Free, every Friday.
Get Midland Wrapped, our free weekly email for busy Midland residents. Each Friday, we break down the week’s most important local stories — what happened, why it matters, and what to watch next — so you can stay informed without the noise.

According to the Congressional App Challenge, students may participate individually or in teams of up to four and build an app in any programming language on a variety of platforms. Winning apps are eligible for display in the U.S. Capitol, and winners can attend the annual House of Code event in Washington.

Pfluger also encouraged elementary and middle school students to participate in Second Lady Usha Vance’s second annual Summer Reading Challenge. According to the White House, children entering kindergarten through 8th grade can participate by reading and tracking 12 books of their choice before Friday, Sept. 4.

Parents or guardians must submit the completed reading log by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Sept. 4. According to the White House, participants receive a personalized certificate, an America 250-themed bookmark, and their choice of a prize. They are also entered for a chance to win a trip to Washington, D.C., with a chaperone to visit the White House on Friday, Sept. 25.

Go deeper: Pfluger said he attended a roundtable hosted by the Midland Chamber of Commerce with local business leaders, which reinforced his support for policies to reduce regulation, lower taxes, and expand access to capital for businesses. Pfluger specifically highlighted the permanent extension of the 20% qualified business income deduction for many small-business owners.

Pfluger highlighted the ongoing response to New World screwworm, a parasitic fly whose larvae infest wounds and feed on living tissue in livestock, wildlife, pets and, more rarely, people. Pfluger said his office has been coordinating with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and ranchers as federal and state officials work to contain the parasite, including by releasing sterile flies.

Pfluger pointed constituents to a free online New World screwworm course launched by Gov. Greg Abbott intended to teach livestock owners and others how to identify the parasite, inspect animals, and comply with livestock-movement requirements. Pfluger notes to call 866-487-3297 if you see signs of maggot infestation in live or recently dead wild animals.

Pfluger also reported that the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, which he co-sponsors, advanced out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The bipartisan legislation targets the illicit use of xylazine, a veterinary sedative that has increasingly been found mixed with fentanyl and other illegal drugs.

Zoom out: Pfluger also encouraged residents to apply to participate in Christmas at the White House. According to the White House, applications are open nationwide for volunteer decorators and holiday performers through Friday, Aug. 28 at 5 p.m. Eastern.

Volunteer decorators must be at least 18 years old. Those selected will help decorate the White House from Nov. 23-29. Performers and musical groups, including school bands, choirs, and other holiday-themed entertainers, may apply to perform during White House holiday open houses in December. Selected participants are responsible for their own travel, lodging, and other personal expenses.