Over one month into the 2026-27 school year, Houston ISD is evaluating campuses to potentially reshuffle staff and funding to match actual student enrollment.

What's happening: The district's board of managers approved the fiscal year 2026-27 budget June 25 using student enrollment projections. Now, principals at campuses with lower enrollment than expected are being asked to cut staff, who may be reassigned to campuses with higher enrollment.

What they're saying: “We have worked hard over the last three years to put HISD on stronger financial footing while putting more resources into classrooms and increasing teacher pay,” Superintendent Mike Miles said via the release. “But we also have to adjust when enrollment and revenues change.”

After an extended soft opening, Otium officially made its presence known in the Upper Kirby area with a grand opening event Aug. 28, according to its social media.

Diving in deeper: The upscale cocktail lounge’s Latin mantra, ‘Otium cum Dignitate,’ translates to ‘Leisure with Dignity’ and is inspired by 56 B.C. philosophical writings of ancient Rome.

Otium's menu leans into classic Italian flavors through signature cocktails, imported spirits, premium wines and Diadema martini service offerings.

When the evening calls for food, Otium’s shareable options feature light Italian bites.

Keep in mind: All patrons must comply with Otium’s dress code of business casual, cocktail or elevated evening attire.

• 5020 Kirby Drive, Houston

According to the latest report from the Houston Association of Realtors (HAR), renters across the Greater Houston area are experiencing slight decreases in rent rates as the supply of units remains steady.

The breakdown: HAR officials stated in a Sept. 16 update that the continual availability of rental units has helped stabilize rent costs, with the rental market remaining well-balanced in August.

The report highlights the following key trends for August:

• The number of available rental units jumped nearly 5% year over year.

• The average cost of rent saw a small decrease.

• Townhome and condominium renters experienced the opposite trend, with average costs increasing by 2.4% year over year.

• The number of available townhome and condominium units on the market decreased as more renters filled those spaces.

Memorial Hermann Health System President and CEO David L. Callender is retiring at the end of 2026 after seven years with the organization. His final day in the role will be Dec. 31.

What we know: Callender will be replaced by Alec H. King, who serves as executive vice president and chief financial officer. King was selected to succeed Callender following a multi-year selection process.

The two are partnering through the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition. During his time at Memorial Hermann, King has been vital to the system's strategy, growth and transformation, hospital leaders said.

Quote of note: “It is an extraordinary honor to lead Memorial Hermann, which has been an essential part of Greater Houston for more than 119 years as a healthcare provider, employer and community partner,” King said. “Under Dr. Callender’s leadership, we have built tremendous momentum and I believe our greatest opportunities lie ahead.”

King will start his new role Jan. 1.

Last fall, Gov. Greg Abbott deemed Texas "the epicenter of AI development" during an event about Google's data center investments in the state.

Since making that remark, the Republican governor has issued several directives aimed at regulating AI-powered data centers. Meanwhile, state agencies are expanding their use of artificial intelligence in government services.

The overview: At the state level, one of the primary uses of artificial intelligence is to improve government efficiency, said Tony Sauerhoff, who leads the Texas Department of Information Resources.

Down the road, that will likely mean reducing the number of staff members at state agencies, Sauerhoff said, noting that agency leaders are being "intentional" about those changes.

Zooming in: When asked which state agencies will be most impacted by AI in the coming years, Sauerhoff pointed to the Texas Department of Transportation.

TxDOT uses artificial intelligence in a variety of forms, including to analyze transportation infrastructure, determine which construction projects should be prioritized, optimize road safety plans and manage the flow of traffic, according to its AI strategic plan.