Good Morning, Heights, River Oaks & Montrose!

Top Story
Houston ISD to potentially cut, relocate teachers amid enrollment-driven budget evaluation

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.”

 
Coming Soon
Love Croissants to open permanent location in the Heights

The bakery Love Croissants is opening a permanent flagship location in the Heights on Oct. 1.

Some background: The bakery, known for its flaky and buttery croissants, started in 2022 as a local farmer's market stand before moving into a shared space with the restaurant Weights + Measures in Midtown.

On the menu: The new location's menu will include classics such as pain au chocolat, butter croissants, cinnamon croissant rolls, tarts and croissant sticks. Lattes and coffees will also be available for purchase.

  • 801 W. 16th St., Houston

 
In Your Neighborhood
Montrose wants residents to participate in mini-murals survey

The Montrose Redevelopment Authority and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone 27 are partnering with Up Art Studio through Fresh Arts to develop a series of five mini-murals on utility boxes throughout Montrose.

At a glance: The authority is asking residents to participate in a survey to help determine the themes for these installations. The survey asks participants to rank the following themes from most to least exciting:

  • Neighborhood history

  • Diversity

  • Houston pride

  • Local arts and music

  • Neighborhood pride

  • Local legends and stories

  • Nature

Keep in mind: The survey also provides space for residents to suggest specific themes they would like to see honored. The survey will remain live through Oct. 6. Once the survey period ends, all compiled input will be submitted to the city of Houston for final review and approval.

 
Stay In The Know
Memorial Hermann President and CEO David Callender retiring at end of 2026

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.

 

How Harris Health is bringing hospital-level care directly to patients' doorsteps

SPONSORED CONTENT

 
Across The Region
Here's a look at how Texas is using AI in state government

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.

 

Your local team

Cassandra Jenkins
Editor

 

Hannah Rodriguez
General Manager

Email [email protected] for story ideas, tips or questions.