Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham announced a one-year extension for Harris County disaster recovery and mitigation projects totaling more than $1.1 billion.

The federal grants, administered through the Texas General Land Office, were at risk of missing a February 2027 and March 2028 spending deadline due to project delays.

The extension, which is the final one approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, will apply to existing infrastructure and mitigation project contracts. If the county submits a documented need, the new timeline could allow the Harris County Flood Control District more time to spend:

• $322 million allocated for 11 disaster recovery projects

• $546 million allocated for 17 flood mitigation projects

Buckingham notified county leaders of the extension while expressing concerns about the county failing to meet contract expenditure benchmarks. If the county fails to meet the new benchmarks, the GLO would reallocate the unused balance to other projects.

Several fall-themed events are scheduled in the Spring-Klein area, though all events are subject to change. The seasonal lineup includes:

• Oct. 1: Edgar Allan Poe Tea and Story Time at Barbara Bush Branch Library, featuring tea, treats and a reading of a short story.

• Oct. 3: Happy Fall Y’all Fest at Dennis Johnston Park, featuring arts and crafts, pumpkin decorating and face painting.

• Oct. 10: Pix on The Plaza Presents: "Hocus Pocus", a free movie night at City Place Plaza.

Lima Grill began serving authentic Peruvian cuisine in the Spring area on Sept. 10, according to a business Facebook post.

On the menu: Operated alongside Chef Roberto Castre, the Peruvian eatery offers dishes ranging from ceviches to grilled dishes and rotisserie chicken. Specific menu items include:

• Ají de Gallina, which features shredded chicken breast in a rich and creamy ají amarillo sauce with Parmesan, pecans and peanuts

• Seco de Cordero, which features slow-braised lamb shank in a rich cilantro reduction

The details: Located at 20326 Tomball Parkway, Ste. 100 in Houston, Lima Grill is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Two candidates are competing for the Place 7 at-large position on the board of trustees for the Harris County Department of Education in the upcoming Nov. 3 election. Democratic incumbent Silky Joshi-Malik will face Republican challenger Denise Dick in the race.

The details: Key details regarding the board and the election include:

• The board establishes policies governing the operation of the department and elects the county superintendent as its chief executive officer.

• The board consists of seven members, including three at-large positions that represent the entire county.

• Regular board meetings are typically held on the third Wednesday of the month at 1 p.m. in Houston.

• Another at-large position, Place 5, is also up for election on Nov. 3, featuring Democratic incumbent Erica Davis and Republican challenger Sartaj Bal.

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.