Republican incumbent Tom Oliverson and Democrat Brett Robinson will face off for the Texas House District 130 seat in the upcoming election.

Key details for voters include:

• Early voting begins Oct. 19 and runs through Oct. 30.

• Election day is Nov. 3, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Registered voters are permitted to cast their ballots at any polling location both during early voting and on election day.

Candidates participating in the Q&A were asked to keep their responses within 50 words, answer the specific questions provided and avoid attacking their opponents. Their answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to these guidelines, or for style and clarity.

The family and veteran-owned Copper Kettle Chocolate Factory is under new management, according to its new owners. Husband and wife Christine and Travis Nardi have taken over the business as the third generation of chocolatiers to run the shop.

According to the business website, the shop offers a variety of items, including:

• Truffles

• Toffee

• Sugar-free options

• Assorted desserts

The chocolate factory is located at 15014 Spring Cypress Rd in Cypress. A date for the grand re-opening of the business is currently to be determined.

Harris County leaders broke ground Sept. 30 on the first of seven community solar program sites at the Reliant Center. The initiative, called the Affordable Community Energy Program (ACE), is the region's first county-led community solar program. It is designed to expand clean energy access and affordability for low-income residents while enhancing grid resilience during extreme weather and power outages.

The program details include:

• An $88.3 million investment the Harris County Commissioners Court approved in March

• Generation of up to 45 megawatts of solar energy and 20 megawatt-hours of battery storage on publicly-owned land

• Expected energy bill cuts of about 20% for 9,500 to 10,000 income-qualifying households at or below 80% of the area median income

• Expected completion of the Reliant Center site in 2027, with the remaining six sites continuing construction through 2029

• Resident enrollment starting in 2027 for both renters and homeowners

Several trending stories emerged from the northern portion of the Greater Houston area between Sept. 25-Oct. 1:

• Power Electronics breaks ground on 53-acre manufacturing campus in Houston area

• TxDOT proposes $209M widening for portion of Grand Parkway

• Maintaining Lake Houston: Dredging and Maintenance District looks to provide long-term solution

• Klein Farmers Market to hold grand opening in Spring-Klein area

• Walmart debuts modernized store, expanded offerings in Porter

• Midnight Cravingz announces grand opening, specials

• Tomball and Magnolia businesses work against rising costs

• Conroe Icehouse opening soon