Several events are scheduled in The Woodlands area from Sept. 23-27, though details are subject to change. Featured activities include:

• Class Act Productions presenting the musical "Annie" from Sept. 24-27

• The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce 48th Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon on Sept. 25

• The 2026 Bands of America North Houston Regional Championship marching band event in Shenandoah on Sept. 26

• The Woodlands Family YMCA Dragon Boat Team Challenge on Sept. 26

• The Greater Houston Area Out of the Darkness Community Walk on Sept. 26

• The third annual Woodlands Fine Craft, Art & Design Show from Sept. 26-27

• El Mercado at Market Street celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month on Sept. 27

Founded by George Pallotta in 1994, today Pallotta's Italian Grill is known for its fresh Italian cuisine and family-oriented environment. Along with several staple dishes offered, owner Phil Nicosia said the eatery offers monthly special featured items.

The history: Over 30 years ago, George Pallotta, founder of Black Walnut, established Pallotta's Italian Grill as a family eatery under the name Sghetties. Pallotta owned the restaurant for 15 years before offering to sell it to his long time employee, Nicosia.

What's special about it?: As a local staple in the Oak Ridge North area, Pallotta’s Italian Grill collaborates with neighboring businesses to create monthly specials.

Craving Italian cuisine: With a 97% scratch-made cuisine, Nicosia said Pallotta's Italian Grill offers house-made sauces, pizza dough, artisan garlic bread and pasta imported from Italy. Pallotta's Italian Grill also offers a separate healthy menu, designed for health-conscious individuals who want to enjoy Italian cuisine as well as gluten-free and vegetarian options.

The background: In 2024, the Oak Ridge North City Council voted to prohibit new short-term rentals and placed regulations on existing facilities. Officials cited short-term renters' unfamiliarity with local ordinances concerning noise, traffic, parking, trash collection and occupancy regulations.

On Sept. 14, the city council voted 5-1 to approve a new ordinance, effective immediately, that regulates these rentals further. Under the new rule:

• Short-term rental owners must keep an updated address on file with the city.

• Failure to comply will result in ineligibility to reapply for a permit for one year.

Two candidates will face off for the Texas Senate District 4 seat in the November general election.

In case you missed it: Brett Ligon and Ron Angeletti—Republican and Democratic candidates, respectively—will compete in the Nov. 3 election to represent District 4. The district covers portions of Montgomery, Chambers and Jefferson counties, according to the Texas Senate's website.

In May, Ligon and Angeletti vied for the Texas Senate District 4 seat, which was left vacant after former state Sen. Brandon Creighton chose to not run for re-election and gave up the remainder of his term to lead the Texas Tech University System, as previously reported by Community Impact. Ligon won that election and is serving the remainder of Creighton's term, which will end in January.

November's election will decide who will serve District 4 for the next four years.

What else? Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents.

To cast votes for a U.S. senator, governor, state attorney general and dozens of other races during the Nov. 3 midterm election, Texans must ensure they are registered to vote or have submitted an application by Oct. 5.

How it works: To be eligible to register to vote, an individual must:

• Be a U.S. citizen

• Reside in the county they apply to vote in

• Be at least 18 years old by Election Day

• Not have been declared mentally incapacitated without the right to vote by a court

Getting registered: Eligible Texans must submit a paper voter registration application by Oct. 5. The online form must be printed, signed and mailed to the applicant's local elections office.

One more thing: Voters who are already registered have through Oct. 5 to update their name or address, if needed.

Some voters may appear on the state "suspense" list if local officials cannot confirm their address, although they will still be able to vote in the election.

More information: Learn more about federal, state and local races at communityimpact.com/election.