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Here's what Heights, River Oaks and Montrose residents should know for early voting

Voters in Heights, River Oaks and Montrose will have the opportunity to make their voices heard on local, federal and state elections on the ballot for the Nov. 4 general election.

What residents should know: Voters should note the following dates of importance:

  • Oct. 20: First day of early voting by personal appearance
  • Oct. 24: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked)
  • Oct. 31: Last day of early voting by personal appearance
  • Nov. 4: Election Day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or Nov. 5 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at the location of the election)

Harris County residents can vote at any polling location during early voting or on Election Day. 

Up for election: Elections include the U.S. Congress, District 18 seat; Houston City Council, At-Large Position 4 seat; and Bellaire City Council, Position 3 seat. There are also 17 state propositions on the ballot. 

 
On The Business Beat
Balani Custom to supply Houston residents with luxury suits in new space

Balani Custom, a custom suit maker known for its exceptional customer service and expert craftsmanship, opened a new location along Westheimer Road on Oct. 15.

According to an Oct. 7 news release, Balani first opened its Houston doors in 2014. However, after outgrowing its original space, the brand has expanded into a larger, more refined showroom.

The details: The custom tailoring process at Balani includes three steps:

  • Design: Customers can peruse the business's selection of luxury wool, cashmere and silk
  • Craft: The clothier will take over 30 precise measurements and handcraft the suit to the customer's unique build and style preferences
  • Fit: Customers will try on the suit and the clothier will make any necessary adjustments while also recommending accessories to complement the look

Balani also offers a range of luxury custom menswear such as suits, jackets, tuxedoes, shirts, slacks, outerwear and wedding attire.
  • 4310 Westheimer Road, Ste. 230, Houston
 
Editor's note

Community Impact is seeking residents in Houston whose homes have been affected by a recent natural disaster and are still in the process of being repaired, or have yet to begin the repair process.

If you are interested in speaking with us about the challenges of funding and/or are open to allowing a photographer to take photos of your home, please reach out to [email protected].

 

FOODIE FRIDAY
Check out these new restaurants and bars opening across the Houston area.

Paul's Wine Pix is now opening in Bellaire, offering a bottled wine retail list that includes sparkling, rosé, white and red wines, according to the store’s website.

Along with new- and old-world selections of wine, the establishment also offers various food items, including charcuterie boards, sandwiches and pizza.

Bellaire residents Paul Kirchhoff and his parents, Steve and Linnea Kirchhoff, are the owners of Paul’s Wine Pix, which was founded out of Paul’s love for wine and desire to bring a diverse selection of wines to Houston, per the website.
  • Opened Oct. 10
  • 5424 Bissonnet St., Bellaire

Read more.

 

☕️ Monarch Pastries & Coffee House opens new storefront in Friendswood
(Read more)

🌮 Margarita Jones now open in Seabrook
(Read more)

🥯 Einstein Bros. Bagels opens Tomball location
(Read more)

 

Fruity Temptations is now serving spicy and sweet specialty drinks, street tacos and nachos in Katy.

Along with tacos, the menu features other food items such as hot dogs, hamburgers, quesadillas and Mexican corn, according to its website. Customers can also order chopped fruit served with lemon, salt and Tajin as well as specialty drinks such as the Mangonada or Tamarindo Loco.
  • Opened Sept. 20
  • 1165 Katy Fort Bend Road, Ste. 140, Katy

Read here.

Key Information
Q&A: Get to know the candidates running for U.S. Representative District 18

Sixteen candidates—including five Republicans, seven Democrats, three Independent candidates and one Green Party candidate—are running for U.S. Representative District 18 in the upcoming Nov. 4 election.

Some context: As previously reported by Community Impact, a special election is being held to fill the vacant seat after incumbent Sylvester Turner, who also previously served as Houston mayor, died in March. In November 2024, Turner was elected to the vacant seat after former U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee died in July 2024.

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives are elected for a two-year term with no term limits. District 18 covers portions of southwest and northeast Houston.

 
Mark Your Calendar
8 events to celebrate Dia de los Muertos across the Greater Houston area

There are several Dia de los Muertos events going on across the Greater Houston area to honor the lives of loved ones who have died. Here are a few: 

Dia de los Muertos Celebration: Experience Dia de los Muertos at City Place Plaza with a combination of music, food, family activities and culture. The event will feature an Azteca indigenous dance performance, live music, photo opportunities and pop-up craft activities.

  • Nov. 1, 4-8 p.m.
  • Free (admission)
  • City Place Plaza, 1250 Lake Plaza Drive, Spring

Dia de los Muertos at The National Museum of Funeral History: Join The National Museum of Funeral History for its Day of the Dead market featuring over 40 small business vendors with a mix of Hispanic heritage, oddity and artisan cottage vendors. The event will also have a La Catrina and El Catrin costume contest, and a large community altar to place photos of loved ones.
  • Nov. 1, 7-10 p.m.
  • $25 (general admission), $75 (VIP admission)
  • 415 Barren Springs Drive, Houston
 

Your local team

Cassie Jenkins
Editor

Chloe Mathis
General Manager

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

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