Convenience Big Store: 1 in 12 local property owners drop FEMA flood insurance.

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By Brady Stone
Weekend Digital Producer
Brady.Stone@chron.com

Early voting in Texas has started: Here's where and how to vote.

Early voting for the November 8 midterm election begins today and will end Nov. 4, four days before Election Day.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. most days and you can find the closest polling location to you at HarrisVotes.com. Residents living outside of Harris County can check for polling locations on their voter registrar's website listed by county here.

Here is a look at everything Houstonians need to know about the early voting period, where and how to vote, and more. Additionally, the Houston Chronicle's 2022 Texas Voter Guide offers a look at the candidates in key races, as well as important local and state races Texans will decide.

Also: The Astros clinched their fourth trip to the World Series in six years last night. Read more below.

Showers are forecast today with highs in the mid-80s. Maybe a visit to your local polling place will brighten your day.

Today's top story

1 in 12 local property owners drop FEMA flood insurance

On Oct. 1, 2021, FEMA began using a new method to calculate the price of its flood insurance policies with the idea that it would reflect more accurately the likelihood a property would be flooded. Since then, the number of FEMA flood insurance policies in the Houston area has plummeted.

Five other stories to read today

Houston students' test scores plummet compared to pre-pandemic.

National test scores released Monday showed Houston Independent School District test scores dropped in 2022, but were in the middle of the pack nationally compared to school districts in other large cities.

Home sellers see smaller profits in Q3.

Houston sellers realized a typical gain of $91,075 on their investment, a 6.8 percent drop from the second quarter.

Garza would bring ethics to AG's office. (Editorial)

Rochelle Garza will open wide the windows of the Attorney General's Office, airing out a vital state agency that has been thoroughly sullied.

Smith: Greatest era in Astros history adds another chapter.

Houston is in the World Series for fourth time since 2017 after a sweep of the Yankees in the ALCS.

How hologram dinosaurs are being brought to the HMNS.

"Dinosaur Discoveries: A Holographic Adventure" will feature laser-projection, video mapping and three-dimensional holographic imagery to bring audiences the experience of being in the same room as a 35-foot-tall dinosaur.

One last thing ...

Halloween is a mere seven days away and I still haven't solidified any plans. No costume. No parties. Nothing yet.

How are you planning to celebrate? Have a creative costume idea? Email me!

Here are some suggestions I plan to check out.

— Brady, who, like most Texans, loves Starburst on Halloween