Happy Thursday folks,

In case you missed it, some new laws are in effect this month. Let’s recap a few.

✍️ Dallas’ Vape Ban Ordinance – Smoking a vape anywhere where a cigarette wouldn’t be allowed is now subject to a fine.

✍️ House Bill 18 – Remember when Texas Democrats “broke quorum” this past summer and refused to report for the legislative session in protest of new congressional maps? Yeah, there are penalties for that now, including hefty fines and spending limits.

✍️ Senate Bill 11 – This state law protects trafficking victims from prosecution for some crimes committed due to coercion, but doesn’t protect them from sexual assault or murder charges.

✍️ House Bill 7 – This one allows Texans to sue abortion pill manufacturers and anyone who distributes, mails, or prescribes the pills.

It’s just another month in Texas, y’all. Learn about a few other new laws here.

Joi Louviere

Senior Newsletter Editor, COURIER DFW

Time to spruce things up: Where to choose your own Christmas tree in Texas

Before you hit the road, make sure to double-check the farm’s website for its hours of operation and tree availability. (blrz/Shutterstock)

By Sierra Rozen

Nothing quite compares to the smell of a fresh Christmas tree during the holidays. That cozy pine scent more than makes up for the inevitable floor full of needles—or the annoying task of keeping your pet out of the tree’s water.

Sure, fake trees might be more convenient. But these Texas tree farms make the real-thing experience easy.

Before you hit the road, make sure to double-check the farm’s website for its hours of operation and tree availability.

See the best farms

COURIER Texas is here to give Texans straightforward, easy-to-understand reporting about what’s happening across the state. As our year-end drive continues through Dec. 16, reader support shapes what we’re able to cover in the year ahead.

Your contribution keeps this work free for everyone who turns to us.

Give today

🎟️ Getcha World Cup tickets: The last window to get FIFA World Cup tickets opens today at 4 p.m. Get all the info on how to secure your spot, including when your credit card is charged, here. (Fox 4)

🥧 North Texas brands unite: Local chain, White Rhino Coffee, has acquired pie shop Emporium Pies and its four locations. There’ll be no big changes yet, but plans for the pie shop’s expansion and coffee/pie menu pairings are expected down the road. (Dallas Morning News)

🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ protections dropped: The Arlington City Council voted 5-4 to maintain the dissolution of its anti-discrimination ordinance because including protections for the LGBTQ+ community could threaten federal funding dollars. The Trump administration has threatened to withhold funds from cities with DEI policies and programs. (CBS)