Forbes released their 30 Under 30 list, and quite a few Texans landed on the list!

The list recognizes trailblazers in industries such as music, food, sports, science, games, and more. Houstonians who made the list include comedian Abby Govindan, Seattle Seahawks marketing design manager Donny Brock, Audemy CEO Crystal Yang, and research scientist Morgan Stosic.

Maybe if I try hard enough, I can land on the list in the next three years. No dream is too big, right?

Last week, I asked y’all what your favorite ways to give back are. Here’s one of my favorite answers (for more answers, check out our special edition giving guide):

“Sharing/ giving to the needy. I prepare snacks, fruit, cold water and give new socks, gloves, knit hats to help buffer the chilly weather. One year I gave standard pillows and cases. They were so appreciative. God supplied just what they needed.” — Bonita S.

This week, I want to shift gears a bit. I know 2028 feels far away, but it’s likely to sneak up on us faster than we expect.

With that being said:

If you had to vote today, who would you pick for president in 2028? And why?

⚽ With the recent World Cup draw, Houston could potentially see Germany, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Mexico, Canada, and Brazil playing games at NRG. (Houston Chronicle)

🚌 A new way to pay for public transit is currently in its soft launch phase and is set to usher in a new era for the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO).

👀 NRG is being eyed as a potential playing ground for the 2031 Women’s World Cup, along with AT&T Stadium in Arlington. (ESPN)

🎧 Houston’s Spotify Wrapped 2025 had these artists in the top five: Drake, Bad Bunny, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, and Morgan Wallen. I’m side-eyeing that last one BTW. (Houstonia)

By Joey Held

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. That’s doubly true at Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas adventure. The pop-up Christmas village is outside Katy Mills, running from now through Dec. 28. And it’s got a bounty of activities to deliver all the holiday cheer you can handle.

Excited to dive in, I donned one of my favorite Christmas shirts—Snoopy and a gaggle of Woodstocks trying to untangle Christmas lights—and visited Classic Christmas. Here are the best parts.

Slip ‘N Slide Summit

This was my favorite activity by far. The mission: Grab an intertube, head up some stairs, and then slide down a surprisingly speedy slope of slick ice.

The Slip ‘N Slide Summit requires an additional fee, but I found it worthwhile. For starters, you get to ride it multiple times. Attendants offered a push down the slide, so I asked them to mix it up by spinning me as I started my descent. With six slides, there’s an opportunity to race against friends and family. Feeling the breeze going through your hair is an extra bonus.

Before running to the slide, take a moment to pause by the top of the stairs. It offers the best view of the entire Classic Christmas.

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Sierra Rozen, featuring stories by Joey Held. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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