Good morning!

It’s officially that time of year when we start reflecting on everything that happened over the past 12 months, the good and the bad. Here at COURIER Texas, we’ve truly covered just about everything, plus the kitchen sink.

From redistricting and elections to weather events and “Cowboy Carter,” it’s definitely been a year to remember. If you need a reminder, check out this article that highlights big moments from around the US.

Texas and US highlights include:

🔌 Texas’ new interest in building nuclear reactors

🔋 The US surpassed 40 gigawatts of battery installations

❗ Texas closed a loophole in its sexual assault laws, clarifying that someone too inebriated to give consent or drugged by someone other than their attacker will still be considered an assault victim

👏 In March, the share of US electricity generated from fossil fuels fell to under half for the first time ever

🦷 Mercury will be phased out of dental fillings worldwide by 2034

Did you accomplish something great in 2025? Let me know for an upcoming newsletter!

Sierra Rozen

Newsletter Editor, COURIER HTX

‘Gender Queer’ by Maia Kobabe

Well, y’all, we’re almost to the end of the year, and I’ve been reflecting on a lot of things, particularly this newsletter. I’ve been thinking of trying out some new sections, so this will probably be one of the last banned books shared here. If you have an idea for a new section, please let me know!

Today, we’re talking about the graphic novel memoir “Gender Queer” by Maia Kobabe. Kobabe, who uses gender neutral pronouns, made waves in more conservative states when they released their debut novel.

Many school districts in Texas took issue with some of the sexually explicit drawings in the novel, which follows the author’s journey of realizing they identified as nonbinary.

Amanda Darrow, director of youth, family and education programs at the Utah Pride Center, poses with books that have been the subject of complaints from parents, including “Gender Queer” by Meir Kobabe. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

“We quickly reviewed the book and found that it contained images that were pervasively vulgar,” Spring Branch ISD school representatives said back in 2021. “If a book includes pervasively vulgar materials, the district can remove it from the libraries before beginning a formal reconsideration process.”

The novel was actually the most challenged book in the US in 2021, mostly due to its sexually explicit content.

“When you remove those books from the shelf or you challenge them publicly in a community, what you’re saying to any young person who identified with that narrative is, ‘We don’t want your story here’,” Kobabe said.

On Monday, I asked y’all the very important question of:

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

Y’all did not disappoint in your answers! Here are some that landed in my inbox:

“Josh Shapiro” — Steven R.

“Gavin Newsom & Jasmine Crockett, both fearless, out of the box thinkers, that are passionate about the protecting our Constitution. Unlike others, that either think they are above the Constitution or someone that is soo ignorant when it comes to… well, everything!” — Deb. R

“Marco Rubio. With his national and international experience I see him as most qualified. God forbid we have choices from both sides like we had in the last two presidential elections.” — Lyn D.

“Michelle Obama, because, (no egos involved) she genuinely loves America, she wants the best for our country, she is not afraid to be honest, she understands the “politics” of America, and she does NOT want to be president.” — Sammi M.

“Mark Kelly because I think he’d pull votes from independents and get crossover GOP votes.” — Sandra B.

“I’m picking…JD VANCE.” — Janet E.

“I’m picking…Beto O’Rourke or James Talarico.” — Kristen D.

You’ve got one last chance to get your answers before we have a new question on Monday!

Let me know!

🍏 Recently, the COURIER HTX team did a little giving back in our community. We put on hairnets and got to work at the Houston Food Bank, organizing and labeling food packaging bags for families in need. You can check out that and more in our giving guide.

🍖 Despite being a fixture on many “Best Of” lists, long-standing restaurant Brett’s BBQ will be closing its doors Dec. 28, showing a worrying trend in the closure of small businesses. (Houston Chronicle)

🕊 First Black US Secretary of Education and longtime Houston educator Rod Paige has died at the age of 92. (KHOU 11)

🚫 Goodwill Houston has implemented a new policy where their fitting rooms are no longer available for customer use. Some Houstonians have called it “straight up laziness.” (Chron)

⚽ You’ve got one last chance to try your hand at snagging tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Houston, until Jan. 13. (Houston Public Media)

🗑 The US Justice Department will no longer be monitoring illegal dumping in predominantly Black and Latino communities. (AP News)

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

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: pick your tree, cut it, shake it, strap it to the top of your car, and drive off to the tune of “Jingle Bells.”