We all love to indulge a little during the holidays, but according to WalletHub, Houstonians may be indulging a bit too much year-round.

We’re apparently the number two most sinful city, coming in just under Las Vegas, Nevada. You know, the city literally nicknamed Sin City? 

What do you think makes us the most sinful?

One more thing: I’m talking with readers this week to learn how our newsletters are landing—what’s useful, what’s frustrating, and what you want more of. If you’ve got thoughts, I’d love to hear them. Sign up for a quick feedback interview here.

Toni Morrison is probably best known as one of the most prolific writers of the 20th century and has been awarded a Nobel Prize in Literature. She’s been a writer that I’ve been meaning to pick up, and finding out that some of her books have been banned in Texas only makes me want to read them more.

“Beloved” is set after the American Civil War and follows a formerly enslaved Cincinnati family that discovers their home may be haunted by malevolent ghosts.

The novel has been banned across the US for reasons including bestiality, infanticide, sex, and violence. Specifically in Texas, the student activist group Voters of Tomorrow had planned to distribute the book to students in 2022, leading to its ban in Katy ISD.

“You bounce back and forth from control or instructions about what you cannot read, into, as I did, a family that was certain that this was the route out of any oppression, any limitation, that happened. That reading was not just pleasure, it was knowing if you can read they can teach you,” Morrison said. “You have to read, you have to know, you have to have access to knowledge.”

📣 Houstonians, I need your help!

I’m putting together a guide to the many ways people give back during the holidays, and I’d love to hear from you.

How do you like to support your community this time of year?

Email me and share your traditions, favorite organizations, or small acts of kindness that make a difference.

🚗 While the rest of Texas is sharply declining in traffic deaths and injuries, Houston is a little bit further behind than the rest of the state. (Houston Chronicle)

🎒 Jackie Anderson, president of the Houston Federation of Teachers, defended teachers in the wake of the Trump administration’s declaration that education isn’t a professional degree. 

🛳 The world’s largest cruise ship will depart from Galveston in 2027. The vessel can hold nearly 8,000 passengers. (CultureMap Fort Worth)

❗ Superintendent Mike Miles said Houston ISD won’t be closing any schools ahead of the 2026-27 school year, a change from August when he said a loss of 30,000 students in recent years could lead to the closure of 10 schools.

By Sierra Rozen

While the holidays may be a great time for giving back and spending time with family, the risk of falling for an online scam starts to increase at the end of the year.

According to a survey from credit card company Mastercard, nearly 50% of consumers said they would ignore red flags when shopping if it meant they would receive a deep discount on the item.

“Scammers will do anything they can to make a buck, steal your information,” Sergeant Billy Ray with the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Media Communications Office told CBS Austin. “Whatever website, if you’re typing your passwords, bank information, those scammers will have access to it directly and will take that information and use it.”

Things to remember to avoid getting scammed:

📱 Be careful about scanning QR codes that promise deals that seem too good to be true

💻 Update your device with the latest security software before online shopping

❗ Be wary of fake alerts, such as having to update a delivery address or a package getting lost. When in doubt, always go through official channels

💰 Make sure to research the charities you plan on donating to

🏧 Sign up for two-step verification when accessing your online banking accounts

The bottom line: don’t panic, take a deep breath, and remember that no deal is worth getting your information stolen.

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Sierra Rozen. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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