Houston saw some major changes this year.

Just off the top of my head:

💰 METRO launched a new way to pay for public transit

🚫 Houston ISD decided against closing any public schools

🗳 Christian Menefee and Amanda Edwards secured enough votes to head to a runoff for District 18

🛴 The city passed an overnight ban on scooters and ATVs

🌈 Houstonians banded together to paint rainbows after the Montrose rainbow crosswalk was painted over

And honestly, that’s just in the past few months! While we look back on 2025, it’s fun to imagine what might happen next year (you can find some space to share your thoughts a little farther down).

But when it comes to COURIER HTX’s coverage, let us know what you want to see more of next year!

So apparently y’all really loved letting me know who you want to run for president in 2028, because I got even more answers over the weekend!

“The changes that Trump made that I want for this country need to be protected from being changed back. The illegal immigration work that Trump has done will need to be safeguarded passed Trump’s term. Voting for JD Vance or Rubio will protect that.” — Miguel G.

“I’m picking…Josh Shapiro.” — Joni C.

“I’m picking…Rubio.” — Bill R.

“I’m picking…Pete Buttigeg.” — Carol F. 

Ready for this week’s question? Since the new year is right around the corner, I thought I’d ask:

What’s your New Year’s wish for Houston in 2026?

🎄 Displays of twinkling holiday lights don’t have to come at a price; in fact, some of the best ones can be found while cruising through a local neighborhood. Here are six neighborhoods in Houston to check out for a dazzling good time. 

📉 In Harris County, the jail population has declined this year, down 14% since January. However, new legislation could put the county at risk of failing to reduce the inmate population. (Houston Public Media)

🏫 Spring ISD is closing two schools at the end of the current school year to address declining enrollment in the district and a $13 million budget shortfall. Students at the two schools will be rezoned to nearby campuses for the 2026-27 school year.

❗ The Texas Education Agency is set to take over Beaumont, Connally, Lake Worth and Fort Worth ISDs next year. Here’s what they can learn from Houston ISD, which has been in a takeover since 2023. (Houston Chronicle)

🏠 Watch as a Houston woman receives the keys to her first home thanks to the Harvey Homebuyer Assistance Program. Supported by $19.8 million in federal funds, the program helps people impacted by the massive flooding during Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

🕎 The first day of Hanukkah starts today—here are some ways you can celebrate the Jewish holiday across the Houston area. (365 Things In Houston)

By Rebecca Deurlein

The city of Sugar Land, located 20 miles south of downtown Houston, has become an Official Supporter of the FIFA World Cup 26 Houston Host City, providing a platform for the city to gain international exposure. Here’s how that happened and what it means for local businesses and residents.

City leaders, Mayor Carol McCutcheon, Director of the Sugar Land Office of Economic Development and Tourism Elizabeth Huff, and Assistant Director Alison Brooks saw an opportunity to introduce Sugar Land to a larger market. The city has a strong hospitality base, diverse community, evolving development, and a family-friendly environment, all factors that played into the pursuit of the partnership.

The process began with Sugar Land’s support of Houston’s bid to host seven matches of the World Cup from June 14 to July 4. Those matches will be held at NRG Stadium, rebranded as Houston Stadium for the World Cup games. Overall, the seven matches are expected to welcome roughly 500,000 fans to Houston as a Host City, and the broader region is projected to experience a $1.5 billion economic impact.

Do you want to support COURIER HTX’s mission while showcasing your products or services to an engaged audience of 20,000+ subscribers?

Email advertising@couriernewsroom.com for more information.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Sierra Rozen with reporting by Rebecca Deurlein. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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