FIFA World Cup 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most in-demand sporting events in the tournament's history, with over 150 million tickets requested during the Random Selection Draw ticketing phase to date. The figure represents the highest demand in FIFA World Cup history, according to a Dec. 29 news release.

Current situation: The final Random Selection Draw ticketing phase opened Dec. 11, a process that allows first-time fans to apply for single-match tickets based on who is playing whom, where and when for group stage matches.

As of Dec. 29, the draw has already garnered over 150 million ticket requests by fans from over 200 countries, bringing the FIFA World Cup 2026 oversubscribed over 30 times based on verified credit card numbers submitted with each ticket application, per the release.

Get involved: The Random Selection Draw will remain open until Jan. 13 at 10 a.m. Officials noted that the timing of a ticket request does not affect the chances of success.

The Big Vibe Group announced in a Dec. 29 news release that Graffiti Raw would conclude its operations on Dec. 31, 2025, marking the close of "an important chapter for the group and the Montrose community."

The full story: Graffiti Raw was an all-day kitchen and bar that served dishes inspired by the Californian food scene and operated on a "less is more" beachside lifestyle. Dishes offered were a blend of flavors from different cultures, including Mexico, the Big Sur region and the Mediterranean. The restaurant originally opened along California Street in the Montrose Collective in 2023.

"Since opening, Graffiti Raw has been a place for connection—from shared meals to vibrant nights that reflected the creative energy of Houston," the news release stated. "The Big Vibe Group is grateful to the guests, team members, partners and the Montrose Collective community who helped shape the experience."

• 1001 California St., Ste. 101, Houston

Airport passengers in the Greater Houston area who are also CLEAR members can utilize new biometric eGates aimed at expediting identity verification at both George Bush Intercontinental and Hobby airports.

Zooming out: While the security identity company CLEAR first announced the national airport partnership program rollout with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration on Aug. 19, Houston Airport officials announced in December that the biometric security gates were in use.

“With this new technology, travelers can verify their identity in under five seconds, bypassing the TSA podium and proceeding directly to physical screening,” a Dec. 9 news release states. 

The big picture: CLEAR officials said in August that the launch efforts will coincide with airports hosting international visitors flying to the U.S. for the FIFA World Cup in 2026.

What they're saying: “With more than 20 million international visitors expected to fly to the U.S. for the tournament — and domestic travel surging through U.S. host cities — checkpoint infrastructure will face unprecedented pressure,” the Aug. 19 news release states.

This November, Texas voters approved 17 constitutional amendments, also known as state propositions. Here’s what’s next for some of those propositions and what they mean for Texans.

The overview: Texas voters authorized the state to spend $1 billion annually on water supply funding, totaling $20 billion over a two-decade period, through Proposition 4. Funding will flow into the Texas Water Fund, a state account created in 2023 to help finance water projects.

However, state law requires that the money does not begin moving into the water fund until September 2027, and it will not be available for grants until 2029. Until then, state agencies, water utilities and local organizations will need to plan for funding, adjust rules and processes to align with recent state laws and update Texas’ water and flood plans, according to the Texas Water Foundation.

More details: Texas homeowners were set to see expanded property tax breaks on their 2025 tax bills under Propositions 11 and 13. Four other property tax exemptions approved by voters will take effect Jan. 1.