🎄 Tree supremacy

Good morning, Dev Test County. Move over, Rockefeller Center! Dallas is flexing its evergreen muscle with not one but two contenders in Newsweek's "Best Christmas Tree 2026" competition—making it the only city nationwide with multiple entries in the prestigious top 15. The Galleria and arboretum's towering seasonal icons are now rallying for daily votes through November 18, as the city aims to cement its reputation for Christmas tree supremacy.

From holiday traditions to cultural legends, Dallas's own Erykah Badu recently shared her local roots on the New York Times' Popcast, reminiscing about discovering D'Angelo while working at Grinders coffee shop on Greenville Avenue. Meanwhile, as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, Dallas-Fort Worth is transforming into a mobility innovation hub, with Capital One's Auto Accelerator Program nurturing startups developing everything from autonomous airships to private aviation platforms—positioning the region as not just a sports destination, but a transportation revolution epicenter.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Aurora

39°

48°

89%

Kent

36°

48°

75%

Ravenna

36°

48°

75%

Streetsboro

36°

48°

75%

Tallmadge

35°

48°

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🎄 Dallas is flexing its Christmas tree supremacy nationwide. The city boasts two entries in Newsweek's "Best Christmas Tree 2026" competition, with towering evergreens at the Galleria and arboretum making the top 15 list. Dallas is the only city with multiple contenders in this reader-voted contest. Newsweek's competition features an impressive panel of award-winning writers as judges. Voting continues through November 18, with Dallas fans encouraged to vote daily to beat out rivals like the Biltmore Estate and Rockefeller Center.

🎵 Dallas icon Erykah Badu opens up on the New York Times' Popcast. The legendary singer discusses discovering D'Angelo's music while working at a Dallas coffee shop called Grinders on Greenville Avenue. When asked about the best rapper from Dallas, Badu names Cold Cris from Mad Flava, praising his "wordplay, voice, cadence, rhythm, taste" and noting they still collaborate today. She also reflects on Dallas' place in hip-hop history, explaining they "formed their own thing" rather than feeling overlooked by the industry. Interestingly, Badu dismisses the notion that OutKast's "Ms. Jackson" is about her, though her mother believes otherwise.

🚗 North Texas tackles mobility challenges for 2026 FIFA World Cup. Capital One's Dallas-based Auto Accelerator Program is nurturing innovative transportation solutions as the region prepares for an influx of hundreds of thousands of visitors. The program, one of few mobility-focused accelerators in the US, has supported nearly 60 founders developing technologies from autonomous airships to private aviation booking platforms. Startups like Galaxy Unmanned Systems, JetSetGo, Vanly, and Bagazee are creating solutions that could help alleviate congestion, provide sustainable transportation alternatives, and enhance the visitor experience during major events. With eight airports and seven major freeways, DFW aims to position itself as a forward-thinking hub for smart mobility solutions.

PRESENTED BY Amy Jackson, CENTURY 21

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🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎸 Oct. 24 - Jesse Cook Live: Acclaimed guitarist Jesse Cook brings his mesmerizing fusion of flamenco and world music to The Kent Stage on October 24. Doors open at 7:30 PM for an evening of spellbinding melodies.

🎃 Oct. 24 - Trick-or-Treat Farm Adventure: Spooky farm fun awaits at Trick or Treat on the Farm! Visit 7679 Seasons Rd in Kent on Oct 24 for five candy stations, free hot apple cider, and coloring pages with your regular admission.

👑 Oct. 24 - Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella: Experience the magic of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella at Kent State's E. Turner Stump Theatre on October 24! The School of Theatre and Dance brings this beloved fairy tale to life.

🎭 Oct. 24 - The Kent Stage: The Kent Stage welcomes music lovers for an exciting night of entertainment on October 24. Head to 175 E Main St in Kent for an evening that promises to delight your senses!

🎃 Oct. 25 - Sheriff's Trunk or Treat: Spooky fun awaits at the 4th Annual Trunk or Treat, hosted by the Portage County Sheriff's Office. Swing by the Fairgrounds on October 25 for a safe and sweet Halloween celebration!

🎸 Oct. 25 - Jim Anderson Live Music: Talented guitarist Jim Anderson strums his way to Cafe 14 this Saturday, October 25th, for a special midday performance. Stop by 92 OH-14 in Deerfield for some soulful tunes and good vibes!

🎵 Oct. 25 - Beneath The Willow Trio: Unwind with sweet acoustic melodies as trio Back to Eden performs at North Water Brewing Company. Catch their soothing sounds under Kent's night sky on October 25, from 7-9pm at 101 Crain Ave.

🎵 Oct. 25 - 15-60-75 The Numbers: Legendary blues rockers 15-60-75 (The Numbers) bring their five-decade musical journey to Streetsboro on October 25! Catch these nationally acclaimed performers live at 1025 Montclair Dr for an unforgettable evening.

💰 Financial Friday

Creating a budget that reflects your spending habits and financial goals can help you understand where your money is going and identify areas to cut back, ultimately leading to better financial health and reduced stress. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your budget ensures that it stays relevant as your circumstances change.