Austin wonโt be allowed to restrict dining-in at restaurants, Texas Supreme Court says
In a further blow to the state, Texasโ Third Court of Appeals swiftly rejected an appeal later that night. Fridayโs Supreme Court order, however, directs the lower court to block enforcement of the orders, pending any further appeal. Abbott, that allows for dine-in restaurant service and bars local officials from enacting more restrictive rules. Abbott and Paxton have sparred with other local officials who pushed aggressive measures meant to tamp down on the virusโ spread. Samaniego ordered a curfew similar to that in Austin and Travis County for Christmas and New Yearโs Eve.
Woman, child injured in 2 separate celebratory gunfire incidents on New Yearโs Eve, police say
HOUSTON โ An 8-year-old boy and a 24-year-old woman were injured by celebratory gunfire in separate instances overnight, according to Houston Police. First incidentA New Yearโs Eve celebration took a turn for the worse shortly after midnight when a 24-year-old woman was severely injured after being struck by celebratory gunfire. (Houston Police Department)Second incidentIn northwest Houston, an 8-year-old boy was injured by a stray bullet shortly before midnight. According to police, it was a result of celebratory gunfire that occurred just before Midnight. Authorities said theyโve received numerous calls related to celebratory gunfire overnight.
The Latest: S Korea extends distancing rules for 2 weeks
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, intensive care units in several parts of Texas were full or nearly full. India and Brazil trail behind the U.S. in coronavirus cases at over 10 million and 7 million, respectively. ___MILAN, Italy โ Italy added another 462 virus deaths on Friday for a known pandemic death toll of 74,621, the highest in Europe. ___BANGKOK โ The Thai capital is shutting down venues including schools and entertainment parks as coronavirus cases continue to spread. China on Friday reported a total of 19 new virus cases, including 10 that were brought from outside the country.
2021 arrives around the world
(AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)CANBERRA โ This New Yearโs Eve is being celebrated like no other in most of the world, with many bidding farewell to a year theyโd prefer to forget. Some countries and cities canceled or scaled back their festivities, while others without active outbreaks carried on like any other year. Instead, we should bring in 2021 in our own homes with just our own households," Scotlandโs First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said. Many around the world looked toward 2021 with hope, partly due to the arrival of vaccines that offer a chance of beating the pandemic. Initial reports about a mystery respiratory illness sickening people in the Chinese city of Wuhan emerged exactly a year ago.
South Africans swap firecrackers for candles amid pandemic
Many South Africans will swap firecrackers for candles to mark New Year's Eve amid COVID-19 restrictions including a nighttime curfew responding to President Cyril Ramaphosa's call to light a candle to honor those who have died in the COVID-19 pandemic and the health workers who are on the frontline of battling the disease. (AP Photo/Denis Farrell)JOHANNESBURG โ Many South Africans swapped firecrackers for candles to mark New Yearโs Eve amid COVID-19 restrictions including a nighttime curfew. Urging all South Africans to battle the virus, Ramaphosa called on the nation to celebrate New Yearโs Eve in a different way. Instead, the mayor of South Africa's largest city will light a candle on the landmark Nelson Mandela Bridge. At midnight he will light a candle with his family and pray for everybody who has suffered from the pandemic.
The Latest: Tens of thousands on Vegas strip despite warning
(AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)LAS VEGAS โ Tens of thousands of people were walking on the casino-lined Las Vegas Strip on New Yearโs Eve by early evening despite a plea from Nevada Gov. China on Friday reported a total of 19 new virus cases, including 10 that were brought from outside the country. ___LONDON โ The coronavirus pandemic canceled Londonโs annual New Yearsโ Eve fireworks display, which usually draws tens of thousands of spectators. The nationโs most populated county has about 40% of Californiaโs virus deaths. ___NASHVILLE, Tenn. โ Tennessee ends the year ranked first in coronavirus cases per capita.
These 15 Houston restaurants are serving up end-of-year menu specials for New Yearโs Eve
HOUSTON โ Ready to kiss 2020 goodbye? Celebrate with the best meals youโve had this year by dining at one of these Houston-area restaurants on New Yearโs Eve. From New American and French to Japanese and Mexican cuisines, these restaurants will be open on New Yearโs Eve and New Yearโs Day to celebrate the departure of 2020 and the arrival of 2021. This list includes information from both OpenTable and 365 Things To Do In Houston. #Lodgestyle Posted by Rainbow Lodge on Monday, December 28, 2020Address: 2200 Post Oak, HoustonAddress: 3755 Richmond, HoustonAddress: 13616 Memorial, HoustonAddress: 807 Taft, HoustonAddress: 309 Gray, HoustonAddress: Multiple locationsDo you know of other restaurants bringing New Years Eve specials?
Hereโs where you can watch New Yearโs Eve fireworks in Houston
As a long and challenging year comes to an end, some people are looking forward to celebrating everything they have overcome in 2020. Some major annual events are not taking place this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, but there are few places where you can watch a public fireworks display. Here are three events happening in Houston:Cost: Free entry until 11 p.m. When: Starting 7 p.m. on Dec. 31Address: 2401 San Jacinto St., Houston, TexasCost: $10When: Starting 7 p.m. on Dec. 31Address: 3333 Farm to Market 359, Richmond, TexasCost: $35When: Starting 8 p.m. on Dec. 31Address: 16416 Mueschke Road, Cypress, TexasDo you know of other public fireworks displays in the area? Drop them in the comments.
Crawfish Shack opens in Crosby
On New Yearโs Eve, owners announced online โThe Shack is BACK!โ In January, the restaurant will operate drive-thru only beginning on Friday, Jan. 3. The shack is not selling live sacks; hot boiled crawfish will go for $7.95 per pound. Hot Boiled... Posted by Crawfish Shack on Friday, January 3, 2020In January, the Crawfish Shack drive-thru will be open Wednesday throught Friday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., on Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. and Sunday until 8 p.m. The shack will not be open for dine-in until Wednesday, Feb. 5. Crawfish Shack is located at 5822 FM 2100 in Crosby.
โIt just fell from the skyโ: Man struck by celebratory gunfire while watching fireworks on New Yearโs Eve
HOUSTON โ A Houston man was outside admiring the fireworks display on New Yearโs Eve when he was hit in the wrist by celebratory gunfire. โI was right here standing outside my car,โ Roberto Carlos said in Spanish. โAnd it just fell from the sky.โCarlosโs roommate, Paul Moreno, was standing next to him at the time. John Shannon said the Harris County Sheriffโs Office received many calls about celebratory gunfire on New Yearโs Eve. โDespite repeated warnings against celebratory gunfire, this is something that goes on and is unacceptable,โ Shannon said.
Houston stars Beyonce and Megan Thee Stallion link up for New Yearโs Eve
HOUSTON โ Houston hotties link up! Houston natives Beyonce and rapper Megan Thee Stallion spend New Yearโs Eve together. It was a sight to see -- Houstonโs favorite star and upcoming star finally unite. Megan Thee Stallion is not only from Houston, but she is currently attending Texas Southern University for her bachelorโs degree. Megan thee Stallion posted the photo on Instagram on Wednesday, which now has more than a million likes.