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Showing posts from June, 2020

Tilman Fertitta takes his golden online gaming casino public

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Tilman Fertitta’s online casino is going public. Golden Nugget Online Gaming, Inc. will be acquired by Landcadia Holdings II, Inc., “a publicly- traded special purpose acquisition company co-sponsored by Fertitta Entertainment, Inc. and Jefferies Financial Group Inc.,” according to a release. When the transaction is completed in the third quarter, the company will change its name to Golden Nugget Online Gaming, Inc. and its NASDAQ trading symbol to GNOG. The deal values GNOG at approximately… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/2NKYp0s from WordPress https://ift.tt/3dNHUuX

Harris County mandatory mask order gets lengthy extension per new vote

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Masks will now be mandatory in Harris County until August 26, per a Tuesday, June 30 vote by the Harris County Commissioners. The vote directs any businesses providing goods or services to require all employees and visitors to wear face coverings in areas of close proximity to co-workers or the public. On Monday, June 29, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo expressed a desire to extend the county’s COVID-19 disaster declaration, which would allow for the… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3eOnq6D from WordPress https://ift.tt/2NIc1JV

Long-running Houston-area dog race park closes after 28 years

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Gulf Greyhound Park, a gambling staple since 1992 in La Marque, is shutting down effective immediately. The track will surrender its gaming license and cease to operate. Employees were informed on Tuesday, June 30. A notice on the company’s website reads: > Gulf Greyhound Park is closed. Please mail in uncashed tickets and vouchers to: > > P.O. Box 488 Lamarque, Texas 77568 The news was confirmed by track announcer John Paul Faour (who is… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3ijgqkw from WordPress https://ift.tt/2ZiTOYE

15 hot Houston restaurants serve up Fourth of July feasts to-go

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The Fourth of July isn’t a restaurant holiday. Like Memorial Day, Independence Day is best celebrated by staying home and firing up the grill. Usually, celebrating America’s independence might involve going to watch fireworks, but this year that means watching Houston’s annual Freedom Over Texas celebration on TV. Thankfully, Houston’s restaurants are here to help with a number of options for those who want to dine at home. Our roundup includes both prepared, ready- to-eat… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3eZ5vtW from WordPress https://ift.tt/2NIfYOz

7 reasons to book a summer staycation at Four Seasons Houston

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The big summer vacation is out, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time closer to home. Four Seasons Hotel Houston is welcoming back guests with the debut of newly renovated guest rooms and enhanced health and safety measures. Recharge and refresh with a residential retreat and enjoy the perks of vacation without traveling far. With a thoughtfully redesigned interior that reflects a modern Texas aesthetic, each new guest room provides a quiet… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3dMD4yb from WordPress https://ift.tt/2NOEKfP

Blast off to Mars in this stellar new exhibit at the HMNS

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Given the state of the world in 2020, one couldn’t be blamed for fantasizing about life on another planet. Fortunately, a new exhibit debuting in Houston will jet locals out of this world to the fourth planet from the sun — without having to deal with weird suits, space travel, or Elon Musk. The new, stellar exhibit at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, dubbed “Mars by Luke Jerram”, will transport viewers to the Red… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3ihoq5v from WordPress https://ift.tt/2AimacZ

Houston sees first week without traffic spike since reopening

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Over the last few weeks, Houston traffic has gradually picked up, but now, the trend is flattening. Since the beginning of May, with businesses reopening, the city has seen a gradual rebound in traffic, but now that growth is starting to level off. CultureMap news partner, ABC 13, crunched the numbers with Houston Transtar. This is a similar breakdown to one done in April, where Houston Transtar measured the number of cars using a radar… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/31xmDDo from WordPress https://ift.tt/2YKe06v

HISD closes all schools and facilities due to coronavirus concerns

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In a move aimed to address Houston’s growing battle with COVID-19 concerns, the Houston Independent School District has closed all district schools and facilities due to an increasing number of coronavirus cases in the city. Facilities will be closed from Wednesday, July 3 through Sunday, July 19, according to a statement. In addition, all athletic practices are canceled. Students currently using HISD laptops will be allowed to keep them until the fall rather than return… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/2YJmn2n from WordPress https://ift.tt/2VwW3pY

New Margaritaville resort lets Houstonians waste away in Lake Conroe

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Houstonians who long to nibble on sponge cake while watching the sun bake (tourists, that is) are in luck. Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake Conroe – Houston has officially opened its first Texas location and is welcoming visitors and, of course, Jimmy Buffett fans. Set on 186 waterfront acres on the shores of Lake Conroe, the 20-story resort features 303 luxury suites, as well as 32 lakefront cottages with available boat slips. Five signature Margaritaville-inspired restaurants… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/38bgZIt from WordPress https://ift.tt/2BUqKhS

2 Houston-area bars defy closure order and have licenses suspended

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The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has suspended the liquor licenses of seven bars across the state for operating despite Gov. Greg Abbott’s order that closed bars statewide on Friday. That includes two in the Houston area. Prospect Park, a sports bar west of the Galleria, and Bokeeters Cocktail Bar in New Caney have both had their licenses suspended for 30 days, effectively immediately. The enforcement action also includes establishments in Austin, Fredericksburg, Abilene, Longview, and… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/2CUdE51 from WordPress https://ift.tt/2Bfcr7Y

Controversial Houston nightclub’s owner defends packed weekend crowds

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Sometimes a nightclub isn’t a nightclub. That’s the message from one of Spire’s partners after the downtown hotspot came under heavy criticism for video that showed customers dancing in the venue despite Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s order that shuttered bars statewide. “Back in November 2019, the main owner had come to the realization that he no longer owned a bar,” Bret Hightower tells CultureMap content partner ABC13. “He owned a lounge/venue hall because most of… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/38aKxpH from WordPress https://ift.tt/3gbglO0

Texas company’s COVID-19 antibody test gets emergency authorization

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A local medical company is leading the fight against COVID-19. On June 25, Austin-based Babson Diagnostics announced it has received an emergency use authorization from the Food & Drug Administration for its SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibody Test. The blood test helps identify if a person has an “adaptive immune response to SARS-CoV-2 [aka COVID-19]” by testing for antibodies. Antibodies are proteins that help fight off infections and usually provide immunity, though the Centers for Disease Control… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/2BlxzcC from WordPress https://ift.tt/3igxS90

Ken Hoffman on the irony of New York giving Texas the travel boot

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Last week, on the same day in fact, I learned that neither of my two favorite vacation spots — New York City and Nice, France – has any interest in me visiting them. Two for two — I can pick ’em, huh? It’s not like I have cooties or coronavirus, although I haven’t been tested for cooties. New York and Nice aren’t singling me out. They want nothing to do with anyone from Texas. The… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/31oQrlH from WordPress https://ift.tt/2CVUtb7

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo in quarantine after COVID-19 exposure

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Just days after raising Harris County’s COVID-19 threat level to red — or severe — Judge Lina Hidalgo announced that she has been exposed to the virus. Hidalgo has not shown any symptoms and is self-quarantining after being potentially exposed last week, according to a statement. The exposure came on Monday, June 22, via a member of her office; the staffer has tested positive and is also self-isolating, according to Hidalgo’s office. Due to the… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/2AikvnU from WordPress https://ift.tt/2Bl4ONc

Texas bars and restaurants can now sell pre-mixed cocktails to-go

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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has freed the margaritas. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission announced over the weekend that bars and restaurants may now sell pre-mixed cocktails to-go. Effectively immediately, these establishments may sell cocktails provided their containers are covered with tape and placed in a plastic bag that’s sealed with a zip tie. The waiver applies to any bar or restaurant with “permanent food service capabilities,” and any cocktail purchase must be accompanied by at… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/2CK2yPM from WordPress https://ift.tt/2VqoQMT

Harris County mask order covers 5 most popular stories of the week

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Editor’s note: It’s time to recap the top stories on CultureMap from this past week. 1\. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo makes masks mandatory in businesses. The directive states that local businesses must ensure that all employees and customers wear masks. 2\. Prominent Houston restaurant group shutters 5 locations. Pappas Restaurants’ closures included the only locations of Yia Yia Mary’s and Pappas Shrimp Shack. 3\. Houston ISD announces no year-round classes for 2020-21 school year…. from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/2Zeb15B from WordPress https://ift.tt/3dASgyp

Houston Symphony scores return to Jones Hall with new online shows

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With Texans currently shut out of bars for the foreseeable future and current Harris County advisories suggesting locals stay home, options are suddenly limited for entertainment. Offering some relief is the Houston Symphony, which announced a return to the stage with the new concert series appropriately dubbed Live from Jones Hall. The new hour-long program will stream from Jones Hall each Saturday night in July and Saturday, August 1. The concerts will feature symphony musicians… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/2ZbURJY from WordPress https://ift.tt/2YBzpij

Jon Stewart takes on modern politics and more with Irresistible

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It’s been five years since Jon Stewart left as host of The Daily Show, and six years since his debut film, Rosewater. In that time, the political world has changed just a teensy bit, and if ever there was a good time for an insightful political satire from a premier satirist, it is now. Reasonable people will disagree as to how effective Stewart’s new film, Irresistible, is at achieving that goal, but it is one… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/31g0BoC from WordPress https://ift.tt/31hg9sh

25 weekend road closures make staying home in Houston even easier

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This weekend, locals should prepare for a dizzying amount of road work as 25 closures will span from The Heights to I-69 and I-45. A Texas Department of Transportation spokesperson says these weekend closures will ensure traffic will be free for the Fourth of July weekend. “While we have numerous road projects going on simultaneously in the Houston area, we always work to minimize impacts to the traveling public,”TxDOT spokesperson, Danny Perez, tells CultureMap. “However,… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3i7xM3y from WordPress https://ift.tt/2BFLyK4

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo raises COVID-19 threat level to red

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With Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s closure for Texas bars in order, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo increased the COVID-19 threat level in the area to red, or severe. Under this warning, locals are urged to stay home. The color-coded system is designed to help provide guidance on the severity of novel coronavirus infections in the county and how residents can protect themselves. The indicator dial can be found at ReadyHarris.org. “The harsh truth is that… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/385l8h9 from WordPress https://ift.tt/2CE6YYs

Common Bond bakes up exciting drive-thru concept in Garden Oaks

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Common Bond On The Go is on the move. CEO George Joseph has already signed a lease for a second location of the bakery-cafe’s recently introduced drive- thru concept in Garden Oaks at 3210 N. Shepherd Dr. “I think it’s an up-and-coming area,” Joseph tells CultureMap. “A lot of nice homes, a lot of families. I think it’ll be a great place for the neighborhood.” Working with Craig Garcia of Gage Architecture, Inc., Common Bond… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3fZdUhh from WordPress https://ift.tt/3eHeos8

How Houston restaurant owners can win the COVID-19 insurance fight

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When COVID-19 became a full-blown pandemic in March 2020, restaurants were suddenly faced with a choice: pivot to take-out, or close completely until the government deemed it safe to reopen. While nonprofits instantly sprang up to help those in the food and beverage industry continue to provide for their employees, restauranteurs felt safe in the knowledge that they had insurance. Prior to the pandemic, many businesses had already purchased insurance policies covering “business interruption” –… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/384H7Vf from WordPress https://ift.tt/3eCKeX2

Texas governor shuts down Houston bars in response to COVID-19 surge

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In the latest move on the Texas coronavirus seesaw, Gov. Greg Abbott has executed a new round of restrictions that includes closing bars and limiting occupancy on restaurants. The executive order requires Texas bars to close at 12 pm on June 26, although they are still allowed to do delivery and takeout, including alcoholic beverages. Restaurants must revert to their former occupancy level of 50 percent, down from their previous 75 percent. The Texas Restaurant… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/382AUJm from WordPress https://ift.tt/3hZuTlv

Apple temporarily closes 7 Houston-area stores due to COVID-19

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Better keep a tight grip on that iPhone, because the Apple store won’t be available to repair it — at least for a little while. The technology giant announced it has temporarily closed its Houston-area stores in response to the rising cases of coronavirus in Texas. The closed stores include: Baybrook Mall First Colony Mall The Galleria Highland Village Memorial City Mall Willowbrook Mall The Woodlands Mall Stores in the Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio,… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3eD9LPE from WordPress https://ift.tt/2YCd7wV

6 movies, podcasts, and TV shows to stream in Houston this weekend

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With Houston now considered the epicenter of COVID-19 in Texas, many are opting to stay home to check out the latest streaming offerings. This week, look for an epic musical journey with Will Ferrell, an irresistible Jon Stewart flick, and a trip to The Twilight Zone. Movies Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (Netflix) Will Ferrell takes his act to Netflix in this comedy from Wedding Crashers director David Dobkin. Ferrell plays one-half… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/2B5wCoO from WordPress https://ift.tt/2YxwtTM

Montrose’s most exciting new restaurant, plus a trip to the Pacific

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On this week’s episode of “What’s Eric Eating,” chef Aaron Bludorn joins CultureMap food editor Eric Sandler to discuss Bludorn, his eagerly anticipated Montrose restaurant. The chef begins by explaining how he began cooking professionally as well as sharing some of his experiences from his six years as the executive chef of New York’s Michelin-starred Cafe Boulud. With the restaurant on track to open in August, Bludorn offers a sneak peek of what diners can… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/2YvB9tk from WordPress https://ift.tt/31gvBoo

Show your pride with these in-person and virtual Houston events

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The final days of June are upon us, which means Pride Month is about to come to an end. Fortunately, there are a few more events popping off in the next few days, both in the streets and online, that Houstonians who support the LGBTQ+ community can check out. Look for a mix of marches and online events this weekend. Friday Community-based organization Bee Busy Inc. will have a free webinar called The History of… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/2Ba9cOY from WordPress https://ift.tt/2YvICIV

7 best new brunches in Houston serve up decadent and diverse dining

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With restaurants having reopened, many people are seeking out favorites they may have missed during the shutdown. That is a perfectly reasonable and logical thing to do, especially at brunch. After all, brunch is all about comfort and familiarity. Properly cooked eggs, toast that’s burned just the right way, freshly squeezed orange juice — these are all necessary components of proper Sunday respite. Still, novelty does have a certain appeal. Whether that means eating at… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/31k8XeO from WordPress https://ift.tt/3fZqyN8

Pandemic gardening? How pollinators are important to your plants.

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Home gardening has bloomed during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many people stuck at home turning to seeds and soil as a therapeutic way to pass the time. Whether you were born with a green thumb or are just now discovering the joys of getting dirt under your fingernails, it’s helpful to know not just how to plant, but what to plant. Ag Near Me, presented by Prairie View A&M University, helps inform urban and suburban… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/2Vk6BJc from WordPress https://ift.tt/31gRjbV

Brace for a major weekend closure at 610 Loop and Southwest Freeway

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Another weekend, another major highway construction project. Once again, as part of the I-610 West Loop/ I-69 Southwest Freeway interchange project, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will close all mainlanes of I-610 West Loop at I-69 Southwest Freeway in both directions — northbound and southbound. The work will commence on Friday, June 26 at 9 pm and run until Monday, June 29 at 5 am. Traffic will be detoured to the frontage road to… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/31dvBWl from WordPress https://ift.tt/3dx4jfZ

Texas restaurants get up to speed on new COVID-19 protocols

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The Texas Restaurant Association has launched a program designed to help restaurants wade through necessary protocols during these coronavirus times. The state-wide organization cites a survey stating that 77 percent of consumers say they plan to reduce visits to restaurants in the future. To stoke consumer confidence, TRA, along with Dallas College and an organization called A Closer Look, have launched a program, paid for via a grant from the Texas Workforce Commission, that will… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3i1bgtg from WordPress https://ift.tt/31g1VI1

Texas Medical Center ICUs at 97 percent capacity due to COVID-19

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Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said Houston must act now to address the COVID-19 crisis as more and more people continue to test positive. She referred to the color-coded COVID-19 threat level system she introduced a few weeks ago. She said the county is now at level two, which is orange. The next level is one. “The reason I have not yet put us on red and come out with the new steps is because… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3dwxK1J from WordPress https://ift.tt/2Zd1U4S

Hallcross Dental Implants Offer a Smile for Life

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Do you have missing teeth or gaps in your smile? If the answer is yes, you are not alone. Approximately 27 million adults in the UK have at least one missing tooth in their smiles. Missing teeth can occur for various reasons, it could be that you had an accident, an illness, or a sporting injury for example, or sometimes it can be from dental decay. Whatever the reason for the missing tooth, Hallcross Dental Implants in Leicester , can help fix the issue. One of the most well recognised treatments for fixing missing teeth in a smile is dental implants . They are an alternative to removable dentures. Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth or several teeth.   There are many advantages to dental implants: – Durability – they are as strong as your natural teeth and should last for many years if well looked after Great appearance – they look and feel like your own teeth Comfortable – they are comfortable in your mouth and will not slip like dentures can Easier Eat

The latest Houston restaurants to reopen or close due to COVID-19

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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott may be encouraging Texans to stay home, but the rise in the number of Texans testing positive for coronavirus hasn’t prompted him to change anything about the way the state’s restaurants operate. They are still in Phase 3, which means they can seat 100-percent of their outdoor capacity and up to 75-percent of their indoor capacity. Still, some restaurants are taking their own steps either to reduce capacity or to return… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3eI1zO4 from WordPress https://ift.tt/2VhVRuG

Make a dash for this one-of-a-kind Houston shopping experience

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In Houston, now more than ever, it’s critical to support small businesses. The mix of the novel coronavirus and subsequent cancellation of major events and local gift markets — from RodeoHouston and The Round Top Antique Show — means it’s prime time to catch the Bayou City’s leading home decor and gift market’s Summer Sale. The Design-Art-Style-Home (DASH) Market provides a unique shopping experience for Houstonians seeking clothing and accessories, trending home decor, artisan jewelry,… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/2Yv5wjR from WordPress https://ift.tt/31deHa5

New York announces quarantine for Texas travelers after COVID-19 spike

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Travelers from Texas going to New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut must quarantine for 14 days or face a hefty fine. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the new travel advisory during a joint press conference on June 24 with New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont. The new travel advisory goes into effect at midnight on June 25 and applies to travelers entering “from a state with a transmission rate above… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3exttwe from WordPress https://ift.tt/3exuswq

Award-winning Texas winery honors Italian heritage with 2 new vintages

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Texas winery Messina Hof is putting family first. The Bryan-based winemaker has introduced its Bonarrigo Family Wines collection, a tribute to its owners’ seven generations of wine making in Sicily and America. “Our motto as a company is ‘join the family,'” Messina Hof CEO and head winemaker Paul Bonarrigo tells CultureMap. “This is a little piece of our heart and something that’s very special.” In keeping with the family’s Italian heritage, the Bonarrigo Family Wines… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/37ZPp0Q from WordPress https://ift.tt/3dqmrIo

Texas governor urges residents to stay home as COVID-19 cases explode

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Texas saw a record-breaking 5,000 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, June 23, marking yet another grim milestone in the pandemic. As new infections soar, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is urging residents to stay home. “Because the spread is so rampant right now, there is never a reason for you to have to leave your home,” Abbott told KBTX in Bryan. “Unless you need to go out, the safest place for you to be is your… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/381GHiC from WordPress https://ift.tt/3ez3i8G

This Houston community branches out as second best city in the U.S.

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In the forest of American cities, The Woodlands stands tall. The Houston suburb ranks second on Niche.com’s 2020 list of the best cities to live in the U.S. Aside from being No. 2 overall, The Woodlands ranks as the second best city to raise a family, the third best city to buy a house, and the seventh best city for public schools. Nearly 120,000 people live in The Woodlands. “The Woodlands is a great place… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/37ZIkwV from WordPress https://ift.tt/2BAi1BC

Houston Grand Opera announces dramatic cuts to season and staff

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The COVID-19 pandemic continues to plague local arts organizations. Houston Grand Opera (HGO) announced late Tuesday, June 23, that it will cancel 33 of the 47 mainstage and Cullen Theater performances of the 2020-21 season, through the spring of 2021. The opera also announced it will reduce its workforce by 27 percent–a first such cut in the storied organization’s history. Staff remaining at HGO, including senior staff, will have a 15 percent pay reduction, or… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3hXTkjb from WordPress https://ift.tt/37WOY7j

Iconic Texas eatery sends 50 years of memorabilia to auction block

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A treasure trove of Austin music history — pieces from the iconic Threadgill’s restaurant in North Austin and the Armadillo World Headquarters venue in downtown Austin — is going on the auction block June 27. Items up for sale include Austin music memorabilia, vintage Texas beer signs, and Janis Joplin items. The original Threadgill’s on North Lamar Boulevard launched Joplin’s blues-inspired rock ‘n’ roll singing career in the 1960s. In all, more than 500 items… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/2YqAMjF from WordPress https://ift.tt/3197Hes

‘World’s best’ peanut butter from New Zealand spreads to Houston

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Every week seems to include at least one pitch for some dazzling new product that’s just arrived in grocery stores. Generally speaking, it’s best to ignore them; they’ll likely be gone just as quickly as they’ve debuted. However, a pitch that includes the phrase “world’s best peanut butter” — well, that’s a bold enough claim to merit a closer look. Fix & Fogg’s high-end peanut butters have been a smash hit in their native New… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/2Yuxdcy from WordPress https://ift.tt/2AW3j86

Renowned Houston children’s hospital now admitting adult patients

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With Harris County’s current confirmed COVID-19 cases at more than 23,000 according to the latest data from the county, a prominent children’s hospital has initiated a crucial pivot to fight the aggressive growth of local infections. The vaunted Texas Children’s Hospital is now admitting adult patients, the hospital announced late Monday, June 22. The hospital released a statement to the media which included the following: > Texas Children’s Hospital, our employees, medical staff and leadership… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3dng2h6 from WordPress https://ift.tt/2VcVhyr

Help your fellow Houstonian during COVID-19 on a virtual day of action

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The renewed spread of COVID-19 and its adverse effects on individuals and communities has sparked a desire in many to give back. But just how to do so has been confounding in this era of social distancing. To the rescue comes the United Way of Greater Houston, which is hosting a virtual “Day of Action” volunteer event to support those in need. Those who participate in the Friday, June 26 event can complete volunteer projects… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/2NnRJFh from WordPress https://ift.tt/2YthB93

New Houston drive-in festival rolls out music, movies, and more

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In this new normal of masks (which some are donning, anyway) and social distancing, drive-in experiences are all the rage – witness the buzz of the Sawyer Yards drive-in movies. Now, a new drive-in experience is rolling into Houston with a limited- engagement “super-sized, multi-sensory attraction,” according to press materials. The Parking Lot Social blends traditional drive-in movie action with live music, DJs, bingo, trivia, and more — all from the comfort and safety of… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3fQ3dNT from WordPress https://ift.tt/3dnkuMJ

Houston could be worst-affected city in U.S. by COVID-19, expert says

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Dr. Peter Hotez, Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, says if the spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue, the city of Houston could become the worst-impacted city in the U.S. “We are potentially facing a very serious public health threat,” he says. Hotez tells CultureMap news partner, ABC13, that he began noticing the numbers going up after the Memorial Day holiday. During a briefing on Monday, Mayor… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/2YpDw0M from WordPress https://ift.tt/3dqiR0T

Texas could be home to 4 of country’s 10 largest cities in 2021

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It appears Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio soon will welcome Austin as a new member of their elite club — the 10 largest cities in the U.S. As it stands now, Austin ranks as the 11th largest city in the country, right behind San Jose, California. But a new projection from the City of Austin indicates that sometime next year, Austin will leapfrog San Jose to claim the No. 10 spot. Unless it sees an… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/2Czh1OA from WordPress https://ift.tt/3eulKPz

Texas governor says current COVID-19 plan is A-OK despite record highs

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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott insists that current strategies to combat the coronavirus are working, despite 10 straight days of record numbers of COVID-19 cases across the state. At a June 22 press conference, Abbott said that current safety protocols — staying at home, washing your hands, staying six feet from others or else wearing a mask — were enough to curb the spread of the virus. “Closing down Texas will always be the last option,”… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/2BxEYFi from WordPress https://ift.tt/3fNmFuF

Once-buzzy Oak Forest craft beer bar runs out of gas

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A pioneering craft beer bar has poured its last pint. Petrol Station has permanently closed, owner Ben Fullelove tells Houstonia. Open since 2005, Petrol Station rode the rise of craft beer to become a destination for Houston’s ever-growing population of people who wanted to sip a beer with actual flavor. The chalkboard menu featured a reliable mix of the best local brews alongside worthy national draughts. The bar could be particularly welcoming to patrons with… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/315vYlC from WordPress https://ift.tt/3fNkxD9

Major cruise line suspends travel from Galveston through September

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In May, Carnival Cruise Line announced that it would resume services from Galveston beginning August 1. Galveston would be just one of three ports nationwide resuming service, including Miami and Port Canaveral in Florida. But that was May, and as the travel industry is besieged by the onslaught of COVID-19, Carnival announced on June 22 that it would cancel all North American travel through September 30. “During this unprecedented pause in our business, we have… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/2NkG8qn from WordPress https://ift.tt/2CwFDrf