Editor's note: It's time to look back at the hottest Houston headlines of the week. We begin with a big change to car registration in 2025, followed by two sudden restaurant closures, plus our favorite new restaurants of the year. Get the details below, then find some fun things to do to wrap up 2024 here.
1. What to know about the new emission inspection to register your car in Texas. It's true: as of January 1, 2025, Texas vehicle owners will no longer need to obtain a safety inspection prior to vehicle registration. However, a new emissions inspection will come into play in 17 Texas counties.
2. Downtown Italian restaurant and Upper Kirby wine bar suddenly close. The end of the year always brings a surprise closure or two, and this year it was Sambuca and Cru Wine Bar.
3. Houston neighbor shines on new 2025 list of safest American cities. One of America's safest cities is in our own backyard: Pearland ranks No. 13 on this new list.
4. Our 12 favorite new restaurants to open in Houston this year. 2024 was an incredible year for Houston dining, and these 12 new establishments come out on top as our favorites among all newcomers.
Bar Bludorn is one of our favorite newcomers this year.
Photo by Claudia Casbarian
5. Bird flu is hitting Texas, especially in Houston and Galveston areas. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the National Veterinary Services Laboratories has confirmed the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in multiple locations, with the most recent detections found in Wharton, Galveston, and Harris counties.
Transitional themes, neutral stone countertops, wood details, and sleek finishes are in this year. Photo by Joshua Caldwell / PureHaven Homes, Clayton Vance Architecture