A state appeals court is dismissing Attorney General Ken Paxton's challenge to a curfew imposed on businesses in Austin and Travis County over New Year's weekend. The pandemic-related measure was only in place for one night before the Texas Supreme Court blocked it. An Austin-based court ruled Thursday that the issue is moot and there's nothing to settle. The sole Republican of the court dissented, saying the question of local defiance of state orders is still a live issue. Paxton had hoped the court would rule that Gov. Greg Abbott had the power to block local officials from adopting stricter anti-pandemic measures.
Photo: Getty Images