Looking Ahead

Jan. 5

Residents of Mumbai, India, can resume using firecrackers today when the city’s annual temporary ban on noise pollution expires. Every year, Mumbai city officials ban firecrackers or other noisemakers that can reach more than 105 decibels in otherwise cacophonous New Year’s celebrations in the city.

Jan. 6

Unless a federal court intervenes, gay couples in Florida will be able to obtain marriage licenses beginning today. In 2014, a federal district court judge ruled Florida’s ban on gay marriage unconstitutional but also issued a stay on the order that is set to expire Jan. 5. State officials seeking to preserve Florida’s marriage law have petitioned the Supreme Court for another stay while Florida prepares an appeal.

Jan. 7

Judges for the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans will hear oral arguments challenging Texas’ far-reaching 2014 pro-life law. Abortion advocates are challenging provisions in the law that require abortionists to have admitting privileges at a local hospital as well as a requirement that abortion clinics meet the same standards required of ambulatory surgical clinics.

Jan. 8

The state of Pennsylvania will put to death convicted murderer and former rapper Christopher Roney for the murder of a police officer during a botched bank robbery in 1996. If the execution goes through, Roney, who rapped under the alias Cool C, will be the first convict put to death in the Keystone State since 1999.

Jan. 11

Sony plans to debut the PlayStation 4 gaming console in China. The electronics giant follows Microsoft, which unveiled its Xbox One in China last year. Like Microsoft, Sony is hoping to capture part of China’s burgeoning consumer electronics market.