Austin's Christmas Tree Recycling Program: Drop-offs and Curbside Collection
The city of Austin's annual program offers Zilker Park drop-offs and curbside collection for recycling Christmas trees into mulch or compost.
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Austin recovers $34.7M in disaster funds tied to COVID-19 and storms
The federal government reimbursed the city of Austin for disaster-related expenses tied to COVID-19, winter storms Uri and Mara, and the 2015 floods.
Texas' Favorite Christmas Cookie: Haystacks, Study Finds
A recent study reveals Texas' most-searched Christmas cookie is haystacks, with varying preferences across all 50 states.
Austin police seek help to find missing 78-year-old Leslie King
Austin police seek help finding 78-year-old Leslie King, last seen on Webberville Road in a red shirt and black pants; call 911.
City of Austin trash pickup schedule for Christmas and New Year’s
Austin will close offices Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1. See trash pickup changes, utility payment options, and which parks and pools stay open.
H-E-B Yogurt Recall: FDA Warns of Undeclared Almond Allergy Risk
H-E-B has recalled a dairy-free yogurt sold in Texas due to an undeclared almond allergen. Here's which product is affected and what to do.
Christmas 2025 restaurants: See what's open and closed
See which chains are open or closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2025, with hours for Applebee's, Chick-fil-A, McDonald's and more.
Smokey Mo’s BBQ Denies Rat Allegations, Disputes Lawsuit Claims
Smokey Mo’s BBQ refutes a former employee’s lawsuit alleging rodent activity at its Round Rock and Liberty Hill locations, citing pest control reports and records.
Texas Christmas alcohol sales: See what's open, closed
Liquor stores are closed, but beer and wine start at 7 a.m.; bars and restaurants face noon limits—see Texas Christmas alcohol rules and hours.
Texas Football Players Surprise Austin Hospital Patients with Holiday Visit
Arch Manning, Daylan McCutcheon, Ryan Wingo and Emmett Mosley visited young patients at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center.
Airbnb Enhances Anti-Party Measures for New Year's Eve
Airbnb is deploying anti-party screening technology for New Year's Eve stays, flagging high-risk bookings based on factors like trip length and distance from the guest's home.
Winter solstice 2025: When winter starts and what it means for Austin
The winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year — but in Central Texas, winter doesn’t always look the way you’d expect.
Texas politics: See the gifts power players got in 2025
From a speakership shake-up to polls and pardons, explore the gifts Texas political figures received in 2025’s holiday roundup.
Austin Grandmother Seeks Help for Car Repairs and Holiday Magic
Gloria Villeda, a 72-year-old Austin grandmother raising her 11-year-old grandson, seeks car repairs and holiday support through the Statesman's Season for Caring program.
Austin city memo details $5.28M in social service contract cuts
Austin city memo details social services cuts; nonprofits say they were blindsided and are scrambling to adjust with weeks' notice
Austin police officer suspended over excessive force
Officer Joseph Spees, an 11-year APD veteran, was suspended for excessive force after injuring an intoxicated woman during a December 2024 arrest.
Gen X, Millennials Drive Texas Migration Boom, Dallas-Fort Worth Leads
New migration data reveals why Texas remains a top destination, which metropolitan areas are growing fastest, and where Texans are relocating next.
Travis County deputies seek missing woman with impairment
Guadalupe Atonal-Hernandez, 25, was last seen around midnight Dec. 15 on Overstreet Circle; she speaks only Spanish. If seen, call 911.
Is it legal to record a conversation in Texas? What the law says
Learn Texas one-party consent rules, cross-state calls and workplace limits so you know when recording a conversation is legal.
Holiday celebrations in Austin: see the best Statesman photos
See photos from holiday events across Austin from the Trail of the Lights to the 'Elf' Pub Run