Austinites celebrated the New Year by participating in the Polar Bear Plunge at Barton Springs, attended by local officials and residents who braved the water's chilly temperatures.

Leander urges water conservation due to treatment plant shutdown, enforcing Phase 4 restrictions, including a ban on outdoor watering and potential fines.

CapMetro offers free transit on New Year's Eve in Austin to promote safe celebrations, with extended rail service and rerouted buses due to fireworks events.

TDEM activates additional wildfire resources in response to increased risk in Texas, deploying firefighters, equipment, and aircraft to support local efforts.

CBS Austin and WUOT remember President Jimmy Carter as an "international hero" and detail his commitment to democracy, transparency, peace, and post-presidential humanitarian work.

Austin City Council approves $1.7 million for street lighting upgrades in crash-prone areas, set to start early 2025, aimed at enhancing safety for pedestrians and drivers.

Travis County is developing a 60,000-square-foot visitor center for the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, scheduled to begin construction in 2025 and open in 2027, featuring interactive exhibits and accessible trails.

Hays CISD is considering a partnership with Upward Communities to offer affordable housing options to educators, with rent capped at $2,000 a month for four-bedroom homes.

Residents in Liberty Hill, Texas, are advocating for reduced speed limits on SH 29 near the high school, citing safety concerns after recent traffic accidents, including a fatal one.

Fort Worth has surpassed Austin to become the fifth-largest city in Texas, with a population near one million, whereas Austin's growth has slowed down.

An injured bald eagle is receiving care at Austin Wildlife Rescue in Texas after being found with a broken wing. The recovery process is underway, coinciding with the eagle's elevated symbolism due to recent legislation.

Select Austin stores like CVS, Starbucks, and Walgreens will be open on Christmas Day with varying hours, while most grocery stores like Aldi, Costco, and Trader Joe's will be closed. Dollar General and convenience stores will also be open.

NORAD volunteers annually track Santa Claus's Christmas Eve journey, a tradition emerging from a 1955 incident where a child's call to Santa was misdirected to a defense command. Now millions follow Santa's progress online or call for updates.