Travis County reports a decrease in overdose deaths for the first time in three years, amid amplified efforts to combat substance abuse, including wider Narcan availability.

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department is inviting the community to contribute to the development of the George Washington Carver Museum through meetings and surveys.

The Minnesota AASD and DSD weekly digest outlines updates including service agreement freezes in MMIS, seeks input on EVV for caregivers, discusses the PCA to CFSS transition, and introduces a guide for working with interpreters.

Bloomington's Public Works schedules post-holiday Christmas tree collection for two weeks in January, with a $12.01 fee per tree. Trees must be decoration-free and set out by 7 a.m. Options for missed pickups are available for an additional charge.

Bloomington's third annual Winter Lights Tour offers a self-guided map of festively decorated homes, showcasing the community's spirit through an accessible online guide.

The City of Mentor has extended its yard waste collection to December 20 due to a snowstorm. After a temporary halt on December 9, collections resumed on December 9.

Mentor's annual Community Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held on December 3 at the Mentor Municipal Center. It will feature holiday music, Santa Claus, and light refreshments.

The Bonfire Unity Endowed Presidential Scholarship honors UT and Texas A&M unity after the 1999 bonfire tragedy, supporting students who serve their communities, like neuroscience student Zeeyad Anwar.

Jerry Sanders, head of the San Diego Chamber, is retiring. As of January 1, 2025, Jessica Anderson will be interim CEO while the search for a permanent leader begins.

A 17-year-old boy from Gaza, Mohammed, arrived in Sacramento for a knee replacement and recovery from a wartime injury. He was evacuated by the Palestine Children's Relief Fund and will receive care at Shriners Children's Northern California.

Denver Animal Shelter reduces pet adoption fees over the holidays to help find homes for animals, also offering alternatives like volunteering and donations for those unable to adopt.

The City of Bloomington was honored for public safety and sustainability achievements, including its Community Brain Health Services and Nine Mile Creek Corridor project.

Taylor Aubrey was honored by the Acworth city council for her Travel Marketing Professional certification obtained from the Southeast Tourism Society.