Mexican fast casual eatery Taco Palenque has opened the doors to a new location in South Austin.

What to know: The eatery’s menu features classics including tacos, burritos and quesadillas to soups, plates, panchos and parilladas. The company operates over 45 locations across Texas, as stated on its website.

• 9225 S. I-35 Frontage Road, Austin

Austin and Travis County residents can get rid of their Christmas trees for free through public recycling opportunities starting Dec. 26.

What residents need to know: Austin Resource Recovery curbside customers can leave their trees out for composting collection, and residents have several opportunities to leave their trees at city and county drop-off sites in December and January.

All trees gathered will be turned into compost or mulch. Austin will make tree mulch available for free on a first-come, first-served basis Jan. 8. Free drop-off sites will be open from 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Dec. 26-Jan. 11 at several Travis County facilities. 

Also of note: Austinites can also drop their own trees off in person at Zilker Park. Tree recycling events will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 28 and Jan. 3.

Residents can also recycle their non-functional holiday lights at Austin's Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center, located at 2514 Business Center Drive, Austin, or at county drop-off locations.  

From an overruled road bond to a proposal to fund new development with certificates of obligation, check out five of the top bond-related stories of 2025 for the Hays County area, which includes San Marcos, Kyle, Buda and Dripping Springs.

1. Hays County signals intent to fund overturned bond projects through tax rate increase: Hays County residents may see an increase to their property taxes as the county works to find alternative funds for 30 road projects, defunded after a Travis County Court case overturned a 2024 road bond election.

2. Road bond hits roadblock: A $440 million Hays County road bond was at a standstill after a Travis County judge ruled it void due to procedural violations by Hays County related to public notice.

3. $100M certificate of obligation bond makes headway in Hays County: Residents may soon see new and updated county facilities, including administrative buildings, precinct offices and animal shelters.