Austin American-Statesman

With the start of Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, at sundown Friday, some Central Texas parents are facing what they call "The December Dilemma." Full Story »

Authorities trying to determine how a convicted child rapist used a smuggled pistol to escape from prison two weeks ago are investigating whether a trip to a hospital by the convict the night before may have figured in the breakout plan. Full Story »

Representatives of the Austin Firefighters Association and the city said Friday that the ratification by firefighters of a new three-year contract held tremendous promise for the future of Full Story »

If you can spare a few moments for stargazing this weekend — and the weather cooperates — Sunday night will probably be your lucky night. That's when the year's brightest meteor shower is expected to show off. Full Story »

A photo caption on Friday's Page B1 misidentified a woman who attended a meeting of the board of Central Health. The woman pictured is Cynthia Umstattd, not Angela Harger. Full Story »

Before its largest crowd ever, the board of Central Health, formerly called the Travis County Healthcare District, unanimously approved contracts Thursday night to continue providing abortions for low-income women. Full Story »

The Austin City Council on Thursday ordered a review of rules on granting historic landmark status to homes — and the tax breaks that come with that designation — amid concerns from some council members that a rush of new historic zoning cases could undermine the city's tax base. Full Story »

Several months after city officials stopped pumping fire engines with environmentally sensitive biodiesel, problems might still be lingering among Austin firetrucks, according to e-mails obtained this week. Full Story »

Austin's Parks and Recreation Department is considering allowing cell phone service companies to build cell towers in city parks. Full Story »

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For more than 30 years, Austin's Medical Assistance Program, which provides low-income residents with a range of subsidized health care services, has survived budget cuts, political controversy and shifting public priorities. It may be the only program in the country that spends local tax dollars for services that include abortion and emergency contraception. Full Story »

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After suddenly losing its executive director this year under a cloud of confusion, the Austin Symphony Orchestra announced Thursday that it is hiring one of its own for the top management position. Full Story »

Have you seen that picture of the world's littlest Longhorn? Full Story »

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City of Pflugerville finance staff members raised red flags about rising costs of a detention pond project a year ago, but the former city engineer told them the project was within budget. The city engineer at the time met with the engineering firm building the pond at bars and over lunch to discuss the project, unknown to other staffers. And that firm had an open-ended contract with the city. Full Story »

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When the Austin City Council decided in 2006 to limit the sizes of new or renovated houses in the central city, council members said they wanted to preserve the character of older neighborhoods. Full Story »

The Austin City Council is poised today to give the Austin Revitalization Authority $110,000 in operating money over the next nine months, even though a recent audit said the redevelopment agency needs to find other sources of income. Full Story »

Capital Metro, embroiled in a contract and insurance dispute with rail contractor Veolia Transportation, on Wednesday cancelled its five-year contract with the company to operate freight and passenger rail. Full Story »

A 40-year-old Austin man responded to a child's prank by pointing a semi-automatic assault rifle at the head of a 12-year-old boy, according to arrest affidavits filed in Williamson County. Full Story »

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Whether teaching in the Peace Corps or pulling together a series of virtual college campuses in cyberspace as a faculty development specialist at the University of Texas, Leslie Jarmon was all about people and communicating with them. Full Story »

In an effort it says will protect the endangered whopping crane, an alliance of Gulf Coast environmental and business groups, led by a prominent South Texas family, announced Tuesday that it will sue Texas' environmental agency over its water management. Full Story »

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