Editor’s note: It’s that time again — time to check in with our top stories. From fun New Year's events to a sad closure on South Congress, here are five articles that captured our collective attention over the past seven days.

1. Take 2024 by the horns at these 14 New Year's events in Austin. Whether you’re looking to spend New Year's Eve at home, with your family, or out and about, we’ve got you covered with 14 fun-filled events happening around the city.

2. Another South Congress domino falls with closing of 28-year-old Austin boutique. One of the longtime businesses on Austin's iconic South Congress Avenue is closing its doors after nearly 30 years. Maya Star will be shutting down early in 2024.

3. Here's the eco-friendly reason Austin's mayor was out walking a goat this week. If you think you saw Austin Mayor Kirk Watson out on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail walking a goat recently, your eyes weren’t playing tricks on you. It’s a part of the new “Goats on the Trail” program from the Trail Conservancy (TTC), and you can get involved, too.

4. New zero-proof bottle shop to kick off Austin's Dry January with taco party. A non-alcoholic bottle shop called Dear Dry Drinkery is getting "dry January" started in Austin, hosting a sober alternative to the traditional New Year’s celebration. A slightly belated party kicks the year off on January 2, 2024, and doubles as the shop's inaugural "Taco Tuesday" party.

5. New Austin concept makes over ex-Contigo space with help from top chef and original founders. MaieB Hospitality, which revolves around the achievements of Chef Michael Fojtasek's — Olamaie, Little Ola’s Biscuits, Maie Day and Gimme Burger — has shared a glimpse into what the old Contigo space may look like as Redbud Ice House, starting in spring of 2024.