Texas is home to America's fastest-growing large counties, per an Axios analysis of the latest census data.

Why it matters: This zoomed-in view offers a close look at population change within individual states — for instance, there's huge growth around Texas' major cities, but many of its rural counties are shrinking.

By the numbers: Kaufman County (35.2% more people in 2019–2023 compared to 2014–2018), Comal County (+29.2%) and Hays County (+25.6%) — all in Texas — are the country's fastest-growing counties with more than 100,000 residents, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2019–2023 five-year American Community Survey.

• Bexar County's population grew 5.8% from 2014–2018 to 2019–2023. Kendall County grew 11.9% and Guadalupe County 15% in the same time frame.

The big picture: Between 2023 and 2024, Texas had the largest numeric increase in new residents, adding nearly 563,000 people, per a separate Census Bureau release. The state's total population was more than 31 million last year.

• Texas also saw the highest natural increase in population, meaning births outnumbered deaths in the state.

Between the lines: Although many Americans move domestically in search of better jobs, lower costs and so on, migration from outside the country is the main driver of national population growth.

• Texas ranked No. 3 in the nation last year for largest migration gains from people moving into and out of the U.S.
• Migration "accounted for 84% of the nation's 3.3 million increase in population between 2023 and 2024," the Census Bureau said in a recent write-up.
• "This reflects a continued trend of rising international migration, with a net increase of 1.7 million in 2022 and 2.3 million in 2023."

What's next: Population trends could be affected by President-elect Trump's plan to deport millions of people.

A new Texas law that took effect Wednesday says non-commercial vehicles don't need a safety inspection for their registration.

Why it matters: Bexar County drivers are starting the new year with one less bureaucratic requirement.

State of play: Under the new law, gas-powered, non-commercial vehicles between two and 24 model years old will no longer have to go through a safety inspection as part of the registration renewal process.

• Commercial vehicles in Texas are still required to pass a safety inspection.

Yes, but: Some counties still require an emissions test. But Bexar County won't begin those inspections until Nov. 1, 2026.

How it works: A typical passenger vehicle emits around 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Emissions vary by the type of fuel, fuel economy and the number of miles driven each year.

• Emissions testing ensures that cars aren't emitting more pollutants than the allowed amount.

The big picture: Over 21 million cars in Texas were powered by gasoline in 2023, per the U.S. Department of Energy.

• Another 2.3 million cars were powered by flex fuel, which contains ethanol and gasoline.
• Around 230,000 electric vehicles were registered in the state.

The upshot: An emissions test typically takes less time than a full safety inspection.

How emissions tests work

❌ Vaping in public spaces is now banned in San Antonio under a new city ordinance that took effect Wednesday. The fine for a first offense is $200. (Express-News 🔒)

🏙️ A developer plans to turn a historic downtown site known as the Loan and Trust building into a multi-story restaurant on Commerce Street. (SA Business Journal 🔒)

☹️ San Antonio's first La Madeleine location on Broadway has closed after 32 years in business. (MySA)

🍷 A new wine bar with an on-site playground, Copper Rose Wine & Market, opens today in Beacon Hill. (SA Current)

New Year's Day has come and gone, but some of us still have dried out Christmas trees dropping needles in our living rooms (oops).

Yes, but: You can still ditch that decaying tree for free through the middle of this month, courtesy of the city's Solid Waste Management Department.

How it works: Starting tomorrow through Jan. 15, you can drop off your undecorated, unbagged tree for free at four sites.

• Smaller trees can go in the green organic carts during normal weekly collection.

Here's where to take your tree. Collection times are 8am-5pm Tuesday to Friday and 8am-noon Saturday, except at the Bitters Brush Recycling Center.

• Culebra Road Drop-Off Center: 7030 Culebra Road
• Frio City Road Drop-Off Center: 1531 Frio City Road
• Rigsby Road Bulky Drop-Off Center: 2755 Rigsby Road
• Bitters Brush Recycling Center: 1800 Wurzbach Parkway, which will collect trees 8am-5pm Monday through Saturday.

What's next: In mid-January, head to the Bitters Brush center to get free mulch made from the trees while supplies last.

Friday

🎨 Sip and paint at Big Easy Arcade, where $40 gets you painting supplies, instructions, a glass of wine and a charcuterie board.

• Arrive by 6pm for the 7pm painting session.

🧠 Head downtown for free trivia and the chance to win prizes at Rathskeller Bar, 7-10pm.

Saturday

🧘 Relieve the holiday stress with a sound healing class at the San Antonio Museum of Art, 9-10am. Bring your own yoga mat.

• Tickets cost $10. Museum members get in free.

💎 Explore and learn about a rock and fossil collection at the Urban Ecology Center at Phil Hardberger Park, 9am-4pm.

• There will be an 11am presentation with light refreshments.

Sunday

🤠 Enjoy free admission to the Briscoe Western Art Museum for Bexar County residents, 10am-5pm.

• Register online ahead of time.

🎶 Jam to a free show from The Happy Out at The Cottage Irish Pub, 5-8pm.