Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How AI data centers could hike your Austin power and water bills

Also, don't miss Slide in the DMs: A Comedy Show on the Austin Patch calendar

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Friday January 2nd Patch AM
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Good morning Austin! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How AI data centers could hike your Austin power and water bills
  • How Austin’s venue workers can get new mental health support now
  • Will 183’s new express lanes actually ease Austin’s rush-hour gridlock?

Also on today's calendar: Slide in the DMs: A Comedy Show and 7 more events.

Find out what's happening in Austinfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: I quit my job as a banker. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Austinfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Friday: Sunny and warmer, with a high of 87 and low of 57 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: Plenty of sunshine, temps: high: 73, low: 50.
  • Sunday: Warm with plenty of sun, with a high of 74 and low of 53 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. AI boom could put pressure on Austin's power and water systems, report says (statesman.com) — Austin leaders are warning that the rapid growth of AI-driven data centers could strain Austin Energy’s grid, increase utility costs, and pressure Austin Water unless new projects are tightly managed. A new city report outlines limits on large power users, stricter water-cooling rules for data centers, expanded digital literacy programs, and safeguards to prevent AI from displacing city workers without consultation.
   

2. Austin music venue workers find new support amid loss of ACA subsidies (kxan.com) — Austin music venue workers now have expanded access to mental health and recovery services through the SIMS Foundation’s new Dick Chalmers Music Venue Program, just as federal ACA subsidies expire. The initiative supports employees at venues across the city who often lack insurance, helping them afford care while they keep Austin’s live music scene running strong in 2026.
   

3. Drivers react to opening of new express lanes on US 183, rise in tolls now in effect (kvue.com) — If you drive U.S. 183 in Austin, expect changes: two new northbound express lanes open Friday and tolls are slightly increasing across the system in 2026. The lanes, part of CTRMA’s North Mobility Project, run from Burnet Road toward Cedar Park and aim to ease chronic congestion, though some longtime Austinites worry about rising costs and fewer free options.
   

4. Apple Reportedly Plans to Skip the Standard iPhone 18 Launch This Year (technobezz.com) — Samsung is gearing up to produce next‑generation iPhone camera sensors at its Austin plant, signaling more high‑tech manufacturing and hiring in the city tied directly to Apple. The broader report explains Apple’s reshuffled iPhone 18 launch schedule and details on a forthcoming foldable iPhone, but the Austin facility’s expanded role could mean more local jobs and investment.
   

5. Petroleum Theft Task Force Convenes (pboilandgasmagazine.com) — A new state task force on petroleum theft has begun meeting at the Railroad Commission’s Austin headquarters, bringing together law enforcement and energy industry leaders from across Texas. Members are reviewing laws, economic impacts, and data gaps to craft recommendations for lawmakers and the governor. Their work could influence future enforcement, training, and regulations affecting Texas’ energy sector.
   

📸 Around Austin

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Austin

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📣 Austin Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Friday January 2
  • Luminations
    Wildflower Center , 4801 La Crosse Ave. , Austin
    5:45 pm
  • Get Tickets
    900 Barton Springs Rd , Austin
    7:00 pm
    • Saturday January 3
  • Full Moon January Celebration: Release & Renewal
    Westlake Chamber of Commerce , 320 S. Capital of Texas Hwy, Building B , Austin
    10:00 am
  • New Years' Wiggle Wormania!
    Wells Branch Community Library , 15001 Wells Port Drive , Austin
    10:30 am

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Austin PatchAM possible:

  • Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
    Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!
  • The Steam Team — (512) 451-8326
    Austin’s trusted experts in water, fire and mold restoration
  • K&M Steam Cleaning — (512) 836-8900
    Carpet Cleaning in Austin, Texas

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Today is a great day to think about all the blessings you have before the New Year starts.
    Are there people in your life you need to thank for always being there for you? Family and friends you need to tell how much you love and appreciate… (Nextdoor Gallant Fox)
  • I have been informed that my dog may have been TAKEN, and I need to make this very clear.
    This dog BELONGS TO ME! He was not abandoned, not rehomed, and not unwanted. The irresponsible and negligent administration at my apartment building… (Nextdoor Arboretum)
  • Unifi Aviation, LLC posted a job opening for Airport Ramp Agent (Alaska) - AUS in Austin. Apply here.
  • HEB posted a job opening for Austin 20 (Parmer/McNeil) Grocery - Overnight Stocker - Part-Time in Austin. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Austin here.

Ok Austin! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I just lost interest.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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