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🌱 Patch AM: What the new Travis County burn ban means for your fireworks

Spotted on the Austin calendar: Buzzkill Comedy: New Year's Eve!

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Tuesday December 30th Patch AM
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Hi there, Austin! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What the new Travis County burn ban means for your fireworks
  • Why Austin’s East Sixth Street revamp is leaving out bike lanes
  • Thinking about EMS work? See how Austin training just got cheaper.

Also on today's calendar: Buzzkill Comedy: New Year's Eve! and 6 more events.

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

Today's riddle: The world champion tongue twister just got arrested! 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high of 57 and low of 37 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, temps: high: 67, low: 45.
  • Thursday: Times of sun and clouds, with a high of 71 and low of 56 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Burn ban issued in Travis County as New Year's Eve approaches (kvue.com) — A new burn ban is now in effect for unincorporated Travis County through Jan. 6, 2026, and officials are urging residents not to shoot off their own fireworks. Within Austin city limits, selling or using most fireworks remains illegal, though sparklers, smoke devices, and small noisemakers are allowed. Violations can bring fines up to $2,000, so plan New Year’s celebrations carefully.
   

2. Austin's Sixth Street makeover plan sparks debate over bike lanes (cbsaustin.com) — Austin is moving forward with a major redesign of East Sixth Street between Congress Avenue and I-35, choosing a plan that skips bike lanes to prioritize vehicle, delivery, and pedestrian space. Local businesses and bike advocates are pushing back, arguing protected lanes would improve safety and access for workers and customers while the city waits on funding to start construction.
   

3. Austin-Travis County EMS sees record amount of applicants (kxan.com) — Austin-Travis County EMS is seeing record interest from applicants as it works to fill about 100 vacancies, while Austin Community College and private provider Acadian expand EMT training options. New state grants will also boost rural ambulance services, and some recent high school graduates can get free EMT tuition through ACC. If you’ve considered EMS work, 2026 brings more affordable local pathways.
   

4. Only in Texas: I-35 Austin Dashcam Video Leaves Drivers Shaking Their Heads (1025kiss.com) — A viral dashcam clip from I-35 in Austin shows a driver casually merging underneath a semi-truck hauling huge concrete beams, somehow without causing a crash or injuries. The video has Texans buzzing and serves as a pointed reminder to give trucks space and avoid stunt-like maneuvers on already chaotic Central Texas highways.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • LOST FEMALE BLACK CAT FROM OAKVILLE APARTMENTS
    Off Dallas Drive and Parmer Ln Hi neighbors! Just wanted to share that my best friend and chunky cuddle buddy went missing Friday some time (12/26)… (Nextdoor Rattan Creek)
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    Lost pet owners Scammer under the name kaceymiller@gmail.com The scammer messaged us saying he had our lost pet. He wouldn’t provide a photo but… (Nextdoor Bellingham Meadows)
  • Lifetime Fitness - Life Time, Inc. posted a job opening for Kids Event Team Member in Austin. Apply here.
  • Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits posted a job opening for Stocker (Austin, TX) 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 hear they’re giving him a really tough sentence.
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