Austin, TX

Judge upholds Austin ordinance decriminalizing pot

Published

2 years ago

June 13, 2024

Judge upholds Austin ordinance decriminalizing pot

AUSTIN, Texas (The Texas Tribune) – A Travis County judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed against Austin over its 2022 voter-approved ordinance decriminalizing marijuana possession.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed the suit in January, alleging Austin was violating state law and promoting “the use of illicit drugs that harm our communities.” He filed similar suits against San Marcos, Killeen, Denton and Elgin, which also decriminalized pot.

Austin voters approved a proposition in May 2022 to allow the possession of 4 ounces or less of marijuana. Police already weren’t arresting people for low-level possession, in part because it was difficult to differentiate marijuana from hemp, which was legalized in 2019.

A similar effort to decriminalize pot is now underway in Dallas. The moves have been led by Ground Game Texas, a nonprofit that promotes voter engagement.

Amy Kamp, a spokesperson for Ground Game Texas, said the ruling sets an important precedent for judges in the other cases.

“This is an exciting and important victory for marijuana reform policy in Austin,” Kamp said. “We are grateful the city argued the case so well and grateful the judge saw this lawsuit doesn’t have merit.”

This story is developing. Check back for updates.

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Austin, TX

Rare ‘albino’ bluebonnets discovered in Central Texas state park

Published

24 minutes ago

April 5, 2026

Press Room

Rare ‘albino’ bluebonnets discovered in Central Texas state park

AUSTIN (KXAN) — “Albino” bluebonnets were spotted Friday at Inks Lake State Park in Burnet.

Inks Lake said park rangers found the unique bluebonnets beside the park’s headquarters.

Bluebonnets, or Lupinus texensis, in the U.S. are found in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Florida. The species is one of the six Lupinus species that are collectively designated the State Flower of Texas, according to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Inks Lake Park Rangers Sam and Caleb with “albino” bluebonnets found in Burnet (Inks Lake State Park photo)
“Albino” Bluebonnets found at Texas state park in Burnet (Inks Lake State Park photo)

“This rare variation is the result of a recessive gene that must be carried by both parent plants, so it’s pretty cool to see,” the park said.

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Austin, TX

Texas Relays draws in top athletes to Austin

Published

12 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Press Room

Texas Relays draws in top athletes to Austin

Hemp Rules Tighten – Texas regulators have officially banned intoxicating hemp flower, a move supporters say closes a loophole but critics warn could cripple a billion‑dollar industry. Adam Schwager looks at how retailers are scrambling to adjust, what products remain legal, and why some business owners believe the change will push buyers back toward the illicit market.

State Backs Psychedelic Research – Texas is investing $50 million into clinical trials for ibogaine, a powerful psychedelic some veterans say helped them overcome PTSD and addiction. Dylan McKim examines why the research plan hit a roadblock with private partners, the state’s decision to fully fund the studies, and questions about how much more Texas may need to spend to pursue FDA approval.

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Austin, TX

Austin weather: Storms, gusty winds expected across Central Texas as cold front moves in

Published

1 day ago

April 4, 2026

Press Room

Austin weather: Storms, gusty winds expected across Central Texas as cold front moves in

Austin weather: Saturday, April 4, 2026

Storms will make their way into Central Texas Saturday afternoon. Some have the chance to turn severe with gusty winds and the chance of flooding. FOX 7 meteorologist Adaleigh Rowe has the details.

AUSTIN, Texas – A cold front moving through Central Texas is expected to bring scattered storms, gusty winds, and a sharp drop in temperatures Saturday, with conditions improving by Easter Sunday.

Austin Saturday Forecast

The primary threats include wind gusts between 40 and 60 mph and the potential for localized flooding.

The approaching cold front is expected to intensify storms as they move eastward late Saturday morning into the afternoon. Residents are advised to remain weather-aware during this period.

Temperatures, which started in the low 70s Saturday morning, are forecast to drop throughout the day, falling into the 50s and 60s by late afternoon. Strong northerly winds, with gusts up to 30 mph, will continue into Sunday.

Easter Sunday forecast

By Saturday evening, rain chances are expected to diminish, leading to a mostly dry but cloudy and breezy Easter Sunday. Morning temperatures will begin in the 50s, with afternoon highs only reaching the 60s.