Hottest Headlines

These are the 10 hottest Austin stories of 2016

Editor's note: From Matthew McConaughey's newest gig to booming city news, these are the 10 most popular CultureMap stories of 2016.

1. The complete list of ride-sharing companies available in Austin right now. Uber and Lyft are out of Austin, but these ride-sharing companies will get you around town.

2. Forbes boldly declares Austin America's next boomtown. Texas is the land of opportunity, and Austin is leading the charge.

3. Matthew McConaughey returns to UT to teach once-in-a-lifetime class. Alright, alright, alright. The University of Texas introduced a surprising instructor for fall 2016. Meet Professor McConaughey.

4. This hidden retreat is quite possibly the coolest house in Austin. Almost completely hidden from view sits a one-of-a-kind property that has received international attention for its unbelievable design.

5. Say goodbye to this iconic Austin restaurant space as it faces demolition. Months after it was heavily damaged in a fire, EZ’s Brick Oven & Grill on North Lamar Boulevard was prepped for demolition.

6. 10 best Austin dive restaurants for damn good food at a good price. We took a look at the beloved dives of Austin that have a strong following of loyal customers and an unassuming neighborhood charm.

7. A massive number of Austinites are ditching the city, shows new report. It seems like everyone wants to live in Austin, but does everyone want to stay? According to this report, Austin is losing residents at a staggering rate.

8. New Steampunk Saloon on West Sixth Street is causing quite a stir. The Victorian-esque bar, which took over the Opal Divine's on Sixth Street, had folks buzzing about its unique aesthetic.

9. Dallas' best pizza restaurant hits Austin and snaps up notable space. Cane Rosso, an authentic Neapolitan-style pizzeria chain from Dallas, opened its first Austin branch in the building that was previously home to St. Philip.

10. South Austin's newest restaurant and bar opens in stunning fashion. Eberly, the highly anticipated South Lamar restaurant and bar from the former co-owners of Stubb's, opened in October. At first glance, the industrial building looks stark, but walking in reveals a stunning space full of warmth and charm.

Cane Rosso and Cow Tipping Creamery took over the old St. Philip space.

The Bruno pizza at Cane Rosso in Fairview

Cane Rosso Fairview/Facebook

Cane Rosso and Cow Tipping Creamery took over the old St. Philip space.

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Weed News

Texas Rep. Jessica González of Dallas files bill protecting cannabis

Redheaded Blackbelt

Let's make it legal.

Texas Rep. Jessica González of Dallas has filed a bill to legalize recreational marijuana in Texas. House Bill 1208 would legalize the cultivation, manufacturing, transportation, and sale of cannabis.

The bill would allow adults 21 and older to use, possess, and transport up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis for personal use. Adults could also keep up to 10 ounces of cannabis in their residence, as long as it is stored in a secure location.

Smoking or consuming cannabis while in a public place or in a car on a public road would not be allowed.

Gonzalez filed the bill in mid-November, one in a suite of bills that also included expanding insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization for LGBTQ couples; and requiring landlords to disclose all fees before a rental lease is signed.

Her bill was filed prior to an initiative launched by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on December 4 to ban THC products in Texas entirely.

In addition to legalizing recreational use, the bill also makes provisions for its production and sale including requiring that the packaging be child-resistant and clearly labeled, so that it's not confused for candy.

Businesses looking to grow, transport, test, or sell cannabis would need to be licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. A 10 percent tax would be imposed on the sale of all cannabis and cannabis products. Some of the profits would go towards funding public schools.

If passed, the bill would take effect on September 1, 2025.

Medical cannabis is currently legal in Texas under the Texas Compassionate Use Program, which allows low-THC cannabis to be prescribed for conditions such as epilepsy, MS, autism, cancer, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Some cities have also approved decriminalization for the possession of four ounces or less of marijuana, including Austin, Bastrop, Dallas, Denton, Elgin, Killeen, and Lockhart.

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