Not subscribed to local news but still want to stay up-to-date on the happenings around town? Look no further. Highlighting notable stories from external San Antonio news sources, State of the City summarizes the most captivating news headlines of the week. This week’s topics range from the paused smokeable hemp ban, old city structures uncovered by archeologists and a tax preparer being convicted.
Judge pauses smokeable hemp ban
Texas’ latest hemp ban went into effect on March 31. However, Judge Maya Guerra Gamble of the 459th District Court temporarily halted the ban. The state rule banned natural flower hemp products. The new rule is in line with Gov. Greg Abbott’s Executive Order GA-56 from September 2025. Guerra Gamble’s ruling comes after numerous hemp businesses suing the state on their attempts to limit THC products. The pause is supposed to last two weeks until the injunction hearing.
Historic city structures uncovered near ballpark
Construction for a new minor-league baseball stadium has broken ground and uncovered foundational remnants. The foundation remnants of two residences were discovered. One of the residences discovered by archeologists belonged to Colonel Samuel Galitzin Newton, a former San Antonio mayor. A portion of the San Pedro acequia system was also uncovered. The acequina is an irrigation ditch. As reported by Express-News, the discoveries will potentially lead to new historic sites.
Tax preparer convicted for filing false returns
Natasha Sheree Banks Brown, who runs a tax preparation business, is being convicted on 11 counts of filing false tax returns. She used fraudulent deductions from clients’ tax filings and put the money from the returns into her bank account. Authorities looked into Brown’s business, Tasha’s Total Tax Service, in December 2020. Investigators found that Brown included fraudulent deductions and credits, increasing her clients’ tax refunds. U.S. District Judge David Ezra is set to sentence Brown on July 13.
