Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing Denton and four other cities over their policies to decriminalize marijuana.

Details: The suit alleges municipalities don't have the authority to do so under state law, the AG's office announced Wednesday.

• Denton officials tell Axios they are aware of the lawsuit but have not yet filed a response.

Why it matters: The news represents the Republican-led state's latest attempt to roll back Democratic cities' home rule authority.

• The state legislature passed a law to prevent district attorneys from not prosecuting certain crimes, such as low-level drug offenses, as well as one to limit local regulations on businesses.

Catch up fast: Denton voters overwhelmingly approved an ordinance to decriminalize low-level marijuana offenses in 2022, which boasted the largest turnout for a municipal election.

But, but, but: It is not actually being enforced yet, following city council fears that Denton would face litigation.

• In June, the council voted not to adopt the ordinance despite voter passage, per WFAA.

The latest: The AG's lawsuit, which also targets Austin, San Marcos, Killeen and Elgin, seeks an injunction to force Denton to repeal the ordinance.

• The suit states that municipalities cannot implement ordinances that contradict the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure or counter state law.

The big picture: More than half of Americans live in states where marijuana is legal for recreational use.

• 38 states have legalized medical marijuana usage, but Texas is not one of them.
• The state does have a compassionate use program for low-THC use in some situations.

What we're watching: Nonprofit advocacy group Ground Game Texas is collecting signatures in Dallas to push a similar marijuana decriminalization ordinance.

What they're saying...

The Washington football team formerly known as the Washington Football Team has reportedly hired Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn as its head coach.

Driving the news: The Associated Press reported Quinn's hiring yesterday, citing two people with knowledge of the agreement.

• The team hasn't publicly announced the hiring, despite several days of speculation in the media and among NFL fans.

Why it matters: The backwards-hat-wearing coach has been a staple of the team's regular-season success over the last three years.

• Some fans and commentators have hoped that Quinn might replace Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy.

Details: Quinn became the Cowboys' defensive coordinator in 2021, and after making Dallas' defense one of the best in the league, he's been a candidate for several head coaching jobs around the league.

Flashback: Quinn is "real chill," Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs told Axios in 2022.

• "He just knows the vibe, the energy, the atmosphere. We just want to play hard for him."

Yes, but: The Cowboys' abysmal performance against the Packers in the wild card playoff round raised doubts about Quinn's defensive strategy.

• Linebacker Micah Parsons recently described the loss as "completely embarrassing and unacceptable."

The irony: Some Washington fans aren't happy about Quinn joining their team, despite losing badly to the Cowboys twice this past season.

What we're watching: Can the Cowboys maintain a top-tier defense without Quinn? And will he take any staff or roster with him?

Meanwhile: Future Hall of Famer Bill Belichick is reportedly looking for another coaching job after six Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots.

• He'd be a wonderful addition to this franchise's spiral of joy and agony.

The pleasant weather we've enjoyed this week is coming to an end.

Details: The National Weather Service forecasts rainy and windy conditions today and tomorrow. Some parts of North Texas could also get strong storms with hail.

The big picture: Dallas-Fort Worth got 3.2 inches of rain in January, about three-quarters of an inch more than normal for the month.

• Plus, temperatures vacillated between arctic cold and above-average warmth.

By the numbers: Tuesday's average temperature of 60.5 was nearly 13 degrees above normal. It was the hottest day of the month with a high of 77.

• Jan. 14's average temperature of 17.5 was about 28 degrees below normal. It was the second coldest day of the month with a low of 13.
• Overall, last month's average temperature was more than 3 degrees colder than normal.

Threat level: The potential for severe weather remains low so far, per the weather service's Fort Worth office.

• The highest chance of rain will be from tonight to tomorrow morning.
• Some areas east of I-35 could get over two inches of rain, with the risk of minor flooding.
• The rain is forecast to end tomorrow.

What's next: Sunday is expected to be sunny and windy, with a chance of some rain in the afternoon.

🚨 Four people were killed after a police chase that started in Irving ended in a crash in Dallas. (DMN)

💉 More than 240 Dallas-Fort Worth schools have measles vaccination rates less than 95% — the threshold the CDC identifies for community protection. (CBS11)

🗳 Democrat Colin Allred leads in polling for the March primary but lags Sen. Ted Cruz for the November general election. (FOX4)

Busy Greenville Avenue falls away inside this Italian bistro with high ceilings, cozy seating and luxurious decor.

• Pop into Via Triozzi for happy hour snacks or make a reservation for a delicious dinner. But don't miss out on its creative cocktail list.

What to order: Bella Citta — mezcal, amaro, dark rum, crème de banane, allspice, lemon and maple.

Where: Via Triozzi, 1806 Greenville Ave.

Cost: $18

Six-word review: Banana sweetness downplays mezcal smokiness nicely.

📭 Know a drink we should try? Hit reply and tell us.