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Apr 02 2026POLITICS

Legal battle heats up over Massachusetts marijuana policy change

Four cannabis entrepreneurs in Massachusetts have taken legal action to stop a potential statewide vote that would reverse recreational marijuana sales while keeping medical cannabis legal. The group, all active participants in state programs designed to right past wrongs in drug enforcement, filed

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Apr 02 2026BUSINESS

Batavia’s Jewelry Store Turns 21 with a Diamond Raffle and Trunk Show

A local jewelry shop in Batavia is throwing a party to celebrate 21 years in business—a milestone that doesn’t just mark time but also cements its place in the community. Instead of just blowing out candles, K. Hollis Jewelers is rolling out a celebration packed with estate jewelry, free snacks, and

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Mar 31 2026FINANCE

Crypto Collateral Brings New Twist to Home Loans

A big step in U. S. housing finance is happening now: a major mortgage agency is letting people use Bitcoin and other digital coins as security for buying a house. The deal works with two loans: the regular mortgage and an extra crypto‑backed loan, both managed by a partner company. The digital asse

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Mar 27 2026CRIME

Cocaine Money Mixer Now Runs Legal Weed Stores

A 42‑year‑old man who helped a Mexican drug ring move more than $300, 000 in cash is still running a chain of legal cannabis shops in Illinois. The man was caught in 2021 when delivery men, carrying grocery bags that were actually stacks of money, knocked on his door in Chicago’s Ukrainian Village.

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Mar 27 2026CRIME

Jersey City Takes Action Against Unlicensed Smoke Shops

City officials in Jersey City have taken decisive steps to curb unlicensed smoke shops that are operating without proper permits. Five businesses were shut down after a coordinated effort by the local police and federal partners, which also led to several arrests. The crackdown followed complaints f

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Mar 26 2026SCIENCE

Cannabis and Witness Accounts: What the Study Says

A new study looked at how people who smoke weed remember a crime video. The researchers used a special interview called the Sketch‑Cognitive Interview (Sketch‑CI). This method helps witnesses rebuild the scene in their mind. They wanted to see if being high when watching the video or when answering

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Mar 26 2026FINANCE

Choosing Your Retirement Paycheck: Three Simple Paths

Retirement starts with saving, but once you stop working the focus flips to living on what you’ve built. People often wonder how much they can spend, when to claim Social Security, and which accounts to tap first. No single rule fits every retiree; the right plan depends on future spending, taxes, h

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Mar 22 2026OPINION

Kids on a Quest: How One Film Shaped a Generation

The 1986 movie “Stand by Me” is more than nostalgia; it is a snapshot of a time when kids could wander freely. A father and his 12‑year‑old daughter watched it together, each child in the film matching her age. The soundtrack, filled with songs from 1959, linked both generations to the same summer m

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Mar 22 2026CRIME

Deep Ellum gets a fresh safety strategy after crime rise

Deep Ellum in Dallas has faced growing concerns about late-night safety after a noticeable uptick in violent incidents last year. Local business groups, including the Deep Ellum Foundation, spent months putting together a new safety plan to address these issues. The district, known for its mix of da

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Mar 21 2026BUSINESS

Passaic Eyes More Money From Cannabis Factory

The city of Passaic has a rule that stops shops selling weed, but it is ready to let more factories make the product. The council has signed a second letter that supports a company called Integrity One Alternative Care, which wants to build a plant inside Passaic. The firm still needs the state’s fi

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