New Massachusetts pot shop prompts officials to heighten security measures
Large crowds arrived at Salem’s Alternative Therapies Group last Saturday as it opened its doors to recreational marijuana sales. Increased security and police activity is expected in the area, yet crime incident reports obtained by MuckRock point to a history of minimal criminal activity around current medical marijuana dispensaries and future retailers.
The FCC backs down, releases emails related to Ajit Pai’s “Harlem Shake” video
Almost a year ago to the day, I filed a FOIA request with the Federal Communications Commission for emails related to the now-infamous Ajit Pai Harlem Shake video. Today, those records were finally released, revealing just how how far the agency would go to fight accountability over even the stupidest issue.
Release Notes: Admin updates to help things flow more smoothly
It was another pretty quiet week, with some continued tweaks mostly focused on the backend to help things flow more smoothly. We are looking to once again partner with Code for Boston on a hackathon this coming January.
FBI circumvents FOIA laws by claiming info about FOIA processing would result in people circumventing the law
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has been on a hot streak of terrible FOIA responses lately, and a series of heavily-redacted releases from this week shows that things are even worse when the FBI is dealing with FOIA requests about how the FBI handles FOIA requests.
Motivational posters in Massachusetts prisons offer insight into incarceration
The severe, gray, concrete walls of prison sometimes give way to unexpected bursts of color and potential moments of inspiration. The Massachusetts Department of Correction revealed some of these in a recent public records release containing photographs of several motivational posters hanging on its prison walls.
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College Cola Contract Crowdsource
★ FeaturedThe options you have at your college’s fountain machine are usually determined by a contract with one of the two big names in beverages: Coca-Cola or Pepsi. -
Exploring America's Nonconsensual Pornography Laws
★ FeaturedNonconsensual pornography (NCP) is the act of distributing pornographic images of individuals without their consent. Victims report feelings of humiliation, distress, and shame. Because of the nature of the internet, it can be difficult to completely take down victims' images, and they can be circulated years after the initial posting. -
Sunshine Spotlight: Massachusetts
★ FeaturedWe'll be shining a light on your Bay State public records struggle! Trouble getting meeting minutes from your city council? Are your local police refusing to release logs or other public information? Whatever your public records struggle, we want to hear about it! -
Secret Scandals of the Trump Administration
★ FeaturedExploring and exposing the Trump Administration’s lesser known, but no less dangerous actions.