WTJX NEWSFEED: February 23, 2026

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Released on bail! St. Thomas businessman and part owner of St. Thomas Social, Brett “Mac” McClafferty, was released on bail and exited the Alexander A. Farrelly Justice Center at about 5:30 p.m. after being arrested in connection with an alleged $888,500 fraud scheme involving counterfeit checks and fraudulent financial transactions. Lawmakers held a proposal that would allow micro-distilleries and breweries in agricultural and residential zones after hours of debate over economic benefits, environmental risks, and zoning concerns. The Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs is ordering retailers to immediately stop selling certain intoxicating hemp-derived products under Act 9072, warning that noncompliance could result in fines, license revocation, and product seizures. Meanwhile a St. Thomas hemp retailer, Homegrown Bar and Grill, has filed a federal lawsuit challenging an April 2025 seizure of its inventory and the law requiring surrender of intoxicating hemp products. Listen to these stories and more.