Biden commutes nearly 2,500 sentences, targets drug sentencing disparities
President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of nearly 2,500 individuals convicted of nonviolent drug offenses, setting a new record for individual clemency actions by a U.S. president. The announcement came just three days before the end of his term, underscoring his focus on addressing disparities in the criminal justice system.
The clemency actions targeted sentencing disparities tied to past differences between crack and powder cocaine penalties, as well as outdated enhancements for drug-related crimes. Biden highlighted the initiative to provide relief for individuals who received disproportionately long sentences under previous laws and practices.
This announcement follows a series of recent clemency actions.
Last month, Biden commuted the sentences of approximately 1,500 individuals on home confinement during the pandemic and pardoned 39 nonviolent offenders. It marked the largest single-day act of clemency in modern history.
The White House has not released the full list of individuals impacted by this latest action. Biden indicated that additional pardons and commutations may follow in the final days of his presidency.
He described these actions as part of broader efforts to address historic injustices in the criminal justice system. He looks to reunite individuals with their families and communities.
Biden’s clemency actions are a defining component of his administration’s focus on justice reform. The decisions are expected to have lasting implications for thousands of individuals and their families.
President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office Monday, Jan. 20.
Trump’s mixed record on cannabis laws clouds the industry’s future
As the calendar flips to 2025 and President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take back the Oval Office, the cannabis industry is wondering whether it’ll be high times ahead or whether the new administration will weed out some of their biggest plans.
Earlier this year, the Biden administration took steps to reclassify cannabis, which would not only lessen the criminal penalties for its use and possession but also allow the Food and Drug Administration to approve various other cannabis products, such as hemp and CBD.
However, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s slow progress on the rule means the Trump administration will now have the final say.
“We put out a statement that we can live with the marijuana,” Trump told podcaster Lex Fridman in September. “It’s got to be a certain age –– got to be a certain age to buy it. It’s got to be done in a very concerted, lawful way.”
From his first administration until now, though, the president-elect has had a mixed record on cannabis legislation.
Trump’s notable actions supporting cannabis
In 2018, Trump said he would “probably” support a bill to drop all federal marijuana and cannabis laws, leaving its regulation to the states. However, that bill did not pass.
The same year, he signed the annual farm bill. It included provisions that removed some cannabis products from the list of controlled substances for the first time.
More recently, on the campaign trail, Trump said he supported the Biden administration’s reclassification of cannabis.
Trump’s notable actions restricting cannabis
In 2018, the Trump administration reversed a policy made under President Barack Obama. The policy instructed federal prosecutors not to prosecute marijuana cases in states that legalized marijuana.
His 2021 budget proposal removed a rule that had protected state medical marijuana laws from Justice Department interference.
A second Trump administration may be more open to cannabis legalization as voter attitudes are changing. A Pew Research poll from this spring found more than half of Republicans under 50 support legalizing both medical and recreational marijuana.
But some of the most prominent opponents of loosening cannabis laws are Republicans on Capitol Hill, including incoming Senate Majority Leader Sen. John Thune, R-S.D.
Lawmakers target China’s role in US fentanyl crisis with new legislation
Synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, continue to kill tens of thousands of Americans annually. In 2023, an estimated 74,000 people in the U.S. died from fentanyl overdoses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
That figure is slightly down from 2022 when the CDC recorded more than 76,000 deaths.
Now, a bipartisan group of lawmakers is looking to crack down on China’s involvement in the United States’ fentanyl crisis.
Fentanyl precursor chemicals are manufactured in China before being shipped to the U.S., Mexico and Canada, where the final fentanyl product is ultimately produced.
Lawmakers introduce bills to hold China accountable
Lawmakers have introduced three bills aimed at holding China accountable for illicit drug manufacturing. The bills are the Joint Task Force to Counter Illicit Synthetic Narcotics Act of 2024, the [Chinese Communist Party] CCP Fentanyl Sanctions Act, and the International Protection from [People’s Republic of China] PRC Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Opioids Act.
The Joint Task Force to Counter Illicit Synthetic Narcotics Act of 2024 would create a task force to tackle synthetic drug trafficking, like fentanyl. It would bring together key federal agencies for joint operations, disrupt trafficking networks and enforce sanctions.
The CCP Fentanyl Sanctions Act targets fentanyl producers by expanding sanctions against those involved in fentanyl trafficking. It would grant the president the authority to block foreign financial accounts linked to individuals involved in the trade.
The legislation also targets Chinese vessels, ports and online marketplaces that knowingly facilitate the shipment or sale of synthetic narcotics.
The International Protection from PRC Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Opioids Act targets fentanyl trafficking. They impose civil penalties on PRC shippers that fail to implement transparent practices and safeguards to prevent drug shipments.
Lawmakers respond to the crisis
“For too long, China has profited from the destruction of American lives, and the fentanyl crisis they are manufacturing knows no boundaries,” said Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Wash. “As we continue our work fighting the immediate threat the drug poses, we are also going after the CCP and their central role in subsidizing, producing, and exporting the precursors that fuel this epidemic.”
Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., said, “Fentanyl has taken too many loved ones and devastated communities across America. We owe it to those families to close trade loopholes used by the CCP to ship fentanyl into the U.S. and perpetuate one of our nation’s worst drug epidemics.”
Legislative prospects
It’s unlikely that Congress will pass these bills during this legislative session. They will likely need to be reintroduced when the new Congress is sworn in on Jan. 3, 2025.
Annual drug overdose deaths decreased by greatest number in US history: CDC
Drug overdose deaths fell 17% between July 2023 and July 2024, according to a new report released on Wednesday, Dec. 11, by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Although drug overdose death numbers won’t be added up until the end of the year, the CDC said the drop would represent the largest decrease in overdose-related deaths over a one-year period in U.S. history.
Still, since 2021, more than 100,000 people have reportedly died from drug overdoses each year. 2022 set a record for overdose deaths with more than 108,000 people who died. Overdose deaths went down in 2023 and continued to fall throughout 2024.
The White House credited the drop in deaths to its efforts like making Naloxone, a medicine designed to reverse opioid overdoses, available over the counter and cracking down on fentanyl production.
Most overdose deaths reportedly involve opioids, including fentanyl, and there has been a decrease in deaths associated with these drugs. However, a CBS News investigation previously found a rise in deaths involving other drugs like meth and cocaine.
Drug overdose survivor advocates also warn the Biden administration against taking a “premature victory lap.” They noted the fall in overdose deaths is good news but also acknowledged that the numbers overall remain much too high, especially among minorities.
Mental health and addiction experts also argued that the U.S. government still needs to invest in more recovery, treatment and prevention programs.
CDC releases report on synthetic opioid 100 times more potent than fentanyl
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning about carfentanil, a synthetic opioid that is approximately 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl. The CDC says it has re-emerged in the U.S. drug supply.
Carfentanil was originally designed to tranquilize large mammals like elephants and bears. However, it is now contributing to deaths across the United States.
The potent opioid was detected in over 513 overdose deaths from January 2021 to June 2024, according to the CDC.
While the overall number remains low, the CDC reports that carfentanil-related deaths increased by 503.4% from June to December 2023. Deaths then rose another 36% in the first half of 2024.
The CDC says there was a total increase of 720.7% in carfentanil deaths from the first half of 2023 to the first half of 2024.
States most affected by carfentanil deaths
The states hardest hit by carfentanil-related deaths were Florida and West Virginia, each reporting more than 20 deaths in 2023.
Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New York and Ohio each reported between 10 and 19 carfentanil deaths during the same period.
In its report, the CDC notes that while the number of deaths attributed to illegally manufactured fentanyl began to decline across the U.S. in late 2023, the overall number of overdose deaths remains high.
The CDC states, “Despite declines, recent sharp increases in overdose deaths with carfentanil detected, although rare, highlight the ever-changing illegal drug supply and threaten progress in reducing overdose deaths.”
Carfentanil’s forms and exposure risks
According to a bulletin published by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), carfentanil can come in several forms. Those forms include powder, blotter paper, tablets, patches and sprays. The skin can absorb some of these forms. People can also accidentally inhale it.
The DEA warns about the potential risks of exposure. Symptoms of carfentanil exposure typically occur within minutes. They may include respiratory depression or arrest, drowsiness, disorientation, sedation, pinpoint pupils and clammy skin.
If you suspect a carfentanil exposure in someone, the DEA advises seeking immediate medical attention. Call EMS and prepare to administer naloxone, an antidote for opioid overdose.
Trump nixes DEA pick after controversial pastor arrest resurfaces: Report
President-elect Donald Trump is criticizing The Wall Street Journal’s report on the withdrawal of his nominee for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The newspaper called the withdrawal a “setback.”
Trump nominated Florida Sheriff Chad Chronister to lead the DEA. Three days later, Chronister posted on social media that he was stepping down from consideration.
“With all that’s happening in the world, this is their number one story of the day,” Trump wrote. “Besides, he didn’t pull out, I pulled him out, because I did not like what he said to my pastors and other supporters. But, more importantly, what’s my ‘latest’ setback? I just won the presidency of the United States!”
Controversy quickly overshadowed Chronister’s nomination. Conservatives raised concerns about the pick after the resurfacing of Chronister’s involvement in the arrest of Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne. Officers arrested Howard-Browne during the pandemic for violating public health orders after holding church services in defiance of lockdown measures.
While the charges against Howard-Browne were later dropped, sources told the New York Post that Trump was unhappy when he learned Chronister had defended the arrest. Trump said the pastor “put his congregation and our community in danger.”
“Arresting pastors for trying to keep their churches open is a non-negotiable with the president, and that’s what the sheriff was accused of, and the president did not like that,” one source told the Post.
Sources said Trump decided to remove Chronister from consideration after hearing from lawmakers. They include Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Chip Roy, R-Texas, who criticized the sheriff for the arrest.
Chronister’s office issued a statement refuting Trump’s claims, reaffirming that he chose to withdraw from the nomination.
With Chronister out of the running, former Congressman Anthony D’Esposito of New York is a potential contender. However, Trump’s team has not made any announcements regarding a new pick to head the DEA.
Drug lord Fabio Ochoa Vásquez released from US prison after 25 years
Fabio Ochoa Vásquez, a former drug lord with the Medellín Cartel, was released from a U.S. prison on Tuesday, Dec. 3, after serving 25 years. The 67-year-old is expected to be deported back to his home country of Colombia.
Ochoa, along with his two brothers, became billionaires in the 1980s by running a cocaine distribution operation out of Miami. He was also a former associate of notorious Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar.
He was originally named in an indictment in the U.S. for the 1986 murder of Barry Seal, a drug-smuggling pilot for the Medellín Cartel who became an informant for the Drug Enforcement Administration.
In 1990, Ochoa and his brothers surrendered to Colombian authorities. At the time, Colombia did not have an extradition treaty with the United States, so the brothers were promised they would not be turned over to U.S. authorities.
Ochoa served nearly six years in a Colombian prison and was released in 1996. He was arrested again in Colombia in 1999, along with dozens of other drug lords. Colombian authorities then agreed to extradite him to the United States in 2001.
In 2003, Ochoa was convicted of drug trafficking and cocaine distribution and sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Richard Gregorie, one of the prosecutors who helped convict Ochoa, told The Associated Press that authorities were never able to seize all of his family’s illicit drug proceeds and said he expects Ochoa to have a “welcome return home.”
“He won’t be retiring a poor man, that’s for sure,” Gregorie told the AP.
Ochoa’s character was also featured in the Netflix drama series “Narcos and Griselda.”
South Korean president faces impeachment calls after martial law order
Political unrest grows in South Korea after the president’s short-lived martial law order. And U.S. officials urge Americans to use encrypted messaging apps after a massive cyberattack. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024.
Push to impeach South Korea’s president after martial law declaration
It may have been short-lived, but the South Korean president’s declaration of martial law could have implications for months to come as six opposition parties have moved to impeach Yoon Suk Yeol.
Martial law grants the military temporary rule during an emergency, which the president can legally declare. Yoon sent heavily armed forces into the streets of Seoul Tuesday, Dec. 3, after suddenly and unexpectedly putting the country under martial law — vowing to eliminate “anti-state” forces he claimed were planning a rebellion.
Action was swift, with protesters surrounding South Korea’s parliament building. Lawmakers climbed walls to get back into the building and used fire extinguishers to hold soldiers off so they could unanimously vote to cancel the martial law declaration just hours after it was put in place.
Impeaching Yoon requires the support of two-thirds of the National Assembly and at least six of the country’s nine constitutional court justices. The liberal opposition Democratic Party holds a majority in the 300-seat parliament and has called for Yoon’s resignation.
WATCH: Soldiers arrive at South Korea's parliament after president declares martial law pic.twitter.com/cZX4vsM34y
One Democratic Party lawmaker said an impeachment vote could come as early as Friday, Dec. 5.
Martial law is a sensitive subject in South Korea, which has only been a democracy since the 1980s. Before that, in the wake of the Korean War which ended in 1953, multiple dictatorships emerged with leaders often declaring martial law to prevent antigovernmental protests.
South Korea is considered a key ally of the United States and White House officials said they are “monitoring the situation closely.” The U.S. has about 28,000 troops stationed in South Korea.
Trump’s nominees to lead DEA, FBI, DOD making headlines
Three of President-elect Donald Trump’s picks for his incoming administration made headlines Tuesday. One nominee dropped out, another was the target of a possible cyberattack, and the third could be replaced.
Trump had nominated Hillsborough County, Florida Sheriff Chad Chronister to lead the Drug Enforcement Agency. On Tuesday, Chronister took his name out of the running, saying in a post on X to have been nominated was “an honor of a lifetime” but “as the gravity of this very responsibility set in” he concluded that he must “respectfully withdraw from consideration.”
To have been nominated by President-Elect @realDonaldTrump to serve as Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration is the honor of a lifetime. Over the past several days, as the gravity of this very important responsibility set in, I’ve concluded that I must respectfully… pic.twitter.com/bvNF8m9Bh4
The nomination came under fire from some Trump supporters over Chronister’s enforcement of COVID-19 restrictions during the pandemic. This marks the second Trump nominee to withdraw his name after former Congressman Matt Gaetz said he would not continue his bid to become attorney general.
Meanwhile, reports say Trump’s nominee for FBI director, Kash Patel, was the target of a possible Iran-backed cyberattack. Sources familiar with the situation told multiple outlets, including ABC News and CBS News, the alleged hackers targeted Patel’s communications, but it was not clear how much data they were able to view.
Patel held various roles during Trump’s first term including chief of staff to the secretary of defense.
Finally, there might be a change when it comes to the next defense secretary. The Wall Street Journal and other outlets reported Wednesday morning, Dec. 4, that Trump’s pick of former Fox News anchor and military veteran Pete Hegseth’s is in doubt.
Since his nomination, Hegseth has been the subject of reports on allegations about his personal life, including claims of sexual misconduct, repeated intoxication and rampant womanizing. Hegseth has denied those allegations.
The Wall Street Journal and New York Post both reported Trump is considering Florida governor and former GOP presidential candidate Ron DeSantis as a possible replacement for Hegseth. Desantis served in the U.S. Navy before becoming governor.
Both Trump and DeSantis attended a memorial service Tuesday for fallen law enforcement officers in Palm Beach County, Florida.
Hegseth has been meeting with Senate Republicans at the Capitol this week to try to rally support ahead of confirmation hearings. People close to the president-elect’s team said talks of a replacement are in the early stages and the next 48 hours are crucial to Hegseth’s fate.
Trump’s lawyers ask judge to toss conviction, cite Biden’s pardon
President-elect Trump’s lawyers have officially asked a judge to throw out his criminal conviction in his so-called “hush money” case.
In May, a jury found Trump guilty of 34 charges in a scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through a payment to a porn actor who claimed she and trump had sex. Trump has long denied that.
In a filing made public Tuesday, Trump’s lawyers said continuing the case would present “disruptions to the institution of the presidency” and undermine the transition of power as he prepares to take back the Oval Office next month.
Lawyers also pointed to President Joe Biden’s recent move to pardon his son Hunter of his convictions on tax fraud and gun charges where the president said Hunter was “unfairly prosecuted” as a reason Trump’s case should be dismissed. Trump’s lawyers called his prosecution “political theater.”
Prosecutors have until Monday, Dec. 9 to respond. In the past, they said they would fight efforts to dismiss the case but indicated a willingness to delay the sentencing until after Trump’s second term ends in January 2029.
Americans urged to use encrypted messaging apps after cyberattack
U.S. officials are recommending Americans use encrypted messaging apps amid a cyberattack on telecommunications companies like AT&T and Verizon. Cybersecurity experts advise you to encrypt your text messages and voice communication, if possible.
Threat actors affiliated with the Chinese government have compromised telecom provider networks to conduct a cyber espionage campaign. Network defenders should read new guidance from the #FBI and our partners to harden their systems against this activity: https://t.co/yzh7NedOAepic.twitter.com/GXsN7lbB0f
Officials said China is behind the attack in an attempt to spy on Americans. Chinese officials have not addressed the accusations.
Cyber Monday pulls in record $13.3 billion in sales
Your chances to get some of the deepest discounts of the holiday shopping season have passed with Cyber Monday now in the books. Consumers took full advantage, collectively spending a record $13.3 billion online during Cyber Monday.
Adobe Analytics said that’s up 7.3% from last year and surpassed projections of $13.2 billion in sales. The company said between the peak hours of 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Alone, people spent a combined $15.8 million every 60 seconds.
Adobe said “buy now, pay later” plans were quite popular, accounting for more than $991 million worth of Cyber Monday spending.
Beyoncé tops Billboard’s list of the greatest pop stars of 21st century
The music charting site said the choice is based on Beyoncé’s “full 25 years of influence, impact, [and] evolution.” Billboard added when talking about greatness in the 21st century, nobody else has a longer or fuller track record.
Trump border czar Tom Homan says cartels to be designated terrorist orgs
President-elect Trump announced former Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Thomas Homan will serve as border czar during his second administration. Trump is giving Homan extraordinary authority over the southern and northern borders, maritime security and aviation security. Trump said Homan will also be in charge of deporting all individuals who are in the country illegally back to their countries of origin.
So who is Homan? He has worked for six presidents going back to Ronald Reagan. He was a career official at the Department of Homeland Security and worked his way up the ranks during the Bush and Obama administrations.
Most recently, he was named acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in 2017 by President Trump.
Homan is known for tough rhetoric.
“I got a message to the millions of illegal aliens that Joe Biden released in our country in violation of federal law: you better start packing now,” Homan said during a speech at the Republican National Convention in July.
During the speech, Homan outlined a top priority for the second Trump administration, targeting drug cartels.
“Another message to the criminal cartels in Mexico,” Homan said. “You smuggled enough fentanyl across this country to kill 148,000 young Americans. You have killed more Americans than every terrorist organization in the world combined. That’s why when President Trump gets back in office he’s going to designate you a terrorist organization, he’s going to wipe you off the face of the earth, you’re done, you’re done.”
“Now we have record illegal immigration, a record number of women and children being sex trafficked, a record number of Americans dying from fentanyl, a record number of known or suspected terrorists sneaking across our border,” Homan said. “Here’s what you need to know: this isn’t mismanagement, this isn’t incompetence, this is by design and it’s a choice choice. It’s national suicide.”
Homan has also said that his words shouldn’t be threatening to the immigrant community, but rather to the illegal immigrant community.
DOJ indicts 48 suspected members of Sinaloa cartel after series of drugs raids
Federal authorities have seized tens of millions of dollars worth of methamphetamine in raids across California, Arizona and Nevada. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Wednesday, Nov. 7, that it has charged 48 suspected members of the Sinaloa cartel with distributing meth, fentanyl, heroin and cocaine.
Authorities say that they found more than 8,000 pounds of methamphetamine with a street value reportedly around $72 million, in addition to firearms.
The DOJ says nearly 150 federal, state and local law enforcement officials arrested 25 suspects and performed 15 search warrants in Imperial County, California, Yuma, Arizona, and Las Vegas, Nevada. Law enforcement officials say that 23 of the suspects connected to the crimes are still on the loose.
Charges in the DOJ indictments include drug trafficking, conspiracy and bulk cash smuggling. If convicted, the charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life behind bars, in addition to a $10 million fine.
U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath said in a statement that the arrests and seizure of drugs is an extreme blow to a major drug-trafficking network.
The Sinaloa cartel is one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organizations and has long-controlled drug routes into the United States.
The branch of the Sinaloa cartel charged in the indictment is linked to a drug lord known as “El Mayo,” who is currently being held in New York, which operates out of Imperial Valley and Mexicali, Mexico.