Biden pardons thousands of people convicted of marijuana possessions | Drugs | The Guardian

A flag with marijuana leaves depicted on it during a protest calling for the legalization of marijuana, outside of the White House on 2 April 2016.
A flag with marijuana leaves depicted on it during a protest calling for the legalization of marijuana, outside of the White House on 2 April 2016. Photograph: José Luis Magaña/AP

Biden pardons thousands of people convicted of marijuana possessions

Move is latest in round of executive clemencies meant to rectify racial disparities in the justice system

Joe Biden is pardoning thousands of people who were convicted of use and simple possession of marijuana on federal lands and in the District of Columbia, the White House said Friday – his latest round of executive clemencies meant to rectify racial disparities in the justice system.

The US president is also granting clemency to 11 people serving what the White House called “disproportionately long” sentences for nonviolent drug offenses.

Biden said his actions would help make the “promise of equal justice a reality”.

Source: Biden pardons thousands of people convicted of marijuana possessions | Drugs | The Guardian

Northampton High students use walkout to speak out against Israel’s actions in Gaza

Sanza Parzybok, 17, speaks during a walkout of Northampton High School students on Tuesday to protest the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. STAFF PHOTO/ALEXANDER MACDOUGALL

More than 50 Northampton High School students staged an early walkout of school on Tuesday in protest of the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, demanding a permanent cease-fire to the conflict and strongly criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza since the war’s outbreak, saying it was tantamount to genocide.

“The goal of this gathering is not to spew hatred or condemn anybody but to promote peace and education,” said Sanza Parzybok, 17, one of several students who spoke at the event. “The sustained attack on Gaza is a brutal, unjust demonstration of military force that has resulted in unimaginable suffering and pain.”

Source: Northampton High students use walkout to speak out against Israel’s actions in Gaza

President Joe Biden says Nippon Steel deal for U.S. Steel needs ‘serious scrutiny’ – UPI.com

Lael Brainard, director of the US National Economic Council, said President Joe Biden has expressed concern over national security and supply chain issues with the sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel. File Photo by Anna Rose Layden/UPI
Lael Brainard, director of the US National Economic Council, said President Joe Biden has expressed concern over national security and supply chain issues with the sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel. File Photo by Anna Rose Layden/UPI | License Photo

Source: President Joe Biden says Nippon Steel deal for U.S. Steel needs ‘serious scrutiny’ – UPI.com