News·4 min read

Daily Skimm: Marijuana, Nobel Peace Prize, and Migos

Open door to prison cell - stock photo
Getty Images
October 7, 2022

Marijuana

The Story

President Biden’s passing out pardons.

What’s going on?

Yesterday, Biden said he’s pardoning those convicted in federal courts of simple possession of marijuana. As he put it, “too many lives have been upended” because of our “failed approach to marijuana.” The move fulfills a campaign promise weeks before the midterms. And could clear federal convictions for about 6,500 Americans. But the announcement falls short of legalizing marijuana on the federal level, something Biden has promised to do. And the number of those convicted on the federal level remains less than those convicted under state charges — convictions that can be pardoned by governors.

How are people reacting?

Marijuana advocacy groups are saying ‘it’s a start.’ But they want Biden to actually decriminalize marijuana. Instead, Biden has asked the Department of Health and Human Services to review its classification as a Schedule 1 drug — the same level as heroin. That review could lead to decriminalizing weed, but that would still be steps away. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) called it an attempt to distract from “failed leadership” coming in the midst of a “crime wave” and “on the brink of a recession.”

What happens now?

The DOJ is working on a process to scrub federal convictions in the coming days. Once that happens, those whose convictions are lifted — a majority of them Black Americans — should soon see barriers lifted on a range of issues. That’s because many employers, landlords, and universities ask about convictions on applications for housing or jobs. As for legalizing marijuana, a bill passed the House earlier this year that would have removed penalties for distributing and possessing marijuana. But it's been stalled in the Senate.

theSkimm

Nineteen states have legalized weed for recreational use — and more are considering similar moves. Now, Biden’s taken steps to scrub weed possession charges — with some saying the move goes too far...and others saying it falls short.

And Also...This

Who the award goes to…

Drumroll, please…the Nobel Peace Prize winners. Today, a handful of Norwegians gave the prestigious award to the Russian human rights group Memorial, Ukrainian org Center for Civil Liberties, and jailed Belarus rights activist Ales Bialiatsk. The Center for Civil Liberties has been documenting alleged Russian war crimes in Ukraine. Bialiatsk has been fighting for democracy in Belarus for decades. And Memorial was shut down earlier this year by the Russian gov, but it worked on verifying info on abuses and war crimes.  The committee said it chose these laureates to honor them as champions of “human rights, democracy, and peaceful co-existence.” It comes amid Europe’s biggest war on the continent in decades. And following a week of other Nobel Prizes. The theme of the week: coming together. The physics prize went to three scientists for showing that tiny particles could still have a connection with one another...even when they’re separated. Three chemists won for being able to connect molecules in a way that’s been compared to Lego pieces — and may help come up with better drugs to fight cancer. And French writer Annie Ernaux took home the literature prize for her works examining gender, class, and politics.

Who could be in hot water…

Hunter Biden. Yesterday, The Washington Post reported that federal prosecutors believe they have “sufficient evidence to charge" the president’s son. Specifically, with tax crimes and false statements made when purchasing a gun. Hunter's finances have been getting a lot of attention since 2018 — including whether he violated tax and money laundering laws related to his various business dealings with China and Ukraine. Now, there may be evidence suggesting that Hunter lied on a federal form in 2018 answering “no” to a question asking if he was using narcotics. That's despite, openly admitting to smoking crack cocaine during that year. Republicans have reportedly called on the Biden admin to appoint a special counsel to take over the investigation, saying it’s important to ensure public confidence. Now, it's up to the US attorney in Delaware to decide whether to take up the case.

Where people are mourning…

Thailand. Yesterday, a former police officer killed at least 36 people — including 24 children — after an attack on a daycare center. Police say the man entered the school stabbing and shooting victims, including a room of napping children. He later fled to his house where he killed himself, his wife, and child, resulting in the deadliest rampage in the country's history. The man, who had been fired earlier this year and was facing drug charges, reportedly went to the school looking for his son and began the killing spree when he wasn’t there. But police are still investigating. Thailand’s prime minister called it “shocking” and offered his condolences to the families.

Where there’s fallout…

Adidas. Yesterday, the sportswear company said its partnership with Kanye West is “under review.” Collaborators since 2013, the duo launched the successful Yeezy line. But lately, West has been critical of the company and accuses them of copying his designs. It also comes as West is facing backlash from a “White Lives Matter” shirt at his fashion show in Paris.

Why we can't have nice things...

US tourists.

Who are still the two a-Migos…

Quavo and Takeoff.

Live Smarter

Sign up for the Daily Skimm email newsletter. Delivered to your inbox every morning and prepares you for your day in minutes.

fbtwitteremail