MARIJUANA plant (Shutterstock).

Thousands of people convicted of possession of marijuana on federal lands or in the District of Columbia were pardoned on Friday by President Joe Biden.

“Criminal records for marijuana use and possession have imposed needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities,” Biden said. “Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. It’s time that we right these wrongs.”

Additionally, Biden granted clemency for 11 people serving what were called “disproportionately long” sentences for nonviolent drug offenses.

While many states have legalized marijuana possession and granted pardons for those convicted, “cannabis” technically remains a “controlled substance” and illegal possession is a crime under federal law.

Paramedics convicted in man’s death

A Colorado jury on Friday convicted two paramedics in the death of a 23-year-old Black man, who had received ketamine – a powerful sedative – after police in Brighton subdued him with a neck hold.

The paramedics were convicted of criminal negligent homicide in the 2019 death of Elijah McClain. They were accused of being negligent for not making basic medical checks on him, including checking his pulse or monitoring his condition and administering a dose too great for his size of 140 pounds.

UN passes resolution on Gaza Strip aid

UNITED NATIONS building.

The United Nations Security Council on Friday voted in favor of a resolution intended to speed humanitarian aid to civilians in the Gaza Strip. It did not a call for an immediate cease-fire in the war between Israel and Hamas.

The United States and Russia abstained; the only 13 members of the council voted in favor.

At the same time, the Israeli forces are “intensifying” operations in both the north and the south. The death count of Gazans has now been estimated at 20,000 people, including civilians.

No early ruling on Trump immunity

A request to the U.S. Supreme Court for an early ruling on whether Donald Trump is entitled to immunity for any crimes he may have committed while serving as president has been turned down.

Without comment, the high court denied the request by Special Counsel Jack Smith.

The next step is for the federal appeals court in Washington. D.C on Jan. 9. A ruling that Trump does not have immunity could have a major impact on his campaign for the 2024 presidential nomination from the Republican Party.

Weather: Back to cloudy times

The rain is behind us in our West Orange County area. Saturday’s forecast is for cloudy skies. The daytime high is expected to hit 65 with an overnight low of 52. Partly cloudy conditions will be in place Sunday through Tuesday. Sunday’s temps will be 67 (47). Monday will be similar at 67 (46). Monday will be slightly warmer at 69 (50).