December 12, 2024: President Biden Grants Clemency to 1500 People, Ex-FBI Informant Pleads Guilty to Making False Statements About Bidens, What We Know About the Drones in New Jersey, and More.
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Deep Dive
Why did President Biden grant clemency to 1,500 people?
President Biden granted clemency to 1,500 people serving long prison sentences, many of whom were convicted of nonviolent offenses and would receive lower sentences under current laws. He emphasized the importance of second chances and reducing sentencing disparities for nonviolent offenders, particularly those convicted of drug offenses.
What is the difference between a pardon and a commutation?
A pardon completely forgives a crime, restores full rights of citizenship, and removes the conviction from a record. A commutation reduces a sentence, which may wipe it away entirely, but does not restore full rights or remove the conviction from a record.
Why did the ex-FBI informant plead guilty to making false statements about the Bidens?
The ex-FBI informant, Alexander Smirnov, pleaded guilty to fabricating claims that Burisma paid the Bidens $5 million each to protect the company from investigations. He also admitted to receiving $2.15 million in unreported income, leading to additional tax evasion charges.
What is the new federal rule regarding overdraft fees?
The new rule caps overdraft fees at $5 for banks and credit unions with over $10 billion in assets. Banks can also choose to offer overdraft as a courtesy or continue charging higher fees, but must disclose applicable interest rates, treating overdrafts as loans.
What do we know about the drones spotted in New Jersey?
Multiple drones, larger than typical hobby drones, have been spotted flying over New Jersey at night. They display flashing lights and turn them off when approached by police helicopters. The FBI is investigating, and while there is no known threat to public safety, theories range from foreign adversaries to U.S. government operations.
How did drug overdose deaths change in the U.S. between July 2023 and July 2024?
Drug overdose deaths fell by 17% during this period, marking the largest year-over-year decrease in U.S. history. The White House credits this reduction to efforts like cracking down on fentanyl and making over-the-counter medication available to reverse opioid overdoses.
What was the significance of Donald Trump ringing the opening bell at the NYSE?
Donald Trump rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange, marking the first time a president had done so since President Reagan in 1985. This event coincided with Trump being named Time Magazine's 2024 Person of the Year.
- 1,500 commutations and 39 pardons granted
- Pardons fully forgive crimes and restore rights
- Commutations reduce sentences but don't erase convictions
- Largest single-day act of clemency regarding sentence commutations in modern history
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