International
Biden confirms his support to reclassify marijuana as a low-risk drug
The President of the United States, Joe Biden, confirmed his support for marijuana to be reclassified as a low-risk drug. And, in turn, he announced the official start of the procedures for the process to be completed.
Through a video on social media, the US president stated that “no one should be in jail simply for using or possessing marijuana” and that there were “too many disturned lives” for “a failed approach to marijuana.”
“I am committed to correcting those mistakes,” said the 81-year-old president, who will be eligible for re-election in the presidential elections next November and will presumably face former Republican President Donald Trump (2017-2021).
With this measure, Biden points to the young population at a time when the Democrat’s campaign is worried about losing much of his support for the unconditional help that the United States has given to Israel in the Gaza War.
A senior official of the Administration told the press that the formal step for reclassification has already been taken, the presentation of the Proposed Regulatory Notice (NPRM) to the Federal Registry Office (OFR) in which it is proposed that marijuana move from Annex I to III.
Currently, marijuana is classified at the same level as drugs such as fentanyl and methamphetamine, while with this change it is sought to be considered at the same level of risk of prescription drugs such as anabolic steroids.
The government source recalled that this step comes after, in 2022, Biden asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Health to review how marijuana is classified, a process in which they were “guided by science and evidence.”
After the presentation of the NPRM, it will be published in the Federal Registry and a 60-day public comment period will then begin.
After that, the administrator of the United States Anti-Drug Agency (DEA), Anne Milgram, may assign an Administrative Law judge to make a final recommendation and, based on this, the DOJ must make a decision.
Since his arrival in the Government in January 2021, the official source recalls, Biden has opted to approve measures to prevent citizens from going to prison for possession of marijuana, including a pardon for federal crimes of possession.
Currently, marijuana with recreational uses and limited to those over 21 years of age is legal in 24 states. While marijuana for medicinal purposes is legal in 13 states, in addition to those where its use is allowed for pleasure.
On May 1, a group of Democratic senators re-presented a bill that seeks to decriminalize the use of marijuana at the federal level.
The initiative is unlikely to prosper because Senate Republicans oppose decriminalization and, although they have a majority in that chamber, the Democrats would need their support to pass the law.
Central America
Senator Van Hollen Meets with Deported MS-13 Member in El Salvador; Trump and Bukele React
U.S. Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen, representing the state of Maryland, held a meeting in El Salvador with deported MS-13 gang member Kilmar Ábrego García, a member of the criminal group classified by the U.S. government as a terrorist organization.
“Kilmar Ábrego García, miraculously resurrected from the ‘extermination camps’ and ‘torture chambers,’ now sipping margaritas with Senator Van Hollen in the tropical paradise of El Salvador!” wrote President Nayib Bukeleon X (formerly Twitter), sharing photos of Van Hollen, Ábrego García, and a lawyer sitting together at a Salvadoran hotel.
The deported gang member is seen wearing a plaid shirt and a flat-brimmed cap, seated at a table with glasses and coffee cups. The senator also shared images of the meeting on his own social media accounts.
Bukele reaffirmed that Ábrego will remain in El Salvador and will not be returned to the United States.
“Now that his health has been confirmed, he has earned the honor of remaining under the custody of El Salvador,” Bukele added.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the senator’s meeting with Ábrego on Truth Social, calling Van Hollen “a fool” for advocating for Ábrego’s return to the U.S.
International
Pope Francis Appears for Easter Blessing, Calls for Peace and Religious Freedom
Pope Francis, still recovering from pneumonia, appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican on Easter Sunday and, with a faint voice, wished a “Happy Easter” to the thousands of faithful gathered to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ.
A month after being discharged from a lengthy hospital stay, the presence of the 88-year-old pontiff had remained uncertain, with the Vatican not confirming his attendance ahead of time.
Eventually, the pope made a brief appearance in a wheelchair shortly after 12:00 p.m. (10:00 GMT) to deliver his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing (“to the city and to the world”).
Although no longer wearing an oxygen cannula, the Argentine Jesuit relied on a close aide to read his Easter message, which touched on major global conflicts.
Francis condemned the “dramatic and unworthy humanitarian crisis” in Gaza and called for a ceasefire, while also expressing concern over the “growing climate of antisemitism spreading across the globe.”
He further emphasized the importance of religious freedom and freedom of thought, stating that without mutual respect, “peace is not possible.”
International
Thousands rally nationwide against Trump’s threat to U.S. democracy
Thousands of protesters gathered on Saturday (April 19, 2025) in major cities like New York and Washington, as well as in small communities across the United States, in a second wave of demonstrations against President Donald Trump. The crowds denounced what they view as growing threats to the country’s democratic ideals.
In New York City, demonstrators of all ages rallied in front of the Public Library near Trump Tower, holding signs accusing the president of undermining democratic institutions and judicial independence.
Many protesters also criticized Trump’s hardline immigration policies, including mass deportations and raids targeting undocumented migrants.
“Democracy is in grave danger,” said Kathy Valyi, 73, the daughter of Holocaust survivors. She told AFP that the stories her parents shared about Adolf Hitler’s rise to power in 1930s Germany “are happening here now.”
In Washington, demonstrators voiced concern over what they see as Trump’s disregard for long-standing constitutional norms, such as the right to due process.
Senator Van Hollen Meets with Deported MS-13 Member in El Salvador; Trump and Bukele React
Pope Francis Appears for Easter Blessing, Calls for Peace and Religious Freedom
Thousands rally nationwide against Trump’s threat to U.S. democracy
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
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