Month: December 2025

President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order directing the federal government to move marijuana into a less restrictive drug category, marking one of the most consequential shifts in U.S. drug policy in decades. The order instructs Attorney General Pam Bondi to expedite the formal rescheduling process, which has been under review for more than a year, and to move toward issuing a final rule. For the first time at the federal level, the change formally acknowledges that marijuana may have medical value.

During a ceremony in the Oval Office surrounded by medical professionals, Trump announced the decision to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act, emphasizing medical considerations and patient advocacy: “Today I’m pleased to announce that I will be signing an executive order to reschedule marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance, with legitimate medical uses. We have people begging for me to do this. People who are in great pain.” He added that the support he received was overwhelming, noting, “I think I probably have received more phone calls on this, on doing what we’re doing — I don’t think I received any calls on the other side of it … For decades, this action has been requested by American patients suffering from extreme pain, incurable diseases, aggressive cancers, seizure disorders, neurological problems and more.”

Under federal law, Schedule I drugs are defined by the Drug Enforcement Administration as having “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” That category has long included marijuana alongside substances such as heroin, LSD and ecstasy. Schedule III, by contrast, applies to drugs considered to have a “moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence,” including medications such as Tylenol with codeine, ketamine, testosterone and anabolic steroids.

Marijuana has been classified as a Schedule I drug since 1970, even as state laws have evolved dramatically. Nearly all states now allow some form of medical use, and 24 states have legalized recreational marijuana. Although those laws conflict with federal statutes, recent administrations have generally refrained from targeting state-regulated cannabis operations.

While the shift could have significant practical effects, it does not legalize marijuana nationwide. Trump was explicit that recreational use remains illegal under federal law: “It doesn’t legalize marijuana in any way, shape or form or and in no way sanctions its use as a recreational drug. It’s never safe to use powerful controlled substances in a recreational manner.”  A senior White House official underscored that point, saying, “Anyone possessing marijuana would be in violation of the CSA (Controlled Substances Act) and still remain subject to arrest under federal law. The schedule III change is not changing federal policy regarding that.”

Still, the move has drawn criticism from some Republicans. Earlier this week, 22 GOP senators urged Trump to keep marijuana in Schedule I, citing health concerns and potential impacts on workplace productivity and public safety. The lawmakers wrote: “we cannot reindustrialize America if we encourage marijuana use. In light of the documented dangers of marijuana, facilitating the growth of the marijuana industry is at odds with growing our economy and encouraging healthy lifestyles for Americans.”

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Retired NASCAR champion Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina Grossu Biffle and their two children were among seven people killed in a plane crash in North Carolina on Thursday morning.

Rep. Richard Hudson, a friend of the family, confirmed the news on X: “I am devastated by the loss of Greg, Cristina, and their children, and my heart is with all who loved them. They were friends who lived their lives focused on helping others. Greg was a great NASCAR champion who thrilled millions of fans. But he was an extraordinary person as well, and will be remembered for his service to others as much as for his fearlessness on the track. The Biffles flew hundreds of rescue missions in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. The last time I spoke with Cristina, just a couple of weeks ago, she reached out to ask how she could help with relief efforts in Jamaica. That’s who the Biffles were. Our prayers are with their family, friends, and everyone grieving this unimaginable loss.”

Biffle’s friend Garrett Mitchell also confirmed on Facebook that the family was en route to Florida, writing: “Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on that plane. Because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us. We are devastated. I’m so sorry to share this.”

The identities of all those who were killed in plane crash were later disclosed in a joint statement released by the Biffle, Grossu, Dutton and Lunders families, as shared by Fox Sports motorsports reporter Bob Pockrass on X: “We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones. This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words. Greg and Cristina were devoted parents and active philanthropists whose lives were centered around their young son Ryder and Greg’s daughter Emma (mother – Nicole Lunders). Emma was a wonderful human being with a kind soul who was loved by many people. Ryder was an active, curious and infinitely joyful child. Dennis Dutton and his son Jack were deeply loved as well, and their loss is felt by all who knew them. Craig Wadsworth was beloved by many in the NASCAR community and will be missed by those who knew him. Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives. At this moment, our focus is on honoring their lives and supporting one another.”

According to the Associated Press, Biffle, 55, was traveling with his wife, as well as daughter Emma, 14, and son Ryder, 5, aboard a Cessna C550 that crashed while attempting to land in foggy weather at Statesville Regional Airport in Statesville at around 10:15 a.m. (about 45 miles north of Charlotte). There were six people on board, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Local news outlet WSOC reported that the plane is owned by Biffle through GB Aviation Leasing. The National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA are investigating the incident,  saying that the plane took off from the airport shortly after 10 a.m. but then returned and was attempting to land there.  Data shows that the plane had planned to fly from Sarasota, Florida, to Treasure Cay International Airport in the Bahamas before returning to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and then heading to Statesville that evening.

Nicknamed “The Biff,” Biffle spent the entirety of his NASCAR career with Roush Racing from 2003-2016, now known as RFK Racing, which also issued a statement mourning his loss.  Biffle won multiple championships during his racing career including in the Truck Series in 2000 and the Xfinity Series in 2002. He was also named as one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023, and received the 2024 NMPA Myers Brothers Award for humanitarian aid last year.

NASCAR also released a statement on Thursday which read:  “NASCAR is devastated by the tragic loss of Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, son Ryder, Craig Wadsworth and Dennis and Jack Dutton in a fatal plane crash.  Greg was more than a champion driver, he was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many. His passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport. On the track, Greg’s talent and tenacity earned him championships in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, as well as numerous wins and accolades in the NASCAR Cup Series. Beyond his racing career, he gave of himself for the betterment of our community. Most notably, Greg spent countless hours of his time helping the citizens of North Carolina during the disasters that followed Hurricane Helene. His tireless work saved lives. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Greg’s entire family, friends, and all who were touched by his life.”

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In a 216-211 vote, the House passed a GOP-backed health care bill that does not include an extension of expiring tax credits that help millions of Americans pay for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. Republicans say the bill will lower health insurance premiums for 100% of Americans. The bill, however, faces an unclear future in the Senate, where it would need support from several Democrats to pass.

GOP leadership unveiled the plan, known as the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act, less than a week ago as they faced increasing pressure from moderates in their party to hold a vote on extending the enhanced premium tax credits, which lapse on Dec. 31. The tax credits help eligible people cover premiums for their health insurance purchased through an Affordable Care Act marketplace.

The exclusion of an extension of the Affordable Care Act tax credits caused a group of four moderate Republicans to break ranks, joining Democrats in a procedural move that forced the vote. Ultimately, none of them voted against the bill. Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky was the sole Republican to vote against it.

Earlier in the day, Moderate Republican Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Mike Lawler, Rob Bresnahan and Ryan Mackenzie signed onto a discharge petition filed by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, pushing the measure to the 218 signatures needed to bypass committees and reach the House floor. All 214 Democrats backed the effort. The revolt followed a late Tuesday decision by the Republican-controlled House Rules Committee to block amendments that would have extended the subsidies.

The four Republicans who joined the petition said leadership left them with no other option. Fitzpatrick said he spent months trying to negotiate changes before siding with Democrats, and shared in a statement that “House leadership then decided to reject every single one of these amendments. As I’ve stated many times before, the only policy that is worse than a clean three-year extension without any reforms, is a policy of complete expiration without any bridge. Unfortunately, it is House leadership themselves that have forced this outcome.”

Lawler also criticized Speaker Johnson’s refusal to allow a vote on an extension, reacting angrily to the decision Tuesday. “This is absolute [expletive], and it’s absurd.” Lawler later said he does not fully support Democrats’ proposal but viewed the petition as “the only way to protect the 28,000 people in my district from higher costs.”

Johnson went on to reject claims that the episode shows he has lost control of the House. “I have not lost control of the House,” Johnson said Wednesday, adding that “we have the smallest majority in U.S. history, OK? These are not normal times. There are [processes] and procedures in the House that are less frequently used when there are larger majorities. When you have a razor-thin margin, as we do, then all the procedures in the book people think are on the table, and that’s the difference.”

Under House rules, a discharge petition requires several legislative days before a vote can occur. With lawmakers leaving Washington for a winter recess, the subsidy extension is expected to reach the floor in the new year at the earliest. Even if the House approves the measure, its future in the Senate remains uncertain. Republicans there rejected a similar three-year extension last week.

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