What's Happening

Politics

Biden Issues Record Single-Day Commutations — But Some Say It's Not Enough

What's going on: President Joe Biden announced yesterday that he commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 people and pardoned 39 others convicted of nonviolent crimes. It’s the largest one-day act of presidential clemency in modern history. Those whose sentences were commuted (aka shortened while the guilty verdict remains) had been placed in home confinement during the pandemic. Some Republicans have proposed legislation to require these people to return to prison to complete their sentences. In a statement, Biden said, “America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances.”

What it means: Biden's actions come nearly two weeks after he pardoned his son Hunter — a move supported by just over 2 in 10 Americans, according to one poll, and which earned bipartisan criticism. The president, who had exercised restraint on clemency until now, is facing growing calls to do more. Lawmakers and criminal justice activists want him to commute the sentences of the 40 people on federal death row to life in prison without parole before President-elect Donald Trump (who reinstated federal executions in his first term) returns to the White House. The Biden administration is also weighing preemptive blanket pardons for people on Trump’s “hit list.”

Related: Trump Plans to Pardon “Most” Jan. 6 Rioters in the First Hour of His Presidency (The Hill)

US News

It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's a…Car-Sized Drone in New Jersey?

What’s going on: Things are getting lit in the Garden State, and not in the Jersey Shore kind of way. Since mid-November, mysterious drones have been buzzing around the New Jersey skies. Witnesses describe them as the size of bicycles or SUVs, sometimes flying in clusters with flashing lights that can flick off midair to outsmart police helicopters. The sightings have included flyovers near a military research facility and President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. The drones have also drifted into New York and Philadelphia. The White House says many of them are “manned aircraft” that aren't breaking any rules. But nobody (not even the FBI) knows where they're coming from.

What it means: The drone escapades have sparked concerns over privacy, security, and safety that are reminiscent of the Chinese spy balloon drama. Amid few answers from the government, wild theories about them (looking at you, “Iranian mothership”) are swirling — though the Pentagon has already grounded that one. While Gov. Phil Murphy (D-NJ) has assured everyone there’s no immediate danger, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) suggested the drones should be “shot down, if necessary,” such as near sensitive targets. Earlier this month, the Pentagon warned that drones can pose an “enduring threat” to US security. And this incident may be the catalyst for stricter drone regulations and advanced counter-drone technologies. In the meantime, federal agencies are urging residents to report sightings and share videos. Feels like their job, but sure.

Related: A Congressman Faked His Spotify Wrapped — And NJ Residents Are Pissed (WaPo Gift Link)

Entertainment

Love Isn't Blind — It's Underpaid and Overworked

What's going on:  It looks like the pods open more than hearts — they open labor cases. In a complaint worthy of its own reunion special, the National Labor Relations Board classified contestants on Love Is Blind not just as independent contractors (or hopeful romantics) but as employees with legal rights. The move comes after several former cast members alleged a behind-the-scenes reality far from the glossy edits and glowing proposals we see on screen. Among them is former contestant Renee Poche, who said she felt traumatized by her poor treatment on the show. The NLRB found that the production engaged in multiple questionable labor practices, like proposing contracts with “unlawful” confidentiality and noncompete agreements. Netflix, where the show airs, was not named in the complaint and has not commented. Nor has the production company.

What it means: The labor board’s decision could reshape the reality TV industry. It’s not the first time former Love Is Blind contestants have spoken out about their treatment on the show, with some alleging they’ve been overserved, underfed, underpaid, and manipulated. Now, longtime franchises like Survivor and The Bachelor might face pressure to reevaluate contracts. Even fan favorites like The Real Housewives and Big Brother may need to address contestant demands — think less table-flipping, more contract flipping. The move could also open the door for reality TV employees to unionize and inspire influencers and content creators to question their agreements. Talk about a bombshell entering the villa.

Related: Vanderpump Rules Star James Kennedy Arrested for Alleged Domestic Violence (People)