Good evening. I'm Amna Nawaz.

And I'm Jeff Bennett. On the news hour tonight, President Biden makes history by commuting

over 1,000 sentences and issuing dozens of pardons for nonviolent drug offenders.

Daily life returns to Syria, where its new leaders must now figure out how to build a functioning government for the entire nation.

And one Colorado community thrown into the political spotlight prepares for mass deportations under the incoming Trump administration.

In case I am unable to be with my children, who will be in charge for them, you know, deportations leave a lasting impact on our community.

Welcome to the News Hour. President Biden announced today that he's commuting the prison sentences of some 1,500 people and issuing pardons to 39 others convicted of nonviolent crimes.

That marks the largest number of commutations by a president in a single day.

As a president has said before, America was founded on the premise of second chances.

For far too long, our criminal justice system has closed doors of opportunity for too many

people who should have the chance to once again participate in daily life and contribute to their communities.

Lisa Desjardin has more on the clemencies.

Omna and Jeff, most of the people affected by this clemency grant have been serving sentences under home confinement.

Thanks to provision put in place during the COVID epidemic. Now their sentences have been serving sentences under home confinement, thanks to provision put in place during the COVID epidemic.

Now, their sentences have been commuted. In addition, 39 people have had their convictions fully pardoned,

all for nonviolent offenses, including drug offenses. The list includes Americans who served time

for crimes committed in their teens or early 20s,

and several armed military veterans.

Until now, Biden has approved fewer clemencies than most recent presidents.

Mark Osler is a professor at the University of St. Thomas School of Law in Minneapolis,

an expert on presidential clemency, and he joins us now for a deeper dive.

Mark, thank you so much.

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