By JONATHAN MATTISE, Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee’s governor pardoned country star Jelly Roll on Thursday for his criminal past in the state, acknowledging the Nashville native’s long road back from drugs and prison through soul-searching, songwriting and advocacy for second chances.

The rapper-turned-singer whose legal name is Jason Deford has spoken for years about his redemption arc before diverse audiences, from people serving time in correctional centers to concert crowds and even in testimony before Congress.

Republican Gov. Bill Lee issued his pardon after friends and civic leaders of the Grammy-nominated musician joined in an outpouring of support.

Jelly Roll’s convictions include robbery and drug felonies. He has said a pardon would make it easier for him to travel internationally for concert tours and to perform Christian missionary work without requiring burdensome paperwork.

He was one of 33 people to receive pardons Thursday from Lee, who for years has issued clemency decisions around the Christmas season. Lee said Jelly Roll’s application underwent the same monthslong thorough review as other applicants. The state parole board gave a nonbinding, unanimous recommendation for Jelly Roll’s pardon in April.

“His story is remarkable, and it’s a redemptive, powerful story, which is what you look for and what you hope for,” Lee told reporters, adding he hopes to meet Jelly Roll for the first time soon.

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Unlike recent high-profile federal pardons, which let people off the hook for prison, a pardon in Tennessee serves as a statement of forgiveness for someone who has already completed a prison sentence and been released. Pardons offer a path to get certain civil rights restored, such as the right to vote, although there are some limitations under state law, and the governor can specify the terms.

Jelly Roll broke into country music with the 2023 album “Whitsitt Chapel” and crossover songs like “Need a Favor.” He has won multiple CMT Awards, a CMA Award and also picked up seven career Grammy nominations, three of them recently.

Much of his work has become associated with overcoming adversity, like the song “Winning Streak” that tells the story of someone’s first day sober. Or the direct-and-to-the-point, “I Am Not Okay.”

“When I first started doing this, I was just telling my story of my broken self,” he told The Associated Press in a recent interview. “By the time I got through it, I realized that my story was the story of many. So now I’m not telling my story anymore. I’m getting to pull it right from the crevices of the people whose story’s never been told.”

In making his case to the parole board, Jelly Roll said he first fell in love with songwriting while in custody, stating it began as a therapeutic passion project that “would end up changing my life in ways that I never dreamed imaginable.”

Beyond his sold-out shows, he’s brought his witness to the U.S. Senate, where he testified about the dangers of fentanyl, describing his drug-dealing younger self as “the uneducated man in the kitchen playing chemist with drugs I knew absolutely nothing about.”

“I was a part of the problem,” he told lawmakers at the time. “I am here now standing as a man that wants to be a part of the solution.”

Jelly Roll’s most serious convictions include a robbery at age 17 and drug charges at 23. In the first case, a female acquaintance helped Jelly Roll and two armed accomplices steal $350 from people in a home in 2002. Because the victims knew the female acquaintance, she and Jelly Roll were arrested right away. Jelly Roll was unarmed, and was sentenced to one year in prison plus probation.

In another run-in 2008, police found marijuana and crack cocaine in his car, leading to eight years of court-ordered supervision.

Friends and civic leaders backed the pardon application, citing Jelly Roll’s transformation.

Davidson County Sheriff Daron Hall, who runs Nashville’s jail, wrote that Jelly Roll had an awakening in one of the jails he managed. Live Nation Entertainment CEO and President Michael Rapino cited Jelly Roll’s donations from his performances to charities for at-risk youth.

The parole board began considering Jelly Roll’s pardon application in October 2024, which marks the state’s five-year timeline for eligibility after his sentence expired. Prominent Nashville attorney David Raybin represents Jelly Roll in the pardon case.

Lee’s office said no one was pardoned Thursday who had a homicide or a sex-related conviction, or for any crime committed as an adult against a minor.

By LINDSAY WHITEHURST and BILL BARROW, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday that would reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug and open new avenues for medical research, a major shift in federal drug policy that inches closer to what many states have done.

The switch would move marijuana away from its current classification as a Schedule I drug, alongside heroin and LSD. Cannabis would instead be a Schedule III substance, like ketamine and some anabolic steroids.

Reclassification by the Drug Enforcement Administration would not make it legal for recreational use by adults nationwide, but it could change how the drug is regulated and reduce a hefty tax burden on the cannabis industry.

President Donald Trump speaks during an executive order signing in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Similarly, the Justice Department under Trump’s Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden, proposed reclassifying marijuana to a Schedule III substance. Unlike Biden, Trump did not have open encouragement from across his party for the move. Some Republicans have spoken out in opposition to any changes and urged Trump to maintain current standards.

Such a switch typically requires an arduous process, including a public comment period that has drawn tens of thousands of reactions from across the U.S. The DEA was still in the review process when Trump took office in January. Trump’s order is expected to speed the process along, though it was not immediately clear how long it might take.

FILE – A medical marijuana plant grows at CRC on July 23, 2024, in Pike County, Ala. (AP Photo/Kim Chandler, File)

Many states have legalized the recreational use of marijuana for adults or allow it for medical purposes. But U.S. laws have remained stricter, potentially leaving people subject to federal prosecution.

Polling from Gallup shows more Americans back a less restrictive approach: Support for marijuana legalization has grown significantly, from just 36% support in 2005 to 68% last year.

Trump’s order also calls for expanded research and access to CBD, a legal and increasingly popular hemp-derived product whose benefits are debated by experts.

FILE – A cannabis bud is seen at a medical marijuana facility in Unity, Maine, on April 22, 2016. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)

More than 20 Republican senators, several of them staunch Trump allies, signed a letter this year urging the president to keep marijuana a Schedule I drug. Led by North Carolina Sen. Ted Budd, the group argued that marijuana continues to be dangerous and that a shift would “undermine your strong efforts to Make America Great Again.” They argued, too, that marijuana negatively affects users’ physical and mental health, as well as road and workplace safety.

“The only winners from rescheduling will be bad actors such as Communist China, while Americans will be left paying the bill,” the letter said, referring to China’s place in the cannabis market.

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As for decriminalizing marijuana, Trump has not previously committed to such a move, though he had considered reclassifying it for much of his second term. He once said as a candidate that it should remain a state-by-state issue.

As president, he has made his crusade against other drugs, especially fentanyl, a feature of his second term, ordering U.S. military attacks on Venezuelan and other boats the administration insists are ferrying drugs.

He signed another executive order declaring fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction.

Barrow reported from Atlanta. Associated Press writer Seung Min Kim contributed to this report.

Rage rear-ended by hope

On Dec. 11, I was driving back to my home on the West Side of St Paul — a predominantly Latino neighborhood that I’ve lived in for over 20 years.

As I was approaching the main intersection of Caesar Chavez and George Street, my car was blocked by a St. Paul Police SUV.  I saw a few SUVs ahead and a small group of people gathered and my heart began to sink. Not in my neighborhood. Not on a quiet Thursday night during Advent. With daily ICE raids infesting the city, I felt a burst of anger and wanted to get out of my car and scream.

Soon the SUV pulled back to let me through and I saw that what was ahead was a processional. A group of about 60 people, flanked by St Paul Police cars, making their way down Caesar Chavez with an illuminated image of the Virgin Mary leading the way.

The emotional whiplash was too much in that moment. Rage rear-ended by hope in the middle of a St. Paul intersection. The faithful were processing to church on the eve of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, with police escort.

I had to weep as I pulled into my driveway with the moment sinking in, trying to process the cruelty, beauty, violence and transcendence of these days we are living in. May hope find its way even on the darkest of nights.

Peace to all,

Jeffrey Zupfer, St. Paul

 

Was there outside inteference? By whom?

So Minnesota will now have a Fraud Czar? If that’ll solve any of the current or future problems, I’ve got a bridge from Halifax to Nuuk to sell you — cheap.

(Official announcement): “Minnesota (BCA) Bureau of Criminal Apprehension establishes a centralized fraud investigation unit” to “create programs to prevent fraud”? That’s not their job. The BCA is the investigative arm of our state government and should have been, and in the future must be, notified by auditors or department supervisors and administrators of problems on an ongoing basis. And it’s already in their mandate to investigate this — beginning immediately, without interference by anyone. Or is somebody afraid of a potential BCA report?

Minnesota already has a fully functioning “State Auditor’s Office” under a duly elected official that is responsible for functions of process integrity including an “annual audit of all Federal programs administered by the state.” We have heard nothing from that office that I am aware of. Where are those reports? From prior years?

Some of those 37,000 or so state employees were receiving the money from the feds and others were shoveling that money out the door. And they were working in a department that had procedures — this isn’t new stuff.  And it’s up to the Administration Department directly under the governor to assure that procedures are followed.

At this point, before rules are changed, it’s the job of the BCA to ascertain: What rules were in place? What was the departmental performance against those rules? By whom? Internal communication? Was there outside interference? By whom? Where was Administration?

Something nobody has mentioned: According to public statements, the state is responsible for the funds it handles. Could the Feds claw back that $1+ billion?

Does anybody think Amazon operates like this?  Or Wal Mart?

Art Thell, West St. Paul

 

Solid advice for St. Paul

Larry Jacob’s op-ed is wonderful (“For Kaohly Her’s first 100 days as St. Paul mayor, action and clear ambition,” Dec. 14); sadly, St. Paul will never listen to solid advice. Rent control has decimated this city. Paperwork and, as Larry states, “St. Paul’s lackadaisical permit process,” sadly will never be pro-business. For example, completing the forms to request an increase of rents by 3 percent is so shortsighted when inflation is killing landlords.

Patrick C. Smith, Mendota. The writer is an attorney and real estate broker

 

Extreme narcissism

It will be impossible for Donald Trump to back-pedal from his ridiculous declaration that the death of Rob Reiner was due to his affliction with Trump Derangement Syndrome (excessive criticism of the president). He cannot erase the real malady that he himself possesses – extreme narcissism. It does not require a medical degree to recognize the pathology of his most recent misbehaviors: intolerance of criticism, rampant belittling of others, and need for constant attention.

But his pathology extends to his claim of unimpeded entitlement, evidenced by his unilateral decisions dismissive of Congress, the courts and the Constitution.  Further, his need for glowing admiration is recognized by videos of cabinet meetings showing one member after another dutifully praising his efforts without any challenge, and also visiting dignitaries presenting him with lavish gifts of gold. Worst of all, this superiority complex, besides distancing our allies and our own citizens from our government, is the issue of placing our country at unnecessary military risk.

As much as Joe Biden was appropriately questioned for his mental health as he considered a second term, so also Trump should be questioned now for his personality disorder; brain health in any president should not be a private matter.

James R. Carey, Little Canada

 

‘Guardrails’

The word “guardrails” has jumped into the Minnesota lexicon these days. Who knew they were so linked to the recent Covid experience? Our governor was  busy enforcing Covid stuff like closing businesses and schools and setting up the infamous “snitch on your neighbor” call-in number. He just plain overlooked any rules for the number of generous giveaway programs he helped institute.

Lou Matis, Roseville

 

An embarrassment

Are you kidding me? Donald Trump blames Rob Reiner and his wife’s death on their political views? This president has done nothing but embarrass our country with every single thing that has come out of his mouth. And now he blames a man’s cause of death on the fact that he didn’t agree with Trump’s views? When will this narcissistic man be stopped? He’s an embarrassment to this country and the things he continues to get away with saying are unbelievable. Shame on him and anyone who lets him get away with it.

Cathy Ferrazzo, Mahtomedi

 

TIF for developments that don’t need it

The tax increment financing proposal for Grand/Victoria is unwise, unfair and unaffordable. TIF is an important but overused tool in St. Paul. It’s meant to spur development in blighted areas by using property taxes to pay for the development’s city services. Our taxes are already too high. It insults our neighbors living in poorer areas of the city who could really benefit from TIF investment in their neighborhoods instead of the city’s wealthiest. It will harm existing businesses who don’t enjoy TIF benefits yet have to compete with a developer who does. And it will put the city in a bind, having established a precedent for using TIF for developments that don’t need it. It will become even harder to attract non-TIF development to St. Paul. The council should reject this proposal outright or table it until the new mayor can weigh in.

Ellie Garrett, St. Paul

 

All that, and yet …

I like to keep informed with regard to what’s happening in my community, nation, the world. In the past reading the Pioneer Press while having my morning coffee was an enjoyable way to start the day. But recently reading the news has left me feeling both angry and sad. For those of you who follow current events, you know what I’m referring to. Tragedy seems to prevail.

But yet, I encounter positivity while meandering through my days. The young cashier at the supermarket who is juggling two jobs to keep financially afloat who always greets me with a warm hello and radiant smile. The senior citizen working at the drugstore. In spite of her own health issues, she puts flowers in her hair and shows up for work and is always pleasant to the customers. And if I can solve the puzzles in the morning paper correctly, yeah! Happy Holidays!

Ursula  Krawczyk, St. Paul

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By DARLENE SUPERVILLE, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s handpicked board voted on Thursday to rename Washington’s leading performing arts center as the Trump-Kennedy Center, the White House said.

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Press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the vote on social media, saying it was because of the “unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building. Not only from the standpoint of its reconstruction, but also financially, and its reputation.”

Trump, a Republican who’s chairman of the board, often refers to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, which is named for a Democratic predecessor, as the “Trump Kennedy Center.”

Asked on Dec. 7 as he walked the red carpet for the Kennedy Center Honors program whether he would rename the venue after himself, Trump said such a decision would be up to the board.

Earlier this month, Trump talked about a “big event on Friday at the Trump Kennedy Center” before saying, “excuse me, at the Kennedy Center,” as his audience laughed. He was referring to the FIFA World Cup soccer draw for 2026, in which he participated.

A name change won’t sit well with some Kennedy family members.

Maria Shriver, a niece of John F. Kennedy, referred to the legislation introduced in Congress to rebrand the Kennedy Center as the Donald J. Trump Center for the Performing Arts as “insane” in a social media post in July.

“It makes my blood boil. It’s so ridiculous, so petty, so small minded,” she wrote. “Truly, what is this about? It’s always about something. ‘Let’s get rid of the Rose Garden. Let’s rename the Kennedy Center.’ What’s next?”

Trump earlier this year turned the Kennedy-era Rose Garden at the White House into a patio by removing the lawn and laying down paving stones.

Another Kennedy family member, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., serves in Trump’s Cabinet as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Trump showed scant interest in the Kennedy Center during his first term as president, but since returning to office in January he has replaced board members appointed by Democratic presidents with some of his most ardent supporters, who then elected him as board chairman.

He also has criticized the center’s programming and its physical appearance and has vowed to overhaul both.

Trump secured more than $250 million from the Republican-controlled Congress for renovations of the building.

He attended opening night of the musical “Les Misérables,” and last week he served as host of the Kennedy Center Honors program after not attending the show during his first term as president. The awards program is scheduled to be broadcast by CBS and Paramount+ on Dec. 23.