THE FEDERAL government may be nearing a reclassification of marijuana (Shutterstock).

Uncle Sam seems about to ease up on marijuana.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is reportedly moving toward reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug.

Currently, cannabis is classified in Schedule I, along with heroin, LSD, ecstasy etc. The proposal is to place it in the less restrictive Schedule III.

While many states – including California – have decriminalized marijuana, it is still illegal for recreational uses under federal law.

But the change in classification could lead to more research on the drug, and could ease the financial concerns of commercial cannabis businesses.

Since marijuana is illegal under federal law as a Schedule I drug, federally-insured banks are unavailable and neither are deductions for federal taxation, but in Schedule III that would change.

Trump fined $9000 for contempt

Former president Donald Trump was fined $9000 for breaking a gag order and warned that further violations could land him in jail.

DONALD TRUMP (Shutterstock).

Judge Juan Merchan found Trump in contempt for repeatedly breaching an order to stop verbally attacking witnesses and jurors and said he would order him into jail “if necessary and appropriate.”

The order came during another day of the “hush money” trial in which Trump is facing charges of illegally altering business records about money he allegedly paid to suppress information damaging to his 2016 presidential campaign.

Tuesday’s key evidence was by lawyer Keith Davidson who said that money was paid by “fixer” Michael Cohen on behalf of Trump.

NYPD clears Columbia protesters

Student protesters who broke into and “occupied” Hamilton Hall at Columbia University in New York City were removed by police, who alas made several arrests.

COLUMBIA subway station (Shutterstock).

The university warned that student protesters who forcibly entered the building and committed vandalism were facing expulsion from the college.

New York Mayor Eric Adams called on the protesters to leave the area and suggested that “external actors” from outside the student body may be behind the escalation of protests beyond the making of speeches.

The last day of classes was Monday and final exams are being conducted remotely.

In California, UCLA has declared its pro-Palestinian encampment “unlawful” and threatened students who didn’t leave with discipline. At Cal Poly Humboldt, police arrested 25 or more protesters.

Trout is out with injury

MIKE TROUT

The outcome of the Angels’ game with the Phillies was overshadowed by the news that Mike Trout has suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee which may require surgery and keep him off the field for months. He is expected to return some time in the 2024 season.

“It’s tough,” said Trout. “It’s just frustrating. But we’ll get through it.”

On the field Tuesday, the Halos (11-19) lost 7-5 to the Philadelphia Phillies in Anaheim. They lead 5-3 at one point but yielded four runs in final two innings. It was their ninth loss in 11 games. 

Dodgers lose in 10 innings

A two-hour bee colony delay wasn’t the most upsetting thing abut the Los Angeles Dodgers game in Arizona against the Diamondbacks.

 The home team rallied from behind twice – including two runs in the bottom of the 10th inning – to defeat the Blue Crew 4-3.

LAD led 2-1 going into the bottom of the eighth when Gabriel Moreno singled in the tying run. The Dodgers regained the lead in the top of the 10th on Will Smith’s sacrifice fly.

But Christian Walker settled the matter with a two-run homer in the bottom of the 10th. With the loss, the Dodgers are 19-13, still in first in the NL West.

Weather: Warm then cooler

Our West Orange County area will see a slight cooling trend until the weekend arrives, when things get cooler. The forecast for Wednesday is for morning clouds followed by afternoon sun. The daytime high is expected to hit 70 with an overnight low of 57. Partly cloudy skies will be in place through Saturday. Thursday should be 71 (57) and Friday 73(56). Saturday chills to 68 (57).