
Mike Tyson's cannabis plea: Boxing legend presses Trump on marijuana reform after Biden's broken pledge; says 'was going crazy without it'
"There's over 500,000 people that can't get loans because they're in the cannabis business alone and that's just so ridiculous. It's such a great income for the country," he told Fox & Friends hosts on Monday.
Talking about his own experience of taking cannabis, Tyson said, "I could not live, I was going crazy without cannabis. I was just going absolutely mad, fighting people in the street, giving wild responses back to people who said, 'Can I help you?' And then it's done so much for me.
It's given me a new life, so to speak… all the reckless trouble I was getting into [as a kid], that's not happening now as an adult."
The Coalition of Athletes and Entertainers Supporting President Trump's Policy Objectives, which is backed by stars like Kevin Durant and Dez Bryant, wrote to the White House regarding the issue. The group is calling for clemency for nonviolent marijuana offenses, reclassification of cannabis, and an end to what they describe as discriminatory banking practices.
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Criticising the Biden administration over its non-action towards the issue, the letter said, "Not only did he leave office without commuting the sentences of those incarcerated for marijuana, but in one of his final acts, he denied nearly every pending marijuana-related clemency application".
"This betrayal only underscores the urgent need for bold leadership, we believe, and represents an opportunity to correct glaring disparities as part of your [the Trump] Administration's ongoing push for criminal justice reform," it said, Fox News reported.
Tyson said the group is focused on creating access to safe banking for people in the cannabis industry who are currently shut out from getting loans.
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First Post
13 minutes ago
- First Post
Trump's July 9 tariff deadline looms: Which countries will get a deal?
As US President Donald Trump's July 9 tariff deadline nears, countries including Japan, India, and the EU are scrambling to strike last-minute trade deals. Washington could either finalise limited agreements, extend the tariff pause, or reimpose steep duties — some as high as 50 per cent — on economies it sees as uncooperative. Which nations will escape the tariff hike? read more US President Donald Trump holds a chart next to US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick as Trump delivers remarks on tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, DC, US, April 2, 2025. File Image/Reuters As the July 9 deadline approaches for United States President Donald Trump to reimpose sweeping tariffs on multiple economies — including Japan and the European Union — several countries are still racing to secure agreements that could shield them from the harshest penalties. These tariffs stem from a package first announced in April, with Trump citing concerns over the absence of 'reciprocity' in America's trade relationships. Initially, a 10 per cent tariff was applied to most trading partners, with even steeper, customised duties set to follow for countries where the US runs large trade deficits. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, the full implementation was delayed until July to allow time for negotiations. Experts predict that countries will likely face one of three scenarios: concluding a preliminary agreement, obtaining a temporary reprieve from increased tariffs, or dealing with a sharp rise in levies. Lots of 'Framework' deals coming up 'There will be a group of deals that we will land before July 9,' Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on CNBC last Friday. Officials have not specified which countries fall under this category, but Bessent revealed that Washington has been aiming to finalise arrangements with around 18 major partners. 'Vietnam, India and Taiwan remain promising candidates for a deal,' Wendy Cutler, vice president at the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI), told AFP. If these countries do not reach a deal, Vietnam's reciprocal tariff would jump from 10 per cent to 46 per cent, India's to 26 per cent, and Taiwan's to 32 per cent. Josh Lipsky, international economics chair at the Atlantic Council, noted that Indian negotiators recently extended their US visit, saying it 'seems like a frontrunner.' 'Japan was in that category, but things have set back a little,' Lipsky added, pointing to Trump's criticism earlier this week accusing Japan of being unwilling to open its rice market to US exports. Analysts caution that these agreements are unlikely to be comprehensive trade deals, given the complex nature of such negotiations. So far, since April, Washington has only finalised an agreement with the UK and a temporary arrangement with China aimed at reducing reciprocal tariffs. Extended pause depends on Trump Bessent has also indicated that countries showing genuine effort in talks might retain the 10 per cent tariff rate for now. However, whether an extension on avoiding higher tariffs is granted will ultimately depend on Trump, he added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'With a new government, (South) Korea looks well positioned to secure an extension,' ASPI's Cutler said. Lipsky anticipates that several nations will fall into this category, benefiting from a delay in heightened tariffs until Labor Day on September 1. Bessent previously said that Washington could complete its trade deal agenda by Labor Day, implying more deals could be finalised even if talks continue beyond July. Tariff reimposition for uncooperative nations For countries deemed uncooperative, Bessent has cautioned that the US could revert to the more severe tariff levels announced earlier, ranging from 11 per cent up to 50 per cent. Cutler noted that 'Japan's refusal to open its rice market, coupled with the US resistance to lowering automotive tariffs, may lead to the reimposition of Japan's 24 per cent reciprocal tariff.' On Tuesday, Trump remarked that a trade deal with Japan is unlikely and the country could face tariffs of '30 per cent, 35 per cent, or whatever the number is that we determine.' Lipsky believes the European Union also risks seeing its tariffs reset to either the 20 per cent rate proposed in April or the steeper 50 per cent rate recently mentioned by Trump. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Digital policy is expected to be a friction point in US-EU talks. Trump recently announced that trade negotiations with Canada — which is not subject to the July 9 deadline — would be cancelled in response to Ottawa's digital services tax. Canada has since agreed to drop the measure. This week, EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic is visiting Washington in hopes of securing a deal, as the European Commission reviews early drafts of US proposals currently under discussion. Also Watch: With inputs from AFP


Time of India
15 minutes ago
- Time of India
Social security shock: 50% pay cut hits millions of Americans, are you affected?
Social Security checks cut by 50% for overpayments: Millions of seniors face reduced benefits starting this month- Millions of seniors receiving Social Security payments are seeing a sudden and painful drop in their monthly checks. Starting this July, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has begun cutting monthly payments by 50% for around 2 million Americans who were overpaid by the agency — in some cases years ago. This isn't tied to the long-term funding concerns surrounding the program. Instead, it's part of a recent government effort to claw back overpayments made between 2015 and 2022. The decision comes after a shift in policy earlier this year, and while the SSA is legally obligated to recover overpaid funds, the impact on retirees—especially those on tight budgets—is already raising serious concern. Why are millions of Social Security beneficiaries suddenly seeing smaller checks? The SSA is now enforcing a 50% withholding rate on monthly Social Security checks for individuals who received overpayments during the period between 2015 and 2022. These overpayments may have resulted from unreported income changes or SSA miscalculations of benefits. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Maduya Unsold Cars In 2024 Are Almost Donated. See Price SUV Deals | Search Ads Search Now The SSA issues around $1.4 trillion annually to about 73 million Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients. According to an August 2024 inspector general report, the agency still has $23 billion in uncollected overpayment balances, and it estimated that between 2015 and 2022, $72 billion in improper payments were made—most of them overpayments. How did we get here? What changed under the Trump administration? During the Biden administration, the SSA had reduced the clawback rate to 10% of a beneficiary's check, down from the previous 100%. This helped prevent financial hardship for seniors already living on tight monthly budgets. Live Events However, in March 2025, the Trump administration announced a return to the 100% withholding policy. After strong backlash from advocates and senior organizations, the rate was adjusted again in April to a more 'manageable' 50% withholding rate. That new rate officially kicked in this July, with deductions starting around July 24. Yet for many, even this 50% reduction can be crushing. Shannon Benton, Executive Director of the Senior Citizens League, said: 'Overpayments should be recouped, but we remain concerned about the impact of any recovery rate on the less financially stable retirees.' What are seniors expected to do if they can't afford the deduction? If you've received a notice from the SSA, you have options. Recipients have 90 days to appeal the overpayment. They can also request a lower monthly withholding rate by submitting Form SSA-634, known as the Request for Change in Overpayment Recovery Rate . That form can be faxed or mailed to your local SSA office. If repaying even a reduced amount is a hardship, and especially if the mistake wasn't your fault, you can request a waiver of repayment altogether. If you believe the SSA was wrong in claiming you were overpaid or that the amount is incorrect, you can also request a reconsideration. For those feeling overwhelmed or stuck, Benton urges reaching out to a Constituent Services staffer through your congressional representative. Every Member of Congress, regardless of political party, has staff who can help residents navigate issues with Social Security. Who is affected and when will the Social Security cuts begin? The Social Security benefit cuts are already starting to affect retirees this month. Roughly 2 million Americans are on the list to have their checks slashed by 50%, with deductions beginning on or around July 24. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead of Social Security, the withholding rate remains at 10% for now. It's unclear whether that will change, but so far, SSI beneficiaries are not being hit with the same level of reductions. Here's who may be impacted: Retirees and seniors who received excess benefits due to reporting errors. Disabled individuals receiving SSDI or SSI with unreported income changes. Spouses or dependents listed in error or with outdated information. More than 2 million Americans have already received overpayment notices, and millions more could be flagged if errors are found in previous records. Why is the SSA doing this now? Between 2015 and 2022 , the SSA mistakenly overpaid more than $72 billion , with $23 billion still uncollected . This new 50% clawback policy is aimed at reducing that backlog quickly — but it's drawing heavy criticism from advocacy groups. Critics say the policy disproportionately harms low-income seniors and people with disabilities who depend on Social Security for essentials like food, housing, and medication. What can retirees do now to protect their financial future? The best thing you can do is act quickly. If you've received a notice of overpayment, don't ignore it. Take advantage of the 90-day appeal window. Consider reaching out to local legal aid offices or financial counselors who specialize in government benefits. Staying informed is also key. Overpayments may not always be your fault. Mistakes on the agency's side are not uncommon, and many beneficiaries had no idea they were being overpaid in the first place. This new push by the SSA is likely just the beginning. 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The best thing you can do right now? Stay informed, monitor your SSA messages, and respond quickly to any notices you receive. The 50% cuts to Social Security checks may feel like a sudden blow to many older Americans, but there are steps you can take. If you're affected, don't panic, but do act. Reach out to SSA, file your appeal if needed, and ask for help if it becomes unmanageable. The rules may be strict, but many seniors have successfully appealed or reduced their repayments—especially if they act fast. For many, this situation highlights a deeper issue: a system that's difficult to navigate and can leave vulnerable people paying for its mistakes. But knowing your rights and being proactive can make a big difference. FAQs: Q1: Why are Social Security checks being cut by 50% this month? Because the SSA is recovering overpayments made between 2015 and 2022. Q2: How can I stop the 50% Social Security deduction? You can appeal or request a lower rate using SSA Form SSA-634 .


Mint
21 minutes ago
- Mint
America's ominous new halt on weapons to Ukraine
In recent weeks Ukraine has endured some of the most intense drone and missile bombardments since the start of Russia's full-on invasion three years ago. There could scarcely be a worse time for America to halt the delivery of precious air-defence equipment. Yet Ukrainian officials say that on the night of June 30th-July 1st the Pentagon turned back cargo planes delivering supplies of air-defence interceptors and other arms to European bases, from where they would be taken overland to Ukraine. Precisely which weapons have been halted, for how long and why remains murky. The Pentagon gave no details. But several reports said they included Patriot air-defence interceptors. The Wall Street Journal added that they included Stinger surface-to-air missiles, air-to-air missiles, Hellfire air-to-ground missiles, surface-to-surface rockets and artillery rounds. The Pentagon said the pause was intended to enable a general review of weapons deliveries to promote an end to the war in Ukraine 'while also preserving US military readiness and defense priorities.' Sean Parnell, the Pentagon spokesman, added: 'We can't give weapons to everybody all around the world. We have to look out for America and defending our homeland and our troops around the world.' Officials said the review was global, and any pause could ultimately be reversed. Ukrainian officials say that, in fact, all shipments of American weapons, including shells and spare parts, have been halted, a contention that American officials deny. The Pentagon presents the interruption as a limited and temporary action. But Ukrainian officials suspect a more concerted effort by the Trump administration to squeeze political concessions out of Ukraine, as it did in early March when it briefly stopped arms deliveries and intelligence co-operation after an infamous televised bust-up between Donald Trump and Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelensky. More recently, though, relations between Messrs Trump and Zelensky appeared to improve as Ukraine accepted American calls for an immediate ceasefire and Russia dragged out the process in the hope of making more gains on the ground. At the NATO summit in The Hague last week, Mr Trump seemed willing to find more Patriot interceptors for Ukraine, though he acknowledged supplies were tight. Whatever the precise situation, it seems clear that American support for Ukraine is ebbing. Mr Trump has not made any new commitments of weapons to help it since his return to office in January (tens of billions of dollars authorised by Congress last year remain uncommitted). Nor has the Republican-dominated Congress allocated new funds. There is no money for Ukraine in the 'big beautiful bill' making its way through Congress. Officials said the already small amounts for Ukraine in the regular Pentagon budget would be cut further under the budget request for fiscal year 2026, though they gave no details. The administration is allowing the supplemental funds approved by Congress last year, and the pipeline of arms pumped up at the end of Joe Biden's term, to drain away without replenishment. American support has come mainly in two forms: Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) under which the Pentagon has rushed weapons to Ukraine from its own stocks; and Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), a slower process whereby America has ordered weapons for Ukraine from manufacturers. The Trump administration has made no PDA announcements since coming to office in January, but weapons ordered under USAI had been expected to keep flowing until late 2028, according to calculations by Mark Cancian and Chris Park of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (see chart). If these supplies are now being interrupted, that would mark an even more abrupt end to American support than feared. The Pentagon has long fretted about the impact of the Ukraine war on its supply of weapons. Reports say Pentagon officials have been circulating memos since early this year expressing concern about low stocks. The decision to halt the shipments is believed to be driven by Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon's under-secretary for policy, who has long advocated shifting America's military resources from Europe and the Middle East to concentrate on Asia and the rivalry with China. According to reports, he has overseen a review of Pentagon munitions stockpiles, amid worries that artillery shells, air-defence weapons and precision munitions had fallen dangerously low. Mr Trump promised to end the Ukraine war on his first day in office. Nearly six months on he seems no closer to securing even a ceasefire despite friendly calls with Vladimir Putin, Russia's president. Though Russia is the aggressor, and the recalcitrant party, Ukraine is the easier side for America to coerce given its heavy reliance on Western support. Ukraine has built up its arms industry, not least in drones. European countries already provide more weapons to Ukraine than America does and, as they raise defence spending, have promised to help make up the shortfall as America withdraws support. But they, too, are woefully short of air-defence weapons and the Patriot system has proven itself particularly effective against ballistic and other missiles. Ukraine's front lines seem unlikely to collapse in the coming months, though Russia is making incremental gains. Nevertheless, Ukraine faces a grim reckoning: the fewer weapons it receives, the more people and territory it will lose.