Rolling out the news you want

Welcome to the BLUNT Newsletter, your direct access to pop culture that is short and to the point.

CANNABIS

Rep. Mikie Sherrill files bill requiring Elon Musk and DOGE employees to undergo drug testing to maintain special government employee status.

Poll shows Pennsylvania voters favor legalizing marijuana through licensed private businesses over state-run cannabis store model proposed by some lawmakers.

Study finds topical treatment with cannabidiol and cannabigerol reduces eczema symptoms, improves quality of life, and leads to remission in some cases.

US NEWS

Trump administration plans to freeze $510M in grants to Brown over antisemitism concerns; Harvard must meet terms to keep funding.

Four private space tourists return after historic polar orbit mission; Fram2 crew conducted research, battled motion sickness, and splashed down safely.

Measles vaccination rates decline, leaving many children unprotected amid major outbreak; experts warn of rising hospitalizations and urgent need for mass vaccination.

Tornadoes and record rainfall devastate central US, killing at least eight; historic flooding expected as storms persist into the weekend.

WORLD NEWS

South Korea’s top court removed President Yoon for declaring martial law, triggering snap elections amid political turmoil and protests.

China will impose a 34% tariff on all US imports starting April 10, escalating the trade war and likely increasing inflation.

Russian missile strike on Zelensky’s hometown kills 19, including 9 children; peace talks stall as Trump pressures Russia for deal.

SPORTS

South Carolina and UConn advance to the women’s NCAA championship; men’s Final Four matchups set for tomorrow on ABC.

Alex Ovechkin ties Wayne Gretzky’s NHL goal record at 894, declining empty-net chance; celebration planned when he breaks record.

Julio Jones retires after 13 NFL seasons; Falcons legend ends career with 13,703 yards, 66 touchdowns, and numerous league records.

POP CULTURE

Russell Brand charged with rape and sexual assault involving four women; denies allegations and will appear in UK court May 2.

Hailie Jade names newborn son Elliot Marshall, honoring dad Eminem; baby born March 14 as rapper celebrates becoming a grandfather.

Sean “Diddy” Combs faces two new federal charges in sex trafficking case; trial begins May 5 with four accusers testifying.

BUSINESS

Escalating trade tensions caused Wall Street to plunge Friday; S&P 500 fell 6%, Nasdaq 5.8%, and Dow dropped 2231 points.

Trump extended TikTok’s sale deadline to June 19, giving ByteDance more time to sell or face a potential US ban.

US added 228,000 jobs in March, beating forecasts; unemployment rose to 4.2% and annual wage growth slowed to 3.8%.

Quote of the Day:

“The most exciting thing is not doing it. If you fall in love with someone and never do it, it's much more exciting.”

- Andy Warhol

That's all for now! We hope you enjoyed this edition of the BLUNT Newsletter. Have a fantastic rest of your day!