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

Snoop Dogg expands his cannabis empire with Dogg Woods blunt wraps, promoting them at CHAMPS expo alongside rolling papers, hemp products, and accessories.

Swiss lawmakers approved a plan to legalize and regulate marijuana, allowing limited personal cultivation while imposing state-controlled retail sales and strict advertising restrictions.

Russia arrested another American, K. Byers, for cannabis possession, just days after a U.S. prisoner swap secured Marc Fogel’s release.

US NEWS

California’s biggest winter storm brought flooding, mudslides, hurricane-force winds, and heavy snow, fueled by an atmospheric river, disrupting multiple regions.

A 5.0 magnitude earthquake struck western Texas, with tremors felt in New Mexico. No immediate injuries reported as aftershocks followed.

A Treasury watchdog launched an audit into DOGE’s payment system access, reviewing security controls and two years of transactions for potential fraud.

WORLD NEWS

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels seized Congo’s Kavumu Airport, escalating tensions and raising fears of an attack on Bukavu ahead of the African Union summit.

Pope Francis, 88, hospitalized for bronchitis amid recurring health issues, including respiratory infections and intestinal problems, as the Vatican monitors his condition.

Zelensky warns U.S. support for Europe is uncertain, urging a united European army as Trump’s Putin talks raise concerns in Kyiv.

A Russian drone strike damaged Chernobyl’s reactor shield, sparking a fire. Ukraine reports normal radiation levels, recalling the 1986 nuclear disaster’s legacy.

SPORTS

San Antonio Spurs rookie Stephon Castle won Rising Stars MVP, leading Team C to victory. He’ll compete in the dunk contest and All-Star Game, facing legends like LeBron James and Stephen Curry. The revamped format aims to restore excitement to All-Star Weekend.

Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Sue Bird, and Maya Moore lead the 2025 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame finalists. The 2008 U.S. Olympic men’s team, coaches Billy Donovan and Mark Few, and other basketball legends are also nominated. Inductees will be announced in April.

Two women were shot near the Eagles’ Super Bowl parade after an argument. Police report both are in stable condition; investigation ongoing.

POP CULTURE

Warner Bros. is developing Goonies 2 with Steven Spielberg producing, nearly 40 years after the original, though cast and director remain unconfirmed.

Jane Doe dropped her sexual assault lawsuit against Jay-Z and Diddy with prejudice, preventing future refiling, amid legal challenges and inconsistencies.

Cobra Kai stars Mary Mouser and Tanner Buchanan announce engagement, coinciding with the series finale’s release on Netflix, marking a new chapter.

BUSINESS

Former allies Elon Musk and Sam Altman clash over OpenAI, as the board rejects Musk’s offer to buy the company’s assets.

American malls are evolving into mixed-use developments, combining retail, dining, housing, and entertainment to attract modern consumers seeking convenience, walkability, and vibrant community spaces.

Missouri sued Starbucks over its DEI programs, alleging discrimination. The case marks a new legal challenge amid growing opposition to corporate diversity initiatives.

Quote of the Day:

“The great art of life is sensation, to feel that we exist, even in pain.”

- Lord Byron

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