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

New NIH-funded Resource Center for Cannabis Research launches, partnering University of Mississippi, Washington State University, and United States Pharmacopoeia.

New AMA study finds counties with more veterans have more doctors recommending medical marijuana, suggesting higher qualifying condition rates among veterans.

Federal prosecutor warns D.C. dispensary Green Theory it may face criminal charges despite local approval, citing proximity to schools.

Study finds C. sativa callus extract has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, showing promise for skincare targeting oxidative stress and inflammation.

US NEWS

George Santos sentenced to 7 years for fraud, identity theft, after deceiving donors and misusing identities in 2022 campaign.

Virginia Giuffre, prominent Epstein survivor and Prince Andrew accuser, dies by suicide at 41 in Western Australia, family says.

Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan, longtime advocate for the poor, arrested by FBI for allegedly helping undocumented immigrant evade arrest.

WORLD NEWS

Pope Francis’ funeral held today in Vatican City after thousands mourned; he chose a simple wooden coffin over traditional burial.

Russian Lt. Gen. Yaroslav Moskalik killed by car bomb near Moscow, coinciding with US envoy’s arrival for Russia-Ukraine peace talks.

Trump and Zelensky hold productive talks at Pope’s funeral as US pushes urgent Ukraine-Russia peace deal amid tight deadline.

US and Iran begin tougher nuclear talks as disputes over uranium enrichment, sanctions relief, and Israel’s opposition complicate negotiations.

SPORTS

Shedeur Sanders, once a top quarterback prospect, remains undrafted after three rounds, raising questions about perception and team hesitations.

Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft featured strong value picks, surprising reaches, and impressive team strategies, setting the stage for more impact players to be selected on Day 3.

Here’s a look at the best remaining players on my board, with their pre-draft top-150 rankings in parentheses:

1. Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado (No. 5)

2. Yahya Black, DT, Iowa (No. 66)

3. Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State (No. 72)

4. Marcus Mbow, G, Purdue (No. 74)

5. Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Virginia Tech (No. 78)

6. Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford (No. 79)

7. David Walker, OLB, Central Arkansas (No. 84)

8. Barryn Sorrell, DE, Texas (No. 86)

9. Ty Robinson, DT, Nebraska (No. 88)

10. Jack Sawyer, DE, Ohio State (No. 90)

Steelers’ first-round pick Derrick Harmon mourns mother’s death, who passed away shortly after he was drafted Thursday night.

Celtics frustrated by Magic’s physical play after Game 3 loss, citing injuries, turnovers, and struggles against Orlando’s aggressive defense.

POP CULTURE

Jury will see footage of Sean “Diddy” Combs assaulting Cassie Ventura during upcoming federal criminal trial after judge’s ruling Friday.

Jennifer Aniston playfully acknowledges her 2003 People magazine cameo in “The Last of Us” Season 2 premiere on Instagram.

Shannon Sharpe denies sexual assault and battery allegations in $50M lawsuit, calling it a “shakedown” amid ongoing legal battle.

BUSINESS

Texas judge rules FDA can block pharmacies from making compounded Ozempic, Wegovy after semaglutide shortage officially ended.

Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan’s tuition-free Primary School for low-income families will close after 2025-26 amid shifting CZI priorities.

Shein and Temu raise prices ahead of May 2 tariffs, impacting lower-income shoppers most as “de minimis” exemption nears expiration.

Quote of the Day:

“Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it.”

- George Halas

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