Rolling out the news you want

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

A medevac jet carrying six people, including a young patient, crashed near Northeast Philadelphia Airport, causing a fiery explosion. Several houses and cars were damaged, with six injuries reported. Authorities are investigating, and Red Cross teams are assisting.

CANNABIS

RFK Jr., Trump’s HHS nominee, defers to DEA on marijuana rescheduling, despite prior legalization support, raising stakeholder concerns.

A federal jury awarded Hello Farms $32 million after Curaleaf breached its cannabis purchase agreement amidst industry price declines.

Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s DNI pick, supports leniency on past marijuana use for security clearances but calls ongoing use “complex.”

US NEWS

Trump’s 25% tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China aim to pressure trade partners, potentially raising US consumer prices.

FAA restricts helicopter flights near Reagan National Airport after a fatal jet-helicopter collision, with 41 bodies recovered.

A federal court overturned the handgun sales ban for ages 18-20, citing Second Amendment rights, potentially affecting future gun control laws.

FDA approves Vertex’s Journavx, the first non-opioid painkiller in 20+ years, offering a safer alternative for post-surgery pain management.

WORLD NEWS

Hamas released three hostages, including Israeli-American Keith Siegel, while Israel freed nearly 200 Palestinian prisoners under a ceasefire agreement.

Marco Rubio’s Panama visit seeks to resolve tensions over canal control, U.S.-China rivalry, and potential U.S. military intervention threats.

Russian airstrikes on Ukraine killed eight people, targeting residential areas and energy infrastructure, prompting Zelenskiy’s renewed plea for air defense support.

SPORTS

Dejounte Murray’s Achilles tear sidelines him for the season, worsening the injury-plagued Pelicans, already missing key players like Williamson.

The Senior Bowl showcased top NFL draft prospects, with Shemar Stewart impressing scouts, and Mike Green and Donovan Ezeiruaku boosting their stock.

Kansas City Chiefs cancel public Super Bowl rally due to last year’s shooting, opting for a private celebration and modified parade route.

POP CULTURE

The Grammy Awards feature performances by Billie Eilish, Beyoncé, Charli XCX, Shakira, John Legend, Stevie Wonder, and more Sunday night.

Keanu Reeves, Bette Midler join the Stay in LA campaign, promoting tax incentives to boost Hollywood production after wildfire impacts.

BUSINESS

The core personal consumption expenditures index rose 2.8% annually in December, meeting expectations and reflecting inflation above the Fed’s 2% target.

Costco and Teamsters avert strike, reaching a tentative deal addressing wages, benefits, leave policies, and worker protections across six states.

Trump Media granted $825,000 in stock to directors, including Trump administration nominees Kash Patel and Linda McMahon, sparking conflict concerns.

Quote of the Day:

“Advice is like snow - the softer it falls, the longer it dwells upon, and the deeper it sinks into the mind.”

- Samuel Taylor Coleridge

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