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

Virginia lawmakers advanced a bill to legalize retail cannabis sales by 2026, but Governor Youngkin is expected to veto it.

Chase CEO Jamie Dimon stated the bank would likely work with marijuana businesses if federal laws permitting cannabis banking are enacted.

Washington State introduces bills for home cannabis cultivation and direct-to-consumer marijuana sales, aiming to expand accessibility and industry sustainability.

The bipartisan SAFE Banking Act will be reintroduced this session, but GOP sponsor Rep. Dave Joyce clarifies its introduction isn’t imminent.

US NEWS

Vice President JD Vance cast a tie-breaking vote, confirming Pete Hegseth as defense secretary despite allegations and GOP dissent.

Trump and Vance addressed the March for Life rally, with Trump’s remote speech following his pardons of anti-abortion activists.

A judge barred Oath Keepers from Washington, DC, after their founder met lawmakers post-prison release and Trump pardoned Jan. 6 defendants.

Southern California battles deadly wildfires, threatening thousands of homes. Anticipated rain may trigger mudslides, worsening hazards for devastated communities.

WORLD NEWS

Hamas released four female Israeli soldiers under a ceasefire deal; Israel exchanged approximately 200 Palestinian prisoners in return.

Storm Éowyn brought 114 mph winds, leaving 725,000 Irish homes powerless, breaking records and disrupting Ireland and the UK extensively.

Giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao debuted at Smithsonian National Zoo, celebrating a 52-year conservation partnership with China.

SPORTS

The Dallas Cowboys hired Brian Schottenheimer as head coach, replacing Mike McCarthy. Schottenheimer aims to end the 29-year Super Bowl drought. Robert Saleh returns to the 49ers as defensive coordinator, aiming to restore their defensive strength after recent struggles. Pete Carroll joins the Raiders as head coach on a three-year deal, bringing veteran experience to rebuild the struggling franchise.

Madison Keys won her first Grand Slam title, defeating Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling Australian Open final, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5.

Conor McGregor revealed the UFC blocked his proposed boxing match with Logan Paul in India, citing business interests and scheduling conflicts.

POP CULTURE

Blake Lively’s legal team seeks a hearing, accusing Justin Baldoni’s attorney of misleading public statements amid their ongoing legal battle.

Cameron Diaz expresses interest in a sequel to The Mask, contingent on Jim Carrey’s involvement, while promoting her Netflix film.

Kendrick Lamar adds SZA as a special guest for his Super Bowl LIX halftime performance, strengthening their frequent musical collaboration.

BUSINESS

Novo Nordisk’s amycretin trial showed 22% weight loss, boosting shares 14%. The drug mimics hormones regulating appetite and fullness.

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency targets eliminating the costly penny, citing rising production expenses and minimal consumer use.

US home sales in 2024 dropped to their lowest level since 1995, as high prices and mortgage rates limited buyers.

Target is scaling back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives amid right-wing pressure, ending external diversity surveys and reevaluating partnerships.

Quote of the Day:

“I attribute my success to this - I never gave, or took any excuse.”

- Florence Nightingale

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