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

DEA says marijuana rescheduling remains pending with no set timeline; Acting Administrator Derek Maltz, a cannabis critic, has yet to take action.

Trump’s intel nominee Aaron Lukas says past marijuana use shouldn’t disqualify security clearances but questions if current use aligns with national security.

Delaware Governor criticizes FBI for delaying recreational marijuana rollout, citing dispute over fingerprint background checks as stifling state innovation.

Indiana Senate GOP leader supports decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana, suggesting reclassification as a minor infraction instead of a criminal offense.

US NEWS

Mexico will deliver water to Texas under a longstanding treaty, addressing drought obligations amid US pressure and denied requests.

Spanish Siemens executive, his family, and pilot die in Hudson River helicopter crash during birthday trip; separate Florida crash kills three.

Ghislaine Maxwell appeals conviction to Supreme Court, claiming Epstein’s 2007 deal protects her despite repeated rejections by lower courts.

Judge demands daily updates after DOJ fails to locate Kilmar Abrego Garcia, mistakenly deported despite protected status; case remains unresolved.

Lawyers for Luigi Mangione urge judge to block DOJ from pursuing death penalty, calling it a politically motivated due process violation.

WORLD NEWS

China raises tariffs on US goods to 125% in retaliation, escalating tensions as trade talks remain stalled and lawsuits loom.

Gabon and Ecuador hold pivotal elections: Gabon’s coup leader Oligui Nguema seeks legitimacy, while Ecuador faces a runoff amid rising crime, economic instability, and debate over foreign military involvement.

Australian woman gives birth to another couple’s baby after IVF error; Monash clinic blames human mistake, sparking legal, ethical, and emotional ramifications for all parties involved.

SPORTS

Nikola Jokić becomes third NBA player ever to average a triple-double in a season, marking historic achievement with 34th triple-double Friday.

NFL bans seven helmets, makes ten Guardian Cap optional after rule change; concussion rates dropped 17% as league pushes safer gear adoption.

Duke star Cooper Flagg will regroup before deciding on NBA Draft entry after Final Four loss; projected No. 1 pick, deadline looms April 26.

POP CULTURE

Coachella 2025 streams six stages live, featuring Lady Gaga, Post Malone, Green Day, and more from April 11–20 on YouTube.

Madonna and Elton John reconcile after decades-long feud, exchanging forgiveness and praise following emotional backstage meeting at his “SNL” performance.

Jillian Shriner, wife of Weezer bassist, posted bond after LAPD shooting incident; recovering from cancer surgery, she’s accused of brandishing a gun at officers amid unclear circumstances.

BUSINESS

145% tariffs on Chinese goods devastate US toy industry, raising prices, risking jobs, and threatening small manufacturers’ survival amid holiday order uncertainty and supply chain dependence.

Blue Origin to launch historic all-female spaceflight Monday, featuring six women including Katy Perry and Lauren Sánchez from West Texas.

Trump delays tariffs after bond market sell-off spooks investors, raising fears over U.S. debt reliability, economic stability, and long-term consequences of escalating trade war with China.

Quote of the Day:

“We are no longer happy so soon as we wish to be happier.”

- Walter Savage Landor

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