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

Matt Gaetz credits Trump’s leadership for progress on marijuana reform, saying “meaningful change” through rescheduling is finally on the horizon.

A Pennsylvania GOP lawmaker urges Republicans to embrace marijuana legalization, calling it a “smart, conservative choice” and political advantage.

Seth Rogen told Howard Stern he abstained from weed for three days in Singapore, fearing harsh penalties for cannabis use.

New review finds CBD significantly reduces seizures in pharmacoresistant epilepsy patients, with 41% fewer seizures versus 18% in placebo groups.

US NEWS

Utah bans fluoride in public water, effective May 7—first US state to do so, despite its dental health benefits.

Measles outbreak spreads across 20 states with 483 cases, mainly affecting children; Texas reports 400 infections, per CDC data.

State Department plans to dissolve USAID by July 1, transferring duties amid funding cuts, layoffs, and anticipated legal challenges.

Trump pardons Nikola founder Trevor Milton, convicted of fraud; avoids prison and restitution but may still face civil lawsuits.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, under scrutiny for mishandling military info, brought his wife to sensitive meetings with foreign officials.

WORLD NEWS

A 7.7 earthquake struck Myanmar, killing 694+, injuring 1,600+, collapsing buildings, and threatening 10,000+ deaths amid ongoing civil war.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says US-Canada relationship is “over”, urging reduced reliance on US amid escalating tariff threats.

Ecuador prepares for US troop arrival as President Noboa seeks foreign help to combat gangs, building military infrastructure in Manta.

SPORTS

In the NCAA Men’s Basketball Sweet 16, top seeds Auburn and Houston secured victories, advancing to the Elite Eight. Michigan State and Tennessee also triumphed, completing the quarterfinal lineup. In the Women’s tournament, Duke, South Carolina, LSU, and UCLA won their Sweet 16 matchups, progressing to the Elite Eight. 

In the NCAA Women’s Basketball Sweet 16 on March 28, 2025, Duke, South Carolina, LSU, and UCLA secured victories, advancing to the Elite Eight.

Pistons stun No. 1 Cavs without Cade, clinch winning record after tripling last season’s wins in historic turnaround season.

POP CULTURE

Thirty years after her death, Selena’s legacy thrives as fans celebrate her life and parole is denied to her killer.

Duke criticizes White Lotus for unauthorized logo use in troubling scene, saying it misrepresents the university’s values and brand.

Andrew Tate’s ex-girlfriend files assault lawsuit, alleging abuse and threats; fears for safety as criminal investigation and lawsuits continue.

BUSINESS

Dow drops 1.7%, Nasdaq 2.7%, and S&P 500 nearly 2% Friday; all three major indexes post weekly losses.

Frank founder Charlie Javice found guilty of defrauding JPMorgan by inflating user numbers; faces decades in prison, sentencing in August.

CoreWeave, backed by Nvidia, raises $1.5B in IPO, becomes largest tech IPO since 2021; shares opened at $39, closed $40.

Quote of the Day:

“Where there is great love, there are always wishes.”

- Willa Cather

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