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

Congress hears testimony from veterans groups urging expedited research on medical marijuana and psychedelics, citing Schedule I status as a barrier to access.

North Dakota House passes bill to expand marijuana decriminalization, reducing possession offense to a civil citation with a $150 fine.

New York launches a $30,000 grant program for dispensaries owned by individuals impacted by past marijuana convictions, supporting business operations and regulatory compliance.

US NEWS

Trump plans to sign an executive order making English the U.S. official language, a historic first, impacting 68 million non-English speakers at home.

Iowa became the first U.S. state to remove gender identity protections from its civil rights code, sparking protests and potential legal challenges from advocacy groups.

A measles outbreak in western Texas has infected 146 people, mostly unvaccinated. Twenty are hospitalized, one has died, and low vaccination rates contribute to the spread in Gaines County.

WORLD NEWS

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy met with Trump and Vance, discussing a rare earth minerals deal and U.S. military aid. Tensions rose as Trump pushed for compensation, leading to a heated televised exchange.

Western leaders rallied behind Zelenskyy after his tense White House clash with Trump, emphasizing continued support for Ukraine amid shifting U.S. policies and European concerns over transatlantic security commitments.

Gaza’s ceasefire phase one nears its end, with uncertainty over extending negotiations. Phase two discussions face challenges as Israel resists withdrawal and Hamas refuses disarmament, complicating potential long-term peace efforts.

SPORTS

Matthew Stafford agreed to a restructured contract with the Rams, securing his future in Los Angeles as other teams explore veteran quarterback options.

Joel Embiid is out for the season due to a knee injury, focusing on treatment and rehab as the struggling 76ers risk missing playoffs.

President Trump announced he will pardon baseball legend Pete Rose, criticizing MLB’s lifetime ban that kept him out of the Hall of Fame.

POP CULTURE

The 97th Academy Awards air tomorrow at 7 pm ET. Emilia Pérez leads with 13 nominations. The Brutalist and Wicked follow with 10. Conan O’Brien hosts the ceremony.

Gene Hackman and his wife were found dead in their New Mexico home. Authorities estimate he had been deceased for nine days before discovery. Investigations continue, though no foul play is suspected.

Oscars CEO teases surprises, Wicked performance, and Conan O’Brien hosting. Show aims to avoid politics while raising funds for LA wildfire relief efforts.

BUSINESS

The Fed’s preferred inflation gauge rose 2.6% year-over-year in January, aligning with expectations. The rate declined from December’s 2.9%, remaining above the central bank’s 2% target.

Microsoft will retire Skype in May, shifting focus to Teams. Once a leader in online communication, its user base declined significantly over time.

U.S.-Russia relations thaw as Trump touts economic opportunities, but experts doubt businesses will return, citing sanctions, corruption, and geopolitical instability as major risks.

Quote of the Day:

“Everything's got a moral, if only you can find it.”

- Lewis Carroll

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