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

Study shows youth marijuana use declines post-legalization; students report harder access, disproving prohibitionists’ fears of increased teen consumption.

DOT approved saliva drug tests, but HHS delays certification, preventing implementation; advocates argue saliva tests reduce false marijuana positives.

Americans view marijuana and LSD as safer now, with harm perceptions declining amid legalization, according to new federal data analysis.

Toker’s Guide seeks “cannabis connoisseurs” to review marijuana, with paid positions available in Florida, Maryland, New York, Virginia, and D.C.

US NEWS

President-elect Trump sues Des Moines Register over Iowa poll showing Harris lead; Trump won state by 14%.

San Francisco jury convicts Nima Momeni of second-degree murder in Cash App founder Bob Lee’s 2023 fatal stabbing.

Luigi Mangione indicted in New York on 11 counts, including first-degree murder and terrorism, in UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s killing.

Alabama woman receives gene-edited pig kidney, becoming fifth recipient of animal-to-human organ transplant, marking a milestone in medical innovation.

Gilgo Beach suspect Rex Heuermann faces new murder charge, raising alleged victim count to seven.

WORLD NEWS

Ukraine’s secret service assassinated Russia’s chemical weapons leader Igor Kirillov, marking the war’s highest-level Russian military official killing.

Ghana’s Supreme Court dismisses challenges to anti-LGBT bill, clearing the way for presidential approval of restrictive legislation.

Hamas expresses optimism about Gaza ceasefire deal as negotiations intensify, but significant obstacles, including Israeli conditions, remain unresolved.

A 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck Vanuatu, killing 14, injuring 200, and damaging infrastructure, including the U.S. embassy in Port Vila.

SPORTS

Milwaukee Bucks defeat Oklahoma City Thunder 97-81 in NBA Cup Final, showcasing dominant defense and silencing early-season doubts.

Falcons bench Kirk Cousins after poor performances; rookie Michael Penix Jr., Heisman runner-up, steps in to revive playoff hopes.

Vermont defeats Marshall 2-1, clinching their first-ever NCAA men’s soccer national championship and marking a historic victory for the program.

The European Super League rebrands as the Unify League, set to include 96 soccer clubs across Europe, aiming for widespread collaboration.

POP CULTURE

Jay-Z’s lawyer denies rape claim as “completely false,” dismissing it as fabricated and aimed at extortion, defending his reputation.

Beloved children’s series Bluey to become a feature film, co-produced by BBC and Disney, premiering in 2027.

Actress Diane Delano, celebrated for Northern Exposure and Popular, dies at 67, leaving a legacy of memorable roles.

HBO’s “White Lotus” returns February 16 in Thailand, featuring Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Parker Posey, and Natasha Rothwell’s character reprising.

BUSINESS

US markets close lower; Dow (-0.6%) suffers ninth straight loss, marking its longest losing streak since 1978.

Grammarly acquires productivity startup Coda to enhance AI-powered writing and collaboration tools; financial terms undisclosed.

Databricks raises $10B in funding, reaching $62B valuation, solidifying its position as a leader in data analytics and AI.

Honda and Nissan reportedly begin merger discussions, exploring a single holding company structure with plans to potentially include Mitsubishi.

Quote of the Day:

“We build statues out of snow, and weep to see them melt.”

- Walter Scott

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