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

New York Senate committee advances bill to protect medical cannabis patients from eviction due to legal marijuana use in rental housing.

Poll: Most Americans see alcohol as more harmful than marijuana, yet a majority still prefer drinking despite associated health risks.

Colorado senator withdraws bill proposing new THC potency limits, age restrictions for marijuana, and a ban on various psilocybin products.

Advocate Suzanne Mulvehill argues states rejecting female orgasm difficulty as a medical cannabis condition apply biased standards compared to other qualifying conditions.

US NEWS

Ontario pauses 25% electricity export surcharge after Trump initially threatened, then reversed, a 50% tariff hike on Canadian steel and aluminum.

The Education Department issued layoff notices to 1,315 staffers, following 572 voluntary separations and 63 prior layoffs, cutting nearly 50% of employees.

Trump showcased Teslas at the White House, praised Musk, pledged to buy one, and faced criticism over ethical concerns and political favoritism.

House Republicans pass government funding bill 217-213, increasing military spending by $6B and cutting $20B from IRS; Senate vote pending.

WORLD NEWS

Ukraine accepted a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire, contingent on Russian approval, after launching its largest drone attack on Moscow, killing three.

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested for alleged crimes against humanity linked to his deadly anti-drug campaign, despite jurisdictional disputes.

Southwest Airlines will end its “bags fly free” policy, introducing baggage fees, assigned seating, and extra-legroom options amid financial pressures.

Greenland’s Democrats win election, rejecting Trump’s acquisition bid; voters favor gradual independence, prioritizing healthcare, education, and economic development over immediate sovereignty.

SPORTS

NFL free agency saw over 200 deals, with the Bears, Patriots, and Commanders emerging as winners. Chicago bolstered its offensive line, New England strengthened its defense, and Washington traded for Deebo Samuel. Meanwhile, the Eagles, 49ers, and Cowboys struggled with key departures. Major QB signings reshaped multiple teams.

Yankees ace Gerrit Cole will undergo Tommy John surgery, missing the 2025 season. New York also loses Luis Gil to injury.

Tyrese Haliburton’s four-point play over Giannis Antetokounmpo secured the Pacers’ 115-114 win, tying Milwaukee in the Eastern Conference standings.

Men’s AP Poll: 1. Duke (28-3), 2. Houston (27-4), 3. Auburn (27-4), 4. Florida (27-4), 5. Alabama (24-7), 6. St. John’s (27-4), 7. Michigan State (26-5), 8. Tennessee (25-6), 9. Texas Tech (24-7), 10. Clemson (26-5) 

Women’s AP Poll: 1. UCLA (30-2), 2. South Carolina (30-3), 3. Uconn (31-3), 4. USC (28-3), 5. Texas (31-3), 6. TCU (31-3), 7. Duke (26-7), 8. Notre Dame (26-5), 9. NC State (26-6), 10. LSU (28-5)

POP CULTURE

Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal’s Othello sets a Broadway record, earning $2.8M for the highest-grossing week for a play.

Wendy Williams hospitalized after NYC police remove her from assisted-living home during wellness check.

Stanley R. Jaffe, Oscar-winning producer of Kramer vs. Kramer, dies at 84.

Rosie O’Donnell moved to Ireland for a fresh start, citing safety, political concerns, and a welcoming environment while pursuing Irish citizenship.

BUSINESS

US stock markets closed lower as trade policy uncertainty pressured investors, with the S&P 500 down 0.8%, Dow 1.1%, and Nasdaq 0.2%.

US job openings climbed to 7.7 million in January, rebounding from December’s decline, according to the Labor Department’s JOLTS report.

Elon Musk claims X suffered a “massive cyberattack” Monday, with experts suggesting a possible DDoS attack after three widespread outages.

Asian stock markets decline as US recession fears grow, exacerbated by Trump’s tariff policies and investor uncertainty over economic stability.

Quote of the Day:

“Fortune favors the prepared mind.”

- Louis Pasteur

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