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

Outdated federal marijuana testing rules cost trucking jobs, worsen driver shortage, say industry groups Fleetworthy and FreightWaves in new report.

Study finds CBD cannabis extracts improve social skills, reduce anxiety and disruptive behavior in children and teens with autism.

Study in mice shows cannabidiol reduces neuropathic pain and improves cognitive function, highlighting potential therapeutic benefits.

Study suggests cannabinoids may reduce tics, ease premonitory urges, and improve quality of life for individuals with Tourette syndrome.

US NEWS

Secretary Rubio announces 15% staff cut, closes 132 offices, adds AI and aid bureaus in major State Department restructuring.

Trump stands by Hegseth amid Pentagon turmoil; officials troubled by leaks, inner circle chaos, and controversial Signal chat disclosures.

Supreme Court hears case on parental rights to opt children out of LGBTQ-themed lessons in Maryland’s diverse public schools.

WORLD NEWS

Pope Francis dies at 88 after Easter address; Vatican enters mourning period before conclave to elect his successor on April 26.

Gunmen kill 26 tourists in Kashmir’s deadliest attack in years; separatist group claims responsibility, citing opposition to India’s 2019 policy.

6.2-magnitude earthquake strikes off Istanbul coast; Turkish authorities mobilize search and rescue teams across affected areas.

SPORTS

WrestleMania 41 viewership jumped 114% over 2024, with the two-night event streamed on Peacock and Netflix for the first time.

Legendary ESPN announcer Mike Patrick, longtime “Sunday Night Football” voice for 18 seasons, dies at 80.

NCAA approves direct athlete payments, pending House settlement. Schools may pay up to $20.5M annually starting July 2025.

POP CULTURE

Bill Owens resigns as ‘60 Minutes’ executive producer, citing loss of editorial independence amid Trump’s $20B lawsuit over Harris interview. 

George Clooney expresses optimism about America’s future and Democratic leadership; Patti LuPone remains skeptical during their “Actors on Actors” conversation.

Tennessee parole board recommends pardon for Jelly Roll, citing rehabilitation and advocacy work after past robbery and drug convictions. Governor decision pending.

BUSINESS

The IMF cut its 2025 global growth forecast to 2.8%, citing Trump tariffs. US growth fell to 1.8%, with recession risk rising to 40% and inflation expected at 3%.

US markets surge after Treasury Secretary Bessent signals likely de-escalation in US-China trade talks; S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq all rise over 2.5%.

Tesla Q1 revenue misses estimates; auto revenue down 20%, profit drops 71% to $409M. Musk plans to scale back DOGE work.

Quote of the Day:

“Either I will find a way, or I will make one.”

- Philip Sidney

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