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

President Trump appointed Ed Martin as pardon attorney, sparking concern after Martin threatened a DC medical cannabis dispensary in 2023.

The DEA is partnering with an anti-cannabis group to share memes claiming marijuana causes mental health issues and other harms.

James Valentine explains in a new op-ed that Canada’s cannabis pre-roll market share is double that of the U.S., highlighting key differences. Canada’s larger pre-roll market reflects clearer regulations, stronger consumer demand, and better product availability compared to the U.S. cannabis industry.

Former NBA player, Jarred Shaw, faces Indonesia’s death penalty after authorities found 869 grams of cannabis candies linked to a package from Thailand.

US NEWS

At least 16 were killed and hundreds injured as tornado-spawning storms swept across the central U.S., leaving widespread destruction.

New Jersey Transit engineers went on strike, halting service and affecting 350,000 riders amid a wage dispute with state officials.

Moody’s downgraded the U.S. government’s credit, citing rising interest costs and persistent deficits, stripping America of its last AAA rating.

President Trump prioritized Persian Gulf monarchies during his Middle East trip, temporarily shifting focus away from the U.S.-Israel alliance.

As Elon Musk steps back, his DOGE initiative continues reshaping U.S. agencies with mass layoffs, tech overhauls, and persistent controversy.

WORLD NEWS

Israeli airstrikes across Gaza killed at least 93 people and wounded hundreds, amid escalating conflict during Trump’s Middle East visit.

Hadi Matar was sentenced to 25 years for stabbing author Salman Rushdie during a 2022 lecture, leaving him blinded in one eye.

A Russian drone strike on a civilian bus in Ukraine’s Sumy region killed nine, hours after inconclusive peace talks between both nations.

SPORTS

Brock Purdy and the 49ers agreed to a five-year, $265M deal with $181M guaranteed, securing their starting QB through 2030.

The New York Knicks beat the Celtics 119–81, advancing to their first Eastern Conference Finals in 25 years.

Sovereignty will skip the Preakness, leaving Journalism the favorite in Saturday’s race, which airs at 6:50 p.m. ET on NBC.

Full odds for horses

Goal Oriented (6-1)

Journalism (8-5)

American Promise (15-1)

Heart of Honor (12-1)

Pay Billy (20-1)

River Thames (9-2)

Sandman (4-1)

Clever Again (5-1)

Gosger (20-1)

POP CULTURE

Cassie Ventura finished four days of testimony in Diddy’s trial, describing years of abuse. Dawn Richard supported her claims, recounting a 2009 incident where Diddy violently attacked Ventura over breakfast, then intimidated witnesses into silence. The trial continues next week.

A UK judge remanded Chris Brown over a 2023 assault charge, placing his upcoming international tour dates in serious jeopardy.

Morgan Wallen said he left SNL early because he was “just ready to go home,” dismissing speculation after his abrupt stage exit.

BUSINESS

Charter and Cox Communications announced a $34.5B merger, combining two of the largest U.S. cable providers by subscriber count.

Novo Nordisk ousted its CEO after losing market share to Eli Lilly and seeing a 50% drop in stock value since 2024.

Walmart warns tariffs could soon raise prices on groceries, toys, electronics, and baby gear, hitting lower-income shoppers the hardest.

Quote of the Day:

"The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today"

- H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

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