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

Trump’s cannabis reform stance remains uncertain, balancing business-focused initiatives like rescheduling cannabis and SAFE Banking Act with conservative opposition. Rescheduling could reduce taxes for businesses, but concerns over militarized drug policies and limited civil rights reforms highlight challenges for comprehensive legalization.

Ex-DEA official Jack Riley, potential Trump pick, calls marijuana a “gateway drug,” showing misunderstanding of DEA’s rescheduling process.

HHS updates federal drug testing terminology to distinguish cannabinoids like delta-8 THC and THCA, supporting nuanced understanding of hemp production.

DHS and CBP seek dismissal of New Mexico marijuana businesses’ lawsuit, asserting federal law overrides state legality in cannabis seizures.

US NEWS

Historic snowstorm brings record-breaking snowfall to the southern US, causing blizzard warnings, travel chaos, power outages, and fatalities.

Attorneys general challenge Trump’s birthright citizenship ban; lawsuits cite 14th Amendment.

Trump pardons Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht, fulfilling campaign promise; Ulbricht served 11 years for operating dark web marketplace.

WORLD NEWS

Three Israeli hostages freed by Hamas received bags containing maps, photos, and certificates; Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners in exchange.

UN urges Thailand to halt Uyghur deportation to China, citing risks of torture, detention, and severe human rights violations.

Trump criticizes Putin’s war strategy, highlights Russian economic strain, and plans potential meeting to negotiate Ukraine conflict resolution.

A fire at Turkey’s Kartalkaya ski resort hotel kills 76, injures 51; desperate guests leaped from windows amid chaos.

SPORTS

Novak Djokovic defeats Carlos Alcaraz, advancing to the Australian Open men’s semifinals in a thrilling match.

Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia, and Billy Wagner join 2025 Baseball Hall of Fame; Suzuki is first Japanese-born inductee.

Patriots rehire Josh McDaniels as offensive coordinator, partnering with Coach Mike Vrabel to develop quarterback Drake Maye.

POP CULTURE

Comedian Trevor Noah will host the Grammy Awards on February 2, marking his fifth consecutive time as host.

Garth Hudson, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and last surviving member of The Band, dies at 87, leaving a legacy.

Timothée Chalamet fined $79 for improperly parking a rental bike en route to London premiere of Bob Dylan biopic.

Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, screenwriter, and cartoonist Jules Feiffer dies at 95, leaving behind a celebrated artistic legacy.

BUSINESS

White House places federal DEI employees on administrative leave, dismantling programs under new executive order; legal challenges are expected.

FDA approves Johnson & Johnson’s Spravato as the first standalone treatment-resistant depression drug, offering rapid symptom relief within 24 hours.

Netflix gains 19 million Q4 subscribers; increases prices: ad-supported $7.99, standard $17.99, and premium $24.99, breaking records.

Quote of the Day:

“We improve ourselves by victories over ourselves. There must be contest, and we must win.”

- Edward Gibbon

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