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

Eighth Circuit rules federal gun ban for marijuana users unconstitutional, requiring case-by-case assessment instead of broad disarmament.

Trump’s DEA pick, Terrance Cole, warns of marijuana dangers, linking use to increased suicide risk and reaffirming his long-standing opposition.

Florida senator proposes bill expanding medical cannabis access, adding conditions, allowing telehealth recommendations, including out-of-state patients, and waiving fees for veterans.

Pennsylvania senator says governor’s cannabis plan lacks viability, high taxes undermine reform, and could push consumers toward the black market.

US NEWS

Monty the Giant Schnauzer won Best in Show at Westminster, returning to Madison Square Garden after a four-year hiatus.

Steve Bannon pleaded guilty to fraud in a border wall fundraiser, avoiding prison but barred from managing charities in New York.

Google Maps now labels the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America” in the U.S., following a Trump executive order renaming it.

Pilot Joie Vitosky died after Vince Neil’s Learjet crashed into a parked plane in Arizona, injuring multiple passengers. Investigation is ongoing.

WORLD NEWS

Trump met Jordan’s King Abdullah, proposing Gaza control and Palestinian relocation. Talks occur amid a fragile Israel-Hamas ceasefire facing collapse.

Marc Fogel, wrongfully detained in Russia, met Trump at the White House after his release in a negotiated prisoner exchange.

Trump wants China to help broker Ukraine peace, but Xi’s loyalty to Russia and geopolitical goals make his cooperation uncertain.

SPORTS

Super Bowl LIX set a record with 127.7 million viewers, a 3% increase from last year, peaking at 137.7 million viewers.

Kevin Durant becomes the eighth player in NBA history to reach 30,000 career points, achieving the milestone in a Suns loss.

Free agent center Alex Len signs with Lakers after initially planning to join Pacers, providing depth following Christian Wood’s departure.

POP CULTURE

Shopify removed Ye’s Yeezy website after it began selling T-shirts featuring swastikas, citing violations of its acceptable use policy.

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance reignites feud with Drake, subtly referencing lawsuit and past controversies while thrilling fans.

Bryan Adams cancels Perth concert after massive fatberg threatens venue’s sewage system, disappointing fans awaiting his “So Happy It Hurts” tour.

BUSINESS

US stock markets closed mixed as Fed Chair Powell warned against rapid rate cuts and confirmed the central bank won’t issue a digital currency.

Trump seeks to end New York’s congestion pricing, despite early success reducing traffic, increasing public transit use, and boosting pedestrian activity.

Elon Musk’s $97 billion bid for OpenAI challenges Sam Altman, potentially disrupting AI leadership, regulatory oversight, and competitive industry dynamics.

Quote of the Day:

“You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.”

- Abraham Lincoln

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