Rolling out the news you want

Welcome to the BLUNT Newsletter, your direct access to pop culture that is short and to the point.

Quick Hits:

A US-Russia prisoner swap released 24 detainees, including American journalist Evan Gershkovich and ex-Marine Paul Whelan, and notable Russian dissidents.

Tropical Storm Debby could bring heavy rainfall and flooding to Florida and the southeast, prompting a state of emergency and preparation efforts.

CANNABIS

Hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin donates $20 million to oppose Florida’s marijuana legalization, arguing it creates dangerous, expansive laws.

Past-year marijuana use remained steady from 2022 to 2023, while youth use declined, according to a SAMHSA report.

A clinical trial found that CBG, a lesser-known cannabinoid, significantly reduces anxiety and stress and unexpectedly improves memory without causing intoxication or impairment.

US NEWS

US regulators sue TikTok over child privacy violations. DOJ and FTC allege TikTok violated federal law by collecting data from children under 13.

Kamala Harris secures Democratic nomination for president, making history as the first Black woman and Asian American nominee from a major US party.

Hunter Biden to be sentenced in November for gun conviction. First convicted child of a sitting president, faces additional tax-related trial in September.

WORLD NEWS

New study reveals underreported bird flu cases among livestock workers, highlighting poor surveillance and potential public health risks.

UK police brace for more unrest after knife attack kills three girls, sparking far-right protests and violence targeting mosques and communities.

The US says Maduro lost Venezuela’s election; opposition leader in hiding. Allegations of electoral fraud and unrest persist.

SPORTS

Olympic Saturday:

Track: Sha’Carri Richardson, who missed Tokyo Games due to marijuana, aims to be world’s fastest woman in 100 meters today.

Gymnastics: Simone Biles competes for gold in the vault, an event she won at the 2016 Rio Games.

Swimming: Katie Ledecky seeks history in 800-meter freestyle, aiming to join Michael Phelps with four golds in one event.

Olympic Sunday:

Table Tennis: Watch Truls Moregardh (Sweden) vs. Fan Zhendong (China) in the final to see Olympic-level table tennis.

Track: If Richardson wins the 100 meters, watch Noah Lyles attempt to complete the U.S. sweep in the 200 meters, aiming to follow Carl Lewis.

Tennis: Men’s gold medal match features a rematch of Wimbledon final: Carlos Alcaraz vs. Novak Djokovic.

Angela Carini apologizes for quitting Olympic bout against Imane Khelif, sparking online abuse and debate over women’s sports eligibility.

POP CULTURE

Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter to reunite on Broadway in "Waiting for Godot" revival next year.

Justin Timberlake pleads not guilty to DWI charge in New York. Attorney disputes intoxication, citing police errors. Next hearing is August 9.

Molly Kearney and Punkie Johnson announced their departures from “SNL” this week, marking the end of their tenures on the iconic show.

BUSINESS

US unemployment rate increased to 4.3% in July as fewer-than-expected nonfarm jobs were added, spurring a stock market sell-off.

Intel shares plunge 26%, the most in 50 years. Workforce cuts and paused dividends announced, shares at lowest level since 2013.

Google pulled its controversial Olympics ad featuring its Gemini AI chatbot after criticism for replacing a child’s creativity. The ad underscored fears of AI taking over creative jobs.

Chevron relocating headquarters to Texas from California. The move follows a trend set by companies like Elon Musk's X and SpaceX.

Quote of the Day:

“Don’t count the days, make the days count.”

— Muhammad Ali

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