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 Look:

During a contentious hearing on potential contempt charges for U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, allegations surfaced of lawmakers drinking, which preceded personal attacks including Marjorie Taylor Greene criticizing Democrat Jasmine Crockett’s “fake eyelashes”.

A recently released video from 2016 shows Sean “Diddy” Combs assaulting singer Cassie Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel. The security footage depicts the incident occurring in a hotel hallway.

Today is National No Dirty Dishes Day! Keep sinks clear and kitchens tidy by ensuring all dishes are washed. A day for light workloads and clean spaces.

CANNABIS

The Biden administration is advancing efforts to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III controlled substance, initiating a 60-day public comment period as part of this process. This reclassification, aimed at lowering the drug’s risk level, could enhance Biden’s appeal among younger voters. The final decision will be made by the Justice Department in the upcoming months.

A DEA report indicates that the average potency of THC in illegal cannabis is now at 16%, reflecting trends in the strength of marijuana found in unauthorized markets.

Marijuana companies involved in a legal case against federal prohibition are requesting that next week’s court hearing be streamed online, aiming to increase public accessibility and transparency regarding the proceedings.

US NEWS

David DePape, the attacker of Nancy Pelosi’s husband, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison. Convicted of federal charges of attempted kidnapping and assault in November 2023, his sentencing marks the conclusion of a high-profile case.

Severe storms in Houston caused four deaths and left approximately one million homes without power. The devastation included damage from toppled trees and a falling crane as thunderstorms and strong winds hit southeastern Texas and Louisiana.

Faculty at UCLA voted against censuring the university’s chancellor for his handling of an incident where counterprotesters attacked a pro-Palestinian encampment. The vote indicates support for the chancellor’s approach to the situation.

WORLD NEWS

First humanitarian aid arrives at US-built pier off Gaza's coast.

The recent unveiling of a very red portrait of King Charles III has sparked mixed reactions. The distinctive color palette and style of the portrait have divided public opinion, making it a topic of considerable debate and discussion.

Ukrainian officials have reported that Russian forces are using captives from border towns as ‘human shields’. This serious allegation highlights the ongoing harsh realities and complexities of the conflict in the region.

SPORTS

World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler was arrested for assaulting a police officer during traffic control at the 2024 PGA Championship in Louisville, after a nearby fatal accident. Charged with multiple offenses, Scheffler cited a chaotic misunderstanding. He made his tee time after release without bail.

Responding to Coach Rick Carlisle’s challenge, the Indiana Pacers have successfully pushed the series to a decisive Game 7. This outcome underscores their strong performance and determination under pressure.

Brazil has been selected as the first South American host of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The country’s bid surpassed a collective proposal from Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. Previously, the United States and Mexico had considered a bid for the 2027 tournament but withdrew to focus on a 2031 bid.

POP CULTURE

A man was arrested in New York on assault charges after reportedly punching actor Steve Buscemi and another individual, according to local police.

The iconic Mirage in Las Vegas is closing after 34 years to make way for a new Hard Rock hotel. The replacement will feature a guitar-shaped structure, continuing the site’s legacy as a premier entertainment hub on the Strip.

McDonald’s has introduced a new Grandma McFlurry flavor reminiscent of a nostalgic treat often found in a grandmother’s purse. This new dessert option aims to evoke fond memories associated with grandmothers’ favorite candies.

TikTok has implemented new content guidelines to reduce the visibility of videos promoting extreme dieting and excessive exercise. The platform’s algorithm will now restrict content related to “extended intermittent fasting” and similar topics to foster a healthier environment for users.

BUSINESS

GameStop’s shares fell sharply by 20% on Friday following its announcement that it plans to issue up to 45 million class A common shares. This move coincided with the release of preliminary financial results that fell short of market expectations.

In a recent development at OpenAI, an executive has resigned citing concerns that the company is prioritizing profit over safety. This highlights ongoing internal debates about the balance between commercial success and ethical considerations in tech companies.

A police investigation has revealed that a Boeing whistleblower died by suicide. This development adds a tragic dimension to the ongoing scrutiny of the aerospace company’s practices.

Quote of the Day:

“I cannot express how important it is to believe that taking one tiny—and possibly very uncomfortable—step at a time can ultimately add up to a great distance.”

-Tig Notaro

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