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 Hit:

Halloween is here! Here is it’s history:

Halloween originated from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrating the end of the harvest and the start of winter, a time when Celts believed spirits could visit the living. To ward off harmful spirits, they wore costumes and lit bonfires. As Christianity spread, the Catholic Church designated November 1 as All Saints’ Day, or “All Hallows’ Day,” making October 31 “All Hallows’ Eve.” Over time, this evolved into Halloween, adopting traditions like costumes, treats, and jack-o’-lanterns.

CANNABIS

DEA selects witnesses for upcoming marijuana rescheduling hearing, notifying those invited to testify.

With Election Day approaching, Marijuana Moment reviews cannabis stances of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, marking a historic bipartisan support for legalization.

A NuggMD poll reveals most marijuana consumers plan to vote for Kamala Harris, while two in five back Donald Trump.

US NEWS

Man who attacked former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband sentenced to life without parole on state charges of kidnapping, burglary, and false imprisonment.

Two ballot drop boxes in the Pacific Northwest were set on fire, destroying hundreds of ballots. Authorities suspect a coordinated attack.

Halloween spending in the U.S. reached $12 billion in 2023, with costumes, decorations, and candy as top consumer expenses despite economic concerns.

WORLD NEWS

Hezbollah names Naim Kassem as leader after Nasrallah’s death; tensions with Israel continue amid Israel-Hamas conflict, fueled by Iran-backed alliances and recent escalations in Gaza.

Archaeologists uncovered Maya city Valeriana in Mexico with 6,600 structures, suggesting it was a key political or economic center.

Belgium’s largest drug trial convicts over 120 people in a massive trafficking case, using evidence from encrypted phone network infiltration; Europe faces ongoing challenges with criminal drug networks, particularly in Antwerp.

SPORTS

Yankees defeat Dodgers 11-4 in Game 4, forcing Game 5 tonight at 8 pm ET on Fox.

Detroit Lions top Week 9 NFL Power Rankings, surpassing undefeated Chiefs. With offense, defense, and special teams firing, Detroit looks unstoppable. Lions average 43.3 points per game over last three wins.

Week 1 NBA highlights: Lakers, Thunder, and Celtics excel; Nuggets and Bucks struggle; Cam Thomas’s scoring raises overreaction buzz.

POP CULTURE

Oscar- and BAFTA-nominated actress Teri Garr, celebrated for roles in Tootsie and Young Frankenstein, dies at 79.

Anora leads 2024 Gotham Awards nominations with four nods for independent films.

Shawn Mendes addressed his sexuality at a Colorado concert, sharing he’s “just figuring it out” and embracing openness with fans.

BUSINESS

US stock markets close mixed; Nasdaq hits record high (+0.8%), S&P 500 up 0.2%, Dow down 0.4%.

Bitcoin hits new record, trading at $73,000 per unit Tuesday.

Netflix and Universal renew licensing deal, adding live-action films to Netflix’s lineup starting in 2027.

Alphabet surpasses earnings expectations on strong cloud growth, shares up 6% post-market, Snap shares gain 10% after earnings beat, Starbucks mandates remote corporate employees return three days weekly or risk termination.

Quote of the Day:

“A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.”

- Phyllis Diller

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