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

White House says no marijuana reform planned, despite Trump’s earlier failed effort to add cannabis banking to a spending bill.

Florida election officials send cease and desist to marijuana campaign, citing violations and referring case for possible criminal investigation.

FBI denies Delaware request for cannabis background check code, prompting urgent state law changes to prevent adult-use market delays.

US NEWS

Trump to announce major tariffs today; economists warn of inflation and recession risks as global allies prepare retaliatory measures.

Cory Booker delivers 25-hour Senate speech protesting Trump agenda, breaking Strom Thurmond’s record and rallying Democrats with emotional remarks.

HHS lays off 25% of workforce, including top health officials; FDA hit hardest as federal job cuts surpass 55,000 this year.

Democrat Susan Crawford wins Wisconsin Supreme Court race, defeating Republican Brad Schimel in record-setting, high-stakes election. 

WORLD NEWS

China escalates Taiwan pressure with live-fire drills and blockade exercises, prompting condemnation from Taiwan and U.S. over rising tensions.

All bakeries in Gaza close amid blockade; UN warns food will run out in two weeks, deepening region’s worsening humanitarian crisis.

Global scam industry grows despite crackdowns, using AI and crypto; Myanmar compounds exploit thousands, prompting urgent calls for international action.

SPORTS

NFL announces Christmas tripleheader with first Thursday games on holiday; Netflix and Amazon to stream the historic matchups.

Florida, Auburn, Houston, and Duke reach 2025 Final Four. Preview highlights strengths, stars like Flagg and Broome, and bold title predictions.

Timberwolves edge Nuggets 140-139 in 2OT despite Jokic’s historic 61-point triple-double; Edwards scores 34 in playoff-level thriller.

POP CULTURE

Sony sets 2028 release for Beatles film series; four films will each focus on a different band member’s perspective.

Val Kilmer, star of Top Gun and Batman Forever, dies at 65 from pneumonia after years battling throat cancer.

Hulu confirms adaptation of “The Testaments,” sequel to “The Handmaid’s Tale,” continuing Margaret Atwood’s dystopian story on screen.

BUSINESS

US stock markets close mixed; S&P 500 up 0.4%, Nasdaq gains 0.9%, while the Dow remains flat.

Hooters files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy; plans to sell company-owned restaurants to franchise group including original founders. 

SpaceX’s Fram2 launches first crewed polar orbit mission; private astronauts conduct experiments on health, imaging, and space-grown mushrooms.

Quote of the Day:

“Success is never final, failure is never fatal. It's courage that counts.”

- John Wooden

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