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

Rep. Earl Blumenauer highlights marijuana reform progress but laments federal inaction, calling it both a career triumph and frustration.

Study finds CBD reduces alcohol cravings, suggesting potential to modulate neurobiological mechanisms and alleviate symptoms in alcohol use disorder patients.

Studies show cannabis improves inflammatory bowel disease outcomes and psilocybin enhances emotional empathy in patients with major depression.

US NEWS

US homelessness hits a 20-year high, with 772,000 affected, driven by high rents, migrant influxes, and expired pandemic protections.

CDC: Bird flu mutation in Louisiana patient raises concerns; virus shows increased human transmissibility but remains low public risk.

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe safely completes record-breaking 3.8M-mile solar approach, with detailed data expected January 1.

WORLD NEWS

Putin apologizes for Azerbaijan Airlines crash without admitting fault; evidence suggests shrapnel damage possibly caused by Russian air defenses.

South Korea names new acting president as political turmoil continues; Choi Sang-mok replaces impeached Han Duck-soo amidst court vacancy crisis.

WHO chief and UN team narrowly escape Israeli airstrikes in Yemen; attacks kill six, injure dozens, escalating regional tensions.

SPORTS

CBS Sports legend Greg Gumbel dies at 78; renowned for Super Bowl, March Madness coverage, and decades-long broadcasting legacy.

Netflix’s NFL Christmas games break streaming records, averaging 24M+ viewers, far surpassing NBA’s Christmas Day average of 5.25M viewers.

The Sacramento Kings fired coach Mike Brown during his third season after a five-game losing streak, appointing Doug Christie interim.

Puerto Rican boxer Paul Bamba, 35, passed away six days after winning the WBA Gold Cruiserweight title, leaving fans shocked.

POP CULTURE

Jay-Z’s attempt to dismiss a 2000 rape case involving a 13-year-old was denied, with accuser allowed to proceed anonymously.

Teen actor Hudson Meek, known for Baby Driver, died at 16 after falling from a moving vehicle; investigation ongoing.

Home Alone director Chris Columbus revealed Kate McCallister was a fashion designer and dismissed fan theories about organized crime links.

BUSINESS

Osamu Suzuki, Suzuki Motor’s legendary leader, transformed India’s auto industry, championed minivehicles, and prioritized workplace equality, passing at 94.

Montenegro approves Do Kwon’s extradition to US for fraud; Terraform Labs collapse caused $40B investor loss, South Korea also seeks custody.

MAGA activists claim Elon Musk revoked their X badges over criticism of his support for H-1B visa immigration policies.

Quote of the Day:

“Great minds have purposes; others have wishes.”

- Washington Irving

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