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

IRS Senior Counsel Luke Ortner confirmed the 280E tax penalty on marijuana businesses will continue, warning of potential asset seizures.

Members of the hemp industry, including Cheech and Chong’s company, filed a lawsuit challenging California’s new rules banning cannabinoid products with detectable THC.

The Czech Republic's Ministry of Justice is proposing to legalize personal marijuana cultivation, signaling potential reform in cannabis laws.

A review concluded that cannabis-based medications show potential in reducing tics and premonitory urges in individuals with Tourette syndrome.

US NEWS

Secret Service failures, including radio issues and missed opportunities, nearly led to Donald Trump's assassination at a July rally.

Man found with a rifle near Donald Trump's golf course weeks ago has been charged with an assassination attempt.

Missouri executed Marcellus Williams, convicted for the 1998 murder of a former newspaper journalist, despite ongoing disputes over evidence in the case.

Helene may hit Florida's Gulf Coast as a Category 3 storm, prompting evacuations and closures, with dangerous surges expected.

WORLD NEWS

The UN's annual meeting concludes a yearlong effort to end the Gaza war, but Israel remains largely unmoved by pressure.

China publicly acknowledged test-firing an intercontinental ballistic missile, likely escalating tensions with neighboring countries amid regional concerns.

Asian stocks rose as China's central bank cut interest rates, boosting the yuan and the CSI 300 Index's 2024 recovery.

Thousands evacuate Lebanon as Israeli strikes kill over 560 people in two days. Israel claims it killed Hezbollah's rocket program head.

SPORTS

Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre, 54, revealed his Parkinson's diagnosis during testimony on a Mississippi welfare fund misuse scandal.

Here is the latest WNBA playoff bracket:

POP CULTURE

Sean "Diddy" Combs faces a sexual assault lawsuit and a video distribution claim. His music streams rose 18% post-arrest.

Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton are distant relatives through a close bond, with Parton serving as Cyrus' godmother throughout her life.

Olivia Munn and John Mulaney welcomed a baby girl, adding to their growing family and marking a joyous moment for the couple.

Lady Gaga announced Harlequin, a companion album for Joker: Folie à Deux, aligning with her role as Harley Quinn.

BUSINESS

Meta's AI chatbot features voices of celebrities, including Judi Dench, John Cena, and Awkwafina, enhancing user experience creatively.

US stock futures declined by 0.3% after the S&P 500 hit its 41st record-high close this year. European stocks also dipped.

Gold hit a record high of $2,670.57 per ounce, boosted by rate cut expectations. It's up 29% this year.

Caroline Ellison, former CEO of Alameda Research, was sentenced to two years in prison and ordered to forfeit $11B for her role in FTX's collapse.

Quote of the Day:

“Happiness is not something you can chase. It is something you have to allow.”

- Brianna Wiest

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