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:

Donald Trump wins presidency, promising a “golden age” and historic economic comeback, securing battleground states.The victory concludes a tumultuous campaign marked by two assassination attempts, making Trump the first since Grover Cleveland to win non-consecutive terms.

CANNABIS

Florida voters rejected a ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana, as it failed to meet the required 60% approval threshold. 

North Dakota voters rejected a marijuana legalization measure, marking the second defeat in two years for cannabis legalization efforts.

South Dakota voters have rejected a marijuana legalization ballot measure. An earlier initiative they approved in 2020 was overturned by the state Supreme Court.

In Nebraska, voters approved two medical cannabis legalization initiatives on the ballot. However, the results of the election could potentially be overturned due to ongoing legal challenges. 

US NEWS

Trump nears victory with 267 electoral votes; leads remaining states, poised to be first nonconsecutive-term president since Cleveland. Republicans secure Senate with 51 seats; House majority likely. Key races ongoing, including Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin Senate seats.

Republicans lead 27 governorships, Democrats 23; 150 ballot measures tackled abortion, voting rules, and marijuana legalization across 41 states.

Following Roe v. Wade’s reversal, Arizona, Colorado, New York, and Maryland protected abortion rights; Florida’s six-week ban stays after amendment failure.

Hurricane Rafael intensifies to Category 2 near Cuba, expected to impact the Gulf with rain and potential flooding risks.

WORLD NEWS

World leaders congratulate Trump; Netanyahu calls it “history’s greatest comeback,” while Zelensky supports Trump’s “peace through strength” approach.

Netanyahu fires Defense Minister Yoav Gallant after prolonged clashes over war strategies and politics, sparking protests and government stability concerns.

Israeli military operations in the West Bank killed eight Palestinians, intensifying regional tensions amid ongoing conflict and rising civilian casualties.

SPORTS

Oregon, Ohio State, Georgia, and Miami lead College Football Playoff rankings; expanded Top 25 list highlights season’s strongest teams so far.

NFL trade deadline saw major moves: Lions, Commanders, Bengals, Cowboys, and Steelers added key players, boosting Super Bowl aspirations.

Lightning strike kills soccer player, injures four others during match in Peru, highlighting risks of outdoor sports in storms.

POP CULTURE

Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” leads Billboard Hot 100 for 16 weeks, tying for second-longest chart reign in history.

“Emilia Pérez” and “The Substance” lead European Film Awards with four nominations each, including Best European Film.

Beyoncé’s “Beywatch” video honors Pamela Anderson, recreating iconic looks from “Baywatch,” “Barb Wire,” and the 1999 MTV VMAs. 

Actor James Van Der Beek reveals colorectal cancer diagnosis; currently undergoing treatment, continues working and raising awareness for cancer screening.

BUSINESS

Financial markets surge post-Trump reelection; Dow up 1,200 points, dollar and Bitcoin rise. Pro-business laws anticipated amid deficit concerns.

Boeing machinists end strike, ratify contract with 38% wage increase and $12,000 ratification bonus over four years.

Netflix’s Paris, Amsterdam offices raided in tax fraud, corruption probe. Authorities investigate revenue routing, adherence to financial regulations since 2019.

Quote of the Day:

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”

- John C. Maxwell

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