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:

This Thanksgiving, 80 million are hitting the road, 46 million turkeys are on the table, and meals average just $58—the lowest in decades. Rain, snow, and a chilly front will impact millions, but Macy’s Parade marches on in NYC.

CANNABIS

DEA reveals HHS declined to send witnesses for marijuana rescheduling hearing; agency previews its officials’ planned testimony.

RFK Jr., Trump’s HHS pick, vows to cut prescription drug reliance and expand access to cannabis and psychedelics, raising concerns.

The DEA announces marijuana rescheduling hearing details, providing a live stream link and document portal for public access to key materials.

US NEWS

The Biden administration proposes expanding Medicare and Medicaid to cover weight-loss drugs, reducing costs but raising taxpayer expenses by $35B.

Mexico threatens tariffs on US goods after Trump’s tariff pledges against Mexico, Canada, and China, shaking global markets and currencies.

President-elect Trump signs memorandum with Biden White House, advancing the next phase of the presidential transition process.

WORLD NEWS

Israel and Hezbollah agree to US-France-brokered ceasefire, ending 14-month conflict; Israeli withdrawal and Lebanese army deployment set for 60 days.

North Korea expands missile factory supplying Russia for Ukraine attacks, deepening military ties with Moscow amid international sanctions concerns.

Thirty-three rescued after Red Sea tourist boat sinks; seven remain missing, with search efforts ongoing for unaccounted individuals.

SPORTS

There are three NFL games set to be played on Thanksgiving:

• Bears at Lions (12:30 p.m. ET)

• Giants at Cowboys (4:30 p.m. ET)

• Dolphins at Packers (8:20 p.m. ET)

North Carolina fires Hall of Fame coach Mack Brown despite his intent to return, ending his tenure as the school’s winningest coach.

NCAA Basketball:

• #1 Kansas edged #11 Duke 75-72. Duke’s potential game-tying three-pointer narrowly missed at the buzzer.

• Colorado upset #2 UConn 73-72 in the Maui Invitational consolation bracket, marking UConn’s second consecutive loss.

• #4 Auburn defeated #12 North Carolina 85-72, with Johni Broome delivering an outstanding performance of 23 points and 19 rebounds.

• #9 Alabama overcame #6 Houston 85-80 in overtime, led by Marcus Sears’ 24 points.

POP CULTURE

Jim Abrahams, acclaimed director and writer of “Airplane!” and “Naked Gun” series, passes away at 80, leaving comedy legacy.

French-Japanese series “Les Gouttes de Dieu” wins Best Drama at 2024 International Emmy Awards, celebrating its global storytelling excellence.

Former host Wendy Williams declared “permanently disabled” amid dementia battle, following her earlier public revelation of the diagnosis.

BUSINESS

US stocks rise (S&P 500 +0.6%, Dow +0.3%, Nasdaq +0.6%) after Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire news boosts market optimism.

Disney settles $43M lawsuit with 9,000 women alleging pay disparities with male counterparts in comparable roles, addressing wage equity concerns.

Intel receives $7.9B from 2022 CHIPS Act to expand semiconductor manufacturing in Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon, and Ohio.

Walmart scales back diversity efforts, closing $100M equity center, phasing out “DEI,” altering supplier preferences, and removing transgender-linked products.

Elon Musk criticizes California’s EV tax credit plan, upset Tesla’s market share excludes it from upcoming incentives and benefits.

Quote of the Day:

“Treasure the love you receive above all. It will survive long after your good health has vanished.”

- Og Mandino

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