Rolling out the news you want

Welcome to the BLUNT Newsletter, your direct access to pop culture that is short and to the point.

Trump’s Appointments:

• Trump appointed Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead a “Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)” aimed at federal restructuring.

• Pete Hegseth, a veteran and Fox News host, is chosen for defense secretary, despite no government experience.

• South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is nominated to head Homeland Security after deploying troops to the U.S.-Mexico border.

• Mike Huckabee is nominated as U.S. ambassador to Israel, known for strong pro-Israel support.

• Former intelligence director John Ratcliffe is expected to lead the CIA.

CANNABIS

Kamala Harris avoided discussing marijuana legalization with Joe Rogan, citing concerns over her prosecutorial record on cannabis, Rogan claims.

U.S. Department of Energy grants $8.4 million to hemp business developing sustainable cannabis-based building materials, packaging, and auto parts.

Study finds adolescents overestimate cannabis in a joint, while those who began using later were less likely to overestimate amounts.

US NEWS

President-elect Trump and President Biden meet at White House, marking a rare sit-down after 2020’s contentious transition and recent Trump appointments.

Jack Teixeira sentenced to 15 years for leaking classified military documents on Discord, marking a major recent US intelligence breach.

House Republicans vote on leadership today, with Speaker Mike Johnson expected to win, while Senate GOP considers Rick Scott, Thune, and Cornyn.

Lunchables removed from National School Lunch Program due to low demand and high sodium concerns, emphasizing need for healthier school meal options.

Federal judge blocks Louisiana law mandating Ten Commandments in public classrooms, citing likely First Amendment violations; legal appeals expected.

WORLD NEWS

A man drove into a crowd in Zhuhai, China, killing 35; authorities cite anger over divorce as motive.

Ice core study shows global temperatures up 1.49°C above preindustrial levels, nearing the 1.5°C Paris Agreement threshold.

Ukraine faces 50,000 Russian troops in Kursk, including North Korean soldiers, as Russia intensifies drone strikes and counteroffensives.

SPORTS

Georgia drops from No. 3 to No. 12 in College Football Playoff rankings after losing to Ole Miss. Top 5 teams: Oregon, Ohio State, Texas, Penn State, Indiana.

Warriors edge Mavericks 120-117, spoiling Klay Thompson’s Bay Area return.

Tampa Bay Rays seek new stadium for next season as Tropicana Field repairs won’t finish until 2026.

John Robinson, ex-Southern Cal and Rams coach, and Gerry Faust, former Notre Dame coach, both pass at 89.

POP CULTURE

Denzel Washington cast in a role for upcoming Black Panther 3 film.

Apple and A24 are developing a film on former FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried.

John Krasinski named 2024’s Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine, revealed humorously on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

South Korean actor Song Jae-lim found dead at 39 in Seoul, prompting tributes and raising mental health concerns in the entertainment industry.

BUSINESS

US stock markets decline for first time since Election Day (S&P 500 -0.3%, Dow -0.9%, Nasdaq -0.1%).

Bitcoin nears record $90,000, surpassing silver as eighth most valuable financial asset.

Morning-after pill sales surge online as women stockpile emergency contraception, fearing access restrictions under Trump’s anticipated second-term policies.

Waymo launches driverless robotaxis to the public in Los Angeles, logging 1 million autonomous miles weekly.

Spirit Airlines plans bankruptcy filing after merger discussions with Frontier Airlines collapse.

Quote of the Day:

“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.”

- Aristotle

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