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: The NYPD intensifies its search for the gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan. Surveillance footage, DNA evidence, and forensic analysis are aiding the investigation, but challenges like encryption on a found phone and DNA database limitations complicate efforts. Authorities suspect the perpetrator may have fled New York City.

CANNABIS

Canada’s cannabis legalization shifts users from illicit markets, stabilizes youth usage, with 72% now buying legally; driving incidents drop.

UN official calls drug war ineffective, urging human rights-based, evidence-driven policies prioritizing health and harm reduction over punitive approaches.

Incoming Indiana governor Mike Braun signals support for medical marijuana legalization, aligning with 87% public backing from recent polling.

US NEWS

USDA mandates nationwide milk testing for bird flu, H5N1, to monitor spread in dairy cattle and address human transmission risks.

Court upholds law requiring TikTok’s parent, ByteDance, to sell the app or face a US ban by January 2025.

Jury deadlocked in Daniel Penny trial; manslaughter charge dismissed. Judge instructs jury to deliberate on criminally negligent homicide instead.

WORLD NEWS

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces an impeachment vote Saturday after declaring martial law over alleged pro-North Korean threats.

Notre Dame Cathedral reopens this weekend after a 2019 fire, with inaugural events, global leaders, and public viewing areas.

Romanian court annuls presidential vote over Russian interference. Intelligence services cited a foreign campaign backing candidate Calin Georgescu; new election date pending.

SPORTS

Lionel Messi wins 2024 MLS MVP with 20 goals, 16 assists in 19 games, leading Inter Miami to record-breaking season.

Ashton Jeanty led Boise State to a Mountain West title, setting a career rushing record and earning Heisman hype over Travis Hunter.

Warriors start Jonathan Kuminga over Draymond Green, aiming to develop Kuminga’s potential amid rotation changes during their recent struggles.

POP CULTURE

Dolly Parton announces a nationwide casting search for performers to portray her in the upcoming Broadway musical Dolly: an Original Musical.

Hailey Welch denies “HAWK” cryptocurrency scam allegations after its price plummeted post-launch, sparking scrutiny amid crypto’s resurgence.

Comedian Kabir Singh, known for his “America’s Got Talent” performance, passed away at 39 from unknown causes, leaving a legacy.

Pamela Anderson continues her fresh-faced aesthetic, embracing minimal makeup at the Gotham Awards in an Oscar de la Renta gown.

BUSINESS

US adds 227,000 jobs in November, exceeding expectations. Unemployment rises to 4.2%, while wages grow faster than anticipated.

Companies tighten executive security after UnitedHealthcare CEO killing, enhancing armed protection, monitoring threats, and limiting online visibility.

Mexico intensifies efforts to safeguard trade agreements, addressing U.S. concerns on drugs, migration, Chinese goods, and genetically-modified corn regulations.

Quote of the Day:

“A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.”

- George Bernard Shaw

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