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:

Fall officially begins tomorrow, marking the autumn equinox when day and night are nearly equal, ushering in cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage!

CANNABIS

A new American Medical Association study found no significant impact of marijuana use on working memory or brain processes.

In 2023, Cleveland saw 632 cannabis-related ER visits, while alcohol accounted for 3,331 incidents, showing a rising trend.

The Illinois Supreme Court ruled 6-0 that the smell of marijuana alone doesn't justify warrantless vehicle searches under current laws.

US NEWS

The Secret Service report reveals communication failures between local police and federal agents, leading to missed opportunities during the July Trump shooting.

Georgia's election board voted 3-2 to mandate hand-counting ballots alongside machine verification, potentially delaying November election results.

Researchers reconstructed Earth's climate over 485 million years, revealing temperature fluctuations between 52 and 97 degrees Fahrenheit during the Phanerozoic Eon.

Sheriff Shawn Stines arrested for shooting Judge Kevin Mullins after an argument; investigation ongoing as the community is devastated.

WORLD NEWS

Senior Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Akil was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut following Hezbollah's rocket attack on northern Israel.

A zoo in China admitted its “pandas” were painted Chow Chow dogs, causing viral controversy after a video was shared online.

Sri Lankans vote today for president following the 2022 economic collapse, with over 17 million eligible voters and 40 candidates.

SPORTS

WNBA viewership on ESPN tripled this season. Playoffs start with A’ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark leading their teams in historic runs.

All four first-round series begin Sunday:

• New York Liberty vs. Atlanta Dream: 1 p.m. on ESPN

• Connecticut Sun vs. Indiana Fever: 3 p.m. on ABC

• Minnesota Lynx vs. Phoenix Mercury: 5 p.m. on ESPN

• Las Vegas Aces vs. Seattle Storm: 10 p.m. on ESPN

Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers have agreed to a three-year, $192.9 million contract extension, including a player option.

POP CULTURE

Music mogul Sean Combs, also known as Diddy, pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking charges and will remain in jail until trial.

Pioneering hyperpop producer Sophie passed away in 2021. The album she left behind, completed by her brother and studio manager, will be released next week.

Nearly seven million viewers watched this year’s Emmy Awards, marking the first audience increase in three years. Jodie Foster was among the first-time acting winners.

BUSINESS

The FTC accuses major pharmacy benefit managers, CVS, Cigna, and UnitedHealth, of overcharging diabetes patients for insulin, controlling 80% of prescriptions.

New York Magazine placed Olivia Nuzzi on leave after disclosing a personal relationship with RFK Jr., citing conflict of interest.

Boeing announced Ted Colbert, CEO of its defense unit, is leaving, with Steve Parker temporarily assuming his duties.

Quote of the Day:

“Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get.”

- Dale Carnegie

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