Rolling out the news you want

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

Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, was captured at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s. Arrested with fake IDs, cash, and a 3D-printed firearm, he expressed anti-corporate sentiments in a manifesto. Mangione denies charges and fights extradition.

Brian Thompson, UnitedHealthcare CEO, was remembered as a devoted father. Luigi Mangione, charged in Thompson’s killing, was denied bail after a courtroom outburst. Mangione’s family holds significant influence in Baltimore politics.

CANNABIS

Schumer’s marijuana banking bill push blocked by McConnell and Johnson during government funding negotiations, according to Senate source.

Congressional Research Service analyzes DOJ policy on state medical cannabis laws and varying federal court interpretations of its protections.

New York officials project $1 billion in cannabis sales, urging holiday shoppers to support local marijuana businesses as community gifts.

US NEWS

Franklin Fire near Pepperdine University burns 2,800 acres, forcing evacuation orders for 12,500 people in Malibu, California.

President-elect Donald Trump to appoint Andrew Ferguson as FTC chair, replacing Lina Khan, and nominate Mark Meador as commissioner.

Wisconsin kayaker Ryan Borgwardt, who faked his death and fled to Eastern Europe, is now in custody, awaiting further charges.

WORLD NEWS

Netanyahu testifies in historic corruption trial; Israel launches airstrikes in Syria targeting naval fleet and weapons arsenals amid tensions.

Syrians celebrate Assad’s fall; rebels face uniting divided nation. Israel struck Syria 500 times, destroying strategic weapons and its navy.

Brazilian President Lula recovering well after brain bleed surgery caused by October fall; Vice President Alckmin assumes temporary responsibilities.

SPORTS

NBA Cup knockout stage begins: Bucks and Thunder advance to Vegas after standout performances by Damian Lillard and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Time names WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark 2024 Athlete of the Year for her outstanding achievements.

North Carolina wins 2024 NCAA women’s soccer championship, defeating Wake Forest 1-0 in a tightly contested final.

Ex-cycling world champion Rohan Dennis pleads guilty to charges linked to the death of his wife, Olympic cyclist Melissa Hoskins.

POP CULTURE

Two hotel workers in Argentina charged in connection with One Direction’s Liam Payne’s death, intensifying the ongoing investigation.

Poet and activist Nikki Giovanni dies at 81; renowned for uplifting Black experience, civil rights advocacy, and literary achievements.

Mariah Carey’s 1994 hit “All I Want for Christmas” tops Billboard Hot 100 again, achieving a record six separate chart runs.

BUSINESS

US stocks dip (S&P 500 -0.3%, Dow -0.4%, Nasdaq -0.3%) as investors anticipate November inflation data release today.

Federal judge halts Kroger’s $25B Albertsons acquisition; Washington permanently blocks merger over competition concerns amid FTC proceedings.

Walgreens shares surge 18% on potential Sycamore Partners acquisition, marking the pharmacy chain’s largest single-day stock gain ever.

Anthropic and AI leaders test models for safety risks, like weapon instructions, but skeptics question self-regulation in competitive industry.

Quote of the Day:

“Embrace the change, no matter what it is; once you do, you can learn about the new world you're in and take advantage of it”

- Nikki Giovanni

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