Rolling out the news you want

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

CANNABIS

Trump claims Harris jailed "thousands of Black people" over marijuana, but her record as a prosecutor is more nuanced.

Snoop Dogg opens a cannabis cafe in Amsterdam, expanding his marijuana business globally. The cafe offers exclusive strains and products.

A new study finds CBD lotion reduces skin damage from UV rays, offering a potential solution for sun protection.

US NEWS

Project 2025 to end policy work, director steps down from Heritage Foundation amid criticisms from Democrats, former President Donald Trump.

Kamala Harris ties Trump in seven battleground states, 48% to 47%, with strong support from young, Black, and Hispanic voters.

Boar’s Head expands recall by 7 million pounds of meat linked to a listeria outbreak, now including 71 products. Over 30 illnesses reported.

WORLD NEWS

Israel claims targeted airstrike in Beirut killed Fuad Shukr, Hezbollah's top military commander. The strike, reportedly killing one other person and wounding 20, was retaliation for Saturday's attack that killed 12 children at a soccer field.

Landslides in Kerala, India kill 123, injure hundreds. Heavy rains caused destruction, prompting extensive rescue efforts and evacuations.

Venezuela protests continue over disputed election results; seven people reportedly killed, nearly 750 arrested as election observers cast doubt on President Nicolás Maduro's claims of victory.

SPORTS

Simone Biles leads USA gymnastics to gold, becoming the most decorated U.S. gymnast. Women’s rugby wins bronze, Gauff exits controversially.

Team USA men's soccer team advances to knockout rounds, first time since 2000, with a 3-0 win over Guinea, facing Morocco next.

The White Sox kept their top pitcher, Padres upgraded their bullpen, and Dodgers secured the top starting pitcher at the deadline.

POP CULTURE

"Deadpool & Wolverine" surpasses $500M at global box office, marking highest global opening weekend since 2021.

Taco Bell expands AI voice technology in drive-thrus, enhancing order accuracy and efficiency, while supporting employees and maintaining human oversight.

Taylor Swift ‘in shock’ after stabbing at English children’s dance class kills three, injures more.

BUSINESS

US stock markets close mixed: S&P 500 down 0.5%, Dow up 0.5%, Nasdaq down 1.3% as tech stocks fall amid earnings reports.

Meta Platforms Inc. settled a $1.4B lawsuit with Texas over improper use of facial recognition technology. The lawsuit accused Meta of violating privacy laws by collecting biometric data without user consent.

CrowdStrike shares drop as Delta Air Lines considers suing for damages over software failure.

Tesla recalls 1.8 million vehicles due to potential failure to detect unlatched hood, increasing crash risk.

London-based fertility app Flo Health raises $200M in Series C funding, surpassing $1B valuation. Flo Health becomes the first "purely digital" women's health app to reach unicorn status.

Quote of the Day:

“Forgiveness is the key to action and freedom.”

-Hannah Arendt

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