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

Today marks 88 years since federal marijuana prohibition began, rooted in racism and misinformation that modern data continues to disprove.

Florida’s 2026 marijuana legalization campaign has gathered 75% of required signatures, despite legal hurdles and DeSantis’s opposition to constitutional reform.

A major government-backed study in Japan found no evidence supporting the gateway drug theory, concluding cannabis rarely leads to harder drug use.

Federal researchers have, for the first time, detected THC in human breath after edible use, advancing potential cannabis breathalyzer development.

US NEWS

Trump threatened to position two nuclear submarines after Medvedev’s remarks, escalating U.S.–Russia tensions amid ongoing Ukraine conflict.

Ghislaine Maxwell was moved to a Texas prison as she seeks a reduced sentence by offering new information on Epstein’s associates.

Trump’s new tariffs drive up prices on electronics, clothes, furniture, alcohol, and toys as import taxes rise sharply.

Wildfires in Arizona and Utah are forming massive fire clouds that generate their own weather, worsening spread and creating fire tornadoes.

President Trump fired the Bureau of Labor Statistics chief following a weak July jobs report, alleging data manipulation without evidence.

WORLD NEWS

Workers in Lima unearthed a pre-Incan tomb with 1,000-year-old remains, highlighting the city’s rich, deeply layered archaeological history.

Despite rising global support for Palestinian statehood, entrenched Israeli opposition and fractured leadership keep a viable solution out of reach.

Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupted again Saturday, spewing ash 11 miles high, blanketing villages, and prompting expanded evacuation zones.

Israeli families held urgent protests after militant videos showed frail hostages, demanding a ceasefire deal amid Gaza’s deepening crisis.

SPORTS

Micah Parsons requested a trade from the Cowboys, citing stalled contract talks, disrespect, and broken trust despite his desire to stay.

Sha’Carri Richardson was arrested for allegedly assaulting her boyfriend at an airport, days before competing in national championships.

Despite Caitlin Clark’s absence, the Fever won their fourth straight as Kelsey Mitchell led Indiana past Paige Bueckers and the struggling Wings.

Brenton Doyle crushed a walk-off homer as the Rockies erased a nine-run deficit to stun the Pirates 17-16 in a wild slugfest.

Coach Dan Quinn called Terry McLaurin’s trade request normal NFL business, stressing team focus remains strong despite contract tensions.

POP CULTURE

Sarah Jessica Parker confirmed the poetic end of And Just Like That…, closing the 27-year Sex and the City journey with gratitude.

American Eagle defended its Sydney Sweeney campaign, denying accusations of promoting white supremacy and insisting the ad was about jeans.

Anthony Hopkins channeled Hannibal Lecter while wearing Kim Kardashian’s Skims face wrap, delighting fans and prompting laughs from Kardashian herself.

Cassie Ventura urged a judge to deny P Diddy bail, citing fears for her safety and his history of violence and intimidation.

BUSINESS

Markets fell sharply Friday as weak jobs data and new tariff plans spooked investors, marking the Dow’s worst week since April.

U.S. job growth slowed in July with just 73,000 new positions added, while revised past data shows a sharply weaker labor market.

Figma shares surged in Thursday’s market debut, though underpricing left the company missing out on nearly $3 billion in value.

Quote of the Day:

“Hope is patience with the lamp lit.”

- Tertullian

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