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 met Trulieve CEO Kim Rivers and a supportive GOP senator before backing Florida’s cannabis legalization initiative. Trump supports Florida marijuana legalization, calling it beneficial and praising medical cannabis for patients. He plans to clarify his stance soon.

Poll shows voters in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin back marijuana legalization, presenting a strategic opportunity for presidential campaigns.

Volkswagen partners with Revoltech GmbH to develop a sustainable, hemp-based leather alternative for car interiors, aiming for 2028 models.

High-intensity interval training combined with CBD improved cognitive impairment in a rat Alzheimer’s model by modulating key biomarkers.

US NEWS

The U.S. Department of Justice charged senior Hamas leaders, including Yahya Sinwar, for their roles in the October 7 attack in Israel.

Trump Media shares hit a critical low, reflecting investor concerns about potential stock sell-offs following the end of share lockup. A judge temporarily barred Trump’s campaign from using Isaac Hayes’ song amid a lawsuit by the late singer’s estate.

SpaceX Polaris Dawn mission cleared for launch Friday; fully private flight aims to take humans approximately 870 miles from Earth’s surface.

Seven Republican-led states filed a lawsuit to block Biden’s student loan relief plan, challenging his latest effort to deliver debt relief.

WORLD NEWS

Russian airstrike in Poltava kills 50, injures 270, marking the deadliest attack this year. Ukrainian ministers resign amid government shake-up.

A failed jailbreak in Congo's Makala Prison left 129 dead, 59 injured. Overcrowded prison conditions and power outages sparked chaos.

15 members of Turkish Youth Union arrested after assaulting U.S. Marines in Izmir, Turkey; no injuries reported among Marines.

SPORTS

Georgia tops the first AP college football poll of the regular season after Week 1, followed by Ohio State and Texas.

NFL Roster News:

• 49ers and OT Trent Williams finalize a new contract.

• Steelers sign DL Cameron Heyward to a 3-year deal.

• Jets DE Haason Reddick remains a holdout entering Week 1.

• Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase may skip Week 1 due to a contract dispute.

The Chicago White Sox are nearing the MLB record for most losses, currently at 31-109, with three major losing streaks.

POP CULTURE

James Darren, former teen idol and star of “Gidget” and “T.J. Hooker,” has passed away at age 88.

Elton John is recovering from a severe infection that temporarily affected his vision, leaving him with limited sight in one eye.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson revealed she once acted in a Harvard drama class with Matt Damon, recalling outperforming him in their scene.

BUSINESS

US stock markets fell as S&P 500 dropped 2.1%, Dow 1.5%, and Nasdaq 3.3%, influenced by reports showing manufacturing slowdown.

OpenAI is considering dropping the “not-for-profit” aspect of its status, signaling a potential shift toward becoming a for-profit entity.

The Ozempic shortage is worsening as Novo Nordisk faces capacity constraints, further deteriorating the supply situation for this diabetes medication.

Former Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn faces trial for fraud in the "dieselgate" scandal, accused of rigging emissions tests since 2015.

Quote of the Day:

"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."

— Walt Disney

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