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’s DEA pick withdraws after conservative pushback, citing support for marijuana decriminalization and criticism of the war on drugs.

USDA revises hemp crop insurance, easing rotation requirements and excluding smoke damage from covered loss causes in updated policies.

VA funds first psychedelic-assisted therapy study since 1960s, testing MDMA for veterans with PTSD and alcohol use disorder.

A new study reveals that CBD can counteract THC poisoning in dogs. Administering CBD sheets resolved intoxication symptoms in most cases within hours. Affordable and minimally invasive, this method offers hope for increasing accidental exposure incidents.

US NEWS

China bans rare mineral exports to the US, targeting gallium, germanium, and antimony, intensifying the tech rivalry between global superpowers.

Pennsylvania rescuers search unstable sinkhole for missing grandmother Elizabeth Pollard, feared trapped while looking for her cat.

Trump considers Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as defense secretary amid GOP senators’ concerns over Pete Hegseth’s nomination.

Joe Biden’s Hunter Biden pardon sparks backlash, with Democrats criticizing the reversal of his firm stance against granting clemency to his son.

WORLD NEWS

South Korean President Yoon declared martial law, later overturned by lawmakers; opposition demands resignation amid political tensions and public protests.

India and Europe launch Proba-3 solar probe to study the sun’s corona, demonstrating precision satellite formation and enabling artificial eclipses.

Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire strained as Israeli airstrikes and Hezbollah rocket fire escalate tensions, raising international concerns and risking broader conflict.

SPORTS

Conference championships this weekend will finalize College Football Playoff rankings. Key games in ACC, Big 12, and Mountain West affect Selection Day outcomes. Boise State, Alabama, and Clemson face crucial challenges to secure spots in the expanded 12-team playoff bracket.

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair suspended three games for a hit injuring Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, causing concussion.

Three-time boxing world champion Israel Vázquez dies at 46 following battle with cancer.

Kevin Durant sidelined with ankle injury during Suns’ NBA Cup win over Spurs, raising concerns about Phoenix’s playoff prospects.

POP CULTURE

Young Thug’s historic Georgia trial ends with two codefendants acquitted of racketeering; case involved 28 defendants and spanned months.

Billboard names Beyoncé the greatest 21st-century pop star, citing her unmatched influence, record-breaking achievements, and commitment to musical innovation.

Elton John reveals ongoing vision loss from a severe eye infection, affecting his ability to work but remaining hopeful.

BUSINESS

US markets close mixed; S&P 500 and Nasdaq hit record highs. October job openings rise to 7.7M, exceeding expectations.

Amazon partners with Anthropic to develop “Ultracluster,” an AI supercomputer integrating thousands of Amazon Trainium chips for advanced AI capabilities.

Walmart acquires Vizio for $2.3B, enhancing advertising capabilities through customer viewing and shopping data for targeted ad delivery.

Cargill to lay off 5% of global workforce, approximately 8,000 employees, citing post-pandemic food price declines impacting operations.

Quote of the Day:

"The only way to do great work is to love what you do"

- Steve Jobs

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