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

Pennsylvania advocates have launched a billboard campaign showing bipartisan support for marijuana legalization from Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, and Governor Josh Shapiro, urging lawmakers to act.

Studies published in JAMA show no link between early maternal marijuana use and autism or developmental delays in children.

A federal judge ruled that Alaska Airlines must rehire a technician fired after a positive marijuana test, dismissing the company’s appeal.

The U.S. Army updated its drug policy to explicitly ban delta-8 THC hemp products and caution soldiers about consuming poppyseeds, which may trigger false positive opioid tests. The updated guidance reflects growing concerns over intoxicating cannabinoids and military drug testing policies.

US NEWS

The trial of Richard Allen, accused of killing two Delphi teens in 2017, has begun, with evidence linking him to the crime.

The USDA expanded a recall to 11.7 million pounds of meat and poultry due to listeria contamination, affecting schools in multiple states.

A Kentucky man declared brain dead woke up during organ harvesting, prompting state and federal investigations into the incident.

WORLD NEWS

Israeli forces killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar after a yearlong manhunt. A chance encounter led to his demise.

Cuba faces a nationwide blackout after its largest power plant fails, worsening ongoing energy, fuel, and food shortages.

North Korea allegedly sends 1,500 troops to assist Russia in Ukraine, marking its first foreign conflict involvement since the Korean War.

Two athletes, one from Mexico and one from Great Britain, died during the World Triathlon Championships in Spain. No cause was given.

SPORTS

Lynx win thriller, forcing Game 5 in WNBA Finals. Yankees take 3-1 ALCS lead with late rally. Mets stay alive, win NLCS Game 5.

Virginia men’s basketball coach Tony Bennett retires after 15 seasons, leaving with 364 wins and a 2019 national championship.

Former Olympic snowboarder Ryan James Wedding is wanted for leading a drug cartel, facing charges of murder and cocaine trafficking.

Former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler was arrested for DUI and gun possession after rear-ending a vehicle in Tennessee.

POP CULTURE

Liam Payne died after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. Investigators found drugs, alcohol, and broken objects.

Tom Holland and Zendaya read a draft of Spider-Man 4 and are excited but note improvements are needed before proceeding.

Prosecutors argued that Sean Combs shouldn’t use his wealth to secure release, citing risks of obstruction, witness tampering, and danger.

BUSINESS

CVS shares dropped 5% as CEO Karen Lynch stepped down, with David Joyner replacing her. Q3 earnings missed expectations again.

US regulators launched a probe into Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving” system, investigating crashes in low-visibility conditions affecting 2.4 million vehicles.

Microsoft and OpenAI’s once-strong partnership is fraying over financial pressures, computing resources, and disagreements between executives.

Quote of the Day:

“When all else is lost, the future still remains.”

- Christian Nestell Bovee

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