Rolling out the news you want

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

Quick Hit:

A heat dome is set to bring more sizzling temperatures to the West after Death Valley hits 122 degrees!

CANNABIS

DeSantis vetoes hemp ban bill amid anti-marijuana legalization push, sparking speculation over double standards.

Ohio now accepting applications for recreational marijuana sales licenses.

North Dakota marijuana activists claim over half the needed signatures for November legalization ballot.

US NEWS

US employers added 272,000 jobs in May, beating estimates of 190,000. However, the unemployment rate rose to 4%, the highest since January 2022. Key job gains were in healthcare (68,000), government (43,000), and leisure and hospitality (42,000). Average hourly earnings increased 0.4% month-over-month and 4.1% year-over-year.

Phoenix hit 113 degrees on Thursday, surpassing the previous record of 111 degrees set in 2016. Las Vegas also broke a record with 111 degrees. Extreme temperatures are expected to continue in California, Nevada, and Arizona due to a heat dome.

Apollo 8 astronaut William Anders, who took iconic ‘Earthrise’ photo, dies in plane crash.

Supreme Court justices must annually disclose finances and conflicts of interest. Increased scrutiny followed a 2023 report revealing Justice Clarence Thomas accepted paid vacations and gifts without disclosure. Thomas’s 2023 filings amended his 2019 disclosure to include two trips paid for by billionaire Harlan Crow.

WORLD NEWS

UN adds Israel’s military to list of offenders for child violations; Israeli envoy criticizes decision and leaks private UN call.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen attacked by man in Copenhagen.

The Houthis, who seized Yemen’s capital nearly 10 years ago, reportedly detained several international aid workers after raids. Among the detainees are at least 11 UN staffers, three from a US-funded prodemocracy group, and three from local human rights organizations. The circumstances remain unclear.

SPORTS

Saratoga Springs, NY, hosts the Belmont Stakes for the first time due to Belmont Park construction. The 156th race sees a prize increase to $2M from $1.5M. Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan and Preakness winner Seize the Grey are among the 10 competitors.

The Oklahoma Sooners defeated the Texas Longhorns 8-4 in Game 2 of the 2024 Women’s College World Series, securing their fourth consecutive title and eighth overall. They are now tied with Arizona for the second most championships, behind UCLA’s 12.

For the first time, the US is cohosting and participating in the T20 World Cup. Team USA, featuring all part-time players, defeated Pakistan, a former champion and runner-up. Pakistan faces rival India tomorrow, both having strong T20 World Cup histories. Cricket is the world’s second most-watched sport, behind soccer.

Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing match rescheduled to Nov. 15 at AT&T Stadium due to Tyson’s medical issues; co-main event features Taylor vs. Serrano.

POP CULTURE

Vanna White says emotional goodbye to Pat Sajak on ‘Wheel of Fortune’.

Bob Saget’s widow Kelly Rizzo says Candace Cameron Bure was first at their home after his death.

Celine Dion reveals she’s broken ribs, struggled to sing with rare stiff person syndrome.

BUSINESS

Google pays $2 million to avoid jury trial, and a judge agrees.

US restaurant industry projected to reach $1.1 trillion by December, driven by tech and delivery despite rising costs and labor shortages.

Kia recalling 463,000 Telluride SUVs due to front seat fire risk.

Quote of the Day:

"Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand."

-Mother Teresa

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