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:

Britney Spears shared a cryptic cocktail photo on Instagram after ex-boyfriend Justin Timberlake’s DWI arrest, writing, “It’s the little things you know,” without further elaboration.

CANNABIS

The House Ethics Committee has issued 25 subpoenas in an expanded investigation into Rep. Matt Gaetz’s (R, FL-1) alleged sexual misconduct, drug use, accepting improper gifts, and obstruction. Gaetz denies all allegations.

Maryland’s governor has issued pardons for more than 175,000 marijuana convictions, addressing past injustices and promoting criminal justice reform.

U.S. lawmakers aim to crack down on e-cigarettes and vapes, proposing stricter regulations to address health concerns and youth usage.

US NEWS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture suspended inspections of avocados and mangoes from Mexico due to an unspecified worker safety concern. Prolonged suspension could disrupt the supply of both fruits.

Anderson Lee Aldrich received 190 years and 55 life sentences for the Club Q shooting, which killed five and injured 19. Already serving over 2,000 years for related charges.

NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore extend their ISS stay due to Starliner spacecraft issues, including thruster malfunctions and helium leaks. They will now return no earlier than June 26.

WORLD NEWS

Vladimir Putin is in North Korea, meeting with Kim Jong-un to build an alliance against the U.S. Moscow seeks artillery shells and missiles for its war in Ukraine.

Potential Tropical Cyclone One may strengthen today, bringing heavy rain and flood risks to Texas, Mexico, and Central America. Urgent rain may overwhelm dry soil, causing dangerous flooding.

Israel warned Hezbollah of “all-out war” after a drone video showed Israeli sites, amid escalating cross-border attacks following the October 7 Hamas attacks and Israel’s Gaza military campaign.

SPORTS

Willie Mays, legendary center fielder and MLB icon, passed away at 93. Renowned for his five-tool skills, he holds numerous records and left an indelible mark on baseball.

Connor McDavid (2G, 2A) propelled the Oilers to a 5-3 win in Game 5 against the Panthers, forcing the Stanley Cup Finals back to Canada. Edmonton’s comeback continues.

Kansas lawmakers have approved a plan to attract the Kansas City Chiefs from Missouri, aiming to relocate the NFL team.

POP CULTURE

Justin Timberlake, 43, was arrested for suspected DWI in Sag Harbor, Long Island. He failed field sobriety tests, pleaded not guilty, and must appear in court on July 26.

Nintendo announces “The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom,” releasing on September 26 for the Switch, featuring Princess Zelda as the lead character. Gameplay resembles “Link’s Awakening,” with Zelda and a fairy, Tri, using magical powers to solve puzzles.

Quavo hosted an anti-gun violence summit with VP Kamala Harris on his late nephew Takeoff’s birthday, advocating for safer communities.

BUSINESS

Netflix will open “in-person experience” venues in Dallas, Texas, and King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, in 2025. The venues will feature shopping, food, and experiences tied to Netflix’s major franchises.

Nvidia surpassed Apple and Microsoft in market cap yesterday, with the chipmaker’s executives celebrating a stock market surge.

Boeing’s Starliner is delaying its return to Earth by four more days due to helium leaks and thruster issues.

Quote of the Day:

"It is never too late to be what you might have been."

-George Eliot

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