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

Senate confirms Terrance Cole as DEA chief while cannabis industry urges timely, transparent action on marijuana’s federal rescheduling process.

House panel advances bill blocking D.C. recreational marijuana sales and excludes cannabis banking provisions seen in previous legislative sessions.

Rep. Jared Huffman proposes bill allowing small cannabis producers to ship products nationwide via USPS after federal prohibition is lifted.

Federal researcher says legalization has not increased youth cannabis use, noting recent declines and calling for nuanced cannabinoid regulations.

Pennsylvania senators introduce bill ensuring medical cannabis patient status cannot negatively impact parental custody decisions in family court.

US NEWS

House Republicans recessed early, blocking a vote to release Epstein files. Subcommittee voted to subpoena his jailed associate Ghislaine Maxwell.

President Trump announces trade deals with Philippines and Japan, securing tariff breaks and $550 billion Japanese investment for US military cooperation.

Columbia University disciplines over 70 students for Israel-Gaza protests, issuing suspensions and expulsions while negotiating to restore $400M funding.

Trump releases FBI files on MLK Jr., sparking family backlash over legacy concerns while some applaud transparency amid Epstein case pressure.

WORLD NEWS

Japan proposes its first new nuclear plant since Fukushima’s 2011 disaster, which followed a tsunami and killed over 2,300.

Israeli tanks enter Deir al-Balah for first time, sparking evacuations and UN warnings as humanitarian access and medical supply lines collapse.

Aid agencies warn Gaza is on the brink of famine as Israel restricts supplies. Workers and civilians face starvation and deadly airstrikes.

Families plead for release of two Italians held at Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ ICE facility, citing inhumane conditions and legal concerns.

SPORTS

The US Olympic Committee banned transgender women from women’s sports, aligning with a recent executive order issued by President Trump.

Venus Williams, 45, stunned the crowd with a 6-3, 6-4 victory at the DC Open, her first singles win since 2023.

Angel Reese made WNBA history with her 10th straight double-double, becoming the first player to achieve this feat twice.

POP CULTURE

Ozzy Osbourne dies at 76, weeks after final concert. The performance raised $190 million for charity, marking his farewell.

Universal Music Group confidentially files for a US IPO, representing major artists like Taylor Swift, Drake, and Lady Gaga.

Jon Stewart slams CBS for canceling Colbert’s show, linking it to financial fears and Trump-influenced merger politics with Skydance Media.

BUSINESS

US stock markets close mixed as S&P 500 rises slightly, Dow gains 0.4 percent, and Nasdaq dips by 0.4 percent.

Elon Musk opens Tesla Diner in Hollywood with 80 chargers, movie screens, and robots, eyeing global expansion if successful.

Kohl’s shares surge 38 percent in a meme stock rally, triggering a brief trading halt due to extreme market volatility.

Quote of the Day:

“There is no love that is not an echo.”

- Theodor W. Adorno

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