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

House committee seeks investigation into Biden’s marijuana rescheduling, citing process deviations and mental health risks from high-potency cannabis.

Federal court rules marijuana businesses can’t claim COVID-era employee tax credits due to 280E, reinforcing limits on cannabis industry deductions.

Mike Tyson promotes cannabis brand during DEA lab tour, linking safe marijuana to fentanyl risks after meeting with Trump at UFC event.

Rep. Dina Titus says Trump-era federal cuts may push states toward marijuana legalization to generate new revenue sources.

US NEWS

Musk admitted some of his social media posts about Trump “went too far” during their recent public and dramatic fallout.

4,000 National Guard troops will stay in Los Angeles for 60 days, costing $134M, as Congress advances a $1T defense budget.

White House directed ICE to target Home Depot, disrupting informal hiring system between the retailer and day laborers outside stores.

Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) indicted on federal charges following altercation with law enforcement at New Jersey immigration center.

WORLD NEWS

A former student killed 10 in Austria’s deadliest postwar shooting, prompting national mourning and renewed focus on gun ownership laws.

Russia launches 300+ drones and missiles at Ukraine, killing eight; EU imposes new sanctions after collapse of ceasefire talks.

Bolsonaro testifies before Brazil’s Supreme Court, denies plotting to overturn 2022 election results or wrongdoing by his aides.

SPORTS

Knicks denied permission to interview Rockets’ Udoka and Wolves’ Finch for head coach role after firing Thibodeau despite playoff run.

Tyrese Haliburton says he’s fine despite leg issue, focused on improving for Game 3 as Pacers return home in NBA Finals. Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Finals is tonight at 8:30 PM ET on ABC, with the series tied 1-1.

Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch undecided on starting goalie for Game 4 after Skinner’s struggles in 6-1 loss to Panthers.

Switzerland routs U.S. 4-0 in final Gold Cup warmup, extending American losing streak and raising concerns ahead of 2026 World Cup.

Aaron Rodgers announces he’s been secretly married for months while debuting at Steelers minicamp after signing $13.65M deal.

POP CULTURE

Screen Actors Guild ends yearlong strike after reaching tentative agreement with video game companies over AI replica use.

Macklemore’s home was robbed while his three children and their nanny were inside; no injuries reported during the incident.

Two BTS members complete military service; remaining members finish by June, reuniting the K-pop group after three-year hiatus.

BUSINESS

US markets rise (S&P 500 +0.6%, Dow +0.3%, Nasdaq +0.6%) as investors monitor ongoing US-China diplomatic discussions.

Netflix will invest $1B in Spanish content over four years, following similar Mexico plans, as HBO Max expands into 12 countries.

World Bank cuts 2025 global growth forecast to 2.3% and US forecast to 1.4%, both down from 2.8% in 2024.

Meta forms “superintelligence” team to develop advanced AI surpassing human ability, led by Scale AI CEO as team head.

IBM plans to build fault-tolerant quantum computer in New York by 2029 with 20,000 times current quantum computing power.

Quote of the Day:

“You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.”

- Indira Gandhi

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