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

The House approved amendments allowing VA doctors to recommend medical cannabis and encouraging psychedelics research and access. However, a proposal to stop cannabis testing for federal job applicants in legal states was blocked.

Green Thumb Industries’ CEO reportedly sent a letter to Boston Beer, proposing a potential merger.

In Hunter Biden’s federal trial for allegedly lying about drug use on a gun form, a juror remarked, “weed to me isn’t as bad as other drugs.”

Italy’s agriculture minister mocked “cannabis light” users, suggesting that if someone consumes marijuana, they should “do it right.”

US NEWS

President Biden’s order limits migrants at the border when daily crossings exceed 2,500. Exceptions include authorized migrants, unaccompanied minors, trafficking victims, and medical emergencies. Illegal crossers face a five-year ban.

During his first congressional hearing in two years, former White House medical adviser Anthony Fauci clashed with Republicans over COVID-19 handling. He denied misconduct accusations and distanced himself from controversial pandemic guidance. Democrats called the hearing a “witch hunt.”

On day two of Hunter Biden’s trial, prosecutors and defense debated whether he bought a gun while addicted. Prosecutors showed drug photos and texts from Biden’s devices. The defense argued the texts were months apart from the firearm purchase.

Atlanta expects normal water service today after burst water mains caused outages and a state of emergency. Issues disrupted medical and educational facilities, highlighting aging infrastructure. Over 30% of US water mains are over 50 years old.

WORLD NEWS

Israeli forces launched a ground and air assault on central Gaza, killing at least 15 Palestinians.

Amanda Knox’s slander conviction related to the Meredith Kercher murder case has been upheld.

Prime Minister Modi celebrated victory in India’s election despite BJP falling short of a 272-seat majority, needing coalition partners. Stock markets plunged, raising doubts about future economic reforms.

SPORTS

MLB banned Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano for life for betting on baseball, marking the first active player banned since 1924. Marcano placed 387 bets totaling $150K, including on his former team.

Three-time reigning champion Oklahoma faces Texas in the 2024 NCAA Women’s College World Series finals tonight at 8 pm ET on ESPN.

Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek are set for a Paris rematch at the French Open. Novak Djokovic withdrew due to a knee injury.

JJ Redick is the heavy favorite for Lakers’ coaching role, but the team is in no rush to decide.

POP CULTURE

Eight-time Grammy-winning songwriter The-Dream faces a lawsuit accusing him of rape and trafficking.

Alec and Hilaria Baldwin revealed they are launching a TLC reality series about their family.

Sean “Diddy” Combs sells his stake in Revolt, the media company he founded, following sexual assault allegations.

BUSINESS

Google faced a major leak, revealing it collected sensitive data, including voices of 1,000 children and secret Nintendo announcements, leaked to 404 Media.

After three years of complaints, Apple will fix bugs in its Screen Time controls that allowed young users to access X-rated sites.

Black employees allege a Georgia plant is run by white supremacists. The lawsuit accuses General Mills of tolerating a racially hostile environment led by “Good Ole Boys.”

Global stocks advanced and US futures signaled more gains, speculating a cooling economy may prompt the Federal Reserve to lower rates. Treasury yields steadied after their largest two-day drop of 2024. Markets now focus on upcoming private employment and payroll data.

Quote of the Day:

"Either you run the day, or the day runs you."

-Jim Rohn

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