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 Strawberry Full Moon was here!

The Old Farmer’s Almanac, first publishing moon names in the 1930s, notes that some Native American tribes named June’s full moon the “strawberry moon” to coincide with the short strawberry harvest season.

CANNABIS

The FDA authorized four menthol-flavored vapes from Altria Group’s NJOY brand, suggesting they could help adult smokers. Marketing restrictions are in place to prevent youth exposure.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry vetoed a bill allowing governors to issue pardons for past marijuana convictions, arguing it aligns with a “soft-on-crime” agenda. The bill had received strong bipartisan support.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a hemp bill, partly due to opposition to a marijuana legalization initiative. He aims to protect small businesses while addressing issues with intoxicating hemp products next year.

US NEWS

The US Supreme Court upheld a federal ban on firearms for those under domestic violence restraining orders, reversing a lower court ruling and citing consistency with the Second Amendment and traditional regulations.

A mass shooting at the Mad Butcher grocery store in Fordyce, Arkansas, left three dead and at least 11 injured, including two police officers. The suspect, Travis Posey, 44, was shot by law enforcement and is in custody. Posey faces three counts of capital murder.

A heat wave is bringing searing temperatures to New York and the I-95 corridor, with Washington DC potentially reaching 100 degrees.

Anthony Conigliaro, an 86-year-old former Genovese crime family captain, was decapitated by a DOT truck in Brooklyn. Known as “Tony Cakes” and “Tony the Dessert Man,” Conigliaro had a past in the mafia and racketeering. Despite his criminal history, neighbors remembered him as a kind, helpful man.

US and China held informal nuclear arms talks in March, the first in five years. China assured the US it wouldn’t use nuclear threats over Taiwan. China views Taiwan as part of its territory, while Taiwan asserts its sovereignty.

WORLD NEWS

At least one person was killed and over 200 wounded in Kenya protests against a $2.7B tax hike plan. Police clashed with protesters, using tear gas and water cannons; over 100 arrested.

A heat wave in Mecca, with temperatures over 115 degrees, led to hundreds of Hajj pilgrims collapsing and many treated for heat exhaustion. At least 550 deaths were reported.

At least 22 displaced civilians were killed in a Gaza strike, says the Red Cross, as Israel expands its operations in the region.

SPORTS

The Edmonton Oilers staved off elimination by defeating the Florida Panthers 5-1 in Game 6, tying the Stanley Cup Finals series at 3-3. Game 7 is set for Monday (8:00 pm ET, ABC). The Oilers are the first team since 1945 to force a Game 7 after trailing 3-0 in the series.

Olivier Rioux, once the tallest teenager, is now 7’9” and poised to be the tallest college basketball player ever. The 18-year-old Montreal native has joined the University of Florida’s men’s basketball roster. If he reaches the NBA, he will become the tallest NBA player ever.

The Tennessee Volunteers and Texas A&M Aggies face off tonight in Game 1 of the best-of-three series (7:30 pm ET, ESPN) for their first NCAA baseball championship. Both teams are undefeated in the round-robin portion.

POP CULTURE

Michael Strahan’s daughter has completed chemotherapy treatment for brain cancer. The “Good Morning America” cohost and his family celebrate this significant milestone in her recovery.

Justin Timberlake publicly acknowledged his drunk-driving arrest in the Hamptons, addressing the incident for the first time during his Chicago concert. The 43-year-old singer expressed gratitude to fans for their continued support despite the “tough week.”

Kevin Costner has announced he will not return to the hit TV series ‘Yellowstone,’ confirming his departure from the show.

BUSINESS

American Express acquired Tock in an all-cash deal matching the amount Squarespace paid three years ago. This move follows Amex’s expansion into the dining and event space, starting with its purchase of Resy five years ago.

Bugatti’s latest car is a $4 million hybrid boasting 1,800 horsepower. This new model combines luxury with cutting-edge performance.

Under Armour has agreed to pay $434 million to settle a lawsuit over its sales disclosures. The settlement aims to resolve allegations related to the company’s reporting practices.

Quote of the Day:

"There's no present. There's only the immediate future and the recent past."

-George Carlin

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