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

New research from Queen’s University shows cannabis boosts sexual desire, arousal, and satisfaction—especially on use days—while reducing sexual distress.

California raised its cannabis excise tax to 19%, sparking warnings from operators that the hike could crush legal businesses and boost illicit sales.

Big Tobacco–backed CPEAR pushes STATES 2.0 Act, favoring corporate profits over justice reforms, expungement, and small cannabis operators’ survival.

US NEWS

At least 24 dead and 20+ children missing after heavy rains trigger massive flooding near Texas girls summer camp.

President Trump signed his “big, beautiful bill” on July Fourth, boosting infrastructure spending and simplifying business regulations nationwide.

Human remains found after fireworks warehouse explosion in Esparto, CA; seven missing, investigations ongoing, Fourth of July events canceled.

Florida lawmakers were blocked from inspecting “Alligator Alcatraz,” a storm-damaged migrant camp in the Everglades, citing safety concerns.

WORLD NEWS

A Gaza ceasefire may be near as Hamas agrees to talks and Trump expresses optimism; both sides eye a 60-day truce.

Synagogue set ablaze and Israeli restaurant stormed in Melbourne amid rising antisemitic attacks; officials condemn violence and demand justice.

Russia launched record 539 drones at Kyiv after Trump-Putin call; Ukraine intercepted most, but strikes killed 1 and wounded 23.

SPORTS

Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva were laid to rest in Portugal after a fatal crash, with grieving teammates, family, and friends honoring their lives in an emotional funeral ceremony.

The Astros crushed the Dodgers 18-1 in L.A.’s worst-ever Dodger Stadium loss, led by Jose Altuve’s five-RBI, two-homer performance.

Joey Chestnut devours 70.5 hot dogs in 10 minutes to reclaim his Nathan’s title, earning a 17th Mustard Belt victory.

POP CULTURE

Actor Julian McMahon, known for “Nip/Tuck” and “Fantastic Four,” has died at 56 after a battle with cancer.

Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom confirm their split after nine years together, focusing on co-parenting daughter Daisy with mutual respect.

Michael Madsen, famed for roles in Kill Bill and Reservoir Dogs, has died at 67 after cardiac arrest at his Malibu home.

Sean “Diddy” Combs was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges, collapsing in relief as supporters cheered in court.

BUSINESS

While Trump calls for more skilled tradespeople, his Labor Department moves to shut down Job Corps-a key training pipeline-sparking backlash.

Black unemployment jumped to 6.8%—its highest since January 2022—due to cuts in federal jobs, slowing industries like transportation, and economic uncertainty driven by Trump’s tariffs and pullbacks on DEI programs.

The U.S. added 147,000 jobs in June, lowering unemployment to 4.1%, though Trump’s tariffs and weak private hiring cloud outlook.

Quote of the Day:

“Courage is knowing what not to fear.”

- Plato

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