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

Gov. Josh Shapiro urges GOP Senate to negotiate marijuana legalization, hopes to sign bill by month’s end budget deadline.

Researchers identified 33 genetic markers that shape cannabis’s cannabinoid production, enabling faster, cheaper strain development tailored for medical and recreational use. The breakthrough advances cannabis breeding and genetics, overcoming decades of prohibition-era research barriers and integrating marijuana into modern agriculture.

Review finds medicinal cannabis may reduce anxiety symptoms, but long-term effects and impact on quality of life remain uncertain.

Study finds chronic CBD treatment lowers blood pressure in hypertensive rats, with effects independent of changes to aortic stiffness.

US NEWS

White House proposes $9.4B spending rescission package to Congress, primarily targeting previously approved foreign aid allocations.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth orders Navy to remove gay rights icon Harvey Milk’s name from oil ship, citing political neutrality.

Despite falling crime rates, Trump cut $500M in safety grants, prompting service reductions and lawsuits over lost gun violence prevention funding.

Kennedy Center denies claims of 36% subscription sales drop, asserting 2025 sales remain consistent with previous years’ performance levels.

WORLD NEWS

Dutch government collapses after Geert Wilders exits coalition over immigration dispute, prompting PM’s resignation and likely fall elections.

Liberal Lee Jae-myung elected South Korea’s president, ending turmoil following conservative Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment and removal from office.

Mexico’s ruling Morena party likely gains Supreme Court control after low-turnout judicial elections, raising concerns over judicial independence and democracy.

Crimea bridge reopens after Ukrainian underwater blast damaged key link between Russian-occupied peninsula and mainland Russia, escalating regional tensions.

Gunfire near Gaza aid site kills 27; Israel claims it targeted individuals who left designated path and ignored warning shots.

SPORTS

Florida Panthers face Edmonton Oilers in Stanley Cup Final rematch tonight; McDavid leads Canada’s hopes to end 31-year drought.

Women’s College World Series begins tonight as Texas faces Texas Tech for NCAA softball title in best-of-three championship series.

Japanese baseball icon Shigeo Nagashima, famed Yomiuri Giants player and manager, dies at 89, leaving a legendary sports legacy.

Trump threatens fines for California over allowing a transgender female athlete to compete in state track championships.

POP CULTURE

Singer Jessie J reveals early-stage breast cancer diagnosis, plans surgery post-June 15, emphasizing positivity and openness about her journey.

A hotel security guard testified that Sean “Diddy” Combs paid him $100K in cash to obtain and destroy assault footage. The trial highlights how Combs allegedly used his business empire to conceal misconduct and finance efforts to protect his image.

Hailee Steinfeld and Josh Allen marry in California, following a 2024 engagement and private romance that began in 2023.

BUSINESS

Nvidia becomes world’s most valuable company as US stock markets rise; S&P 500 +0.6%, Dow +0.5%, Nasdaq +0.8%.

Meta signs historic 20-year deal for nuclear power to fuel AI; aims to secure clean energy and support Illinois jobs.

Trump doubles tariffs on steel and aluminum imports starting today, aiming to bolster domestic industry and counter foreign trade practices.

Ford posts 16% year-over-year U.S. sales jump in May, boosted by strong demand despite rising tariffs on imported materials.

U.S. job openings rose to 7.4 million in April, up 191,000 from March and exceeding expectations, signaling continued labor demand.

Quote of the Day:

“The greater our knowledge increases the more our ignorance unfolds.”

- John F. Kennedy

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