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

Researchers isolated a new marijuana cannabinoid and discovered additional compounds, some showing promising antitumor effects against neuroblastomas.

Seth Rogen appears in a marijuana-themed Call of Duty update, adding celebrity flair to the game’s cannabis-inspired content.

Reps. Ilhan Omar and Dina Titus called for cannabis decriminalization, expungements, and federal research to align with state policies.

A study showed 26 mg/day sublingual CBD was safe for Parkinson’s patients, improving cognitive naming scores without adverse effects.

US NEWS

The US ended a tariff loophole, raising prices on Chinese imports, pressuring retailers, and straining Customs with inspections.

The White House proposes $163B in cuts, slashing nondefense programs while boosting military and Homeland Security funding significantly.

The CDC reports 216 child flu deaths, the highest since 2009, amid declining vaccination rates and varying state coverage.

Trump threatened to revoke Harvard’s tax exemption; President Alan Garber called the move “highly illegal” and strongly opposed it.

WORLD NEWS

Ireland fined TikTok $600M for illegally sending EU user data to China; TikTok will appeal, citing overlooked security improvements.

Prince Harry’s appeal to restore full UK security failed; court upheld case-by-case protection instead of senior royal-level coverage.

Australia re-elected Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, marking another left-leaning comeback as Trump’s influence shakes international politics.

China signaled willingness to address U.S. fentanyl concerns, potentially easing tensions and opening the door for trade negotiations.

SPORTS

Gregg Popovich retires as Spurs coach after 29 seasons, five championships, and 1,422 wins; remains team president despite health issues.

Fred VanVleet’s clutch shooting led Houston past Golden State, forcing Game 7 as he delivered 29 points and eight assists.

Journalism leads the 19-horse Kentucky Derby field, joined by contenders Sandman, Sovereignty, and longshots like Citizen Bull.

Rolly Romero upset Ryan Garcia in Times Square, winning unanimously despite Garcia entering as a heavy favorite after suspension.

POP CULTURE

Marvel Studios’ Kevin Feige admitted overproduction missteps; the studio is scaling back, hoping “Thunderbolts” sparks a successful comeback.

Jill Sobule, known for “I Kissed a Girl” and “Supermodel,” died at 66 in a Minnesota house fire; investigation continues.

Expected Sean Combs trial witnesses include former partners, Cassie Ventura, a male sex worker, and Ventura’s friend supporting abuse claims.

Ruth Buzzi, beloved “Laugh-In” star and Emmy-nominated “Sesame Street” actress, died at 88 after battling Alzheimer’s disease.

BUSINESS

U.S. stocks surged over 1.3% Friday, boosted by strong jobs data and improving signals in the U.S.-China trade relationship.

Trump downplayed recession concerns, calling it a short-term cost for long-term gains as tariffs slow the U.S. economy.

Temu now ships only from US warehouses, but products remain China-made; supply shortages, price hikes, and customer frustrations are emerging.

Quote of the Day:

“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.”

- Joseph Addison

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