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 bill to federally legalize marijuana gained one new cosponsor, bringing the total to 92.

Federal science agency sells precisely quantified cannabis at $174 per gram to help laboratories calibrate cannabinoid analysis, ensuring accuracy and safety in testing.

Pennsylvania’s Legislative Black Caucus advocates for marijuana legalization with automatic expungements and a social equity fund, emphasizing criminal justice reform and economic opportunities for impacted communities.

A review concluded that cannabinoids show potential as a complementary therapy for managing multiple sclerosis symptoms, particularly spasticity and pain.

US NEWS

Congressional Democrats met to discuss concerns over President Joe Biden’s viability as a presidential candidate following his CNN debate performance. Despite these concerns, Biden confirmed in a letter that he plans to stay in the race.

Heat grips southeast Texas after storm Beryl; 2 million without power. High temperatures pose health risks; cooling centers open for relief.

Eight states will vote on constitutional bans for noncitizen voting. Trump’s allies push this despite its rarity and existing federal bans. Massachusetts now prohibits migrants from sleeping at Logan Airport.

A rare plague case was confirmed in Pueblo County, Colorado. The CDC advises immediate medical attention for symptoms; vaccines are in development.

WORLD NEWS

The European Space Agency’s Ariane 6 rocket launched from French Guiana, carrying satellites. Despite a technical issue, it marks Europe’s push for independent space access. Delays were due to technical issues, COVID-19, and the Russia-Ukraine war.

President Biden hosts NATO summit, pledges air defenses for Ukraine. Zelensky urges international aid amid concerns over a potential second Trump presidency.

Israeli airstrike kills at least 27 people at a school complex near Khan Younis, Gaza, according to the Health Ministry.

SPORTS

Daniil Medvedev defeated Jannik Sinner in a five-set Wimbledon quarterfinal. Sinner struggled physically, and both top seeds are now out. Medvedev faces Carlos Alcaraz next.

LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant team up for the 2024 Paris Olympics, aiming for gold after years of NBA rivalry.

Spain defeated France 2-1 to reach the UEFA European Championship finals. England takes on the Netherlands this afternoon (3 pm ET, Fox) in the other semifinal.

POP CULTURE

Joe Bonsall, Country Music Hall of Famer and longtime member of The Oak Ridge Boys, dies at 76. Doug Sheehan, prolific TV actor, dies at 75.

"The Devil Wears Prada" sequel in early development at Disney.

“Shrek 5” is set for a 2026 release, with the full main cast returning. Fans can look forward to seeing their favorite characters back on screen for another adventure.

BUSINESS

US stock markets closed mixed (S&P 500 +0.1%, Dow -0.1%, Nasdaq +0.1%) after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announced the economy is no longer overheated, raising expectations for interest rate cuts.

Athletic Brewing Company raised $50M, doubling its value to $800M. Founded in 2017, it leads the nonalcoholic beer trend, appealing to health-conscious, active consumers.

New fiber optic network transmits data at speeds over 400 terabytes per second, surpassing the current record by nearly 33%.

Microsoft and Apple decided not to be observers on OpenAI’s board amid growing antitrust scrutiny over Big Tech’s influence in AI.

Quote of the Day:

“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”

-Maya Angelou

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