Rolling out the news you want

Welcome to the BLUNT Newsletter, your direct access to pop culture that is short and to the point.

Weekend Snapshot:

Cinco de Mayo marks the Mexican army's victory over France at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. While it's a minor holiday in Mexico, in the U.S., it has become a celebration of Mexican heritage and culture, particularly in areas with large Mexican American populations.

The official Kentucky Derby post time is 6:57 p.m. ET, Saturday, May 4. The 150th Run for the Roses will be race No. 12 of the 14-race slate.

CANNABIS

Scientists have greeted the new regulations on marijuana positively, though they acknowledge that research hurdles will persist.

As he prepares to leave Congress, Portland's longtime representative and leading TikTok influencer on Capitol Hill, Blumenauer, is urging his party to support pot legalization. He argues that this could enhance President Biden's appeal among young voters.

NEWS

US Rep. Henry Cuellar (D, TX-28) and his wife have been indicted on federal bribery and conspiracy charges in connection with benefitting an oil and gas company owned by the government of Azerbaijan and a bank in Mexico.

Canadian police have arrested three men suspected of the murder of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Charged with first-degree murder, they are believed to have been involved in last year's fatal shooting outside a Sikh cultural center in British Columbia.

China launched its Chang'e-6 lunar probe to collect samples from the moon's far side, aiming to be the first country to do so. The 53-day mission supports China's goal to send astronauts to the moon by 2030.

Heavy rains in Houston area cause flooding, trigger evacuations.

Illinois is poised at the epicenter of an impending cicada emergence, with two groups expected to surface simultaneously. This phenomenon has left some residents feeling uneasy, while others are excited.

SPORTS

The 2024 Kentucky Derby menu is set to impress, featuring a staggering 10,000 lbs of smoked brisket among other delectable offerings.

MVP contender Luka Doncic overcame the , the team that ousted his Mavericks in the first two playoff series of his career, largely thanks to Irving's composure and outstanding performance. Despite struggling with a right knee sprain, Doncic posted averages of 29.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 9.5 assists over six games, though his shooting percentage was just 40.5%. He expects his knee won't fully heal until the offseason.

Caitlin Clark kicked off her WNBA and Indiana Fever career with a remarkable display of 3-point shooting prowess.

At 16, England's Kim became the youngest golfer to make a PGA Tour cut in 11 years.

POP CULTURE

Drake has released the scathing track "Family Matters" in reaction to Kendrick Lamar's previous diss. The song features pointed jabs at A$AP Rocky, Rick Ross, Future, and The Weeknd.

Nancy Schuster, a revered crossword champion, creator, and editor, has passed away at the age of 90. A passionate cruciverbalist, she triumphed in the inaugural American Crossword Puzzle Tournament in 1978 and later contributed her expertise in testing and proofreading puzzles for The New York Times.

Britney Spears is currently safe in her home following an altercation at a Los Angeles hotel. According to a source close to the singer, Spears injured her foot during the incident at the Chateau Marmont but did not receive treatment from the medical team that was called to the scene.

TikTok influencer Maddy Baloy, known for sharing her stage 4 cancer battle, passes away at 26. Baloy openly discussed her diagnosis and the challenges she faced with her more than 450,000 followers.

BUSINESS

Warren Buffett conducted his first Berkshire Hathaway meeting without Charlie Munger.

Last month, the US economy saw an addition of only 175,000 jobs, with the unemployment rate rising to 3.9%.

Trump Media's accounting firm accused of committing significant fraud.

Apple's share price jumps 6% following earnings that exceed forecasts, with the company announcing a $110 billion buyback plan.

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