Rolling out the news you want

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

Quick Hit:

A New York jury convicted Donald Trump on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. He remains eligible to run for president but his voting rights depend on Florida’s laws and sentencing. Trump retains lifetime Secret Service protection.

Bill Pruitt, a former producer on “The Apprentice,” alleges he heard Donald Trump use the N-word during a production meeting.

Biden reaffirmed the principle that “no one is above the law” following Trump’s conviction, calling attacks on the verdict “reckless.” Trump criticized prosecutors and the judge, while his campaign raised nearly $53 million online after the verdict.

CANNABIS

A new report from Hawaii’s AG’s office shows medical marijuana use is the leading cause of rejected gun permits in the state.

Governor Ron DeSantis voiced strong opposition to Florida’s recreational marijuana initiative, citing concerns about its impact on quality of life and lack of restrictions. At an April news conference, he warned that legalization would lead to widespread marijuana use in cities and towns.

A trend of using marijuana instead of alcohol is growing in the U.S. A recent study found daily cannabis use surpassing daily alcohol use. Experts debate the health impacts of this shift.

US NEWS

An Idaho jury will resume deliberations Saturday in the sentencing of Chad Daybell, who faces the death penalty for three murders.

Joe Manchin switched to independent, citing partisan rifts. He won’t seek Senate reelection, raising questions about his future. Manchin joins three other independent senators caucusing with Democrats.

Vermont is the first US state to mandate oil companies fund damage from extreme weather caused by climate change. Payments are based on greenhouse gas emissions from 1995 to 2024, modeled after federal pollution cleanup laws.

WORLD NEWS

India’s six-week general election ends today, with the final phase determining 57 of the 543 Lok Sabha seats. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party seeks a third term against the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance. Votes will be tallied on June 4.

Airstrikes targeting Yemen’s Houthi rebels wounded 42. Responding to Iran-backed attacks on Red Sea vessels, Biden endorsed an Israeli cease-fire proposal; Hamas hasn’t responded.

A UAE-brokered deal saw 150 POWs exchanged, the first swap in four months. Russia also returned 212 Ukrainian military members’ bodies.

SPORTS

Bill Walton, N.B.A. Hall of Famer and Grateful Dead superfan, died at 71. He claimed to have seen the band live over 869 times.

The July 20 boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson is postponed due to Tyson’s health issues. Tyson’s doctors advised minimal training after a recent ulcer flare-up. A new date will be announced on June 7, with AT&T Stadium in Texas as the likely venue.

Sacramento Kings coach Mike Brown has agreed on a contract extension that will take him through the 2026-27 season with a raise to $8.5 million per season, his agent Warren LeGarie told ESPN on Friday night.

POP CULTURE

A guitar John Lennon played on multiple Beatles songs was sold at auction for almost $3 million.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s daughter, North West, will costar in the ‘Lion King’ live concert event at the Hollywood Bowl.

Jennifer Lopez cancels her tour, stating it was “absolutely necessary” to prioritize her family.

BUSINESS

Tesla is recalling 125,227 vehicles due to a faulty seat belt warning system.

Costco’s new CFO, Gary Millerchip, reassured customers that the $1.50 hot dog-soda combo price is safe despite inflation. Millerchip, on his first earnings call, emphasized the deal’s strategic importance as a loss-leader. The price has been unchanged since 1985, serving as a powerful marketing tool for Costco.

Live Nation reports a hacker is attempting to sell Ticketmaster data on the dark web.

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!