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Bill Belichick’s Former Player Slams Him for Jordon Hudson Relationship: ‘Distraction’

CALLED OUT

Cam Newton, Bill Belichick, and Jordon Hudson.

Cam Newton, Bill Belichick, and Jordon Hudson. The Daily Beast/Reuters/Getty

Former NFL star Cam Newton didn’t shy away from voicing his opinion on Bill Belichick’s relationship with Jordon Hudson in a podcast Wednesday, slamming his former coach for not following his own advice. “I find it extremely interesting for a person who always led with this: ‘Do not be a distraction,’” Newton said in a Wednesday episode of his podcast 4th & 1 with Cam Newton.“We talking more about Jordon Hudson than talking about who’s our starting quarterback. You can’t name me three players on North Carolina’s roster right now besides Jordon Hudson.” A former quarterback, Cameron previously played with Belichick as part of the New England Patriots for one season in 2020. “Now you have that same situation with a 16-year-old that you’re trying to recruit. And you got to talk to his momma? This ain’t a good look,” he continued. Several of Belichick’s former colleagues and friends have spoken out about his relationship with Hudson in recent weeks. The couple have been at the epicenter of controversy following a viral, tense CBS interview that saw Hudson, who is also Belichick’s public relations representative, bar a reporter from asking the two how they met. The coach told ESPN earlier this week that Hudson “doesn’t have anything to do with UNC football.”

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Trump Admin Tries Bizarre New Tactic to Escalate Its Feud With Harvard

CAN'T CATCH A BREAK

Harvard has been hit with yet another challenge from the administration in their ongoing feud.

Harvard has been hit with yet another challenge from the administration in their ongoing feud. Scott Eisen/Getty Images

The Trump administration escalated its feud with Harvard by launching a new Justice Department investigation into the Ivy League’s admissions policies. According to a 14-page letter reviewed by The New York Times, the DOJ informed Harvard Monday that it would be investigating whether or not its admissions process was used to defraud the government under the False Claims Act. It is uncommon for a university to be targeted with the False Claims Act, which is a law typically meant to punish contractors who have been accused of swindling the government. Although the letter doesn’t specify how exactly Harvard might have attempted to defraud the government, the university could be fined hundreds of millions of dollars if found liable. Jonathan Swain, a Harvard spokesperson, said that the university would continue to fight back against the government, claiming that the administration’s actions “will lead to devastating consequences for our nation’s health, economic prosperity, and scientific leadership.” He added: “This investigation is yet another abusive and retaliatory action — the latest of many — that the administration has initiated against Harvard.”

Bioré’s Aqua Rich SPF Is Strikingly Similar to the Cult-Favorite Japanese Version

WHITE CAST-PROOF

Biore Aqua Rich UV Sunscreen vs. Biore Watery Essence SPF

Scouted/The Daily Beast/Biore.

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When it comes to solid, acne-friendly sunscreen formulas, no one does it better than Asia. Korea and Japan are the leaders in glow-boosting yet non-comedogenic SPF. Still, Bioré’s made-in-Japan Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen Serum SPF 50 has been *the* resounding cult favorite for years thanks to its non-greasy, invisible feel and glowy yet poreless finish. Basically, it’s the ultimate sunscreen for people who hate sunscreen. It’s garnered a similar cult-status to the multitasking French pharmacy gem, Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré (iykyk). This formula is touted for being suitable for all skin types, but those of us with oily skin are especially smitten with it because it absorbs into the skin and sets almost instantly upon application. While you can still get the Japanese sunscreen-moisturizer-primer on Amazon, the prices are highly inflated since it’s so difficult to find in the States. Naturally, when Bioré debuted its North American version of the viral beauty product, skincare obsessives took note.

The oil-free Bioré UV Aqua Rich Sunscreen-moisturizer hybrid, “inspired by Japanese sunscreen technology, modified to be US compliant,“ has already gone viral on TikTok, so we’re praying the U.S. version will stay in stock. The UV Aqua Rich Sunscreen is strikingly similar to the O.G. Japanese formula in terms of ingredients in performance and feel. The main difference is that the American formula contains fragrance—a mild but definitely noticeable citrusy scent. So, if you’re looking for a more accessible alternative to the KAO Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen, you won’t be disappointed (unless you’re sensitive or allergic to fragrances, of course).

Just like the original, the sheer, lightweight, and under-makeup-friendly sunscreen offers both UVA and UVB protection as well as a solid SPF 50. Plus, it’s also totally white-cast-proof, making it an excellent choice for all skin tones, from fair to deep. The formula is best described as a gel-cream hybrid, delivering a dose of hydration to the skin and a finish that strikes the perfect balance between dewy and matte. More impressively, the affordable sunscreen is powered by the brand’s invisible micro-defense technology, which allows its aqua capsules to release moisture upon application, evenly covering the skin’s surface to help prevent UV rays from reaching the skin.

Its innovative delivery system reduces the need for reapplication throughout the day and allows it to play well with your other skincare and makeup—no pilling or shedding. Whether you’re looking for an accessible dupe to the Japanese formula or just an affordable SPF that won’t clog your pores in warmer weather, Bioré UV Aqua Rich Sunscreen will give your current skincare lineup (and your complexion) a major glow-up.

3

Blake Lively and Taylor Swift’s Friendship Has ‘Halted’: Report

TROUBLE IN PARADISE?

Ice Spice, Taylor Swift, and Blake Lively

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Blake Lively and Taylor Swift’s friendship has reportedly experienced a stoppage following Lively’s escalating legal battle with her former co-star Justin Baldoni. In a report published Thursday, a source close to Swift told People magazine that the pair’s “friendship has halted” in recent weeks as the singer, who was subpoenaed in Baldoni’s case earlier this month, wants “no part in this drama.” Another source told the outlet that Swift and Lively, who have been friends for at least a decade, are “taking some space” but are “not no longer friends.” A third source told the outlet that the subpoena “fractured” the “fragile peace” between the pair. Lively initially sued Baldoni for sexual harassment and retaliation, which he denied, in December last year. He subsequently countersued Lively for $400 million alleging extortion and defamation, which Lively’s attorneys called “vengeful” and “meritless.” Swift was later subpoenaed in Baldoni’s case against Lively on May 9. A representative for the singer slammed the move in a statement to People at the time, saying: “This document subpoena is designed to use Taylor Swift’s name to draw public interest by creating tabloid clickbait instead of focusing on the facts of the case.”

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CHOSEN ONE

Ryan Kiera Armstrong and Sarah Michelle Gellar in "Buffy The Vampire Slayer."

Ryan Kiera Armstrong and Sarah Michelle Gellar in "Buffy The Vampire Slayer." The Daily Beast/Getty

Hulu’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot has found its new lead slayer in actress Ryan Kiera Armstrong. The 15-year-old will be starring opposite Buffy Summers herself, Sarah Michelle Gellar, who is slated to reprise her original role in the new series and executive produce. Armstrong will be playing an awkward high-school student who’s also a slayer, according to Deadline. Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao will also be directing the reboot’s pilot, with Nora and Lilla Zuckerman serving as writers, the outlet adds. “From the moment I saw Ryan’s audition, I knew there was only one girl that I wanted by my side,” Gellar wrote on Instagram Thursday alongside a video of her breaking the casting news to Armstrong. “To have that kind of emotional intelligence, and talent, at such a young age is truly a gift. The bonus is that her smile lights up even the darkest room.” Armstrong’s television resume includes Netflix’s Anne with an E and Disney+’s Star Wars: Skeleton Crew where she starred opposite Jude Law.

This Brain Fog-Blasting Supplement Is a Quicker Way to Find Your Focus

BYE, BYE BRAIN FOG

Juice Plus Luminate herbal supplement box and single serving

Juice Plus

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Many of our morning routines rely on coffee to turn early-morning lethargy into the focused energy you need for a productive (or at least semi-functional) day. Unfortunately, the benefits of a routine cup of joe can often be outweighed by negative side effects like energy crashes and jitters. If you’re looking for a better, longer-lasting way to clear your brain fog, Juice Plus Luminate can help.

Juice Plus is focused on bringing better nutrition to families, offering convenient capsules, chewables, and plant-based supplements designed to support positive health outcomes. Its Juice Plus Luminate is a powerful, plant-based blend that enhances mental clarity and focus and supports sustained energy throughout the day. Along with tried-and-true caffeine, Juice Plus Luminate is infused with nootropics and adaptogens to combat common side effects of caffeine. The result: clarity, calmness, and focus without the jitters. Plus, Juice Plus Luminate may help lift your mood and ease occasional stress, making it a reliable upgrade to your daily routine. If you’re looking for a solid coffee alternative to replace all or some of your daily coffee consumption, this tasty mango-berry flavored focus supplement is a great choice.

5

Michael J. Fox Is Coming Out of Retirement

BACK TO THE SMALL SCREEN

Michael J. Fox

Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Netflix

Michael J. Fox will soon return to our screens. The Back to the Future star, who retired from acting in 2020, will next appear in a guest starring role on Season 3 of the AppleTV+ series Shrinking. Fox, 63, stepped away from the profession five years ago after a brief stint on The Good Fight. He later told Empire that his decision to retire was “peaceful,” and came about after he realized he could no longer remember his lines while filming the Paramount+ legal drama. However, Fox said last year that he was open to accepting a new role “if something came up that I could really put my realities [and] my challenges into.” The Family Ties star has lived with Parkinson’s disease since being diagnosed at age 29. He most recently appeared on screen in the 2023 documentary Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, which chronicled his experience navigating the neurodegenerative condition. Shrinking, which co-stars Harrison Ford as a therapist living with worsening Parkinson’s, will mark Fox’s second collaboration with series co-creator Bill Lawrence after the ABC sitcom Spin City. The new season is already in production, with Jeff Daniels also set to guest star. No word yet on when it will hit AppleTV+.

6

Hulk Hogan Undergoes Neck Surgery After Ragged Appearance Sparked Concerns

GET WELL SOON

Hulk Holgan

Hulk Holgan Anna Moneymaker/Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Legendary professional wrestler Hulk Hogan underwent neck surgery after a ragged appearance on Fox News sparked concerns for the 71-year-old’s well being. He told TMZ on Thursday that his recovery from the Wednesday “little fusion procedure” was swift and that he had already returned to work by Thursday. The news came just days after the Donald Trump-supporting wrestler sparked a chorus of concern online by appearing haggard during a Fox News appearance. Fans said he looked “old” after an interview on Fox & Friends, in which his undyed beard and tired-looking eyes jumped out to viewers. The WWE Hall of Famer took numerous beatings in the ring throughout his long career, so it’s no surprise that he needed 25 operations from 2014 to 2024 alone. He’s had ten back surgeries and had his knees, both hips, and shoulders replaced. He’s bounced back from all of them, however, and is preparing for the kickoff of his new wrestling league, American Freestyle, which aims to bring freestyle wrestling to a wider audience. A number of superstar champion wrestlers have already joined the show, including David Carr, Kyle Dake, Trend Hidlay, Kyle Snyder, and Aaron Brooks.

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Motown Legend Under Criminal Investigation for Sexual Assault Allegations

WHO'S LYING?

Smokey Robinson's sexual assault allegations are now under criminal investigation.

Smokey Robinson's sexual assault allegations are now under criminal investigation. Gilbert Flores/Penske Media via Getty Images

Sexual assault allegations against Smokey Robinson are now under criminal investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, according to the singer’s attorneys and the sheriff’s department. Last week, four women who claimed to have been his housekeepers between 2007 and 2024 filed police reports against the R&B legend, 85, and his wife, Francis Gladney, alleging sexual battery and rape. The women are seeking damages of at least $50 million. Robinson’s attorney, Christopher Frost, told TMZ that “we feel confident that a determination will be made that Mr. Robinson did nothing wrong” and that this is “nothing more than a manufactured lawsuit intended to tarnish the good names of Smokey and Frances Robinson.” He added that they “welcome” the investigation and called out the women for remaining anonymous, saying that “exposure to the truth is a powerful thing.” The women’s attorneys, John Harris and Herbert Hayden, said they are “pleased” an investigation has been launched and intend to “fully cooperate.” Frost claims that the suit against his client is “a desperate attempt to prejudice public opinion and make even more of a media circus than the Plaintiffs were previously able to create,” as well as “extract money from an 85-year-old American icon.”

8

FBI Disbands Public Corruption Squad That Helped Investigate Trump

‘OPEN SEASON’

The FBI disbands the public corruption squad that helped investigate Trump in 2020.

The FBI disbands the public corruption squad that helped investigate Trump in 2020. Win McNamee/Getty Images

The Federal Bureau of Investigation‘s (FBI) Washington Field Office is dismantling its public corruption squad that helped Jack Smith lead two federal investigations into President Donald Trump after the 2020 election, according to NBC News. The unit, known as CR-15, played a part in the FBI’s investigation that helped initiate the Smith probe into Trump, which upset many GOP senators. In April, Sen. Chuck Grassley and Sen. Ron Johnson wrote a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel criticizing the unit. Grassley later said in a statement: “My oversight has shown time and again how the FBI’s CR-15 unit was weaponized to execute one-sided political attacks, particularly against President Trump and his allies.” He added that it was “good news” it got shut down after he “exposed the unit for its misconduct.” The FBI special agents from the unit will be reassigned, and an FBI official said that public corruption cases would still be investigated. The move comes days after the Justice Department drastically gutted its Public Integrity Section, which oversaw public officials’ corruption cases. Stacy Young, the executive director and founder of Justice Connection, a network of DOJ alumni protecting DOJ employees, noted that “this is yet another sign that it’s open season for political corruption.”

This Made-for-Summer THC Drink Delivers the Buzz You Want—Without the Brain Fog

🪄🌵

Hand with nail polish pouring a Magic Cactus beverage into a glass, next to table with other Magic Cactus cans and cacti

Magic Cactus

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The weather’s warmer and the days are longer, which means now is the perfect time to start getting ready for a fun-filled summer. Whether you’re planning for outdoor adventures, social gatherings, or simply a chill night by yourself, Magic Cactus is the ideal drink to help you let loose without brain fog or a morning hangover. Magic Cactus is a fully legal, non-alcoholic, micro-dosed THC drink that gives you a light, functional buzz to help lift your mood without derailing your day.

Each Magic Cactus beverage is infused with hemp-derived THC and made with a sparkling cactus water base that is naturally rich in electrolytes and antioxidants. The result is a uniquely refreshing drink that helps you keep the party going without crashing or losing control of yourself. With three standout flavors (Watermelon Hibiscus, Spiced Peach, and Lavender Raspberry), thousands of glowing reviews, and a spiffy can design to boot, Magic Cactus is a one-of-a-kind alternative for anyone who wants to rethink how they celebrate. Whether you’re sober-curious, cutting back, or simply looking for a new way to enjoy life, grab a can today.

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Human Remains Discovered Near Taylor Swift’s Beachside Mansion

TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT

Human remains were found near Taylor Swift's Rhode Island mansion May 14.

Human remains were found near Taylor Swift's Rhode Island mansion May 14. gigihadid/Instagram

What appears to be human remains have been found near Taylor Swift‘s beachside mansion in Rhode Island Wednesday morning. According to Westerly police, they discovered what seemed to be a human leg bone in the affluent Watch Hill neighborhood, less than a mile from pop sensation Taylor Swift’s home. “It was probably a couple football fields away from Taylor Swift’s house and the Ocean House,” Westerly resident Taylor Day told NBC10. Day said she happened to be driving by as police began investigating the scene. “I would never expect anything like that—especially not in Watch Hill,” she said. The remains were brought to the Rhode Island Medical Examiner’s Office to be inspected, and police don’t suspect any foul play. Tensions have been high in the Northeast as 12 human remains and bodies have been discovered across three states since April. Some suspect a serial killer is on the loose, though law enforcement have denied these claims. Day said her “mind immediately went to all the theories that are being thrown around,” adding that she tries to “stay out in public and be vigilant.” Swift bought her home in Rhode Island in 2013 while she was dating Conor Kennedy for $17.75 million.

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Gronk Tells Former Coach Bill Belichick How to ‘Shut Everyone Up’ About Girlfriend

FLAG ON THE PLAY

Rob Gronkowski

Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

Rob Gronkowski is just as tired of the Jordon Hudson discourse as we are. Speaking to People at the YouTube Brandcast upfront last night, Gronk said he’s “getting sick” of the media firestorm surrounding his former coach, Bill Belichick, 73, and Hudson, Belichick’s 24-year-old girlfriend (and part-time PR manager). Granted, much of the firestorm has come from Gronk himself, who, before last night, had publicly spoken out about Hudson three times in the last two weeks. The former Patriots tight end first defended the couple in an April 30 episode of his podcast, Dudes on Dudes. However, he then backtracked, saying he worries Hudson is a “distraction” to Belichick’s coaching at University of North Carolina. Just two days ago, Gronkowski mocked Hudson while speaking at the Fox Upfront Presentation, joking that in 1986, the year Fox began broadcasting, “Coach Belichick’s girlfriend wasn’t a twinkle in her father’s eye.” Lucky for Belichick, Gronk has a few suggestions for how the UNC football coach can reclaim his media narrative. “Bill has to produce, and I’m going to be tuning in, and I want to see him win some games,” Gronk told People. “Because if he wins some games, he’ll shut everyone up.” Hopefully, Gronk will be the first to fall in line.