Tucker Carlson, Don Lemon Out

Fox News is parting ways with Tucker Carlson, the highest-rated pundit on TV.

The announcement came yesterday afternoon, and Fox Corp stock dropped nearly $1 billion on the news. Neither side commented on the decision, though Fox did thank Carlson for his service.

Earlier that morning, CNN anchor Don Lemon was fired—ending his 17 years with the network. Lemon said he was stunned by the news, although insiders are not.

It was Carlson’s departure that riveted the media. Speculation was rife as to what was behind the unexpected news, which came just after Fox News paid nearly $800 million to settle a defamation lawsuit over allegations of 2020 election fraud. Carlson had been set to testify before the settlement was reached.

For now, Fox plans to air an interim show, “Fox News Tonight,” in Carlson’s time slot until a new host is named. Carlson’s future is up in the air, but former Senator Claire McCaskill said she “wouldn’t be shocked” to see him run for president.

Rodgers Leaves Green Bay

Aaron Rodgers is officially headed to the New York Jets.

It’s the second time in 15 years that a superstar quarterback has left Green Bay to spend the twilight of his career at the Meadowlands, and the Jets are hoping this time around works out better than Brett Favre’s tenure.

Rodgers announced his desire for the trade in February, and the two franchises began negotiating a deal that is now finalized—pending a passed physical from Rodgers.

Green Bay will receive three draft picks (including a 2023 first-rounder) and New York gets a 1st and 5th-rounder, along with their new QB.

Montana State House Erupts

Riot police were called in yesterday to quell a disturbance in Montana’s state House.

Protesters shut down proceedings in support of Zooey Zephyr, a transgender Representative who was censured last week for comments that other members called “hateful.”

During a floor debate about banning transgender medical work on minors, Zephyr had this to say:

"The only thing I will say, is if you vote yes on this bill and yes on these amendments, I hope the next time there’s an invocation when you bow your heads in prayer, you see the blood on your hands.”

After consulting with other lawmakers, House Speaker Matt Regier denied Zephyr the right to speak, citing his responsibility to maintain civility and order in the chamber.

➤ Anthony Blinken, now US Secretary of State, was the source behind the infamous letter from US intelligence officials claiming Hunter Biden’s laptop was part of a Russian disinformation campaign, according to the House Judiciary Committee. (More)

➤ Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis met with the Japanese prime minister in the first stop of a four-nation overseas trip that will include visits to South Korea, Israel, and the U.K. The trip is seen as an opportunity for DeSantis to build his foreign policy credentials. (More)

➤ Susan Rice, White House domestic policy advisor, is leaving the position after two years. Rice has come under fire at times for her role in overseeing Biden’s domestic agenda, particularly immigration policy. (More)

➤ NYC Mayor Eric Adams and Chuck Schumer were captured on video with a man accused of running a secret Chinese police station in the heart of NYC. The video shows Lu Jianwan, charged last week with conspiracy, standing at a local event with the two Democrats. (More)

➤ Kyle Busch won at Talladega, his first victory in a superspeedway points race in 15 years. The win came as his two closest competitors ended up colliding on the last lap. “I got lucky,” Busch said. (More)

➤ The NBA is looking into an incident involving Hawks guard Dejounte Murray making contact with a referee at the end of Game 4 between the Hawks and the Celtics. A decision on disciplinary action is expected before tonight’s game. (More)

➤ The Tennessee Titans have reportedly lost faith in their 3rd round quarterback from last year’s draft, Malik Willis. The team may trade up to the 3rd overall pick this year and attempt to draft Ohio State standout, C.J. Stroud. (More)

Market Report   4/24/23

➤ Bed Bath & Beyond has filed for bankruptcy. All stores will remain open as the company searches for a buyer for its remaining assets. (More)

➤ Disney is cutting thousands of jobs today. It’s the largest wave of CEO Bob Iger’s major workforce reduction; he’s expected to lay off 7,000 workers for a savings of $5.5 billion. (More)

➤ Officials from California and Nevada are asking the federal government to pay for a high-speed rail line between LA and Vegas. It’s a rare bipartisan effort that may result in a private company building the line for $10 billion. (More)

➤ Sleeping glass frogs are very difficult to see because of their see-through skin. Now, scientists have discovered another of the animal’s tricks: they hide red blood cells inside their livers to mask the color of their blood. (More)

➤ Anthropologists have discovered the meaning of the mysterious 819-day Mayan calendar. (More)

➤ Former Jackass star Bam Margera has a warrant out for his arrest in Pennsylvania. He reportedly assaulted family members and threatened to kill them, then fled into the woods as police showed up. (More)

➤ Charlie Sheen is working on a new TV series with producer Chuck Lorre. Twelve years ago, the two stopped working together after a bitter feud over their show, “Two and a Half Men.” (More)

Today’s Trivia

The New York Giants and Jets play their home games in New Jersey. What other NFL team must cross a state line to reach its stadium?