Apple News Today - July 23, 2025

Host: Shemitah Basu
Episode Title: A sitting president had never sued a major newspaper for libel. Until now.

1. President Trump's Historic Lawsuit Against The Wall Street Journal

In a groundbreaking move, President Donald Trump has filed a libel lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) following reports that he authored a birthday note to Jeffrey Epstein in 2003, which allegedly contained a hand-drawn image of a naked woman. Trump vehemently denies writing the note and is seeking a staggering $20 billion in damages. Additionally, he has banned WSJ from the White House press pool for his upcoming trip to South Carolina.

Key Points:

• Historical Context: This lawsuit marks the first instance of a sitting U.S. president suing a major media organization for defamation. While Trump has a history of retaliating against unfavorable media coverage—having previously sued ABC and CBS, leading to multimillion-dollar settlements—this case stands out due to its unprecedented nature.

• Legal Challenges: Proving libel against a public figure like Trump requires demonstrating that WSJ acted with "actual malice." This means showing that the newspaper either knowingly published false information or did so with reckless disregard for the truth. The absence of the actual letter, as only its contents were described by WSJ, complicates the case.

• Media Response: Brian Stelter, CNN's Chief Media Analyst, remarked at [01:48] “There is nothing quite like this case.” Andrew Tangle from The Wall Street Journal added, “Historically, presidents have used their free speech platforms to push back on articles, to push back on publishers, but they've never gone to court alleging defamation.... [01:45].”

• Potential Implications: Stelter highlighted the lawsuit as a "clear warning to all news outlets," suggesting it could have a chilling effect on journalistic freedom ([03:19]). Andrew Tangle emphasized that a $20 billion lawsuit serves not just as a personal attack but as a deterrent to other media entities ([03:19]).

• Legal Procedural Concerns: There's uncertainty regarding whether Trump adhered to Florida's requirement of a five-day notice before filing a defamation suit, a step reportedly missing according to legal experts.

Notable Quotes:

• Brian Stelter [01:48]: “There is nothing quite like this case.”
• Andrew Tangle [03:19]: “When you sue someone for $20 billion, you're not just saying, I will ruin you. You're also saying to others, you better watch out or I'll try to ruin you next....”

2. Escalation of Conflict in Gaza

Israeli ground forces have advanced into previously untouched areas of central Gaza, affecting tens of thousands of Palestinian residents. The aggressive push has led to significant destruction of homes, mosques, warehouses, and World Health Organization (WHO) facilities. The humanitarian crisis deepens as over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed seeking aid, with critical medical supplies compromised.

Key Points:

• Military Actions: Israeli troops have targeted the city of Deir El Bala, leading to extensive evacuations and the displacement of approximately 2 million Palestinians as Israel now controls nearly 88% of the Gaza Strip.

• Humanitarian Impact: The WHO reports that women and children were forced to flee on foot during active combat, while male staff and their families faced severe restrictions, including handcuffing and interrogation. Critical medical supplies, including antibiotics and cancer medications, were damaged in the attacks.

• Casualties and Malnutrition: Dr. Nick Maynard, a surgeon at Nasser Hospital, described the alarming pattern of targeted injuries, suggesting intentional harm. “I saw the signs of malnutrition on both my previous trips...But the malnutrition now is much, much worse.” ([07:05]). Dr. Deirdre Noonan from Canada echoed these concerns, noting severe malnutrition among patients: “...skin and bones that I can trace out every rib on people who have no other reason to be hungry than the fact that they are being intentionally deprived of food.” ([07:24]).

• International Response: UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed grave concerns, stating that “last lifelines keeping people alive are collapsing.” Additionally, foreign ministers from 28 countries condemned the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's blockade on aid and called for an end to the conflict.

Notable Quotes:

• Brian Stelter [06:07]: “We were just going to get food to bring for our children. We were not going to beg or fight. We just wanted to eat.”
• Dr. Nick Maynard [07:05]: “I saw the signs of malnutrition on both my previous trips...But the malnutrition now is much, much worse.”
• Dr. Deirdre Noonan [07:24]: “...skin and bones that I can trace out every rib on people who have no other reason to be hungry than the fact that they are being intentionally deprived of food.”

3. Investigation into the Deadly Air India Crash

The recent Air India crash, which resulted in the deaths of 260 individuals—nearly all passengers—stands as the deadliest aviation disaster in decades. Initial reports from Indian authorities point to critical malfunctions involving fuel switches shortly after takeoff, leading to a rapid loss of thrust and altitude.

Key Points:

• Technical Failures: The preliminary investigation indicates that fuel switches were inadvertently turned off and then back on, causing the aircraft, a Boeing 787, to lose power rapidly. Brian Stelter noted, “[09:01]  Those switches shouldn't be moved at that point of the flight from our understanding.”

• Cockpit Audio Evidence: A black box recording revealed confusion among the pilots. One pilot questioned the other about moving the switches to the cutoff position, to which the second pilot denied any action ([09:22]).

• Unresolved Questions: The motives behind the switch manipulation remain unclear, ranging from potential human error to more sinister factors. Brian Stelter emphasized the importance of awaiting the complete cockpit voice recorder data and examining the pilots' histories ([09:37]).

• Comprehensive Investigation: The probe involves multiple agencies, including the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). While Air India has confirmed that other Boeing 787 models showed no similar locking mechanism issues, Indian authorities have not dismissed mechanical failures or design flaws as potential causes.

• Ongoing Analysis: Brian Stelter advised maintaining an open mind, as initial findings can evolve with new evidence. “Investigators... have to examine all factors.... new information that comes to light can contradict early assessments and shift the focus....” ([10:02]).

Notable Quotes:

• Brian Stelter [08:54]: “Those switches shouldn't be moved at that point of the flight from our understanding.”
• Brian Stelter [09:37]: “What the motivation was, who knows?... We really don't know at this point.”
• Brian Stelter [10:02]: “Investigators, I think, are generally trained to do that. They talk about how they have to examine all factors....”

4. Additional News Highlights

a. Former President Obama's Rebuke of Trump

In an unusual public stance, former President Barack Obama criticized President Trump’s unsubstantiated claims that Obama committed treason and manipulated the 2016 and 2020 elections. Obama's office dismissed these allegations as “ridiculous, bizarre,” and termed them a distraction from Trump's ongoing legal challenges related to his associations with Jeffrey Epstein ([11:01]).

b. Congressional Developments Amid Epstein Investigation

House Speaker Mike Johnson has adjourned business prematurely, initiating a five-week summer recess following intense debates over the Epstein files. Democrats aimed to press the Justice Department for more information, while Republicans moved to delay further legislative actions. Despite internal pressures from some Republican members advocating for additional DOJ disclosures, Johnson remained firm, reflecting the deep-seated tensions within Congress ([11:01]).

c. Earth's Rotation Anomaly

Scientists have observed that the Earth's rotation is slowing at an unprecedented rate over the past 50 years, a phenomenon not fully explained by known physical variations. This slowdown has necessitated compensatory speed-ups in Earth's core rotation. Notably, July 9th has been recorded as the shortest day of the year, with upcoming dates like August 5th also expected to be exceptionally short. These changes, although minor in daily life, have significant implications for our understanding of Earth's geophysical dynamics ([11:01]).

5. Upcoming Narratives

Listeners are invited to explore a forthcoming narrated article in the Apple News app titled "The New Yorker profiles a New York pediatrician who experienced a horrific personal tragedy and the unique life he pursued in its aftermath, finding redemption in helping patients and strangers alike." This story promises a deep dive into personal resilience and the pursuit of healing through service.

Stay informed with Apple News Today. Join Shemitah Basu every weekday morning for comprehensive coverage of the most compelling stories in the news.