Trump's Media Lawsuits Are More Than White Noise

Good morning.

Some statements are shouted from podiums. Others are worn, sung, or served with a side of dramatic flair. Over the weekend, President Donald Trump declared America the “hottest” and “most respected” country on Earth (subjective, but bold), WNBA stars demanded fair pay with shirts that didn’t mince words, and Halle Berry reminded us — via one magnificently oversized hat — that sun protection doubles as a power move. Even Madonna — never one to sit quietly — drops a remix album on Friday. For those of us who grew up belting “Holiday” into a hairbrush (guilty), it’s a moment. As for me? No bold summer statement yet — unless you count artfully packed beach bags, dodging “I’m bored” from the kiddos, and getting halfway through a novel. But summer’s still young. Now, let’s get to the news…  

— Marina Carver / Senior Editor / Brooklyn, NY

What's Happening

Media

Trump's Media Lawsuits Are More Than White Noise

What's going on: CBS’s decision to cancel The Late Show has people questioning the timing — and whether politics played a role. Stephen Colbert has been a late-night staple for more than a decade, earning a reputation as a trusted — and biting — voice on politics and culture. So it likely came as no surprise, at least to viewers, when he criticized Paramount Global (CBS’s parent company) for reaching a $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump over a 60 Minutes lawsuit. What did come as a surprise? Days after Colbert’s comments, CBS announced it’s pulling the plug on the show. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) want answers, saying the public deserves to know whether politics motivated the network’s move. CBS insists the decision was financial: Even with strong ratings for its time slot, The Late Show cost the network tens of millions each year.

What it means: CBS’s decision puts a spotlight on Trump’s rocky relationship with the media. The president has previously lost lawsuits against CNN and The New York Times. Now he’s settling — and winning — against giants like ABC and Paramount. On Friday, he sued The Wall Street Journal for defamation after it published a piece linking him to Jeffrey Epstein (that drama is still brewing). He also cheered Colbert’s cancellation, saying he “absolutely [loves]” the move. And it looks like Trump already has his eyes set on Jimmy Kimmel. As Time put it: “If it can happen to Stephen Colbert, it can happen to anyone.”

Related: Even Jon Stewart Is Worried (Entertainment Weekly)

Health

Are Changes to Menopausal Therapy on the Way? 

What's going on: A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) panel just backed removing the “black box” warning on estrogen-based hormone therapy — a label that’s served as a giant “do not touch” sign for over 20 years. The warning cautions against using estrogen to treat heart disease or dementia, citing potential complications like strokes and cognitive decline. Some experts argue those concerns were overstated, and panelists say the warning discouraged patients from treatment that could’ve helped them. Much of the concern stems from a 2002 study that focused too closely on women over 60. (The current average age of menopause in the US is just over 50.) That decades-old study has loomed large over menopause care for years, sparking debate and calls to revisit hormone therapy with more current research and context.

Tell me more: While the panel can’t set policy, it could influence updates to the warning label and shift public sentiment. That’s raising concern among some health experts who say the panel appears to reflect a narrow point of view. The FDA commissioner, who’s leading the effort, supports hormone therapy. Some of the other experts have ties to pharma-backed groups and high-end clinics. Not helping: They recently met behind closed doors, with no public comment or FDA scientist input. A spokesperson for the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) told Axios the criticism was “insulting to the independent scientists, clinicians, and researchers” on the panel. As the debate continues, some experts are pushing for larger, more-current randomized trials and personalized treatment options.

Related: Caffeine Pouches Are Here. So Are the Health Warnings (NBC News)

US News

It Started With a Kiss Cam…

What's going on: No one ever expected a Coldplay concert to have so much drama. But that’s exactly what happened after a kiss cam accidentally exposed an alleged scandal — giving the internet “Astronomergate.” The man seen ducking in the wildly viral video was the married CEO of Astronomer, Andy Byron. And the woman he was holding? His company’s chief people officer, Kristin Cabot. While memes ensued and copycat cameras took over, Astronomer has been thrust into stardom for the wrong reasons. The company responded to the incident more than 24 hours after the couple went viral, Byron and Cabot went on leave, and he later resigned. Axios reports Astronomer’s delayed response to the incident has created a PR nightmare and given way for fake information to control the narrative. Viva la vida. 

What it means: A CEO’s reputation is deeply intertwined with that of the company they’re leading. So while Astronomer would rather everyone be talking about its software, that likely won’t be the case anytime soon. It’s also putting a spotlight on workplace dynamics and what should happen when employees might be dating people who technically work for them. Meanwhile, “Astronomergate” is another reminder that cameras are everywhere, and private citizens’ lives might not be so private. One expert told The New York Times, “If you’re in a public place, there is absolutely no expectation of privacy.” At least now, Chris Martin is giving fans a heads up.

Related: All of the Wild Ways Other Couples Have Been Exposed for Cheating (PS)

Settle This

The WNBA's All-Star Weekend didn't miss — especially for one star who dropped a record 36 points in the big game. Who was it?

Extra Credit

Eat

If the idea of salmon tacos makes you raise an eyebrow (or two), we get it. But one bite of Dishing Out Health’s Salmon Tacos With Avocado Crema, and you’ll wonder why you ever doubted them. This “100% weeknight-approved” recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort: Instead of frying, the fish gets a sweet-and-smoky spice rub, then broils until the outside is crisp and the inside stays buttery and tender. Pile the salmon onto warm corn or flour tortillas along with pickled red onions, shredded cabbage, and an impossibly good avocado crema — and you’ll have a new front-runner for Taco Tuesday, Wednesday, and beyond.

Game Time

Wake your brain up this Monday with a game of Flipart. Just rotate the pieces to fit within the frame and get ready to feel the rush when they all fall into place. Get into it.