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PULSE POINTS:
❓What Happened: A Florida appellate court rejected the Pulitzer Prize Board’s request to pause President Donald J. Trump’s defamation lawsuit against its members on presidential immunity grounds.
👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump, the Pulitzer Prize Board, Judge Robert Rugg of Florida’s Fourth District Court of Appeal.
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📍 Where & When: Ruling issued in Florida on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
💬 Key Quote: Judge Rugg wrote, “Respondent [Trump] is in the best position to determine if these proceedings would be a diversion and interfere with the obligations of his office.”
⚠️ Impact: The lawsuit will proceed, with potential discovery of the board’s internal deliberations over controversial Pulitzer awards for debunked Trump-Russia collusion reporting.
IN FULL:
A Florida appellate court has denied the Pulitzer Prize Board’s petition to pause President Donald J. Trump‘s defamation lawsuit against its members, marking a significant step forward in the case. The Fourth District Court of Appeal’s ruling, issued Wednesday by Judge Robert Rugg, dismissed the board’s claim that the proceedings should be halted due to presidential immunity concerns.
The lawsuit stems from the board’s refusal to revoke 2018 Pulitzer Prizes awarded to The New York Times and The Washington Post for their reporting on alleged Trump-Russia collusion during the 2016 election. The narrative has since been widely debunked. While neither media outlet is a defendant in the case, Trump argues that the board’s decision to uphold the awards constitutes defamation.
The Pulitzer board has sought to delay the case and shield its internal deliberations from public scrutiny during the discovery process. In January, the board filed for a protective order in Florida’s Okeechobee County, describing its request as a “garden variety” measure to maintain confidentiality in line with longstanding practices. However, Wednesday’s ruling clears the way for discovery, potentially exposing how the board decided to honor the controversial reporting.
Previously, the board had invoked presidential immunity arguments, claiming that ongoing legal proceedings could interfere with Trump’s official duties. The circuit court rejected this reasoning earlier this year, stating that Trump himself could determine whether the case posed a distraction. Judge Rugg upheld that decision, writing, “Respondent [Trump] is in the best position to determine if these proceedings would be a diversion and interfere with the obligations of his office, or whether his continued participation is consistent with the performance of his official responsibilities.”
The ruling also noted that Trump retains the option to dismiss the case or seek a stay if his presidential obligations change.
The decision represents another legal victory for Trump, as the defamation case will now move forward. The Pulitzer board’s efforts to maintain secrecy over its deliberations now face increased scrutiny, particularly given the widespread discrediting of the Trump-Russia collusion narrative.
PULSE POINTS:
❓What Happened: A study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology suggests moderate Champagne consumption may reduce the risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
👥 Who’s Involved: Researchers analyzed data from over 500,000 individuals; commentary provided by cardiologists and nutrition experts, including Bradley Serwer, MD, and Michelle Routhenstein, RD.
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📍 Where & When: Study findings published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology last month.
💬 Key Quote: “Moderate consumption of alcohol may exhibit cardioprotective effects, yet it often poses risks to the liver, stomach, and mental health,” said Bradley Serwer, MD.
⚠️ Impact: While moderate Champagne or white wine consumption may correlate with reduced cardiac arrest risk, excessive alcohol use remains linked to significant health risks, including liver damage and disrupted sleep.
IN FULL:
A recent study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology has identified a potential link between moderate Champagne consumption and a reduced risk of sudden cardiac arrest. Researchers analyzed data from over 500,000 individuals, examining 56 non-clinical risk factors such as lifestyle, socioeconomic status, and physical health. The study concluded that 40–63 percent of sudden cardiac arrest cases could have been prevented by addressing a few modifiable factors.
Among the findings, moderate consumption of white wine and Champagne, combined with a healthy diet and positive lifestyle habits, was associated with a lower risk of cardiac arrest. “Moderate consumption of alcohol may exhibit cardioprotective effects, yet it often poses risks to the liver, stomach, and mental health,” said Bradley Serwer, MD, an interventional cardiologist.
Experts suggest the heart-health benefits of Champagne may stem from its polyphenol content, which improves vascular function, reduces inflammation, and raises HDL cholesterol, explained Michelle Routhenstein, RD, a preventative cardiology dietitian. Additionally, both white wine and Champagne contain protocatechuic acid, an antioxidant that combats free radicals linked to chronic illness and heart disease.
Red wine, similarly, offers potential cardiovascular benefits due to its high levels of resveratrol, a polyphenol that may lower blood pressure and reduce blood clots. However, medical professionals caution against excessive alcohol consumption, which can lead to liver damage, cognitive decline, and other health issues.
The findings did not specify optimal consumption levels, but “moderate consumption” is generally defined as up to two drinks daily for men and one for women, according to Laura Catena, MD. She insisted that drinking less is always better for overall health.
The World Health Organization (WHO) maintains that no alcohol consumption is entirely safe. At the same time, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine have noted lower mortality rates among moderate drinkers compared to abstainers.
Ultimately, healthcare professionals advise individuals to weigh the risks and benefits of alcohol consumption carefully. For those with chronic illnesses or substance use risks, abstinence is recommended. “If there are questions whether alcohol may be beneficial, I recommend sitting down with your healthcare team to determine if it’s right for you,” Serwer advised.
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