In our news wrap Tuesday, a judge dismissed terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, President Trump is in London for his second state visit to the UK, the New York Times is pushing back against a $15 billion defamation lawsuit filed by Trump and Israeli forces unleashed a long-threatened ground assault to seize the center of Gaza City.
Geoff Bennett:
We start today’s other headlines in New York.
A judge there dismissed terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The 27-year-old appeared in New York court this morning. He still faces second-degree murder charges in the state following the shooting of Thompson last December on a Manhattan street.
In his decision, the judge wrote that, while Mangione was clearly expressing an animus toward the health care industry, it does not follow that his goal was to intimidate and coerce a civilian population. Mangione has pleaded not guilty. He also faces a federal case, where prosecutors say they plan to seek the death penalty.
President Trump is in London tonight for his second state visit to the United Kingdom. Upon arrival, Mr. Trump and the first lady were greeted by American and British officials, including a royal representative. King Charles III will welcome the president to Windsor Castle tomorrow, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer will host him for talks later in the week. Starmer is hoping to finalize terms on steel and aluminum tariffs.
Before leaving the White House today, President Trump offered few details on trade and instead focused on his relationship with his royal hosts.
Donald Trump, President of the United States: They’d like to see if they could get a little bit better deal, so we will talk to them. But primarily it’s to be with Prince Charles and Camilla. They’re friends of mine for a long time, long before he was king.
Geoff Bennett:
Also, during that Q&A with reporters, President Trump took issue with a question from an Australian reporter who pressed him on financial conflicts of interest.
Question:
But is it appropriate, President Trump, that a president in office should be engaged in so much business activity?
Donald Trump:
Well, I’m really not. My kids are running the business. I’m here. In my opinion, you are hurting Australia very much right now, and they want to get along with me. You know, your leader is coming over to see me very soon. I’m going to tell him about you. You set a very bad tone.
Geoff Bennett:
That was just one of several tense exchanges with journalists in recent days, as President Trump continues his long-running battle with the media and as The New York Times is pushing back against a $15 billion defamation lawsuit filed by President Trump.
The suit cites a number of articles and a book written by Times journalists, saying they were part of a pattern of intentional and malicious defamation in the lead-up to last year’s election. The Times’ spokesperson said the case lacks any legitimate legal claims and instead is an attempt to stifle and discourage independent reporting.
President Trump also sued The Wall Street Journal in July over its reporting on his ties to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
In the Middle East, Israeli forces unleashed a long-threatened ground assault to seize the center of Gaza City today. The Israeli military released unverified footage showing the offensive, saying it aims to — quote — “destroy Hamas military infrastructure.”
During an address today, the military’s chief of staff also cited the release of hostages as a goal of the offensive. And he insisted that Israel — quote — “operates in accordance with international law. We do our utmost to mitigate harm to civilians.”
On the ground, residents reported heavy strikes this morning. Hospital officials say at least 69 people were killed, including 22 children. Thousands are attempting to flee the city, but hundreds of thousands more remain behind, wondering where to go.
NASSER AL-NABIEH, Gaza City Resident (through translator):
The situation in Gaza, even if you want us to be patient and to endure, there is no water or charity kitchens, no food and no life. Tell me, how would you want me to be steadfast? Should I die? What do they want from us? We have been dying for two years. Leave us alone. Enough.
Geoff Bennett:
Israel’s offensive comes as the U.N.’s Human Rights Council accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. In a report today, a team of independent experts commissioned by the council called on the international community to fulfill their legal obligations under international law to end the genocide and punish those responsible for it. Israel rejected the report, calling it distorted and false.
Back here at home, President Trump today extended the deadline for shutting down the social media app TikTok for a fourth time. That’s after reaching a framework deal with China to keep it operating.
Meantime, on Wall Street today, stocks drifted lower ahead of tomorrow’s Fed rate decision. The Dow Jones industrial average slipped 125 points on the day. The Nasdaq lost around 15 points. The S&P 500 pulled back slightly from recent records.
Still to come on the “News Hour”: in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s killing, we delve into online subcultures the suspect appears to have joined; how the Trump administration is pushing back against wind power; and a look back at the life of legendary actor Robert Redford.
