What's Happening

US News

Hunter Biden Is Found Guilty in Gun Case

What's going on: Yesterday, a jury convicted President Biden’s son of all three federal felony gun charges stemming from the 2018 purchase of a revolver. Jurors found that Hunter lied on a gun-purchase form by saying he wasn’t addicted to or using drugs at the time. During the trial, the jury heard about Hunter’s yearslong battle with addiction, including evidence that he used drugs before and after buying the revolver. Hunter could face up to 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $750,000. As a first-time offender, he will likely get less than the maximum sentence. President Biden has said he would not pardon his son.

What it means: Hunter’s conviction marks the first time a sitting president’s immediate family member has been found guilty of a crime. It also means Hunter now has at least one thing in common with former President Trump. It's not yet clear if their felony convictions will sway voters. Early surveys suggest that Trump’s unprecedented criminal conviction may not matter to moderates and non-partisan voters, who could help decide the election in November. Democratic strategists say voters aren’t likely to hold Hunter’s conviction against the president. Meanwhile, Hunter faces a trial on tax charges in September.

Related: The Women in Hunter’s Life Gave Us a Painful Reminder About Addiction (The Washington Post)

Politics

Florida Judge Says "Gender Identity Is Real," Blocks Ban on Transgender Care

What's going on: A federal judge has ruled that restrictions on gender-affirming care for both minors and adults in Florida are unconstitutional and cannot be enforced. The decision lifts a ban that prohibited doctors and nurses from providing minors with transition-related care, such as hormones and puberty blockers. Major medical organizations, like the American Academy of Pediatrics, have considered such care to be essential and even life-saving. The judge sided with the plaintiffs, who said the measure took away parents’ rights to make medical decisions for their transgender kids. Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), who signed the law days before launching his presidential campaign last year, said the state plans to appeal the ruling.

What it means: The ruling marks a major win for transgender people in Florida. It comes as transition care for minors remains a hot-button issue in the culture wars. More than 20 GOP-led states have passed bans or restrictions on transition care for minors, though members of the party are divided on allowing access. It’s often left up to the courts to decide whether or not states can allow minors to receive gender-affirming care, which has resulted in a mixed bag of rulings and left many transgender youth in limbo. The Supreme Court is likely to step in and settle the legality of these measures.

Related: “B—tches in Drag” Isn’t What You Think…It’s Even Better (The Cut)

Tech

Social Media Giants Are Still Censoring Abortion Content

What's going on: Yesterday, The New York Times reported that TikTok and Instagram have suspended the accounts of abortion groups in recent months with little to no explanation. Hey Jane, a telemedicine group, said TikTok took down a video detailing its services because it promoted “illegal activities and regulated goods.” Mayday Health, a nonprofit that provides info on abortion access, said Instagram suspended its account for posts about “guns, drugs, and other restricted goods.” Instagram later said that was an error. Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, an anti-abortion group, said its accounts and ads have also been suspended. Now, these groups and others are calling on Meta and TikTok to create clear guidelines for abortion-related content.

What it means: Abortion groups have been struggling to share verified content ever since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. It’s changing the way women talk about the procedure online, with many swapping out the word “abortion” for “ab0rti0n” or “aborshun” to avoid being flagged. Experts and women’s health groups said limiting access to the content makes it harder for people to find reputable information online and further stigmatizes the conversation about abortion.

Related: Abortion Reversal Pills and Other Misinformation Being Pushed on Social Media (Politico)