What's Happening

Politics

The GOP Softened Its Language on Abortion

What's going on: The Republican Party’s proposed platform is garnering attention for its language on abortion and reproductive health care. For the first time in decades, the GOP isn’t explicitly putting a federal abortion ban on its list of priorities. Instead, it’s aligning with former President Trump’s views that abortion laws should be decided by the states after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. The party’s proposed platform, which will be finalized next week at the Republican National Convention, also says it’ll support policies that increase access to in vitro fertilization treatments — despite the GOP recently voting against a national law that would have codified the right to access IVF.

What it means: The Republican Party is not suddenly changing its stance on abortion. After all, Trump has boasted about his role in helping to overturn Roe v. Wade by appointing three conservative Supreme Court justices. Instead, the GOP’s softer language on abortion comes as the party tries to align its messaging on reproductive health care — an issue that’s considered to be one of Trump’s greatest vulnerabilities ahead of the election. Even though the platform’s language on abortion has garnered opposition from anti-abortion advocates, most of the party seems to have fallen in line with Trump. As for the rest of the Republican Party’s platform, it outlines tough immigration rules with mass deportations and plans to keep “men out of women's sports.”

Related: Biden Says It’s Time for the Resignation Calls To Stop. Here’s What Else He Told Democrats in a Letter (NPR)

Health

Researchers: Gut Microbiome Could Help Diagnose Autism in Children

What's going on: A new study published in Nature Microbiology suggests that the gut microbiome could help lead to quicker and more objective autism diagnoses. Researchers in China examined over 1,600 stool samples from kids ages 1 to 13 and found dozens of differences in the types of microbes in autistic children compared to children without the disorder. Using machine learning, researchers were able to accurately identify autistic children 82% of the time by analyzing 31 microbes and digestive system processes. One of the researchers said the results don’t show that the variations they found in stool samples cause autism, but that it could influence the severity of symptoms.

What it means: This research could eventually lead to a more reliable diagnostic tool, allowing children to receive more effective treatments for autism at a younger age. Though the study marked a major advancement in the last 15 years of research, the idea that the gut microbiome influences autism is still debated. Some researchers believe that autistic kids have unique gut microbiomes because they tend to be picky eaters. Meanwhile, some doctors said they’re excited about the potential of using stool samples for diagnosis because the current process relies heavily on parents’ accounts and professionals’ observations, which can be prone to human error. Still, doctors say more research is needed to confirm the findings.

Related: For Some Adults, an Autism Diagnosis Later in Life Can Be Liberating (CNN)

US News

Jury Selection Begins in Alec Baldwin’s Rust Trial

What's going on: Alec Baldwin’s trial begins this week in New Mexico, with jury selection starting today. The actor faces a charge of involuntary manslaughter for his alleged role in a shooting that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust nearly three years ago. Baldwin has pleaded not guilty, and has previously said he did not pull the trigger. However, an FBI analysis says the gun couldn’t have fired on its own. Prosecutors argue that Baldwin ignored gun safety rules while filming his movie. Meanwhile, Baldwin’s defense says the state wants to score a high-profile conviction. The trial is expected to last two weeks.

What it means: The charge against Baldwin shocked the entertainment industry. In Hollywood, many believe gun safety on film sets is the responsibility of the weapons experts and safety coordinators — not the actors. Rust’s armorer has already been convicted and is currently serving an 18-month prison sentence. It’s not clear if Baldwin plans to take the stand. If the jury finds the actor guilty, he faces up to 18 months in prison, and it could change how movie sets handle weapons in the future. In order for the jury to convict Baldwin, prosecutors will need to prove he knew and ignored the safety risks posed by guns.

Related: Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins’ Family Is Also Suing Alec Baldwin (USA Today)