— The degree a cat just earned from Vermont State University. C’s get degrees and apparently purrs do too.
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.
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.
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.
Theweek's sports news and culture stories, ranked.
Winning: Athletes who have given birth twice rarely return to their sport. WNBA stars Skylar Diggins-Smith and Dearica Hamby are sharing what it’s like to defy the norm.
Chaotic: Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest has major beef with its 16-time champion Joey Chestnut. Meanwhile, Flavor Flav is making a splash with an unexpected gig at the Olympics.
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Skimm Picks
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
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Extra Credit
Eat
Did you also go overboard on strawberries at the farmers market? It happens. While you could, of course, eat them straight out of the carton, we recommend making this Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette. It takes just 30 minutes to make, and is packed with homemade sugared almonds (warning: you'll want to put these on everything), tangy goat cheese, buttery pistachios, and yes, fresh strawberries — so it's creamy, crunchy, and absolutely delicious.
For more recs...
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Settle This
It’s Pride Month and everyone is celebrating their favorite icons from Marsha P. Johnson to Elton John and more. But an unlikely queer icon might be emerging from the shadows: Chucky. Does he deserve the title?
Looking for a crossword that’s not impossible to solve? You’re in luck. This one even offers hints when you get stuck. The faster you finish, the better your score — and the more impressed the group chat will be. Go on.
Raise your hand if you’ve ever left the doctor’s office feeling unsatisfied with the care you received. When doctors dismiss women's symptoms, it can negatively impact their health. Skimm Well’s scripts can help.
Our weekly newsletter provides you with expert-backed scripts to navigate tough health conversations. Plus, you’ll get a round-up of the latest health news and wellness trends to stay in the know.
