Since the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini last month, anti-regime protests have exploded across the country. Many seem to have been led by Iranian women and Gen Z — with videos circulating of women burning hijabs, cutting their hair, or standing up to Iranian police. Over a thousand people have been arrested. An estimated dozens or more have been killed. Now, the epicenter is university campuses.
Where exactly?
Places like Sharif University. Over the weekend, hundreds of people reportedly chanting "woman, life, liberty" were met with tear gas and paintballs, with video footage also reporting apparent live ammunition. Many were trapped in a campus parking lot. And some were reportedly taken away with bags over their faces. It's one of the dozens of schools that have reportedly taken up the protests — in cities ranging from Tehran to Isfahan in central Iran to Kermanshah in the west. That's in addition to protests in solidarity around the world.
What happens now?
The crackdown has already turned violent. But yesterday, Iran's supreme leader spoke on the situation for the first time. He said he was "heartbroken" by Amini's death in police custody. But dismissed the protests as "riots" fueled by the US and Israel. That move seems to indicate the regime isn't planning to back down. But neither are the protesters, with education leaders reportedly calling for a nationwide strike.
theSkimm
This is the worst unrest Iran has seen in years. Now, the question remains whether this round of protests can lead to reforms — or whether the Iranian regime will continue to stand firm.
Women's professional soccer. Yesterday, an investigation found "systemic" sexual misconduct and emotional abuse across the sport, starting at the youth level. The independent investigation was commissioned by US Soccer last year following allegations of abuse within the league. (We're looking at you, Paul Riley, Rory Dames, and Christy Holly.) Now, the investigation is accusing teams, the League, and the Federation of failing to respond to evidence of abuse and not doing anything to prevent it from happening. US Soccer President — and former player — Cindy Parlow Cone called the report "heartbreaking and deeply troubling" and plans to use the report and its recommendations.
Moving forward: Some of the recommendations are to require teams to disclose coach misconduct so the abuse stops there. That's in addition to vetting coaches and investigating abuse allegations in a timely manner.
What's looking up…
The pound. Yesterday, the British currency bounced back up nearing its original value after it hit a record low last week. The rise came after the UK finance minister announced it's doing a U-turn on cutting UK income taxes by 5%. Newly-minted PM Liz Truss made revamping the economy her priority and put forward the tax change over a week ago. But her decision was met with resistance from some members of her party. And the economy seemed to be rebelling as well. The pushback had Truss backtracking on a plan she said she was once "absolutely committed" to. Now, the finance minister says he will "focus on delivering" other major parts of its growth package. But experts say it will take a bit more to get back credibility with markets.
Who's calling up his lawyers...
Former President Trump. Yesterday, he filed a defamation lawsuit against CNN. Trump says the network carried out a campaign of "libel and slander" against him and is seeking over $400 million in damages saying he suffered "embarrassment, pain, humiliation and mental anguish." Trump claims that CNN has called him a "cult leader" and a "Russian lackey" among other things. And that the network even went as far as referencing Hitler when citing the "Big Lie." Republicans have long said that the media is biased against conservatives. And it comes at a time when trust in the media is at an all-time low — with one poll showing that 46% of Americans have "very little" confidence in news media. CNN has declined to comment on the lawsuit. But the former president said he plans to file more lawsuits against other media companies in the near future.
Who's paying up…
Kim Kardashian. Yesterday, the reality star and businesswoman agreed to pay $1.26 million to settle SEC charges. Kardashian got into hot water last year when she posted an Instagram promoting a crypto company — and failed to disclose she was paid a quarter of a million dollars to post it. Oops. The chairman of the SEC says it's a reminder investment opportunities endorsed by celebs and influencers aren't "right for all investors."
National Savings Day is coming up (hint: October 12). And we tapped Capital One and broadcast journalist, best-selling author, and money expert Nicole Lapin to help us prepare. Here's what we learned so far…
Q: What's one savings habit you wish you had adopted earlier?
Nicole Lapin: I wish I had established a savings plan earlier. In my book, "Miss Independent," I share the catchphrase: "Set it and forget it." Which speaks to putting aside a set amount of money from each paycheck to build your savings. It can really add up. And as the Federal Reserve continues to raise interest rates, we can all benefit from increased interest rates in high-yield savings accounts, like Capital One's Performance 360.
PS: Nicole's answer has been edited for length and clarity.
Skimm Your Ballot: Midterms 2022
Design: theSkimm
80% of millennial women we surveyed said they're dissatisfied with the way things are going in the US. This year, there's too much at stake to not be heard. Think: Reproductive rights, education, gun laws, and so much more. That's why we're here to Skimm Your Ballot and help you come to 'terms with it all.
Whether you want to learn about the candidates, build a personalized ballot, or get prepped for the polls, we've got you covered. Because reminder: The best way to make your voice heard is to vote.
PS: Mark your cal. Vote Early Day is coming up on Oct. 28. Head to theSkimm.com/midterms to find out your state's key dates and deadlines and whether you can cast your vote early.
Skimm Picks
Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. A shirt you'll never want to take off. This sustainable blanket shirt goes with all your fall staples. (Hiii jeans, leggings, and ribbed dresses.) Plus it comes in tons of colors. Including pumpkin patch-perfect plaids. Psst…here's 20% off. Consider yourself cozy.*
2. Something to support the gut microbiome. Because yes, that's a thing. This 3-in-1 pre-, post-, and probiotic is designed to reach the colon (aka thrive city for probiotics). PS: Skimm'rs get 30% off their first order.*
3. A book that'll keep you hooked. Fashion and beauty expert Danielle Prescod's memoir "Token Black Girl" explores modern media's influence on young women. And offers a behind-the-curtain look at being the only Black person in the room at some seriously iconic magazines.*
We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
In the name of love…Julia M (NY). She's running the NYC Marathon to raise money for One Love, a non-profit focusing on ending abuse and creating healthier relationships.
(Some) Birthdays…Chelsea Thatcher (CT), Jaymie Rosenbluth (NY), Gabe Malitzky (NY), Devon Curry (CA), Michael Dendinger (VA), Caroline Collins (CT), Neil Newman (PA), Helena Delu (FL), Jessica Zahorchak (PA), Lisa Pope (CA), Katie Kramer (MO), Johna Uhrig (OH), Bimsara Gimshan (Sri Lanka), Lydia Burt (NC), Leslie Finley (LA), Ishaq Hameed (IL), Heidi Piplani (ME), Stephanie Joseph (GA)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Save Your Seat: Book'd with Kelly Ripa
Design: theSkimm
Skimm Reads: Book'd with Kelly Ripa — our take on book club — is Thursday, October 6 at 7:30pm ET. Sign up to hear Kelly discuss the behind-the-cover details of her new collection of essays, "Live Wire: Long-Winded Short Stories." Tickets are $30 and include a copy of the book, mailed right to you. (PS: As an extra thank you for attending, you'll get some exclusive post-event content too.) Get your ticket.
Skimm'd by Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Kate Gilhool, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj
