Since 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died in Iranian custody in September, protests have gripped the country. Many have called for leadership change and respect for women's rights. In response, human rights groups say Iranian forces have killed more than 300 people and arrested nearly 15,000 others. And with women and students leading protests, many of the victims are believed to be kids. Still, the demonstrations haven't stopped, reportedly spreading to over 140 cities. Now, Iran's government is using the courts to issue death sentences.
Tell me.
A court in Tehran has sentenced a protester to death, accusing the demonstrator of setting fire to a government building. The protester has yet to be identified. But the announcement came after Iran's parliament pushed the judiciary to use the strongest punishments possible against demonstrators. Now, some fear the more than 1,000 others who've been arrested could face charges like enmity against God or armed rebellion…potentially carrying the death sentence.
theSkimm
Iran has one of the world's highest execution rates. And has a history of hosting sham trials to stop those going against the regime. But that hasn't prevented protesters — including women and children — from making their voices heard.
Yesterday, Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs (D) beat out Trump-backed opponent Kari Lake (R) to win the Arizona governor race. Lake has been a key defender of former President Trump's 2020 false election claims. She responded to the outcome by claiming, "Arizonans know BS when they see it." But Hobbs celebrated her win, saying "Democracy is worth the wait."
Lake — who was one of the 200 Republican candidates the former president endorsed — is now the latest to come home with an L. Reminder: many are blaming him for turning the red wave into more like a red puddle. And Lake's loss is adding to the growing concerns that Trump's got the opposite of the Midas touch.
And Also...This
Who's trying to get things back on track…
The US and China. Yesterday, President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping met face-to-face for the first time since Biden took office. During the three-hour meeting, the two leaders agreed to keep lines of communication open. And confirmed their stance against nuclear warfare in Ukraine. They also agreed to compete "responsibly" — but they didn't see eye-to-eye on all topics. Biden reiterated his position on the "One China" policy has not changed…even though he's threatened a military response in the event of any "unprecedented attack" on Taiwan. But Xi stated that's a "red line" that the US should not cross. And as Biden put it, it's not all "kumbaya."
Where things are heating up…
California. Yesterday, nearly 50,000 academic workers walked out of the University of California's 10 campuses in the largest strike higher education's ever seen. For over a year, the union — made up of teaching assistants, postdocs, researchers, and graders — has been negotiating for higher wages and better benefits. It comes as the union's calling to up its wages — citing that median rent in the LA metro area is at over $35K per year...and the average salary for academic workers is below $25K. Meanwhile, the university system says it's given "fair responses," and that it will continue negotiations. In the meantime, classes at all 10 campuses are still on, but with no end date for the strike in sight, it could take a toll on students.
What we could be getting answers on…
Shireen Abu Akleh's death. Yesterday, Israeli officials said the US Justice Dept launched an investigation into the Palestinian-American journalist's killing. In May, Abu Akleh was shot and killed while reporting on an Israeli military raid in the West Bank. Multiple investigations have been inconclusive but found she was likely shot by an Israeli soldier. Abu Akleh's family and US lawmakers have called on the US gov to fully investigate and hold the killer accountable. An FBI probe into Israel's military actions would be rare and unprecedented. Meanwhile, Israel's Defense Minister is calling the probe a "grave mistake" and says the country won't cooperate with the US investigation.
The pandemic made many of us rethink our relationships with work. And what we expect from our employers. So we teamed up with Google to Skimm some best-in-class benefits.
We've already walked through student loan reimbursement and family support. But ICYMI, flexibility is also a hot topic in the working world right now. Like, extremely hot. In fact, a recent study found that 87% of people take the chance to work flexibly if it's offered. And companies — yes, including Google — are offering. In addition to a hybrid workweek and remote work opportunities, Googlers get four "work from anywhere" weeks per year. Seriously. Learn more about Google's flexible employee benefits.
Shoppes at Skimm Ave
November is speeding on by and the holidays will be here before you know it. Have you started gift shopping yet? If not, breathe a sigh of relief — because we've done the hard work for ya. Check out:
PS:* Apple Card makes holiday shopping even more rewarding. Because you get up to 3% Daily Cash back on allll your gifts. Apply now and use it right away with Apple Pay.†
*Psst…this is sponsored content from Apple Card.
†Subject to credit approval.
Skimm Picks
Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. PJs that'll up your fam's matching game. (Yes, we do it too. Sorry not sorry.) It's Jingle Jammies season at Old Navy. And their iconic tartan looks are back and plaid-er than ever. They've also got tons of new prints everyone will love. Pajama-zing.*
2. The key to sleeping tight this holiday szn. Mattress Firm's Sleep Experts® and MattressMatcher™ tool can help you find juuuust what you need to rest easy. Plus, Skimm'rs can score up to 50% off when they shop their Black Friday Sale online (or IRL).*
3. Recs that can help you live your smartest life. FX's "Fleishman Is In Trouble" hits Hulu this week. And we got the inside scoop on set life (plus some A+ Twitter follows, productivity hacks, and extremely hot takes) from writer Taffy Brodesser-Akner. Check it out.*
4.A safe space to talk about your hair struggles. This brand is on a mission to help women connect and #ShedTheSilence when it comes to hair thinning. (Which is wayyy more common than you might think.) Join the convo.*
On Our Radar
20% off sitewide at Wild One, excluding kits and sale items, with code SKIMMGIFT20. We love this puzzle toy that'll keep your pup busy and encourage solo play.
Skimm'rs
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.
Don't nappy on…Debbie Z (PA). She's organizing her 2nd annual diaper drive to help families in Philadelphia experiencing homelessness get the staple items.
(Some) Birthdays…Dan Mason (WA), Lee Pepper (NJ), Patricia Climaco (CA), John Reese (IL), Sue Hurley (IL), Trisha Engelman (NY), Caryn Bregman (NJ), Luciana Allegra (IL), Maggie Rufe (IA), Brett Chinn (CA), Poonam Kamdar (IL), Bre Vergess (CA), Christina Rucinski (KY), Abby Klinedinst (MA), Marisa Simmons (GA), Sophia Stanley (OK), Lily Twomey (DC), Michelle Levy (GA), Elizabeth Marino (NY)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Kate Gilhool, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj
