Daily Skimm: Iran, Soccer, and The Try Guys

Sharif University

The Story

Iranian protests are now centered on campuses.

Tell me.

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.

And Also...This

What’s got our attention…

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.”

While at first it was the chess cheating scandal…

Now we’re hooked on competitive fishing.

Who’s Trying, Guys, to do better...

The Try Guys.

Who’s feeling ionic...

The Nobel Prize in physics winners.