Daily Skimm: Iran, Biden, and Nick Cannon

Iran

The Story

Iran has issued its first death sentence over the protests.

Explain.

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.

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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.

...And Counting

The Trump Touch

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. 

What’s tightening its belt…

Amazon.

While former VP Mike Pence is speaking his mind…

Former President Trump is slated to speak about 2024 tonight.

While the world population hit a new high… 

We may have Nick Cannon to thank.