theSkimm - Daily Skimm: Must be love on the brain

Who’s in the hot seat…

Herschel Walker. Yesterday, a second woman accused the Georgia Republican Senate candidate of having “pressured” her to have an abortion. The unidentified woman says that in 1993, Walker gave her cash to pay for the procedure, and drove her to the clinic, where he waited until it was complete. Now, she’s calling the anti-abortion supporter a “hypocrite.” It comes weeks after another woman accused Walker of paying for an abortion in 2009. But the former football star is denying both allegations and saying he’s “done with this foolishness.” All of this comes after other claims against Walker, like domestic violence and fathering children out of wedlock. Now, the GOP is banking on Walker to win the closely-watched GA race that could determine who controls the Senate. One poll reportedly shows Walker’s support is falling slightly behind incumbent Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA).

...Oh and speaking of key Senate races: Pennsylvania. Many are still reeling from Tuesday’s debate, when Lt. Gov. John Fetterman (D) struggled to form sentences as he continues to heal from a stroke earlier this year. Recent polling shows Fetterman neck-and-neck with Republican candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz.

What isn't going away…

Climate change. Yesterday, a UN report revealed that methane concentrations last year saw the biggest increase ever recorded. And those numbers keep going up. Officials say the findings show that we’re “heading in the wrong direction.” And that current climate plans aren’t “ambitious enough” to prevent “catastrophic” warming levels by the end of the century. The UN also suggests implementing cost-effective strategies to tackle methane emissions — especially from the fossil fuel industry. Next up: world leaders are being asked to make their climate plans even stronger at the UN’s climate change conference (COP27) starting next month. Meanwhile, climate activists have been stirring up conversation — and controversy.

Where people are mourning…

Iran. Yesterday, thousands of mourners gathering at Mahsa Amini’s grave were reportedly met with tear gas and bullets. The mourners were in Saqqez in the country’s northwest to mark 40 days since the 22-year-old’s death. Since then, anti-regime protests have exploded across the country, with women burning hijabs, cutting their hair, and defying Iranian police. Yesterday, as crowds grew near her burial to honor the end of the traditional mourning period, clashes broke out with security forces. One woman can be seen standing on a car without a hijab. It’s not clear how many were injured or killed.

Who’s facing the music...

Ye. Yesterday, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West was escorted from Skechers’ California HQ after showing up “unannounced and uninvited” and allegedly filming. In recent weeks, Ye has made antisemitic comments that’s led to many cutting ties with him, including Adidas. Now, Skechers said it has no plans to work with Ye following his hate speech.

Tory Lanez. Yesterday, the rapper was put under house arrest ahead of his trial. In 2020, Lanez was charged with assault after allegedly shooting at Megan Thee Stallion's feet and carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle. Now, after allegedly assaulting August Alsina last month, the judge wants him placed on electronic monitoring and house arrest until his trial begins next month. Lanez has pleaded not guilty to assault charges.

Who’s walking in like they own the place…

Elon Musk. Yesterday, the wealthiest person on the planet strolled into Twitter HQ ahead of tomorrow’s deadline to close out the $44 billion deal to buy Twitter. He also walked in with a sink, to make sure it all fully registers. And apparently told employees he will be addressing them on his first day as “Chief Twit.” Get it? You get it.

Where has Rihanna been all our life…

Who’s to say? But she’s coming back.

Who’s the one doing the listening this time…

Taylor Swift. She’s edited her music video in response to the critics.

PS: Learn more about fat stigma, BMI, and diet culture.

What’s not expected to read like a fairy tale...

Prince Harry’s memoir, apparently hitting shelves in January.