Daily Skimm: There still is only one Moze

“He's just trying to save himself”

— Anna Sorokin, on SBF's apology tour after FTX’s collapse. So basic.

Top Story

Woman, Life, Freedom

The Story

Iran might be disbanding its morality police.

Tell me more.

In September, the morality police arrested 22-year-old Mahsa Amini for allegedly violating the country’s hijab law. Days later, she was dead. Iranians took to the streets — calling for a change in leadership and laws — all while the world watched. It’s largely been a women-led movement. The protests left at least 300 dead, with more than 18,000 arrested. The unrest has been a major challenge. Now, Iran’s attorney general says the morality police has been abolished.

Did that really happen?

That’s the question. It’s still not clear if the morality police have actually been disbanded. There are reports that people haven’t seen them on the streets. But Iran’s state media is saying the morality police might still be around since the AG leads the judiciary and not the interior — which is actually in charge of the morality police. But the government hasn’t denied any of the reports…or confirmed them. Iran’s AG also said the judiciary branch will continue to monitor restrictions on social “behavior.”

What’s next?

The AG said the government will be taking a look at the law that requires women to cover up. And will issue a decision in about two weeks. Some activists and protesters are saying the government might just rebrand the morality police and they’ll be back under a new name (which has happened before). They also still want Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei out of power — but no one is holding their breath on that one.

theSkimm

It’s still too early to say if Iran is, in fact, bending to the protesters. But if it is, it may be the biggest concession yet to one of the most impactful protests in Iran since the 1979 revolution. And comes on the heels of another authoritarian government that seems to have been forced to respond to protesters: China.

Related Stories:

And Also...This

What has our attention…

The “Twitter Files.” On Friday, Twitter CEO Elon Musk teased releasing the company's internal docs discussing a 2020 New York Post article about Hunter Biden. ICYMI, weeks before the 2020 election, Twitter blocked the Post's article on Hunter's laptop. The exclusive included emails on the younger Biden’s business dealings. Another article then revealed Hunter's business partner asked a Chinese energy company for 10% for “the big guy.” At the time, Twitter said it believed the emails were the result of a hack. And suppressed the story citing concerns about Russian disinformation. But since then, 22,000 emails — including the one about “the big guy” — have been verified. Now, Musk — who stumped for Republicans in the lead-up to the 2022 midterms seemed to have given journalist Matt Taibbi access to conversations that led to the decision. Taibbi says the docs show Old Twitter’s actions favored Democrats.

What we learned: Twitter employees debated whether to censor the story. That included a comms official saying he struggled to understand “the policy basis” for censorship. But Taibbi also dispelled rumors of FBI involvement, saying he’d seen “no evidence” of “any government involvement” in the company’s decision.
What’s next: The FBI is investigating Hunter Biden for alleged tax crimes. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) promises to “get answers” when Republicans retake the House. Hunter and Joe Biden haven’t commented on the latest story — but the president has denied being involved in his son’s business dealings.

…Oh and amid all of this, former President Trump used the latest update to call for parts of the Constitution to be “terminated” and for him to be declared the “rightful winner” of the 2020 election. Some Republicans are distancing themselves from Trump’s comments. Others are not.

Why things could get heated…

Oil. Last week, the European Union, G7, and Australia agreed to set a cap on Russian oil at $60 a barrel. The goal: maintain pressure on Moscow as the war in Ukraine continues. But Russia — the world’s third-largest oil producer — said it rejects the cap and threatened to stop supplying oil to any country that supported the move…including the US. The limit is set to go into effect today. Meanwhile, gas prices in the US have gone back down to pre-Ukraine invasion prices (nearly $3 a gallon). But analysts aren’t sure if that price will stay down, saying any other big economic event could send prices back up.

What’s going on down South…

A runoff election. Tomorrow, Georgia voters will be deciding between former NFL star Herschel Walker (R) and incumbent Sen. Raphael Warnock (D). The Peach State’s already seen record voter turnout during early voting. But it’s still looking like a tight race. And even though Dems kept their hold on the Senate, this will determine if Dems have 51 seats or just 50. And whether VP Kamala Harris will have to step in as the Senate tie-breaker.

While the US is out of the World Cup…

Others are heading to the quarterfinals. Yesterday, Kylian Mbappé scored two goals against Poland and is having the “competition” of his dreams. South Korea advanced to its first knockout round since 2010. Senegal’s dreams to bring the World Cup home have been dashed. Here’s to some more upsets during the knockout round.

Why it’s a no-bones day...

Noodle has died. The pug that went viral on TikTok for helping people predict how their days were going to go passed away last week at 14. His owner thanked his audience “for loving him.”

Raise your hand if your feet refuse to stay warm. We’ve got some good news for ya: Bombas is back with warm and festive must-haves you’ll have to feel to believe. They’re breathable, machine-washable, and oh-so-cozy. And with so many different styles, you can consider your whole holiday list checked off. Here are our picks:

This sweater weather-inspired gift set. There’s snow place like home with these IG-worthy prints.
These slipper-sock hybrids. Aka a cushiony, slip-resistant hug for your feet.
This colorful merino wool 4-pack. No chill. No frill. Just warm, moisture-wicking goodness you’ll never wanna take off.

Something for Everyone

Before you text them “what do you want this year?” take a beat and let us help. From gifts for everyone on your list to little things to lift their spirits, check out:

Skimm Picks

Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. Loungewear you’ll want to gift to everyone you know. Including yourself. This female-founded brand’s ultra cozy loungewear is buttery-soft and sustainably made. They’ve also got temp-regulating bras and bodysuits that’ll have you saying ‘bye’ to boob sweat. And Skimm’rs get 20% off their whooole order.*

2. A new kind of personal training that’ll give you a headstart on your 2023 goals. This brand’s expert coaches will build a custom workout plan with your sched and experience in mind. Try it risk-free for 30 days for just $19.*

3. Major deals on top-notch beauty and wellness products. This brand makes deluxe-quality makeup, skincare, and bodycare minus the markup. And everything on their site is 50% off with code BEAUTY50 right now. We’re eyeing their limited-edition luxury holiday candle. Happy shopping.*

4. Camping gifts for your outdoorsy friend. We all know someone whose idea of fun is treks through wooded areas. Get them something they'll wanna take along for the hike.

*PS This is a sponsored post.

On Our Radar

Jewelry you can still get in time for the holidays. Just think of your recipient's face when they unbox one of these pieces. If you end up getting something for yourself, hey, blame it on the office parties.

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.

Comfort in art…Denise S (FL). After her husband’s death, she decided to turn tragedy into joy. She launched her 40-year-old dream of opening an artisan gallery where she can honor her husband’s memory while pursuing her passion.

(Some) Birthdays…Ashley Wainer (NC), Bianca Romo (DC), Clare Moore (TX), Tara Clarke (MD), Felicity Hills (MI), Molly Mae (MN), Cait Suttie (IA), Courtney Albert (GA), Rayne Bodeen (IL), Rachel Reichblum (NY), Holly Quarles (CA), Jack Sipes (MN), Sheila Franklin (FL), Justine LePino (NY), Sara Caswell (IL), Barbara Malone (WA)

PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.

Skimm More

Losing your job is difficult. And while a severance package may be helpful, it might come with strings attached. We Skimm’d what severance pay is, if (and how) you can negotiate it, and more. Read more. And feel more confident before signing on the dotted line.

incumbent Sen Raphael Warnock other big economic event Twitter CEO Elon Musk party planning event Daily Skimm Skimm alleged tax crimes Rep Kevin McCarthy former NFL star thirdlargest oil producer Chinese energy company journalist Matt Taibbi The Peach State former President Trump Ukraine invasion prices