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Skimm'd over coconut milk ice cream
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THINGS WORRYING ABOUT ELECTIONS
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Zimbabwe
The Story
Yesterday, Zimbabwean soldiers and police opened fire on protesters.
Explain.
Earlier this week, Zimbabweans hit the polls to choose a new gov – the first since it kicked out its dictator last year. This was supposed to be a peaceful and democratic election. Except…that's not how things are panning out.
What happened?
Yesterday, the electoral commission said the ruling party won a majority in parliament. Then said, 'but we'll need to get back to you on who's prez.' By law, they have until Saturday to announce the winner. The opposition thinks they need the extra time to rig the votes. And took to the streets to protest – throwing rocks and destroying property. The gov cracked down with military tanks, tear gas, water cannons, and gunfire. At least three people were killed.
theSkimm
This election was supposed to mark a new era for Zimbabwe. And help the country secure some much-needed foreign aid. Now, it's unclear where the country's headed. And has many on edge for what will happen once the results finally get announced.
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The US
The Story
The US is struggling with election issues of its own.
Like…?
Warnings from US intel agencies that Russia's trying to meddle in the 2018 midterm elections. And signs they might already be doing it on places like Facebook and Instagram. Despite all that, Senate Republicans yesterday said 'nah' to putting more cash into election security.
Anything else?
Yesterday, President Trump told Attorney General Jeff Sessions to shut down special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation – the one that's looking into whether Trump's campaign colluded with Russia. Bold move. Especially considering Sessions already recused himself from this exact investigation. Speaking of, Mueller's trying to see if he can get Trump to grab coffee and chat about obstruction of justice. The usual.
theSkimm
The 2016 election taught us that our basic democratic institutions were vulnerable. But it looks like – despite all the warning signs – we're still at risk.
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What people are talking about…
Ohio State University. Yesterday, head football coach Urban Meyer was put on paid leave following accusations that he was aware of domestic abuse allegations against former assistant coach Zach Smith. Last month, Meyer fired Smith after allegations of domestic violence came out – most recently from 2015. Shortly after, Meyer said he had no knowledge of the allegations – except for one incident that allegedly happened while Smith worked as his intern in 2009. Yesterday, a report came out with text messages Smith's ex-wife claims prove she told wives of multiple Ohio State coaches about the abuse – including Meyer's wife. Unclear if Meyer's wife ever told him. Now, the university is opening an internal investigation to figure out what happened. Good idea, considering that other scandal.
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What people are watching...
This strike. Hundreds of migrant fathers and their kids detained in Texas are protesting what they're calling unfair conditions. You've been hearing a lot about separated families at the US-Mexico border. Some families have been reunited. But there are still hundreds that haven't. Now, hundreds of detained fathers are going on a hunger strike and reportedly resisting orders at their detention center. And the plan is for the kids to refuse to do certain activities. The goal: to get US officials to speed up their immigration cases so they can leave the detention center.
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What to say when your co-worker starts mansplaining…
Whyyy? Saudi Arabia has detained two more women's rights activists. More than a dozen activists have been arrested in recent months as part of a government crackdown on dissent. A few have been released. Weird move, considering most were protesting to get the right to drive…something the gov actually let happen this year. Many also called for the country to drop its #TBT guardianship rules, where women need to ask a male relative for permission to do things like travel abroad or get married. The UN is calling for the activists to be released immediately.
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theSkimm50 West 23rd Street, Suite 5B; New York, NY, 10010, United States Update Profile
