Five US prisoners are home from Iran.

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The Story

Five US prisoners are home from Iran.

How did we get here?

Yesterday, five US citizens landed in Qatar before heading home. They were charged with spying in Iran, with three of them sentenced to up to 10 years in prison. In exchange, the Biden admin agreed to unfreeze $6 billion of Iranian oil funds held in South Korea. The US also granted clemency to five Iranians accused of violating US sanctions. But not everyone was happy with the deal.

Why's that?

Republicans accused President Biden of helping finance Iran’s terrorist activities. Top aides in the Biden admin argued that the oil funds — now in restricted Qatari accounts — can only be used for food, medicine, and other humanitarian necessities. They also said that if Iran tries to use the money for anything else then they would “lock up” the funds. Critics of Iran said the gov is using the swap to distract from the one-year anniversary of the national protests that broke out after 22-year-old Mahsa Amini’s death.

theSkimm

After two years of negotiations, the US and Iran agreed to a prisoner swap. The move has some thinking it could be the first step in easing tensions. Others say it could encourage other adversaries to take more American hostages.

Who’s pulling an UNO ‘reverse’ card…

Hunter Biden. Yesterday, he sued the IRS for allegedly violating his privacy rights by disclosing his tax return info. The IRS agents testified before the House this summer as lawmakers investigate Hunter's taxes and business dealings. However, the lawsuit alleges the agents made “more than 20 nationally televised” interviews and shared confidential tax information. One of the statements was made during an interview with CBS News. An agent alleged Hunter filed “prostitutes, sex club memberships, hotel rooms for purported drug dealers” as business expenses. The agent also called the lawsuit a “frivolous smear.” Now, Hunter is seeking $1,000 for each unauthorized disclosure. The lawsuit comes days after the DOJ indicted him on separate charges connected to his illegal possession of a gun.

What took incognito mode a little too seriously…

The missing F-35. On Sunday, a pilot ejected from the fighter jet flying over North Charleston, South Carolina, after a “mishap.” The jet could not be located for a day. One problem — which might come as a shocker — but the stealth jet was designed to be hard to find. And, like pretty much everyone before the pandemic, it took its job a little too seriously. Yesterday, military officials found the jet's debris two hours north of the city. Cue a commercial for AirTags.

Who’s making an entrance…

Chioma Nnadi. Yesterday, British Vogue announced Nnadi will be its new head of editorial content, making her the first Black woman to fill the position. Nnadi joined American Vogue in 2010 and has been serving as the website’s editor. She’s written several cover stories about top celebrities, including Rihanna and Erykah Badu. Anna Wintour described her as an editor and writer “with an impeccable reputation” at the magazine and “in the fashion industry at large.” Nnadi’s promotion comes at a time when the fashion industry is grappling with its lack of diversity. A 2019 report found that people of color held 15% of board seats at fashion companies while white men held 72%.

Where fit checks could start looking different…

The Senate floor. Yesterday, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) loosened up the dress code, allowing senators to “choose what they wear on the Senate floor.” While some senators may drop the suit and tie, staff are still expected to wear them. The move comes as Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) has been donning gym shorts and hoodies.

Who’s bowing out…

Maren Morris. Over the weekend, Morris told the LA Times she’s leaving country music because of the industry’s inability to reckon with its racist history. She said people’s biases are being “celebrated” with the help of “this hyper-masculine branch of country music.” Morris added people are streaming songs like Jason Aldean’s “Try That in a Small Town” to “own the libs” and “out of spite.”

Who everybody is looking for…

Former NFL player Sergio Brown.

Who won’t be joining her teammates on the field…

Jenni Hermoso.

Who’s giving it to us “One More Time…”

Blink-182.