Good morning. It's Thursday, Sept. 22, and we're covering protests over morality laws in Iran, a significant escalation in Russia's war in Ukraine, and much more. Have feedback? Let us know at [email protected].
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At least three people were killed yesterday in Iran as recent protests over morality laws grew increasingly violent, according to officials. The figure brings the reported total death toll to at least seven during the demonstrations, which began Saturday and have spread across the country.
The protests were sparked by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini last week while in police custody, having been detained for allegedly violating the country's hijab requirements. Amini had been stopped by a guidance patrol—commonly referred to as morality police—while visiting the capital of Tehran last Tuesday. Initially expected to be released after a few hours, Amini later arrived at a hospital in a coma. Police have claimed she suffered a heart attack and fell.
Led primarily by women and younger Iranians, observers have called the unrest the biggest challenge to hardline President Ebrahim Raisi's government since assuming office last August. See photos of the crowds here. |
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The Federal Reserve has approved its third consecutive 0.75% increase in interest rates, raising the benchmark federal-funds rate to a range of 3.0%-3.25%, the highest level since 2008 (see history). The central bank has now increased rates five times since the year began in an effort to cool the economy and quell 40-year-high inflation.
Policymakers also released economic forecasts, with plans to raise interest rates to 4.4% by the end of 2022 and up to 4.6% in 2023. Rate cuts aren't expected until 2024. As a result, unemployment is estimated to rise to 4.4% next year from its current 3.7%. Gross domestic product growth is predicted to slow to 0.2% for 2022 before rising to 1.2% in 2023.
The rate hikes mean higher borrowing costs for consumers and businesses, including for credit cards, mortgages, and auto loans. Costlier borrowing could prompt consumers to hold off on spending, thus bringing down prices (see 101). |
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Russian President Vladimir Putin partially mobilized his country's army reserves yesterday for the first time since 1941, signaling a major escalation of Russia's war effort. In a brief speech, Putin also warned he would use nuclear weapons to defend Russian territory, days ahead of referendums seeking to claim parts of Ukraine as Russia.
The decree comes amid a Ukrainian counteroffensive in the northeast, which has forced a Russian retreat from the region. The partial call-up conscripts up to 300,000 of Russia's 2 million reserves into the Armed Forces initially, though analysts note the decree is open-ended (see text). For context, an estimated 190,000 troops took part in the initial February invasion and experts estimate that number has remained under 200,000 since.
At least 1,200 people were arrested in protests against the announced mobilization Wednesday, and airlines and rail carriers reportedly saw a surge in one-way tickets out of the country. |
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Sports, Entertainment, & Culture
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> US stock markets close lower (S&P 500 -1.7%, Dow -1.7%, Nasdaq -1.8%) after Federal Reserve increases rates 0.75% for third consecutive meeting (More)
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The Contagion on Social Media
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Kite & Key | Staff. Can you become sick through social media? New research says it might be possible, as vulnerable people fall prey to mass psychogenic illnesses via the internet. (Watch) |
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The NFL Star and the Stadium
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Mississippi Free Press | Ashton Pittman, William Pittman. Newly uncovered records suggest retired NFL star Brett Favre helped secure $6M in welfare funds for a college volleyball stadium where his daughter played. (Read) |
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