What Uber drivers want (but voters didn't)

+ the International Space Station at 20 US Edition - Today's top story: California voters decide Uber and Lyft drivers are 'contractors' as gig workers continue search for a livable wage [View in browser]( US Edition | 5 November 2020 [The Conversation]( Academic rigor, journalistic flair California voters dealt a blow to gig workers’ fight for more income and job benefits by overwhelmingly approving an Election Day measure that classifies ride-hailing and delivery drivers as independent contractors and not employees. App-based companies spent over $200 million to persuade voters to back the measure – and Uber and Lyft even threatened to leave California unless they did. While the debate over gig economy jobs often pits the flexibility that comes with independence against the perks of being an employee, gig workers ultimately want both, writes Juliet Schor. [Her research shows it isn’t just wishful thinking]( – and begins with giving gig workers a voice. Also today: - [When pollsters get it embarrassingly wrong]( - [How to cope with post-election depression]( - [What studying student athlete survivors of COVID-19 reveals]( Bryan Keogh Senior Editor, Economy + Business Proposition 22 reverses a 2019 state law. AP Photo/Richard Vogel [California voters decide Uber and Lyft drivers are ‘contractors’ as gig workers continue search for a livable wage]( Juliet B. Schor, Boston College The debate over how to classify gig workers pits flexibility against the higher incomes and benefits that come with being classified as an employee. Politics/Election '20 - [Post-election grief is real, and here are 5 coping strategies – including getting back into politics]( Christopher Ojeda, University of Tennessee Every election triggers distress for some people. Here are some ways to possibly cope. - [History tells us that a contested election won’t destroy American democracy]( Alexander Cohen, Clarkson University Five of the six disputed presidential elections in US history were resolved and the country moved on -- but one ended in civil war. What will happen in 2020? - [An embarrassing failure for election pollsters]( W. Joseph Campbell, American University School of Communication Polls predicted a 'blue wave' that didn't materialize. - [Who invented the Electoral College?]( Phillip J VanFossen, Purdue University Three approaches were debated during the Constitutional Convention -- election by Congress, selection by state legislatures and a popular election, though that was restricted to white landowning men. Science + Technology - [The International Space Station at 20 offers hope and a template for future cooperation]( Wendy Whitman Cobb, US Air Force School of Advanced Air and Space Studies Humans have been living on the International Space Station for two full decades. So what comes next for this ailing technology, and what does it mean for future International ventures in space? Education - [Although now required by California law, ethnic studies courses likely to be met with resistance]( Nolan L. Cabrera, University of Arizona Ethnic studies were born out of resistance. Now, the courses often face resistance themselves – from white students. Is making these classes mandatory the way to go? A scholar weighs in. Health - [Even if you’re asymptomatic, COVID-19 can harm your heart, study shows – here’s what student athletes need to know]( Partho Sengupta, West Virginia University Cardiologists say student athletes who test positive for COVID-19 should see their doctors to determine if heart tests are necessary, even if they don't have symptoms. From our international editions - [US election: why democratic legitimacy remains at stake]( Nadia Hilliard, UCL The political and social crisis in the US has its roots in twin challenges. - [Donald Trump takes leaf out of autocrat playbook by falsely declaring victory before all votes counted]( Natasha Lindstaedt, University of Essex Prematurely declaring election victory is a hallmark of non-democratic regimes. - [Trump has made America nostalgic again for a past that never existed]( Cheryl Thompson, Ryerson University The closeness of the 2020 U.S. election has much to do with the way in which both Trump and Biden have invoked an imagined past. You’re receiving this newsletter from [The Conversation](. Not interested anymore? [Unsubscribe](. 303 Wyman Street, Suite 300 Waltham, MA 02451