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JUNE 22, 2018

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  QUOTE OF THE DAY  

"It just came out of nowhere" – A woman after she was hit in the face by a flying hot dog. Ouch.

TURKEY

The Story

This weekend, Turkey is headed to the polls to elect its next prez.

What's going on over there?

The current president – Recep Tayyip Erdogan – has been in power since 2014. Before that, he served three terms as prime minister. But the country has been in a state of emergency since 2016, when there was a failed coup against him. Last year, he inched out a W to change the country's constitution after the next elections.

Tell me about the change.

It gets rid of the PM position. And gives the prez allll the power to do things like appointing the cabinet and VPs as well as judges. Emphasis on power. Earlier this year, Erdogan moved up the elections to get ahead of some of the economic problems the country is facing.

Wait, economic problems?

Yup. Recently, inflation's been on the rise and its currency has dropped to a record low. Erdogan says he wants greater control over the economy and hinted he mayyy want to play with interest rates.

Who's on the ballot?

Erdogan, of course. But he's got some competition – many who promise to keep that PM job around. One has been running his campaign from prison after being arrested because of the coup.

Who's going to win?

Erdogan, probably. Online content and most of the media are reportedly pro-Erdogan, he's put critics in jail, and may have put some friendly faces on the election commission. But many think his power-grabbing antics might backfire. And could end up giving the opposition a majority in parliament. Or take the election to a run-off.

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If Erdogan wins, he would become Turkey's most powerful leader since the country was established in 1923. He'd be in charge of parliament, the executive branch and the ruling party.

REPEAT AFTER ME...

What is still on everyone's mind…

Immigration. After a week of public outrage, and a day after President Trump signed an executive order to keep families together, the US Border Patrol came out with its own update. Yesterday, it reportedly said it will stop referring parents who cross the US-Mexico border for prosecution if they're traveling with kids. No, this doesn't end the "zero tolerance" policy, that's up to the DOJ. Also, First Lady Melania Trump made a surprise visit to the border. And got many, many, many looks for her jacket. Virginia's gov is asking officials to look into allegations that immigrant teens were abused in a detention facility. Oh and if you're wondering what Congress is up to in all this, the House is expected to vote on an immigration bill next week. After it got pushed off. Twice. If you're looking for a way to help, here are a few options.


PS: We Skimm'd everything you need to know about the Trump administration's separation policy here.


What to say when you hear online stores may have some new taxes

The EU apparently has some new tariffs. Today, the EU reportedly slapped $3.2 billion in tariffs on US goods. ICYMI, the US has been on a trade war tour. Earlier this year, the US teased some of its allies – including the EU – with heavy tariffs to follow through on his promise to protect US workers from foreign competition. Last month, the Trump admin officially hit the bloc with steel and aluminum tariffs. So the EU threatened to hit the US back. Now, it's saying 'sweet revenge.' And are reportedly putting tariffs on things like bourbon and motorcycles. Rough.


Who people are talking about…

Charles Krauthammer. Yesterday, the Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist and conservative died at age 68. You know him from his weekly column in The Washington Post and appearances on Fox. When he was 22, he became paralyzed after getting hurt from diving in a pool. It didn't stop him from graduating from Harvard Medical School. He later got into the political world as a Democrat and, in time, slowly moved his way towards the right. He's the reason you've heard the phrase "the Reagan Doctrine" – aka President Reagan's policies for helping fight off Communism around the world. And was a big advocate for things like the Iraq War. But he never shied away from criticizing both sides of the aisle. Earlier this month, Krauthammer announced he had complications from a surgery to get rid of his cancer and only had weeks to live. He said he leaves knowing he "lived the life that I intended." RIP.


What to say when your office starts an intramural basketball team...

Welcome to the Space Jam. Last night, the NBA got some new kids on the block. Think: sorority rush…but with really tall guys who are more athletic than you. Deandre Ayton was the no. 1 pick and got drafted by the Phoenix Suns. Luka Doncic from Slovenia is the newest member of the Dallas Mavericks. He's also saying 'watch out Ross, I'm out for your girl.' And Missouri's Michael Porter Jr – who was expected to be one of the top picks – got tapped 14th. He's headed to Denver.


What to say when you bring a new friend to the party...

Meet DEW. As in the proposed Department of Education and the Workforce. President Trump's looking to "drain the swamp" by shrinking the federal gov and merging two existing departments. Right now, it's looking pretty unlikely Congress will let him. To be continued.


What to say when you hear the Tesla drama is heating up

Things got a little too hot over at Intel.